Halito to District 6, the Heart of the Nation. It’s been a hot summer, and I appreciate our workers keeping a close eye on our elderly tribal members. Their health and safety are a high priority for the Choctaw Nation.
We have participated in a lot of summer activities such as the Red Oak 4th of July Parade, Outreach at the Beach, numerous small business ribbon cuttings and check presentations, community meetings, Chief’s Appreciation Wild Onion Dinner, Chahtapreneur Awards Banquet, Residency Graduation, Mother’s and Father’s Day dinners, veterans’ appreciation lunch and the Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony at the VFW. I also attended the Conference for Crimes Against Women in Dallas, Texas, which gives good information to help protect our women from harm.
One exciting event I was honored to participate in was the Oklahoma Native All-State Association softball game, held at Eastern Oklahoma State College on Thursday, June 11. District 12 Councilwoman Regina Mabray, District 5 Councilwoman Jennifer Turner and I were joined by Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton, who threw out the first pitch of the game. This was a history making game as the teams played under the new field lights, which had not happened in the 36-year history of the EOSC softball field. Approximately 30 athletes representing 12 different tribes took the field for a memorable evening. I would like to thank Hoss Ward for his diligent work in putting on the event; the cultural dancers who performed traditional Choctaw dances; the princesses who performed the Lord’s Prayer; the Choctaw Color Guard for presenting the flags; and, of course, the young ladies, coaches and families who attended.
It’s about time for students to return to school and college. We would like to encourage you to fill out the Student Activity Fund on the member portal, which offers an annual $100 grant to purchase school supplies and clothing for Choctaw students possessing a tribal membership card. We encourage our new college students who are attending Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton to make plans to attend Chahta night, which will be held on August 13 at EOSC. They can contact the Freshman Year Initiative program, which is for first-year enrolled students who attend Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Durant), Carl Albert State College (Poteau), or Eastern Oklahoma State College (Wilburton).
We will be celebrating Heritage Month on Wednesday, August 5, at the Community Center and would like to invite you to attend the basket-weaving class at noon. We will also be having a Health Fair on Wednesday, August 12. We have our monthly prayer gathering on the first Friday of each month at 7:00 a.m. with a wonderful breakfast prepared by our kitchen staff for those who attend. Please mark your calendars and come join us. We encourage you to come by the Community Center and pick up our monthly calendar and menu so that you don’t miss any of our events.
We would like to introduce you to our new Field Rep, Candace Raney. We are excited to have her and believe that she will be a great addition to our District 6 team. Please be sure to follow our Facebook page that Candace set up for us. It is a great way to know what is going on during the week and any upcoming events. Yakoke, Candace and welcome to the team.
September is right around the corner, and that means that the Labor Day Festival will be here before you know it. We want to encourage you to come support the District 6 seniors’ Indian Taco concession trailer. District 6 is the only district of all the Choctaw Nation districts that still sells its Indian Tacos at the festival. This is their biggest fundraiser of the year, and they will appreciate all of your support.
Please know that my door is always open, so feel free to stop in and visit. It is my privilege to serve District 6. Yakoke and Chi Pisa La Chike!
