Choctaw Nation celebrates Native American Heritage Month

In the U.S., November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions and histories and acknowledge Indigenous people’s essential contributions to this country.

Native American Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise general awareness about the unique challenges Indigenous people have faced both historically and in the present, and how tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

This month, the Biskinik has chosen to highlight just a few of the many Choctaw tribal members making a difference in their communities and representing the Choctaw Nation as they accomplish their goals and dreams. If you or someone you know is a Choctaw tribal member doing great things, feel free to share their story with us through email at [email protected].

Below is a list of events the Choctaw Nation is hosting this November.

Attending one of these events is a great opportunity to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and learn more about Choctaw Culture.

For more information and to register for this year’s Native November events.

November 2

Chahta Feast of the Dead
The Feast of the Dead is a time of celebration for families and the community to give remembrance to those who have passed on. Join us at the Choctaw RV Park for this traditional Choctaw burial custom to honor and remember our loved ones.

• Potluck Style Meal: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Bring a dish to share)
• Family Heritage Crafts: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Bring family photos to scan and copy)
• Memorial Reflection and Ceremony: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Share stories about loved ones)

November 3

Choctaw Day at the Choctaw Cultural Center
Help us kick off the 2023 Choctaw Nation Powwow the Chahta way! Admission is complimentary for Choctaw tribal members and Cultural Center members.

• 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Choctaw singing in Kowi Chito.
• 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Refreshments and conversations in the Chahta Anumpa.
• BREAK
• 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Stickball demonstration.
• 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Demonstration tables.
• 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Traditional games.
• 3:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Social dancing demonstration.

November 3-5

Choctaw Powwow
Make plans to join us as we kick off Native American Month with one of the nation’s largest powwows. Experience the sights and sounds of dancers from all over the country. You won’t want to miss it!

• Friday, November 3
  • 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Vendor Booth Setup
  • 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Gourd Dance (Choctaw Event Center)
  • 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Dance Specials (Adult Dancers Only)
• Saturday, November 4
  • 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Vendor Booth Setup
  • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Dancer Registration
  • (See Gwen TakesHorse) Drum Registration
  • 10:00 a.m. Doors Open to Public
  • 10:00 a.m. Gourd Dance (Choctaw Event Center)
  • 12:00 p.m. Grand Entry
  • 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Dance Specials
  • 7:00 p.m. Grand Entry
• Sunday, November 5
  • 10:00 a.m. Doors Open to Public
  • 10:30 a.m. Dance Specials
  • 12:00 p.m. Grand Entry

November 7

Understanding Indian Child Welfare
Learn about the role of ICWA in the Choctaw judicial system with tribal attorneys Gina South, Darrell Mori, and Cory Ortega. This online session will take place November 7 at 1 p.m. Register now

November 9

Choctaw Language Revitalization
The Choctaw language is an integral part of our culture and sovereignty. Join the Chahta Anumpa Aiikhvna November 9 at 1:00 p.m. for an online session discussing the latest language revitalization efforts and how everyone can contribute to the movement. Register now

Lacrosse Clinic
Join us November 9, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., for a special Celebrate Lacrosse Week Pick Up & Play Clinic. The Choctaw Cultural Center and USA Lacrosse have partnered to bring this clinic to the Choctaw Cultural Center. Participants will experience a fun introduction to the sport and get connected to their local community’s lacrosse organization. Equipment will be provided for use while at the event.

November 10

Choctaw Nation facilities closed in observance of Veterans Day.

November 11

Veterans Day Ceremony
Please join us November 11 in Tuskahoma at 11 a.m. as we express our gratitude and honor our Choctaw veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country during our Annual Choctaw Veterans Day Ceremony.

Art of Frybread-making
Take part in this tasty educational opportunity. Join us for the Workshop: Fun for All Ages Fry Bread-making Class at the Choctaw Cultural Center. Participants will learn how to make fry bread from the Center’s Chef Tanya Nicholas and will have their own fry bread-making kit. Admission is complimentary for Choctaw tribal members and Cultural Center members.

Pucker-toe Moccasins Making Class
Have you wanted to learn how to create your own pair of pucker-toe moccasins? Join Brad Joe, Cultural Events Special Projects Program Coordinator, to learn about moccasins and gain hands-on experience in fabricating a pair of your very own. This class was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, grant number MN-253304-OMS-23 and the support of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Cultural Events Department.

November 13 – 17

Rock Your Mocs
Wear your moccasins during Rock Your Mocs week, take a photo, create a video or story, add the hashtag #RockYourMocs and upload it to social media for the world to see and enjoy.

November 14

Living Happier and Healthier Lives
Tune in on November 14 from 1—2 p.m. to hear Dr. Karina Walters explain how traditional Choctaw ways and teachings can have a positive impact on our emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Register now

November 16

Native Representation in Entertainment
Native Americans have made large strides in improving the way they are represented in film, television, literature and other areas, but it wasn’t always easy to navigate the world of entertainment. In this online session, Josiah Jones tells his story of breaking into the film industry and encourages others to follow their dreams. Join this WebEx event on November 16 at 1 p.m. Register now

November 17

Hymns With District 9 and Social Dancing
Visit the Choctaw Tribal Head Quarters Amphitheatre November 17 for a special demonstration of Choctaw culture. From 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., listen to the District 9 Seniors sing Choctaw Hymns. From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., watch as Choctaw Cultural Outreach demonstrates traditional Choctaw social dances.

Movies on the Patio: Moana
Join us November 17 at the Choctaw Cultural Center as we host Movies on the Patio from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each month, the CCC shows themed movies based around the seasons and holidays. Bring a friend, family and a chair! Snacks will be available to purchase at this event. Please, no outside food and beverages.

November 18

Lukchuk Ke Pila
Help prepare the Center’s chukkas for the coming winter on November 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. With your help, the Choctaw Cultural Center will create the clay/mud mixture and apply the mud to the bare chukka. This is similar to the winter home preparation of our Choctaw ancestors.

November 20

Storytelling: Traditional Deer Hunting
The most important food animal for our Choctaw ancestors was the issi (white-tailed deer). Join us via Webex on November 20, as Ryan Spring shares a story of traditional Choctaw deer hunting. Register now

November 21

The Ribbon Skirt: Symbol of Identity, Resilience, and Survival
Ribbon skirts come in a wide variety of styles and colors, and Native women from all tribes wear them proudly to honor their cultures. Join Isabella Aiukli Cornell on November 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. for this online presentation on the origins of the ribbon skirt and what they mean today. Register now

November 23-24

Choctaw Nation facilities closed in observance Thanksgiving.

November 28

Choctaw Heritage Cultivars
Native plants are critical to the ecosystem of Choctaw Country, and they bring a wide variety of other benefits. Join the Historic Preservation Department November 28 at 1:00 p.m. for an online session discussing how to use culturally significant plants to improve health and quality of life. Register now

November 30

Tribal Sovereignty: What It is and Why We Fight for It
The Choctaw Nation’s Government Relations team will hold an online session discussing the importance of tribal sovereignty in today’s world and how we can protect it. Join us online November 30 from 1—2 p.m. to participate. Register now

Throughout the Month

Choctaw Cultural Center Coloring Sheets
Every Wednesday during the month of November, the Choctaw Nation will be releasing a new Native November coloring sheet, highlighting a part of Choctaw culture.

Wear Your Regalia Day
Every Wednesday during Native American Heritage Month will be Wear Your Regalia Day. Show your Choctaw pride in style.

Thanksgiving Meals
Throughout the Month of November, join your local Choctaw Community Center for their annual Thanksgiving Meals. Enjoy a delicious meal and fun and fellowship with fellow Choctaws in your community.

All events, dates and times are subject to change. Stay up-to-date by following the Choctaw Nation and Choctaw Cultural Center social media or by visiting their websites.