By Tony Choate, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said "there is evidence of growth and success in every corner of our nation," during his annual State of the Nation Address to the Chickasaw people.
The address was delivered 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at Fletcher Auditorium with live streaming audio available on KCNP Radio and worldwide on the Chickasaw Nation Web site.
During the address, which was interrupted 38 times by applause, Gov. Anoatubby outlined progress and success in economic development, health care, housing, education and other areas.
"Progress is a common thread in our continuing story," said Gov. Anoatubby. "The state of the Chickasaw Nation is strong and continues getting stronger."
Economic Development
Net revenues of the tribe increased more than 10 percent over the past year, while net assets have increased nearly than 16 percent.
Recent grand opening of the 12-story, 395 room WinStar World Casino Hotel in Thackerville was highlighted. An RV Park was also recently opened at the casino.
The recent purchase of Remington Park Horse racing track and casino in Oklahoma City was also mentioned. Global Gaming Solutions, RP recently purchased the track and plans to upgrade the facility.
Other successful businesses mentioned include Bedr# Chocolates, Chickasaw Nation Industries, Solara Health Care.
Health Care
The Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada is 78 percent complete, with substantial completion projected for early 2010.
Construction of the 370,000 square foot medical center required 2,800 tons of structural steel.
Over time, the Chickasaw Nation Health Service expects to add 300 new positions at the facility, which is almost three times the size of the Carl Albert Indian Health Facility.
Increased staff will include more practitioners in family practice, dental, obstetrics, gynecology and optometry.
New equipment, including CT scan, MRI, digital mammography, ultrasound and bone scan will be available at the new medical facility.
Education
Funding for education has increased considerably in recent years.
"Our strength lies in the yearning of our children for a better tomorrow, their thirst for knowledge and their willing embrace of all that is Chickasaw," said Gov. Anoatubby.
More than $11 million in education assistance was provided to students in FY 2009. That is an increase of more than $2 million over the previous year.
More than 2,000 students received grants and scholarships to assist in the pursuit of higher education.
Housing
Home ownership programs continue to grow. Thirty-four new homes were constructed this year and another 25 are currently under construction.
The tribe's housing and tribal development division received accreditation from the International Accreditation Service. The Chickasaw Nation is the first tribe in the U.S. and the only building department in Oklahoma to earn this accreditation.
Culture
Mention of the Chickasaw Cultural Center brought roars of approval from audience members, many of whom had visited the day before to get a "sneak peek" of the facility prior to the opening.
Construction of that project included 250 tons of structural steel, 300 miles of reinforcing steel and 14,000 cubic yards of concrete – enough to build more than 200 three bedroom homes.
Workers moved more than 200,000 cubic yards of dirt and 2,000 tons of rock constructing the facility, which has more than 96,000 square feet of indoor space on the 109 acre campus.
Opening of the cultural center is expected in May of 2010.
A reference to "Pearl," the tribe's first feature film project, also drew thunderous applause. The film about the late pearl Carter Scott, the Chickasaw aviatrix who was the youngest licensed pilot in America in 1928, was previewed in the large format theatre of the cultural center on Friday.
"Pearl," the tribe's first feature film project highlights the teen years of the late aviatrix, who became the youngest licensed pilot in the U.S. in 1928.
A preview of the film was shown in the large format theatre of the cultural center on Friday.
"Pearl has been screened at film festivals in Dallas and Oklahoma City. A screening of the film is scheduled at the International Cherokee Film Festival Oct. 10. It is scheduled for four screenings at the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis Oct. 17-24.
Projects currently in the planning stages include an independent living facility for Chickasaw seniors in Ardmore, an expansion of the senior site in Madill, and a science and math technology center in Ada.
