Southeast Woodlands Stickball Summit

Stickball is one of the oldest sports in North America, historically played by multiple native Nations. Both men and women enjoyed the game for sportsmanship, mental health, medicine, and even political resolution. Gameplay and stickball sticks have been handed down from generation to generation, and the game continues to be played by native nations around the country.

The celebratory event will welcome four Native American delegations from Oklahoma, Mississippi, and North Carolina. Following an opening ceremony by the Muscogee Nation, players from the  the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation, the Chickasaw Nation, and the Mississippi Choctaw Nation will present three live exhibition games in the Historic Fourth Ward Activity Field.

Spectators will discover the history of the game through play and learn about its evolution through the different styles: Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw.

In conjunction with the afternoon of stickball games, Emory University will host a panel discussion with delegation representatives. For more information about both events, please click the link. 



The tournament and panel are both free and open to the public.

Historic Fourth Ward Activity Park

10:30 AM: OPENING CEREMONY 

Dr. Monte Randall (Muscogee Nation)

10:45 AM- 3:00 PM: PLAY BALL

Follow the history of the game through play and learn about the evolution of the game through the different styles: Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw.

 

The Carlos Museum at Emory University

7:00 PM: PANEL DISCUSSION

The Southeast Woodlands Stickball Summit will conclude with an evening panel discussion about the history and future of stickball. This is an in-person event at the Carlos Museum- Ackerman Hall (571 South Kilgo Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30322) and can be attended virtually through Zoom. Registration is not required to attend the in-person event. Register to attend this panel discussion virtually.

• Dr. Natalie M. Welch, Ph.D. (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), Sport Management Professor
• Addison Karl (Chickasaw/Choctaw), artist, creator of the Itti’ Kapochcha To’li’ sculpture currently on display on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Casey Bigpond (Mississippi Band of Choctaw), artist, singer, traditionalist and lifelong ball player
• Ace Greenwood (Chickasaw/Cherokee), coach, teacher, and player
• Tosh Welch (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), educator and player
• Dr. Monte Randall (Muscogee Nation), President at the College of the Muscogee Nation