Choctaw Nation

Creative Oklahoma Presents the 2013 State of Creativity Forum

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 19:24:12 GMT

Creative Oklahoma Presents the 2013 State of Creativity Forum

Creative Oklahoma is proud to announce the 2013 State of Creativity Forum will take place Nov. 19 at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City. The State of Creativity Forum is an annual event dedicated to promoting and influencing innovation in Oklahoma and around the world.

Creative Oklahoma invites you to join innovators and entrepreneurs, educators and students, policy makers, business leaders, technology experts and trailblazers as they participate in this memorable event full of inspiration and collaboration.

The Forum is projected to have over 1,200 attendees with many creative and innovative corporations, educational institutions, and civic organizations represented from around the world.

The Creativity Forum attracts a diverse attendance population each year. Participants and speakers come from across the U.S. and the globe to take part in this event. Confirmed keynote speakers for this years’ Forum include Brad Moore, CEO of Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, Nancy Kanter, Senior VP of Disney Junior Worldwide, and Peter Sims, co-founder of FuseCorps and author of “Little Bets: How Breakthrough Ideas Emerge from Small Discoveries.” Many other speakers have been confirmed for workshop sessions and other presenting roles throughout the day.

This Forum is an important and influential opportunity for entrepreneurs, university students, and business leaders to network and communicate with each other about the growing global creative economy.

Creative Oklahoma is encouraging individuals to recognize their innate talents and creativity, bringing those gifts passionately into boardrooms, school rooms, parish halls, and city halls. Creative ideas will drive the economic and social change so critical to our survival. This Forum provides innovators and entrepreneurs a chance to communicate and share not only their ideas, but also their hopes and dreams for the growing creative economy.

Our 21st century interconnected global economy is an economy built on ideas. The next new ideas will drive corporate profitability, entrepreneurial growth, and solutions to some of the most serious health, environmental, and social issues facing the human race. Yet, there is a disconnect between how educational systems are preparing young people for this fast-paced change and the needs of the workforce and society for creative thinkers, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

In conjunction with the 2013 State of Creativity Forum, cSchool, a program of Creative Oklahoma to advance deeper creativity and innovation learning, will be presenting two half-day workshops on Nov. 18 as a pre-Forum offering. These workshops are focused on developing the “creative community” and attendees will have the option of taking both half-day sessions with lunch or each half-day session individually. The morning session will be co-presented by Oklahoma-based cSchool experts and the afternoon session will be taught by James Nave, utilizing his “Imaginative Storm” methodology in community development.

The individual early-bird registration cost of the Forum is $195, and student tickets are $95 each. In order to keep the ticket price affordable, Creative Oklahoma seeks sponsorships to off-set the full cost of the event. Businesses, educational institutions, foundations, and individuals have the opportunity to become sponsors for the forum which includes recognition and amenities prior to and during the Forum. Information on sponsorship can be found by contacting creativeoklahoma@stateofcreativity.com.

About Creative Oklahoma: Established in 2006, Creative Oklahoma is a statewide nonprofit organization advancing Oklahoma’s creative economy through creativity and innovation. Our mission is to establish Oklahoma as a world-renowned center of creativity and innovation in education, commerce and culture. The organization transforms the State of Oklahoma through projects and collaborative ventures that help develop a more entrepreneurial and vibrant economy and an improved quality of life for its citizens. For more info, see www.stateofcreativity.com.

Choctaw Youth receive honors at Jim Thorpe Native Games

Mon, 08 Jul 2013 17:01:09 GMT

Choctaw Youth receive honors at Jim Thorpe Native Games

The basketball team gathers for a photo

By Shelley Garner
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Choctaw Youth basketball, golf and track and field athletes competed in the annual Jim Thorpe Native Games held at Remington Park in Oklahoma City on June 9. Twenty-eight athletes competed in five different divisions and brought home two medals. Teams competed against other Native athletes from Oklahoma, Florida, North Dakota and Arizona.

Channah Cox of Norman and Matt Wood of Durant represented the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Monday at Lincoln Park Golf course. The two golfers finished their final round on Tuesday and Channah Cox brought home a silver metal, but Matt Wood fell just out of medal contention with a fifth-place finish.

Tuesday was a tough day of competition with both track and field events and basketball. Morgan Steve set the tone for the CNO teams by bringing home the gold in the shot put. The first day of pool play began for all basketball teams and Choctaw Nation swept the board with each team going undefeated in pool play. Wednesday’s pool play ended with all CNO teams winning and advancing into the tournament later that afternoon. Both 16 and up boys and girls lost in heartbreak rounds and were eliminated, girls by the SWO Outlaws from North Dakota, and boys by the Cheyenne Arapaho. The 19 and up team continued to dominate over the competition and won big advancing into the gold medal game on Thursday. The 19 and up boys team played a gold medal game against the Hostile Natives from the Shawnee tribe. They started off slow but made a huge second-half comeback sparked by Seth Youngblood and Markell Henderson to bring home the gold with an 8-point win.

19 & Up Boys Basketball Team participants: Dallas Little, Cameron Collier, Dominic Davis, Seth Youngblood, Markell Henderson, Cade Clay, Bryce Martin, Chance Haislip

16 & Up Boys Basketball Team participants: Chris Ortiz,, Alex Clay, Alex Steve, Cody Crase, Blake Crase, John Cox, Adonis Fox, Josh Hawkins

16 & Up Girls Basketball Team participants: Sassy McCosar, Kelly Himes, Kaci Watts, Ashton Birchfield, Lauren Billie, Hailey Belvin, Abigail Simpson, Mallory Hawkins

Golf participants : Channah Cox, Matt Wood

Track and Field participants: Morgan Steve

Eight Choctaw Ancestors Have Returned to Rest

Fri, 05 Jul 2013 18:32:39 GMT

Eight Choctaw Ancestors Have Returned to Rest

On May 16, 2013, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma repatriated a collection containing the remains of eight Choctaw ancestors and 520 funerary objects from the Natchez Trace Parkway. The same day that these ancestors and funerary objects were returned, Choctaw Nation Historic Preservation Department staff, assisted by representatives from the Parkway, respectfully reburied them on protected land at an undisclosed location. Now, these ancestors are back at rest.

The remains and objects came from the Boyd Mounds archaeological site, located in what is now Madison County, Mississippi. This was a village site inhabited by ancestral Choctaw people from AD 300-700. Several centuries later, earth mounds were built on the old village site and used to bury the deceased. Choctaw people continued to visit this ancient, sacred area and as recently as the early 1800s buried a loved one in the mounds. However, in 1820, the Choctaw Tribe ceded 5 million acres, including the land on which the site sits, to the United States through the Treaty of Doaks Stand.

In 1963 and 1964 in preparation for constructing an adjacent section of the Natchez Trace Parkway, the National Park Service employed archaeologists to excavate many of the burial mounds at the Boyd Site. Human remains and burial objects were taken from their graves, studied, written about, and then placed in long-term storage. In that day and age, federal agencies gave no thought to whether or not Native American people wanted their ancestors’ graves to be treated in such a way. The remains and funerary objects from the Boyd site sat in storage for decades, far from where their loved ones had originally buried them.

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) became law in 1991, making it possible for Tribes to repatriate ancestral human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and items of cultural patrimony held in federal collections. The repatriation and reburial conducted in May culminated 12 years of NAGPRA consultation between the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and other Tribes. The Choctaw NAGPRA Advisory Board, made up of 10 Tribal leaders and traditional people guided Choctaw Nation’s role process. The reburial was conducted under the direct supervision of 2 Choctaw spiritual leaders, and with the financial assistance of a National Parks Service grant.

The past cannot be undone, but in working together to see these ancestors returned to their rightful rest, Choctaw people and current Natchez Trace Parkway staff fostered a friendship and understanding that will influence each other’s thoughts and actions far into the future. According to Olin Williams,” After several repatriations, I can tell that the agency folks are starting to understand what we are trying to communicate. I think they are beginning to sense the proper repatriation spirit. The fulfillment of returning the remains is erasing the guilt and fear of accounting for mistakes of history.”

The ancestors from Boyd Mounds site are again buried, as their loved ones long ago intended. When we of the present day and age pass on to the next life and meet the spirits of these ancient people, we should ask them forgiveness for our failure to protect the sanctity of their original graves. However, we can also find a measure of solace that in laying their remains back to rest, some service has been done for them.

Healthcare information provided during Labor Day Festival

Wed, 03 Jul 2013 14:47:05 GMT

Healthcare information provided during Labor Day Festival

In an effort to keep our tribal members informed of the latest information regarding Health Care Reform, Medicare and Medicaid, presentations will be given on Sunday, Sept. 1, in the Healthy Lifestyle tent at the Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival. Join us in the air conditioned tent for short presentations that will be sure to provide you with valuable health care information which will help you make the right decisions in the upcoming months about your health insurance! The following presentations will be provided free of charge to anyone who wants to learn more about Medicare and Medicaid plus the new law that affects every American and also hear how to avoid future health tax penalties beginning in 2014.

How Health Care Reform Will Affect You and Your Family – 1:00-1:30 p.m. and 4:15-4:45 p.m.
Did you know that there are more than 50 million Americans without insurance? President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, also known as Health Care Reform into law on March 2010. This law mandates that every American have health insurance or face a health tax penalty when filing their 2014 IRS income taxes. This presentation will provide you with a better understanding of the new law as well as share the next steps you and your family should take in order to take full advantage of the new law and avoid unnecessary tax penalties in the future. This is a presentation that you will not want to miss or it may end up costing you in the end. Door prizes will be awarded, and you must be present to win.

What You Should Know About Medicare and Medicaid – 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Let our Medicare and Medicaid Specialists help and guide you to ensure you have the best healthcare coverage possible. This presentation will include:
• An overview of the Medicare and Medicaid programs
• The Four Parts of Medicare
• The costs and benefits of having Medicare benefit coverage
• Open enrollment coming this fall and what it means for you
• Who is eligible for Medicaid/SoonerCare benefits
• The income and resource guidelines for Medicaid eligibility will be discussed as well as how to enroll for Medicaid and Medicare.

You might be eligible for free health care and don’t even realize it! Don’t miss out on this presentation; you could be missing out on low cost or even free health care benefits for you and your family! Door prizes will be awarded, and you must be present to win.

Durant Young Professionals First Annual Community Leaders Round Table Forum

Wed, 03 Jul 2013 14:27:09 GMT

Durant Young Professionals First Annual Community Leaders Round Table Forum

Durant Young Professionals is hosting the First Annual Community Leaders Round Table Forum on Tuesday, July 9. The event will take place at the REI Women’s Business Center, 2912 Enterprise Boulevard, Durant, OK from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The leaders who will present as part of the round table include Pat Dorris, CEO, Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma; Greg Massey, CEO, First United Bank; Dr. Larry Minks, President, Southeastern Oklahoma State University; and Gary Batton, Assistant Chief, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Durant Young Professionals members will have the opportunity to interact with some of Durant’s most prominent leaders through a panel discussion, as well as one-on-one interaction with the featured guests. Come prepared to ask questions about the successful careers and lives of the established panel. For more information visit DYP on Facebook or LinkedIn or contact the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce at (580) 924-0848.

DYP is under the direction of the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce, and was formed in January 2013 to help connect the 20s, 30s, and young-at-heart in the Durant community. The Leaders Round Table is an example of “emerge” events hosted by DYP. Emerge events hone and develop leadership skills by learning from established professionals.

“The mission of Durant Young Professionals is to provide opportunities to experience life with young professionals; opportunities to emerge and develop as leaders; and opportunities to engage the community through learning and service for the purpose of identifying, retaining and supporting the latest group of movers, shakers, and history makers of southern Oklahoma.”

Choctaw Nation recognized as Clean Community

Mon, 01 Jul 2013 21:12:05 GMT

Choctaw Nation recognized as Clean Community

Department of Environmental Quality Deputy Executive Director Jimmy Givens presents the Oklahoma Clean Community to the Choctaw Nation – Assistant Chief Gary Batton and Director of Project Management Tracy Horst.

A special ceremony was held June 19 at the Recycling Center in Durant to recognize the Choctaw Nation as an Oklahoma Clean Community.

“Over the last couple of years. The Choctaw Nation has partnered with other communities to hold recycling events during which over 7,000 tires have been collected that would otherwise have ended up in dumps,” said Deputy Executive Director Jimmy Givens of the Department of Environmental Quality. “These events have provided residents and tribal members a safe and effective way to dispose of tires as well as other recyclables.”

DEQ encourages entities to coordinate community-wide cleanups of used tires. DEQ’s Tire Indemnity Fund will pay to haul off old, unused, or abandoned tires. Tire piles can be an eyesore and attract unwelcome pests, such as mosquitoes and rodents. After a community has completed at least one cleanup event, it is then eligible to become an Oklahoma Clean Community.

Givens was very impressed at the interest in the Choctaw Nation’s endeavors and what a broad section of the community has become involved. “We would also like to recognize those of you who are collaborating with the Choctaw Nation in making this a reality,” Givens continued from the podium, a mountain of recyclable material behind him. “We want to commend you for being a partner in resourcing efforts and to encourage you to encourage others to become involved.”

The Choctaw Nation’s Green Team started recycling aluminum cans, printer cartridges and Christmas cards in late 2008. “It just exploded into a little bit of everything,” said Tracy Horst, director of Project Management and the Green Team. “The Chief, Assistant Chief and Tribal Council have been supportive and the employees have been very active. I can’t say enough about the Going Green team and recycling crew for all the hard work they do.”

A Department of Energy grant kicked off the nation’s full-scale recycling initiative in October 2009 with four employees. The Durant facility opened in December 2010. During that month of December, the facility recycled 14,000 pounds.

The number of staff has doubled and the center is now recycling more than 14 times the original 14,000 pounds each month. A second recycling facility opened in January in Poteau, partially funded by the Administration of Native Americans. Its two employees are already recycling over 20,000 pounds per month. Horst estimates the Choctaw Nation will reach a total of 5 million pounds of recycled materials by the end of this year.

If you would like to keep up to date with the Choctaw Nation’s recycling efforts visit the Going Green Facebook page .

Culture at the Capitol

Fri, 28 Jun 2013 21:23:35 GMT

Debbie Damron explains about Choctaw baskets to a fascinated little visitor.

Culture at the Capitol

Choctaw Days’ third installment in Washington, D.C.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) hosted its third installment of Choctaw Days, June 20 and 21, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in Washington, D.C. The event is one of the CNO’s largest exhibitions of culture and tradition, aimed to educate and immerse patrons in what it truly means to be Choctaw.

“We are always striving to keep our culture alive and strong. We love to share it near and we love to share it far, meeting new Choctaw faces all along the way,” stated Chief Gregory E. Pyle.

During this time, members of CNO occupied the museum’s large atrium, the Potomac Room, and numerous staples of Choctaw culture were showcased. Aspects of the Choctaw way of life included stickball, social dances, storytelling, beadwork and ceremonies. Each day consisted of three presentations of time-honored traditions with time to meet cultural experts filling the moments between.

“We are always glad to have the Choctaws in town,” said Kevin Gover, director of NMAI, as he addressed the audience. He went on to mention that Choctaw Days was one of the highlights of the museum during the year. Everyone in the booth is so engaging and happy, which creates a pleasant atmosphere and encourages guests to learn more, said Gover.

“When we heard Choctaw Days was going on, we wanted to make sure we made it out,” stated Brad Rauh from Clemson, S.C., who was in town with his family for a visit. Patrons of the museum showed a pleasurable reception to the event, everyone enjoying the various exhibitions of Choctaw culture.

Each morning the Choctaw princesses initiated the day’s activities by presenting the Lord’s Prayer in sign language, began the midday production with the Four- Directions ceremony, and concluded the day with a special presentation.

Bead-working classes presented by CNO’s Office of Historic Preservation were offered throughout both days on the third floor of the building. Guests were taught to bead bracelets and turtles, which were chosen because of their significance to the tribe.

“It is very intricate,” stated Rebecca Gelfond who is from Maryland, but has family in the Choctaw Nation boundaries. Gelfond’s children, Max and Julia, accompanied her in learning beadwork and seemed to have a knack for the art. “Given Julia’s fascination and success, I suspect we will be [beading again],” she laughed.

Social dances are an integral part to all Choctaw cultural gatherings and Choctaw Day was no different. Dancers energized the room with their quick steps and bright colors, pulling in members of the audience for impromptu appearances in the Raccoon, Stealing Partners and Snake Dances. “It’s a different, more organic rhythm,” stated Kandall Masada, a ballet dancer from Texas.

Stickball was a favorite of the youth in the crowd. Students from various educational groups would overtake the floor following the presentation to try their hand at the ancient sport, which is responsible for today’s lacrosse. Billy Eagle Road III and Jared “Pinti” Tom would give demonstrations, sharing stories of their games with Tvshka Homma, CNO’s official tribal stickball team. “I was totally fascinated by stickball,” exclaimed Kelly McHugle.

Special presentations also graced the floor of the Potomac, including the lively stories of Tim Tingle. An award-winning author, Tingle has the ability to get the crowd energized and active through his stories, which often include a combination of Choctaw lore and history. Tingle told guests of the NMAI the story of how rabbit lost his tail, as well as the saga of Bigfoot and the Choctaw princess.

Miss Choctaw Nation Cheyenne Murray, beadwork artist and chanter Brad Joe, and Broadway actor Aaron Umsted lent the audience their voices for solo performances at various times during the event. Each performer owned their own sound, but each sang completely in the Choctaw language, creating a totally Choctaw experience.

Videos of the event recorded by the Smithsonian will be posted soon, so keep an eye on our Choctaw Facebook.

Lana Sleeper, MaiMouna Youseff and Cheyenne Murray are all smiles during the Snake Dance.

Program introduces youth to workforce

Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:33:26 GMT

Program introduces youth to workforce

Since the 1960s, the Choctaw Nation has worked to provide employment and job training experiences to its younger generation by participating in the Tribal Youth and Supplemental Youth Work Experience Programs (formerly called Summer Youth Program). A component of the Workforce Investment Act, the Supplemental Youth Work Experience Program is a federally funded program, which is supplemented by tribal dollars for the Tribal Youth Program, that provides entry-level work for Native American teens between the ages of 14-21.
The programs are a win-win for both the youth participants and the employers who hire them. “This introduces the kids to the workforce,” says Patty Mink, director over the programs, “and the employers are not out any money to take on them on because we pay their wages.”
The teens participating in the programs are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week during the five-week summer programs at a job of their choosing. “They job shadow at different businesses,” says Mink, “and it can be any type of business, public, government, nonprofit – we let them choose. We try to get the kids to do something that they enjoy or that they think they may want to do later on in life and get a feel for it. “If they feel they want to get into childcare then they could go to work at a day care for this time period and see if that’s what they think they want to do,” she continued. “Maybe if they are interested in cosmetology then they could work at a beauty shop, or they could try a clinic if they are thinking about the medical field. The list can go on and on. The kids pick their own places of employment.” This allows the teens to be exposed to a particular career field and get a feeling for what it entails. It also helps them to build a resume and work history, making them more competitive in the job market, which can be a confidence boost to the young workers. The CNO kicked off the work programs on June 10 and it runs through July 12. The size of the programs has grown year to year, with approximately 1,700 workers participating this year, about a hundred more than in 2012. To be involved in the programs the youth must have their tribal membership and/or CDIB card, live in the 10 1/2 county tribal area, and meet certain age and income requirements. For more information on the Tribal Youth or Supplemental Youth Work Experience Programs contact 800-522-6170. Applications for next year will be available from Jan. 1 until April 15.

Choctaw Nation nominated for Beacon Award

Tue, 25 Jun 2013 19:08:53 GMT

Choctaw Nation nominated for Beacon Award

As Oklahoma businesses and nonprofits continue to reach out to the recent tornado victims, The Journal Record is planning its annual tribute to those lighting the way in the state by giving back to the communities that support them. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is among the nominees for its efforts with organizations such as Veterans Airlift Command and Wounded Warriors among others.

The Journal Record will recognize 28 businesses and organizations for their contributions to the nonprofit community at its sixth annual Beacon Awards event on July 11 in downtown Oklahoma City.

Overall winners will be selected from the group and announced at the event at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel. Organizations will be recognized in large, medium and small divisions for their contributions to the nonprofit community in two categories – charitable influence and philanthropic impact. In addition, three nonprofits will receive special recognition at the event: Allied Arts, Homeless Alliance and the Masonic Charity Foundation.

“The Oklahoma standard for giving is recognized worldwide and the business community drives that spirit,” said Mary Mélon, publisher of The Journal Record. “The Journal Record Beacon Awards allow us to honor the businesses and organizations who provide generous financial support and a culture of volunteerism and service. Both are critically important for our state’s nonprofits to continue providing valuable and much-needed services.”

These nonprofits and the company finalists will be featured in the Beacon Awards magazine and recognized at the event in July. A reception begins at 6 p.m., with dinner following at 7 p.m. Each of the Beacon Award honorees will receive an award. The overall winners in each category will receive a donation for the nonprofit they support. The event is presented by First Fidelity Bank and sponsored by Delta Dental, McAfee & Taft, Sonic and the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.

“A strong nonprofit community is an integral part of a community, and that is especially true in times of need like we have faced recently in Oklahoma,” said Lee R. Symcox, First Fidelity president and CEO. “It is important to recognize those within the business community that provide vital backing and leadership for nonprofits. They give of their time and resources, and are an example for others, encouraging further support.”

Individual and group tickets are available. Reservations can be made by contacting Ashley Fitzpatrick at (405) 278-2820 or online at www.journalrecord.com/beacon-awards.

Charitable influence finalists – Organizations in the charitable influence category demonstrate a company culture that encourages and supports volunteerism, charitable giving and community involvement by its members.

Large business subcategory finalists include (500+ employees):
• Chaparral Energy.
• Groendyke Transport Inc.
• Oklahoma Publishing Co.
• Target.

Medium business subcategory finalists include (51-499 employees):
• CFS2.
• Cyntergy.
• Lakeside Women’s Hospital.
• Republic Bank & Trust.

Small business subcategory finalists include (50 or fewer employees):
• Retirement Investment Advisors Inc.
• Vann & Associates.

Philanthropic impact finalists – Those recognized in the philanthropic impact categories have made a significant charitable contribution to a nonprofit organization working to meet specific needs in the community. Large business subcategory finalists include (500 plus employees): • BancFirst.
• Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
• Crescent Cos.
• Dell Inc.
• Farmers Insurance.
• Halliburton.
• Nordam.

Medium business subcategory finalists include (51-499 employees):
• A Good Egg Dining Group.
• BP America.
• Cotton Electric Cooperative Inc.
• HSI Sensing.

Small business subcategory finalists include (50 or fewer employees):
• Ark Wrecking Co. of Oklahoma.
• CRI Feeders of Guymon LLC.
• Framed in the Village.
• Insight Creative Group.

See more at The Journal Record website.

Choctaw Nation reveals Windows 8 application

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:43:13 GMT

Pictured is the home screen of the Choctaw Nation app.

Choctaw Nation reveals Windows 8 application

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is continually finding new ways to connect its tribal members, whether through social networking and the Internet or face-to-face with community meetings across the United States.

Now, the Choctaw Nation has found its way into your mobile phones and tablets.

With the help of Planet Technologies, a leading Microsoft consulting and services company, two Choctaw Nation Office of Technology (IT) department employees have developed and created a Choctaw Nation application.

Software programmer David Coxsey and IT director Dustin Stark, along with web director Vonna Shults, Ryan Spring in Historical Preservation and J.T. Wallace in the Choctaw Language department, provided their input to Planet Technology in designing the app.

The development of the app was made possible through a program from Microsoft called the Microsoft Application Acceleration Program (MAAP), which funded its creation.

It took only about one month, from initial concept to the application store, for the final product to be available for download, said Coxsey.

After just two weeks in the Windows Marketplace, the Choctaw Nation app has been downloaded 134 times.

“This program was designed to help clients get started on building applications for Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 8,” explained Don Lionetti, Choctaw Nation’s account manager at Microsoft. “Microsoft is thrilled that Choctaw Nation is the first tribal Nation with a Windows 8 app live on the Microsoft Windows 8 Application Store.”

According to Coxsey, the new app provides new ways to connect tribal members and employees. “The purpose of the application is to provide connections to the Choctaw Nation’s news, Twitter and Facebook feeds, YouTube channel, along with historical and cultural information,” he stated. “The intended audience for the application is tribal members and the public.”

The Choctaw Nation is a leader among tribal governments in the use of technology, said Lionetti.

“This latest example of a Windows 8 application for the citizens and the public to keep informed of the excellent work being done by various groups within the Choctaw Nation exemplifies staying on the leading edge of technology adoption,” he continued. “Moreover, this development of a Windows 8 application gives the Choctaw Nation yet one more medium for communicating the positive message of the Choctaw people and also provides a platform for disseminating tribal government news about its programs and people.”

If you were to explore the app, you would be able to do such things as catch up on current news by reading articles from the Choctaw Nation, see the Nation’s live Twitter and Facebook feeds to see what is happening with the Nation at a moment’s basis, watch videos from the Nation’s YouTube channel to learn more about the departments and activities of the tribe, or even research Choctaw history and learn more about the tribe’s culture.

Coxsey said currently the app is only available on devices such as desktop PCs, laptops or tablets running Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system, but the IT department is working to get the app added to the Apple and Android stores so it will be available on all Android tablets and phones, iPhones and iPads.

“We look forward to helping the Choctaw Nation in continuing the use of technology for the betterment of the Nation and its citizens,” said Lionetti.

If you have a device that utilizes Windows 8, you may download the application to your device by searching for “Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma” in the Windows 8 application store.

If you would like to download the app, click here.