Choctaw Nation Celebrates October with Awareness, Fun

I came to work the other morning and there were leaves all over the headquarters parking lot, and I realized that fall is here, and it is time for cooler weather and a list of fall events that we will recognize on our tribal calendar that are open to the public.

MMIW Conference

The Choctaw Nation will host the 2024 Missing Murdered Indigenous Women Chahta Women’s (MMIW) Conference from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Choctaw Cultural Center.

CNO associate and tribal member women are invited to an opportunity to support the MMIW Chahta chapter, which hosts community events and assists families. Attendees will hear speakers and can network.

Lunch is also a part of the $25 admission to the conference. The admission fee is part of fundraising efforts to go towards assisting MMIW with client’s needs, whether it be towards housing, clothing, awareness materials, travel expenses and substance abuse assistance. Tickets can be purchased at mmiw-chahta.ticketleap.com through Friday, Oct. 11. Please email [email protected] or Karrisa Hodge at [email protected] for more information.

Red Ribbon Week

The Choctaw Nation will hold several events to commemorate Red Ribbon Week on Oct. 23-31 here on the reservation. If you are not familiar with Red Ribbon Week, it is a week to lead and support our nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug-free youth. We also encourage all tribal members and associates to wear a red ribbon to show support for a drug-free life and to combat the destructive effects of drug abuse.

Choctaw Red Ribbon Week activities include:
Warrior Wellness is partnering with the Veterans Administration and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant for Red Ribbon Week to provide education on substance abuse signs and symptoms, as well as resources for support. The screening and referral stations will be a joint effort to support our service members and their families.

Jones Academy students will hear a presentation on the benefits of a drug-free life, the event will discuss supporting others, working together, and being a community. The event will take place at 10 a.m. on Oct. 28 at Jones Academy. After an illustrated story, they will have games and activities that will encourage physical activity and build self-esteem and teamwork.

Harvest Carnival

It’s time to celebrate fall at the Choctaw Nation Harvest Festival from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 25 at the Capitol in Tuskahoma. Bring the entire family and have a night filled with fun and festivities.

• Costume contest for children up to 16 years at 7 p.m. (sign-in at 6:30 p.m.)
• $1 Cake Walk
• $1 Bingo
• Free games and prizes
• Trail of Terror (begins at dusk)
• T-shirt giveaway in the souvenir shop
• Haunted House and Movie (hosted by Youth Events and Activities)

No strollers or walkers are allowed in the Trail of Terror or Haunted House. Check your local Choctaw Nation Community Center for bus pick-up times and to reserve your seat if available.

The event will take place at the Tuskahoma Capitol Grounds – Arts and Crafts Building, Council House Road, Tuskahoma, OK 74574

Halloween Stickball

The Choctaw Cultural Center Stickball Field will play host to the annual CNO Halloween Stickball Game. Each October, players and spectators are invited to dress up in Halloween costumes and join us for a night of fun fellowship. Kids are invited to come out as there will be an opportunity to stock up on Halloween candy and enjoy a night of spooky fun!

Join us from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the Choctaw Cultural Center Stickball Field for some great stickball games and family fun for Halloween. Players can wear a costume to participate in the game. Costumes must be family friendly (not too scary).

We hope to see you at our October events this year; so please come out to participate in our Fall events.