In April 2001 I attended the Okla Chata Clan gathering in Bakersfield California. This group has been meeting for about 8 years. The two days are filled with cultural classes in sewing, beading, dancing, cooking, games, and storytelling: as well as a health clinic and information from tribal leaders. These events are designed to become reconnected to our roots and our tribe as a whole. Unfortunately the weather was cold and overcast that year. And the pictures were only good for a family album. However, I learned about Choctaw heritage and made some connections with other Choctaw from California and Oklahoma. In late August of 2001 I made a trip to the southeast of Oklahoma to the annual Choctaw Gathering at Tushka Homma. The weather was good for photography. Besides photographing traditional dances, drama about the Trail of Tears, there was an exhibition of Ishtaboli or Choctaw stickball, which is similar to lacrosse. I was able to take several side trips to places of historical importance to tribal history, including sections of the Trail of Tears.