Chikasha Ittafama; Annual Chickasaw Reunion invites all to attend May 13-14 at Kullihoma

This article appeared in the April 2016 edition of the Chickasaw Times

KULLIHOMA – Archery, stickball, stomp dancing, fellowship and much more are planned May 13-14 at the Annual Chikasha Ittafama (Reunion) at Kullihoma.

Spring is a season for renewal for Chickasaws who will be hunting wild onions, morel mushrooms and other edibles, just as their ancestors did more than 170 years ago. The tribe first arrived in Indian Territory in 1837 following removal from its ancestral homelands in the Southeast.

A schedule of events will be available soon.

The reunion kicks off May 13 at approximately 6 p.m. A meal, prayers and stomp dance are planned that evening.

A full day of tradition, culture and fun is slated May 14 with youth and adult cornstalk shoot competitions, horseshoes, Native American games such as “Chunky” and artistic and educational demonstrations about the Chickasaw Nation. The noon meal will feature staples of the Chickasaw people, from pashofa to fry bread.

A second evening of stomp dancing will get underway at sunset and traditional stickball competitions are planned. All interested parties are welcome to attend.

Kullihoma is located 10 miles east of Ada on state Highway 1. Signs are clearly marked showing how to reach Kullihoma.

For additional information, contact Chickasaw Nation Culture and History Department at (580) 436-2603 for write amber.fox@chickasaw.net.