Chickasaw Vets Lay Wreath at Tomb of Unknowns Celebration & Fine Other Plans Include a Visit Great Gift Ideas Arts Market to the National Museum of the Dec

The Chickasaw Times PR SRT STD US POSTAGE Post Office Box 1548 PAID Ada, OK 74821 PERMIT NO 49 STIGLER, OK 74462 Chickasaw Times One Tribe One Mission Vol. L No. 12 Official publication of the Chickasaw Nation www.chickasawtimes.net December 2015 Upcoming Events Season’s Greetings Celebration Lights Nov. 28-Dec. 31 Season’s greetings and warmest ful for our families, our orably. low man. Chickasaw Cultural Center, holiday wishes from all of us at friends and our tribe. We honor and For each of us, as Chickasaws, Sulphur, Okla. the Chickasaw Nation! Over the genera- revere our Chick- we give great thanks for the many (580) 622-7130 During this sacred season we re- tions, faith has guided asaw elders, the blessings bestowed on our tribe. flect on all the blessings bestowed the Chickasaw people. rocks of our tribe. The season of peace and fullness All Chickasaws It is our elders of spirit has arrived! God bless Christmas Journey share a very spe- who keep our you, your family and our beloved Dec. 11 & Dec. 12, cial bond that has fires of tradition Chickasaw Nation! been forged in the burning bright. Friday 7 p.m., fires of tremen- For them, we wish Gov. Bill Anoatubby Saturday 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. dous challenge. all the good things McSwain Theatre, Ada, Okla. Throughout our that make this (580) 272-5520 journey, we have season special. been blessed by the GOV. BILL ANOATUBBY We pray a spe- Almighty, and by cial blessing for Silk Painting Class the innumerable sacrifices of the lives of our Chickasaw chil- Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-Noon Chickasaw generations that dren. It is the little children who came before us. With God’s offer simple faith, and who will & 1-3 p.m. grace, our people have sur- grow to become leaders of our ARTesian Gallery & Studios vived and flourished. tribe. Sulphur Our modern world can There are many among us who (580) 622-8040 present challenges to our tra- have faced sorrow and loss in ditions of family unity and their lives. This season’s message Christmas at the harmony. This Christmas of love, peace and charity should season, we extend prayers of lead us to offer understanding Museums and goodwill for all our Chicka- and compassion to those who are Progressive Dinner saw families. grieving. Christmas tree located at the Chickasaw Cultural Center We pray for all our mili- We are commanded to love our Dec. 12, 4-7 p.m. tary men and women, wher- God, and to love our neighbor as Chickasaw Council House in Sulphur, Okla. ever they serve, and for our we love ourselves. Our prayer is Museum, Chickasaw Chickasaw veterans who that we answer the call when the Front door of the Chickasaw White House, in National Capitol, and by God. We are especially thank- have served our country so hon- opportunity comes to help our fel- Emet, Okla., decorated for Christmas. Chickasaw White House, Tishomingo & Emet, Okla. (580) 371-9835 Bedré offering Christmas Chickasaw vets lay wreath at Tomb of Unknowns Celebration & Fine Other plans include a visit great gift ideas Arts Market to the National Museum of the Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. American Indian, the National for holiday season Chickasaw Cultural Center Archives and the U.S. Capitol. Earlier this year, the Chickasaw Sulphur DAVIS, Okla. – How awesome Nation announced plans to con- (580) 622-7130 would it be to have Bedré choco- struct a Veterans Lodge to serve late delivered right to your door? as a gathering place for the newly Perfect, of course! Holiday Canvas Paint established Chickasaw Warrior Bedré Fine Chocolate has re- Society. Dec. 12 & Dec. 19, 10 cently introduced a subscription- The lodge, which will be located a.m.-Noon & 1-3 p.m. based program. Bedré Box is a on the grounds of the Chickasaw Arts & Humanities Building bi-monthly subscription that will Nation Medical Center in Ada, Ada deliver an assortment of Bedre Oklahoma, will provide a place ARTesian Gallery & Studios products to doorsteps across the for veterans and active duty mili- Sulphur nation. tary to gather and fellowship as (580) 272-5520 “Bedré Fine Chocolate is one well as a place for veterans to ac- of the Chickasaw Nation’s flag- cess services. ship endeavors,” Chickasaw Na- Native Americans represent Gourdget Class tion Secretary of Commerce Bill the largest percentage per capita Dec. 15, 2-4 p.m. Lance said. “Bedré Box provides Three Chickasaw veterans lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns as they honor America’s warriors during a of any ethnicity who fought in ARTesian Gallery & Studios an opportunity to expand Bedré’s commemoratiion of Veterans Day.. The veterans are, from left, Johnny Swinney, Ranger, Texas; Jerry Tyson, San military campaigns for America Sulphur Antonio, Texas; and Joe Orr, Frederick, Oklahoma. Mr. Tyson served 32 years in the U.S. Navy; Mr. Orr served in the throughout history, according to (580) 622-8040 U.S. Army for six years, and Mr. Swinney served six years in the U.S. Air Force. James Floyd of the Veterans Af- fairs. The Chickasaw Nation has Winter Solstice more than 60,000 citizens and WASHINGTON - Hundreds of ans visiting Washington D.C., as more than 1,600 active duty mili- Dec. 20-21, Saturday visitors stood in still silence at part of a Veterans Day trip spon- tary members. the Tomb of the Unknowns in sored by the Chickasaw Nation. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Chickasaw veterans on this Arlington National Cemetery on a Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill year’s tour include: Sunday Noon- 5 p.m. cool, overcast day as three Chick- Anoatubby said the trip is one John E. Taylor, Oklahoma City, Chickasaw Cultural Center asaw veterans stepped out to lay way to honor veterans for their U.S. Navy; Orin Johnston, Jr., Sulphur a wreath at the tomb. Marked by service. Oklahoma City, U.S. Army; Mar- (580) 622-7130 the words “Here rests in hon- “It is important we remember tin H. Anderson, Hartshorne, ored glory an American soldier these men and women who have market share by offering consum- Okla., U.S. Navy; William Mor- known but to God,” the tomb is given of their time and talents ers additional, convenient ways to Beaded Collar Class ris, Cartwright, Okla., U.S. Navy; a sacred place to honor all those to defend our freedom and our purchase our products.” Joe R. Orr, Frederick, Okla., U.S. Jan. 9, 10 a.m.-Noon who have died in service to the way of life,” Gov. Anoatubby Bedré Fine Chocolate general Army; John J. Bomboy, Duncan, United States. said. “Veterans Day offers a time manager Kay Colbert said Bedré & 1-3 p.m. Okla., U.S. Army; Carl L. Green, Jerry Tyson, of San Antonio; to reflect on the sacrifice and Box was tribe’s entry into the Chickasaw National Capitol Maysville, Okla., U.S. Army; James Joe Orr, of Frederick, Okla.; and commitment of those who have growing market for subscription Tishomingo Jerome Thomas, Gordonville, Tex- Johnny Swinney, of Ranger, Texas served our nation, but we should boxes. The boxes will contain (580) 371-9835 as, U.S. Army; Jerry Tyson, San agreed it was “a great honor” to always remember there are men products that may be available Antonio, U.S. Navy; Talbert John- be chosen to pay their respects to and women working every day for a limited time or give sub- son, Lithia, Georgia, U.S. Army; Loom Beading Class all those who have made the ul- around the world to secure the scribers the opportunity to test John Swinney, Ranger, Texas, timate sacrifice fighting for their way of life we enjoy.” new products. Jan.16, 10 a.m.-Noon U.S. Air Force; Thomas Randolph country. Chickasaw veterans arrived in “Bedré is well-known for its va- III, Kingwood, Texas, U.S. Army; & 1-3 p.m. “I know of nothing that would Washington Sunday and will re- riety of gourmet chocolates, and Charles Kemp, Joplin, Missouri, Chickasaw National Capitol be any more significant in my life turn home Thursday, Nov. 12. Bedré Box is an ideal method for U.S. Air Force; Ray Horn, Magno- Tishomingo than to participate in the laying While in the nation’s capital, introducing new or limited edi- lia, Texas, U.S. Air Force; Harvey (580) 371-9835 of the wreath on the Tomb of the they plan to commemorate Veter- tion items and maintaining de- Greenwood, Gallup, N.M., U.S. Air Unknowns,” Mr. Orr said. ans Day by taking part in services mand for our existing products,” Force; and Clifford Snyder, Sher- Tyson, Orr and Swinney have a at the World War II Memorial and Ms. Colbert said. “This is an ex- man Oaks, Calif., U.S. Army. combined 44 years of service in the Vietnam Memorial as well as cellent opportunity to grow our the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army and U.S. visiting the Franklin Delano Roo- business and extend our reach as Contributed by Gene Lehmann, Media Relations. Air Force, respectively. The three sevelt and Martin Luther King a company.” are among 18 Chickasaw Veter- Memorial. Bedré will take orders for the initial Bedré Box installment through Dec. 7 and will ship beginning Dec. 14. The first box will Chickasaw Times Former Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court include a milk chocolate peanut butter bar, a dark chocolate rasp- berry bar, a milk chocolate cara- Justice Barbara Smith passes away mel bar, a can of Twists and two handmade items – milk and dark Former Chickasaw Nation Su- within the Chickasaw Nation C o l b e r t ’s chocolate salted caramel discs. preme Court Justice Barbara Judicial Branch. Justice Smith contribu- Bedré Box is $39.95 per box. That Anne Smith died November 10, also worked as a Special Judge tions to the price includes shipping costs, and 2015 in Boulder, Colorado. for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Chickasaw boxes are delivered six times a Justice Smith was a Chickasaw Tribal Courts. She, along with her N a t i o n . year in February, April, June, Au- citizen and served as a Chicka- brother Michael Colbert Smith, Her fa- Barbara Smith gust, October and December. saw Nation Supreme Court Justice operated a law practice in Nor- ther was The company produces high from 2003 through 2015. Prior to man, Okla. born in 1920 and raised in New- quality chocolate products from her service on the Supreme Court, Justice Smith was a descendant castle, Okla., on his family’s al- its facility in Davis. Products she served as a tribal District of Chickasaw Nation Governor lotment land. He lived on the include bars, crisps, clusters, Judge. Winchester Colbert. She grew up farm with his parents, Mabel twists, meltaways and more. Online She was a facilitator in rees- in a Chickasaw family that al- Mae Smith and Virgil V. Smith tablishing a Peacemaking Court ways carried pride for Governor see smith, page 3 see Bedré, page 3 2 chickasaw times December 2015

continued Diabetes Center honor Bedré | from page 1 Bedré chocolates have a distinc- The production facility in Davis, tive, smooth and satisfying flavor Okla., utilizes state-of-the-art ma- guaranteed to please everyone in chinery to ensure the ingredient the family. mix is controlled, guaranteeing To place an order, call Bedré a superior and more consistent Fine Chocolate’s customer service product. Bedré is a Norwegian line from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday word and simply means “better.” through Friday at (800) 367-5390. The name conveys the vision of More information about Bedré the company. Bedré is made from Box can be found at bedrechoco- only the finest ingredients. The lates.com. recipes are tried and true, offering a soothing and satisfying About Bedré Fine Chocolate experience to the most distin- Owned and operated by the guished palate. Chickasaw Nation, Bedré Fine Chocolate has set the standard for quality gourmet chocolates.

Governor Bill Anoatubby accepts the 2015 Harold Hamm Diabetes Center Board Member of the Year award. Presenting the award is Harold Hamm, chief executive officer and chairman of Continental Resources Inc., and Regina Mullennix, chair of the board of advisors of the Diabetes Center. The Center seeks a cure for diabetes, one of the most debilitating diseases in the nation and one that disproportionately strikes Native Americans. It is the fourth leading cause of death among Oklahomans. Gov. Anoatubby is serving on the board along with other Oklahoma leaders.

Environmental stewardship Chickasaw project supports monarch butterfly resurgence continued SULPHUR, Okla. – The Chicka- who can lend the smith | from page 1 saw Nation is giving the monarch struggling mon- butterfly a helping hand. Like arch a hand. and his grandparents, Martha C. rectors of the Native American bees and fireflies, the monarch Only plants in Colbert Smith and Charles Sydney Rights Fund, and the National needs all the TLC it can get. the milkweed Smith. Her father’s grandmother American Indian Court Judges The monarch’s population is family can sus- was the daughter of Humphrey Association. She was also on the plummeting. People are altering tain the butterfly. Colbert and Elmina Colbert and National Judicial College Tribal the butterfly’s habitat, building It is where a single the granddaughter of Winchester Advisory Council, and on the ad- new structures, and eliminating female may lay up Colbert and Silsey Colbert. visory board for the Women and life-giving milkweed plants from to 1,000 eggs. The Justice Smith grew up in Mid- Gender Studies program at the pastureland. A decade ago, 20 bil- eggs become lar- west City, Okla. She earned a University of Oklahoma. lion Monarch butterflies existed. vae, then caterpil- bachelor’s degree in education Justice Smith was preceded That number is now two billion. lars, and then the from East Central (OK) University in death by her parents. She is Rhonda Sellers steps lightly in a orange and black in 1971, and a master’s degree in survived by a brother, Michael well-mulched 45’x65’ garden plot beauty that graces secondary education from the Smith, and sister-in-law Kathryn; at the Chickasaw Cultural Center the sky and glides University of Oklahoma in 1987. three nephews, Benjamin Colbert, in Sulphur. The Chickasaw Nation effortlessly on She began her professional ca- Matthew Winchester and Samuel ecosystem expert – her official ti- the wind, the Na- reer as a mathematics teacher at Harrison; and a niece, Kathryn tle is Ecological Resource Coordi- tion’s Greenhouse Norman High School in the 1970s. Mariah. nator – speaks about the genus of Supervisor David In 1987, she enrolled in Oklaho- The family would like to take plants that will help the monarch Correll explains. ma City University School of Law this opportunity to thank every- population rebound. With more than and earned her juris doctorate in one for their kind thoughts and The plants are many and have 100 flower beds 1991. She and her brother Mother prayers during this sad time. various scientific names. At the at the Cultural established their law practice in Please join us in remembering Cultural Center plot, there are Center, Ms. Sellers Norman that same year. the Barbara and the Smith family plenty of milkweed and nectar- estimates more She served on the board of di- in your thoughts and prayers. rich plants to sustain a few thou- than half contain sand monarchs and their offspring. “Butterfly milkweed is located at three separate locations on campus,” Chickasaw Nation horticultural experts Rhonda Sellers and Ms. Sellers said as she David Correll show just two of the plants used by monarch stooped to show the butterflies to thrive. A plot of plants at the Chickasaw Cultural seed pod of the plant. Center is helping the creatures and other species thrive locally. She knows it well. Mrs. Sellers is holding a nectar-rich verbena plant and Mr. She has harvested Correll is holding a seed pod from a milkweed plant. 55,000 seeds. The Chickasaw Nation in- workers are harvesting native tends to keep 5,000 plants and bringing them to the for reseeding this Cultural Center. spring. The other Ms. Sellers shows off a three- 50,000 are going to foot tall Bushy Bluestem plant Cedar Valley Nurs- she harvested “by the side of the eries, a large green- road near my house. It is difficult house operation east of Ada. “butterfly friendly” plants. That to find some of these plants in Cedar Valley is partnering with number will grow by next spring greenhouses,” she said. the tribe to get those 50,000 and stretch as far south as Thack- Native grasses are high on Ms. plants into the hands of citizens erville. Sellers’ list of needed items. She “The good thing is we are not isn’t shy about walking through just helping monarchs, we’re fields to harvest the plants she helping all pollinators, especial- can’t find at local nurseries. ly the honey bee,” Chickasaw Likewise for Mr. Correll. Nation Greenhouse Supervisor “This place is an unqualified David Correll said. “The honey success story just six months bee loves all of these plants as out,” he said. “There are plants much as the monarch.” here, and in the Honor Garden. I The tribe plans to expand counted about 50 monarch but- the plot of ground beyond its terfly caterpillars in the small present borders, stretching it plot and in the Honor Garden. By along a shaded tree line about next year, I will be excited to dis- 15 additional yards. Addition- cover just how much of a differ- ally, a bed of monarch-friendly ence we are making.” plants is planned along the hill- Working in tandem with Mon- side adjacent to the trail lead- arch Watch, a University of Kan- ing into the Cultural Center’s sas project, the tribe is dedicated Traditional Village. to providing the resources to see “I am going to attempt to in- the creature flourish. corporate some plum growth Other tribes are partnering in in that area as well,” Ms. Sellers the project as well. Caterpillars that will transform themselves into monarch said. butterflies have lunch on a plant at the Chickasaw So dedicated are Chickasaws Cultural Center. to seeing the project succeed, Contributed by Gene Lehmann, Media Relations.

The Chickasaw Times is published by the Chickasaw Times, Bill Anoatubby Jefferson Keel The Chickasaw Times is mailed free to Chickasaw registered vot- Lt. Governor 210 E. Main St., Ada, OK 74820, P.O. Box 1548, Ada, OK Governor ers, government and educational offices and upon request to other Indian citizens. Reprint permission is granted with credit 74821 monthly with two special issues published one in to The Chickasaw Times unless other copyrights are shown. June and one in September. Editorial statements of the Chickasaw Times, guest columns Subscriptions are free. and readers’ letters reflect the opinions of the writer and not necessarily those of the Chickasaw Times, its staff or the tribal Tom Bolitho Tony Choate Editor Media Relations Director administration of the Chickasaw Nation. Send mail to: Becca Ayres Ashlea Tatum All editorials and letters will become the property of the Chicka- P.O. Box 1548, Ada, OK 74821 Office Manager Layout Artist saw Times. Editorials must be signed by the author and include Contributors the author’s address. Chickasaw Times: (580) 332-2977; Fax: (580) 332-3949 Media Relations: Dana Lance, Gene Lehmann Deadline for submission is the 15th of each month prior to pub- e-mail: [email protected] Public Affairs: Tom Bailey, Amber Carey, Carmen Carter, KC Cole, Kristen Gill, Josh Rogers, Nicole Schultz, Tamara Roberts lication. Submissions can be mailed, faxed, hand-delivered or Chickasaw Headquarters: (580) 436-2603 Photographers: Mike McKee, Marcy Gray, Jacquelyn Sparks e-mailed. December 2015 chickasaw times 3 Tribe cited for success with tobacco cessation program

ADA, Okla. – The Chickasaw Achievement.” The Chickasaw Nation has been cited for its Nation Department of Health outstanding leadership efforts was the first Oklahoma health in helping patients stop smok- system to develop Electronic ing. An award was presented Helpline Referrals and Sustain- at a special gathering Nov. 2 at able Patient Tobacco Treatment. the Chickasaw Nation Medical The effort is the result of an Center. alliance among the Chickasaw Over an 11-month period, Nation, the Oklahoma State De- hundreds of patients treated at partment of Health, Oklahoma the medical center and satellite Tobacco Settlement Endowment clinics received help to kick the Trust and the Oklahoma Tobac- tobacco habit. The participation co Helpline. is made possible by the medical Patients referred by their in- center’s use of electronic refer- patient or outpatient health ral of patients to the Oklahoma provider are contacted by the Tobacco Helpline. Helpline for counseling support Officials said 690 Chickasaw and over-the-counter medica- Nation Department of Health tions to improve their chances patients had benefited through of success. Once services are 140 hospital referrals and 550 rendered, the Helpline sends in- referrals from the Chickasaw formation back to the provider Chickasaw Nation officials accept an Outstanding Leadership Achievement award Monday from the Oklahoma Hospital Association. The tribe was the Nation’s clinics. on services provided to that in- first Oklahoma health system utilizing a state-of-the-art electronic records system to help citizens quit using commercial tobacco. From left, Chickasaw The award was presented to dividual. Nation Secretary of Health Dr. Judy Goforth Parker; Under Secretary of Operations Heather Summers; Governor Bill Anoatubby; and Craig Jones, CEO of the Chickasaw Nation by Okla- The tribe’s opportunity to the Oklahoma Hospital Association. homa Hospital Association change the lives of our citizens Chief Executive Officer Craig through this program, Gov. Bill In becoming the first health he hoped other health care fa- bacco. Jones. Anoatubby said, could not get system in Oklahoma to utilize cilities in the state would grasp The Association cited the tribe off the ground without the part- the electronic referrals to help the opportunity to assist all Contributed by Gene Lehmann, Media Relations. for “Outstanding Leadership nerships that have developed. citizens, Gov. Anoatubby said citizens to end addiction to to-

Childcare conference Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame Engaging all a child’s senses accepting nominations The Chickasaw Nation is cur- vocations, thereby bringing honor A nomination form is available hits foundational building blocks rently accepting nominations to the Chickasaw Nation and im- on the Chickasaw Nation Website: for the Chickasaw Nation Hall of pacting the Chickasaw tribe or www.chickasaw.net/hof. Fame. Nominations must be re- community on a local or national Nominations must be sent to ceived by the Chickasaw Nation level. the following address: Department of Culture and Hu- Inductees must be citizens of manities by the end of the busi- the Chickasaw Nation or be eli- Brielle Helm, Department of ness day, Friday, Dec. 18, 2015. gible to become citizens of the Culture and Humanities, Post Of- Both living and deceased nom- Chickasaw Nation. Nominees are fice Box 1548, Ada, OK, 74871, or inees are eligible and will be not required to live in Oklahoma. email Brielle.Helm@Chickasaw. considered for this prestigious Inductees must commit to be- net. honor. Nominees must have dis- ing present for the banquet and tinguished themselves in their induction ceremonies in spring For more information, contact businesses, professions, crafts or 2016. Brielle Helm at (580) 436-2603.

From left, Child Care Curriculum Specialist Becky Ebanks, Child Care Manager Sandra Manual, keynote speaker Rae Pica, Child Care Director Michelle Key, and Child Care Resource Monitor and Special Project Manager Lacey McFadden.

The building blocks of early shire for 12 years. She is an active childhood development are ar- member of the National Associa- ranged by utilizing all human tion for the Education of Young senses. Children and the American Alli- “Our retention and memory ance for Health, Physical Educa- jump from 10 percent of what tion, Recreation and Dance. we read to 90 percent of what we “Rae was very energetic and in- hear, see, say and do at the same spiring,” Chickasaw Nation Child time,” children’s activity special- Care manager Sandra Manuel ist Rae Pica told the Chickasaw said. “She presented information Nation Child Care Conference. in a knowledgeable and entertain- “The more senses we use in the ing fashion.” learning process, the more we Conference breakout sessions retain.” included: Child Passenger Safety Ms. Pica delivered her talk to Awareness; School-Agers: They’re more than 230 child care provid- Not Just Big Toddlers; Poison Con- ers and early childhood educators trol; Baby Doll Circle Time; The during the October 24 conference Importance of Early Developmen- in Ada. Attendees learned many tal Monitoring and Screening for beneficial factors of laying down Autism; and Taking Care of Our- the building blocks of a child’s selves. early development. The provid- The Chickasaw Nation Child ers and educators gathered at the Care Conference provides educa- Chickasaw Business and Confer- tors with essential career train- ence Center on the campus East ing. It is also open to anyone Central University for Chickasaw involved in the development or Nation’s 11th Annual Child Care upbringing of a child, child care Conference. providers, parents and grandpar- Ms. Pica is nationally known ents. for her workshops and keynote For more information about the addresses. She has worked with Chickasaw Nation’s annual Child the Sesame Street Research De- Care Conference call (580) 421- partment, the Head Start Bureau, 7711. Centers for Disease Control and Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues. She Contributed by Carmen Carter, Public Affairs. taught Movement Fundamentals at the University of New Hamp-

CDL-A Drivers Hiring for plant hauls, Pneumatic work. Benefits and assigned trucks. McCorkle Truck Line, Inc. 2132 SE 18th, OKC, 800-727-2855 4 chickasaw times December 2015 Chickasaw Country gift card Chickasaw manager leads perfect for holiday shopping MLB Pirates’ Class A affiliate FAIRFAX, Va. – Chronic injuries ended the professional baseball career of Chickasaw citizen Wy- OKLAHOMA CITY – How about att Toregas in 2011. Mr. Toregas a simple yet terrific option for (pronounced Tor-ree-gus) main- gift-giving this holiday season? tains it probably was a blessing The just-introduced Chickasaw in disguise. Country gift card is now available With his playing days behind for purchase and redemption at him, the Pittsburgh Pirates ap- more than 50 Chickasaw Nation proached him about managing properties and partner retailers and coaching the Pirates’ Short throughout south-central Okla- Season ‘A’ affiliate The West Vir- homa. ginia Black Bears. Mr. Toregas had “The Chickasaw Country gift hoped he would get the opportu- Wyatt Toregas card enables us to continue build- nity to manage. ing amenities surrounding Na- “I thought I was a really good me in,” Mr. Toregas recalls with tive culture and tourism, a vital player, but I think I’m doing what part of south-central Oklahoma’s pained inflection in his voice. I was meant to do as a manager. “The first was an elbow injury in economy,” Chickasaw Nation I believe I may be better at this tourism director Paige Williams a collision with another player. than I was at playing,” Mr. Toregas The second was more serious – a said. “Showcasing the many re- explained. The Black Bears won demption locations across the 13 dislocated shoulder after a slide the 2015 league championship. into second base. That one real- counties continues to raise aware- The team was at its peak in the ness about the destinations and “As south-central Oklahoma http://chickasawcountry.com/ ly slowed me down, but I fought has become well-known for tour- gift-cards. To experience the key areas of batting and pitching, through it,” Mr. Toregas said. expands our reach to visitors according to Mr. Toregas. from across the United States.” ism destinations and cultural new Chickasaw Country website, The injury “that tied the bow,” experiences, we took the oppor- please visit: www.chickasawcoun- “There is a great satisfaction I as Mr. Toregas bluntly describes The Chickasaw Country gift get when (a skill) we’ve been work- card can be purchased in de- tunity to revamp the Chickasaw try.com. the end of his playing career, hap- Country website to include added ing on with a specific player … pened while running to first base nominations of $25, $50, $100 shows up in a game,” the 32-year- and $250 at retail locations. The features for travelers with more About Chickasaw Country after a hit. Mr. Toregas pulled a functionality,” Ms. Williams said. Chickasaw Country is a re- old explained. “I just think I have groin muscle – the one that runs care will also be available online a much better feel for this (man- starting at $10. For online access, “We listened to current website gional tourism organization rep- all the way to the knee. users about the upgrades and resenting 13 south-central Okla- aging),” he added. “Don’t get me “My body never healed to the visit www.chickasawcountry. wrong, I loved having personal com/gift-cards. features they would like to see, homa counties. A marketing as- point where I could run, or have along with studying the patterns sociation lead by The Chickasaw success on the field, but there is any confidence in running. Every There are plenty of great loca- something very emotionally sat- tions throughout the Chickasaw of tourism website trends today Nation to blend tourism efforts time I ran, I could feel it trying to to create a better experience for in the region, Chickasaw Coun- isfying when someone else you’ve pop again.” Nation where the gift card can be been working so hard with suc- used for purchases. They include the visitor when they are looking try represents festivals, events He was willing to tough it out, for Chickasaw Country informa- and attractions. A very diverse ceeds. I kind of like it more. There but professional scouts saw right WinStar World Casino and Resort is nothing that compares to it,” and retail properties; Chickasaw tion. The website enables users to and cultural destination, Chicka- through it. “They (scouts) are re- be more interactive on digital me- saw Country has new adventures Mr. Toregas said about his duties ally good. They can tell when Travel Stops; Artesian Hotel, Casi- as manager. no and Spa; Bedré Fine Chocolate; dia channels, highlights the cities around every corner. In 2013, you’re hurt. I tried to trick them the Chickasaw Cultural Center; and regions of the area and also the U.S. Travel Association hon- as long as I could,” Mr. Toregas provides more specific options ored Chickasaw Country with a THE CROWD WENT WILD laughs. “The smallest injury can the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Youngsters envision profes- Center; the Chickasaw Visitor for users, such as tools for groups Destiny award in both the Best be so devastating because at the and meetings and procurement Travel Website and Best Use of sional greatness when they enter professional level you’re playing Center; Exhibit C; the McSwain Little League. It’s a rite of passage Theatre; Newcastle Casino and of the Chickasaw Country gift Social Media Platform categories. against elite opponents. When an card.” The awards were given during the standing in the sandlot dream- injury slows you down, it shows.” retail locations; Riverwind Casino ing of thousands of cheering fans and retail locations and more. For a complete list of Chicka- annual Educational Seminar for By this time, his contract had saw Nation properties and retail- Tourism Organizations confer- when you knock in the winning been purchased by the Pittsburgh The gift card’s launch coincides run in the bottom of the ninth with a website redesign for the ers for the Chickasaw Country ence. Pirates. Mr. Toregas stated he was gift card as well as FAQs and to inning in Game 7 of a phantom interested in managing. He al- regional tourism organization, World Series game. Chickasaw Country. purchase online, please visit: ready was a player/coach for the Mr. Toregas knows. He did it, team. The team offered him the too, admittedly, but he took it management job for the Bears and steps ahead of most youngsters. the team is enjoying great success He exceled in Little League and ju- under its Chickasaw manager. nior high and at South Lakes High The Bears won their division, Dec. 31 is application deadline School in Reston, Virginia. In high won the playoffs and won the school, he wrestled, played on the 2015 league championship by de- golf team and distinguished him- feating the Staten Island Yankees. self on the baseball diamond. for $200 youth clothing grant The Virginia Tech Hokies saw CHICKASAW HERITAGE the talent and Mr. Toregas played Mr. Toregas is the grandson The deadline to apply for the card. The grant is to be used for For more information or to ob- his college career there on schol- of Jalna Wenonah “Maw” Wolf Chickasaw Nation youth clothing clothing purchases only. tain an application, contact Youth arship. The pros came courting Toregas, who was a professional grant is Dec. 31. All original receipts must be Services at in 2004 just as he was finishing ballroom dancer and actress. She Chickasaw citizens ages three returned to Chickasaw Nation (580) 272-5585 or email his junior year at Tech. He was lived to be 103. Born in Norman to 18 (through high school se- Youth Services by mail or in-per- clothinggrantprogram@chicka- drafted by the Cleveland Indians. in 1911, she died last March. Her niors) are eligible to apply for son prior to the next application saw.net. “Most people don’t understand final resting place is in Virginia. the $200 clothing grant once per period. all players start their careers in “She was very proud to be school year. Additional program details can the minor leagues before they are Chickasaw,” Mr. Toregas said. “She Funds are distributed in the be found at www.chickasaw.net/ contributed by Carmen Carter, Public Affairs. called up,” Mr. Toregas said. “You would tell us stories and remind form of a non-reloadable Visa gift ysclothinggrant. can count on one hand the num- us we are Chickasaw.” ber of players who didn’t go to the Before his grandmother’s death, minor league to begin with.” Mr. Toregas was moved by his Chickasaw blood to request citi- IN THE ‘BIGS’ BUT INJURED zenship with the tribe. “I’ve been From 2004-09, Toregas played a proud citizen of the Chickasaw catcher for the Mahoning Valley Nation for about two or three Scrappers, Lake County Captains, years now,” he said. Kinston Indians, Akron Aeros and And, Mr. Toregas brings with Columbus Clippers; teams run- him the Chickasaw Warrior spirit, ning the gamut from ‘A’ to ‘AAA’ . particularly in baseball. He was called up to the “Bigs” and “We do what is necessary to win got his first hit in Major League baseball games. We (Bears) played Baseball in August 2009. the hottest baseball in the league. That’s when the injuries started. We were in a great spot to win the “I had three injuries that did championship,” he added. December 2015 chickasaw times 5 Chickasaw scientist leads advances Pontotoc Pursuit benefits Chickasaw Foundation in medical imaging technology

Cheney. He moved around quite a bit when he was young because the careers of my parents were in high demand. His father is a psy- chologist and teacher; his mother has a degree in math and forged a career performing mathemati- cal statistics for insurance com- panies. “I’ve always liked science and physics,” Dr. Cheney said. “I will say this is not where I thought I’d end up. After I finished my Participants beginning the rides at the 2015 Pontotoc Pursuit. Ada Cheer girls encouraging the Pontotoc Pursuit riders. Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Cheney bachelor’s, I performed some research in St. Louis at a hospital ADA, Okla. – A total of 87 bicy- not only riding for themselves, make Ada a bike friendly com- DENVER – A Chickasaw citizen doing radiology research and really became very interested in it. clists participated in this year’s they are the face of the cycling munity,” Mr. Ellis said. is on the cutting edge of develop- Pontotoc Pursuit, the charitable community. They are spreading OK Freewheel and the Chicka- ing medical imaging technology I fell in love with it and just kept going with it.” event that supports the mission the love of cycling.” saw Cycling Club agreed the Pon- that could save your life in the of the Chickasaw Foundation. The Pontotoc Pursuit sends an im- totoc Pursuit bicycle ride was an near future. Dr. Cheney specifically chose the University of Denver because Pursuit was October 17 at Winter- portant message of cyclist safety excellent way to grow the cycling Philip Cheney recently earned smith Park in Ada. Participants and overall health to the com- community. his Ph.D. in physical chemistry. of work performed by professor Michelle Noel. Dr. Noel’s research chose from eight-, 29-, 44- and munity with help from people, He is working at a laboratory in 70-mile rides. organizations and clubs who share Boulder, Colorado, developing spurred Dr. Cheney’s interest and she acted as is academic adviser Each registered participant was a passion for cycling. Contributed by Dana Lance, Media Relations. more sophisticated “medical im- eligible to enter a drawing for a Chickasaw Cycling Club mem- aging.” The development is on the as he pursued a Ph.D. The long road to such a lofty specialized Allez bicycle, provided bers also cusp of Federal Drug Administra- by Apex Bicycles of Ada. The win- partici- tion approval. education took Dr. Cheney many places. ner of the drawing was Lauri Rowe. pated in Dr. Cheney is looking at how “You can’t help but smile when Pontotoc devices can more readily distin- He graduated from Marquette High School in St. Louis and at- you are on a bicycle,” OK Free- Pursuit. guish early cancer cells from nor- wheel executive director Trevor Club pres- mal cells. This distinction could tended the University of Mis- souri where he earned a degree in Steward said. “It is a great way ident Cy- lead to much earlier advanced to unplug from your normal day cling Club, treatment. The research, he said, chemistry. It was on to St. Louis’ Washington University where Dr. to day.” John Ellis could potentially save countless OK Freewheel is an Oklahoma bi- said he lives. Cheney performed research and attended classes earning a post- cycle organization that advocates believed “My work is optical medical im- healthy lifestyle, and supports Ada’s cy- aging,” Dr. Cheney said. “We’re graduate degree in chemistry. With his interest tweaked by Dr. cycling safety and cycling tourism cling com- trying to come up with new ways in Oklahoma. munity to image people to replace X-rays Noel’s work at the University of Denver, he enrolled their earning “Pontotoc Pursuit is a great way was grow- or nuclear imaging. Those are to bring a face to cycling communi- ing. usually very useful and very pow- his doctorate in physical chemistry. ty in Oklahoma,” Mr. Steward said. “We are erful but they can be dangerous. “When cyclists are riding, they are trying to Children riding tricycles at Pontotoc Pursuit with dad Solomon Navarro. You can only get so many X-rays. “This is the first time in my What I’m trying to do is find less life I haven’t been in school,” Dr. dangerous ways to image people. Cheney said. “What I’m doing now is at- tempting to image illnesses and PROUD TO BE CHICKASAW injuries you can’t see. An exam- Dr. Cheney praised the Chicka- ple would be someone who has saw Nation for supporting his Chickasaw Commerce Secretary Lance been in a bad car accident. There efforts to earn a Ph.D. The tribe is not an easy way to tell what is provided scholarships and other hurt and what is not without sur- educational funding. honored by OCU Meinders School gery or expensive and dangerous “The tribe generously helped X-rays. me out during my Ph.D. studies how proud she was of her fam- “The thing I’m most excited and I am proud to be Chickasaw,” ily’s Chickasaw heritage. about is technology where you he said. Governor Bill Anoatubby, Mr. acquire quality imaging by es- He has visited the Chickasaw Lance said, had made a positive sentially shining a flashlight on Nation, an experience of great im- and important impact on his life. someone. Not only is it fast and portance to him. He and his wife, “I’ve had the honor and privi- doesn’t hurt the patient – they Elizabeth, hope to visit again lege of working with Bill Anoa- are not exposed to radiation – but soon. tubby since January of 2000,” Mr. it is cheap, too, and will not be He traces his tribal heritage Lance said. “Governor Anoatubby expensive to maintain. It is tech- through his mother. He is descen- has been the best leader I have nology that would easily be avail- dant of the famed Colbert lin- ever witnessed in my career. His able to Third World doctors and eage of Chickasaw heritage. His passion, drive and love for the in doctors’ offices here. It could grandmother, Tonia Colbert, lives Chickasaw people has made us go into space. It could be used to in Dallas and he has researched all better leaders. I am forever diagnose illnesses on the Interna- other Colbert relatives. thankful for the profound impact tional Space Station.” “The Colbert history is some- he has made on my life and the thing I’m very proud of,” he said. life of many.” AN INTEREST IN SCIENCE “They were at the heart of affairs Gov. Anoatubby received the Full utilization of science, of the Chickasaw Nation very Meinders School of Business technology, math and engineer- early on.” Chairman’s Award in 2010. He also is hoping to visit, teach From left, Dean of the OCU Meinders School of Business Steve Agee; Bill Lance, Chickasaw Nation Secretary In addition to recognizing ing – commonly referred to as of Commerce; and Oklahoma City University President Robert Henry. STEM and fully supported by the or observe the tribe’s educational members of the business commu- initiative involving STEM pro- nity, the Oklahoma Commerce & Chickasaw Nation – comes into OKLAHOMA CITY - A Chicka- serves on the boards of several grams. Industry Hall of Honor luncheon play daily for Dr. Cheney. saw business leader was recently other Chickasaw Nation-owned “There is nothing I would en- benefits the Meinders School of “This research can really help recognized for his contributions entities including Global Gaming joy more than gathering together Business scholarship program. people and that is fantastic,” he to Oklahoma commerce. Solutions, LLC; Sovereign Native a lot of Chickasaw youth and let The Meinders School of Business said. Chickasaw Nation Commerce Holdco, LLC and related subsid- them get their hands dirty doing offers a full-tuition scholarship Dr. Cheney’s interest in science Secretary Bill Lance received iaries; and Chickasaw Nation In- science,” Dr. Cheney said. to Indian students to study busi- first surfaced when he was in the Oklahoma City University dustries. He is also a University ness at the school. Five qualify- secondary school. The 36-year- Meinders School of Business Out- of Arts and Sciences of Oklahoma Contributed by Gene Lehmann, Media Relations. ing Chickasaw students will enter old is the son of Alan and Deidra standing Achievement Award regent. into this prestigious scholarship during the October 14 ceremony. Mr. Lance previously served as program. Mr. Lance was also among five administrator of the Chickasaw Sha Ingram and Michaela Milli- people inducted into the Okla- Nation Health System, where he gan were the 2015 scholarship re- homa Commerce & Industry Hall oversaw the historic construc- cipients in attendance at the Hall of Honor by Oklahoma City Uni- tion of the 370,000 square-foot of Honor. Other 2015 scholarship versity’s Meinders School of Busi- Chickasaw Nation Medical Center recipients include Tyler Wade and ness. in Ada. Sydney Mosshart. James Ogle was The ceremony at the Cox Con- He received a Master of Public the first recipient to receive the vention Center marked the 29th Health degree from the Universi- Native American Meinders School anniversary of the event. ty Of Oklahoma College of Public of Business scholarship in 2013. The Oklahoma Commerce & In- Health, and a Bachelor of Science “The way the Chickasaw Na- dustry Hall of Honor recognizes degree from East Central (OK) tion holds the reputation of the members of the business com- University. He is an American Chickasaw heritage of being un- munity who have made a positive College of Healthcare Executives conquered, is amazing,” Mr. Ogle impact on Oklahoma business. fellow and a graduate of Leader- said. “The Chickasaw Nation pro- Along with Mr. Lance, inductees ship Oklahoma class XXIV. vides many ways to grow, not included Nancy Anthony, William During Mr. Lance’s remarks, only as a whole organization or Durrett, Linda Lambert and Ed he gave thanks to his mother as tribe, but as an individual. To Martin. his first mentor. She taught him, have the opportunity to further Mr. Lance is responsible for all he said, to lead by example and my education means I can able to Chickasaw Nation commercial provided him with unwavering grow and give back to our tribe.” business enterprises. In addition love and support. His mother to his role as chief executive, he consistently reminded him of contributed by Carmen Carter, Public Affairs.

Accounting • Tax Preparation • Payroll

Milissa Nichols (580) 223-2488 ~ o c e (580) 504-4627 ~ mobile

Nichols Accounting Service

[email protected] 6 chickasaw times News From Your Legislators December 2015 Lots of great attractions are open for Native American Month gives us Rosetta Stone language partnership, your enjoyment during the season opportunity to share our culture other initiatives keep tribe rolling

hokma, Chinchokma, Hello, how are you? appy Holidays everyone, hokma! The holiday season is here! I hope you are This is the time of year we cherish Greetings from the Tishomingo Dis- able to take advantage of the opportunities the most, spending time with family trict! provided by the Chickasaw Nation to get out and friends. I hope each of you find As we come to the close of another and enjoy the sights and sounds of the sea- this Holiday Season to be the best one year, I would like to take this opportu- son.C Plan to make a visit to the beautiful Artesian Hotel yet.H As we take time out of our busy schedules to nityC to wish you and your family Merry Christmas and Spa in Sulphur, Oklahoma, and I guarantee, you won’t celebrate the season, I ask each of you to share the and a Happy New Year. be disappointed. All kinds of activities are planned to help love of the season with a military member. Our mili- The year 2015 brought many exciting developments you get into the festive mood, from tary families are often far from home, and feeling and progress for the Chickasaw Nation and our citi- breakfast with Santa to old fash- pretty lonely. If we could take a zens. ioned carriage rides. moment and say a prayer, send a From the opening of new facili- Not only is the Artesian one of the Christmas card or even make a ties which help provide programs most beautiful hotels in Oklahoma charitable donation in the name and services to our citizens; ex- and worth a trip just to see it, but it of a man or woman currently pansion and enhancement of the has been made even more beautiful serving our country or a veteran. programs and services and the for the holidays. While you’re there, I am sure anyone far from home growth of many of our business be sure to stop in at the Springs Res- would appreciate these acts of ventures, this year has been full taurant, which offers delicious and kindness and make them feel as of progressive developments in decadent meals that will definitely though their sacrifices do not go the Chickasaw Nation. make your visit more than just a unnoticed. Many of our citizens were ex- NANCY beautiful memory. connie As we enter the Thanksgiving Tim cited to learn of a recent devel- ELLIOTT Another great place to visit dur- and Christmas holidays I would opment aimed to save and share ing the holidays is our Chickasaw barker like to give thanks on a personal Colbert our Chickasaw language, a part- Secretary White House in Emet, Oklahoma. Chairman note. First I would like to thank nership with Rosetta Stone. Lan- Every year, a Progressive Dinner is God for the many blessing he guage lessons will be developed Chickasaw held starting in Tishomingo at our Chickasaw bestows on me, my family and Chickasaw during the next year with help Tribal Historic Capitol and ending with the Chickasaw Nation. I know from our Chickasaw language dessert at the Chickasaw White Tribal that with his love and direction, Tribal experts. The first 40 lessons are Legislature House. We definitely have to include Legislature our great nation will endure and Legislature expected to be ready in the fall the Chickasaw Cultural Center on flourish. I give thanks for my of 2016. This groundbreaking our list of great places to visit at wonderful husband and 4 chil- partnership will be a great tool to this time of year. There will be a tree lighting, ornament dren, and we are blessed with 3 beautiful grandchil- teach our language to Chickasaws worldwide, which crafts, and the drive through light display, which gets dren as well. I also give thanks for the wonderful is a huge step in preserving our heritage for future better every year. I look forward to seeing many of you leadership of the Chickasaw people, Governor Anoa- generations. between now and Christmas at council meetings, senior tubby, for it is his leadership that has brought the It is innovative programs such as the Rosetta Stone sites, or at upcoming events. However, if I don’t see you, I Chickasaw Nation where it is today. partnership, developments in commerce and tourism want to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas. November was Native American Month and in Mari- and our continuing efforts to share our heritage and We have much to be thankful for as Chickasaws. No mat- etta Public Schools were celebrated the culture of the culture at facilities such as the Chickasaw Cultural ter how bleak and scary the world at large becomes, we Chickasaw Nation. Over 400 hundred children, grades Center in Sulphur, which will help us remain “Uncon- know that God is in control. May God bless you and may pre-K to fifth grade were entertained by story teller quered and Unconquerable.” God continue to bless the Chickasaw Nation. Please let me Stephanie Scott and the Chickasaw Nation mascots. Again, I hope you and your family have a joyous know if I can help you in any way. Each year children receive coloring or comic books Christmas and a Happy New Year. Merry Christmas! educating them on the history and culture of Native If you are in Chickasaw Country during the holiday Chipisala’cho anowa, Until I see you again, Americans, they also come away with an appreciation season, enjoy the many unique holiday celebrations Nancy and respect for all people. This is a great way for chil- we offer in our communities – from Christmas light Pontotoc District Seat 2 dren to learn and honor the values of Oklahomans displays to holiday plays and interactive Christmas [email protected] and all Americans as well. celebrations for our citizens- there are many ways to 580-399-4374 At this time I would like to wish each of you a very celebrate the season with your family in the Chicka- Merry Christmas and ask God’s blessing upon you saw Nation. and your family. Thank you for another great year, For a full list of holiday events, visit www.chicka- Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa’s representing you as your tribal Legislator. saw.net or see the Chickasaw Times. As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as was not a commercialized event Warmest regards, your representative on the Chickasaw legislature. Connie Barker, Legislative Chair Please feel free to contact me with any questions Pickens District, Seat 2 or concerns. ello Everybody, Christmas is coming! Christmas is an excit- Chokma’shki, ing time to me, and I know it is because my Tim Colbert grandparents made it an exciting time for us. [email protected] Preparations for Christmas were taken up 580-421-7242 withH a sense of joy and excitement. We gathered pecans. We sold some for Christmas money to be spent on gifts and food. Some, we kept for our own use. At the first of December, Grandpa would go to his special, apple-buying Tribal businesses off to good start for FY2016 store to get a box of big, Red Delicious apples, placing them under the bed to FINANCIAL REPORT Chickasaw Businesses be selectively consumed over the next Revenue net of gaming prizes for the month of 25 days. The tribal government caption includes the tribe’s October totaled $111.05 million. Net income be- Grandma would make candy and general fund and BIA trust funds. The Chickasaw fore the transfers to the Tribal Government was cookies. She really liked to make Aunt Businesses include all of the businesses and opera- $127,237,502 for October. The net income includes Bill’s Candy and divinity. tions of the Division of Commerce. Not included in all revenue, including amounts reserved for business Sometimes we had to eat the divinity the financial statements are federally or state fund- growth and expansion. with a spoon, but we loved it just the ed programs and/or grants and the financial state- same. Grandma only made two kinds ments of Bank 2 and Chickasaw Nation Industries, Statement of Net Assets Katie of cookies, sugar and ginger snaps. We Inc. At October 31, 2015, the tribal government funds got both at Christmas! The growing needs of the businesses are taken had $348.06 million in cash and investments. Of Case into account when determining the transfers from this amount, $22.44 million is in the BIA Trust Ginger snaps and a cold glass of the businesses to the general fund. It is vital to the funds. This total does not include any federal pro- milk; mmm, that sounds so good! long range mission of the Chickasaw Nation that the gram funds. Chickasaw Christmas at Grandma and Grand- businesses continue to grow and diversify. pa’s was not commercial. Grandma had Revenues of tribal government, other than the The businesses had $270.29 million in cash and Tribal nine store-bought ornaments that she transfer from businesses, include motor fuel settle- investments which is reserved for accounts payable kept in a box. We filled the tree with or- ment funds and investment income. Chickasaw Busi- and business operations. Legislature naments we made. We cut snowflakes ness revenues include gaming revenues net of prizes As of October 31, 2015, tribal operations, exclud- out of paper and we strung popcorn, and other sales revenues from convenience stores, ing federal program funding, had net assets of $2.15 for days, to make garlands for the tree. travel plazas, tobacco stores, other tribal businesses billion. The tree was at least a 4-foot cedar, harvested from the pas- as well as rental and investment income. ture and set firmly in a bucket of sand. Tribal expenditures are classified by function. General gov- Grandma gave me the same gift every year. She would make ernment includes the mainte- me a flannel night gown. It fit high on my neck, long on my nance and operations of tribal arms and the hem reached the floor. She never measured me, property, the Chickasaw Times and I never saw her cutting it out or sewing it, but the gowns and governor’s and lt. gover- always fit! nor’s offices. Expenditures for Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa’s was about the time we education include education spent together and the part each of us played in the prepara- scholarships as well as the tions. From picking out the pecan goodies for making pecan tribe’s division of education. pies and candy to popping and stringing popcorn to decorate Health expenditures include the tree, the things we did together made memories and cre- eye glasses, hearing aids, pre- ated opportunities for Grandma and Grandpa to tell us about scription drugs, wellness center, community health clinics, their memories of Christmas. catastrophic medical assistance Grandpa was on his own by age 10 and didn’t have many and other similar programs not Christmas stories. Grandma would tell us about being so ex- covered by federal programs or cited to get just a candy cane for Christmas or her mother grants. making dolls for gifts for the three girls in the family. The businesses’ expenditures I am so grateful for the time and the stories Grandma and are classified as to expenses as- Grandpa shared with us. Some of those stories are of times sociated with gaming operation from literally 100 years ago. of the tribe and the other busi- Grandma and Grandpa showed us kids that Christmas is nesses of the tribe. about being together, working together and enjoying each Executive Summary of the Fi- other. nancial Statements of the period ending October 31, 2015 So, this Christmas at my house, maybe we won’t stress so much about the shopping and the gifts. Tribal Government Maybe we will focus on and be grateful for the time we have Revenues and transfers from with family and friends. the businesses for operations We will certainly remember the real reason for the season and fixed assets totaled $16.18 and celebrate the birth of Jesus. million for the month. Expendi- Here’s wishing you and your family joy and time together tures were $8.5 million for the this holiday season. month. Respectfully, Katie December 2015 News From Your Legislators chickasaw times 7 Chickasaws serve in many capacities Veterans Day celebration a big on various boards, commissions event at Panola Senior Center

hukma and greetings from Legislator an you believe that Christmas is right Mary Jo Green, Seat 5, Pontotoc Dis- around the corner? Thanksgiving trict. I am writing this in the month of zipped by in a blur! Actually the entire November. Perhaps my favorite month month of November came and went ex- because it holds Thanksgiving. And it tremely fast but I did manage to observe Veteran’sC Day and reflex on the fact November is comesC between the Chickasaw Festival and Christ- known as Native American Awareness month! mas. The Panola Senior Center hosted a Veteran’s Day As far as the Legislature goes in November, Celebration. It was a time for sharing and remember- it’s business as usual and this ing our men and women in the month we considered two reap- military. Many brought pictures pointments from Governor for of their family members that the Election Commission. While had served or were currently the reappointments are rath- serving. Each veteran participat- er routine, it got me thinking ed in a flag pinning ceremony, about the wonderful people we and shared personal reflections have working for the Chickasaw on their time in service. Ap- Nation, some of whom, like the preciation to the Panola Center Staff and Director for providing Election Commissioners, who a festive atmosphere with patri- serve without pay. They volunteer their time and energy not Mary Jo for a paycheck but motivated Beth by a sense of duty, a sense of Green giving back to the community Alexander just because they can and they recognize a need. And there are Chickasaw more of them than you usually Chickasaw Tribal hear about. Many Chickasaws serve on Tribal Legislature boards and commissions that Legislature are either required by the nu- Bill Duckworth, Jim Corley, Clifford Whinery, Joe merous federal programs the Na- Hartwell, DeLoyd Hicks, Clyde Glenn, Dennis Czapiewski, otic decorations James Plunkett, all veterans at the Panola Center. tion operates or businesses that the Nation owns and on each table and operates or that are necessary to keep our Chickasaw a finger food buffet. community together and healthy. Elders’ councils Another historical Event that I was fortunate and community councils, youth councils and arts enough to attend was the dedication of Freedom councils. Language boards and cultural leaders. Fellowship Church located in Fillmore, Oklahoma. Cooks and drivers, musicians and artists, dancers, The entire Church building is new and fresh just in hospital volunteers. There are so many, I know that time for winter. No more space heaters, blankets and I’m not mentioning all of them and I apologize for cold hands and feet! The Dedication Ceremony was hosted by senior Elder Jerry Imothichey and his wife that. Janis. Prayers and encouraging messages were given Some of the positions, like the Election Commis- by Pastor Clint Freeman, Governor Anoatubby, Stan sion, are appointed by the Governor and confirmed Smith and Don Timms. Inspirational songs were pro- by the Legislature. These persons are known as the vided by Larry and Joann Hawkins. The service was appointed officials of the Nation and are sometimes followed by a wonderful referred to as the fourth branch of government. covered dish dinner in These positions are for a set term, usually three or the new fellowship Hall. four years. The rest of the positions are filled by Thank you to all of the Governor or someone authorized by him. Some are faithful volunteers who employees that wear a second hat upon occasion. donated food and time I think that I will say a separate prayer of thanks to make this a successful and special event! this Thanksgiving Day for all of those Chickasaws - As you and your fam- the volunteers without which we would be a smaller, ily experience this holi- less organized, less independent and healthy Nation. day Season, remember Please join me. to share the true mean- Chi ihullo li! I would love to hear from you. Please ing, peace and joy of the feel free to contact me by telephone, email or letter. month with others. The Senior Elders Jerry and Janis Imotichey My email address is [email protected] and Gift of giving is not just of Freedom Fellowship Church located in a one month event but my address and telephone number are listed else- Fillmore, Okla. where in this and every issue of the Chickasaw Times an event that occurs for and on the Chickasaw Nation web site. Until next a lifetime. time, I wish God’s blessings on all of our people. …”It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 Thank you. Chipisala’cho! Beth Alexander (580) 283-3409

2014-2015 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. Pontotoc District Pickens District Tishomingo District Seat # Seat # Seat # 1. Toby Perkins 1. David Woerz 1. Scott Wood 15810 CR 1569 P.O. Box 669 204 East Main Street Ada, OK 74820 Ardmore, OK 73402 Tishomingo, OK 73460 (580) 399-2606 (580) 235-3240 (580) 221-1430 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

2. Nancy Elliott 2. Connie Barker 2. Tim Colbert 620 Ann 509 SW 7th Ave. P.O. Box 773 Ada, OK 74820 Marietta, OK 73448 Sulphur, OK 73086 (580) 399-4374 (580) 272-4175 (580) 421-7242 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

3. Katie Case 3. Linda Briggs 3. Steven Woods 14368 County Road 3597 P.O. Box 241 5071 Gray’s Road Ada, OK 74820 Marietta, OK 73448 Davis, OK 73030 (580) 272-8385 (580) 272-7268 (580) 272-7270 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

4. Dean McManus 4. Shana Tate Hammond Panola District 5980 CR 3430 801 North Mississippi Seat # Ada, OK 74820 Ada, Oklahoma, 74820 1. Beth Alexander (580) 235-2651 (580) 235-1438 PO Box 246 [email protected] [email protected] Achille, OK 74720 (580) 272-7850 5. Mary Jo Green [email protected] 2000 E. 14th Place [email protected] Ada, OK 74820 (580) 310-4563 [email protected] 8 chickasaw times News of the people December 2015 Birthdays Community News Congratulations

Christine Lacy Ray Hensley Phillip ‘Greg’ Hays Darren Bralley Ethan Eck

Happy 88th Birthday, Christine A Chickasaw author has recent- A Chickasaw man has recently A Chickasaw military man is Chickasaw citizen Ethan Eck, Lacy! ly released a suspense-filled book. been named to a significant post fulfilling an important role in the harvested his first nice buck (nine She turned the young age of 88 Ray Hensley, of Ardmore, Okla., at a NYSE-listed company. operations of a U.S. Navy aircraft points) at Kullihoma this October on October 15, 2015. She celebrat- has written “The C.R.A.C.K.,” a Phillip (Greg) Hays, of David- team. during youth gun season. ed with her sister and family. science fiction thriller. The book son, N.C., has been named Vice U.S. Navy Airman Darren Bralley was published by Tate Publishing President of Human Resources for serves as an aviation machinist’s Company of Mustang, Okla., and Corporate Functions by Ingersoll mate at U.S. Naval Air Station Lem- released in August. Rand Corporation, an Irish global oore in California. Airman Bralley “The C.R.A.C.K.” stands for diversified industrial company. is part of the Navy’s Strike Fighter Creatures Real and Certain Kill- Mr. Hays will lead the Corporate Squadron 122, the “Flying Eagles.” ers. The setting for the book is Human Resources team, provid- Airman Bralley works with the space during the future when ing human resources business F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the Navy’s space has been settled. There are partnership to the functional en- most versatile and lethal strike many different life forms and hu- terprise leadership team members fighter aircraft. He is responsible mans have spread throughout the and their organizations. He will for ensuring proper operations of galaxy. oversee global labor relations for the engine and fuel systems on the Cargo ships support the many the company. aircraft. settlements, and the story ramps Ingersoll Rand makes power He is a 2011 graduate of Madill up when the ships come under at- tools, golf cars, utility vehicles, (OK) High School. He is the son of tack by pirates. The pirates are a time management systems, refrig- William and June Standridge. deadly bunch and regularly plun- eration units and air conditioning der the ship, dispatch the crew systems. The company’s brands and kidnap the captain. include Trane, Thermo King and Makyna Madison Kadin Cole Clark The story tells of the quest Club Car. to catch, destroy and eliminate Mr. Hays has previously held Makyna Madison, a Chickasaw Happy Ninth Birthday to Kadin C.R.A.C.K. It is a story about car- human resources positions with seventh-grader from Blanchard, Cole Clark. He turned nine on Sep- ing for each other during times of Gates Corp., Avery Dennison and Okla., has recently participated in tember 16, 2015. hardship, and rising above oneself Kraft Foods. the Princess of America national Happy Birthday from Grandma for the betterment of humanity. He spent most of his school pageant. The event was Nov. 23-28 Carol and Papa Jim Reed. “This book is a really good read years in Moore, Okla., then gradu- in Branson, Missouri. and I fully expect you will enjoy ated from DeQueen (AR) High Makyna attends Blanchard Mid- the story,” Mr. Hensley said. School where he was both a foot- dle School, where she is a straight “The C.R.A.C.K.” can be or- ball and track all-stater. He attend- A student. She is an active mem- dered directly from Tate Pub- ed East Central (OK) University for ber of her church youth group, lishing Company by going to a semester, during which he also and is involved in her school aca- the link: https://www.tatepub- worked at the Chickasaw Nation. demic team, 4H, yearbook, basket- lishing.com/bookstore/book. He earned a bachelor’s degree Emily Blagg Ethan Blagg ball and track. php?w=978-1-68118-619-1. in business from Southern Or- She will soon be inducted into egon University and his Master’s Emily Blagg, a Chickasaw senior the Blanchard chapter of the Na- of Business Administration from at Crossings Christian School of tional Junior Honor Society. Oklahoma City, and a member of the University of Denver. Makyna participated in the tour- Venture Crew 21, recently became He is the son of Phil and Trisha the first in her Council and the first nament as Oklahoma Sweetheart Hays, of Hot Springs, Ark. He is female in Oklahoma to achieve their 2015. Her platform was “Stand the grandson of the late Nicholas highest honor, the Summit Award. for the Silent,” to raise awareness Bit and Lillian Blackwood Fowler, Venturing is a program of the Boy about bullying and its repercus- of Pauls Valley, Okla., and Harve Scouts of America for men and sions. and Mary Helen Hays, of Wyn- women ages 14-20. Emily and her She is the daughter of Tony and newood, Okla. brother, Ethan, of whom has also ShaChrista Madison. Kassidy Brown Mr. Phillips and his wife, Kara, achieved this honor, are the chil- have three children, Alex, Caitlin dren of Matt and Karrie Blagg, of Happy Fifth Birthday to Kassidy and Lily. Edmond, Okla., and the grandchildren of Buddy and Pamela Strick- raduation Brown. She turned five on Septem- G land, and the late Becky Strickland, ber 30, 2015. of Pauls Valley, Okla., and Don and Happy Birthday from Grandma Sharon Blagg of Weatherford, Okla. Carol and Papa Jim Reed.

Ashley Creek Births A Chickasaw woman has recently represented Chickasaw culture during a Native American harvest celebration in Virginia. Ashley Creek prepared and manned a Chickasaw booth during The Gathering in Berryville, Virginia. The event was the last weekend in October and featured Grace Walzel storytellers, dancers, vendors, ar- Brittany and husband, Michael Venable, tisans, authors and living history and dog, Venny Grace Walzel is scheduled to exhibitors. Brittany Ann Caldwell Venable a graduate this month from Dal- Bailee McCurdy Ms. Creek is a volunteer with board certified Nurse Practitioner, las Baptist University. She is the the Shenandoah Valley Discovery has recently accepted a position Bailee McCurdy, a junior at Latta daughter of Leslie Walzel. Museum, a nonprofit organization with CVS Minute Clinic. High School in Ada, Okla. is one of Grace is shown proudly wearing in Winchester, Virginia. Ms. Creek Mrs. Venable began her new job more than 650 high school cheer- her Chickasaw Nation stole. Hayley Rae Blackburn was asked by a museum coordi- on October 16 and will work at leaders and dancers from across nator to prepare a family-friendly several locations in the St. Louis the U.S. who will be representing Hayley Rae Blackburn was wel- booth that would feature games, metro area. Varsity Spirit in the world famous clarification comed into the world on Septem- information and a community Mrs. Venable received her London New Year’s Day Parade. ber 29, 2015. The little beauty loom. master’s degree in nursing from The individuals invited to per- In a November article about weighed 7 lbs., 11 ounces, and Ms. Creek contacted fellow Maryville University in St. Louis. form in the parade qualified for Morgan Ehn, a Chickasaw and a measured 19 inches at birth. Chickasaws to collect information She participated in Maryville grad- the trip after being selected as an retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, a She is the first daughter born and legends for storytelling. She uation ceremonies in May. AII-American at one of the sum- paragraph was omitted. The para- to John and Sian Blackburn, of also designed language activities She completed her coursework mer camps hosted by the Uni- graph appears below. Orlando, Fla. Welcoming her were including bingo and a vocabulary requirements in August to make versal Cheerleaders Association “Serving in the Marine Corps her two older brothers, Cody and matching exercise. her degree official and immediate- (UCA). has been an important part of Jaxon. “I was thrilled to find that so ly passed her board certification All-Americans are selected to Mr. Ehn’s life. He wanted to carry Hayley is the granddaughter many people, old and young alike, exam on her first testing. tryout based on superior cheer- on the tradition of making a dif- of Darlene Meyer and John (Gil) were interested in a cultured so She will retain dual employment leading, dancing and leadership ference in lives of people he will Blackburn, of Orlando. Her great- underrepresented, particularly in at CVS Minute Clinic and Mercy skills at camps across the country. never know. During the invasion grandparents are the late Patricia this area,” Ms. Creek said. Hospital. She currently works in Only the top 12% of the more than of Iraq, he was a member of the and Delbert Meyer, of Texas. The loom was a popular booth Mercy’s post-operative unit. 325,000 cheerleaders who attend first American unit to be fired She is the great-great-grand- activity. Built of backyard branch- She began her career at Mercy in the 5,000 varsity summer camp upon in a rocket attack, and part daughter of the late Priscilla Cra- es and twine by museum staffer the ICU medical and ICU surgical sessions earn the chance to march of a team that discovered mass vens Kegans, of Texas. Her uncles Dee Clingan, event attendees units in 2009. in the holiday spectacular. graves and helped recover bodies. are Mark and Brad Blackburn, of could try their hands at using the Mrs. Venable earned a bachelor’s Bailee will be among the pa- He expected to see most of the Orlando. loom. degree in nursing from the Uni- rade performers from all over the things he experienced, such as A number of tribes were repre- versity of Missouri in 2008. world. Cheerleaders, marching wounded and deceased combat- sented at the Gathering. She is the daughter of Patricia bands, acrobats and more will ants, but unexpected incidents in- “There were drums beating, Holland Caldwell, of St. Louis. make up the 8,500 performers cluded watching children playing people singing and chanting, folks representing 20 countries world- in combat zones and jumping on dancing, storytelling,” Ms. Creek wide in the 2016 parade. Estab- half-buried, unexploded artillery said. “As a citizen of the Chicka- lished as one of London’s biggest shells. The toll of those and other saw Nation, I was honored to rep- events, the parade is seen by near- experiences were fully revealed resent my heritage at the event.” ly 600 million people around the within two years of retiring from world. active duty.” December 2015 chickasaw times 9 September and October 2015 Chickasaw Nation Outstanding Achievement Award Recipients

Serina Tiger Johnson said. “Through a Ariana’s hobbies includes always willing to help out his attending the University Serina Tiger, 8, the daughter strong collegiate program, playing tag, riding her bicycle classmates. He has a great of Oklahoma to become an of Rachel Tiger, is a recipient of she will be able to develop outside, playing softball and attitude and exemplifies effort orthodontist. the 2015 Outstanding Academic her intellectual abilities. I basketball. in all of his accomplishments.” Achievement Award. am confident that Autumn Tyler enjoys playing guitar, Avery Rose Perry will be successful at any gaming, writing, and listening Avery Rose, 11, the daughter university she attends.” to music. of Mark and Cher Rose, is a Tyler’s future goals include recipient of the 2015 Chickasaw going to college and joining the Nation Outstanding Academic Marine Corps. Achievement Award.

Abigail Rose Abigail Rose, 15, the daughter of Mark and Cher Rose, is a recipient of the 2015 Chickasaw Nation Outstanding Academic Achievement Award.

Ariana Munoz Serina Tiger

Serina is in the second grade Autumn Perry Ariana’s future goal is to be at Latta Elementary in Ada, a teacher. Okla. She was nominated by Autumn enjoys spending time her second grade teacher, Kristi with her family and friends Tyler Rodgers Smith. and playing softball. She also Tyler Rodgers, 19, the son of Avery Rose “Serina has been in my enjoys volunteering at different Preston and Deborah Rodgers, classroom for only a short community events and food is a recipient of the 2015 Avery is in the sixth grade time, but I have seen her good banks. She recently volunteered Chickasaw Nation Outstanding at Red Oak Elementary in behavior and hard work on for an organization called Stand Academic Achievement Award. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She daily basis,” Ms. Smith said. Up For Kids, helping gather was nominated by her sixth- Serina’s hobbies includes shoes for runaway teens. grade teacher at Moore Public beading, designing and sewing Autumn’s future goals Abigail Rose Schools, Jennifer Davidson. clothes for dolls and quilting include attending a four- “Avery has an outgoing doll blankets. She also enjoys year college to study forensic Abigail is a sophomore attitude, extremely organized tap dancing. science and to be on the college at Westmoore High School and completes her tasks on Serina’s future goal is to softball team. in Oklahoma City. She was time,” Ms. Davidson said. become a clothing designer. nominated by her Latin “She has also been part of the Ariana Munoz Teacher, Katy Abernanthy. school’s student council for the Autumn Perry Ariana Munoz, 9, the “Abigail has a sweet and last two years.” Autumn Perry, 15, the daughter of Janice and Derek quiet spirit that has shown Avery’s hobbies include ice daughter of Shawn and Frank Munoz, is a recipient of major academic growth in her skating and spending time with Perry, is a recipient of the 2015 the 2015 Chickasaw Nation studies,” Ms. Abernathy said. friends. Her favorite subject is Chickasaw Nation Outstanding Outstanding Citizenship Award. “She takes many AP classes, reading. Achievement Award in Ariana is in the third grade Tyler Rodgers is active in various academic Avery’s future plans include Athletics. at Latta Elementary in Ada, clubs and sports, which show going to Harvard Law School. Autumn is a junior at Horizon Okla. She was nominated by Tyler is a senior at Latta her dedication to school and Christian Academy in San her third-grade teacher, Bobbie High School in Ada, Okla. He academic well-being.” Diego, Calif. She was nominated Priest. was nominated by his teacher, Abigail hobbies include by her academic counselor, Lisa “Ariana is always willing to Jessica Tilley. golfing, reading and tumbling. Johnson. do what is takes to get her work “Tyler’s knowledge of history She is involved in the “Autumn is a diligent, done,” Ms. Priest said. “She is is highly impressive,” Ms. Fellowship of Christian Athletes dedicated student and is a great representative of the Tilley said. “He continues to and Jags for Christ. an asset to our school,” Ms. Chickasaw Nation.” make excellent grades and is Her future plans include Farm to School connects local farmers, schools It’s well known that kids need involved wins,” Ms. Wiley said. know where their food is coming “Younger children are more im- same partnerships with farmers good nutrition to nourish their “The schools receive a dependable from and that it is fresh, healthy pressionable,” Ms. Wiley said. “It’s and expand educational oppor- bodies and minds. Chickasaw supply of fresh produce for their and safe,” Ms. Wiley said. “Some still hard work, but we feel there tunities at Chickasaw Head Start Nation Nutritions Services has cafeterias, farmers benefit by re- produce requires special equip- is a greater likelihood for success and Child Development loca- recently kicked off the Farm ceiving a reliable source of new ment for cleaning, packaging by winning over younger children tions.” to School program that deliv- revenue to support their farming and handling. In those instances, into making healthier choices Nutrition Services plans to ex- ers fresh, nutritious and deli- business, and the children are farmers contact vendors and dis- about what they eat.” pand the Farm to Pre-School edu- cious foods direct from farms to able to eat fresh, colorful fruits tributors who have the proper According to Ms. Wiley, the in- cation to include cultural com- schools. and vegetables.” equipment for safe handling and struction and training the school ponents, such as early farming Earlier this semester, Chicka- Culinary experts from the storage of perishable items. The systems received will be offered techniques and crops. Classroom saw Nation Head Start students Chickasaw Nation Medical Cen- local produce is then sold to the to the Chickasaw Nation Head activities will have a language Chickasaw Nation Nutrition Ser- ter’s Okchamali Café contribute schools.” Start and Child Development component to introduce children vices partnered with Chickasaw peer training to school cafete- The Farm to School program sites and will be called Farm to to the Chickasaw language, and Nation Head Start to begin imple- ria staff by demonstrating tech- has a classroom education com- Pre-school. Nutrition Services plans are being developed for menting the Farm to Pre-School niques and providing guidance ponent, as well, for children. will partner with Head Start and raised-bed gardens to expose chil- program in all four Chickasaw for preparing fresh produce. Healthy eating habits are formed Child Development staff to work dren to growing their own food. Nation Head Start facilities. Stu- Through these trainings, the with repeated exposure to nutri- on menu planning and making For more information about dents took part in fun, interac- schools’ staff members are en- tious foods. The younger the child adjustments to incorporate real- the Farm to School program, or tive lessons, and each site’s food couraged to incorporate more is when exposed to fresh produce, istic goals for including fresh, lo- to learn how school districts and service staff participated in culi- fresh fruits and vegetables into the more likely the child is adopt cal produce. farmers can become involved, nary trainings lead by staff from their recipes and menu. positive eating habits for a life- “Pairing together farmers and contact AnDina Wiley at 580-272- Chickasaw Nation Medical Cen- “Some of the schools’ staff time. The interactive lessons teach the school systems of Milburn, 8384 or email at andina.wiley@ ter’s Okchamali’s Café. members who prepared the meals students the benefits of eating Fox and Kingston was a great chickasaw.net. Chickasaw Nation Nutrition were a little resistant to change healthy, as well as the process of experience,” Ms. Wiley said. “We Services actively seeks new op- in the beginning. Many had done how their food is grown. realized we wanted to have the Contributed by KC Cole, Public Affairs. portunities that further grow the things the same way for years and programs and services provided were worried preparing fresh pro- to Chickasaw citizens, as well as duce would take too much time,” to other individuals living within Ms. Wiley said. “After being intro- the Chickasaw Nation boundaries duced to new techniques and reci- that meet program qualifications. pes, they saw that incorporating The Farm to School program fresh produce was achievable.” is one example of how nutrition Farmers also receive training to services has partnered with the ensure the availability of produce USDA in a new program to con- for schools. Trainings conducted nect farmers with area schools for participating farmers include to provide locally grown fruits topics such as Good Agricultur- and vegetables. Farm to school al Practices (GAP) and learning enriches the connection com- to extend their growing season munities have with fresh, healthy through the use of hoop-houses. food and local food producers by Most importantly, food sanitation changing food purchasing and and safety practices are made education practices at schools and clear to producers of fresh food preschools. on such a large scale. During the 2013–2014 school Currently, farmers have two op- year, nutrition services worked tions available to sell fresh foods with three local schools to con- to local schools. The first option nect them with area farmers. involves a direct relationship with According to AnDina Wiley, nu- the school district. This method is trition services’ Farm to School preferred because the farmer and Coordinator, the success of the the school receive direct feedback program is mainly attributed to from one another. With the sec- education. Quarterly meetings ond option, the farmer sells his take place to train participating or her produce to a distributor school districts. Menu planning, or food service vendor. Then the procurement and forecasting school orders the fresh produce future purchases are just a few from the distributor or food ser- of the items discussed with the vice vendor. school systems’ food service di- Both procurement options al- rectors. low schools to incorporate fresh, “It has been exciting to pair locally grown fruits and vegeta- school systems with farmers. It bles into school meals. is a partnership where everyone “Buying locally means schools 10 chickasaw times December 2015 Committee reports October 2015 legislative minutes Executive Committee • November 9, 2015 Present: Toby Perkins, David Woerz, Linda Briggs, Connie Barker, CHICKASAW NATION TRIBAL LEGISLATURE Scott Wood, Nancy Elliott, Dean McManus REGULAR SESSION Legislative Committee • November 9, 2015 Legislature Building Present: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Connie Barker, Tim Colbert, Ada, Oklahoma Katie Case, Nancy Elliott, Shana Hammond, Dean McManus, David October 16, 2015 Woerz, Scott Wood, Toby Perkins, Steve Woods Absent: Mary Jo Green AGENDA ITEM #1 CALL MEETING TO ORDER Human Resources Committee • November 9, 2015 Present: Katie Case, Nancy Elliott, Shana Hammond, Dean McManus, Chairperson Connie Barker called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Toby Perkins, Connie Barker Absent: Mary Jo Green AGENDA ITEM #2 ROLL CALL Education Committee • November 9, 2015 Present: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Nancy Elliott, Shana Hammond Members present: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Katie Case, Tim Colbert, Nancy Elliott, Shana Health Care Committee • November 9, 2015 Hammond, Dean McManus, David Woerz, Scott Wood, Connie Barker Present: Connie Barker, Katie Case, Nancy Elliott, Shana Hammond, Scott Wood Members absent: Toby Perkins, Mary Jo Green, Steve Woods Absent: Steve Woods, Mary Jo Green Finance Committee • November 16, 2015 Staff present: Doretta Sellers, Recording Secretary; Harold Stick, Sergeant-At-Arms; Rob- Present: Linda Briggs, Tim Colbert, David Woerz, Steve Woods, ert Cheadle, Legislative Counsel Connie Barker Absent: Toby Perkins Guests present: Judy Foster, Dana Lance, Wilma Watson, Mike Watson Committee of the Whole • November 16, 2015 Present: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Connie Barker, Tim Colbert, Katie Case, Nancy Elliott, Dean McManus, David Woerz, Scott Wood, AGENDA ITEM #3 INVOCATION Steve Woods Absent: Mary Jo Green, Shana Hammond, Toby Perkins Invocation was given by Mr. Woerz.

AGENDA ITEM #4 ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Legislative Agenda Chairperson Barker opened the floor for nominations for Chairperson for 2016.

CHICKASAW NATION TRIBAL LEGISLATURE A motion was made by Ms. Briggs to elect Connie Barker. There were no other nominations. Legislative Session Legislature Building A motion was made by Ms. Briggs and seconded by Ms. McManus to elect Ms. Barker by acclama- Ada, Oklahoma tion. November 20, 2015 Members voting yes: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Katie Case, Tim Colbert, Nancy Elliott, Shana AGENDA ITEM #1 CALL MEETING TO ORDER Hammond, Dean McManus, David Woerz, Scott Wood - 9 yes votes AGENDA ITEM #2 ROLL CALL AGENDA ITEM #3 INVOCATION The motion to elect Ms. Barker as Chairperson by acclamation carried unanimously. AGENDA ITEM #4 APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 16, 2015 Chairperson Barker opened the floor for Secretary for 2016. AGENDA ITEM #5 UNFINISHED BUSINESS AGENDA ITEM #6 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES A motion was made by Ms. Briggs to elect Ms. Nancy Elliott. There were no other nominations. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair Dean McManus The motion was made by Ms. Briggs and seconded by Ms. McManus to elect Ms. Elliott by acclamation . GR33-004 Gubernatorial Reappointment, Chickasaw Nation Elec- tion Commission Rose Jefferson Members voting yes: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Katie Case, Tim Colbert, Nancy Elliott, Shana Hammond, Dean McManus, David Woerz, Scott Wood, Connie Barker - 10 yes votes GR33-005 Gubernatorial Reappointment, Chickasaw Nation Elec- tion Commission Beryl Sears The motion to elect Ms. Elliott as Secretary by acclamation carried unanimously.

AGENDA ITEM #7 NEW BUSINESS (Comments from Citizens) Chairperson Barker nominated Doretta Sellers as Recording Secretary and Harold Stick as Ser- geant-At-Arms for 2016. AGENDA ITEM #8 ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Mrs. Alexander and seconded by Ms. Briggs to accept Ms. Sellers as Re- cording Secretary and Mr. Stick as Sergeant-At-Arms by acclamation. November 2015 Resolutions Members voting yes: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Katie Case, Tim Colbert, Nancy Elliott, Shana Hammond, Dean McManus, David Woerz, Scott Wood, Connie Barker - 10 yes votes CHICKASAW TRIBAL LEGISLATURE General Resolution Number 33-004 The motion to accept Ms. Sellers as Recording Secretary and Mr. Stick as Sergeant-At-Arms by ac- Gubernatorial Reappointment - Chickasaw Nation Election Commission clamation carried unanimously. Rose Jefferson AGENDA ITEM #5 READING OF MINUTES - September 18, 2015 WHEREAS, in accordance with Article VII, Sections 4 and 7 of the Con- stitution of the Chickasaw Nation, the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature shall enact A motion was made by Ms. Hammond and seconded by Ms. Case to approve the September 18, rules and regulations pertaining to the Chickasaw Nation, and shall make deci- 2015 minutes. sions pertaining to the acquisition, leasing, disposition and management of real property, subject to federal law, and Members voting yes: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Katie Case, Tim Colbert, Nancy Elliott, WHEREAS, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution Shana Hammond, Dean McManus, David Woerz, Scott Wood, Connie Barker - 10 yes votes of the Chickasaw Nation, the Governor shall perform all duties appertaining to the office of Chief Executive. He shall sign official papers on behalf of the The motion to approve the minutes of September 18, 2015 carried unanimously. Nation, and WHEREAS, Ms. Rose Jefferson has previously served as the Pontotoc Dis- AGENDA ITEM #6 UNFINISHED BUSINESS trict representative on the Chickasaw Nation Election Commission; and WHEREAS, Governor Bill Anoatubby has reappointed Ms. Rose Jeffer- There was no unfinished business. son, a citizen of the Pontotoc District of the Chickasaw Nation to serve on the Chickasaw Nation Election Commission. AGENDA ITEM #7 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature hereby confirms Governor Bill Anoatubby’s reappointment of Ms. Rose Jef- LAND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair Linda Briggs ferson to the Chickasaw Nation Election Commission as the Pontotoc District representative, to fill a term of office ending on December 31, 2018. GR33-001 Authority for Acceptance of Real Property in Carter County Executed in regular session of the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, meeting at Ada, Oklahoma, on November 20, 2015, by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 nays, and A motion was made by Ms. Briggs and seconded by Ms. Hammond to approve GR33-001. 0 abstentions. Explanation: This resolution approves Governor Bill Anoatubby’s reappoint- Members voting yes: Linda Briggs, Katie Case, Tim Colbert, Nancy Elliott, Shana Hammond, Dean ment of Ms. Rose Jefferson to the Chickasaw Nation Election Commission end- McManus, David Woerz, Scott Wood, Connie Barker - 9 yes votes ing on December 31, 2018. Presented by: Human Resources Committee Member abstaining: Beth Alexander - 1 abstention

The motion to approve GR33-001 carried. CHICKASAW TRIBAL LEGISLATURE General Resolution Number 33-005 Ms. Briggs concluded her report. Gubernatorial Reappointment - Chickasaw Nation Election Commission Beryl Sears AGENDA ITEM #8 NEW BUSINESS (Comments from Citizens)

WHEREAS, in accordance with Article VII, Sections 4 and 7 of the Con- There was no new business to discuss. stitution of the Chickasaw Nation, the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature shall enact rules and regulations pertaining to the Chickasaw Nation, and shall make deci- Mr. Mike Watson commented on the timberlands settlement. After making disparaging remarks sions pertaining to the acquisition, leasing, disposition and management of real about the Legislature, Chairperson Barker warned if he attempted to make additional critical re- property, subject to federal law, and marks about the Legislature, in Session, he would not be allowed to speak before them. WHEREAS, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Chickasaw Nation, the Governor shall perform all duties appertaining Ms. Judy Foster, music teacher at Mansville Elementary School, stated a group of students attend- to the office of Chief Executive. He shall sign official papers on behalf of the ed the Chickasaw Festival. She delivered thank you cards from the students and asked that they Nation, and be distributed to the Legislators and Governor Anoatubby. WHEREAS, Mr. Beryl Sears has previously served as the Panola District representative on the Chickasaw Nation Election Commission, and Chairperson Barker thanked the Legislature for their support over the past year and adjourned WHEREAS, Governor Bill Anoatubby has reappointed Mr. Beryl Sears, a the meeting. citizen of the Panola District of the Chickasaw Nation to serve on the Chickasaw Nation Election Commission. AGENDA ITEM #9 ADJOURNMENT NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature hereby confirms Governor Bill Anoatubby’s reappointment of Mr. Beryl Sears The Legislative Session adjourned at 9:13 a.m. to the Chickasaw Nation Election Commission as the Panola District representative, to fill a term of office ending on December 31, 2018. Respectfully Submitted, Executed in regular session of the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, meeting at Ada, Oklahoma, on November 20, 2015, by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 nays, and Nancy Elliott, Secretary 0 abstentions. Chickasaw Nation Tribal Legislature Explanation: This resolution approves Governor Bill Anoatubby’s reappointment of Mr. Beryl Sears to the Chickasaw Nation Election Commission ending Prepared by: on December 31, 2018. Presented by: Human Resources Committee Doretta Sellers, Recording Secretary Chickasaw Nation Tribal Legislature December 2015 chickasaw times 11 Former Indian Health Facility reworked to house several tribal programs Carl Albert Service Center dedicated in Ada

Gov. Bill Anoatubby, center, is joined by tribal officials to dedicate the Chickasaw Nation Carl Albert Service Center Nov. 17 in Ada, Okla. The building opened in 1980 as the Carl Albert Indian Health Facility. Now the completely renovated building will help Chickasaw citizens and employees with education, training and career development. Joining Gov. Anoatubby are, from left, Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Family Services Jay Keel; tribal Ambassador At-Large Neal McCaleb; tribal legislators Connie Barker and Shanna Tate-Hammond; Manhattan Construction representative Xavier Neira; tribal Secretary of Interior Services Jalinda Kelley; tribal legislators Nancy Elliott and Dean McManus; Gov. Anoatubby; Dr. Jan Summer; legislator Toby Perkins; CASC facility planning manager Nick Drannon; Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court Justice Cheri Bellefeuille-Gordon; legislator Katie Case; and Supreme Court Justice Linda English-Weeks.

ADA, Okla. – Governor Bill impact on the community.” job training while pursuing high- plemental Nutrition Program will Oklahoma. Anoatubby said the opening of The 127,260 square-foot builder education, and the Career De- continue operating out of the fa- Speaker of the U.S. House of the Carl Albert Service Center ing opened in 1980 as the Carl velopment Initiative, which helps cility. The WIC program provides Representatives Carl Albert (D- launches a new era in a long tra- Albert Indian Health Facility and Chickasaw citizens develop résu- pregnant or postpartum women, Okla.) worked to get Congress to dition of service at the renovated served thousands of Chickasaw més and interview skills. infants and children in the com- approve a $4.5 million appropria- building’s ribbon cutting ceremo- and Native American patients un- It will also provide a location munity with nutritious foods. tion bill to begin construction. ny in Ada Nov. 17. til the opening of the Chickasaw for employee training and leader- Other Chickasaw Nation de- The Ada Trust Authority donat- Gov. Anoatubby was joined by Medical Center in 2010. ship development courses as well partments including Benefits, ed 15 acres of land for construc- several tribal, community and “Rarely is a place with so much as new-hire orientation. Legal, Organizational Planning tion and the firm of Neal McCa- state officials to dedicate the Carl history of service given a new The facility has 191 offices, 10 and Support, Compensation, Self leb, a Chickasaw and Oklahoma Albert Service Center, 1001 N. lease,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “And state-of-the-art conference rooms, Determination, Administrative legislator, was awarded the archi- Country Club Road. this building made a lot of his- two computer labs, a large assem- Services and Interior Services will tectural contract. “A new chapter begins today tory over the years in its time as bly hall that can be partitioned be housed at the new facility. Groundbreaking ceremonies with the rebirth of this facility as the Carl Albert Indian Health Fa- into two orientation rooms and a The building will house about were conducted January 1978 and the Carl Albert Service Center,” cility.” large training area. A new Bedré 225 employees and host approxi- the Carl Albert Indian Health Fa- Gov. Anoatubby said. “The words The completely renovated Café is also located in the build- mately 300 visitors per day. cility opened June 14, 1980. ‘Service Center’ declare the build- building will help Chickasaw Na- ing. Twenty-seven new employment By 2009, the Carl Albert Indian ing’s purpose – to serve Chicka- tion citizens and employees with Each orientation room has a positions have been added with Health Facility served an average saw Nation citizens, our employ- education, training and career large projector screen and two the opening of the new building. of more than 300,000 patients ees and the community. It stands development. television displays for Telepres- Carl Albert Indian Health per year. as a symbol for our continued The building will house em- ence connection with Winstar Facility History commitment to enhance the ployment programs such as World Resort and Riverwind Ca- In 1973, the U.S. Indian Health Contributed by Dana Lance, Media Relations. overall quality of life of Chicka- School to Work, which helps sino. Service announced a new Indian saw people and to make a positive Chickasaw citizens gain on-the- The Chickasaw Nation WIC Sup- hospital would be built in central

Danny Waldron Hill Chickasaw photographer to the stars Pictures of movie stars line the camera with him and he had a later signed. Native dancers have walls of an Oklahoma assisted “nose” for where he would find Mr. Hill’s large collection in- been displayed in living center. They are there be- celebrities. cludes decades of stars such as many venues. cause of the Chickasaw photogra- Mr. Hill is a sixth-generation Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, His expertise al- pher who now lives there. Oklahoman and Chickasaw citi- Kirk Douglas, Mitzi Gaynor, So- lowed him the op- Danny Waldron Hill became a zen. He grew up in southwest phia Loren, Cecily Tyson and portunity to share “photographer to the stars” sim- Oklahoma City and graduated Richard Roundtree. his love and passion ply, at first, because he kept his from U.S. Grant High School in He captured lots of famous for the camera by 1956. singers and musicians including speaking at camera After his discharge from the Mel Torme, Pat Boone, Roy Rog- and photography con- U.S. Air Force in 1960, he worked ers, Hank Thompson and Charlie ferences and classes, for the federal government in Pride. most often in the Dal- downtown Dallas. And there are many others, like las area. “There always seemed to be a artist Andy Warhol, actress Sally He was also a avid celebrity or two in the downtown Struthers and Broadway star Car- photographer of ani- area having lunch or performing ol Channing. He caught images of mals, flowers, trains at a concert,” Mr. Hill said. “It was famous athletes including Hank and family. “Uncle worth keeping my camera near Aaron and Dorothy Hamill. Pho- Dan’s slide show” was me.” tos of other performers include always a hit at family Often, he would snap a photo, Art Linkletter, Liberace, Herb Alp- reunions! develop it, frame the print and ert and Clayton Moore (The Lone Mr. Hill returned to wait patiently for the photo to be Ranger). Oklahoma when his signed by the celebrity. In some He also captured a number of wife Mary Ella died cases, stars warmed to Mr. Hill early “Batman” tv series actors in- in 2010. He was one Danny Hill circa 1970s and allowed him lots of access. cluding Adam West (Batman), Ce- of the first residents He was invited backstage for sar Romero (the Joker) and Eartha of Fountainbrook As- photos by Debbie Reynolds, and Kitt (Catwoman). sisted Living Center in Midwest life experience with his wife. Danny Hill Johnny Cash once actually invited Always active on the powwow City, Okla., and has often regret- him on stage for photos, which he circuit, Mr. Hill’s five decades of ted he could not share this late 12 chickasaw times December 2015 Master’s program great for working Chickasaws Irene Digby DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Mas- Chickasaw elder thrives on sharing tribe’s culture ter of Science in Native American Leadership program is perfect for Irene Pettigrew Digby is living items, some her own creation and working students. a full life as a Chickasaw elder. others which were gifted to her. Enrollment for the 2016 online Mrs. Digby celebrates her 94th A Chickasaw blanket is draped course is at 85 and the director of birthday this month. Her Chick- across the sofa. A photo from the program expects 100 students asaw heritage, tradition and cul- her induction into the Chickasaw to be enrolled when classes begin ture are woven throughout her Hall of Fame sits prominently in Jan. 3, 2016. life, and the life of her family and the living room, and hominy for The Master of Science in Native community. She seeks to cultivate pashofa can be found in a plastic American Leadership (MSNAL) her native culture so it will live bag in the refrigerator crisper. All explores traditional and mod- on through the younger genera- of these features reflect the life ern concepts of Indian education tions. of the honored elder who turns leadership, tribal government From teaching time-honored 94 Nov. 12. leadership, tribal governments, traditional recipes, to daily prac- Mrs. Digby and her late hus- decision-making and legislation, tice of the Chickasaw language, band Dick “B.F.” Digby, have four constitutional reform, planning, the petite, soft-spoken family ma- children: Dean, Ronnie, Beverly economic development, commu- triarch strives to keep Chickasaw and Rhonda; 10 grandchildren, nity development, nation rebuild- culture and heritage flourishing 24 great grandchildren and one ing, tribal courts, and administra- by sharing her knowledge with all Irene Digby great-great grandchild. tion and planning. generations. Mrs. Digby is a lifelong Mur- HONORED ONE “There is still time to enroll,” schools since the 1990s. said. ray County, Oklahoma woman Mrs. Digby was honored as a director Chris Wesberry said. Bestowing names on others is who grew up speaking Chicka- 2014 Chickasaw Nation Hall of “Yesterday, I enrolled a member TRADITIONS PASSED ON now a community tradition. saw. Sharing her native language Fame inductee. of a Montana tribe and I am visit- Traditions she is sharing - from “Other people want me to give wasn’t foremost on her mind as “Irene Digby finds strength ing with a tribe in Wisconsin that cooking the traditional Chicka- them a Chickasaw name and I she was busy raising her four in her heritage and in sharing is considering enrolling several saw staple Pashofa, to designating do,” she chuckled. children. it with those around her,” Gov. members for the January term.” Chickasaw names for her fam- If she had one wish, she said, it But as her golden years Anoatubby said during the cer- The degree program requires ily and friends - are things she would be for younger Chickasaw emerged and along came grand- emony. “She is a strong defender 32 hours of study. It is entirely learned while growing up. students to have more opportuni- children, sharing her native cul- of our language, and continues to online so any tribal citizen or A full-blood Chickasaw born in ties to learn the language. ture has been a top priority. be both a student and a teacher. non-tribal student working with 1921 in the rural Murray County Mrs. Digby’s children have For decades, Mrs. Digby has nur- Native Americans may enroll. community of Fairview to Joe and learned many of the cultural THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS tured the very root of what makes “Potentially, a degree could be Serena Pettigrew, Mrs. Digby and traditions, such as making pos- Teaching Oklahoma school Chickasaw people so strong - and completed in three semesters her three sisters grew up in what sum grape jelly as well as cook- children about Thanksgiving that is our families. She fully rep- with spring, summer and fall en- she calls the “White House.” ing pashofa and the art of bead- traditions, Chickasaw stories and resents the honor and wisdom we rollment,” Mr. Wesberry said. Chickasaw was the primary ing, and are now carrying on the sharing traditional hymns is now celebrate in our revered elders.” Admission requirements in- language spoken in her home. legacy. a seasonal rite for Mrs. Digby and She was recently among 50 Na- clude a baccalaureate degree from “(My parents) spoke the Chicka- her youngest daughter, Rhonda tive American elders honored by a regionally-accredited institu- saw language growing up. Mother LEARNING A LEGACY (Digby) McCann. the American Association of Re- tion. An overall grade point aver- could only speak broken English,” Mrs. Digby learned to make For the past 22 years, Mrs. tired People (AARP) for contribu- age of 2.75 over the last 60 hours she recalled. pashofa as a young girl by watch- Digby and Mrs. McCann don tra- tions to their tribes, states and of study is required and there are Even now, Mrs. Digby is building her mother make it at home ditional Chickasaw dresses, spe- nation at the 7th Annual AARP no prerequisite courses required. ing on her first language by at- and at gatherings at church. cially made by older daughter Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors. The program begins with a two- tending weekly Chickasaw lan- “We would always have pashofa Beverly, and visit select Oklahoma Mrs. Digby has been featured week introductory course prepar- guage classes, sometimes serving at certain times,” she said. “We schools to share Chickasaw cul- in three books published by the ing students for program expecta- as a substitute teacher. made it for meetings at the Sandy ture. Chickasaw Press, Mike Larsen’s tions. Although she didn’t teach the Baptist Church. And every three During the November presen- acclaimed painting series “Elders Applications for spring 2016 are language to her four children as months or on holidays we always tations Mrs. McCann tells “The of the Chickasaw Nation,” “Chick- being accepted. Enrollment start- they were growing up, genera- made pashofa. It was one of our Rattlesnake Story,” Mrs. Digby asaw Renaissance,” and the docu- ed in October but is on-going until tions are immersed in it now. She main dishes. We cooked it outside recites “The Lord’s Prayer” in the mentary “Chickasaw Removal.” classes begin in January. has helped in the naming of her in a black pot. We had to stir and Chickasaw language, shares the Also in 2015 Gov. Anoatubby To apply online visit http:// grandchildren by giving them stir and stir so it wouldn’t scorch traditional Thanksgiving story dedicated the auditorium at the www.se.edu. Chickasaw names. when we were making it.” and sings Chickasaw hymns. Davis High School Auditorium in “This is a fantastic opportunity “I gave all my kids (and grand- A black pashofa pot now sits They bring a few of the bags of Mrs. Digby’s honor. It is known as for Native people to earn a mas- kids) Indian names,” she said. in a place of honor on the land- unblemished, uncooked hominy the “Nashoba Aaittafama” (Gath- ter’s degree, especially if they are All the grandkids’ names are scape of her white frame Davis which Mrs. Digby spends hours ering Place for Wolves). currently working,” Mr. Wesberry part of their legal names, such as residence. carefully sorting as a visual aide A plaque recognizing Mrs. Dig- said. Enchel (Angel) and Soboshi (Colt) On the interior, Mrs. Digby’s for presentations on cooking by, a 1942 Davis High graduate, ensuring the language will thrive. cozy home of more than five de- pashofa. is placed in the auditorium’s en- “When we get together, I have cades is also decorated in homage Mrs. Digby and Mrs. McCann trance. all the kids sit around and I make to her Chickasaw heritage. Free landscape, have visited Davis Schools, Head them all say their Chickasaw The curio cabinet displays Starts and other Oklahoma Contributed by Dana Lance, Media Relations. fruit trees available name – and they know it,” she beaded wares and other cultural DURANT, Okla. - The Bryan Con- servation District is currently taking orders for a variety of fruit and landscape trees. Orders will be accepted through February 19, 2016. Edith Platt For details, stop by the office at 200 Gerlach Dr., Durant, or call Debbie at (580) 924-5464 or visit OKC-area citizen lives independently thanks to tribal programs www.bryanconservationdistrict. There are few “sure things” in placed just feet from her back very, very safe. It rings to the fire, org . life, but one that can be counted door. Sharing a yard with her ambulance and police. If I would on is professional ball games neighbors and nephew, she says ever need anything, it would just playing on television in Edith the shelter open to everyone. ring them right up.” Platt’s living room. Described by “My shelter is large. Neigh- Housing Grants Available to At- Career Tech grants friends as “Grand Central Sta- bors without shelters of their Large Citizens tion,” Platt’s house has a front own come and sit with me while Since purchasing her home, open to Chickasaws door that’s always open, and ev- storms are at their worst,” Ms. Platt has applied and used the The Chickasaw Nation Career eryone is welcome to come in to Platt said. “I have a hard time get- Chickasaw home improvement Technology Program offers grants root for their favorite teams. ting in and out of it (the shelter). and handicapped accessibility to Chickasaw students interested While the open door policy of They can help.” grants, as well as the one-time in attending a state or nationally her home leads to a lot of traffic Community Health Representa- storm shelter program provided accredited training facility. on her quite neighborhood street tive presents solutions by the Chickasaw Nation. The grants provide funding for in downtown Moore, Oklahoma, Platt’s life changed after a According to Terry Davis, di- tuition fees, supplies, books and Platt’s neighbors wouldn’t have stroke left her partially para- rector of housing management other training-related expenses. it any other way. At 93, Platt is lyzed. According to Platt, her services, housing grants are avail- Students interested in partici- one of the most active people on Chickasaw community health able to assist low income citizens pating in the program must be the block. When most her age are Edith Platt representative (CHR) has made it with home improvement projects, Chickasaw citizens attending a thinking about retirement com- easier for her to live at home, and while storm shelters are available state- or nationally-accredited fa- munities, she plans the next out- “Almost all the work done to feel secure in doing so. to all tribal citizens across the cility. ing with her friends or improve- “Don, my CHR is wonderful! United States. Students must provide complet- the house has been general up- ment projects to her home. keep. We recently fixed a leaky Anytime I need anything, he is “The grants provide citizens in ed Career Technology program “It is wonderful to still be liv- here. He tells me about the things need the ability to maintain their grant applications (form 04572), roof and sagging floor in the ing in my own home,” Platt said. utility room,” Padden said. “Both available to me,” Platt said. “I told home and live in a safe environ- invoice or bill statements with “I just wouldn’t take anything for him I was a little antsy about get- ment no matter where they live,” itemized program costs from the could have become major prob- my little house. It is my home. It’s lems and been dangerous down ting in and out of my old tub. One Davis said. “Income based, they training facility and high school not fancy, but its home.” day, he took a look at the bath- are used for just about anything. transcripts, high school equiva- the road. Edith was excited to get According to Platt, her con- have new linoleum laid and her room and told me we were going Citizens have had contractors re- lency or college transcripts. tinued independence would not to do something. We were going pair roofs, plumbing and made For more information, contact ceilings painted.” be possible without the help of According to Padden, working to put in a walk-in shower. He their house more accessible if Education Services at (580) 421- friends and the Chickasaw Na- called me not too long after and (they are) disabled.” 7711. with the Chickasaw Nation is one tion. Since moving into her home of the easiest process he has en- told me we were going to get a The home improvement grant nearly 15 years ago, she has par- countered. handicap grant from the Chicka- provides up to $5,000 for home ticipated in many programs de- “We receive a check made out to saws to make the bathroom saf- repair or improvement projects, Studio open to young signed for citizens living outside me and Edith for the estimates I er.” while the handicapped accessibil- the Chickasaw Nation adminis- provided. Once Edith is satisfied According to Donald Burkhart, ity grant is specifically designed Chickasaw artists tered by the Department of Com- with the work, she signed off on Platt’s current CHR, the services to make homes safer and easier munity Services. the check and I am able to deposit available to Platt can be found to live in for citizens with disabil- The Chickasaw Young Artists “I feel so blessed being Chick- it,” Padden said. by anyone within the programs ities. Citizens can apply for both Studio helps aspiring and emerg- asaw. The tribe has helped me Moore is nationally known for and services book available to all grants every two years. ing Chickasaw artists in grades with repairs around my house,” its severe weather and the tor- Chickasaw citizens. “Ms. Platt recently received a 7-12 by providing supervised stu- Platt said. “My house is one of the nados that have struck the city. “I keep up with the services of- handicapped accessibility grant dio time. oldest in Moore. Over the years, While not having experienced fered to us. I read the programs to put in a walk-in shower,” Davis Through the studio, students it has needed work to make it a direct damage to her home from and services book,” Burkhart said. “This is a common request can book one of 10 sessions al- home, something my tribe was storms, over the years, Platt has said. “Also, being around it (citi- from citizens, as well as wheel lotted per week. During the ses- able to help me with.” made improvements that reflect zens) you find out about what’s chair ramps, widening doors and sions, the young artists will work Renovations on Platt’s house her preparedness for weather offered. It’s wonderful to be able lowering counter tops.” on artwork with an assigned art have included the addition of a events. to help others and complete the According to Davis, the storm instructor, build portfolios, and handicap-accessible bathroom, “In this part of the country, we tasks needed by others.” shelter program is available to all prepare art for contest submis- siding on her home, replacement have a lot of tornados and pret- With all the work done to Platt’s citizens who own their homes. sions. Students must bring their of subflooring in her utility room, ty bad winters. When the power home, the program that may It does not have income restric- own supplies and only scheduled replacement of her front porch went off, I was without heat,” Ms. make her feel most comfortable tions. For citizens at large, grants artists may be in the studio. and repairs to her roof, among Platt said. “We put in the (gas) living alone is her medical alert up to $2,500 can be provided for The studio is provided by other projects. wall heater. Now I have heat when necklace provided by the Chicka- the installation of storm shelters. Chickasaw Nation Arts and Hu- Justin Padden, owner of J & D the power is down. I have had to saw Nation. According to Platt, For more information on any of manities. Construction and Remodeling use it several times when the she feels comfortable day and these grants, contact the Housing For more information or an and Platt’s contractor, explained power was off.” night with it within reach. Administration office at 580-421- application, please contact Cara most of the work done to the Platt also has a storm shelter “When I am at home alone, the 8800. Criswell at (580) 272-5520. house is routine maintenance. provided by the tribe that was (medical) necklace makes me feel December 2015 OBITUARIES chickasaw times 13 Judith Ann Lloyd Charlie Noel Wells Waymon Merrwell Shirley F. McAlister Deedra Jefferson Deedra Jefferson died Brown Thursday, October 8, 2015 at her home. She was born No- vember 28, 1975 in Talihina to Marion Eugene and Rose Marie Shields Jefferson. She attended Monahans, Texas grade school and graduated from Permian High School in Odessa. She attended the University of Arkansas and the Pontotoc Vo-Tech. She received her Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate and was employed as an LPN with the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center. Deedra was a Chickasaw citizen and tribal Charlie Noel Wells passed Shirley F. McAlister, for- member of Mitchell Memorial employee, Judith Ann (May) peacefully on July 23, 2015. merly of Ada, went to be with United Methodist Church. Lloyd passed away on Octo- Charlie Wells was born in the Lord Jesus Christ on Oc- Waymon Merrwell Brown, She was preceded in death ber 24, 2015. She was born Bromide, Okla. on May 21, tober 24, 2015. She was laid 85, was born in Elmore City, by her maternal grandpar- on April 25, 1941 to Virgil 1925 as a proud member of to rest on October 28, 2015 at Okla. on August 10, 1930 to ents, Joe and Minnie Shields; and Sue (Wilson) May in Ba- the Chickasaw Nation. Shortly Missionary Ridge Cemetery Thedus Merrwell and Grace and her paternal grandpar- kersfield, Calif. Judie was the after birth, his family moved in Bon Aqua, Tenn. She was Brown and he stepped into ents, Andrew Jefferson and granddaughter of Susan Ann to Elgin, Okla. where Charlie a Chickasaw citizen and born Heaven on October 20, 2015. Daisy Sampson. (Shipp) Wilson, an original spent his school years, un- in McAlester, Okla. on August Mr. Brown was an active Survivors include her par- enrollee of the Chickasaw Na- til eagerly enlisting into the 11, 1945 and raised in Arpelar member of the Prime Time ents, Gene and Rose Jeffer- tion. US Army in 1943. His forma- and Ada, Okla. Bunch at Mobberly Baptist son, of the home; two sis- Judie graduated from Choc- tive years were spent hunt- She attended Latta schools. Church. He was retired from ters, Drucilla “DD” Jacob and taw High School and the ing, fish- She worked at Brockway Glass Sun Oil as a Corrosion Spe- her husband, Steve, of Ada, Draughon Business College. ing, playing for many years. She married cialist and was a 32nd degree and Denise Clark and her She was highly skilled in ac- sports and Thomas McAlister in 1974. Mason. He also served in the husband, Billy, of Ada; her counting and was a successful working la- Due to his job, she traveled Korean War in the Air Force nephews and nieces, Dustin real estate agent and business bor intensive to many different places and played on the Air Force Newport, Courtney DeCo- owner. She also had an adven- jobs to help and lived in many different baseball team. teau, Stonie Stepps and Tray turesome spirit. As a flight at- support his states. She eventually made In his younger days you Moore, Catie Hamilton and tendant, she flew all over the depression- Bon Aqua, Tenn. her home. would find this proud man of husband, Clovis, and Nikki world, visiting many different e ra fa m i l y She was a wonderful and car- Chickasaw heritage fishing Stepps and Zackaree Stepps; countries and as an over-the- of 12. ing person and an awesome and hunting. As years went and two great nephews, Eli- road truck driver, she drove A natural- and loving mother, always by, he loved traveling the jah “EJ” Edney, Jr. and Jaxon big rigs coast to coast. Judie ly gifted athlete, Charlie was there for her family. Heaven country with Joyce and their Moore. was employed at the Chicka- 17 when he attracted the at- called home a true angel. She friends in a motorhome, work- Bearers were Matt Clark, saw Nation Department of tention of St Louis Cardinals will be missed by many and ing in his woodshop creating Jay Wisdom, Clovis Hamilton, Commerce. baseball scouts who pleaded loved always. We will cherish treasured pieces, and restor- Dustin Newport, Zackaree Judie was preceded in death with him to accept their de- the precious memories of our ing his 64-1/2 bright red con- Stepps and Virgil Tilley, Jr. by her parents; a sister, Bev- ferment offer instead of be- time with her. vertible Mustang. He lived Honorary bearers were EJ Ed- erly Sue (May) Adams; brother, coming a soldier. Charlie ada- She was preceded in death life to the fullest and could ney, Jr., Jaxon Moore, Victo- Fred Lee May; and great-grand- mantly declined and enlisted by her husband, Thomas even be found ballroom danc- ria Morgan, Misty Buck, Tana daughter, Alexis Brianna Wis- to fight for our freedoms. McAlister in 2010; parents ing with his beloved wife, or Clark, Cindi Stevens, Leslie er. Earning Sergeant stripes Fannie Gosnell Arpelar and barbequing a meal the entire Shaw and Shawna McFarland. Survivors include her daugh- by the age of 19, Charlie was Sidney Arpelar; two sisters, family would enjoy. On a side Services for Deedra Jean ter, Sherrill Martin and hus- awarded a Bronze Star for Laura Lindsey and Lillian note, his cooking skills never Jefferson, 39, of Ada, were band, Dwight, of Ada; son, rescuing a downed recon- Lindsey; and two brother-in- extended to chicken and tuna, at the First United Method- Gerald R. Smith and wife, naissance pilot 2 miles be- laws, Otis Lindsey and George but hot links were one of his ist Church in Ada, Rev. Don Cheryl, of Summerville, S.C.; hind enemy lines. He suffered Lindsey. all-time favorites. He also en- Jacob officiated. Burial fol- grandchildren, Khari Clark, of two bullet wounds fighting She is survived by three joyed being a part of the Mus- lowed at Pontotoc Cemetery. Jacksonville, Fla., Kevin Wiser, on Philippine soil shortly daughters and one son: Car- tang Patrol with the Shriners of Ada, and Colton, Madison before war’s end. These seri- men Chancey and Renee and sharing wisdom, wit, and and Cooper of Summerville, ous wounds denied him the Holden, of Bon Aqua, Tenn.; a chuckle with all who knew S.C.; great-grandchildren, Ja- chance of a baseball career. Michelle Lynch, of Ada, Okla.; him. cob, Joshua, Kayla and Arielle; After the war Charlie dis- and Michael Shields, of Bon He loved his wife, Joyce brothers, Bob May and wife, covered the beauty of north- Aqua, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren Brown, his children, Alan Lawanda, of Oklahoma City, western Oregon. It was there and six great-grandchildren. Brown, of Longview, and Kim and Jerry May and wife, Linda, he met and married Sara Hawkins, of Daingerfield, Tex- also of Oklahoma City. Hensel. However, due to se- as. He was the proud grand- A memorial service was at rious asthma issues, Charlie dad of Matthew, mark and 11:00am, Friday, October 30, was compelled to move his Monica Brown and Jonathan 2015 at Smith-Phillips Funeral wife and children to Fresno, Hawkins. He was blessed to Home Chapel. Pastor Harold Calif. in 1962. have five great grandchil- Ware officiated. Fellowship fol- Although Charlie found dren, Christopher, Kayla, and lowed the service at Ada First time to enjoy playing cards, Jocobe Brown, and Emley and Baptist Church, 521 South dominoes, bowling, hunting Fiona Hawkins. He is also Broadway Avenue. and fishing with friends, he survived by numerous nieces dedicated his life to support- and nephews. His only sister ing his family. Through his and brother in law, Claudia labor, intelligence and excep- and Dr. DI Coggin, share un- tional work ethic, Charlie be- forgettable memories of times came a highly respected auto- together. motive clutch builder. He was Lawson Osta He was preceded in death renowned throughout the USA by his parents, and his grand- for the quality of his product. son, David Hawkins. Schafer Morgan Charlie and Sara, who pre- In lieu of flowers, take a ceded him in death, raised Our beautiful baby boy, moment to value friendships, five children, Michael, Jim Lawson Osta (Pumpkin) love your family, dance like (deceased), Don, Ron and Schafer Morgan, was born and no one is watching, learn the Cheryl. The family grew to joined his Creator on Saturday, Pledge of Allegiance, be able include grand children: Lau- October 24th, at 5:05 p.m. He to recite from memory the ra Wells; Melissa Lyons; Tra- was 9 inches long and weighed 23rd Psalm, travel the world, cy Sample; Christopher (de- 7.7 ou nces. read a good book, tell your ceased), Brandon and Marcus He was preceded in death children you love them, and Wells; Richard and Erin Mi- by great grandparents Bill don’t forget to give your life randa. Great-grandchildren and Alta Clair Morgan, Don to Jesus. include Sydney Lyons; Alexan- Schafer, and Bennie Ison. A memorial service for Way- dria and Belle Bohlman; Char- He is survived by his mon was at The Crossing at lie Sample; Jackson and Lau- parents, Destany and Larry Mobberly Baptist Church on ren Wells; Clarissa Ramirez. Morgan; grandparents, Todd Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Sadly, Charlie will miss the and Traci Schafer, Larry 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Sr. and Donna Morgan, and birth of his most recent great- Teresa Miller Morgan; great grand son, Mario Loya. grandparents, Phyllis and AJ Charlie will be remembered Schafer, Liz and Larry Shaw, as a charming, respected, Ginny Schafer, and Thomas fun-loving man who was and Sandi Miller; aunts and quick to laugh and a gener- uncles, Melissa and Andy ous, dedicated father who was Shelton, Monica and Dave beloved by his daughters-in- Brown, Edward (“Tyler”) law, Cynthia(Medina)Wells; Morgan, William (“Bill”) Mary(Lopez)Wells; and son- Morgan, and Jonathan and in-law, Ernie Miranda. Angela Sanders; and cousins, A funeral service was at Heather and Ian Brown. Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & We are so blessed to have Blair Funeral Home on Friday, had him in our lives, if only July 31, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. for a short time. Rest in Interment followed at Fresno Peace, Lawson Osta (Pumpkin) Memorial Gardens. Schafer Morgan. The Wells family wishes to Graveside services for express their sincere appre- Lawson Osta Schafer Morgan, ciation to Kendal Seymore. infant son of Larry Douglas Ms Seymore went above and Morgan, Jr. and Destany beyond her “care giver” role Michelle Schafer-Morgan were by becoming Charlie’s trust- 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the New worthy friend. Charlie was Bethel Cemetery at Byng. blessed to have her in his life during his final months. Programs & Services Directory available The2016 Programs & Services Directory is now available for download at Chickasaw.net/ servicedirectory. Hard copies will soon be mailed directly to all Chickasaw citizens. The Programs & Services Directory contains information about all tribal programs and services. Inside the directory are program descriptions, contact information and office locations. 14 chickasaw times December 2015 Wintersmith Park shining brightly Ada’s Trail of Lights Display

Large candy ornmament that hangs on the Christmas tree sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation in Wintersmith Park in Ada, Okla.

SS Santa light display at Wintersmith Park in Ada, Okla.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby officially flipped the switch on Ada’s Trail of Lights display at Wintersmith Park Nov. 23. Joining Gov. Anoatubby are, from left, Lisa Bratcher, public information officer for the city of Ada; Angie Dean, Ada attorney; Chris Anoatubby, under-secretary of tribal and commercial health for the Chickasaw Nation; Lisa John, secretary of culture and humanities for the Chickasaw Nation; Valorie Walters, executive officer for the Chickasaw Cultural Center, and Stacey Golightly, Pontotoc Technology Center small business coordinator. Decorative and festival holiday lights greet visitors on a one-mile path through the park. The highlight of the excursion is Ada’s Christmas tree in front of Wintersmith Lodge.

Bridge of lights at Wintersmith Park in Ada, Okla.

Lit Christmas tree sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation at Wintersmith Park in Ada, Okla.