Nicholas Charleston and Virginia Espinoza lead the event. This was one of the biggest events of the year for the School of Choctaw Language.
Ittafama Chito (big meeting) gathers young Choctaw linguists
By Brandon Frye
Choctaw Nation
Durant, Oklahoma - Ittafama Chito, or the “big meeting,” gave Choctaw linguists in high school language classes the opportunity to gather and celebrate April 29 at the Choctaw Nation Event Center in Durant.
The students normally study the Choctaw language during classes offered by the School of Choctaw Language, held over the Internet between instructors in Durant and classes across Choctaw Country. This event is one of only a handful of times the young speakers meet face-to-face, show off their Choctaw to other classmates in other schools, join in on social dancing, and receive recognition for their hard work.
Chief Gary Batton attended alongside tribal council members and other dignitaries to congratulate students on their academic successes and show appreciation for their furthering the Choctaw Language. Batton also joined in on social dancing with the students, which at one point grew to include nearly every student in attendance.
“If it wasn’t for you, we couldn’t keep this rich culture and history alive for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma,” Batton told the students. “I challenge you to not stop here, it’s our challenge to keep this beautiful language of our Choctaw Nation bright and strong.”