For nearly 50 years, the Choctaw Nation’s Biskinik has served as the voice of the Chahta people.
First published in 1978, the monthly newspaper connects tribal members through news, cultural preservation, community updates and stories of achievement.
But did you know there is much more to the Biskinik than meets the eye?
The “Little News Bird”
The name Biskinik comes from the Choctaw word for the yellow-bellied sapsucker, a type of woodpecker, often called the “little news bird.” According to Choctaw tradition, the biskinik alerted the Choctaw people to approaching visitors, danger and opportunities by tapping messages on trees. Today, the newspaper continues that tradition by delivering news to Choctaw tribal members around the world.
A Small Correction with a Big Meaning
For more than 30 years, the newspaper was known as the Bishinik. In 2010, research conducted by the Choctaw Nation Language Department revealed that the original Choctaw spelling should be Biskinik.
As part of ongoing language revitalization efforts, Tribal Council unanimously approved legislation restoring the correct spelling. Beginning with the August 2010 issue, the newspaper officially became the Biskinik once again.
The change involved just one letter, but it represented the Nation’s commitment to preserving and accurately reflecting the Choctaw language and culture. If you’ve ever wondered how to say it, the pronunciation is simple: BIS-KIN-ICK.
By the Numbers
The Biskinik is mailed to about 70,000 households worldwide each month. Each issue is produced by a dedicated staff of six. Printing is handled through a partnership with Stigler Printing in Stigler, Oklahoma, and copies are hand-labeled and shipped by the Choctaw Nation’s small but mighty circulation staff. This process keeps jobs and any generated revenue within the Choctaw Nation reservation.
More Than a Newspaper
In March 2025, the Biskinik launched a redesigned website, giving readers even more ways to stay connected. At biskinik.com, visitors can browse current and past issues, read breaking news, explore Choctaw history through Iti Fabvssa and submit content. Past issues dating back to 2001 are available on the website, helping preserve the voices, accomplishments and memories of the Choctaw people.
Whether in print or online, the Biskinik continues the work of the “little news bird,” sharing the stories, accomplishments and history of the Choctaw people, one issue at a time.
How to Share Your News with the Biskinik
The Biskinik has long served as a place where Choctaw tribal members can celebrate achievements, share milestones, announce community events and connect with fellow Chahta across the country.
One of the most common questions the Biskinik staff receives is, “How do I submit something for publication?”
The good news is that submitting content is free and easy.
Tribal members may submit event announcements, letters, thank-you notes, “People You Know” announcements and story ideas for consideration.
All submissions require membership verification. Submitters must include the featured person’s first and last name and date of birth.
With more than 225,000 members and 12,000 associates, the Choctaw Nation is the third-largest tribe in the United States.
Due to the Tribe’s size, the Biskinik receives many submissions each month. High demand means staff must follow strict publication guidelines.
All submissions are reviewed and published on a first-received, first-run basis as space allows.
Each month, Biskinik staff receive stories about achievements, family history and community connections. When you share a milestone, event or story idea, you help keep Choctaw communities informed and connected—just like the “little news bird.”
For complete guidelines and submission forms, visit biskinik.com and click the “SUBMIT” button in the top right corner of the homepage.