Memories

Sharing Oral Stories

Chickasaw history has been shared orally from one generation to another for centuries, a tradition that is proudly continued today. In this episode of Elders Speak, Chickasaw elders Don Keel, Frank Johnson Sr. and Harold Stick share memories from their childhood with host Lisa Billy and their grandchildren, Anoli Billy, Macen Marris and Chelsea Wedlow. Gathered around a fire on the sacred grounds of Kullihoma, the elders answer questions about their upbringing and describe what it was like to grow up without electricity, running water or a car. The elders also share their experiences growing up in a home where only Chickasaw was spoken, explain how encountering prejudice impacted their lives, and pass down the same advice given to them from their own parents and grandparents.

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