SULPHUR — An elderly couple carrying gallon-size milk jugs stops their Volkswagen van beside the visitor center beside the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. They’re not here to camp, swim in the cool streams or view the bison. It’s the healing waters of the springs they want, and they are willing to brave the July heat to get it.
Healing waters join symbols for wind, sun and God in the Chickasaw Cultural Center which opens Saturday. It sits on 109 acres adjoining the national recreation area. The center was first talked about in 1963. It was built in phases and Chickasaw tribal members got a chance to look at it earlier this summer.
The 96,000 square feet of indoor space, plus outdoor walking paths, a stick ball field, demonstration plantings and Hall of Fame honor garden all make up part of this world-class facility. It’s both high-tech and high-touch and tells the story of the Chickasaw tribe.
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“I feel quite lucky that this is the place where I get to come to work every day,” said Dr. Amanda Cobb-Gretham, administrator of the Chickasaw Nation’s Division of History and Culture.
Although it has been talked about for more than 40 years, the design and concept didn’t come together until about six years ago. It’s inclusive in that non-Chickasaws can learn and enjoy from the center.
“Obviously, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about Chickasaw culture, but they also have the chance to learn more about Southeastern Native culture, which is also an important piece of American, Oklahoman and Mississippian culture,” she said.
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The Hall of Fame Honor Garden contains memorial plaques and photographs of honorees. One of the newest honorees is Colbert Hackler of Norman. The longtime music educator’s likeness will join dozens of fellow Chickasaws in the water garden.
The tribe’s removal from Mississippi homelands began about 1830 and was complete by 1850. Their nation, in Indian Territory, now contains about 7,500 square miles of south central Oklahoma. It comes as far north as the McClain-Cleveland County line.
The 40,000 tribal members are spread throughout the country with the largest concentration in California and Oklahoma. Tribal officials hope the center helps break negative stereotypes about Native American cultures. Employees are mostly tribe members. Friday’s preview tour allowed them to beam with pride. After six years of construction, they’re thrilled to be able to hang the “open” sign up Saturday.
Andy Rieger 366-3543 editor@normantranscript.com
