Commerative Walks - Trail of Tears
John Berry (berryj@okway.okstate.edu)
Mon, 20 Mar 1995 08:00:18 -0600
To all,
From "Bishinik", Jan. 1995, pp. 2,3 (edited for length)
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April 22, 1995
Everyone is invited to join Chief Hollis E. Roberts and the Choctaw
Nation Tribal Council on April 22nd for a commerative walk (2 1/2
miles) beginning at the historic cemetary grounds in Skullyville, OK.
All participants planning to walk are requested to meet at the Spiro
School at 9:00am on that Saturday morning and take the shuttle bus
over to the cemetary. Chief Roberts will give a short welcome at
10:00am before leading the 2 1/2 mile walk back to the school football
stadium, where a free lunch of Indian tacos will be served.
This ceremonial walk honors both the traditions and programs of the
great Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. In 1831, when the Choctaws began
their trips across the "Trail of Tears" during the forced removal of
the Native Americans to the wilderness of Indian Territory, tribal
members left their homes w/ great saddness. The horrifying experience
resulted in the death of many of the Choctaw people. Young and Old
were equally susceptible, w/ sickness and hunger contributing to the
end of many lives.
Skullyville was one of the first Choctaw Nation settlements in
Oklahoma - now listed as a ghost town.
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May 20, 1995
The Choctaw Nation will be hosting the fourth Annual Commerative
Trail of Tears walk at Eagletown, Oklahoma on May 20th.
The 20 mile walk will begin at Horatio, Arkansas with ceremonies and
snacks at the school and will follow the Panki Bok route to Eagletown,
Oklahoma.
A free lunch will be served to all participants at the conclusion of
the walk. Everyone is welcome to participate. You do not have to be
a tribal member to attend. T-shirts will be available at the
commemorative event. For more information, please call (405)924-8280,
ext. 227.