Caddo Nation: Swearing In Ceremony at Membership Meeting & Community Events
- aorcutt8
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
This month, the Caddo Nation held a productive membership meeting attended by engaged community members who chose to participate. The gathering provided an important update on upcoming events, including the challenges faced due to budget cuts and how the Nation plans to move forward. Attendees also revisited the remarkable achievements of becoming a Sovereign Nation and what that status means for the Caddo people, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to strengthen our sovereignty.
Recent findings concerning oil and gas exploration within Caddo jurisdiction were discussed, along with strategic plans to advance this critical resource development, promising new economic opportunities for our community. The Election Board shared valuable information about the latest election processes and offered insights on how community members can support and improve future elections.
The meeting included a heartfelt farewell message from Chairman Gonzalez to the now-former OKC representative Jennifer Wilson. She was honored with a Pendleton blanket and thanked sincerely for her long-standing achievements and dedicated service as a member of the Council and as the representative for the Caddo Nation in the OKC region.
Stacey Halfmoon who is the Project Coordinator for the Caddo Constitution Commission provided an update on the efforts of the Constitution Commission, introducing the Council appointed citizens, Jim Cussen, Shannon Freeman, Lauren Toho-Murrow Haupt, Amy Heath, Tracey Newkumet, Darcie Parsons, Becky Quinlan, and Tabatha Wright. Stacey highlighted the importance of community input and collaboration to ensure the success of ongoing initiatives. More information regarding the Caddo Constitution Commission can be found on https://mycaddonation.com/constitution-project.
The meeting culminated with the historic swearing-in of respected community leaders: Bobby Gonzalez continuing his role as the Caddo Nation Chairman, Verna Castillo as Treasurer, Brittany Habbart as the newest council member and OKC representative, and Anita Pewerdy as a new hearing board member.
Following the formal proceedings, all attendees gathered at the casino hall, where various Caddo Nation departments hosted informational booths. Community members had the opportunity to learn about each department’s roles and contributions to the Nation’s welfare. The event also featured a delicious lunch and a variety of activities for children, fostering a fun and inclusive summer celebration.
Additionally, the Caddo Nation Child Care Department hosted its first Back-to-School Readiness event, providing school supplies and information to help families prepare for the upcoming academic year. This successful event is part of a series, with two more scheduled in Anadarko and Chickasaw. The community is fortunate to have a dedicated Child Care Department that is well-organized and committed to supporting our children’s education and well-being.
Looking ahead, the next quarterly membership meeting is scheduled for late October, and community members are encouraged to participate and stay engaged in all that the Caddo Nation has to offer.
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