S10, E2, Pt. 5: Choctaw Labor Day Festival 2025 | Stories Around the Campfire

Would you like to hear stories of stickball that you won’t find in the history books? As we continue this series on the 2025 Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival, you’ll find in this episode that as the sun goes down… the celebration isn’t over. Did you know you can camp at the Labor Day Festival? What stories do YOU have of camping at Tvshkahomma? After a full day of festivities, I headed over to the campground, where a whole different side of the festival comes to life. Families gather around campfires, share meals, swap stories, laugh, and make memories that last long after the weekend is over. My friend, Solomon Tonihka tells the story of an ancient stickball field near his land - and why trees will never grow there again. He also shares of a particular stickball game and the role of the Choctaw alikchi - our traditional spiritual healers (some term as “witch doctors”). Shauna Williams, Executive Director of Communications for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, also visits with campers to hear about their fun camping experiences. So grab a seat, settle in, and let’s listen in around the campfire. Yakoke to the Tonihka family for your incredible hospitality! Next up: Part 6 - our Choctaw Princess Pageants! Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival 2026: September 4–6 in Tvshkahomma, Oklahoma Text LABORDAY to 888777 for festival updates & visit https://laborday.choctawnation.com/ Yakoke to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for partnering with me on this series!