Caddo Nation Successfully Hosts Leadership Native Oklahoma Program

Small Tribe, Big Impact: How the Caddo Nation Impressed 45 Emerging Native Leaders. Leadership Native Oklahoma Members take a tour of the Caddo Nation Childcare Center.

BINGER, OK – The Caddo Nation made history on April 28, 2025, as the proud host of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma's Leadership Native Oklahoma program at the Caddo Nation Tribal Headquarters. The prestigious five-month leadership development course selected the Caddo Nation as one of only five tribal nations to showcase their economic development initiatives, cultural heritage, and governance structures to 45 emerging Native American leaders from across Indian Country.

The day-long event brought together 62 participants, including representatives from the American Indian Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Native Oklahoma participants, and Caddo Nation leadership. The program specifically seeks to expose participants to smaller, yet active and impactful tribes, making the Caddo Nation's selection particularly meaningful.

Building Bridges Through Cultural Exchange

The event opened with welcoming remarks from American Indian Chamber of Commerce President William Lowe and LNO Lead Ayla Medrano, followed by a traditional opening prayer and welcome from Caddo Nation Princess Kendall Howell and Vice-Chairman Kelly Factor. Kay O'Neal, Fort Cobb Representative, provided the opening prayer, setting a tone of respect and cultural awareness for the day's proceedings.

Caddo hymns sung by two Caddo Youth

The morning featured a comprehensive cultural awareness presentation led by an LNO guest consultant, followed by an impressive lineup of Caddo Nation leadership presentations. Tribal Administrator Travis Threlkeld served as moderator for presentations by Director Lauran French (Childcare), Director Kathy Butler (ICW/Social Services), and Director Josh Worcester (EPA). The session concluded with a presentation by CNEDA Vice-President Zackery Kelin on the multi-institutional approach to nation building through CNEDA's portfolio of companies.

Showcasing Innovation and Tradition

Grape Dumplings, a Caddo dish, was served as part of the traditional Caddo meal for visitors.

One of the event's highlights was the traditional Caddo lunch, prepared and served by Caddo Nation members under the guidance of Chairman Bobby Gonzalez. This cultural meal provided participants with an authentic taste of Caddo heritage while demonstrating the Nation's commitment to preserving and sharing its cultural traditions.

Leadership Native Oklahoma members and Caddo Nation Tribal Administrator Travis Threlkeld board the charter bus to visit Caddo new owned and operated Caddo businesses!

The afternoon charter bus tour showcased the Caddo Nation's diverse economic development initiatives and community facilities. Participants visited Arrowood Construction's innovative MASS designed childcare facility in Hinton, McKee's Indian Store featuring traditional and contemporary Caddo crafts, George's Department Store, convenience stores and gas stations in Gracemont and Binger, and the tribe's most recent acquisition, the historic movie theater in Anadarko, OK formerly known as "The Redskin Theater." The Caddo Nation plans to change the name to the Warrior Theater – a powerful example of cultural and economic reclamation.

Members of the Leadership Native Oklahoma pose for a post tour photo outside the Caddo Nation Childcare Center.

Leadership Native Oklahoma group tour the new Caddo Nation Childcare Center.

Economic Development Without Gaming Revenue

The Caddo Nation's ability to host such a comprehensive and impressive program particularly resonated with participants, as many noted the Nation's innovative approach to economic development without relying on casino revenue. The Nation's diverse business portfolio, including construction, retail, convenience stores, and cultural enterprises, demonstrates alternative pathways to tribal economic success.

Visitors on the site tour talk with members of Caddo Nation's Arrowood Kakinah Construction crew.

"This was an honor for our Nation," said Vice-Chairman Kelly Factor. "Being selected alongside larger tribes shows that innovation and dedication to our people's wellbeing transcends the size of our Nation or our revenue sources."

The event successfully achieved its goals of increased visibility for the hard work of the Caddo Nation, networking opportunities with professionals from various tribal nations, and cultural exchange that benefits both participants and the broader Native American community.

The Leadership Native Oklahoma program continues its mission to develop emerging Native American leaders by providing exposure to diverse approaches to tribal governance, economic development, and cultural preservation. The Caddo Nation's successful hosting of this program reinforces its position as a forward-thinking tribal nation making significant contributions to Indian Country.

American Indian Chamber of Commerce President William Lowe and Caddo Nation Chairman Bobby Gonzalez shake hands among members of Leadership Native Oklahoma and Caddo Nation Council Members Kay O'Neal and Verna Whitebead Castillo.