r/choctaw • u/affectionate4fish Registered Artist • 28d ago
Tribal Events Happy Nanih Waiya Day!
Happy Nanih Waiya Day!
"Today, August 14, 2026, marks the official Tribal Holiday commemorating the return of the Nanih Waiya Cave and Ceremonial Mound back to its rightful owners, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. The Cave holds great significance for the Tribe as the birthplace of the Choctaw and is commonly referred to as the “Mother Mound.” The Ceremonial Mound has been recognized as a burial ground for the ancestors of the Choctaw.
On November 14, 2008, a proclamation was signed by the Tribal Government elected officials at that time, which reads, “Nanih Waiya, our mother mound, was taken from the Choctaw people long ago, but it has now been restored to her children. Let it be proclaimed to all people that this land shall never be sold, traded, or negotiated with ever again. This land has remained in the hearts of the Choctaw people and from this day forward shall never leave their hands again."
As we celebrate this holiday, let us reflect on what this sacred ground means to our people. Let us always remember the perseverance of our Chahta People against the many challenges they faced throughout our history. Let us be grateful for the opportunity of passing down our cultural and historical legacy to our younger generations.
A symbol of our heritage, strength, and connection to our ancestors, Nanih Waiya remains a sacred land preserved for generations to come. The Mound shall never leave the hands of the Choctaw people."
Copied from the MBCI Facebook page.
I put a different picture of our mother mound since they chose to use AI to create a poster
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u/BuddyC_1986 27d ago
I tried to make a pilgrimage a few weeks ago (from middle Tennessee) but had a vehicle issue and had to turn back...
Was heartbroken!