TUPELO, MS: Homeland Affairs Manager Joseph Smith from the Chickasaw Nation will present programs at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center on Saturday, May 25, 2019.
Starting at 10 am, Smith will present a 30-minute Junior Ranger program entitled “Chickasaw Culture and Life.” Children will learn and discover how the Chickasaw people lived around Tupelo in the 1700s. Following the program until 3 pm, Smith will share his knowledge of the time period with visitors of all ages through displays of Chickasaw life. Visitors will also have the opportunity to play Itti’ kapochcha to’li’ or stickball, a traditional Chickasaw game.
The Chickasaw prevailed over the French at the Battle of Ackia- known as Hikki’ya’ by the Chickasaw near modern-day Tupelo on May 26, 1736. This victory prevented the further expansion of the French and eventually led to their defeat during the French and Indian War.
The Tombigbee Pioneer Group will also demonstrate pioneer-era crafts and skills at the visitor center from 10 am until 3 pm. The presentations will show the challenges faced and creative solutions developed by those Americans who lived in the area during the early 1800s.
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.
