Much progress for 2014, and more to come in the year ahead!

This article appeared in the January 2015 edition of the Chickasaw Times

With the advent of the new year, we can take a moment to reflect on what has been achieved in 2014 and greet the opportunities that await us in 2015.

The Chickasaw Nation took some great strides forward during the year just past. We can see the progress in a tangible way through the new facilities that went up in 2014. We now have brick-and-mortar achievements that are benefitting tribal education, the arts, commerce, tourism, heritage preservation, Chickasaw careers and more. We are a nation of builders, and we consistently build excellent facilities with a purpose. Each building that goes up exists to serve the Chickasaw people fully and well.

During 2014, Chickasaws had expanded opportunities to access the tribe’s many programs and services. In housing, education, at-large outreach, transportation, health care, veteran services and so much more, the Chickasaw Nation built up its foundation of important core services. During the year, more Chickasaw than ever before became engaged with their tribe and benefitted from one or more of the many services we can now offer.

Our successes are thanks to all of us pulling together down the right path. Your support, your encouragement and your being engaged with your tribe are more helpful than you know. We are a formidable team now, and together we are building on our successes. The Chickasaw Nation is recognized as a premier tribe, and rightly so. We are united in purpose, and that translates into real achievements that properly serve all Chickasaw people.

Your tribe has great new opportunities in store for 2015. Every time we roll out a new program, service or other outreach, it is designed to fulfill our mission of enhancing the quality of life of all Chickasaws. There is never an end to that mission. Making your life better is job number one at the Chickasaw Nation!

Please accept my sincere wishes for a Happy New Year full of love, happiness and prosperity. Your tribe is always here to serve you, and 2015 will prove to be our best year yet!