District 11, December 2024

Nittak Hullo Chito Na Yukpa! (Merry Christmas). My hope is that everyone in District 11 has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Spending time with family and celebrating our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s birth always makes this time of year special.

It’s great to see all the progress going on in District 11 that includes a $70 million health clinic expansion, $5 million wellness center expansion and the $6 million childcare center(daycare).

These are all expected to be completed in 2025. We are also building new LEAP and Affordable Rental Homes in Hartshorne and Alderson for tribal members in need of housing. We are blessed; I’m so proud and excited to see District 11 so prosperous and growing!

We have had a lot going on in the last few months, as well as events planned for December, that I would like to share with you in this letter.

On October 17 the outstanding elder banquet was held in Durant where we honored our elders. The District 11 representatives were Mary Wilkett and Richard Cooper. Congratulations to them both! They truly are outstanding people.

Our community center was busy in October. The elder Halloween party included a costume contest and bingo on October 30. It was a very fun day! The Choctaw Nation HeadStart came to visit, and the seniors gave them trick or treat candy. We always enjoy seeing the children at the center. On Halloween night, we had a trunk or treat at the center. Yakoke to all the employees who helped make the night a success.

November was Native American Heritage Month. We kicked it off with the CNO powwow. It’s one of the nation’s biggest powwows with large groups of dancers from across the country and even Canada. The tribal council participated in the Grand Entry on Saturday and Sunday. I am always amazed to see the beautiful regalia, and I love to watch each category of men’s, women’s, and tiny tots’ competition.

November 11 was the Veterans Day ceremony at Tuskahomma, which is one of my favorite events of the year. I am so proud of the way the Choctaw Nation supports our Veterans.

On November 12, Marathon Petroleum and our Career Development department partnered to sponsor “Operation Warm” at the McAlester Boys & Girls Club to give new coats to children in need. We helped over 500 children pre-K through grade 5 in Pittsburg County schools.

The senior and community thanksgiving meals were on Nov. 13 and 21. We have such a wonderful Chahta community in D-11 and at our center. I am so thankful for each of you and to experience the warm fellowship, and friendship that we have.

The elder pecan harvest is December 5, we will be taking a bus from the center to the CNO pecan orchards. Don’t forget to plan to attend the District 11 seniors “Choctaw Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair” at the community center Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Come and find gifts for Christmas.

Again, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It’s such an honor and privilege to serve the okla achukma (good people) of District 11.

Yakoke, Chihowa vt Achukma!