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. LI No. 3 Official publication of the Chickasaw Nation www.chickasawtimes.net March 2016 Upcoming Events Quality, affordable housing an early priority Stomp Dance Class March 3, 6-8 p.m. Housing Authority marks 50 years of service to Chickasaws Chickasaw Senior Site In 1966, three years after Over- in Johnston County, Oklahoma. In Sulphur, Okla. ton James was appointed Gover- 1967, fathers, mothers and chil- (580) 622-7159 nor of the Chickasaw Nation, the dren took part in the first mutual tribe created the Chickasaw Hous- help home ownership program of- Three Sisters Celebration ing Authority. On February 23 the fered by the housing authority. March 5-20 tribe celebrated 50 years of provid- In order to take advantage of Chickasaw Cultural Center ing housing services to its citizens. the opportunity, family members Sulphur Governor Bill Anoatubby said pitched in to help with construc- (580) 622-7130 the housing authority served as a tion. Those families were willing starting point for the wide range to invest their time and effort, of housing services offered by the often called “sweat equity,” in or- Stomp Dance Class tribe. der to become homeowners. They March 8, 6-8 p.m. “Establishing the housing au- cleaned, moved rubble, laid foun- Chickasaw Community Center thority was the first step in our dations, or performed other tasks Ada, Okla. efforts to help meet the housing as an in-kind down payment. (580) 622-7159 needs of our citizens,” Gov. Anoa- The housing authority was cre- tubby said. “Since then, housing ated under the Oklahoma Hous- Gourdget Class has remained a high priority for ing Authority Act of 1965. How- March 8, 2-4 p.m. the Chickasaw Nation, because ever, tribes were at something of a ARTesian Gallery & Studios high quality affordable housing is disadvantage in those early years, essential to enhancing the qual- according to Wayne Scribner, Ex- Sulphur Members of the Mosely family - Palmer, Grayson, Ethan, Jennie and Maverick - gather in front of their (580) 622-8040 ity of life of our citizens. Five de- ecutive Director of the Chickasaw cades later, the housing authority home just north of Ada. The Moselys sought a safe and dependable living space to grow a family and Housing Authority. still plays an important role in our retire one day. They took advantage of multiple programs offered through the Chickasaw Nation, “Even though an Indian tribe Gourdget Class service to the Chickasaw people.” including the Chuka Chukmasi home loan program and storm shelter program. could form a housing authority, March 8, 6:30-8 p.m. Some of the first families served by the housing authority lived in the small community of Fillmore SEE HOUSING , PAGE 5 Arts & Humanities Building Ada (580) 272-5520 Newest design created by Tribe expands Patta Butcher Silk Paint March 12 Chickasaw artist Brenda Kingery reach of KCNP ARTesian Gallery & Studios Sulphur community radio (580) 622-8040 ‘Three Sisters’ is new Pendleton blanket A D A , Genealogy Day SULPHUR, Okla. - A small paint- Mrs. Kingery said she was sur- Okla. – The March 12 ing created by a Chickasaw artist prised and honored her art work Ch ickasaw Chickasaw Cultural Center during her quest to better under- was selected as the featured de- Nation is ex- Sulphur stand her native culture is now the sign on the blanket. panding its (580) 622-7130 inspiration for a heritage blanket. “This is really something – I am radio reach in south central Okla- Brenda Kingery’s “Three Sisters” so honored,” she said. “It was a homa with broadcasts from the blanket, produced by Pendleton surprise to me and I take it with National Learn About Dickson-Ardmore area. Woolen Mills, is now available great honor. I thank the Chicka- Butterflies Day Governor Bill Anoatubby said the exclusively at the Chickasaw Cul- saws for the opportunity.” reach of the KCNP signal is being March 14 tural Center in Sulphur. Mrs. Kingery, who is known for expanded to better serve communi- Chickasaw Cultural Center “Three Sisters” marks the third her contemporary Native Ameri- ties throughout the Chickasaw Na- Sulphur Pendleton blanket designed by a can art throughout the world, is tion. (580) 622-7130 Chickasaw artist. The “Three Sis- the first female Chickasaw art- “KCNP is a significant part of our ters” design was inspired by the ist to be featured on a Pendleton BRENDA KINGERY effort to provide information to the gardens grown using the tradi- blanket. Stomp Dance Class learn from one another.” people we serve,” Gov. Anoatubby tional Chickasaw “Three Sisters” Her foray into realism and what said. “We expanded the reach of March 17, 6-8 p.m. (corn, beans and squash) planting ultimately became the featured She was inspired to interpret her Chickasaw Senior Site heritage the best way she knows our signal to better serve our audi- method. art work on the blanket stemmed ence, because our listeners live and Sulphur From her home in San Antonio, from a desire to know more about how – through her art. (580) 622-7159 “These figures are part of that work in all parts of the Chickasaw her Chicka- Nation.” saw culture. learning skill. It’s just something Stomp Dance Class I did for the pure joy of it.” The Dickson tower sprang to life A trip to Dec. 15 as 89.3 FM. Content from the March 22, 6-8 p.m. O k l a h o m a Mrs. Kingery ultimately created a series of five art pieces featuring tribe’s community radio station in Chickasaw Community Center for the Chick- Chickasaw women dancers. Ada - KCNP 89.5 FM - is being broad- Ada asaw Nation Drawing on archival paper, she cast to an estimated 86,000 addi- (580) 622-7159 D y n a m i c tional listeners, according to Brian W o m e n ’ s began with simple pencil draw- ings. When she was satisfied with Brashier, KCNP manager. Coffee & Careers Conference The radio station is classified as sparked her their form, she would add color March 29 with acrylic and watercolor. a Non-Commercial/Educational fasci nat ion station because it does not include Chickasaw Community Center with Chicka- “The women all came from my Ardmore, Okla. imagination – I have to imagine commercial announcements or saw culture business advertisement. (580) 436-7259 and tradi- them before I can draw them,” she said. “Community radio is a term refer- tions. The ex- ring to stations that broadcast pro- Easter Celebration perience left Most of the artwork ended up at the Chickasaw Cultural Center’s gramming which serves the flavor March 26 her with a de- of interest of its geographical com- sire to learn Apisa Art Gallery, where it caught Chickasaw Cultural Center the eye of staff members. They munity with programs of interests Sulphur more. initiated the process for produc- on varying topics,” Mr. Brashier said. (580) 622-7130 “ E v e r y “South central Oklahoma is a di- time I am in ing the Pendleton Blanket. “The first design I submitted verse mix of people with a wide va- Easter Egg Workshop a group, (of riety of interests. KCNP broadcasts Chickasaws) was more abstract – it was sur- March 26, 10 a.m.-Noon prising to me that an actual fig- the widest variety of music on any I’m asking station in the southern Oklahoma & 1-3 p.m. questions to ure would be implemented into a blanket,” she said. region.” Arts & Humanities Building, Ada & learn more,” The latest acquisitions by the ARTesian Gallery, Sulphur she said. “I Mrs. Kingery said she was still learning about the Chickasaw cul- Chickasaw Nation will air events Ridged Heddle Weaving love that part and programs affecting Chickasaw of us being ture through fellow artists and el- March 26 people and their neighbors featured Chickasaw, I ders. ARTesian Gallery & Studios in many public affairs interviews. “THREE SISTERS” special Chickasaw Pendleton blanket now available at the love that we “There are all kinds of things Sulphur “KCNP airs news from around the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Okla. talk to each I am still learning,” she said. “I (580) 622-8040 world from the Associated Press and SEE SISTERS, PAGE 5 ot h e r a n d also broadcasts news and sports from around Oklahoma, plus local news segments,” Mr. Brashier said. The news is offered between 7 Warrior dedication and 9 a.m. and 4 and 6 p.m., Mon- day through Friday. Chickasaw veteran committed to helping fellow vets Additionally, the KCNP staff in- cludes a National Weather Service- Rebecca Owens’ identification Her father, Thomas E. Fear, trained storm spotter and is a mem- as Chickasaw began as a young served as a U.S. Air Force avia- ber of OKFirst, a network of weather, girl, when her grandmother tion photographer. Her daughter, public safety and media profession- Chickasaw Times Oteka Wires, and her mother Megan Leigh Gramm, is serving als coordinating alerts for the safety Paula Wellings told her about her in the USAF, and her son, Derek of Oklahomans. All of this will be Chickasaw heritage. Miles Campbell, is a U.S. Navy air available to listeners at the two new- “I wanted to always wear braids crewman. ly-established radio stations. in my hair and moccasins on my Mrs. Owens’ Chickasaw grand- KCNP’s seasoned staff features feet,” Mrs. Owens said. “I wanted mother and Italian grandfather Mike Manos in the morning and everyone to know I was Chicka- met in the U.S. Army. Tishia Agee in the afternoon. saw, and I was too young to un- “How they ended up together Mr. Brashier began his career in derstand the deeper meaning.” is a puzzle to me,” she said. “My 1980 in Paris, Texas, and was ac- Chickasaws have been known grandfather was a gregarious tive as a television weather anchor throughout history as great war- linguist. My grandmother was a in Oklahoma and Texas for several riors and strong community soft-spoken nurse.” years. Operation duties for KCNP are builders. Mrs. Owens is a proud In the 1980s, when Mrs. Owens Retired U.S. Navy master chief petty officer handled by Shana Poe, who has 20 Chickasaw citizen and veteran began her pursuit of a military Rebecca Owens and husband Timothy Owens. years of experience in business op- who, after a career in the U.S. career, “billet” assignments for Mrs. Owens now serves veterans as an advocate. Navy, continues to serve by as- women were fewer than those erations. sisting veterans. In many ways, for men. She learned this while ous branches before enlisting. In KCNP can be accessed globally by Online going to www.kcnpradio.org. she is honoring her heritage. meeting with recruiters of vari- SEE WARRIOR, PAGE 5 2 CHICKASAW TIMES March 2016 Upcoming Events Myah Joy Elmore is first baby ‘Coffee & Careers’ tribal Cont’d of 2016 born at Chickasaw hiring event set for March Patta Butcher Silk Paint Nation Medical Center March 26 29 at Ardmore Center ARTesian Gallery & Studios ARDMORE, Okla. - Chickasaw conduct on-site interviews. Cof- Sulphur citizens interested in working fee and refreshments will be pro- (580) 622-8040 for the Chickasaw Nation are vided. encouraged to attend a citizen Candidates are asked to bring 39th Annual Gospel hiring event later this month in a driver’s license, Social Security Singing Ardmore. card and CDIB. Departments at- March 26, The “Coffee & Careers” event tending this event include ac- will be from 3-6 p.m., Tuesday, counting, casino operations, 7p.m.-midnight March 29 at the Chickasaw Nation counseling, education, health Chickasaw Community Center Community Center, 907 Locust care, history and culture, infor- Tishomingo, Okla. Street in Ardmore. mation technology and more. This event is hosted by Chicka- Complete an application online saw Nation Human Resources. at HTTPS://Jobs.Chickasaw.net. Chickasaw Youth Hiring managers will be pres- For more information on Cof- Storytelling Workshop ent to answer questions, help fee & Careers, contact Human Re- March 28-April 1, complete online applications and sources at (580) 436-7259. 3-5 p.m. Arts & Humanities Building Ada (580) 272-5520 Ardmore Child Care Center Stomp Dance Class March 31, 6-8 p.m. accepting early enrollment Chickasaw Senior Center Sulphur ARDMORE, Okla. - The Chicka- Enrolled students will partici- (580) 622-7159 saw Nation Ardmore Child Care pate in social, emotional, cogni- Development Center is accepting tive and cultural activities. The applications for early enrollment. center offers health and wellness Tellabration The center is scheduled to begin activities to keep the children April 1, 6:30 p.m. operation this spring. active along with developmental Arts & Humanities Building The center will accept children screenings. For advanced learn- MYAH JOY ELMORE is the first baby of 2016 at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada. She is pictured Ada ages six weeks to four years. The ing, Chickasaw, sign language with her parents Weston and Dana Elmore, and sisters Harper and Halle Elmore. (580) 272-5520 education experience is open to and Spanish will be offered. all children. A Chickasaw prefer- Other activities include dance, ADA, Okla. - Myah Joy Elmore, Myah joins her proud big sis- Kite Flying ence is applied to admission, but martial arts and gymnastics daughter of Weston and Dana El- ters, Harper and Halle. all are welcome to submit applica- classes. April 1-2, 8-9 more, is the first baby of 2016. The Elmore family is from tions for admission. Fees are paid weekly in ad- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Myah was born at 8:48 p.m., Prague, Okla., and are Chickasaw If classrooms become full, ap- vance. Rates differ depending on Chickasaw White House Saturday, Jan. 2, at the Chicka- citizens. The family received an plicants will be placed on a wait- age and Chickasaw citizenship. Emet, Okla. saw Nation Medical Center in Ada. infant car seat and gift basket ing list. When a vacancy is avail- The facility will be open 7:30 (580) 371-9835 Myah weighed 6 lbs., 11 oz. and from the Chickasaw Nation Medi- able the family will be notified. a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through measured 19 inches at birth. cal Center to mark the occasion. The Chickasaw Nation Child Friday. The center is open year- Raku Pottery Care program maintains quality round except on days Chickasaw teacher-student ratio, allowing Nation offices are closed. April 4 for increased educational interac- For more information or an ap- Arts & Humanities Building tion. Additionally, an early inter- plication, visit www.chickasaw. Ada vention program assists children net or contact Kimberly Paul or (580) 622-8040 Youth Storytelling with developmental needs. Michelle Key at (580) 421-7711. Youth Speaking Chickasaw April 5, 6-8 p.m. Workshop March 28 Douglas H. Johnston Building Ada ADA, Okla. - Chickasaw Na- the Arts & Humanities build- (580) 272-5318 tion Arts & Humanities will of- ing, 201 N. Broadway in Ada. fer a Chickasaw Youth Storytell- The workshop will be followed Pinch Pots Class ing Workshop for ages 8-13 later by a Tellabration Story Concert this month. at 6:30 p.m., April 1. Seating is April 9, 10 a.m.-Noon & Students will learn the tools limited. Deadline for application 1-3 p.m. needed for storytelling includ- is March 18. Chickasaw National Capitol ing prediction, sequencing, Tishomingo comprehension, story structure For more information, contact (580) 371-3351 and recall. Students will create Stephanie Scott at (580) 272- a short three- to five-minute 5520 ext. 60072 or Stephaine. National Libraries Week digital story on the computer. [email protected] The workshop is set for 3 p.m. April 10-16 to 5 p.m., March 28-April 1 at Chickasaw Cultural Center (580) 622-7130

The Chickasaw Times is published by the Chickasaw Bill Anoatubby Jefferson Keel The Chickasaw Times is mailed free to Chickasaw registered vot- Governor Lt. Governor Times, 210 E. Main St., Ada, OK 74820, P.O. Box 1548, ers, government and educational offices and upon request to other Indian citizens. Reprint permission is granted with credit Ada, OK 74821 monthly with two special issues pub- to The Chickasaw Times unless other copyrights are shown. lished one in 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 administration of the Chickasaw Nation. Send mail to: Editor Media Relations Director All editorials and letters will become the property of the Chicka- P.O. Box 1548, Ada, OK 74821 Becca Ayres Ashlea Tatum saw Times. Editorials must be signed by the author and include Office Manager Layout Artist the author’s address. Chickasaw Times: (580) 332-2977; Fax: (580) 332-3949 Contributors Deadline for submission is the 15th of each month prior to pub- e-mail: [email protected] Media Relations: Dana Lance, Gene Lehmann Public Affairs: Tom Bailey, Amber Carey, Carmen Carter, KC Cole, lication. Submissions can be mailed, faxed, hand-delivered or Chickasaw Headquarters: (580) 436-2603 Kristen Gill, Josh Rogers, Nicole Schultz, Tamara Roberts e-mailed. Photographers: Mike McKee, Marcy Gray, Jacquelyn Sparks March 2016 CHICKASAW TIMES 3 Springtime reminds us of our Chickasaw reawakening

very little. They were resilient and incredibly per- are material signs of our tribal growth. But it is the Chick- sistent, but it was a life full of challenge. It really asaw people who are the source of our most significant is amazing the conditions they endured. Yet, they accomplishments. GOV. BILL survived and eventually prospered, and we can be With the essential building blocks of quality education, very proud of that. health care, housing, nutrition and opportunity, Chicka- ANOATUBBY The modern era of the Chickasaw Nation has seen saws have made tremendous strides in just one genera- great leaps forward. Never in history has our tribe tion. experienced the growth, the opportunities and the Our tribe each year produces growing numbers of benefits we are experiencing today. Chickasaw professionals with bachelor’s, master’s and Governor, We have achieved success in business, and we have doctoral degrees, law degrees and medical degrees. And, committed the harvest of that success to Chickasaw the number of highly-trained Chickasaw tradesmen and the Chickasaw people and programs that will produce benefits far skilled workers has grown exponentially. into the future. Housing conditions for Chickasaw families have been Nation We are proud of our giant advances in health care. substantially improved over a generation. Nutrition educa- We now have an exceptional medical center sur- tion and programs help our children grow up strong and rounded by health care clinics, all offering advanced healthy, and our families live a much better quality of life. specialties, treatments, equipment and professionals Our unique and growing Department of Health helps keep Spring is a time of rebirth. The that are producing huge, life-giving outcomes. our people on the path of good health. land around us awakens and everywhere plants and trees We honor our history, our culture and our traditions. When it comes to the “bottom line,” our greatest invest- are in bloom. A sense of excitement and renewal comes Our Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur is a premier ment – and the investment that produces by far the great- into people’s lives as winter begins its exit and warm destination for travelers from around the world. We cel- est return – is the Chickasaw people! The well-being of the breezes invite us outside. Spring is an invigorating time ebrate our Chickasaw story with this unique facility, and people is the focus of all our efforts, in every category of of year as we open our minds to the great potential before we share our traditions with those who seek to know more endeavor. us, and to the blessings we sometimes take for granted. about us. Spring is well on its way and we are thankful for this an- The Chickasaw Nation reflects this awakening, this vi- We continue to open tribal commercial facilities, and nual time of growth, refreshment and vibrancy. Let’s also tality of the season. Our tribe is always seeking new op- upgrade our existing businesses. We stay on top of the be thankful for our tribe, our families and our friends. portunities to follow our dreams together. ever-changing needs and desires of our customers, and Together, we have accomplished much. Together, we will For generations, the Chickasaw people were continually we invest in the elements that make our facilities favorite accomplish more than our ancestors ever dreamed pos- hopeful of eventual renewal. With removal to our new destinations. sible! lands, the people were faced with starting new lives with Buildings, businesses and facilities are important. They

Spring concert April 23 at McSwain Theater White House ‘Kite Fly’ School of Guitar students learning April 1-2, 8-9 in Emet instrument with instruction, practice EMET, Okla. - Families are in- by the White House staff. vited to take part in the annual For more information about any Chickasaw White House Kite Fly, of the upcoming events or tours, ADA, Okla. – Students and in- weekly one-hour classes are open songs, others the blues. Many of from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m., contact the Chickasaw White structors at the Chickasaw Na- to anyone 12 and older, including the students play in their church April 1-2 and April 8-9. House at (580) 371-9835, or visit tion School of Guitar are work- non-Native Americans. Guitars, bands, but also like to play songs The Kite Fly highlights the be- www.Chickasaw.net/WhiteHouse. ing overtime in preparation for straps and electronic tuners are for themselves. If anything, we loved pastime of Chickasaw Gov- The Chickasaw White House the most important show of the provided by the Chickasaw Na- teach Americana, a mixture of ernor Douglas H. Johnston and is located at 6379 East Mansion year – the annual Spring Concert tion and checked out by students. styles.” family. Guests can bring their Road in Emet, Okla. in April. Wayne Willis, Chickasaw musi- The April concert is the most own kites or use those provided Fifteen-year-old Caleb important perfor- Barrick has accepted mance, it is not the the challenge to en- students’ only perfor- hance his abilities on mance throughout the guitar by learning new year. They also spend and technically diffi- many hours practicing Stomp dance classes set cult songs. Going into for “jam sessions,” or his third Spring Con- peer-reviewed recitals. The Chickasaw Nation Cultural Center, 700 N. Mississippi, Ada cert performance, Ca- When needed, students Resources Department invites all March 8, 22 leb is familiar with the are called upon to per- to the 2016 Stomp Dance Classes. •Sulphur Chickasaw Senior stress of performance. form with the Chicka- Classes will be from 6-8 p.m., at Center, 401 E. Oklahoma, Sulphur After all, he plays in his saw Nation Children’s two locations with dinner pro- March 3, 17, 31 church band. Choir and are invited vided. Families are encouraged to For more information or to reg- “I really like the per- to perform at hospitals join. Two hours of cultural credit ister, call Jesse Lindsey at (580) formances,” he said. within the Chickasaw is available for employees. 622-7159 ext. 65050 or (580) 272- “The whole class works Nation. •Ada Chickasaw Community 4112. together. We work as According to Laura a team to make sure Stewart, Chickasaw Na- the performance goes tion Arts and Humani- Chickasaw student Caleb Barrick plays his grandfather’s 1950s Gibson guitar. well. We start practic- ties executive officer, According to Caleb, playing this particular instrument makes him feel closer to his ing at the beginning of the response from the grandfather, who passed away 10 years ago. the year for the Spring general public receiv- Concert.” ing guitars lessons at The School of Guitar has helped cian and full-time guitar instruc- no cost has been positive. sharpen Caleb’s natural talent tor with more than 30 years ex- “If a class is not filled with and has made performing in perience, has witnessed the expo- Chickasaw citizens, or other front of others easier. Caleb, who nential growth of the school. The Native American students, non- has been playing the guitar since School of Guitar has developed Natives can attend,” Ms. Stewart age 9, has attended the school for into three groups based on age said. “If we have openings, why the last three years. He attributes and skill level. have an empty chair? We want much of his skill to the instruc- “All skill levels are represent- to be a great community partner tion he has received. ed,” Mr. Willis said. “Basic chords, and include everyone we can.” “Since I have started the class, techniques and sheet music are The student body of the School my picking skills have skyrock- taught during the beginning of Guitar includes a large num- eted,” he said. “I feel much more class. These are practiced on ber of home school students. The comfortable in front of an audi- acoustic guitars. When someone school serves to promote social ence. There is still a lot of room goes on to the intermediate class, interaction among children and for improvement, but it is fun they have a choice to switch to provides students access to pro- practicing and performing.” electric guitar or continue with fessional musicians. The School Recently, Caleb and his family their acoustic.” of Guitar meets the music crite- moved to Velma, Okla. His moth- Intermediate class pupils are ria for most certified home school er finds time to make the two- given the cherished guitars they curriculums, a required compo- hour commute to Ada for School used as beginners. As interme- nent of a student’s education. of Guitar time. diate students, they can begin Currently, the school is guided “We lived in Wynnewood when evaluating more expensive elec- by an advisory committee made (he) started taking the lessons tric guitars offered through the up of music professionals. Each three years ago,” Mrs. Barrick school. advisor brings a variety of skills said. “We have since moved to According to Mr. Willis, guitars toward the planning and growth the family farm in Velma. We are a natural choice on which to of the Chickasaw Nation’s School knew we had to keep Caleb in the learn the fundamentals of music. of Guitar. The advisors include school. The instructors are just Portable, relatively inexpensive educators, entertainers and mu- too good. We bring him to Ada and appealing to the mainstream sical agents. every other week for the lessons. culture, students can learn to For more information about the He continues to be interested in play almost any style of music Chickasaw Nation School of Gui- learning, and the group aspect of during classes and can practice tar, visit www.Chickasaw.net or the class is great as well.” at home. call (580) 272-5520. Mrs. Barrick recommended the “We don’t have a style of music classes to anyone interested in we teach,” he said. “The kids learn learning how to play guitar. the music they love. Some like CONTRIBUTED BY KC Cole, Public Affairs. The School of Guitar’s free jazz, rock, country and gospel

Storm shelter program open

Spring marks the beginning of page. For those citizens meeting cent of the U.S median income, storm season. Do you have a shel- income guidelines, Chickasaw Na- may use a contractor of their ter for your family? tion Housing will locate and work choice and apply for a one-time All Chickasaw Nation citizen with local contractors, and cover $2,500 benefit. homeowners are eligible for the the total cost of storm shelter in- For more information, visit tribal storm shelter program. stallation. www.chickasaw.net and search Citizens living within Chicka- Chickasaw citizens living out- “storm shelter program,” or call saw Nation boundaries can find side the boundaries (At-Large), as (580) 421-8800. an application on the www.chick- well as those living in-boundary asaw.net storm shelter program with an income exceeding 80 per- 4 CHICKASAW TIMES March 2016 Depression-era art in post offices in Oklahoma, Mississippi American ‘New Deal’ murals capture moments in Chickasaw history

The small town of Marietta, Mr. West was noted for Oklahoma, is home to a national during a distinguished treasure hidden in plain sight. career. These include Prominently painted on a wall vibrant colors, atten- in the local post office is a mural tion to detail and lim- titled Chickasaw Indian Family ited embellishments. Making Pah Sho Fah (Pashofa). Mr. West’s mural takes Painted by Native artist Solomon care to represent each McCombs, it is one of four murals individual with tribal depicting scenes of Chickasaw dress, regalia, expres- life in Indian Territory. sions and character, The murals were commis- an aspect many non- sioned during President Franklin Natives of the time D. Roosevelt’s administration as did not achieve when an element of the “New Deal.” painting Indian people. The Works Progress Adminis- tration (WPA), whose primary Murals of Mississippi mission was to put the nation’s Homelands unemployed to work, commis- Portraying the sioned artists to breathe life into Choctaw in Signing paintings using local history as a of the Treaty of Danc- guide. ing Rabbit Creek, art- According to the United States ist Spencer Douglass Postal Service, the murals are Crockwell captured an among 1,000 paintings and sculp- image of an event that tures commissioned from 1934- continues to guide fed- 43. For post offices in Oklahoma eral decisions regard- and Mississippi, Chickasaw his- ing both the Choctaws tory and culture were a natural and Chickasaws. The “Chickasaw Family Making Pah Sho Fah (Pashofa)” by Solomon McCombs, Creek Nation; Marietta, Oklahoma post office; Image by Krystal Adams. Used with permission choice for artists. mural is located at the of the United States Postal Service. post office Oklahoma Murals in Macon, Chickasaw Family Making Pah Mississip- Sho Fah was completed in 1942. It pi. is one of the last commissioned W h i l e murals of the WPA program. Mr. the subject McCombs was a Muscogee Creek matter of artist and Oklahoma native. the mural Painted directly on the wall due does not to canvas shortages in World War d i r e c t l y II, the mural depicts Chickasaw depict the men, women and children com- Chickasaw, ing together to make Pishofa. the ramifi- A staple for Chickasaw people, cations of Pishofa is a traditional tribal dish the treaty made from cracked corn, com- would lat- monly known as hominy. er play an No food is more culturally iden- important tifiable to the Chickasaw than role for the Pishofa. The dish continues to be tribe. prepared and shared during cer- M r . emonies, family gatherings and Crockwell reflects traditional tribal values. was fa- Representative of Native two-di- mous for mensional art, Mr. McCombs’ art his illus- has been on display at the Corco- trations ran Gallery and Smithsonian In- and adver- “Grand Council of 1842” by Walter Richard West Sr., Cheyenne Nation; Okemah, Oklahoma post office; Image by Krystal Adams. Used with the permission of the United States Postal Service. stitution in Washington, D.C., the tisements. Museum of Modern Art in New U p b e a t , the mural seem to fade away into Ortez and SaOwana-Christmas er Hernando De Soto in 1540. The York, the San Francisco Museum his commercial work has been the forest of the painting’s back- 1540. The oil-on-canvas mural scene is of a Native woman mar- of Art, the Gilcrease Museum in compared to Norman Rockwell’s. ground. was painted in 1939 by artist Jo- rying a Spanish translator in De Tulsa, and the Tryon Gallery in Differing from his normal subject The post office in Pontotoc, Mis- seph Pollet. While still an active Soto’s expedition. London. His work has been dis- matter the Signing of the Treaty sissippi, contains The Wedding of post office in Pontotoc, the post- It is unknown if the marriage played in many American embas- of Dancing Rabbit Creek displays al facility have actually took place or who the been converted bribe may have been. While De into a museum Soto wintered at a site near Pon- renamed Tow n totoc in 1540, there is little infor- Square Post mation supporting an actual mar- Office and Mu- riage. The Pontotoc County His- seum. torical Society claims the bride Pontotoc lies was a captive Seminole princess. within the his- Other historical sources doubt if toric Chicka- anyone by the name of SaOwuna saw Home- existed at all. lands. Drawing from local lore, As is often the case, Mr. Pollet Mr. Pollet chose may have taken artistic liberties to represent with many of the historical facts. a scene from However, the representations of Chickasaw his- Chickasaws in their Homelands tory. is a prestigious acknowledgement According to of the tribe by the community of the Smithson- Pontotoc, the state of Mississippi ian Institution, and the federal agency that com- Mr. Pollet’s mu- missioned the mural. ral shows the first encounter CONTRIBUTED BY KC Cole, Public Affairs with informa- between the tiona and art from the Smithsonian Institution and SI.edu. “Signing of the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek on September 27, 1830” by S. Douglas Crockwell; Macon, Mississippi post office; Image courtesy of Keith Parish. Used with the Chickasaw and permission of the United States Postal Service. Spanish explor- sies, including Madrid, Brazil and the dark period of Indian Re- Monrovia. moval of the tribes located in the A mural titled Grand Council of Southeastern United States. 1842 is located in Okemah, Okla- According to the Smithsonian homa. According to the Smith- Institution, the treaty was the sonian National Postal Museum, last in a series of treaties that the mural displays a meeting of ceded the Choctaw Homelands to the Five Civilized Tribes (Chicka- the United States. In the follow- saw, Choctaw, Creek, Cherokee ing years, approximately 13,000 and Seminole tribes) and Plains Choctaw were removed to land tribes. west of the Mississippi River Forced to live in close proxim- called Indian Territory. ity by the federal government, Within a few years, the Chicka- the tribes came together to work saw ceded Homelands in Missis- out differences without violence. sippi to the United States, too. In all, 17 tribes and two federal Without land of its own in Indian representatives were involved in Territory, the Chickasaw joined negotiations. the Choctaw tribe as a “district” The Grand Council of 1842 is a until Chickasaws later purchased reminder of the early problems the western portion of the Choc- associated with Indian removal. taw Nation to establish the Chick- Interactions among diverse tribes asaw Nation. were obviously challenging. The The ominous feel of the sub- mural represents steps taken to ject matter is delivered through enhance harmony and coexis- the use of murky colors, deep tence in Indian Territory. shadows and pained expressions Oklahoma artist Walter West of the few identifiable individu- was Cheyenne. Grand Council als captured in the mural. The of 1842 has all the trademarks majority of tribal citizens within “The Wedding of Ortez and SaOwana-Christmas, 1540” by Joseph Pollet; Pontotoc, Mississippi post office. Used with the permission of the United States Postal Service. March 2016 CHICKASAW TIMES 5

CONTINUED HOUSING | FROM PAGE 1 you played by the public housing all Native Americans in Oklahoma. tubby said. “We believe ner, a tribe to back me and rules,” he said. “You competed That bill was a step forward. it is important to listen help me over the hurdles against all the bigger cities. So we But probably the most significant to the people to better of home ownership and were in the same boat as big cities, advance in housing services for understand how we can the different things you in terms of gaining federal funds Chickasaw people came in 1996, best meet their needs.” might not anticipate when for housing. We were kind of a with passage of the Native Ameri- Since NAHASDA was you become a homeown- small fish in a big sea.” can Housing Assistance and Self- passed in 1996, the er,” Ms. Mosely said. Nevertheless, the housing au- Determination Act (NAHASDA). Chickasaw Nation has More recently, after thority and the tribe developed Gov. Anoatubby served on the developed a number of marrying her husband several housing programs, includ- original negotiated rulemaking new housing services in Palmer and moving to ing home ownership services and committee charged with develop- addition to home own- Ada, Ms. Mosely again be- rental assistance for low-income ing regulations necessary to imple- ership and rental as- gan working to provide a residents. While there was a Chick- ment the legislation. sistance for low-income safe and secure home for asaw preference for services, the Under NAHASDA, the Chickasaw families. Other services her growing family. housing authority also served oth- Nation assumed responsibility for include home owner- “I think your home is er low income residents of Okla- the administration of housing ser- ship counseling and where everything starts,” homa. vices. While some tribes dissolved home loan services, she said. “You show pride It wasn’t until the Indian Hous- their housing authority after the home maintenance and in your home, you start ing Act of 1988 was passed that passage of NAHASDA, the Chicka- repair, as well as home your lives with your chil- the needs of Native Americans saw Nation chose to continue the improvement assistance, dren in your home.” were addressed more specifically. housing authority. driveway construction This time, working with Governor Anoatubby testified “Passage of NAHASDA was a and storm shelter instal- the Chickasaw Nation, the before the U.S. Congress on several major milestone, because it al- lation. Pictured above is the Chickasaw Nation Housing Authority project 33-47, Moselys planned and built aspects of that legislation, helping lowed more flexibility to tailor our Since 1966, the Chick- the very first project completed by the Authority. their family home to their make it more effective in address- housing programs to the specific asaw Nation has built own specifications, with ing the needs of Chickasaws, and needs of our citizens,” Gov. Anoa- more than 5,800 homes earning a home of their own. the intent to retire in the and currently offers Jennie Mosely, who started home. more than 600 rental thinking about the importance of They had the ability to choose units to its citizens. owning a home in 2001, is one ex- the location and create the floor Today, homes are ample. A single mother, Ms. Mose- plan, which came in handy when being built at a rate ly decided she needed a home for the couple found out they were of about 25 per year, herself and her young son Ethan. expecting a new baby. With the with approximately At the time, she lived and worked news, the Moselys added another 40 homes per year in Anadarko, Okla. bedroom to accommodate the being signed over “I had just started my career… little one. in full ownership to closing costs, down payments, it “Our opportunity was endless families. The qual- was a little overwhelming when I for what we wanted to do,” Ms. ity of the homes has started thinking about the costs Mosely said. “That feels, as a wom- steadily increased and what I needed to bring to the an, empowering, and as a citizen, over time. table,” she said. grateful because I didn’t have to What hasn’t She called the Chickasaw Nation worry.” changed is a family’s and set up an appointment to meet desire for housing. with a loan officer, who gave her Prospective home- all the information she needed to CONTRIBUTED BY Tony Choate, Media Relations. begin buying a home. The Housing Authority of the Chickasaw Nation was established in 1966. owners are still will- ing to work toward “It was so good to have a part-

CONTINUED CONTINUED WARRIOR | FROM PAGE 1 SISTERS | FROM PAGE 1 this case, billet refers to a spot as- never balanced a checkbook.” want to know more about the tra- beautiful blanket for the Chicka- signed, based on pay-grade, train- Two months after re- ditional colors, or how the ruffles saw Cultural Center.” ing or gender. tiring, Mrs. Owens fell or what shape the bodice was Unlike traditional abstract Pend- “I wanted to be in law enforce- accepted a job on the traditional regalia.” leton blankets, “Three Sisters” fea- ment,” she said, “so I was working with the Veter- Mrs. Kingery is currently pre- tures figures woven in tan, sage, three jobs while going to commu- ans of Foreign paring for an April opening at sky blue, dark brown, black, navy, nity college for a degree in crimi- Wa rs (V F W) Paris’ Orenda Gallery. Also on her orange, and copper yarn. nal justice. In Ohio, where I lived in Washing- agenda for 2016 is an appearance “We are able to achieve this type with my mom at the time, you ton, D.C. She at the Artesian Arts Festival, May of intricate design because the had to be 21 to be a law officer. I helps veter- 28 in Sulphur. blanket is woven on one of our was only 18. ans through Three Sisters design Jacquard looms,” Ms. McGee said. “I did not want to wait and con- the appeals The Three Sisters blanket design The figure design in a Pendleton tinue working three jobs to pay process in was inspired by the beautiful gar- Blanket is “not particularly un- for school.” cases where dens grown by Chickasaw women usual but not as common as the Her interest in law enforcement t hey h ave using the traditional “Three Sis- geometric type of motifs.” influenced her decision to apply been denied ters” planting method. The three Our design team is especially to the U.S. Coast Guard. benefits. The sisters – corn, beans and squash skilled at translating different “They were my first choice, m ajor it y of – are planted together so they can types of artwork into a pattern but there was a long wait,” Mrs. claims are for grow in support of one another, that can be woven on our looms,” Owens said. “My next application disabilities, she symbolic of Chickasaw women in she said. was to the U.S. Marine Corps, with said, but some its matriarchal society. The three The blanket is made of wool a six-month waiting list.” claims are related to sisters in Mrs. Kingery’s painting with a cotton warp. The wool is She eventually enlisted with education or burial ben- dance in honor of the Chickasaw dyed and spun at the company the U.S. Navy and was placed on efits. women in its society. mill in Washougal, Washington. a “delayed entry.” “Services are available, at no Abstract stalks of corn border Pendleton wool blankets have “Two weeks later, I enlisted,” charge, through the VFW, and the blanket. been a part of Native Ameri- she said. “Two weeks after that, other organizations,” she said. Warrior Society Heather McGee, Pendleton Wool- can culture since the company’s I was on my way to boot camp.” “Veterans should use a service en Mills home merchandising as- founding in 1863. The blankets At the Chickasaw Nation’s First In April 2014, she retired as a organization to assist with the sociate, said the company was are the pinnacle of quality crafts- Annual Veterans Conference at U.S. Navy master chief petty of- application process, as well as proud to partner with the Chicka- manship. WinStar World Casino in May, ficer after 30 years of service to appeals and advocacy. They are saw Nation once again to create an For a century, Pendleton Wool- 2015, plans for a Veterans’ Lodge her country. During her military free, and Veteran Service Officers original, exclusive design. en Mills has woven the legends and Warrior Society were an- career, she served in both Persian (VSOs) are the best advocates.” The initial partnership pro- and symbols of Native American nounced by Gov. Bill Anoatubby. Gulf Wars and earned numerous Each state has its own VSO. The duced the “Gar Fish” blanket, cre- tribes into beautiful blankets. In The Warrior Society will be a so- citations, including a Meritori- most recent directory with a full ated by Chickasaw artist Joshua the early 20th century, Pendle- cial organization for active-duty ous Service Medal, a Joint Ser- list of contacts by state is avail- Hinson. ton was among the few American military and veterans of Chicka- vice Commendation Medal, four able on the U.S. Department of Chickasaw artist Dustin Mater mills making blankets specifi- saw heritage. It will encourage in- Navy/Marine Corps Commenda- Veterans Affairs website at www. was commissioned by Pendleton cally for Native American trade. teraction among Chickasaws who tion Medals and five Navy/Marine va.gov/vso/, or by calling (800) to create a Southeastern tribal A Pendleton blanket continues share a common bond of service Corps Achievement Medals. 827-1000. design for their official “Legacy” to signify honor and respect. For to their country. Retirement has been somewhat Mrs. Owens became interested series of blankets. His “Spring” over a century, Indian people have Each veteran has a story, and challenging. in training and education during Pendleton blanket features de- acknowledged births, deaths and many have overcome challenges “I miss the interaction with sail- her military service. She holds a signs signifying rebirth, fresh major milestones and accomplish- that may be shared by comrades. ors,” she said. “When you are the master’s degree in education and beginnings, good luck and pros- ments with the gift of a Pendleton Helping peers through sharing master chief, you have daily con- is currently working on the dis- perity. blanket. of experiences is one goal of the tact with the crew. Part of the job sertation for her education Ph.D. “We’re excited to work on anoth- For more information about the social gatherings. These gather- is mentoring sailors and helping “I got the training bug when I er custom blanket for the Chicka- “Three Sisters” Pendleton blanket, ings are planned around the U.S., them with their issues, personal was an E-3 and decided to pursue saw Nation,” Ms. McGee said. contact the Chickasaw Cultural similar to Chickasaw Community and work-related. The responsi- a Ph.D. because I wanted to teach Pendleton Woolen Mills re- Center at (580) 622-7130. Council gatherings. bilities range from counselor to at the college level,” she said. spects the Chickasaw Nation and For more information, email advisor to personal financial con- One of Mrs. Owens’ favorite was honored to create yet another CONTRIBUTED BY Dana Lance, Media Relations. [email protected] sultant and life coach. quotes is attributed to the Greek or call Chickasaw Nation Social “Many sailors leave home for philosopher Plato: “Apply your- Services at (580) 436 7246. the first time in their lives when self both now, and in the next they join the service. They come life. Without effort, you cannot be with the skills they grew up prosperous. Though the land be CONTRIBUTED BY Tamara Roberts, Public Affairs. learning. Some have more expe- good, you cannot have an abun- rience than others. Some have dant crop without cultivation.”

The Chickasaw Times app provides fast and easy access to news and events of the Chickasaw Nation while you are on the move! 6 CHICKASAW TIMES News From Your Legislators March 2016 Arizona visit brings out Chickasaws Chickasaw Nation Medical Center Chickasaw Nation community for annual picnic in Tempe continues to see patient increases of Stonewall has a rich history

ello Everyone, hukma and greetings from Legislator Mary ello Everyone, Well it looks like Spring is finally Jo Green, Seat 5, Pontotoc District. December I’ve gotten positive comments and ques- here and I hope each of you are enjoying went by quickly with our ususal Legislative tions on the first installment of the June the Easter Holiday. My family and I are business. On December 20, I went through 19, 2002 Ada Evening News article written looking forward to warmer weather where the greatest loss of my life when my hus- by Leo Kelly. I thought you might like it. I weH can enjoy the outdoors. bandC of 64 years, J.L. Green, reunited with our Lord Je- did!H So, here’s more: Last month was a busy month and we had the oppor- sus in His heavenly home. As some of you may know, “Less than 30 years after the Chickasaws and the other tunity to meet with Chickasaws in Tempe, Arizona. The for the last few years I had been J.L.’s caretaker. We are Civilized Tribes were removed from their homelands in Community Council was having so grateful to all of our friends and the Southeastern United States to Indian Territory in the their annual picnic at a beautiful family who offered their love and 1830s, the nations were caught in park in the area and the weather prayers through the difficult time. the middle of the Civil War. While was great. Those in attendance J.L. passed quietly in the comfort the majority of tribal members participated in making clay pinch of our home surrounded by loved wanted to remain neutral, they were pots under the direction of Court- ones. So now I will be donating my forced to enter the bloodiest conflict ney Parchcorn. Great fun and fel- free time visiting at the Ada senior ever fought on American soil. lowship was had by everyone! site and helping run the gift shop Unfortunately, the area of present The Legislators also attended the located there. Pontotoc County – because of the Elders Valentine’s Celebration at January was also a busy month Union invasion in 1864 – received the Ardmore Community Center. with the Inter-Tribal Council hosted more damage than other areas of Each senior site chose a Valentine’s by the Creek Nation at the Renais- Indian Territory. Chickasaw homes CONNIE King and Queen and they were MARY JO sance Hotel in Tulsa. KATIE were destroyed, animals killed or crowned during the coronation. A During 2015, our Chickasaw Na- CASE stolen and crops burned. It took BARKER wonderful meal was prepared and GREEN tion Medical Center experienced a great effort during the following Chairman a special guest was on hand for en- four percent growth in patient vis- decade to rebuild. It was during this tertainment, Elvis Presley. As Elvis its. In December alone, the CNMC period that Stonewall was founded. Chickasaw sang, the elders tapped their feet, Chickasaw managed 753 visits to Internal Med- Chickasaw However, Stonewall’s historic be- Tribal swayed to the music and clapped Tribal icine, 4,502 visits to the Emergency Tribal ginnings can be traced well before their hands. This is always a spe- Room, 1,985 visits to Pediatrics, the Civil War when Robert L. Co- Legislature cial occasion when each senior site Legislature 3,061 patient visits to Dental and Legislature chran opened a trading post about 5 can come together and enjoy each 4,407 patient visits to our family miles south of the present Stonewall other’s company. practice clinics. In December, OB/ on the south bank of Clear Boggy. I encourage all Chickasaw elders to join their local se- GYN saw 1,982 visits and 69 babies were born. Surgery Cochran moved his operation across the creek in 1868 nior site. Not only is it a place to socialize and have a managed 328 cases and saw 417 patient visits. We are and old Stonewall was formed. wonderful meal, but it’s a place to learn more about our truly blessed to have facilities capable of treating so many One of Stonewall’s early residents was William L. Byrd, culture, our programs and go places. Most senior sites patients. who would become governor of the Chickasaw Nation. have monthly Indian Taco sales to raise money for their It has been announced that grants to help homeless In 1868 Aaron Harlan and C.C. Rooks established a trips and provide a delicious meal for anyone wanting to veterans will become available soon. grocery store on the banks of Clear Boggy Creek. One attend. If you have not visited you nearest senior site on The Division of Education has reported a high number of Oklahoma’s most historical characters, J.J. McAlester, Indian Taco Day, you don’t know what you are missing. of students excelling in different subjects and receiving worked for Harlan and Rooks during these early years. more A’s overall. We thank the tutors who have helped our And sometime around 1872, years before Ada was settled, God bless each of you, young students to continue to excel. Sixty-eight students the Chickasaws built the Pontotoc County Courthouse at Connie Barker are receiving tutor assistance. Stonewall. the Chickasaw NationTribal - Election Legislative Office Chair, Pickens District On February 2, the Oklahoma City Community Council A post office was authorized Dec. 30, 1874, named in hosted a gathering where Governor Anoatubby and Lt. honor of Confederate Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Count of Voters by District Governor Keel spoke. Over 750 Chickasaws attended for While the location of towns would follow the rail lines District Count a grand time. February also saw the annual seniors’ Val- later, Stonewall was created because the Texas (Leaven- Panola 2,111 entine’s Day parties and coronations of kings and queens. worth) Cattle Trail, the Forth Smith to Fort Arbuckle (near I have had occasion to do some rehab at the Chicka- Sulphur) road and Boggy Depot road ran through the area. Pickens 8,630 saw Wellness Center in Ada. I am very impressed with the A route of the Butterfield Stage Line also passed through. Pontotoc 13,740 opportunities for rehab or just plain working out at the When the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad (common- Tishomingo 5,986 Wellness Center. Centers are currently located in Ada, Ar- ly called the Katy) was built across the Choctaw Nation in Total 30,467 dmore and Tishomingo and one is being built in Purcell. 1872, Stonewall lost most of its north-south traffic. The centers offer all the weight machines, free weights, Bill Tinsley, who lived in Ada for many years, is an ex- stationary bikes and treadmills, etc., as well as walking pert on area history. He wrote in The Chronicles of Okla- paths and pools for water aerobics and lap swimming. homa: “The old Fort Arbuckle road continued (after 1872) The personnel there offer expertise in all sorts of training to be well traveled through old Stonewall, even though including aerobics and cross training. Membership is free Fort Arbuckle was abandoned shortly after the Civil War for Chickasaws, Chickasaw Nation employees and Ameri- ended. can Indian senior citizens. Low-cost membership is avail- “Much of the supplies for Fort Sill and the surrounding able for other Indian tribes and non-Indians including a countryside were hauled through Stonewall from points day pass or one week guest pass. We are very fortunate to on the MKT Railroad at McAlester, Atoka, and Caddo.” have these facilities available to us and I urge you all to Tinsley said Stonewall “Became a leading trade center Accounting • Tax Preparation • Payroll take advantage of the wonderful opportunities. of the Chickasaw Nation, second only to Tishomingo” and Chi ihullo li! I would love to hear from you. Please feel “had a population of only 75 to 100 people in 1887.” The free to contact me by telephone, email or letter. My email town “contained six general stores,” and travelers ven- Milissa Nichols address is [email protected] and my address tured “for miles from all directions to obtain supplies.” and telephone number are listed elsewhere in this and Join us for more Stonewall/Chickasaw history next (580) 223-2488 ~ o c e every issue of the Chickasaw Times and on the Chickasaw month! If you have any questions or comments, let me (580) 504-4627 ~ mobile Nation web site. Until next time, I wish God’s blessings on know. My cell is (580) 421-4903. all of our people. Respectfully , Nichols Accounting Service Thank you. Chipisala’cho! Katie [email protected] Mary Jo

Tribal net assets continue to climb and operations expand

FINANCIAL REPORT investments. Of this amount, $22.9 million is in the BIA Trust funds. This total does not include any federal program funds. The tribal government caption includes the tribe’s general fund and BIA trust The businesses had $227 million in cash and investments which is reserved for funds. The Chickasaw Businesses include all of the businesses and operations of accounts payable and business operations. the Division of Commerce. Not included in the financial statements are federally As of January 31, 2016, tribal operations, excluding federal program funding, had or state funded programs and/or grants and the financial statements of Bank 2 and net assets of $2.21 billion. Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. The growing needs of the businesses are taken into account when determining the transfers from the businesses to the general fund. It is vital to the long range mission of the Chickasaw Nation that the businesses continue to grow and diver- 1/14/2015 2:58 PM Important Notice: This document contains CONFIDENTIAL information, which is intended for the 1 of 1 internalsify. use of Chickasaw Nation employees. If the reader of this document is not the intended recipient, employee,Revenues or agent responsible of to tribal deliver it to government, the intended recipient, you other are hereby than notified thatthe any transfer from businesses, include dissemination,motor distribution, fuel settlement reproduction, reading, funds or copying ofand this information investment is STRICTLY income.PROHIBITED. Chickasaw Business revenues include gaming revenues net of prizes and other sales revenues from convenience stores, travel plazas, tobacco stores, other tribal businesses as well as rental and investment income. Tribal expenditures are classified by function. General government includes the maintenance and operations of tribal property, the Chickasaw Times and gover- nor’s and lt. governor’s offices. Expenditures for education include education schol- arships as well as the tribe’s division of education. Health expenditures include eye glasses, hearing aids, prescription drugs, wellness center, community health clinics, catastrophic medical assistance and other similar programs not covered by federal programs or grants. The businesses’ expenditures are classified as to expenses associated with gam- ing operation of the tribe and the other businesses of the tribe. Executive Summary of the Financial Statements of the period ending January 31, 2016.

Tribal Government Revenues and transfers from the businesses for operations and fixed assets to- taled $13.1 million for the month and $61.1 million year-to-date. Expenditures were $13.0 million for the month and $45.8 million year-to-date.

Chickasaw Businesses Revenue net of gaming prizes through January 31, 2016 totaled $442.3 million. Net income before the transfers to the Tribal Government was $103.1 million year- to-date. After transfers to the Tribal Government for capital projects and tribal pro- gram operations the net income was $42.1 million year-to-date. The net income in- cludes all revenue, including amounts reserved for business growth and expansion.

Statement of Net Assets At January 31, 2016, the tribal government funds had $358.9 million in cash and March 2016 News From Your Legislators CHICKASAW TIMES 7 Panola District senior site loses two Tribe offers many elder programs, all Wherever you live in the U.S. or who demonstrated hearts of service designed to improve quality of life around the globe, you are Chickasaw!

n my article last month I made the statement, hokma! s your Pickens District Chickasaw legisla- “Let’s make 2016 a year to remember!” Little tor, my mission is to serve you regardless of Greetings from the Tishomingo District! did I know at the time how much those words where you call home. would come to mean! It is with a sad heart, yet And in today’s world, Pickens District joyful spirit, that I share with you all that our Throughout our history, Chickasaw peo- Chickasaws live across the country...and PanolaI District Senior Center Director, Cathy Bodine, is ple have consistently valued and revered aroundA the globe! no longer here on this earth ourC elders. In the 21 years I have had the privilege of serving you but stepped up to a heavenly The determined work of our elder Chickasaws through- on our tribal legislature, I have observed the ever-increas- promotion. Her departure was out the years helped preserve the integrity and sover- ing mobility of Chickasaws and their families. It is truly not ex- eignty of the Chickasaw Nation. amazing! p e c t e d These individuals built a strong Chickasaws live in every state needless foundation on which the Chicka- in the Union, plus a score of for- to say ! saw Nation’s success was built. eign countries. Thinking back to C a t h y when I was a child growing up in They helped make our success w a s a the Chickasaw Nation, the idea of very tal- what it is today and for this and so many Chickasaws in so many e n t e d many other reasons, the Chicka- places would have been beyond un- Chicka- saw Nation offers many programs derstanding! saw Lady and opportunities specifically for Likely one of the big reasons we with the elders. now see Chickasaws in so many cit- a b i l i t y Our elders can enjoy 12 senior ies and towns is education. As our to cre- Cathy Bodine centers within the Chickasaw Na- people have taken advantage of the BETH ate, deco- TIM tion and a senior nutrition pro- LINDA educational opportunities offered rate and display! She put in many gram in Oklahoma City. Last year, by the Chickasaw Nation, they have long hours to make sure paperwork ALEXANDER COLBERT ground was broken for a new se- BRIGGS necessarily become more mobile. was done, special activities were Their skills are sought after, so they nior center in Tishomingo and planned and ready and most im- go where opportunity beckons! Chickasaw portantly, she showed an interest in Chickasaw plans were made to build a new Chickasaw Another reason is very important each and every elder that attended senior center in Oklahoma City, as to Chickasaws... family. People very Tribal the Center. Cathy shall be missed Tribal well. These new buildings will en- Tribal often locate where their kin have but we know where she is and look able additional Chickasaw elders to chosen to set down roots. These Legislature forward to a heavenly reunion! Legislature be served through this important Legislature days, that is very often outside the It wasn’t too many weeks later program. boundaries of the Chickasaw Na- that our Panola District Senior Center experienced an- Providing healthy meals as well tion. other departure from our congregation with the passing as access to health care for our elders are top priorities. Of course, all of us benefit from the great improvements of Mr. Larry Skinner. Larry and his wife, Katrinka have The 2015 Progress Report indicates more than 15,000 in American transportation and the allure of many of our been active members over-the-counter medications were provided to our el- country’s metropolitan areas. We can get where we are of both the Achille and going with relative ease these days. ders at no cost last fiscal year. More than 50 Chickasaw Panola District Senior What’s important to remember is that we are all Chicka- Center. They were dedi- elders participated in the new Elder Help program, which saw. We are all deeply connected by our unique, marvel- cated Taco Sale Workers provides 24-hour medical alert services. ous history and cherished culture and traditions. Wher- and always looked for- From caregiver support to firewood to the elder’s chore ever we live, we will always be Chickasaw. ward to the Elder Events program and assisted living supplement program, our That’s where I come in! I am here to serve you through- and Trips. At taco sales, goal is to provide for our elders needs as a way to meet out the year regardless of your need, regardless of where Larry was the official fry our mission to “enhance the overall quality of life of all you live. My job is to always serve you and your family, bread and beans server! Chickasaw people.” and to keep my eye on always making your life better. He always greeted cus- For more information on these elder services, please That’s the Chickasaw way! tomers with a twinkle call (580) 795-9790. You may live in California or North Carolina, Georgia or in his eye! We shall miss As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your Washington. It doesn’t matter at all! We are all important not only Cathy but Lar- people of our Chickasaw Nation! representative on the Chickasaw legislature. It is a privi- ry as well. As you can Please call or write me when the need arises. I’m always see, 2016 has already lege and an honor to serve you. here for you! become a year we will Larry and Katrinka Skinner remember. All of us Please feel free to contact me with any questions or Best wishes always, that are involved at the concerns. Panola Senior Center have a fresh awareness of how im- Chokma’shki, Linda portant it is to show and tell people how much they are Tim Colbert loved and appreciated. Thank you to our wonderful staff, [email protected] Rhonda, Dwight and Rebekah for their hard work and 580-421-7242 dedication to our Panola Center.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. ….And the peace of God, which surpasses all under- standing shall guard your heats and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Ps. 116:15, Phil. 4:17

Beth

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 March 2016 Graduations Congratulations Community News Jared N. Clayton has graduated Jalen Underwood was recently with a bachelor’s degree in Account- recognized for his effort and skills ing from the Cox School of Business in martial arts. He became the 2015 at Southern Methodist University in Oklahoma Karate Association age 16- Dallas. 17 Boys Intermediate Fighting State He is the son of “Jack M. “Bud” Champion. and Rebecca Clayton, of Tyler, Tex- Jalen competed in tournaments as; grandson of Mary June Leake, of throughout the year and placed in Sherman, Texas; and great-grandson every one of them. He is a student of of original Chickasaw enrollee, the Tribal Family Martial Arts under the late Mary Anetta Collins Dickinson. instruction if his father. He is also a He is a member of Beta Upsilon Chi, student of the Chickasaw Nation Mar- Brothers Under Christ Fraternity, and tial Arts Program. Jalen is a blue belt an active member of Antioch Com- and has been involved in martial arts munity Church of Dallas. He is em- for over two years now. ployed by Markit Financial Informa- Jalen is a junior at Byng (OK) High Jared N. Clayton Jalen Underwood Sophia Wells / SWELLS tion Services in Dallas. School and was a part of the State Jared is also very thankful for the Runner-up cross country team. He help and encouragement of his parents, and for the support and finan- carries a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. Oklahoma soul artist Swells cial aid from the Chickasaw Nation. He is proud of his native heritage. He is the son of JD and Gina Underwood, grandson of Jack and Bar- debuts new single bara Underwood, Kathy and Rodger Gilchrist, and Gene Postoak. A Chickasaw singer has recently Congratulations Jalen! We are proud of you! released her debut single. Sophia Wells, who performs Breanna Mae Eddy is a 2015 gradu- as Swells, has released the debut ate of Lexington (AL) High School. single “White Noise,” as a culmina- She is the daughter of Larry and Chickasaw citizen tion of her newfound sound and Charlotte Eddy; sister of Monica Eddy; Christian Williams, of artistic identity. With a soul-in- granddaughter of two of her most Ada, Okla., is a new Ma- fused take on pop, Swells utilizes loving grandparents, William and rine recruiter. her sultry vocals and engaging Shellie Thigpen, as well as Gary and Sgt. Williams attended lyrics to meld the rolling hills of Elizabeth Eddy, and Ina Wisdom; and the U.S. Marines Corps the Midwest with the laid-back ap- great-granddaughter of Lilly Wisdom. Recruit Training School proach of the West Coast. Breanna attended Allen Thornton at MCRD in San Diego, “‘White Noise’ is about letting Career Technical Center in Killen, Calif., from April to July go,” Ms. Wells said. “It’s about cut- Ala. She received her ServSafe license 2015. He graduated and ting ties with those people and Christian Williams (center) April 9, 2015, and now has her busi- received his certificate things in your life that you’ve kept ness, CakesBy • Breanna. to become a U.S. Marine around, simply because you felt She plans on attending college to Corps Recruiter on July 18, 2015. obligated to do so.” Breanna Mae Eddy further her career. Sgt. Williams is the son of Marilyn Coltz, of the Chickasaw Nation “White Noise” comes from con- Legislative office. temporary influences such as Al- len Stone and Ella Eyre, as well as earlier R&B artists like The Supremes and Otis Redding. The Shawna Tyler graduated this fall local Oklahoma City music scene with her bachlor’s degree from the Births greatly contributed to the develop- University of Phoenix. ment of her distinctive sound. She was aided in reaching her goal Eliorah Diane Wright was welcomed Originally from Missouri, Ms. with financial assistance from the into the world on December 23, 2015. Wells has found a new home in Chickasaw Nation. Shawna is a beau- She weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz., and mea- Oklahoma City where she draws tiful young woman and a wonder- sured 18 and ½ inches at birth. much of her inspiration. As an ful representative of the Chickasaw Her parents are Chris and LaRue alumnus of the Academy of Con- people. Wright, of Ada, Okla. Camden is her temporary Music, she had the op- One of Shawna’s ancestors is Col- proud eight-year-old brother. portunity to study and perform in bert A. Burris, who arrived in Indian Eliorah is the granddaughter of England. As a product of her ex- Territory in 1837. Other ancestors in- Paula Brown and the late Nelson Bak- periences abroad, she has found a clude Hindman H. Burris and wife, en, and Donell and Kimberly Wright, new direction for her songwriting Viola Jackson, original enrollees. of Ardmore, Okla.; great-granddaugh- and consequently established a She is the daughter of David Perry ter of Catherine Pendergraft, of Mill new sound. Shawna Tyler Tyler. She is the granddaughter of Creek, Okla., and the late Lillian Bak- Throughout her career, she has Perry June-Burris-Tyler; and her great- en, of Tishomingo, Okla.; and niece opened for several artists, includ- grandmother is Perry Jackson Burris. of Catherine Factor, Paul and Hagen ing Jonathan Tyler and the North- Eliorah Diane Wright Baken, Clifton Wright, and Stewart ern Lights, Allen Stone and Young and Jessica Norris. The Giant, and has performed frequently with local artists Cami Congratulations Stinson, Ripple Green, Aaron Pierce and more. Alex Faith Gantt, a kindergarten The “White Noise” single is student at Tishomingo (OK) Elemen- Zora Rose Wallace was born at available for download on all digi- tary School, was recognized as stu- 3:51 p.m., November 18, 2015 at the tal music platforms. dent of the month at the November Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in “I am incredibly grateful for the school assembly. Ada, Okla. She weighed 8 pounds, 7 Chickasaw Nation, and have al- Alex is the daughter of Greg and ozs., and measured 18 inches at birth. ways been proud to represent my Amy Gantt, of Tishomingo. Her Zora’s name honors her mother’s tribe, Ms. Wells said. grandparents are Virgil and Sharon great-grandmother, and her father’s “With the Chickasaw Nation’s Gantt, of Fittstown, Okla., and Mike mother. help, I am now one step closer to and Connie VonTungeln, of Ardmore, Zora is the daughter of Tyra Shackl- achieving my dreams as a profes- Okla. eford (Chickasaw) and James Wallace sional musician. I wanted to share (Choctaw). She is the granddaugh- my story in hopes that it might ter of Randy and Karla Shackleford, inspire other young Chickasaw of Noble, Okla., the late Rosemary citizens to chase after their goals Lehew, and the late David Wallace. as well.” Alex Faith Gantt Ms. Shackleford is Chickasaw Na- Zora Rose Wallace tion Nutrition Services Summer Elec- tronic Benefits Transfer for Children demonstration manager. Mr. Wallace is Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities Visual Arts, Media and Design Chickasaw citizen Brooke Schum- manager. acher, is a pre-medical student at East Central (OK) University. She is listed on the President’s honor roll with a 4.0 GPA. Community News Ms. Schumacher is the daughter of LaDonna Wilbanks and Ken Schum- acher. She is the granddaughter of Chickasaw Nation offers Volunteer Income Tax the late Coy Wilbanks and Gary and Truby DeShields, of Atwood, Okla. Assistance (VITA) Program to qualified taxpayers

The Chickasaw Nation Department of Treasury Finance provides vol- unteers who are certified through the IRS VITA Program to prepare taxes through April 14 at various locations throughout the Chickasaw Nation. Brooke Schumacher To qualify, the individual or family must have income not exceeding $54,000 in 2015. Individuals and families, living inside and outside the Chickasaw Nation boundaries, with a combined income of $62,000 or less in 2015 may qualify for free filing at www.myfreetaxes.com. Wesley Ridenhour is a Chickasaw For more information, email [email protected] , or call Programs & Services and a junior at Western Heights High (580) 272-5798. School in Oklahoma City. Wesley is co-captain of the high Directory available school’s Winter Guard. The team placed third out of ten high schools The2016 Programs & Services Directory is in its division, Scholastic Regional B. now available for download at Chickasaw. This first contest of the season was at Mustang (OK) High School on Janu- net/servicedirectory. Hard copies will soon be ary 30. mailed directly to all Chickasaw citizens. The team’s score of 62.99 also The Programs & Services Directory contains moved them up to the next level, Scholastic Regional A, for future con- information about all tribal programs and tests. services. Inside the directory are program descriptions, contact information and office Wesley Ridenhour locations. March 2016 CHICKASAW TIMES 9

TheGuide Chickasaw Nation is now accepting applications for 2016 youth camps, clinics and academies. A number of tribal divisions work together to offer a variety of educational and recreational activities for youth to explore new opportunities and learn new skills. Application deadline is April 15, 2016. Chickasaw Nation 2016 youth events include: SUMMER 272-5579 or STMProgram@chickasaw. •For more information, contact camps Chickasaw Lighthorse police officers, beauty of the outdoors. This camp net. and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or Peacemakers and court staff. Students offers a variety of exciting and chal- Camp Survivor •Application Deadline: April 15 [email protected] will also get to visit CLEET and partici- lenging activities, including rock wall Summer Camp •Application Deadline: April 15 pate in mock trials. climbing, canoeing, hiking, fishing, •Ages 9 to 13, or entering grades four- Native American Junior Invita- •Mock trial participants will work with skeet shooting, archery and camping. eight tional Tennis Chickasaw Lighthorse Police experienced speakers and lawyers to This is an overnight camp for parent(s) •May 31-June 3 Summer Clinic Youth Academy learn the structure of the tribal court and child. •YMCA Camp Classen, •Ages 8 to 18 or grades three - 12 Summer Academy systems and the differences between •Transportation is provided. Davis, Oklahoma •June 11, 2016 •Ages 9 to 15 the processes of tribal court systems. •For more information, contact camps •Camp Survivor is a wellness camp •Ada Tennis Courts, •J u n e 20 -23 Students will be directly exposed to the and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or that incorporates activities promot- Ada, Oklahoma •Lighthorse Police Department, Ada, basics of certain substantive areas of [email protected]. ing physical, mental, cultural and •The Native American Junior Invi- Oklahoma Chickasaw tribal law. •Application Deadline: April 15 spiritual health. Throughout the week, tational Tennis tournament allows •This academy provides an excellent •Transportation is not provided. campers participate in numerous ac- youth to experience a tournament opportunity for youth to explore a ca- •For more information, contact Connie Chikashshaat Hoochokoshkomo tivities, including swimming, hiking, atmosphere without the pressures of reer in law enforcement. Students hear Tillery at (580) 235-0281 or connie.til- “Chickasaws are Playing” Camp fishing, archery, canoeing, rock-climb- a school or tennis association tourna- presentations from law enforcement [email protected]. Fall Break ing, stickball and nutrition education. ment. It is also qualifying tournament personnel and learn life skills, such as •Application Deadline: April 15 •Ages 12 to 18 Campers also compete in mental and for Chickasaw youth entering grades CPR, communication, safety and crime •Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur, physical challenges and attend daily seven-12, or ages 12-18, for 10 avail- prevention. Tanumpo Hosa Apisa “Place for Oklahoma “tribal councils,” where individuals able spots on Team Chickasaw Tennis •Transportation is not provided. Shooting Guns” Camp •This day camp provides students the and groups receive special recognition. Team. •For more information, contact Tammy Summer Camp opportunity to learn the history of This is an overnight camp. •Transportation is provided. Hughes at (580) 436-1166 or tammy. •Ages 12 to 18, or entering grades traditional games. Campers learn how •Transportation is not provided. •For more information, contact camps [email protected]. seven-12 to play a variety of traditional games, •For more information, contact camps and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or •Application deadline: April 15 •J u l y 6 -7 including chunkey, marbles, archery, and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or email [email protected]. •Southern Oklahoma Sportsman’s horseshoes and stickball. [email protected]. •Application Deadline: April 15 Ikbi Holisso “Book Creation” Camp Club, Davis, Oklahoma •Fun cultural activities will be sched- •Application Deadline: April 15 Summer Camp •This camp features instruction on gun uled throughout the day. FCA Xtreme Camp •Ages 12 to 18 safety and marksmanship techniques. •Transportation is not provided. “Chikasha Albinachi” Cultural Summer Camp •J u n e 22-24 The camp focuses on the disciplines re- •For more information, contact Clovis Camp •Ages 15 to 18 •Location TBD quired for Olympic-style target shoot- Hamilton at (580) 272-5592 or clovis. Summer Camp •June 12-16 •This camp will introduce students ing and consists of both classroom [email protected]. •Ages 6 to 11 •Crosspoint Camp, Kingston, Okla- to the world of book publishing, from instruction and firing practice. •Application Deadline: April 15 •J u n e 1-2 homa concept to writing, illustrating, editing, •Transportation is provided. •Chickasaw Cultural Center, •This camp is for students who want design and production. The students •For more information, contact camps Halloween Lock-In Sulphur, Oklahoma to participate in challenging activities will be trained and guided through the and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or Fall Camp •This two-day camp provides students and great fellowship. Campers have the steps of book creation while they pro- [email protected]. •Ages 8 to 13, or entering grades three- the opportunity to learn about and opportunity to water ski, water tube, duce a book in digital format. •Application Deadline: April 15 six experience a variety of cultural activi- skeet shoot, rappel, ride horses, com- •Transportation is not provided. •Oct. 21-22 ties, such as traditional games, stomp pete in huddle competitions, scale a 65- •For more information, contact the Youth Basketball Camp •Andy Alligator’s, Norman, Oklahoma dancing, crafts and the Chickasaw lan- foot climbing tower and experience a Chickasaw Press at (580) 436-7282. Summer Camp •This Halloween-themed lock-in allows guage. high ropes challenge course. Campers •Application Deadline: April 15 •Ages 8 to 18, or entering grades students to participate in mini-bowl- •This is a day camp. Activities will be will also enjoy outstanding speakers three-12 ing, go-karts, batting cages, mini-golf, scheduled throughout the day. and great music. This is an overnight Champions Football Clinic •Girl’s Camp: July 11-12 a rock climbing wall, bumper cars, ar- •Transportation is not provided. camp. Summer Clinic •Boy’s Camp: July 14-15 cade games and a variety of other fun •For more information, contact cultur- •Transportation is not provided. •Ages 8 to 18, or entering grades •Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma activities throughout the night. This is al resources at (580) 622-7140. •For more information, contact camps three-12 City, Oklahoma an overnight camp. •Application Deadline: April 15 and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or •J u n e 23 -25 •Youth Basketball Camp participants •Transportation is provided. [email protected]. •Ada High School, learn basketball techniques from •For more information, contact camps Environmental Camp •Application Deadline: April 15 Ada, Oklahoma high school head coaches, university and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or Summer Camp •At this clinic, a team of veteran coach- coaches and current or former uni- [email protected]. •Ages 8 to 12 Space Camp es and players teach students funda- versity players. This camp ends with a •Application Deadline: April 15 •J u n e 1-3 Summer Camp mental football skills. Highlights in- round-robin style tournament. This is •Chickasaw Nation Housing, 111 Rose- •Ages 9 to 18 clude an 8-to-1 student to instructor an overnight camp. dale Road, Ada, Oklahoma •J u n e 12-17 ratio, offensive drills, defensive drills •Transportation is provided. WINTER •The three-day Environmental Camp •U.S. Space & Rocket Center at Mar- and more. •For more information, contact camps will focus on connecting kids with na- shall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, •Transportation is provided. and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or Winter Baseball Clinic ture. Connecting children to the out- Alabama •For more information, contact camps [email protected]. Winter Clinic door world is essential to our children’s •Space Camp students obtain hands- and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or •Application Deadline: April 15 •Ages 8 to 18, or entering grades health and development. Activities in- on training, as well as learn about the [email protected]. three-12 clude: mental, emotional and physical de- •Application Deadline: April 15 Chickasaw Arts Academy •Dec. 21-22 •Outdoor ethics and the importance mands astronauts must face. Fields of Summer Session •D-BAT Sports Plex, Oklahoma City, of taking care of nature study include engineering, space tech- Champions Cheerleading Clinic •Ages 8 – 18 Oklahoma •Safety and navigation nology and aerospace science. Summer Clinic •July 11 – 23 •This clinic is designed to teach essen- •Identification of dangerous and poi- •Transportation is provided. •Ages 8 to 18, or entering grades •East Central University, Ada, Okla- tial life skills, such as dedication, goal sonous plants and animals •For more information, contact the of- three-12 homa setting and teamwork, while teaching •Transportation is not provided. fice of supportive programs at (580) •J u n e 24 -25 •The Chickasaw Arts Academy is an the basic skills of baseball. Camp in- •For more information, contact Cindy 272-5579 or STMProgram@chickasaw. •Chickasaw Nation Family Life Center, intensive exploration of the various struction focuses on improving the Gammons at (580) 272-5456 or email net. Ada, Oklahoma artistic fields. Students begin the sum- fundamentals of hitting, pitching and [email protected]. •Application Deadline: April 15 •At this clinic, a team of Day of Cham- mer session on July 11 and conclude on fielding. Campers learn how goal set- •Application Deadline: April 15 pions cheerleading coaches instructs July 23 with a showcase. The showcase ting and self-discipline improve play- Youth Golf Camp students on motion, jumps, spirit, is a three-hour event that offers a brief ing ability and help in everyday life. Ada Tennis Clinics Summer Camp rhythm, health and fitness. Students glimpse of the student projects that •Transportation is provided. Summer Clinic •Golf 101 (not an overnight camp), June enhance their abilities and learn basic were created during the academy. •For more information, contact camps •Tennis 101 (tentative title) June •6-7 - 13-14, ages 8 to 11, or entering grades cheerleading fundamentals geared to- •Participants will have the opportu- and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or ages 8 to 11 three-six ward their skill levels. nity to gain experience in the follow- [email protected]. •Tennis II June 8-10 - ages 12 to 18 •Golf Camp II (overnight camp), June •Transportation is provided. ing fields of study: 2-D & 3-D Visual •Application Deadline: April 15 •Ada Tennis Center, 15-17, ages 12 to 18, or entering grades •For more information, contact camps Art, Theatre, Creative Writing, Dance, Ada, Oklahoma seven-12 and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or Vocal Music, Music Composition, Pho- Winter Softball Clinic •This clinic offers students the tools •WinStar Golf Course, [email protected]. tography, Theatre Technology, Video Winter Clinic necessary to build a lasting founda- Thackerville, Oklahoma •Application Deadline: April 15 Production, and Textile Design. •Ages 8 to 18 tion for the sport of tennis. Partici- •Golf Camp provides Native American •The Chickasaw Arts Academy is a •Dec. 19-20 pants also learn about honor, integrity, youth the opportunity to enjoy the FCA Competitors Camp unique experience providing cultural •D-BAT Sports Plex, Oklahoma City, sportsmanship and teamwork. game of golf while learning life skills, Summer Camp enrichment for participants. The acad- Oklahoma •Transportation is provided. such as honor, integrity and sports- •Ages 11 to 14 emy covers Chickasaw culture, as well •This camp focuses on improving the •For more information, contact camps manship. Instruction for all skill levels •J u n e 24 -27 as other Southeastern Native cultures. fundamentals of hitting, pitching, and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or is provided by a highly knowledgeable •Camp WOW, Gerty, Oklahoma *Attending the Summer Session of fielding, conditioning and teamwork. [email protected]. and motivated staff. Please note that •Competitors Camp combines great fa- the academy is a prerequisite for the Camp instruction is led by high school- •Application Deadline: April 15 Golf 101 is a day camp, and Golf Camp cilities and activities with the athleti- following Chickasaw Arts Academy and college-level coaches and players, is an overnight camp. cism and competition that defines the sessions: Academy Fall Session, Acad- who are dedicated to helping students Chickasaw Nation Aviation and •Transportation is provided. Fellowship of Christian Athletes min- emy Winter Session, and the Academy improve their softball skills. Space Academy (CNASA) •For more information, contact camps istry. Activities include a climbing wall, Spring Session. •Transportation is provided. Summer Academy and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or zip line, water slide, ropes course, ob- •For more information, contact the •For more information, contact camps •Ages 10 to 18 [email protected]. stacle course, the Blob, Bible devotions, Arts & Humanities office at (580) 272- and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or •June 6-10 •Application Deadline: April 15 upbeat music, topical discussions and 5520 or [email protected] [email protected]. •Science, Technology and Math Acad- much more. This is an overnight camp. •Application deadline: April 15 •Application Deadline: April 15 emy, Ada, Oklahoma Native American Junior Open Golf •Transportation is not provided. •This is a weeklong academy for stu- Tournament •For more information, contact camps Application Information dents interested in space, aviation, Summer Camp and recreation at (580) 272-5716 or FALL •Submitting an application does not math and science. Students gain •Ages 8 to 18, or grades three-12 [email protected]. guarantee selection to the camp. Appli- hands-on training in a simulator and •J u n e 18 •Application Deadline: April 15 Hayaka Unta “Into the Woods” cants should be aware once acceptance have the opportunity to fly in an actual •WinStar Golf Course, Camp to a youth services event has been de- plane. CNASA is designed to inspire Thackerville, Oklahoma Yaakni’ Inaalhpisaat Chokma “The Fall (2016) Spring (2017) Camp termined, attendance is required. If cir- excellence and to motivate and chal- •The Native American Junior Open al- Nation’s Laws are Good” Camp •Ages 8 to 18, or entering grades cumstances prevent attendance, selec- lenge the vision, talent and energies of lows youth to experience a tournament Summer Camp three-12 tion for future events may be hindered. Chickasaw young people, encouraging atmosphere without the pressures of a •Ages 10 to 16 •Fall: Oct. 14-16 - Camp Simpson, Bro- •For more information, contact them to pursue careers in science and school or golf association tournament. •June 30-July1 mide, Oklahoma camps & recreation at (580) 272- technology. It is also a qualifying tournament for •Chickasaw Nation Judicial Building, •Spring: April 7-9 - Camp Simpson, Bro- 5716 or [email protected]. •Transportation is provided for CNASA Chickasaw youth entering grades sev- Ada, Oklahoma mide, Oklahoma Camp applications can be submitted scholarship students who live out of en-12, or ages 12-18, for 10 available •This two-day camp educates youth on •Hayaka Unta Camp gives Chickasaw online. state. positions on the Team Chickasaw Golf the operations of a tribal court system. youth and their parents or guardians •Additional information is also avail- •For more information, contact the of- team. Students have the opportunity to meet an opportunity to share quality time able at www.chickasaw.net/youth- fice of supportive programs at (580) •Transportation is not provided. tribal judges, Supreme Court justices, together while enjoying the natural camps. 10 CHICKASAW TIMES March 2016 JANUARY 2016 LEGISLATIVE MINUTES LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

CHICKASAW NATION TRIBAL LEGISLATURE CHICKASAW NATION TRIBAL LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION Legislative Session Legislature Building Legislature Building Ada, Oklahoma Ada, Oklahoma January 15, 2016 February 19, 2016

AGENDA ITEM #1 CALL MEETING TO ORDER AGENDA ITEM #1 CALL MEETING TO ORDER

Chairperson Connie Barker called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. AGENDA ITEM #2 ROLL CALL AGENDA ITEM #2 ROLL CALL AGENDA ITEM #3 INVOCATION Members present: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Katie Case, Tim Colbert, Nancy Elliott, Mary Jo Green, Shana Hammond, Toby Perkins, David Woerz, Scott Wood, Steve Woods, Connie Barker AGENDA ITEM #4 APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 15, 2016 Member absent: Dean McManus Staff present: Doretta Sellers, Recording Secretary AGENDA ITEM #5 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Harold Stick, Sergeant-At-Arms Robert Cheadle, Legislative Counsel AGENDA ITEM #6 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Guests present: Jimmie D. Jennings, Patrick Cravatt, Michael L. Wingo (A) LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair David AGENDA ITEM #3 INVOCATION Woerz PR33-002 Amendments to Title 16, Chapter 2 of the Chickasaw Nation Invocation was given by Mr. Perkins. Code (Committee of the Whole) AGENDA ITEM #4 READING OF MINUTES - December 18, 2015 PR33-003 Amendments to Title 16, Chapter 2 of the Chickasaw Nation Code (Legislative Committee) A motion was made by Ms. Briggs and seconded by Ms. Case to approve the December 18, 2015 min- utes. (B) FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair Toby Perkins GR33-016 Approval of Development Budget Amendment, Border Casino Members voting yes: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Katie Case, Tim Colbert, Nancy Elliott, Mary Jo Trailer Addition Green, Shana Hammond, Toby Perkins, David Woerz, Scott Wood, Steve Woods, Connie Barker 12 yes votes (C) LAND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair Linda Briggs The motion to approve the minutes of December 18, 2015 carried unanimously. GR33-014 Waterline Easement in Love County GR33-015 Authorization for Acceptance of Real Property in Love AGENDA ITEM #5: UNFINISHED BUSINESS County There was no unfinished business. GR33-017 Approving an Oil and Gas Lease in Grady County in Favor of Todco Properties, Inc. AGENDA ITEM #6: REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AGENDA ITEM #7 NEW BUSINESS (Comments from Citizens) LAND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT by Committee Chair Linda Briggs AGENDA ITEM #8 ADJOURNMENT General Resolution Number 33-012, Authorization for Acceptance of Right-Of-Way and Easement in Carter County

This resolution approves the Chickasaw Nation’s request to accept the granted easement in Ardmore, Carter County, Oklahoma, for ingress and egress to the Carter Service Center. COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance Committee • February 8, 2016 A motion was made by Ms. Briggs and seconded by Ms. Green to approve GR 33-012. Present: Toby Perkins, Tim Colbert, David Woerz, Steve Woods, Connie Barker, Nancy Elliott Members voting yes: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Katie Case, Tim Colbert, Nancy Elliott, Mary Jo Absent: Linda Briggs Green, Shana Hammond, Toby Perkins, David Woerz, Scott Wood, Steve Woods, Connie Barker Land Development Committee • February 8, 2016 12 yes votes Present: Beth Alexander, Tim Colbert, David Woerz, Steve Woods, Connie Barker, Mary Jo Green The motion to approve GR33-012 carried unanimously. Absent: Linda Briggs Legislative Committee • February 8, 2016 Present: Beth Alexander, Connie Barker, Katie Case, Tim General Resolution Number 33-013, Authorization for Acceptance of Real Property in Carter Coun- Colbert, Nancy Elliott, Mary Jo Green, Shana Hammond, ty Dean McManus, Toby Perkins, David Woerz, Scott Wood, Steve Woods This resolution approves the Chickasaw Nation’s acceptance of a gift of real property from Sovereign Absent: Linda Briggs Native Holdco, LLC, located in Carter County, Oklahoma together with all improvements thereon, if Committee of the Whole • February 16, 2016 any, in the present condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. The Governor is authorized to request Present: Linda Briggs, Connie Barker, Tim Colbert, Nancy the Bureau of Indian Affairs to place the property U.S.A. in Trust for the Chickasaw Nation after Elliott, Mary Jo Green, Shana Hammond, Dean McManus, acquisition, if such action is advantageous. This property is located at 2435 Cooper Drive, Ardmore, David Woerz, Scott Wood, Steve Woods Oklahoma. Absent: Beth Alexander, Katie Case, Toby Perkins Finance Committee • February 16, 2016 A motion was made by Ms. Briggs and seconded by Ms. Hammond to approve GR33-013. Present: Tim Colbert, David Woerz, Steve Woods, Connie Barker, Nancy Elliott, Linda Briggs Absent: Toby Perkins Members voting yes: Beth Alexander, Linda Briggs, Katie Case, Tim Colbert, Nancy Elliott, Mary Jo Green, Shana Hammond, Toby Perkins, David Woerz, Scott Wood, Steve Woods, Connie Barker 12 yes votes The motion to approve GR33-013 carried unanimously. FEBRUARY 2016 RESOLUTIONS Ms. Briggs concluded her report. CHICKASAW TRIBAL LEGISLATURE AGENDA ITEM #7 NEW BUSINESS (Comments from Citizens) General Resolution Number 33-014 Waterline Easement in Love County There was no new business to discuss. WHEREAS, in accordance with Article VII, Sections 4 and 7 of Mr. Jimmy Jennings commented on the need for housing repairs in the Duncan area, the need for a the Constitution of the Chickasaw Nation, the Chickasaw Tribal Leg- wellness center, and additional funding for the elders’ utility bills. islature shall enact rules and regulations pertaining to the Chicka- saw Nation, and shall make decisions pertaining to the acquisition, Chairperson Barker made announcements regarding the upcoming community council meetings. leasing, disposition and management of real property subject to federal law, and AGENDA ITEM #8 ADJOURNMENT WHEREAS, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1 of the Con- stitution of the Chickasaw Nation, the Governor shall perform all The Legislative Session adjourned at 9:09 a.m. duties appertaining to the office of Chief Executive. He shall sign official papers on behalf of the Nation, and Respectfully submitted, WHEREAS, the Land Development Committee recommends the Chickasaw Nation grant a waterline easement to the Marietta Pub- Nancy Elliott, Secretary lic Works Authority (hereinafter ‘MPWA’), a public trust, of 303 W. Chickasaw Nation Tribal Legislature Main Street, Marietta, OK 73448, with such easement being more particularly described as: Prepared by: A UTILITY EASEMENT BEING 20 FEET IN WIDTH LOCATED NORTH OF STATE HIGHWAY 32 IN THE SW 1/4 OF SECTION 18, Doretta Sellers, Recording Secretary TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 2 EAST OF THE INDIAN BASE AND Chickasaw Nation Tribal Legislature MERIDIAN, LOVE COUNTY, STATE OF OKLAHOMA, THE BOUNDARY OF WHICH IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SW CORNER OF SE 1/4 SW 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 18; THENCE N00°00’00”E A DISTANCE OF 67.0 FEET; THENCE N00°00’00”E A DISTANCE OF 50.75 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE N89°22’34”E A DISTANCE OF 294.69 FEET; THENCE N79°37’18”E A DISTANCE OF 31.55 FEET; THENCE N00°00’00”E A DISTANCE OF 20.33 FEET; THENCE S79°37’18”W A DISTANCE OF 33.51 FEET; THENCE S89°22’34”W A DISTANCE OF 292.76 FEET; THENCE S00°00’00”W A DISTANCE OF 20 FEET TO POINT OF BEGINNING, 0.149 ACRES MORE OR LESS, and WHEREAS, this easement shall permit MPWA, its successors and assigns, licensees and franchisees, a perpetual easement for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, installing, repairing and replacing waterlines and mains situated in Love County, State of Oklahoma. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature hereby authorizes and approves the proposed perpetual easement and right of way be granted to MPWA. Executed in regular session of the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, meeting at Ada, Oklahoma, on February 19, 2016, by a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions. Explanation: This resolution grants a perpetual easement to MPWA for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a water- March 2016 CHICKASAW TIMES 11 FEBRUARY 2016 RESOLUTIONS FEBRUARY 2016 RESOLUTIONS line/water main across the south end of a tract that borders Oklahoma Highway 32 in Love County, CHICKASAW TRIBAL LEGISLATURE Oklahoma. Permanent Resolution Number 33-002 Property Location: OK Hwy 32 west of Marietta, Oklahoma Amendments to Title 16, Chapter 2 of the Chickasaw Nation Use: to be utilized as perpetual Waterline Easement to Marietta Public Works Authority Code Presented By: Land Development Committee (Committee of the Whole)

CHICKASAW TRIBAL LEGISLATURE WHEREAS, in accordance with Article VII, Sections 4 and 7 of General Resolution Number 33-015 the Constitution of the Chickasaw Nation, the Chickasaw Tribal Leg- Authorization for Acceptance of Real Property in Love County islature shall enact rules and regulations pertaining to the Chicka- saw Nation, and shall make decisions pertaining to the acquisition, WHEREAS, in accordance with Article VII, Sections 4 and 7 of the Constitution of the Chickasaw leasing, disposition and management of real property, subject to Nation, the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature shall enact rules and regulations pertaining to the Chickasaw federal law, and Nation, and shall make decisions pertaining to the acquisition, leasing, disposition and management WHEREAS, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1 of the Con- of real property, subject to federal law, and stitution of the Chickasaw Nation, the Governor shall perform all WHEREAS, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Chickasaw Nation, duties appertaining to the office of Chief Executive. He shall sign the Governor shall perform all duties appertaining to the office of Chief Executive. He shall sign of- official papers on behalf of the Nation, and ficial papers on behalf of the Nation, and WHEREAS, the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature has previously WHEREAS, the Land Development Committee recommends the acceptance of a gift of real property made rules regarding Committee of the Whole meetings, and from Sovereign Native Holdco, LLC, located in Love County, Oklahoma, more particularly described WHEREAS, the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature desires to amend as: those rules. A tract of land in part of the W/2 SW/4 SW/4 of Section 30, Township 9 South, Range 2 East, Love NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chickasaw Tribal County, Oklahoma, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the Southwest Cor- Legislature hereby approves and adopts the following amendments ner of the SW/4 of Section 30, Township 9 South, Range 2 East; thence N89°50’00”E 53.15 feet to a point to Title 16, Chapter 2 of the Chickasaw Nation Code, all other sec- on an existing right-of-way line, said point being the point of beginning; thence N00°24’24”W along said tions and parts of sections to remain the same (additions are shown right-of-way line 320.95 feet; thence on a tangent curve to the right having a radius of 1011.03 feet, a in red): chord length of 673.84 feet and a chord bearing of N19°03’33”E 686.98 feet; thence N27°12’53”E 50.99 feet; thence N38°31’29”E 414.54 feet; thence Sl7°10’39”W 246.20 feet; thence S08°44’30”W 212.89 feet; “SECTION 16-201.4 COMMITTEES AND RULES. thence S00°30’31”W 302.49 feet; thence S02°27’20”W 284.19 feet; thence S16°18’51”W 87.61 feet; thence S44°41’22”W 172.46 feet; thence S61°50’59”W 167.96 feet; thence S78°13’11”W 46.09 feet to a point on G. “Committee of the Whole” or “COW” means the Legislature the South line of said SW/4; thence S89°50’00”W leaving said existing right-of-way line and along the meeting in informal session. South line of the SW/4 40.24 feet to the point of beginning 1. Committee of the Whole meets monthly on the Monday im- together with all improvements thereon, if any, in their present condition, ordinary wear and tear mediately preceding the third Friday of each month in Sulphur at excepted. the Artesian Resort in the second floor conference room. Quorum NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature hereby authorizes and for a COW meeting is nine (9) Legislators. The public is invited. The approves the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation to accept, as a gift, a deed for the above described purpose of the monthly COW meeting is to announce the agenda for tract of land. The Governor is authorized to request the Bureau of Indian Affairs to place the property the Legislative Session, amend legislation already assigned to the U.S.A. in Trust for the Chickasaw Nation after acquisition, if such action is advantageous. Legislative Session agenda and adopt emergency legislation, if any. Executed in regular session of the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, meeting at Ada, Oklahoma, on The agenda for COW meetings shall follow the outline provided in February 19, 2016 by a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions. the Constitution and Code including the offer to Chickasaw citi- Explanation: This resolution approves the Chickasaw Nation’s acceptance of a gift of real property zens to address the Legislature. If the time or place of the monthly from Sovereign Native Holdco, LLC, located in Love County, Oklahoma, described herein together with meeting must be changed, notice shall be given to the public. all improvements thereon, if any, in the present condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. The 2. Committee of the Whole meetings may be called at any time Governor is authorized to request the Bureau of Indian Affairs to place the property U.S.A. in Trust and place if necessary for business purposes. The public shall not for the Chickasaw Nation after acquisition, if such action is advantageous. be invited to specially called COW meetings; however, Executive Property Location: I-35 Exit 1 Interchange Department representatives and witnesses may be invited to the Use: To be utilized for economic development meetings as necessary for the business at hand. Presented by: Land Development Committee 3. Committee of the Whole minutes shall not be published; however, copies of minutes of COW meetings where the public is CHICKASAW TRIBAL LEGISLATURE invited may be requested in writing. Minutes shall only be available General Resolution Number 33-016 after approval. Approval of Development Budget Amendment 4. Committee of the Whole may call for an Executive Session. Border Casino Trailer Addition Minutes shall not be taken in an Executive Session. No decisions shall be made in Executive Session. WHEREAS, in accordance with Article VII, Sections 4 and 7 of the Constitution of the Chickasaw Nation, the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature shall enact rules and regulations pertaining to the Chickasaw SECTION 16-201.5 RULES ON LEGISLATION. Nation, and shall make decisions pertaining to the acquisition, leasing, disposition and management A. At the Committee of the Whole meeting preceding the Regu- of real property, subject to federal law, and lar Session, any Member can recommend to the Legislature as a WHEREAS, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Chickasaw Nation, whole that the Legislature consider any proposed Legislation as the Governor shall perform all duties appertaining to the office of Chief Executive. He shall sign of- “Emergency Legislation,” in which case the Committee of the Whole ficial papers on behalf of the Nation, and shall vote whether to call the piece of Legislation out of Committee WHEREAS, Section 10-201.4 of the Chickasaw Nation Code requires projects intended to develop and place it on the agenda for the Regular Session. Once Legisla- tribal real property to be contained in a Development Budget, apart and separate from the Consolidated tion is announced during the Committee of the Whole, it becomes Governmental Budget, and public knowledge.” WHEREAS, the Governor has submitted the proposed revision to the Development Budget for the Executed in regular session of the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, listed project in Exhibit A, and meeting at Ada, Oklahoma, on February 19, 2016, by a vote of 11 WHEREAS, the requirements of Subsection 18-100.6(B) have been statutorily met by the Governor’s ayes, 2 nays, 0 abstentions. submission of this revision to the Development Budget. Explanation: This resolution approves amendments to Title 16, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature hereby approves the revi- Chapter 2 of the Chickasaw Nation Code regarding rules for the sion to the Development Budget for the Border Casino Trailer Addition, Project Number 16011-BDR- Legislature meeting as a Committee of the Whole. GAM-C in the amount of $1,456,361.00. Presented By: Legislative Committee Executed in regular session of the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, meeting at Ada, Oklahoma, on February 19, 2016, by a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions. CHICKASAW TRIBAL LEGISLATURE Explanation: This resolution approves the amendment to the Development Budget for the Border Permanent Resolution Number 33-003 Casino Trailer Addition, Project Number 16011-BDR-GAM-C in the amount of $1,456,361.00. Amendments to Title 16, Chapter 2 of the Chickasaw Nation This property serves as an ancillary outlet for patrons not wanting to be absorbed into the grandeur Code of Winstar and serves as an easily accessible option for those passing through the area. (Legislative Committee) Thackerville Gaming has experienced several expansions over recent years as Winstar World Casino’s demand has grown. As with previous expansions, demand has increased steadily over the last couple WHEREAS, in accordance with Article VII, Sections 4 and 7 of of years. Current volume and utilization is at a 10% increase year over year signaling that expanded the Constitution of the Chickasaw Nation, the Chickasaw Tribal Leg- supply is warranted. islature shall enact rules and regulations pertaining to the Chicka- This project consists of the design, engineering and construction of three additional trailers on the saw Nation, and shall make decisions pertaining to the acquisition, east building of Border Casino. The addition will add approximately 184 new gaming machines. Little leasing, disposition and management of real property, subject to additional operating expenses will be required to operate the additional games. There will also be federal law, and new decking, ramps, and minor rework to the parking entrance. WHEREAS, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1 of the Con- Presented by: Finance Committee stitution of the Chickasaw Nation, the Governor shall perform all duties appertaining to the office of Chief Executive. He shall sign CHICKASAW TRIBAL LEGISLATUREGeneral Resolution Number 33-017 official papers on behalf of the Nation, and Approving an Oil and Gas Lease in Grady County WHEREAS, the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature has previously In favor of Todco Properties, Inc. enacted rules and procedures for the operation of Legislative busi- ness, and WHEREAS, in accordance with Article VII, Sections 4 and 7 of the Constitution of the Chickasaw WHEREAS, the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature desires to correct Nation, the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature shall enact rules and regulations pertaining to the Chickasaw a typographical error in those rules and procedures. Nation, and shall make decisions pertaining to the acquisition, leasing, disposition and management NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chickasaw Tribal of real property, subject to federal law, and Legislature hereby approves and adopts the following amendments WHEREAS, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Chickasaw Nation, to Title 16, Chapter 2, Section 16-201.4, all other sections and parts the Governor shall perform all duties appertaining to the office of Chief Executive. He shall sign of- of sections to remain the same (additions are shown in red, dele- ficial papers on behalf of the Nation, and tions are stricken through): WHEREAS, Todco Properties, Inc. “Todco”, 1818 West Lindsey Street, Suite A-102, Norman, Okla- homa 73069 wishes to enter into a three-year Oil and Gas Lease on land jointly owned by the Choctaw “SECTION 16-201.4 COMMITTEES AND RULES. Nation and Chickasaw Nation, under which the lease would be automatically extended so long as oil B. Standing Committees’ Structure and Purpose. or gas is harvested in “paying quantities,” and 5. The following are Standing Committees of the Tribal Legis- WHEREAS, the property being leased to Todco is more accurately described as an “Undivided ½ lature, the provinces of some which may, from time to time, best be mineral interest in Lot 6, Block 44, Town of Tuttle, Grady County, Oklahoma, (USA IN TRUST), contain- addressed within the structure of a Joint Committee, Special/Select ing 0.08 acres, more or less” and Committee, Ad Hoc Committee, or the Committee of the Whole, as WHEREAS, for the oil and gas well on such property, Todco shall pay a total cash bonus of $125.06 determined by the Chairperson: of which the Chickasaw Nation will receive $31.27 and a royalty to the Chickasaw Nation at a rate of a. The Legislative Committee shall be exempt from the Stand- 4.6875% (25% of 18.75%) of the value of oil and gas harvested, and ing Committee rule referred to in Section 16-201.4.B.36. The Legis- NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature hereby authorizes, ap- lative Committee shall be responsible for the development of tribal proves and requests the Governor to sign the proposed Oil and Gas Lease in favor of Todco Properties, laws relating to their Legislative authorities under the Constitution Inc. of the Chickasaw Nation. Sub-committees may include, but are not Executed in regular session of the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, meeting at Ada, Oklahoma, on limited to the calendar, rules, elections, and ethics.” February 19, 2016, by a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions. Executed in regular session of the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, Explanation: This resolution approves an Oil and Gas Lease in favor of Todco Properties, Inc. meeting at Ada, Oklahoma, on February 19, 2016, by a vote of 13 “Todco”, 1818 West Lindsey Street, Suite A-102, Norman, Oklahoma 73069. The lease is a three-year ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions. Oil and Gas Lease on land jointly owned by the Choctaw Nation and Chickasaw Nations described as Explanation: This resolution corrects a typographical error in an Undivided ½ mineral interest in Lot 6, Block 44, Town of Tuttle, Grady County, Oklahoma, (USA Title 16, Chapter 2 Section 16-201.4 of the Chickasaw Nation Code IN TRUST), containing 0.08 acres, more or less. Todco is offering $3,126.50 per acre for a total bonus regarding the Legislative Committee. of $125.06, of which the Chickasaw Nation shall receive $31.27. The lease will be for a primary term Presented By: Legislative Committee of three (3) years with a $3.00 per acre annual rental for a total of $0.12, of which the Chickasaw Na- tion will receive $0.03 per annum, and a royalty to the Chickasaw Nation at a rate of 4.6875% (25% of 18.75%) of the value of oil and gas harvested. Presented by: Land Development Committee 12 CHICKASAW TIMES March 2016 National Women’s History Month Chickasaw women cited for dynamic contributions to women, Chickasaw Nation and American progress National Women’s History Irene L. Digby of Tuttle dedicated the Thelma 150th anniversary of the signing Month is celebrated each March. “Chincie” Ross Meeting Room in of the Treaty of Pontotoc in Pon- The theme of this year’s recog- the new city hall. totoc County, Mississippi, in 1983. nition is “Working to Form a More Mrs. Ross was chosen as one of She holds a bachelor’s degree Perfect Union: Honoring Women the featured elders in Mike Lars- from the University of Oklaho- in Public Service and Govern- en’s acclaimed painting series ma and a master’s degree from ment.” “Elders of the Chickasaw Nation.” Florida State University, both in Women have stepped into lead- To those fortunate to know her, library science. Mrs. Kemp was ership roles since before recorded Mrs. Ross’ laughter and spirit con- the director of Lee-Itawamba Li- history. Joan of Arc led French tinue to provide joy, and her ways brary System, based in Tupelo, forces into battle and is a Catholic have instilled lessons others will for more than 28 years. She was saint; and Clara Barton provided cherish for years to come. instrumental in raising funds for care and solace to wounded Civil the Lee County Library when it War soldiers and later founded Rose Shields-Jefferson was announced a Chickasaw col- The American Red Cross. lection would be housed on-site. Women in any society often Mrs. Kemp has served on the lead with lessons of courage, fair- board of directors of the Chicka- Rep. Billy is the chairman of the ness, respect and perseverance, saw Historical Society. She was International, Federal and Tribal that leadership role is heightened appointed by the Governor of Relations Committee and she in the matrilineal society of the Irene L. Digby was born Nov. Mississippi to the Mississippi Li- sits on the General Government/ Chickasaw people. 12, 1921, in Fairview, Okla. She brary Commission, the govern- Transportation, Human Services Dynamic Chickasaw women graduated from Davis (OK) High ing panel for all public libraries and the Children and Families have been elected to public of- School. within the state. She was also the committees. In 2006, she initiated fice, created inspiring artwork, Mrs. Digby is described as first minority woman to hold the the first Oklahoma Native Ameri- served in the military, been edu- “small in size, but mighty in her office of president through the can Caucus. She is also vice-chair cators and steadfastly protected Chickasaw heritage.” She is a dis- North Mississippi Conference- of the majority caucus and a dep- and honored the cultural history tinguished Chickasaw storyteller United Methodist Women. uty whip. and traditions of the Chickasaw and teacher of the Chickasaw lan- Mrs. Kemp is a past President Before her election to the Okla- Nation. guage. of the American Indian Cultural homa Legislature, Rep. Billy Chickasaw women have distin- Mrs. Digby exhibits traits which Society, Norman, Okla.; a member served six years as a Chickasaw guished themselves in all walks cannot be obtained by a cer- of the American Library Associa- Nation legislator. She is also a for- of life. Many have received the tificate of degree. Her expertise tion and the American Associa- mer educator in the Department highest honor bestowed by the and experience with traditional Rose Shields-Jefferson was tion of University Women-John J. of Continuing Education at the tribe – induction into the Chicka- Chickasaw ways far outweigh born July 25, 1944, in Talihina, Hart Chapter, Mississippi; and is University of Oklahoma. saw Hall of Fame – while others anything a higher education fa- Okla., to Joseph and Minnie Al- a charter member of the League She earned a bachelor’s degree have made critically important cility could offer. len Shields. She is the eldest of 13 of Women Voters. in business from Northeastern contributions to their tribe, state She actively shares her story- children. (OK) State University and a mas- and nation. telling skills in local schools, Mrs. Shields-Jefferson graduat- Margaret Wheeler ter’s degree in education from the Following are Chickasaw wom- teaching children Chickasaw her- ed from Haskell Institute in 1965 University of Oklahoma. While a en who have achieved excellence itage through her tales. She was where she studied commercial student at Northeastern, she was in their work, their lives and the honored in 2013 by Davis Public cooking. inducted into the NSU Hall of lives of others. Schools for her charitable contri- She is a fluent Chickasaw Fame, served on Student Senate butions and was inducted into the speaker who grew up speaking and served as president of the Te Ata Thompson Fisher Davis Alumni Association. exclusively Chickasaw. She serves Native American Student Asso- Mrs. Digby shares her heri- on the Chickasaw Language Com- ciation. She also founded Peace- tage in a multitude of ways. She mittee, helping set standards for makers Inc., a small business teaches Chickasaw language and components of tribal language designed to develop leadership songs, beading and traditional and publications. skills in youth. recipes. She has been influential in the Rep. Billy has received the Insti- She has been featured in three continuation of the Chickasaw tute of Child Advocacy volunteer books published by the Chicka- language. She has been key in rec- of the year award and recently saw Press, as well as Chickasaw ognizing new Chickasaw words, was honored with the “Oklaho- artist Mike Larsen’s acclaimed and has helped development of ma Spirit” award along with Girl painting series, “Elders of the the Chickasaw Language Basics Scouts of the USA “woman of dis- Chickasaw Nation,” and the doc- application. tinction” award. umentary “Chickasaw Removal.” She serves on the Chickasaw As a sign of respect in her com- Nation Election Commission Margaret Roach Wheeler is an Lushanya munity, she is often asked by par- and is an active member of the award-winning weaver, fiber ex- ents to provide Chickasaw names Chickasaw Historical Society, pert and textile artist. for children, a tradition she es- Chickasaw Senior Center in Ada, She served as the artist-in-res- tablished with her own family. National Indian Council on Ag- idence at the Smithsonian’s Na- Te Ata Thompson Fisher, whose She and her late husband, B.F. ing and vice president of the Ada tional Museum of the American name means “Bearer of the Morn- “Dick” Digby, have four children, Circle of Council. Indian in New York. ing,” was born Dec. 3, 1895, near 11 grandchildren and 17 great- In 2006, Mrs. Shields-Jefferson Ms. Wheeler exhibited works at Emet, Indian Territory. A citizen grandchildren. was awarded the Silver Feather the Museum of Art and Design of the Chickasaw Nation, Te Ata Mrs. Digby is a soft-spoken Award to recognize her work and the Institute of American In- was an accomplished actress, woman who speaks fondly of her preserving Chickasaw traditions, dian Arts, among others. She won culturalist and Native American Chickasaw heritage. She is a wise, culture and values. Also, in 2013, numerous awards, including the storyteller. spiritual, honorable and promi- she was named an American President’s Award at Red Earth She received her early educa- nent Chickasaw example to all. Association of Retired Persons Festival and textile awards at tion in Tishomingo and eventu- (AARP) Indian Elder Honoree in the 2009 Southeastern Art Show ally attended and graduated from Thelma “Chincie” Ross the state of Oklahoma. and Market. Ms. Wheeler designs the Oklahoma College for Women Mrs. Shields-Jefferson is well- contemporary fashions and tra- in Chickasha. While there, it was known for her beadwork, sew- ditional Native American regalia. evident Te Ata had a natural tal- ing and quilting. She is an active She specializes in weaving be- ent for drama. member of Mitchell Memorial cause it gives her a creative outlet Born in 1906, Lushanya became Her career as an actor and sto- Methodist Church and partici- and also allows her the opportu- one of the world’s most famous ryteller spanned more than 60 pates in the Chickasaw Elders nity to educate people across the and beloved operatic sopranos in years. She would impart Chicka- Choir. United States about the Chicka- the 1940s and 1950s. saw legends, myths and stories, saws and other Native American She grew up on the family farm and perform in Native regalia. Betty Ruth Kemp tribes and cultures. where she learned to break hors- Te Ata attended Carnegie Insti- Ms. Wheeler discovered the art es, shoot a rifle and play piano tute of Technology in Pittsburgh, of weaving when she was 33 and starting at age six. After studying Penn., for one year. From there, working on her master’s degree opera at several American univer- she moved to New York where she at Pittsburg (KS) State University. sities, Lushanya left for Berlin, met and married Clyde Fisher. A painter for many years, she Germany, to study at the Staatli- During the 1930s, she performed was introduced to the art form che Akademische Hoschscule fur at summer camps in New York by her instructor, internationally- Musik from 1931-34. After attend- and New England. known jewelry artist Marjorie K. ing school in Berlin, she won 12 In the prime of her career, she Schick. more scholarships offered by the performed in England and Scan- Thelma “Chincie” Ross was Ms. Wheeler enjoyed weaving Mussolini academy to foreigners. dinavia, at the White House for born Sept. 9, 1917, in Tuttle, Okla., so much, she left her teaching job With her excellent music train- President Franklin Roosevelt, for to Turner and Susan Cochran. and has since traveled through- ing, Lushanya was well on her the King and Queen of Great Brit- “Chincie,” a nickname given her out the U.S. and Canada to exhibit way to establishing a strong ca- ain, and on stages across the U.S. by her father, is a Native Ameri- and sell her work. She also gives reer. Sometimes called “Songbird and Europe. can word meaning “beautiful lectures on the art of weaving. of the Chickasaws,” her first ma- Although Te Ata worked as an flower.” Weaving is a natural extension jor solo performance was in the actress and drama instructor, she Mrs. Ross graduated from of her Chickasaw heritage. Hollywood Bowl for the 1929 Indi- is best known for her artistic in- Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Ms. Wheeler weaves cloth that an Ceremonials. It was her debut terpretations of Indian folklore. Kansas, and went on to work with Betty Ruth Kemp was born May she tailors, including contempo- with the Chicago Opera Company Recognized globally for her tal- the Cheyenne-Arapaho tribe in 5, 1930, in Tishomingo, Okla., to rary Native American clothing, at the Trieste Opera House in Ita- ent, Te Ata was inducted into the Concho, Okla. She later worked at Raymond and Mamie Kemp. She and sells it under her own label, ly, which critics described as be- Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1957. Fort Defiance Hospital in Window is the great-granddaughter of Mahota Handwovens. Mahota is ing one of the most outstanding She was cited as Oklahoma’s Rock, Arizona, with the Navajo fellow Chickasaw Nation Hall of the name of her great-great-great performances in more than 30 Official State Treasure in 1987. A tribe. Fame Inductee, Levi “Itawamba grandmother, who was Chicka- years at the world-famous facility. lake near Bear Mountain in New During World War II, Mrs. Ross Miko” Colbert. saw. It was her role in the popu- York is named in her honor. worked as a code talker admin- Under her direction, the North- Her artistry with textiles are lar opera “Aida” that made her She is also the subject of a vid- istrator. She helped process the east Mississippi Historical and on display each day at the ARTe- truly famous. Lushanya played eo, “God’s Drum,” the proceeds Navajo Marine recruits selected Genealogical Society was orga- sian Art Gallery, located across the starring role as an Ethiopian of which have supported the Te to serve as code talkers. Many nized. Mrs. Kemp has presented the street from the Chickasaw princess in the Egyptian courts. Ata Scholarship Fund for Indian Native Americans served as code numerous talks about Chickasaw Nation’s luxury Artesian Hotel in Soon, Lushanya Mobley became a Students at her alma mater, now talkers, speaking their ancestral history and Native American ge- Sulphur, Okla. household name, being hailed as called the University of Science language to confound the enemy nealogical research to organiza- both the most talented soprano and Arts of Oklahoma. in both world wars. tions in the Tupelo, Mississippi, Lisa Johnson-Billy and beautiful opera star of the Te Ata died Oct. 26, 1995, in Mrs. Ross has been a vital mem- area. She has helped pave the way Lisa Johnson-Billy is the daugh- day. Oklahoma City. Her legacy and ber of the Tuttle community. She for current relations and cultural ter of Frank Johnson and the late The world stage loved Lushan- influence on Native American tended to the Silver City Ceme- exchanges between the Chicka- Beverly Johnson and the grand- ya so much there was an opera storytelling traditions continues tery, a significant part of Chicka- saw people and those who now daughter of the late Holmes Col- written about her, “The Robin to this day. saw history, worked as the town live in the ancestral homelands. bert and Evelyn Ward-Johnson. Woman” by Charles Wakefield The Chickasaw Nation is honor- historian and was Tuttle’s first Mrs. Kemp co-wrote a grant In 2004, she was elected to the Cadman. Several portraits were ing her legacy with a full-length librarian. to fund a yearlong archeology Oklahoma House of Representa- commissioned of her, one of motion picture filmed entirely in She was honored during the research project into Chickasaw tives, representing District 42. which hangs in the Royal Acad- Oklahoma in 2015. 2009 Tuttle High School 100th habitation of the region. Her ef- She is the first Native American emy of London. While performing anniversary by serving as pa- forts led to a delegation from the and first woman elected to repre- in Europe, she was presented to rade marshal. In 2014, the city Chickasaw Nation to attend the sent the district. King George VI and Queen Eliza- March 2016 CHICKASAW TIMES 13 beth and was asked to sing at the Widow Harjo in the award-win- Helen Gale Cole was born to Elba “Cutchie” Johnston was King’s coronation. She was the ning, feature-length film, “Pearl.” Chickasaw and Choctaw parents born in 1901 and spent her life first American Indian to perform in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, in serving the Chickasaw people at any of the famed opera houses Mary “Ataloa” Stone 1922. and preserving the Chickasaw throughout Europe and America. McClendon Mrs. Cole served more than culture and history. Throughout her career, Lushan- nine years in the Oklahoma Sen- Besides being a musical artist, ya rarely missed an opportunity ate and six years in the Oklahoma she received numerous awards to share her love of the Chicka- House of Representatives. She be- and commendations for her vol- saw tribe with the world. She was gan her career as mayor of Moore, unteer service because of the proud of her heritage and sought Oklahoma. many contributions she has made to bring greater understanding of She was well-known for her to her community, her church her tribe to all she encountered. fight against drug and alcohol and the Chickasaw Nation. Lushanya died in 1990 at age 84. abuse as well as her efforts as a Known for her compassion, member of the State Ethics Com- strong values and gentleness, Juanita Tate mission to raise the bar of behav- Johnston always put the well-be- ior for state officials. ing of others first and made time Center in honor of her work April Mrs. Cole began her political ca- for those in need. 22, 1992. reer by running for office in 1976, She was a member of several Those who knew her say Mrs. which was the only time she was different organizations where she James was so motivated to help ever defeated. spent time helping others. She others that all her employees In 1978, she ran again and was traveled worldwide as a member and counselors came to have the elected. She spent the next 18 of the Associated Country Women same burning desire to make years in public service. of the World. As a local highlight, Ataloa was a nationally re- people whole again. One year after retiring from she was Co-Grand Marshal of the nowned concert vocalist, edu- the Senate, Oklahoma Gov. Frank Annual Ardmore Christmas Pa- cator, and advocate for Native Chenena James Roach Keating appointed her co-chair rade. American education and fine of a statewide task force on is- Elba Johnston touched the lives arts. sues related to drug and alcohol of many who have had the plea- Mary Stone “Ataloa” McClen- abuse. Later that same year, she sure of crossing her path. don was born in 1895 in what is was also appointed to the State now Duncan, Oklahoma. Some of Ethics Commission by Oklahoma Sally Chloe Grinslade Bell her early education took place in Supreme Court Justice Yvonne a one-room schoolhouse in the Kauger. Born in Ardmore, Okla., Sept. Kiamichi Mountains. She also Her grandfather, Thomas Ben- 10, 1910, to Guy and Lula Potts studied at the Oklahoma College jamin Thompson, was the last Keel, Juanita Tate’s father gave for Women, and University of elected Treasurer of the Chicka- her the Chickasaw name of “Fos- Redlands. saw Nation before statehood. She hi,” which she always cherished. Later, she attended Columbia is also the niece of Te Ata, famed She was a great-great-grandchild University and the International Chickasaw storyteller. of Cyrus Harris, the first Gover- Institute of John D. Rockefeller nor of the Chickasaw Nation, and in New York City, where she was Eula Pearl Carter Scott a great-grandchild of Edmund the only American Indian in at- Pickens, first elected Chief of the tendance. Chickasaw Nation. As a performer, Ataloa received Mrs. Tate started school in accolades for her poise, culture, Chenena James Roach was in- Hugo, Okla. After her family re- personality and rich contralto ducted into the Chickasaw Hall turned to Ardmore, she attend- voice. of Fame for her dedication to pro- ed Bloomfield Seminary before Those who witnessed perfor- moting and preserving the his- enrolling at Lincoln School. At mances said she had the ability tory, culture and heritage of the Sally Chloe Grinslade Bell, born 12, she entered Chilocco Indian to understand the Indian heart Chickasaw Nation and its people. in 1926, is remembered for a life- School, graduating in 1928. She through her program of Indian Mrs. Roach and her brother, time of service to the Chickasaw attended and graduated from songs, legends and ceremonials. Overton James, former governor people. Bell understood the im- the Ardmore Business College in She abandoned her career as of the Chickasaw Nation, con- portance of her heritage and her 1929, where she was a demonstra- a performer, however, to take a vinced their mother, Vinnie May ancestors. tor of the stenotype and a court position as a teacher at Bacone Humes and their stepfather, Rev. A strong belief in “learning reporter. In 1934, she married Er- College. Jesse Humes, to provide a written from whence we have come and nest W. Tate. Mr. Tate died in 1981. Following her career at Bacone, translation of the Chickasaw lan- looking forward to where we need Mrs. Tate was active in Chicka- Ataloa taught at the prestigious guage. This resulted in the first to be in the future” describes saw tribal affairs. She held of- Idyllwild School of Music and Chickasaw Dictionary published Eula Pearl Carter Scott was born her outlook and focus. She was fices in the Chickasaw-Choctaw Arts from 1950 to 1963. in 1973. Dec. 9, 1915, in Marlow, Oklaho- integral in using what she had Confederation and the Atoka She spent her life helping oth- Along with that dictionary, Mrs. ma, to George and Lucy Carter. learned from the past to help Treaty Rights Association, the Ti- ers, including one summer as a Roach recovered audio tapes of Her mother was an original en- foster good for the future of the fahaya Inter-tribal Club and the social worker in an Italian sec- her mother, Mrs. Humes, pro- rollee of the Chickasaw Nation. Chickasaw tribe. Ohoyohoma Club. She was also a tion of New York City. After her nouncing more than 700 Chick- Pearl’s colorful life took her from Governor Overton James ap- longtime member of the Chilocco passing in 1967, the Ataloa Lodge asaw words. Those recordings Marlow to the Chickasaw Hall of pointed her to assist in the writ- National Alumni Association and Museum, located on the campus have been compiled on a compact Fame. ing of the present Chickasaw was inducted into the Chilocco In- of Bacone College in Muskogee, disc “Talking Chickasaw Diction- After learning how to drive at Nation Constitution, which the dian School Hall of Fame in 1987. Oklahoma, was named in her ary,” which allows the user to the age of 12, she soared to new Chickasaw people overwhelm- In addition, she was active as a honor. hear the correct pronunciation of heights and learned to fly at the ingly voted to accept. Her contri- member of the Bloomfield-Carter each word. age of 13 under the tutelage of bution to this important docu- Seminary Alumni Association. Catherine Willmond legendary aviator Wiley Post. She ment exemplifies the rights and She was passionate about pres- Geraldine Greenwood became the youngest pilot in the freedom of all her people. ervation of Chickasaw history United States with her first solo and culture, encouraging Chicka- flight on Sept. 12, 1929. She later Vinnie May Humes saws to be prideful of their past. worked as a stunt pilot until end- An accomplished artist, Mrs. ing her career to focus on her Tate painted portraits of Chicka- children and family. saws and Choctaws as well as a She started a second career number of historic Chickasaw with the Chickasaw Nation in and Choctaw buildings around 1972, as one of the tribe’s first southern Oklahoma. At 97, she community health representa- completed a biography of Ed- tives after studying at the Desert mund Pickens, which was pub- Willow Indian Training Center in lished by the Chickasaw Press. Tucson, Arizona. In 1983, Pearl In 2011, she was inducted into was elected to the Chickasaw the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Legislature, serving three terms. Fame by the Oklahoma Historical During her tenure, she helped Society. oversee tremendous growth in Ms. Tate died Feb. 8, 2012, at tribal operations and services. age 101. Mrs. Willmond is co-author of Pearl’s life is the epitome of in- “Chickasaw: An Analytical Dic- With a dynamic career filled dependence and equality, traits Pauline Carpenter Brown tionary,” published by the Univer- by teaching and giving to others, evident in all Chickasaw women. sity of Oklahoma Press in 1994. Geraldine Greenwood touched This spice for life has been recog- Vinnie May Seely James Humes Mrs. Willmond’s dictionary is one the lives of many. She had a nized across the nation. She was was born in Coatworth, Indian of the resources used in language strong faith in her Baptist beliefs, inducted into the Oklahoma Avia- Territory, in 1903 and was an classes taught by the Chickasaw and this was evident by how she tion and Space Hall of Fame, the original enrolled member of the Nation. treated those in her life. Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame, Chickasaw tribe. Mrs. Willmond worked with lin- Born in 1926, she was raised in the International Women’s Air Known by her close friends guistics professor Pamela Munro Oklahoma. She graduated from and Space Museum Hall of Fame, as “Sadie,” she was 70 years old to record the language from more Carter Seminary and pursued and is a charter member of the when she earned her high school than 40 Chickasaw speakers to her master’s degree in education National Museum of American GED through courses offered by complete the dictionary. at East Central (OK) University. Indian at the Smithsonian. the Chickasaw Nation. She will Mrs. Willmond has also helped As part of her efforts to preserve A complete file of her aviation forever be linked to the education teach linguistics classes at the the Chickasaw culture, she de- experiences is included in the of Chickasaw people for genera- University of California, Los An- veloped a Chickasaw language “History of Aviation Collection tions to come. geles. She also makes guest ap- curriculum to be used at differ- on Women” at Texas University “Sadie,” along with her hus- pearances in Native American ent universities. Not only was she in Dallas. She was listed in the band, Rev. Jesse Humes, co-au- studies classes at UCLA. She has an educator, Greenwood was also 1978-79 edition of “Personalities thored “A Chickasaw Dictionary” addressed audiences at Pomona an interpreter of the Chickasaw of the South,” the 1989-90 edi- which is considered the definitive College and New Mexico Univer- language. tion of “Outstanding Women of compilation of the language and Pauline Carpenter Brown is a sity. Recently, Mrs. Willmond She was honored by the tribe as America,” and in the Chickasaw an invaluable contribution for fluent speaker of the Chickasaw and Munro completed a book the “Original Dynamic Woman” Historical Section of the Mem- the Chickasaw people and those language and has considerable on grammar instruction of the of the Chickasaw Nation. phis Magazine. In 1990, she was learning the Chickasaw language. knowledge of Chickasaw history Chickasaw language which has She was a member of the Chick- honored as Homecoming Queen She was a community leader and culture. been accepted for publication by asaw Language Committee, which and Guest of Honor for the 60th and active in Indian mission work She was born in Filmore, Okla., the University of Oklahoma Press. helped her preserve the language Anniversary Celebration of Wylie for many decades. As part of her in 1931 and spent her childhood Mrs. Willmond is a native until her death in 2007. Post’s trip around the world. dedication to serving the Indian in the country on her mother’s speaker of Chickasaw who was people, she worked as a special allotment. When her mother died born in McMillan, Oklahoma. Helen Gale Cole Elba “Cutchie” Johnston caseworker during Oklahoma at an early age, she was sent to She is a 2006 inductee into the Governor Bill Murray’s admin- Goodland Indian Orphanage for Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame istration where she would often schooling. and received the Nation’s Silver travel by horseback to reach some Time at Goodland proved to Feather award for efforts to pre- of her Indian clients who lived in be both good and bad for her. serve Chickasaw culture in 2010. the rugged, rural areas of Okla- Although she had friends there, homa. Mrs. Brown was not allowed to Helen Cravatt James speak Chickasaw. Helen Cravatt James, who died This did not discourage her in October 1991, was honored CONTRIBUTED BY Gene Lehmann, Media Relations. from growing up to be a fluent posthumously for her work help- speaker of the Chickasaw lan- ing those with alcohol and drug guage and noted historian of the addictions. She helped establish, Chickasaw culture. She serves on and later managed, the Kulli- the Chickasaw Language Com- homa Alcohol/Drug Treatment mittee, the Chickasaw Nation His- Center. torical Society and the tribal elec- Rated the best such facility in tion board. One highlight of Mrs. Oklahoma, the center was re- Brown’s career was portraying named the Helen Cravatt James 14 CHICKASAW TIMES March 2016 Laura Lucille Jameson Chickasaw elder’s life shaped by rural Chickasaw Nation childhhood

“I’ve had a good life. I’ve had an stock wouldn’t get out!). I learned a lot.” interesting life.” “Once, as we rode along, Grand- Laura told her parents she was That’s how Chickasaw/Choc- ma Susan said, ‘Stop the wagon!’ interested in playing in the school taw elder Laura Lucille Jameson, and climbed down,” Laura said. band. Her father bought and sent of rural Crowder, Okla., sums up “She had seen a certain kind of her a flute, writing, “Indians have her 94 years of living. grass, I forget what it was called, played the flute for hundreds of M a n y but she parted the grass, and un- years. That will be a good thing Chickasaw derneath were wild strawberries. for you to play.” elders will She knew they would be there, When Laura completed her say, as they because she knew that grass. We studies at Eufaula Girls’ School, read Lau- picked them, and I ate some…the where she excelled in her studies, ra’s story, first strawberries I’d ever had. she enrolled at Haskell University “ T h a t ’ s They were so good!” in Lawrence, Kansas, the most very simi- Laura said they would stay at popular Indian university in the lar to my church or camp meetings several mid-U.S. She also did well in her g r o w i n g days, then ride back home in the studies there, and played flute Young Laura Hancock Jameson with brothers Soloman and Doyle Hancock. up. That’s a wagon. in the large Haskell University lot like my “We knew we could get help marching band. She learned to teach, I’ll do it. ed to sell in McAlester, about 15 l i fe.” We along the way if we needed it,” play other instruments, as well. “I took the qualification test miles from her home. Laura said like to hear LAURA LUCILLE JAMESON she said. “We weren’t in any dan- Her education at Haskell ended and passed it and got my certifi- Annie drove the wagon, got a ride our elders’ ger. Folks cared for each other not long after she met Carl James- cate, and we did just fine.” with a neighbor, or even rode a stories be- back then.” on in McAlester, Okla. The couple The students were indeed all horse three miles to the highway. cause they are so interesting. She said like any normal child were soon married and left the boys, eight of them, she recalled. She hitched a ride if she could Their experiences help today’s she was always hungry, but her university. They set up house- Courts School was too far from find no other way. Chickasaws appreciate their el- mother told her to stay away keeping in the Ash Creek area. her house to walk, so Laura rode And just as her mother had ders and how they’ve influenced from the cooking house while Carl was a cowboy and found her one of father’s horses to sacrificed for her children, Lau- and shaped Chickasaw history the camp meeting services were employment with Freddie Brown, school and back. ra was determined that her off- and their Chickasaw Nation. going on. who owned extensive ranching “I grew us riding horses and spring would have an even better Laura Jameson has lived in “Well, I wanted something to operations in southeastern Okla- loved them,” she said. “I didn’t life than she had experienced. eastern Oklahoma’s Pittsburg eat, so I decided to sneak into the homa. Carl ranched in that area mind doing that at all.” That’s why she studied and test- and McIntosh counties nearly cook house,” Laura said. “But be- his entire career. Laura’s mother Annie watched ed to become a teacher and later all her life. Her mother was An- tween the church house and the When Laura and Carl’s first Concetta, and Laura was soon studied and went through rigor- nie Ensharkey Hancock, enrolled cook house, all these old men child, Concetta, was about two pregnant again. During her free ous physical training to become a Chickasaw. Her father was Jeff were sitting right across the path! years old, a man from the Ash time at school, she knitted and matron at the Oklahoma Women’s Hancock, enrolled Choctaw. I went out around them, though, Creek community came to visit sewed. Penitentiary at McAlester. She Laura Lucille Hancock loved her and sneaked in and got some- them and told Laura he wanted “The boys were well-behaved also worked as a matron and tu- grandmother, Susan, her father’s thing to eat!” and good students, and we had a tor at the Choctaw Nation’s Jones mother, who took Laura with her Laura’s parents good year,” Laura said. Academy at Hartshorne, Okla., many places. gave her a nick- Laura said her outlook on life and took other challenging jobs, Grandmother Susan usually name - Loksi (tur- came from her mother Annie’s as well. took Laura with her when she tle). “can-do” attitude and her “stick- Concetta said when she was went to the bank. Grandmoth- “If I did some- to-it-iveness.” four years old, and her sister and er Susan spoke good English, thing I liked to do, “Hard times for Mama began brother were ages two and one, but one time she pretended she I couldn’t work fast when she was a little girl, when Laura carried the one-year-old couldn’t. She told the young girl enough,” she said. she became an orphan,” Laura and led her sister as they walked she would have to interpret for “But when it was said. more than a mile to the commu- her, which Laura did. something I didn’t Annie’s father owned more nity store and caught the bus to “Grandma Susan and the bank- like to do, it was than 200 acres of land in several McAlester so they could see a cir- er got a kick out of my doing like my feet were counties and a sum of money, cus. that,” Laura said. lead, I moved so which went to Annie when her Laura was active in Chickasaw Laura loves hats of all kinds. slow. So they called parents died. Annie was still a and Choctaw events to help in- She’s seldom seen bareheaded. me ‘Locksi,’” young girl, and a relative was still their Native heritage in her Like most early Chickasaws Laura began made her guardian. He promptly children. In fact, that participa- and Choctaws, Laura’s fam- school at Rock put Annie in an orphanage, sold tion has lasted through today, in- ily loved going to camp meeting. School in the Ash her property, kept the proceeds cluding her attendance at senior “Mama would hitch up the wagon, Creek Community, Governor Bill Anoatubby and Mrs. Jameson’s great-granddaughter and withdrew all of her inherited center events. A favorite moment and we’d leave real early in the later called the Holly at the 2015 Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting in Tishomingo. money. Annie was not only an or- for her was when she modeled morning and go to Featherston Buffalo Mountain phan, she was now also destitute. her handmade Native dress at an or Quinton or San Bois to camp community. She and her broth- to ask her a question. A granddaughter, Laura’s elders’ style show at the Opryland meeting,” Laura said. “Mama er walked quite a distance and “Well, what’s the question?” daughter, who loved to brush and Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. drove the wagon. We didn’t just crossed a creek (no bridge) to get she asked. The man said, “It’s a braid her Grandmother Annie’s “I’ve had a good life … I was a go on the roads, though. We saved there. Lucille’s father decided it long way to the nearest school, long black hair, said there were lucky child … It’s been an inter- time by going through people’s would be better for her to be in and we have several school-age serious scars on Annie’s scalp esting life.” fields. They didn’t care. That’s a boarding school and enrolled boys. Would you teach them at that seemed to indicate Annie Her children, grandchildren, what everybody did.” her in the Eufaula Girls’ School in the Courts (Ash Creek) School?” had suffered physical abuse. great-grandchildren and friends This writer had forgotten what nearby Eufaula, Okla. It was during World War II, and Still, when she was an adult and say they are privileged to have I had learned during my walk- “I loved that school,” Laura many schools had closed due became a mother, Annie worked Laura Lucille Jameson in their to-school days. Most fields had said. “The matrons treated us to the teacher shortage, Courts hard to raise her children. Be- lives, and that they love her. a gate on each side. One could good, and we didn’t have to speak School among them. cause of her concern for their “She is such a blessing to all of enter on one side and exit on the only English. There were girls “I’ve never thought about teach- well-being, she would prepare us,” her daughter said. other (but you had better be sure there from different tribes, and ing,” Laura told him, “but if you and take fruit, vegetables, eggs and close the gate so the owner’s we all spoke our own languages. have faith in me and want me to and cream she had hand-separat- CONTRIBUTED BY Tom Bailey, Public Affairs. Chickasaw pride reflected in special raquet ‘Call for Artists’ goes out from

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Nancy from the Ar- Chickasaw Art Market, Cultural Day Ross is a proud Chickasaw citi- kansas State TISHOMINGO, Okla. - Chicka- citizenship in a federally-recog- zen who excels in a blossoming Crime Lab saw museums and historic sites nized Southeastern or Woodlands sport. It’s pickleball and, thanks a n d M r s . announce “Call for Artists” for Native American tribe. to her husband, Tony Ross, she’s Ross will the 2016 Chickasaw Art Market There is no cost to the artist competing in style. retire this and Cultural Day. and local Chickasaw artists and As Christmas 2015 neared, Mr. month af- These events will take place elder artists are encouraged to Ross decided his wife needed a ter serving from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., Sat- apply. Deadline to sign up is April pickleball racquet to show her decades as urday, April 30 in Tishomingo. 1, 2016. Chickasaw heritage. a surgical Artists may sign up on a first Applications are available by “She has always remembered nu rse. As come, first served basis. calling the Chickasaw Council her roots and has always pro- he recuper- Applicants must be at least 18 House Museum at (580) 371-3351. claimed she is Chickasaw,” he ates and she and present documentation of said. “She made sure our chil- settles into dren knew of their Native blood retirement, as well.” b o t h s a y A nice pickleball racquet with more pick- Instructors sought for Academy ADA, Okla. - Chickasaw Nation composition, photography, weav- the iconic Chickasaw warrior leball is in Arts & Humanities is accepting ing and textile design, fashion de- would be just the ticket, Mr. Ross their future. applications for Chickasaw Arts sign, video production, jazz piano, thought. He communicated with Academy’s summer session in- jewelry making, band/orchestra, Chickasaw Nation legal experts What is structors. makeup/special effects and culi- and was given permission to have Pickleball? The Academy is a two-week ex- nary arts. the racquet created. It shows the According ploration of visual and performing Instructors should submit a let- warrior, proclaims its owner is to Wikipe- arts for students who are accepted ter of interest, including: “Chickasaw Proud” and is per- dia, pickle- Nancy Ross and her husband, Tony, pose with a Chickasaw Nation approved at three levels – Majors, Intermedi- Area of expertise, desired teach- sonalized with Nancy Ross’ name. ball is a rac- ate and Fine Arts Rotation (FAR). ing level (FAR, Intermediate, Ma- Mrs. Ross competed with it re- quet sport Pickleball racquet given to Mrs. Ross as a Christmas gift. She is Chickasaw through The 2016 academy will be July jors), brief description of training cently in an Oklahoma City tour- combining heritage with Tisha McKinney, her grandmother who signed the Dawes rolls on 11-23 on the campus of East Cen- and experience, short description nament. elements of her mother Vinita Stephens’ side of the family. tral University in Ada. An Art Walk of suggested curriculum contents “I am thrilled,” she said of the badminton, levels. will be July 22, and a showcase of and estimated budget, brief para- gift. “It is amusing because I had tennis, and table tennis. Two, Much like golf, players can student work July 23. graph describing your teaching just purchased a new racquet a three, or four players use solid receive a national “ranking” or Instructors are needed for all philosophy, and resume/vita. few weeks earlier. I am very hap- racquets made of wood or com- handicap by charting their prog- levels. In FAR, younger students Providing examples of work is py he went ahead and gave me posite materials to hit a perfo- ress. Mrs. Ross competes at a rotate through six art disciplines recommended. one that shows how proud I am rated polymer ball, similar to a level 3.5. Mr. Ross said the finest (visual art, vocal music, dance, the- Reply by March 18 to: Chickasaw to be Chickasaw.” whiffle ball over a net. players in the world are usually atre, creative writing and Chicka- Nation Arts & Humanities, ATTN: Mr. Ross is an avid pickleball The sport shares features of ranked 5. saw culture) daily. Intermediate Chickasaw Arts Academy-Summer player, too. At their home in Hot other racquet sports, the dimen- To find out more about the students move into one discipline . Session, P.O. Box 1548, Ada, OK Springs Village, pickleball courts sions and layout of a badminton game and to watch video of how Majors, offered to students who 74821, or fax to (580) 272-5525. are available to them. They play court, and a net and rules simi- it is played, go to http://www. have been accepted into one disci- Those who meet the criteria will on their church team, too. lar to tennis, with a few modifi- usapa.org. pline of study, include, but are not be sent a formal application, and It could be a while before Mr. cations. Pickleball was invented limited to, vocal music, theatre, academy information. Ross is back on the court. He suf- in the mid-1960s as a children’s technical theatre, dance (ballet, For questions, email Eric Hardi- fered a serious knee injury in backyard pastime but quickly be- CONTRIBUTED BY Gene Lehmann, Media Relations. contemporary, lyrical, jazz, tap, son at eric.hardison@chickasaw. the Oklahoma City tournament came popular among adults as a hip-hop, etc.), creative writing, net or Debra Bailey at debra.bai- this February. Mr. Ross is retired fun game for players of all skill visual arts in 2-D and 3-D, music [email protected]. March 2016 CHICKASAW TIMES 15 ‘Panther Woman’ collection Jewelry artist crafts pieces to reflect Chickasaw heritage, women’s successes

Stories of “Panther Woman” elry collection at the Chickasaw ther Woman.” als, I was fine.” prompted Kristen Dorsey to cre- Cultural Center on Feb. 13 during She said she had always been She dabbled in ate an entire line of jewelry pay- the Valentine’s Day Celebration aware of her Chickasaw heritage a number of ing tribute to the strength and event. as it was passed down through art forms, in- perseverance of Chickasaw wom- her ancestors on her mother’s cluding fashion en. “I have always been drawn to side - the Colbert family. Ms. and fabric, but According to oral tradition, “Pan- the stories of heroines, women Dorsey grew up in the Golden found she had a ther Woman” helped develop the throughout history who display State, distanced from the ances- special affinity attack strategy that drove Her- an unrelenting resilience and per- tral homelands and relocated ter- for metals when nando De Soto from Chickasaw severance,” Ms. Dorsey said. “For ritories. But that didn’t stop her she went to col- lands in 1541 after the explorer us, women are our storytellers from engrossing herself in the art lege. She has made unreasonable demands. and the custodians of tribal his- and culture of the Chickasaws. been working The renowned Chickasaw jewelry tory and culture. One story that “My art is all about my Chickasaw with the mate- heritage and my deep love of the rial since. natural world,” Ms. Dorsey said. Ms. Dorsey’s “I think of Oklahoma as a second youth found home. It’s always comfortable to her g row i ng come here.” and learning She draws inspiration from her in Los Ange- ancestors. She has collected les, enveloped quotes from family members by fashion and long ago who were struggling to art. It also had hold on to their lands. her spending “Their quotes are powerful,” she time explor- said. “They talk about the need ing the beach to stay where they are, and how and ocean. Her much the land means to them. Irish father was Those are the quotes of my di- KRISTEN DORSEY a marine biolo- rect ancestors. So I want to cre- gist and taught ate pieces that honor them and her to enjoy wearer and expressive of who carry on their voices.” such environments. The impact they are. Her closeness to her heritage of these early years can be felt in “It can express what clan you are emerges through her art in a Ms. Dorsey’s art, just as the ap- from, or it can express a moment number of ways, from the motifs preciation of her cultural heritage in time,” she said. “I make pieces and themes down to the metals can be. that talk about moments in his- with which she chooses to work. With her jewelry, Ms. Dorsey tory, or symbolize the spirituality Her favorite metals are copper hopes to preserve and revitalize of my people.” and silver. She likes copper for the rich artistic traditions of her Sometimes she dreams about a its deep cultural significance, and Chickasaw ancestors. She sees new idea for her jewelry. Some- silver for its malleability. herself as reconnecting with the times the idea just pops into her “I enjoy working with both cop- artwork of those who came be- head and she begins work on it. per and silver to create stunning, fore. She aims to bring it back to Sometimes an image she sees in striking pieces,” she said. “I al- share and teach. the world inspires her. ways try to hint at the duality To learn more about Chicka- As a child, she showed an interest of everything in life with these saw artist Kristen Dorsey, visit in painting and drawing, making metals. Silver and copper, two https://www.chickasaw.tv/home/ art out of anything she could get This crescent-shaped necklace is a gorget. The piece represents Chickasaw artist Kristen different tones, the sun and the video/evolving-as-an-artist/list/ her hands on. Dorsey’s adaptation of an adornment worn by ancestral tribal leaders. The two panthers moon, I combine them and unite kristen-dorsey-videos. “I would be perfectly happy as facing a precious gem are major motifs in Dorsey’s new collection. them and create a world within long as I could hold a pencil and a piece.” CONTRIBUTED BY Brandon Frye, Media Relations. sketch,” she said. “As long as I designer showcased pieces from has been passed down through Ms. Dorsey views jewelry as a had enough paper and art materi- her new “Panther Woman” jew- oral tradition is the story of Pan- personal art form, unique to the

Players in Progress, Chickasaw Youth Club, Martial Arts Chickasaw Foundation partners to featured at Oklahoma City Blue game develop food pantries for students Southern Oklahoma commu- dents go home for the weekend nities face a pressing issue that and their last meal would have Chickasaw kids perform at OKC affects most U.S. cities: hun- been around noon on Friday. To ger. Many junior high and high know that we have something we school students go home for the can send home to the kids, over weekend, knowing their next the weekend and evening, is a professional basketball venue meal will not be until Monday blessing.” when they return to school. Ms. Magana-Ceballos, Ms. Gray The Chickasaw Foundation said, had done fantastic work applied for and received a grant with the students, taking the from the Walmart Foundation to lead on maintaining the food establish food pantries in several pantry. Chickasaw Nation high schools. “It isn’t only about making The Chickasaw Foundation, sure that they have food over the in partnership with Chicka- weekend, but making sure they saw Nation Nutrition Services also have a balanced meal,” Ms. and the Regional Food Bank of Magana-Ceballos said. Oklahoma, utilized the grant to The food pantry holds a vari- establish food pantries in Byng, ety of vegetables, fruits, proteins Mill Creek, Wayne, Milburn and and carbohydrates for the stu- Wapanucka high schools. The dents to take home on Fridays. pantries will provide food for eli- Ms. Magana-Ceballos packs food in backpacks every Thursday. Student are asked what kind of utilities they have to cook with at home before they are given a backpack. Governor Bill Anoatubby and Chickasaw Princess Raechell Meely join a Chickasaw Nation martial arts students give a demonstration during “Some students don’t have a game referee prior to tipoff February 6 at Chickasaw Youth Day at the Chickasaw Youth Day at the Oklahoma City Blue basketball game. stove, pot, skillet or anything a Oklahoma City Blue basketball game. typical kitchen would have to prepare the food,” Ms. Magan- OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor win for Oklahoma City Blue, and Chickasaw youth presented Ceballos said. Bill Anoatubby joined more than to participate on the court during their talent at each timeout and The teachers also pitch in and 250 Chickasaw children February breaks in the game. at halftime. The crowd enjoyed provide students with kitchen 6 for Chickasaw Youth Day, Feb. 6 The Chickasaw Nation martial energetic performances from utensils the children can use. at the Cox Convention Center in arts program performed an on- the Chickasaw Youth Club (CYC), From left, Johnna R. Walker, Chickasaw Oklahoma City. court routine prior to the game. Players in Progress (PIP), Chicka- Foundation CEO; Mariela Magaña-Ceballos, In addition, the school pro- vides classes to teach students Everyone enjoyed the NBA De- Just before tipoff, Gov. Anoatub- saw Choir Program and youth Byng High School Health Coordinator; J. Scott velopmental League Oklahoma by, Chickasaw Princess Raech- participants from the dance clin- Lowrance, Byng High School Principal; Katrina who participate in the food pan- try program to how properly pre- City Blue vs. Toronto 905 bas- ell Meely and one of the game’s ic. Lewis, Chickasaw Nation Nutrition Services office pare the food. ketball game. Children who at- referees came together at center The CYC members and dance manager, with plaque expressing gratitude for “Most people do not think that tended were excited to witness a court. clinic participants showed off the food pantry at Byng High School. childhood hunger is an issue in their moves during an on-court the United States,” Ms. Magana- dance routine with the OKC gible students on evenings and Ceballos said. “They automati- Thunder girls. weekends. cally think that it’s only in third The PIP basketball club is a The grant funding has made it world countries. It is a privilege national organization that helps possible for the schools to have to be a part of this idea, a move- youth develop basketball drills, shelving, refrigeration, back- ment to fight against hunger.” skills and tricks. The club pro- packs and carts for the pantries. vided a special halftime perfor- Byng High School has shown About the mance. The beautiful and youth- great effectiveness and support Chickasaw Foundation ful voices from the Chickasaw in efforts to provide junior high The Chickasaw Foundation is Choir filled the arena as they and high school students with a 501 (c) 3 organization promot- performed the national anthem food. The pantry is maintained ing the general welfare and cul- before tipoff. by a health coordinator, Mariela ture of the Chickasaw people by “Youth Services has great op- Magana-Ceballos, with the assis- supporting educational, health, portunities for youth,” Youth tance of junior high counselor historical and community activi- Leadership Coordinator Court- Amber Gray. ties and programs. The Chicka- ney Ray said. “They have the op- “The food pantry has been a saw Nation’s jurisdictional area portunity to make a difference, wonderful success for us,” Ms. is comprised of 13 counties in be proactive and aspire to make Gray said. “As a counselor, I often south central Oklahoma. a difference in their community.” have students who are in great The Players in Progress basketball skills team performs during Chickasaw Youth Day. need. It’s awful to see some stu- CONTRIBUTED BY Carmen Carter, Public Affairs. CONTRIBUTED BY Carmen Carter, Public Affairs. 16 CHICKASAW TIMES March 2016 Tribe partners with Dolly Parton Imagination Library Reading program inspires young Chickasaw children to enjoy the power of words and stories Reading opens up undiscovered Chickasaw children across the na- Manuel, the first book each child Summer Reading open to El- hosts kickoff celebrations for par- worlds through imagination. tion every month. receives is “The Little Engine That ementary and Middle Schoolers ticipants. These have included Children dream big with the “Parents love receiving the Could.” Topics within the books The Chickasaw Tribal Library appearances by Smokey Bear, per- help of books. Reading is the most books in the mail,” Chickasaw Na- vary as the child grows, focus- continues to offer an outlet for forming magicians, Lighthorse powerful skill a child learns. It tion child care assistance manager ing on the child’s age and chang- those who love to read after the Police personnel and story tellers. serves as the foundation for every Sandra Manuel said. “The children ing skills. Books focus on letters, age of five. “Children check out their first other academic pursuit through- are excited to receive mail ad- numbers and social skills. Currently, the library books that count towards out life. Education is a priority at dressed to them. The parents like The tribe supplements the offers a summer their total number of the Chickasaw Nation, and the having new books to read and be- books with Chickasaw language reading program books read during tribe invests in reading programs gin a library for their kids.” flashcards and a monthly newslet- for Chickasaw the summer dur- that begin early in life. By the time children reach age ter sent from September until May. children aged ing our celebra- For more than 10 years the five, their private library can con- The newsletter provides arts and 6-12 who live tion,” Mr. Vann Chickasaw Nation has partnered tain 60 books provided by the crafts projects based on Chicka- in the Ada said. “These are with the nonprofit Dolly Parton’s Chickasaw Nation. saw history and culture, keeps area. due back after Imagination Library to promote The books delivered to children parents up-to-date on current “ R e a d i n g two weeks, but reading among children under are chosen by a library commit- child development and learning strength- can be renewed the age of five. Currently, approx- tee of educators, writers and par- skill trends, and provides added ens the mind if they haven’t imately 400 books are mailed to ent advocates. According to Ms. education tools. in myriad of finished all of ”Some of our newsletters have ways.,” tribal li- them. The cele- themes,” Ms. Manuel said. “One brary specialist brations have really is based on reading, another fun Bryson Vann said. helped our participa- and games the family can play “It helps children think tion numbers.” together. A favorite is our math on a social level and develops Incentives awarded at the and science edition. The issue is social interactions. Books can be end of the summer are used to popular with parents and kids. It anything and can be used to in- keep children interested in read- has simple science projects that fluence children, especially at this ing. Ledgers are used to keep the family can do at home.” young and impressionable age.” track of books read and serve as According to Ms. Manuel, the Children have many titles to an important learning devices. books and lessons help children read that include fiction, nonfic- The more books read, the better before they reach preschool and tion and historical content. Books the prize. kindergarten. Children become that include Chickasaw Language “We tally up the books read by accustomed to being read to and and Native American culture are the children by using their led- associate words and stories with encouraged, but not mandatory. gers. Children think they are only quality family time at home. This “We want children to develop used to help determine prizes, but association provides a learning a love of reading,” Mr. Vann said. they actually help the children re- foundation for teachers as chil- “For many, this is their first expe- tain and comprehend,” Mr. Vann dren are already accustomed to rience with books about Chicka- said. “Reading and understanding settling down for a story time. saw and Native American culture. the (books) context of what they’re “Children’s parents who read We encourage these books, but re- reading is imperative throughout to them do better in school,” Ms. ally want them to read anything. their life.” Manuel said. “They know which With time, their natural curiosity Prizes earned include books, way the letters are going, how usually leads them to these titles.” educational materials and tickets to hold a book and about story According to Mr. Vann, ledgers to fun places like Lazer Zone Fam- structure. Children know read- are kept by the children where ily Fun Center and the McSwain ing time is quite time. When they they describe the books they have Theater. First prize this year were enter school, they already have read. Each child reads at their own tickets to the Sam Noble Museum. their own library to draw from.” pace. On average 15 to 20 books For more information, visit are consumed by each child, with www.chickasaw.net/Services/ last year’s leader reading more CONTRIBUTED BY KC Cole, Public Affairs. Chickasaw-Reading-Program. than 40 books during the three Private libraries can contain up to 60 books provided to Chickasaw families by the age of 5. Educators aspx or call (580) 421-7711. months of summer. agree children who receive story time at home excel in school and become lifelong learners. Each year the tribal library

Over 250 youngsters spend after school hours at locations School Age, After School programs keep kids, parents happy Parents approaching either of Summer session is by far the Age Program is great,” STM Employers benefit as well. Par- Elliott said. “While the program the Chickasaw Nation School Age parents’ favorite portion of the teacher Beth Alcorn-Benton said. ents who do not have afterschool facilitates the activities and play Program facilities feel the excite- School Age Program. With an “It’s an asset for the tribe to give care miss an average of eight that are so important in child- ment around the buildings before atmosphere similar to summer its people. Not only for Chicka- days of work per year. Absences hood, I also get a sense that the entering. The hustle and bustle of camp, the session allows children saw citizens, but employees of decrease work productivity, cost- teachers and staff truly care about parents arriving and leaving with to stay active through arts and the Chickasaw Nation and their ing businesses billions of dollars the well-being of their students. their precious cargoes, the cacoph- crafts, theater productions, sto- kiddos as well. Anytime you get per year. They view my child as an individ- ony of sound created by hundreds rytelling and community service new ideas and new people work- Currently, the After School Pro- ual and provide an engaging and of happy children playing. projects. Sessions typically culmi- ing together and collaborating, gram provides transportation nurturing environment.” It’s quite a you come up with some from schools across the Ada area, According to Mr. Johnson, dur- scene! amazing ideas.” including the Ada, Latta, and Byng ing the summer, the School Age What seems like According to Ms. school districts. Three dedicated Program employs Chickasaw Sum- chaos to the un- Alcorn-Benton, STM buses provided by the Chicka- mer Youth workers. With an influx trained eye is ac- Academy teachers and saw Nation coordinate with the of children requiring care, the tually a well-cho- peer mentors meet with schools to pick up children. summer youth workers offer “ex- reographed pro- School Age Program The Chickasaw Nation is com- tra eyes” for full- time employees. cess seven years children once a week mitted to the growth of the pro- The School Age Program pro- in the making. Ev- during summer session. gram within the community. The vides healthy meals throughout ery weekday, more This contact has led to tribe is currently leasing the site the day. Working with Chickasaw than 250 school- excitement among the of Glenwood Elementary School nutritionists, balanced menus are age children enjoy children and their fu- from the Ada School District to provided by employees who pre- the environment ture interaction with provide additional classroom pare breakfast, lunch and after- of the two After STM Academy activities space. school snacks. School Program and camps. The level of care provided by the The weekly cost of the child locations. “It’s a real benefit for professionals at the After School care provided by the Chickasaw The School all our kids to have a Program is second to none. Class- Nation is well below national av- Age Program, different opportunities room sizes are typically two or erage. Summer and school breaks launched in 2008, and environments to three adults per 20 children. Care- are $75 dollars a week, with the is the Chickasaw learn and engage in,” givers are CPR and first-aid certi- afterschool program at $15. Nation’s outreach Ms. Alcorn-Benton said. fied, as well as receive 20 hours For more information, visit to working adults’ “I love the fact pro- of training before interacting with www.chickasaw.net or call Chris short-term child grams interact with one children. Johnson at (580) 421-7711. care needs. Vaca- another. It’s how the “I feel like it’s not just babysit- tions and leave tribe should be, work- ting,” tribal employee Miranda CONTRIBUTED BY KC Cole, Public Affairs. requests had of- ing together and shar- ten coincided with Jaxon Dunningan and Aiden Coleman enjoy riding trikes at the After School Program ing ideas. It’s all about children’s school while at the Chickasaw After School Program. Toys and activities are provided to keep teamwork. I can’t wait breaks. The re- children entertained and active. to see what the future sults were bur- holds.” dens on employers and scram- nate in variety shows produced by bling by parents to find trusted, the children for their parents. Addition of After School Care affordable day care. “The parents really get into the With a current workforce of “The demand for our School plays,” Mr. Johnson said. “Hun- nearly 14,000 employees, tribal Age Programs steadily developed dreds attended last year’s stage leadership identified a need for with the growth of the tribe,” show. One mother came up to long-term afterschool child care in Chris Johnson, interim manager me and asked me what we had 2012. With infrastructure already of After School Programs, said. done to ‘open her son up.’ He is in place, after school child care “We started by offering a place for typically shy around others. He was a logical addition within the parents to bring their children really shined during the show. It School Age Program. during school holidays and sum- was amazing for her to see how The After School Program pro- mer break. We have grown to of- he interacted with others. She was vides premier child care services. fer a daily After School Program at really proud of him.” It serves parents with children the Chickasaw Child Development The School Age Program incor- ages four through 12 within the School Age Facility, as well as a lo- porates knowledge gathered from Ada community. Preference is cation in Glenwood Park.” other programs throughout the given to Chickasaw citizens and During school holidays and tribe. The Chickasaw Nation Lan- Chickasaw Nation employees, but breaks, children take part in age- guage Department, STM (science, everyone can apply. appropriate activities. The activi- technology, math) Academy, Arts The benefits to the commu- ties change annually. Field trips and Humanities, and Nutrition nity are numerous. According to to Science Museum Oklahoma, Services have all been tapped to youth.gov, afterschool programs entertainment park Andy Alliga- lend knowledge and skills in edu- boost a child’s academic perfor- tor’s, Oklahoma City Zoo and the cational and cultural activities. mance, improve classroom behav- Chickasaw Cultural Center are a “The interaction between us ior, promote physical health and few of the rotating activities. (STM Academy) and the School provide safe environments. March 2016 obituaries CHICKASAW TIMES 17 Robert Timothy Gerald Don Jordan Ivy Leland ‘Berl’ Edmond ‘Cheif’ Lois Janett Robinson Henson Postoak (Foraker) Emarthle

Gerald Don Jordan, 72, of Brownfield, Texas, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2015 in Robert Timothy Robinson, U.S. Tuesday night, Jan. 25, 2016, Lois Janett (Foraker) Emarth- Brownfield. He was born Sep- Mr. Edmond (Chief) Postoak, Army (ret), passed away Decem- the Gates of Heaven swung open le, 82, of Konawa, Okla., passed tember 17, 1943 in Lawton, Okla. 79, passed from this life on Feb- ber the 28, 2015 after a two-year to welcome a good and faithful away from this life Tuesday, Feb- to Albert Lee Denzil Jordan and ruary 17, 2016 in Seminole, Okla. struggle with cancer. servant, Ivy Leland Henson. This ruary 2, 2016 at her home. Willie Lou Jordan. He was born August 6, 1936 in Tim, as he was known to fam- world’s loss was Heaven’s gain. Lois was born August 16, 1933 Don attended Meadow schools. Ardmore, Okla., to Samuel and ily, was born May 14, 1938 in The Rev. Ivy Leland “Berl” in Sulphur, Okla., to Charles For- He was a lifetime member of the Bernice (Gillaird) Postoak. Oklahoma City to Ed and Gail Henson was born Oct. 22, 1925, aker and Amanda (Cooper) For- Terry County Sheriff’s Posse. He Edmond worked for Exxon Robinson. His Chickasaw heri- to the late Theodore Fred Hen- aker. She married Alex Herbert married Linda Renea Hemme- Oil and Gas Company as a pip- tage is from his mother’s side. son and Amelia Willis Hayes Emarthle June 21, 1953 in Hold- line on October 7, 1964 in Ralls. ing designer and as a contractor She was born in Chickasha, Henson, in southern Marshall enville, Okla. She was a Chick- Don was preceded in death by laying brick. On August 20, 1955 Okla., in 1917. His grandmother, County at Fobb, Okla. Of Na- asaw citizen and a member of his parents, and two brothers, he and Doris Hawkins were mar- Ada “Baker” Estes, was born in tive American heritage, he was the Standing Memorial Baptist Albert Lee Jordan and R.C. Jor- ried at McAlester Baptist Church 1894 in Ada, Indian Territory. very proud to be a citizen of the Church. She was a Thunder fan dan. in Ardmore, Okla. His great grandmother, Eliza- Chickasaw Nation. He passed and loved to watch “The Price He is survived by his wife, Lin- Edmond loved sports. In his beth “Wood” Baker, was born from life to life everlasting is Right,” and to work puzzles. da Jordan; a son, Chase Jordan; younger years he received a in Woodville, Indian Territory, at the age of 90 years, three She enjoyed her great grandchil- brother-in-law, Steve Hemme- scholarship to play football at in 1874. In 1942 Tim’s family months and three days while dren, traveling, and doing mis- line and wife, Beni, of Lubbock; Wichita State University. In high moved to Hermosa Beach, Calif. surrounded by a loving family,. sionary work. three nephews, Gary Don Jordan school Edmond participated in as his father was working in the Brother Ivy and the late Ethel She was preceded in death by and wife, Traci, of Andrews, track, basketball, and football. World War II defense industry. Marie Wallace were married Oct. her parents, Charles and Aman- Texas, Danny Jordan and wife, He also assisted his instructors After a brief return to Oklaho- 20, 1945, at Gainesville, Texas. da Foraker; her husband, Rev. Angela, of Hobbs, N.M., Shawn in teaching the students on the ma, the family settled back in They celebrated their 70th wed- Alex Herbert Emarthle; a grand- Jordan and wife, Kristi, of Lub- art of laying brick. Edmond also Hermosa Beach where Tim grew ding anniversary this past year. son, Aaron Harjo; and a sister, bock; a great niece; five great enjoyed shooting pool, and play- up and attended high school. Brother Ivy answered his Charlotte Nevaquaya. nephews; and several cousins. ing with his grandchildren. He In 1956 Tim enlisted in the country’s call, and served hon- She is survived by a son, Alan Funeral services were Tuesday, was a wonderful husband, fa- Army, a decision that would orably in the U.S. Navy during Emarthle, of Six Nations Re- January 5, 2016 at Brownfield ther, and grandfather. start a 31-year military career. World War II. He also answered serve, Canada; five daughters, Funeral Home Memorial Chapel Although Edmond is no longer He completed Basic Training at the call of his Lord and Savior Debra Harjo, of Seminole, Okla., with Rev. Chris Seaton officiat- with us, his memory and legacy Fort Ord, Calif., Signal Corps and became a Pentecostal Holi- Darlene Emarthle, Melody Em- ing. will be kept alive through the school at Fort Gordon, Georgia, ness minister. He was ordained arthle, and Denise Emarthle, Burial followed in the Terry family and friends. and Paratrooper training at Fort as a minister of both Pentecos- all of Konawa, Okla., and Diane County Memorial Cemetery un- He leaves behind his wife of Bragg, N.C. As a paratrooper in tal Holiness and the Assembly Emarthle, of Santa Fe, N.M.; two der the direction of Brownfield 60 years, Doris Postoak, of the the 82nd Airborne, he volun- of God faiths. The Rev. Henson sisters, Charlesetta Carrillo, of Funeral Home. home; three sons, Darrell W. teered for the Special Forces, the loved to help people as well as Postoak, of Guthrie, Okla., Pat- Albuquerque, N.M., and Laquita Green Berets, a little known unit minister to their spiritual needs. rick L. Postoak, of Baytown, Tomahsah, of Lawton, Okla.; 10 of the Army in those days. In addition to his parents, he Texas, and Samuel G. Postoak, grandchildren; 20 great-grand- In 1959 Tim was assigned to was preceded in death by two of Baytown, Texas; a daughter, children; and a host of nieces the 10th Special Forces Group brothers, Elmer and Wayne Hen- Pamela K. Postoak, of Baytown, and nephews. (airborne), stationed at Bad Tolz, Karen C. Etheridge son; and sister, Nadine Jeffrey. Texas; two brothers, Calvin Post- A wake service was Thursday, Germany. Twice during 1959 he Surviving family, who will for- oak, of Fort Worth, Texas, and February 4, 2016 at Swearingen received a certificate of achieve- ever cherish precious memories, Wayne Postoak, of Lawrence, Funeral Home. Funeral services ment for soldier of the month include his beloved wife, Marie Kan.; six sisters, Martha Watson, were Friday, February 5, 2016 at for soldiers stationed in Ger- Henson, of the home; daugh- Etta Johnson, and Lucille Keith, the funeral home. Rev. George many. In 1960 an Army gasoline ters, Diana Griffin and Kathy all of Ardmore, Okla., Barbara Harjocee officiated, and burial fuel truck crashed and exploded Bean, of Ardmore, Okla.; sons, Postoak, of Moore, Okla., and followed in Alex Emarthle Fam- into flames. Tim ignored the fire David Henson and wife, Karen, Nora Birdshead, of Anadarko, ily Cemetery. and pulled the badly burned of Ardmore, and Terry Hen- Okla. Pallbearers were Calvin Harjo, driver out of the truck. For this son and wife, Judi Ann, of Fort Edmond was preceded in Neal Harjo, Solomon Garrison, act of heroism, he was awarded Worth, Texas; two sisters, Lena death by his parents; a daugh- Jonah Garrison, Casey Tsosie, the military’s highest peacetime Stout, of El Dorado, Calif., and ter, Janice Postoak; a sister, Tre- and Haydoekeo Tsosie. Hon- award, The Soldier’s Medal. Neva Hodge, of Calera, Okla.; 10 sa Postoak; four brothers, Jack, orary pallbearers were Gary In 1965 Tim was assigned to grandchildren, Shannon Pend- Walter, John and Keith Postoak. Tomahsah, Mick Weryackwe, the 5th Special Forces and de- ley, Jonathan Griffin, Sean Grif- Funeral services were Satur- Ricky Harjo, Robert Bushy, ployed to Vietnam. He was the fin, AnDina Wiley, Erica Minor, day, February 20, 2016 at Smith- George Anaya, Steve Harjo, and commander of an “A” team at Jessica McClendon, Jennifer El- Phillips Funeral Home Chapel T.J. Overbey. the Special Forces Camp, named lis, Beau Bean, and David and with Sam Williams and Mike Loe Ninh, near the Cambodian Karen C. Etheridge, 61, of Mur- Chris Cox; and 17 great-grand- Massey officiating. border. Camp soldiers were in- freesboro, Tenn., died January children. Interment was Monday, Febru- volved in ongoing combat op- 27, 2016 at her home. She was The Rev. Raymond Norton of- ary 22, 2016 in McAlester Cem- erations. In 1968 Tim was seri- born in Lockhaven, Penn., to the ficiated funeral services Friday, etery in Ardmore, Okla. ously wounded and sent home late William O. Cox and Helen Jan. 29, 2016, in the Centennial for lengthy medical treatment. Estelle (Smith) Cox. Chapel of Harvey-Douglas Fu- During his tour in Vietnam, Tim She was preceded in death by neral Home. Burial and grave- was awarded the Silver Star for her brother, Lowell W. Cox. side services followed in Willis valor and three Purple Hearts. She is survived by her hus- Cemetery, Willis, Okla., with In addition to the awards and band of 42 years, John Ether- military honors provided by the medals previously mentioned, idge; sister, Janee Cox, of Ta- Chickasaw Honor Guard. he was awarded the Vietnam coma, Wash., twin sister, Karla Memorials may be made to the Gallantry Cross with Silver Star Windy Boy, of Stonewall, Okla.; Disabled American Veterans, and with Palm, the Combat In- brother, Brent Cox, of N.C.; P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH fantry Badge, Master Parachute nieces, Ralania Tignor, Karri 45250 or dav.org. Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Licea, Kelsey Cole, Melissa Bur- Special Forces Tab. khart, Kelly Etheridge, Rae Lynn During his career, he was Dodge, Kristin LeFan; nephew, stationed in Germany, Finland, Steven Etheridge; and a host of France, Panama, Vietnam, and loving family and friends. South Korea, in addition to nu- Mrs. Etheridge was a proud merous U.S. Army bases. During citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, his last 13 years in the Army past president of the cardiac he was involved in operating support group Mended Hearts, and teaching the use of very and a certified paralegal. She sophisticated telecommunica- felt her most important work tions equipment. Tim retired was as a court appointed special from the Army and his beloved advocate for children. She loved Special Forces on March the 24, all animals, especially cats. 1987 as a Chief Warrant Officer A memorial service celebrat- 4, after 31 years of service. He ing her life was Saturday, Febru- retired to Carlsbad, Calif., where ary 6, 2016 at Woodfin Memorial he worked for a telecommunica- Chapel in Murfreesboro. tions manufacturing company In lieu of flowers, the fam- for 10 years. ily had requested memorials be Tim’s service to his country made in memory of Mrs. Ether- was commendable and a credit idge to the American Heart As- to his birthright, the Chickasaw sociation, Susan B. Komen for Nation. He was very proud of his the Cure, or the American Dia- Chickasaw heritage. betes Association. Tim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beatrix; his oldest son, Timothy, a medical techni- cian at the Texas Tech University Medical Center in Lubbock; his youngest son, Franz, who fol- lowed in his father’s footsteps, and recently retired from the Army, was a Warrant Officer, and in the 10th Special Forces, and currently N.C.; his brother, Michael, a Chickasaw citizen, retired, and lives in Prescott, Ariz.; and sister, Eileen, a Chick- asaw citizen, is a semi retired horse breeder, and lives in Con- roe, Texas. He was loved by everyone who knew him. 18 CHICKASAW TIMES March 2016