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Chickasaw Nation annual meeting and festival kicks off Sept. 28

“A Gathering Of Our People” Begins Sept. 28, Culminates Oct. 6

A longstanding tradition of celebrating Chickasaw heritage, customs and unconquerable spirit gets underway during the 2018 Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting and Festival, Sept. 28-Oct.6.

This year marks the 58th  Annual Meeting of the Chickasaw Nation and the 30th  Chickasaw Festival, an event which draws thousands from across the globe to reunite in Chickasaw Country.

Activities celebrating Chickasaw culture, heritage, spirit and traditions begin Friday, Sept. 28, and culminate Saturday, Oct. 6, and will be conducted in communities throughout the Chickasaw Nation.

“For more than a half-century Chickasaws from all walks of life have gathered each year to reunite with one another and reconnect with our culture,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said.  “We look forward to this annual homecoming as a way to share and celebrate the Chickasaw spirit.”

Several momentous events are conducted during the weeklong celebration, which is highlighted by Gov. Anoatubby’s  “State of the Nation” address during the  Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting, 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 6, at Fletcher Auditorium on the campus of Murray State College, Tishomingo.

The  Festival Parade  will begin at the MSC campus and march down Tishomingo’s Main Street at 12:30 p.m.

Chickasaw Nation Capitol grounds  is the site of most afternoon activities including: Southeastern Art Show and Market, Chickasaw Press book signing, a traditional meal, health fair, cultural demonstrations and live entertainment,  a petting zoo, children’s activities. All activities will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Capitol grounds.

Other activities including: cultural classes, storytelling, stickball and Stomp Dance demonstrations and a Horseshoe, Corn Hole and Fishing tournament begin at 1 p.m.

•Chickasaw Princesses  for 2018-19 will be selected during the traditional pageant,  6 p.m.  Monday, Oct. 1, at Ada High School.

Chickasaw Senior Olympics  will be conducted 10 a.m.  – 4 p.m.,  Tuesday, Oct. 2, in Tishomingo.

•ChickasawCulturalCenter, Sulphur, will host Cultural Evening and Arts and Culture Awards  Thursday, Oct. 4. Activities begin at 4 p.m. The Arts and Cultural awards ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m.

In Tishomingo, Hundreds of local students will participate in educational school tours and museum tours Tuesday, Oct. 2 – Thursday, Oct. 4.

A live video stream of the Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting will be available at  annualmeeting.chickasaw.net  A live audio stream of Annual Meeting will also be available on KCNP 89.5 FM in Ada, 89.3 FM, Dickson and  www.KCNP.org .  

A complete listing of events, locations and schedules is available online at  annualmeeting.chickasaw.net  or follow Chickasaw Nation social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updated information.

 For more information call

(580) 371-2040 or 1 (800) 593-3356.

The Newcastle Pacer

217 S. Main, Suite C

Newcastle, Oklahoma 73065

405-387-5277