‘Choctaw Nation Night Out’ with Southeastern Oklahoma State University Hoops Feb. 22

Fans of college basketball and Choctaw tribal heritage will have twice the reason to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s basketball game Thursday, February 22 at Bloomer Sullivan Arena on the Southeastern Oklahoma State University campus.

The culture of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) will be spotlighted at “Choctaw Nation Night Out” when SOSU’s

Savage Storm takes on the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers. The Women’s team takes the court at 5:30 p.m. and the Men tip off at 7:30 p.m.

The National Anthem in the Choctaw language will open both games.

Before each game the Choctaw Warriors, a singing- and- drumming group, will perform original music composed by tribal member Weylin Thompson. The Choctaw Warriors were formed a year ago by Thompson to build pride and show a different view of his Native culture.

In addition, nine Choctaw “first language speakers” will be recognized during halftime of the Women’s game. The fluent bilingual tribal elders are originally from across southeast Oklahoma, with many now living in the Durant area where they teach in the Choctaw Language Department.

The Choctaw Nation will be represented on the court, too, when tribal member Robert Briley Jr. takes the floor. The 6’4” Choctaw was a standout when he played for his hometown Wright City High School. Last season, Number 45 played in 28 games scoring 138 points and on defense made 14 steals. In November he was named Great American Conference Basketball Player of the Week.

CNO associates and tribal members with valid identification will be treated to complimentary tickets simply by checking in at the ticket booth.

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.