Purcell Health Clinic celebrates two decades of service
PURCELL, Okla. – The 20th anniversary of the Chickasaw Nation Purcell Health Clinic will be commemorated during late October festivities.
The event is set for 2:30 p.m., Oct. 31 at the Purcell Area Service Center campus, 1438 Hardcastle Blvd.
The Purcell Health Clinic opened its doors Oct. 6, 2004. The original 10,086-square-foot clinic brought outpatient general and family practice medicine, laboratory testing, pharmacy and ultrasound exams to Chickasaw and First Americans in the Purcell area.
“Quality health care services are provided every day to those we serve,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said at the 2004 grand opening. “With the new Purcell clinic, patients will receive quality care while reducing travel time.”
Health care has been a long-standing top priority for the Chickasaw Nation, and opening the health clinic at Purcell in 2004 was part of a strategic plan to build medical facilities every 35 miles within Chickasaw Nation treaty territory.
The Chickasaw Nation also operates health clinics in Ada, Ardmore and Tishomingo.
In 2017, Governor Anoatubby led a ribbon cutting ceremony for a trio of Chickasaw Nation facilities in Purcell – the Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center, Purcell Area Office and a 13,000- square-foot addition to the health clinic.
The clinic expansion was needed to accommodate the growing number of patient visits as well as space to provide new services including medical imaging, pediatrics and physical therapy. Laboratory, pharmacy and primary care services were expanded with the addition. Four new exam rooms and nine new dental operatories, to provide dental services at the Purcell Clinic, were added in the expansion.
“This renovation and addition to the clinic will offer closer access to services for Chickasaw citizens and others who live in this region,” Governor Anoatubby said in 2017.
The Purcell Clinic served more than 10,007 patients in fiscal year 2024, striving to improve the overall health of the area residents.
Governor Anoatubby said the Chickasaw Nation and Purcell have a long history together.
“We still work together today and maintain a great partnership. Services we offer here help us meet our mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people,” he said.
In the past 20 years, Chickasaw Nation programs and services in Purcell have expanded to include a senior center, a wellness center, an area office, nutrition and outpatient services. Growth in services has led to a surge in local employment opportunities, as well.
In 2004, the Purcell Health Clinic employed a staff of 16 including a physician, a registered nurse and a pharmacy clerk. In 2024, the number of employees is 98.
The Purcell Health Clinic 20th anniversary celebration is open to the public.
For more information, visit ChickasawNationHealth.net or call (405) 527-4700.
Choctaw Nation Honors Native November with Month-long Celebration
DURANT, Okla. – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a month-long series of cultural, informative and fun activities for all ages. Native November honors Indigenous people's rich and diverse cultures, traditions and histories while recognizing their invaluable contributions to the United States and communities.
"Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture that connects us all," said Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton. "This month and throughout the year, we honor the traditions, heritage and stories of our ancestors. We remember those who fought for our sovereignty, ensuring that their legacy and language are passed down to future generations."
Throughout November, CNO will host various events and workshops, providing an opportunity for tribal members and the public to learn about the Choctaw Nation. CNO intends to raise awareness of Indigenous people's historical and current challenges, fostering understanding and appreciation.
The celebration will kick off on Nov. 1 with the highly anticipated Annual Choctaw Pow-Wow, followed by various workshops, activities, and virtual opportunities throughout the month. Full information is available on the event’s website: https://choctawculturalcenter.com/powwow.
All Native November events are open to the public, with most offering free admission. This provides an opportunity for individuals from all walks of life to experience the Native American culture and gain a deeper understanding of its significance. A few highlights of the month include:
Nov. 2 - OU Native American Heritage Appreciation Day: Native American culture will be highlighted during the University of Oklahoma vs. Maine football game. For discounted tickets, visit this https://soonersports.evenue.net/promotions and use promo code: NATIVE
Nov. 9 - Community Premiere of “Drowned Land” at The District at Choctaw Casino & Resort - Durant
Nov. 9 - Glow in the Dark Stickball Demonstration at the Choctaw Cultural Center
Nov. 19 - Red Shawl Day: Wear red to raise awareness and draw attention to missing or murdered Indigenous people
Visit https://www.choctawnation.com/about/native-november/ the Choctaw Nation's social media platforms for a complete list of activities and details about how to join the Choctaw Nation in celebrating Native American Heritage Month.
Four Mothers Collective Presents Group Exhibition Ripple in Traditions Opening November 7 at Positive Space
Presented by Four Mothers Collective, Ripple in Traditions, co-curated by Carly Treece, Rae Riggs and Brittany Bendabout, examines the significance of traditions and how they are passed down through generations, where the act of transmission is not merely passive but an active force shaping cultures and identities. With the concept of the ripple effect, traditions echo through time. Their impact evolves, while their origins remain the same. Each piece of art is a narrative carrying ancestral wisdom, customs and heritage forward to the next generation. Through the diverse mediums and stories in this exhibit, the artists explore the intricate bonds that bind kinship and collective memory.
Artists: Dana Tiger, Christie Tiger, Kalyn Barnoski, Jessi Sands, Raelee Fourkiller, Raychelle Shabi, Andrea Day, Aaliyah Wahwassuck, Okcate Smith McCommas, Jaime Misenheimer, Bayley Ross, Elizabeth Henley, Bradley Dry, Jessie Haase, Loren K. Waters, Rykelle Kemp, Brittany Postoak, Rae Riggs, Brittany Bendabout and Carly Treece.
Ripple in Traditions, presented by Four Mothers Collective, opens 5-9pm, Thursday, November 7, 2024, and will continue through Saturday, November 23. Gallery hours during the exhibit: Thurs, 6-8pm; Fri, 5-9pm; Sat, 12pm-5pm and by appointment.
Film Screening: Opening night will also include the documentary ᏗᏂᏠᎯ ᎤᏪᏯ (Meet Me at the Creek) by Loren K. Waters. Meet Me at the Creek tells a story of interconnectedness and Cherokee values through the lifelong fight of Rebecca Jim, a Cherokee Nation citizen and Waterkeeper Warrior, as she leads the effort to restore Tar Creek located in Miami, OK.
Four Mothers Collective is an art collective founded and run by Indigenous Women, dedicated to addressing the systemic barriers and lack of representation that BIPOC women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals face in the art world. These groups often encounter limited access to resources, professional development opportunities, and platforms for showcasing their work. Their goal is to create inclusive spaces where these communities can express themselves, connect, and thrive creatively and professionally.
Positive Space Tulsa is located at 1324 East 3rd Street in the Pearl District. Positive Space Tulsa was founded by local artist Nicole Finley (she/her). An art space dedicated to Womxn artists - the first and only in Oklahoma - Positive Space Tulsa believes: The letter “x” in Womxn recognizes all women, including gender expansive identities.
Positive Space Tulsa is for women, nonbinary, genderfluid, genderqueer, and agender artists (excluding those who identify as male/men). Womxn is pronounced the same as woman or women.
IndigenoUS Class launches empowerment series on November 1st
Tailored to Indigenous nations, IndigenoUS Class is specifically designed with tribal leaders in mind, to enhance the lives of its citizens, by equipping them with the most current success stories in Indian Country.
This series is about empowering our Native communities with knowledge, mentorship, and the tools for self-discovery and professional growth through a culturally relevant lens. With new content being added every month, the investment into our people keeps on giving.
Native Oklahoma magazine attended the launch party for this innovative learning series last month at First Americans Museum. Caleb and Jill McDaniel are the powerhouse couple behind this new creative platform and the curators of its content. The courses are crafted by Natives for Natives and is 100% Native owned.
The McDaniels are passionate about fostering an authentic learning experience that combines the wisdom of our ancestors with the most current success stories across Indian Country.
IndigenoUS Class is the first and only platform dedicated to showcasing successes and education developed from within our communities, focusing on both professional development and personal growth. Self-discovery is more than just finding oneself. It's about connecting with our roots, our culture, and our community's enduring legacy. These stories will hopefully shape the future for our youth as well. Take a deep dive into this opportunity to make a multigenerational investment into the people of our tribes.
IndigenoUS Class debuts on November 1st with courses such as Media & Communications, Cultural Heritage & Skills, and Safety & Awareness. Three classes will be available upon its launch, with monthly courses to follow.
To learn more about this new learning outlet, or to become a sponsor, visit indigenousclass.com
