January 2022

News


2021 Year in Review

A year in review: Choctaw Nation celebrates successes of 2021

As 2021 comes to an end, we reflect on a year filled with new experiences, changes and growth.

Ambree Shelton

The future is bright for Ambree Shelton


In mid-April 2005, the course of Ambree Shelton's life changed drastically. Life circumstances and financial trouble left Shelton, her mother and her brother alone and in a tight spot.

Sharon Mullins

Elders enjoy annual pecan pickup event


The Choctaw Nation's Agricultural department held its annual Elder Pecan pickup on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

General Motors

Chief Batton Hosted at General Motors


Chief Gary Batton had the opportunity to visit General Motors (GM) in Austin, Texas, on November 4, 2021.

Broken Bow Wellness Center

Broken Bow Wellness Center Celebration

The Broken Bow Wellness Center was recognized for their hard work in achieving the highest Member Experience score for FY21 (98.3) out of all eleven Wellness Centers across the Choctaw Nation.

Pediatric vaccines

Pediatric vaccines are a new weapon in the fight against COVID-19


COVID has significantly impacted all of our lives since it began to spread widely in the United States in early 2020. Thankfully, over the last two years, an increasing number of tools have become available to fight the disease.

Taylor Washington

Washington’s film career is “Panning Up”


When he has a dream, Taylor Washington is the kind of person who goes out and chases it, not stopping until he finds success.

Choctaw tribal members recognized as 2021 AARP Oklahoma Indian Elders Honorees

Four Choctaw Nation tribal members were virtually recognized as honorees at the 13th annual AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors event. Pauline "Paula" Wilson-Carney, Gloria Sirmans, Olin Williams and Loyce Wright were among 47 Native American Elders selected for their notable contributions.

Choctaw Pow Wow

Pow Wow


Over 600 registered dancers, with over 50 tribes from more than 25 states and three Canadian provinces, participated in the annual Choctaw Pow Wow filled with dancing, singing, food and crafts.

Today’s scams, aren’t old tricks


Potential scams are an everyday part of our lives. Sometimes it can be hard to know what's real and what's not.

Couples getaway

Choctaw Country is the perfect backdrop for your next couples getaway


With the holiday season behind us, it's the perfect time to slow down and relax with your partner or a friend. A weekend away from the hustle and bustle might be what you need to start this new year right.

Flu vaccines important for Native Americans


With many restrictions being lifted and more families getting together during the holidays, the 2021-2022 flu season is poised to be more severe than last season.

Wright City Thanksgiving Dinner

2021 Thanksgiving Dinners

Volunteers served and passed out hundreds of Thanksgiving meals throughout the Choctaw Nation.

Senator Greg McCortney and Senator Lonnie Paxton

McCortney and Paxton assume high-level positions in Oklahoma State Senate

Senator Greg McCortney (R-Ada) and Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) were both recently appointed to high levels in the Oklahoma State Senate. McCortney and Paxton are both Choctaw tribal members.

Choctaw Period Project

Choctaw Period Project to help young women


If Monica Brooks has her way, girls in the Choctaw Nation, regardless of tribal affiliation, will have one less thing to worry about while they're at school. Brooks has started the Choctaw Period Project (not associated with the Choctaw Nation) to gather donations of personal hygiene products for young women.

Gregory E. Pyle Tribal Complex

The Choctaw Tribal Council unanimously voted to designate the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Tribal Complex located at 529 North 16th Avenue, Durant, Oklahoma, as the "Gregory E. Pyle Tribal Complex."

Indian Affairs announces new tool to bring attention to missing and murdered cases

The Bureau of Indian Affairs announced the launch of its new website dedicated to solving missing and murdered cases in Indian Country.

Leadership Speaks


District 4, January 2022


I'm excited to share some of the great things that are happening in District 4. We wrapped up 2021 on a great note, and I'm looking forward to an even better 2022!

National Mentoring Month


Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed spending time and creating wonderful memories with your family and friends during the holiday season.

Newness in the New Year


We need a newness within in the new year to find contentment. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us to be a new creature in Christ. Old things are passed away, and all things become new.