Tvshka Homma, Okla. – Members of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma will come together in remembrance of the Trail of Tears and to honor their ancestors who made the journey. The 2024 Trail of Tears Memorial Walk will be held at the historic Choctaw Capitol Grounds at Tvshka Homma on Saturday, May 18.

This will be the 193rd anniversary of the first Choctaws’ forced migration from their ancestral lands in Mississippi and Alabama to their new home in Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. The initial journeys of removal from 1831-1833 involved approximately 15,000 tribal members with one-fourth to one-third of them perishing on what came to be called “the Trail of Tears and Death.”

Tribal members, and the public wanting to recognize those Choctaws who walked the original Trail of Tears, are invited to participate in the symbolic 2.5-mile walk.

The Living Village area of Tvshka Homma will host cultural demonstrations, artist booths, and service vendors beginning at 9:00 a.m. The ceremony with an address by Chief Gary Batton will start at 10:00 a.m. in the Living Village. The walk will follow with the Choctaw Honor Guard leading the procession.

Participation is free. For updates and additional details about 2024 Trail of Tears Memorial Walk visit https://chocta.ws/tot-event.

About the Choctaw Nation 

The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 212,000 tribal members and 12,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 13,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.