Overview:
Eddie Bohanan gives a District 3 update, highlighting recent achievements and upcoming fall and winter events.
Halito, District 3! Chim achukma? I hope you all are doing well. These past few months have once again been busy for us here in District 3 and the Choctaw Nation.
During the month of July, we kicked off the month with a block party held for the elders and the community. We enjoyed a time of fellowship, activities like chair volleyball, a cookout, and making hamburgers and hot dogs. We look forward to doing this event again!
The Choctaw Nation also took its very first youth stickball team to compete in the World Series of Stickball in Choctaw, Mississippi. Tvshka Homma Himitta was comprised of youth players from the Choctaw Nation and the Chickasaw Nation. They did very well for their first time in the tournament, and everyone, including myself, is very proud of them for their hard work, dedication, and determination!
Lastly, I would like to recognize the recipients of the District 3 scholarship. The first recipient is James Conley, who is continuing his education at the University of Oklahoma, majoring in Human Health and Biology to become a doctor. The second recipient is Katelyn Bridges, who is continuing her education at Oklahoma State University, where she will be majoring in Elementary Education to become a teacher. Congratulations to you both!
It was a slow one during the month of August. However, I would like to recognize and say “Yakoke” to the Talihina YAB chapter. They came in and decorated the tables at the Talihina Community Center for the elders before they had their lunch. Yakoke for all you do for the community and Choctaw Nation!
At the end of August, we wrapped up the much anticipated Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival at the Tvshka Homma Capitol Grounds. It was a weekend packed with fun and many activities like the stickball and softball tournaments, arts and crafts, concerts, carnival, and most importantly, time spent with family and friends. One important highlight of the weekend was the swearing-in ceremony for the Tribal Councilmembers beginning their new terms in office.
Another was our newly crowned 2025-2026 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Royalty- Little Miss Leigha Scott, Junior Miss Akeiley Willis, and Senior Miss Candis Battiest.
Lastly, our Tvshka Homma stickball teams competed in the Labor Day Stickball Tournament. Our women’s team fell to Rogue in the Championship and came out as runners-up. Our men’s team lost to Bok Cito in a sudden-death overtime. I am very proud of both teams!
In September we kicked off our community Choctaw language classes held by local first language speakers. We will have these classes now until the beginning of summer on the first Thursday of every month unless otherwise noted. There is no better way to learn the language than to learn from those who are first-language speakers. Come out and join us!
We are about to enter our busy months for District 3 and the Choctaw Nation. Listed below are some important dates for you all to know about. I hope to see you at some of these events. Chi Pisa La Chike!
(Please note that these dates and times are subject to change)
Traditional Meal | October 16, 2025, 6:00 p.m. | Talihina Community Center
Thanksgiving Dinner | Nov. 6, 2025, 6:00 p.m. | Heavener High School Cafeteria
Thanksgiving Dinner | Nov. 13, 2025, 6:00 p.m. | Talihina Community Center
Thanksgiving Dinner | Nov. 20,2025, 6:00 p.m. | Smithville Community Center
Kids Christmas | Dec. 2, 2025, 5:00 p.m. | Smithville Community Center
Kids Christmas | Dec. 4, 2025, 5:00 p.m. | Heavener High School Cafeteria
Kids Christmas | Dec.16, 2025, 5:00 p.m. | Talihina Community Center
Christmas Dinner | Dec.18, 2025, 6:00 p.m. | Talihina Community Center
Christmas Lunch | Dec. 17, 2025, 12:00 p.m. | Smithville Community Center