Chickasaw Heritage Center

10/16/2026

10/15/2026

https://www.wtva.com/2026/10/14/work-progresses-new-heritage-center/

Work is underway on a new addition along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

10/14/2026

Chickasaw artisan Susan Ledford says that basket weaving is one of the oldest known First American crafts in existence. To create their baskets, she says, early Chickasaws traditionally used river cane, a material that was easily pliable and abundant. Women would gather supplies and sit with their grandmothers, mothers and daughters to weave. In later years, when baskets were no longer needed for storage, they truly became an art form. As river cane is more scarce today, reeds from rattan plants are also used. Want to learn more? Click the link below!

Chickasaw artisan Susan Ledford says that basket weaving is one of the oldest known First American crafts in existence.

10/13/2026

https://www.inkana.org/2026/10/daily-journal-6th-piominko-day-celebration-honors-historic-chickasaw-nation-leader/

Uncategorized Daily Journal – 6th Piominko Day Celebration Honors Historic Chickasaw Nation Leader Updated on October 13, 2026 by Patrick Sudduth No Comments on Daily Journal – 6th Piominko Day Celebration Honors Historic Chickasaw Nation Leader Share:

10/12/2026

Jeannie Barbour points out that Chickasaws disagree with popular thought about Columbus Day and the notion that he "discovered" America. Instead, they celebrate "Piominko Day" since Piominko was the leader who established diplomatic status as a sovereign nation with George Washington. Want to learn more? Click the link below!

Jeannie Barbour points out that Chickasaws disagree with popular thought about Columbus Day and the notion that he "discovered" America.

10/07/2026

Rhonda Sellers, Ecological Resource Coordinator for the Chickasaw Cultural Center, says that plants have been part of Chickasaw medicine for generations. In spiritual practices, it's important to bring an offering to give back to the earth to replace the plant that’s collected. To***co, she says, is one of the Chickasaws' most sacred plants; burned together with cedar, the smoke was thought to send messages to the Creator. Rhonda also discusses the importance of river cane, a plant with a purpose that extended far beyond medicine. Want to learn more? Click the link below!

Plants have been part of Chickasaw medicine for generations.

09/30/2026

Chickasaw weaver Cotie Lancaster demonstrates her process of creating woven belts and mats using various types of looms. Through weaving, Cotie says, she channels the love of her grandmother and feels like she's keeping her spirit alive through each new piece. It was her experiences at the Chickasaw Cultural Center that really turned her on to the craft; weaving was a staple of Chickasaw families for generations, she says, and she’s hopeful for a cultural return to the Nation's roots.

Chickasaw weaver Cotie Lancaster demonstrates her process of creating woven belts and mats using various types of looms.

09/23/2026

Dustin Mater is a Chickasaw citizen and accomplished artist in many different mediums, including shell carving. The act of carving a shell and putting all his creativity into it, he says, makes him feel like he's channeling an energy that's larger than himself. In this video, Dustin demonstrates his carving abilities on a gourd; in antiquity, the material with which your necklace was made was reflective of your social status. Most people wore gourd necklaces, but pieces made of shell or copper indicated a higher position in society. The ancestors are singing, Dustin says, in knowing that what they once held near and dear to their hearts is alive and well in the 21st century. Want to learn more? Click the link below!

Dustin Mater is a Chickasaw citizen and accomplished artist in many different mediums, including shell carving.