Governor Bill AnoatubbyAugust 2012
Making a good plan, staying true - the Chickasaw way
Consider what we have accomplished together as Chickasaws over just the past 25 years.
In 1988, the Chickasaw Nation was operating several essential programs and services for the Chickasaw people. However, none of those programs and services were funded at an appropriate level. The total funding was actually miniscule when compared to the needs of our people.
Our tribe, like most others in those days, relied very heavily on federal funds. Those funds were never a sure thing, and many years those resources did not even grow enough to cover inflation.
As Chickasaws, we were challenged to come up with ideas to grow our tribe, reach a level of self-sufficiency and, most importantly, serve Chickasaw people well. It was clear to us that we had to do something to improve our fortunes. So, we did what was called for. We developed what we believed was a good, workable plan with a great chance of success. And we put that plan into action!
We determined in the late 1980s and early 1990s that our best avenue for success rested in tribal commerce. Following a study of the economic environment that existed for tribal nations, we embarked on a course of well-considered tribal business development. Our idea was to create tribal businesses that took advantage of the talents we had to offer, and build those businesses into success stories. We continue on that course today.
And what a road we have traveled together! We believed that if we worked our plan and stayed the course, we would meet with success. It was, and is, a matter of discipline and "sticking with it." Of course, that's the Chickasaw way!
Did we encounter some bumps and detours along the way? Yes. That is to be expected in commerce. But as we traversed the twists and turns of business, we gained valuable experience. We soon were on a straight and narrow path that has taken us to where we are today.
Resources produced by our tribal businesses are introduced to the myriad programs, services, outreach and opportunities Chickasaw people can access today. This outcome is the result of a number of bright, industrious, hard-working people dedicated to delivering outstanding business achievements – and great futures for Chickasaws.
Has our journey together been worth it? Absolutely! What price can we place on our ability to make decisions for ourselves? It certainly took a lot of work on behalf of countless Chickasaws, but we have together created something priceless.
We have come so far in this short 25 years. Every Chickasaw citizen today has a grand menu of opportunities from which to choose. From education to jobs to housing to health care - and so much more - Chickasaws today are benefitting from our commercial success in a multitude of ways. The goal, as always, is to provide the basis for healthy, happy, prosperous Chickasaw families.
The great thing is - we are not stopping now! We have accomplished so much together, and there are great things ahead for us. I deeply appreciate your faith in me as your Governor. The trust you have placed is me is humbling – and inspiring! I look forward to serving you for years to come.
Now that our solid foundation has been established, we are working harder than ever to discover new opportunities and new ways to build our tribal legacy of service to the people.
That truly is the Chickasaw way.
Thank you for your contributions over the years. Together, we have much more we can accomplish by generating success and opportunity for Chickasaw people in our modern world.
