Press Release

Release Date: July 07, 2026
by Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office

Chickasaw heritage, culture and traditions will be celebrated in communities throughout the Chickasaw Nation during the 2026 Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival, Sept. 25-Oct. 3.

The weeklong event culminates with Chickasaw Nation Governor Chris Anoatubby’s inaugural State of the Nation Address at 9 a.m. Oct. 3, at the Aiitafama' Ishto (large meeting place) on the capitol grounds in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

The tradition of Chickasaw Annual Meeting began in 1960, when more than 100 Chickasaws met at Seeley Chapel near Connerville, Oklahoma, to discuss the state of the tribe and a vision for the future. The Chickasaw Nation pays tribute to this historic event by celebrating Chickasaw pride and progress during the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival.

This year marks the 66th Chickasaw Annual Meeting and 38th Chickasaw Festival.

The event will feature the coronation of tribal princesses, stickball games, a 5K and fun run, archery, senior and junior Olympics, golf, horseshoes, pickleball and cornhole tournaments, and more.

Attendees also can browse and purchase artwork created by artists of Southeastern and Woodlands tribes at the Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM).

Venues in the Tishomingo, Ada and Sulphur, Oklahoma, areas will host numerous activities throughout the week, including a traditional cornstalk shoot, coed softball tournaments, a golf tournament, museum tours and much more.

Three young ladies will also be crowned Chickasaw Princess, Little Miss Chickasaw and Chickasaw Junior Princess during the Chickasaw Princess Pageant.

A complete list of events, locations and schedules will become available online at AnnualMeeting.Chickasaw.net. The event schedule is subject to change. A live video stream of Annual Meeting, Oct. 3, as well as the Chickasaw Princess Pageant and Arts and Culture Awards ceremony, will be available.

Additionally, a live audio stream of Annual Meeting will air on KCNP.org, in the Pontotoc County area on 89.5 FM, the Carter County area on 89.3 FM, Johnston County area on 97.3 FM and 104.5 FM in the Garvin County area.

Follow Chickasaw Nation social media accounts on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram for updates.

For more information, call (580) 371-2040 or visit AnnualMeeting.Chickasaw.net.