Governor Bill Anoatubby
Arrival of Spring brings new beginnings, opportunities to grow
By Bill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation
Our Earthly environment will soon begin its awakening as Spring approaches. The sense of renewal comes into our lives as winter begins its exit and the budding warmth of Spring appears. Spring is invigorating! The season reminds us of the many blessings we enjoy, and all the wonderful possibilities before us.
The Chickasaw Nation, in so many ways, reflects the vitality of the season. Our tribe is always seeking new opportunities to grow, prosper and serve. For generations, the Chickasaw people remained hopeful of eventual renewal. With removal to our new lands, our ancestors were faced an array of challenges. They were resilient and incredibly persistent, but life was hard. Our people survived and built new lives together, and we are immensely proud of their achievement and example.
In this current time, which we can refer to as a “modern era,” the Chickasaw Nation has made tremendous strides forward. Never in our history have we together experienced the expansion and prosperity we enjoy today.
We have achieved success in commerce, and there are many Chickasaw men and women to thank for that effort. We have committed most of that success to Chickasaw people and programs that will continue to produce benefits far into the future.
We are rightly proud of our advances in health care. We have built a large medical center surrounded by a number of health care clinics, all offering advanced specialties, treatments, equipment and professionals that are helping produce happier, healthier Chickasaw lives.
We honor our history, our culture and our traditions. Our Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur is a premier destination for travelers from around the world. We celebrate our Chickasaw story with this unique facility, and we share our traditions with those who seek to know more about us.
We continue to open tribal commercial facilities, and upgrade our existing businesses. We stay on top of the ever-changing needs and desires of our customers, and we invest in the things that make our facilities favorite destinations.
Buildings, businesses and facilities are important. They are material signs of our growth. But it is the Chickasaw people who are achieving exceptional things in their lives that truly mark us as successful.
With the essential foundation of quality education, health care, housing, nutrition and opportunity, Chickasaws have made tremendous advances in just one generation.
Our tribe each year produces growing numbers of Chickasaw professionals with bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, law degrees and medical degrees. And, the number of highly-trained Chickasaw tradesmen and skilled workers has grown exponentially. Each new generation of Chickasaws is taking advantage of the education and training programs that make successful Chickasaw families.
Housing conditions for Chickasaw families have been greatly improved over a generation. Nutrition education and programs help our children grow up strong and healthy, and our families live a much better quality of life. Our Department of Health helps keep our people on the path of good health.
By far our greatest investment – the investment that produces the greatest return – is the Chickasaw people! The health, happiness, success and well-being of our people is the focus of all we do.
Spring is well on its way and we are thankful for this annual time of growth and vibrancy. Let’s also be thankful for our tribe, our families and our friends.
Together, we have accomplished much. Together, we will build on our solid foundation and conquer the great achievements of tomorrow.