The Reason for the Choctaw Pledge

The Choctaw Nation has announced its new flag pledge that was recently approved by the Tribal Council to be used at all official meetings directly following the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance. The pledge has been a long time in the making, and we, as a nation, should feel great pride in reciting the pledge and in being Choctaw proud.

The pledge is a declaration of the Chahta Spirit of Faith, Family and Culture, and it also announces that the Choctaw Nation is a sovereign nation governed by self-rule, faith and traditions created from the sacrifices of our ancestors.

The Choctaw Flag Pledge is as follows: “I salute the flag of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, whose members, characterized by tenacity, resilience, and belief in God, will forever honor its representation of Faith, Family and Culture.”

I’m so appreciative of the action taken by the Tribal Council to approve this flag pledge for our Nation. Native American history under the U.S. Government has a violent and dismissive past. For too long, tribes have been pushed aside, ignored, and placated by a government who created the rules and did not abide by them. Still the Choctaw Nation persevered through it all – the lean times and the good. Our nation cannot be ignored. Our people will not be placated. Our Chahta Spirit will live on long past this generation of Choctaw people. That is what this flag pledge represents.

This flag pledge is a reminder of where we have been and where we are going. The pride of the Choctaw Nation and its people will be heard in this pledge. I challenge every Choctaw tribal member to recite this pledge loud and clear and let your voice be heard. The pride of the Choctaw Nation and its sovereignty deserves no less.

It is a simple pledge, but its meaning is great. The resilience of the Choctaw Nation should be celebrated and recorded. It is the least we can do as a nation, for the sacrifices made to be here today.

Yakoke and God Bless!