District 11, December 2021

Season’s Greetings from District 11. As we come to the end of 2021, I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Enjoy this special time with loved ones, be thankful for our blessing and the reason for the season — Jesus!

We’ve been busy in the last few months with many tribal events, and it’s always nice to visit with our Choctaw people not only in District 11 but across the nation. Our seniors were excited to see Chief Batton and Assistant Chief Austin serving the curbside meal October 27. We met with the City of McAlester officials that morning before lunch to reinforce the tribe’s commitment to partnering with our local communities.

October 28, we had a spooky time with kids during the drive-thru trick or treat. November 11, the Veterans Day ceremony to honor our veterans at Tuskahomma was very patriotic. Yakoke to all Choctaw veterans who served our country. The Thanksgiving senior meal with smoked meat and all the fixings was delicious on November 17. Our senior wellness classes have started back up with chair volleyball, exercise sessions and cornhole. Come out to the wellness center on Mondays and Thursdays 9:30-11 a.m. to lose those pandemic pounds and work out with your fellow seniors.

In-person dining for our seniors will start January 5 at the center. We will be having speakers to inform you of different programs, planning activities, trips and cultural classes. I look forward to reporting to you about the happenings of the council and tribe at these lunches. The senior Christmas meal is December 8, and the children’s Christmas party is December 16; they both will be curbside.

February 5, we’re planning a Native American Arts & Craft show at our center. Local Choctaw artists will be selling authentic products, so come and support them. The McAlester Choctaw Clinic expansion is a much-needed service for our area, and we’re anticipating it to start in 2022. We are adding 30 LEAP homes in Krebs that are currently under construction and seven Affordable Rental homes in McAlester in 2022 to provide quality homes for our people.

Yakoke for allowing me to serve the great people of the Choctaw Nation and District 11. A single twig breaks, but a bundle of twigs is strong (TOGETHER, WE ARE MORE). Please contact me anytime at [email protected].

Chihowa vt Achukma!