Who are we, What is our purpose?
First the meaning of our name
"Okla Chahta" = "Choctaw People"
Okla means people - Chahta means Choctaw
We are a clan or a Iksa - a family. The definition of a Clan or Iksa is a multi generational group having a shared identity, organization and property based on the belief in their decent from common ancestors.
Our purpose?
Our Nation at one time was a united family, but at the turn of the century our lands were taken away & divided up. This had an ever-lasting changing effect on our people. We in California know, to well, the feeling of being separated from our Nation, our people, our heritage, and our history. However, we know that there is a spirit that lives on in our people, a spirit for a sense of belonging, a desire to know the old ways. We know that to survive we must hand on these old ways to each generation. One of these old ways is a value of family. Unlike today, the value of self.
Our culture is like a huge ceremonial fire that has been kicked and scattered. After 200 years we can see those scattered coals of culture, ceremonies, history, heritage, dance & language laying about.
Our job is to be coal Gatherers. to gather up these coals and blow on them to spark a flame by which to warm ourselves, to make alive again that spirit we want to live on. Each generation is given these coals, do we blow on them and keep the spirit alive or do we throw them away? As our original enrollees and Elders pass on we lose a link to the past that can never be regained.
What we need is a new set of culture bearer!
Our Vision . . . bring the Choctaw family together here in California, fan the embers in each of us to bring out the desire that has been put aside.
To be" Culture Bearers, we must have knowledge!
Like it or not it is our time to pick up the coals, and fan the flame. The intent of Okla Chahta Clan of California, Inc. is to provide a common ground for a study of heritage, history, language and ancestry of the Choctaw people. By this means we hope for a strengthening of our cultural awareness. We have established a link with Chief Gregory Pyle and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and we are building solidarity between the California Choctaws and the Choctaw Nation, creating a means of growth and continuing of our people. We wish to promote a sense of belonging. A sense of shared belief.
Now is the time to start gathering the coals
Okla Chahta Clan of California. Inc.
P.O. Box 80862
Bakersfield, Ca 93380
661-393-OKLA
email oklachahta@igalaxy.net