Choctaw Nation Publishes 2023 Year in Review

The Choctaw Nation published the 2023 Year in Review in February. This annual report shows the Tribe’s operations throughout the fiscal year, which runs from October 1 to September 30. It also highlights tribal member stories, programs, services, sovereignty and cultural efforts and financial information.

This year’s first Chahta Spirit in Action story centered on “Cowboy” Bill Parker, who was part of the first wave at Normandy Beach on D-Day during WWII. At age 96, Parker was awarded the French Legion of Honor, France’s highest award, for his bravery and contributions to the liberation of France from Nazi occupation.

The Chahta Spirit in Action stories also highlighted Choctaw artist Bobby Von Martin and Kelbie Kennedy, the first ever National Tribal Affairs Advocate for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Bobby Von Martin uses art to honor his elders and encourage children who grow up around drugs, alcohol and violence to rise above their situation and seek out success. Kelbie Kennedy serves Native American tribes across the U.S., ensuring they have a voice in Washington, D.C. and advising FEMA administrators on tribal affairs and treaty and trust obligations.

In FY23, the Choctaw Nation Housing Authority served over 8,000 households through its various programs, including over 2,500 home repairs and over 550 storm shelters installed. The Housing Authority also built eight new Independent Elder homes, 55 Affordable Rental units and 90 Lease to Purchase (LEAP) homes. These new homes bring the Nation closer to its goal of having 600 housing units by the end of the 2024 fiscal year.

One of the most important pillars of a successful life is education. From the youngest tribal members to our elders and their communities, the Choctaw Nation has programs in place to encourage a love for learning throughout our lives. Education is not cheap, however, and the Nation is proud to offer financial assistance to tribal members looking to further their education. In FY23, the Chahta Foundation awarded 167 students with a combined $458,300 in scholarships. In addition, the Career Development program disbursed over $8 million in funds to 7,643 students. The Higher Education Scholarship Program approved over 12,000 applications and awarded over $12.5 million.

The Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) offers healthcare and prescriptions to the American Indian/Alaska Native population through its hospital in Talihina, Okla., and eight outlying clinics throughout the reservation. CNHSA’s mission is to prioritize communication, teamwork and preservation of the dignity, cultural values and health of each patient. With the cost of medication at record highs, the pharmaceutical program is in constant demand. Over 1.6 million prescriptions were filled in FY23 at no cost to patients. The health clinics and hospital also had over one million health encounters with patients throughout the year, including behavioral health encounters, which account for just over 30,000 of those encounters.

The Choctaw language is the heart of the Choctaw people’s identity, and it is one of the most important ways the Tribe exercises sovereignty. Beginning with one satellite class at the University of Oklahoma in 1998, the Chahta Anumpa Aiikhvna (Choctaw School of Language School), has grown to employ several teachers and translators who served over 2,800 students per week in FY23 through the website and a wide range of classes. The Language Apprenticeship Program is also an important step in revitalizing the Choctaw language. Placed in an immersive environment where they only communicate in Chahta, these apprentices graduate as fluent speakers at the end of the program.

In July, the Choctaw Cultural Center will celebrate its third anniversary. The Center’s ongoing efforts to promote and preserve the Choctaw culture have paid off in over 250 memberships, more than 50 volunteers, and over 50,000 visitors since it opened. In FY23, the Center hosted several events, including the Annual Art Show, Movies on the Patio, and a red carpet event celebrating the premiere of Marvel Studios’ Echo.

Another important sovereignty win for the Choctaw Nation was the development and rollout of the new Choctaw Pledge. Written by tribal members, the pledge was first performed at the Veterans Day Ceremony at Tvshka Homma on November 11. In English, the pledge reads: I salute the flag of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, whose members, characterized by tenacity, resilience, and belief in God, will forever honor its representation of faith, family and culture.

On June 2, 2023, Choctaw Nation Law Enforcement renamed the police force “Lighthorse” to honor the original Choctaw Lighthorsemen who served the Tribe generations ago. At the time of the 2023 Year in Review’s publication, there were 733 total public safety positions and 461 within the Choctaw Nation’s boundaries. There were also 76 cross deputization agreements in place with law enforcement agencies across the reservation.

Native American tribes across the country rejoiced this summer when the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision upholding the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). This law protects Native American children from being taken from their tribal communities in the event they must be removed from their homes. The Choctaw Nation works diligently to promote foster care and adoption programs within the reservation boundaries to ensure the cultural link is not severed when a child needs placement. At the time of publication, there were over 400 Choctaw children in State custody in Oklahoma. There are nearly 300 located in other states. Choctaw Foster Care has multiple options for those who would like to open their homes to Choctaw children in need.

Finally, the revenue the Nation takes in funds over 150 programs and services for tribal members, and numerous community and infrastructure projects. It also helps the Tribe foster relationships with local communities. Based on the 2022 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Audit, revenue consisted of:

• 44% Business Operating Income (Net)
• 38% Federal and State Grants
• 13% Medicare and Third-Party Insurance
• 3% General Governmental Revenue
• 2% Housing Income

Overall, the Choctaw Nation had a productive fiscal year, placing tribal member safety and wellbeing at the forefront of its efforts in addition to protecting culture and sovereignty. You can read the entire Year in Review.