Champion of Freedom totem stick

Broken Arrow – A broken arrow indicates friendship.

Diamond pattern – The diamond or half-diamond pattern represents the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. It pays homage to the diamond back rattle snake and symbolizes our respect for nature. Rattlesnakes were important to the ancient Choctaw farmers because they ate small varmints that threatened the corn crops. When the diamond appears in a border, such as on Choctaw clothing, it is meant to represent a pathway.

Feather – Feathers are often associated with warriors and chiefs, but they also represent prayer. Ancient Native Americans believed that prayers were carried to the Great Spirit on the wings of an eagle.

Spiral – The spiral is the most used symbol in the world. It is used by virtually every culture in some manner. For most North American tribes it symbolizes the life force, one’s personal path, or the creative spirit.

Woodpecker – Called “Biskinik” in Choctaw, the woodpecker is known as the news bird. In fact, the Choctaw newspaper is named The Biskinik. The way the woodpecker “knocks” on a tree symbolizes opportunity knocking.