Teri Billy, Assistant Director of the Choctaw Nation Language Department, is a woman whose life is deeply rooted in her Choctaw heritage. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and cultural preservation, shaped by a bilingual and bicultural upbringing that connected her to both the Choctaw and English-speaking worlds.
Raised in Wright City, Teri’s childhood revolved around the Choctaw language. At home, Choctaw was the primary language spoken, while English played a secondary role, primarily outside the household. Her grandmother and two older aunts, who raised her, immersed Teri in Choctaw culture. These early experiences instilled in her a profound connection to her heritage, which would later define her life’s work.
“Just like when you grow up speaking, learning the language in English. That’s how it was for me in Choctaw. Everything, from a toddler, was spoken in Choctaw at home and coming to church. All of our activities included being around Choctaw people,” Teri said.
Teri’s childhood was marked by resilience and faith. Without a car, her family often walked miles to attend church. Her grandmother, a deeply spiritual woman, would prepare food on Saturday nights, and on Sunday mornings, they would begin the 18-mile journey to church. Along the way, someone would invariably offer them a ride, a reflection of the supportive community that surrounded them. This determination and reliance on faith became the bedrock of Teri’s values.
Sundays for Teri’s family were more than just a day of worship—they were a cultural cornerstone. From Sunday school and services to communal meals and singing, church gatherings were an all-day event. These gatherings, rich in tradition and spiritual significance, were central to the community’s life. For the Choctaw people, church was not just a physical space; it was where life’s milestones—births, marriages, and funerals—were shared and celebrated together.
It's the place where we raise our children. It's the life of the community. You don't have to live in the community, but it's the people who go there together and create that body, that little unit. It's just that place that you touch back in. It's home.
Swipe ->Embodying and applying these spiritual principles in our lives is what gives us guidance and direction.
- Teri
As Teri grew older and entered school, she began to notice the cultural differences between her upbringing and that of her peers. Teri’s world was steeped in Choctaw traditions. These contrasts highlighted the uniqueness of her upbringing and deepened her appreciation for her cultural heritage.
“When you get to school, you start learning about all these holidays that weren’t celebrated at home. When Easter rolled around and everybody was getting an Easter dress, I didn’t know what an Easter dress was,” she said. “Hearing other students talk about how their lives were, I realized, was very different. And at the same time, I realized they didn’t really understand how us Choctaw kids lived.”
Navigating both the Choctaw and wider American cultural spheres presented challenges, but it also provided Teri with a sense of adaptability and responsibility. This bicultural experience inspired her to preserve and share her heritage, particularly the Choctaw language, which she views as a vessel of identity and history.
Language, for Teri, is far more than a means of communication. It is a link to her people’s past and a key to their future. Growing up, she observed how even non-Choctaw speakers in her community would make efforts to learn a few words, recognizing the language’s significance. Today, as Assistant Director of the Choctaw Nation Language Department, Terri is dedicated to ensuring the language thrives for generations to come.
Faith has also been a cornerstone of Teri’s life. Her grandmother’s deep spirituality profoundly influenced her, teaching her that humans are triune beings—spirit, soul, and body. This belief in nurturing the spirit has guided Teri’s life and work. For her, Choctaw hymns and spiritual songs hold transformative power, resonating deeply even with those who do not understand the language. She believes this spiritual connection transcends language, offering strength and sustenance in times of hardship.
The spirit that lives on the inside of us is what gives us guidance and direction. And that's what connects us with God, our Father in Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I think without realizing it, because of that, there's a transformative power at work within us as we believe God's Word. God's Word is filled with prosperity and power,” she said. “I've seen examples of people who were not speakers, who didn't understand the language, but because those hymns are spiritual, I've seen them be moved by what they're singing, even though they don't understand the words. So it goes beyond language.
Teri often reflects on the resilience of her ancestors, particularly those who endured the Trail of Tears. She sees their determination and faith as a sustaining force that continues to inspire the Choctaw people today. This legacy of perseverance drives her commitment to preserving Choctaw traditions and supporting her community.
Community has always been central to Teri’s life. From maintaining church grounds to organizing renovations for fellowship halls, she has worked tirelessly to ensure the continuity of Choctaw traditions. These efforts are not without challenges, but Terri views them as essential for fostering a sense of belonging and connection among Choctaw people, even those who live far from their ancestral homes.
Preserving the Choctaw way of life requires collective effort, and Teri is deeply committed to this mission. Whether it involves finding volunteers to maintain church properties or organizing community events, she sees these tasks as vital to sustaining the spiritual and cultural fabric of her people.
As Teri reflects on her life, she sees her journey as one defined by faith, resilience, and community. Her work with the Choctaw Nation Language Department is a continuation of the values instilled in her from a young age—values that have shaped her commitment to preserving the Choctaw language and culture.
I've seen examples of people who were not speakers, who didn't understand the language, but because those hymns are spiritual, I've seen them be moved by what they're singing, even though they don't understand the words. So it goes beyond language.
Teri believes that faith and tradition offer strength and peace in difficult times. She is inspired by the belief that the Choctaw people’s shared history and values will continue to guide and sustain future generations. For Teri, preserving these traditions is not just a responsibility—it is a way to honor her ancestors and ensure their legacy lives on.
Philippians 4:13 encapsulates Teri’s outlook on life: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This guiding principle reflects her unwavering faith and her belief in the transformative power of community and culture.
Through her dedication and leadership, Teri Billy continues to inspire and empower the Choctaw people, ensuring that their rich heritage remains a source of strength and pride for generations to come.
Learn more about the Choctaw language and the Chahta Anumpa Aiikhvna, at Choctaw School of Language.
