Choctaw Code Talkers Sculpture Unveiled

DURANT, Okla. – A new sculpture honoring the World War I Choctaw Code Talkers was unveiled today at the Choctaw Cultural Center. The bronze sculpture, Chahta Anumpa i Tvshka Hoke (Warriors of the Choctaw Language) depicts the heralded soldiers who used the Choctaw language to help end the war.

At the ceremony, the sculpture was presented for the first time to descendants of those Army soldiers serving in France in 1918. The soldiers’ use of the Choctaw language was unable to be deciphered by German forces, allowing key military operations to be executed.

The Choctaw Code Talkers were the first American Indian tribe to develop a code for their language to transmit military messages on the battlefield. Many tribes would follow in WWI and WWII.

While these young Choctaw men put their lives on the line in World War I to be warriors for the United States, about one-fourth of American Indians were not yet citizens. Many tribes did not receive citizenship until 1924.

The 6-foot-8-inch tall and 8-foot-wide bronze sculpture is artist Jane Semple Umsted’s sixth sculpture she has made for her tribe, in addition to a number of paintings displayed throughout Choctaw facilities.

“The World War I Choctaw Code Talkers sculpture is probably the most significant piece of art that I have ever had the honor to create,” said Semple Umsted.

Chief Gary Batton, Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr., Choctaw Tribal Council members, Choctaw Royalty and elders, associates and local civic leaders attended the ceremony.

The Choctaw Code Talker Association has verified 20 Choctaw Code Talkers of WWI and four Choctaw Code Talkers of WWII,” said Judy Allen, Choctaw Tribal historian. “Their story begins when an officer discovered a couple of the Choctaws speaking their language to each other. He asked if there were others in their ranks. More tribal members were recruited and trained. Some were on standby, but never utilized, others discharged before they were needed.”

Features to look for in the sculpture are its historic details, such as the map held by one soldier which shows actual locations, the transmitter, and uniforms, helmets and weapons. There is also a small luksi (turtle), a reminder of the Choctaw culture.

Nuchi Nashoba, president of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association and the great-grandchild of Code Talker Ben Carterby, said, “The project was launched in 2022, after the Code Talkers Association met with Chief Gary Batton, who was enthusiastic about the concept.”

A call to artists then went out, and Semple Umsted’s design was selected.

Chahta Anumpa i Tvshka Hoke (Warriors of the Choctaw Language) can be viewed during regular business hours at the Choctaw Cultural Center, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.