MESSAGES FROM THE CHIEFS

In June, I received a call from Chickasaw Nation Secretary of State Bill Lance. By now, many of you are aware of the content of that conversation, but for those who have not heard, it was announced this week that Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby will be retiring after decades of dedicated service to his nation and its citizens.

I wanted to take a moment to share what Governor Anoatubby has meant to the Shawnee Tribe—not just through our economic success in Guymon, Oklahoma, but through the example he has set as a tribal leader.

Governor Anoatubby and our prior Shawnee Chief, Ron Sparkman both served on a tribal advisory committee under a former Oklahoma governor. During their time together, they developed not only a friendship, but also a vision. Our two tribal governments would work together to find a place within Oklahoma for a Shawnee-owned casino, with the assistance of the Chickasaw Nation and its economic development arm, Global Gaming.

We all know the success of that operation, but our Shawnee government has also looked to other tribal nations—including the Miami Tribe, the Cherokee Nation, the Muscogee Nation, and especially the Chickasaw Nation—as examples of strong tribal leadership and governance. The nation Governor Bill Anoatubby has built is one that seeks out the best people for the job, keeps politics out of the workplace, and empowers talented professionals to do what they do best. He has been a nation-builder in every sense of the word and has provided a steady hand that continues to guide his nation toward a strong future.

Chief Roy Baldridge and I have long viewed Governor Anoatubby as a model on how to successfully manage the economic engine we have built together, but also as an example of stewardship and leadership. His commitment to his people, his nation, and the future of Indian Country has earned the respect of tribal, state, and national leaders alike.

On behalf of the Business Council and all Shawnee citizens, I want to wish Governor Bill Anoatubby a wonderful and well-deserved retirement. We thank him for his friendship, partnership, and tireless example of leadership, and we wish him and his family all the best in the years ahead.

Chief Ben Barnes

For more than twenty years, I have had the privilege of serving the Shawnee Tribe on the Business Council. During that time, I have witnessed remarkable growth in our tribal population, programs, services, and financial strength. These accomplishments are a reflection of the dedication, resilience, and commitment of our citizens, whose engagement and support continue to shape the voice and future of our Nation.

The growth and progress we celebrate today are the direct result of citizens who have exercised their voices through voting, volunteered their time and talents, and remained actively engaged in the life of our Tribe. Throughout my service on the Business Council, I have had the opportunity to work alongside tribal leaders, employees, and citizens across the country. Those experiences have reinforced my appreciation for the strength of our Shawnee people.

One of our greatest strengths is having a council that can thoughtfully discuss complex issues, hold differing viewpoints, and ultimately work together in the best interest of our citizens. Every member of the current council has remained committed to supporting our families, protecting our resources, and advancing opportunities for future generations. Council members regularly listen to citizen concerns, advocate for improvements, and work to ensure that programs and services continue to meet the evolving needs of our community.

Beyond their responsibilities on the Business Council, several council members dedicate their time and expertise to organizations that benefit both the Shawnee Tribe and Indian Country. Secretary Carolyn Foster serves on the Northeastern Oklahoma Indian Health Board. Treasurer Mark McDowell is actively involved with the Native American Financial Officers Association. Diana McLean represents the Tribe on the Grand Lake Area Council on Aging Board. John Sparkman serves on the Shawnee Development Board alongside Treasurer McDowell. Keni Hood has contributed to numerous museum boards and has assisted the Historic Preservation Department. Corey Winesburg currently assists Loyal Shawnee Inc. Ceremonial Grounds along with Malachi Sears, as the council representatives. Councilors Drew Dixon and Monty Coombes also provide support on a variety of important initiatives that strengthen our community.

Councilor Coombes has also traveled to our casino in Guymon to observe operations and gain firsthand insight into its activities.

In addition, Treasurer Foster and Councilors McLean, Hood, and Sears have represented the Shawnee Tribe through participation in the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, an organization that advocates on behalf of 32 of Oklahoma’s 38 federally recognized tribes.

Councilors Foster, McLean, Hood, Dixon, Winesburg, and Sears have also attended the Oklahoma Sovereignty Symposium, where tribal leaders, judges, attorneys, and representatives from across Indian Country gather to discuss issues affecting tribal sovereignty, self-governance, and the future of Native nations.

Councilor’s Winesburg, Hood and Treasurer McDowell have attended meetings at the National Congress of American Indians where national issues and policy movements affecting tribal nations are discussed.

Finally, Councilor Hood has accompanied Chief Barnes and I on trips to the Oklahoma State Legislature to discuss issues affecting our citizens in Oklahoma.

Service on the Business Council extends far beyond attending meetings and making decisions. It requires listening to citizens, representing the Tribe with integrity, building relationships, and advocating for the continued success and well-being of the Shawnee people. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside individuals who remain dedicated to that responsibility and to the future of our Nation.

The progress of the Shawnee Tribe has always been rooted in the strength of its people. Our citizens continue to guide the future of our Nation through their participation, their ideas, and their commitment to our shared values. As leaders, our responsibility is to listen, serve, and make decisions that honor those who came before us while creating opportunities for future generations. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I remain grateful for the trust our citizens place in those elected to serve.

niyaawe (thank you),

Roy D. Baldridge
Second Chief