A Purposeful Summer in Choctaw Country
Halito and welcome to the blog! Let us introduce you to our new website where you can explore happenings at the Chahta Foundation. With easy to navigate pages, you can learn how to apply for scholarships, explore health initiatives like the classroom garden project, and get an inside look at our culture preservation efforts.
Here on the blog, you’ll find stories that give you a sampling of the unique work we do at the Chahta Foundation.
Relax and enjoy this first post where we take a look back at a purposeful summer.
2017 Chahta Foundation Scholarship Banquet
On June 30, 2017, we held the annual Chahta Foundation Scholarship Banquet at the Massey Building in Durant. A special time of recognition for outstanding Choctaw students, it was also an opportunity for donors and scholarship recipients to meet. During that time, the students were inspired and empowered, surrounded by those who are supporting them on their journey. Students shared their education plans with donors. Chief Batton and Assistant Chief Austin also offered words of encouragement to the students.
The event was marked by the Chahta Foundation awarding its highest number of scholarships in a single year. We awarded 23 scholarships to an equal number of dedicated Choctaw students.
“All of these recipients will forever impact the Choctaw Nation,” said Seth Fairchild, Executive Director of the Chahta Foundation. “We are investing in them because we believe when they are empowered, our tribe is stronger.”
For a complete list of the scholarships and their descriptions, check out the Scholarship page.
Are you interested in donating to a scholarship? Perhaps you’ve considered establishing one of your own? Please visit our donations page or contact Seth Fairchild at (580) 924-8280 x2639.
Remember, your donations are matched dollar for dollar by the Choctaw Nation.
That means that 100% of your donation goes directly to scholarships.
“I can testify that my identity as a Choctaw is worth more than anything else in this world. I can’t change history, but I can impact the future for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Chahta sia hoke!” – Kelsey Janway
Scholarship: Apela Ima
School: Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Degree Level: Incoming Freshman
Major: Law Prep
Elder Stories
Choctaw Nation summer youth workers recently took part in our Choctaw Stories project. Our goal is to preserve elder stories for future generations by recording and safeguarding interviews. Youth workers selected two ladies — Theda Lamb and Ruby McCurry — and recorded interviews with them. The young people are in the process of editing footage.
Do you know an elder who needs to share their story? Contact Scott Wesley to get started: swesley@choctawnation.com or 1-800-522-6170 x2546
We look forward to hearing your family’s treasure trove of tales.
Explore the Chahta Foundation
If this is your first time on our new site, we encourage you to read about the exciting happenings here at the Chahta Foundation. And if you’re ever in the Durant area, stop in to visit our historic building. We’d love to meet you.
Credit: Sarah Elizabeth Sawyer
