Chickasaw Historical Society (CHS) board members traveled to the historic Chickasaw Homeland in October 2025, embarking on a journey that blended historical learning, cultural reflection and personal connection to the lands their ancestors once called home.
The multiday experience included visits to significant cultural sites in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama, offering board members a deeper understanding of Chickasaw history and a renewed sense of responsibility to help preserve it. For many, the tour served not only as a professional opportunity but also as an emotional and personal homecoming.
“The Homelands trip creates a feeling of connectedness that is otherwise unexplainable,” CHS Board Member Jessica Imotichey said. “Your feet walk where those before us walked – you see why they fought so hard to protect and fight for our homelands.”
CHS Board Member Keri Paniagua agreed the trip made her feel more connected to the land and said the experience helped her remember how far back Chickasaw history extends.
“It reminds me that our history goes back so much further than written history,” Paniagua said. “It also helps to visualize what life must have been like.”
The itinerary was intentionally crafted to immerse board members in the historical landscape of the historic Homeland. Participants hiked scenic areas such as Tishomingo State Park, explored mound sites including Shiloh Mounds and Pinson Mounds and visited memorials and villages with deep cultural meaning for Chickasaw people.
“The 2025 tour was shaped by a clear set of priorities to deepen cultural understanding, foster reflection and strengthen the connection between board members and the land from which our ancestors were removed,” CHS Board Chair Mary Hartley said.
Each site offered a new perspective on ancient traditions, Removal history and the enduring connection the Chickasaw people maintain with their ancestral lands. Hartley said experiencing these places in person is a powerful part of understanding the Chickasaw story.
“Walking the land of our ancestors brings history to life in a way no book or lecture can,” Hartley said. “Board members experience firsthand the places tied to our origin stories, treaties and Removal. It reinforces the importance of our work in preserving and sharing these stories.”
CHS Board Member Wayne Edgar said his most defining moment of the trip came from “standing on the flat top of a mound in Shiloh Mounds overlooking the Tennessee River.”
Edgar described the location as peaceful and filled with belonging.
“Though very far from my Southeastern Oklahoma home, I was not a stranger in a strange place,” Edgar said. “Though I had never been in this place before, I thought I knew I belonged there. This place was also home.”
Edgar said visiting the historic Homeland helped him see the larger picture of Chickasaw history come into focus.
“The many facts, figures, maps, people and history began to align themselves into one story, the story of the Chickasaw People – my story,” he said.
Imotichey said the tour awakened even more pride within herself for her Chickasaw heritage.
“I learned many things along the trip, pieces of history that I had not heard before,” Imotichey said. “It puts into perspective what it means to be ‘unconquerable’ as we still not only remain but are thriving as a tribal nation.”
Although Paniagua has visited the historic Homeland before, she said traveling there always brings her new understanding of Chickasaw history.
“Every time I go, I learn something new or see something new,” Paniagua said. “It really forms a deeper personal connection to the land and to the past. I’m always pleasantly surprised at what I discover.”
After returning home, Paniagua expressed how the tour influenced her outlook on cultural identity and First American history.
“It makes my connection to the past and to the Chickasaw community stronger,” Paniagua said.
Imotichey said she is proud of the Chickasaw Nation for putting in the work to preserve the historic Homeland and honor its rich history.
“The tribe continues to form partnerships to protect and care for our Homelands in a variety of ways,” Imotichey said. “It is important to make those investments so that our people know where we originate and the complete history of circumstances that brought us to Oklahoma.”
Edgar encouraged Chickasaw citizens who have not yet traveled to the historic Homeland to make the journey if they can.
“If you have the opportunity, go!” Edgar said.
Learn more about the Chickasaw Historical Society
The Chickasaw Historical Society was established by tribal law April 15, 1994. Since that time, the society and its members have worked toward their mission statement of promoting, preserving and protecting Chickasaw culture and family traditions. Membership is open to the public. To learn more about CHS, visit Chickasaw.net/CHS.