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Chickasaw Times

Ofﬁcial publication of the Chickasaw Nation

Vol. XXXXIIII No. 2

February 2009

Ada, Oklahoma

Campbell, Lance to lead strategic efforts, tribal businesses

BRIAN CAMPBELL

BILL LANCE

Two key tribal administrators are moving to new positions within the tribe as the environment affecting tribal commerce matures. Gov. Bill Anoatubby announced Jan. 14 that Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce administrator Brian Campbell would take on the new role of Chief Ofﬁcer for Strategic Development for the tribe. In his new role, Mr. Campbell, a Chickasaw, will monitor the regulatory environment and state and federal legislation, particularly as it applies to gaming

Resolution establishes deadline of April 1 for change of voting district

stay in their current voting district,” tribal election secretary Rita Loder said. “Only voters who live outside the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation and also wish to change their voting district must take action.”

Post Ofﬁce Box 1548 Ada, OK 74821

The Chickasaw Times

The Chickasaw Nation is apportioned into four distinct voting districts: Pontotoc, Pickens, Tishomingo and Panola. Each Chickasaw voter is designated to one of the districts. Beginning April 1, registered voters living outside the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation will be restricted from changing their district. The tribal legislature, during its Jan. 16 meeting, approved a permanent resolution that restricts registered voters living outside the boundaries from changing their voting district after April 1. For voters living within tribal boundaries, the voting district is determined by the location of their homes. “It’s important voters understand they do not have to do anything at all if they want to

A post card has been sent to voters notifying them of the resolution. Voters typically stay with the district they have originally selected, Mrs. Loder said, but there are a number who switch. “The idea is to select a district to which you have a real connection,” Mrs. Loder said. “You may have family in a certain district, or you may have gone to school there, or there may be some other connection. Whatever the reason, every voter has a history that reaches into a district.” For voters who wish to change

See Districts, page 10

and other tribal endeavors. He will also focus on tribal economic development strategies that will build the tribe’s business diversiﬁcation efforts. “Our Commerce Division has experienced tremendous growth under Brian’s direction,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “During his tenure, much of Brian’s attention was focused on national and regulatory issues affecting our businesses. I believe these areas now deserve his full attention. We need Brian’s expertise and leadership in these regulatory areas which are important to the economic health of our tribe.” Mr. Campbell, 43, has served as administrator of the tribe’s various businesses since 2003. During his tenure, Chickasaw commerce displayed signiﬁcant growth in facilities, employees, revenue and net income. Riverwind Casino in Goldsby, Okla., was built and WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla., tripled in size under Mr. Campbell. He oversaw the management and operations of 58 tribal businesses. “It has been an incredible opportunity to work in such a dynamic environment,” Mr. Campbell said. “I attribute the

growth and success of our businesses to Gov. Anoatubby’s vision and leadership, as well as the talented staff of chief ofﬁcers and dedicated employees.” Mr. Campbell has served in various roles during his 14 years with the tribe. He has previously served as director of Economic Development, and administrator of the Treasury and Education Divisions. At Commerce, he was instrumental in the development of Solara Healthcare and Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. He was also engaged in the streamlining and automation of all business processes at Commerce, as well as creation of environmental services and construction development departments within the Commerce Division. Mr. Campbell earned a master’s degree in business administration from Southeastern (OK) State University. He also holds bachelor’s degrees in business management, German and physical education from Southeastern. Bill Lance Jr. has been named

See Administrators, page 10

Gov. Anoatubby named to board of Federal Reserve Bank branch

Gov. BILL ANOATUBBY Gov. Bill Anoatubby has recently been appointed to the board of directors of the Federal

Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Oklahoma City Branch. As a director, Gov. Anoatubby will participate in setting national monetary policy, supervising and regulating commercial banks and bank holding companies, and providing ﬁnancial services to depository institutions. It is Gov. Anoatubby’s initial appointment to the board. A total of seven directors sit on the board. Four are appointed by the Kansas City Reserve Bank’s board of directors, and three are appointed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in Washington, D.C.

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February 2009

Legislative Minutes

CHICKASAW TRIBAL LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION David Stout Building Ada, Oklahoma December 19, 2008 AGENDA ITEM #1 CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chairperson Linda Briggs called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. AGENDA ITEM #2 ROLL CALL Members present: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs Members absent: Tim Colbert, David Woerz Staff present: Doretta Sellers, Recording Secretary, Harold Stick, Sergeant-At-Arms, Robert Cheadle, Legislative Counsel Guests present: Ashley Large, Tony Choate, Dana Hudspeth, Adam Filbrewer AGENDA ITEM #3 INVOCATION Invocation was given by Ms. Green. AGENDA ITEM #4 READING OF MINUTES - November 21, 2008 A motion was made by Ms. Green and seconded by Dr. Goforth Parker to approve the November 21, 2008 minutes. Members voting yes: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs 11 yes votes The motion to approve the minutes of November 21, 2008 carried unanimously. AGENDA ITEM #5: UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unﬁnished business. AGENDA ITEM #6: REPORTS OF COMMITTEES (A) LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair Steve Woods Permanent Resolution Number 26-001, Amendments to Title 2, Chapter 4 Section 2-401.9 of the Chickasaw Nation Code (Insurance for Elected Ofﬁcials Who Leave Ofﬁce) This resolution amends Title 2, Chapter 4 Section 2-401.9 of the Chickasaw Nation Code to make those Chickasaw citizens who have served in any elected ofﬁce for at least 12 years under the Chickasaw Constitution of 1983, even when all such years were served prior to the established effective date, eligible for insurance as a retirement beneﬁt in accordance with Title 2, Chapter 4 Section 2-401.9 of the Chickasaw Nation Code. Currently, 3 former Legislators and Justices will be eligible for insurance under these amendments. A motion was made by Mr. Woods and seconded by Dr. Goforth Parker to approve PR26-001. Members voting yes: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs 11 yes votes The motion to approve PR26-001 carried unanimously. Mr. Woods concluded his report. (B) FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair Holly Easterling General Resolution Number 26-009, Approval of Development Budget Amendment KADA/KYKC Addition KADA AM/FM was purchased by the Tribe 11 years ago and has ended every year with a proﬁt. KYKC was purchased 3 years ago and has not only proﬁted but has substantially increased revenue and proﬁt since the station was moved into the same facility as KADA. This move has allowed a more economical use of personnel and assets which have resulted in a successful rate increase on commercials of over 50%. As of October 1, 2008, the Nation now owns two more radio stations; KTLS and KKFC. These two stations are currently located in North Hills Center. Moving these two stations into the KADA/KYKC facility will allow them to operate with fewer employees and considerably less overhead. The building in its current state has no room to accommodate the recently acquired stations. The new stations will require 2 main studios, 1 production studio and 3 ofﬁces in order to function efﬁciently. This will require the construction of a building addition. Moving the stations into one facility will allow almost a 50% savings in terms of staff. There will be savings on property insurance, telephone charges, electrical usage, ofﬁce equipment, supplies and the elimination of rent that is now being paid at North Hills Center. These and other savings will total approximately $5000.00

per month or $60,000.00 per year. This resolution approves the amendment to the Development Budget for the KADA/KYKC Addition, Project Number 0879-ADA-ADM-C in the amount of $150,000.00. A motion was made by Ms. Easterling and seconded by Ms. Green to approve GR26-009. Members voting yes: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs 11 yes votes The motion to approve GR26-009 carried unanimously. Ms. Easterling concluded her report. (C) HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair Dean McManus General Resolution Number 26-010, Gubernatorial Reappointment to the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the Chickasaw Nation, Carlyle Hill This resolution approves Governor Bill Anoatubby’s reappointment of Mr. Carlyle Hill to the Board of Commissioners of the Chickasaw Housing Authority. Mr. Hill will ﬁll an unexpired term of ofﬁce ending on January 23, 2012. A motion was made by Ms. McManus and seconded by Ms. Green to approve GR26-010. Members voting yes: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs 11 yes votes The motion to approve GR26-010 carried unanimously. General Resolution Number 26-011, Authorization for the Chickasaw Nation Boys and Girls Club to Participate in and Accept the Mentoring Program for At-Risk Tribal Youth from the Department of Justice Ofﬁce of Justice Programs This resolution supports the participation of the Chickasaw Nation Boys and Girls Club of Sulphur in the Mentoring Program for At-Risk Tribal Youth awarded by the Department of Justice, Ofﬁce of Justice Programs. The Chickasaw Nation Boys and Girls Club of Sulphur will provide Power Hour, a comprehensive homework help and tutoring program, to at-risk club members. A motion was made by Ms. McManus and seconded by Ms. Green to approve GR26-011. Members voting yes:

See Minutes, page 34

Jefferson Keel

Bill Anoatubby

Lt. Governor

Governor

Tom Bolitho Editor

Carrie Buckley Media Relations Specialist

Vicky Gold Ofﬁce Manager

Tony Choate Media Relations Director

Jeremy Oliver Media Relations Specialist

Dana Hudspeth Media Relations Specialist

Karissa Pickett Health Communications Ofﬁcer

Brooke Tidwell Education Communications Ofﬁcer

2612 E. Arlington, Suite B P.O. Box 1548, Ada, OK 74821 Chickasaw Times: (580) 332-2977; Fax: (580) 332-3949 e-mail: [email protected] Chickasaw Headquarters: (580) 436-2603

The Chickasaw Times is published by the Chickasaw Times, 2612 East Arlington Street, Suite B, Ada, OK 74820, P.O. Box 1548, Ada, OK 74820 monthly with two special issues published one in June and one in September. Subscriptions are free. Application (PP-2) to mail at periodicals postage rates is pending at Ada, OK 74820. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Chickasaw Times, 2612 East Arlington Street, Suite B, Ada, OK 74820. The Chickasaw Times is mailed free to Chickasaw registered voters, government and educational ofﬁces and upon request to other Indian citizens. Reprint permission is granted with credit to The Chickasaw Times unless other copyrights are shown. Editorial statements of the Chickasaw Times, guest columns and readers’ letters reﬂect the opinions of the writer and not necessarily those of the Chickasaw Times, its staff or the tribal administration of the Chickasaw Nation. All editorials and letters will become the property of the Chickasaw Times. Editorials must be signed by the author and include the author’s address. Deadline for submission is the 22nd of each month prior to publication. Submissions can be mailed, faxed, hand-delivered or e-mailed.

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

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Good planning, ﬂexibility help tribe meet changing issues By BILL ANOATUBBY Governor Chickasaw Nation As we go through life, fundamental truths become clear to us through instruction and through experience. We learn that actions often have consequences. As children, we learn that being untruthful misleads and hurts others. We learn that doing a good deed is positive not only for the recipient of the act, but is also personally fulﬁlling. As we mature, the lessons can appear more complicated, but in reality, each experience can be boiled down to one of a few fundamental truths. We have learned at the Chickasaw Nation that proper planning,

adaptability and perseverance are rewarded. These are not new lessons, but rather truths that have been passed from generation to generation among Chickasaw people. Our ancestors had highly developed governments and communities to ensure the proper support of all our citizens. Plans were made among councils for the common defense, housing, feeding and caring for the people. We carry on those traditions today. Long-range planning is critically important. We are responsible for projecting what issues may impact our tribe in the future, and how we will manage those issues. It is possible, through discussion and

Gov. BILL ANOATUBBY analysis, to discover the sparks that have the potential to create ﬂames – either of challenge or opportunity. Once we have identiﬁed the issues, we can then make intelligent plans for the future. We also understand that what

Lighthorse ofﬁcer investigates major crimes

Veteran Lighthorse Police Ofﬁcer Chris Crow brings a wealth of experience to his post with the Chickasaw Nation. Crow, who works as a major crimes investigator for the department, has been working in law enforcement for over a decade. During that time, the 39-year-old has worked a variety of cases - from homicide to bogus checks - and now uses his experience and hundreds of hours of specialized training to solve crimes that occur in the 13-county area that comprises the Chickasaw Nation. Crow, who grew up in the Ada area, began his career in law enforcement in 1998. His ﬁrst position was a deputy at the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s ofﬁce, where he served under the late sheriff Jeff Glase. He also attended CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training) in 1998 and served at the sheriff’s office until 2005. Crow then transferred to the District Attorney’s office to work as an investigator. In this position he assisted the District Attorney of District 22 (Pontotoc, Seminole and Hughes Counties) with all types

Chris Crow of investigations for criminal cases. In 2006, he accepted a position with the Lighthorse Police Department as a child support investigator. The Chickasaw Nation administers child support enforcement for several tribes throughout Oklahoma, and as a result, this position allowed him to travel the state of Oklahoma extensively. Crow now serves as an investigator for Lighthorse Police,

a position he accepted in 2008. He says he enjoys being able to work with other local, state and federal agencies to bring justice to crime victims. “I like to help people who need help,” he said. Over the past 11 years Crow has taken a long list of training courses including vehicle searches, drug identiﬁcation, several courses on methamphetamines, and jurisdiction. During his spare time, Crow indulges in his hobby, classic cars, specifically older Ford trucks. For more information about the Lighthorse Police Department, log on to www.chickasaw. net. Contributed by Dana Hudspeth, tribal media relations.

Adult basic education classes now available through Murray State

Adult Basic Education classes are now available through the continuing education program at Murray State College, Tishomingo, Okla. The class meets from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through May 4 at the

Classroom Building, CR 106. There is no cost for the class. For more information, contact coordinator Karen Cantrell at (580) 371-2371, ext. 114, or email her at kcantrell@mscok. edu

we project does not remain universally accurate as time passes. Things change, issues evolve and the impact on the tribe and the people can moderate or intensify. For these reasons, we know we must be adaptable. Adapting to today’s issues can be extremely challenging principally because the issues come at us faster and change more quickly in the modern world. However, that is our environment and we understand we must operate successfully in it. We conduct ongoing conversations and analyses on scores of issues that present themselves to us. We are always prepared

to alter our course, just as our ancestors were in their communities. Finally, we continue our heritage of perseverance. Perseverance comes from having a good plan, a worthy goal and conﬁdence in what we are doing. When those elements are in place, we overcome obstacles, opposition and discouragement as we seek to achieve our goal. In reality, we function very much as our ancestors did. These fundamental truths served them well, and they serve us well. The environment may have changed, but the commitment to succeed has remained constant.

HELP US HELP YOU! Attention Chickasaw Times readers

Each month, the Times in mailed to over 25,000 citizens and other readers. YOU can speed delivery time of the Times, plus save our tribe valuable resources! You will soon receive a post card from the Times. Please complete your name, address and signature in the proper spots, and drop the completed card in the mail. It’s that simple! No need to use a stamp - postage is provided. At the Times, we want you to receive the fastest delivery possible, at the best price to the tribe. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP! Questions? Contact Tom Bolitho, Chickasaw Times editor or Vicky Gold, Times ofﬁce manager (580) 332-2977 or [email protected]

News from your Legislators

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February 2009

Sulphur hotel/spa, WinStar update moving forward

Linda Briggs

Chickasaw Tribal Legislature

Hello Everyone! Our New Year is off and running. Progress continues. For several years we have talked about the building of a new hotel/spa facility in Sulphur to offer a double treat to those who come to visit our incredible cultural center. As the cultural center rounds the bend toward completion we have approved the building of the hotel. It will be probably two years to completion but it is off the drawing board and budgetary considerations are being given for it to become a reality. Progress on the hospital continues on schedule and that hospital construction is worth a trip

out there just to see, if you live anywhere in a reasonable driving distance. It will be the star of Indian Health Care Service on its completion. We continue to try to find ways to serve more people in the interim with the present facilities and as we grow in number it is a challenge. The administrator of our health care system does an extraordinary job in that effort and we appreciate all he and his staff do. Southern Oklahoma is iced over today and we are hoping everyone who has to be out and about does so with very great care! Some of us were honored and

privileged to attend the inauguration of our new President of the United States. No matter one’s political leanings, that is an awesome event. In every sense of the word. Security was of course at a maximum level and we had to wear armbands to get in and out of the hotel. We should all be praying for his success: it is our country and our future. The 12-story hotel being constructed adjacent to the Winstar Casino is scheduled for completion in late summer of this year. It is a beautiful building as is the new facade being affixed to the entire casino. The whole area appears as a city as you

cross the Red River from Texas. Several developers are active in the area surrounding the casino and it is pretty amazing to suddenly come upon all the lights and buildings. With all the activity going on in our Chickasaw Nation I hope you will start planning now, if you live outside the boundaries and/or some distance away, to come to the annual festival in the fall. Allow yourself time to drive the territory and see the great progress that is ours. It is a wonderful gift to be a Chickasaw! Blessings to all of you! Linda Briggs

Tribal consultation for the Oklahoma Indian Health Service area was conducted January, 2009 to discuss the new funding for diabetes dollars in Indian Country. At our area consultaiton, Oklahoma discussed funding issues that will be discussed among the 12 Indian Health Service areas at the next TLDC meeting in February 2009. Just to remind you, historically we experienced a tremendous victory for Indian Health Care when the U.S. Senate approved the House-passed Medicare

package on the unanimous consent calendar. The Medicare Package (H.R. 6331) includes a two-year reauthorization for the Special Diabetes Program at the current level of $150 million per year. Over the past several years, the National Indian Health Board, the American Diabetes Association, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee have worked to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program for Indians and type 1 diabetes research with multi-year funding.

Originally established in 1997 and last reauthorized in 2002 for ﬁve years, SPDI was set to expire at the end of this FY2008. Last December, legislators extended the program through FY 2009. Now, with the passage of the Medicare Package, SPDI is secured until FY 2011. What we have accomplished since passing of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 is unprecedented. We continue to make inroads into stopping this epidemic of diabetes. Don’t misunderstand my enthusiasm. We have not reached our goals.

the workplace, and most of them work full-time. Across the country, they are continually challenged to ﬁnd and keep good, safe and affordable care for their children. It is great to know that our tribe is leading the way is helping working moms and their children. I am chairman of our Education Committee, and I am proud of our Division of Education for the effective and popular child care assistance program that has been implemented. This is an important program, and I support its efforts completely. For the month of December, the tribal child care assistance program served 248 participants. The program continues

to grow, and another 17 children were added in December. All of the children served through the program are Native American, and of those 248, over 70 percent are Chickasaw children. The program has available a total of 75 child care providers who have been certiﬁed and contracted through the tribe. That total includes 39 licensed child care centers; 22 licensed homes; and 14 family providers. So many women today must help bring home the resources to make a family function properly. In many cases, the woman is now the sole breadwinner in the family. It is a real positive for our families that the children are cared for safely and well during

the workday. A quick note to our At-Large students. More families who live outside the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation are taking advantage of the At-Large Tutoring Reimbursement program. This is a wonderful program that funds tutoring for our At-Large students. It has really made a difference in the performance of a number of our students. If you are a parent reading this, please contact the Division of Education for information on the At-Large Tutoring Reimbursement program. It can make a world of difference to your student! As always, thank you for reading my column, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Children are still being diagnosed with diabetes. Amputations continue to occur, and we have blind tribal members and those on dialysis. I will not forget these scenes that can torment my memories. However, I know also that we are making progress. You do that individually when you choose to take good care of yourself. As a reminder in this new year, I encourage you to stay active. Walk with your family members and children. Get out and walk the dog. My sister-in-law walks around her home quickly to build up to her goal of 10,000 steps her day. Eat right. All of our clinics will provide you with information on healthy foods. If you need to lose weight, just set a 10 percent weight loss as a goal. Ten percent will decrease your risks for diabetes and help to improve control of diabetes if you are already diabetic. If you have questions, your health care providers are there as a resource. You can also visit the web site for http://www.chicresources.net. This is an information site that can link you to resources such as the National Library of Medicine, National Indian Health Board, and more. Get out there and stay active! I look forward to hearing from you. Judy Goforth Parker Chickasaw Legislator Ponototoc District, Seat 2

Victory with extension of diabetes program funding

Dr. Judy Goforth Parker Chickasaw Tribal Legislature

Tribe leading the way with child care for working moms

Wanda Blackwood Tippit Scott

Chickasaw Tribal Legislature

We all know that one of the biggest issues facing working women in today’s society is child care. Most mothers today are in

February 2009

News from your Legislators

Health System accommodates over 378,000 visits in 2008

Mary Jo Green

Chickasaw Tribal Legislature

Hello and greetings from Legislator Mary Jo Green, Seat 5, Pontotoc District and Committee Chair of the Health Care

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Committee! We have returned from Washington where we attended the inauguration of President Obama. It was, to say the least, an exciting time and I’m very blessed that I was able to attend the festivities. The new President certainly has my prayers and support as he tackles all the problems of the Nation and the world. We have had some very cold weather here which I’m sure has been hard on the construction workers. However, progress continues on our new hospital and the new Legislative and Judicial buildings. Unfortunately, we have been experiencing a rash of the stomach flu this year. The Health System has treated a lot of patients for the three-day virus,

including many seniors. The big news here is that Health System Administrator Bill Lance has been reassigned to Chickasaw Enterprises. Therefore, we will be announcing a new Administrator soon. While we will certainly miss working with Bill on health issues. We congratulate him on the successes he gave us in our Health System and wish him all good things in his new endeavor. We will, of course, continue to give our full support to him in his new position and to the new Health System Administrator, whoever that may be. Due to bad weather, the Health Care Committee was not able to meet this month. However, we received the following statistics: for the month of December,

2008. There were 223 hospitalizations at Carl Albert Indian Health Facility. The number of outpatient visits at Carl Albert was 20,047. December Emergency Room visits were 1,145. December saw 263 surgeries and the Same-day Clinic saw 2,807 patients. The Family Practice Clinic in Ada saw 1,937 patients in December. The Ardmore Clinic saw 3,133 patients and the Tishomingo Clinic saw 2,053. The Durant Clinic saw 2,526 patients and the Purcell Clinic saw 2,376 December. These monthly totals are the highest that I can remember, maybe due to the stomach virus I mentioned earlier. It was also reported that the 2008 total number of ambula-

tory visits for the Health System is 378,904 with 233,271 of those visits to Carl Albert Hospital. Wow, that is a lot of health care! It is almost a miracle that we can care for that many patients especially with Carl Albert being so small and out of date. Thank you again, Bill Lance, and God speed. I would love to hear from you! Please contact me through m y e m a i l a d d r e s s m a r y. [email protected] or through the address and telephone number listed elsewhere in this and every issue of the Chickasaw Times and on the Chickasaw Nation web site. My articles are also located on the web site. Until next month, thank you.

Hello Everyone, I hope you and yours are doing well. As our country slips deeper into recession, doing well becomes harder and harder. Some of the Oklahoma counties situated within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation are reporting some of the worst unemployment numbers in the State. As layoffs occur, jobs become harder to find, and insurance coverage goes away, it becomes more important than ever to avail our Chickasaw-selves of the programs and services avail-

able to us. The money saved by making use of a program or service can be used to address other personal or family needs. A great example of a much needed and usually expensive need is dentistry. Fortunately, dentistry is a provided service. Carl Albert Dental Clinic provides general dentistry for all Chickasaws. Dental appointments for children can be made on the ﬁrst working day of the month, starting at 8 a.m. Appointments for adults are made on the second

Wednesday of the month, starting at 8 a.m. Remember these are the days for making appointments. To make appointments call (580) 421-4596 or 1-888512-5522. For those dental patients in immediate need, the clinic takes four walk-ins in the morning and four walk-ins in the afternoon on a ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served basis. In addition to general dentistry and a denture program, Carl Albert Dental Clinic has on staff an oral surgeon and dental hygienists. In some cases, the MAPS

and Medisaw programs can help pay for dentures. However, all request for denture assistance must go through the Carl Albert Dental Clinic ﬁrst. The phone number for making denture appointments is (580) 421-4596. Understanding all the programs and services provided by the Chickasaw Nation and knowing how to access them can be challenging. However, it can be worth the trouble in these trouble times. Respectfully, Katie

member. (To learn more about the committees go to the Code Title 16, Chapter 2 Section 16204.) This committee oversees the rules and guidelines that govern our Tribal Elections. When changes to the election process are deemed necessary, resolutions are created and the ﬁnal outcome is decided in Legislative Session. Any possible changes in the guidelines or oversight of Tribal elections must be done prior to April 1st of each year. (Title 16, Chapter 2, Section 16-205 B 2.) Currently voters who reside outside the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation are able to change voting districts by simply ﬁling out a Change of Voter Registration form and choosing the district of choice. Last

month, Permanent Resolution 26-003, Amendments to Title 8, Chapter3, Section 8-301 of the Chickasaw Nation Code, was passed by the Tribal Legislature which states, “Voters living outside the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation shall not be allowed to change from one (1) district to another starting April 1, 2009.” Voters living outside the boundaries must decide which district you want to be register in and have your paperwork submitted to the Election Secretary by April 1, 2009. After that date you will no longer be able to change districts. I have encountered many citizens who are unaware of which district they are registered. Unless you have informed fam-

ily members or stay on top of Tribal news you may not know where you are register to vote. Those of us who reside within boundaries vote where we live. There are four voting districts: Pontotoc, Pickens, Tishomingo and Panola. The age old dilemma: Which district should I register to vote? Many citizens like to register in the district where their ancestors resided. Therefore, the choice is made. For those who are not familiar with family history or maybe their ancestors did not reside within the Chickasaw Nation boundaries you must choose based on other factors such as location of the district, how many representatives it has, the land mass size, the number of voters already in the

district, knowledge of the representatives, or just a random choice. Whichever the case, your FINAL ANSWER must be made by APRIL 1, 2009. If you are not familiar with your current voting location OR you want to switch voting districts contact the Chickasaw Nation Voter Registration Office @ 888-661-0137. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Num.6:24-26 Beth Alexander P.O.Box 246 Achille, OK. 74720 (580) 283-3409 bethalexander22@hotmail. com

For dental service, make note of when appointments may be made

Katie Case

Chickasaw Tribal Legislature

Choice of voting district often made based on family history

Beth Alexander

Chickasaw Tribal Legislature

T h e Tr i b a l L e g i s l a t u r e consists of several working committees. One in particular is the ELECTION RULES & REGULATIONS AD HOC COMMITTEE, which I am a

News from your Legislators

6

December 2008 Resolutions

General Resolution Number 26-012 Approval of Application for Funding Family Violence Prevention and Services Explanation: This resolution approves the Chickasaw Nation’s application for federal funding to the Administration for Children and Families for the continuation of the Family Vio-

lence Prevention and Services project. With the funds from the grant, we are able to assist clients with relocating costs associated with leaving an abusive situation. This can include assistance with housing rental costs and deposit plus utility deposits for housing, household items, bedding, beds, dinettes, kitchen items, clothing, transportation tickets to locate services or

employment and groceries. We also provide crises counseling, safety planning and education regarding domestic violence, assistance with protective orders and facilitate a weekly support group, “Spirit Circle.” We also make many referrals to tribal and non-tribal agencies to assist with emergency shelter, legal and other needs. This grant serves Native America and non-

Committee of the Whole Meeting January 12, 2009 Present: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Tim Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, David Woerz, Steve Woods Absent: Linda Briggs Election Rules and Regulation Ad Hoc Committee January 12, 2009 Present: Beth Alexander, Tim Colbert, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, Steve Woods, Judy Goforth Parker Absent: Scott Colbert Finance Committee January 12, 2009 Present: Holly Easterling,

Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, David Woerz, Wanda Blackwood Scott Human Resources Committee January 12, 2009 Present: Dean McManus, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Mary Jo Green, Wanda Blackwood Scott,

David Woerz, Judy Parker Land Development Committee January 12, 2008 Present: Judy Goforth Parker, Beth Alexander, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, David Woerz, Steve Woods Absent: Linda Briggs

Committee Reports

Count of Voters by District

Panola Pickens

1,547 6,796

Pontotoc 10,231 Tishomingo 4,680 23,254

2008-2009 Tribal Legislature

Following is a list of the Chickasaw Nation Tribal Legislators including their address and phone numbers. If you have any questions or need any information, please contact the legislator in your area. 1.

2.

3.

4.

Pontotoc District Pickens District Seat # Seat # Holly Easterling 1. David Woerz 1722 Augusta Drive P.O. Box 669 Ada, OK 74820 Ardmore, OK 73402 (580) 399-4002 (580) 504-0160 [email protected] 2. Connie Barker Judy Parker 509 SW 7th Ave P.O. Box 2628 Marietta, OK 73448 Ada, OK 74821 (580) 276-5420 (580) 332-3840 3. Linda Briggs Katie Case 400 NW 4th 14368 County Road 3597 Marietta, OK 73448 Ada, OK 74820 (580) 276-3493 (580) 421-9390 4. Wanda Blackwood Scott Dean McManus Route 1, Box 42 5980 CR 3430 Elmore City, OK 73433 Ada, OK 74820 (580) 788-4730 [email protected] (580) 759-3407

5. Mary Jo Green 2000 E. 14th Place Ada, OK 74820 (580) 332-2394

February 2009

Native American victims. Presented by: Human Resources Committee Dean McManus, Committee Chair Yes Votes: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Tim Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, David Woerz, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs General Resolution Number 26-013 Approval of Development Budget Amendment Artesian Hotel Explanation: The site where the Artesian Hotel was located is also the site of the Chickasaw Nation’s ﬁrst business. After the 1962 ﬁre another hotel was built but fell into foreclosure. The Chickasaw Nation bought the hotel land in 1972 and built the Chickasaw Motor Inn, which had a modern appeal but lacked the historical beauty of the original Artesian. The town of Sulphur has not had a destination type of hotel since the Artesian. Currently, there is no adequate facility to host the type of functions that

were once held there. In addition to returning some of the glory to downtown Sulphur and providing a much needed venue, the new hotel will be a natural complement to the Chickasaw Cultural Center. Guests who visit the Cultural Center could extend their cultural and historic experience by staying in a hotel which evokes memories of the glory days the area enjoyed during early statehood. This resolution approves the amendment to the Development Budget for the Artesian Hotel, Project Number 20-0081-08 in the amount of $21,912,196.00. Presented by: Finance Committee Holly Easterling, Committee Chair Yes Votes: Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Tim Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, David Woerz, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs No votes: Beth Alexander General Resolution Number 26-014 Approval of Application for

See Resolutions, page 34

Citizens At-Large Help Number

For information on services or help with questions, call toll-free 1-866-466-1481.

Tishomingo District Seat # 1. D. Scott Colbert P.O. Box 773 Sulphur, OK 73086 (580) 622-3960 2. Tim Colbert P.O. Box 773 Sulphur, OK 73086 (580) 993-2818 3. Steven Woods Route 1, Box 430A Sulphur, OK 73086 (580) 622-3523 Panola District Seat # 1. Beth Alexander Box 246 Achille, OK 74720 (580) 283-3409 [email protected]

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Michael Colbert Smith

Barbara Anne Smith

Social Security Disability Law • SSI Claims • SSDI Claims • Criminal Law • Family Law

401 East Boyd Street Norman, Oklahoma 73069 Toll Free 1-866-259-1814

Chickasaw Citizens

(405) 447-2224 (405) 250-6202 Fax (405) 447-4577

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

7

IAS accreditation conferred on tribal building department

International Accreditation Service President Chuck Ramani, right, presents Gov. Bill Anoatubby with a plaque signifying the tribe has become the first Native American tribe in the country to receive accreditation for its building department.

The Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing and Tribal Development recently became the ﬁrst tribal building department in the U.S., and the ﬁrst building department in Oklahoma,

to receive accreditation from the International Accreditation Service (IAS). “Accreditation from this highly respected organization conﬁrms that our Division of

Chickasaw artists are invited to submit proposals for a unique painting to commemorate the grand opening of the Chickasaw Cultural Center. The artist submitting the winning proposal will be commissioned to create a painting for the fall 2009 opening of the cultural center in Sulphur, Okla. “It is ﬁtting that a Chickasaw artist will have this opportunity to create this work of art which will express the spirit, culture and heritage of Chickasaw people,” Gov. Bill Anoatubby. Lona Barrick, administrator of

the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities, said artists should develop proposals based on the 2009 Annual Meeting theme, “Remembering our Past, Building our Future.” “We want a painting which will encompass this theme in a remarkable work of art which will become an integral part of the cultural center,” Ms. Barrick said. Any Chickasaw artist may submit a proposal for this commemorative painting. The painting may be in oil, acrylic, watercolor or pen and ink. Minimum

Housing is committed to providing the highest quality service to our citizens,” Gov. Bill Anoatubby said. “Beyond that, the accreditation process provides another level of accountability as we strive to maintain our commitment to meeting the highest professional and technical standards in the industry.” The Code and Life Safety Section of the Tribal Development Department of the Chickasaw Nation is unique among building code enforcement agencies. The Tribal Development Department functions both as landlord and developer of the projects regulated by the Code and Life Safety Section. IAS President Chuck Ramani presented the Building Department Accreditation Certiﬁcate of Accreditation to Gov. Anoatubby during Jan. 9 ceremonies at tribal headquarters. “Earning Building Department Accreditation is a great achievement and demonstrates the Chickasaw Nation’s commitment to public safety,” Mr. Ramani said. “To achieve accreditation, the department underwent rigorous assessments to verify that it operates under the highest ethical, legal and technical standards while pro-

Chickasaw artist submissions sought for Cultural Center painting

Todd Bell

Chickasaw Citizen

Rick Bell

size is 30” x 40.” Maximum size is 4’ x 5.’ The proposal should contain a description of the ﬁnished piece as well as the medium to be used. Deadline for submission of proposals is March 23, 2009. Proposals should be submitted either by e-mail or CD. A panel will review each proposal and select the winning artist in April, 2009. The work must be completed by July 1. The selected artist will be recognized at the 2009 Annual Meeting and Festival. This will be the first of a number of works to be commissioned and future works will be requested in other media. For information, contact the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities at (580) 272-5520 or e-mail [email protected].

viding enhanced life safety and property protection.” To achieve IAS Building Department Accreditation, the Code and Life Safety Section of the Tribal Development Department of the Chickasaw Nation was assessed across 13 distinct categories of accreditation criteria. IAS evaluators carefully assessed critical elements of the building department including customer service, code interpretation and enforcement, and ﬁscal strength, technical expertise and compliance with the IAS Accreditation Criteria for Building Departments/Code Enforcement Agencies. The on-site teams also visited construction sites to appraise the performance of the department’s inspection process. Wayne Scribner, Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing and Tribal Development administrator, said his staff had worked diligently to earn accreditation. “Close scrutiny of our department during the accreditation process has enabled us to improve our procedures and become more effective in meet-

ing our already high standards,” Mr. Scribner said. IAS, a subsidiary of the International Code Council, has offered Building Department Accreditation since January 2005. Several major cities across the nation are currently going through the accreditation process. The nation’s leading provider of building department accreditation, IAS also assesses and accredits testing and calibration laboratories, fabricator inspection programs, special inspection agencies and workforce training and curriculum development agencies. IAS is a subsidiary of the International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and ﬁre prevention that develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council. Contributed by Tony Choate, tribal media relations.

Chickasaw Nation Health System welcomes ‘First Baby of 2009’

Proud parents Brittain Keller and Bradley Hatton are pictured with Zaciyah Lincoln Hatton, the first baby of 2009 born at Carl Albert Indian Health Facility in Ada, Okla. Zaciyah arrived at 9:27 a.m., January 1, 2009. He weighed 7 ½ pounds and measured 19.2 inches at birth. Dad is a Chickasaw citizen, and mom is a Choctaw citizen. Gifts including a car seat, blankets and clothing were provided courtesy of the Chickasaw Nation Health System. The family is from Ada.

8

Key Wolf displayed courage, persistence

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

Chickasaw player led OU football team 100 years ago

A century before Cherokee quarterback Sam Bradford led the Sooners to the national championship game, another American Indian was a leader of the University of Oklahoma football team. The late Key Wolf, a Chickasaw from Davis, Oklahoma, was captain of the 1908 OU football team. He led the team a 7-1-1 season record, a Southwest Conference Championship and a 50-0 win over Texas. Coached by University of Oklahoma legend Bennie Owen, Wolf began his playing career at OU in 1905. Harold Keith reported in his book “Oklahoma Kickoff” that Wolf ﬁrst tried out for center, but Owen literally kicked him out of that position. “For a minute, I looked Benny squarely in the eye. No man had ever kicked me before. I came near hitting Bennie. Awfully near,” Keith quoted Wolf. “But I didn’t. And two weeks later I’d have hit anyone else who even looked like they wanted to hit him.” Owen, who was widely respected and liked by his players, came into Wolf’s life at a critical time. Wolf, son of a Chickasaw father and Scottish mother, faced hardships early in life. He was born about a mile south of Davis in the Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory, March 8, 1886. His mother, Sarah McCabe Scot, died when he was an infant. His father, Silas Wolf, died when Key Wolf was ﬁve years old. After his father’s death, Key Wolf was taken into the home of his father’s cousin and close friend, Nelson Chigley. Wolf began his education at the neighborhood school operated by Mr. Chigley. During his early years, Wolf studied at a number of different schools, including an orphan school, a private school and a military school in Texas. At one point, Wolf rebelled and left a school for white orphan children, according to a Sept. 4, 1909 article in The Oklahoman. After some time as “a box car tourist” Wolf returned to the home of his guardian. That seemed to be a turning point which motivated the young man to pursue his education. He earned his high school di-

Key Wolf with the 1930 Davis Wolves football team. Front row, from left, are Clyde Camp, Key Wolf, John Jorden. Second row - Bill Hyden, Howard Wise, W.T. Kelly, Robert Peterman, Tom Knapp and Willie Warren. Third row - Leroy Tignor, Paris Price, Jack Rowe, Jake Barron, Edgar Garnet, John Bounds and Thurman Jorden. Back row - Jack Revels, Alfred Deatheridge, Raymond Morton, Harold Russell, Robert Lebo, Delbert Land, Percy Tom Francis and Harold Springer. (photo courtesy of Davis Historical Museum) ploma from Harley Institute in tors who wanted to outlaw it, a fending, yelling that Oklahoma Tishomingo, Okla. Soon after, national committee was formed wouldn’t cross that line. “But we did cross it and he he enrolled at the University of in 1906 to develop rules for the wasn’t there when we did,” Wolf Oklahoma. college game. When Wolf began his college Many rules were designed to told Keith years later. Probably the most important football career in 1905, few make the game safer for players, rules had been developed for the while others helped make the and famous innovation made game and the Oklahoma team game more attractive to fans. by the rules committee was was known as the “Boomers.” These new rules made it illegal legalization of the forward Flying wedge formations were to tackle out of bounds, pile on pass. Rules regarding the pass, common and running backs or strike the ball-carrier in the however, included so many rewere often launched over the face with the heel of the hand. strictions it took several years line by teammates. This wide While those rule changes did for that play to come into wideopen style of play, along with help save the game from being spread use. Playing guard when the formore than a few ﬁsts thrown by outlawed, it was still a rough ward pass was a rarity and lineplayers, resulted in many inju- sport, to say the least. ries - and occasional death. In 1907, Wolf, who was play- men often carried the ball, Wolf According to the Oklaho- ing with one arm in a sling, was was known for his aggressive ma Football Encyclopedia, 18 ejected from the Texas game for style of play as a blocker and deaths and 149 serious injuries throwing a punch. Keith wrote ball carrier. University of Oklaresulted from playing football that the call “was so palpably homa President Dr. A. Grant in the U.S. in 1905. While no wrong that for the ﬁrst time in Evans was so impressed with deaths occurred at the Univer- his three-year coaching stint at Wolf’s abilities that he wrote a sity of Oklahoma, there were a Norman, Owen went out on the poem entitled “When Key Wolf Gets the Ball.” number of serious injuries. ﬁeld to protest.” Wolf’s drive and determinaAn outcry for reform came Players and coaches were not tion helped him gain acclaim as from the public and from admin- the only ones who took the game istrators of many colleges. There quite seriously. Many fans at the a player, as a student and as a were objections to the brutal time could truly be described citizen. He earned a bachelor’s nature of the sport and to what by the expanded version of the degree in Geology, was president of his junior class, manager many believed was an over- word, “fanatic.” emphasis on the importance of According to Keith, an Ar- of the college annual, president the sport on college campuses. kansas fan actually ran out on of the athletic council, and In order to reduce injuries and the ﬁeld and ﬁred two shots into secretary of the senate literary protect the game from detrac- the goal line Arkansas was de- society.

He understood that many Indian children did not have the same opportunity to pursue higher education. While still a student, he made an appeal to the Chickasaw legislature to appropriate money toward Indian education. His plan would have provided funds to Indian students graduating from industrial schools who wanted to pursue a college degree. After years working as a teacher in Bureau of Indian Affairs schools, Wolf returned to his boyhood home of Davis. He was principal, athletic director and coach at Davis High School from 1926 to 1930, leading the football team to its first undefeated season in 1929. The Davis team is called the Wolves in his honor. Wolf Field where they play was also named after the distinguished coach. Wolf later returned to the University of Oklahoma and earned his master’s degree in education. His 1931 master’s thesis is entitled “Federal aid for the education of Indian children in the public Schools of Oklahoma.” He spent his remaining career as an educator of Indian children. “Key Wolf epitomizes the best qualities of Chickasaw people,” said Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. “He set high goals and pursued them with all of his heart. Perhaps more importantly, those goals always included giving back to his fellow citizens.” Judy Kessler, Wolf’s granddaughter, lives in Norman today. She said that while his children described him as “very strict,” she had very fond memories of him. Even though he lived in North Dakota, far from his grandchildren in Oklahoma, he found ways to stay close. She said that he would tell and write stories in which give the animals the names of Judy and her cousins. “He was the best grandfather,” said Kessler. Key Wolf retired in 1952 and returned to his allotment south of Davis. He died in October, 1960 at his home. Contributed by Tony Choate, tribal media relations.

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

9

Congressional Medal of Honor recipient

Chickasaw Army ofﬁcer to be honored by Arbuckle Museum

MAJ. RAYMOND HARVEY SULPHUR, Okla. – U.S. Army Maj. Raymond Harvey, the first and only Chickasaw citizen to receive the Congres-

sional Medal of Honor, will be honored posthumously at the Arbuckle Historical Society Museum next month. The ceremony is set for 2 p.m. Friday, March 27 at the American Legion building, 910 West Fifth Street, Sulphur. The museum is located adjacent to the American Legion Building, at 402 West Muskogee. An exhibit with photographs and information will be opened to honor Maj. Harvey, a former Sulphur resident, said Roland Earsom, former president of the Arbuckle Historical Society. The public is invited to attend. President Harry Truman awarded Maj. Harvey the Con-

gressional Medal of Honor in 1951 for his heroic actions in Korea. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself “conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.” During his long and distinguished carrier in the Army, Maj. Harvey was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor.

The Distinguished Service Cross recognizes extreme gallantry while risking one’s life in combat situation. He also received two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. Maj. Harvey was born in Ford City, Pennsylvania March 1, 1920. His father, Frank Harvey, was in the construction business and his mother, Frannie Thomas Harvey, was born in the Chickasaw Nation near Nebo. The family relocated to Fannie Thomas Harvey’s hometown of Sulphur in 1924. Maj. Harvey attended school in Sulphur and graduated from high school in Oklahoma City

in 1939. He enlisted in the Army after high school graduation and served in the European Theatre of Operations during World War II. Hewas discharged in 1945. He joined the Army Reserve in 1947 and was recalled to active duty in 1948. He retired from the military in 1962 and went on to work as an investment banker for 11 years. He died in Arizona in 1996. For more information about the March ceremony to honor Maj. Harvey, contact the Arbuckle Historical Society at (580) 622-5593. Contributed by Dana Hudspeth, tribal media relations.

Business net income assists with capital projects, programs

FINANCIAL REPORT The tribal government caption includes the tribe’s general fund and the tribe’s BIA trust funds. The Chickasaw Businesses include all of the businesses and operations of the Chickasaw Enterprises. Not included in the ﬁnancial statements are federally or state funded programs and/or grants and the ﬁnancial statements of Bank 2 and Chickasaw Industries, Inc. The growing needs of the businesses are taken into account when determining the transfers from the businesses to the general fund. It is vital to the long range mission of the Chickasaw Nation that the businesses continue to grow and diversify. Revenues of the tribal operation, other than the transfer from businesses, include motor fuel settlement funds and investment income. Chickasaw Businesses revenues include gaming revenues net of prizes, sales revenue at convenience, travel plazas and tobacco stores, rent and investment income. Tribal expenditures are classiﬁed by function. General government includes the maintenance and operations of tribal property, Chickasaw Times and governor’s and lt. governor’s offices. Expen-

diture for education includes education scholarship as well as the tribe’s division of education. Health expenditures include senior citizens sites, eye glasses, hearing aids, prescription drugs, wellness center, community health clinics, catastrophic medical assistance and other similar programs not covered by federal programs or grants. The businesses’ expenditures are classiﬁed as to expenses associated with gaming operation of the tribe and the other businesses of the tribe. Executive Summary of the Financial Statements of the period ending December 31, 2008 Tribal Government Revenues and transfers from the businesses for operations and ﬁxed assets totaled $39.9 million year-to-date. Expenditures were $5.1 million for the month and $16.7 million yearto-date. There has been a total, beginning in ﬁscal year 2004, of $114.0 million transferred from the businesses that were reserved for capital projects. Chickasaw Businesses Revenue net of gaming prizes for December totaled $67 million and $201 million year-to-date. Net income before the transfers to the Tribal Government was $21 million for the month and $64 million year-to-date. After transfers to the Tribal Govern-

ment for capital projects and tribal program operations the net income was $16.0 million year-to-date. The net income includes all revenue, including amounts reserved for business growth and expansion. Statement of Net Assets At December 31, 2008, the

tribal government funds had $107 million in cash and investments. Of this amount, $13.8 million is in the BIA Trust funds. This total does not include any federal program funds. The businesses had $173 million in cash and investments which is reserved for accounts payable and business opera-

tions. As of December 31, 2008, tribe operations, excluding federal program funding, had assets totaling $945 million with $201 million in payables resulting in net assets of $744 million compared to $712 million at September 30, 2008 or an increase of $32 million.

Chickasaw Times

10

February 2009

Administrators, continued from page 1 incoming Division of Commerce administrator. Mr. Lance, a Chickasaw, has served as administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Health System since 2000. He will assume his new duties in March. “Bill Lance is a proven performer with an eight-year track record of success as administrator of the Health Division,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “He will bring a unique perspective which will strengthen our business

diversification efforts. Bill’s commitment to excellence and constant pursuit of continuously raising standards have been key to achieving our vision of providing excellent health services to Indian people.” Mr. Lance, 43, currently directs a comprehensive health system with over 600 employees and an annual budget exceeding $100 million. The Chickasaw Nation Health System includes Carl Albert Indian Health Facil-

ity and Clinics, Diabetes Care Center, and Family Practice Clinic, all in Ada, as well as four satellite family practice clinics in Ardmore, Tishomingo, Purcell and Durant, Okla. The Health System accommodates over 370,000 patient visits annually. “I am looking forward to this new opportunity to direct the operations of the Commerce Division under Gov. Anoatubby’s leadership,” Mr. Lance said.

Districts, continued from page 1 their voting district, a citizenship application must be ﬁled. An application is located inside this edition of the Chickasaw

www.chickasaw.net

Times, just below this article. A downloadable version is available on the tribal website, www.chickasaw.net.

For more information, contact the tribal election ofﬁce at 1888-661-0137.

“Although the challenges and duties may be different, Gov. Anoatubby’s vision to positively impact the lives of the Chickasaw people will continue to drive our decisions and operations at Commerce.” Gov. Anoatubby said Mr. Lance would remain in charge of the Health System for three months as a search is conducted for a new administrator. Mr. Lance will also continue his oversight of construction on the new Chickasaw Nation health care facility in Ada. “The health of our citizens has been, and will continue to be, a top priority,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “Bill, with the assistance of his exceptional staff, will provide the steady guidance needed to continue the daily operations of the Health System as we seek

his replacement and as he transitions into his new role leading the Commerce Division.” Mr. Lance was recently named a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), the nation’s leading professional society for health care executives. He serves as an ACHE board member, as well as on the boards of Children’s Medical Research Foundation; Information Systems Advisory Committee for Indian Health Services; Public Health Institute of Oklahoma; and the East Central Blood Institute. Mr. Lance earned a master’s degree in health administration and policy from the University of Oklahoma, and a bachelor’s degree from East Central (OK) University.

/ Phone: 1-888-661-0137

Chickasaw Citizen

Oklahoma Optical

Oklahoma Optical is now located at 1005 North Country Club Road in Ada, Oklahoma. A new showroom and large display area makes ﬁnding the right style more convenient for customers! Oklahoma Optical is open to everyone.

For more information, please contact Dixie Ernst-Phillips at (580) 332-2796.

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

11

Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame nominations being accepted Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 class of the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame. Nominations must be received at the Chickasaw Nation Headquarters by the end of the busi-

ness day, March 20, 2009. Nominations of living or deceased individuals will be accepted for consideration. Nominees must have distinguished themselves in their business, profession, craft, or voca-

The Chickasaw Nation Division of Treasury, in partnership with the federal Internal Revenue Service, is now offering free tax preparation and electronic ﬁling in the Ada area through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program starting Feb. 3. The VITA program will be available to aid state and federal taxpayers with annual income of $40,000 or less, who will be ﬁling a 1040, 1040 EZ, 1040A, 1040 – V, or 1040 – ES forms. The program will also aid in ﬁling Child and Dependent Care credits, education credits, and additional child tax credits. The volunteers who will be processing tax forms for the VITA program are certiﬁed by the IRS, have been trained and tested in current tax law, and will be available to help tax payers choose the proper ﬁling options. “This is a great opportunity to come get your taxes professionally ﬁled at no charge,” said Adam Stafford, Chickasaw Nation Division of Treasury.

The Division of Treasury will be taking appointments Monday through Friday starting Feb. 3 through the close of tax season April 15, 2009. Every other Saturday starting Feb. 7 walk-in appointments will be taken at the Treasury ofﬁces located at 515 East Arlington Ada, Okla.. Applicants need to bring a current 2008 tax package and or label, all W-2 and 1099 forms, information on outside income, information concerning all deductions or credits, a copy of their 2007 tax return, proof of account for direct deposit of refund (voided check), social security card for applicant and each person being claimed as a dependent, and proof of identiﬁcation of applicant and spouse if applicable. For Vita program appointments or questions call 580-272-5305. For more information contact [email protected] or visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00. html. Contributed by Jeremy Oliver, tribal media relations.

Tribe now offering free tax preparation services

tion, thereby bringing honor to the Chickasaw Nation, and/or have made outstanding contributions to the Chickasaw Nation or society in general. Inductees must be a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation or be eligible to become a citizen of the Nation.

Elected ofﬁcials of the Chickasaw Nation are not eligible for induction into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame while holding ofﬁce. Inductees must commit to being present for the banquet and induction ceremonies. A nomination form is avail-

able below as well as on the Chickasaw Nation website. For more information contact Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham at (580) 436-7265. Contributed by Tony Choate, tribal media relations.

For 2009 Nominees

Deadline for 2009 Nominations Nominations must be received by March 20, 2009 for consideration in 2009.

Chickasaw Times

12

February 2009

Gov. Bill Anoatubby and Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel honor Mike Wingo as one of the 2008 Employees of the Year. Mr. Wingo is the Customer Service Coordinator for the Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing and Tribal Development. Mike Wingo and Joanna Hawkins shared Chickasaw Nation Employee of the Year honors and Jimmy Tignor received the Leadership Award during ceremonies at the Chickasaw Community Center in Ada, Okla. “We are pleased to honor these three individuals for their commitment to service and leadership,” said Gov. Bill Anoatubby. “They are great examples of the excellent employees who have helped the Chickasaw Nation achieve success.” As the Customer Service Coordinator for the Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing and Tribal Development, Mike Wingo is known for his “Can Do” attitude. Renee Sweet, director for Housing and Tribal Development Administrative Services, said Mr. Wingo “completes all tasks with the same commitment, enthusiasm and determination,” whether he is assisting a fellow employee or assisting a client. Aside from his work in customer service, Mr. Wingo logged over 100 hours of community service over the last year. During the holidays, he is the Chickasaw Nation’s own “Santa,” making several appearances at community events. An avid advocate of breast cancer awareness, Mr. Wingo has traveled to Dallas, Seattle and Washington D.C. as a spokesperson. Mrs. Hawkins is a Licensed

Chickasaw Nation Health System employee Joanna Hawkins, LPN, was honored as one of the 2008 Employee of the Year Award at the Employee Service Awards conducted in January at Ada’s Chickasaw Community Center.

Practical Nurse at the Chickasaw Nation Health System Family Practice Clinic. “She strives daily, through hard work and dedication, to make sure each person receives the highest quality of care,” said Dr. Tina Cooper, Service Chief of Family Practice for Carl Albert Indian Health Facility. In the four decades Mrs. Hawkins has been a LPN, she has acquired a reputation for going above and beyond the call of duty. She maintains a special relationship with patients, taking extra time to visit with them and making sure they understand the physician’s plan of care. Leadership Award recipient Jimmy Tignor is the Operating Room Nurse Manager for the Chickasaw Nation Health System. “Jimmy is an exceptional manager, exceptional employee and an exceptional person,” said Heather Summers, Director of Patient Services. “As the OR manager, he sets the tone and his staff look to him as their leader not only for his title, but for his behavior as well.” Mr. Tignor frequently covers for his staff when they call in, regardless of his on-call status. Though he is manager, he can be found acting as scrub tech, circulator, orderly, and housekeeper and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Also honored during the event were those who have served as employees of the Chickasaw

Nation for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. “It takes a special kind of person to devote a decade or more to serving others,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “We are pleased to honor each one for their dedication and hard work.” Haskell Alexander, Terry Davis and Tom Cooper were honored for 30 years of service. They each received a plaque and a gold ring adorned with the seal of the Chickasaw Nation. For 25 years of service, employees received Pendleton blankets with their names and years of service embroidered. They were Terry Factor, Jana Harrison, Margaret Foley and Lynie Richardson. Those who have dedicated 20 years to the tribe received a gold watches. They were Weldon Fulsom, Nelson Wisdom, Darrell Walker, Rita Loder, Sharon Johnson, Rhonda Priddy, Carol Williams, Michael Hightower and Gina Brown. Dedicating 15 years of employment to the Chickasaw Nation, and receiving clocks engraved with their names and years of service were Lillian Underwood, Linda John, Dana Deatherage, Sandra Wasson, Christine Lewis, Donna Graham, Kevin Postoak, Tim Rhynes, Lisa Wolf, Lori Hamilton, Glenda Wilson, Davalyn Billings, Sally Hilburn, Renlyn Roden, Bobby Stone, Roger Stone, Larry Wyche, Stephen Walton, LaDawn Wainscott,

Mike McKee and Marcy Gray

Chickasaw Nation presents Employee Service Awards

Jimmy Tignor, Operating Room Nurse Manager at Carl Albert Indian Health Facility, accepts the Leadership award from Gov. Bill Anoatubby and Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel.

30 years of service include, from left, Tommy Cooper, Terry Davis and Haskell Alexander.

25 years of service include, from left, Lynie Richardson, Jana Harrison, Terry Factor and Margaret Foley.

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

13

Employee Service Awards continued

20 years of service include, front row from left, Weldon Fulsom, Rita Loder, Michael Hightower, Carol Williams, and Gina Brown. Back row from left, Rhonda Priddy, Nelson Wisdom, Darrell Walker, and 15 years of service: Lillian Underwood, Linda John, Dana Deatherage, Sandra Wasson, Christine Lewis, Donna Graham, Kevin Postoak, Tim Rhynes, Lisa Sharon Johnson. Mike Coplin, Shonda Bynum, Billy Hilton, Tamyla Moore, Wolf, Lori Hamilton, Glenda Wilson, Davalyn Billings, Sally Hilburn, Renlyn Fred Lyda, Patricia Wood, Curtis Joni Nail, Jana Reich, James Roden, Bobby Stone, Roger Stone, Larry Wyche, Stephen Walton, LaDawn Wolfe, Jered Cartwright, David Wainscott, Mike Coplin, Shonda Bynum, Fred Lyda, Patricia Wood, Curtis Bond Bond and Jay Keel. Employees honored for 10 Engle, Ron Brown, Angela Ma- and Jay Keel.

years of service received a lapel pin with diamond and the Chickasaw Nation seal in gold. They were Bill Lance, Angie Carney, Tania Felts, Christie Byars, Twilla Thornton, Shannon Treat, Tena Jolley, Gloria Anico, Vicky Gold, Michelle Key, Dana Davis, Judie Hansen,

rino, Arthur Ellsworth, Theea Swinford, Dr. Tina Cooper, Dr. Ryan Davis, Linda Wooten, Jefferson Winston, Carolyn Key, Donna Matthews, Madeline Alexander, Judy John, Harold Stick, Dinah Worcester, Quenna Harris, Tim Cornelius, Cindy Gammons, Edmond Marris, Bill

Monroe, Larry Smith, Michael Underwood, Amanda Weems, Sue Palmer, Dr. Sally Berger, Becky Bennett, Taylor Caldwell, Amy Henley, Carol Bunyard, Dewayne Laxton, Chaz Isom, Mendy Watkins, Mary Ashby, Deborah Evans, Audie George,

10 years of service: Bill Lance, Angie Carney, Tania Felts, Christie Byars, Twilla Thornton, Shannon Treat, Tena Jolley, Gloria Anico, Vicky Gold, Michelle Key, Dana Davis, Judie Hansen, Billy Hilton, Tamyla Moore, Joni Nail, Jana Reich, James Wolfe, Jered Cartwright, David Engle, Ron Brown, Angela Marino, Arthur Ellsworth, Theea Swinford, Dr. Tina Cooper, Dr. Ryan Davis, Linda Wooten, Jefferson Winston, Carolyn Key, Donna Matthews, Madeline Alexander, Judy John, Harold Stick, Dinah Worcester, Quenna Harris, Tim Cornelius, Cindy Gammons, Edmond Marris, Bill Monroe, Larry Smith, Michael Underwood, Amanda Weems, Sue Palmer, Dr. Sally Berger, Becky Bennett, Taylor Caldwell, Amy Henley, Carol Bunyard, Dewayne Laxton, Chaz Isom, Mendy Watkins, Mary Ashby, Deborah Evans, Audie George, Wilma Harden, Carmen Wakole, Rhonda Futischa, Falisha Keel, Jessica Bevins, Aminah Currie, Deanna Crawford-Townsend, Brenda Wright, Phyllis Avanzini and Stacie Carroll.

Wilma Harden, Carmen Wakole, Rhonda Futischa, Falisha Keel, Jessica Bevins, Aminah Currie, Deanna Crawford-Townsend,

Brenda Wright, Phyllis Avanzini and Stacie Carroll. Contributed by Carrie Buckley, tribal media relations.

Children’s language club to enjoy ‘Health and Fitness Fun Day’

The Chickasaw Nation Chipota Chikashshanompoli (Children Speaking Chickasaw) language club is hosting its February monthly meeting from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, February at the Chickasaw Community Center in Ada, Okla. “Health and Fitness Fun Day” is the theme for this month’s meeting. Participants will learn about Chickasaw words related to health and ﬁtness. Chipota Chikashshanompoli meetings focus on the importance of using the Chickasaw language in daily life. One Saturday each month the club meets to learn Chickasaw language and embark on a fun adventure that will incorporate newly introduced Chickasaw words. Club meetings are open to all children ages three to 12 who are interested in learning the Chickasaw language. Since its ﬁrst meeting in October 2007, Chipota Chikash-

shanompoli has encouraged children to experience various activities and field trips, all while learning the Chickasaw language. Examples include everything from “Archery Fun Day” to instruction in making gingerbread houses. Members use their skills to perform for groups such as the Chickasaw elders and to participate in competitions. Last spring, the group won ﬁrst in its division at the sixth annual Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair with the skit “Chikasha Sipokni Osapa Ahunta Mitcha Im-eho Bunna” (Old Chickasaw Lives on a Farm and Wants a Wife). To join the language club or to inquire about upcoming meetings, contact Teresa McDonald at (580) 272-5310, teresa. [email protected] or visit www.chickasaw.net/cca. Contributed by Carrie Buckley, tribal media relations.

Chickasaw Times

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February 2009

Methamphetamine dangers presented at ‘Crystal Darkness’ event SULPHUR, Okla. - Described as “the devil” by one former addict, methamphetamine was the focus during the “Crystal Darkness” watch party, hosted Jan. 13 by the Chickasaw Nation. The event was conducted at the Murray County Expo Center and co-hosted by Leadership Murray County. “Crystal Darkness,” a documentary featuring the devastating effects meth has on its victims, is a state-wide campaign co-chaired by Oklahoma ﬁrst lady Kim Henry. The objective of the evening was to shed light on the epidemic of meth use and offer treatment and prevention of the deadly drug. “It only takes one hit, and you are hooked,” Murray County Jail inmate Bobby Jones told the gathering during a panel discussion. “It is hard to explain how something manmade can take you away from your children,” said Jones, who is the father of ﬁve children. “The drug gets a hold of you. You think you’ve got to have it then you are in a dark place.” Jones, 38, is about to complete a jail sentence at the Murray County Jail and has been drugfree for more than one year. Jones said he hit rock bottom when drug-related charges were ﬁled against him in two coun-

ties, Murray and Garvin, on the same day. He warned parents to keep a watchful eye over their children. One member of the gathering stood and told of his 10-year experience as a meth cook. “It is the devil,” he said. The illicit cooking ended with his arrest about 18 months ago. “Murray County Drug Court saved my life,” he said. Panelist Tara Gibson, an Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) agent, explained the history of meth, which has been in existence since World War II, and the efforts to police the drug. “It’s always going to be a problem, but we will never stop ﬁghting.” The 12-year law enforcement veteran said the agency also relied on citizen tips in the war on drugs. Also on hand to answer questions was county Assistant District Attorney John Walton, state Rep. Wes Hilliard, District Judge John Scaggs and others. “What you are seeing tonight is the state’s answer to the meth problem. We are tired of meth, it has claimed too many victims across our state, but help is available,” said Hilliard. Many of the questions dealt with treatment options and in-

formational booths were set up to provide additional information on methamphetamine and other drugs’ affects. “We felt this was an opportune time to be able to help anyone in our county who needs help,” Leadership Murray County board member David Allen, said. The Chickasaw Nation provided the meal and audio visual equipment for the event, and members of Leadership Murray County and Davis and Sulphur Key Clubs served the meal. Bill Lance, Chickasaw Nation Health System administrator, said “I appreciate everyone who attended the event tonight. I think it says a lot about Sulphur, Davis and Murray County. We all want to make this county better.” The Chickasaw Nation also partnered with groups in Ardmore and Ada to host watch parties. About 120 watch parties were conducted throughout the state. More than 125 citizens turned out at the Murray County watch party. For help with a methamphetamine or any drug addiction, phone 2-1-1 or visit www. crystaldarknessoklahoma.org. Contributed by Dana Hudspeth, tribal media relations.

Murray County (OK) Sheriff Darin Rogers, center, and Chickasaw Nation Health System administrator Bill Lance, left, talk with participants of the “Crystal Darkness” watch party, conducted Jan. 13 at the Murray County Expo Center. More than 125 local residents attended the methamphetamine awareness event, hosted by the Chickasaw Nation and Leadership Murray County.

Chickasaw Leadership students learn fundamentals of ﬁnance

Budgeting, ﬁnance and more life lessons were the focus of the January session of Chikashsha Apihchi Ikbi (Leadership Chickasaw). The group met Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Ada Community Center. During the session, Kyra Childers, Chickasaw Nation loan counselor, presented a lesson on the importance of personal finances and the responsibility of credit. “It’s very important for these students to learn about credit and budgeting at an early age, Childers said. “It provides a good founda-

tion for handling ﬁnances as an adult.” Students were given a mock budget and asked to pay expenses including insurance, food and a car payment before spending their money on clothes and entertainment. A lesson on checking accounts was also presented and students were taught how to ﬁll out checks. “This has made me want to get a checking account so I can put what I’ve learned to use, Gigi Bridgman, a Marlow freshman. “I never knew I’d be so interested in ﬁnances!”

During the 12-month Chikashsha Apihchi Ikbi program, which began in September 2008, members will gain first hand knowledge of ways leaders deal with a wide variety of topics and issues that affect their lives. Previous lessons have dealt with the core values of the Chickasaw Nation, abstinence, and self-governance. The teens have also volunteered at many community events throughout the Chickasaw Nation since the program began. The group’s next meeting is Feb. 14. For more information about the Chikashsha Apihchi Ikbi program, contact Ms. Tonya Bierce, youth leadership coordinator at (580) 310-6620. Contributed by Dana Hudspeth, tribal media relations.

Gigi Bridgman, Marlow (OK) High School freshman and Chance Brown, a senior from Dickson (OK) High School, practice filling out a check during the January session of Chikashsha Apihchi Ikbi.

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

Program proves valuable for students, tribe and local business

Chickasaw Nation School-to-Work students Gary Caldwell and Jeremiah Evers. Thanks to a tribally-sponsored internship program, an Ardmore business has hired its best new employees in 40 years. Chickasaw Nation Schoolto-Work students work in onthe-job training or internship programs when not attending

class. Typically, program director Danny Wall said, students work in tribal businesses and departments throughout the Chickasaw Nation to gain their work experience. However, two Ardmore, Okla.,

15

Nation and the School-to-Work program and its students. “This program allows (the student) to get an education and allows us to afford them during their apprenticeship,” Wells said. “It also allows the students to transfer their knowledge into the real world.” The School-to-Work program helps non-traditional students earn their education. Stitt and Wells agree students’ maturity helps in the training process. “You can tell them anything you need to get done and it will get done, or sometimes they have already done it,” said Stitt. “They are willing to pay their dues,” said Wells. The company can hire up to six employees to ﬁnd one quality applicant. And one quality employee is crucial to the business, which was established in the 1950s, since many customers only see

one person out of the 28-person staff. “Our whole company’s success is based on that person’s customer service skills and demeanor,” said Wells. Both Caldwell and Evers agree their lives have improved since they entered the program. “The heat and air business is not dependant on the economy,” said Evers, a father of two, who said without the program he would have had a difﬁcult time ﬁnding the time and funding for school. Caldwell said he learned more during his on-the-job training than in the past two years of school. He plans to stay with Allied “until they tell me I can’t work there anymore.” For more information about the School-to-Work program, call 580-559-0815. Contributed by Dana Hudspeth, tribal media relations.

Danny Wall, direcPittman said the tor of the School-toon-the-job trainWork program, said the ing and subsequent students’ “interview placement took the and resume have been stress of a job search their quality of work away. while they are working “I am very proud Mira Pittman there.” to be Chickasaw,” Chickasaw Nation Chief Inshe said. “Working for the tribe beneﬁts me and my family. It’s formation ofﬁcer Chuck Dougherty said the IT department has a good place to work.” Help with job placement takes had a positive experience with stress of a job search off of the School-to-Work students. “We already know what their student.

work ethic is,” he said. “Some of the variables with a new hire are gone.” To date, the IT department has employed four School-to-Work students. “It’s always nice to have employees who have a legitimate knowledge of who we are and our normal course of business,” he said. “We have been very happy and they have been beneﬁcial.”

students, Gary Caldwell and Jeremiah Evers, were studying heat and air technology at Southern Oklahoma Technology Center. The students had to seek training outside the tribe since there was not a tribal program in the area which would offer needed training. Enter Allied Service Company in Ardmore, the ﬁrst non-tribal company to participate in the School-to-Work program. Evers and Caldwell began working as interns in September 2008, and both have now been offered full-time positions with the company by owners Neil Stitt and Steve Wells. The job offers came after the men proved their work ethic, dependability and maturity during two months on the job. Wells said the men were the best two new employees the company has had in 40 years. The business owners are pleased with the Chickasaw

School-to-Work students complete coursework, move on to careers

Going back to school has big beneﬁts

December gradutes of the Chickasaw Nation Schoolto-Work program in Ardmore include, front row from Since completing her course“I was scared to death (to procedures. left, Shawna Henson, Amy Johnson and Kim Evans. “I was so glad I had that Back row, from left, Stephen Kendall, Gary Caldwell work, Jessica Bevins, 38, now go back to school), but then I chance, I am glad the tribe gave works in the tribe’s Vocational- enjoyed it. It made me feel like and Jeremiah Hamilton. Rehabilitation department as an I was making a difference to me that chance. It gave me the Eight students enrolled in the course work in business inforChickasaw Nation School-to- mation systems at Pontotoc Work program earned Technology Center, certiﬁcates of comMost of the halfdozen graduates have pletion recently. gone on the work Kim Evans, Jerwithin the Chickaemiah Evers, Gary saw Nation, including Caldwell, Shawna Hinson, Amy Jackson Mira Pittman, who and Steven Kendall completed her courseall completed course work in January. She Jessica Bevins work at Southern is now working at the Oklahoma Technology Center, Information Technology Service Ardmore, Okla., in December Desk. “The day I graduated from Vo2008. In Ada, Denise Little and Tech I started here,” she said. The mother of four children, Jessica Bevins both completed

administrative assistant She said it’s her job to keep things in order. “Anything they need, if I can do it I will do it,” she said. Bevins has worked for the Chickasaw Nation for many years, starting at Carl Albert Indian Health Facility. It was there she felt the desire to advance her career, but faced obstacles. “I didn’t know basic computer programs,” she said. Urged on by her friends’ support, Bevins applied for the School-to-Work program.

myself because I was learning something,” she said. During her coursework, Bevins learned many computer programs and other businesses

conﬁdence, and its changed me for the better.” Bevins said she would like to go back to school and learn even more.

Chickasaw Times

16

February 2009

Mark your calendars for summer education camps!

Chickasaw Nation Education Services is gearing up for an exciting summer of camps and academies. Each year the Division of Education focuses on providing educational activities

for youth to explore opportunities available in various career paths. Below is a list of education camps and academies. Entrepreneurial Academy

Enjoying Lazer Zone fun

The participants of the 2009 Winter Lock-In gather for a group photo before beginning a night full of activity at Ada’s Lazer Zone. The lock-in is hosted by the Chickasaw Nation.

More than 100 Chickasaw youth pulled an all-nighter Jan. 2-3 at the Winter Lock-in, hosted by the Chickasaw Nation Division of Youth and Family Services. Conducted at the Lazer Zone in Ada, Okla., the lock-in offered fun activities including bowling, laser tag, batting cages and karaoke. The event intends to give Chickasaw youth from all over a chance to get to know each other. Marjorie Hawkins drove three hours from Okeene, Okla. for her three children, Zipporah, Zeb and Zephan to attend. “I think it’s a great way for

them to get to know other Chickasaw kids,” she said. “They’ve been looking forward to it for weeks!” Ten-year-old Zeb was excited by his ﬁrst lock-in, “I think I’ll deﬁnitely be able to stay up all night, I’ll playing laser tag!” The Winter Lock-In is one of dozens of camps, activities and events hosted each year by the Chickasaw Youth Services department. For more information on this or other events, contact the department at (580) 436-2603. Contributed by Carrie Buckley, tribal media relations.

June 1-5, 2009 Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, Oklahoma. In partnership with Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s John Massey School of Business and the Chickasaw Nation, this summer academy teaches students business plan techniques and provides the tools necessary to write future business plans. The week-long academy is conducted on the campus of SOSU in Durant, with the students staying at the Chickasaw Nation Children’s Village in Kingston, Okla. This academy is open to Chickasaw students grades 10 through 12 with preference given to senior graduates. Camp applications are due April 15, 2009. Space Academy and Advanced Space Academy June 13-20, 2009 Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama. At the Marshall Space Flight Center, Chickasaw students ages 12 through 18 will have the opportunity to train like astronauts in various simulators and the

space shuttle. The Space Academy is for 12- to 14-year-olds and the Advanced Space Academy is for 15- to 18-year-olds. Students will simulate a Mission Control Center crew by monitoring and commanding missions, perform science experiments, participate in SCUBA training and much more. Camp applications are due April 15, 2009. Chickasaw Nation Aviation and Space Academy (CNASA) June 22-26, 2009 Chickasaw Nation Education Services, 212 N. Broadway, Ada, Oklahoma. The Chickasaw Nation Aviation and Space Academy (CNASA) is a learning program designed to encourage Chickasaw students interested in aviation, space, science or math to pursue careers and opportunities in these ﬁelds. CNASA is an action-packed week of flying in simulators and taking ﬁeld trips. Each student will also get the opportunity to ﬂy in a real plane. This academy is open to Chickasaw students ages

11 though 18. Camp applications are due April 15, 2009. Environmental Camp July 6-10, 2009 Camp Goddard, Davis Oklahoma. The environmental camp provides a high quality, outdoor educational experience for Chickasaw students in ﬁfth through eighth grades. The ﬁve-day camp fulﬁlls general science, life science, and earth or space science requirements for most grades. The camp utilizes the teaching tools and the dynamic ecology of the Arbuckle Mountains of southcentral Oklahoma. Chickasaw youth hike trails while learning about the environment, plants, water resources, animals, rocks, fossils and Chickasaw culture. Camp applications are due May 15, 2009. For more information on the camps listed above and to obtain camp applications, call (580) 421-7711 or email jennifer. [email protected] Contributed by Brooke Tidwell, tribal media relations.

February 2009

An artist? You can help aspiring youth!

Chickasaw Times

17

2009 Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy seeks faculty

The ﬁfth annual Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy (CSAA), a two-week exploration into the world of art for students ages 8 to 19, is accepting applications for experienced and/or degreed arts instructors to teach during the academy. Disciplines to be taught include: Vocal Music, Theatre, Dance, Literary Arts, Visual Arts, Music Composition and Video Production. Conducted on the campus of East Central University, Ada,

Oklahoma, this year’s Academy dates are July 20 through July 31, 2009 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Classes are divided into two levels. Level I is a Fine Arts Rotation for younger students who will get experience in ﬁve arts disciplines each day. The rotation culminates in a Showcase on the ﬁnal Thursday of the Academy. Level II is for older students who will choose a major and a minor from the disciplines of-

fered. Their days will be split between these two disciplines. They will also present a Showcase on the ﬁnal Friday of the Academy. CSAA provides opportunities for Chickasaw and other youth to work intensively in their selected arts ﬁeld or in rotation with top arts professionals. If you have training or experience in any of the above disciplines or in another arts discipline not listed but are interested in teaching, please send

The Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy (CSAA), a two-week intensive ﬁne arts academy presented by the Chickasaw Nation Arts and Humanities Division, is seeking dedicated individuals to serve as special “CSAA Guest Artists” during the Academy. “The Guest Artist’s presentation is an opportunity to motivate and excite our students in their medium of the arts,” said Lona Barrick, tribal Arts and Humanities Division administrator. “Giving back to these students will help them to see fulﬁlling opportunities in life that they may not have previously considered.” The academy, open to students ages eight through 19, will be conducted July 20 – 31, 2009 on the campus of East Central University, Ada, Okla. CSAA is looking for individuals with degrees or experience in all areas of the ﬁne arts. Guest Artists will give a 30-minute presentation at the beginning of one of the days of academy and may be invited to visit classes throughout the day. The talent and expertise in the Guest Artist’s ﬁeld will be shared with students who come from all across our region and from many other states as well. While the majority of CSAA students are Chickasaw, CSAA also accepts students from other Native American tribes as well as non-Natives. A Presenters Information Form will be sent to those interested. The division also requests that applicants attach a short biographical sketch and two letters of reference.

Those interested should contact the Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy Co-directors Laura Stewart or Debra Bailey

at (580) 272-5520 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected] by March 1, 2009.

Guest artists sought to assist with presentations to young Chickasaw artists

in the following information by February 27, 2009: 1) Your area of expertise; 2) which Level you are interested in teaching; 3) a short description of your training and experience; 4) a short description of what your curriculum might contain; 5) a short paragraph on your teaching philosophy; 6) your resume or vita; and 7) visual arts instructors should send a sample of work. Send to: CSAA, the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities, PO Box 1548, Ada, OK 74821 or fax to (580) 272-5525. Once the letter of interest is

received the information will be evaluated. Those who meet the criteria will be sent a formal application to complete as well as other information about the Academy. Chickasaw preference is observed, and other Native Americans and non-Natives are invited to submit a letter of interest. If you have questions, please contact the Co-directors of CSAA, Debra Bailey at debra.bailey@chickasaw. net or Laura Stewart at laura. [email protected] or call 580-272-5520, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tribe honored for cancer society fundraising efforts

Chickasaw Citizen

Come by and see

ROBIN MITCHELL Sales Associate

(405) 238-7244 ofﬁce: (405) 207-7257 cell

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For your complete Real Estate needs. Chickasaw Citizen

From left, Relay For Life volunteer Tom Runnells, Gov. Bill Anoatubby, Regional Director for the Oklahoma American Cancer Society Kaci Underwood, and Gail Sams, Community Development Director for Western Oklahoma American Cancer Society. The tribe was presented the American Cancer Society Regional Society Award. On December 16, 2008, the those honored,” said Gov. Bill Chickasaw Nation received Anoatubby, “We are excited the American Cancer Soci- about the progress that has been ety’s Regional Society Award. made as we work together as The Chickasaw Nation earned Oklahomans in the continuous this honor by donating funds ﬁght against a disease that afthroughout the year to support fects so many.” the ﬁght against cancer. Contributed by Karissa Pickett, “It is a privilege to be among tribal media relations.

News of our People

18

February 2009

Birthdays

Gov. Anoatubby presents Geneva Holman with an afghan featuring the Chickasaw Nation seal. Zachary Livermore celebrated his third birthday, January 24 with his mom, dad, family and friends in Topeka, Kansas. Zachary is the son of Alisha Dawn Scruggs and Ty Livermore, both of Topeka. He is the grandson of Melissa Arispe, of Lewisville, Texas, and Alan Scruggs, of Maypearl, Texas. Zachary is a special little boy. We all love the contagious smile from his chubby little cheeks. Happy Birthday Zachary! We love you. Grandma

Zachary Livermore

Natalie Kirkley celebrated her second birthday January 8 at the home of a friend in Norman, Okla. Natalie is the daughter of Charlie Kirkley, of Latta, Okla., and Charlotte Larney, of Oklahoma City. She is the granddaughter of Morine Underwood, of Asher, Okla. Natalie celebrated with a “My Little Pony” theme party with family and friends.

Natalie Kirkley John Rodger Bird turned 16 on January 23. A party of friends helped him celebrate with cake and ice cream then an evening at the movies. His birthday present from his grandparents was a pickup, which he loves. John is a freshman at Coleman, Okla., and is very active in basketball and baseball. He is coached by Kyle LaFevers. He was born at Durant, Okla., to John F. Bird, who resides in Kansas, and the late Melissa Whittington Bird. He has a brother, Markus Tanner Bird. John is very happy living with his grandparents, Rodger and Marilyn Whittington, at their home in Milburn, Okla. John is 1/16 Chickasaw and proud of it.

Geneva Holman turned 80 years old Dec. 21, 2008. She celebrated this glorious day Dec. 14, at the Ada Chickasaw Nation Community Center with many friends and relatives. Special guests in attendance were Governor Bill Anoatubby, Lt. Governor Jefferson Keel and wife, Carol, and Deputy Administrator of Carl Albert Indian Hospital Lisa Bumpus. Gov. Anoatubby presented Mrs. Holman with a Chickasaw Nation seal afghan. She also received many other gifts. A birthday cake and lunch were enjoyed by all. Desiree Nicole Jeffery celebrated her fourth birthday on December 24. She celebrated at her grandma’s house with family. Desiree is the daughter of Christa Franko and the stepfather of Nathaniel Walker, of Lewisville, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Melissa Arispe, of Lewisville, and Alan Scruggs, of Maypearl, Texas. We believe with Desiree being born on Christmas Eve, that God sent us one of his angels. We love you, Desiree. Happy Birthday baby! Love, Grandma and family

Alex Jarrett

Alex Lee Jarrett celebrated his ﬁrst birthday December 24 at the Community Center in Ada, Okla., with an Elmo & Friends party. His big birthday bash included having tons of fun in a Diego ball pit, riding his new bouncing zebra and taking a spin on a Mickey Mouse airplane. After having fun opening his gifts he enjoyed digging into his very own birthday cake (and making a huge mess). Those attending were his parents, Daniel and Amber Jarrett; his grandparents, Jimmy and Beverly Knight, David and Angela Connor and Robin Jarrett; his great-grandma, Jackie Acosta; uncles, Kendal Knight and Austin Connor; aunt, Brittney Knight; great-aunt, Lisa Cagle; cousin, Skyler Cagle; and special family friends, Karlos, Brandy and Kody Argo.

Chickasaw Scout earns Eagle Desiree Jeffery

Complete the Customer Service Survey and win!

Chickasaw citizens who complete a tribal customer service survey will have the opportunity to win $100. Chickasaws can access the Customer Service Survey by going to the tribal website at www. chickasaw.net. The survey seeks input from citizens regarding

tribal programs, services and customer service. Once you have completed the survey, you can enter the $100 giveaway. The $100 will be given away each quarter. Winners will be announced in the Chickasaw Times.

Request your 2009 Programs and Services Directory Today!

This directory outlines numerous programs and services available to you and your family. The directory offers: • Information on all programs and services available in one place • Program descriptions • Important phone numbers and contact information • Ofﬁce locations and hours of operation • Program requirements • Detailed index with keywords To reserve your copy of the 2009 directory, please call (866) 466-1481. The directory can also be reserved online by visiting http://www.chickasaw.net/servicedirectory.

Jeff Brown

Jeff Brown, of Tulsa, has recently been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank awarded by the Boy Scouts of America. Jeff, 17, is the son of Jim and Teresa Brown. He is the grandson of Bobbie Richardson, of Jenks, Okla., and Elton Brown, of Apache, Okla. Jeff has been in scouting since he was a Tiger Cub in ﬁrst grade. He is currently a member of Troop 241, Indian Nations Council, Eagle District. He also became a member of the Order of the Arrow in March 2008. Jeff’s Eagle Court of Honor was January 12, at Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Tulsa.

News of our People

February 2009

Births

19

Four Chickasaw generations

Gauge Lockhart

Gauge Layne Lockhart was born Nov. 21, 2008 at Carl Albert Indian Hospital. He weighed 7 lbs., 7.4 oz., and measured 19.9 inches at birth. Gauge is the son of Latricia “Sissy” Milne and Seth Lockhart. Maternal grandparents are Theresa Holman, of Ada, Okla., and Jerry Milne, of Norman, Okla., and Lisa Cope, Ada. Great-grandparents are John and Delores Womble, Norman. He is the great-grandson of Geneva Holman and the late Nathan John Holman, of Ada, Okla. Gauge has many aunts, uncles and other relatives, too many to mention within the Chickasaw Nation.

Cash Criner Cash Benjamin Criner was born Sept. 25, 2008 weighing 4 lbs., 12 oz. Cash is the son of Joaquin and Misty Criner, of Burleson, Texas. He is the grandson of Buck and Gloria Criner, of Crandall, Texas, Oscan Rohne, of Burleson, and Diana Blackburn, of Hot Springs Village, Ark. Cash Benjamin was named after his great-great-grandfather, John Benjamin Criner. John Benjamin Criner was a liaison between white men and various tribes in the Ardmore area. Criner Hills was named after him.

Jayla Rhodes

Jayla Amaris Rhodes was born Oct. 14, 2008, at Oklahoma City. She weighed 10.5 lbs., and measured 21 inches at birth. Jayla is the daughter of Alexa Millican and David Rhodes, Jr., both of Ada. She is the granddaughter of Aaron and Christy Millican, Arnetta Bekinnie, all of Ada, and David and Sherry Rhodes, Jr., of Pauls Valley, Okla. She is the great-granddaughter of Gloria Millican, of Ada, the late Stan Millican, and Flora and Elmore Reed, of Pauls Valley. She is the niece of Tamara Rhodes and Brandon Rhodes, both of Pauls Valley, and the cousin to Brooklyn Rhodes, of Pauls Valley.

From left, great-grandfather Charles Blankenship, proud daddy Michael Lewis, Walker Michael Lewis, and grandmother Crystal Lewis. This has been a true holiday blessing with the birth of Walker Michael Lewis, son of Ashley and Michael Lewis. Walker was born Nov. 24, 2008 weighing

Littleﬁeld concludes basic

Laurice Littleﬁeld

Laurice Danielle Littlefield graduated from U.S. Air Force basic training Jan. 9, 2009 at Lackland Air Force base, San Antonio, Texas. She will continue Information Management training at Keesler Air Force

Emily Crittenden Emily Kristine Crittenden was born at 9:12 p.m., Oct. 26, 2008 at Claremore Indian Hospital. She weighed 8 lbs., 10 oz., and measured 20 inches at birth. She is the daughter of Kelly and Jami Crittenden, of Tulsa. Emily is the granddaughter of Gary and Pauline Crittenden, of Ada, Okla., Larry Sumpter, of Fritch, Texas, and Darlene Sumpter, of Borger, Texas. She is the great-granddaughter of JoLayne Sumpter, of Borger, and the great-great-granddaughter of Rhode Mae Kemp, an original enrollee.

8 lbs., 9.6 oz and measured 20 inches at birth. Walker is the great-greatgreat-grandson of original enrollee, William Savannah Vail.

base in Mississippi for seven weeks. Her family and friends attended the graduation ceremonies and all spent time at the San Antonio Riverwalk and the Alamo. Airman Littlefield is the daughter of Steve and Teeoti Littlefield, granddaughter of Jimmy and Pat Greenwood Cox, and Darrell and Elizabeth Buckner and is the great-granddaughter of the late Virgil and Geraldine Greenwood. She is a 2007 graduate of Roff (OK) High School and has attended the Chickasaw Nation aviation and space academy and the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas as recently as June 2008. She has always wanted to be a pilot.

Help us update our military list!

Kale Nance

Erik and Shayla Nance, of Shay, Okla., announce the birth of their son, Kale Atom Nance. Kale was born Oct. 15, 2008, at Ada, Okla. Proud grandparents are Bernard and Ramona Nance, of Shay, Pamela Hefner, of Kingston, Okla., and Curtis Andrew Whitney, of Arizona.

Connor Barrick-Rockholt

Connor Lawrence BarrickRockholt was born at 6:14 p.m., Jan. 5, 2009 at Bakersﬁeld (CA) Memorial Hosptial. He weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz., and measured 20 inches at birth. His proud parents are William R. Rockholt (Chickasaw) and Joanne L. Barrick. Connor is a true blessing to everyone in his life.

The Chickasaw Nation is updating the military database for those on active duty and stationed away from home. If you know of a Chickasaw in the service whom you would like to add to the list or update their address, please contact Joy Barrick in the public affairs department at (580) 310-6451 or email joy. [email protected].

HORSESHOEING

Shawn Williams (580) 622-2876: (580) 320-3125: (580) 622-3316 Ada, Ardmore, Sulphur Area Chickasaw Citizen

News of our People

20

February 2009

Coach Imotichey inducted into Murray State Hall of Fame

Melvin Imotichey, second from left, accepts his Hall of Fame award from Murray State president Dr. Noble Jobe, left. Mert Lewis, president of the Murray State Alumni Association, and former Murray State men’s basketball coach Wayne Cobb are at right.

Chickasaw hunter harvests 10-pointer

TISHOMINGO - Former Redlands Community College (RCC) men’s basketball coach Melvin Imotichey was recently inducted into the Murray State College (MSC) Athletic Hall of Fame. Induction ceremonies were on the MSC campus January 10. Fellow inductees included Alvie Nelson, Jeffrey Coleman, Danny Hester along with Donnie Tuley and 14 members of the 1973 national championship women’s team coached by Imotichey. Tuley played for Imotichey at MSC and served as his assistant

coach at RCC. Imotichey played basketball at MSC from 1968-1970 and led the team to a 29-5 record, ranking fourth in the nation in the national tournament. After receiving his teaching degree, he was asked to return to MSC as the head women’s coach and assistant men’s coach. Imotichey’s women’s team went on to win the 1972-1973 national championship. The team was led by three All-Americans and spawned one starting player in the Women’s Pro Basketball League, the predecessor

of the Women’s National Basketball Association. Imotichey is a native of Sulphur, Okla., and is of Chickasaw and Choctaw descent. Imotichey coached at RCC from 19782001. His basketball teams appeared in the national tournament in 1988 and 1995. He was also named 1995 Coach of the Year by the National Junior College Athletic Association. Imotichey retired from coaching in 2003 and is currently a recruiter for the Cherokee Nation’s Talking Leaves Job Corps.

A Chickasaw high school student has recently scored in the top tier of students taking a national college entrance exam. Kael Carter, of Noble, Okla., scored a 34 on the American College Testing (ACT) exam. The ACT exam is required in Oklahoma for high school students seeking entry into college. A 36 represents a perfect ACT score. The average ACT score in Oklahoma is 21.

Kael is a senior at Noble High School. He is currently taking classes at the University of Oklahoma in the afternoons through the university’s concurrent enrollment program. He plans to enroll at OU full-time in the fall. Kael is also the Noble High School marching band drum major. He is the son of Larry and Tawnya Carter, of Noble.

A Chickasaw student has recently graduated from Texas A&M-Commerce University. Joshua Davis graduated Dec. 13 as a Chickasaw honor student with a master’s degree in management. He wore the feathered stole of Chickasaw honor students who achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or better. Mr. Davis has previously earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and an associate’s degree in general studies.

Mr. Davis’ wife and son, Esther and Jace Davis, were on hand to watch the graduation. Mr. Davis is the son of Mike and Sheila Davis. His grandparents are Ronnie and Joyce Greenwood, and Ferrie Treadway. Also on hand for the graduation were Mr. Davis’ uncle and aunt, Michael and Heather McGuire, and his long-time friend Douglas Osborne.

Chickasaw students posts 34 on ACT

Kael Carter

Davis graduates with honors from A&M-Commerce

Aaron Burton

Aaron Kyle Burton, 16, is a Chickasaw citizen and a sophmore at Choctaw (OK) High School. He is a ﬁrst-year drama student and recently had the leading role in a one act light comedy play titled, “Puberty, the Game Show.” Aaron also is on the track team. He loves the outdoors and recently during deer season, in Custer County, got his ﬁrst big deer. A big buck which measured a green score of 136 and

a 10-point rack. Before his hunting experience Aaron attended a gun safety and safe hunting class. He was very excited about his ﬁrst hunt. Aaron hunts with his father, Doyle, a Chickasaw citizen, who taught him all he knows about Oklahoma wildlife laws and safety. Aaron is also an avid bass ﬁsherman. He lives with his parents, Doyle and Mary Burton, in Choctaw, Okla.

As tribal historian, I have been researching Chickasaws, who between 1945 and 1950, contributed to the eventual revitalization of tribal government. One was Joseph W. Hayes, who worked for the

BIA in Anadarko. I’d like to speak with anyone having information on the late Mr. Hayes. Please contact Richard Green at 405947-5020 or [email protected]

Joshua Davis

Chickasaw girl garners honors at Lone Grove

Historian seeks information

Hailey Wilson

A Chickasaw elementary student has recently been selected for several school honors. Hailey Wilson, who is a thirdgrader at Lone Grove (OK) Intermediate School, was selected October Student of the Month. In November, Hailey was named Musician of the Month. She was also honored as January Art Student of the Month. Hailey is also a member of the

Show Choir, and is on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll and the Governor’s Honor Roll. Hailey is the daughter of Johnny and Leanne Wilson. Her grandparents are Barbara Wilson, of Ardmore, Okla., Vern and Connie Wilson, of Bristow, Okla., and Paul Johnson, of Ardmore. Her great-grandmother is elder Bertha Allen, of Ada, Okla.

News of our People

February 2009

21

Hettie King celebrates 101st birthday in Oklahoma City

Hettie King and her niece, Vonceil Harmon, blow out the candle on Mrs. King’s 101st birthday cake.

Hettie King celebrated her 101st birthday January 9 in Oklahoma City surrounded by more than a dozen family members and friends. Asked if she had advice for young Chickasaw people, Mrs.

King declined to offer anything speciﬁc, noting that “everyone has their own way.” Then she added with a chuckle “they wouldn’t listen anyway.” Mrs. King’s niece, Vonceil Harmon, and many others noted

Hunter takes ﬁrst buck

Sean Harris

Sean Harris, Chickasaw citizen, of Ada, Okla., recently harvested his ﬁrst deer. It was an eight point, 94 pound buck. Sean harvested the buck on November 28, 2008 at his grandfather Randy Ethridge’s ranch in

Stroud, Okla. Sean’s parents, Justin and Sunny Harris, are very proud of his accomplishments. Sean is the great-great-grandson of original enrollee Sarah Carney.

Mrs. King has always had a very good sense of humor. Born to Elmer McCauley and Kissie (Black) McCauley in Ardmore, Indian Territory, Mrs. King began her education at the public elementary school. On her ﬁrst day of class she noticed that the other girls had middle names. That night her mother confirmed that little Hettie did not have a middle name. Hettie quickly decided that Louise would be her middle name. She later attended Bloomﬁeld Academy. “That was a good school,” said Mrs. King, who added Bloomﬁeld provided many advantages over the public schools. She said the school taught music, dancing, arts and crafts in addition to the traditional subjects. She said no boys were allowed at Bloomﬁeld, quickly adding “that was the sad part,” with a little chuckle. After Bloomﬁeld, she went to work for Bell Telephone

Company. Soon after, she married Raymond King, who worked at Tinker Air Field until retirement. He has since passed away. During the celebration, Mrs. King’s niece, Vonceil Harmon read a short story Mrs. King had written in 1994 about her life. The story ended with: My whole life long seems very

short No matter how many years I’ve had a lot of happy times And I’ve cried a lot of tears I thought I’d be forever young But then lo and behold I looked into the mirror And discovered I was old!! Contributed by Tony Choate, tribal media relations.

Crooks celebrate 50th anniversary

Gary and Peggy (Motes) Crooks, of Oklahoma City, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 24, 2009. The Crooks’ have four daughters, Judy, Sandy, Becky and Nancy, and eight grandchildren, Brandon, Erik, Alex, Diana, Jorge Michael, Dana, Hunter and Miguel. Your family loves you! What wonderful parents and grandparents you are.

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Crooks

Little Miss Chickasaw Chelsea Wedlow

By CHELSEA WEDLOW

2008 - 2009 Little Miss Chickasaw

Chokma, from Little Miss Chickasaw! During the winter break we went to many Christmas parties in Ada, Purcell, Ardmore and Tishomingo. The other princesses and I went out to eat in Norman and we exchanged gifts for Christmas. I enjoy winter but I was happy to see my friends again. In December I went to Amarillo with my Lego team Mechanical Masterminds. There were teams from Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. It was hard work and we had fun though we didn’t win. In language club we had fun stomp dancing. On

Chickasaw Junior Princess Julie Underwood, left, Little Miss Chickasaw Chelsea Wedlow and Chickasaw Princess Carla Lane with “Flat Stanley” a penpal project of Ms. Christina Hodges Classroom Three at the Chickasaw Head Start in Ardmore.

January 17 we will start practicing for the language fair in Norman at the Sam Noble Museum. If you would like to join call Ms Teresa in the Chickasaw Studies department. I watched history being made on January 20, 2009 when our new president took the oath of ofﬁce. I stayed home that morning to watch it. It was cool! I look forward to seeing

everyone at the next Chickasaw Nation event. Chipisalacho, Chelsea (sissy) Wedlow If you would like more information on the princess program or information about running in the 2009 princess pageant please contact Toni Castleberry at 580-272-7710 or email Toni. [email protected]

News of our People

22

Walls, Munson exchange vows in McAlester

Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Munson

Stacey Samantha Walls and Tyler Christopher Munson were joined in marriage at a Dec. 27 ceremony at the Kingdom Hall Jehovah Witnesses in McAlester, Okla. Brad Simpson ofﬁciated. The bride was given in marriage by her father, Wendall Walls. The maid of honor was Ayana Owiliseger, of New Jersey, best friend of the bride. The bridesmaid was Ester Sanders, of Tulsa, friend of the bride. The guest book attendant was Kia Owiliseger and the ﬂower girl was Alora Boggs. The best man was Ranan Davis, of Cleveland, Okla. The groomsman was Matt Sander, and the ushers were Lee Moore and Robert Helgaliderg, all of Tulsa. The bride is the daughter of Wendall and Celina Walls, of Tishomingo, Okla. The groom is the son of Marvin and Darlene Munson, of Owasso, Okla. A reception at the McAlester Expo Center followed the ceremony. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Branson, Missouri and is now at home in Tulsa.

February 2009

Doing super in soccer

Cassidy Davis

A Chickasaw soccer player is doing well in a Norman, Okla., soccer league. Cassidy Davis is a nine-yearold Chickasaw girl who plays right wing with the U10 Avalanche in the Norman Youth Soccer Association. She scored 10 goals during the fall season and the Avalanche ﬁnished in third place in the league. The Avalanche participated in Norman Soccerfest in October, where the team advanced to the championship round.

The Avalanche is now playing winter indoor soccer in Oklahoma City. The team is currently undefeated and in ﬁrst place. Cassidy loves soccer and says she would play all year long if she could. Her hobbies are soccer, Hannah Montana, OU sporting events and her church Awana club. She attends Eisenhower Elementary School in Norman, where she is a third-grader. Cassidy is the daughter of Richard and Tammy (Underwood) Davis, of Norman. Her grandparents are Lillian and the late Andrew “Bud” Underwood, of Mill Creek, Okla., and Carrie and the late Bennie Davis, of Oklahoma City. She has a sister, Celia, of Noble, Okla., and a niece, Cheyanne. Cassidy is one-half Chickasaw and one-quarter Seminole/ Creek. “Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you for all your hard work in practice and on the ﬁeld. Go Avalanche!”

Chickasaw athlete ﬁnishes great high school career Northern California All-Star football game. He also played baseball for his high school team, where he was cleanup hitter. He plans to play baseball this

year at Butte, and will probably play football in the fall. Jamison is the son of Louis Parker, Jr., and the grandson of Louis L. Parker.

2009 Youth Rally

Jamison Parker A Chickasaw athlete is attending college following a rewarding high school career. Jamison Parker attends Butte (CA) Junior College. He is a graduate of Hamilton (CA) High School, where he played football and baseball. He was a 6’1”, 190-lb. linebacker and fullback on the football team. The Hamilton team compiled a 14-0 record and won three playoff games. Jamison was selected for the

March 19-21, 2009 New Hope Fellowship Church

(6 3/4 miles south of Wewoka, Okla., on Highway 56 or 9 miles south of Wewoka/Cromwell exit on I-40)

Everyone Welcome! Ministry for the whole family! Ministers: Rev. Elsion Bennett, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Rev. Rick Manus, of Tulsa, Okla. Music: New Creations, In His Gates, Visionary, Agopy, Trail of Tears, Bennett Family, Steve Williams, and Newchild Refreshments will be served nightly after service. Lunch will be served on Saturday, March 21 before the afternoon Jam Session from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sponsored by New Creations

THE TURKEY FEATHER CAPE

Do you have someone in mind who needs a Challenge? Do you need a Challenge? Two challenges led to this book telling how to make the feather cape worn long ago by the honored ones. For clues about feather capes, history is searched back to when the Chickasaw met Desoto in 1540 and 500 years before from what archeologists have dug up. See article on page 32. The book sells for $15.95 at book places: The Chickasaw Outpost in Ada, OK; Amazon.com, or iUniverse: 1-800-Authors which also has e-books for $6.

February 2009

News of our People

23

From small-town Oklahoma to London

Chickasaw designer pursuing fashion career in Europe

Maya Stewart had big dreams as a Chickasaw/Creek girl growing up in the small town of Washington, Okla. She dreamed of a career in the fashion industry, living in Los Angeles, studying in London and exploring the world. Many of those dreams have become reality for Stewart, who is an honors student of accessory design at the London College of Fashion. Stewart was among the handful of students recently accepted into the honors program after two years of diligent study at the prestigious school. “It’s very intense,” said Stewart, who added it seems her life as a student revolves around a sewing machine. “But I love it. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.” Stewart has won several awards for her designs. In November 2008 nine handbags entered in a design show in Portugal earned Stewart her own “trend zone” in the show. She took ﬁrst place in a competition open to designers and students across London to create a unique handbag closure. Her

winning design featured a metal braided hose recycled from a racing car. Stewart entered a leather handbag with a Native American patchwork design in the Linea Pelle design competition. Disappointed when she did not receive any word on her entry, she traveled to Italy for the leather trade show. “I decided to go see who had beat me, and my handbag was on display” she said with a chuckle. It was then she realized her bag had been chosen as one of the top 10 in the worldwide competition. Stewart had her introduction to fashion design at a very early age. As a child, she loved watching her mother and aunts making quilts and clothes based on Native American designs. “I loved looking at all the designs when they were doing their research,” said Stewart. “I loved helping with the research, just trying to ﬁnd out everything I could.” Her mother, Jimmie Carole Stewart, who is Creek, devel-

Maya Stewart oped a design line with her sisters. It is known as the Fife collection, based on the family name of Maya’s uncle Bill Fife, who has served as principal Chief of the Creek Nation. Maya’s father, Robert Stewart, a Chickasaw, always encouraged her to pursue her dreams. “My father is such a fantastic guy,” she said. “He constantly told me growing up. You can be anything you want to be. You can do anything you want to do. You just have to work for it.”

Kullihoma turkey hunt applications due March 13

The deadline to apply for permits for the Spring Turkey Hunt and the Special Youth Hunt at Kullihoma is fast approaching. Permit requests may be picked up at the Chickasaw Nation Conservation and General Ranger Department, 221 N. Rennie, Ada. All permit requests must be completed and returned to the department no later than 5 p.m. on March 13. Dates for the Spring Turkey Hunt are April 6 through May 6. Toms may be taken with a traditional bow and arrow or shotgun. The is a 2-tom limit at Kullihoma, and only one tom per day may be taken. Dates for the Special Youth Hunt are April 4 and 5. All youth hunters must have completed the Oklahoma Hunter Education Class and possess the Oklahoma Hunter Education Card. Youth hunters must be accompanied at all times by an adult during the hunt. Youth hunters may take one tom with traditional bow

Spring Turkey Hunt on Tribal Land --- Kullihoma Reservation

Must include copy of your CDIB

If the request if for a youth please designate by writing YOUTH at the top of request. and arrow or shotgun. All harvested turkeys must be reported to the Ranger Department, (580) 310-6466. The department will host a sight-in and pattern for your shotgun on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. through noon.

For the Spring Turkey Special Permit to Hunt, please pick up applications March 19 through March 30. For questions, please call the Ranger Department at (580) 310-6466.

Maya did just that, beginning six years, she began researching her career as a fashion model at schools that offered training in the design of fashion accesage 15. At 18, she moved to Los An- sories. geles with only a few hundred “I always wanted to go to the dollars in her purse. London College of Fashion, but “I did modeling in Oklahoma I just never thought it was posCity and Texas, and my agent sible to go that far,” she said. was able to send me to Los “But I found out that if you Angeles,” she said. “But once have a goal and you actually do I arrived I was kind of ﬁnished everything that you can, I think with modeling. I wasn’t that anything is possible.” While her school work keeps interested in pursuing it.” She continued work in the her very busy, Stewart has taken fashion industry for a time. She the time to enjoy her time as a worked for the Earl Jean design resident of London. house, then for a ﬁrm in Beverly “One thing I do love about life Hills that did public relations in London is the opportunity you for companies have to visit in the fashion all the gallerindustry. ies and the Her “big museums,” break” sounds as she said. “Just if it came from the cultural a Hollywood side of living in London is movie script. “I was tempfantastic. ing at a huge real Maya Stewart designed this “Another estate company handbag which includes great thing I in Los Angeles,” a light inside. The light is love about livStewart said. “I powered by a kinetic ener- ing in London was the recep- gy source to make it more is the opportionist there for environmentally friendly. tunity to see eight days. Then all of Europe the CEO and his because everyassistant asked me thing is so close if I would be interested in work- together. It’s a two hour ﬂight to ing for them, and if so, they Milan or anywhere in Italy. So I would create a job for me. So I travel every chance I get.” took him up on his offer, just beBarcelona, Paris and Amstercause it was much more money dam are among the cities she than I would have been making has visited. in the fashion industry.” Once she completes her eduIn her new position, she was cation, she hopes to develop involved in planning political her own line of fashion accesfundraising activities and char- sories. ity events for the likes of John “My goal is to have my own Kerry and Al Gore. line,” said Stewart. “I would “I was lucky because I got a like a line featuring only Native great job,” she said. “But I put American designs, but with a everything I earned into sav- modern twist.” Contributed by Tony Choate, ings.” After saving her money for tribal media relations.

24

News of our People

February 2009

Chickasaw high school pitcher to attend Murray State on baseball scholarship ite Major League Baseball team is the Texas Rangers and his role model is Josh Hamilton. “Hamilton is a great baseball player and I look up to him because all the things he has had to overcome throughout his career,” Brison said.

Brison is the son of Brian Campbell and Tia Campbell/ Tarver, of Tishomingo, and the grandson of Mary and Steve Hayes, of Lindsey, Okla. “We are so proud of Brison,” his mother said. “Baseball is his ﬁrst love and he has always

worked so hard and followed through on everything he does when he plays baseball. I love to say, ‘that’s my boy out their pitching.’”

found out,” she said, “it’s like the coolest thing that can happen to a high school band member!” Anna is a ﬂautist and horn-line section leader for the “Pride of Bristow” marching band. She and her band mates comprised one of only eight high school bands selected to march in the Rose Bowl parade. Each year, thousands of high schools from across America apply for the honor. The Pride’s efforts were seen by approximately one million bystanders and an international television audience. “It was intense,” Anna said. “We marched for two and a half hours straight.” Anna began her high school band career in the ninth grade. She has since stayed extremely busy fulﬁlling her commitments. But she insists she wouldn’t have it any other way, “It’s so good to be a part of something,” she said. “Plus,

it keeps me out of trouble and encourages me to have good grades.” Between her job, school and playing in the band, Anna doesn’t have much free time. During the little that she does have, she spends time with her friends and family. “When all my work is done, I like to just hang out and relax with the people I don’t get to see enough,” she said. Anna is the daughter of Terry Factor, director, Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing Maintenance Services, and Keisha Factor, a counselor for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. “We couldn’t be more proud of her for dedicating herself to something she truly loves,” Mr. Factor said. “She’s happy. You can just hear it in her voice.”

that I cried I’d be empty and lost inside So I’ll try to ﬁnd a smile And hold my head up high

gone away There are days when I wish that I Could run away And if I could there would be another summer day When I would see my sister’s face again

Contributed by Jeremy Oliver, tribal media relations.

Chickasaw in Tournament of Roses Parade Back row from left, stepmother Sonya Campbell, Murray State baseball coach Brian Key, Mike Matleck, stepfather Jerry Tarver. Front row from left, father Brian Campbell, father, Brison Campbell, and mother Tia Campbell/Tarver.

Brison Campbell signed his letter of intent Jan. 16 to accept a baseball scholarship to Murray State College, Tishomingo, Okla. Brison, a Chickasaw, wants to pursue a degree in children’s psychology and coaching. “I chose Murray State because they have a good program and I really liked the atmosphere there where I already have friends playing on the team and can be close to home,” Brison said. Brison is a senior at Tishomingo High School. In his ﬁrst start as a high school pitcher, he

recorded a perfect game. He helped lead the team to back-to back-championships during the 2007 and 2008 baseball seasons behind the strength of his fastball, which has been clocked at more than 85 mph. “Brison’s a dominating lefthand pitcher and competes very hard, I think he will make a great ﬁt to our program here at Murray State,” said Murray State Head Coach Brian Key. Brison started playing baseball at three years old and hopes someday to become a professional baseball player. His favor-

Medlock completes basic at Fort Sill, graduates with honors

Pfc. Aaron Medlock

U.S. Army Pfc. Aaron Mark Medlock is serving a one-year tour of duty at Camp Casey in Seoul, South Korea. He began his tour after completing four weeks of Advanced Instructional Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma on Nov. 5. Pfc. Medlock completed Basic Combat training at Fort Sill Oct. 3. He placed in the top 10 per-

cent of his class and graduated with honors. During the nine weeks of Basic and Advanced Training Pfc. Medlock received specialized instruction and training in Army History, core values and military traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical ﬁtness, ﬁrst aid, weapons use, marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, ﬁeld maneuvers and tactics, foot marches, map reading, land navigation, and drill/ceremony training. “We are so proud of Aaron for his accomplishments and all of his hard work,” said his grandmother, Linda Medlock. Pfc. Medlock, a Chickasaw, graduated from Henryetta (OK) High School in 2008 and is a former tribal summer youth employee. He is the son of Mark Medlock and Karen Vaughn, of Okmulgee, Okla. Contributed by Jeremy Oliver, tribal media relations.

Anna Factor Eight-hour practices during scorching Oklahoma summers, sacriﬁcing time with friends and family, and juggling multiple activities, including a part-time job. Anna Factor, a Chickasaw and Bristow (OK) High School junior says having multiple irons in the ﬁre is “totally worth the effort.” Especially last month, when she marched the ﬁve-mile route in Pasadena’s 120th Tournament of Roses Parade, becoming the envy of young musicians across the nation. “I was so excited when we

Hold on

Sam said “don’t cry I’m going away-up high Don’t be afraid be strong Just keep on holding on.”

Samantha Lacher

IT was an early summer day But it seems like just yesterday When Sam looked right in my face And told me she was going away If I could count all the tears

Cause Sam said “don’t cry Dry all the tears from your eyes” No one could quite explain Just why she had to face the pain. But when the day comes and it’s your time Only God knows the reason why She was my angel my light and my friend And one day we’ll be together again But now that I know she has

Contributed by Carrie Buckley, tribal media relations.

Cause Sam said “don’t cry I’m going away-up high Don’t be afraid be strong Just keep holding on” Cause Sam said “Baby girl don’t you cry Dry all the tears from your eyes Don’t be afraid be strong Just keep on holding on” - Written by Vikki Naragon in memory of her sister: Samantha Lacher Jan. 21, 1985 - May 18, 2003 Sumbitted by: Laverna Lacher (mother of Vikki and Samantha)

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

Chickasaw business owner expands services to southern Oklahoma

Chickasaw citizen Janet Reinish and husband Jim Reinish have owned Response Link of Oklahoma for 20 years successfully operating out of Norman, Okla., since 1989. They now have plans to expand their services into southern Oklahoma in anticipation of the opening of the new Chickasaw health care facility in 2010. Response Link of Oklahoma will reach farther into southern Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation as the company perceives a growing need for medical alarms in an area of

Oklahoma with few options for seniors and families dealing with medical needs The company focuses on providing medical alarms to senior citizens and people of all ages with medical problems that can inhibit their independence, not allowing them to live alone due to safety concerns brought on by medical conditions. “Medical alarms give safety and independence to seniors who are on home health care or considering a nursing home, it allows them to be free and live their life, while all the

while knowing that if a medical emergency arises they have the ability to summon help immediately,” said Janet Reinish. Response Link medical alarms allow for 24-hour push button emergency help that connects users directly to a live operator trained to deal with medical emergencies and who will summon medical service if an emergency arises. The device is a lightweight, waterproof, two-way communication monitor worn on a necklace or watch. It can also be used to monitor medication

The Chickasaw Nation Division of History and Culture has recently developed the Chickasaw Nation Cemetery program, designed to preserve the heritage and culture of ancestral Chickasaws through documenting, preserving, and restoration of historic Chickasaw burial sites. “This program enables The Chickasaw Nation to reclaim, preserve, and protect the graves of our ancestors and educate future generations of Chickasaw people on our culture, history and identity as a Nation,” said Gov. Bill Anoatubby, The Cemetery program will provide a ﬁrst-time clean up of abandoned Chickasaw Nation cemeteries where Chickasaws are buried. The program also provides special care for graves of former elected or appointed Chickasaw ofﬁcials and selected historic Chickasaw cemeteries. Initial objectives of the Cemetery program include locating,

mapping, documenting directions, and the identiﬁcation and determination of Chickasaw lineages within the cemetery. After the initial objectives are completed the program will mark burial sites, perform an initial evaluation of cemetery conditions, perform an initial clean up of the cemetery, and make follow-up visits to ensure the cemetery is maintained within the guidelines of the program. “Maintaining and preserving our cemeteries not only honors and respects our ancestors but also provides a way to preserve and learn our genealogies and histories,” said Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham, administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division of History and Culture. “Many Chickasaw cemeteries began as family cemeteries, in fact many still are, giving the sites an important community cultural identity,”

Requirements for the program are: 1. Burial sites must be located within Chickasaw Nation boundaries. 2. If the land is privately owned, written permission to go onto the property is required. 3. Burial sites must be of former elected Chickasaw ofﬁcials or tribal citizens in historic Chickasaw grave sites. For further information on additional requirements or how to apply to include a burial site in the program, contact the Cultural Resources Department at 580-332-8685. Contributed by Jeremy Oliver, tribal media relations.

Sarah Miracle, manager of the Chickasaw Nation Get Fresh! Program, and Ruth Burrows, Get Fresh! food demonstration specialist, recently had the opportunity to ﬁlm segments for “Together at the Table.” The show is an educational program that shows viewers how to cook healthy meals in an effort to create awareness about the importance of family meal time and health disparities, like childhood obesity and diabetes that face many Americans today. “Together at the Table” is

hosted by Jennifer Eve. The program airs each week on News 9 during the Wednesday noon news segment and the Sunday morning news. Ms. Burrow’s segment, in which she prepared spicy salmon and corn salad, is scheduled to air March 11. Ms. Miracle’s segment features baked Greek tomatoes and is scheduled to air March 18. For more information on the Get Fresh! Program, please call (580) 272-5506. Contributed by Karissa Pickett, tribal media relations.

Cemetery program seeks to protect, preserve graves; document and educate for future

25

reminders, health test reminders, wellness checks, and summon emergency medical personnel. “The medical alarm is an expanding industry because the aging baby boomer population are not as willing to lose their independence and move into a nursing home,” Jim Reinish said. “This provides them a safety net to know that someone is always there in case of an emergency, while giving their families the peace of mind of knowing that they will be taken care of should a medical emergency occur.”

Response Link of Oklahoma will continue to be based out of Norman while the Response Link team will travel throughout southern Oklahoma to install, maintain, pick up equipment, and promote the medical alarm services. For more information on services offered by Response Link of Oklahoma, contact Janet Reinish at 405-364-7205, toll free at 866-809-4063, or go online www.responselink.com.

In an effort to curb and prevent heart disease, the Chickasaw Nation Health System will host a Go Red for Women Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, February 20 at Carl Albert Indian Health Facility main conference room, 1001 N. Country Club Road in Ada. Staff from cardiology, the Diabetes Care Center, nursing services, Nutrition Services, Healthy Lifestyles, dental, Wellness and other departments will have information booths

available at this event. Participants will receive educational materials regarding women and heart disease. In addition, free give away items will also be available. Those who are interested in reducing their risk for developing heart disease should plan to attend this special event. For more information, please contact Barbara Quinlan at (580) (580) 436-3980 ext. 82554. Contributed by Karissa Pickett, tribal media relations.

Contributed by Jeremy Oliver, tribal media relations.

‘Go Red for Women’ Feb. 20

Wichita Council learns about oil, Earth’s ecology

Get Fresh! staff to be featured on ‘Together at the Table’

Prof. Rick Davies of Wichita State University talks with Wichita Council members. The Wichita Council met Sunday, January 18 at the Chuckwagon Cafe in Cowtown. Our usual meeting place is under renovation until mid-April. Our presenters for this meeting were Dr. Kent Rowe and Prof. Rick Davies on the subject of the depletion of oil and the future of the Earth’s ecology.

This powerpoint presentation emphasized the need for us to return to a more simple and natural way of life. We had the opportunity to see and hold some items of organic origin. There was a deer jawbone, ﬂint points, a turtle paw, turtle shells, and a variety of other items.

There were suggestions on organic gardening and we were told of a local community gardening project. We had guests from the local environmental and spiritual communities, Shakun Gaekar and Rev. Connie Pace-Adair. We also had visitors from the Native American Dayspring Church in Peoria, Ill., Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin and her sister, Michelle. Our next meeting is scheduled for February 15 at 3 p.m. at the Chuckwagon Cafe in Cowtown. We also noted that there are opportunities for anyone interested to get involved with any of the committees the Indian Center has. Those committes are the Education and Programs Committee, the Marketing Committee, the Membership Committee, and the Community and Cultural Events Committee.

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Texas Councils meet

OKC Council hears of language challenges

Joshua Hinson

Members of the Community Councils of Central and South Texas learned about preserving photographs and documents of historical importance during the last meeting. Tribal archives personnel were on hand to assist.

The Community Councils of Central and South Texas conducted a joint meeting on January 11, at Texas State University Student Union in San Marcos. Our guests were Michelle Cooke, Director of Libraries, Archives & Collections and Amanda Hudson, Senior Archives Manager for the Chickasaw Nation. They joined us for the purpose of scanning photos and documents pertaining to our council members and their families. These treasured photos and

February 2009

documents will now be a part of the new Cultural Center being built in Sulphur, Okla. Our members were delighted to have this opportunity to preserve their families’ histories. While the scanning was taking place, attendees were entertained with videos about the Chickasaw Nation, its citizens and other Oklahoma tribes. We concluded the meeting with a potluck dinner, including several pots of Pashofa.

The Oklahoma City Chickasaw Community Council will meet on February 3 for our monthly meeting. We will be enjoying a great inner at 6 p.m. Each one is invited to bring a side dish or dessert. Bill Lance, Administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Health System, will be our speaker at 7 p.m. Please join us for a great meeting of information and fellowship. At the January meeting we heard from Joshua Hinson Director Chickasaw Studies and Chickasaw Language Program. He gave a very interesting presentation on our Chickasaw

Language. The facts he gave about how our Chickasaw Language is disappearing was very startling to us. Our interest was certainly peaked. Joshua will be coming back to our council to form classes for the future. Stormy Bryant has graciously volunteered to be our instructor. If you are interested in learning more about these classes, please join us for our next meeting. The OKC Council meets at 4005 NW Expressway 6th ﬂoor, Oklahoma City, OK. All metro area Chickasaws are invited to join us. We look forward to seeing you.

Tribal ethnobotanist speaks to Johnston Council The Johnston County Chickasaw Community Council December meeting was a great time for all in attendance. Speaker for the evening was Steven Bond, the ethnobotonist with the Chickasaw Nation’s Division of History and Culture. Everyone enjoyed his presentation. Great food was shared and the annual fund raising auction was held. Participants were quite active in bidding and our auctioneer Mr. Jerry Underwood gave wonderful descriptions of each item put up for bid.

The council board wants to thank everyone for helping and supporting our community coun-

cil efforts and we look forward to a great 2009. Next meeting will be January 19, 2009

CHICKASAW COMMUNITY COUNCILS and EVENTS OKLAHOMA ADA

Chipota Chikashshanompoli (Chickasaw language club for children ages three to 12) February 21, (580) 436-0553 Go Red for Women Heart Fair February 20, (580) 436-3980 ext. 82554

CONNERVILLE

Connerville Area Chickasaw Community Council 2nd Monday at 6:30 p.m. Tony Poe, 580-421-4994

KINGSTON

Marshall County Chickasaw Community Council 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Patricia Bostick, (580) 564-3607

NEWCASTLE

Northern Pontotoc Chickasaw Community Council 2nd Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Todd Grifﬁth, 405-615-1303

OKLAHOMA CITY

OKC Metro Chickasaw Community Council 1st Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Linda O’Hagan, 405-350-3311

PURCELL

Purcell Chickasaw Community Council 4th Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. Betty Kemp, 405-364-0355

TISHOMINGO

Johnston County Chickasaw Community Council 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. Ann Fink, 580-371-3351

CALIFORNIA

Inland Empire/Desert Cities Chickasaw Community Council Lynn M. Dorrough, 909-213-7273

COLORADO

Chickasaw Community Council of Colorado Quarterly Meetings Stephen Bingham, 303-377-4637

KANSAS

Chickasaw Community Council of Wichita 3rd Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Lynn Stumblingbear, 316-945-9219 or Pam Harjo, 316-393-0696

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico Chickasaw Community Council Chris Rodke, 505-450-4802 or Vadare Cornelison, 505-332-1776

TEXAS

Chickasaw Community Council of South Texas San Antonio, TX Area Michele Moody, 210-492-2288 Chickasaw Community Council of Central Texas Austin, Texas Area 2nd Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Gene Thompson, 512-258-7919 North Texas Chickasaw Community Council Dallas/Fort Worth Area, TX 3rd Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Stan Farmer, (682) 234-4910

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

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Jimmy Belvin and the rise of tribal sovereignty, 1944-48 By RICHARD GREEN Contributing Writer Introduction: To end tribal affairs of the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations, the United States government and the nations signed an agreement in 1897 specifying that the U.S. would purchase all of the tribes’ land not allotted to individual tribal members. Most of the land was jointly owned by the two nations; by virtue of the Treaty of 1855, the Choctaws had a three-fourths share and the Chickasaws one-fourth. More than 400,000 acres had not been allotted because they contained huge deposits of coal and more modest deposits asphalt. In 1902, the three parties signed another agreement in which the U.S. pledged to purchase the coal and asphalt parcels of lands within three years. But despite U.S. participation in two world wars, during which energy needs were very high, the tribes still owned about 378,000 acres of coal land in 1945. One Ironically, by the end of World War II when the superpower United States was ﬁnally prepared to conduct negotiations with the tribes to buy the mineral land and close out the two tribes, a grass-roots movement promoting tribal sovereignty was emerging in the Choctaw Nation. It was grassroots because the tribal administrators, Choctaw Chief William Durant and Governor Floyd Maytubby, were not sympathetic to the movement. They had been appointed by the U.S. to preside over the liquidation of the tribal domains and they were intent on carrying out that mandate. This was reinforced in 1944 when Congress passed a bill authorizing negotiations for the sale of the coal and asphalt land. There was more action among the Choctaws than the Chickasaws in the movement then for two reasons. The Choctaws had had several chiefs serve in the 20 th century, while only two Chickasaws had served as governor since Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Moreover, Maytubby was entrenched politically in the job because as a loyal Democrat and party functionary he had the

As the leader of the Choctaw-Chickasaw Confederation, Jimmy Belvin utilized a variety of tactics to encourage the U.S. government to become more responsive to the needs of citizens of both tribes.

support of the state’s Democratic congressional delegation. The second reason was probably more important. The leader of the Choctaw grass-roots movement was Harry J.W. “Jimmy” Belvin, who had the qualities needed to galvanize action and support. He was experienced, educated, articulate, dynamic, ambitious and tenacious. And, he was vocationally and geographically well-placed, as the Bryant County Superintendent of Public Instruction, living in Durant, the former Choctaw capital. Furthermore, Belvin wanted to revitalize tribal government, not shut it down. While most Choctaws and Chickasaws were primarily interested in receiving a share of the proceeds from the sale of the mineral land, Belvin’s request in 1945 for a tribal election to select a chief struck a responsive cord among small pockets of tribal members across southeast Oklahoma. Actually, some members of the Choctaw-Chickasaw Confederation had written in 1944 to members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation requesting that Chief Durant not be reappointed to another term. Most wrote to Congressman William Stigler, himself a Choctaw, representing the Second District, which contained most Choctaws and many Chickasaws. Stigler didn’t make the appointment, the secretary of Interior did. But the secretary was inﬂuenced greatly by Oklahoma’s congressmen.

“Chief W.A. Durant has lost his inﬂuence and popularity with his constituents,” wrote A.W. Hancock, who identiﬁed himself as a general missionary to the Five Civilized Tribes in his 1944 letter. He appended a list of 29 Choctaws living in Stigler, OK who opposed Durant’s reappointment. The problem with Hancock and other petitioners is that most of them didn’t nominate a candidate, except for the occasional critic who immodestly offered himself as an applicant. What they probably didn’t know was that Stigler was ﬁrmly in Durant’s camp, to the point of advising the chief to mobilize supporters to counter the unfavorable petitions with petitions of their own. Durant followed the advice, and in March 1946 Interior ofﬁcials and members of the state congressional delegation received a resolution supporting Durant from his friends and associates, styling themselves the Choctaw Advisory Council. This group included Muriel Wright and Czarina Conlan of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Aside from leading the move to get Durant reappointed, Stigler also tried unsuccessfully to secure Durant a four-year term, not just the normal two years. Two In 1946, groups of Choctaws were again organizing to protest the chief’s reappointment. But this time, their petition included two new items. First, they

claimed that Chief Durant and Gov. Maytubby had made no progress on the sale of the mineral lands, during a time when numerous destitute Choctaws and Chickasaws desperately needed the ﬁnancial assistance that the sale would have provided through per capita payments. Maytubby’s friend and supporter, Oklahoma Supreme Court Judge Earl Welch estimated that 500 to 600 Chickasaws qualiﬁed as “destitute.” Second, Choctaws were sending resolutions endorsing Jimmy Belvin. Two, from tribal members individually assembled at Hugo and Oklahoma City, were forwarded to Interior and the delegation by Myrtle Creason, chair of the Choctaws of Oklahoma County and an indefatigable and articulate supporter of Belvin. Ben Dwight, Choctaw tribal attorney and an aid to Oklahoma Governor Robert S. Kerr, claimed that Creason was engineering Belvin’s entire campaign for the appointment and was greatly exaggerating the claims that Choctaws overwhelmingly supported Belvin. The anti-Durant claim, however, that no progress had been made on selling the mineral lands was not technically true. In 1946, Durant and Maytubby and their attorneys ﬁnally settled on a selling price of $33.1 million. This claim was based on appraised value and the equities arising from the long delay in complying with the government’s obligation to sell the properties by 1905. The government’s appraisal, however, came in at $2.2 million, which was by far the lowest of several estimates made by the government over the years. Meanwhile, Stigler repeatedly contacted Interior ofﬁcials on behalf of Chief Durant’s reappointment. In doing so, he noted

the “impracticability” of holding a Choctaw election for chief. He brought up questions about who could vote and the method. He added the remarkably antidemocratic statement that an election would only “engender bitter feelings among the various factions and groups representing the applicants.” There were only two main factions, one supporting Durant’s reappointment and one of apparently growing numbers lining up behind Belvin. While both factions wanted the coal and asphalt lands to be sold, the Belvin-led group wanted tribal elections and tribal government restored. Nevertheless, Stigler’s letter may have carried the day for Durant, whom he addressed in a confidential letter dated July 17, 1946. He wrote that while “considerable sentiment has been built up within the Department [Interior] to hold an election, he was advised that day that no election will be held this time and “you will be appointed for another two-year term. I rejoice with you in being reappointed.” Three If Belvin was disappointed, his correspondence to federal ofﬁcials didn’t slow down, but increased from January 1947, when Carl Albert was elected to Congress from Oklahoma’s Third District. Since Albert represented many Choctaws and Chickasaws, Belvin was pinning his hopes on Albert being sympathetic to the cause of tribal sovereignty. On January 31, 1947, Belvin wrote long letters to Albert, Stigler, both senators and the Indian Affairs ofﬁce. He criticized the stalling and again requested action by the government to create a nominating convention for

See Belvin , page 30

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28

February 2009

Chickasaw Foundation announces three new scholarships for 2009-2010

The Chickasaw Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of three new scholarships: Chickasaw Foundation Career Technology Scholarship, Chickasaw Foundation Nonproﬁt Management Scholarship and the Chickasaw Foundation Health Professions Scholarships. The new scholarships were funded by Chickasaw Nation employees who participated in the Employee Charitable Contribution Plan (ECCP) through the Chickasaw Foundation. For additional information about the ECCP or scholarship programs, please contact our ofﬁce at (580) 421-9030. The Chickasaw Foundation

Career Technology Scholarship will be awarded to an employee of the Chickasaw Nation who is at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate. The student must be attending a career technology, vocational-technical center or trade school, and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. The ﬁeld of study is not limited to a particular discipline. The amount for this scholarship is $1,000 ($500 per semester). The Chickasaw Foundation Nonproﬁt Management Scholarship will be awarded to a Chickasaw student who is enrolled in their freshman through senior year at a four-year college or

Franks is Spring scholarship recipient

Allison Franks The Chickasaw Foundation is pleased to announce the Spring 2009 Chickasaw Foundation Grant recipient as Ms. Allison Franks, who will graduate with an education degree in May

2009. She is student teaching this semester and would like to be a teacher. She hopes to see more Native American culture taught in the schools. Once she begins teaching she would like to return to school and obtain her master’s degree. Allison recently worked as a file clerk at the Chickasaw Nation Office of the Gaming Commission and donated to the Chickasaw Foundation through the Employee Charitable Contribution Plan program. She volunteers for St. Gregory’s Early Childhood Day Care with special needs children and children’s church at Morris Memorial Baptist Church.

Chickasaw Foundation Meet our Treasurer

Dr. Judy Goforth Parker

Dr. Judy Goforth Parker has served on the Board since July 2000. She is a full professor in the department of nursing at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, and a member of the

Chickasaw Tribal Legislature where she is the secretary. Dr. Parker also serves as vice chair for the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee, Indian Health Service, vice chair for the board of directors of Bank2 in Oklahoma City, and president of the East Central Oklahoma Blood Institute. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, National Alaskan Native & Native American Indian Nurses Association, Chickasaw Nation IRB, and the Valley View Foundation. Her past community service includes being the founder of the Moccasin Trails 100 Mile Club. Dr. Parker also assists with the music team at her church and teaches the Wednesday night ladies group.

university. The student must be majoring in nonproﬁt management and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The amount for this scholarship is $1,000 ($500 per semester). The Chickasaw Foundation Health Professions Scholarship will be awarded to a student who is enrolled in a vocational-technical school, two-year or four-year college or university. Students enrolled in graduate school may also apply. The student must be working on a degree toward the following professions: dentist, dental hygienist, nurse, nurse practitioner/PA (pediatrics, family practice, same day clinic), medical doctor (family prac-

tice, general surgery, internal medicine, hospitalist, OB/GYN, emergency room physician), lab technologist, pharmacist, imaging technologist (CT/MR technologist or ultrasound), behavioral health counselor, or a biomedical engineer or other health-related degree programs may be considered by the Chickasaw Foundation Board

of Trustees. Technical school or other non-professional training: EMS, LPN, electrician or plumber for the health arena may apply. Chickasaw preference will be given and students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The amount for this scholarship is $1,000 ($500 per semester).

The Chickasaw Foundation’s 2009-2010 scholarship application will be available soon. Please check our website at www.chickasawfoundation.org in March 2009.

You may also call our ofﬁce at (580) 421-9030 for any information regarding our scholarships or to be placed on our scholarship mailing list.

Chickasaw Foundation scholarship application available in March

Heather Stinnett December ‘Student of the Month’

Heather Stinnett

Ms. Heather Stinnett was selected December 2008 Student of the Month. She is a senior at Bray-Doyle (OK) High School and has been a member of Upward Bound since she was a freshman. Heather was selected Student of the Month in October 2007, and received the Chickasaw Foundation Upward Bound citizenship award and outstanding student awards for chemistry and Spanish. Recently she earned the Daughters of the Revolution Good Citizen Award. Heather is a 4.0 student and enjoys reading and attending school activities. She participates in slow-pitch softball,

show choir, Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and is a member of the Oklahoma and National Honor Societies. She is involved in community activities such as clean-up days, canned food drives, food baskets to senior citizens, caroling and softball clinics. Heather plans to attend East Central (OK) University to obtain her bachelor’s degree in biology and a teaching certiﬁcation. She would like to continue school and work towards master’s and doctoral degrees so she may become a professor of biology or another related ﬁeld of study.

The Chickasaw Foundation recently purchased backpacks for students of the Chickasaw Foundation Upward Bound (CFUB) program and the Chickasaw Children’s Village. Mr. Steve Cheadle, director of TRIO programs, presented the CFUB students their backpacks on December 13 at their annual Christmas dinner and dance,

and to the Chickasaw Children’s Village students on January 14. The backpacks were funded by Chickasaw Nation employees who participate in the Employee Charitable Contribution Plan (ECCP) through the Chickasaw Foundation. For additional information about the ECCP program, please contact our ofﬁce at (580) 421-9030.

Upward Bound students receive backpacks

Kingston (OK) High School senior Bryce Bumpass proudly displays his backpack.

399-3035

February 2009 Chickasaw Foundation 2nd Annual TBall Tournament set for April 17-18

The Chickasaw Foundation will host its 2nd annual T-Ball Tournament on April 17–18, 2009, in Ada at the Kiwanis Ball Park. This is a double-elimination tournament and only the ﬁrst 10 teams will be accepted.

The entry fee is $100. The age cut-off date for players will be January 1 of the current year, and players cannot be seven before then. Please check our website for updates: www.chickasawfoundation.org.

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Chickasaw Foundation T-Ball Tournament Team Registration Team: ________________________________________________________________________ Coach: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________

State: ____________

Zip: ________

E-Mail: ______________________________________________________________________ Contact Numbers: ( ) ____________________________ home (

(

) ______________________ work

) ____________________________ cell

Payment Information: The cost of the tournament is $100. Please make your registration fee payable to the Chickasaw Foundation. Payment Method: Cashier’s Check Check #________ Money Order Credit Card

Letter to Editor:

Jackie Price Jackie (Seawright) Price is no stranger to the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. Native to the Troy area, her Native American roots trace back all the way to original enrollees. The daughter of the late Jack and Elsie Seawright (Keel), Jackie is 17/32 Chickasaw. She is the granddaughter of original enrollees, the late Pearl Wilson Keel and the late Archison Keel. Jackie grew up in Mill Creek, Oklahoma where she graduated from high school with brothers Wilson Seawright, Larry Seawight and sisters Ethel (sue) Price and Lela Mechtly. Other relatives include her uncle, George Keel and aunts, Pauline tolbert, Esteline Francis and the late Josie (Keel) Thayer. Today, Jackie is a successful

58-year-old career woman and is known for her work as an agent at Tolbert Insurance in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Not long ago, however, Jackie encountered a difficult new challenge in life when she was diagnosed with pulmonary ﬁbrosis. Because of the disease, Jackie has now received a lung transplant. Jackie needs all the help she can get in raising $40,000 to pay for the transplant. Unfortunately, Jackie’s insurance does not cover these expenses. This is where family and friends are stepping in to help Jackie. Loved ones are now launching a fundraiser scheduled for April 4, 2009 at the Chickasaw Community Center in Tishomingo. Right now the cause is open to public donations. Donations can be mailed to: NFT Oklahoma Lung Fund in honor of Jackie Price, P.O. Bx 483, Tishomingo, OK 73460. Jackie and her family would appreciate your generosity in making a donation large or small to this cause. Pauline Tolbert Tishomingo, Okla. (580) 371-2352

Please complete for credit card information: Card Type:__________________________________________ Expiration Date:___________ Account #:_____________________________________________ Credit Card Holder’s Signature: _________________________________________________ To conﬁrm your team is entered in the tournament, you will receive a phone call from the Chickasaw Foundation staff. Please mail to: Chickasaw Foundation * P.O. Box 1726 * Ada, OK 74821-1726 (580) 421-9030 * (580) 421-9031 fax E-Mail: [email protected]

Letter to Editor:

I would like to give a special thanks to Gov. Bill Anoatubby and Mrs. Pat Woods who have reached out to me, along with a few others, and aided me in times of complete peril. Your generosity has affected me greatly and will not be forgotten. I truly appreciate all you have done for me and may God bless each and everyone of you and your family’s. And to those who aided me and I failed to mention, it’s not because you don’t deserve it – it’s because you helped me without even telling me your name. That’s what has touched me and compelled me to publicly thank you. May God bring you a joyous new year. I truly thank you, Kyle Goodman

Letter to Editor:

A woman living in England has written expressing an interest in having a Chickasaw pen pal. The writer wrote us saying her grandfather had given her the book “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” when she was

nine years old. The book, she wrote, has had an impact on her life. If you should want to become a pen pal, please write to the Editor, The Chickasaw Times, P.O. Box 1548, Ada, OK 74821 and we will forward your name to the writer.

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Belvin, continued from page 27

the next Choctaw chief. In his letter to the superintendent of the Five Civilized Tribes, Belvin wrote that if the government will not act, the Choctaws will. He said this wasn’t a threat, but a “simple fact. We are tired to death of a bureaucratic system of government that robs the individual Indian of his identity.” Belvin attempted to give assurance that his activism was not based on personal gain, and then put his request to Senator Elmer Thomas in capital letters: A NOMINATING CONVENTION TO GIVE CHOCTAWS A VOICE IN THE DEMOCRATIC SELECTION OF THE NEXT CHIEF. But in writing to the Five Tribes superintendent, W.O. Roberts, he took off the gloves: “It is very obvious you are not in sympathy with the move to give the Choctaws a little taste of democracy in the selection of their Chief. And we thank God that you are not the one who has all the say in setting Indian policies.” When the superintendent replied, in effect, that it was the beneﬁcence of the Indian ofﬁce, rather than a mandatory obligation, that led to the effort to gage the Choctaw people’s choice for chief, Belvin’s response dripped with sarcasm. After noting that “your generosity is all but overwhelming,” he reminded Roberts that he had nothing to do with that initiative. “You were handed the results of the instructions obtained through my efforts last summer, and you know it.” Then, he challenged Roberts to come to Bryan County to discuss the matters with him before a Choctaw audience. Roberts did not accept, so Belvin and other Choctaws and Chickasaws kept up the pressure by meeting and passing resolutions such as one from a Durant meeting in April 1947. The resolution ﬁrst noted that ample time had passed since Congress enacted the 1944 enabling legislation, and that during this time, many Choctaws and Chickasaws who would have shared in the proceeds had died. Second, the resolution asked President Harry Truman to remove the leaders of both tribes (Durant and Maytubby) “for negligence of duty and refusal to look after the interest of the tribes in this negotiation. Third, the petitioners requested the BIA

and Pres. Truman to “grant us a democratic process in the selection of our tribal ofﬁcials.” In a March 1947 letter to Belvin, Carl Albert wrote that he realized that “there are people who do not want the land sold but I know that this does not represent the views of the majority of Indians.” Because there is nothing to this effect in Albert’s 1947 correspondence, there is no explanation of why this minority objected to the sale. But in numerous letters received in the mid-1940s, Choctaws and Chickasaws repeatedly state or imply that they don’t trust the government in the handling of tribal affairs. Four By late March, neither the Interior Department nor the tribes had budged on their offers for the mineral land, but word was that negotiations would resume in late April or early May. But, after speaking with Acting BIA Commissioner Zimmerman, Albert concluded that he was both ignorant and intransigent on the sale. Albert was so angry and exasperated with the BIA that he was considering a bill to abolish the BIA and transfer its functions to another agency. While Albert was just a ﬁrstterm congressman, perhaps Zimmerman recognized the diminutive (ﬁve feet four) man’s capabilities and the beginnings of a troublesome alliance with the highly vocal Jimmy Belvin, and the Choctaws and Chickasaws he represented. At any rate, negotiations began soon after Albert started talking, in effect, about ﬁring the entire BIA. When the negotiations began on April 28, 1947, Belvin and members of the Choctaw-Chickasaw Confederation were invited to observe, but not participate. Chickasaws included Hollis Hampton and the Reverend Jess Humes, a former adviser to the late Gov. Douglas Johnston and an unsuccessful applicant to succeed him after his death in 1939. Ofﬁcial tribal representatives included Maytubby, Chickasaw attorneys Lynn Adams and Earl Welch, Choctaw attorney Ben Dwight, and a battery of Interior ofﬁcials and attorneys. In his account, Belvin pointedly noted Chief Durant’s absence from “the most momentous meeting affecting the tribe’s welfare

Chickasaw Times since the Atoka Agreement of 1897. After two and one-half hours of background information and statements, the session was adjourned for lunch. Then, it was announced that during subsequent sessions only ofﬁcial tribal representatives would be admitted. Feeling double-crossed, Belvin and others returned to their hotel and started making calls to congressmen and Interior ofﬁcials to get Confederation members admitted. Albert said unless they were admitted, he would embarrass the Department by making public details of the about-face policy change. This seemed to work, as the next day they were told they could attend. But when they arrived, they were greeted with a big surprise. Here is a small portion of Belvin’s typically ﬂamboyant account of what happened next. After Confederation members “were admitted to the inner sanctum, the forbidden quarters, as it were, lo! And behold!” they heard a brief report “on what was probably the swiftest negotiations ever recorded in the annals of Indian history. Imagine our surprise to learn that after almost half a century of treating meeting, negotiating, the Choctaws and Chickasaws had at long last hurdled the greatest barrier between them and the ultimate sale of their joint holdings, all done in a matter of hours.” The negotiated settlement was for $8.5 million As to how the tribal ofﬁcials got the government to raise its offer to $8.5 million, Belvin wrote sarcastically it was a feat “too great for our small minds to grasp.” It was also difﬁcult for Belvin to believe the details of the contract when he read them later. Nearly 770 million tons of readily available coal was valued at 1 cent per ton while more than 1 billion tons of reserve coal was valued at .1 cent per ton. That totaled some $9 million. But Maytubby and Dwight said they would take $8.5 million. Later, Belvin voiced his incredulity to Congressman Albert. “Did you ever in the history of the world hear of coal selling for one cent and one mill [.1 cent], respectively, per ton? I am sure we are not dealing with an

February 2009 insolvent and bankrupt government.” And he wondered what the rest of the world would think if it was known “how the U.S. government was dealing with its wards.” Then, Belvin got to his main point: He asked Albert to intercede with the BIA to expedite the process of allowing the Choctaws to immediately elect their own chief…to rectify a “gross injustice.” He predicted that such a chief could mobilize members against ratifying such an “atrocious offer”. Time was not on his side, however. Interior told the tribes the negotiating was over and the contract was signed; now the only option for Chickasaws and Choctaws was take it or leave it. If they ratiﬁed the agreement, each member would receive approximately $315—if Congress appropriated the $8.5 million (which was not a certainty). In the summer of 1947, local chapters of the Choctaw-Chickasaw Confederation held meetings to discuss the agreement. At one, a Chickasaw named Joseph W. Hayes, presented information that the potential coal royalties “will be much greater than we realize.” As the former section head for oil and gas with the BIA in Anadarko, Hayes had credibility and data he had researched. His comments and questions may have been unsettling to some while confirming the suspicions of others. But most rank and ﬁle members of both tribes needed the money, and in 1947, $300 would buy what $2,800 would buy in 2007. So in November, 1947 both tribes overwhelmingly ratified the agreement, about 6,100 for and some 400 against. Five The Confederation meetings from 1945 through 1947 under the leadership of Jimmy Belvin had proved to be pivotally im-

portant to both tribes. Crystallizing in the minds of most tribal members was the conviction that the revitalization of tribal sovereignty was essential. And the ﬁrst course of action was clear: the tribal leader must be elected by the people. And when, under constant pressure from the rank and ﬁle and Carl Albert, the Interior Department ﬁnally permitted the election in 1948, Jimmy Belvin won easily. As chief, he stopped criticizing the coal agreement and assumed a leadership position in obtaining the $8.5 million appropriation, which was enacted in 1949 and each tribal member soon received about $350. Belvin served as a model for the Chickasaws who were dissatisfied with Gov. Floyd Maytubby, and collaborated with grass-roots Chickasaw leaders like the Reverend Jess Humes and Jonas Imotichey, to strengthen their own organization. The ﬁrst letters from Chickasaws to Carl Albert in 1950-51, asking for the right to elect their own governor, are contained in his congressional papers. The movement caught on, but didn’t catch hold until these elders found their own leader in the late 1950s. He was Overton James, and when he was named governor in 1963 he credited two indispensable men, Congressman Carl Albert and Choctaw Chief Jimmy Belvin. ***** Note: Most of the source material for this article was obtained at the Carl Albert Center on the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus. The majority of documents were found in two collections, William Stigler and Carl Albert. They are now in our tribal archives located at 509 ½ W. Arlington. Richard Green can be contacted at [email protected].

Chickasaw Citizen

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

31

Tribal robotics teams kick off new year with Stillwater event moon with little or no friction. Each team will fabricate a robot which will accumulate points by shooting “moon” balls into goals similar to basketball rims while rolling across the surface. FIRST is an international organization that stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology”. Each year FIRST organizes a competition for high school students

Students from the Metal Mayhem robotics team work on their robot at the 2009 Stillwater Kickoff. Pictured from left are Micah Gross, Joseph Dirrim, Lashun Oakley, Pierce Stevens and Kelli May.

STILLWATER, Okla. - The Chickasaw Nation’s Metal Mayhem robotics team kicked off another exciting year by traveling to Stillwater, January 2, 2009 to attend the World’s Largest FIRST Kickoff at Oklahoma State University. The kickoff had an overall attendance of close to 1,000 including students, mentors, teachers and staff of numerous organizations, universities and businesses. Team Metal Mayhem was one of two teams making the journey to Stillwater a day early to assist in the set up of the event. While at the event, the area students had the opportunity to meet other students and view a live simultaneous broadcast from NASA. Numerous engineers,

scientists and other elite personnel were on hand to speak with the students about being designers, builders, scientists and engineers of tomorrow. “We are looking forward to an exciting year,” said education coordinator for the Chickasaw Nation robotics team, Patricia Jolly. “Last year we were just beginning. This year we are not the rookies but instead we are the ones others are looking to for help.” Each year the robotic competitions have a new game theme. This year’s theme is “Lunacy,” to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. The object of the game is for the robots to compete in a realm that is similar to the surface of the

Full-time positions open at Chickasaw Nation Health System The Chickasaw Nation Health System has full-time, immediate openings within the tribal boundaries for qualiﬁed medical personnel in the following specialties: • 2 Physical Therapists, Ada • 1 Dentist, Ada • 1 Internal Medicine Physician, Ada • 1 Dentist, Tishomingo Clinic For details on any of the professional positions listed above, please contact: Ronnie Shaw, Professional Recruiter Chickasaw Nation Health System (580) 272-7272 [email protected] Beth Campbell, Staff Recruiter Chickasaw Nation Health System (580) 272-7320 [email protected]

throughout the nation to design, construct and create a functioning robot to compete against various teams throughout states and regions in hope of reaching Nationals, in Atlanta. The overall goal of the team is to not only create the best robot, but to also create team building skills and gain insight into tomorrow’s technology. Team members also work to establish themselves as

community assets through multiple community service projects throughout the year. For more information about Metal Mayhem, contact Patricia Jolly or Stan Townsend at (580) 421-7711.

Submitted by Metal Mayhem team members.

Dream of owning your own home? Need to Reﬁnance? Want to make Home Improvements?

CHUKA CHUKMASI is a secondary market home loan for Chickasaw Citizens and Chickasaw Nation Employees. The Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing & Tribal Development (CNDHTD) can help you with the ﬁnancing as well as the down payment and closing costs. Through the Chuka Chukmasi home loan program, we offer Conventional, HUD 184, FHA and VA loans anywhere in the continental United States. REFINANCING: Did you know CNDHTD can loan up to 90% of the appraised value on your home? Closing costs may be rolled into the loan, if the appraisal is high enough. Appraisal fee must be paid up front. NEW CONSTRUCTION LOANS: Are you interested in building? If you have been approved for your 30 year permanent ﬁnancing through Chuka Chukmasi, CNDHTD can provide an interim construction loan for you to build your home. Interim construction is available only in the State of Oklahoma. The interest rate is 5% and the term 6-9 months. During the construction phase, you will be required to make monthly interest payments on drawn borrowed funds. You will pay minimal closing costs on the construction loan at closing. Please call for further information. HOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS: Do you want to make needed improvements? CNDHTD may be the answer. Maximum loan amount is $30,000.00. The interest rate is ﬁxed at 5% and maximum term is 10 years. You must be able to qualify for the loan, must have fee simple title and cannot already have a 2nd mortgage on the home. Home must be your primary residence. You must pay closing costs at closing. This loan is available only in the State of Oklahoma. Work must be completed by a contractor. Call for additional details. GRANT FUNDS: Do you need help with down payment and closing costs? Chickasaw citizens may receive up to $3,00.00 to assist with down payment and/or closing costs when purchasing a home. You must be pre-approved thru the Chuka Chukmasi home loan program at CNDHTD for your ﬁnancing. Reﬁnances are not eligible to receive these funds. This is a one time grant. Call for more information. EMPLOYER ASSISTED HOUSING: Employees of the Chickasaw Nation are eligible to apply for the Chuka Chukmasi home loan program thru CNDHTD. You must be pre-approved for your permanent ﬁnancing through the Chuka Chukmasi home loan program. Employees may receive down payment and/or closing cost assistance in the form of a second mortgage loan. COUNSELING: Did you know that you can receive assistance with credit counseling, credit report clean-up, budgeting, loss mitigation and early delinquency intervention? Do you want to purchase a home but you know there are credit issues that might preclude you from purchasing right now? Did you know that we have a full time counselor who can work directly with you, oneon-one, to help you become mortgage ready? Maybe your credit is ok, but you just can’t seem to save enough money to get started with the process and need help with goal setting and personal budgeting. Please call Kyra Childers at (580) 421-8817 and let her help you now. THE CHICKASAW NATION DIVISION OF HOUSING & TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT HOUSING COUNSELING & LOAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT Kay Perry Summer Stick Director, GML, CHEC Section Head, CHEC PO Box 788 (580) 421-8856 (580) 421-8862 111 Rosedale Ada, OK 74820 Johna Stringer Kyra Childers Loan Counselor Loan Services Counselor (580) 421-8845 (580) 421-8817

32 Robert Perry resurrects lost art

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

Historic turkey feather cape brought back to life by Chickasaw elder

After three years of research and labor, Robert Perry has brought back to life a lost art and tradition of historic Chickasaw and southeastern tribal culture. In his new book “The Turkey Feather Cape,” Mr. Perry, an artist and author, details the step-by-step process involved in making this historically signiﬁcant cape. A turkey feather cape is an honorary cape that was presented to tribal elders and high-ranking tribal members to reﬂect their position in the tribe. Although not used in modern times, the turkey feather cape was depicted on the original 1856 Official Seal of the Chickasaw Nation marking its importance during that time period. “My inspiration for this book came from a challenge made by Ms. Sue Linder who challenged me to ﬁgure out the lost art of making a Turkey Feather Cape and to be able to show others how it is made,” Mr. Perry said.

“Second, she challenged me to write and self-publish a handbook detailing the process of the capes creation.” “The Turkey Feather Cape” was a three-year project for Mr. Perry, who spent two years researching the history and techniques used in making a turkey feather cape. It took him about three months to create the actual cape pictured throughout the book and almost a year to write and publish the ﬁnal product. Mr. Perry describes this book as “My Creation From Beyond History,” and details the step-by-step process involved in making a turkey feather cape along with explaining the importance and history behind the cre-

ation of historic capes in tribal civilizations. The cape made and pictured in this book will

be housed in the new Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Okla. The book is made for readers and artists of all skill levels giving them a how-to guide and providing tips for creative problem solving that might come in handy when making a cape for the ﬁrst time, or to apply to daily life problems that need a creative solution to solve the challenge. “I hope that it is obvious through reading this book that by overcoming self-doubt of the mind, it truly becomes an exercise about ﬁnding one’s self, that conﬁdence is what encourages one to try some other complex project,” Mr. Perry said. Artist/author Robert Perry is a Chickasaw elder who serves on the Council

of Elders, is an Emeritus Board member of the Chickasaw Historical Society, member of the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers, Chickasaw Press Board member, holds eight U.S. patents, and has been active in the Chickasaw Nation all his life. “The Turkey Feather Cape” is the second book authored and published by Robert Perry. His ﬁrst publication was a book of stories entitled “Life with the Little People,” with a third release, a biography, slated for the summer of 2009 “Uprising: Crumbo and Indian Art.” Recently published and released, “The Turkey Feather Cape” will be available to purchase at iuniverse.com, Chickasaw Outpost locations, and amazon.com. See the ad in this month’s Chickasaw Times for more details. Contributed by Jeremy Oliver, tribal media relations.

December 2008 Outstanding Achievement Award recipients Jeremy Cox Jeremy, son of Donnie and Debbie Cox, of Ada Okla., is a December 2008 recipient of the Chickasaw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award in Aca- Jeremy Cox demics. Jeremy is a freshman at Latta High School and was nominated by English teacher Holly Wood. “Jeremy is one of the most diligent students I have ever taught,” said Ms. Wood. “His positive attitude spreads to those around him.” Jeremy’s favorite subject is math, in which he has won several awards. He is a yellow belt in Taekwondo. Jeremy is a member of the Latta FFA and the Latta Young Democrats. Thomas Foster Thomas, of Manahawkin, New Jersey is a December 2008 Thomas Foster recipient of the

Chickasaw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award in Athletics. Thomas is in the third grade at McKinley Ave Elementary in Manahawkin, and was nominated by Principal William Wilkinson. “Thomas is an excellent athlete,” said Mr. Wilkinson. “He participates in football, basketball and baseball.” Thomas likes participating in sports. He also plays guitar and likes to draw. “In the future, I would like to be an electrician and work with my father,” said Thomas. “I would also like to build houses.” Cord Humphrey Cord, son of Chris and Stacie Humphrey, of Ada, Okla., is a December 2008 recipient of the Chickasaw Cord Honor Club Out- Humphrey standing Achievement Award in Citizenship. Cord is in the third grade at Latta Elementary School and was nominated by third grade

teacher Nancy Whitley. “Cord is a very honest and trustworthy student,” said Ms. Whitley. “I am honored to nominate him for the outstanding achievement award.” Cord’s favorite subject in school is science and his favorite sport is basketball. He enjoys reading and learning about nature and wildlife. Cord’s hobbies include hunting, ﬁshing and riding his dirt bike. Cohen McKinzie Cohen, son of Kenneth and Rhonda McKinzie, of Ardmore, Okla., is a December 2008 recipient Cohen of the ChickaMcKinzie saw Honor Club Outstanding Achievement Award in Athletics. Cohen is a sophomore at Plainview High School and was nominated by Indian Education coordinator Bobbi Young. “Cohen is a good athlete who always tries his very best in whatever his is doing,” said Ms. Young. “The thing that impresses me the most about

Cohen is that he is even a better person.” Cohen is on the football, baseball and wrestling teams. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish club and student council. Cohen is on the Principal’s honor roll and the Chickasaw Honor Club. His favorite subjects in school are science and math. He is part

of the Ardmore Youth Men’s Leadership group and St. Mary’s Youth group. “I would like to go to college at the University of Oklahoma and become a doctor or engineer,” said Cohen. Contributed by Brooke Tidwell, tribal media relations.

Chickasaw Times

February 2009

Harvest

By LINDA HOGAN Writer in Residence Chickasaw Nation

At what friend and colleague, Biologist Steven Bond calls, The Grounds, we pass through stalks and strands of corn. We are harvesting Chickasaw varieties of corn, merely a few. I love the sound of our rustling, like animals in the hidden places and tall grasses of autumn. Some of the cornstalks are dry, yet still yielding corn. In the gathering of the plants, we also discover a squash now and then, a globe of food and love of earth, pulp of a planet, even an orange pumpkin that came from the squash seed planted. It is the perfect size for a pie, or for a carving. And the buffalo head beans are still wrapped around the stalks, entwined. The Three Sacred Sisters have been planted together. Corn, squash, beans. It is wonderful to ﬁnd the corn on the stalk and to undress it

from its skirts of silky husk to see what color it is going to be. Pulling back the layers, some of the popcorn is white pearl, some black pearls, some golden and olive. One ear is blue mist and I think of the word Okchamali and all of its many meanings. Blue. Green. Life. River. South. It is the color f the springs grown large into Blue River. Another ear has kernels white as pearls, and one is lavender, the horizon at sunset. Two of the ears have already wanted to open from the heat and have begun their white swelling and breaking out of their shells. Some are stomp dance ﬁre color and I favor these bright ones, carried from afar. One is all slate green, again like looking into the Blue River at the falls where the water comes down and branches out into two regions around an island of herbs and plants, wild grasses. In the center of the garden is the Morgan Wells corn. Only two people are growing it and one is Steven. The other is Mor-

gan Wells himself. He is featured in the book, The Chickasaws, his hands ﬁlled with corn. The corn stalk itself is a deep red-purple, the color of deep dawn and the small ears are perfectly beautiful and exactly right for my grasp. This is Chickasaw corn and it grows on a small stalk, narrow as a ﬁnger, graceful and pointing at our universe, our own constellations, not Greek, but our very own, including Snake. Morgan Wells himself is a Chickasaw, still living. He has carried this corn from out of the doors of history The smell of the cornhusk is musky, the smell of its silk hair. It is earth. The Papago, among the many other nations, have songs for every stage of the corn growing, a stage for the first growth of tassles, for the beauty of this silky hair, another for the male pollen that shakes down to fertilize the corn so it will grow, (Song Here) although certain kinds of corn involve human pollination from plant to plant.

33

The Mohawk Corn has songs from the people, as well.. It is part of the indigenous world. In the Southwest where I used to work the Pueblo corn dances were serious nature as the people danced their energy into the growth of the corn. It is a perfect season and a soft breeze passes by. We move to the Pashofa corn, some in rows like perfect teeth. It was planted from only white seed corn but some of the kernels are blue. It is as if the shadow of our history grew into the kernels, the plant’s memory of our lives over the passage of time. Some are softer than others and some look like the molars of old people, worn with years of living. When it comes to the natural world, our food, our living, it is our relationship with it that is important. It is not just gratitude, though that is necessary, but the oral traditions that accompany the plants, the songs and stories, the need for the language to work with the corn,

the Kanchi, and the stories that accompany it. We place the corn in a basket some woman’s hands have woven from reeds and willow, a work of labor often overlooked. Alongside the corn is also the deep purple of eggplant. Then, after this small time at harvest, we go to sit at the bountiful table and eat only from the garden, squash with tomato, buffalo beans, poke, all grown from this place and we are talking about the gentleness once practiced by our families, the kindness, and also about the history of our animal relatives and how much has changed. The corn basket sits before me and I look at each piece, each so different and yet the same. History is in each one. I study the corn and the blooms at the top of some of the kernels and hold it to my own ear to see if I can hear it singing so I can learn its song.

34

Minutes, continued from page 2

Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs 11 yes votes The motion to approve GR26011 carried unanimously. Ms. McManus concluded her report. (D) LAND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair Judy Goforth Parker No report. (E) EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair Wanda Blackwood Scott No report. (F) H E A LT H C A R E C O M M I T T E E R E P O RT

by Committee Chair Mary Jo Green No report. (G) HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair Scott Colbert No report. AGENDA ITEM #7 NEW BUSINESS (Comments from Citizens) Comments were made by Mrs. Alexander regarding the Children’s Christmas events. AGENDA ITEM #8 ADJOURNMENT The Legislative Session adjourned at 9:12 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Judy Goforth Parker, Secretary Chickasaw Nation Tribal Legislature Prepared by: Doretta Sellers, Recording Secretary Chickasaw Nation Tribal Legislature

Chickasaw Times

Resolutions, continued from page 7

Funding National Park Service Grant Explanation: This resolution approves the Chickasaw Nation’s application for federal funding to the National Park Service to start up a program to preserve and document the oral history of Chickasaw citizens who are direct descendants of people buried in various cemeteries documented by the Chickasaw Cemetery Archives Project team. The interviews will be edited and made available, upon request, to the public for viewing. The public will be made aware of the edited interviews through brochures. With the funds from the grant, audiovisual recording and computer equipment plus program costs including brochure development and printing, travel and ofﬁce supplies will be purchased. Presented By: Human Re-

sources Committee Dean McManus, Committee Chair Yes Votes: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Tim Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, David Woerz, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs General Resolution Number 26-015 Authorization to Terminate and Replace Existing Lease in Pontotoc County Explanation: This resolution approves the Chickasaw Nation’s request to terminate the existing lease with Crooked Oak Properties and replace with a new lease in favor of Arthur H. Chapman Living Trust. This lease is to be used as a buffer between the Chickasaw Nation property and the Chaprell Dodge property, and was negotiated with the original sales contract. Mr. Chapman has agreed to vacate a portion of the buffer for the KADA expansion project. This proposed lease covers a tract of land in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, described as follows: A part of the NE/4 SE/4 SW/4 of Section 28, Township 4 North, Range 6 East, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point 135.9 feet West and 85 feet South of the Northeast corner of said NE/4 SE/4 SW/4; thence West a distance of 12 feet; thence South a distance of 59.26 feet; thence East a distance of 12 feet; thence North a distance of 59.26 feet to the point of beginning, And, Beginning at a point 47.9 feet West and 152.5 feet South of the Northeast corner of said NE/4 SE/4 SW/4; thence West a distance of 60.6 feet; thence South a distance of 8 feet; thence East a distance of 60.6 feet; thence North a distance of 8 feet to the point of beginning, together with all improvements thereon, if any, in their present condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, together with all improvements thereon, if any, in their present condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Property Location: Pontotoc County Use: To be utilized as a buffer between the Chickasaw Nation

February 2009 property and the Chaprell Dodge property Emergency Legislation: This resolution is deemed emergency legislation because it was received after the ﬁrst Friday of the month. Presented By: Land Development Committee Judy Goforth Parker, Committee Chair Yes Votes: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Tim Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, David Woerz, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs Permanent Resolution Number 26-002 Amendments to Title 8, Chapter 2 Section 8-204 of the Chickasaw Nation Code (Voter Lists) Explanation: This resolution amends the election rules and procedures to ensure that all candidates receive a complete and accurate list of eligible voters in their district(s). Presented By: Election Rules and Procedures Ad Hoc Committee Steve Woods, Committee Chair Yes Votes: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Tim Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, David Woerz, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs Permanent Resolution Number 25-26-003 Amendments to Title 8, Chapter 3 Section 8-301 of the Chickasaw Nation Code (Changing Voter Districts) Explanation: This resolution amends the election rules and procedures so that Voters living out side the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation cannot be changed from one (1) district to another starting April 1, 2009. Presented By: Election Rules and Regulations Ad Hoc Committee Steve Woods, Committee Chair Yes Votes: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Scott Colbert, Tim Colbert, Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green, Dean McManus, Judy Goforth Parker, Wanda Blackwood Scott, David Woerz, Steve Woods, Linda Briggs

February 2009

Teressa Elizabeth

Kelsey-Maas

Teressa Elizabeth KelseyMaas died Oct. 30, 2008 at Auburn, Wash., at the age of 53. Services were Nov. 6, 2008 at Greenwood Funeral Home with her cousin, Pastor Sarah Friedrich ofﬁciating. Interment followed in Greenwood Memorial Park, Renton, Wash. She was born April 9, 1955 to James and Frances Kelsey at Bellingham, Wash. A 1973 graduate of Kentridge High School, she lived in the Seattle area most of her life and lived in the Auburn area for the last 15 years. She was a cook at Muckleshoot Casino. She loved her animals and enjoyed sports of all kinds including softball, volleyball, basketball, ﬁshing, camping and snow skiing. She was a great Husky football fan. She was 1/4 Chickasaw. Her grandmother, Nannie (Wade)

Chickasaw Times Leslie, was an original enrollee. Her grandparents, William and Nannie (Wade) Leslie lived in Ada, Okla., most of their lives and died in the 1970s. She was preceded in death by her father, James Kelsey (1984); and a brother, Lennie Kelsey (1980). She is survived by her son, Kyle Maas; mother and stepfather, Marvin and Frances Herridge, of Port Townsend, Wash.; a sister, Deborah Talbott, of Woodenville, Wash.; and three nephews, Joshua, Matthew and Nicholas Talbott; and aunts, Ruby Akins, of California, and Pearl Miller, of Nevada; an uncle, Ken Kelsey, of Montana; two step-sisters, Shelly Hall and Ann Mathiesen; two step-brothers, Troy and Brian Herridge, all of Washington State; numerous cousins; and a host of friends. She will be greatly missed and in our hearts she will never die. She blessed us with her son and wonderful memories forever. Memorial and photos can be viewed at www.mem.com.TeressaElizabethKelsey-Mass

Benjamin D. Harris

Benjamin D. Harris, 90, of San Angelo, Texas, died at his home Dec. 29, 2008 after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin Q. Harris, Sr., and Florence Carhee Har-

riss an original enrollee; sisters, Olga Cowdrey, Lessie and Mary Richardson; and his ﬁrst wife, Doris Arnold Harris. He is survived by his wife, Charlzie Treece Harris, of the home; three sons, B.D. Harris, Jr., of San Angelo, Gary Harris, of Forth Worth, and Terry Harris, of Big Spring, Texas; two daughters, Sandra Swan, of San Angelo, and Debra Lynch, both of San Angelo; a brother, Calvin Harris, Jr., of Pauls Valley, Okla.; three sisters, Arbelle Dowell, of Topeka, Kan., Virginia Ozment, of Victoria, Texas, and Iva Jones, of Burnett, Texas; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Lois David Hicks

Lois David Hicks died Jan. 18, 2009 at Durant, Okla. Services were Jan. 22, at Yarnaby Assembly of God, Yarnaby, Okla., with Stephen Biggerstaff and Bro. Rick Ring ofﬁciating. Burial followed in Yarnaby Cemetery. He was born Dec. 2, 1912 to John LaFlitte and original enrollee Ellen (Ned) Jones Hicks at Pirtle, Okla. He married Bernice Mansell Hicks Nov. 4, 1934 at Durant. He was a construction worked and afﬁliated with Iron Worker Union 175. Mr. Hicks was an avid outdoorsman who loved to ﬁsh, hunt and share his deer

35 camp with his sons, daughters, and son-in-laws. He also loved to play dominoes. He was a resident of Texas City, Texas from 1940-1946. He was a self-employed construction home builder in Galveston, Texas from 1976-1985 and built homes during his down time with the Iron Workers Union. He retired in 1985. Mr. Hicks helped build churches in Galveston County. He was a tireless church worker his entire life serving as a Elder of the Church of the Living God in Galveston. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Hicks; a son, Gene Raymond Hicks; grandchildren, Haley Hicks, and Jason Doonan; brothers, Russell Hicks, Jack Hicks, Jim Jones, Mose Jones, and Wesley Jones, Jr.; and sisters, Rena Smith, Bobbie Mitchell, Lillian Swindell, Helen Clymore and Ida Townsend. He is survived by sons, Dale Hicks, of Texas City, DeLoyd Hicks and wife, Ironda, of Achille, Okla., Tom Hicks and Darlene Boatner, of Achille, Cecil Hicks, of Galveston, Kenneth Hicks and wife, Elizabeth, of San Antonio, Texas, Donald Hicks and wife, Maureen, of La Marque, Texas, and Ronald Hicks, of Dickinson, Texas; daughters, Wanitha Tucker and husband, Craig Ingram, of Texas City, and Gale Roden and husband, Charlie, of Alvin, Texas; brothers, Warren (Hicks) Smallbear and wife, Peggy, of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; an aunt, Serena Charley, of Sulphur, Okla.; 24 grandchildren; and 36 greatgrandchildren. Pallbearers were Dale Hicks, DeLoyd Hicks, Tom Hicks, Cecil. Hicks, Kenneth Hicks, Donald Hicks and Ronald Hicks.

Roy Lee Perry

Roy Lee Perry died January 4, 2009. A memorial service was conducted Jan. 10, and at the

conclusion his ashes were scattered over the Washita River, his favorite ﬁshing spot. Mr. Perry was born Aug. 13, 1958 to Mollie Perry and Robert Lee Perry at Philadelphia, Pen. He was the grandson of Ruby Colley Pogue and Roy Baber, and the great-grandson of William Colley and original enrollee Ella Colley. He attended school at National City and Chula Vista, California. He was a 1976 graduate of Hilltop High School and attended Southwestern College taking horticulture classes where he became very knowledgeable of plants and trees. Mr. Perry worked for an electrical supply business; this is where he met the love of his life and soon to be wife, MaryAnne. They had a daughter, Renee’ Michelle, the second love of his life. Mr. Perry could walk in a room of strangers and leave knowing those strangers were now his friends. He moved to Lindsay, Okla., in 2002 with his family and his mom and worked for a while at Wal Mart and then at Lindsay Golf Course. In late summer of 2007, Mr. and Mrs. Perry accepted Jesus as their Savior. Mrs. Perry died from heart complications in Dec. 2007. Besides spending time with Renee’ and at all the family gatherings, he loved his Chickasaw heritage, the San Diego Chargers and all his friends. Mr. Perry is survived by his daughter, Renee’; his mom, Mollie Perry; his buddy, Cooper, all of Lindsay; a brother, Redon and wife, Leslie Perry, of Blanchard, Okla.; two sisters, Renee and husband, Ron Blair, and Renell Homan, all of Ada, Okla.; nephews, Robbie Blair, of Ada; Max Hyde Perry and Jeremy Hyde, of Rocky river, Ohio; nieces, Dametra Lopez, and Roni and husband, Brandon Cooper, all of Ada; aunt and uncle, Mary and Steve Hayes, of Lindsay; aunts, Pauline Williams, of El Reno, Okla., and Lois Reed, of Wayne, Okla.; three greatnieces, Ysabela Lopez, and Melissa and Alona Cooper; two great-nephews, Ivan Lopez and True Lee Cooper, all of Ada; and numerous cousins all over the United States.

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Donald R. Clark

Donald R. Clark died Nov. 10, 2008 at Mill Creek, Okla. Funeral services were Nov. 14, 2008 at Mill Creek Methodist Church, with Rev. Betty Stone and Pam Anderson ofﬁciating. Interment followed in Mill Creek Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard. He was born Nov. 11, 1925, at Mill Creek to Amanda (Harris) and Clifford C. Clark. He married Betty Quinton May 4, 1948 at Ada, Okla. He worked as a plant superintendent for U.S. Silica. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II as a Fireman First Class. He lived in Mill Creek all his life, except for his time spent in the Navy. He was preceded in death by his parents; ﬁve brothers; and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Betty Clark, of the home; a daughter, Pam Anderson, of Ardmore, Okla.; three grandchildren and spouses, Lisanne and Jason Anderson Herndon, Amanda and Gary Collins, Jedidiah and Stephanie Anderson; seven great-grandchildren, Destiny Collins, Daniel Collins, Brooklyn Bloomfield, Billy Dameon Anderson, Kaitlyn Herndon, Jordan Herndon, and Jesse Collins; a brother, Milton Clark, of Durant, Okla.; and a sister, Evelyn Gale, of Durant.

Note of thanks

Thank you to the Chickasaw Nation and Governor Anoatubby for all the health care and services received by Donald R. Clark. One of Donald’s greatest pleasures and proudest moments was when he was chosen to visit Washington, D.C. with the World War II veterans. Betty Clark

Karroll Higgins

Karroll Higgins died Feb. 22, 2008. Dr. Wade Smith ofﬁciated the services. Mr. Higgins was born Feb. 18, 1921 to Opal Shawyer and Neb Higgins at Geary Okla. He was reared in Tuttle, Okla. Serving at valedictorian of Rush Springs (OK) High School, he later graduated from Oklahoma State University. While serving in the Merchant Marines during World War II he married Mary Ruth Bradley. They celebrated their 65th anniversary on Feb. 20. On completion of his degree and his time in the Merchant Marines he taught school for ﬁve years at Roosevelt and Fredrick, Okla. He gave up teaching to become a cattle ranch manager. For many years he worked with cattle in Texas and Pennsylvania raising several national champions. When he retired from the cattle business in 1974, the Higgins family moved to Norman, Okla., and opened three retail stores. Mr. Hicks was a man given many gifts that he used to glorify God. He was inspired to write poetry with a desire to lead others to become Christians. He had a deep concern for the Cowboy Ministry. He lived a full and spirited life enjoying all his experiences and making friends wherever he went. His zest for life was accomplished by his sincere love for family, friends and anyone he came in contact with. A deacon in the First Baptist Church and loved the Lord and will be remembered as a encourager. An adult Sunday school department named in the honor of Mr. and Mrs. Hicks grew strong while they were the teachers. An avid sports fan and an ardent golfer who had a holein-one on all three Norman courses, he took great pleasure in observing his grandchildren’s accomplishments. He was a man who taught life’s lessons to all ages from his peers to his youngest great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, N.C. Higgins; and a son, James Karroll Higgins. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth, of the home; two

Obituaries daughters and their families, Becky and Thomas Leon, of Norman, and Susan and Dr. Ted Wallace, of Starkville, Miss.; grandchildren, Monica Leon Byrd and husband, Deren, of Norman, T.J. Leon and wife, Quinn, of Columbia, Mo., Stephanie Wallace and ﬁancé, Alan Mumbower, Katie Wallace, Sarah Wallace, and Trey Wallace, all of Starkville; and great-grandchildren, Breyden Boyd, Brody Boyd and Behrett Boyd, all of Norman.

Dallas Tre Stout-Duvall

Dallas Tre Stout-Duvall, 13, of Farmington, N.M. died Oct. 26, 2008. Dallas was born Jan. 22, 1995, in Shiprock, N.M. to Jeffrey Scott Duvall and Kandice (Stout) Duvall. Services were Oct. 30 at First United Methodist Church with Melinda Roberts ofﬁciating. He was laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery in Farmingon. Dallas attended middle school at Hermosa and Heights and was in the eighth grade. He also attended Mesa Verde Elementary School. He was a gifted student, and a member of the National Honor Society. He was a real daredevil and enjoyed riding dirt bikes with his family. Dallas was an exceptional athlete, participating and excelling in baseball (catcher), football, basketball and soccer. He enjoyed playing the guitar and skate boarding. He never met a stranger, making everyone he met laugh with his funny personality, and he will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. He loved his family, was loyal to them and his friends, and they in turn loved him. He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Anne and Bill Craven “Papa Cooner”,

February 2009 Betty and Gaston Duvall, Jean and John Sam, and Florence and Bon Stout; and great-greatgrandparents, Jeff and Tina Stout. Dallas is survived by his parents, Jeff and Kandice Duvall; brothers, Jeffrey and Chandler Duvall; grandparents, Paul and Carol Duvall and Herman and Evelyn Stout; great-great-aunt, Evelyn Hawkins, great-aunts, Christine Roberts, Kay Merson and Carol Sue Stout. Pallbearers were his brother, Jeffrey Duvall, and friends, Colton Curfee, Dominic Anaya, Cameron Anaya, Alex Ackerman, Brad Dalley, Anthony Begay, and Shawn Moss. Honorary pallbearers were Shawn Preece, Hannah Hunt, Kylie Hurd, Krissy Fortner, 2008 Yankees baseball team, 2006 Virus baseball team, 2003, Rockies baseball team and all of Dallas’s many friends. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www. danielsfuneral.com In lieu of ﬂowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Dallas’s name to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., Farmington NM 87401

proud to be Chickasaw. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gale; his maternal grandparents, Frank and Eunice Rountree; and his paternal grandparents Charles Colbert and Lucy Young Henderson, original enrollees. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rhenda, of the home; daughter, Tiegh Layne and son, Brandon Heath, both of Elliott; a son, Wacey J., of Crowell, Texas; ﬁve grandchildren; Jana Clark, of Crowell; sister, Elaine Zipperle, of Elliott; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend. He will be loved and missed forever. Pallbearers were Charles Brannon, Jimmy Muse, Paul Miller, Larry Thompson, Odell Roe, and Freddie King.

Wendy Leigh Palmer

John Frank Henderson

John Frank “Hindu” Henderson, 65, of Elliott, Texas, died Dec. 21, 2008. Services were Dec. 24, at Sullivan Funeral Chapel in Vernon, Texas, with Pastor Joe Dale Wilson ofﬁciating. Graveside services and burial were at Young Cemetery in Carter County (OK). Mr. Henderson was born Jan. 13, 1943 to the late Jake and Ercie Rountree Henderson at Ardmore, Okla. He lived in Gene Autry, Okla., and Hereford, Texas before moving to Vernon, Wilbarger County (TX), where he spent the rest of his life. Although being raised in Texas he still loved Oklahoma. After graduating from high school he began a life-long career in the auto body repair business. He was a very talented car painting artist. He married Rhenda Kay Price Nov. 7, 1975 at Chillicothe, Texas. He enjoyed camping, concerts, family reunions and car races with his family. He was

Wendy Leigh Palmer died Dec. 16, 2008. She was born Aug. 1, 1969 at San Francisco to Edward and Karin Myer. Services were Dec. 19, at First Southern Baptist Church in Del City, Okla. She was preceded in death by her paternal great-grandparents Edward and Lois Myer, of Winton, Calif. She is survived by her husband of 19 years, Joseph Alan Palmer; children, Jayce, Sarah, Katrina, Jesse and Grace, all of Oklahoma City; parents, Edward and Karin Myer, of Enid, Okla.; a brother Fred Myer, of Fairﬁeld, Calif.; and grandparents, Jack and Dorothy Whitﬁeld, of Comanche, Okla. Mrs. Palmer was a loving wife and mothered her children with unrivaled devotion. She blessed us in ways too numerous to count.

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