Halito from District 6, the Heart of the Nation. It has been a very busy past three months with many events and meetings, and we are loving this beautiful spring weather.
We are still encouraging our District 6 tribal members to apply for housing, as we want to build more homes in our district. We want to grow and build in Latimer County, in all areas of District 6, and in order to do that, we need a number of approved applications that are on the waiting list. These approved applications will determine where we build, whether in Wilburton, Red Oak, Quinton or Buffalo Valley. Don’t prejudge your credit. Get those applications in and let’s continue to grow our district.
In February, we had our senior Valentine’s party and crowned this year’s Valentine’s King and Queen, Mark Underwood and Joann Baker. The seniors also enjoyed dinner at the Catfish Barn in Pocola, and a movie night at the community center, where “Sarah’s Oil” was played. I was able to attend our two Community Cultural events with other tribal council members in Shreveport, Louisiana and Fayetteville, Arkansas, where we were able to interact with other tribal members who live outside of the reservation. It is always great to visit with those tribal members, letting them know that they are not forgotten.
March is always a busy month, and it started with “Read Across America” and the Choctaw Nation’s campaign to Read Across the Reservation. I enjoyed my time reading at the Wilburton Head Start and Jones Academy while dressed as Thing One, and my granddaughter, Raven, dressed as the Cat in the Hat. It is amazing to see young faces full of interest as they are read to and interacted with. We are feeding their minds with the love of reading that can take them to places that they can only go with their imaginations.
We also attended livestock shows, premium sales, and FFA events, which were held in our district. I was able to go to several livestock shows to support the students of District 6 and attend the Oklahoma Youth Expo in Oklahoma City. I am so proud of the students who work tirelessly, caring, training and showing their animals. It is not just the student who must make this commitment, but also the entire family, as it takes a full family effort to be successful. Congratulations to all the students and families. I am proud to support these young people as they are learning lessons that will accompany them all through their lives.
We attended the Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC) Sapphire Ball, which is a fundraiser for the college to provide scholarships for the students. We also attended the Wilburton Chamber Banquet, showing our support for the community. We are grateful for how they have embraced us as we work together to grow and better our community. I also had the opportunity to be a guest speaker for the EOSC Summit Leadership Conference, where I was able to encourage high school students and remind them that they have a golden road in front of them, as they are truly the future.
Our seniors hosted their monthly Indian Taco Sales as well as a Bingo Fundraiser recently. Our seniors are actively raising funds for their trips that they will be taking, with Albuquerque, New Mexico, being their first trip of the year. The seniors also try to attend as many events as possible, such as KEDDO Senior Day in April, monthly shopping and casino trips, day trips to the cultural center in Calera, chair volleyball games or whatever else they would like to do. Our buses are always moving. We encourage all our seniors to sign up and be involved in these activities so that they have the opportunity to fellowship with other seniors and stay active, which is good for both their physical and mental health.
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and we wore blue throughout the month to show our support to end child abuse. We also recognize and show our gratitude for those who are working to end child abuse. Our Indian Child Welfare, Family Preservation workers, and Lighthorsemen often see and hear things that are very difficult, so we ask for your prayers and support for all those who are on the front lines for strength as they continue to fight for the innocent.
As a tribal council member, I am always busy working on behalf of our district to ensure that the needs of our communities and tribal members are taken care of. Many of the meetings with the state’s legislators, Council meetings and Inter-Tribal meetings are where we work to ensure that our tribal members are looked after and tribal laws are upheld. We are working for you, our tribal members.
Yakoke.
