TAHLEQUAH — Dallas Proctor has announced his candidacy for chief of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma.

Proctor, who was chief from 2000 to 2004, seeks to move the tribe forward from the foundation built in his previous administration in education, elderly assistance, child care, business opportunities, job creation, health and housing.

As chief, Proctor worked his first year without pay, while the tribal accounting and government budgets were established. He served on the Bureau of Indian Affairs Budget Advisory Committee, was a delegate to the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission, and was on the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act Board.

Many federal programs operating today were implemented during Proctor’s first term, including establishment of the Keetoowah Lighthorse, a division of tribal law enforcement; the UKB real estate department; and a compact with the state for the tribal vehicle tags program.

Proctor authorized and received many grants, such as the Indian Child Welfare Grant, child care and domestic violence programs through Department of Justice grants, as well as facilities for the programs. The Human Services Department, burial assistance program, fitness/wellness center, and roads program were established then Proctor partnered with Delaware County to establish the Green Dumpster program for trash pickup and recycling.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is that during my term as chief, 10 percent of the gross profits from the tribes casino were given to the Human Services program to assist tribal members, regardless of income,” said Proctor. “Prayer vigils were held for all major decisions for the funds to be used wisely.”

Under his administration, the land-in-trust applications were submitted to establish the UKB land base.

“In 2002, I testified before the U.S. Senate to fight for the Keetoowahs,” Proctor said. “We had an interest in the Arkansas Riverbed Settlement.”

Through Proctor’s efforts, the UKB was named a successor in interest to the Arkansas riverbed and was awarded several million dollars.”

Proctor will be working for promotion and sustainability of the tribe for to benefit members and assets. He said he will establish programs and services tribal members have told him they want.

A priority will be to establish all-encompassing health care programs. Proctor would like to provide more convenient health care programs for the elderly.

“Education is a major priority,” he said. “The kids are our future, the heart of our tribal nation, and by obtaining Department of Education grants and programs, I feel we can offer a brighter future. I will also establish tribal scholarships for all tribal members, regardless of income.”

Proctor believes every child should graduate from high school and have an opportunity to go to college.

“You can’t get anywhere today without an education,” he said.

Proctor’s administration will focus on moving the tribe into a solvent and successful government that will thrive for another 10 generations.

He is the son of the late Daniel and Lucille (Bark) Proctor, the maternal grandson of Willie and Mary (Mouse) Bark, and the paternal grandson of Willie and Liza (Backwater) Proctor.

A graduate of Kansas (Okla.) High School, Proctor was attending Okmulgee Tech when he answered the call to serve his country with the U.S. Army. He is a Vietnam veteran.

Proctor and wife, Sharon, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in December. Their children are Shelly Sanchez, Brian Proctor, Traci Cummings, and the late Wes Proctor. They have 11 grandchildren.

The Proctors make their home in rural Delaware County.