The Choctaw Cultural Center in Durant, Oklahoma, opened its annual Fall Festival this week, marking the start of a busy season of cultural events for the Choctaw Nation. Visitors from across the United States arrived to learn traditional cooking techniques, participate in Choctaw dances, and support local Native artists.
One of the featured artisans, Kimberly Taylor, owner of Native Trendz, expressed her excitement about the turnout. “It’s exciting. It’s awesome. I love meeting new people that come in,” Taylor said. She highlighted the opportunity to showcase her beadwork and designs, hoping attendees leave with a deeper understanding of Choctaw heritage.
Kerrie Steve, a spokesperson for the Choctaw Cultural Center, explained that events like the Fall Festival help the Nation share its culture with both local residents and those who live far from tribal lands. “That’s always been one of our goals, is to share who we are as people with those that can’t particularly be here in this area,” Steve said.
Steve noted that the festival’s diverse attendance reflects growing awareness of Choctaw culture nationwide. “It’s great to know that we have visitors coming from all over. That means people are talking about us, and word is being shared about who we are as Choctaw people, and that we’re always welcoming to anyone that comes to Choctaw country,” she added.
Upcoming Heritage Fest and Powwow
The Fall Festival sets the stage for a series of fall events, including Halloween trick‑or‑treating next weekend and the Heritage Fest and Powwow scheduled for November 6‑8. The powwow traditionally draws a large, diverse crowd, with representatives from more than 60 tribes.
“We have over 60 different tribes that are represented in our powwow. We have folks that come from 20 to 25 different states and then from five different Canadian provinces that come to Durant for our event,” Steve said.
Taylor encouraged the public to attend the upcoming powwow and experience Choctaw culture firsthand. “Anytime there’s a powwow or an event like this, we just encourage people to come out and enjoy the culture, the Choctaw culture. We’re just happy to bring you to our culture, to introduce you to our culture and just to get to know us,” she said.
The festival and its follow‑up events provide a valuable platform for cultural exchange, education, and community building. By inviting visitors from across the nation and Canada, the Choctaw Nation continues to strengthen its cultural outreach and foster goodwill among diverse audiences.
Original reporting: KXII News 12 (Gray) — read the source article.
