All audio and photos by Colleen Thurston.
More than 1500 people from Oklahoma and beyond participated in the annual Choctaw Trail of Tears walk beginning at the council house grounds in Tvshka homma, Oklahoma. Tvshka homma means Red Warrior in the Choctaw language.
The three-mile walk began in the 1970's when the tribe re-formed. Many people who walked recounted stories they've heard from family members about their ancestors who were on the Trail of Tears in 1831, when the Choctaw were forced from their homelands in the Southeast to Indian Territory. Banners with quotes from Chief George W. Harkins, the Chief at the time of removal, were displayed all over the grounds and on the walk. One read , "We as Choctaws rather chose (sic) to suffer and be free, than live under the degrading influence of laws, which our voices cannot be heard."
Current Chief Gary Batton addressed the crowd, asking for a moment of reflection.
"As you're walking today, and I say this every year, just make sure and stop and reflect on those who've gone before us. Those who've made sacrifices, not only our tribal members, but I think about our men and women who served in the military. Think about them and think about what we have today. Sometimes it's easy to think about the things we don't have, but I feel like the Choctaw nation is really blessed..."
Choctaw tribal member and media professional Colleen Thurston said the walk was not a somber affair, "We're not here to mourn. We're here to celebrate...the fact that we're here and that our ancestors persevered."
Listen to some of Colleen's interviews with those who were at the event.
Read more about the event here.
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