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Native American Institute | Semple Family Museum Calendar of Events

Chautauqua Series Hallie Giles

Chautauqua Storyteller Series

March 10 – Choctaw Storyteller Hailie Giles
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Hailie is a senior at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, graduating this spring with a bachelor’s degree in English (Writing ephasis) and minors in Choctaw language, History and Education. As a member of the Choctaw Nation, she is committed to honoring her culture and community through her academic work.

Chautauqua Storyteller Series

May 12 – Chickasaw Storyteller Donna Courtney
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Chickasaw citizen Donna “Dancing Star” Courtney is a storyteller and an award-winning fine artist. She is the granddaughter of Chickasaw original enrollee Willie Courtney. Originally from the West Coast, Donna moved to Oklahoma in 2016 to establish a deeper connection with her tribe and culture.

Storytelling is a passion that ignited with the birth of her daughter. Reading and acting out stories with a variety of character voices became a creative outlet that evolved into Courtney becoming the Chickasaw Nation storytelling program manager. She has shared traditional First American stories with audiences throughout the United State, including international visitors.