10/17/2026
Oka’ means water and water means everything.
OACD was honored to join the Chickasaw Nation, East Central University, state and federal partners, researchers, students, landowners, community leaders, policymakers and industry professionals in Ada this week for the 10th anniversary of the The Oka' Institute and the John and Kay Hargrave Water Sustainability Conference at East Central University.
Ten years in, what Oka’ has built is a testament to what sustained partnership and collaboration can accomplish. Under the leadership of Executive Director Duane Smith, the Institute continues to bring diverse stakeholders to the same table around one resource that connects every Oklahoma community: water.
In his opening remarks, Chickasaw Nation Governor Chris Anoatubby spoke about the importance of partnerships and highlighted the Southern Oklahoma Urban & Small Farm Hub in Ardmore; an effort OACD is proud to have helped launch alongside the Chickasaw Nation, Murray State College and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. It was especially meaningful to hear a project our partners have worked hard to build recognized as an example of what collaboration can accomplish for Oklahoma communities.
Kris Patton, Director of Natural Resources for the Chickasaw Nation, also reflected on the beginning of the Oka’ Institute and former Governor Bill Anoatubby’s immediate support when approached with the idea of establishing a water institute at East Central University a decade ago.
At lunch, individuals and organizations instrumental in establishing and advancing Oka’ over its first decade were recognized, including OACD partner and Oklahoma Conservation Commission Executive Director Trey Lam, alongside Governor Anoatubby, former State Senator Susan Paddack, former ECU President John Hargrave, current ECU President Wendell Godwin and Congressman Tom Cole.
Their collective work has helped build something much larger than a conference, an institute, or a research hub.
Without water, conversations about agriculture, economic development or community growth cannot go very far. The depth of research underway on groundwater, aquifers, land stewardship and long term water planning in southern Oklahoma was impressive. Oka’ is currently leading an eight year, $5 million effort to better understand and protect the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer; just one example of the long term commitment represented at this gathering.
Just as conservation is a shared Oklahoma value, water is our collective life source and protecting it is our collective responsibility.
The Oka’ Institute at East Central University offers a blueprint for what can happen when tribal nations, communities, universities, landowners and local, state and federal partners stop working in silos and instead build something together for the next generation.
Congratulations to the Oka’ Institute and its many partners on 10 years of collaboration, research and impact. OACD is proud to be at the table and excited about what the next decade will bring.
