Governor Bill AnoatubbySpring is a time of growth, vibrant colors and vitality. The land around us awakens and everywhere plants and trees are in bloom. A sense of excitement and renewal comes into people’s lives as winter makes its exit and warm breezes invite us to enjoy nature. Spring is an exciting time of year as we open our minds to the many possibilities before us, and to the blessings we have received.
The Chickasaw Nation reflects this vibrancy and awakening as we together turn our hopes and dreams into reality.
For generations, the Chickasaw people survived at a subsistence level. With removal to this new land, the people were faced with starting new lives with very little. They were, of course, resilient and incredibly persistent. Looking back on that era, it is amazing the conditions they endured. Yet, they survived and eventually prospered.
In this modern era of the Chickasaw Nation, we are “booming.” Never before in history has our tribe experienced the growth, and the benefits it brings, that we are experiencing today.
We have achieved commercial success, and we have committed those resources for Chickasaw people and programs that will produce benefits far into the future.
We are proud of the Chickasaw Nation health care facility currently under construction in Ada. With this unique and modern center will arrive the finest health care services in the country. New specialties, equipment, processes and professionals will produce huge, lifegiving benefits.
Our new Chickasaw Cultural Center under construction in Sulphur will be a premier historic destination for travelers from around the world. We celebrate our culture and history with this unique facility, and we share our traditions with those who seek to know more about us.
We continue to build tribal commercial facilities, and upgrade our existing businesses. We are mindful of the ever-changing needs and desires of our customers, and we invest in those items that make our facilities favorite destinations.
Brick-and-mortar projects are important, and they are material signs of our tribal growth. But it is the Chickasaw people who are the source of our most significant tribal growth.
With the essential building blocks of quality education, housing, nutrition and health care, Chickasaws have made tremendous strides in just one generation.
We are regularly producing growing numbers of Chickasaw professionals with bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, law degrees and medical degrees. Additionally, the number of highly-trained Chickasaw tradesmen and skilled workers has greatly expanded.
Housing conditions for Chickasaw families has been improved many-fold over a generation. Nutrition services help our children grow up strong and healthy, and our unique and growing Chickasaw Nation Health System helps keep our people on the path of good health.
When it comes to the “bottom line,” our greatest investment – and the investment that produces by far the greatest return – is in the Chickasaw people.
Spring is here and we are thankful for the change of seasons and this annual time of growth and refreshment. Let’s also be thankful for our tribe, our families and our friends.
Together, we have accomplished much. Together, the possibilities are endless!
