Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said the tribe’s Cultural Evening, hosted Oct. 5 at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, is one of the most cherished events during the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival.
“There is a richly woven tapestry of traditional and modern arts and crafts, food, historic artifacts and literature,” Governor Anoatubby said. “And there’s our language, the dances and our songs. These are special activities that connect us to our culture, through action right here and right now, in this time.”
Governor Anoatubby called attention to the many in attendance adorned in ribboned shirts and dresses, traditional Chickasaw regalia, as an example of cultural unity.
“We can display our culture in a lot of ways, and when we’re together like this and we see people practicing that, it warms our hearts and shapes our thoughts. We know we are Chickasaw when we come together,” he said.
“We’re here to fellowship with each other and to see people we haven’t seen in a long time. We have an opportunity too, to reflect and celebrate our uniqueness – our unique identity as Chickasaw people.
“That’s special, considering all the things that have happened in history with Chickasaw people and other First Americans. It’s great to still be here and still be celebrating being Chickasaw,” Governor Anoatubby said.
The Cultural Evening’s f e s t i v i t i e s w e r e punctuated with the presentation of the 2023 Silver Feather Award. The event is a staple of the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival.
Gene Thompson receives Silver Feather Award
The Chickasaw Nation Silver Feather Award was created in 1999 to honor Chickasaws who have committed their lives to the preservation and revitalization of Chickasaw language, culture and lifeways, Governor Anoatubby said.
“Recipients of this award have actively passed along their unique knowledge to a younger generation of Chickasaws. They are cultural advocates promoting understanding among the Chickasaw people and the public at large.”
Governor Anoatubby said the Silver Feather Award is one of the most honored gifts a First American can receive.
“It characterizes celestial wisdom, the power of the wind and spiritual evolution. Silver, because of its great value and endurance and captivating shine had been admired by Chickasaw ancestors for more than 500 years,” Governor Anoatubby said.
The 2023 recipient i s G e n e N a s h o b a Thompson, a Chickasaw c i t i z e n G o v e r n o r Anoatubby said has dedicated himself to serving and protecting both the United States and the Chickasaw Nation.
Thompson served in the military during the Korean War and retired after 20 years as a colonel. Governor Anoatubby said Thompson has also been active as a Chickasaw Nation ambassador and an advocate for First American culture and history.
Thompson is the son of Thomas and Thelma Thompson and the grandson of fellow 2013 Chickasaw Hall of Fame member, Thomas Benjamin Thompson Sr.
He is also the nephew of Te Ata Thompson Fisher, the famous Chickasaw storyteller.
Governor Anoatubby said one of Thompson’s greatest contributions to the Chickasaw people is his love and advocacy, preserving, sharing and donating items to the Chickasaw collection.
“He has worked tirelessly over the years to ensure documents and artifacts of his family are cared for, so they remain intact and available for future generations. He’s also donated countless items related to his family and served as an advocate for others to properly preserve and donate items to the Chickasaw Nation.”
Governor Anoatubby said, thanks to Thompson, Chickasaw Nation has received many priceless items once belonging to Te Ata.
These donations greatly assisted in the production of the documentary “Bearer of the Morning – the Life of Te Ata Thompson Fisher,” and the fulllength feature film.
Governor Anoatubby said, like his famous aunt, Thompson is a great storyteller.
“Following in the footsteps of his aunt, Gene is a remarkable storyteller in his own right, and he continues to share Chickasaw history and culture with all audiences. Gene demonstrates all the finest qualities of a leader, a patriot and cultural bearer.
“For this, and so much more, we honor Gene Thompson with the 2023 Silver Feather Award,” Governor Anoatubby said.
SEASAM winners
Awards were also presented to winners of the Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM).
Adult
Best of Show – Bryan Waytula – “The Grass Dancer”
Best of Culture – Wayne Earles – “Nakin’ Ahkatti”
Best of 3D – Regina Free – “Heron”
Best of 2 D – Daniel Horsechief…
Read More: Chickasaw culture celebrated during annual Cultural Evening Gene Thompson is