Choctaw Code Talkers and France

In honor of Remembrance Day in France, Veterans Day in the US, and Native American Heritage Month, Alliance Française d'Oklahoma City will host an online event to shine a spotlight on the legacy of Choctaw Code Talkers and their relationship with France. This free zoom event will be held on November 11th at 10 AM CT, and registration will open on November 1st.

The Choctaws were among the first to use their native language in battle to thwart the enemy, essentially turning the tide during World War I. In 1989, they received the Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite presented by former Prime Minister of France, Pierre Mesmer on the steps of the State Capitol in Oklahoma City.

This event will premiere a documentary followed by a live panel Q&A made up of both Choctaw and French subject matter experts.

We are grateful for the contributions of Choctaw Code Talkers Association leaders Nuchi Nashoba, Ta’Na Alexander and historian Judy Allen as well as Villa Albertine artists in residency Vincent Hazard and Daniel Alexandre, creators of the upcoming French graphic novel on this subject.

Join us to learn about this compelling, little-known history that set a precedence for the use of native languages in future conflicts and demonstrated the value of preserving native culture and languages.