Halito, from District 3!
Many recent events have brought our people together and created new opportunities for the Tribal Members of District 3 and surrounding areas. Before I talk about those things, I would like to say that I hope everyone is having a great summer so far! It truly is a joy to serve you all and meet you or simply catch up during the events that we have both in District 3 and the Choctaw Nation as a whole.
In April, the District 3 Talihina Senior Citizen group held a BINGO fundraiser, and it was a great success for them. The funds raised at their fundraisers are used towards future fundraisers, events, and trips for the group! I would just like to thank the town of Talihina and its citizens and businesses for their contributions and support to the senior group. Without the help from you all, events like this would not be possible. Yakoke fehna!
During May, we were finally able to open the much-needed NEW Wellness Center in Talihina, Oklahoma. This facility will offer a wide range of activities and opportunities for our Tribal Members to put their health and wellness first. According to the Indian Health Service (IHS), health issues such as heart disease and diabetes are two of the leading causes of death for American Indians. Because of this, we must offer these types of services, like our Wellness Centers, to our Tribal Members so we can strengthen our health and beat the statistics that surround us. Many may notice that the old Alco building in Talihina, Oklahoma, next to the new Wellness Center, is being renovated. There are some exciting things coming with the completion of the building, such as easier access to programs and opportunities. We will have more information on that in the coming months!
During June, we had our annual Veteran’s Appreciation Lunch and Program for the local Veterans in Talihina and Smithville. It was a great time for all and thank you all for your service to our country. We have an exciting new event that we will be putting together for our Senior Citizens – a Block Party! Both Smithville and Talihina groups will be coming together for an Independence Day celebration on July 1, 2025. I am looking forward to a day of fun games, fellowship, and grilling!
We will soon be seeing the start and completion of the brand-new Affordable Rental housing units in Smithville, Oklahoma! This has been much needed in the area, and I am glad to see that it is becoming a reality. I encourage everyone, not just in District 3, to fill out the applications for Affordable Rental Housing and LEAP Homes. Even if there are no current homes in your area, fill it out! Once an area reaches 10 completed and approved applications, the process can begin to start building the homes.
As always, if there is anything that I can assist you with, please let me know! I am here to be an advocate for you. I wish you all a blessed Summer – Chi pisa la chike!