Halito! We last left off just before the Christmas holidays, which was a busy and fun-filled season. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to our Crowder and Coalgate Community Centers’ staff and volunteers for the programs, food, candy, and gifts that were provided for our District 12 children. The decorations were outstanding, and everyone enjoyed the time together celebrating. Thanks also go to Jim and Mary Riley, who were our Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Coalgate, and Richard Allen, who was our Santa at Crowder. They were all perfect in their parts. Also, a big yakoke to Jeff Byington, Delores Walker, Dan Loudermilk, Don Jefferson, and our princesses, Candice Battice Louis and Dorothy Rogers, for braving the cold so we could have an awesome Choctaw Barbie float in the Coalgate Christmas parade. Our community center staff and I took a small break to enjoy lunch at Pete’s Place in McAlester for fellowship and a Christmas ornament exchange. We have a wonderful staff!
The new year arrived and was extra special! On January 2, Robert and I welcomed our third granddaughter, Anastasia Rose Mabray, to the tribe! There is nothing sweeter than a newborn baby. I love new beginnings! As a former teacher, I always enjoyed the beginning of a new school year; my favorite time of year is spring, when everything is bright and fresh. That’s also what I love about being a Christian. Just for the asking, we can be made clean, whole, and new.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. What a blessing!
In January, the Cherokees hosted our quarterly inter-tribal meeting in Catoosa. It is always enlightening to compare notes on what other tribes are doing to help their people and to give them ideas on how we help ours. A highlight of the month was attending a celebration at Atoka, where the Choctaw Nation received a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This grant will focus on drone technology, which will allow us to deliver medical samples between Choctaw clinics. I believe this is just the beginning of what we can accomplish with drone technology. January was also a time to elect officers for our community centers. The people elected to these positions are vital to our centers, and I thank them for taking their talents and time to make our centers tremendous places for fun and fellowship.
February began with a wonderful partnership between the Choctaw Nation and the McAlester Public Library. The Choctaw Nation’s one-million-dollar donation to the library will upgrade the infrastructure, create another Chahtapreneur Center, provide an area dedicated to honoring Native American heritage, and much more. Many tribal citizens in our own District 12 will benefit from this investment.
In closing, I want to wish all our District 12 agriculture students the best of luck in the next few weeks with the livestock shows. Also, best wishes to our basketball teams as they prepare for the playoffs. I encourage everyone to go out and support our youth. Hope to see you there!
Regina Mabray
Some District 12 highlights included the Inter Tribal Council meeting, a check presentation, livestock shows, and a Christmas party featuring Santa, Cindy-Lou Who and Choctaw royalty.