Part 4

It is said that as our ancestors walked the hundreds of miles on the Trail of Tears from their homelands to Indian Territory during The Removal, that singing could be heard echoing through the trees. Those near enough to hear those melodious sounds may have assumed a nearby church service was taking place. 

What they probably didn’t know at the time was that those singers, young and old, feeble and strong, were forced to walk in frigid weather, and some would succumb to the cold or illness, or were killed by soldiers. And yet, despite their anguish, they sang to their Creator - sometimes songs of sorrow, and other times, songs of hope and praise. 

Our Choctaw hymns embody a harrowing, yet beautiful history, connected to a deep cultural and spiritual significance. Rooted in the 19th century, these hymns were adapted from Christian traditions introduced by missionaries. And they symbolize resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of the Choctaw people. 

I spent an incredibly precious day with my guests, Paula Carney and her daughter, Cheryl Weeden (both Choctaw) as I attended their church and enjoyed the Choctaw hymns that were sung (I also sang a couple myself), followed by a wonderful Choctaw meal. Afterwards, Paula and Cheryl shared about their life and ancestral stories with me.

Paula also spoke in detail about her time in the boarding schools and how the hymns gave her strength during trying times.

May you be blessed as you listen to these hymns and stories of strength and hope!

Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast  

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Part 1

For centuries, American Indians carved out a labyrinth of pathways across this land. Spanning hundreds of miles, these trails not only enabled connections among their communities, but also provided access to prime hunting grounds, water and seasonal dwellings.

Over time, these well-trodden paths underwent a transformation at the hands of non-Natives, evolving into mail routes, stagecoach lines, railroads, and highways. These pathways continued to serve as essential conduits for all people, across vast distances, albeit in a markedly different capacity.

Today, we embark on an adventure spanning 192 miles through old Indian Territory. Along the way, we'll discover some of those trails crafted by our ancestors, which later became pathways for others journeying westward to California.

My guest, Jimmy Stephens (Choctaw), holds a personal connection to this history, as he traces his lineage back to William Holloway, a Choctaw forebearer and 4^th great grandfather, who owned a station along one of these renowned routes. You’ll enjoy learning about Jimmy’s ancestry and of the pioneers of the American roads that have connected us throughout history!

Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast

All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Part 2

For centuries, American Indians carved out a labyrinth of pathways across this land. Spanning hundreds of miles, these trails not only enabled connections among their communities, but also provided access to prime hunting grounds, water and seasonal dwellings.

Over time, these well-trodden paths underwent a transformation at the hands of non-Natives, evolving into mail routes, stagecoach lines, railroads, and highways. These pathways continued to serve as essential conduits for all people, across vast distances, albeit in a markedly different capacity.

Today, we embark on an adventure spanning 192 miles through old Indian Territory. Along the way, we'll discover some of those trails crafted by our ancestors, which later became pathways for others journeying westward to California.

My guest, Jimmy Stephens (Choctaw), holds a personal connection to this history, as he traces his lineage back to William Holloway, a Choctaw forebearer and 4^th great grandfather, who owned a station along one of these renowned routes. You’ll enjoy learning about Jimmy’s ancestry and of the pioneers of the American roads that have connected us throughout history!

Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast

All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

They called her “savage” and she was a tough, independent and widowed single mother, attempting to succeed during a time when women were just starting to have a voice (although many Native women were still very much unheard).

Join me in part 1 of this series with my guest, Nicolette Blount as she delves into the stories of her great grandmother, Wanda Savage, a 1920s Chickasaw sharpshooter, stunt woman, dancer and silent film actress!

And Nicolette has beautifully turned Wanda’s story into a show called, “Savage the Musical” and it’s gaining fast acclaim!

This is the story of survival, the universal desire to be accepted and a quest for redemption that you must hear!

Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast

All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/