Falamichi Imali - Ron McKinney

Falamichi Imali Ron McKinney Atuklantubbi Productions Produced by: Ted Stephens Dion Stephens Rogene Crawford Brittany Stephens "Giving Back" "There is no way I could ever begin to repay everyone who has inspired and encouraged, me in my life's journey. But if in someway, I can 'Give Back' to that which has given me so much, and pass it on for another generation, to learn and to teach others, then I feel in someway, it honors their time and energy. So in a very humble way, I say, 'Yakoke'." Choctaw Social Dance Chants 00:00 1. Duck Dance "Honors the Duck for it's contribution of food, warmth and weaponry. The dancers imitate a Duck catching something to eat." 01:59 2. Quail Dance "Honors the Quail for it's stealth and understanding of the forest cover." 03:59 3. Raccoon Dance "Honors the Raccoon for their playfulness as they chase one another through the corn fields." 06:05 4. Snake Dance "Honors the Diamond-backed Rattlesnake for it's fierceness and great hunting skills." 08:04 5. Turtle Dance "Honors the Turtle for their strength and longevity." 10:15 6. Fast War Dance "In preparation for war men and women would dance to ready heart and mind." 12:07 7. Four Step War Dance "For eight days men and women would dance the war dances in preparation of battle." 14:12 8. Jump Dance "The first dance of the evening this dance brings the people together in a display of timing and endurance." 16:08 9. Stealing Partners Dance "A time for the youth to meet and dance with partners of their choosing." 19:10 10. Walk Dance "The last dance of the evening honoring the memory of those who have walked life's trails before us." 22:35 11. Wedding Dance "Danced around a couple in celebration of marriage." "In memory of my grandmothers, Gracie Billy and Mulsey McKinney, and to my parents, John and Julia McKinney for sharing your stories and memories, and providing guidance, direction, unconditional love, and most importantly your faith. Your tireless efforts have inspired me to step out and share with others, that which you have taught me, Yakoke." "To the Rev. Gene and Alicia Wilson for my first introduction to Choctaw Dancing. For the many cultural trips to the Choctaw Reservation in Mississippi, performances and travels with the Okla Humma Chahta Heltha, Yakoke." "To Curtis and Teresa Billy for your continued support and guidance through the years in the Broken Bow school system and beyond. For the countless hours you have invested in educating and empowering young Choctaws in dancing and more, Yakoke." "To my siblings Karl, Dean, Sandra, Carla, and Marissa and all of my nieces and nephews, for including me as a part of the McKinney Choctaw Youth Dancers, even though separated by many miles. It has been a privilege to chant for you, Yakoke." "To my wife, the Rev. Danelle Crawford McKinney, and our children Alethia Grace, Madison Rogene, and Ronston John. seeing you dance with the Flandreau Choctaw Dancers and hearing you chant along with me has inspired me to action. For your unconditional love and support, and your belief in me, Yakoke." "Special Thanks to those who guided me through this process and made this production possible: Stephens Producers Rogene Crawford (Technical Consultant) Brittany A. Stephens (Design)" Falamichi Imali is an album recorded by Ron McKinney in 2011. This recording was digitally recorded and directly transferred from USB drive to help preserve the language and culture of the Chahta People. I hope that people can learn from and enjoy this recording for many years to come. With Love, Ronston McKinney