Inter-Tribal Council U.S.-Chickasaw/Choctaw settlement, Chickasaw facilities discussed; work of Gov.

CONTRIBUTED BY Gene Lehmann, Media Relations., Media Relations.

DURANT, Okla. – Governor Bill Anoatubby told the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations were ready to “turn the page and move on” after receiving a $186 million settlement earlier this year. Gov. Anoatubby made the remarks at the Oct. 9 quarterly meeting.

The federal government and the tribes agreed to the settlement to end a lawsuit alleging the government had failed to meet its trust responsibilities to the two nations.

Gov. Anoatubby also praised the federal government for acknowledging that it had failed to meet its responsibilities to the tribes.

“This settlement represents a significant milestone in helping solidify and improve our relationship with the United States,” he said.

The Chickasaw Nation will receive $46.5 million of the settlement funds. Gov. Anoatubby said the Chickasaw Nation planned to invest its portion of the settlement into a fund which will be used to finance future programs and services.

“We believe this settlement offers a unique opportunity to invest in the futures of our children, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren and all our Chickasaw generations to come,” he said.

Gov. Anoatubby also paid homage to Governor Emeritus Overton James, who passed away last month at age 90.

“Overton James helped lead the Chickasaw people out from under the control of the federal government into a new era of self-government and self-determination,” Gov. Anoatubby said.

The Chickasaw Nation, he said, will soon complete plans to build new facilities to serve Chickasaws who live in the Oklahoma City metro area.

The tribe has purchased a 50-acre tract of land in northwest Oklahoma City. A senior site and community center are planned for the property.

Gov. Anoatubby mentioned several projects currently under way, including the Ardmore Child Development Center, wellness clinic expansion and senior site in Tishomingo. In Purcell, a new area office and wellness center are under construction, and the health clinic is being expanded.

The full Inter-tribal Council entertained six resolutions. All passed unanimously.