TUPELO, MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway welcomed over 215 visitors on Saturday, May 25, 2019, to the Battle of Ackia Commemoration and Pioneer Days events. Joseph Smith, representative of the Chickasaw Nation, presented a special Junior Ranger program entitled “Chickasaw Culture and Life.” The program focused on how the Chickasaw people lived during the 1730s at the time of the Battle of Ackia – known as Hikki’ya’ by the Chickasaw – on May 26, 1736.
John Franklin, representative of the Chickasaw Nation, showed visitors how to play Itti’ kapochcha to’li’ or stickball, a traditional Chickasaw game. Franklin later joined many visitors in casual games of stickball.
“The Natchez Trace Parkway is grateful for the assistance of Chickasaw Nation in interpreting the complex story of the Battle of Ackia,” said Park Ranger Andy Danneker.
All programs are free to the public. The visitor center is located at milepost 266 on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Tupelo, Mississippi. For additional information, please call 1-800-305-7417.
