Tiffany Chambers Shares History and Resources on National Native American Heritage Month
November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. We are thankful that this year one of our team members, Tiffany Chambers, shares some insights about her heritage as well as some myths surrounding Native American culture.
Tiffany has been with Baptist for four years, and her current role is clinical manager for the Progressive Care Unit, Cardiovascular Step Down at Baptist Hospital. She is a first-generation member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Atmore, Alabama, the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. Her great-grandfather, Fred Walker, was the original chief of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (pictured below).
The Poarch Creek Indians consist of about 3,200 tribal members. They are governed by a nine-member Tribal Council that was adopted on June 1, 1985, in accordance with the constitution. They speak the Mvskoke (Muscogee) language. Saying a greeting like “hesci” or hello is common.
“Being Native American to me is a multifaceted concept,” Tiffany said. “It’s one that includes culture, encompassing identities and grasping the legacy that has endured for years. It is about embracing a deep connection to the land, honoring the ancestral traditions and pursuing a journey of resilience. For me personally, self-identification plays a crucial role, in claiming and learning about the culture even when you don't meet the traditional criteria. Cultural connections and active participation in the tribal community and events signify a connection to a specific ancestral lineage and a shared history that shaped me and my family. There are many historical challenges and navigating a journey of persistence in the face of adversity is essential in my continued educational journey.”
Learning and growing are important skills to Tiffany. She is graduating in December with her master’s in science for nursing with a specialty in family nurse practitioner. This education builds upon her previous experience as an R.N., preparing her to specialize in family medicine as an APRN or continue in her leadership journey.
Tiffany is married and has a blended family consisting of five children. Family is everything to her. She enjoys sharing her love for family history, too. Some of her favorite tribal traditional foods include bison cranberry meatballs, grilled corn and homemade chicken and dumplings.
The Poarch Creek Indians Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow is a two-day homecoming celebration of her tribe’s rich cultural heritage with families, friend, and neighbors. This tradition represents around 20 tribal nations with its dance competition. Originating in the 1980s, it has grown to welcome over 16,000 visitors fore two days of cultural appreciation and family fun.
Unlike many other tribes, the Poarch Creeks were able to avoid removal from their tribal lands. Since then, they have spent 200 years together in and around the reservation in Alabama. The tribe has its own health clinic and family services department to cater to the needs of its tribal citizens. Some services are available to non-tribal citizens, depending on availability and funding.
Tiffany shares a common misconception about Native American culture:
“Teepees were not widespread to our tribe or every tribe,” Tiffany said. “They were only common for Great Plain tribes. Most modern Native Americans and even their ancestors have never set foot in a teepee, let alone lived in one.”
When asked to share words and ways to celebrate Native American Month, Tiffany offered the following thoughts:
“The significance of this month is contradictory,” Tiffany said. “On one hand, we are celebrating the Indigenous people that have been stewards of this land for many years and on the other, November is known to be a painful reminder of the colonial oppression and violence inflicted by European colonizers. This month is a time to honor the histories, culture, and influence of Indigenous people across the country. This is a time to encourage everyone to learn not only about the struggles but also the achievements and the ongoing influence Native Americans have in contemporary society. This month is a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Native American communities.”
This November and every month, we can continue to honor and celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americas who deeply enrich our nation's history and integrity.
Tiffany shares learning opportunities that can help all individuals learn more about her tribe’s history:
- The Southeastern Indian Festival is hosted by the Cultural Department for the public with a major attendance made by visiting schools from the surrounding area. This event focuses on accurately portraying and offering education on the rich and vast culture of the various tribes found traditionally in the Southeast. The next event will be held April 1-4, 2025. Visit https://pci-nsn.gov/culture-and-events/southeastern-indian-festival/ to learn more.
- Visit the Poarch Creek Indian Museum and Welcome Center which is open to the public and displays traditional Creek art, pottery, copper tooling and quilting. https://pci-nsn.gov/culture-and-events/museum-welcome-center/
- Watch The Forgotten Creeks, an award-winning documentary about the history of the Alabama Creek Indians. It explores what happened to those who remained in Alabama following the Trail of Tears, documenting the assimilation and discrimination that nearly destroyed their indigenous identity. You can watch the 56-minute full-length feature here: https://pci-nsn.gov/our-story/the-forgotten-creeks/#watch-online
- Read the “Woven Together” story about the Poarch Creek Indians. It tells the story of spirit, strength and perseverance. https://pci-nsn.gov/culture-and-events/books-resources/woven-together/
- Continue learning and sharing. https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/
We thank Tiffany for sharing these photos, experiences and resources for us.
