S2, E22 This Adopted Choctaw & Her Unfolding Story, Monica Brooks with Samantha Mietchen

08/05/22 • 132 min

What do you think of when I say the word, “tribe”? Perhaps it means something like family or protection or social involvement or love and support (or all of the above)? But what about those who don’t have their very own cheering section? Is there a sense of never quite belonging? My guest today, Monica Brooks was adopted as a baby, but was abused and discarded. She never quite felt like she had her own “tribe”. And furthermore, she didn’t even know she was Native American until someone made her aware. This feeling of wanting to belong to a loving family left a hole in Monica’s spirit. Her eventual connection to the Choctaw tribe was the beginning of her journey to healing. And later, a terminal illness inspired her to give her kids and grandkids the gift of a sense of belonging as well, to introduce them to the tribe that will be there long after she’s gone. Monica’s daughter, Samantha also joins us to talk about another perspective - the trauma that can be passed down in situations like these. Today you’ll hear about: • The mystery of the months unaccounted for in the first few months of her life • How the game of hide-and-seek would prove or disprove that she was loved • How her intuition was guiding her to the truth as her story unfolded • The random way she went about finding her birth family • How Monica found inspiration from her ancestors who survived the Trial of Tears Yakoke, Monica for sharing your story and for inspiring others! Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Previous Episode

S2, E21 From Red Dirt to Mechanical Engineer: Phil Cross, Lowell Edmonds, Caddo

He was raised in a home with no electricity and no running water on his family’s Indian allotment land in western Oklahoma – out where that bright red dirt could both stain your clothes and, in some ways, stir that Okie pride. From red dirt, ancient village country living to Mechanical Engineer specializing in aerodynamics, my guest’s stories on this last episode of Season 2 do not disappoint! I’d like to introduce you to Phil Cross - a historian, lecturer, Caddo traditional songs and dances lead singer, author, drummer, woodworker, flute maker and much more. And may I also point out, he’s from my hometown of Anadarko, Oklahoma. (He gets extra points for that.) In this episode you’ll hear about: - How Phil’s dad was born on their allotment in western Oklahoma in a dug-out house - How he’s one of the only remaining experts that can build a koo hoot kiwat (Caddo grass-thatched house) - How his bow-and-arrow-making skills, using bodark wood (also known as Osage Orange) - The Caddo’s Turkey Dance (in fact, you’ll also hear from Caddo, Lowell Edmonds on the subject as well) - How his father played on the Haskell Indian football team - Phil shares about his greatest regret and words of wisdom for young men - How Phil produced and wrote a documentary called “Disinherited: Caddo Indians Loss of their Homelands” about the removal of Caddos from their ancient homelands to their reservation in Oklahoma. - How he’s related to Jim Thorpe! - The Caddo’s battles with the Osage Yakoke, Phil for all your expertise and allowing us to learn more from you! Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Next Episode

S3, E1: The History of the Issuba Ominili Tvshka (Choctaw Lighthorsemen)

It was the 1800s and the days of the old wild west. As more settlers inhabited our Choctaw peoples’ lands in Mississippi and later Indian Territory, laws had to be put in place to attempt to tame the incoming unknowns. But who would enforce these rules on Native lands? Every story needs a hero, and in today’s episode, you’ll hear about our brave Choctaw heroes who rode through the pine wood forests of Mississippi, and later the rolling mountains of southeastern Indian Territory, protecting and serving their Choctaw communities. They were the Issuba Ominili Tvshka – the Choctaw Lighthorsemen - and they WERE the law of our Indian lands during those wild west years. Many thanks to my award-winning guests, Historians Ryan Spring from Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Tribal Policeman, Nick Wallace who delve into the worlds and history of these warriors on horses! You’ll also get to hear excerpts from Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer’s book, “Traitors” from her Choctaw Tribune Series, Book 2 – thank you, Sarah. Join us, as we honor and learn about these courageous Lighthorsemen and about some fascinating stories of the old wild west! Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/