Two ground-breaking events have been held in Choctaw Nation this month, for a Chili’s restaurant in Atoka and two new facilities in Smithville.
New projects for job creation and tribal services celebrated in Atoka and Smithville
By Zach Maxwell
Choctaw Nation
Smithville, Okla. - Expansion of Choctaw Nation facilities is continuing into the summer – even if Mother Nature is being less than cooperative.
Recent heavy rainfall across Choctaw Country is filling lakes and tearing up roads, as well as dealing minor setbacks for various projects around the Choctaw Nation.
But that’s not stopping the progress. Ground-breaking ceremonies this month have been held for a Chili’s restaurant in Atoka as well as elder housing and a wellness center in Smithville.
It is all part of the Choctaw Nation’s 100-year vision to improve facilities, resources and job opportunities for its 173,000 members – 41,000 of whom live in rural southeastern Oklahoma.
“We’re looking at creating 30 to 40 jobs here in Atoka. They are desperately needed,” said Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation, at the Chili’s ground-breaking on May 8. “And we’re continuing to look for more ways to partner with the city of Atoka.”
Atoka Mayor Bob Frederick called the new restaurant an “amazing” new asset for his city.
“Choctaws see the potential here, look at this highway,” he said, pointing to a busy U.S. Highway 69/75 in front of the construction site. “All these people could be stopping here to eat. It’s just amazing that this is happening for Atoka.”
A Chili’s restaurant is also planned for Poteau. Both cities straddle major highways but have been overlooked by national sit-down eateries until this partnership between Chili’s and the Choctaw Nation.
Meanwhile, the tribe is investing $2.8 million in Smithville for an eight-unit independent housing complex for elders, as well as a 1,300-square-foot wellness center. The latter will include various forms of exercise equipment and will be attached to the existing District 3 Community Center.
Councilman Kenny Bryant said these additions were all part of a vision started 20 years ago by previous tribal leaders. The leaders of today are following through on those promises, he said.
“The Chief and Council are getting these things, great things for Smithville,” Bryant said at the May 19 ground-breaking. “It’s a great day for Smithville.”
The town of a few hundred souls is a half-hour drive from commercial centers of Broken Bow and Mena, Ark., nestled in a pocket among the thickly-wooded hills of northern McCurtain County. Opportunities are few and far between, and a public water system just went into service this year.
Many Smithville area residents are full-blooded Choctaw elders who either have lived in the area all their lives or returned home after seeking jobs elsewhere. The eight housing units will be located adjacent to the community center, offering ease of access to it and the new wellness center.
New facilities underway or set to open soon include a casino expansion and a larger clinic in Durant, independent senior housing and a Travel Plaza in Stigler, several service facilities in McAlester and a food distribution center in Broken Bow.