The year saw many new "bricks and mortar" projects; new programs and services; new outreach by the tribe to its citizens; and an expanded role of the Chickasaw Nation on many fronts.
For the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2011, the tribe invested over $22 million in education programs, much of that in the form of grants, scholarships and assistance to our Chickasaw students. Today, there are more college graduates and students who have earned master's and doctoral degrees than ever in the history of the Chickasaw Nation. The commitment to education is paying off in great careers for thousands of Chickasaws.
The tribe's investment in Chickasaw health programs continues to produce great results. Following the construction of the new Chickasaw Nation Medical Center at a capital cost of approximately $150 million, the investment in Chickasaw health programs follows the input from the Chickasaw people ranking health care their number one priority.
In other areas, the tribe continues to make growing investment in heritage preservation; Youth and Family Services; general assistance; nutrition; transportation and much more.
Of course, the capital expenditures for new facilities delivered many new buildings for use by citizens.
During 2011, the Chickasaw Nation was very active on the building front. During the year, Gov. Bill Anoatubby and tribal officials dedicated the Holisso Center at the Chickasaw Cultural Center; the tribal Search and Rescue Firehouse in Ada; the Science-Technology-Mathematics Academy in Ada; the independent living apartments in Ardmore; and the Sovereign Family Practice Clinic in Ada.
Additionally, ground was broken on the Ardmore Health Clinic; the Connerville Senior Center; the Ardmore Senior Center; the new Golf Academy facility at WinStar in Thackerville; the new Bedre manufacturing plant on I-35; and the new Welcome Center, also on I-35.
During 2011, the tribe also assumed management of Boggy Depot State Park near Atoka.
Resolutions were approved and signed by Gov. Anoatubby authorizing a new softball complex in Ada; restoration of historic Burney Institute near Lebanon; building of a caretaker's home at the Chickasaw White House in Emet; an addition to the Madill Senior Center; and construction of the new Artesian Hotel parking garage, casino and pocket park in Sulphur.
And so much happened for Chickasaw people in 2011!
The Chikasha Apihchi Ikbi (Chickasaw Leadership) students jumped into the Habitat For Humanity program in Oklahoma City over the summer. The students helped frame new homes as well as site preparation and cleanup.
Chickasaw students from across the country engaged in one or more of the myriad camps and academies now offered by the tribe. Students enjoyed Environmental Camp, Golf Camp, Chickasaw Nation Aviation and Space Academy, Entrepreneurship Academy, FCA XTreme Camp, NASA Space Camp, Champions Football Clinic, Champions Cheerleading Clinic, Summer Arts Academy, Chickasaw Language Immersion Family Camp, and more!
Our young Chickasaws were the top performers at the annual Youth Language Fair in Norman, Okla. Our language is one of the cultural heritage items receiving much attention within the tribe.
Over 60,000 visitors enjoyed the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur during the Center's inaugural year. And indications are the Center will host double that number in the coming year.
The arts continued to be a focus of tribal interest as the Chickasaw Chamber Music Festival was hosted in Ada in June. Kids and young adults throughout the Chickasaw Nation are taking advantage of classes, clinics and seminars to help build their interest and ability in music, painting, writing, voice and traditional art.
On the business side of the Chickasaw Nation, our tribal commercial entities performed better than ever. Our businesses produced record net income, which is reinvested in tribal programs and services, and in the expansion of our businesses. More and more people want to visit the Chickasaw Nation and our entertainment facilities. Gov. Anoatubby just last month led the groundbreaking on a new 18-story hotel tower at the tribe's WinStar facility in Thackerville.
There is plenty happening at the Chickasaw Nation! The year just past was possibly the busiest and most productive on record, and much in planned for 2012.
With all the activities, plans and operations, the mission at the Chickasaw Nation remains "to enhance the quality of life of the Chickasaw people."
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