2023: Scrapbooking a Historic Moment: Attending the Inauguration of Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby
Every once in a while, life presents a rare and extraordinary opportunity, and for me, one of those moments was attending the inauguration ceremony for Governor Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation. As the longest-serving governor in U.S. history, Governor Anoatubby has played a pivotal role in advancing the Chickasaw Nation, strengthening its sovereignty, economy, and cultural preservation efforts. Witnessing this event firsthand was an honor, and I knew I wanted to preserve the experience in a scrapbook spread that truly reflected the significance of the occasion.
A Brief History of the Chickasaw Nation
The Chickasaw Nation has a deep and resilient history, dating back centuries to its origins as part of the Mississippian culture. Known as fierce warriors and skilled traders, the Chickasaw people established themselves in what is now Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Alabama long before European contact. However, like many Native American tribes, they faced immense hardships, including forced removal from their ancestral lands during the Trail of Tears in the 1830s. Despite this tragic chapter, the Chickasaw Nation rebuilt and flourished in present-day Oklahoma, becoming one of the Five Civilized Tribes recognized for their strong governance, education, and business development. Today, the Chickasaw Nation is a thriving sovereign nation, playing a major role in economic growth, cultural preservation, and community leadership.
Scrapbook Design & Layout
The inauguration ceremony took place on the campus where I was working at the time, making it an even more personal experience for me. To reflect the event’s Chickasaw identity, I chose purple as the dominant color for this spread, as it frequently appears in Chickasaw Nation logos and branding.
On the left-hand page, I prominently featured the event program, which I double-matted to help it stand out against the background. This program serves as both a visual element and a key keepsake from the day.
The right-hand page includes four photos capturing some of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony:
- Top Left: Governor Bill Anoatubby being sworn in, a powerful moment marking the continuation of his leadership.
- Top Right: Governor Anoatubby delivering his speech, reflecting on his vision and accomplishments.
- Bottom Left: His son, Chris Anoatubby, who serves as Lieutenant Governor, speaking at the event.
- Bottom Right: A group of tribal elders performing traditional hymns, adding a cultural and spiritual depth to the ceremony.
To create a clean and structured look, I added straight-edged borders to both sides of the spread, defining its edges while keeping the focus on the photos and program.
A Special Keepsake: The Commemorative Coin
One of the most unique elements of this spread is the commemorative coin that was handed out at the event. Rather than adhering it directly to the page, I chose to keep it inside its plastic pocket protector and place it in the center of the four photos. This way, it remains preserved while still being an integral part of the layout. It will sit beneath the main plastic page protector, allowing it to be seen without being damaged.
Preserving a Legacy
This event was not just about witnessing a political milestone—it was about honoring the legacy of a great leader and the resilience of the Chickasaw Nation. Scrapbooking this moment allowed me to capture the significance of the day, blending history, tradition, and personal experience into one cohesive layout.
Have you ever scrapbooked a once-in-a-lifetime event? What keepsakes or design choices made it extra special? Share your thoughts in the comments! 😊
Categories: 2023
MASCrapping 