Halito!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and enjoying the sunshine. It has been a busy and rewarding season here in District 3, filled with opportunities to celebrate accomplishments, honor our elders and veterans, and spend time with our communities.
The past few months have given us many reasons to be grateful, and I am excited to share a few highlights.
The month of May was filled with community gatherings and celebrations. The District 3 Talihina and Smithville Seniors each hosted successful fundraisers that brought community members together in support of local senior programs. The Talihina fundraiser featured Indian Tacos while the Smithville fundraiser included a gospel singing. There is something special about hearing people of all ages come together to share their voices through Choctaw hymns, and it was wonderful to see such strong community participation.
May also brought exciting opportunities to recognize the achievements of tribal members. I had the privilege of congratulating Kody Ward and Retha Devine on their permanent employment with the Choctaw Nation. Both accepted cook positions at the Talihina Senior Nutrition. Their dedication and hard work have led them to this accomplishment, and I am proud of their success.
As the month came to a close, we gathered to celebrate the mothers and fathers who play such an important role in our families and communities. Mother’s and Father’s Day luncheons were held in both Talihina and Smithville, providing an opportunity to recognize and thank the parents, grandparents, and caregivers whose guidance, support, and love help strengthen our communities every day.
June has been a month of appreciation, growth and new beginnings.
One of the highlights of the month was hosting Elder Veterans Appreciation Lunches in both Talihina and Smithville. These gatherings provided an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have faithfully served our nation. We are grateful for their courage, sacrifice and commitment to protecting the freedoms we enjoy today.
During June, Chief, Assistant Chief, and I also had the pleasure of visiting Helen Caldwell of Octavia, OK. Helen and her loved ones shared stories about their family history and their journey to Octavia. It was a memorable evening filled with fellowship, laughter, and valuable stories that help preserve our Choctaw heritage.
Another milestone this month was the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Choctaw Nation Talihina Community Clinic. For 15 years, the clinic has provided quality healthcare services while helping build a healthier future for our communities. Yakoke to the dedicated staff who work every day to ensure both tribal and non-tribal patients receive exceptional care. The clinic recently expanded and relocated to its new facility at 818 Dallas Street, Talihina, OK. This investment reflects the Choctaw Nation’s ongoing commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of our people and strengthening services for future generations.
The All-Star Team, Tvshka Homma Himitta, will soon compete in the World Series of Stickball in Choctaw, Mississippi. I am excited to see how far this talented team will go and proud of the dedication each player has shown throughout the season.
I would especially like to recognize the players who were picked from District 3 to represent the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma: Parker Fincher, Carmen Garcia, Gianna Ruiz, Hunter Johnson, Jaycob Crank, Kelton Samuels, and Tomi Ludlow. Congratulations on this accomplishment, and best of luck as you represent your communities on the world stage.
I am excited to announce that I will be transitioning into a new office space in downtown Talihina, to offer easier access for tribal members to find me. I am excited about what this change will bring for our tribal members and community. I am in the process of lining everything out so we can officially open, but be on the lookout on my Facebook page for an official opening date!
As we celebrate the Fourth of July and enjoy the remainder of the summer, I hope everyone stays safe and enjoys time with family and friends. Yakoke for your continued support and for helping strengthen District 3 and the Choctaw Nation. Working together, we continue to build stronger communities and a brighter future for generations to come.
Those are all the updates from District 3. Chi Pisa La Chike!
Yakoke, District 3 Councilman Eddie Bohanan
