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Chickasaw Nation to induct four citizens into Hall of Fame






During World War II, Thelma “Chincie” Ross served as an administrator for the Navajo Code Talker program in the U.S. Marines. Still image from Chickasaw TV / YouTube

The Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma holds its annual Hall of Fame ceremony tonight.

The tribe is inducting four at the ceremony. This year's honorees are the late Rev. Jefferson Davis "Sonny" Frazier, Homer Paul, Thelma "Chincie" Ross and Rose Shields-Jefferson.

At age 97, Ross is the oldest inductee. She served as the administrator for the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II.

Frazier passed away in 2012. He dedicated his life to education and preserving the Chickasaw language and culture.

Paul is a prominent lawyer and banker. Shields-Jefferson is one of the last remaining elders who was raised solely speaking the Chickasaw language.

The tribe started the Hall of Fame in 1987. It recognizes the achievements of prominent citizens.

Get the Story:
Chickasaw Nation to induct 4 into tribe's Hall of Fame (AP 7/21)

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