The Chickasaw Nation 1983-2018

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YEARS OF 35 PROGRESS The Chickasaw Nation 1983-2018

Greetings! This year marks an exciting milestone for our tribe: 35 years ago, the Chickasaw Nation ratified our official tribal constitution.

The establishment of this document culminated the tireless process of enacting change and reaffirming the right to self-governance. After statehood, Chickasaws resisted federal assimilation policies by honoring and embracing their rich social and cultural identities.

Tribal leaders worked conscientiously to ensure that the new constitution would fit the needs of Chickasaws living in a modern society. The 1983 Constitution re-established the three- department system for our government and reaffirmed sovereignty and self-determination.

As a tribe, we have experienced remarkable growth under this Constitution. In the years following ratification, we turned our focus to economic development and business diversification while maintaining education, healthcare and housing as priorities. In doing so, we have been able to further support our mission of enhancing the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people.

Our people have more opportunities than ever before. This anniversary is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the guidance of our Constitution, the foresight of the tribal leaders who drafted it and the path it paved for the Chickasaw Nation to become what it is today.

Sincerely,

Bill Anoatubby, Governor The Chickasaw Nation 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION

1983 1983 Johnson-O’Malley Program administered by the tribe, providing supplemental support for Native Citizens of the Chickasaw American students attending public school. Nation voted to ratify the tribal constitution. The Chickasaw Nation established the Higher The 1983 Constitution Education Scholarship Program, making grants allowed the Chickasaw and scholarships available to tribal citizens who people to decide what is are pursuing higher education. best for their tribe as well as solidified the three The Chickasaw Nation Emergency Medical Services branch structure of tribal program is established by the health system. government: executive, legislative and judicial. 1984 Overton James elected Governor and The Chickasaw Nation is Bill Anoatubby elected as Lt. Governor awarded a grant to establish the food distribution program for qualifying citizens living in the Chickasaw Nation.

This timeline includes a selection of Chickasaw Nation highlights. This is not an exhaustive list of achievements. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress

1985 1986 A Chickasaw Nation Health Clinic opened its doors The first Chickasaw Nation Nutrition at a temporary location in Ardmore. The facility, Center was dedicated in Ada. open five days a week, was staffed with qualified healthcare professionals to serve the Ardmore area.

The Chickasaw Nation began full operation of the Tishomingo Clinic, expanding the tribe’s role in the 1987 direct provision of health care. Bill Anoatubby elected to his first term as Governor The Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program began. of the Chickasaw Nation.

The Chickasaw Veterans Program was established to meet the needs of Chickasaw veterans.

The tribe breaks ground on a new Ardmore Health Clinic. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION 1990 Governor Anoatubby and other dignitaries gathered in Warr 1988 Acres, Oklahoma to celebrate and honor great Chickasaw The Chickasaw Nation Ardmore Health storyteller Te Ata Thompson Fisher on what was deemed Clinic opened a new facility. “Te Ata Fisher Day.” 1991 “Touso Ishto” Bingo Hall was dedicated in Thackerville, Oklahoma, near the site that would later become WinStar World Casino.

Governor Bill Anoatubby re-elected to serve his second term. 1989 The Chickasaw Nation fulfilled a long time goal of regaining ownership of the historical Chickasaw Capitol Building in Tishomingo. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress 1993 1992 The Chickasaw Nation Department of Youth Services established. The Chickasaw Nation’s Annual Meeting relocated to the capital city of Tishomingo. The event was The Chickasaw Honor Guard was established to conduct combined with the Chickasaw Festival and was military honors at funerals and memorial services. The guard also officially added into the tribal code. participates in parades, powwows, ceremonies and various tribal functions. The Chickasaw Nation Dance Troupe was formed to educate, preserve and restore the The inaugural Chickasaw Nation tradition of Chickasaw dance. Senior Citizens Conference was conducted at the Chickasaw Governor Motor Inn in Sulphur. Anoatubby presented a check for the final payment to the Johnston County Commissioners for the Chickasaw Nation Capitol A new multi-purpose education building was building, dedicated in Ada. making the tribe’s reclamation of the historical landmark official. Chickasaw Nation Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary of ratifying the tribal constitution. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION 1994 1995 A farmers market nutrition program The Chickasaw Nation assumed operation of was established to provide participants Carl Albert Indian Health Facility. This made the who qualify for WIC with vouchers Chickasaw Nation the first tribe to compact with for fresh fruits and vegetables. Indian Health Services to assume responsibility for administration of its own health system. Summer youth program established.

Governor Bill Anoatubby announced the initiation of an area Upward Bound Program at Murray State College in Tishomingo. The program aims to prepare high school students for college.

Child care assistance program established. The Chickasaw Historical Society was established with a mission to promote, preserve and protect Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby culture and family traditions. re-elected to third term. Tribal nutrition services announced a new service Adult learning program established to provide academic offering expectant mothers training on how to make assistance to adults within the Chickasaw Nation who informed choices on breastfeeding. want to complete their High School Equivalency Exam. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress

1996 Vocational rehabilitation program established.

The Chickasaw Nation reached an agreement with Pontotoc County Broadcasting, Inc. to purchase Ada’s KADA radio.

Chickasaw Nation Industries, a federally chartered corporation owned by the Chickasaw Nation, was established. CNI is a holding company The ribbon was cut on a with several subsidiaries that operate as Limited new Chickasaw Community Liability Companies that are engaged in multiple Center in Ardmore. The lines of business. community centers provide multi-functional spaces and Chickasaw Nation Child Support Services was amenities for meetings, celebrations established to assist Native American children and other events. in receiving court-ordered child support. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION

1996 A new Chickasaw Nation community center The Chickasaw and Choctaw was dedicated in Sulphur to serve citizens in Nations partnered to provide Murray County. quality healthcare to Native Americans by opening a clinic Sulphur Senior Nutrition Center opened. in Durant. The Choctaw Nation owned the facility while the Chickasaw Nation staffed it with Citizens now have access to a newly established medical professionals. eyeglasses program that provides them with an allowance toward the purchase of new glasses or contacts.

The tribe opens a Senior Nutrition and The Chickasaw Nation Community Center in Tishomingo. established a new farmer’s market program to make The Chickasaw Nation dedicated the fresh fruits and vegetables Tishomingo Head Start to provide more accessible to area children with quality early Chickasaw elders. childhood education. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress 1998 1997 The Chickasaw Nation breaks ground The tribe assumed operational and financial control on and completes Healthy Lifestyles in Ada, a residential substance abuse facility of housing for the Chickasaw Nation. that serves Native American adults.

Carl Albert Indian Health The tribe conducts a ribbon cutting on a Chickasaw Nation Facility opens additional Community Center that serves the Achille area. Sulphur Senior Nutrition Center opened. outpatient pharmacy for A clinic designed to provide nutritional education and convenience of patients. facilitate the USDA funded Women, Infants, and Children program is opened in Ada.

A grocery store was opened in Ardmore in conjunction with Tribal health systems the Chickasaw Nation Food Distribution Program. Both dedicated a new Family food and nutrition education are available at the facility. Practice Center in Ada to provide comprehensive Tribal Housing Services initiated the Chuka Chukmasi health care for people (“Beautiful Home”) Home Loan Program. The program of all ages. was designed to help citizens realize their dreams of homeownership. Career technology A ceremony was conducted wherein the Chickasaw Nation program established. rededicates the historic Capitol. Following the ceremony, the Chickasaw tribal legislature conducted its first meeting in the building since 1906. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION 2000 1999 Officials from the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations joined for The Chickasaw Nation Health System developed a the opening of the new Durant mail-out pharmacy program to ensure that citizens Indian Health Clinic. living away from the health facilities in Ada can receive their medications with convenience. The Chickasaw Nation purchased Bedré Fine Chocolate.

Groundbreakings in Ada and Kullihoma commemorate A historical marker was dedicated the beginning of construction on Chickasaw Nation at the Chickasaw White House, Senior Nutrition Centers in each community. the former home of Chickasaw Nation Governor Douglas H. Johnston. Chickasaw Nation Health System initiates Geriatric Chickasaw leader Tishominko honored Program to serve its with monument at the Capitol. senior citizens. Newly renovated Food Distribution Center in Ada opened, providing a grocery store- Governor Bill Anoatubby like atmosphere to clients. re-elected to his fourth term. The Chickasaw Nation Health System celebrates grand opening of a new outpatient physical therapy facility. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress 2002 2001 The Chickasaw Nation breaks ground on new Chickasaw Banc Holding Company established. Diabetes Care Center at Carl Albert Indian Health Facility. Senior farmers’ market nutrition program established.

Tribal transportation services established to provide Native Americans within the Chickasaw Nation access to safe and easy transportation. 2002 Governor Bill Anoatubby initiates the Strong Family Replicas of the traditional Chickasaw structures are Initiative, emphasizing the value of healthy families dedicated at Kullihoma. and their impact on the tribe as a whole. Tribe breaks ground on the Chickasaw Children’s Village, a residential and educational care facility for Native American children located in Kingston.

Bank2, a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation, opened in Oklahoma City. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION

2003 Chickasaw Nation Aviation Storm shelter and Space Academy program established. (CNASA) established.

Ribbon cutting at the Bedré Fine Chocolate Factory. Tribe celebrates the opening of the WinStar Casino with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Thackerville. New Chickasaw Nation Food Distribution Center Governor Bill Anoatubby dedicated in Purcell. re-elected to his 5th term.

The Chickasaw Nation assumed primary responsibility Construction begins on a for the operation of the Chickasaw Agency Court of Chickasaw Nation Health Indian Offenses CFR Court. Clinic in Purcell. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress 2004 2004 Ground breaking marks the start Chickasaw Children’s of construction for the Chickasaw Village opens. Cultural Center in Sulphur.

A new Chickasaw Nation Health Clinic opened Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse in Purcell. Police Force re-established with the same mission as the mounted The Chickasaw Nation breaks ground on wellness police force that was active in pre- center and nutrition center in Ardmore. Statehood Oklahoma. Chickasaw Arts Academy established. 2005 Lighthorse Police Officers commissioned by Bureau of Chickasaw Nation Governor Indian Affairs. Bill Anoatubby inducted into the Oklahoma Hall Tribe celebrates opening of Ardmore Wellness Center. of Fame.

First wellness and family Chisha' Tálla'a' Preserve was established near Tupelo, center opened in Ada. Mississippi where ancestral Homeland can be explored, interpreted and commemorated. Chickasaw Nation Nutrition Services established SNAP-Ed Program. Lazer Zone Family Fun Center opened in Ada. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION

2006 Riverwind Youth clothing program begins. Casino opens. A ground breaking was held for the Chickasaw Nation Douglas Johnston Education Administration building.

Drug court support services established. Construction began on a Chickasaw Community Center in Enos.

Chickasaw Press established as the first Native American press of its kind.

Assisted living program established. Chikasha Pehlichi Ikbi (“Creating Chickasaw Leaders”) youth leadership program established. Availability of the over-the-counter medication program was expanded to citizens at large. School to work program established to provide student employees the opportunity to pursue higher Driveway repair program established. educational goals while receiving pay. Dynamic Woman of the Year award established. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress

2006 The summer food program was initiated to serve school- Chickasaw Nation Eyeglasses Program now available aged children during the summer months. for citizens living at-large. Chickasaw Nation conducts first listening conference.

Historic Chickasaw Construction began on Capitol improvement the Chickasaw Nation project completed. Health System Pharmacy Refill Center.

School-to-work program established. Tribe conducts groundbreaking The tribe acquired historic Burney Institute, a former on Tishomingo Wellness Center. school for Chickasaw children.

Career development initiative established with the goal of providing employment training services to Chickasaw Nation Nutrition Center opens on individuals who may have employment barriers. Ardmore campus.

Chickasaw Health System establishes a mail-order Health spending account program established for citizens service for pharmacy refills. at-large. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION

2007 United States Postal Service Lighthorse Police and commemorated Narcotics Bureau the centennial sign historic cross- of Oklahoma’s deputization agreement. statehood with a stamp featuring a painting by A Chickasaw Community Chickasaw artist Center is opened in Enos. Mike Larsen. Governor Bill Anoatubby purchased the first of these stamps in Tishomingo.

Governor Bill Anoatubby re-elected to his 6th term. Graduation assistance program established.

Laptop scholarship for higher education established. A ribbon cutting is conducted for a new Chickasaw Community Chikasha Holitoplichi, a degree completion incentive Center in Ada. program established. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress

2007 Chickasaw Language Immersion program initiated The Chickasaw for Head Start students. Nation conducted a groundbreaking for the state-of-the-art Chickasaw The Chickasaw Nation Medical Center. Health Information Center (CHIC) began operation, offering free online health information for Health Pharmacy Refill Systems visitors. Center opens doors in Ada.

Restoration of The Chickasaw Language Revitalization Program was the Chickasaw established to preserve and share the Chickasaw language. White House in Emet completed. Services-at-large health spending program established. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION 2008 2009 Grants for textbooks added to higher education The historic McSwain Theatre scholarship program. in Ada, now operated by the Chickasaw Nation, celebrated Mail order prescription delivery services established. a re-opening.

First tribal Science, Technology, Engineering and Groundbreaking held for Chickasaw Nation Search and Mathematics (STEM) program and the FIRST Rescue Firehouse in Ada. Robotics team established. The tribe’s first Child The Sick Child Care Center is Development Center opened in Ada to care for mildly opened in Ada. ill children and protect the health of their peers. Inaugural Dynamic Women of the Chickasaw Nation Conference takes place in Ada. Oklahoma Optical dedicated in Ada. Chickasaw Community Radio, KCNP, aired its Internship program began. first broadcast. The department of Housing & Tribal Development Supplemental lawn mowing program made available for dedicated a new facility in Ada. eligible tribal elders residing within the Chickasaw Nation. Chickasaw Nation conducts listening conference. All Chickasaw Nation Department of Health campuses Road-to-work program established. became tobacco free. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress

2010 The Chickasaw Honor Garden, located at the Chickasaw Thousands of Chickasaws Cultural Center, was dedicated to recognize inductees in gather for the Chickasaw the Chickasaw Hall of Fame. Cultural Center opening in Sulphur. Internship housing units opened in Ada.

Construction begins New tribal legislative and judicial on the new, revitalized facilities were dedicated in Ada. Artesian Hotel in Sulphur.

New landscaping package program offers Chickasaw homeowners a set number of trees, shrubs, grasses Chickasaw Nation and sod. Medical Center in Ada dedicated. “Pearl,” the Chickasaw Nation’s first feature film highlighting the life of Chickasaw aviatrix Pearl Carter Violence prevention services established for victims, both Scott was released. Native and non-Native, of domestic violence residing within the tribal boundaries. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION

2011 Tribe assumes management of the Boggy Depot State Chickasaw Elder Independent living apartments made Park in Atoka. available to tribal elders in the Ardmore area.

Chickasaw Nation Science, Technology and Math Academy building completed.

The Chickasaw Nation opened a new arts and A groundbreaking is conducted for a new Chickasaw humanities facility in Ada. Nation Health Clinic in Ardmore.

Construction begins on new Chickasaw Nation Health Clinic Governor Bill Anoatubby re- in Tishomingo. elected to his 7th term. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress 2011 Childhood early intervention program established. Chickasaw.TV, a high definition website emphasizing the culture, legacy and contributions of the Chickasaw Holisso: The Center for people launched. the Study of Chickasaw History and Culture Interactive and educational website opened on the Chickasaw ChickasawKids.com launched. Cultural Center campus.

Childhood early intervention program established.

Winter fruit and The Chickasaw vegetable program for Nation Search and seniors established. Rescue Firehouse in Ada opens to house Sovereign Medical the tribal search Family Clinic and rescue team, opened in Ada. wildland firefighters and the BIA Chickasaw Agency Firefighter School. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION

2012 Ground broken Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center and Bedré Fine for Sovereign Chocolate Retail and Manufacturing Facility opened Medical Clinic and along I-35 in Davis. Pharmacy & Fine Gifts in Norman.

Tribe opens new School-age program established to provide after school Chickasaw Nation activities for Chickasaw children. Ardmore Health Clinic. Native explorers program established with a goal of increasing the number of Chickasaw students that pursue degrees in science and medicine. A groundbreaking was held for the Chikasha House, a lodging facility for the families and caregivers of Hinoshi’ Himitta’ New Path Program established to provide patients of the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center. young Chickasaws assistance in goal setting and life skills.

Sovereign Pharmacy Construction begins on and Gift Shop the Chickasaw Nation opened in Ada. Softball Complex in Ada. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress 2013 2014 Inaugural ARTesian Arts Festival brings thousands of visitors to Sulphur.

State-of-the-art Chickasaw Nation Health Clinic opens in Tishomingo. The Chickasaw Nation Chickasaw Nation opens Aalhakoffichi (“A Place conducts a ribbon cutting for Healing,”) a transitional treatment facility for for the Sovereign Medical adolescents in Pauls Valley. Clinic in Norman. A ribbon cutting is conducted to dedicate the Chikasha House on the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center campus. Inkana Foundation in the Mississippi Homeland established Farm-to-school produce to preserve, protect and interpret Chickasaw history. program established. The Chickasaw Nation New softball complex license plate compact dedicated in Ada. signed with Oklahoma. Chickasaw Summer Leadership Academy established in conjunction with Southeastern Oklahoma State University. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION

2015 Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations signed historic settlement The Chickasaw Nation Caring Van, a collaboration agreement with U.S. regarding trust resources. with the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, was unveiled. The van was designed to provide local communities Former facilities for the and rural areas access to preventative health care. Carl Albert Indian Health Facility were re-opened Governor Anoatubby as Carl Albert Service re-ignites eternal flame, Center, a training center for the sacred flame ancient tribal employees. Chickasaws lit during their annual Green A groundbreaking was conducted for the Chickasaw Nation Corn Ceremonies, at the Information Center in Tishomingo. Chickasaw Cultural Center.

The Chickasaw Nation became a charter tribe in Governor Bill Anoatubby establishing the Oklahoma State University Center elected to an unprecedented for Sovereign Nations. 8th term.

The Chickasaw Warrior Society was formed to unite Construction begins on the Inkana Bridge, a pedestrian Chickasaw veterans and bridge which connects the Chickasaw Cultural Center and active military members. the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress

2016

The first issue of Chokma Chickasaw Magazine published.

A ground breaking is held for the Apila Center on the Ada South Campus. The Apila Center offers more space for direct health care services. Chickasaw Nation dedicated Nutrition The Chickasaw Nation breaks ground on Women’s Recovery Center in Duncan. and Violence Prevention Center.

The Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations, the State of “Te Ata,” Chickasaw Nation’s second feature film, detailing Oklahoma and the city of Oklahoma City reached the life of world-renowned Chickasaw Storyteller historic water rights settlement. Te Ata Fisher, premiered.

Emergency medical services building groundbreaking Summer youth program transitions into Toksali Smart on Ada South Campus. program, a unique summer program that offers workforce training, mentoring and entrepreneurial experience. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION

2016 The Chickasaw Nation announced plans for a Chickasaw The Chickasaw Nation and U.S. Environmental Heritage Center to be located in historical Homeland of Protection Agency signed a Memorandum of Tupelo, Mississippi. Understanding regarding proper stewardship of natural resources. Chickasaw Nation Chickasaw Business Network launched to combine Housing Authority the Small Business Center, the Chickasaw Business marks 50 years of Directory and the Bid Board. service to citizens.

The WinStar Convention Center opened in Thackerville The University College of Law establishes the Chickasaw to provide a premium venue for businesses and Nation Native American Law Chair, the first endowed organizations to host conventions, business conferences chair of its kind in the country. and meetings.

Chickasaw Institute founded to provide certification and career development opportunities to Chickasaw citizens and Chickasaw Nation employees. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress

2017 The Chickasaw Nation Virtual Medical Visit Tribe opens Chickasaw program began operation, allowing patients with Nation Wellness Center non-threatening injuries and ailments to receive and expanded Health medical care without leaving home. Clinic in Purcell.

Oklahoma Optical opened a new retail facility in Ada.

Construction began on Riverstar Casino in Terral, Oklahoma. The new Chickasaw Veterans Lodge opened its doors on the Ada South Campus. Chickasaw TV app is launched and available on Ap pl e TV. 35th Anniversary OF THE CONSTITUTION

2017 New facilities on the Chickasaw Nation Tishomingo Campus dedicated, including a Head Start, Senior Center, Community Center, Area Office and Youth Club.

The Chickasaw Nation Sick Child Care program The Inchokma Mobile Medical Unit now provides recognized by Harvard’s Honoring Nations directory convenient access to health care throughout the of honored programs. Chickasaw Nation. Rosetta Stone Chickasaw, a language-learning program, now New Chickasaw Information available to all citizens. Center dedicated in Tishomingo to highlight Ribbon cutting conducted for the attractions to visitors of Chickasaw Nation Purcell Area Office. Johnston County. THE CHICKASAW NATION 35 Years of Progress 2018 Chickasaw Nation breaks ground on new, expanded AYA – Your Fitness Journey wellness center in Ada. released. AYA is an interactive and culturally relevant mobile fitness app.

A groundbreaking was conducted for the Chickasaw Nation Outpatient Pharmacy Building on the Ada South Campus. The facility will provide expanded space for pharmacy services. Chickasaw Stickball team played in the World Series of Stickball for the first time.

Senior farmers’ market Program expanded to serve Chickasaw Warrior Society members.

Chickasaw Nation breaks ground on Ardmore gym.

Chickasaw Nation Ribbon cutting conducted for Sulphur Head Start. breaks ground on Achille Pediatric services expanded to serve all regional clinics. Community Center. This timeline includes a selection of Chickasaw Nation highlights. This is not an exhaustive list of achievements.