Anoatubby seeks re-election

Bill Anoatubby announced Monday he is seeking re-election as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. His running mate is current Lt. Governor, Jefferson Keel.

“We are living in an exciting time for the Chickasaw Nation,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “We have seen incredible growth over the years. We have been blessed and the nation is prosperous. There is still much to be done and together we must continue to work hard for the benefit of the Chickasaw Nation.”

Anoatubby began work for the nation in 1975 as its health services director. A year later, he was asked to direct its finance department which he reorganized and established a new centralized accounting system.

In October 1978, he was promoted to the position of special assistant to the governor and controller. In 1979, he was elected as the tribe’s first Lt. Governor. Gov. Anoatubby was elected to his first term as Governor in 1987.

In 1987, the tribe had about 250 employees. Today, the Chickasaw Nation employs more than 10,000 people and he financial condition of the tribe has been improved tremendously.

Funding for tribal operations has grown from $11 million in 1987 to more than $500 million in 2007. Tribal assets have grown twenty fold.

In his first term, Gov. Anoatubby established goals of economic development and self-sufficiency for the Chickasaw Nation and its people. Today, because of determination and hard work, the Chickasaw Nation is well under way to achieving those goals.

Gov. Anoatubby has shown an unwavering commitment to meeting the needs and desires of Chickasaw people, by providing health care services, opportunities for employment and career advancement, and the chance for every Chickasaw to obtain a higher education.

“It is our desire that every Chickasaw who has dreams of a obtaining an education or continuing their education is given every opportunity to fulfill those dreams,” Gov. Anoatubby stated.

The Chickasaw Nation operates a comprehensive health care system which includes Carl Albert Indian Health Facility, four satellite clinics, a state-of-the-art diabetes treatment center, two wellness centers and three food distribution and nutrition services facilities.

Construction is almost complete on a third wellness center in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the new hospital will be scheduled in the near future.

Housing services for the tribe remains a high priority. Hundreds of Chickasaw families now have new or better homes because of wide-ranging and innovative programs such as Chuka Chukmasi home mortgage program and the Chickasaw homeowners program.

Many other homes have been renovated or repaired through the Chickasaw housing improvement program. More than 1,000 families have benefited from the storm shelter program which began in 2003.

The tribe operates 11 senior citizens’ nutrition sites, six Head Start centers and a child care development center. Many youth programs are now offered through the nation.

“Our elders and our children are very important to the survival of the Chickasaw Nation,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “Our elders share with us the knowledge and teach us the ways of our past. Our children are the future leaders of the tribe.”

A number of construction projects currently underway mark Chickasaw Nation progress in various areas including education, health care, housing, government services and businesses.

“It is an honor to work for the Chickasaw people,” said Lt. Gov. Keel. “I am so pleased to be a member of this team.”

The participation of Chickasaw citizens during historic listening conferences has provided meaningful interaction at the grass roots level. Tribal citizens have helped plan for the growth and prosperity of the Chickasaw Nation.

Progress has been achieved and Chickasaw citizens have been included in the process. Services are being offered that have never been offered before.

“I am excited about what the future holds for the Chickasaw Nation,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “We are living in unique times. The Chickasaw Nation and its people are strong. Together, we will continue investing in our future and creating opportunities for all Chickasaws. Together, we will continue to work toward a vision, provide leadership and expect results.”