Governor Bill Anoatubby
Our expansive culture key to our success together
By Bill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation
“To enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw People.”
This is the simple, straightforward mission statement of the Chickasaw Nation. Our mission statement is what guides those of us who serve Chickasaws every day at our work.
Most Chickasaws know our tribal mission statement. But many probably don’t know our tribal vision: “To be a Nation of successful and united people with a strong cultural identity.”
Our fundamental mission is to make Chickasaw lives better. Our vision for the future is to help Chickasaws achieve success in their lives, and empower Chickasaws to be part of the powerful bond that unites us. We want all Chickasaws to understand the unique and compelling history of our tribal culture.
We are unique. Our Chickasaw culture is built on a history of supporting each other and overcoming great challenge. Our vision is for all Chickasaws to understand, to “feel” that bond, in a very real and complete way.
Those of you in business or corporate environments have no doubt participated in strategic plans. These plans attempt to identify real needs, areas for improvement, and opportunities for future success.
Our tribal strategic plan is based both on our mission statement and our vision for the future.
We have produced a number of objectives we will seek to accomplish over the next five to 10 years. Of course, we want to achieve our objectives as quickly as possible, which means better service to citizens. We also realize big ideas can take time to completely mature and have the desired effect. These ideas require the effort of all of us who serve you in office at the Chickasaw Nation.
Each objective speaks to issues that, we believe, are imperative to properly serving our tribal mission statement and vision.
As an example, one of our objectives is to “increase opportunities to participate in all forms of cultural expression.” This is obviously a very important element, and one that can be developed and promoted for many years.
Our desire is to provide more opportunities for Chickasaws to participate in cultural activities, and to bring down any walls that may hinder expressions of cultural pride. We have invested significant resources to making our culture accessible to all Chickasaws in many different formats.
Key portions of this objective include creating culturally inspired wellness efforts. The care of our bodies and our overall health are important. We are also incorporating a cultural awareness of the importance of our mental and spiritual health. Chickasaws with a deep understanding of their cultural heritage find this a natural thing. As we move forward with this outreach, more Chickasaws are exposed to this thinking and provided the proper cultural background.
Increasing cultural expression includes expanded opportunities to learn and use our language. We have many speakers, and we are seeing more all the time. It is important we grow on that base and that we engage our people in their language. Our language programs have grown very quickly and have engaged Chickasaw youngsters, elders, and everyone in between. Not only is it rewarding, it’s fun!
There are lots of ways we all contribute to the mission and vision of the Chickasaw Nation.
We are together increasing the knowledge of our Chickasaw customs; improving our communications with citizens; promoting government participation and citizen involvement; improving access to services, and much more.
Each of these pieces of the puzzle takes time, energy and a willingness to “see it through.” These efforts help enhance the quality of Chickasaw lives, and build strong cultural identity among all our people. Our culture enriches us, encourages us, unites us. It is right that we build on our Chickasaw culture, history and traditions. We are blessed to be citizens of a vital and growing tribe of progressive people!