Published: June 22, 2007 11:59 am            

Coplin sets sights on Chickasaw Legislature seat

ADA — As a long time resident of Ada, Jeannie Coplin is seeking election to the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, Pontotoc District, Seat 5.

Coplin said she has consistently worked for the Chickasaw Nation on a volunteer basis since her retirement. She served as president of the Chickasaw Nation Senior Site in Ada and serves as member and now secretary of the Chickasaw Nation Health Facility Volunteer Auxiliary. She is active as the coordinator of the Caring Hearts component visiting elderly Chickasaw rest home residents. She is president of the Ada Chickasaw Nation AARP Chapter and has numerous volunteer hours helping Chickasaw families in the tribal servicing area. She sat on the steering committee of 2006 that helped to serve over 300 Native American Firefighters during the drought Ada experienced last year.

“As our legislator, I will be able to give 100 percent of my time to this position and make myself accessible to your needs as required,” Coplin said. “Regardless of tribal boundaries, serving the Chickasaw Nation people will be my goal. If you live outside the present tribal boundaries, I will be your voice and first contact to find out information and services which can be provided to you. It will be a great honor to serve you as your tribal representative.”

Coplin was born in Ada, to Josie Perry Oliver and Edgar Oliver. She is the granddaughter of Simon Perry and Casey Alexander Perry, original enrollees of the Dawes Commission. She has one sister, Josephine Oliver Leonard, and one late brother, Kenneth Oliver.

Coplin attended grade school at Ahloso and high school at Sequoyah Boarding school in Tahlequah. She graduated from Draughn’s Business College in Tulsa.

Coplin worked as executive secretary for Owen’s Brockway, a private industry in Ada. She is married to Paul Coplin and they have one son, Mike.

“My main emphasis is to continue to work with the elders. They have a special place in my heart, helping them to meet their needs in a cost effective manner and giving a rapid turn around on every request,” she said. “I want to be a voice for the many people who feel they presently cannot speak for themselves in the legislative affairs.”

when it addresses their needs. Our services and resources should reflect a strong people standing together to get ahead. A vote for me is a vote for a friend. I will focus on making life better, especially for our elderly, who represent our living legacy and our young, who represent our progressive future.”

        

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