Storytelling holds deep significance in Chickasaw culture. It is not just a form of entertainment; it is vital to the preservation of history, values and teachings from generations prior. Today, it remains one of the most powerful ways we keep our culture alive and thriving. Through these spiritual and ceremonial stories, connection, wisdom and the enduring strength of our people can be discovered.
The art of storytelling reveals who we are and why we exist in this time and space. Through these narratives, the voices of our ancestors guide us toward understanding our history and what remains sacred in our lives. Each story carries the weight of generations, preserving the essence of Chickasaw identity.
The foundation of our understanding begins with our Creation Story. "The earth began when Crawfish dove into the watery depths of the world and built the first landmass from mud at the bottom of the ocean." From this emerged all good things, including the Chickasaw people. This narrative connects us to the land, to our origins and to the divine purpose that shaped our existence.
The storytelling traditions of the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Cherokee and Seminole each have unique elements that reflect the distinct cultures, history and languages of these tribes. While they share similarities, Chickasaw storytelling is deeply intertwined with the Chickasaw language.
During a great council of animal people, a critical decision loomed: how to divide day and night. Some animals advocated for eternal day, while others demanded perpetual night. The council chamber buzzed with heated debate until the smallest voice offered the greatest wisdom.
Tiny Squirrel, demonstrating remarkable courage, proposed dividing time like the rings on Raccoon's tail – alternating bands of light and dark. This elegant solution impressed the council, though Bear's jealousy led him to swipe at Squirrel, leaving the three stripes we see on ground squirrels today. This tale teaches us about balance, wisdom and unexpected sources of insight.
Chickasaw is an oral language that was not formally written. Through spoken word, Chickasaw language and stories were passed down through generations and preserved. The title "Keepers of the Flame" originates from the tribe’s deep reverence for fire that symbolizes life, community and continuity. Our storytellers are held in high regard with respect and honor, as they are our keepers responsible for continuing the Chickasaw legacy.
Today, the Chickasaw Nation celebrates many talented storytellers, particularly our women who serve as vital ambassadors of the oral tradition. Glenda Galvan, Lorie Carmichael, Stephanie Scott and Donna Courtney stand among these dynamic voices. As Donna Courtney shared with the Chickasaw Times, "Stories give us a beacon to light the way into the future, grounding us in who we are and where we came from."
These modern storytellers connect wisdom with contemporary relevance. Lorie Carmichael speaks of the earth as "the big circle," connecting traditional understanding with present-day environmental consciousness. In her telling of “How Day and Night Were Divided,” she emphasizes the importance of courage in standing up to intimidation, as Squirrel did before Bear.
Among our most celebrated storytellers, Te Ata transformed Chickasaw storytelling into an art form recognized worldwide. Her version of “How Day and Night Were Divided” emphasizes the wisdom found in unexpected places and the power of speaking up for what is right. Through her performances, she brought Chickasaw culture to audiences far beyond our traditional lands, proving that our stories hold universal appeal while maintaining their cultural specificity.
The power of oral histories served as the foundation of communication before writing and literature emerged. This powerful practice helped form and maintain societies, effectively sharing knowledge, art and ideas across generations. For First American people, this sacred tradition teaches children vital lessons, transfers cultural beliefs and preserves family histories.
Each generation of Chickasaw people add their voice to our living history through storytelling. According to Lorie Carmichael, everyone possesses the ability to be a storyteller. This inclusive view of storytelling ensures our cultural heritage remains vibrant and accessible to all who wish to learn and share.
The oral tradition connects past, present and future generations. Through stories, we learn:
While our methods of sharing stories may evolve by incorporating technology and the use of several platforms, the essence of Chickasaw storytelling remains unchanged. Our stories continue to unite us, providing guidance and inspiration for navigating contemporary life.
The tradition of storytelling belongs to all of us. Here are five essential ways to engage with and preserve our cultural narratives:
Chickasaw women play a vital role in preserving and sharing our cultural heritage. From mother to daughter, grandmother to granddaughter and throughout the community, women's voices carry the wisdom of generations. Their stories illuminate the path forward while keeping us grounded in our identity and origins.
The power of storytelling extends beyond simple narration – it creates bonds, preserves knowledge and ensures the continuity of our cultural values. Each story shared strengthens these connections and invites new voices to join the ancient chorus of Chickasaw storytellers.
Anowa chipisala’cho (until we meet again),
-The AYA Walk Team
References
Cole, K. (2025, January). Keepers of the flame connect generations of Chickasaws. Chickasaw Times, pp. 3–3. Retrieved from https://reader.mediawiremobile.com/ChickasawTimes/issues/209156/viewer?page=3.
Encyclopedia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Oral tradition. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/oral-tradition
Green, R. (2015). Te Ata: Chickasaw Storyteller, American treasure. Chickasaw Press.
Native knowledge 360°-Celebrating Native Cultures Through Words: Storytelling and Oral Traditions. National Museum of the American Indian | Smithsonian. (n.d.). https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/storytelling-and-oral-traditions
Storytellers. Chickasaw Nation. (n.d.). https://www.chickasaw.net/Our-Nation/Culture/Arts/Storytellers.aspx
Storytelling. CNTV. (n.d.). https://www.chickasaw.tv/episodes/thrive-traditions-season-2-episode-10-storytelling
Traditional Stories: How Day and Night Were Divided. CNTV. (n.d.-b). https://www.chickasaw.tv/episodes/thrive-traditions-season-3-episode-6-traditional-stories-how-day-and-night-were-divided