Ada News: Gov. Anoatubby Touts Nation's Economic Success
The Ada News - Eric Swanson
A combination of prosperity and strategic planning allowed the Chickasaw Nation to support more than 200 programs serving tribal members this year, Chickasaw Gov. Bill Anoatubby said Saturday.
“The Nation is doing very well, and we have a lot to be thankful for,” he said.
He said officials are always reviewing the tribe’s mission and looking for ways to improve operations.
Anoatubby and other tribal officials provided an overview of the year and a preview of upcoming projects during the State of the Nation address, which took place in Fletcher Auditorium on the Murray State College campus. The address was one of the highlights of the Chickasaw Nation’s 54th annual meeting, which was part of a weeklong festival celebrating the tribe’s history and culture.
Treasury Secretary Holly Easterling had good financial news for tribal members. She said the tribe’s net assets totaled $105.9 million after all program costs were covered.
“Governor, the current financial position of the tribe is strong and on an upward climb,” she said.
Economic success
Anoatubby said business opportunities allow the tribe to fulfill its mission by creating jobs and providing funds to support tribal programs. He added that ventures in areas including entertainment, manufacturing, medical technology and tourism played a key role in the tribe’s economic fortunes.
“Because of our businesses, we have not needed to draw on our trust account for many years,” he said.
Turning to another fiscal issue, the governor said all Native American tribes won a significant victory earlier this year when Congress approved the Tribal General Welfare Act of 2013. The bill bars the federal government from taxing tribal benefit programs designed to promote a tribe’s general welfare.
Anoatubby said tribes across the country urged federal lawmakers to push the bill through Congress.
“Hats off to Congress,” he said, addressing U.S. Rep. Tom Cole in the audience. “Hats off to you for intervening in this issue. A little more than week ago, Congress passed a bill — and it was signed into law — which recognizes a tribe’s rights to provide for its people.”
Anoatubby noted that Cole had co-sponsored the bill.
Projects
But the tribe’s financial health was not the only issue on Anoatubby’s mind.
The governor said the tribe is working on several projects designed to revitalize Chickasaw culture and language. Among those projects is a series of historical and contemporary documentaries called “The Chickasaw Heritage Series.”
The first entry in the series tells the story of the Chickasaws’ first encounter with Spanish explorer Hernando Desoto in 1541.
The tribe is also producing a feature film called “Te Ata,” which traces the life and career of Chickasaw storyteller Te Ata Fisher. Shooting for the film is taking place this fall around Oklahoma.
Anoatubby said film is a unique tool that allows the tribe to share its story with others.
“It is a great way to convey the message of who we are as a people,” he said. “That story goes beyond recounting our history, sharing our accomplishments or projects. It is a story of the indomitable spirit of the unconquered Chickasaw people.
“Whether it is the story of a young athlete such as Joshua Turner, the accomplishments of Congressman Tom Cole or the experiences of a Chickasaw aviatrix or storyteller, film enables us to convey the full depth of our experiences.”
Online: The Ada News