Governor Bill Anoatubby begins his State of the Nation address with a tribute to former Chickasaw Nation Governor Overton James , who passed away on September 15, 2015. Governor James was instrumental in helping establish the Nation's sovereignty in the 20th century. Governor Anoatubby goes on to say that the financial position of the tribe is strong and is getting even stronger. And after nearly a decade of litigation between the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations and the United States government, a settlement has finally been reached. At issue was the disposition of more than a million acres of Choctaw/Chickasaw forestlands; ultimately, the proper value was received, and the Nations have agreed to settle the case for $186 million (of which the Chickasaw Nation will receive $46.5 million). Governor Anoatubby also notes the success of the new Chickasaw Nation license plates in the state of Oklahoma.