Current Events

Pow Wow in the Pines Artwork Competition

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians is excited to announce a new artwork competition open to all tribal members of all ages! The winner of the competition will have their artwork featured on the t-shirts for the 2023 "Pow Wow in the Pines" event, an annual celebration of Native American culture and heritage.

The competition rules are as follows:

The prizes for the competition are as follows:

First place: $300

Second place: $200

If you have any questions about the competition, please call the JBC Cultural Department at 318.992.1205. We look forward to seeing your amazing artwork and celebrating the rich culture and heritage of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians!

Jena Band of Choctaw Indians

Cultural Department

PO Box 14

Jena, LA 71342

Chahta Chukka house

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians is proud to announce the completion of the Chahta Chukka house, a traditional Choctaw dwelling that has been built with great care and attention to detail. This new addition to the Jena community will be a cherished part of the Tribe's history for generations to come.

The Chahta Chukka is a traditional Choctaw house that was designed to be used both in the summer and winter months. The traditional summer house was open to allow airflow through the house, while the winter house had walls made from palmetto and straw to insulate them. Mrs. Rose, who was instrumental in the construction of the Chahta Chukka, started by scraping the cypress logs and hanging the scrapings to dry out. These logs were then used for the framing of the house.

Mrs. Rose's hard work, dedication, and knowledge of the Tribe comes from her grandfather, Anderson Lewis. He passed down his knowledge of traditional Choctaw construction techniques, which she used to ensure that the Chahta Chukka was built to the highest standards. Palmetto was harvested to create the roof, which was also a traditional Choctaw construction technique.

Donors & Volunteers

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians is deeply grateful to the following donors for their contributions to the Chahta Chukka project: W. H. Ward Properties, Donna Hanner, Dewain Littleton. The Tribe would also like to extend a huge thank you to all of the volunteers who helped with the construction of the Chahta Chukka: Jaccob Jackson, Clarice Caldwell, Jessica Chelette, Boston & Moxon Pace, Kayden Johnson, Luther, Stella & Flint Fisher, Gary Greer, Scooter Fisher, Chipper, Andy & Clara Fisher, Gwen Jackson, Alexa DiDio, Carrie Cruse, Cutler Maloy.


Special Thanks to:

The Tribe would also like to express its gratitude to Tom Colvin, who has given over 40 years of service and dedication, not only to our Tribe but to Tribes across Louisiana and the Southeast Region. The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians is indebted to you.

Finally, the Tribe would like to thank Chipper Fisher for reconstructing and renovating the powwow grounds. Your hard work and dedication to your Tribe does not go unnoticed. We appreciate you and your positive attitude, always.