Tribal Leader’s Diabetes Committee met May 14-15, 2008 in Washington DC in our efforts to assure that there is continued funding for the many diabetes programs that are offered in Indian country. I am writing to encourage you to become an advocate in the fight against diabetes. Taking action in the fight against diabetes is easy. You can get involved with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in their efforts to increase funding for diabetic research and prevention programs. To get involved with the ADA, visit their web site at: http://advocacy.diabetes.org. This web site will direct you to the “Become a Diabetes Advocate” link.
Since the balanced Balanced Budget Act of 1997 was passed appropriating special moneys for diabetes in Indian country, much progress has been made. The TLDC strategitezed ways to advocate for this continued funding. The most important thing that we can do is tell our story and contact those who can make a difference. You are the ones that I am contacting. You can contact your congressional representatives in Washington D.C. and asked for the continued funding of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians.
What we are learning as we improve the health care for our tribes has become beneficial for all races with diabetes. Diabetes is a growing problem throughout the world, and especially among indigenous peoples. I recently had the opportunity to conduct education programs with the indigenous people of Belize, Toledo district, Central American. They are probably about 20 years behind where we are with their rates of diabetes. Be watching for a future article where I will feature this trip.
If I could give you an assignment, it would be to spread the awareness of diabetes and its complications to your family members so that we can help in halting this disease. Information is liberating. Action is imperative. Losing 10 pounds, staying active, and eating healthy food choices are three powerful steps that you can take toward preventing diabetes. For those diagnosed with diabetes, these three simple steps can also help in preventing complications. Join the team. Fight diabetes.
Posted by Judy Goforth Parker under
Chickasaw Legislature Leave a Comment
Today was a special day in the Chickasaw Nation, as is every day for that matter. We broke ground on the new Legislative and Judicial buildings. I called them offices, but I think that they will be much more than that. The growth that has taken place in the Legislative and Judicial branches of the Chickasaw Nation is second to none.
The new buildings will be constructed in Ada just North of the Chickasaw Nation Headquarters. We are a part of the Headquarters campus. Sherry Bellefeuille-Gordon, Chief Justice of the Chickasaw Nation addressed the crowd today pointing out that when she first was elected as a judge for the Nation, the judicial branch was located on the campus of Murray State College, Tishomingo, Oklahoma. The Judicial branch moved to Ada four years ago. Chief Bellefeuille-Gordon stated that more than 3,000 cases have been tried in our tribal courts.
Chairperseon Linda Briggs reflected on the process that the Legislature took in writing the Criminal Code for the Chickasaw Nation. I remember that as well. For about two years, we met in Sulphur at the Motor Lodge on Wednesday nights, going through the code line by line. Chairperson Briggs spoke of the growth and progress that has taken place in the Nation as we continue to work for the Chickasaw people.
Governor Anoatubby was in fine form as he addressed the crowd and our guests. Guests included several local officials, tribal employees, and tribal members. Our emcee, Deanna Hartly Kelso, was not deterred by the wind that whipped around the tent or the very long train whistle that caused us to take a short pause. I hope that you will look at the pictures that I took of this special event. The flag should give you an idea of just how windy it really was.
Actual dirt work will begin Monday, May 5, 2008. What that will do for me is give me one more building to take pictures of so that you can watch it grow. Join me as I photograph this historic event for you over the next year. You can watch from my point of view, and before you know it, we will be having another ribbon cutting.
