“Memory Keepers” now available at CNO headquarters gift shop

The new book published by Choctaw Nation, “Memory Keepers,” is now in the Choctaw Nation Headquarters gift shop, just in time for Christmas shopping.

“Memory Keepers: Life Stories of Choctaw People” is a collection of life stories of Choctaw people. Through their memories, readers are introduced to Choctaw culture, learn how they grew up, and read how what they learned during a lifetime of experiences. The book allows readers to meet a “Rosie the Riveter,” veterans of WWII, Korean War and Vietnam, men and women who share their faith in God, the first Choctaw princess, a woman who fostered 52 children in addition to raising six of her own, artists and elders. This book is an important archive of Choctaw Nation history of the past 100 years, straight from the people who have lived it. “Memory Keepers” is available at the Choctaw Nation Headquarters Gift Shop (580) 924-8280 for $59.

The author is Judy Allen, and the photographers include Allen and Deidre Elrod, both Choctaw tribal members. The book’s design was by Kevin Wingfield, a CNO associate. Cover art is by Karen Clarkson, an award-winning Choctaw artist whose story is among the more than 60 featured in the book.