Governor Bill Anoatubby
Our steady, planned growth has supported a culture of opportunity
By Bill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation
Spring is here and with it, a renewed spirit of optimism for what the future holds for the Chickasaw Nation. With warmer weather, outdoor activities, and life in abundance, we cherish this time of year. This season in the Chickasaw Nation is a time to look forward with a sense of gratitude for our many blessings.
Since our Constitution was ratified 40 years ago, we have witnessed remarkable growth and development through the exercise of Tribal sovereignty and self-governance.
We have worked to create new opportunities for the Chickasaw people in the areas of affordable housing, high-quality health care, educational opportunities, economic development, and meaningful employment opportunities.
Our growth and development did not happen overnight. It has been a steady climb based on the hard work, thoughtful stewardship, and determination of thousands of Chickasaw Nation employees.
We also depend on input from our citizens to help us achieve our mission “To enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people.”
We continue our work to increase opportunities to learn our language and culture through various cultural education classes, inspiring films, educational documentaries, traditional storytelling, and events.
Our health care system has grown to include a world class medical center, clinics, nutrition resources and vital opportunities for preventative care.
Education has long been a high priority and we recently elevated Education to the cabinet level in our executive department, which will offer new growth opportunities for Chickasaw students.
Tribal commerce and businesses have steadily grown and now contribute a majority of the funding necessary to sustain our operations, programs and services.
New facilities and expanded services represent an investment in the lives and families of the Chickasaw people we serve. We are motivated by the success and wellbeing of Chickasaws in every endeavor, decision, and project we undertake.
As we look to the future, we are excited by new opportunities, activities and events that will bring Chickasaws together in celebration and fellowship.
We will induct five very deserving Chickasaws into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame this month. Our Artesian Arts Festival will soon bring hundreds of talented artisans and thousands of visitors to Sulphur, Oklahoma.
Our camps, clinics and academies will welcome Chickasaw youth from across the country this summer who will take part in sports, culture, arts, sciences and more. Chickasaw students will be graduating and fulfilling goals as they embark on new journeys and challenges.
Our excitement for the future and sense of optimism is rooted in the understanding of our recent history, our 40 years of steady growth and the knowledge that we are constantly planning for what may come next. Together, we have accomplished much and, together, we will accomplish much more.