Choctaw Nation Cultural Services

06/01/2026

The 2026 Choctaw Nation Royalty and Princess Pageants and Crowning Ceremonies are HERE! 👑

Upcoming Pageant and Ceremony Dates:

Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 11:00 am – District 8 at Hugo – crowning ceremony

Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 6:00 pm – District 2 at The Landing at Hochatown

Thursday, June 11, 2026, 6:00 pm – District 1 at Idabel

Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 6:00 pm – District 7 at Wright City

District pageant winners will advance to compete at the Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival, where one overall contestant from each category will be crowned to represent the Choctaw Nation as ambassadors for the upcoming year.

View all upcoming pageant and crowning dates at https://bit.ly/40D9gyF.

For a complete list of eligibility requirements and details, visit the Royalty and Princess Program page at www.choctawnation.com/services/princess-and-royalty

05/28/2026

Did you know? Pineywoods Cattle are a breed of cattle used by Choctaw people for over 200 years.

Starting in the 16th century, Spanish explorers and soldiers brought cattle into North America. Serving as both food and as draft animals, these cattle were used by Spanish, French, and English settlers in what is now the Southeastern United States.

Through interactions with Europeans, Choctaw people adapted the word “wak” from the Spanish word for cow, “vaca”. By the 1730s, a few Choctaw families had adapted to ranching and had herds of cattle within the Choctaw Nation.

Over time, the cattle would be shaped by their environment and agricultural use into a new breed, called the Pineywoods Cattle.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4x3f043.

A brief history of the Pineywoods Cattle, a breed of cattle used by Choctaw people for over 200 years. Choctaw people adapted the word "wak" from the Spanish word for cow, "vaca."

05/27/2026

The Choctaw Cultural Services Cemetery Restoration Program is dedicated to preserving and protecting historic Choctaw cemeteries across the Choctaw Nation.

Many of these sites hold the resting places of our ancestors and carry deep cultural and historical significance. Through this program, efforts are made to locate, document, and restore these sacred spaces—ensuring they are treated with the respect and care they deserve.

From initial site assessments to working with landowners and using tools like ground-penetrating radar to identify unmarked graves, this work helps safeguard Choctaw history for future generations.

Preserving these cemeteries is more than restoration—it is honoring those who came before us.

Learn more about the Cemetery Restoration Program at https://bit.ly/46EGCOt.

05/26/2026

Moccasins are more than footwear, they are a meaningful part of Choctaw traditional culture.

While mass-produced styles are often what people see today, traditional Choctaw moccasins were handmade with care, often crafted by family members and passed down through generations. These shoes were not only practical and comfortable, but also reflected identity, skill, and cultural connection.

Over time, original Tribal styles have become less common, replaced by more widely recognized designs. But the beauty and significance of traditional Choctaw moccasins remain—rooted in craftsmanship, tradition, and the everyday lives of our ancestors.

Preserving and sharing these traditions helps keep Choctaw culture strong for future generations.

Learn more about Choctaw culture and traditions at https://bit.ly/4eUHGoW.

05/21/2026

Learn about Choctaw life throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and how it shaped world history in this video discussion by Professor and author James Taylor Carson at https://bit.ly/4n3XR5p.

(The Chahta Tosholi series is organized by Choctaw Nation Historic Preservation and features Choctaw community members, artists, culture keepers, scholars of Choctaw history, and other experts.)

05/20/2026

In the Choctaw calendar, Bihi Hvshi, Mulberry Month, roughly corresponds with May!

As the name implies, this is the time of year when the Choctaw homeland begins to abound in sweet, edible spring treats. Mulberries are one of the earliest fruits to ripen.

As the days lengthen and warm, other fruits come into season, including bissa, blackberries, sheki ifvnnvsh, blueberries, biuko, strawberries, and isi itakkon, wild plums.

Learn more about Mulberry Month at https://bit.ly/42OdIeU.

05/18/2026

Bringing culture into communities, classrooms, and everyday moments.

Through Cultural Outreach, Choctaw Cultural Services offers hands-on opportunities to learn and experience Choctaw traditions. From beading and pottery to stickball demonstrations and social dancing, each program is designed to share knowledge in a meaningful and engaging way.

Whether it’s a classroom, community group, or special event, these experiences help connect people to culture through learning, creativity, and storytelling.

Interested in bringing Cultural Outreach to your group?
Learn more at https://bit.ly/3N3nD9q.

05/14/2026

The 2026 Choctaw Nation Royalty and Princess Pageants and Crowning Ceremonies are HERE! 👑

Upcoming Pageant and Ceremony Dates:

Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 6:00 pm – District 11 at McAlester

Thursday, May 14, 2026, 6:00 pm – District 10 at Atoka

Thursday, May 21, 2026, 4:30 pm – District 9 at Choctaw Cultural Center

Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 11:00 am – District 12 at Coalgate – crowning ceremony

Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 11:00 am – District 8 at Hugo – crowning ceremony

Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 6:00 pm – District 2 at The Landing at Hochatown

Thursday, June 11, 2026, 6:00 pm – District 1 at Idabel

Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 6:00 pm – District 7 at Wright City

District pageant winners will advance to compete at the Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival, where one overall contestant from each category will be crowned to represent the Choctaw Nation as ambassadors for the upcoming year.

View all upcoming pageant and crowning dates at https://bit.ly/40D9gyF.

For a complete list of eligibility requirements and details, visit the Royalty and Princess Program page at www.choctawnation.com/services/princess-and-royalty.

05/14/2026

Step into an experience that connects culture, land, and history. 🦬

Through opportunities like this, visitors can learn more about the deep connection between the Choctaw people and the world around them, something Choctaw Cultural Services works to preserve and share for future generations.

Join the herd on a guided Bison Tour and experience it for yourself.

Spots are limited. Be sure to register in advance using the link in the original post.

Experience something unforgettable at the Choctaw Cultural Center! 🦬

Bring your walking shoes and join our Cultural Educators for a guided Bison Tour!

From a safe viewing distance, you’ll learn about the herd, the land they call home, and their deep connection to our ancestors through this immersive outdoor experience.

Bison Tours will run through the end of May. Tours take place on Fridays from 3:40 PM – 4:00 PM and are included with admission.

Please register in advance to reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/4w3QwqV

(Admission is complimentary for Choctaw tribal members and Cultural Center members.)

05/13/2026

The Choctaw Nation Cultural Outreach team is hosting a virtual workshop on May 22, 2026, where you can learn how to make a Beaded Rosette!

Supplies are not provided for this class. Kits can be purchased at the Hvshi Gift Store within the Choctaw Cultural Center, or online at https://bit.ly/4c7BuJ3.

You may also purchase from the supplies list below.

Supplies:
- Dominant Color Seed Beads (Size10/11)
- Secondary Color Seed Beads (Size10/11)
- Phone Grip or Badge Reel
- 2” Square Felt (2)
- 1” Seal
- Size D Beading Thread
- Beading Needle
- E6000 Glue

Additional Information:
- Registration open through May 13.
- Event time is listed in Central Time.

Register at https://bit.ly/48KSZwm.