Councilmember Henry reads to little ones during the Read Across America Event.

District 4, April 2023

Published April 3, 2023

By Tribal Councilmember Jess Henry

Halito from District 4!

I just want to say a warm springtime hello and wish you a happy Easter. I hope, as we celebrate the miracle of Easter, yours is happy and blessed.

The first quarter of 2023 has been busy! At the January Tribal Council meeting, we recognized Mary Kelly as a Choctaw Language Speaker. Many of her family members and friends were present to honor her. Mary is a member of the Poteau Seniors and the beading and sewing group. Mary is always the first one to volunteer. Robert “Bob” McCaslin was also recognized as the Veteran of the Month. Bob served in the US Navy. I know all of District 4 joins me in saying Yakoke for your service to our great nation.

Tribal Council spent the day at the Capitol in February, working with the legislature on issues pertaining to the Choctaw Nation. I am always interested in working together for the betterment of the Choctaw Nation.

Poteau Senior News: The seniors have an Indian Taco Sale on the first Friday of the month. It is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (or until sold out). Yakoke to everyone who has come out to support them. They took a trip in March to Reba’s. They enjoyed great food, fellowship, and a little shopping.

Yakoke to the Choctaw Nation Child Development Center in Poteau for inviting me to participate in the Read Across America Event. I enjoyed the opportunity to participate and see things through the children’s eyes. The staff does an excellent job teaching and caring for our children.

Congratulations to all the youth who participated in the LeFlore County Premium Sale. To see their dedication and hard work pay off was amazing to watch. The Choctaw Nation invested in the community and our future by supporting the FFA members. It was my pleasure to be a part of the sale.

I hope you will join us in Spiro on May 12 at 10:00 a.m. for the ribbon cutting of 10 Affordable Rental Houses. I am excited to watch the families move into their homes.

As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yakoke