Opinion

The holidays are an exciting time that children and parents look forward to every year. However, for families who have recently experienced divorce, the holidays can be a difficult time for a number of reasons. For these families, many of their old family holiday traditions are changed dramatically, with routines being shifted, celebrations happening before or after the holiday date, and many emotions being stirred due to the multitude of changes.

By 1870, The Indian Territory had become a hellhole to live in and the honest citizens were in constant fear for their lives. The Court at Ft. Smith was considered a joke by the citizens of the territory since the Judge and Federal District Attorney were known to ‘rig’ cases to see that guilty felons were found innocent and released to commit more atrocities in the Nations. The criminal element in Indian Territory carried a lot of clout in Ft. Smith. In that year a great outcry was heard from the Five Civilized Tribes leaders and attorneys over the lawlessness that was going on in the territory committed by intruders such as whites and Negroes. The five Nations had their own courts and jails for the Indians of the Nations. The problem was with the intruders. The Indian courts had no jurisdiction over these renegades.

This year is quickly winding down, which may be good news for many given what a difficult year it’s been. Even with the pandemic, I hope everyone can count their blessings and find the positives in these trying times. Regardless of what we’re personally experiencing, we must always remember that others would give anything to have our lives. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems when God is in control.