Storyteller Tim Tingle shares tales of the Choctaw
By Tom Keener
Choctaw storyteller Tim Tingle tells his award-winning story “Crossing Box Chitto,” “Salty Pie,” and other selections at 7 p.m. Thursday, February 11, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr.
An enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma whose great-great-grandfather John Carnes walked the Trail of Tears in 1835, Tim is a sought-after speaker and storyteller, and award-winning author of Native American fiction and folklore. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free and no reservations are required.
Using rattles, drum and Native American flute, Tim’s music augments the cadence of his words to present chilling and inspirational stories. “Crossing Bok Chitto” is a richly illustrated story that tells of 19th-century slaves living on one side of the Bok Chitto, a Mississippi river, and Choctaws living on the other. Between them was a secret known only to the Choctaws that was used to help the slaves escape to the other side of the river and freedom.
Tim is the author of five books: Walking The Choctaw Road, When Turtle Grew Feathers, Spirits Dark and Light, Crossing Bok Chitto, Spooky Texas Tales, and Texas Ghost Stories: Fifty Favorites for the Telling, co-authored with Doc Moore. A powerful conference speaker and festival performer, Tim was featured at the 2002 National Storytelling Festival. A storyteller for over 20 years, Tim states, “Stories unlock life’s mystery, beauty and purpose. They do so by reminding us how important it is to connect to one another in meaningful ways. And that also requires a connection to ourselves. If the storytelling experience is effective, the audience will be changed on one level. Storytelling is as powerful as a strong play and guests leave as different people on one level.”
Tim performed at the National Museum of the American Indian on June 23, at the outdoor amphitheater of the Smithsonian complex. An appreciative audience, including dozens of Oklahoma Choctaws, saw Tim sing "Shilombish Holitopa Ma," play the native flute, and tell "Crossing Bok Chitto.”
For information, call 214-509-4911.
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