In this episode of CNTV News, Brad and Quin celebrate the 2025 Chickasaw Annual Meeting & Festival. This weeklong event brings Chickasaw citizens from around the world to Tishomingo, Oklahoma for a celebration of Chickasaw culture, art and community.

The episode begins with Governor Bill Anoatubby's State of the Nation Address in which he outlines the Chickasaw Nation's economic growth, successful programs and services and goals for the future. In 2025, the Chickasaw Nation’s economic impact on the state of Oklahoma exceeded $5.5 billion, while the Chickasaw Nation itself saw hundreds of millions of dollars in economic growth. Nutritional youth programs, educational camps and resources, a new elders' housing complex and the Newcastle Medical Center are just a few of the Chickasaw Nation’s programs currently underway. "As we move forward, realize that we are all part of a living Nation, one that grows stronger through action and the exercise of our sovereignty and our responsibility," says Governor Anoatubby. "We are well-positioned to continue to protect and preserve our sovereignty, our culture, our traditions in our Nation for many, many generations to come." To hear Governor Anoatubby's full State of the Nation Address, visit AnnualMeeting.Chickasaw.net.

Next in the episode, Brad and Quin explore the festival as thousands of Chickasaw citizens experience fellowship, cultural connection and days of fun activities for people of all ages and abilities. From golfing, softball tournaments and archery to races, track and field events and traditional games, there was no shortage of excitement and friendly competition.

The Chickasaw Nation presents awards to outstanding citizens, including the Silverfeather Award to lifelong artist and educator Michael Cornelius. The festival also includes the Chickasaw Princess Pageant, in which three winners are crowned Chickasaw Royalty. This year, Paeson Baken won Little Miss Chickasaw, Taylor Komalty won Chickasaw Junior Princess and Kaley Reed was crowned the 2025 Chickasaw Princess.

To close the episode, former Little Miss Chickasaw (2018-2019) and Chickasaw Junior Princess (2023-2024) Jadyce Burns, 15, shares her exceptional running journey as she breaks Ada High School's longstanding 100m and 200m dash records. "I just like representing my tribe and my school, and showing that I'm Chickasaw and from Ada," Jadyce says. "Believe in yourself, and never give up."

CNTV News

October 2025