Cultural Evening brings 1,300 to Kullihoma

Upward Bound students who volunteered at Cultural Evening.

Boy Scouts enjoying the children’s activities at Cultural Evening.

The Chickasaw Foundation hosted its 4th annual Cultural Evening on September 27 at Kullihoma. The Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard started the evening off with the opening ceremony, and Mr. Kirk Perry, Chickasaw Foundation Trustee, served as the emcee. There were approximately 1,300 people in attendance. The night was filled with cultural demonstrations, a barbecue meal, marble games, stickball demonstrations, tours of the Chickasaw houses and corn crib and children’s activities.

Boy Scout troops from Ada, Tishomingo and Ardmore participated in the activities to earn a patch designed by Ms. Quennah Harris, winner of this year’s Cultural Evening Flyer & Patch Design Contest. Door prize drawings included a Pendleton saddle blanket, purses, coin purses and an organizer.

Several Upward Bound students volunteered to help committee members Susan Webb and Rebecca Durington with the event tour guides and trash pickup. Students participating were Josh Hammond, Elizabeth Elliott, Shellan Gray, Felix Martinez, Chase Martin, Nathan Williams, Cotie Poe, Detrick Mowdy, Rebekah Ritchie and former UB student Mathew MacDonald. These students understand the importance of volunteer work when applying for scholarships.

The Living History Players, a group within the Chickasaw Theatre Company, performed a skit in the Mountain House titled, “A Visit to the Capitol,” and the Chickasaw Nation Dance Troupe concluded the night with demonstrations around the campfire.