The Chickasaw Times Post Office Box 1548 Ada, OK 74821 Chickasaw Times Vol. LIV, No. 11 Official publication of the Chickasaw Nation www.chickasawtimes.net November 2019 State of the Nation ‘The Chickasaw Nation is strong because the Chickasaw people are strong’ up our fellow Chickasaws and timates indicate that since 2015, to partner with communities to our neighbors.” CNI has grown 75 percent,” Gov. provide vital resources and infra- Gov. Anoatubby delivered the Anoatubby said. “Part of that structure that benefit all Oklaho- address Saturday, Oct. 5 to a growth is Filtra-Systems and their mans. standing-room-only crowd in SCOUT mobile filtration system, “In the modern world, perhaps Fletcher auditorium, as well as which has the potential to revo- the most important infrastruc- an adjacent overflow tent on the lutionize the oil and gas industry, ture resource is fast, reliable Murray State College campus. A and its voyager community water internet. Trace Fiber Networks live stream of the address was treatment system which will solve is bridging the technology gap available online. challenges of rural communities affecting small towns and rural throughout the United States.” communities within Chickasaw Business development This cost efficient, environmen- Country by building a reliable In 2019, Chickasaw Nation busi- tally friendly system is expand- fiber-optic network.” nesses achieved record revenues ing into new markets. It reduces To date, Chickasaw Nation- and profits. This fiscal year, net the demand on streams and owned Trace Fiber Networks has profits from core business opera- aquifers. The CNI manufacturing installed nearly 180 miles of bur- tions have increased by 15 per- plant in Marietta, Okla., has oper- ied fiber-optic cable. Once com- cent, and net assets grew by 11 ated at record levels to keep up pleted, the nearly 500-mile fiber- percent. with the demand for its products. optic network will connect over “Our commitment to financial The Chickasaw Nation pur- 40 communities and schools. stability, accountability and re- chased the facility in 2004, This network will provide unsur- sponsible stewardship makes our when previous owner Siemens passed speed and connectivity to nation strong,” Gov. Anoatubby announced it would close the offices, schools, hospitals, clinics, Gov. Bill Anoatubby reports the state of the Chickasaw Nation is “strong because the people are strong” said. “As our businesses have 100,000 square-foot metal fabri- libraries and homes, as well as during his annual State of the Nation address Oct. 5 at the Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting at Murray prospered, we have also been cating plant. Keeping the facility more than 100 Chickasaw Nation- State College in Tishomingo. Annual Meeting caps off a week of Chickasaw events and celebrations able to invest in new opportuni- open saved dozens of local jobs, owned businesses. during the Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting and Festival. ties and diversify our portfolio.” and employment has increased “Our commitment to build Chickasaw Nation Industries, since. community and partnerships TISHOMINGO, Okla. - During “The Chickasaw Nation is (CNI) a federally-chartered cor- with our neighbors makes our his annual State of the Nation ad- strong because the Chickasaw poration established in 1996 for Community nation strong,” Gov. Anoatubby dress, Governor Bill Anoatubby people are strong,” Gov. Anoatub- $50,000, now produces revenues “We work to ensure business di- said. “We have worked hard to be said advances in economic de- by said. “Chickasaw people are of more than $350 million annu- versification and economic devel- good neighbors. Our roads pro- velopment, cultural preservation achieving new levels of personal ally. opment includes a focus on local gram continues to partner with and community services have en- success that allow them to have “CNI is on track to reach anoth- communities,” Gov. Anoatubby local governments to improve hanced the lives of the Chickasaw a positive impact on the lives of er record for revenue this fiscal said. “We have worked hard to people. others. We believe it is vital to lift year, and even conservative es- be good neighbors. We continue SEE STATE OF THE NATION, PAGE 5 State-of-the-art center dedicated to Chickasaw fitness New Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center dedicated in Ada ADA, Okla. – A new era in well- hydration station. ness opportunities for the com- The 25,350-square-foot facility munity was ushered in Oct. 16 as also features a state-of-the-art Governor Bill Anoatubby, along interactive PRAMA studio, a cir- with dozens of Chickasaw citi- cuit-based, group training system zens, community members and that combines three dimensional dignitaries, dedicated the new movements with cardio intervals. Chickasaw Nation Wellness Cen- The cutting-edge system com- ter in Ada. bines lights and music to create The state-of-the-art facility, at an immersive and fun experi- 228 Seabrook Road, is designed ence. Interactive workouts can be to meet the needs of Chickasaw programmed for athletes from families and other community beginners to elite. members by providing wellness Only three other facilities in amenities and programs focused the U.S. feature this system and on improved health. the Ada Wellness Center is the Chickasaw Nation Wellness first in Oklahoma. Center is almost twice as large The Wellness Center exercise as its predecessor, the Chickasaw areas are fully-equipped with Nation Family Life Center, which state-of-the-art treadmills and is adjacent to the new facility. elliptical machines, rowing and Gov. Anoatubby said the new targeted muscle group machines, facility was a direct result of the free weights and strength-train- increase in awareness of the link ing equipment. between physical activity and In addition, the Wellness Cen- Governor Bill Anoatubby, center with large scissors, is joined by Chickasaw Nation elected officials, Chickasaw citizens, staff and dignitaries during Oct. 16 overall well-being. ribbon cutting ceremonies for the Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center in Ada. ter will continue to offer numer- “Over recent years, more and ous exercise classes, from ab- more Chickasaws and employees new heights of physical fitness, lies, the Wellness Center offers that involves the whole family,” dominal training to Zumba. have recognized the importance as well as overall health and well- cutting-edge amenities to en- Gov. Anoatubby said. The new Wellness Center is and benefits of exercise, leading being. courage healthy habits for young The expansive Chickasaw Na- across the street from the Fam- to this new wellness center today, “Physical fitness is the founda- people. tion Wellness Center features ily Life Center, which will remain he said. tion for our total wellness. It is “It is exciting to see the future a free weight area and weight open for swimming pool and “The building houses the cut- fundamental to our mission, to of fitness for our citizens and em- machine area; a large studio for sauna access. ting edge in fitness technology enhance the overall life of the ployees. A future in which fitness fitness classes; an open cardio The Family Life Center was and will usher in a new approach Chickasaw people.” is fun and our exercise is sup- room, a children’s exercise area, opened in 2004. It marked a ma- to how we exercise. It will help Designed for all generations ported by the latest science and men’s and women’s locker rooms, Chickasaws, and others, reach and with an emphasis on fami- cutting-edge technology. A future an elevated walking track, and a SEE WELLNESS CENTER, PAGE 4 Ground broken in Ada for new Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard facility ADA, Okla. - Governor Bill Ano- said, was a way for the Chickasaw atubby led Oct. 15 groundbreak- Nation to demonstrate apprecia- ing ceremonies for a new Chicka- tion to the group. saw Nation Honor Guard base of “Once completed, the building operations. will provide the Chickasaw Na- Established in 1993 by a group tion Honor Guard with a dedi- of Chickasaw veterans, the Chick- cated area of their own and offer asaw Honor Guard conducts a new level of support for the im- military honors at funeral and portant work they do,” he said. memorial services and assists The 1,848-square-foot Honor with many tribal and community Guard building will feature a functions. The first official hon- large meeting room, two offices or guard ceremony was posting and a kitchen. The building will the colors at the 1993 Chickasaw also feature a storage area for all Nation Annual Meeting and par- Chickasaw Honor Guard equip- ticipating in the festival parade, a ment, and will provide a place for tradition that still continues. monthly meetings and fellowship. “Our honored Chickasaw veter- The building complements the ans carry on the Chickasaw war- nearby Chickasaw Nation Veter- rior tradition, Gov. Anoatubby ans Lodge. The Honor Guard fa- said. cility will be at 1909 Warrior Way “We are proud of our Honor on the South Ada campus, near Guard and grateful to them, and the Chickasaw Nation Medical to all of our veterans, for their Center. service.” For more information about the The new Chickasaw Honor Chickasaw Honor Guard, please Governor Bill Anoatubby sixth from left, is joined by Chickasaw Nation elected officials, Chickasaw veterans, project contractors and members of the Guard building, Gov. Anoatubby call (580) 310-7930. Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard during Oct. 15 groundbreaking ceremonies for a new Ada base of operations for the Chickasaw Honor Guard. 2 CHICKASAW TIMES November 2019 Imanoli Creative Writers Conference Chickasaw screenwriter, producer uses life experiences to drive storytelling ers, especially young ones, was trying to fill this one position in character coming into the story. children in the foster care pro- “Embrace your story, whatever the writers’ room, mine stood out Just having everyone, all of the gram.