Chickasaw Pioneers of Flight Recognized for Their Historic Efforts

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An innovative building designed to inspire and nurture future scientists and engineers was officially opened in 2011. The 7,000-square-foot building houses the tribal robotics program and CNASA.

Chickasaw citizen Jimmy Wynne, a mission controller
in a simulation during Space Camp

“The Science-Technology-Math Academy is an integral part of our effort to provide the tools and instruction which will inspire our young people to make that important connection between education and a meaningful career,”

said Gov. Anoatubby.

The CNASA building also provides the robotics teams and other science student programs a place to conduct meetings, research information for projects, build robots, simulate tournament play, and utilize the flight simulator.

The Chickasaw Nation Aviation and Space Academy is located at 301 Rosedale Road, Ada, Oklahoma 74820.

To further inspire students and to include Chickasaw tribal members from outside the state, Chickasaw youths from around the nation travel to Huntsville, Ala. each year for Space Camp. Founded in 1982, Space Camp is one of the premier educational programs in the world and is located at the US Space and Rocket Center and the visitor center for NASA's Marshal Flight Center.

“Some of our former robotics and CNASA students are now pursuing higher education and careers in the science and aerospace fields,”

said Gov. Anoatubby.

“Our hope is this facility will provide another tool which will help motivate more students to set lofty goals and do what it takes to reach those goals.”

Oklahoma has a long history in the space and aeronautics industries, also known combined as the aerospace industry, which continues to thrive today. According to state representatives, aerospace industries are responsible for 144,000 direct or indirect jobs in the state, or about one out of 11 Oklahomans. The aerospace industry produces 10 percent of Oklahoma's total economic output, an estimated $12.5 billion and has a $5 billion payroll annually. It is among the top four industries of state. Oklahomans who work in the aerospace industry enjoy an average salary of $55,000 per year, compared to $30,000 for the average Oklahoma worker.

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KC Cole is the communications officer for the Chickasaw Nation.

posted October 30, 2012 11:10 am edt