Tuesday, December 29, 2015

AIMED AT THE FUTURE

Chahta Sia
I am Choctaw

and because of that
each Christmas 
in my holiday mail, I receive 
a Christmas ornament from my Chief
Chief Gary Batton

I used to pay little attention to them, until one day, I had lots of them  
together they make a very stunning presence on a special tree

This year it is
THE CHOCTAW RED WARRIOR


The Red Warrior statue, created by sculptor John Gooden in 2010, stands guard in front of the Choctaw Capitol.  His face is that of Joseph Oklahombi, one of the most well-known of the Choctaw warriors of World War I.  He has his arrow aimed toward the future.


Choctaw people are proud; we have the wisdom to teach, the courage to fight, the strength and determination to persevere.



We are the turquoise section...my great grandfather came here when he was a boy on 

The most important thing I have from being a CDIB Choctaw
 is the pride I feel...
that I am part of a people that thrived...and that I have my arrow aimed toward the future

but I feel more pride still, as an American,
and have my arrow aimed toward the future

I know for sure that I am not alone
YOU
are with me
all that you are and all that I am is no matter
we are just proud people
with our compass
headed
north




9 comments:

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

Wow, Gina...I love that you recieve an ornament from your Chief each year. Very cool.
Aim that arrow well, sweet friend. xoxo, T.

Karena said...

Gina that is so amazing and such wonderful memorabilia of your ancestry!!

Wishing you all the best in the Year ahead!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Inspiration & India Hicks Sale!

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

Loved learning bits and pieces of your past culture through the years. I minored in Native American Studies in college hoping to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (majored in Business), but since I took after my German grandmother and not my Native American grandfather, my professors convinced me I wasn't "indian" enough to be accepted back then. It was the early 80's, the years of "Red Power".

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Gina,
I find your ancestry fascinating, love your shares. Do you have a special tree to display the ornaments sent from your chief each year?
xoxo,
Vera

Unknown said...

What a wonderful tradition to receive something from your chief - something to be proud of each year. I love how you honour your ancestry!

Algodão Tão Doce said...

Feliz ano novo!
Seguimos nossa caminhada na construção de um mundo mais justo, fraterno, humano, harmonioso e de doação.
Todos somos promotores da Paz...que começa em nossos corações e se estende a tudo que nos rodeia!!!
Obrigada por fazer parte da minha história de vida!
UM ABENÇOADO 2016!!!!

StagerLinda said...

What a special tradition! Your pride shines brightly. Follow the arrow, dear Gina. A very Happy 2016 to you, Gina!

Laura said...

I am not surprised you have such an amazing heritage because you are so special.

The ornaments are stunning and what a wonderful tradition.

I wish you the best in 2016 my friend.

Happy New Year's Day!

Anonymous said...

that is amazing, and such beautiful sculptures,, you have such a rich heritage,, its beautiful,,I enjoy reading about it so much,,