Building on Success, Not Starting Over
- hasinaigonzalez
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Four years ago, you trusted me to lead our Nation toward economic sovereignty. Today, I'm proud of what we've built together - and I'm asking for four more years to see our vision through to completion. When I took office in 2021, our Nation faced serious challenges. We had a history of failed audits, several of our programs were being managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs instead of by us, and we had limited resources to build our future. I believed then, as I believe now, that the Caddo Nation deserves leadership that can both govern effectively and build economic opportunity.
Some of what we've accomplished together since 2021:
First, we cleaned house and regained control: • Worked tirelessly to regain management of tribal programs from the BIA • Cleaned up our accounting and financial management • Achieved 3 consecutive clean audits - proving our fiscal responsibility • Built the foundation that now allows us to pursue federal contracting opportunities
Then, we began working towards economic sovereignty: • Generated over $8 million in revenue and federal grants • Created the first sustainable revenue stream through our severance tax ($1M+ within the first 12 months) • Launched 5+ businesses that will employ our people and are designed to serve our community first • Began our annual Tribal Nations Renewable Energy Symposium • Established Caddo Nation as an innovative Energy leader in Indian Country • Secured $3.7 million to clean up abandoned wells and protect our lands • Built partnerships with the University of Oklahoma and federal agencies
The Foundation We've Built: In 2.5 years, working alongside an incredible team and with your support, we have begun the transformation of our Nation's economic future. Effective tribal leadership and economic development are inseparable. The same skills, relationships, and experience that helped us regain control of our programs and achieve clean audits are what enabled us to build successful businesses and secure millions in federal grants.
Our success comes from unified leadership with the experience to: •Navigate complex federal relationships • Build credibility with financial institutions and federal agencies • Understand both tribal governance and business development • Bring together the best minds while providing experienced oversight
Our work requires continued experienced leadership.
The businesses we've built are just beginning to grow. Our energy sovereignty initiatives need continued leadership. The partnerships we've forged need to be nurtured and expanded. The credibility we've rebuilt with federal agencies, financial institutions, and tribal partners cannot be taken for granted.
The Work That Continues:
Energy Independence: Our Tribal Utility Authority study and renewable energy projects will position us to control our own power Business Growth: Our companies are beginning to bloom, creating more opportunity for our people Federal Partnerships: We're building relationships that bring millions in funding to our Nation Every project honors our values while building our future.
Why I'm Running Again: True leadership isn't about one term or quick fixes. It's about seeing important work through to completion, and I am committed. Our new businesses need steady guidance to reach their full potential. Partnerships we've built need to be nurtured and expanded. I've spent decades in energy and government relations, and I understand what it will take to build lasting economic sovereignty. You deserve leaders who deliver results, not just promises. You deserve continuity and the continuation of unified, experienced leadership that delivers results for our Nation.
I'm asking for your vote because our work is only getting started. Together, we're building the foundation for generations of Caddo prosperity.
Respectfully yours, Bobby Gonzalez Caddo Nation Chairman
ELECTION DETAILS: July 5, 2025 Absentee forms due | July 7, 2025 Last day to register | July 12, 2025 Election Day | Contact Election Board election@mycaddonation.com | (405) 656-7685
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