Llvppa vt anli is Choctaw for “this is true” and is said before the start of a story. Dr. Evangeline Wilkes shared her Native American Culture with instruments and textiles, while dressed in a traditional ensemble at Multicultural Day on April 15.

The Choctaw Tribe originates from the Mississippi and Alabama area. Due to the events of The Trail of Tears, the Choctaw were relocated to Oklahoma.

The presentation had a slow start as the sound wasn’t working in EATM 208, but once it began, Wilkes captured the attention of the audience with Choctaw perseverance.

“It’s good to be reminded that technology can fail us,” said Wilkes, a reference to this year’s theme, “Technology Changing Culture: Blessing or Curse?”

Wilkes explained that a major tool in Choctaw culture is the medicine circle. It is composed of a cross to represent the male spirit, and a circle to represent the female spirit. Each appendage of the cross has it’s own meaning, with West meaning death, East triumph, North defeat and South representing peace and happiness. Though the medicine wheel is useful for prayer and ceremonies, Wilkes doesn’t use the wheel as often due to her strong faith.

“That wasn’t where I was at spiritually,” said Wilkes.

Dr. Evangeline Wilkes takes great pride in her culture and speaks the native tongue. She was raised Christian, but practices the faith of her tribe.

Her perseverance as an individual strongly reflects the Choctaw spirit, in what culminated into a great additional to Multicultural Day.