[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27891]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORABLE BILL ANOATUBBY GOVERNOR OF THE CHICKASAW NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 22, 2007

  Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege today to rise 
in recognition of a good friend of mine, the Governor of the Chickasaw 
Nation, Governor Bill Anoatubby. On October 26, 2007, East Central 
University will induct Governor Anoatubby into its Hall of Governors; 
he is only the fourth individual to receive such a prestigious 
recognition. He joins former U.S. Senator and former Governor Robert S. 
Kerr; former Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice, former U.S. Senator, and 
former Governor Ernest McFarland; and former Governor George Nigh. 
Reflecting upon the caliber of these individuals who have contributed 
so much to the State of Oklahoma, I know Governor Anoatubby truly 
appreciates the honor he is being given and that he so richly deserves.
  Madam Speaker, graduating from East Central University in 1972 was 
merely the beginning, because from that day forward Governor Anoatubby 
has worked tirelessly to make Oklahoma a better State and the 
Chickasaws of Oklahoma a more prosperous people. His passion to this 
end is reflected in the litany of civic and community activities, 
affiliations, leadership roles, awards and honors contained in his 
biography.
  But Madam Speaker, the Governor's impressive resume aside, I am 
honored today to recognize this award on the floor of the United States 
House of Representatives because I am a member of the Chickasaw Nation 
and I have witnessed the Governor achieve amazing things for our tribe, 
for the State of Oklahoma, and for tribes across the country. The 
Governor has presided over the Renaissance of the Chickasaw Nation by 
focusing on increasing economic development, expanding health coverage, 
improving education, and preserving and reviving the tribe's cultural 
and historical heritage so important for our future vitality and self-
identity.
  But Governor Anoatubby's accomplishments do not stop there, Madam 
Speaker. He not only fulfills his duties as the leader of the Chickasaw 
Nation, but has become one of the most respected Native American 
leaders in the country. He understands the unique status of tribes, and 
as such, he recognizes the unique opportunities available not only at a 
state level, but nationally and internationally for tribal development 
and prosperity. He has an unequaled willingness to reach out and make 
partnerships between tribes and businesses, institutions, 
organizations, and other governments.
  Madam Speaker, Governor Anoatubby profoundly understands that neither 
the Chickasaw Nation nor the State of Oklahoma can thrive independently 
of one another. He has demonstrated time and time again that working 
together, the two can bring remarkable benefits to all Oklahomans, 
native and non-native alike. Simply put, Madam Speaker, Governor 
Anoatubby has changed the way people live in the State of Oklahoma for 
the better, and I congratulate him on being inducted into East Central 
University's Hall of Governors.

                          ____________________