“Business diversification always has been an integral part of (his) vision, which supports the tribe’s mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people,” Lance said. The tribe’s casinos are scattered throughout 7,648 square miles of tribal land that encompasses all or parts of 13 counties in south-central Oklahoma.īill Lance, the secretary of commerce for the Chickasaw Nation, credited tribal Governor Bill Anoatubby with creating business diversification efforts and building a stable financial foundation for tribal-funded initiatives and providing job opportunities to tribal citizens.Īnoatubby is now in his 32nd year as the elected leader of what is considered the nation’s 12 th largest federally recognized tribe. Gaming does remain the primary revenue provider for the tribe, which has more than 66,000 citizens.