A former tribal governor, a tribal elder dedicated to preserving Chickasaw culture, a state representative and a former tribal legislator will be inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame 6:30 p.m. today at Riverwind Casino.
Honorees are the late Winchester Colbert, state Rep. Ray McCarter, Gene Underwood and Juanita Tate. Lisa Billy, a Chickasaw who represents District 41 in the Oklahoma House, will serve as master of ceremonies.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby will participate in the induction ceremonies.
"Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to the Chickasaw Nation and to the larger community," said Gov. Anoatubby. "It is our privilege to honor these individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others."
The late Winchester Colbert distinguished himself as a tribal leader and diplomat during tumultuous times in the mid 19th century.
He helped draft the Treaty of 1855, which restored the status of the Chickasaw Nation as a separate entity from the Choctaw Nation.
In 1856 he served as a member of the first Chickasaw legislature. In 1858 he became the second elected governor of the Chickasaw Nation. He served two more terms as governor from 1862 to 1866.
Ray Gene McCarter has served as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 1996. As representative of District 51, he has served as assistant majority floor leader.
He also has served on numerous committees, including Education, Energy and Technology, Public Safety, International Economic Development, Veteran's and Military Affairs.
After serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, he earned a doctorate in education. His career in education included time as a teacher, coach, referee and school administrator.
Juanita Tate, a 97-year-old resident of Ardmore, has been active in tribal affairs all her adult life.
An avid genealogist since 1961, she has done extensive study of her family history. One result of that study is a recently completed biography of her great-grandfather and noted Chickasaw leader Edmund Pickens.
The biography will soon be published by the Chickasaw Press.
Gene Underwood served three terms as a member of the Chickasaw Legislature from 1983 through 1992.
He also has served as a member of the Chickasaw Nation Wildlife Commission.
Family and Chickasaw culture are very important to him. When his son Dennis and brothers Ted and Chet began building an authentic replica of an early 18th century dugout canoe, Gene joined the family project.
Hall of Fame inductees will make a red carpet entrance at 6 p.m. and a Native-themed banquet will begin at 6:30.
Due to the tremendous response to the event, names are being taken for a waiting list. More information is available by calling Brian Cooke at 580-559-0781 or e-mail brian.cooke@chickasaw.net.?
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