Choctaw Cultural Center Sets Solar Eclipse Watch for All Ages

DURANT, Okla. – The Choctaw Cultural Center has big plans to observe the 2024 Solar Eclipse that will cut a wide swath of darkness across the Choctaw Reservation on Monday, April 8.

Choctaw culture is filled with a rich oral tradition of storytelling which reflects the unique worldview surrounding tribal life for centuries. One such story tells of Fvni Lusa, the Black Squirrel who tried to eat the Sun, leading to an eclipse.

On the afternoon of April 8, Black Squirrel returns to southeast Oklahoma. The public is invited to the Choctaw Cultural Center, 1919 Hina Hanta Way, Durant from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to “help scare Fvni Lusa away and prevent the Sun from being eaten!” The eclipse in Durant will start at 12:26 p.m. It will peak at 1:45 p.m. with 99.73% totality.

This fun event for the whole family, considered for most a once-in-a-lifetime event, will also be an educational opportunity to learn about Choctaw history and culture. Advance registration is required and limited to 300 people. Each guest will receive a kit with unique items such as eclipse viewing glasses, t-shirt, and noise makers. Reservations for cultural center members are $30 per person; non-members, $40.

Register for the 2024 Solar Eclipse event on the Choctaw Cultural Center website.