Jonathan Williams, of Henning, learned to play kabucha (Choctaw stickball) at a young age from his father. His father was a player, coach, and became commissioner of the game at the Choctaw Indian Fair held every year in Choctaw, Mississippi. He also knew how to make the sticks and ball. The game of stickball is considered the oldest field sport in America. It was played well before the Europeans arrived and was used to settle disputes among villages. Jonathan plans to teach about the full extinct of the game, from learning and teaching to make the ball and sticks to the attire to wear and how to play.
Born in Conehatta on the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians reservation, Jonathan moved to Henning many years ago, joining a small but growing Choctaw community who have moved back to Tennessee. Jonathan believes it is important to pass down this traditional game because, “This is our Choctaw culture, part of a way of life from our ancestors.” The tournament played annually at the Choctaw Indian Fair has become a spirited and competitive event among the eight Choctaw communities in Mississippi. Jonathan explains, “We view it as our sacred game; we allow non-natives to join and play on teams, but we hold it for our people.”
Jonathan has organized games and done demonstrations at festivals in the regions as well as the Native American Indian Association (NAIA) powwow held at Long Hunter State Park each year. He is passionate about teaching youth about the game, especially those in the Henning community.
As part of the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program this year, apprentice Ehren Bell will advance his knowledge and skill level of kabucha and learn how to make the ball and sticks. Ehren started playing kabucha when he was eight years old and participated in youth division game at the annual fair in Mississippi. Already skillful in playing the game, he has the knowledge and ability to do all necessities of the game. Jonathan writes, “the full extinct of the game will come through practice and game experience. Ehren is eager to learn about his Choctaw background.” Ehren’s interest in learning kabucha was influenced by his grandfather and uncle. Ehren writes, “I want to learn as much as I can on how to play and do things correctly, eventually passing on to others.”
