March 2010 Issue Serving 198,088 Choctaws Worldwide Choctaws ... growing with pride, hope and success Tribal Council holds regular February session Durant Casino The Choctaw Nation Tribal Council met in regular session Grand Opening Feb. 13 at Tushka Homma. Several chapters of the Youth Advisory Board were on hand to watch the proceedings. New business addressed included two applications to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The first, to Indian Health Services, is for the FY 2010 Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) Community-Directed Grant Program. The second is for the Residential Energy Assistance Challenge (REACH) Grant. Both were approved. An application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the FTA Bus and Bus Facilities Livability Initiative Grant was okayed. The Council members ap- proved funding for 2009-10 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Choctaw Nation Transportation Program will receive an alloca- tion through the stimulus program for the purpose of construction and improvements to specific roads within the tribe’s 10 1/2 county service area. The Choctaw Nation will be assuming ARRA projects that are Celebration lights the skies funded through or flow through the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the benefit of the Nation. Amid frigid temperatures and Towers and Fire Rings sculpture lo- The last Council Bill on the bright lights filling the sky over Du- cated in front of the casino’s grand “The great agenda was approval to adopt a rant were crowds of people who came outer entryway. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Feb. 9 to witness the grand opening The ceremony marked the end of thing is that the Alcohol Control Ordinance. The and ribbon-cutting for the new Choc- 22 months of coordination, building, unemployment ordinance would regulate the sale taw Casino Resort. and hard work put into the $300 mil- and distribution of liquor and Master of Ceremonies Jody House lion resort, and marked the beginning rate in Bryan beer products on the Indian opened the ceremony by welcoming of fun, excitement, and new oppor- County is one of Country of the Choctaw Nation. guests and with introductions of dig- tunities at the expansive casino and the lowest in the The passing of this Council nitaries in attendance before giving 12-story, amenity-filled hotel. Bill will help promote public the floor to the leader of the Choctaw A fireworks show awed visitors entire state.” safety and the general welfare of Nation, Chief Gregory E. Pyle. crowded out on the hotel lawn, clos- the public and enhance the ability “Welcome everyone and thank ing out the ceremony, but the real – Chief Pyle of the tribe to control alcohol- you for coming out to share in this excitement was waiting inside on the related activities within its momentous occasion with us,” said gaming floor. jurisdiction. Any revenue Chief Pyle. “Everyone make your way back in- generated will fund needed tribal Durant Mayor Jerry Tomlinson also side and let’s see who the real winners mium lounges are also positioned joyment and convenience of its guests. programs and services. spoke during the ceremony and he, are tonight!” said House while thank- around the casino for guests wanting With the new casino came more The Tribal Council meets at 10 along with members of the Durant ing the crowd. “Good luck and let’s to relax or take a break from gaming. than 1,000 new jobs and a $25 million a.m. on the second Saturday of Industrial Authority, presented Chief have a great night!” “This is great,” said Jennifer Pear- annual payroll to employees, provid- every month in the Council Pyle and Assistant Chief Gary Bat- While thousands of guests trot- son of Durant, a guest enjoying the ca- ing an economic boost to the area. Chambers at Tushka Homma. ton with a Native American sculpture ted the floors, trying their luck for sino for the first time. “I can’t believe The unemployment rate for Bryan on behalf of the citizens of Durant the first time at the new casino, the this is in Durant. It feels like I’m in County is 5 percent compared to the to show their appreciation for all the nearly 1,900 employees on staff have (Las) Vegas.” 6.5 percent average for the state of Choctaw Nation has done for the area. been working feverishly for months to Circling the casino on the ground Oklahoma. Across the Red River, “We continue to hear one resound- make sure the night went off without floor is a flowing “Red River” of tiles Grayson County, Texas, has an unem- ing praise – the Choctaw Nation has a hitch. lined with a variety of restaurants and ployment rate of 8.3 percent, accord- put Durant, Oklahoma, on the inter- Dillard said the opening wouldn’t shops and is welcome to guests of all ing to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. national map,” said Mayor Tomlin- have been possible without the dedi- ages. Nine restaurants ranging from a “The great thing is that the unem- son. cation and hard work of the staff. “A steakhouse and a cafe to a stop-and-go ployment rate in Bryan County is one The ceremony continued outside huge thanks goes to our employees food court provide variety for those of the lowest in the entire state,” said with a ribbon-cutting by Chief Pyle, who put so much into making this ca- wanting to grab a bite to eat. Chief Pyle. “We’re really proud of Assistant Chief Batton, Tribal Coun- sino a success,“ she said. The hotel boasts 204,000 square feet that.” cil and Executive Director over Gam- The casino sprawls over 110,000 filled with 330 guest rooms, 12 suites, Additionally, the casinos mean ing Janie Dillard, along with two of square feet of carpeted gaming area two executive suites and a business growth within the Choctaw Nation. the Choctaw Nation Little Miss Prin- and features 3,001 slot machines, 36 center. It also features a fitness center, Money from gaming funds many pro- cesses and a host of state, local and Black Jack tables, 30 Poker tables and indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, am- grams for the Choctaw Nation’s tribal tribal dignitaries. It was followed two Roulette tables for the enjoyment phitheater and escalators connecting a members. with a lighting of the flames on the of guests aged 18 and older. Four pre- 1,700-slot parking garage for the en- See Grand Opening on Page 16 19th Annual Livestock Show results – Pages 6-12 Former District 2 Career Expo set for McAlester u What’s inside Councilman dies Eskimo Joe’s owner is guest speaker Billy Paul Baker, 65, of Bethel passed Notes to the Nation ..........................2 away Feb. 16, 2010, at Fort Smith, Arkan- “Target Your Dream Career” is the theme for the Columns ..........................................3 sas. He was born Nov. 9, 1944, in Talihina, 3rd Annual Career Expo. The event will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 7 at the Southeast Expo Center in Nursery News ..................................4 the son of Somis and Ida Wesley Baker. McAlester, Okla., from with the purpose of connect- People You Know ............................5 A lifetime resident of McCurtain Coun- ing students and job seekers to more than 180 booths Voc Rehab Calendar .....................13 ty, he was a proud member of the Choctaw filled with employers, colleges and training facilities. Food Distribution Calendar ............14 Nation. Baker served as District 2 Tribal This year’s guest speaker is Stan Clark, owner and Obituaries .................................18-19 Councilman from 1982 to 2002. president of Eskimo Joe’s. Clark built his business Iti Fabvssa .....................................20 Billy Paul and Mary Lou Hodge were married on July 5, 1977, in Clarks- from the ground up with a mere $1,200 and began his ville, Texas. They shared 32 years together. He enjoyed hunting, playing partnership with a childhood friend. The two opened Stan Clark with his grandchildren and spending time with his family and friends. He Eskimo Joe’s on July 21, 1975. A couple of years lat- The Mission was a member of the Bethel Hill United Methodist Church. er, he bought the other half interest, becoming the sole owner of Eskimo Joe’s. of the Choctaw He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Pearlie, Marie and Ann; From the most humble beginnings, Clark has built a restaurant and retail opera- Nation of Oklahoma and a brother, Somis Jr. tion that has gained national, even international notoriety. His story of hard work Surviving family members include his wife of the home; sons and daugh- and determination will be sure to motivate and inspire all in attendance. To enhance the lives of all members through opportunities ters-in-law, Wayne and Lynell Baker of Wright City and Derek and Dawn “Last year’s event drew around 1900 job seekers and high school students,” designed to develop healthy, suc- Baker of Broken Bow; brothers and sister-in-law, Wendell Baker of Battiest said Ken English, Career Development Director. “We are looking for a larger cessful and productive lifestyles. and Gilbert and Sharon Baker of Branson, Mo.; five grandchildren, Kerwin, turnout this year! We are adding some new elements to this year’s expo. I think Sally (Kira), Makenzi, Jaxon and Broady. See Expo on Page 13 March 2010, BISHINIK, Page 2 Jones Academy participating NOTES TO THE NATION in School Walk for Diabetes Jones Academy third through sixth graders are very excited Making Assistance with education appreciated about participating in the School Walk for Diabetes.