Chickasaw Heritage Center Groundbreaking WTVA Article

TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — The Chickasaw Inkana Foundation broke ground on Wednesday on its new heritage center.

The $60 million project is being built along Gun Club Road — which is near the Tupelo Regional Airport — and will cover 162 acres.

The Chickasaw Heritage Center will offer the public a trip back in time to learn more about the Chickasaw Nation and its people.

It will have an exhibit hall, theater, café, art gallery, administrative offices, gift shop, multi-purpose room and playground, as well as collections areas.

“We had a history here,” Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby said. “We had a history way before we moved from Mississippi to Indian territory, and there’s a lot to be known — things that I know will be appreciated with their understanding.”

He continued, “They will appreciate our nation, will appreciate where we are today, how we got there and who we are as a people.”

Most of the construction is expected to be completed by 2026.