Halito and welcome to your District 12 update! Spring has officially sprung, and District 12 has been buzzing with activity. One of our first celebrations of the season was crowning the Valentine’s King and Queen at our community centers. While all of our seniors are truly sweethearts, we were honored to recognize a few special individuals. At the Crowder Community Center, congratulations go to King Kenneth (Peewee) Rea and Queen Ellen Emery. At the Coalgate Community Center, congratulations go to King Jeff and Queen Marilyn Byington. We love our seniors and thank them for the joy, wisdom, and fellowship they bring to our communities each week.
Then the council was off to the state capitol for Oklahoma Legislature Day. I am incredibly proud of the strong relationships the Choctaw Nation has built with our state leaders and governing bodies. Those partnerships have made a meaningful difference for our nation and our people, especially over the last several years.
February also brought a special evening in Antlers honoring the seniors of our Youth Advisory Board (YAB). YAB provides students in grades 8-12 with valuable opportunities to grow through community service projects that inspire positive change within their communities.
It is always encouraging to see young leaders developing confidence, character, and a heart for service.
The same spirit of leadership and responsibility was on full display during our local 4-H and FFA premium sales. I was able to attend the Hughes, Coal, and Pittsburg County premium sales and cheer on our Chahta youth who showcased their hard work and dedication in the show ring. Congratulations to all who participated and made the sale.
Next came OYE (Oklahoma Youth Expo), the “Super Bowl” of premium sales. The energy and excitement in the OG&E Coliseum were truly something to experience. It was inspiring to see so many young people proudly representing their communities and the results of months of hard work. Special congratulations to Coalgate’s Natalie Shaw for receiving the Monte Womack Memorial Scholarship.
We also traveled to Shreveport, Louisiana and Fayetteville, Arkansas, for Community Cultural Events. These gatherings are always special opportunities to share stories, reconnect with friends and family, and celebrate the rich culture and traditions of the Choctaw people.
March began with a very important celebration, Read Across America.
Reading truly is fundamental, and it was a privilege to spend time reading to our Coalgate Head Start students. I deeply appreciate our Head Start teachers and staff for the care, patience, and dedication they pour into our children each day, helping give them a strong foundation and a true head start in life.
Later in the month, the Coalgate Community Center proudly hosted the Coal County Chamber of Commerce banquet. Guests enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by Chahtapreneurs Nikki and Levi from Sweet Peaches, whose hospitality and delicious food made the evening even more special.
Congratulations to Choctaw tribal member Greg Peters, who was honored during the banquet with the Community Service Award, and Dr. Kay Helms, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Both individuals have made lasting contributions to their communities and are so deserving of this recognition.
The evening also brought exciting news from keynote speaker and Kiamichi Technology Superintendent Shelley Free that Coalgate will be receiving a Kiamichi Technology Center campus in the near future. This is a tremendous opportunity for the area and an investment in the future of our students, workforce, and communities.
April began with the joyful celebration of Easter and a Rise Up Youth Summit featuring Tim Tebow. It was a powerful day filled with praise, worship, and a meaningful message of faith and encouragement. Seeing our young people boldly expressing their faith and growing in God’s love is always a tremendous blessing and a reminder that the future is bright.
April and May also brought an amazing turnout at our Oklahoma City and Bakersfield, California, Community Cultural Meetings. It is always special to come together and share our history and culture with our fellow Choctaws.
Our quarterly Inter-tribal meeting was held in Thackerville this month. The facility is beautiful, and it is always valuable to gather with leaders from other tribes, share ideas, and hear about the successes and challenges facing Native communities across our region.
Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the new Independent Elderly Housing in Coalgate on June 2 at 10 am. This beautiful new facility represents our continued commitment to honoring and caring for our elders by providing safe, comfortable housing within the community they call home.
Also, congratulations to our 2027 District 12 Choctaw Princesses, Checotah McCoy and Dorothy Rogers. I am so proud of these young women and know they will represent District 12 with grace, leadership and pride throughout the coming year.
Yakoke!
Regina Mabray
