Chickasaw Warrior

by Enoch Kelly Haney

Chickasaw Warrior by renowned Native American artist Enoch Kelly Haney (November 12, 1940 – April 23, 2022) was loaned to the City of Edmond’s Public Art Program in honor of Neal McCaleb (1935–2025), a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and a distinguished civil engineer and public servant.

The bronze sculpture portrays an 18th-century Chickasaw warrior, reflecting the strength, courage, and enduring spirit of the Chickasaw people. With historically researched details, the warrior is depicted wearing a traditional feather ornament in his hair, a bear-claw necklace, and distinctive Chickasaw moccasins, while carrying a bow and arrows. Four feathers adorn his hair and shield, reflecting the cultural significance of the number four to the Chickasaw people. The sculpture embodies the Chickasaw Nation’s enduring spirit as the “unconquered and unconquerable” people. The sculpture honors the legacy of Neal McCaleb, whose more than 50 years of professional and public service made a lasting impact on Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation. A licensed professional engineer, McCaleb served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, became Oklahoma’s first Secretary of Transportation, and later served as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs under President George W. Bush. He also served as Ambassador-at-Large for the Chickasaw Nation and was inducted into both the Chickasaw Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Together, the sculpture and its dedication celebrate Chickasaw heritage, leadership, and service to others—qualities exemplified by both the warrior it portrays and the remarkable Oklahoman it honors.

Worktype: People Sculptures