SULPHUR, Oklahoma – The 2024 Chickasaw The Historical Society’s (CHS) Ittafama Ithana (Meeting to Learn) Conference August 8-9 provided an opportunity to honor a long-time cultural keeper and learn more about tribal food sovereignty past and present. The annual conference was held at the Artesian Hotel.

The conference theme, “Cultural Connection to Plant Communities,” included educational presentations and discussions on traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary management practices.

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Jesse Lindsey, a Chickasaw Citizen who dedicates his life to the preservation and transmission of Chickasaw Culture, was awarded the CHS Lifetime Service Award.

The Chickasaw The Historical Society Lifetime Service Award is presented by the CHS Board of Directors to individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding service and made an outstanding contribution to Chickasaw history and culture and extensive communities.

In introducing the award winner, board member Wilson Seawright read an excerpt from a 1994 newspaper article that featured Lindsey from Sasakwa, Oklahoma.

“Thirty years ago, Jesse Lindsey shared Chickasaw “He was interested in culture and history and had been doing it for almost 10 years at that point,” Seawright said.

Using the cultural knowledge he acquired from his uncle, Chickasaw Lindsey Hall of Fame member Adam Walker traveled to schools and events to teach others about bows and stickball.

In 1998, under the leadership of Chickasaw nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, Lindsey and Walker helped open the Chickasaw nation Stomp Dance Grounds in Kullihoma, where Lindsey worked as a volunteer until 2005. He then moved to Chickasaw Cultural Center team and helped revive Chickasaw Stomping dancing. Lindsey has served the Chickasaw nation for 19 years.

When Lindsey accepted the award, he said he felt honored and blessed.

“If I hadn’t taken the time to ask my relatives questions about who we are, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” Lindsey said.

Transfer Chickasaw Thanks to the culture, Lindsey was able to witness historic events such as the groundbreaking of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., he said.
“It will be there forever to share with my grandchildren.”

Lindsey also spoke about the importance of learning from elders and sharing cultural knowledge with others.

“I really appreciate Chickasawand I am proud of it. I feel truly honored today. Chokma’shki, thank you.”

The conference included several informative sessions on the topic of “Cultural connection to plant communities”, including “Food sovereignty in Chickasaw Country”, by Dr. Judy Goforth Parker; “Climatic conditions and their effects on plant communities in the Chickasaw nation”, by Amelia Cook; “Chickasaw Food Sovereignty: From Yesterday to Today”, by Sierra Hampton; “Chickasaw Medicine” by Rhonda Sellers; “Wildland Fire Management: Past, Present and Future” by Miko Brandon; and “Water Settlement Implementation: Ensuring a Sustainable Water Future for the Chickasaw nation“ by Newakis Weber.

The sessions, presented by Chickasaw and experts on the subject of First American, provided a historical overview of the traditional Chickasaw Food sovereignty and an overview of current tribal programs and services designed to preserve traditional ways of life, overcome challenges and Chickasaw People thrive.

The annual conference gives Chickasaw people a place where they can reconnect and Chickasaw Identity, said the conference organizers. Singing traditional hymns was also on the program.

In addition, a reception was held in the Artesian Ballroom on the evening of August 8, providing an opportunity for CHS members to network and exchange ideas.

The Chickasaw The Historical Society was established by tribal law on April 15, 1994. Board members are appointed by Chickasaw nation Governor Bill Anoatubby.

For more information or to become a member, visit Chickasaw.net/CHS.