By Tony Choate, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
TISHOMINGO, Okla. - Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby told an audience of more than two thousand that "the state of the Chickasaw Nation is strong and it is getting stronger.
"Today Chickasaw people everywhere have opportunities for a better education, better healthcare, and better employment opportunities."
Gov. Anoatubby delivered the message Oct. 4 to a capacity crowd in Fletcher Auditorium. Hundreds more watched the address on a video screen under a tent outside the building on the Murray State College campus.
When he was first elected governor in 1987 the tribe had only 250 employees and an $11 million annual budget funded almost entirely by the federal government.
Today, the Chickasaw nation has more than 10,500 employees. In Fiscal Year 2007, tribal businesses provided more than $130 million annually to fund a variety of services and construction projects.
While the federal government provides funds for programs and services to honor ongoing treaty obligations, Gov. Anoatubby noted that the current financial turmoil could negatively affect that funding.
"We have been preparing for this for many years. We will all need to be flexible over the coming months," he said. "We keep a watchful eye on our investments, we remain diligent, conservative and above all, always protective of the future economic welfare of the Chickasaw people."
Economic Development
Gov. Anoatubby said the Chickasaw Nation has more than 60 businesses, which has helped the tribe make significant economic progress.
He pointed out that an expansion at WinStar World Casinos will make the facility one of the 5 largest casinos in the world.
He added that gaming is a springboard for further economic development and the Chickasaw Nation has been diligent and prudent in developing its business diversification strategy, investing in healthcare, banking and other businesses.
One of those business investments, Solara Health Care now operates eight Long Term Acute Care Hospitals in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana and employs close to 1,000 workers.
Bank2, which is owned by the Chickasaw Nation, is also very successful, adding that businesses provide funding for programs and services, including housing, healthcare, education and more.
Education - Arts and Humanities
In the past fiscal year, more than $7 million was budgeted for education grants, scholarships, and incentive programs.
More than 1,000 Chickasaws from Oklahoma and other states took part in Chickasaw Summer camps and academies.
He noted the accomplishments of some of those students.
The Chickasaw Nation FIRST Robotics team took first prize in rookie of the year at both the regional and national level competitions.
Three student composers from the Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy, Kate Duty, Courtney Parchcorn and Wyas Parker were chosen to have their classical music compositions performed Nov. 8 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Healthcare
The Chickasaw Nation is currently building a new hospital in Ada.
He said that once complete, the 370,000 square foot facility will be the largest Indian Health Service or tribal health care facility in the United States.
More than 200,000 square feet of flooring and 5.6 million pounds of steel framing have been erected since ground was broken on the facility Nov. 9, 2007.
The new hospital, on schedule for completion in January, 2010, will be almost three times the size of the Carl Albert Indian Health Facility in Ada.
Approximately 300 additional health care workers will be employed at the new 72-bed facility, which will provide additional imaging, surgical, dental and other medical services.
Culture
Many in attendance had a preview of the Chickasaw Cultural Center under construction near Sulphur, Okla.
Gov. Anoatubby said the cultural center has great significance for the Chickasaw people.
"The cultural center provides more than just a meeting place, a place for celebration, a place for demonstrations, and a place for learning and sharing,' he said. "The center serves as a home for all that is Chickasaw."
Located on 109 beautiful acres of rolling, lush woodlands, adjacent to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area near Sulphur, the CCC will use live performances, high-technology multimedia as well as exhibits and galleries to share the story of the unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw Nation.
Initially, the campus will include three buildings totaling 96,000 square feet.
In addition to the exhibit center, theater and café buildings, the cultural center will also include a traditional Chickasaw village, an outdoor amphitheatre, a sky pavilion and an honor garden, as well as some special water features.
Housing and tribal development
The Chickasaw Nation recently became the first Native American tribe in the United States, and the only building department in the state of Oklahoma to receive accreditation from the International Accreditation Service and the International Code Council.
"Accreditation from this highly respected organization confirms that our building department meets the highest professional safety standards in the industry," said Gov. Anoatubby.
The Chickasaw Nation "Chuka Chukmasi" (beautiful home) loan program has facilitated more than 650 loans since it was instituted in 1999. That mortgage program, with a default rate of less than one percent, has fared much better than those in the mainstream market.
