In this special edition of CNTV News, Brad Clonch and Quin Tran share highlights from the 2022 Chickasaw Annual Meeting & Festival. The first in-person annual meeting and festival since 2019 took place from September 23 through October 1. Chickasaw families from 31 states traveled to Chickasaw Country for the many activities during festival week, enjoying the fellowship of coming together again since the pandemic began.

The Chickasaw Nation built a new, larger building to serve as home for the tribe's annual meeting. The 50,000-square-foot facility is located next to the Chickasaw Historic Capitol in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Governor Bill Anoatubby delivered his State of the Nation Address in the new theater, marking a new chapter. "I'm happy to report that the state of the Chickasaw Nation is strong and getting stronger," said Governor Anoatubby. The progress and advancement of the tribe is evident in its growing number of citizens, which stands at more than 76,000. In addition, business income for the tribe was up 43 percent in fiscal year 2021 and the Chickasaw Nation's annual economic impact in Oklahoma is $5.5 billion, supporting more than 34,000 jobs. To hear Governor Anoatubby's full State of the Nation Address, visit www.annualmeeting.chickasaw.net.

Many new projects are ahead, such as a new hospital in Newcastle, Oklahoma, to serve citizens in the metro and employ as many as 3,500 people. In Ada the tribe is planning a new pediatric facility to serve the needs of children. Construction of hotels, resorts and entertainment venues are underway in Oklahoma City and near Lake Murray and Lake Texoma.

Festival week is more than just a celebration among Chickasaw citizens. Area communities enjoyed the festivities as well, such as the parade through Tishomingo. For some citizens, such as Sara Factor, the in person-gathering is a light after the darkness of the pandemic, losing her father to COVID-19 and battling the virus herself.

From Cultural Evening and the Princess Pageant to sporting tournaments and SEASAM, the Annual Meeting & Festival featured an array of events. At the Chickasaw Princess Pageant, Chickasaw girls shared their talents on stage, highlighted their beautiful regalia and shared their personalities during the question and answer session. Sari Walker, Maggie Stick and Winter Wolfe were crowned Chickasaw Princesses for 2022-2023.

During Cultural Evening at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, Governor Bill Anoatubby presented the Silver Feather Award to Mrs. Merry Monroe, a retired educator who works to preserve the Chickasaw language. Cultural Evening also celebrated the work of native artists. Bryan Waytula earned the Best of Show award for his drawing, "Golden Eagle Woman."

The Chickasaw Bank Museum in Tishomingo debuted a new exhibit, "Tishomingo: A Look Into the Past," which gives visitors a look into the city's past from the late 1880s to the 1940s. Plus, three new Chickasaw Press books were released during the Annual Meeting & Festival: "The Lost River: Anompolichi II" by Phillip Carroll Morgan; "History of Tishomingo" by Paul F. Lambert and "Oka Holisso: Chickasaw & Choctaw Water Resource Planning Guide."

Tours of a Chickasaw spiritual site were offered as well. Just off Highway 99 near Connorville, the Okchamali Blue Baptist Church has been a place of worship for Chickasaw families since 1910. Pastor Larry Hawkins and his wife have been serving the church that she grew up in and on the same land for nearly 30 years. Despite family tragedies and a fire, the couple's faith has only grown along with their congregation.

To close the episode, watch a special musical tribute titled "Better Together," featuring Chickasaw musician Shaun DeGraff.