Culture, history being preserved in the Homeland
Based in Tupelo, the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation is helping to preserve the history and culture of the Chickasaw Nation. The Chickasaw Homeland extends from its epicenter in the Tupelo area to all of North Mississippi, West Tennessee, Northwest Alabama, and Southwestern Kentucky. The foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, seeks to cultivate an understanding of the cultural importance of Chickasaw heritage across the historic Homeland to encourage the preservation and protection of remaining cultural sites, as well as to educate Chickasaw citizens and the public.
“The name, Chickasaw Inkana Foundation, was intentionally chosen to reflect the mission of the foundation,” said CEO Brady Davis. “It combines the familiar, official name of the Chickasaw Nation itself, with a historic Chickasaw word for friend.
“Further, the focal point of the foundation’s logo is the historic Peace Medal given to famous Chickasaw leader, George Colbert, by President Thomas Jefferson in 1801. This symbol was selected to highlight the foundation’s desire to form lasting partnerships with organizations and individuals within the State of Mississippi.”
One of the Foundation’s most significant achievements, said Brady, is the acquisition and permanent protection of three endangered Chickasaw cultural sites. These historic lands, once at risk of loss or neglect, are now safeguarded for future generations. Their preservation ensures that sacred spaces and vital archaeological resources remain intact, serving as living connections to Chickasaw ancestry, identity, and sovereignty.
At this time, the Foundation’s flagship project is the Chickasaw Heritage Center being built in Tupelo. Ground was broken in June 2024. Substantial completion is expected in June 2026 and the opening of phase I in November 2026.
“The total cost of the project is $60,000,000, and to date, we have raised $46,000,000,” said Davis. “This provides for the total cost of phase I and much of phase II. We are grateful to the Chickasaw Nation, State of Mississippi, the City of Tupelo, and our many partners who have contributed to the Journey Home Capital Campaign. We currently have several naming opportunities available for areas of the facility, and hope to complete fundraising in 2026.”
The Heritage Center will interpret the rich history of the Chickasaw people by providing visitors a comprehensive, immersive educational experience from a Chickasaw perspective. “For generations, much of the Chickasaw story has been told through the lens of others, often shaped by incomplete information or assumptions that overlooked the complexity and resilience of the Chickasaw people” said Davis. “The Heritage Center changes that. It offers a platform for the Chickasaw people to speak for themselves, to interpret their history through their language, knowledge and values.”
The project is garnering support and excitement around the state. “The center will not only serve as a vital educational resource, but also act as a powerful economic driver, attracting visitors and stimulating tourism within our city and state,” said Tupelo Mayor Todd Jordan.
Rochelle Hicks, Executive Director of Visit MS, said, “We believe this project aligns perfectly with our mission to promote cultural heritage tourism and showcase the unique diversity of Mississippi’s rich history.”
The Mississippi Humanities Council also joined the praise for the center. “The council is very excited to work with the Chickasaw Heritage Center once it is completed. We consider Chickasaw heritage an important part of Mississippi’s history,” said Executive Director Stuart Rockoff.
The Heritage Center’s nearly 162-acre campus will feature two main buildings, a reconstructed 1700s Chickasaw village, a plaza, walking trails, a playground, and a restored Blackland Prairie landscape.
It is being built in two phases. The first phase includes a 10,000-square-foot exhibit hall, collections area, art gallery, gift shop, multipurpose room, catering kitchen and administrative offices. The second phase will add a café, theater, and expanded outdoor features, including the reconstructed village, playground, stickball field and additional trails.
Beyond the cultural and historical interpretive dimensions, the Heritage Center will have a profound impact on the region and be an anchor for the community. “Cultural heritage tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the travel industry, and the Chickasaw Heritage Center is poised to become a premier destination in Northeast Mississippi,” said Davis.
“Studies estimate that the Center could attract over 100,000 visitors annually, potentially generating between $5.6 and $6 million in economic activity and creating at least 25 permanent jobs with phase I and additional jobs with phase II. But its value cannot be measured only in dollars. It will enhance education, community engagement and cultural understanding throughout Northeast Mississippi.”
Since its inception, the foundation’s mission has been to preserve, protect and interpret the history and culture of the Chickasaw people in the historic Chickasaw Homeland. It has been personified through historical, cultural and preservation education and programing, public relations, historic site preservation and encouragement of original research in Chickasaw archaeology, history and culture.
The foundation, in partnership with the Chickasaw Nation, hosts annual celebrations of Chickasaw history and culture throughout the historic Homeland, and acquires and preserves endangered cultural and sacred sites important to the Chickasaw people. This collaboration has fostered numerous programs and events that bring Chickasaw history to life for communities across the region. These events include:
• Celebrations held in Tupelo, Holly Springs, Pontotoc, Southaven, and Amory, that introduce the public to Chickasaw history and culture through participatory experience in traditional games, dancing, language, cooking, tools and weapons, and archaeology.
• Continuing education programs for teachers.
• Public school visits.
• Installation of historical markers.
• Free community events, including the annual Piominko Day, held on what is traditionally Columbus Day.
“Over the past 11 years, the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation has made considerable progress in preserving, protecting, and promoting Chickasaw history and culture. Its efforts have contributed to safeguarding endangered cultural sites and enriching public understanding of Chickasaw heritage,” said Davis.
CEO Davis credits Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby’s vision to form a grassroots, independent non-profit organization in the Chickasaw Homeland for the establishment of the Foundation and the Heritage Center. “His goal was to foster enduring partnerships with governments, local civic and educational organizations and institutions in order to encourage the preservation and protection of Chickasaw heritage sites, as well as accurately interpret Chickasaw history and culture in the region from the Chickasaw perspective,” said Davis.
Davis has been with the Chickasaw Nation since August 2012. An archaeologist by training, he first served as Director of the Chickasaw Nation’s homeland affairs program. In October 2019, he moved to the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation to help lead further development of the Foundation and help with fundraising, planning, construction, and future operation of the Chickasaw Heritage Center.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received thus far. Please consider joining us on our journey and become a charter member of the Chickasaw Heritage Center. We have several levels of individual and corporate giving, along with several naming opportunities.
For more information, visit chickasawheritagecenter.com.