Ithana: The Learn and Lunch Series

The Chickasaw Cultural Center will host Ithana: The Learn and Lunch Series Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon.

The presentation is free and open to the public. There is an option to purchase lunch for $5. This weeks meal includes a green chili chicken wrap, corn salsa, tortilla chips, pashofa, churros and a drink.

Protecting Our People: Law Enforcement in Indian Territory

Presented by Michelle Cooke

Author Michelle Cooke pays homage to the Chickasaw men who served in these positions through carefully compiled biographies, service records, and vintage photographs, while examining how their code of honor and principles of service are reflected in our thriving Chickasaw Lighthorse Police of today. Her book, Protecting Our People: Law Enforcement in Indian Territory, chronicles the history of the Chickasaw Lighthorse and the roles federal marshals and deputies, sheriffs, and constables played in the tumultuous and often dangerous era of Indian Territory. The Chickasaw Lighthorse were the tribe’s most widely recognized law enforcement authority during pre-statehood Oklahoma. Their duties were to protect the Chickasaw people from outlaws and intruders and to enforce the constitution and laws of the Chickasaw Nation. 

Michelle Cooke is senior staff writer for Chickasaw Press and a Chickasaw citizen. She has worked for the Chickasaw Nation since 2007 and has been writing about, teaching, and researching Chickasaw history for twelve years. She studied English at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, and holds a master’s degree in that subject.

Due to limited seating, reservations are preferred. Contact the Special Events Department at (580) 622-7130 or email Special.EventsCCC@chickasaw.net.

*IDP credit is available for Chickasaw Nation employees who attend.