Catherine Pickens Willmond

An author and professor, Catherine Willmond is a prominent Chickasaw who teaches the language of her tribe. For Catherine, the Chickasaw language is a living thing, and not a historical artifact.

Catherine is the co-author of "Let's Speak Chickasaw," the complete grammar of Chickasaw and its first textbook to be used to teach the Chickasaw language. The text is written in a more conversational style to help emulate the language as a living thing rather than something to be learned.

Her academic career varies from the University of California, Los Angeles to New Mexico University. She is a guest lecturer and has addressed audiences at these schools.