RED WARRIOR IN FRONT OF THE NEW CHOCTAW CULTURAL CENTER IN DURANT. COURTESY OF THE CHOCTAW NATION.
Choctaw Nation Durant 2.5 hours southeast of OKC Tvshka Homma, the Red Warrior by John Gooden, watches over the entry of the new Choctaw Cultural Center in Durant, scheduled to open in July 2021. The statue bears the face of Joseph Oklahombi, a Choctaw Code Talker from World War II, and was made in consultation with Sue Folsom and Ian Thompson of the Choctaw Nation to be archaeologically correct in every aspect, from the weaponry to the warrior’s tattoos. The center has been nearly a decade in the making with the intent of preserving and perpetuating Choctaw culture and history. More than 40 Choctaw artisans from around the United States have been working to create a unique kind of art for the center: authentic clothing, tools and household items representing different periods in Choctaw history. Their art will combine with videos, interactive experiences and even food to tell the history of the Choctaw tribe from ancestral times (circa 1250) to current day in Oklahoma. The main building will house two exhibit halls, an art gallery, auditorium and classrooms.
Kids will especially enjoy the Luksi (Turtle) Activity Center where they can explore traditional Choctaw houses, a mini forest and even a giant luksi. The Champuli Café will serve traditional Choctaw foods and the Hvshi Gift Store will offer authentic Choctaw-made items. The surrounding site will include a stickball field, living village and a traditional earthen mound based on Nvnih Waiya, the Mother Mound in the Choctaw homelands in Mississippi. Nearby: While kids aren’t allowed in the casino itself, the majority of the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant is very family-friendly with an expansive, multi-level pool, complete with water slide, a full-size arcade with skee ball, air hockey and many other games, a movie theater, bowling alley and kid-friendly restaurants. Whether you’re a guest or just passing through, check out the sculpture in the lobby of a white bison atop a waterfall, brought to life every hour by a light and water show. Editor’s note: Visit choctawculturalcenter.com for up-to-date information.
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