STATE OF THE NATION 2019
1 Vision: Living out the Chahta Spirit of Faith, Family and Culture
Mission: To the Choctaw proud, ours is the sovereign nation offering opportunities for growth and prosperity
HALITO FROM THE DESK OF THE CHIEF
The 2019 fiscal year was another successful year for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. We were blessed and honoredto
provide funding for programs and services that directly benefit not only the Choctaw people, but our communities and state,
as well. In this booklet, we want to highlight the successes of our Tribe as well as the achievements of the Choctaw people.
We do not have enough space or time to highlight the thousands of amazing stories of Tribal Members who are accomplishing
great things. Inside are the unique stories of several Tribal Members living out the Chahta Spirit and inspiring others each day. Assistant Chief Chief Jack Austin, Jr. Gary Batton As we reflect on the past, we look forward to the future and continued success for the Choctaw people.
FAITH - FAMILY - CULTURE 3 2018-2019 Thomas Williston Tony Ward Kenny Bryant Delton Cox Ronald Perry Jennifer Woods District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 TRIBAL COUNCIL
Jack Austin, Sr. Perry Thompson James Dry Anthony Dillard Bob Pate James Frazier District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 District 11 District 12
FAITH - FAMILY - CULTURE 5 WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM WHERE THE MONEY GOES
2% 1% 4% 13% BUSINESS OPERATING INCOME (NET) MEMBER SERVICES
FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS INVESTMENTS/SUSTAINABILITY
MEDICARE AND THIRD-PARTY INSURANCE 17% CAPITAL PROJECTS
GENERAL GOVERNMENTAL REVENUE 54% HOUSING 30% 79%
Success in our Tribal businesses provides funding to create opportunities to improve the lives of Choctaw people. A digital copy of the State of the Nation will be available on the Choctaw Nation website. The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest tribe in this country and continues to grow every day. Our financial reports are published quarterly in the Biskinik.
TRIBAL Sustainability 7 “I’m so thankful for the Choctaw Nation’s Healthy Aging program. Without their coordination and help, I wouldn’t have had access to the medical care I needed.” – Catherine Green
ELDERS 62,770 MEALS PROVIDED RESPECT AND HONOR
The Choctaw Nation has always made great efforts to uphold the Choctaw tradition of showing respect and honor to elders. This year, the Choctaw Nation has been able to expand their elder programs and provide even more assistance to elders. These programs include the Farmers Market OVER 33,000 Nutrition Program which provides elders with a healthy diet, the Healthy Aging Program, the Elder Housing Program, and many others. Because TOTAL HEALTHY AGING ENCOUNTERS of the expansion of these programs, the Choctaw Nation is able to better serve our elders and give them the honor they deserve.
Emmaline “Happy” Carney coaches children’s basketball in Tannehill, Oklahoma
SERVICES for Our People 9 SUCCESS STORY HEALTHCARE BRAIDEN WILLIAMS
On Nov. 30, 2017, Braiden Williams’ life changed forever after 999,315 TOTAL VISITS being involved in a serious rollover accident. With a broken back and the odds stacked against him, Braiden overcame
every obstacle. Braiden learned how to walk again, thanks to
the dedicated doctors and physical therapists at the Choctaw Employee Health saw 2,115 Patients Providing 10,449 Prescriptions Regional Medical Clinic in Durant. Today, Braiden is a healthy
Refill Center Served 49,867 Providing 108,674 Prescriptions 19-year-old living life to the fullest. According to his mother,
WIC Averaged 2,128 Participants per Month | Patient Relations Served 10,443 Me m b e r s Michelle Williams, the Choctaw Nation also saved their family from financial ruin. The Choctaw Nation helped with medical
Senior Nutrition Averaged 5,979 Participants per Month bills and provided assistance through the Referred Care Program.
Tribal Transit Served 9,166 Members | Wellness Centers had 459,597 Visits “We could never have afforded this much physical 14,814 Eyeglasses, Dentures/Partials, and Hearing Aids Totaling $4,125,722 therapy. Even if we had insurance, which we didn’t, we couldn’t have paid that many copays!” 1,501,177 Prescriptions Filled Valued at $21,950,328 – Michelle Williams Total Health Budget for 2019 $247,475,922
SERVICES for Our People 11 EDUCATION
The Choctaw Nation offers opportunities for Tribal Members to receive higher education and training through career development.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED IN 2019 $16,561,600 TO 9,515 TRIBAL MEMBERS
Because of our programs, students are accessing higher education or developing career paths that lead to degrees and job placement.
CHOCTAW NATION ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM 2019 GRADUATES
Education SERVICES for Our People 13 SUCCESS STORY
INTERNSHIPS & YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES DUSTIN ROBERTS
Tribal member Dustin Roberts is a veteran with two service 1,146 COMBINED WIOA AND INTERNSHIPS medals, a former small business owner and an Oklahoma State Representative. After deciding to go back to school, he applied for
the Choctaw Nation internship program and was accepted in the
CNO INTERNSHIPS CREATE A RECRUITING PIPELINE FOR YOUNG CHOCTAWS field of accounting. During his career as a State Representative,
Roberts has been passionate about keeping the Oklahoma economy
strong. He sees this internship program as a way to do that. The Choctaw Nation offers opportunities for summer employment. The Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act has been helping youth gain experience and learn skills they can carry “This internship program is part of a bigger picture on with them throughout their lifetime. The Choctaw Nation Internship Program, in its fourth with the Choctaw Nation. The Choctaw Nation is one year, continues to grow and is open to college students who live throughout the United States. of the largest employers in southeastern Oklahoma They receive valuable on-the-job training through a variety of Choctaw Nation resources. and is keeping more white-collar jobs in Oklahoma.” – Dustin Roberts
Youth 15 CAREER DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS STORY RYAN CRAWFORD 11,443 Ryan Crawford is a two-time Taekwondo National Crawford was able to work with the Choctaw Nation Champion, an Army veteran, and a former security officer Career Development Program to make his dream a
TRIBAL MEMBERS SERVED with the Choctaw Nation. Ryan began his journey with reality. The Choctaw Nation’s help allowed him to JULY 2018-JUNE 2019 martial arts at a young age. Growing up in an abusive receive specialized training directly from the Education
home, he wanted to protect the people he loves. Department of Thailand. He was then able to open
Warriors Legacy Martial Arts in Paris, Texas and teach
$16,000+ Discovering Muay Thai in the National Guard fueled his other veterans and children to feel safe and confident
INCREASE IN ANNUAL passion for martial arts. After spending six years in the through martial arts. “If you’re not spending every day
HOUSEHOLD INCOME Army, Crawford said he knew he wanted to open a studio trying to better yourself, just a little, then you’re not living
and help others. “God gave me the gift of Muay Thai to anymore, you’re just surviving,” he said.
help protect those I care about and the ability to teach Ryan Crawford displays Muay Thai techniques to a student at Warriors Legacy Martial Arts in Paris, Texas those that want to do the same,” said Crawford.
SERVICES for Our People 17 REINTEGRATION SUCCESS STORY “THERE’S A WAY OUT OF THE TRAP YOU’RE IN” JEREMY GRAY
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s Reintegration Program assists adult Tribal Members who have Sometimes we find ourselves on a path in life we never intended. been convicted of felony crimes to become productive citizens. It offers appropriate services such as Choctaw Tribal Member Jeremy Gray changed that path when treatment planning, case management, mental health, occupational consultation and referrals. he met a welder in prison. That connection led him to welding
instructor, Travis Sargeant, who linked Jeremy with the Choctaw Out of 367 ex-offender Tribal Members participating in the CNO Reintegration Program, only 2.1% Nation of Oklahoma’s Career Development and Reintegration receive new charges or incarcerations one year post-incarceration. Nationally, 45% ex-offenders receive programs. After completing his welding training, Jeremy has new charges or incarcerations within a year of leaving prison. worked across the United States, earning more than six times the
national minimum wage. In the last 12 months, 77 program participants have been assisted with emergency food and personal
hygiene items, 68 were provided emergency clothing, and 21 have received Career Readiness Services. “I want to encourage some other guys that’s coming out of the same place Jeremy’s been. There’s a way out of the trap you’re in, and it’s through getting a skill and going to work. Look at Jeremy’s life, and he’s really an inspiration.” – Travis Sargeant, welding instructor
19 HOUSING
1,559 TRIBAL HOUSEHOLDS SERVED
200 LEAP HOMES COMPLETED
30 ELDER HOMES 1,244 HOME REPAIRS
176 Home Loans Completed
294 Homes Connected Through Connect Home Program
761 Appliance and Air Conditioning Requests Met
369 Storm Shelters Installed
SERVICES for Our People 21 CHOCTAW NATION EMPLOYEES
SUCCESS STORY 10,868 LENA HARBOUR EMPLOYEES Lena Harbour started working at the Idabel Travel Plaza at age 18 to help pay for college. Inspired by her mentor, Bill, Lena worked
her way up the ranks through hard work and determination. Lena
Blending our rich Native heritage with our soaring business enterprise, the Choctaw strives to be a champion for others, the way Bill was a champion
Nation of Oklahoma is proud to have once again been selected as one of the “Best for her. Now, as the Director of Retail Operations for the Choctaw
Places to Work in Oklahoma.” We provide excellent benefits and competitive salaries Nation, she gets to be that champion. so that, together, we can strengthen the future of our associates. Take the first step toward your career with the Nation – visit jobs.choctawnation.com. “As Choctaw people, from quiet and close-knit families, you have to get out of your comfort zone. You have to push yourself. When you do that, you help others have the strength to do that, as well.” 421 – Lena Harbour OPEN POSITIONS
Employees 23 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The Choctaw Nation Emergency Management Department has been able to assist people
when disaster strikes locally, regionally, and across the country. While their main focus is the
Choctaw Nation and the safety of Tribal Members, they also help in many emergency situations
all over the United States. This year, they have assisted 295 Choctaw Nation Tribal Members,
1,908 other Tribal citizens and 44,461 non-Tribal citizens. Emergency Services made 21,620
payments to 11,092 households for a total of $5,185,314. That’s an average payment of $240.
“After the storm, we received an overwhelming outpouring of Choctaw Chief Gary Batton and Assistant Chief Jack Austin, Jr. talk with support. You always hear that we have a Choctaw family and that Emergency Patty Hyde and Kenzie Singleton about tornado damage that was sustained at Hyde’s house as a Management crew showed us that the Choctaw family is real.” result of storms on April 30.
– Trina Dunegan – whose home was destroyed by a tornado in April.
Emergency Management 25 SUCCESS STORY SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WAYNE TIPPS
With assistance from the Choctaw Small Business Development Choctaw Small Business Development Services (CSBDS) Services (CSBDS), Wayne Tipps has been able to successfully provides business assistance to Choctaw Tribal entrepreneurs, or 729 open and operate two businesses. He owns Tipps Electrical “ChahtaPreneurs” – Tribal Members who want to start or expand TOTAL JOBS and Sacred Grounds Coffee in Antlers, Oklahoma. Through his their business within the Choctaw Nation. The mission of CSBDS is to businesses, he has been able to bring 13 jobs to Antlers and help create new jobs and economic growth within the communities of the CREATED to grow the economy in Pushmataha County. He was awarded Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma through our Tribal Members. CSBDS 703 CHAHTAPRENEURS the ChahtaPreneur of the Year award from the CSBDS this year. provides specialized one-on-one advising services, access to business “This award is not just about myself or my family, but for Antlers training, networking and business resources. 107 BUSINESS STARTUPS 86 BUSINESS EXPANSIONS and Pushmataha County. If we work together, just think about the things we can accomplish!” Tipps said in an interview with 264 TRAINING EVENTS Antlers American.
Small Business Development 27 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Choctaw Community Partnership Fund has contributed $742,800 this year to the communities in which we have businesses.
The Community Development Fund has contributed $4,590,646 for Economic Development, Community Development
and Small Business Forgivable Loans since inception.
Rendering of the Choctaw Avenue streetscape project in McAlester, Oklahoma
SERVICES for Our People 29 SUCCESS STORY MICHAEL JUDICIAL BUILDING Michael was placed on formal probation during 2017. He had a
A CELEBRATION OF OUR SOVEREIGNTY history of illegal drug usage dating back to 2001 when he was 15
years old, and had been in and out of prison since 2006. Michael’s This year, a new Judicial Center opened on the Durant campus, providing both state-of-the-art drug of choice was methamphetamines; however, he also abused courtrooms and more advanced technology. It is a visible, practical, brick-and-mortar symbol of opioids, such as heroin. After receiving a deferred sentence by sovereignty. Crime and justice are an important aspect of sovereignty, and the Choctaw Nation Choctaw Nation Tribal Court for drug-related offenses in 2017, is enabling its citizens to utilize the Tribal justice system more expansively than ever before. Michael began to fail the required drug tests. Choctaw Nation
probation officials immediately began addressing Michael’s
relapse issues. Michael was placed in the Choctaw Nation “Now you see, in full force, our judicial Men’s Recovery Center rather than a jail and, on Sept. 24, 2018, branch which makes us a true government.” successfully completed his in-patient treatment. He has returned to full-time employment and is engaged to be married. Michael – Chief Batton during the Center’s dedication has been drug-free for more than a year, which is the longest he has
been “clean” since he was 16 years old. Michael credits this to the
assistance of the Choctaw Nation Judicial System.
PROTECTION of Our Sovereignty 31 TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY ADVANCED SIGNIFICANTLY THIS YEAR
Oklahoma’s legislature changes composition with each election. The Choctaw Nation’s STIGLER ACT liaisons worked successfully this year to support the election or reelection of seven Choctaws
to the legislature—two in the Senate and five in the House of Representatives. More Choctaw Perhaps the milestone achievement in terms of sovereignty Tribal Members now serve in the legislature than members from any other tribe in the state. was federal legislation which removed restrictions on land
transfers that had troubled Choctaw families for decades. The
This year, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt notified tribes of An innovative compact struck with the Oklahoma restriction, which dated from 1947, was a part of the Stigler Act. his wish to alter the Gaming Compact between the State Department of Wildlife Conservation in 2016 allows “The legislation is a tremendous win,” Chief Gary Batton said, and its federally recognized tribes. The Choctaw Nation Choctaw Tribal Members to fish and hunt using a following the president’s signature. opposes this move, which would increase the amount the license conferring many of the benefits of a lifetime tribes pay the State in exchange for the right to operate license—at Tribal, not personal, expense. Traditional gaming establishments. Chief Gary Batton has called for weapons, such as the atlatl, spears, rabbit sticks, and the governor to consider the substantial investments the blow guns are allowed by the license. The Choctaw U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin presents a copy of the Stigler Act Choctaw Nation makes into the State for the benefit of all Nation is seeking to renew this successful arrangement. to Chief Gary Batton and the Choctaw Nation. its citizens—money the State would not otherwise invest.
PROTECTION of Our Sovereignty 33 UNITED FOR OKLAHOMA TRIBAL SOLIDARITY
“We have considered the state of Oklahoma a trustworthy partner through the years. Working together, we have
made strides in building a better, stronger and more prosperous Oklahoma for the benefit of the hundreds of
thousands of members of our Tribes who live and work here, as well as all residents of this great State. We can
trace the starting point of our constructive partnership to the carefully crafted and balanced approach represented
in the current Compact negotiated in a respectful manner between the State of Oklahoma and the sovereign tribes
residing in Oklahoma. This Compact represents a continuing and mutually beneficial partnership. The recent
action of Governor Stitt puts into question his sincerity to work with us in a cooperative manner moving ahead.
We are resolute in our position, and it is our hope Governor Stitt and his advisors will not attempt any bad faith
interference on the Compact which could set back the progress we have achieved by working together.”
Bill John Baker, Principal Chief, The Cherokee Nation | Bill Anoatubby, Governor, The Chickasaw Nation | Gary Batton, Chief, The Choctaw Nation James R. Floyd, Principal Chief, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation | Greg P. Chilcoat, Chief, The Seminole Nation
Joint statement from The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes signed July 12th at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Economic Diversity 35 DURANT CASINO EXPANSION
In April 2019, Choctaw Casino & Resort–Durant proudly broke ground on their latest expansion project. Investing more than $500 million, this is the fourth expansion to the flagship property that started as a bingo hall in 1987. During construction, the expansion will have a $764M economic impact on the region, deploying over $250M in wages and benefits. Once completed, it will create over
1,000 new jobs and increase the profitability of the property by 30%. The increase will help sustain the Choctaw Nation’s delivery of services to Tribal Members as the Tribe continues to offer opportunities for growth and prosperity.
1,000 NEW JOBS CREATED
37 BOSWELL TALIHINA COUNTRY MARKET TRAVEL PLAZA
The 9,000 square-foot grocery store created 28 jobs in the area. On April 4th, a ribbon cutting ceremony marked the addition
“We had people driving upwards to 30 miles to get groceries, of a brand new Choctaw Nation Travel Plaza in Talihina. The and I’m thankful for everyone investing in Boswell to rise our new Travel Plaza includes more than 6,500 square-feet, meeting tide for the greater good of all our Tribal people,” states Chief all needs – from fuel, Choctaw merchandise and exceptional
Gary Batton. “With projects like this Country Market, we’ll be dining options. The facility has created 43 jobs for the area and able to help keep these communities alive.” “We’re so glad to provides an easy and convenient experience for those on-the-go. finally get this store here in Boswell,” states Perry Thompson,
Choctaw Nation Council Member District 8. “The main thing is: we’re giving people jobs and a place to shop.”
OUR FUTURE Full of Hope 39 CHOCTAW CULTURAL CENTER
The Choctaw Cultural Center is currently under construction and is set to open in fall of 2020 in Durant, Oklahoma. The experience, referred to as “Chahta
Nowvt Aya” or the Choctaw Journey, will be an extraordinary destination allowing guests from around the globe to learn about the unique beauty and cultural heritage of the Choctaw Nation. It will also be a place dedicated to our
Choctaw communities and will help to carry our cultural traditions into the future. The Cultural Center building is approximately 98,000 square feet and will house two exhibit halls, an art gallery, a theatre/auditorium, children’s exhibit, classrooms, gift shop and café. The Cultural Center grounds will include a traditional mound, stickball field, and living village.
OUR FUTURE Full of Hope 41 TECHNOLOGY
CHAHTA ACHVFFA MEMBER PORTAL DRONES
Our new Chahta Achvffa member portal launched this summer. This technology platform was created to In 2018, the Choctaw Nation was named one of ten Unmanned Aircraft System transform online interactions between the Nation and Tribal Members. Currently, Tribal Members can set up Integration Pilot Program sites by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This is profiles and have access to four programs. Available programs include the 2019 Hunting and Fishing program, an exciting and historically significant accomplishment, as the Choctaw Nation Student School Activity Fund, College Clothing Allowance, and name change requests. More programs are of Oklahoma is the first tribal government to receive such a program after the planned to be added in the future. FAA Reauthorization Act was enacted in 2018. Being involved with the drone
program at such an early stage in its development places the Choctaw Nation
and its citizens in a premium spot to advance with this new technology. VIRTUAL VISITS
Our Health Services are also taking steps into the future with virtual visits. The Choctaw Nation Virtual
Medical Visit service enables healthcare access for patients not able to travel to the provider for specific non-
life-threatening injuries and illnesses. This service is a video appointment with a healthcare provider that is
available to patients with specific symptoms. Visit choctawnation.com/virtualvisits for more information.
Technology OUR FUTURE Full of Hope 43 1-800-522-6170
1802 Chukka Hina Dr, Durant, OK 74701 P.O. Box 1210, Durant, OK 74702-1210
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