October 2018

Chickasaw Nation News

In this episode of CNTV News, Brad Clonch and Quin Tran cover the many happenings across the Chickasaw Nation that took place as part of the 2018 Annual Meeting & Festival. This festival week, which provided Chickasaw citizens a chance to reconnect with each other and learn more about the tribe, culminated in Governor Bill Anoatubby's State of the Nation address. In this speech, Gov. Anoatubby celebrated the ratification 35 years ago of the official Chickasaw tribal constitution. He also outlined the Chickasaw Nation's efforts to combat the opioid crisis by holding drug manufacturers accountable, reduce the number of opioid prescriptions internally and provide support for those recovering from addiction. The entire address may be viewed at annualmeeting.Chickasaw.net. A wide variety of events also occurred throughout the week: visitors toured venues such as the Chickasaw National Capitol in Tishomingo, while a parade took place through the town center. The Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM) in Tishomingo highlighted the works of Native artists, and the Junior Olympics (for children) and Senior Olympics (for elders) offered fun exercise and socialization. Gov. Anoatubby himself helped kick off the 5K Run and the Mile Fun Walk, with booths along the way offering activities and information about health and wellness. During the Arts and Culture Awards in Sulphur, Pauline Brown was presented with the 2018 Silver Feather Award for her work in preserving the Chickasaw culture and language. Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham, the chair of the Native American Studies department at the University of Oklahoma, was given the 2018 Dynamic Chickasaw Woman of the Year award. Also in Sulphur, the Chickasaw History Challenge Bowl tasked students with answering questions about history and language at the Chickasaw Cultural Center. Other events included the Chickasaw Nation Princess Pageant in Ada, a tradition since 1963, and traditional games such as a cornstalk shoot in Kullihoma. The episode closes with a music video produced by the Chickasaw Nation, titled "Our Song."

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