Katie Case Chickasaw Tribal Legislature

Hello Everyone, I hope this letter finds you and your family well.

These are challenging economic times. Gasoline is fast approaching $4 per gallon. Diesel has exceeded the $4-per-gallon mark. Because food and most of the goods we need are transported by trucks, we are all suffering the effects of the increased fuel prices in more ways than just at the pump.

Families face challenges together. We Chickasaws will face today’s challenges and persevere together as a family.

By nature, Chickasaws are creative and resourceful people. Some of the ideas and practices I’ve heard and want to share with you illustrate just how resourceful our people really are. Families, friends and neighbors are finding ways to carpool whenever possible. People are pooling resources to buy groceries and necessities in bulk to share savings. More than ever, people are utilizing faith based programs like Angel Food Ministry whereby families purchase food at a reduced cost, regardless of the family income.

Another way to meet the immediate economic challenges is to utilize every possible Chickasaw program for which you are eligible. The first step in tapping the resources of the Chickasaw Nation programs and services is to acquire a copy of the Directory of Programs and Services. There are two. There is one titled “Services @ Large 2008” for Chickasaws living outside the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation. There is one titled simply “Programs & Services 2008.” It is for those Chickasaws living within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.

To get your copy, call (866) 466-1861. You can also get a directory by emailing your request to Joy Barrick at joy. barrick@chickasaw.net, or mailing your request to Chickasaw Nation, P.O. Box 1548, Ada, OK 74821.

As soon as you get your directory, read it from cover to cover to find programs and services for which you are eligible. Each program and service has at least one phone number associated with it.

If you have problems contacting a representative for the program or have any questions about your eligibility or the program that cannot be answered by the representative, feel free to call me.

My email address is katie.case@chickasaw.net and my home phone number is (580) 421-9390.

Also, please share all your cost saving ideas with me so that I can pass them along.

Together, as a Chickasaw family, we will meet this challenge and not only survive, but thrive.

Respectfully, Katie