OCTOBER 16, 2025 —The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is celebrating its annual Flag Day today, a day dedicated to honouring the introduction of the nation’s Great Seal and celebrating Choctaw sovereignty and cultural heritage, according to Chief Gary Batton.
The date marks the anniversary of the Choctaw General Council’s 1860 act, passed at Doaksville and led by then-Chief George Hudson, which officially created the Great Seal as the tribe’s symbol.
The Choctaw Flag itself is purple and features the Great Seal.
The Great Seal features an unstrung bow, which represents the Choctaw Nation as a peaceful nation. Encased within the seal are three arrows, a tribute to the three historic Choctaw Chiefs: Pushmataha, Mushulatubbe, and Apukshunabbe. A smoking pipe-hatchet is also included, symbolizing the Choctaw people’s desire to establish beneficial alliances with neighbouring groups while also signifying strength or prowess. The seal has been used on all official papers of the Choctaw Nation since its creation in 1860.
Choctaw Nation Flag Day was officially inaugurated on October 16, 2021.
Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton encourages all tribal members to wave the Choctaw Flag proudly and remember what it means: To honour the sacrifices made and the resilience shown to ensure the nation thrives today.
