As a member of The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by new parents within our community. Most new moms do not have enough leave to rest and recover from childbirth. Their partners or spouses are in the same predicament, unable to take time off work to support their families during this critical period.

The lack of paid maternity and paternity leave is an issue that affects us all. It's not just about recovery; it's about providing parents with the opportunity to bond with their newborns without the stress of financial instability looming over them.

In comparison, federal employees in the United States are often entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave (Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, 2020). Yet here in The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, our associates are left to deplete their sick and annual leave. This results in further financial stress as small children come down with illness and there is no longer leave available for parents to stay home to care for them. 

It's time for change. We call on The Choctaw Nation leadership to implement a policy that provides paid maternity and paternity leave for all associates. This will not only benefit our community members but also set a precedent for other tribal nations across the country.

Please sign this petition if you believe in supporting new parents within The Choctaw Nation by providing them with paid maternity and paternity leave.