Choctaw Nation brings more than $3.2 billion impact to Oklahoma in 2021

BY CRYSTAL BURNEZKY-ROBERTSON reporter@madillrecord.net

The Choctaw Nation held an Economic Impact Summit Thursday, March 14, at the Cultural Center in Durant. The 2021 Economic Impact Summit provided a look at the Nation’s impact on the economy of Oklahoma in 2021.

The report was presented by Dr. Kyle Dean, Ph.D, a professional economist who analyzes economic data for businesses, governments, non-profit leaders and tribes. Dean is an economist and director at the Center for Native American and Urban Studies at Oklahoma City University. He noted that the Choctaw Nation is a significant contributor to the state of Oklahoma.

“With its remarkable $3.2 billion impact, the Choctaw Nation is one of the most significant contributors to economic prosperity in Oklahoma,” Dean said. “Through innovative enterprises and steadfast commitment to community, the Nation not only fortifies its own future but also significantly contributes to the economic fabric of communities throughout southeastern Oklahoma and the state.”

The report presented showed that the Choctaw Nation is the third largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 225k tribal members and 12k plus in associates. During 2021, the Nation had an economic impact of $3.2 billion for the state of Oklahoma.

They provided 20k jobs and $1 billion in wages and benefits paid to Oklahomans in 2021. They invested $11 million in Oklahoma highways and roads and helped to recycle 4.8 million pounds of waste.

Through the Choctaw Community Partnership Fund and the Choctaw Development Fund, the Nation contributed $3.5 million in grants to cities, towns and counties to help support infrastructure upgrades and repairs, sustainability and economic development. The Nation was able to help families by providing 92 new homes; of which 40 were Lease to Purchase (LEAP), 12 for independent elderly, and another 40 for affordable rental.

They were able to contribute funding for education to 10,410 college scholarships with a total of $10.8 million awarded. They provide Child Care and Choctaw Head Start programs for 708 Oklahoman children.

Dean added that the partnerships are an integral part of making it work.

“Continued partnerships between the Choctaw Nation and local communities are crucial for the survival and prosperity of rural areas in southeastern Oklahoma, serving as a cornerstone for sustainable development and mutual growth in the region.”

Through these efforts in 2021, the Nation was able to provide flu shots to more than 9,000 people and provided prescriptions for 1.5 million patients. Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton expressed his enthusiasm about the report and the difference the Nation makes in the lives of those not only a tribal member but non-tribal members as well. “Today is a celebration of our Culture,” Batton said. “We have always been giving people and we will continue to give. We have to invest in our communities. If they don’t grow, our tribe is unable to grow.”

Batton said he takes great responsibility and pride in being the Choctaw Nation leader.

“I take great responsibility as the leader of our government and I think people, hopefully, understand that we are a sovereign nation, we are a government,” Batton said. “We take it very seriously and we are going to continue to do our part to grow the Choctaw Nation and grow the entire state of Oklahoma.”