By: SANDRA BUSATTA
Stickball is more than a mere game for the Choctaw; is a tradition imbued with religious significance. As Choctaw filmaker Mark Williams (July 23, 2021) said on Facebook, “This is more than just a game to the Choctaw people. It’s an identity.” The crafting of the sticks symbolizes respect for their ancestors and the vitality of their culture. The sticks require considerable time and effort to create, but the Choctaw devote themselves to this practice with care and reverence to preserve their heritage for future generations. Today, stickball remains essential aspect of Choctaw heritage: the game underscores the virtues of collective effort and community contribution that are fundamental to the Choctaw Nation. Hence, stickball is both a cherished custom and a powerful emblem of Choctaw identity.
