Choctaw Nation

Choctaw Champion

Wed, 15 May 2013 19:51:16 GMT

Choctaw Champion

Joe Standifer shines in AEFL

Joe Standifer is a champion, an American Eight-Man Football League (AEFL) champion to be specific. The Sachse Stallions, the team where Joe assumed the roll of number 44 defensive linemen, recently clinched an undefeated season of 10-0 as they earned the title of champion in the AEFL Bowl XII.

The Sachse Stallion boasted a 32-17 win over the Texas Takeover on April 28 to complete their perfect season, an accomplishment that Joe had been seeking since he joined the league. “It has been one big huge roller coaster ride,” he remarked.

Last season, when Joe joined the Stallions, the group saw a mediocre inaugural season. They made it to the first round of the playoffs, but “that wasn’t enough,” remarked Joe. He and his team were hungry for success. “We knew the talent that we had and we knew what we were capable of,” he declared as he spoke of his team.

Every Sunday, each season began, Joe and his teammate Keith Vines, who had introduced Joe to the AEFL, would drive to Sachse, Texas, for practices with Coach Pete Espinosa. Joe and his teammates would perform drills, exercises and scrimmages. These weekly practices would run from August through Superbowl Sunday, with the season beginning the following week.

The league hosted their games at Pennington Field in Euless, Texas. The games were not taken lightly, but were played with every bit of effort each team could rally. You had to give it 110 percent, because you knew the guy on the other side of the ball was. They weren’t just going to give it to you declared Joe as he explained the intensity of the action.

Once the season commenced, every Sunday was a new game and a new time to shine for the Stallions. For Joe, a graduate of Tishomingo High School whose team went to the state championship in ‘98, every game was a way to demonstrate that those talents of the past had not faded.

When Joe joined the AEFL three years prior to the championship title, playing for the Denton Dragons, he was 29 years old and had not played football in a considerable amount of time. He was anxious before his first practice, but, “After that first initial hit, it was like everything that was familiar about it came back,” mentioned Joe.

The league served as a way for not only Joe, but also all the players to stay in shape, experience the bonds of a team and experience the fulfillment that accompanies such feats as winning championships.

“Every Sunday you look forward to trying to knock somebody’s head off, but after the game, you shake hands and everybody is friends,” said Joe. “There was like a mutual respect throughout the league for each individual person and each team.”

After a year with the Dragons, Keith got a call from Coach Espinosa asking him to play with the newly formed Stallions. Both Joe and Keith decided to join the new squad based in Sachse.

During his time with in the league, it was not only Joe committing his efforts, his now 7-year-old son Adrian was happy to serve as water boy all while enjoying seeing his father in action.

Joe has been pleased with Adrian’s support and commitment, stating that he was there with him through the good times and the bad, sporting a Stallion jersey. Sharing the championship with his son in a memory that both Joe and Adrian will hold dear for many years to come.

Through his success with the AEFL, Joe hopes to be a role model to his son and other members of his family, stating that even though the road was long and rough, it was possible to earn the goal through perseverance.

Adding to the complexity of his goal of being a champion, Joe not only was busy training, raising a son and working, but has also been enrolled at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He is scheduled to graduate with a degree in math in May of 2014.

This past season will be Joe’s last as a player. “It does take a toll on your body,” stated the now 32-year-old athlete. He continued by stating even though he could push himself for more seasons, it is worth more to him to preserve himself for an enjoyable future playing with his son.

Joe will be leaving the league a champion, and “What better way to walk out than that?” he exclaimed. He does aspire to contribute to the Stallions in other ways such as coaching, stating that his attitude off the field will be the same as it was on the field, “Use me however you want, I just want to do my part.”

If you would like to know more about the AEFL or the Stallions, visit the AEFL website or the Stallion’s website.

The 2013 Stallions. Photos provided.

The students of Jones Academy's 5th grade class experience an eventful year

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:42:32 GMT

The students of Jones Academy’s 5th grade class experience an eventful year

Contributed by JOE SIRMANS - Jones Academy

First Field Trip - Eufaula Oklahoma

May 2, 2013 Jones Academy 5th grade got to journey North to Eufaula Oklahoma to tour the Eufaula hydroelectric power plant. The students got to go down inside the dam and see how electricity is produced. It was amazing to see and have a better understanding of how water pressure can turn a turbine that turns a shaft at 100 RPM and then turns a generator that causes electrons to move on down the line. We often turn on electrical devices from lights to TVs without thinking about from where the power comes. Now, they 5th grade students have a better understanding of where the energy comes from after such a tremendous field trip to the Eufaula Dam. We were the first class to get to tour the dam since 9/11.

After touring the dam, our Native American students got to view a wonderful arrowhead collection at the Eufaula Nature Center. The center had a variety of hands on activities that the students enjoyed. The working beehive was an attraction that had the students talking about honey. Some students enjoyed observing the mountain lion, buffalo, and other stuffed animals. Students looked threw binoculars and now better understand that these instruments can help enlarge organisms at far distances to help study their characteristics. The ladies at the nature center were very knowledgeable and showed our students a variety of turtle species. The class also got to see our state reptile, the collard lizard. Some enjoyed looking at the cold-blooded organism called a copperhead snake, which our students can identify, by its copper color and markings. We all agree the copperhead is one not to step on in this part of the country.

Over all I know we had a fantastic day because I heard many questions ask and answered. Lots of smiles on our student faces make for an unforgettable day in 5th grade. It was really heart warming to hear such great comments about our student’s behavior from the ones who gave the tours and showed our students many interesting exhibits.

Second Field Trip - Elm Point Lake Eufaula

May 10, 2013, the 5th grade students got to take a fishing field trip to Elm Point, which is part of Lake Eufaula. Prior to the trip students took part in the fishing clinic held in the 5th grade classroom at Jones Academy. The materials were provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Wildlife. Students learned about tying knots, fish identification, casting instruction, outdoor ethics, water safety, water pollution, fishing equipment, fish cleaning and fish cooking.

The students got their crappie fishing gear ready, which consisted of rods and reels, corks, hooks and minnows, then headed to the lake to catch fish. Kendra Wakolee caught the biggest crappie, which made a few boys wonder what was going on. Darius Sewell caught the second largest crappie, which put more fillets on the stringer.

Students got to eat charcoaled hot dogs with chilly, cheese and onions for an outdoor lakeside luncheon. Some said the hot dogs were better than steaks on this day. Our students were generous to feed several elders at the lake that were fishing in the same fishing area. The students had a great time at the lake and picked up around the area to make it better than when they came.

Later that day when returning to campus, the students got to watch first hand how to clean a fish and prepare it to eat. The kitchen staff was so kind as to get the cast iron skillet hot and ready for the fish after students battered the fillets. The fishing clinic did not teach how to eat the fish but the students did not seem to have any problem with that part. Learning life skills like fishing is something that 5th grade does not take lightly.

The class also learned to make humming bird feeders out of baby food jars and painted them. They mixed one part granulated sugar with four parts sterile water to create the feed for the birds. For more information on the happenings occurring at Jones Academy visit Jones Academy’s website.

Students display their newly created hummingbird feeders

Choctaw Nation Outreach adds programs, helps more families

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:25:09 GMT

Choctaw Nation Outreach employees Christi Hammons of Tribal PREP; Brandi Smallwood of Chahta Inchukka; Anglea Dancer, Better Beginnings Senior Director; and Barbara Moffitt of Chahta Vlla Apela.

Choctaw Nation Outreach adds programs, helps more families
Better Beginning now includes Tribal PREP and Chahta Vlla Apela programs

The Choctaw Nation Outreach program has recently added two new programs to its Better Beginnings branch — the Tribal PREP (Personal Responsibility Educational Program for the Prevention of Teen Pregnancy) and Chahta Vlla Apela program were added to join the SPPT (Support for Pregnant and Parenting Teens) program and Chahta Inchukka (Tribal Maternal Early Childhood Program).

The Better Beginnings program, which receives its grants from the Department of Health and Human Services, was added to Outreach about three years ago, said Senior Director of the program Angela Dancer. “All of our programs are providing evidence-based curriculums that have been proven to be effective, and we’re bringing those curriculums to Native American communities,” she explained.

This is a significant achievement for the tribe, according to Angela. “There are no evidence-based curriculums that currently have been tested on Native Americans, so this is a new avenue,” she said. “Even though the curriculum has been proven, it hasn’t been proven with our target population, so we’re going to be one of the first programs out there that is providing an evidence-based curriculum to Native American communities.”

Dancer has worked for the tribe for 19 years and the Outreach program for 10 years.

“We have over 22 programs,” said Angela of Outreach, saying the programs focus on going out into the community and providing needed services to tribal members.

The Outreach program houses over 118 employees, and Randy Hammons serves as executive director.

With its two new programs, Better Beginnings has also added two new directors to its team: Christi Hammons for Tribal PREP and Barbara Moffitt for Chahta Vlla Apela.

“Chahta Vlla Apela means ‘helping our Choctaw children,’” said Barbara about her program, which was approved in January of this year.

Barbara’s program is similar to the existing Chahta Inchukka program, directed by Brandi Smallwood. “They’re serving people in at-risk situations,” said Angela, adding that ‘at-risk’ is a broad definition and encompasses many areas such as: mental health, substance abuse, child abuse, single parent or low income issue involved.

Angela said Barbara and Brandi’s programs are from the same funding but two different grants, whereas, the SPPT grant, directed by Rebecca Morris, is strictly for the teen population. Teens must be under the age of 21, be expecting a child or have a child under the age of 1, and seeking an educational goal.

These three programs include home-based services. “This means our workers go into the clients home to provide the curriculum; usually twice a month” said Angela.

According to Angela, Chahta Vlla Apela, Chahta Inchukka, and SPPT are teaching a curriculum entitled ‘Parents As Teachers,’ which is a parent-child interaction plan that focuses on the child development stage and the social wellbeing of the entire family.

Angela provided an example of how one of these home visits would take place: with the parent(s) observing, the Outreach worker would ask the young child to perform a basic activity, such as covering a toy with a towel and having the child look for and discover it. They would then ask the parent to perform the same activity, while observing the parent interacting with the child and completing the task.

Following the activity, the worker would ask the parent why they believe this activity is helping the child grow and how it is benefiting that child at that age.

“We’re really trying to get the parent to think about the cognitive growth, motor skills and communication skills,” Angela said. “It’s all about cognitively growing these children, to be on task and looking for red flags.”

Every home visit will have a parent-child interaction to promote one-on-one play time. Each interaction is hand-picked by the worker to address a specific area of child development. All home visits also have a section related to family well-being. The worker and parent identify family needs and connect with other Choctaw Nation services and departments to fulfill those needs. “It encourages the parent to set goals for themselves and their child. Then the worker helps to locate resources and services to achieve those goals” said Angela.

Chahta Inchukka and Vlla Apela workers also conduct home visits with the child’s future in mind. “The focus is, overall, child and family development, but school readiness as well,” said Angela. We’re looking at the kids prior to head start age, so hopefully we can find and address any red flags before school, so when they attend head start, they are ready and able to learn, she added.

“Let’s say a child is not developing correctly,” said Angela, “we have assessments that verify that child is struggling or in trouble. There are multiple screenings to see that the child is on task with his or her development.”

“I really enjoy the people,” said Barbara of her new job.

With the Chahta Vlla Apela being relatively new to Outreach, the program is currently in the ‘planning phase,’ according to Barbara. “Right now, I’ve been conducting the needs assessment to identify exactly what areas or needs that community will have, and then we chose our evidence-base curriculum to fit those areas and needs,” she said.

While the programs ran by Barbara, Brandi, and Rebecca involves home visits, Christi’s Tribal PREP program requires her to visit local schools.

“I enjoy educating the kids,” Christi said, who works with students in grades 6 through 8 in four different schools.

Christi visits middle schools in Boswell, Ft. Towson, Soper and Jones Academy twice a week.

“We have a curriculum that we teach called ‘Draw the Line, Respect the Line,’” said Christi, which is an evidence-based curriculum with studies supporting it.

According to Christi, Tribal PREP is intended to postpone the initiation of sex in adolescents, help prevent pregnancy, STDs and AIDS. “Hopefully we educate the students enough to help them make healthy choices,” she said.

Christi said when thinking of the future of Tribal PREP, she hopes for expansion and growth. “I hope we can expand the program and visit more schools,” she said. “In the future, if funding is available, we would like to not only visit schools, but hold community programs instead of strictly school-based settings.”

“I would love to see that program grow,” added Angela. She explained that while SPPT deals with teens that are pregnant or have a young child; Christi’s program focuses on preventing that pregnancy.

“The Choctaw Nation has a higher teen pregnancy rate inside of the 10 ∏ counties than that of the national rate,” stated Angela. “The vision of Christi’s grant was, let’s do something proactive to prevent those teenage pregnancies.”

Future plans for Better Beginnings include workers continuing providing for and helping families as much as possible, which Angela sees turning into a major accomplishment in the future. “If we keep funding long enough to do enough intervention services, then between the three home-based services, we can be serving at least 200 families in the next year,” she said. In addition, the PREP program and the healthy choices curriculum they bring, “We are positively influencing the next generation of children who will become the future leaders of our nation.”

If you are interested in learning more about Outreach and the Better Beginnings program, call 580-326-8304.

Book-signing in Durant to highlight 'Choctaw: A Cultural Awakening'

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:37:37 GMT

Book-signing in Durant to highlight ‘Choctaw: A Cultural Awakening’

The many facets of the Choctaw Nation reflect paths traveled by thousands over hundreds of miles. The Choctaw people persevered through centuries of change and have emerged as one of the largest and progressive nations in the world. Choctaw history and culture have provided a strong foundation and more and more tribal members today are experiencing a revival of interest in their heritage. Capturing the essence of the nation is “Choctaw: A Cultural Awakening,” a striking 200-page collection of images, history and information. A book launch will be held 12:30-2 p.m. on April 30 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center and Library, 1515 W. Main St., Durant.

Award-winning photographer David Fitzgerald spent nearly two years traveling and gathering images of Choctaws of all ages, historical artifacts, places of interest and activities. Included in the book is one of the last photographs of Choctaw original enrollee Georgia Mae Self. There are photographs of several familiar to the Durant area such as the late Ernest Hooser, and articles by the late Brenda Hampton on the Dawes commission and Bill Coleman on Choctaw Lighthorsemen. “Choctaw: A Cultural Awakening” features families whose lives are engrained with the rich heritage of the Choctaw Nation.

Fitzgerald has received state and national acclaim for his photography. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2005 and received the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma Center for the Book in 2010.

Accompanying the pictorial collection are Choctaw history and cultural information contributed by Tribal Archeologist Dr. Ian Thompson and Public Relations Executive Judy Allen. The reader is quickly brought up-to-date with an overview of the Choctaw people’s course from DeSoto’s first contact until today.

Thompson, as Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, archaeologist and coordinator for Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), works to protect sacred and historic sites, researches Choctaw history and is dedicated to revitalizing the traditional culture. He learned many of the Choctaw art forms in his youth and instructs others in making bows, arrows, flint knapping, pottery, basketry and more.

Allen has worked with Thompson on many projects and has been committed to sharing the Choctaw culture throughout the world. She has been instrumental in the recognition of the Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I who were inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame last year. Allen was also named one of Oklahoma’s 50 Women Making a Difference in 2012.

Exploring through photos and stories by spiritual and historical leaders such as Virginia Espinoza, Eleanor Caldwell and Bill Coleman, “Choctaw: A Cultural Awakening” shows that members of the third-largest Indian Nation are from all walks of life, performing diverse jobs, and come from an amazing heritage.

Be awakened to the beauty of tribal art, the unique savor of Choctaw food and the excitement of learning about Tvshka Homma – Red Warriors! Fitzgerald, Thompson and Allen will be available to share their experiences with visitors at the book launch April April 30 in Durant.

Copies of the “Choctaw: A Cultural Awakening” photo book are also available for purchase by logging onto choctawstore.com or by calling 888.932.9199.

Thirty years of service

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:33:23 GMT

Thirty years of service
Doris Ross celebrates 30-year anniversary with Choctaw Nation

By CHRISSY SHEPARD Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

DURANT, Okla. – Not many people that have worked in the same job for 30 years can love their job and be as happy as tribal employee Doris Ross, director of Choctaw Nation Housing Authority’s Rental Assistance Program.

Unlike many employees at the Choctaw Nation, Doris hasn’t worked in various departments throughout her time as a tribal employee — she has proudly worked for Housing Authority all 30 years.

Doris said her job keeps her interested, and she is never bored. “Every day is different,” she added. “You can talk to different people all over, and even across the United States, which is interesting. It never gets boring.”

Her coworkers are one of her favorite parts about her job. “If I’m not talking to people who call me, I’m helping my coworkers,” Doris said. “The Housing Authority is like my family, we’re just one big happy family.”

Doris’ job duties vary, including taking care of reports to return to her executives, the tribe and her staff as well as monitoring her staff, answering questions for people who need help and call for assistance.

She said the main purpose of her department is to assist low-income families within the 10 ∏ counties with their rent.

“Since I’m a tribal member, it satisfies me to work for my tribe,” she said. “It’s been very rewarding to do that in the position I am in.” Her ability to speak Choctaw fluently is helpful with her day-to-day interactions and makes her a valuable employee for the Nation. “I speak Choctaw, so that helps me to assist the elders of our communities,” she said. “We still have elders who come in that don’t speak English or who aren’t comfortable speaking English, so I’m kind of an interpreter.”

Through her years working for Housing, Doris has been involved in helping a lot of people, and she said that it has been a rewarding experience. “Everybody has needs, and I can relate to all of their needs,” she said. “It’s nice to have someone you can go to and get those needs taken care of.” Doris said she is blessed to have great bosses as well. She worked with Assistant Chief Batton when he was an employee of Housing years ago, and she had nothing but good things to say about Chief Pyle. “I like both of them, they’re just wonderful,” she said, glancing at her 25-year anniversary photo with Chief and Assistant Chief hanging on her office wall. “They’re good people, and I like working for good people. I’ve always enjoyed those two guys.”

Doris said her experience as a tribal employee has been fulfilling and a great part of her life for 30 years, especially when she knows she has helped someone.

“Getting a thank you from someone we have worked really hard for, saying they’ve made it through their college years and telling us they don’t need our help anymore and thanking us for helping them, that makes us feel really good, when we’ve helped someone make a great accomplishment.” She said she is thankful for the relationships she’s formed through working for Housing.

“All my days here are good days,” she said, smiling. “I’ve seen a lot of people coming through, and it seems like all of them were good employees. I think my department is a good department.”

Doris’ hobbies outside of the office include playing Bingo, crocheting, pottery and basket weaving.

She also has a large family with whom she loves spending time. “I have 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, so somebody always has a birthday,” she said, telling about how every month, her big family gets together for a birthday party. “It doesn’t matter how old that child is, we always have a party, we always have fun. I enjoy being with my family.”

Doris said she would recommend any young person seeking employment to apply to work for the Choctaw Nation. “They have so many advantages for young people and chances for advancement,” she stated.

“The benefits are so great, and I strongly push young people to seek tribal employment. Everybody is good to them, it doesn’t matter where down the line that person comes in at, everyone will welcome them, and it trickles on down.”

Doris has been an essential employee all her 30 years working for the tribe, and the fact that she loves her job and enjoys every day at the office with her fellow employees she calls friends, makes her a special worker. “I love it and I enjoy it,” she said. “I guess that’s why I’ve been here for 30 years. I’m 70 years old, and I’m still not ready to go yet.”

Art in the Southwest Air

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:40:10 GMT

Art in the Southwest Air
Choctaw Artists exhibit work during Amarillo and Albuquerque cultural gatherings

By BRET MOSS Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Amarillo

Choctaw Nation visited Amarillo Texas on April 5, 2013, bringing with it, culture and news on current tribal issues. Several artists exhibited their work during the event, including Stephen McCullough, Kimbra Simmons and Charlene Dodson.

Stephen McCullough
Stephen McCullough is an Amarillo resident with galleries in Santa Fe, N.M., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Sedona, Ariz. He has been an artist for 25 years following in the footsteps of his twin brother Michael, who has been an artist for 35 years. He had been involved in other careers and decided it was time for a change. “I started in and never looked back,” Stephen proclaimed.

Stephen specializes in image art of the Southwest – painting images that reflect the heritages and cultures of Native Americans in that area. He also paints with non-Southwestern themes, putting trees and other objects to canvas. He displays his work at three of the country’s biggest Native American markets – The Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum Native Market and Red Earth Market.

He explains his interest in Native American art stems from it being a constant art form. “It is here today, was here yesterday, and will be here tomorrow.” He went on to assert that in today’s art scene, “it’s cool to be native,” but takes pride in the fact that he was displaying his heritage from the start. Stephen was a registered native on the day of his birth and proudly exclaims that he is “an artist who happens to be Native American,” and not just following the trends.

See more about Stephen’s art in the video:

Kimbra Simmons
Lubbock, Texas, resident Kimbra Simmons is a Choctaw artist who specializes in many types of crafts including dream catchers, jewelry, beading and leather work. She received her Choctaw connection from her mother as well as her beginnings in art. Since learning the basics years ago, she has been improving her art form with practice and online learning.

Over her time as an artist, Simmons has developed unique ways to construct her dream catchers, weaving them tight on the outside and gradually allowing the weave to become more loose towards the middle, whereas most simply have loose weaves throughout. Larger holes are left amidst the tight portion to “let good dreams pass through,” explains Simmons.

She very much enjoys creating artwork that promotes native culture. “I am very driven to carry on my heritage,” she exclaimed. Not only does she create native artwork, but takes language classes offered by the Choctaw Nation. Simmons’ desire is that the culture of the Choctaw Nation and other native people never fades, but remains strong, and she hopes to contribute to that preservation.

Check out some of Kimbra’s work here:

Charlene Dodson
Artist Charlene Dodson was born in the heart of the Choctaw Nation, in Bokchito, but became a Texan at the age of three. She left the borders of the Choctaw Nation, but the Choctaw Nation remained strong with her as she carried on her love for her heritage through her artwork.

Charlene works mainly in fabrics, printing and beading on quilts, leathers and more. She has enjoyed much success due to her ingenuity through artwork. She began a business called “Fabric Fotos,” where she worked mainly with quilts, which saw success.

Eventually, from licensing fees she earned with her pioneering ways, she was able to open the American Indian Cultural Center. The center allowed representatives from many tribes to rent booths and display artwork from their respective cultures. Dodson served as the director for eight years until her retirement, when she says she “passed the torch” to the Kwahadi Heritage Center.

Though she has retired, Charlene still sells art and art kits that allow individuals to create their own artwork. For example, in her moccasin kit, one may chose a beaded design guide to be placed on the material and one may then learn bead their own design following the printed guide.

Charlene says she has chosen to create native art because “It’s my heritage… I am proud to be Choctaw.” Through her work with the cultural center in Amarillo and the guided beading kits, she feels that she has done well to spread her culture. “I love passing on my heritage,” she declared.

See some of Charlene’s creations here:

Albuquerque

Choctaw Nation then visited Albuquerque, N.M. the following day on April 6, 2013, sharing even more of age-old traditions. Artists who presented their creations included Kristin Gentry and David McElroy.

Kristin Gentry
Oklahoma State University graduate Kristin Gentry is a jewelry maker, photographer and much more who now resides in Albuquerque. “I grew up in an artistic family,” said Kristin as she explained her introduction to the life of an artist.

She found she enjoyed art in high school and decided to study it more thoroughly in college. After graduating with a fine art degree, she continued her endeavors by doing gallery art, teaching at community centers. She has felt a connection to art through generations of her artistic family. Her grandfather was a wood carver and her father was an architectural draftsman.

A large portion of Kristin’s work is with wood, creating many pieces of hand-painted jewelry on small sections of wood. “I like working with natural elements,” said Kristin, who also does relief printing. This requires her to carve her designs into wood and then use a hand-crank to press the designs. “It is a very manual art form.”

In her creations, Kristin prefers to utilize tribal designs, mentioning that she mainly sticks with Choctaw designs, but does some Cherokee as well. She states that she chooses to work with wood, even though it is sometimes more difficult. She feels called to the medium because of her grandfather’s work with the material. Kristin is also a skilled painter and photographer.

See the variety of items Kristin crafts here:

David McElroy
David McElroy, a lawyer by profession, is also a silversmith who works with sterling silver to create Native American jewelry. “I have always loved traditional Southwest silverwork,” David stated. “It is such a creative and lasting artform.”

During his time as a lawyer, David spent eight years in the United Kingdom, where he began his silversmith training. He has since developed his skills and is now able to do repousse work, in which he uses a male and female die to press designs from the reverse side of the silver, forcing the shape to appear on the front facing side. He also incorporates semi-precious stones into his work to create a heightened unique quality.

David is the grandson of two original enrollees of the Choctaw Nation, a fact of which he is exceptionally proud. Though silverwork is not traditionally a Choctaw art form and most of his designs are inspired by Navajo and other Southwestern tribes, David hopes to make his medium of choice more associated with the Choctaw Nation.

In his studio located in Santa Fe, N.M., David also makes accessories such as candlesticks, boxes and dishes. He will be exhibiting his artwork in the Santa Fe Indian Market Aug. 16-18.

Learn more about David’s art form here:

To see more from the event, visit our Facebook page.

Doing her part to better the community

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:23:41 GMT

Connie Zalenski drops off bags of recyclable material from her home in the recycling bin at the tribal complex in Durant.

Doing her part to better the community

Purchasing employee Connie Zalenski recycles at her home, no longer pays trash bill

By CHRISSY SHEPARD Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma continually promotes its “going green” efforts, and one tribal employee is not only bettering her community through her recycling habit at home, but is saving money in the process.

For the past two years, purchasing department employee Connie Zalenski has recycled all of her household trash using the recycling bin located at the Tribal Headquarters building where she works, which has saved her an average of over $200 a year. She brings a load of materials (2-4 bags) weekly, or every other week at times.

“I save an average of $20 a month,” she said, because she no longer has to pay her trash bill.

Connie said she initially became aware of the importance of recycling when the tribe made the big push to go green. “I’ll try this,” she recalled.

Choctaw Nation Director of Project Management Tracy Horst complimented Connie on her efforts. “I have gotten to know Connie over that last couple of years, and I think what she is doing is great,” she said.

Not only does recycling save Connie money each month, it saves her time and work. “I live out in the country, so naturally, sometimes when you leave your trash out, animals get into it,” she explained. “I no longer have to clean up a big mess outside when that happens, and I no longer have to worry about putting the trash out.”

Recycling has made her home and yard look cleaner and neater without the trash in the driveway, she added.

Connie is happy she no longer has to deal with the occasional problem of the town’s trash pickup. “You know when they don’t come pick up your trash and you have to call them to come get it? I no longer have that inconvenience,” she said.

Tracy provided some advice for recycling at home. “The best way to start at home is to designate an area of your home for recyclable material collection, much like you have a location for trash collection,” she explained. “You can purchase inexpensive trash cans and label them with names of the items you are planning to collect, so it makes it easy for everyone in the home, or visitors, to use.”

Connie’s three children and nephew visit her home often, all being out of high school, except for her nephew, who is 16. She has most company in the summertime.

“At first, my whole family went into shock,” Connie said, laughing, recalling how she gathers up materials after family meals she knows are recyclable. “But now, it’s funny after two years to see family automatically go rinse their stuff off and put it into the recycling bins in the laundry room.”

Connie said her daughter, who is currently working on getting her master’s degree, will bring her items to recycle from her apartment. “My son will come home from college, and anything he’s bought along the drive that he might throw away, he’ll now bring into the house to recycle it,” she said. “He’ll bring his stuff in and pat me on the back.”

Connie’s oldest son, Waddell Hearn, is also an employee of the Choctaw Nation and thinks highly of his mother. “I think it’s just awesome what she is doing,” he said. “My mom has always been an inspiration in my life in that she works hard and does her very best as what she puts her mind to, and we are seeing that in her effort towards recycling.”

Not only is Connie serving as an example for her family, her recycling efforts have been noticed by her fellow community members. “When I first started, people at my church would bring me their materials to be recycled,” she said.

Now, Connie is proud to say her church members take their materials to the Travel Plaza recycling bin location. “I thought that was pretty cool,” she said.

Waddell said there is no doubt in his mind that his mother is inspiring others around her to recycle as well. “I think that she most certainly inspires others to recycle; she’s so passionate about recycling,” he said. “It just takes one person to lead, and actions speak louder than words, and her actions are definitely being seen.”

Connie is well organized in her recycling process at her home. She said she keeps three separate containers in her laundry room, for plastic, cans and paper, which store her items she’s collected and separated. “I have really enjoyed doing it,” she said.

Along with recycling the materials she can at her home, Connie said she no longer uses paper plates and doesn’t see a problem with washing all her dishes.

“She has made a lot of progress over the past two years,” said Waddell. “And with the mindset she has, she will just keep progressing with recycling.”

The most common material Connie recycles, she said, is plastic bottles from juice, milk, Gatorade, etc., as well as egg cartons and toilet paper rolls.

“We can recycle all junk mail, catalogs, magazines, envelopes and all,” said Tracy. “Just about anything you have that is not food waste can be recycled.”

An important step one must keep in mind when recycling is to rinse off and out your materials, Connie said. “Some people don’t clean their stuff up as they recycle it, and those people at the recycling center work hard,” she explained. “You need to be courteous and clean your items.”

From having an influence on her children and her surrounding community, Connie has brought her positive attitude towards recycling to the workplace.

“We recycle as much as we can in the office,” she said. “We recycle old folders and paper, especially when we’re cleaning out our areas. There’s so much stuff you can recycle, it’s unreal.”

Connie respects the Choctaw Nation’s ongoing efforts in going green and preserving the environment. “I look at it this way,” she explained, “if it’s important to Chief Pyle and he asks us to do it, then we should do it.”

Tracy encourages everyone to begin recycling. “Recycling is really pretty easy, it just takes some practice,” she said. “If you have any questions, call us at the recycling center and we will be happy to try and help you out.”

Connie plans to continue her hobby and habit of recycling at home and encourages others to do the same. “When you see all the trash on the highway, it’s just sad,” she said. “We only have one Earth. We’re supposed to make it a better place.

“We all have grandkids, and sooner or later, they will have to live in the mess we leave them,” she added.

“My mom genuinely enjoys bettering our environment so that we can continue to enjoy what God has created,” said Waddell.

If you have a question about recycling and would like to talk to a recycling center employee, please call 580-920-0488. The Choctaw Nation Recycling Center is located at 3408 Wes Watkins Blvd. in Durant.

Districts schedule 2013 Princess Pageants

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:56:16 GMT

Districts schedule 2013 Princess Pageants

The District Princess Pageants are scheduled! Young ladies will be chosen in three age groups to represent their district for the next year. The winners in each district will then vie for the titles of Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Choctaw Nation during the Labor Day Pageant Aug. 29 at Tvshka Homma.

Judging for the District Junior and Senior Miss Princesses will be based on four events – beauty and personality, traditional talent, goals as a princess, and traditional Choctaw dress (fabric type excluded).

Contestants for District Little Miss Princess will be judged on two categories – beauty and personality, and traditional Choctaw dress (fabric type excluded).

Following are a list of the pageants and requirements to run in each category.

District 1
May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Choctaw Community Center in Idabel. Deadline for applications is May 6. For more information, please call 580-286-6116.

District 2
May 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Investment Center in Broken Bow. Applications may be picked up at the McCurtain County Boys and Girls Club or Bethel field office. Deadline for applications is noon on May 1. For more information, please call 580-584-3636.

District 3
May 14 at 6 p.m. at the Choctaw Community Center in Talihina. Deadline for applications is May 7. For more information, please call 918-567-2106.

District 4
May 25 at 2 p.m. at the Choctaw Community Center in Poteau. Deadline for applications is May 3. For more information, please call 918-647-9324.

District 5
May 8 at 1 p.m. at the Choctaw Community Center in Stigler. Deadline for applications is April 24. For more information, please call 918-967-2398.

District 6
May 11 at 4 p.m. at the Choctaw Community Center in Wilburton. Deadline for applications is May 3. For more information, please call 918-465-2389.

District 7
May 26 at 3 p.m. at the Choctaw Community Center in Antlers. Deadline for applications is 3 p.m. on May 17. For more information, please call 580-298-3856 or 580-981-7011.

District 8
May 30 at 6 p.m. at the Choctaw Community Center in Hugo. Deadline for applications is May 17. For more information, please call 580-326-3528.

District 9
May 31 at 5:30 p.m. at the Event Center in Durant, held in conjunction with the annual Magnolia Festival. Deadline for applications is April 30. For more information, please call 580-775-1774.

District 10
May 2 at 7 p.m. at the Choctaw Community Center in Atoka. Deadline for applications is April 19. For more information, please call 580-889-6147.

District 11
May 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Choctaw Community Center in McAlester. Deadline for applications is April 19. For more information, please call 918-423-1016.

District 12
May 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Choctaw Community Center in Crowder. Deadline for applications is May 3. For more information, please call 918-334-5344.

Requirements to run in each category:
Little Miss
– Resident of District competing in
– Between ages of 8-12 by Labor Day
– 1/16 degree Oklahoma Choctaw or higher
– Be willing to attend Choctaw History and Culture classes
– Not held title of Little Miss Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Junior Miss
– Resident of District competing in
– Single, never married or living with significant, no dependents
– Between ages of 13-17 by Labor Day
– 1/16 degree Oklahoma Choctaw or higher
– Be willing to attend Choctaw History and Culture classes
– Not held title of Junior Miss Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Senior Miss
– Resident of District competing in
– Single, never married or living with significant, no dependents
– Between ages of 18-23 by Labor Day Pageant
– 1/16 degree Oklahoma Choctaw or higher
– Be willing to attend Choctaw History and Culture classes
– Not held title of Miss Choctaw Nation

All entries must include the following information:

Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB)
Letter from school official stating contestant’s scholastic achievements and talents
List of special recognitions
Photograph of contestant in traditional Choctaw dress
Miss District Choctaw Princess – Essay of 200 words or less on “What goals I hope to achieve as Miss Choctaw Nation”
District Choctaw Junior Princess – Essay of 200 words or less on “What goals I hope to achieve as Junior Miss Choctaw Nation”
Completed W-9 in contestant’s name

AT&T to offer discount to tribal members

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:03:07 GMT

Please visit the information page to see if your family will be able to benefit from this discount from AT&T.
At&T Discount for tribal members

Choctaw University students visit the Oklahoma State Capitol

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:16:24 GMT

Choctaw University students visit the Oklahoma State Capitol

Students of the award-winning Choctaw University were invited to Oklahoma City on Tuesday, March 26, to tour the Oklahoma State Capitol and visit with members of the Senate and House of Representatives. Five Choctaw University students, Christina Black, Nick Cody, Audrey Jacob, Darenda Joseph, and Melissa Stevens, traveled to the State Capitol, along with Choctaw U faculty members, Judy Morgan and Becky Parker.

The trip was donated by The Sullivan Agency of Ardmore in conjunction with Ardmore Main Street Authority. The Choctaw Nation associates were greeted at the State Capitol campus by the Executive Director of Ardmore Main Street Authority, Julie Patterson, and then introduced to legislators representing Southeastern Oklahoma. The group was taken on a guided tour and treated to lunch, where they had the opportunity to visit with Senator Josh Brecheen and Representative Dustin Roberts.

Choctaw University’s mission is to empower associates who are committed to personal and professional growth in their career. It provides educational and leadership-building opportunities. Choctaw University Program Manager Jack Hedrick emphasized this point stating, “Leadership opportunities like this are a great example of the holistic approach to learning envisioned by Choctaw University.”