MC’s ‘Culture in the Courtyard’ event celebrates Native American heritage, raises awareness of Choctaw custom

MC students Lauren Ben, Taylor York, center, and Brodie Ben share insights into their Choctaw heritage during a "Culture in the Courtyard" presentation.

Mississippi College knows the beat of the drum as the heart of the Choctaw people.

MC students gained a deeper appreciation for the significance of drumming to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians during the MC Department of Modern Languages’ “Culture in the Courtyard” presentation on Nov. 15 in the Jennings Hall Courtyard.

To celebrate November’s National Native American Heritage Month, MBCI members Lauren Ben, Taylor York and Brodie Ben shared their insights into a tradition that has been passed down through generations of Choctaws – the artistry and craftsmanship of the drum.

Because the Mississippi College athletic teams proudly carry the nickname “Choctaws,” it’s important for MC students to understand the culture of the Choctaw people, Lauren Ben said.

“The Choctaw drum is a significant part of our culture,” said Ben, a second-year graduate student in the Administration of Justice Program at MC. “It usually signals the start of something important – like a stickball game, a wedding, a special gathering, Choctaw dancing.”

After a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding signed by MC President Blake Thompson and Choctaw Chief Cyrus Ben – an MC graduate – established a formal cultural exchange between the MCBI and MC, Mississippi College has hosted several events to spotlight the cultural heritage of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. This edition of “Culture in the Courtyard” follows suit.

“We believe that, as part of that exchange, student, faculty and staff at MC are responsible for respectfully representing the name ‘Choctaw,’” said Ashley Krason, assistant professor of modern languages at MC. “This can only be accomplished through education and experience. The word ‘Choctaw’ is so much more than the name we’ve adopted for our sports teams.

“If we are to be stewards of the place we occupy, we need to have a knowledge of what came before us. Because of the historic presence of the Choctaw Tribes on Mississippi lands and our affiliation, it is only right to give respect where it is due and grow awareness of the beautiful attributes, legacies and activities of the tribe.”

The Department of Chahta Immi (“Choctaw Way of Life”) donated several drum kits for attendees. Following the presentation, attendees used them to craft their own authentic miniature Choctaw drums.

“I want our Choctaw students to feel like they have a space and a platform to share their culture,” Krason said. “I want them to feel that their presence on campus and as representatives of their culture is valued and appreciated.”

Periodic “Culture in the Courtyard” presentations give students a social outlet to engage with others on various topics, discuss their cultural passions and practice their language skills.

The MC Department of Modern Languages acquaints students with cultures, languages and literatures other than their own, equipping them with skills that connect them to the greater global community. The department offers six undergraduate majors including degrees in modern languages, Spanish and French. The department also offers a myriad of other culture-based courses. Learn more at http://www-dev.mc.edu/academics/departments/modern-languages/.