Oklahoma State Rep. Lisa Johnson Billy (R), a member of the Chickasaw Nation, spoke at the eighth annual Native American Heritage Celebration on Monday.

Billy, who is also Choctaw, urged tribes and Indian people to be more self-reliant. "God didn't put us here to live in chains and bondage and oppression. I'm tired of living in poverty," she said, The Oklahoman reported.

Billy said self-reliance will enable Indian Country to combat poverty, suicide and other social ills. "I want to be here on the Earth, maybe when my daughter has children, and I want to open up the next Census that says Native American people are now the richest people in health, in finances, in employment of any race," she was quoted as saying.

Get the Story:
Tribes urged to be self-reliant (The Oklahoman 11/22)
pwpwd

Relevant Links:
Rep. Lisa Johnson Billy - http://www.okhouse.gov/Committees/Member.aspx?MemberID=40

Related Stories:
Indian lawmakers in Oklahoma seek to organize (03/14)