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Chokma', 

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Chickasaw Nation Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby Named ‘Honored One’ at Sovereignty Symposium


Oklahoma City University Governor Bill Anoatubby Chair in Tribal Sovereignty established

OKLAHOMA CITY — Chickasaw Nation Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby was bestowed with the Sovereignty Symposium’s “Honored One” award and further honored with the establishment of the Governor Bill Anoatubby Chair in Tribal Sovereignty at Oklahoma City University (OCU) School of Law.

The Sovereignty Symposium XXXVIII was conducted June 15 and 16 at OKANA Resort, hosted by OCU School of Law and OCU.

“Governor Anoatubby has been a nation builder for the Chickasaw Nation,” OCU President Kenneth Evans said. “He has been a unifier for tribal nations, he has been a staunch advocate for sovereignty of all nations and with all of his accomplishments, he remains humble and a passionate leader.”

The Sovereignty Symposium is a forum where tribal, state and federal leaders meet in a series of panels and ceremonies to learn about and discuss legal issues. Since 1988, “Honored One” status has been awarded to unique individuals whose lifetime contributions to the world, the United States, the State of Oklahoma, and their personal communities are unmatched. The “Honored One” award is the highest lifetime achievement award presented at the annual Sovereignty Symposium.
Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby accepted the awards, thanking everyone who helped sustain the Sovereignty Symposium through the years, as well as those who will carry the work forward in the future.

“We look forward to seeing the symposium continue to grow and serve as a place where the principles of tribal sovereignty and mutual respect continue,” Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby said.

“We respect the sovereignty of those other governments that we work with, the state and federal government, and we expect the same in return, and we want that to continue to be advanced for generations to come.”

The awards were presented a few days after Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby announced his retirement after nearly 40 years of leading the Chickasaw Nation.
“I thank the people of the Chickasaw Nation for allowing me to play a small role in helping us get to where we are today,” he said.

The establishment of the Governor Bill Anoatubby Chair in Tribal Sovereignty at the OCU School of Law was announced by Evans. The new position was established as part of the university’s Tribal Sovereignty Institute. Emily Eleftherakis currently serves in the position and also serves as the institute’s executive director.

In addition, OCU School of Law Dean David Holt, who also serves as Oklahoma City mayor, presented Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby with the key to Oklahoma City, remarking on his leadership in the Chickasaw Nation’s substantial economic and philanthropic contributions to the Oklahoma City area.