Remembering our past, celebrating our present and looking to our future

The time is nearing for this year’s Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival! We welcome all to join us in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Sept. 26-Oct. 4, 2025, for a week of fellowship and celebration of Chickasaw culture and progress.

The Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival is more than an event. It is a time to reflect on our journey as a tribe and look forward to our bright future.

During the 1950s, the Chickasaw Nation experienced a grassroots movement, spurred by leaders determined to reclaim and revitalize their tribal government. Today, we refer to this as the Seeley Chapel movement.

In October 1960, more than 100 Chickasaws gathered at Seeley Chapel to discuss tribal business and the future of the Chickasaw Nation. Each year, Chickasaws continued to gather, speak the Chickasaw language and take part in traditional activities.

This gathering would grow into an annual tradition of fellowship and cultural celebration that continues to bring Chickasaws together today, now known as the Chickasaw Annual Meeting.

The meetings continued to grow in attendance over the years and relocated to Byng High School near Ada and, in 1992, the celebration moved to Tishomingo. What began in 1960 has evolved into a vibrant celebration of Chickasaw heritage, resilience and community.

This year marks the 65th Chickasaw Annual Meeting and 37th Chickasaw Festival, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Chickasaw people. From those early years, when Chickasaws met at Seeley Chapel, to today, when thousands gather from across the country, our commitment to one another and to our tribal progress has never wavered.

Throughout the week, the grounds of the Chickasaw Capitol Building and several other locations throughout the Chickasaw Nation will be alive with activity. From cultural demonstrations and traditional games to concerts, art exhibits, competitions and the Chickasaw Princess Pageant, there is something for everyone.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Annual Meeting of the Chickasaw Nation, which includes the State of the Nation Address, will take place at 9 a.m. at the Aiitafama' Ishto facility in Tishomingo. The day will be filled with fun, beginning with our annual parade taking place on downtown Tishomingo’s Main Street. Arts and crafts vendors, cultural demonstrations, kids’ activities, music, food and more will take place throughout the day.

We look forward to welcoming Chickasaws and friends from across the country for this year’s Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival and celebrating of our shared history, heritage and progress!