Choctaw Cultural Center to Launch Book on Clara Sue Kidwell Dec. 16

DURANT, OKLA. – The Choctaw Cultural Center will celebrate the publication of the first book in the new series “Choctaw Culture Keepers” this month. “Dr. Clara Sue Kidwell, Teacher and Mentor” tells the story of a Choctaw tribal member from northeast Oklahoma who became recognized as a national leader in the field of American Indian studies.

The biography for 8–12-year-old readers is written by Choctaw tribal member Celia Stall-Meadows, illustrated by Choctaw tribal member Leslie Stall Widener, and published by the Choctaw Cultural Center. The author will read an excerpt from the book and will be joined by Kidwell and the illustrator in a book signing beginning at 11 a.m. on December 16 at the Choctaw Cultural Center, 1919 Hina Hanta Way, in Durant.

The book is about Kidwell, who authored many books and articles on American Indian history and culture. At a time when few Native women held doctoral degrees, Kidwell established studies programs for several universities, and served as assistant director in the Research and Cultural Resources department at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

“Dr. Clara Sue Kidwell, Teacher and Mentor” is the first of several planned biographies in the “Choctaw Culture Keepers” series. This collection of nonfiction stories for middle-grade students highlights the lives of influential tribal members, including educators, tribal leaders, social justice advocates, veterans, researchers, and missionaries.