Three to enter Chickasaw Hall of Fame
CONTRIBUTED BY Dana Lance, tribal media relations.
NORMAN, Okla. - An award-winning textile artist, a music educator, and a protector of tribal sovereignty will be inducted into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame this year.
The Hall of Fame inductions will be at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 19, at Riverwind Casino in Norman.
"Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to the Chickasaw Nation and to the larger community," said Gov. Bill Anoatubby. "It is our privilege to honor these individuals who have dedicated their lives to educating and serving others."
An award-winning weaver, fiber expert, textile artist and designer, Margaret Roach Wheeler, was one of four Native American fashion designers chosen to speak at the Smithsonian’s’ National Museum of the American Indian in New York where she also served as Artist in Residence. Mrs. Wheeler has exhibited works at the Museum of Art and Design in New York, the National Museum of the Indian in New York, and the Institute of American Indian Arts, among many others.
She has won numerous awards, including the President’s award at Red Earth Festival and Eiteljorg Indian Market Purchase award for the feather cape and kilt she designed for the Chickasaw Nation original production, "Lowak Shoppala’." She also won "Best of Class" at the Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market and placed first and second in textiles and the 2009 Southeastern Art Show and market.
Formerly an educator, Mrs. Wheeler is now owner/operator of her company, Mahota Handwovens, designing and marketing hand woven contemporary fashion, costumes, and traditional Native American regalia. She actively participates in Chickasaw Nation events and generously offers her time to teaching Chickasaw youth during the Chickasaw Nation Summer Arts Academy.
Colbert Franklin Hackler received his first fiddle as a Christmas gift at the age of six. It was a gift that opened doors to a career and a lifetime passion for music and teaching.
Born in 1918 in Mannsville, Okla., to Charles Franklin Hackler and Eva Lou Colbert, Mr. Hackler graduated from Ringling (OK) Public Schools in 1935. He received his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts at Oklahoma City University and obtained his master’s and doctorate degrees in Music Education at the University of Oklahoma.
Mr. Hackler worked as Elk City (OK) Schools music educator for 23 years.
He also worked with the Methodist church choir.
In 1960, he was invited to teach music at the OU Laboratory School in Norman. He went on to receive his tenure from the University and when the laboratory school closed in 1972, he was transferred to the music school on the main campus. He continued to teach until his retirement in 1981.
Mr. Hackler has two children, Sally Jean Bratton and Mary Ann Tullius; five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Mr. Hackler’s wife is the late Mary Jean Hackler.
Mr. Hackler was one of 24 Chickasaws honored in Mike Larsen’s portrait exhibit, "I Am Very Proud to be Chickasaw." Other honors and awards Mr. Hackler has received include Oklahoma Music Educators Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City University Distinguished Alumni Award, and Elk City Alumni Hall of Fame.
Chickasaw Chief Miko Piomingo served his people during the last half of the 18th century, a time of devastating warfare on many fronts, both Native and European. Piomingo was born about 1750 in a settlement now located north of Tupelo, Miss.
He was a pre-Removal chief who provided strong leadership during the time Chickasaws lived in the homelands. He successfully protected Chickasaw sovereignty.
Chief Piomingo, along with other Chickasaw leaders, acted as statesmen and diplomats. He suffered and survived many personal hardships as he resolved and settled threats to tribal survival both internally and externally through diplomacy.
His vision, resolve, intelligence, respect and leadership led to the Chickasaw people surviving today through many challenging decisions in war and in treaty making. Piomingo met with other Southeastern tribes, with Chickasaw factions, governors of states, with President Washington and the Secretary of War, reaching agreements that benefitted his people.
It has been documented that Piomingo was married and had one son and one daughter. He died in approximately 1799 and was buried under his home with his favorite possessions.
Hall of Fame inductees will make a red carpet entrance at 6 p.m. and the banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m.
There is no charge to attend, but reservations are required for the event, which is expected to accommodate approximately 525 guests.
Reservations will be accepted beginning July 19. To make reservations, contact Nick Martinez at (580) 310-7903 or email nick.martinez@chickasaw.net.
For more information about the Chickasaw Hall of Fame visit www.chickasaw.net/hof.
