Bios

Laura Warriner
Artist
Laura Warriner is a pioneer of the Oklahoma City art scene. Her tireless efforts have helped revitalize an entire community. See and share her story.
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Haleigh Gibson
Princess
Haleigh Gibson connected with her Choctaw roots at age 12, thanks to the guidance of her beloved aunt. Hear her story.
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Kelbie Kennedy
Advocate
Even as a child, Kelbie Kennedy knew she was meant to serve others. Today, as the first ever National Tribal Affairs Advocate for FEMA, she is making a difference in the lives of disaster survivors in tribal communities across the U.S. Follow her journey from Buffalo Valley, Oklahoma to Washington, D.C.
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Roy Hunter
Veteran
Master Chief Petty Officer Roy Hunter embodies the very definition of servant leadership. From his 20-year career in the U.S. Navy to his 17-year career as a high school science teacher, he has given his life to the service of others. Hear his story.
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Sharon Dodson
Business Owner
Sharon Dodson shows the value of caring for her community and her neighbors through her work for the Choctaw Nation. She also serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and servant leadership as a small business owner.
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Grant Brittan
Outdoorsman
For Grant Brittan, being Choctaw is all about being connected—with family, community, God, and the earth. Hear more about his life as an outdoorsman.
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Claire Young
Scholar
Claire Green Young is proof that hard work and a little tenacity can take you anywhere. Hear her story.
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Lacee Lewis
Champion
Steer hazer Lacee Lewis is Choctaw proud. Hear how she channels her love for nature and her horses into her life in the rodeo arena.
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Gina South
Protector
As an attorney for the Choctaw Nation, as well as a foster and adoptive parent, Gina South has dedicated her life to protecting children.
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Erica Cunningham
Singer
Choctaw singer Erica Cunningham uses music to celebrate her faith and culture. See how God and her Chahta heritage have impacted her life.
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Jula Harjo
Artist
Choctaw beadwork artist Jula Harjo believes in the power of Native American artists to preserve and protect their cultures. Hear how she uses her voice and her art to speak up for Native communities everywhere.
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Tara Thorpe
Caregiver
Tara Thorpe overcame plenty of challenges in her childhood to become a successful nurse and business owner. Hear her inspirational story this month.
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Gary Batton
Leader
Chief Gary Batton knows what it’s like to face challenges, but he also knows how important it is to use all the tools in your belt to turn things around. This month, hear his personal story.
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Stephanie Roberts
Teacher
This month, thousands of students across the U.S. will grab their backpacks, load up their supplies and head out the door for the first day of the new school year. They will reunite with old friends and make new ones, maybe learn their way around a new building or look for what's new in their familiar one.
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Jake Trujillo
Firefighter
Anyone can be a hero. That’s Jake Trujillo’s personal creed. As a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Management Coordinator for the Choctaw Nation, Jake has had the opportunity to give back to his community. Hear his story.
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Wilson Roberts
Storyteller
Wilson Roberts has lived a lifetime of stories. Now, he shares those stories with others who want to learn more about the Choctaw people and their ways of life.
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Shanna Douglas
Graduate
In this video, Shanna Douglas, a tribal member and associate of the Choctaw Nation, shares her inspiring educational journey, highlighting the essential elements of time, dedication, and unwavering determination required to pursue one's dreams.
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Mike Mings
Pastor
Treating others with kindness and respect is a time-honored trait of the Choctaw People. In the latest Together, We’re More video, Pastor Mike Mings discusses the importance of faith, compassion and fairness.
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Michaela Richbourg
Athlete
Being open to learning new things and drawing on the experiences of others make us stronger as individuals and as a community. Teacher, advocate and athlete Michaela Richbourg has learned the meaning of success through hard work and the examples set for her by family, friends and teammates.
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Dewayne and Kyra Hornbuckle
Tvshka
Dewayne and Kyra Hornbuckle are Choctaw tribal members who share a passion for Choctaw culture, particularly stickball. As members of the Tvshka Homma stickball team, this father-daughter duo is proud to be part of the revitalization of Choctaw culture through this ancient sport.
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Brenner Billy
Craftsman
Brenner Billy is a Choctaw tribal member whose family history is interwoven with the game of stickball. As a program coordinator for the Choctaw Cultural Center, he brings the history and traditions of the Choctaw people to life for fellow tribal members and visitors from all over.
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