A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass
The ribbon cutting for three new facilities at the Kickapoo reservation was held Friday morning. Local dignitaries and several key elected officials were on hand to witness the historic event.
KTTT Chairman Juan Garza opened the ceremonies by welcoming a large of crowd of local leaders and businessmen.
"As the Chairman of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for attending this ceremony and sharing another milestone in the progress of the tribe," stated Kisisika. Michael S. Black, Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs was not present, but sent his well wishes in a letter read by a representative of the BIA for Southern Plains.
Also present at this very important event were Congressman Elect Will Hurd, Texas Senator Carlos Uresti and State Representative Alfonso Nevarez.
"This is a great mix of community leaders and businessmen celebrating this grand accomplishment," stated Nevarez, "The Kickapoo Nation is deserving of this.”
Also present was Municipal Court Judge Francisco Martinez, III who stated, "This is a wonderful, modern building which is going to house various departments here, it will be put to sufficient use by the people who work here on a daily basis."
Tribal administrators facilitated tours of the three buildings which include a wellness center which will serve as a congregation place for the youth of the tribe and an area where all tribal citizens can engage in physical activity.
Also inaugurated on this day was the impressive Community Health Center which at this time will only serve members of the tribe, but after several acquisitions of state permits, will be open to the general public.
