Published: August 25, 2008 04:32 pm      

Four inducted into Hall of Fame

More than 500 were on hand for induction ceremonies of a former tribal governor, a tribal elder dedicated to preserving Chickasaw culture, a state representative and a former tribal legislator into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame.

Lisa Billy, a Chickasaw who represents District 41 in the Oklahoma House, served as master of ceremonies for the Native themed banquet event August 21 at Riverwind Casino.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby took part in the induction of Winchester Colbert, Ray Gene McCarter, Juanita Tate and Gene Underwood.

“These individuals are fine examples of the Chickasaws who have forged the way for all of us so that today we remain this great unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw Nation,” said Gov. Anoatubby.

Brian George, a descendant of Winchester Colbert, accepted on behalf of the man who distinguished himself as a tribal leader and diplomat during tumultuous times in the mid 19th century.

Mr. George asked all relatives of Winchester Colbert to be recognized and dozens in the crowd stood to a round of applause.

Mr. George said that Winchester Colbert was one of the “founding fathers” of the Chickasaw Nation who had left Chickasaws of today a “great inheritance.”

“The privileges we enjoy today began with the sacrifices of previous generations,” he said. “Let us continue to grow in our endeavors so that future generations, our children, our grandchildren and our great grand children will someday echo those same sentiments – ‘isn’t this a great inheritance.’”

Winchester Colbert helped draft the Treaty of 1855, which restored the status of the Chickasaw Nation as a separate entity from the Choctaw Nation.

In 1856 he served as a member of the first Chickasaw legislature. In 1858 he became the second elected governor of the Chickasaw Nation. He served two more terms as governor from 1862 to 1866.

Ray Gene McCarter said “I can’t believe it’s happening. This is the biggest day in my entire life.” He added “this is the greatest honor that could ever be bestowed on me or anyone else.”

Rep. McCarter has served as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 1996. As Representative of District 51, he has served as Assistant Majority Floor Leader.

He has also served on numerous committees, including Education, Energy and Technology, Public Safety, International Economic Development, Veteran’s and Military Affairs.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, he earned a doctorate degree in education. His career in education included time as a teacher, coach, referee and school administrator.

Juanita Tate took the opportunity to encourage others to record their Chickasaw family history.

“Everyone in our nation has a wonderful background,” she said. “I hope each one of you will go home and start researching your wonderful, wonderful families. You will find out how great the Chickasaw Nation always has been.”

Mrs. Tate, a 97-year-old resident of Ardmore, Okla., has been active in tribal affairs all her adult life.

An avid genealogist since 1961, she has done extensive study of her family history. One result of that study is a recently completed biography of her great grandfather and noted Chickasaw leader Edmund Pickens.

The biography will soon be published by the Chickasaw Press.

Gene Underwood said it was a “great honor” to be inducted into the hall of fame.

“I feel very blessed” he said. “I think it is a privilege to serve the Chickasaw Nation.”

He also expressed appreciation to his wife, family and friends for their support throughout his life.

Mr. Underwood served three terms as a member of the Chickasaw legislature from 1983 through 1992.

He has also served as a member of the Chickasaw Nation Wildlife Commission.

Family and Chickasaw culture are very important to him. When his son Dennis and brothers Ted and Chet began building an authentic replica of an early 18th century dugout canoe, Gene joined the family project.