The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is hosting the Five Civilized Tribes Inter-Tribal Council Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at the Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant. The Inter-Tribal Council reinstated its quarterly meetings last year to better address Native American issues.

“The Inter-Tribal Council is one of the oldest organizations in Indian Country,” said Chief Gregory E. Pyle. “The unified effort of members of the council and delegates of the five tribes is important in our communication on a state and a federal level.”

On Thursday, committee meetings will focus on various subjects. Representatives from the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Seminole, and Muscogee-Creek Nations will discuss ways to improve such things as cultural preservation, tourism, roads and transportation, housing, education, and social services.

The Inter-Tribal Council’s General Session begins at 9 a.m. Friday in the conference room of the casino. The executive council will welcome representatives from several agencies such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and Indian Health Service. The chiefs will address the audience, providing updates on their respective tribes.

The information shared during the two-day event forges the tribes together in their efforts to provide a better future for tribal members and their communities, as well as working as liaisons with government entities around the country.