Bill Anoatubby, Governor
Chickasaw Nation
Ada Gaming Center; Artesian Casino; Black Gold Casino; Border Casino; Chisholm Trail Casino; Gold Mountain Casino; Goldsby Gaming Center; Jet Stream Casino; Madill Gaming Center; MegaStar Casino; Newcastle Casino; Newcastle Travel Gaming; RiverStar Casino; Riverwind Casino; Saltcreek Casino; Texoma Casino; Tishomingo Tobacco and Gaming; Treasure Valley Casino and Hotel; Washita Casino; and WinStar World Casino and Resort in Oklahoma
Riverwind.com / Winstar.com
Chickasaw.net
CHALLENGES/REWARDS: A 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling and subsequent state court ruling led to a significant increase in our criminal justice responsibilities within our treaty territory, which created challenges and opportunities. Therefore, we have been working to expand our criminal justice capacity and work together with area law enforcement agencies and detention centers to ensure the safety of Chickasaws and our neighbors.
The Chickasaw Nation places a high priority on maintaining law and order while ensuring the safety, security, and individual rights of our citizens. This important recognition of tribal sovereignty has presented logistical challenges, which we continue to overcome. This year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the State of Oklahoma has concurrent jurisdiction in Indian Country over non-Indians who allegedly commit crimes against Indians. Although we disagree with the legal basis for this decision, it does not alter our tribal sovereignty, and we will continue our efforts to ensure the safety of everyone in the Chickasaw Nation.
PROMOTING LEADERSHIP: One of our core values is “servant leadership.” We recognize that true leadership is responsive and strives to do for others. We have a number of programs to nurture future Chickasaw leaders. Chikasha Pehlichi Ikbi “Creating Chickasaw Leaders” is a youth leadership program offering leadership, business, and cultural development courses, and a variety of community service opportunities. We also have an in-house training program called Chickasaw Leadership Academy that helps our employees develop an understanding of our interpretation of leadership and other important leadership skills.
Everything we do supports our mission – “to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people” – and should therefore be in service of the Chickasaw people. Successful leaders sacrifice for the greater good and serve those they lead.
INITIATIVES: The Chickasaw Nation has several exciting projects in development, including several tourism-related projects, which will be beneficial for the Chickasaw Nation, our communities and the state.
Construction is underway for a major resort-style development located adjacent to the recently opened First Americans Museum in downtown Oklahoma City. OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is designed to complement the First Americans Museum’s focus on cultural experience as well as connect visitors to other entertainment experiences along this established and vibrant part of the Oklahoma River. The resort-hotel will feature an 11-story hotel, an outdoor adventure lagoon, as well as a family entertainment center, a large indoor waterpark, conference center space, spa, golf simulator, multiple retail outlets, and dining options.
Construction is also underway for the Texoman Casino & Resort marking a new era in tourism for the Lake Texoma region in southern Oklahoma. Situated along the picturesque banks of Lake Texoma, the 50-acre lakeside development includes a three-story hotel, conference center, 10 cabins and a casino. We believe this project will help launch a transformation of this area into a major tourism and recreation attraction.
The Chickasaw Nation continues to strive to meet its mission “to enhance the overall quality of life of Chickasaw people” by strengthening cultural identity, preserving the Chickasaw language, providing educational opportunities, safeguarding our elders and children, and protecting the health and well-being of our citizens.
We continue to develop essential partnerships with state and local governments, businesses, schools and other entities.
As a part of the community, we believe it is essential to work together to address challenges and seize opportunities.