This special episode brings Brad Clonch and Quin Tran to Tishomingo, Oklahoma to share highlights from the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival, which brings tribal citizens from across the U.S. to gather in Chickasaw Country.

The Chickasaw Cycling Club made history with an inaugural Homeland Removal Ride, cycling nearly 60 miles per day to retrace the steps of Chickasaw ancestors during Removal. The emotional 11-day journey began in Mississippi and concluded in time to share in the week’s festivities.

Governor Anoatubby's opened his State of the Nation address honoring the tribal ancestors who paved the way. From generation to generation, the bond remains strong among Chickasaw people. "Each of you are part of the progress of the great unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw Nation. This nation is united and is thriving because of the perseverance of our people," he proclaimed. Governor Anoatubby supports this by reporting that net assets grew more than 12% from last year and now exceed more than $7 million.

From this year's Sulphur tornado response and restoration efforts to new housing developments for veterans, expansions in healthcare, food and educational programs for children, home improvement grants and additional resources for Chickasaw elders, the Nation continues to work to meet the needs of its citizens and make a positive impact on its communities.

"The greatest investments of all without hesitation or doubt are the investments we make in the Chickasaw people," Anoatubby emphasizes before announcing the Nation will increase direct programs and services by more than $25 million in fiscal year 2025.

JoAnn Ellis received this year's Silver Feather Award for her dedication to promoting and preserving Chickasaw culture for future generations. Ellis is a fluent Chickasaw speaker and author of two cookbooks published by the Chickasaw Press.

Brad and Quin go on to introduce members of the Long-Term Care Program led by Director Shelly McClendon. The program lends a hand to senior citizens, which includes a medical alert program offering peace of mind for their families.

Also featured are three new members of Chickasaw royalty crowned during the Meeting's Chickasaw Princess Pageant. Cheyanne Arkansas, 23, was crowned Chickasaw Princess. Channa Greenwood, 14, was crowned Chickasaw Junior Princess. Eliorah Wright, 8, was crowned Little Miss Chickasaw.

The annual Gathering of Our People came to a close with a special music tribute from Jordan Rainer, who performed her latest song "We are Chickasaw."

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