Helping citizens with housing is key to the Chickasaw Nation’s mission

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said helping First Americans secure affordable housing is not only a critically significant benefit for citizens but is also an important demonstration of tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

Governor Anoatubby made the remarks at the National American Indian Housing Council’s (NAIHC) 2025 Legal Symposium conducted Nov. 17-20 in Durant, Oklahoma.

“Every home built reflects our ability to govern ourselves, manage our resources and make decisions for our future,” Governor Anoatubby said. “It represents more than a half century of work to strengthen tribal law, improve land management and develop essential partnerships.

“This is a long, winding road to greater self-sufficiency, and it comes with a lot of challenges. But each time we find a way to move forward and solve the challenges. With each challenge we meet we strengthen the foundation of self-governance and that is really what this symposium is all about.”

Governor Anoatubby commended the NAIHC for the important work it does on behalf of tribal nations and housing authorities.

“This symposium is important,” he said. “It brings us all together to better understand how housing matters in other tribal communities, and how we can together conquer a lot of obstacles and forge ahead despite many of the difficulties we have.

“It is about sharing what works, learning from one another and building systems that last. Together, we are making steady progress toward a future where every First American family has a safe home, and every tribal nation possesses the ability to provide housing for our people,” he said.

Governor Anoatubby said the Chickasaw Nation began building housing in the 1960s with one of the first programs provided to its citizens.

“One of the most important things we can do is provide a roof over people’s heads,” he said.

Governor Anoatubby said the 1979 Indian Self-Determination Education Assistance Act provided the tools necessary for advancing the tribe’s goal of helping tribal citizens.

“We set out on a mission. That mission was to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people. In 1987, I was fortunate enough to be elected Governor by the Chickasaw people. We worked toward the mission and our goal of self-sufficiency and economic development for our people,” he said. “We’ve been able to put a lot of people to work and give people opportunity.”

Governor Anoatubby said emphasis on education is another assistance effort that provides opportunity. When the tribe started providing education services, fewer than 200 citizens took advantage of tribal educational benefits. That number has increased exponentially.

“Last year we served 5,000,” he said. “Thirty years ago, the Chickasaw Nation took the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 as an opportunity to develop new programs that specifically solved many challenges in our community, and we continue to combine sovereignty with practical solutions to get the greatest result.”

Governor Anoatubby said through the Chickasaw Nation’s Homeowners Program, Chickasaw families purchase new, quality-built homes within the tribe’s treaty territory.

“This allows our people to live near family and participate in our culture and community. Our down payment and closing cost assistance grant helps our citizens take the final step into homeownership by removing barriers preventing families from securing a mortgage.”

Governor Anoatubby said the Chickasaw Nation’s Home Improvement Grant helps current homeowners with needed repairs and improvements, protecting families with what is often their most valuable, long-term investment.

“The handicap accessibility grant serves elders and the infirmed with vital home improvements and adjustments for safety and longevity. We also offer housing counseling and financial education, providing families with the tools needed to plan responsibly and sustain homeownership for the long term,” he said.

Chickasaw Community Bank is another tool the Chickasaw Nation has to help First Americans in homeownership.

“Every day, Chickasaw Community Bank works with tribes, housing authorities and tribally designated housing entities to provide housing across Indian Country, not just within the Chickasaw Nation.

“We work with our federal partners, and these partnerships empower our families to buy, build or improve their homes. In this way, each success story represents the combined effort of tribal programs, federal partners and private lenders working together for a common purpose,” he said.

Governor Anoatubby said he sees determination and innovation across Indian Country.

“Every tribe represented here is working toward safer homes, stronger communities and a more self-sufficient future,” he said. “Together, we continue to expand access to capital, simplify processes and make sure First American homeownership is attainable for every citizen.”