Serving Chickasaws always top priority of tribal government
This article appeared in the August 2014 edition of the Chickasaw Times
For the Chickasaw Nation, the past several years have marked a number of notable accomplishments. We dedicated several new and important facilities, including the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada; the Chickasaw Cultural Center, Artesian Hotel, and Chickasaw Nation Visitors Center, all in Sulphur; the Bedre Chocolates factory and store, and the Chickasaw Welcome Center, both at Davis; the Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center, in Murray County; the new Chickasaw Community Center, in Ardmore; our new tribal legislative and judicial buildings on the headquarters campus…and so much more!.
It is important to note that our “bricks and mortar” projects are much more than buildings. Our mission is always to serve the Chickasaw people. We are builders because the facilities we develop always lead back to improved lives for Chickasaw people and their families. Buildings are just buildings, unless they help us serve Chickasaws better.
The Chickasaw Nation Medical Center is a prime example. Most of us remember the facility we utilized for health care that came before the Medical Center. When we compacted in 1994 to provide Indian health care in the Ada area, it became very clear we would have to find a way to invest in a modern facility. Additionally, Chickasaws told me consistently that health care was their primary concern. When we compare our new Medical Center to the facility that preceded it, it is obvious we have taken a giant leap in the delivery of quality health care to Chickasaws, and to all Indian patients seeking health care.
Our tribe is, and has always been, fully dedicated to the education of Chickasaws. We believe a quality education is fundamentally important to the success and happiness of Chickasaw people and Chickasaw families. Every year, the Chickasaw Nation invests more resources in education programs for the full range of Chickasaw students. From our Head Start students to our vocational students to our post-doctoral academicians, our tribe offers tremendous levels of support.
The Chickasaw Nation invests in Chickasaws seeking educational achievement. The tribe provides a growing list of scholarships, grants, stipends, and support for equipment, books, housing and other essential items. Young or not so young, the Chickasaw Nation invests in your education.
We have also dedicated millions to additional health care programs, housing initiatives, employment opportunities, career development, cultural outreach, transportation and much more. The Chickasaw Nation understands that buildings and facilities are important, but those structures must serve a distinct purpose. Our most important investments are in Chickasaw people.
When the U.S. financial crisis hit in late 2008 and early 2009, the country was in economic turmoil. Americans had lost confidence in their financial institutions and markets. Companies failed, the stock market and the housing market crashed.
Our Chickasaw Nation businesses stayed on course, and we did more than just survive. By reinvesting in our businesses while competitors were cutting back, we built on our solid foundations. We expanded our menu of commercial ventures by acquiring, restructuring and moving ahead with renewed commitment and vigor. Our valued employees rededicated themselves to great service. While companies across the country cut work forces, we reinvested in our people and recognized great results. Our commercial foundation today is rock solid, and it is built always to serve Chickasaw people.
At the Chickasaw Nation, we remind ourselves daily that we work for you – the Chickasaw people. Our goal every day is to serve you well, to make your life better, and to bring you the quality programs and services you need.
Together, as the most progressive tribe in the country, we are building on the strong foundation that will serve our people well for many generations!