TUPELO, Miss. (AP) - The city of Tupelo plans annual days of remembrance for Chickasaw Nation chief Piomingo.

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports (http://bit.ly/RcSZ8H) that the first ceremony was held Monday at Piomingo's statue at Fairpark.

Brad Lieb, cultural resources specialist for the Chickasaw Nation's Department of Homeland Affairs, says the statue and the annual commemoration will strengthen the bond between the tribe and the people of Tupelo.

The Chickasaw Nation also celebrates Piomingo Day the second Monday of October, which coincides with Columbus Day.

The Chickasaw Indians lived in semi-permanent settlements in areas that now include Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. Their stand against white invaders failed in the 1830s and they, along with the Choctaws, Creeks, Cherokees and Seminoles, were forced to move west on the Trail of Tears.

Information from: Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, http://djournal.com

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