Territory Tellers Annual Winter Retreat
January 23-24, 2026
Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities Building
201 N. Broadway, Ada OK
Event Overview
This annual event shall provide through collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation an opportunity for members and friends to once again gather for an enjoyable weekend. We will hear and share stories in a relaxed setting. Stories shall be shared on stage, in story circles, during interactive workshops, and more. Come enjoy this free event and join the fun.
Friday Evening
6:30: Welcome and overview of event by Donna Courtney
6:45 – 7:30 p.m. “Crafting A Winning Lie” Facilitator: Alice Nathan
7:45- 9 p.m. Evening Story Concert: Rusty Jordan, Jaye McLaughlin, Chester Weems, Fran Stallings MC: Marilyn Hudson
Following the concert will be a tribute to the late Lynn Moroney, Chickasaw Storyteller and Founder of Territory Tellers.
Afterglow: Light Refreshments
Saturday Event Schedule Tentative Times
| Time (UTC) | Activity | Location | Description | ||||
| 8:30 – 9:00 AM | Register on site. | Arts & Humanities Building | Attendees check in and enjoy light refreshments | ||||
| 9:15 AM | Opening Remarks by TT President & Donna Courtney | Black Box Theatre | |||||
| 9:30 AM | Table Telling | Breakout Room | Facilitator: Tony Hardman | ||||
| 10:15 -11:15 AM | Timing Is Everything Open Mic- 5 Min. Stories | Black Box Theatre | Facilitator: Marilyn Hudson | ||||
| 11:30 -12:00 PM | Lunch on site Reservation Needed | Breakout Room | |||||
| 12:00 -12:45 PM | Lunch Continued | Breakout Room | Pails & Tails (names drawn from a hat) | ||||
| 1-1:45 PM | Fast Stories and Poetry | Black Box Theatre | Facilitator: Donna Courtney | ||||
| 2:00 -3:55 PM | TT Board of Directors Meeting | Conference Room | TT Members are welcome to attend | ||||
| 2:45 – 3:45 PM 4:05 -5:00 PM | Remember When? Developing A Trickster Story (notepad optional) | Black Box Theatre Black Box Theatre | Facilitator: Jeanette Harjo Facilitator: Eldrena Douma | ||||
| 5 PM | Dinner On Your Own | ||||||
| 6:00 PM -8 PM | Story Circle Telling Opportunity | Breakout Room | Facilitator: Donna Courtney | ||||
| Farewell by President, Teresa Vail followed by a Mixer | Light Refreshments Provided | ||||||
We look forward to seeing you at the event!
2025-2026 Members of the Territory Tellers Event Planning Committee:
Donna Courtney Marilyn Hudson
Elizabeth Ellis Eldrena Douma Jeanette Harjo, Chair
Hotels: Hampton Inn and Suites will provide a block of rooms for $129 if we must have 15 reserved by Jan. 15th otherwise, they are discounted for seniors, military and other organizations from $149 to $137.
There are several hotels in Ada. By using Priceline or Booking.com you may get lower rates. You may want to check with Holiday Inn Express, La Quinta, Motel 6 or others.
If you’d like to reserve lunch, please let me know. It will be turkey or ham sandwiches, chips, and a soft drink. Cost will be kept under $14 per lunch
A special thanks goes to the Chickasaw Nation who have graciously welcomed us to their outstanding facility and community.
For more information, contact Jeanette Harjo at jeanetteharjo55@gmail.com or call 405-380-3662.
If you are not a TT member, please consider joining us. The dues are only $25 per year. You can sign up HERE.
If you are a member but unsure when your membership expires, you can see a list of current members and due dates HERE.
Territory Tellers 