DURANT, OK – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma had a $4,138,358,471 impact on the State of Oklahoma in 2023. Tribal officials made the announcement during an economic impact press conference for several tribal, state, county and local officials.
The economic impact report was prepared by Dr. Kyle Dean, an economist that recently retired from the Center for Native American Studies at Oklahoma City University. His report showed the Choctaw Nation is a driving force in Southeastern Oklahoma, as well as the overall state. In 2023, the tribe supported 26,917 Oklahoma jobs, representing $1.653 billion in wages and benefits paid to Oklahomans.
“The Choctaw Nation’s $4.1 billion economic impact is not just a statistic – it represents jobs created, communities strengthened, and opportunities expanded across Oklahoma,” said Dr. Dean. “As strong economic partners and good neighbors, the Choctaw Nation consistently demonstrates how sustained investment, collaboration, and shared prosperity can lift the entire state, benefiting both tribal and non-tribal communities alike.”
“The Choctaw Nation’s $4.1 billion in 2023 (up from $3.2 billion in 2021) economic impact is helping improve lives across Oklahoma. These dollars extend well beyond the Choctaw Nation and Southeastern Oklahoma, positively impacting the lives of all Oklahomans and tribal members,” said Chief Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation. “The Choctaw Nation is proud to be a partner and neighbor to all the people of this great state. We are fortunate to help push our state’s growth and economic prosperity.”
Education: Choctaw Nation has paid more than $422 million in exclusivity fees to the state according to the gaming compact, including $45.1 million in 2023. These funds go directly to support public education statewide. The Choctaw Nation funded over $72 million (beyond exclusivity fees) for educational programs. In addition to providing statewide education support, the Choctaw Nation funded 12,368 college education scholarships to the tune of $11.8 million, provided summer school education to 4,821 Oklahoma students across 52 school districts, and had 758 elementary-age children attend Choctaw Head Start and Choctaw Childcare programs.
Housing: The Choctaw Nation is building a pathway to safe and affordable housing. In 2023, the Choctaw Nation invested $24.5 million to build 153 new homes across the reservation as part of the Lease-to-Purchase (LEAP) program (90); Independent Elderly Housing program (8); and Affordable Rentals (55). The nation also provided $3.6 million in rental assistance to 1,068 households and installed 566 storm shelters to help protect tribal members across the reservation from severe weather. The nation also utilized the Connect Home Program, which helped connect 153 homes in rural areas to the internet.
Healthcare: Providing access to quality healthcare to tribal members is a primary focus for the Choctaw Nation. The nation operates a full-service hospital in Talihina, OK. It also operates an outpatient surgery center and clinic in Durant, OK. In addition, there are eight health clinics, three of which are community clinics serving non-tribal citizens; four behavioral health clinics; two inpatient recovery centers; and 16 wellness centers. The Choctaw Nation’s health services encompass several service lines, including cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, pulmonology, and dental care.
Community: Through the Choctaw Community Partnership Fund and Choctaw Development Fund, the Choctaw Nation has provided $3,632,608 in contributions and community grants to cities, towns and counties to support economic development, infrastructure and sustainability, including $5.2 million invested in Oklahoma highways and roads.
