Halito,
As another season comes to an end, I hope you and your family have enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with time together, vacations, and a well-deserved break from school. As we prepare for the fall season, it is once again time to attend the annual Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival. With all the activities and events planned, it is always amazing to see Choctaw culture on full display and to have the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends while making new memories.
This past summer was filled with plenty of excitement and accomplishments across the Choctaw Nation and in District 11.
The Nation once again operated the Summer Food Service Program across the reservation, providing meals and snacks for children ages 1–17. Across the reservation, an average of 62,000 meals were served each week, totaling more than 700,000 meals throughout the summer. This program is so vital for our communities while school is not in session, and it would not be possible without everyone who helped with the distribution of the meals.
Yakoke to all the employees and volunteers who worked with our youth at the many camps held this summer, where more than 2,300 children attended. The Youth Events team did an amazing job, offering plenty of opportunities for our youth to gain valuable experience in different areas such as stickball, sports, and culture.
The Choctaw Nation stickball teams traveled to Mississippi in July to compete in the World Series of Stickball, and they represented the Nation incredibly well. The Tvshkahomma (Men’s 35+) and Tvshka Homma Himitta teams battled their way to the championship games, competing with determination and heart. We are extremely proud of all our teams and the dedication they showed throughout the tournament.
Our District 11 Choctaw Veteran and Choctaw Language Speaker for the Nation were honored during the August Tribal Council regular session meeting. Congratulations to Elgie Hosay for carrying on his rich family history of service to our country, and to Shelly Westbrook for promoting and teaching the Choctaw language to others in District 11.
The Choctaw Small Business Development program held its Chahtapreneur Awards Dinner in June, where a Chahtapreneur from each district was recognized for the success of their Choctaw-owned small business. District 11’s Chahtapreneur of the Year was Justin Few of Platinum Appraisal LLC. Congratulations, Justin!
Our new 2026–27 District 11 Princesses are Little Miss Olivia Scott and Junior Miss Sophia McFarland. We wish them the very best as they represent District 11 and compete for the overall title at the Labor Day Princess Pageant.
I look forward to seeing you at the festival. It is a privilege and an honor to serve as your Councilman. As always, if I can be of assistance in any way regarding the Choctaw Nation, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Chihowa vt Achukma!
