$23.4 million of $36 million raised
$23.4 million of $36 million raised

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$28,752,198.00Raised$36,000,000.00
$23.4 million of $36 million raised

The Mission

The Chickasaw Heritage Center will:

Interpret the rich history of the Chickasaw people
by providing visitors a comprehensive, state-of-the-art
educational experience from a uniquely Chickasaw perspective.

The Mission


The Chickasaw Heritage Center will:

Interpret the rich history of the Chickasaw people by providing visitors a comprehensive, state-of-the-art educational experience from a uniquely Chickasaw perspective.

The Vision

The Chickasaw
Heritage Center will:

    Connect Chickasaw citizens to their Homeland
    in a meaningful and tangible way.

    Create a regional epicenter for the interpretation of
    Chickasaw history and culture, providing a comprehensive
    educational experience for the people of Mississippi
    and visitors from around the world.

    Strengthen community partnerships with regional
    schools, museums, and other historical attractions.

    Spur economic growth through the enhancement
    of 162 culturally significant acres; strategically located
    in the heart of Tupelo, Mississippi near the
    Natchez Trace Parkway and major
    transportation corridors.

    Present compelling exhibits and interpretive programs
    in a 39,000 square-foot, architecturally striking building
    with exhibit space, cafe, gift shop, and meeting rooms.

The Vision



The Chickasaw Heritage Center will:

    Connect Chickasaw citizens to their Homeland in a meaningful and tangible way.

    Create a regional epicenter for the interpretation of Chickasaw history and culture, providing a comprehensive educational experience for the people of Mississippi and visitors from around the world.

    Strengthen community partnerships with regional schools, museums, and other historical attractions.

    Spur economic growth through the enhancement of 162 culturally significant acres strategically located in the heart of Tupelo, Mississippi near the Natchez Trace Parkway and major transportation corridors.

    Present compelling exhibits and interpretive programs in a 39,000 square-foot, architecturally striking building with exhibit space, cafe, gift shop, and meeting rooms.

The Project

The Chickasaw
Heritage Center will:

    Provide the region and world with a distinctly designed facility that will foster
    a comprehensive educational experience for Chickasaw citizens, the people of
    Mississippi, and the visiting general public.

    Located adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tupelo, Mississippi, the
    Chickasaw Heritage Center will create an opportunity for Chickasaw
    citizens to reconnect to their historic Homeland.

The Project

The Chickasaw Heritage Center will:

    Provide the region and world with a distinctly designed facility that will foster a comprehensive educational experience for Chickasaw citizens, the people of Mississippi, and the visiting general public.

    Located adjacent the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tupelo, Mississippi, the Chickasaw Heritage Center will create an opportunity for Chickasaw citizens to reconnect to their historic Homeland.
Includes 162 acre campus with direct access from the
Natchez Trace Parkway
No less than 5 permanently preserved Chickasaw archaeological sites
Consists of a 39,000 square-foot state-of-the-art educational facility
Native garden highlighting three sisters
agriculture and other native plants
Park and pond features including a playground
Trails across the site linking to more than 6 miles of the Blackland Prairie section of the National Scenic Trail.
Historic Chickasaw village including the reconstruction
of traditional structures
Overlook allowing a commanding view of the restored Blackland Prairie and the Chickasaw Historic Village site




The Campus

shape




The Campus

shape
162 acre campus with direct access from the Natchez Trace Parkway
The campus contains no less than 5 permanently preserved Chickasaw archaeological sites
39,000-square-foot state-of-the-art educational facility
Native Garden highlighting three sisters agriculture and other native plants
Park and pond features including a playground
Trails across the site will link to more than 6 miles of the Blackland Prairie section of the National Scenic Trail.
Historic Chickasaw village including the reconstruction of traditional structures
Overlook allowing a commanding view of the restored Blackland Prairie and the Chickasaw Historic Village site
Learn More
162 acre campus with direct access from the Natchez Trace Parkway
The campus contains no less than 5 permanently preserved Chickasaw archaeological sites
39,000-square-foot state-of-the-art educational facility
Native Garden highlighting three sisters agriculture and other native plants
Park and pond features including a playground
Trails across the site will link to more than 6 miles of the Blackland Prairie section of the National Scenic Trail.
Historic Chickasaw village including the reconstruction of traditional structures
Overlook allowing a commanding view of the restored Blackland Prairie and the Chickasaw Historic Village site
162 acre campus with direct access from the Natchez Trace Parkway
The campus contains no less than 5 permanently preserved Chickasaw archaeological sites
39,000-square-foot state-of-the-art educational facility
Native Garden highlighting three sisters agriculture and other native plants
Park and pond features including a playground
Trails across the site will link to more than 6 miles of the Blackland Prairie section of the National Scenic Trail.
Historic Chickasaw village including the reconstruction of traditional structures
Overlook allowing a commanding view of the restored Blackland Prairie and the Chickasaw Historic Village site
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Reasons to Give

The Chickasaw Heritage Center
represents:


The symbolic “Journey Home” for Chickasaw citizens
and serve as an anchor for Chickasaw heritage tourism in the
surrounding region, adding to the growing variety
of experiences available in the area. The Chickasaw people were
removed from their Homeland beginning in 1837, yet
they reestablished a strong presence in the Tupelo, Mississippi area
more than a century later. Their goal centered on continued efforts to
protect, preserve, and educating the public about Chickasaw life, history,
and culture; while at the same time investing in the regional economy.
Upon completion, the Chickasaw Heritage Center will be a place
where Chickasaw people tell their story from their perspective.
This will also mark the first time that a southeastern tribe has
returned to their historic Homeland in a tangible way after being forcibly removed.


We invite individuals, foundations, corporations, and other
organizations to join us in this historic endeavor that will impact the Chickasaw
Nation, Tupelo and northeast Mississippi for generations to come. We implore
you to support this meaningful effort as we embark upon a major
Capital Campaign journey to raise funds for the construction and
development of the new Chickasaw Heritage Center and Campus.

Reasons to Give



The Chickasaw Heritage Center Represents:


The symbolic “Journey Home” for Chickasaw citizens and will serve as an anchor for Chickasaw heritage tourism in the surrounding region adding to the growing variety of experiences available in the area. The Chickasaw people were removed from their Homeland beginning in 1837, yet they reestablished a strong presence in the Tupelo, Mississippi area more than a century later.Their goal centered on continued efforts to protect, preserve, and educating the public about Chickasaw life, history, and culture; while at the same time investing in the regional economy.

Upon completion, The Chickasaw Heritage Center will be a place where Chickasaw people tell their story from their perspective.This will also mark the first time that a southeastern tribe has returned to their historic Homeland in a tangible way after being forcibly removed.

We invite individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations to join us in this historic endeavor that will impact the Chickasaw Nation, Tupelo and northeast Mississippi for generations to come. We implore you to support this meaningful effort as we embark upon a major Capital Campaign journey to raise funds for the construction and development of the new Chickasaw Heritage Center and Campus.

By making a donation to the Chickasaw Heritage Center, you will be supporting the overall preservation, protection and interpretation of Chickasaw history and culture in the historic Chickasaw Homeland. We accept all donation dollar amounts; however, donations of $250 and up will be recognized on this Chickasaw Heritage Center capital campaign website and in the newly constructed Chickasaw Heritage Center lobby/atrium donor wall as an inaugural charter member. Charter members will also receive a special certificate and a special edition Chickasaw Heritage Center charter membership commemorative coin.

Charter membership provides an opportunity for individuals to make an enduring impact toward the creation of this long-awaited project and legacy in the Homeland. The following inaugural charter members are:

Become A Charter Member

For a downloadable version of Chickasaw Heritage Center Charter Membership & Privileges, please click here.



Grow With Us


The Purpose of

Naming Opportunities:

    Provide individuals or corporations an opportunity to make a lasting
    contribution to the preservation of Chickasaw history and culture
    in the historic Homeland.

    Funds will be used to complete the capital campaign needs.
    The remainder will be allocated to sustaining campaigns for the operations and
    endowment of the Chickasaw Heritage Center.

    For additional information concerning naming opportunities
    please contact the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation at 662-842-4176.

Grow With Us


The Purpose of Naming Opportunities :

    Provide Individuals or Corporations an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the preservation of Chickasaw History and Culture in the historic Homeland. Funds will be used to complete the capital campaign needs.

    The remainder will be allocated to sustaining campaigns for the operations and endowment of the Chickasaw Heritage Center.

    For additional information concerning naming opportunities please contact the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation at 662-842-4176.
Governor of the Chickasaw Nation

Bill Anoatubby -

“For years, Chickasaws have traveled to the Homeland to renew their connection with the history and culture of Chickasaw people. It is an emotional experience to walk in the footsteps of our grandparents and see the land our ancestors called home.”
Mississippi State Senator

Chad McMahon -

“I am so happy that we are able to partner with the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation and the Chickasaw Nation as the heritage center is being developed and becomes another state cultural treasure. Located off the Natchez Trace and within the city of Tupelo, a five time All American City, I believe the Chickasaw Heritage Center will be a destination for historians, naturalists and world travelers.”
State Representative of Mississippi

Shane Aguirre -

“I’m confident this center will have a positive educational and economic impact on Tupelo and Northeastern Mississippi.”
Mississippi State Representative

Trey Lamar -

“The Chickasaw Heritage Center will be a tremendous asset for the state of Mississippi and the Chickasaw people. Not only will it be a beautiful center and campus for citizens and visitors to learn about the rich history and culture of the Chickasaw people but it will create jobs in the local community and add to the unique heritage tourism opportunities within our great state.”
Governor of the Chickasaw Nation

Bill Anoatubby -

“For years, Chickasaws have traveled to the Homeland to renew their connection with the history and culture of Chickasaw people. It is an emotional experience to walk in the footsteps of our grandparents and see the land our ancestors called home.”
Mississippi State Senator

Chad McMahon -

“I am so happy that we are able to partner with the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation and the Chickasaw Nation as the heritage center is being developed and becomes another state cultural treasure. Located off the Natchez Trace and within the city of Tupelo, a five time All American City, I believe the Chickasaw Heritage Center will be a destination for historians, naturalist and world travelers.”
Mississippi State Representative

Trey Lamar -

“The Chickasaw Heritage Center will be a tremendous asset for the state of Mississippi and the Chickasaw People. Not only will it be a beautiful center and campus for citizens and visitors to learn about the rich culture and history of the Chickasaw people but it will create jobs in the local community and add to the unique heritage tourism opportunities within our great state.”
Mississippi State Representative

Shane Agguire

“I’m confident this center will have a positive educational
and economic impact on Tupelo and Northeastern Mississippi.”

“For years, Chickasaws have traveled to the Homeland to renew their connection with the history and culture of Chickasaw people. It is an emotional experience to walk in the footsteps of our grandparents and see the land our ancestors called home.”
Bill Anoatubby
Bill AnoatubbyGovernor of the Chickasaw Nation
“I am so happy that we are able to partner with the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation and the Chickasaw Nation as the heritage center is begin developed and becomes another state cultural treasure. Located off the Natchez Trace and within the city of Tupelo, a five time All American City, I believe the Chickasaw Heritage Center will be a destination for historians, naturalist and world travelers.”
Chad McMahon
Chad McMahonMississippi Senator
“I’m confident this center will have a positive educational
and economic impact on Tupelo and Northeastern Mississippi.”
Shane Aguire
Shane AguireMississippi State Representative
“The Chickasaw Heritage Center will be a tremendous asset for the state of Mississippi and the Chickasaw People. Not only will it be a beautiful center and campus for citizens and visitors to learn about the rich culture and history of the Chickasaw people but it will create jobs in the local community and add to the unique heritage tourism opportunities within our great state.”
Trey Lamar
Trey LamarMississippi State Representative

Our Partners

The City of Tupelo
Mississippi Hills
Tupelo CVB
The Chickasaw Nation
National Park Service
State of Mississippi
The City of Tupelo
Mississippi Hills
Tupelo CVB
The Chickasaw Nation
National Park Service
State of Mississippi

Our Team

The Chickasaw Heritage Center project is vital to the mission of the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Chickasaw Inkana Foundation seeks to preserve, protect and interpret Chickasaw history and culture in the historic Chickasaw Homeland, which constitutes not only its epicenter of Tupelo, but greater northern Mississippi, western Tennessee, northwestern Alabama, and southwestern Kentucky.

Contact the Chickasaw Heritage Center

  • Robert T. Parker
  • Director, Chickasaw Heritage Center
  • Phone : (662) 842-4176
  • Office Address : P.O. Box 1307 Tupelo, MS 38802

Frequently Asked Questions

A capital campaign is a concentrated effort on the part of a nonprofit organization to raise funds for specific projects including capital projects (such as the construction of buildings)
and the development or expansion of an endowment.
The Chickasaw Heritage Center project represents a symbolic “Journey Home” for Chickasaw citizens and will serve as an indelible anchor for Chickasaw heritage tourism,
education and cultural preservation. The Chickasaw people were removed from their Mississippi Homeland starting in 1837 yet reestablished a strong presence in the Tupelo, MS
area more than a century later with efforts of protecting, preserving and educating the public about Chickasaw life, history and culture while at the same time investing in the regional economy.
The Chickasaw Heritage Center is a culminating beacon reconnecting Chickasaw citizens to a Mississippi Homeland edifice.

An ongoing major objective of the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation since its inception has been to lead the construction and development of the forthcoming Chickasaw Heritage Center.
The Chickasaw Heritage Center project is vital to the mission work of the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Chickasaw Inkana Foundation seeks to
preserve, protect and interpret Chickasaw history and culture in the historical Chickasaw Homeland, which constitutes not only its epicenter of Tupelo, but greater north Mississippi, west
Tennessee, northwest Alabama, and southwest Kentucky.

The goal of the Capital Campaign is approximately $36 million dollars.

The Chickasaw Nation has pledged to match $16,000,000 for construction.$16,000,000 has been sought from the state of Mississippi of which $6,050,000 was secured from
the recent 2019 through 2021 Bond Bills from the Mississippi Legislature.Other commitments include $400,000 from the city of Tupelo, $1,000,000 from the Tupelo Convention
and Visitors Bureau and $20,000 from the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area Alliance.

100% of all donated funds earmarked specifically for the Journey Home Capital Campaign will go to the construction and development of the Chickasaw Heritage Center.

We accept your gift in the form of:

Check/Credit Card • Appreciated Stock • IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution • Bequests

Please make checks payable to the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation

We encourage donors to spread their campaign gift over a period of time. Capital Campaigns have a special, targeted purpose for raising the money and the funds are restricted.
By spreading your pledge out over time, you have the flexibility to plan for your financial commitment. The first pledge payment needs to occur in the 2021 tax year.
We are flexible and donors have choices on how to give: as a company, from personal income,
an appreciated stock gift or an IRA qualified charitable distribution or name the Chickasaw Heritage Center in their Will.
Absolutely! Matching gifts are the perfect way to increase your gift! Many business owners and/or executive level professionals are employed by companies who may offer
this charitable benefit option. It is worth exploring if your employer has a corporate matching program. Contact the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation to provide matching gift information.
We need your time and talent as well as your treasure! There are many ways to get involved. We ask that you consider connecting us with others in your circle of influence.
People give to people. Consider ways you can involve your business associates, friends and family to support this worthy effort.
Donor recognition is an important part of every campaign. The Chickasaw Inkana Foundation has a tiered system of acknowledging all donors with the
highest honor being that of: Naming Opportunities (via major gift and agreement), the Legacy Wall, Digital Donor Wall, Website and in various other print/media materials.

Chickasaw Inkana Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, EIN: 47-1377524.

The Chickasaw Heritage Center is slated for completion in 2025.

Please contact the Chickasaw Heritage Center Director, Robert Parker at 662-842-4176.