A push is on to find connections with the past for families of members of the Chickasaw Community Council of Wichita, Kan.

The Council’s historian, Fran Elliott, showed a book she has started on the genealogy of members during a presentation at the April 20 meeting. James Green, military historian, also stated that he had a book ready for military men and women to add their information.

Taking a cue from the recent Listening Conference in Oklahoma City, Mrs. Elliott urged members to find out from which Chickasaw Nation Governor their family is descended. Members agreed to make this a special project. Once all the family histories have been created there should be a clearer picture of the kinships.

Linda Giles, Resource Manager of the Oklahoma City office, was on hand to answer questions and bring the Council up to date on Chickasaw government matters. She also brought a gift bag from the Chickasaw Nation filled with books and DVDs. There were nine books and several dvds that we will use to set up a borrowing library. Our council is very pleased with this gift of information from the Chickasaw Nation.

Members were reminded by Chair Lynn Stumblingbear about the upcoming appearance May 10 of the Chickasaw Dance Troupe at the annual Wichita Riverfest. The Troupe will do a stomp dance demonstration at the Mid-America All-Indian Center, 650 North Seneca from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free with a Riverfest button which can be purchased at any Quik Trip.

There will also be Indian arts and crafts, Indian vendors and Indian tacos. The event will also offer a Mountain Man camp with demonstrations.

On May 17 there will be a Pow Wow a the All-Indian Center to close the weeklong Riverfest celebration. Council members were reminded to bring their lawn chairs. There will be a special area set aside for Council members according to Mrs. Stumblingbear.

There will be no Council meeting in May. The next meeting for the Wichita Council will be June 15 at the Mid-American All-Indian Center.