Halito Chim Achukma,
In District 11 we’ve had plenty of rain and hot temperatures since I wrote my last article, but summer is over, and we are hoping for a nice Fall season. The last three months went by fast and kept our tribal council on a busy schedule, with many exciting things going on in Choctaw Nation and District 11.
June 26 was the Chahtaprenuer Awards Dinner in Durant. Our Small Business Development team recognized 12 Chahtaprenuers one from each district, as well as crowning one as the Choctaw Nation Chahtaprenuer of the year. I’m glad to announce the highest honor went to District 11’s Jamie Ragan of Izabellas Learning Center. Izabellas Learning Center is listed as a 5 Star Level Daycare Program by Oklahoma Human Services. The Center provides childcare to up to 60 kids from infants to 5-year-olds.
Congratulations to our three new District 11 princesses. The June pageant winners are Sr. Miss Jenessa Dugger, Jr. Miss Alexandria McFarland, and Little Miss Leigha Scott. I wish them the best as these three young ladies compete during the Labor Day Festival. The overall winners in each category will go on to represent the Choctaw Nation as ambassadors until next year’s Festival.
July 24 was a good day for many tribal members in our District. That’s when we had the ribbon cutting for 26 new Leap homes in Alderson and Hartshorne. It’s always nice to see tribal members move into new homes, but it was special to see it in District 11. Most were young working families excited to receive the keys to their new home. August 26 was another ribbon cutting at our McAlester campus with the opening of a new Childcare center. This center will be a blessing to parents who work and need child daycare.
At the August Council meeting, we recognized a Choctaw Veteran and Choctaw speaker of the month from District 11. Congratulations to Dale Cantrell, who served for over 38 years in the United States military. Dale is still working with the DAV in Krebs for the Chapter’s Honor Guard while also helping other veterans sign up for benefits. Roxie Whitelance will be honored as the first speaker of the month. She is proud of her Choctaw heritage and loves to speak Choctaw to her family and friends. During the meeting, I had the honor to present them awards and read the citations of these two outstanding District 11 Choctaws.
I will continue to look for opportunities that will make District 11 a better place to live, work and raise a family. I appreciate all the support I have received from you and count it a privilege and honor to serve the Great Choctaw Nation and District 11.
Yakoke, Chihowa vt Achukma.