ADA, OK – Chickasaw Nation Governor Chris Anoatubby highlighted the tribe’s economic growth, citizen programs, healthcare expansion and cultural preservation efforts during his Oct. 3 State of the Nation Address at the Chickasaw Annual Meeting.
“It is my great honor to report to you today the state of the Chickasaw Nation is strong, and we have a bright future ahead,” said Governor Anoatubby. “Our economic foundation is solid, our culture flourishes, the heart of our Nation beats strong, and our commitment to one another – unyielding. Together, we have accomplished extraordinary things, and together we will continue to build a brighter, stronger and healthier future for every Chickasaw citizen.”
The Chickasaw Nation now has more than 84,000 citizens living across the U.S. and around the world. Anoatubby highlighted connection groups, listening conferences and online resources, including Chokwaa, a new platform created in response to citizen feedback to make it easier to find and apply for tribal programs and services.
During the past four decades, the Chickasaw Nation has developed a diverse business portfolio that helps fund nearly 400 programs and services. The tribe operates more than 100 businesses in industries including energy, banking, gaming, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing and media and directly employs more than 15,000 team members. More than half a million guests from all 50 states have visited OKANA Resort and Indoor Water Park in Oklahoma City since it opened last year, while Chickasaw Nation Industries currently has 164 contracts across 27 federal agencies and a workforce of more than 1,200 professionals. Trace Fiber Networks provides broadband service to thousands of homes as well as schools, hospitals and public safety organizations across the Chickasaw Nation, many of which have lacked reliable internet service.
“Revenues generated by these successful businesses allow us to reinvest in resources and opportunities that meet the needs of Chickasaws of all ages,” said Governor Anoatubby.
The Chickasaw Nation Department of Health recorded more than one million patient encounters during the year, filled more than 1.5 million prescriptions, delivered more than 1,000 babies at Chickasaw Nation Medical Center and recorded more than 50,000 pediatric patient visits. The tribe also broke ground on the first phase of the Chickasaw Nation Health Newcastle Medical Center and began construction of a stand-alone pediatric clinic on the Ada South Campus. New facilities opened during the year include an Active Aging facility for Chickasaw citizens age 55 and older, an Integrative Medicine Clinic and Nan-aiya Aboa (House of Peace), which brings together multiple outpatient mental health and substance use programs.
In education, more than 6,800 Chickasaw students received scholarships and other support through higher education and career technology programs, while more than 4,170 college and career technology students received general financial assistance through the Student Support Program. Three new Child Development Centers opened in Ada, Purcell and Tishomingo. Housing programs also provided more than 600 Chickasaws with over $3 million in down payment and closing cost assistance, more than 1,900 citizens with home improvement grants and more than 2,300 Chickasaws with assistance through the homeowner preparedness program.
Anoatubby also highlighted efforts to preserve Chickasaw history, language and culture, including construction of the Chickasaw Heritage Center in Tupelo, MS, which is set to open next spring. Rosetta Stone Chickasaw Level 4 was released during the year, while Chickasaw Press marked its 20th anniversary.
“Preserving and promoting our vibrant heritage, history and culture is a responsibility we embrace,” said Governor Anoatubby. “We continue to dedicate significant resources to preserve historic sites and build new avenues for Chickasaws to connect with language, history and culture.”
Thousands of Chickasaws from across the U.S. gathered Sept. 23 through Oct. 3 for the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival, which has been central to the tribe’s self-determination and unity for more than 65 years.
