By Carrie Bradshaw-Buckley, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, center, joined by tribal legislators and Bureau of Indian Affairs and Office of Special Trustee officials, officially open the new Government Services Building.
ADA - Chickasaw Nation elected officials and employees were joined by Bureau of Indian Affairs and Office of Special Trustee officials for the dedication of the newly-constructed Tribal Government Services Building Wednesday, May 28, 2008.
The 14,240 square-foot facility is located at 2015 Lonnie Abbot Industrial Blvd.
Chickasaw Nation Tribal Government Services and the eastern Oklahoma regions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Office of Special Trustee will be housed at this location.
Tom John is Administrator for the Division of Self Governance.
"This is a historic day," he said. "It marks a new partnership with the BIA and the Office of Special Trustee."
A combined staff of nearly forty will work together to serve Chickasaw citizens and other Native Americans.
"Everyone who works here shares a commitment to the work we are doing for the people we serve," said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. "Bringing these individuals together in the same facility will enhance cooperation and increase efficiency."
In addition to offices of Self Governance and Strategic Planning, the facility will also include voter registration, election and citizenship offices.
This will give added convenience to citizens and employees. Processes such as obtaining a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card will take as little as one day.
Representatives from the BIA and OST also feel that the consolidation will improve the effort to serve Native Americans.
"As always, the Chickasaw Nation has set the standard for everyone else to achieve," said Jeanette Hanna, Director, East Oklahoma Region Office of the BIA.
For more information on Chickasaw Nation Tribal Government Services, call (888) 661-0137.
