Chief Gary Batton delivers 2022 State of the Nation Address virtually

On Sept. 5, 2022, Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) once again delivered his State of the Nation Address digitally.

Chief Batton updated viewers on tribal initiatives, programs and services highlights, and Choctaw success stories in his address.

Batton began by acknowledging the faith, values and compassion of the Choctaw people.

“The Choctaw people are a people of faith. We believe we are part of a larger plan, and we trust in the wisdom of the past to guide us in the present. Today, that spirit of community and faith endures. Choctaws also value family. The bonds we form in love and kinship are precious to us. When families break bread together or share memories and stories, we strengthen those ties and become happier, healthier people,” said Batton. “Finally, we celebrate our culture. We are proud of our history and our heritage. When we know our stories and we practice our customs we shorten the distance between the past and present. The responsibility we have to each other is great, but we are grounded in generations of compassion, kindness, and service to others.”

One thing Batton highlighted in his address was the successes of Choctaw’s tribal services.

The first service he discussed was CNO Housing.

“Our Housing Department offers a wide variety of programs and services that can help keep your home safe and comfortable with necessary upgrades and repairs, or we can help you find the right home loan to fit your needs,” explained Batton.

According to Batton, in 2022, the total of LEAP homes climbed to over 300 across the reservation.

Several new Independent Elder homes were built this year, totaling over 200. CNO also has over 300 affordable rental units.

Batton also announced that the tribe is growing, with over 200,000 tribal members living worldwide.

A steady and unfortunate constant throughout the last three years has been the impact of COVID-19.

The American Rescue Plan Act allotted funding for the Choctaw Nation to support its tribal members during the ongoing pandemic. The Tribe has used those funds to expand programs and services to even more tribal members.

“Through our Economic Impact Recovery, Food Security, and Small Business programs, we have processed thousands of relief applications,” said Batton.

According to Batton, the Choctaw Nation Health System is one of CNO’s most comprehensive services.

“I’m proud to report that we’ve had over 800,000 health encounters this year and filled over a million prescriptions in our pharmacies. Whether you call or visit one of our clinics, pharmacies, behavioral health facilities or our hospital in Talihina, our Health Services staff go above and beyond every day to make sure you get the best possible care,” Batton said.

According to the Pew Research Center, in 2019, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 19.86% of adults experienced a mental illness, equivalent to nearly 50 million Americans.

In his address, Batton stated that the Choctaw Nation believes in removing barriers to treatment and getting its people the help they need and deserve.

“You are not alone. The Choctaw Nation is here to help you. Please reach out to our Behavioral Health professionals if you need support,” said Batton.

Over the past few years, CNO has found itself at the forefront of innovation and technology.

According to Batton, the Connect Home Initiative has brought internet access to hundreds of homes since it began in 2015.

CNO has also begun partnerships with NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration to explore and expand the use of unmanned aircraft systems.

In April 2022, CNO hosted its third Emerging Aviation Technology Conference, discussing ways to move its technology initiatives forward.

“Our hope is to offer a tribal perspective on the unmanned aerial infrastructure plans from the ground up,” Batton said. “But even though we have our sights set on the exciting future of technology, our local communities remain our top priority.”

The Career Development program offers various services, helping CNO tribal members on their workforce journey.

According to Batton, CNO has invested over $4 million in financial assistance into the Career Development program.

In the address, Batton highlighted the success of CNO as an employer, emphasizing the competitive health and wellness benefits as well as education perks like tuition reimbursement and internships.

“We’ve set a goal to be the employer of choice in Southeastern Oklahoma, and that means providing employment opportunities and benefits that are competitive in the job market,” said Batton. “I’m proud to say that both Forbes magazine and the online journal Human Resources Director have yet again recognized the Choctaw Nation as an exceptional place to work.”

Sovereignty has been at the forefront of the Choctaw Nation’s mind since the Supreme Court’s 2020 McGirt Decision.

According to Batton, the past year has been filled with both victories and challenges regarding the issue of sovereignty.

“Although we’ve had several sovereignty wins this year, we’ve also had our fair share of challenges. This is especially true for our judicial branch and Department of Public Safety,” said Batton. “At every turn, however, we’ve met those challenges by expanding the Department of Public Safety, establishing a Public Defender’s Office, and hiring our first full-time District Court judge.”

CNO has continued working with local law enforcement to strengthen its partnerships and keep its communities safe.

Additional sovereignty highlights mentioned by Batton in his address included language preservation, gaming, entertainment and tourism.

In his address, Batton also discussed the responsibilities the Nation has to take care of its people and communities.

“Our ancestors knew the value of a good neighbor, and we try to live up to their example,” said Batton.

CNO has helped 19 small businesses this year through forgivable loans, and eight local communities received awards totaling over $400,000 from the Community Development Fund.

“The Choctaw Nation also sends community partnership funds directly to cities and towns so our dollars are staying local,” Batton said.

According to Batton, CNO is also taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint and be “better stewards of our natural resources,” all while reducing energy costs.

CNO has partnered with OG&E to expand solar energy use in Southeastern Oklahoma.

“In addition to taking better care of our environment, we also strive to improve our tribal members’ quality of life and ensure prosperity for the Choctaw Nation for generations to come,” said Batton. “In order to meet those goals, we operate a wide variety of businesses, including food and beverage, gaming and retail. We also receive revenue from federal and state grants, as well as health insurance, Medicare and housing sources.”

In his address, Batton stated that CNO takes pride in its child care programs and services.

“Today’s children will grow up to be the tribal leaders of tomorrow, and they will pass down our culture and traditions to future generations. Investing in their education from an early age secures the strength of the Choctaw people for the future,” said Batton.

CNO currently serves hundreds of children in its child care centers, with over 200 staff positions.

The Nation serves thousands of Choctaw students of all ages through scholarships, college prep, training and workshops.

In his closing remarks, Batton shared words from a poem that he has hanging in his office.

“We are tvshka warriors — who have fought alongside our neighbors for the freedoms of this country. We have been scattered like seeds on the wind to every state and even to other countries, but we remain connected by our roots—our culture—passed down from generations of ancestors before us. We are here, in the present, just as we were in the past and will be in the future. We are Okla Achukma — good people — and I am honored to serve as your Chief.”

The State of the Nation Address video is available below.