October 15, 2021

Chickasaw Nation News

This time on CNTV News, see all the highlights from the 61st annual Chickasaw Nation Meeting & Festival, which was held from September 25 through October 2. Chickasaws from near and far joined in on the weeklong series of events, which were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The online experience included virtual tours, cultural presentations and activities. To view the videos from festival week, visit www.annualmeeting.chickasaw.net.

Governor Bill Anoabtubby shared his State of the Nation address online and on the airwaves of KCNP Radio. During his address, he gave an update on tribal finances, programs and services, information on milestones and more. He also shared news that the tribe is constructing a new event center located just west of the Chickasaw Historic National Capital in Tishomingo. View Governor Anoatubby's full State of the Nation address at www.annualmeeting.chickasaw.net.

The annual meeting also included an overview of the measures that the tribe has taken to combat COVID-19. Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby shared that the Chickasaw Nation has administered over 68,000 total doses of vaccine. He also highlighted the new facilities used for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations such as the Emergency Operations Facility in Ada, the Alternate Care Site and expanded laboratory at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center and the Nashoba House cottages to quarantine patients with positive COVID-19 tests.

Pediatric drive-through tents are back and located just behind the Alternate Care Site on the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center campus in Ada. The tents allow families a safer environment for their appointments for respiratory illnesses during the fall and winter season. Children stay in the vehicle while medical providers assess and treat them.

The emergency rental assistance program is a resource that's helped more than 2,000 citizens. The program assists with rent and utilities for eligible households impacted by COVID-19 and may be issued for eligible costs incurred between March 13, 2020, and now. The program is available to Chickasaw citizens who meet requirements anywhere in the U.S. To learn more call (888) 895-7979 or email erap@chickasaw.net.

The Chickasaw Nation home maintenance programs have continued to serve elders throughout the pandemic, providing lawn care, minor home repairs and supplemental firewood for home heating. To learn more about the Elders Home Maintenance Program, please call (580) 795-9790.

Established in 1999, the Silver Feather Award honors Chickasaws who have dedicated their lives to the preservation of tribal culture, language and way of life. This year's recipient is Chickasaw elder Gene Underwood, who is also a Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame inductee and former tribal legislator. His granddaughter, Taloa Underwood, accepted the award on his behalf.

Next, Brad and Quin share highlights from the Chickasaw Nation Princess Pageant and introduce the newly crowned 2021-2022 Chickasaw Princesses, Nannola Wallace, Jayla Underwood and Faithlyn Seawright, who recently spoke with CNTV News about her internship at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

The 2021 Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM) is a virtual event again this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The online art market is open now through December 31 and showcases more than 100 Southeastern and Woodland First American artists at www.seasam.net.

To close the episode, Quin speaks with Chickasaw weaver and artist Tyra Shackleford, who blends her mathematical and design skills to create beautiful signature pieces. She explains how prehistoric textiles inspire her art and specializes in three ancient weaving techniques.

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