District 11, June 2022

Halito, Chim Achukma from District 11. I love to see the opening of all the activities to gather for our tribal members and their families. It was such a blessing to see our people out for the Easter Celebration and Trail of Tears Walk this spring.

I would like you to know that as your legislative representative of District 11, I work with a great group of council members who have the heart to serve their people. They show it often whether we’re discussing services for tribal members, business opportunities to bring in more revenue, or fighting to protect our sovereignty. It is a very important responsibility, and I am humbled that you gave me the opportunity to represent D-11.

In the last few months, I had a chance to visit the Hartshorne Elementary School STAR Program kids and read to the Jones Academy students and our D-11 Head Start children. Also, I attended the McAlester Indian Education JOM Banquet and an elementary cultural day at Will Rogers school. Like I’ve heard Speaker Williston say before, “Nothing is too good for our children because they are our future leaders.”

It was a blessing to visit Choctaw families in Bakersfield, California, at the Annual Okla Chahta Gathering in May. They were happy to see their Chief, Asst. Chief and Council and take part in all the cultural activities our employees presented. Tammy and I enjoyed making new friends and were especially excited to see people from District 11.

Yakoke to Choctaw Defense for providing a trailer for our District 11 Veterans at the Armed Forces Day parade. We are having good participation at Wednesday’s Senior lunches; I would like to thank our special speakers that have come to share their programs with our Elders.

Any CDIB holder 55 or over and their spouse can come to eat and take part in the activities and trips. We have speakers every Wednesday at 11, with lunch served at 11:30. The group is going to tour the Choctaw Hunting Lodge June 7, June 29 is our veteran’s meal to honor those who served our nation. June 2 is the District 11 Princess pageant, where we will be selecting the 2022 Princesses.

The 30 LEAP homes in Krebs will be finished soon, with young families moving in to start the homeownership chapter in life. Also, we are going to build seven Affordable Rental homes in McAlester that will provide an option for tribal members who wish to rent a nice house.

Yakoke for allowing me to serve the great people of D-11, and don’t forget, “A single twig breaks, but a bundle of twigs is strong” (Together we are more). If I can answer any questions or help in any way, please let me know.

Chihowa vt Achukma,
Robert Karr