Monthly Message 
Tribe promotes fundamentals for lifetimes of success
By BILL ANOATUBBY
Governor
Chickasaw Nation
“Give a man a fish, you have fed him for today. Teach a man how to fish, and you have fed him for a lifetime.”
This ancient proverb, often attributed to a Chinese thinker, stands the test of time very well. People who have the tools and the skills to participate in modern society most times do very well in providing for themselves and their families. They have learned how to “fish” in today’s world.
At the Chickasaw Nation, we believe in supporting Chickasaws as they build quality careers and quality lives for their families.
Our tribal education grants and scholarships programs are making tremendous and positive impacts on Chickasaw lives. Did you know that your tribe helps, in very significant ways, over 1,000 Chickasaw students annually as they make their way through college?
The tribal commitment to these programs totals almost $3 million for the current fiscal year. That translates into lots of support for our Chickasaw students who are working hard to complete their educations.
The tribal higher education grant program provides up to $1,000 per semester for full-time Chickasaw college students. Many Chickasaw students count on these grants to pay for their educations but they must perform well in order to keep them. Students are required to maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average to continue receiving the grants.
Students can also earn tribal scholarships of up to an additional $500 per semester by maintaining exceptional grades of 3.0 grade point average or better.
We discovered that many of our students were hesitating to attend college because they simply did not own clothing suitable for class. The tribe now provides a $400 annual clothing grant that provides our students a leg up as they begin their college terms.
In addition to the funding provided by the tribe, the Chickasaw Foundation also provides an array of competitive scholarships open to Chickasaw students. Some Foundation scholarships pay up to $10,000 and reward exceptional students who require the scholarship funding to finish study in their chosen disciplines.
We currently have a wonderful and large group of Chickasaw students who are succeeding in chemistry, English, mathematics, engineering, journalism and education. Others are soon to earn degrees in biology, history, literature, architecture and law. Their efforts are celebrated and consistently supported by the Chickasaw Nation.
There is a bright future waiting for our Chickasaw students who have the talent, the perseverance and the drive to achieve their college degrees. The Chickasaw Nation is here to assist them in achieving that future by investing in their work as they prepare for successful lives.
We have a deep and abiding interest in all our students’ efforts as they become “fishermen” of our tribal future.
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