Our Chickasaw bonds are strengthened with our tribal programs, services

This article appeared in the June 2023 edition of the Chickasaw Times

As Chickasaws, we share a bond that has withstood the tests of time. A bond that has endured throughout our shared history and through the many triumphs our people experienced and the challenges they endured.

We are grateful for those who laid the foundation on which the Chickasaw Nation stands, those who sacrificed for our future, and those who carried on our culture, language and traditions.

A sense of community, caring for each other and serving one another have long been tenets of our people. We carry on these beliefs and traditions to this day, though many of us may be miles apart. By strengthening families, supporting the growth and development of our youth and building lasting bonds within our communities, the Chickasaw Nation is investing in the future prosperity of our people for generations to come.

We are blessed to offer more than 200 programs and services in the areas of health care, housing, education, cultural preservation, arts and more. Our successful and diverse business endeavors are key to the programs and services offered, as well as sustaining our success.

We are also dedicated to offering opportunities for learning, enrichment and strengthening lasting bonds that also strengthen our Chickasaw community. Events, programs and conferences, like the annual Elders and Veterans Conferences in the summer, bring together Chickasaws from across the country for fellowship.

Our many youth camps, clinics and academies offer an abundance of opportunities for our youth to learn and grow together, while making lasting memories. Our Chickasaw Citizen Groups, which take place in cities around the country, offer chances to connect with and learn about our tribe and meet other Chickasaws in the area. Furthermore, our many online resources offer opportunities to engage with and take part in language, culture and more to ensure citizens can connect with their heritage.

Chickasaw community centers and senior centers offer locations to gather for celebrations or to enjoy a meal with the company of friends and family.
We have much to be thankful for, and yet, there is still much to do. We are representing thousands of Chickasaws who came before us and hundreds of years of history, sacrifice and dedication to build the Chickasaw Nation we know today. Chickasaws worked hard to maintain a culture and language that is still thriving and to uphold a sense of community and a deep-rooted bond.

History has shown that we have always been a nation of strong people and, in turn, a strong nation because of our people. We remain committed to our mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people, and we are strong because of that commitment – a commitment to Chickasaws around the country and a commitment to shepherding the Chickasaw Nation into a bright and flourishing future.