Chickasaw Nation leader highlights housing as pillar of sovereignty

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said expanding access to affordable housing is central to tribal sovereignty and self-determination, according to Chickasaw Times. Anoatubby made the remarks at the National American Indian Housing Council’s 2025 Legal Symposium held Nov. 17–20 in Durant, Oklahoma. He said housing programs reflect a tribe’s ability to govern, manage resources and plan for the future.

Anoatubby outlined Chickasaw Nation initiatives that include home construction, down-payment and closing-cost assistance, home improvement grants, accessibility modifications for elders and housing counseling, according to Chickasaw Times. He said the Nation has provided housing since the 1960s and expanded programs following the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act. Anoatubby also cited Chickasaw Community Bank’s role in supporting homeownership through partnerships with tribes, housing authorities and federal partners, according to Chickasaw Times.