News, Media & Events: Choctaw Nation Of Oklahoma

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today the appointment of 16 new members and 3 returning members to the agency's National Advisory Council. For the first time in the council’s history, a Tribal representative was appointed as council chair.

November marks National Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity for every person in the nation to reflect on our shared nation’s history and honor the Tribal Nations and tribal citizens who called this land home long before the United States became a country. This National Native American Heritage Month, FEMA is celebrating a “year of firsts,” with the appointment of the agency’s first-ever National Tribal Affairs Advocate, the release of the agency’s first-ever National Tribal Strategy, the first National Advisory Council meeting in Indian Country and the first tribal citizen to hold the position of council chair in FEMA history.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell traveled to Durant, Oklahoma, inside the Choctaw Nation reservation this week, where she attended the National Advisory Council year-end meeting, toured the Choctaw Nation’s headquarters and participated in social dancing, showcasing the rich culture and history of the Choctaw people.