The Top 10 Stories of 2022 for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

DURANT, Okla. – The previous year held many highlights, accomplishments and memorable events. Here is just a quick overview of the Top 10 stories – in random order – for the Choctaw Nation in 2022. More accolades, yearly statistics and awards will be covered in the coming Annual Report, due out in January.

• Hunting and fishing on the reservation: When the state of Oklahoma chose not to renew the hunting and fishing compacts with the Five Tribes, the Choctaw Nation exercised its sovereign rights over land and game by establishing new codes allowing for hunting and fishing on the Choctaw reservation lands by tribal members using their tribal membership card.
• 35th anniversary of Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant: The Choctaw casino’s opening in 1987 was celebrated with several events and promotions. The hugely successful endeavor of the Choctaw Nation continues to be a key economic driver for Southeastern Oklahoma.
• First anniversary of the Cultural Center: July 23 marked the first anniversary of the Choctaw Cultural Center. The Choctaw Cultural Center has also recently been named a Top Ten Model Museum at the International Conference of Indigenous Archives, Libraries, and Museums.
• First Labor Day celebration in person since the Covid pandemic. Enthusiastic crowds returned to the three-day event at Tvskha Homma.
• Stickball Champs: The Tvshkahomma Ohoyo won their first women’s championship at the Labor Day festival. Tvshkahomma Ohoyo’s Alissa French was named MVP for the tournament.
• Best Place to Work designations: The Choctaw Nation received recognition as one of six Best Places to Work by HRDUS. The Choctaw Casinos & Resorts received recognition from Forbes as a Best Employer for Diversity in the Travel & Leisure category. Forbes also recognized the Choctaw Casino and Resorts as one of America’s Best Employers for New Graduates
• Housing completions continue: The Choctaw Nation completed 60 Lease to Purchase (LEAP) homes; 231 Independent Elder units; 376 Affordable Rental Units; installed 349 storm shelters and completed 2,120 home repairs, ensuring tribal members have access to quality, safe and affordable housing.
• TWM 4.0 Campaign Launched: The newest version of the Together We’re More media campaign rolled out featuring tribal members of various lifestyles, occupations and hobbies, but all proclaiming to be Choctaw Proud.
• Choctaw Landing groundbreaking: The Choctaw Nation announced the opening of an entertainment and resort development in Hochatown, Okla. The development is a brand-new concept with a design and experience that will reflect the rich culture of the Choctaw people. The four-story, 202,000 square-foot development will include 100 hotel rooms, 600 slot machines, eight table games, several restaurants and bars, a pool, an outdoor venue with an amphitheater, beer garden and a family-friendly game zone and set to open in 2024.
• First full-time district judge announced: the Choctaw Nation appointed Amy J. Pierce as the first full-time district court judge for the tribal nation’s Judicial Branch. She was sworn in in January by Choctaw Nation Supreme Court Justice David Burrage at the Choctaw Nation Judicial Center.