Overview:
Jennifer Turner gives an update on District 5.
Halito from District 5,
The warm weather and sunshine are hopefully here to stay. While we welcome rain, please stay weather aware as we enter storm season. Effective tornado preparedness means planning ahead, identifying a safe shelter, assembling emergency supplies, and knowing what to do during and after a storm.
The Choctaw Nation has partnered with the mayor and fire chief in Tamaha, Oklahoma, to secure a matching grant for a tornado siren near the Tamaha Community Center. This siren will greatly increase rural residents’ safety. In the past, sheriff’s deputies had to warn residents in person, but now we are proud to ensure the community is better protected.
In February, we had the pleasure of attending the Haskell County Junior Livestock Show, which was a great success because of the students and their families. I was proud to represent the Choctaw Nation and support the youth who showcased months of hard work and dedication in preparing their animals.
Also in February, we were honored to recognize Julia Hensley as our First Language Speaker and John Baker as our Veteran of the Month. It is always a privilege to celebrate those in our district who preserve our language and serve our country.
High school and college graduations are right around the corner. Graduates, if you have not already ordered your graduation cords and stoles, please do so through the Chahta Achvffa portal.
We have begun Choctaw Language Classes in District 5 at both the Stigler and Spiro Community Centers. Raymond Johnson is teaching in Stigler, and Josh Daney is leading classes in Spiro. We have had a wonderful time learning with both instructors, and I encourage anyone interested to join us.
We were blessed with beautiful weather on Easter as we gathered to glorify and give thanks for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. At Bethel Indian Baptist Church, we enjoyed a large crowd, wonderful fellowship, and a meaningful time of worship together.
District 5 also crowned a new Stigler Princess: Little Miss Kynleigh Moore, daughter of Blaze and Jennifer Moore. We are excited to support Kynleigh as she represents our district and competes against princesses from across the reservation at the Labor Day Festival.
On April 10, we participated in the Kickoff – No Fear – Beat the Test state testing parade for the Whitefield School District. The students enjoyed the parade, and everyone did a great job making the event memorable.
Affordable housing remains a need in District 5, so we will be assisting families in McCurtain and Keota with LEAP applications. We have several qualified applicants, but we encourage more to apply so that we can hopefully receive the housing support the area needs.
I am excited to share that on April 23, we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for 10 new Independent Elder homes located in Stigler. This means 10 elders can move into safe, affordable housing, and we are proud to celebrate this important milestone.
Finally, the Choctaw Nation Tribal Council now has its very own Facebook page. Please like and follow the page for important updates, announcements, and upcoming events.
Yakoke,
Jennifer Turner
District 5 Tribal Councilwoman
