Original treaties. Fine art prints. A dream come true.

Viewing the enlarged and stately hung prints—photos taken during our research at the National Archives in Washington D.C.—was a dream come true.

The images found their way into the high-end 1832 Steakhouse in the new Sky Tower at the Choctaw Nation Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. A print from a photo Lynda Kay took of the original Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek is located in an intimate, private dining room. Other prints of the treaty photos are sprinkled throughout the restaurant and in the Chief suites of the Sky Tower.

Lynda Kay’s son, Doug Davis—who helps with a lot of our research—shared this time with us.

The moment brought back memories of our appointment in the high security vault of the National Archives where the United States First Acts of Congress are also stored.

Lynda Kay asked, “May I take pictures?”

To our surprise the answer was, “Yes.”

It was a blessed experience.

The coerced Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek between the Choctaw Nation and the United States was the beginning of the removal of Indian tribes from their homelands in the east. The Choctaw were committed to preserving our nation and rich heritage for future generations, and so walked the Trail of Tears for us.

“I was grateful for the request to include my photos of the treaty as art in the new Sky Tower, where I hope it sparks conversation for generations to come.” Lynda Kay said.

Great Medal Mikos

Our Choctaw Mikos (Mingoes) signed treaties with the United States government on numerous occasions. The signatures in this rare image are of the three “Great Medal Mingoes (Mikos in Choctaw)” on the Mount Dexter treaty, dated November 16, 1805. This was one of the treaties signed by Chief Pushmataha (Pooshamataha).

Though these were devastating times in history, our ancestors’ wisdom and faith brought us to where we are today as Chahta people.