State Representative is longtime advocate for Indian people

This article appeared in the September 2014 edition of the Chickasaw Times

ANADARKO, Okla. – A longtime state legislator and Chickasaw citizen was named “Indian of the Year” at the 81st American Indian Exposition celebrated in August.

Rep. Lisa Johnson-Billy (R-Purcell) was honored for her tireless efforts to advance issues important to Native Americans in Oklahoma and across the country.

Governor Bill Anoatubby is a past honoree. He received the award in 2009.

“I cannot emphasize enough how honored I am to receive this award,” Rep. Billy said. “In everything I have done in life, I have always focused on showcasing my Native heritage and telling our stories to anyone who would listen. I love my history and heritage. I’m simply staggered and appreciative they chose me to honor at this exposition.”

Anadarko’s American Indian Exposition showcases arts, crafts and traditions of 14 Plains Indian tribes. The event also features one of the largest American Indian parades in Oklahoma. The expo has long been championed as the first and only all-Indian operated cultural event.

AN EXCELLENT RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

A graduate of Northeastern Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, Rep. Billy began her career as a public school teacher. In 1996, at age 29, she was elected to the Chickasaw Nation Legislature and served until 2001.

In 2004, she embarked upon a race to represent District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She was the first woman, Native American and Republican to be elected by that district’s voters. The district encompasses Cleveland, Garvin, Grady and McClain counties.

She has been re-elected every two years since. In 2016, she will leave office due to Oklahoma term limits.

Rep. Billy founded the Native American Caucus in 2006 to give voice to Native American representatives serving in the Oklahoma House.

In 2007, she was named the Chickasaw Nation’s Dynamic Woman of the Year. In 2009, she was inducted into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame.

She was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Oklahoma State Troopers Association and also by the Oklahoma Public Employees Association.

Rep. Billy and her husband, Phillip, have three children, Masheli, Nahinli and Anoli.

“I’m proud to be a voice for tribal matters in the state Capitol,” she said. “Issues ranging from tribal jurisdiction and sovereignty, to the tribal language bill signed into law this year are important to me because I want to ensure Native culture is preserved well into the future.”