Oklahoma: A Story Through Her People

ecause the revenues of tribal businesses are
reinvested in ways that enhance business
opportunities across the state and support
the health and well-being of Chickasaws and
other Oklahomans.
As part of efforts to diversify its business
operations, the Chickasaw Nation is in the
midst of an initiative to develop tourism
facilities. Much of the impact of that initiative
can be seen in Sulphur, Davis, and other
parts of Murray County.
A core part of that initiative is the
Chickasaw Cultural Center near Sulphur.
Since it opened in July 2010 more than
300,000 visitors from around the world have
flocked to the cultural center to experience
Chickasaw history and culture.
Other new venues in Murray County
include the Artesian Hotel, Bedré Fine
Chocolate factory, ARTesian art gallery,
Chickasaw Travel Stop, Chickasaw Welcome
Center, Chickasaw Visitor Center, as well as
the Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center.
“Tourism has long been a major part of
the Oklahoma economy and we believe these
new facilities could play a significant role
in Murray County’s efforts to increase tourism
in this part of the state,” said Governor
Anoatubby. “The original Artesian Hotel
was the centerpiece of the community for
decades and it is easy to see how this
new hotel could complement all the wonderful
tourism opportunities this area has
to offer.”
These new facilities are part of the larger
tourism initiative the tribe is undertaking
throughout the state. Other efforts to increase
tourism in Oklahoma include expansion of
casinos, renovation of Remington Park, the
restoration of the Chickasaw Capitol in
Tishomingo and the White House in Emet as
well as restoration of the historic McSwain
Theatre in Ada.
As one of the largest industries in
Oklahoma, tourism impacts businesses from
hotels to restaurants, convenience stores,
retail businesses, antique shops and farmers’
markets, to name a few.
“We believe this investment will benefit
the economy far into the future, because
tourism has a significant ripple effect,” said
Governor Anoatubby. “Beyond the economic
impact, we believe these new facilities will
help enhance the sense of pride that comes
along with being an Oklahoman.”
Access to quality healthcare is another
area where the Chickasaw Nation is making
a major contribution to the quality of life of
all Oklahomans.
In 1987 the Indian Health Service operated
Carl Albert Indian Health Facility in Ada,
along with two health clinics, one
in Tishomingo and one in Ardmore.
Today, the tribe compacts with
the federal government to operate
the entire health system, which
was formerly administered by the
Indian Health Service. One of the
most visible signs of that contribution
is the Chickasaw Nation
Medical Center, which opened in
July 2010. At 370,000 square feet,
the state-of-the-art healthcare facility
is almost triple the size of the
Top, left: bedré Café.
Top, right: The bedré Fine Chocolate
Factory interior.
Above: The bedré Fine Chocolate
Factory exterior.
Below: The Artesian Hotel.
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