Choctaw (CHOCK-tah) |
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 Carrying a swamp cane basket at the Choctaw Fair Photo: © Choctaw Community News |
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Eastern Mississippi is home to the Mississippi Choctaws. In the 1800s the United States government forced many Choctaws to move to Oklahoma, along with other tribes. The United States wanted Choctaw land for white settlers. At one time the Choctaws lived in Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana, too. Have you heard of the Code Talkers? Choctaw was one of the first Indian languages used in World War I to send secret messages for the U.S. Army. The enemy never figured it out, and the Choctaw soldiers were honored for their contribution. Choctaw language is still very important to the Choctaw people, who work hard to protect it from extinction. There are language programs in schools, and language classes are part of summer camps. Besides learning Choctaw, students learn how to design Web pages. Many kids like using the digital camera and image-editing software the best. Students put lots of information about Choctaws on the Web, including the Choctaw Fair. The Choctaw Fair is a weeklong event held every July. There are pageants, cultural exhibits, Choctaw social dancers from each community, rides, entertainers, and tons of visitors from all over. You can have traditional food like holhponi, or fresh hominy. Visitors can see Choctaw artists make their famous swampcane baskets in the museum, or attend the Stickball World Series. |
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 A fast and furious game of stickball Photo:© Choctaw Community News |
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Did you know that Indian stickball is an official part of the Mississippi State Games? Stickball is a hard game to play; it’s something like lacrosse with no protective gear. The towa and kabocca, stickball equipment, have to be handmade, and the game has more rules today than it did long ago. Choctaw kids also play many other sports and have a basketball and soccer camp. There is a lot of activity on the Choctaw reservations. The nation has one of the largest casinos and hotels in the South. People come to play on the Dancing Rabbit golf courses. The forestry and environmental programs keep the Choctaw reservations in good shape for the nation and guests. |
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More facts about Choctaws Web links: |
Children of Native America Today copyright 2003 Shakti for Children, Inc. Used with permission by Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc. |
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