
- Details
- By Chez Oxendine
ADA, Okla. — The Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma has launched an array of virtual resources to support tribal citizens during pandemic-prompted closures and quarantines.
The resources include everything from virtual medical visits to refilling prescriptions to WIC services. The nation’s efforts also include a weekly “Connecting Our Community” video series, which will discuss culture, health, fitness and cooking.
The videos include instructions on how to make cloth face masks, how to handle deliveries and how to safely shop amid the spread of COVID-19.
“It’s a Godsend for me,” said Brenda Gilbert, a 76-year-old Ada, Okla. resident. “Every time I step out the door, I feel like I’m risking my life. I worry if I get the disease, I’ll die from it. So any opportunity I can get to stay inside is one I’ll gladly take.”
She said she is particularly keen on the virtual medical visits.
“My grandson walked me through setting up my phone to take these calls from the doctor’s office, so you can see and talk to someone without going in,” Gilbert said. “It will let me set up an appointment and everything.”
The process involves visiting the Chickasaw Nation’s website to set up a virtual visit for minor symptoms, as well as non-coronavirus injuries such as rashes, sinus pressure, sprains and strains, according to the website. Citizens can also call the virtual visit number at (580) 272-2776 to answer triage and eligibility questions.
After that, prospective patients can download the Mend app on their smartphone, which allows for teleconferencing and video calls with a medical provider.
Native Americans living in Oklahoma with an active chart at any Chickasaw Nation Department of Health facility are welcome to set up a virtual visit if they’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, according to a press release from the Chickasaw Nation.
“Virtual visits are intended for those with mild symptoms and not requiring immediate medical intervention,” the press release said. “Those experiencing severe difficulty breathing should seek local medical care immediately.”
For Gilbert, that means she has someone at hand to talk to if she develops COVID-19 symptoms.
“It’s just calming to know I can reach out to someone and discuss this stuff without having to put myself or others at further risk,” she said.
Gilbert noted she and her family have also been watching the “Connecting Our Community” videos.
“There’s a lot going on and you don’t know what to believe or what to think sometimes,” Gilbert said. “But they’re giving out some information that I feel like I can trust on staying safe, and I think that helps all of us.”
Virtual resources follow a more tangible range of services provided under the Chickasaw Nation COVID-19 Citizen Support program, established with funds distributed through the CARES Act.
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact each of us in our local communities,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby in an Aug. 5 video. “We are adapting to the ever-changing circumstances to continue serving you, the Chickasaw people, with our programs and services.”
That support is crucial for keeping life as normal as possible during an abnormal time, Gilbert said.
“They’re really stepping up in a way that I think shows real leadership,” she added. “It makes me and my family feel safer to have these resources available.”
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Red Hoop Talk: Native Stories, Real Conversations
NEXT ON NATIVE BIDASKÉ: The Tribe Said No - Her Own People Refused Her
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher