Top Stories of 2025 at Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Hunting and Fishing Rights Protected

In October, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton released a statement regarding tribal members’ rights to fish and hunt on reservations without an Oklahoma state license. The statement is in response to an Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation press release claiming they will enforce regulations which disregard tribal treaties and sovereignty.

“As part of a sovereign nation, tribal members have the inherent right to hunt and fish on our reservation,” Batton said. “Since 2022, Choctaw tribal members have been able to use their membership card as their hunting and fishing license on the reservation. In 2024, the Five Tribes Wildlife Management Reciprocity Agreement enabled Choctaw tribal members to also hunt and fish on the Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw and Seminole reservations.”

Code Talker Sculpture Unveiled

A new sculpture honoring the World War I Choctaw Code Talkers was unveiled in May at the Choctaw Cultural Center. The bronze sculpture, Chahta Anumpa I Tvshka Hoke (Warriors of the Choctaw Language) depicts the heralded soldiers who used the Choctaw language to help end the war. The 6-foot-8-inch tall and 8-foot-wide bronze sculpture is Jane Semple Umsted’s sixth sculpture she has made for her tribe in addition to a number of paintings displayed throughout Choctaw facilities.

Preserving the Kiamichi River from Hydroelectric Plant Plans

In April, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) terminated Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation’s Notice of Intent and pre-application document for the Pushmataha Hydroelectric Power Plant Project. The decision marked the culmination of efforts by the Choctaw Nation and numerous agencies, organizations, and community partners to oppose the construction of a hydroelectric power plant that would disrupt the region’s water quality, cultural sites, endangered species, and regional economic and ecological integrity. CNO’s opposition utilized the Water Settlement Agreement and the support of expert consultants to present a well-informed opposition, ensuring concerns were addressed throughout the federal licensing process.

Health Clinic Openings in Antlers, Broken Bow and McAlester Expansion

The Choctaw Nation Health Care Authority opened new clinics and patient care access points. A partnership with Oklahoma State University brought remote patient care access in Antlers, while a new clinic was opened in Broken Bow for patients in LeFlore County. November saw the completion of the McAlester Health Clinic expansion, highlighting a significant investment in access to high-quality, patient-centered care for Choctaw tribal members and the surrounding community.

Tvshkahomma Capitol Museum Celebrates 50^th Anniversary, Bronze Busts Unveiled

The 50th anniversary of the Tvshkahomma Capitol Museum was celebrated at the 2025 Choctaw Labor Day Festival today with traditional singing and speakers. The two-story, red-brick structure was built in 1884 and served as the Capitol Building for the tribe until Sept. 1, 1975, when it was dedicated as a museum. The 141-year-old Capitol building was completed the same year as Pushmataha Hall at Wheelock Academy.

Three bronze busts, crafted by Choctaw artist Jane Semple-Umsted, also were unveiled honoring Choctaw leaders Delton Cox, Bertram Bobb and Chief Gregory Pyle.

Choctaw Nation and Fort Smith Police Department Sign Historic Cross-Deputization Agreement

In a historic move for public safety and intergovernmental collaboration, the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma have signed a cross-deputization agreement—marking the first-ever tribal law enforcement agreement in the State of Arkansas.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed on Friday, September 5, establishes mutual aid and cross-jurisdictional cooperation between FSPD and the Choctaw Nation’s Lighthorse Police Department. The agreement is designed to enhance safety and strengthen law enforcement coverage for communities within the City of Fort Smith and areas of the Choctaw Nation’s reservation and Indian Country located in Arkansas.

Choctaw Nation Opens State-of-the-Art Facility to Boost Emerging Aviation Technology

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) is leading the way in aviation technology with the grand opening of its Emerging Aviation Technology Center in Daisy, Oklahoma. The new facility held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 17, to mark its official opening.

Built on remote land owned by CNO, the unique facility supports innovative research, development, testing, and evaluation of emerging crewed and uncrewed aerial system technologies in a safe, low-risk environment.

The three-story, 8,324-square-foot center sits on more than 44,000 acres and features office space, telemetry rooms, drone maintenance and mechanical repair workrooms, a conference lounge, an observation deck, and more.

Tribal Council Elections

Jennifer Turner of District 5 and Regina Mabray of District 12 were elected to their first terms on the Choctaw Tribal Council, while Jess Henry was reelected in District 4 in July.

Voters also cast ballots on five propositions to amend the Choctaw Constitution, all of which failed to receive enough votes to pass.

New Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Approved in September

In September, the Choctaw Nation Tribal Council unanimously approved a comprehensive expense budget of $2.6 billion for fiscal year 2026, representing a 10.5% increase over the previous year.

Production of Drew’s World Announced

At the annual Choctaw PowWow, Avoke Productions announced the start of production on “Drew’s World,” an animated feature film that highlights Native culture and inclusivity through an uplifting story of friendship and understanding. The film follows Bo, a misunderstood Choctaw boy, and Drew, a sweet and imaginative girl with Down syndrome. When the two become lost in the woods, they must learn to communicate and trust one another to survive a dangerous journey and discover who they were meant to be.

Choctaw Nation Announced as Official Dallas World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter

The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee announced Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has been named an Official Dallas World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, joining a select group of leading brands helping to bring the world’s biggest sporting event to North Texas.

As a Host City Supporter, Choctaw Casinos & Resorts will play a key role in supporting community engagement initiatives aligned with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s legacy initiatives. The brand’s involvement will also include visibility throughout the region through special activations and promotions designed to celebrate the world’s game and connect with fans leading up to 2026.

Rosetta Stone Partners with the Choctaw Nation to Preserve and Protect Language and Culture

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) and Rosetta Stone announced a long-term partnership to ensure the language. The collaboration includes development of an immersive digital course that captures the language’s sound, rhythm and spirit. Authentic voices, imagery and cultural context will be drawn directly from the Choctaw community so tribal members learn Chahta anumpa—the Choctaw language—through lessons that reflect everyday life and ancestral traditions.