About the Author

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Vicki May Penner, Chickasaw-Cherokee, is retail manager at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma. She holds a master's degree in education from East Central University and spent 25 years in education before joining the Chickasaw Nation. JoAnn Ellis is a fluent speaker of Chikashshanompa', a specialist in the Chickasaw Language department and an instructor for its Master/Apprentice program. She also is an adjunct professor for Chickasaw language studies at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.