Choctaw Nation opens new headquarters
Photo by Charles Clark / Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton and Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. are joined by the Choctaw Tribal Council, Chickasaw Gov. Bill Anoatubby, Consulate General of Ireland Adrian Farrell, tribal elders, tribal royalty and community leaders in cutting the ribbon at the entrance of the Choctaw Nation Headquarters Tuesday, June 26 in Durant.
Choctaw Nation
DURANT – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma held a ribbon cutting June 26 to celebrate opening its new headquarters at 1802 Chukka Hina. The 500,000-square-foot, five-story building houses services such as tribal membership, voter registration, children and family services, veterans advocacy, education, and other programs focused on the needs of tribal members. The campus-style setting is convenient for both visitors and employees.
The Headquarters is state-of-the-art, featuring advanced technology to enhance creativity, collaboration, and the delivery of services. The architecture features cultural elements throughout, including original works by Choctaw artists. It also includes a conference center and a cafe, Roots, which offers a variety of dining options and is open to the public.
Chief Gary Batton said it is “our people’s house” adding, “It is where the spirit of faith, family and culture can be lived out daily.”
“It is a great day for Durant and a great day for the Choctaw Nation,” said Jerry Tomlinson, Mayor of the City of Durant. State Rep. Justin Humphrey echoed the sentiment stating that he is glad that so many business interests, his district and State of Oklahoma partner with the Choctaw Nation.
Also recognized at Tuesday’s grand opening ceremony was the Choctaw Nation Wellness Center. Within walking distance of the Headquarters, it is a modern architectural structure of 55,000 square feet that includes basketball courts, fitness studios, cycling room and an indoor elevated track.
The Headquarters and Wellness Center join four other facilities offering services on the 80-acre campus located off Big Lots Road. Already in operation are the Choctaw Nation Community Center, Child Development Center, Food Distribution Market and Regional Medical Clinic. A new Judicial Center is under construction and expected to be complete by the end of the year. The combined number of employees currently on campus is 1,350.
The investment in the community provides hundreds of jobs and health resources to tribal members, associates and their families while providing strong economic growth to the State of Oklahoma.