Part 3

In today’s episode, we proudly celebrate Veteran’s Day and honor our men and women who have bravely served our country! 

My guest, Jackson Weaver, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and a Service-Connected Disabled Veteran, shares about his family’s legacy of dedicated servicemen, such as Jackson’s grandpa known as “Chief” to all who knew him and the interesting stories of when he was in US Army Air Corp (now Air Force), Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and much more. These are stories you won’t want to miss!

Jackson also discusses his experience as the owner of WorldWide Medical Staffing, a healthcare staffing company, serving federal, private and Native American hospitals across the US. And we’ll discuss information for Native Americans seeking a career in the medical field, resume building, and more.

If you’re looking to staff a medical job or are looking for a medical job yourself, check out www.wwmedical.com!

Jackson’s grandpa, Jack O. Weaver Jr.’s story is included, along with other Choctaw stories in Memory Keepers by Choctaw Author, Judy Allen - get your copy here! https://www.choctawnation.com/biskinik/people-you-know/memory-keepers-now-available-at-cno-headquarters-gift-shop/

To those who have served our country, we thank you!

In loving memory of Jack O. Weaver, Jr., PFC Mykel F. Miller and all the men and women who lost their lives serving our great country. 

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

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This summer, I embarked on a road trip to Tuskahoma, Oklahoma, for our annual Choctaw Labor Day Festival. Nestled among the rolling hills of the Kiamichi Mountains, the event was a vibrant celebration featuring stickball tournaments, frybread, gourd dancing, and Choctaw Village activities. While these cherished traditions always make the journey worthwhile, this year's experience was especially meaningful.

On August 30, 2024, we honored the historic Choctaw monetary gift sent to the Irish during the Great Famine with the unveiling of the Eternal Heart monument, created by Choctaw sculptor Sam Guerrero Stitt. This remarkable piece stands as a companion to the Kindred Spirit monument in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland, designed by Alex Pentek.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to The National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, the Irish Heritage Trust, the Sharing Lands research group, and the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme for their invaluable collaboration and support. Special thanks also go to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for making this moment possible!

The connection between the Irish and the Choctaw is a profound testament to kindred spirits—a friendship forged through hardship and solidified by an enduring act of compassion. We honor the struggles and resilience of our Choctaw and Irish ancestors, whose spirits continue to inspire us. May this bond of kinship flourish for generations to come.

Yakoke to my esteemed guests: Chief Gary Batton, Seth Fairchild, Claire Green Young, and, of course, the talented sculptor behind the Eternal Heart, Sam Guerrero Stitt!

The National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park: https://strokestownpark.ie/national-famine-museum/

The Irish Heritage Trust: https://irishheritagetrust.ie/

Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme: https://www.ireland.ie/en/irish-diaspora/emigrant-support-programme/ 

Choctaw-Ireland Scholarship Program: https://chahtafoundation.com/scholarships/choctawirelandscholarship/ 

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

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

Part 1

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  

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

Part 2

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  

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