Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival: A Journey Through Time and Tradition

Ever wondered how the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival became such an important tradition? It is a story of resilience, unity and pride.

In this post, we will take you through the journey from its humble beginnings at Seeley Chapel Methodist Church in the 1960s to the grand celebration it is today in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

You'll learn:

• How a small gathering grew into an event welcoming thousands

• How this festival connects the community in celebration of their rich heritage

• The 2018 launch of AYA, a walking app that blends health with Chickasaw history, marking a new chapter in cultural preservation and wellness

Join us as we explore this celebration of the Chickasaw legacy!

A Humble Beginning: 1960-1965

The Chickasaw Annual Meeting began in October 1960, when over 100 Chickasaws gathered at Seeley Chapel, near Connerville, Oklahoma. This was a crucial moment in Chickasaw history, as leaders and citizens came together to reestablish their tribal government. This gathering was the result of a grassroots movement that started at Seeley Chapel in the 1950s. By coming together, the Chickasaws aimed to reclaim their sovereignty and improve health care for their community

Meeting Highlights:

• Governance: The meeting was vital for setting up a tribal government and defining the Chickasaw Nation's future.
• Community Building: These annual gatherings built a strong community spirit, helping the Chickasaws face tough times together.
• Cultural Expression: Traditional activities flourished, and the Chickasaw language thrived, laying the groundwork for cultural progress.

The Chickasaw's sustained community involvement and support set the stage for the Chickasaw Nation to thrive. These early gatherings planted the foundation for what would flourish into an annual celebration of fellowship and culture – now lovingly known as the Chickasaw Annual Meeting.

A Legacy of Self-Determination: 1968-1991

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Chickasaw Nation fought for their sovereign rights. This included the right to elect their tribal officials. Meetings at Seeley Chapel and Kullihoma, a key Chickasaw site east of Ada, grew in attendance. Eventually, the annual meeting moved to Byng High School near Ada to accommodate the growing number of participants.

Meeting Highlights:

•  Governance: The election of Overton James as Governor in 1971 was a historic achievement, marking the first gubernatorial election since 1904.
• Community Building: The gatherings strengthened unity and gave the Chickasaw Nation a democratic voice, moving them toward a hopeful future.
• Cultural Expression: The annual meetings became a platform for sharing news, tribal business and hearing the Governor’s address, enhancing cultural identity.

The 1979 meeting was especially significant. It marked the reelection of Governor Overton James and the inauguration of Bill Anoatubby as the first Lieutenant Governor. This event marked a turning point in the tribe’s history, setting the stage for a new era of growth and self-determination.

The Evolution of the Annual Meeting and Festival: 1992-Present

As the annual meeting continued to grow, so did the surrounding events and activities. By the early 1990s, the Chickasaw Festival merged with the annual meeting, creating a weeklong celebration of Chickasaw culture, heritage and history.

The event found its new home in Tishomingo, the historic capital of the Chickasaw Nation, and the proud site of the Chickasaw National Capitol.

The annual meeting has changed venues several times, including under a tent on the Capitol grounds and in Fletcher Auditorium at Murray State College. Now, it is held in Aiitafama’ Ishto, or the "large meeting place."

Meeting Highlights:

• Governance: Governor Bill Anoatubby, elected in 1987, nurtured the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival, focusing on cultural heritage revival. The meeting continues to be a platform for tribal progress reports, elections and decision-making.
• Community Building: Citizens and leaders build lasting connections as they come together in celebration of their shared heritage.
• Cultural Expression: Traditional and modern activities intertwine during the weeklong festival, fostering cultural preservation and pride.

The festival attracts visitors from across the nation, eager to deepen their understanding of Chickasaw history and culture, reconnecting citizens with their roots and honoring their achievements.

AYA and the Annual Meeting: A Shared History

In October 2018, the Chickasaw Annual Meeting gained new importance. AYA Walk, a walking app that promotes health and shares Chickasaw history, was introduced. Governor Anoatubby announced AYA's launch in his State of the Nation Address. AYA's launch marked a new chapter in the Chickasaw Nation's efforts to preserve culture while promoting wellness.

Here's how AYA intertwines culture and wellness:

• Cultural Integration: AYA, meaning "to go" or "to journey" in Chickasaw, turns each step into an adventure through the tribe’s rich history. Paired with Apple Health or Google Fit, each stride unlocks Chickasaw stories, language and prayers.
• Historical Narratives: Users are guided by virtual walking partners linked to key moments in the tribe’s story, unlocking chapters about traditions, language and insights as they walk.
• Walking Partners: AYA's first walking partner series, Homeland Journey, retraced the path of the Chickasaw Removal, from Oklahoma to Mississippi. It symbolized the journey of the Chickasaw people from past to present. Since its launch, AYA has expanded. It now has series like the Cattlemen, Lawmen and Chickasaw Hall of Fame. Each offers a unique path to explore different chapters of history.
• Community Support: AYA users can create walking groups, fostering community and support as they embark on their journeys together. Participants can engage in friendly competitions, motivating each other to reach personal goals while deepening connections and celebrating Chickasaw heritage.
• Language Enrichment: The "Learn" feature in AYA integrates Chickasaw language learning into daily life, turning steps into a cultural journey. As you walk, prayers and words from elders are unlocked, revealing Chickasaw vocabulary, phrases and prayers that help preserve Chikashshanompa'. Quizzes are available to test knowledge, track progress and connect with heritage.

AYA represents a significant innovation introduced during the annual meeting – an occasion for Chickasaws to gather, celebrate their heritage and reflect on their past.

Carrying Community in Every Step

Like the Chickasaw Annual Meeting, AYA is rooted in the spirit of community. Both the app and the event highlight the importance of gathering, fellowship and embracing traditions. Phrases like “you never walk alone” and “the more you walk, the more you learn” resonate deeply with the Chickasaw people’s desire to stay connected and carry on their cherished traditions.

The shared history between AYA and the Chickasaw Annual Meeting serves as a proud reminder for the Chickasaw Nation that, no matter where life takes us, we remain connected to our roots. As you look forward to the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival, take a moment to reflect on AYA’s journey and how it began on a bright, sunny day in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, in October 2018.

Looking Toward the Future

As the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival continues to evolve, it remains a time for Chickasaw citizens to come together, celebrate culture and look toward the future. The event reflects the Chickasaw Nation’s enduring strength and resilience, providing inspiration for future generations.

Whether attending the festival or participating virtually, the Chickasaw Annual Meeting offers a unique opportunity to connect with your heritage, learn about your history and be part of a vibrant and thriving community. As you walk through the streets of Tishomingo or explore the stories on AYA, remember that you are walking in the footsteps of those who came before you – carrying their legacy forward with every step.

We invite you to join us at the next Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival, taking place annually on the first Saturday in October, and to stay connected with the AYA community through our newsletter. We love hearing from you and supporting you on your journey to better health and a deeper understanding of Chickasaw history and culture.

Anowa chipisala'cho (until we meet again),

- The AYA Walk Team

Ribbons from the 1964 and 1965 Chickasaw Nation Annual Meetings at historic Seely Chapel, celebrating years of cultural pride and community.

Ribbons from the 1968-1970 Chickasaw Nation Annual Meetings held at Byng School, marking the final gatherings before moving to our historic capitol.

Stomp Dancers performing at the Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting and Festival

A social game of toli (stickball) at the Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting and Festival