Outreach
In 2008 the Chickasaw Nation focused on improving communication to its citizens by enhancing and incorporating programs and events that allowed Chickasaws the opportunity to speak face-to-face with staff from many of the tribe’s divisions.
The tribe hosted the 2008 Chickasaw Listening Conference in February in Oklahoma City. The event was attended by more than 350 Chickasaws from across the United States.
From as far as California, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon and Texas, Chickasaws joined together to evaluate progress made since the inaugural Listening Conference in 2006, and to suggest new or enhanced programs for the future.
Breakout sessions were conducted in four focus areas – aging, education, health and housing – as well as a session for general topics. Chickasaws were able to evaluate current at-large programs and services in each of the focus areas to assess popularity, effectiveness and availability. They then brainstormed ideas for improving or expanding those services and shared ideas and suggestions for new programs and needs as well.
Following the Listening Conference, tribal representatives traveled to several locations across the Chickasaw Nation and the United States to meet with citizens at Chickasaw Gatherings and Chickasaw Community Dinners.
At these events, citizens were able to gather valuable information and register for available programs and services as well as meet with other Chickasaws from their area.
Locations visited include Bakersfield, California; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Madill, Oklahoma; Newcastle, Oklahoma; Portland, Oregon; Sulphur, Oklahoma; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Waco, Texas; and Wichita, Kansas.
Efforts of outreach have proven to be an effective and resourceful way to hear directly from Chickasaw citizens living across the nation, and have provided opportunities for Chickasaws to meet, share and grow as a tribe.