The Choctaw Nation Labor Day festival is a tradition for many Chahta families to gather and see each other. Some participate in friendly competitions like elder chair volleyball, cornhole and checkers. Others like to get a little more competitive with things like basketball, softball and ishtaboli (stickball).

Choctaw Nation staff were on hand all weekend, capturing a few of those moments for you to enjoy. For more photos from the many events covered, check out the Labor Day 2025 tag.

A boy celebrates at a carnival game.
Two kids make their carnival food selection.
A family sets up a tent.
A man throws a cornhole bag.
Kids take picture of buffalo.
Kids ride a carnival ride.
A girl smiles for the camera.
Choctaw singers perform.
A woman pushes a utility vehicle.
A boy chooses a bow.
An elderly woman crosses the finish line.
A girl rides a carnival ride.
The sun rises as runner gather.
runners take off from the start line.
A man jumps a clicks his heels in the air.

Social Dancing

Social dancing
A woman in traditional dress smiles for the camera.
Native royalty pose for a photo.
A large group of people pose for a photo.
Social dancing.
Social dancing.

Choctaw Village

Choctaw singers perform.
A young girl in traditional dress poses for a photo.
A boy poses for a photo.
A woman does a traditional craft.
A man speaks to a group of people.
A family poses for a photo in cutouts of animals.

Opening Ceremony

Chief Gary Batton speaks from a podium
Chief Gary Batton speaks from a podium
A man waves to the crowd as other applaud him.
A man speaks from the podium.
Tribal Council sits on the stage.
A man waves to the crowd as other applaud him.
Tribal Council swearing in.