Honorable
Mention - Elementary Our Town: Slow and steady drumbeats call all who can hear its unwavering rhythm to become part of the circle. The circle encompasses rich and proud tradition, custom, language and culture. Firelight reveals the lines on weathered faces of elders and the bloom of youthful promise on children. A line of dancers begins to grow, a man in the first position calling others to join the spiraling circle as it forms behind him. The men chant, singing of the strength of the fire regarding it with respect and reverence. The women wear turtle shells, filled with pebbles taken from a running stream, strapped around their calves - the sound mimicking the flow of running water. It is a time of recalling ancient traditions that reach beyond history. It is a time of renewal and new beginnings. Greetings from the great unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw Nation - known for its intrepid warriors, never known to have lost a battle, and for its dynamic women. One of the largest tribes in the United States, the administrative offices of the Chickasaw Nation are located in Ada with tribal boundaries stretching across 13 counties (Pontotoc, Grady, Carter, Garvin, Johnston, Murray, Love, Marshall, Coal, Bryan, McClain, Stephens and Jefferson) and more than 7,600 square miles in southcentral Oklahoma. The mission of the Chickasaw Nation is to enhance the overall quality of life of Chickasaw people. It is our vision that our job will not be done until each of our people have the same opportunities, the same rights and the same powers to choose their own destiny as any other American citizen. Just as a wonderful town might be measured by the happiness of its residents, the measure of a great nation is taken by how well it cares for its people and its neighbors. We provide opportunities to live and grow and the chance to reach beyond what we know towards new endeavors and experiences. Holding fast to the belief that our children are our greatest resource, our youth attend football clinics, golf camps, leadership camps, entrepreneurship camp, tennis clinics and space camp. Our programs enable young people the opportunity to gain practical work experience while learning new skills. These efforts are to give them opportunities to succeed by preparing them for tomorrow... today. Caring and profitable communities ensure their residents have goods, services and programs. We have seen a year of many newly opened facilities and the progress of those under construction - nutrition services, clinics, senior citizens sites, businesses, family centers, housing, churches, cultural centers and galleries. We have job training, education, childcare, language preservation, family advocacy, art and healthcare - all focused on improving the quality of life of our people. We have heroes in Pearl Scott - a pioneering aviatrix taught to fly by Wiley Post and a tribal legislator; Commander John Herrington - the first Native American in space whose journey marked a new decade and inspired our youth to reach for the stars; Te Ata Fisher - author, storyteller and Oklahoma's first Official State Treasure, whose artistic interpretations of Indian folklore spanned an eight decade career. We have heroes who work long hours because they believe in the power of family and community, in giving back what is received, that a job well done is its own reward and in passing on tradition to future generations. Our nation is made up of the same ingredients found in any happy community or town - one of hardworking people who care about those we serve. Our future is strong because our nation, our community, is strong. Together, we are building a dream. We are the great unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw Nation. |