Lisa Billy Videos

A former small business owner and educator at the University of Oklahoma, Rep. Lisa Billy, a decorated Chickasaw, now serves in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Lisa is an extremely family-oriented person and has raised her family with a rich knowledge of the Chickasaw heritage. Below, learn more about Lisa and her strong traditions.

21 Items

Mother and Representative

Lisa Billy
Lisa Billy says the biggest challenge to her credibility has been being a "housewife" and mother.

First Female Native American Congresswoman in District

Lisa Billy
Lisa Billy is not only the first female congressman in her district— she is also the first Indian.

My Faith

Lisa Billy
Lisa describes how her faith keeps her strong, and gives her wisdom.

Passions in Legislature

Lisa Billy
Chief among Lisa Billy's priorities in the legislature are two things.

Storytelling to Overcome Stereotypes

Lisa Billy
Lisa Billy recollects unsettling memories of childhood stereotypes she and other Native American children endured in school.

Thanksgiving: Storytelling from a Native Perspective

Lisa Billy
Thanksgiving, while celebrated as an American holiday, can be attributed to the accepting Indian tribes who welcomed the pilgrims to their land.

Finding Peace on My Land

Lisa Billy
For Lisa Billy and her family, being outside on the land is about more than getting some fresh air.

Keeping the Chickasaw Language Current

Lisa Billy
Lisa Billy describes how she enjoys being both a student and a teacher of Chickasaw.

Chickasaws As Spiritual People

Lisa Billy
Chickasaws have always had a strong spiritual connection with the Creator, noted by missionaries who lived among them.

Importance of My Native Language

Lisa Billy
When Lisa Billy's children reached school age, she knew they would never be taught the history of their own people if they went to public school.

Teaching Children to Live from the Land

Lisa Billy
Lisa Billy has made it a priority to teach her children to live from the land in the way of their ancestors.

My First Pair of Earrings

Lisa Billy
Lisa Billy describes her excitement when she received the first pair of earrings crafted by her grandmother.

The Importance of Storytelling

Lisa Billy
Lisa Billy received a history lesson that, to her, became a testament to the perseverance and grit of those who came before her.

Strength of My Grandmother

Lisa Billy
From state meetings to picking cotton, work has always been a family affair for the Billys — especially for the strong matriarchs.

Enduring Spirit of Chickasaw People

Lisa Billy
A spirit of enduring, a spirit of adaptiveness ... these are the phrases Lisa Billy uses to describe Chickasaw people.

Lessons of a Father

Lisa Billy
As far back as Lisa Billy can remember, her father placed a high value on education.

Overcoming Obstacles

Lisa Billy
Though the career of any public official is filled with challenges, Lisa Billy's Chickasaw heritage keeps her from being discouraged.

Influence of Motherhood

Lisa Billy
Even when Lisa Billy is at the capitol and her children are in school, she is still heavily influenced by her role as a mother.

Typical Day in My Life

Lisa Billy
Lisa Billy's job sometimes requires her to work 14- and 15-hour days, but she always makes spending time with her family a priority.

The Influence of Chickasaw Women

Lisa Billy
Lisa Billy was surrounded by strong Chickasaw women whose examples served to reinforce the idea that she was every bit as capable as her male peers.

Overcoming Labels in Politics

Lisa Billy
Campaigning door to door, Lisa Billy came to the harsh realization that in politics, it was still very much a man's world.