Beth Alexander Chickasaw Tribal Legislature

This year is moving by fast. For Chickasaw Citizens there are many events on the horizon. On May 31, there will be a gathering/ picnic in Santee, California for those of you who live in that area. The meeting will be hosted by Chickasaw West. Contact Sharon Tandy (818) 985-8392 or tandysharon@yahoo.com.  I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Last month, there was a cultural gathering in Waco, Texas. Beading, basket making and language demonstrations were conducted, as well as, performances by the Chickasaw Nation Dance Troupe. Not only did I visit Waco, but I was able to attend a joint meeting of the Central and South Texas Chickasaw Community Councils held in San Marcos. The citizens voiced their concerns, asked questions and were interested in learning more about our role as Legislators.

Over the last several months, I have enjoyed sharing on genealogy and family, but would like to spend a little time on the history and role of the Chickasaw Nation Government, particularly the Legislative Branch. Our Tribe consists of three branches of government. The Executive Branch (Governor/Lt. Governor), the Judicial Branch (3 Judges), and the Legislative Branch (13 Legislators).

All of these are elected positions and while in office, the officials must reside in the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation. Legislators must reside in the District in which they are elected to represent. In the history of the Chickasaw Nation to date, there have been 4 different constitutions. 1856, 1867, 1979 and 1983. The last Constitution in 1983 derived from a vote of the people (referendum vote) over 10 specific differences between the 1867 and 1979 constitutions. In Article VI, Section 1-6 of the 1983 Constitution, the Legislative Department guidelines are listed. One aspect of the “New” 1983 Constitution provided the Nation with 13 tribal lawmakers and redefined 4 definite boundaries for Legislative districts. It states in Section 2, that members of the Legislature must be citizens of the Nation, reside in the Nation’s boundaries for at least one year and within their respective district for at least 6 months prior to election into office. One final thing, they must be registered to vote and be at least 25 years of age to serve. Positions are voted on every 3 years = 1 term. The elections are staggered so that not all positions are up for re-election at the same time. Currently, there are no term limits for any of the elected positions in the Tribe. One last interesting fact for this month-Did you know that in 1983 there were only 3,731 registered voters and currently there are now approximately 22,000 registered voters? Are you one of them?

May the Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 Beth Alexander P.O.Box 246 Achille, Ok. 73720 (580) 283-3409 bethalexander22@hotmail.com