UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / From the desk of Tom Cole
Each year during the month of November, I am proud that our nation takes this time to reflect on the unique heritage, rich history and special contributions of Native Americans. As a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, I always take this special time to reflect on my tribal heritage and the importance of tribes and their members in the United States. And as the longest serving Native American in the U.S. House of Representatives, the privilege and honor it is to represent the interests of tribes in Congress is certainly not lost on me.
Growing up in Oklahoma, I was fortunate to be immersed in tribal culture and surrounded by family members who shared my ancestry and who worked hard to preserve our special heritage. My great, great grandfather served as the clerk for the Chickasaw Supreme Court. My great grandfather served as the treasurer of the Chickasaw Nation and my great aunt, Te Ata Thompson Fisher, was a famous actress, performer and storyteller whose talents took her all over the world, spreading Native American stories. Finally, my late mother Helen Cole, who remains the greatest influence in my life, was the first Native American woman ever elected to the Oklahoma State Senate.
