I nside this issue ... (2015)

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Text

The Absentee

Shawnee News

I nside this issue ...

2-5

Executive Committee’s

Report

Tax Collections

Spotlight Employee

Title VI Menu & News

Resolutions

12-13

Health System & January

Awareness

Election Commission

Big Jim Youth Award Info &

Application

18 - 19

January Birthdays

20 - 24

Campaign Letters

26-27

Foster Care

Horse Shoe Bend & Building

Blocks

ASEDA

Fitness Schedule

“Among The Shawnee”

F ebruary 2015 — V olume 27 N o . 35

Court Rules in Favor of Governor & Representative’s

Declatory Judgment Petition

Alternate Judge Matt Thomas ruled in

the affirmative on January 26, 2015

on the December 8, 2014 petition filed

by Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe and

Representative

Kenneth

Blanchard.

The petition requested the Court to: 1)

Determine the effective date of the Salary

Ordinance; 2. Determine if the actions of

the Treasurer of the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe are “unconstitutional”; 3. Determine

whether that elected officials should pay

back funds and set effective date.

Governor Butler-Wolfe spoke eloquently

on the background of the salary ordinance

issue bringing to light the referendum

vote of the people and that 263 voted

for this ordinance to go into place, the

Executive Committee then passed the

Salary Ordinance under E-AS-2013-39

with 4 voting ‘Yes’ and 0 ‘No’. She then

went into the process of how the Human

Resources (HR) Director was tasked with

determining which Tier the elected body

qualified for and how she and the other

elected leaders had been questioned at

the October General Council as to why the

Salary Ordinance had not been put into

place yet. The Governor learned this past

week that Human Resources had a new

system allowing it to insert salary rates.

The Tier rates established by the former

HR Director have been inserted into this

new system. The Governor indicated her

petition was before Judge Thomas asking

that the Tier rates set by HR be kept into

place and the Treasurer and Finance not be

allowed to change them.

Representative Blanchard also gave

testimony advising that he had oversight

over the HR department and he briefly

stated his distinguished history with the

Tribe. He illustrated his point by stating

that when the Election Commission

certified the election results on his own

election that his term of Office began.

The Executive Committee did not need

to approve those election results. The

Representative shared that in his opinion

that after the Election Commission

certified the vote of the people on the

Salary Ordinance it was effective. The

Representative indicated he agreed to the

date, requested by the Governor, of August

20, 2014.

Meredith Wahpekeche, Election Secretary,

was called upon by the Governor to

offer insight on the role of the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe’s Election Commission

certification process. Ms. Wahpekeche

briefly instructed on the role of the Election

Commission pertaining to certifying

election results on candidates and issues.

Treasurer Bates and her Finance staff did

not make an appearance in the Court.

The Court ruled the effective date of the

Salary Ordinance as 08-20-14; declared

the issue of the constitutionality of the

actions of the Treasurer moot, as it was

presented to the court, as the Ordinance

has now been enacted. This judgment is

indicative that those elected leaders who

have been paid in excess of the Tier

established for them by HR should pay the

tribe back. The time lines and payback

process were not established by the Court

system.

In a separate memorandum sent by

Representative Blanchard on 12-03-14

to Treasurer Bates he charges her with

the task to devise a payback schedule to

recover the excess pay of each Executive

Committee member and to provide that

report to the Executive Committee.

Governor Butler-Wolfe stated “this is a

step in the right direction” and “we must

do what our people have voted on”.

Executive Committee

Edwina Butler-Wolfe

Governor

Issac Gibson

Lt. Governor

Vera M. Dawsey

Secretary

Leah Bates

Treasurer

Kenneth Blanchard

Representative

Governor’s Report

Hello my Absentee Shawnee people!

On January 12, 2015 Mary Fallin took a second term of Office as Governor of

the State of Oklahoma. Governor Fallin has her own ‘unique’ perspective about

Native Americans and how she envisions their support of her administration and

political aspirations. I attended this inauguration event along with approximately

nine (9) other tribal leaders. I went because it is important, as a self-governance

nation, we continue to be involved in state events regardless of our differences.

In 2014, we had multiple tribal wide closings due to weather, holidays, and

special events. I am aware each time we close our doors for a day - services cease,

potential revenue streams lie dormant, and it costs the Tribe, as we must pay our

employees. This is a difficult choice and one I always ask the elected body to take

part in as it is vital that although we have our ‘differences’ we continue to work for

you, our people. It is unclear how many closures we may have in 2015 but it is my

hope these are limited and we look at alternative ways to serve you if they become

necessary.

Our Oklahoma weather continues to show its many personalities of warm, hot,

and cold. I hope going into this cold season, each of you have solid, warm homes and warm coats and clothes. Also, I have been hearing

the flu season is upon us and encourage each of you to get your flu shot. If you feel like you are catching the flu then please visit your

physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant.

Constitution of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

In 2013, when I originally ran for Office, I asked many questions throughout my campaign. I indicated, if elected, I would do what

I could to make reforms within and to the health system; address concerns within ASEDA; I expressed the need of additional funds for

our Education department, the need to review, prioritize and incentivize education; address our long term care and ancillary levels

of care; ensure representation – attendance to local, state and national meetings for legislative and policy development; and revisit

trust land needs and entering into a lawsuit to correct our land base issues. I initially made some progress on these items. Due to our

current constitutional provisions of what a Governor may do, I have been limited in what changes I may do to advance our economic

development, education, health, and land base.

Our constitution and by-laws, when initially created in 1938, were to protect our claims and rights or treaties and treaty agreements

with the United States; to protect and maintain our reserved, allotted, and other lands; to manage our tribal land and property; to

transact our tribal business and economic enterprises in domestic and foreign trade; and to negotiate with representatives of federal,

state, local, and tribal governments. Our Constitution was amended in 1988 and in 2010. The changes that have previously been made

to our Constitution do not include the growth we as a tribal government have seen, nor does it provide for our leadership needs to be

fully realized in a way that clearly defines the differences between Executive and Legislative authority. Our Constitution gives me as

your Governor limited abilities. In the Constitution of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Article XIIII. Duties

of Officers, Section 1. The Governor – As your Governor - I am given the ability to call and preside over all meetings of the General

Council and the Executive Committee except as provided for in Article XVI or any other applicable provision of the Constitution or

subsequent ordinances. I am accountable for the exercise of these duties specially assigned by the Constitution, and such additional

authorities which may be delegated by either the General Council or the Executive Committee. I am responsible for executing policies

established by the General Council. I am to make an oral report on all of my activities, meetings, and conferences at the monthly

Executive Committee meetings. I am to file an agenda with the EC Secretary and I cannot vote unless there is a tie.

You, as my people, have expressed to me that you want me to correct what is going on within the Tribe. I would like nothing more

than to correct these issues within our financial department and our elected body, as I want to see our Tribe make advancements. But

I am limited to those responsibilities set forth by our Constitution and the Code of Laws to which we adhere.

Business of the Tribe

In looking at our financial landscape based on what the Treasurer gave the elected body during, not prior to, the December 29,

2014 Special Executive Committee meeting I am projecting budgetary shortfalls. Those General Fund programs, within my oversight,

were reduced by 5%. My program budgets are as follows:

Programs

Afterschool

Program

(Carryover)

Education

Emergency

Management

Gaming

Commission

Governor

Media

Dept.

2014

Direct

904

$ 271,200

360,072

257,640

10,418*

268,058

905

26,875

19,230

5,409*

24,639

920

925

960

$1,216,768

$ 145,582

$ 107,664

$1,155,930

$ 138,303

$ 102,281

284,855*

44,076*

20,230*

20,242

2014

Budget Total

$1,599,446

$ 191,978

$ 140,644

2015

Direct

2015

Indirect

2015

Budget Total

$1,440,785

$ 182,379

$ 122,511

*Last year’s Indirect Cost rate of 32.05% is being used as a provisional rate till such time as the new Indirect Cost rate has been

forwarded to the Tribe by the National Business Center. Each department’s pass through amount was considered and applied this year

which is a change from last year.

Figuring out the current financial process is like trying to decipher a Rubik’s Cube.

Maintenance

As-to-date I still have not seen any monthly project lists from the Lt. Governor and/or the Maintenance Director on what maintenance

services have been completed in both the Shawnee and Little Axe areas. It is my hope the Lt. Governor will look to getting our

Maintenance staff trained in specialties.

Training and Travel

ATTACHMENT A

Since I took Office I have done limited national travel as my attention was needed here. It is unclear how much training and travel

one can do within a 19 month period of time and still hold Office. This is a topic best illustrated by the Secretary. My last count was

over 20 trips.

Execu&ve Commi-ee Members

In addition to the Secretary being on extensive travel, she and the Lt.

Governor have missed a number of Executive Committee meetings (See

EC Mee&ng A-endance

Attachment A). It’s unclear why our Tribe continues to pay elected leaders

07-‐2013 to 12-‐2014

when they cannot keep regular office hours, are not accessible to tribal

19 month period

members, cannot pay their personal bills, drive tribal vehicles when their

licenses have been suspended (or have staff pick them and their staff up –

*7 month period

who have no licenses) and places the Tribe in a position of liability. It also

appears that after 19 months in Office the Secretary still doesn’t understand

her constitutional duties. Her recent confusion is based on her refusal to

do agenda(s) for the Executive Committee as she does not recognize the

100%*

Attorney General’s authority or their contract with the Tribe so she is refusing

100%

74%

to create the Tribe’s monthly agendas for Regular and Special Executive

Governor

Committee meetings. The Attorney General’s contract was legislated into

place under E-AS-2013-74 on August 29, 2013 and is a legal and binding

contract. By her unwillingness to do the agenda, this places her actions as

Lt. Governor

being unconstitutional and in violation of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Code

67%

77%

of Conduct and Ethics.

It is unclear to me how an individual who took an oath of Office refuses

*Treasurer

to uphold her Constitutional duties. This is an area best left to the Election

Commission and the Tribe’s Election Ordinance.

89%*

Conclusion

There is still so much more we need to do and I want to continue to work

towards prioritizing items, as I have heard what you, my people, have said

during our General Council meetings and when you have visited with me.

100%

Attachment A

Secretary

*Representa

Cve

I have 4 months to go. My door is always open (unless I am in a meeting

or at a meeting) and I welcome your visits. We have much to do to get our tribe back on track and I want to do the best I can for all of

our tribal members.

Help me to make a difference – stand beside me and Let’s Build for the Future (BFF) - united and together!

Thank you for your support.

and submit the electronic purchase order will eliminate the

need to continually find additional space to store the paper

purchases order copies, as well as assist each Department

Manager, Procurement, and the Finance department in

tracking and streamlining the payment process since Finance

will have knowledge of who initiated the electronic purchase

WE begin a New Year with spoken and unspoken goals, order.

loads of expectations, wondrous new ideas, and, sadly,

Health System

continuing to try and resolve some of last year’s issues which

The AST Health Systems continue to go unnoticed on

will undoubtedly affect this new year as we move forward.

their positive growth. This past year alone the AST Health

With all of that being said, I begin my article addressing:

Systems, on two (2) separate occasions, rose above the half

million dollar mark; thereby, being determined to achieve

2015 Budgets

the one million dollar ($1,000,000) mark by the end of the

The Executive Committee met in December 2014, to year. Patient care is continually growing while the waiting

discuss the proposed 2015 budgets which eventually passed list has nearly become non-existent since the new Medical

after only two different meetings due to unprepared offices. Director arrived. New and innovative ways continue to

The General Fund budget passed with a 5% budget cut on modify our health system to accommodate every patient in

the general fund portion only, which resulted from years of which our Tribe should be publicly promoting. Future positive

neglect of department heads not monitoring their budgets. growth within this individual system is something every

Configuration of projected budget was calculated by the Acting tribal member should be aware of and proud to have it as one

Controller, Genevieve Foster, CPA, based on coordination of our vastly growing entities.

with Finely & Cook in prior years. Unfortunately, the 2015

Hobbs, Straus, Dean and Walker, LLP

budgets are hindered due to lack of generating revenue from

During the holiday break, numerous tribal members asked

a majority of our businesses.

With the passing of the 2015 approved budgets, it is me why we, as an Executive Committee, allowed Hobbs,

imperative that I continue my research into (1) the ramifications Straus, Dean and Walker, LLP (AGs) to submit an article in

associated to an Executive Committee member who exceeds the December 2014 newsletter. Unfortunately, my office

their approved budget resulting in a negative balance per IRS was not aware that such an article was going to be published.

rules, federal grant related guidelines, and governmental The main question that was posed by tribal members

accounting standards, as well as how this type of budget centered around “Is the Tribe operated by the Constitution,

monitoring can affect the Tribe, as a whole, in relation to ‘best practices’, or the advice of an attorney firm who has

continued funding; (2) how effective the budget medication blatantly insinuated we, as tribal members, do not know

process is in relation to each Executive Committee member how to manage a Tribe?”. I, myself, cannot continually battle

understanding their approved budget through resolution; seven (7) attorneys, nor control the secrecy created within

and (3) the analysis process on how an Executive Committee that circle.

Hopefully, within the near future, a better form of cohesive

member receives additional money from the General Fund in

order to eliminate a negative budget balance so the Tribe will work ethics can be created.

not encounter any future unnecessary audits.

Finance/Procurement

Unfortunately, there is limited data pertaining to these

The Finance and Procurement departments continue

areas on a federal level, as a whole, so in my next recourse

to strive in performing the job duties with the utmost

will be to research each specific area.

professionalism despite their frustrations from political

New Time Clock

The Finance and Human Resource department have been badgering. The belief that distorting the facts and the

working for the past 2 months on implementing a totally extorting of other Executive Committee members “faults”

new time clock system where each employee will clock in and does not benefit them, nor encourage a healthy work

out for each day worked. Furthermore, this new system will environment. Both departments have shown the ability to

alleviate any possible errors in accurately tracking sick and adapt and overcome any obstacle in which provides a since

vacation time. It will provide efficient monitoring as time of relief when it comes to accountability. Finance continues

spent on processing payroll will cease to a minimum amount, to monitor everyday budgets, enhance its procedures, and

as well as, holding employees accountable for time actually maintain sanity within the scope of work presented by

worked. This new system will provide employees with access the Tribe. Our mission is to provide guidance in properly

to individual needs when it comes to paystubs, W-2, or leave, documenting purchases/finances within guidelines set forth

etc. The services the new time clock provides will help the by federal agencies and accounting requirements.

Finance and Human Resource departments tremendously.

Conclusion

We look forward to implementing this system within the next

Do we have what it takes to stand the test of time? Would

few months.

our ancestors, who gave so deeply of themselves including

their lives, be pleased by what they see today within the Tribe?

New Electronic Purchase Order system

The Finance department, along with Procurement, has also Our ancestors faced and endured sometimes unimaginable

been working on implementing a paperless purchase order difficulties, and yet they found a way to work together

system which will save the Tribe money and time due to not and survive not only as individuals but also collectively as

having to order the paper purchase orders anymore and the a group. Therefore, is it not only logical that a “whole”

tracking down these purchase orders. Being able to complete person/employee, who believes they matter, is going to be

Treasurer’s Report

more energetic and productive to ensure the group survives?

So to satisfy those who are tired of seeing the belittling of our

tribe and tribal members publicly, I leave you with positive

thoughts.

Mr. Jack Welch, former CEO of GE, stated “It goes without

saying that no company, small or large, can win over the long

run without energized employees who believe in the mission

and understand how to achieve it.”

I believe in the Shawnee culture … I have faith in our

employees … I have belief in our Constitution … Neyiwa

Monthly Executive Committee

meetings can be watched online at

astribe.com

JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER:

FEMA Trailer payments are due

Representative’s

the

of each month to the

Report

Finance Dept. Check, cashier’s

Greetings Fellow Tribal Members,

Unofficially, I’ve been working on an operational phase of

the Camp Nikoti campground project at Brendle Corner in check or money orders are to be

Little Axe. We need to begin clearing sites for the housing

units soon in order to keep on schedule. Soil testing and the made out to Absentee Shawnee

feasibility tests for ground water have been completed.

I plan to notify and arrange for the full Executive Committee Tribe Finance Dept./FEMA payment

to come to the table for discussions on the Camp Nikoti

project.

As of February 1, 2015 if payments

To contact me at the Tribal Complex, please write to:

Representative Ken Blanchard

are more than 5 days late there

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801

will be a $25.00 late fee.

I can be reached by phone at (405) 275-4030 ext. 6287.

Respectfully,

Thank You.

Ken Blanchard

No reports submitted for Lt. Governor and Secretary

FY-2014

YTD TAX COLLECTIONS

(thru 12/31/14)

RUN

DATE: DATE:

RUN

01/20/15

FY-2014

YTD TAX COLLECTIONS

(thru 12/31/14)

TAX

CATEGORY

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

JULY

01/20/15

YEAR-TO-DATE % OF TAXES

AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER TOTAL

COLLECTED

MAY

JUNE

$4,397.76 $6,237.06 $9,715.49

$709.77 $4,615.96

$136.20

$165.54

$55,302.12

$50,000.00 $100,000.00 $250,000.00 $200,000.00 $150,000.00 $250,000.00 $50,000.00 $2,250,000.00

$24,535.57 $3,805.02 $13,537.64 $5,895.29 $9,597.48

$0.00 $21,239.25 $120,078.26

$10,246.81 $8,556.30 $6,767.94 $4,582.79 $8,244.28 $4,025.85 $11,243.59

$92,870.81

$15,890.15 $17,011.63 $14,773.49 $12,928.61 $18,007.43 $11,904.84 $9,543.03 $161,502.29

$0.00

$9,303.52

Sales (6%)

Gaming % of free cash

Employee (1%)

Severance (8%)

Motor Vehicle

Tobacco Refund

$5,532.03 $5,205.95 $6,535.34 $5,180.06

$250,000.00 $250,000.00 $250,000.00 $150,000.00

$10,095.26 $602.94 $22,804.85 $4,159.08

$8,940.31 $7,025.79

$6,689.81 $7,561.69

$13,670.11 $11,971.21 $14,216.75 $11,780.39

$9,303.52

$0.00

$6,870.96

$300,000.00

$3,805.88

$8,985.65

$9,804.65

$0.00

TOTAL TAXES

$297,541.23 $274,805.89 $300,246.75 $178,681.22

$329,467.14 $105,070.29 $135,610.01 $294,794.56 $224,116.46 $190,465.15 $266,066.89 $92,191.41 $2,689,057.00

Miscellaneous

TOTAL COLLECTIONS

$600.00

$130.00

$65.00

$350.00

$298,141.23 $274,935.89 $300,311.75 $179,031.22

$80.00

$140.00

$85.00

$195.00

$250.00

$180.00

$90.00

$1,080.00

$3,245.00

$329,547.14 $105,210.29 $135,695.01 $294,989.56 $224,366.46 $190,645.15 $266,156.89 $93,271.41 $2,692,302.00

2.05%

83.57%

4.46%

3.45%

6.00%

0.35%

$2,689,057.00

0.12%

100% $2,692,302.00

GOVERNOR’S SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Brandon Goodman

Brandon Goodman is a senior at the University of

Oklahoma, majoring in Health and Exercise Science.

He is an intern for the afterschool program at the Little

Axe Resource Center. You may have spoken or visited

with Brandon recently, as he has also assisted in the

role of administrative assistant for the Education

Department the past couple of months. Brandon began

as a participant in the Camp Nikoti summer youth

leadership camp and graduated to a summer camp

worker over the past few years and now works with

the youth as an afterschool intern during the school

year. He is open to assisting whenever needed and is

an asset to the youth programs.

Let’s Build For the Future (BFF)!

GOVERNORS SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE

Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe will be working with the six program department that she has oversight over and will monthly select an employee that

is deemed to have contributed to their program and to the Absentee Shawnee tribe. The attributes to be considered are: Contributions to the community

and the Tribe; leadership; performance and work ethic; teamwork. It is the intent of the Governor to recognize tribal employees who do a remarkable

job and might not otherwise get recognized for their contributions. This special employee recognition program will be highlighted under my Office as

the SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH program.

AST ELDERS MEETING

AND

PIE/CAKE AUCTION

February 21, 2015

Resource Center, Little Axe, OK

10 AM - Elders Meeting

11:30 AM - Pie/Cake Auction

AST Elders Bingo

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Brendle Corner - Located on

Highway 9 & Harrah/Newalla Rd.

Starts at 1 p.m. - Everyone Welcome

Come support the AST Elders

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBAL HEALTH SYSTEM IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE

NATIVE AMERICAN U.S. DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PARTNERSHIP

NOW ACCEPTING VETERANS HEALTH BENEFITS!

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

» Basic Medical Eligibility

» Behavioral Health Services

» *Service-Connected Disabilities

» *Dental Services

» *Vision Services

CDIB required

*Veteran must be VA Service-Connected

Annual Required VA Hospital Visit must be current!

VA disability assessment and annual VA hospital visit

must be scheduled at a VA facility

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System

15951 Little Axe Drive

Norman, OK 73026

405.447.0300

www.asthealth.org

www.va.gov

SHAWNEE CLINIC

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System

2029 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, OK 74801

405.878.5850

The AST Health System values ALL feedback.

We will listen....

*Patient Advocate Jim Robertson

405-447-0300

*Customer Service Line

405-701-7623

*Patient Questionnaire located in each of our

clinics or on our website

www.ASTHEALTH.ORG

Shawnee Clinic

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System

2029 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee OK, 74801

405-878-5850

Little Axe Health Center

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System

15951 Little Axe Drive

Norman OK, 70326

405-447-0300

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Chili

Chez, Onions

Crackers

Cake

Chef Salad

w/ turkey

Chez, eggs

Crackers/Fruit

Chicken Strips

Mashed Pot/Gravy

Green Beans

Mixed Fruit

AST Complex Closed

Salisbury Steak

Mashed Pot/Gravy

Veggies

Peaches

Meatloaf

Mashed Pot/Gravy

Veggies

Pineapples

Tuna Salad

Sandwich

Lett, Tom

Chips/Mand. Oranges

Beans

Steak fries

Cornbread

Crisp

Wednesday

Chicken Breast

Wild Rice

Tossed Salad*

Applesauce

Smoked Sausage

Cabbage

Red Potato

Pudding

Goulash

Squash

Bread

Pears

Chicken Patty

Sandwich

Mac. Salad

Chips/Jell-‐O

2015

Thursday

Vegetable Soup

Cold cut Sandwich

Lett, Tom

Pears

BBQ Sandwich

Pickles n Onions

Chips

Fluff

Chicken Stir Fry

Veggies

Egg Roll

Fortune Cookie

Beef Tips

& Noodles

Veggies

Friday

English Muffin

Sausage Patty

Scrambled Eggs

Pancakes

Bacon

Fruit

Biscuit

Sausage Gravy

Scrambled Eggs

Cereal

Boiled Egg

Sausage Patty

Saturday

GOING TO BE HOME!!!

NOT

LUNCH SERVED MONDAY-‐THURSDAY 11AM TO 1PM

CALL AND LET US KNOW AT 405-‐275-‐4030 EXT 169

Wow its February!!! We hope everyone is keeping warm and in good health during this winter season.

OR NOTIFY YOUR DRIVER

BREAKFAST SERVED FRIDAYS

9AM TO 11AM

February 14,

Wow

February!!!

We hope

veryone

is keeping is

warm

and in gwarm

ood health

this whealth

inter season.

Wowits

its

February!!!

We ehope

everyone

keeping

andduring

in good

during this winter season.

February 14,

February

14, We hope everyone is keeping warm and in good health during this winter season.

Wow

ebruary!!!

February

16,

AST

be closed.

meals

willor be served or delivered this day.

February 16,

AST CComplex

omplex will will

be closed.

No meals

will

be served

delivered this day.

February 16,

AST Complex will be closed. No meals will be served or

delivered this day.

Please keep

hydrated

and watch the news for closing of the complex due to weather:

Please

keep

warm,

arm,

hydrated and watch the news for closing of the complex due to weather:

AST Weather Policy:

February

1Please

omplex

be fcor

losed.

No om

ill be served

r eather:

keep warm, hydrated aAST

nd wCatch

the wnill

ews

closing

f teals

he cw

omplex

due to ow

AST Weather

Policy:

delivered this day.

AST

eather

olicy:

a. Prior to normal starting time it will be announced on one of the local television or radio channels that the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe is open and/or closed based on weather severity. The Governor, and/or designee, will report to these channels: Channel

4, 5, 9, Fox 25; Radio-KTOK 1000; KOKC 1520AM. Formerly the policy has been that when schools in Little Axe and Shawnee

Please

eep

warm, hydrated and watch the news for closing of the complex due to weather:

are closed then employees

would be allowed administrative leave. This policy seeks to clarify on procedures and gives the

decisionAST

making

process

back

to the Tribe.

Weather Policy:

b. On days when weather conditions worsen as the day progresses, the Governor or another member of the Executive Committee

may decide to close early. In such cases, a decision and an announcement will be made through email to all employees.

Low Rent Housing

Our low rent housing program is provided to families in need of

housing in the Shawnee and Tecumseh area. Rental houses are

furnished with kitchen appliances, central heat and air, and mini

blinds all throughout.

In the Shawnee area, the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority

has two elderly/handicap communities. These areas have fully

and partial handicap accessible units. A laundry facility is located

in the community for tenant use only.

Tenants in our rental program are provided services through our

Maintenance Department; if any maintenance issues should arise

you would contact the Housing Authority and a crew member will

come and do the repair.

Introduction

The information being provided is to help families

understand what programs are offered through the Absentee

Shawnee Housing Authority and how to apply.

Our programs target low income Native American families

who need housing assistance. The programs currently

being provided are Rental, Lease to Own and Down

Payment Assistance.

Application Process

Our process begins with the completion of our housing application.

When completing the application be sure and answer all the

questions that pertain to you and sign all attached forms. If you

should have any questions regarding the application; call or come

by our office and ask our staff in the Programs & Admissions

Department and they would be glad to assist you.

The application will also require documents to be attached in order

to complete the process; which are:

 Photo I.D.

 CDIB Card

 Social Security Card

 Birth Certificate

 Marriage License/Divorce Decree/Custody Decree (if applicable)

 Declaration of Section 214 (form is included with application)

Each household member must provide a birth certificate, social

security card and CDIB card (if enrolled in a federally recognized

tribe). The Housing Authority will conduct a criminal background

check and credit check on all adult household members over the

age of 18. A home visit is the final step in completing your

application.

The Lease to Own Program is available for any Native

American family who has met our requirements and would like

to purchase a home through the Housing Authority. The

Subhead. Subhead.

Subhead.

homes offered are ones currently in inventory and owned by

the Housing Authority.

This program is designated for income eligible families who

107 N. Kimberly

have been renting but now feel they are ready for the

Shawnee, OK 74801

opportunity to purchase their own home. The application is

P.O. Box 425

the same as the rental; accept the income requirements are

Shawnee, OK 74802-0425

different.

Be sure and specify when completing your

application, that you are applying for the Lease to Own

Phone: 405-273-1050

Program. If you have substantial rental history and meet the

Fax: 405-275-0678

income requirements, your name may be placed on the

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

waiting list.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Eligibility for each program

has income requirements;

please be sure and review

the current income limits on

your application.

We will not be able to

process your application if

you do not meet the income

criteria.

This program offers a one-time grant of up to $20,000 to assist

with down payment and/or closing cost to purchase a home and

is designed to make home mortgage payments more affordable

Eligibility Requirements

•

Applicant must be eighteen (18) years of age

•

Must be Native American enrolled in a Federally

Recognized Tribe, with priority given to enrolled members of

the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma to apply

•

Applicant must qualify as a low-income family, and

must meet minimum income guidelines

•

Applicant must be first-time homeowner

•

Primary residences only

•

Must be approved for home loan

•

Dwelling Unit must pass environmental inspection

All applicants are required to attend a

counseling class conducted by our

Resident Counselor before signing a

lease.

Annual Recertification are required

for Rental/Lease to Own programs

Inspections are performed on our

homes annually

MONTHLY RENT IS CALCULATED BY YOUR INCOME

OUR LOW RENT UNITS HAVE 1, 2, 3, & 4 BEDROOMS

LEASE TO OWN HOMES HAVE 3 & 4 BEDROOMS

Waiting List

A letter will be mailed out once your application has been

approved notifying you of the date your name was placed on the

waiting list. It is very important to stay in contact and notify the

Housing Authority anytime changes occur in income, household

composition, or contact information.

In the event that your name is next in being offered a home; you

will be notified by letter or phone.

Annual Updates required to remain on the waiting list.

Applications are now being accepted for families that are over the

income limits for our IHBG funded programs. Please contact our

Programs & Admissions Department for further details.

NOTE: There is limited homes available for this program.

The Housing Authority of

the Absentee Shawnee Tribe

The Housing Authority of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe is seeking proposals for Architectural

Absentee

Shawnee

Housing

Authority

107 North Kimberly

P.O. Box 425

is seeking proposals for Architectural and

Shawnee, OK 74802-0425

and Engineering

services for the construction of twelve new homes in a Planned Unit

Phone (405)-273-1050

Engineering services for the construction of twelve

Development in Fax

the (405)275-0678

City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Indian Preference will be given according

new homes in a Planned Unit Development in the

to NAHASDA regulations and 24 CFR 1000.52; but Proposals will be open to all vendors.

of oShawnee,

Oklahoma.

Indian Preference

Other preferences will be given to minority owned oCity

r woman

wned businesses

as well as

be igiven

according

services provided, length of time that the company will

has been

n business,

references, to NAHASDA regulations

24projects

CFR o1000.52;

but Proposals will be open

portfolios and if the company has worked with HUD and

funded

r Native American

Other

preferences

will be given

entities. Proposals will be available on January 26, 2to

015 all

and vendors.

will be due back

in our o

ffice by

owned

woman owned businesses

This program is to provide Over-Income

Absentee

Shawnee

Tribal

members

February 2enrolled

7, 2015

at 3:00pm.

Late

submissions

will to

not minority

be considered

unless aor

n insufficient

only with affordable homeownership financing oppportunites. The Over-Income Down

as well

as services

length of time that

number of proposals are received. If you are interested

in submitting

a proposal provided,

for this

Payment Assistance will include payment of reasonable closing cost associated with the

the

company

been

in business, references,

first mortgage and the ASHA’s

secondpmortgage

with the B

remainder

of the money

going

project,

lease contact

ob Sheppard,

Development

Manager,

at (405) 2has

73-‐1050,

Monday

toward the down payment. The maximum amount for each homeowner is $5000.00.

portfolios and if the company has worked with

through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Down Payment Assistance Program for

Over Income AST Tribal Members

HUD funded projects or Native American entities.

Proposals will be available on January 26, 2015

and will be due back in our office by February

27, 2015 at 3:00pm. Late submissions will not

be considered unless an insufficient number of

proposals are received.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal

for this project, please contact Bob Sheppard,

Development Manager, at (405) 273-1050, Monday

through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Eligibility

•

Applicant must be eighteen (18) years of age

Must be enrolled members of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe with gross incomes over

100% of the median income adjusted for family size to apply

Applicant must be first-‐time homeowner

Primary residences only

Property must be located within the state of Oklahoma

Must be approved for home loan

Dwelling Unit must pass all Housing Quality Standards inspection as well as

Environmental Inspection

For more Program Information, please contact Kimberly

Vermillion at Ext. 260.

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∆

RESOLUTIONS

pass tribal leasing ordinance to approve the leasing

of tribal lands provided those tribal ordinances are

approved by the Secretary of the Interior; and

WHEREAS, on July 28, 2014, at a duly called

meeting, the Executive Committee passed Resolution

No. E-AS-2014-37 approving and enacting an earlier

version of the Business Site Leasing Ordinance for

review by the Department of Interior; and

WHEREAS, the Business Site Leasing Ordinance

requires Executive Committee enactment and Secretarial approval to be effective; and

WHEREAS, this Resolution does not conflict with

any Tribal or federal law or require approval of any

other Tribal entity.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the

Executive Committee has reviewed the Business

Site Leasing Ordinance and hereby approves and

enacts the Business Site Leasing Ordinance for final

approval by the Secretary of the Interior.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Executive

Committee hereby authorizes Governor Butler-Wolfe

to execute and deliver the Business Site Leasing

Ordinance to the United States Department of the

Interior for review and final approval pursuant to the

HEARTH Act.

C E R T I FI CAT I O N

We, Edwina Butler-Wolfe, Governor and Vera M.

Dawsey, Secretary of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma, do hereby certify this Resolution No-EAS-2015-01 to be true and exact copy as approved by

the Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe of Oklahoma at a duly called meeting held

on January 21, 2105, there being a quorum present,

by vote of 3 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstentions,

as follows: Lt. Governor Gibson: Absent, Secretary

Dawsey: Yes, Treasure Bates: Yes, Representative

Blanchard: Yes, Governor Butler-Wolfe’s vote, if

required, N/A.

A RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED BY

THE

EXECUTIVE

COMMITTEE

THE

ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE

TRIBE

OF OKLAHOMA AUTHORIZING AND

APPROVING THE CHANGE IN THE TRIBE’S

INSURANCE PROVIDER FROM ALLSTATE

INSURANCE, CO. TO AFLAC CONTINENTAL

AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY, AND

FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE HUMAN

RESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO COMPLETE

THE GROUP MASTER APPLICATION ( AS

ATTACHED) AND TO TAKE ALL OTHER

NECESSARYACTIONS TO EFFECTUATE

SUCH CHANGE.

A RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED BY

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

AUTHORIZING THE ENACTMENT OF THE

BUSINESS SITE LEASING ORDINANCE FOR

FINAL APPROVAL.

WHEREAS, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma is a federally recognized Indian tribe

exercising all inherent sovereign rights from time

immemorial; and

WHEREAS, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma has a Constitution approved by the

Department of the Interior, last amended in May 2011;

and

WHEREAS, the Executive Committee of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is empowered

by the Constitution to speak and otherwise conduct

business in the name of, and on behalf of, the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Executive

Committee to uphold its constitutional responsibility

to the Tribe and its membership as the highest priority;

and

WHEREAS, the authorities granted by this Resolution

shall be continuing until and unless rescinded by

separate action of this body; and

WHEREAS, due to changes in federal law governing

leases on tribal lands the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma is diligently pursuing the United States

Department of the Interior’s approval of the Business

Site Leasing Ordinance, as provided pursuant to the

Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal

Home Ownership Act of 2012 (“HEARTH Act”)

which authorizes federally recognized Indian tribes to

WHEREAS, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma is a federally recognized Indian tribe

exercising all inherent sover- eign rights from time

immemorial; and

WHEREAS, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma has a Constitution approved by the

Department of the Interior, last amended in May

2011; and

WHEREAS, the Executive Committee of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is empowered

by the Constitution to speak and otherwise conduct

business in the name of, and on behalf of, the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Executive

Committee to uphold its constitutional responsibility

to the Tribe and its membership as the highest

priority; and

WHEREAS, the authorities granted by this

Resolution shall be continuing until and unless

rescinded by separate action of this body; and

WHEREAS, from time to time it is necessary to

modify the policies and procedures that govern the

Tribe and its employees; and

WHEREAS, the Executive Committee believes it

in the best interest of the Tribe, as an employer, to

change its current insurance provider from Allstate

Insurance Co., to Aflac Continental American

Insurance Company.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that

the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma hereby

authorizes and approves the change in the Tribe’s

Insurance Provider from Allstate Insurance Co. to

Aflac Continental American Insurance Company, and

further authorizes the Human Resources Department

to complete the group Master Application (as

attached) and to take all other necessary actions to

effectuate such change.

C E R T I FI CAT I O N

We, Edwina Butler-Wolfe, Governor and Vera M.

Dawsey, Secretary of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma, do hereby certify this Resolution No-EAS-2015-02 to be true and exact copy as approved by

the Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe of Oklahoma at a duly called meeting held

on January 21, 2105, there being a quorum present,

by vote of 3 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstentions,

as follows: Lt. Governor Gibson: Absent, Secretary

Dawsey: Yes, Treasure Bates: Yes, Representative

Blanchard: Yes, Governor Butler-Wolfe’s vote, if

required, N/A.

A RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED BY

THE

EXECUTIVE

COMMITTEE

THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF

OKLAHOMA

GRANTING

VOLUNTARY

RELINQUISHMENT

MEMBERSHIP

IN THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF

INDIANS TO ARTHUR RALPH YONES.

WHEREAS, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma is a federally recognized Indian tribe

exercising all inherent sovereign rights from time

immemorial; and

WHEREAS, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma has a Constitution approved by the

Department of the Inte- rior, last amended in May

2011; and

WHEREAS, the Executive Committee of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is empowered

by the Constitu- tion to speak and otherwise conduct

business in the name of, and on behalf of, the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe of Okla- homa; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Executive

Committee to uphold its constitutional responsibility

to the Tribe and its membership as the highest

priority; and

WHEREAS, provisions exist in the Enrollment

Ordinance for relinquishment of membership with the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, on December 15, 2014 the above named

individual submitted to the enrollment department

a notarized voluntary relinquishment request in

writing; and

ENROLLED NAME

Arthur Ralph Yones

DOB

07/23/1963

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the

Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe

of Okla- homa hereby grants voluntary relinquishment

of membership of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Indians of Oklahoma to Arthur Ralph Yones effective

the date the relinquishment was received by the

enrollment staff.

C E R T I FI CAT I O N

We, Edwina Butler-Wolfe, Governor and Vera M.

Dawsey, Secretary of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma, do hereby certify this Resolution No-EAS-2015-03 to be true and exact copy as approved by

the Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe of Oklahoma at a duly called meeting held on

January 21, 2105, there being a quo- rum present,

by vote of 3 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstentions,

as follows: Lt. Governor Gibson: Absent, Secretary

Dawsey: Yes, Treasure Bates: Yes, Representative

Blanchard: Yes, Governor Butler-Wolfe’s vote, if

required, N/A.

A RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED BY

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF

OKLAHOMAAPPROVING AND ACCEPTING

TITAN

RUSSELL

FENNER,

MARCOS

ANTONIO VELEZ JR, NORA JANE MORTON,

ALEXANDER CHARLES MCLOVIN, KEELEY

MARIE HALE, TALIYAH MARIE HALE,

MARC ANTHONY JOHNSON, ERIK AUSTIN

WALLEY, DALLAS JEFFREY WALLEY, JAMIE

CHERYL SHELTON, ELYSIA ROSE MASQUAS,

JOSIAH NICHOLAS JACKSON, KELLY ANNE

SUSKO, AND KEVIN CHARLES MEGYESI AS

ENROLLED MEMBERS OF THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA.

WHEREAS, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma is a federally recognized Indian tribe

exercising all inherent sovereign rights from time

immemorial; and

WHEREAS, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma has a Constitution approved by the

Department of the Interior, last amended in May

2011; and

WHEREAS, the Executive Committee of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is empowered

by the Constitution to speak and otherwise conduct

business in the name of, and on behalf of, the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Executive

Committee to uphold its constitutional responsibility

to the Tribe and its membership as the highest

priority; and

WHEREAS, the folowing fourteen individuals have

applied for membership in the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe of Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, the above named individuals have

satisfactorily met the Constitutional enrollment

requirements of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe; and

WHEREAS, it has been determined that, research

has been conducted, and to the best of our knowledge,

these individuals are not enrolled with another tribe;

and

WHEREAS, the appropriate documentation required

for this action is on file in the Enrollment section of

the Absentee Shaw- nee Tribal Secretary’s office.

NAME OF ENROLLEE DOB DEGREE OF BLOOD

Titan Russell Fenner

05/21/2013

1/8

Marcos Antonio Velez, Jr. 11/13/2013

1/8

Nora Jane Morton

05/21/2014

1/8

Alexander Charles Melovin 03/04/2014

1/8

Keeley Marie Hale

03/23/2014

1/8

Taliyah Marie Hale

02/14/2013

1/8

Marc Anthony Johnson 02/17/1977

1/8

Erik Austin Walley

10/06/2000

1/8

Dallas Jeffrey Walley

12/10/2004

1/8

Jamie Cheryl Shelton

06/25/1974

1/4

Elysia Rose Masquas

02/05/2014

1/8

Josiah Nicholas Jackson 08/10/2014

23/128

Kelly Anne Susko

08/08/1980

1/8

Kevin Charles Megyesi 08/08/1980

1/8

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that

the Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe of Oklahoma hereby approves and accepts

Titan Russell Fenner, Marcos Antonio Velez Jr,

Nora Jane Morton, Alexander Charles Mclovin,

Keeley Marie Hale, Taliyah Marie Hale, Marc

Anthony Johnson, Erik Austin Walley, Dallas

Jeffrey Walley, Jamie Cheryl Shelton, Elysia Rose

Masquas, Josiah Nicholas Jackson, Kelly Anne

Susko, and Kevin Charles Megyesi as en- rolled

members of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians

of Oklahoma

C E R T I FI CAT I O N

We, Edwina Butler-Wolfe, Governor and Vera M.

Dawsey, Secretary of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma, do hereby certify this Resolution No-EAS-2015-04 to be true and exact copy as approved by

the Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe of Oklahoma at a duly called meeting held

on January 21, 2105, there being a quorum present,

by vote of 3 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstentions,

as follows: Lt. Governor Gibson: Absent, Secretary

Dawsey: Yes, Treasure Bates: Yes, Representative

Blanchard: Yes, Governor Butler-Wolfe’s vote, if

required, N/A.

A RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED BY

THE

EXECUTIVE

COMMITTEE

THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF

INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA AUTHORIZING

AND APPROVING THE CERTIFICATION

OF THE MEMBERSHIP ROLL OF THE

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS

OF OKLAHOMAAT 4105 MEMBERS AS OF

DECEMBER 31, 2014.

WHEREAS, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma is a federally recognized Indian tribe

exercising all inherent sovereign rights from time

immemorial; and

WHEREAS, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma has a Constitution approved by the

Department of the Interior, last amended in May

2011; and

WHEREAS, the Executive Committee of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is empowered

by the Constitution to speak and otherwise conduct

business in the name of, and on behalf of, the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Executive

Committee to uphold its constitutional responsibility

to the Tribe and its mem- bership as the highest

priority; and

WHEREAS, the Executive Committee of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma met

in a Regular Meeting the 21st day of January 2015

there being a quorum present; and

WHEREAS, the Tribal Secretary has reviewed

the accuracy of the Tribal Membership roll as of

December 31, 2014 which includes 23 Deceased, 2

Relinquished.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the

Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe

of Oklahoma hereby authorizes and approves the

certification of the Membership Roll of the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma as being

accurate and correct.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the

membership roll contains only names of those persons

who were determined to meet the requirements of

enrollment and therefore, enrolled pursuant to the

provisions of the Absentee Shawnee Constitution and

By-laws.

C E R T I FI CAT I O N

We, Edwina Butler-Wolfe, Governor and Vera M.

Dawsey, Secretary of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma, do hereby certify this Resolution No-EAS-2015-05 to be true and exact copy as approved by

the Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe of Oklahoma at a duly called meeting held

on January 21, 2105, there being a quorum present,

by vote of 3 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstentions,

as follows: Lt. Governor Gibson: Absent, Secretary

Dawsey: Yes, Treasure Bates: Yes, Representative

Blanchard: Yes, Governor Butler-Wolfe’s vote, if

required, N/A.

Health System Update - February 2015

February is American Heart Month and to build healthier lives, learn about risks for heart disease and stroke and stay “heart

healthy”. Work with your health care team. Get a checkup at least once each year, even if you feel healthy. A doctor, nurse, or other

health care professional can check for conditions that put you at risk for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure and

diabetes—conditions that can go unnoticed for too long.

The Same Day Clinic in Public Health has been in operation a little over a month now and it has been busy seeing a significant patient

load. The Health System is pleased to be able to provide this service and take care of your non-emergent illnesses or injury needs.

Below is some additional Same Day Clinic information that may assist you if you shall need the service:

Location: Same Day Clinic/Public Health

15951 Little Axe Drive Norman, OK 73026

Days:

Monday through Friday

Hours:

8 pm to 5 pm

Phone:

(405) 447-0300

Eligibility:

Everyone who meets current eligibility criteria

In my last month’s article, I had made mention of an extended hour’s clinic at the old Little Axe Clinic building. I am proud to

announce around early to mid-February, we will be opening an AST PlusCare Clinic! We will be having a ribbon cutting ceremony on

February 17, 2015. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 5 PM to 9 PM and on Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM. This

after hour’s service will be for those who are AI/AN (Indian Health Service eligible) who have an acute illness and injury. If you shall

need this service, please be sure to bring your identification card(s), CDIB and insurance coverage card(s). The healthcare team has

been working diligently to open this site and I would like to thank each and every employee who has made this a possibility, along with

the support of the AST Health Boards and the Executive Committee.

On another note, in the past year we’ve more than doubled our patient encounters while improving our patient satisfaction scores.

Please take the time to fill out a Patient Satisfaction Survey and let us know what you like or what we need to change.

The December Health Employee of the Month was Ms. Janice Brown, MLT, Lab. The December Health Team Award was the Same Day

Clinic staff: Ms. Carolyn Stacy, NP; Ms. Joyce Gelino, LPN; and Ms. Catherine Wright with Patient Registration. Our Special Leadership

Recognition Award went to Mr. John Soap, Behavioral Health. Special recognition was provided to Mrs. Darlene Perryman, CHPS, HIM,

as the Employee of the Year for Health System for 2014. We are extremely proud of our outstanding star performers and thank them

all for their efforts in 2014. The health system, staff, and providers all look forward to serving the tribe into 2015 and the future!

A few other key bits of information for this month:

AST/Serviced Health System Native American Veterans: If you are currently receiving services with the area VA Medical Center,

please contact us today to set up an appointment for getting your services here with the AST Health System. We have been approved

to begin our program within the health system to bill the VA now for services you previously received, or currently receive, with the VA.

Please contact a Patient Benefit Advisor (PBA) today to discuss at (405) 447-0300. Don’t miss our two upcoming Veterans’ enrollment

events at Little Axe Clinic on Wednesday, April 22nd and at the Shawnee Clinic on Wednesday,May 20th to enroll and explore your VA

benefits! VHA Health and VBA Benefit enrollment specialists will be available to see if you qualify for benefits or help you explore your

current VA benefit offerings.

If you need CPR training, please contact the AST Health System’s Public Health Office at (405) 447-0300 for scheduling and

training opportunities.

The interactive phone menu for the Contract Health Services (CHS) helps patients access the most appropriate service provider

by calling (405) 701-7951. This feature will speed up access to the patients seeking services and follow-up to their care.

The AST Health System continues to improve its Customer Service. The Customer Service Line is (405) 701-7623. Please direct

all complaints or compliments to this line for appropriate attention and/or response. Please be assured that this is the best way to have

each situation addressed, with consistent updates from our Health Staff. After the investigations of all issues are complete, our Health

Director or a Clinic Administrator will personally contact you with updates, decisions, or question pertaining to your case.

The AST Anti-Bullying Prevention “HOTLINE” is (405) 701-7987 during work hours 8-5, M-F, and for added confidentiality or

after hours you may contact Mrs. Dara Thorpe at either (405) 701-7992 or via cell (405) 481-0815 to start intervention assistance for

tribal youth. If it is an emergency or someone is at risk of harming themselves or others contact 911.

The Affordable Care Act Decision Tool continues to be a valuable tool with helping you decide what you need to do for compliance

with the act. Please see the ACA tab at the ASTHA Health Program’s Website: http://www.asthealth.org/aca (Please visit our site today

to find out what you need to do to protect yourself and your family)!

IRS Releases Tax Form and Instructions for Tribal Exemption from Individual Shared Responsibility Payment: Shortly after

the New Year, the IRS finalized and released Health Coverage Exemptions 2014 Form 8965 and instructions for healthcare exemptions

from the Individual Shared Responsibility Payment. Native Americans who only utilized Indian healthcare services in 2014 and who

do not have their Native American Exemption Number at time of tax filing may self-attest through their tax preparer; or if you prepare

your own tax return, you may self-attest on Part III of Form 8965. Visit http://www.asthealth.org to access the form and instructions

or contact a Patient Benefit Advocate at Little Axe Health Center or Shawnee Clinic for more information.

Pharmacy After Hours Process: After hours and weekends/holidays, did you know you can go to Walgreens in either Shawnee or

Norman, and have a five-day limited fill on prescriptions? All you have to do is submit your prescription, identify yourself with your

AST CDIB Card and other appropriate ID, and then they will fill your prescription! Upon the first workday, you can have the remaining

balance of your prescriptions transferred to your pharmacy in either Shawnee or LittleAxe, and they will fill your remaining balance.

This is an emergency convenience for your benefit and to save

the contract health dollars as well, so please be aware of this and

other benefits your tribe provides you.

Ebola Public Health Messages and Updates: You can access

this up to date information today on the AST Health System

webpage: http://www.asthealth.org.

Breaking news and

information from the CDC and OSDH are located on our webpage

along with other pertinent information for you to protect yourself

and your loved ones.

- Social Media: You can follow the AST Health System

on Facebook and receive the most current messages and

announcements regarding your tribal health care.

Women’s

Health

Serv

at Sh es prov

ide

405.8 nee Clin d

Sche 8.4702

appo ule an

intm

ent

Little Axe Health Center

Women’s Health Services

Located in the Primary Health Care

Providing & Promoting Preventative Health

for All Women

Services include:

h Adult immunizations

h Breast & Pelvic Exams

h Mammogram Referral

h Bone Density Studies

Information about:

• Health Promotion

• Quitting Smoking

• Misuse of Alcohol and Drugs

• Nutrition

• Physical Fitness and Exercise

• Controlling Stress and Violence

• Prevention of Pregnancy

• AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Women’s Health Services

Little Axe Health Center

15951 Little Axe Drive . Norman, OK 73026

405.447.0300 . Fax 405.701.7605

www.asthealth.org

February is American Heart Month and we should all

take steps to ensure we know the health of our hearts.

Some ways you can improve the health of your own heart

are to control your weight, exercise, eat a heart healthy

diet, quit using tobacco, get quality sleep, and see your

healthcare provider for regular health screenings.

Excess weight can lead to conditions that increase your

chances of heart disease such as high blood pressure,

high cholesterol, and diabetes. Take steps to manage your

weight such as - light exercise for at least 30 minutes a

day. Walking is one of the easiest and cheapest ways (it

does not cost anything to walk!) to increase exercise and

manage weight. Reducing your weight by just 5 to 10

percent can help decrease your blood pressure, lower your

blood cholesterol level, and reduce your risk of diabetes.

Eating a heart healthy diet will also lead to improved

heart health. Make it a goal to eat the recommended

serving of fruits and vegetables each day and also eat

whole grains. You should also make sure to get enough

quality sleep each night. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of

sleep each night. People who don't get enough sleep have

a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack,

diabetes, and depression. Visit your doctor for health

screenings-knowing some important numbers such as

blood pressure and cholesterol levels can give you and your

doctor a picture of your heart health. A FREE Heart Health

Summit, 2015 Go Red for Native Women, is being held in

Norman, OK on Friday, February 20, 2015. There will be

FREE heart health screenings, health presentations, FREE

breakfast and lunch provided. To register for the summit

call (405) 593-6931 and speak with Rachel Crawford.

Another great way to improve your heart health is to quit

using tobacco. The Public Health Nursing Department will

be starting a tobacco cessation program, Second Wind,

in the near future. The program will consist of 6 classes

held every 2 weeks. We are still in the planning stage but

will start taking interested participant information. So,

if you or anyone you know would like to participate in

the program please call the Public Health Nurse at

(405) 447-0300 to get signed up.

From the Election Commission:

FROM THE ELECTION COMMISSION:

The filing period for Elective Offices in 2015.

A tribal member may file for office, January 1 to January 10 (excluding

weekends and holidays.) Hours to file are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon)

and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Potential candidates please consult the Election

Ordinance for the procedures and qualifications when running for elective

office.

The following positions will be open for the Elections to be held in 2015.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Position

Filing Fees Term

Governor

$500.00 Two (2) Years

Tribal Secretary

$500.00

Two (2) Years

ELECTION COMMISSION

Position

Filing Fees

Term

Deputy Commissioner $125.00 Three (3) Years

Commission Member #1 $125.00

Three (3) Years

Tribal

Members who filed for elective office:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR

Sabrina Little Axe

Jeff Gibson

B. Edwina Butler-Wolfe

Ricky Little Axe

Kathy Deere

ELECTION COMMISSION

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

Augustine Johnson

SECRETARY

Sacha Almanza

Leonard Longhorn

John Raymond Johnson

Vera M. (Gibson) Dawsey

Twyla Parker

Paulette Blanchard

COMMISSION MEMBER #1

No One Filed

The best thing to do is to talk to your partner and let them know

what you like and don't like. Encourage them to do the same.

Remember, communication is always important when building

a healthy relationship. It's also good to be informed so you can

recognize the different types of abuse.

February is Teen Dating Violence

Awareness Month

Every year nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide

experience physical abuse from a dating partner. And 1 in 3 Score: 6-10 Points

adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, If you scored six to ten points, it sounds like you may be seeing

or verbal abuse from a dating partner.

some warning signs and your relationship may be unhealthy. Don’t

The following is a healthy relationship quiz. Answer the questions ignore these red flags. Something that starts small can grow much

worse over time. No relationship is perfect -- it takes work! But in

below to see if you are in a healthy relationship.

a healthy relationship you won't find abusive behaviors.

The Person I'm With (Often, Sometimes or Never)

Score: 11-50 Points

1. Is very supportive of things I do and encourages me to try

If you scored eleven to fifty points, you are definitely seeing

new things.

warning signs and may be in an abusive relationship. Remember,

2. Likes to listen when I have something on my mind.

abuse is not just physical. Learn about the different types of abuse

3. Talks to me when they’re unhappy with something in the

and how to spot the warning signs.

relationship.

Score: More than 50 Points

4. Is willing to compromise.

If you scored more than 50 points, it is important to consider

5. Understands we have separate interests and can spend

taking steps to ensure your safety. A trained advocate is available

time apart.

to work with you to create a safety plan tailored to your situation,

6. Is mean or rude to my friends.

7. Criticizes or distracts me when I’m doing things that don’t and focused on keeping you safe whether you choose to remain in

the relationship or not.

involve them.

8. Gets extremely jealous or possessive.

You don't have to deal with this alone. We can help. Everyone

9. Accuses me of flirting or cheating when I’m not.

deserves a healthy relationship.

10. Constantly checks up on me or makes me check in.

11. Breaks or throws things when we fight.

For questions regarding Teen Dating Violence you may contact

12. Threatens to destroy my things.

Melissa Lopez at 405-432-9657 or visit the following websites:

13. Tries to control what I do, who I see, what I wear, how I

look or who I talk to.

www.loveisrespect.org www.breakthecycle.org

14. Makes me feel nervous or like I’m "walking on eggshells.”

15. Blames me for problems, puts me down, calls me names or

criticizes me.

ndian hild

elfare epartment

16. Makes me feel like no one else would want me.

17. Threatens to hurt themselves, me, my friends, pets, or

Thanksgiving Food Drive

family.

The ICW Department was able to help over 25 families during

18. Grabs, pushes, shoves, chokes, punches, slaps, holds me

our Thanksgiving Food Drive. ICW was able to provide donated

down, throws things, or hurts me in some way.

turkeys and food baskets to three families who were being served

19. Yells, screams, or humiliates me in front of other people.

by the AST Domestic Violence Department. ICW was also able to

20. Pressures, guilts, or forces me into having sex or going

help some of our Tribal Elders during this Thanksgiving holiday by

farther than I want to.

providing food boxes to them.

Scoring

Questions 1-5: Often: -5,

Questions 6-10: Often: 5,

Questions 11-15: Often: 10,

Questions 16-20: Often: 50,

Sometimes: -3,

Sometimes:

Sometimes: 25,

Never: 5

Never: 0

ICW would like to send a big thank you to:

• AST Casino and their employees

Now that you're finished and have your score, the next step is to

find out what it means. Simply take your total score and see which

of the categories below apply to you.

Score: 0 or Less Points

You got a negative score or a zero? Don’t worry -- it's a good

thing! It sounds like your relationship is on a pretty healthy track.

Maintaining healthy relationships takes some work -- keep it

up! Remember, while you may have a healthy relationship, it's

possible a friend of yours does not. If you know someone who is in

an abusive relationship, find out how you can help them.

Score: 1-5 Points

If you scored one to five points, you might be noticing a couple

of things in your relationship that are unhealthy, but it doesn't

necessarily mean they are warning signs. It's still a good idea to

keep an eye out and make sure there isn't an unhealthy pattern

developing.

• AST employees at Little Axe Clinic and Shawnee Tribal Complex

for all their hard work and dedication in helping families in

need this Thanksgiving season by donating food items

• The Casino for their donation of turkeys

• John and Rhonda for all their help in separating and boxing

food items for our food baskets

In a world that is facing the issues it is today, it is good to know as

AST employees we are willing to do what we can do for others who

may not be as fortunate as ourselves.

Christmas Angel Tree for AST Foster Children

The ICW Department would like to send a big thank you to all

employees who donated toys during Christmas to our department

and helped us assist our foster care children and other children

in need this Christmas season. The abundance of employee

participation helped us to help 28 children this holiday season.

AST Education Department: Big Jim Youth Awards

We will begin taking applications for 2014-15 Big Jim Youth Awards on January 1, 2015. High school seniors of both

genders within the 50 United States are eligible to apply for these awards for the 2014-2015 school year. Applications

will be accepted from January 1 to March 31, 2015 by US mail or email, official transcripts must be mailed. The

official application form will be available in January 2015 at www.astribe.com under the Education Department. The

$1,000.00 award is in the form of a scholarship to the college or university where the award recipient will attend for the

fall 2015 semester. The scholarship must be used for the fall 2015 semester.

We will begin accepting applications for the following awards:

•

Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male and Female)

Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male and Female)

Individuals are encouraged

to nominate deserving high

school seniors. You may

nominate yourself.

Please

refer to the application for

required documents. Eligible

nominations will be judged by

a panel of (non-AST) experts

assembled specifically for this

purpose. The intent is to bring

together an unbiased group

of experts to evaluate the

applicants in an impartial and

unbiased environment. Their

decisions are final with respect

to all matters concerning

these awards. Awards will be

announced in May 2015.

We encourage ALL Absentee

Shawnee High School Seniors

to apply.

Award recipients will be

recognized as the 2014-2015

Big Jim Academic Achievement

Award winner or the Big

Jim Athlete of the Year. In

addition to this recognition the

award recipients will receive

a $1,000.00 scholarship to be

used towards their education

and the advancement of their

career.

Questions on these awards

program should be addressed

to:

STUDENT INFORMATION

Name: _______________________________________________________________________

(LAST)

(FIRST)

(MI)

Enrollment #: ___________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________

(STREET)

(CITY)

(STATE)

(ZIP)

Home Phone: (

)

Cell Phone: (

)

Email: ___________________________________________________

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

High School Name:

City: State:

Guidance Counselor: Phone #:

Sport: Position:

Coach: Phone #:

(FIRST) (LAST)

All Absentee Shawnee High School Seniors are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Documents to be included with application:

 Official High School Transcript

 Letter of Recommendation (Educator/Coach)

 Tribal Enrollment Card (copy)

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Education Department

c/o Tresha Spoon

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

405.275.4030 Ext 121

 Resume of Accomplishments and Activities

 500-word Essay: How do you feel your accomplishments (knowledge/training) will influence your future?

 Video (optional): no more than 10 minutes in length

youthaward@astribe.com

The Absentee Shawnee

Health System

is pleased to announce that

plans are being made to open

an Extended Hours Health

Clinic in 2015.

Coming

soon!

2015

The Extended Hours Health

Clinic will be located in the

“old” Little Axe Clinic in the

Casino Parking lot

15702 East HWY 9

Norman, OK 73026

Coming

soon!

2015

AST Complex, Building 1

Date/Time:

Saturday, February 7th at 10:00am. Meetings

vary in length, but usually last at least an hour.

Participants /Ages:

6th grade to 12th grade. The Youth Council is

open to all students in these grades.

Transportation:

Parents will be responsible for bringing and

picking up their child.

What is it? :

The Youth Council is a way for students from

the surrounding AST communities to work

together and bring to light things they need help

with in their school. It is also a way for students

to work and learn how they can create a

difference for the Tribe and their own

community. We explore different prevention

topics, volunteer in the community, and also

explore further educational options.

For any questions please contact:

Tresha Spoon at 275-4030 Ext. 6242

Blake Goodman at 364-7569

The Extended Hours Health Clinic will be similar to an

“AM/PM” clinic for acute illness or injury needs. The

clinic will be staffed with a Physician, Physician Assistant,

or a Nurse Practitioner. This acute needs clinic is

designed to allow increased access to care for our

patients after the regular Primary Care clinic is closed

and on weekends. If you have an emergent condition

such as chest pain or suspected stroke, please call 911 or

go to the nearest ER. *The Extended Hours Health Clinic

will not be equipped for emergent care.

Come join us at the AST Resource Center!!!

Free tutoring in all subjects!

Games and activities!

Delinquency prevention!

Healthy lifestyles!

Location:

And much more!

OPEN TO ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENTS

Everything is offered at no charge….Little Axe School’s bus will

transport students to the AST Resource Center on Peebly Road and

parents are responsible for picking students up by 6:00 pm.

Duration: Starts September 2nd and will run through the school year.

Monday-Thursday, 2:45pm-6:00pm

For more information and to sign up please contact Blake

Goodman at (405) 364-‐7569.

2015

BIRTHDAYS

Alford, Dianne Susan

Alford, Laurie Leann

Alford, Makenzie Raychel

Alford, Paul Henry

Almanza, Sacha Blue Renee

Arellano, Jennifer Lynn

Argueta, Oneonta Marie

Armstrong, Dusty Ridge

Asbridge, Sandra Lilrene

Atwara, Honey Nicole

Barnard, Kevin Michael

Battiest, Phyllis Leeann

Belden, Florene

Belden, Lois Little Creek

Bennett, Blaine Mattingly

Bennett, Deeann Onahwag

Berryhill, Valerie Lynn

Bettelyoun, Amber Dawn

Bettelyoun, Anthony Bryce

Bettelyoun, Lea Dawn

Bittle, Joshua Jacob

Blanchard Craig, Carolyn Jean

Blanchard Sr, Leland Dale

Blanchard, Aaron Gabriel

Blanchard, Cache Lewis

Blanchard, Caden Briar

Blanchard, Charles Eugene

Blanchard, Joshua James

Blanchard, Kellice Lee

Blanchard, Rikki Rechele

Blanchard, Sierrah Delyn

Blanchard, Taylor Jordan

Blanchard, Thurman Leon

Blanchard, Velma Mae

Bowles, Melissa Carole

Boyd, Laura Lynn

Bread, Charles Michael

Bread, Dina Adele

Breeding, Kinsley Reece

Brokeshoulder, Tammy Lynn

Brown III, Curtis Jermain

Brown, Cody Wayne

Brown, Lisa Renee

Bryant, Isis Aponi

Bullen, Myles Robert

Campbell, Mikayla Jo

Carlson, Scottina Dakota

Carnes, Kylee Aleea Lynn

Carr, Adoree Celeste

Checotah, Eric Wayne

Cloud, Doris (Elephant)

Coddington, William Michael

Cooper, Dade Luke Allen

Copeland, Val Rochelle

Cottrell, Ryan Thomas

Cozad, Anastasia E-mah-doh

Creek-Harjo, Josiah Sage

Crider, Eric Russell

Crocker, Dorothea Carolyn

Csoma, Alexander Attila

Daugherty, Kenneth

Daugherty, Mikenna Hope

Daugherty, Serena Mae

Davis, Meghan Paige

De Shazo, Heather Ann

Deardorff, Cynthia Ann

Deckard, Dakota Dale

Deer, Kylee Taryn

Deer, Michael Neil

Deere, Adina Ann

DeLodge, Lena Ruby Rhianna

DeLodge, Ruby Leigh

Digilio, Brandin Anthony

Digilio, Bryon Andrew

Downs, Camden Blake

Downs, Cayden James

Edwards, Kenneth Lee

Ellis, Austin Chase

Ellis, Jeremy Michael

Ellis, Jessica Lyn

Ellis, Leroy

Emmons, Brian Ross

Engledowl, Jasey Belle

Fenner, Kayana Isabelle

Ferrell, Ethan Shawn

Fixico, Stephen Anthony

Floyd, Jane Elizabeth

Foreman, Joshua Daniel

Foreman, Richard Eli

Frazier, Devon Leanne

Frazier, Shirley Fern

Geissler, Stephanie Dayle

Gibson Jr., Ronald Lewis

Gibson, Kylakay Virginia

Gibson, Paige Nycole

Gibson, Paul Brian

Gillihan, Dezirea Kristyne

Gilman, Juanita

Gomez, Wilma Sue

Goodman, Blake Samuel

Granstrom, Gayla Sue

Grass, Wayne

Hall, Matteson Roi

Ham, Jerred Mace

Ham, Rhonda Juliene

Harder, Ruth Ellen

Harjo, Benjamin Ray

Harper, Pauline Aileen S.

Hartfield, Jazlynn Shae

Harvey, Hally Marie

Hayes, Donna Kay Elkins

Hayes, Jocelyn Cynthia Lorene

Hernandez, Erica Ann

Herrera, Robert Manuel

Hibdon, Kendra Nicole

Hilderbrand, Amy Beth

Hill, Stephen Allen

Hood III, Warren Weslyon

Hood, Dakota Zane

Hood, Moria Oloizia

Huntington, Bradford Paul

Hurst, Joseph Douglas Skinner

Ibarra, Angel Antonio

Irvin, Nathaniel Konrad

Jimerson Jr., Robert

Jobe, Alexa Lee

Johnson Jr., Foster Calvin

Johnson Jr., Mark Benjamin

Johnson, Cleta Joyce Blanchard

Johnson, Grayling Wade

Johnson, Henry Kirby

Johnson, Jacob Jordan

Johnson, Mark Benjamin

Johnson, Michael Jeremy

Johnson, Pauline Virginia

Johnson, Rahstin Allyn Sabbestiun

Johnson, Sandra Kay

Johnson, Tiffany Sheri

Johnston, Diana Sue Alford

Jones III, Timothy Dale

Jones, Willie Lee

Judkins, Ashley Ann

Keith, Andy Ronin

Kelly, Ryan Michael

Kickapoo, Derek Anthony

Kirby, Gage Robert

Kitchen, Amber Elisabeth

Knight, Natalie Jean

Krackenberger, Sharon Lea

Krejci, Ronald Dylan

Kupczynski, Joseph Martin

Lalehparvaran, Ali Jordan

Laplant, Scotty Alan

Lasarge, Amos Dewayne

Lavell, Jade Daniel

Leath, Mary Loyse

Lehman, Joenita Leigh

Lena-Tiger, Camille Dawn

Lewis, Elain Kay

Lewis, Pamela Lynn

Limbaugh, Jodi Kathleen

Little Axe Eckles, Debra Lynn

Little Axe Sr., Danny

Little Axe, Ronald Dean

Little Charley Jr., Scott

Little Creek, Larry Dwight

Littlebear, Brooklyn Shay

Littlebear, Grant Edwin

Littlebear, Laura Jan

Littlecreek, Cynthia Marie

Littlehead, Gary Lynn

Longhorn, Avis Elaine

Longhorn, Lindsey Marie

Longhorn, Nathan Neil

Longman, Sasha Mae

Lowe, Kara Michelle

Lowe, Taylor Makayla

Lumpmouth, Wynona Lee

Maddux, Jonathan Webster Tiger

Mahardy, Jeffery Andrew

Mann, Colby Lee Richard

Markwardt, Ethan Thomas

Marshall, Denia Kay

Martinez, Erica Inez

Martinez, Hayden Loa

Martinez, Jasmine Consuelo

Martinez, Shawnee Danielle

Masquas, Cora Irene

Masquas, Joshiah Lee

May, Gina Lanette

McDoulett, John William

McDowell, Farrell Ramon

McKane, Sidna Rae Lenee

McKinney, Ellen Marie

Medina, Elizabeth Ruth Ann

Medina, Trinity Lynn Tiger

Melton, Jaycie Taylor

Miller, Cari Denise

Miner, Veda Jorene

Minesinger, Joshua Brooker

Minesinger, Seth Wildcat

Mitchel, Benito Miquel Travis

Mohawk, Cherokee Cheyenne

Molina Jr., Charles B.

Moore, Alexia Saranda

Moore, Thomas Joseph William Randall

Morton, Joseph Ohland

Mount, Glenda Dawn

Murdock Jr., Steven Alan

Murdock Sr., Steven Alan

Musick, Michael Thomas

Nail, Gregory Thomas

Novick, River Elaine-Monique

Odell, Ronnie Lynn

Owens, Beau Wesley Laine

Owings, Abigail Rose

Panther, Lydia Denise

Panther, Shawn Dell

Panther-Davis, Tammie Rae

Parker, John Wendall Gage

Perez, Tesla Nichole

Perkins, Miranda Deann

Perry, Sierra Breanna

Peter, Kalina Nicole

Pine, Jeremiah Andrew

Ponce, Aisaiah Anthony Oscar

Pyrch, Jesse Kellen

Quraishi, Ibraheem Bin Khalil

Raisbeck Jr., David Nathaniel

Raisbeck, Samantha Storm

Raisbeck, Samuel Walter

Ramirez III, Florentino

Ramirez, Mariah Fay-Ann

Ramirez, Matias Noah

Reyes, Isabel Fe

Richey, Kodi Rae Jolynn

Ridenour, Sydney Bree

Riley, Hulbutta Kotcha

Robbins, Blake Anthony

Robbins, Taylar Paige

Robison, Ariana Michelle

Rolette, Cheryl Lynn

Rolette, Madison Fox Grant

Rolette, Madison Joy

Rowan, Damian Eugene

Runsabove, Honor Mae

Sams, Christine Lorraine

Sanchez, Kianna Paola

Seber, Peyton Eddie

Serena, Laveda

Shawnee, LaNayah JaN’aee

Sheets, Angela Christy

Simpson, Christian Jacob

Simpson, Cody Lee

Skelly, Shanna Lynn

Slate, Patricia Ann

Slayton, Brooke Danielle

Sloat, Douglas James

Sloat, Meika Ladon

Sloat, Newton D

Smith, Marvin

Smith, Zackery James

Snake, Alvin Matthew

Snake, Kenneth Lee

Snake, Lewis George

Snake, Stewart Lancer

Soap, Sally Clarice

Solomon, Billie Jean Tiger

Spoon, Edward Joe

Spoon, Justin Tyler

Spoon, Paisley Rennea

Spybuck, Garland Charles

Spybuck, Gavan Wayne

Spybuck, Roberta Ann

Stevenson, Jodean Ann

Stoudemire, Naviah DeAnne

Strain, Gerald Tousley

Stryker, Doyle Chad

Stryker, Laurel Brad

Sullivan, Aizah Vanesse

Sullivan, Marcus Lee

Sutton Jr., Jeremy Ray

Switch, Sabrina Lee

Switch, Sophia Michelle

Tahah, Barton Dale

Talton, Dacia Arie

Talton, Kaydince James

Taryole, Laura Lee

Tascier, Sarah Isabelle

Tello-Faz, Maria delaLuz

Terrell, Xavier Thomas Jackson

Thompson, Asher Bryce

Thorpe IV, George Isaiah

Thorpe Jr., Edwin James

Thorpe Lena, Janice Gail

Thorpe, Edwin James

Tiger, Kevin Richard Dewayne

Tiger, Soaryn Edward Matthew

Tiger, Tammy Cindie Ladawn

Tiger, Tyler Matthew

Trussell, Sherry Lynn

Uchida, Denise Louise

Uchida, Kevin Micheal

Valdivia Jr., Enrique

Vaughn, Dylan Thomas

Wade, Justin Lee

Walker, Robert Stanley

Warrior, Anthony Louis

Warrior, Pamela Sue

Washington, Olvie Winston

Watkins, Destiney Shae

Watkins, Jayana Laneis

Watson, Adriana Renae

Watson, Brent Grynnel

Watson, Micah Lashaun D.

Watson, Peyton Deshae

Wheeler, Emily Anne

Wheeler, Leah J.

Whims, Madison Mackenzie

White, Christopher Alan

White Thunder, Shelby Lynn

Whittaker, Caiden Skye

Whittaker, Joshua Jay W.

Wiley, Prince John Bowen

Wilkinson, Kaelynn Rayann

Williams, Brennan Marie

Williams, Kaylee Nicole

Williams, Kevin Bruce

Williams, Paula Sue

Williams, Phoenixx Winter Ryne

Wilson Harjo, Reta Marie

Wilson, Adam Lee

Wilson, Mariana Danyel

Wilson, Melvin Wayne

Wilson, Zelma Jo

Womack, Che`le Caye

Wood, Judith A.

Wood, Ryan Ashley

Wright, Cynthia Diane

Yamutewa, Chebon Dale

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY Justin Tyler

To my beautiful daughter

Barbara Jo Spoon

I Love you, Mom

Happy belated Birthday

wishes,

Aunt BJ

Your one awesome Aunt.

We couldn’t have asked for a cooler one than you!!

Love your Niece & Nephews, Jiliyan & Joplin & Justin

To Our Son Dade Cooper

Justin

Happy 28th Birthday to my eldest son! You’re such

an awesome guy to have in my life!! I love you more

than you know!

Love Mom

JT,

Happy Birthday to our old man of a brother!! We

love you to Mars and back!!

Love, lil sister Jiliyan & lil brother Joplin and your

“son” Harold

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

To my handsome Grandson, Justin Tyler Spoon

I hope your day is happy I Love you the mostest,

Granny

Justin Tyler,

Can’t believe it’s been 28 years since you came into

our lives. I’m extremely proud of you and to call

you my nephew also!! Happy Birthday hope its a

great one!

Love, Aunt BJ & Chloe Belle

Sheldon White Thunder

February 29th

We Love You!

Love, Mom & Dad

Happy 4th

Birthday

To my oldest,

orneriest,

sweetest

Grandson,

Robert Bruce

Alford

I Love you,

G-Low

Madison Fox

Grant Rolette!

TO MY NEPHEW

JIMMY DAVID MEEK

I LOVE YOU,

YOUR AUNT, SADIE

Happy 42nd Birthday

– From Sis, Tom,

Sheldon, Shelby,

Shelsie, Justin, Daelan,

& Bryson

Sister (Barb)

Rikki Blanchard

23rd

LEELEE

Shelby Lynn White

Happy 51st

Birthday!

Thunder.

With much love,

From Sis,

From

–

Mom,

Dad,

Daddy and

Tom, Sheldon,

Sheldon, Shelsie, Dalean, Shelby, Shelsie,

Mommy

And from all of us,

Justin, Daelan

Byrson

Justi

Happy Birthday!

& Bryson

From Daelan, Mom, Dad,

Shelsie,

Shelby, Justin, and Bryson

From the get go when

we were little and fun,

you’ve been my best

friend, you are the

ornery one. Now that

your Birthday has

come and went, I’m

wishing you exactly

what I’ve meant You

haven’t aged a single

bit!!

Love Your “way

younger” Sister,

Sherrie D.

Paulette Blanchard for

Tribal Secretary

Greetings relatives, friends, and citizen

Shawnees,

My name is Paulette Blanchard.

Although I did not grow up here my entire

youth I did go to school in Shawnee for

part of my elementary years and spent

summers and holidays with my relatives

here.

My mother was Roberta Blanchard,

grandfather was Lewis “Big Louie”

Blanchard, and great-grandparents

were Lee and Cecilia Blanchard. I am

Shawnee, Kickapoo, and mixed white.

I would like you all to consider casting

your vote for me for Tribal Secretary in

the upcoming election. I offer to serve

our tribe as a professional, educated

and ethical Shawnee citizen, putting the

tribe’s needs ahead of my own. I believe

I can offer our community unbiased,

educated, and professional decisions

that are in the best interest for the

tribe both short term and long term. I

am willing to work together with Tribal

Executive Members and citizens equally

with respect and humility.

If elected I hope to progress our tribe

forward with sound business ideas and

decisions. I have owned and operated as

a partner in a business for several years

and have ability to lead, or follow as part

of a team. I would like to address unethical

and illegal practices to protect our Tribe

as a whole. I am against segregating our

community into fractional groups that

divide and makes us weak and vulnerable

to our sovereignty being further eroded

by outsiders and sometimes our own.

By this I mean to explore what can be

done to effectively and legally procure

our sovereign rights to put land back

into trust thus protecting our future as

a tribe. I strongly feel that we cannot

compete on a state or national level until

we address the dysfunction within. We

are currently unorganized and waste time

and money on things that should never

have gotten this far and I would like the

opportunity to remedy this with the input

and support from the entire community.

I think as a unified Executive Committee

we can solve issues that plague our tribe

short term and implement solutions that

are long term.

I have an Associate in Social Science

from Seminole State College, a Bachelors

of Art in Indigenous and American Indian

Studies from Haskell with focus on

federal Indian Law and policy and Tribal

government. I have a Masters degree from

the University of Oklahoma in Geography

and Environmental Sustainability, with

focus on community resilience, disaster

preparedness and climate variability and

weather extremes.

I choose to run for Secretary to give

back to the People the knowledge and

experience I have. My resume is full of

experiences in many things all related

to Indian country and the issues Indians

deal with. I chaired committees on Indian

education, was an officer for American

Indian Higher Education Consortium,

was Parliamentarian (Sargent at Arms) of

Haskell senate. I participated in working

groups internationally, nationally and

regionally addressing problems in Indian

Country ranging from Federal Indian

law and policy to Indigenous social and

environmental issues.

Through experience I believe in

sending educated and qualified people for

a job to enhance their professional skills

and would encourage our department

leaders

attend

professional

development opportunities for the

betterment themselves and the tribe. I

believe the office of Secretary would be

better served in the office serving the

needs of the tribe.

I offer this humbly as I have

little to gain from service except the

betterment of our community. Our

Tribe needs structure, organization,

professionalism, and economic growth

beyond our casinos and few other

activities. We really need internal

cohesion and transparency of everything

involving our Tribe. I will admit I am

strong willed but not stubborn, I have

conviction and stand firm by a moral

and ethical code. I believe in putting the

most educated and qualified person for

the job in the job they are skilled at. I

believe in listening to Peoples needs and

collaborating with others for a solution

to issues. I also believe the needs of the

whole outweigh the need of the few. I

believe in the future of the Shawnee and

ask that you allow me the opportunity to

serve our community as Secretary of the

Tribe.

NiYaWay

Paulette Blanchard

Sacha (Mckane)

Almanza for Tribal

Secretary

Ho’! Nila, yokoma, nahawelamaki.

Hello my relatives!

My name is Sacha (Mckane) Almanza.

I was given a Shawnee name as an infant

and I belong to the bird clan. My parents

are Billy Mckane (Muskogee Creek) and

Vera (Gibson) Dawsey. I have five sisters

and one brother. My husband of 9 years,

Luis Almanza, and I raise our children in

the Little Axe community. It is with great

honor and humility that I publicly announce

my candidacy for Tribal Secretary of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

After years of service within our

community and with the support of not

only my family, but with the guidance of

our Creator, I have decided to take a stand

by offering my service to our people. I was

born in Norman and lived in the area until

age 12 when I moved out of state to live with

my father. Prior to moving, I was fortunate

enough to have been raised around my

grandparents and our ceremonial way of

life. The late John Mann and Cleona (Gibson)

Mann were advent ceremonial people who

helped our people in various capacities.

Some of my earliest memories include

being around the dance grounds and/or

sitting with my grandparents in the tipi

during Native American church prayer

services. I realized at a young age my

Gibson family, as well as Mann family,

were servants to not only the Creator, but

to our people as well. With a ceremonial

foundation set, I soon found myself in a

military atmosphere while living with my

father and step-mother, Terry Murphy. My

father served in the Special Forces for 14

years and retired as a Master Sergeant with

over 36 years of service in the Army and

Army reserve. I was raised with immense

structure, discipline and guidance. I was

taught to have goals and objectives. I was

encouraged to constantly strive for self-improvement and awareness so that I would be prepared in the future when needed.

As a result of the teachings my parents and grandparents instilled in me, I managed to overcome many obstacles to achieve my

goals. I was taught to remember our traditional teachings and to excel in my education. During my senior year in high school, I moved

back to Oklahoma and graduated from Riverside Indian School. I continued my education right away and graduated from the American

Indian Journalism Institute at the University of South Dakota. Upon learning how drastic the needs are in our community, I went back

to school and earned my bachelors in American Social Interaction from the University of Oklahoma.

After completing my degree from OU, I began working for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe in 2010 and entered the field of Public Health/

grant writing and management. Through that experience I saw the importance of our health and wellness as a people. I vowed to learn

more so I could use the education available to help address the issues our people face. In 2013, I began working at the Oklahoma City

Area Inter-Tribal Health Board. It allowed me to help Native People on a grander scale by focusing on health problems that plague tribes

throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. While working full-time, taking care of my four children and husband, I decided to pursue

my master’s degree. In order to achieve this goal, I had to be disciplined and organized more than I ever had. I also had to rely more

than ever on my family, the Creator, and the teachings He gave our people. I stayed close to the fireplace in the Native American church

ceremonies and soon earned my Masters of Business in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.

With my traditional and family teachings, work experience, and education, I am more than ready to serve our people as your

Secretary. I strongly believe in the potential our Tribe possesses and for this reason it breaks my heart to see that potential be wasted

or misused. We as leaders MUST BE ACCOUNTABLE for how our resources, employees, grants, tribal programs, and finances are being

used in order to benefit ALL of our tribal members so that someday our children will have a governing tribe they can be proud to serve.

Along with accountability, I firmly believe in the need to address the overall health and wellness of our people. We could have all the

riches in the world, but without good health, it is meaningless.

As a young child, I have fond memories of our elders speaking, praying in the Shawnee language, hunters coming in the early

morning before Bread Dance, and many other people making preparations for these ceremonies. It is these memories that established a

foundation for me and provided a love for my people beyond measurement. I can say proudly I am also able to provide my own children

with such a foundation. I see my children embracing our ceremonial ways and even hear my oldest son singing songs and reiterate

teachings he has learned, to his younger siblings. It is an amazing sight to see. However, I fear for the future of our Tribe because I see

so much potential for advancement being wasted or tossed to the side. It is with great confidence that I say, I am more than ready to

bring unique expertise to the governing of our people. SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME, OUR GRANDPARENTS PREPARED FOR THE

FUTURE GENERATIONS.....IT IS NOW OUR DUTY TO DO THE SAME! Again, I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to

serve you.

Nya weh! Shalanokii, noki, kanola!

Elect Kathy Deere

Governor

Experience,

Integrity, &

Principles

Primary

Election,

Saturday, March

21, 2015

Re-elect me for Governor and Let’s Build For the Future (BFF)!

Edwina Butler-Wolfe

Hello my Absentee Shawnee people!

It is that time of year when those of us who are interested in running for Office pay our respective fees; mine was $500, to begin the

campaign process. The next step in this process is the Election Commission will determine who meets the eligibility criteria as cited

within our Election Ordinance. This list is reviewed by our Enrollment department who research our information to determine if we

are dually enrolled or are enrolled only with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. Then after all eligibility factors are determined to have been

met, by our hard working Election Commission, then the list is posted and we, your candidates, begin our campaign journey letting you

have a better understanding about who we are, what we want to do if we get elected, and about how we might go about making those

changes. Let me give you a brief bio on ‘Who’ I am:

I am a proud citizen of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and was elected to serve as your Governor in July of 2013. My educational

efforts began at Dale High School then I pursued course work at Seminole Jr. College, Rose State Jr. College, St. Gregory and Oklahoma

Baptist Universities. Being one of seven sisters I knew being employed was not an option, but a way of life, and became employed in

my early teens. I believe one’s work can illustrate both commitment and pride when a job is done to the best of one’s capability. My

focal interest is on educational reform and curriculum advancement and I worked for over 15 years within local school systems. During

my professional career I have created, implemented and managed programs, conducted event planning, and raised funds in addition

to grant writing. For 26 years I have been fortunate to serve on multiple advisory, planning, and educational committees and boards.

In the recreational area, I have actively participated in nationwide senior level basketball games and local softball tournaments. I

take great pleasure in coaching youth basketball, softball, track and volleyball, and being a part of my grandchild’s adventures. My

husband, Leonard Wolfe, an Absentee Shawnee tribal member, is a long time Manager at the Walmart in Shawnee. I have one adult

son, Joshua, who is also an Absentee Shawnee Tribal member and one grandson, Nicholas.

When I came into Office it was with a clear minded focus to listen to you, my people, and to make a difference. I have tried to do both.

In my last campaign, I concentrated on health, health board by-laws, staffing, and access to health care for you; review and assist in

prioritizing ASEDA and economic development projects; work on increasing opportunities in Education for our students; review long

term care and ancillary levels of care; representation – take part in legislative reform and policy development and consider our land

based needs and the current lease the Tribe has. Since I came into Office, new health board by-laws have been put into place for the

ASTHA, our non-profit, tribally owned corporation; health board appointments/re- appointments have been done and key personnel

has changed. Yes, there is still much to do in our health department(s), ASEDA program, Education department, on our long term care

needs and to constructively represent the Tribe and advance our legal efforts on correcting our land base. The table below illustrates

my former and upcoming actions.

Economic Development

June 2013

June 2014

For June 2015

ASEDA -it’s Board(s) and who makes the decisions for

the Board.

ASEDA – Board composition has changed. This Board

needs additional professional membership, investors,

funding and autonomy with any agreements established

not waiving the Tribe’s sovereignty. The AST Enterprise

Board is still composed of 1 member – the Secretary.

This Board and its function need to be reviewed by the

EC, possibly dissolved or at least re-structured.

ASEDA – Board reappointments and/or appointments

need to occur. Prior year Board actions need reviewed.

Enterprise Board function needs to be removed from

Secretary Dawsey due to business closures – kitchen

in Little Axe; Smoke shops – not making a profit or

generating taxes; Convenience Store – Little Axe – no

profit or tax generation and we need financial reports.

Projects – under ASEDA program – lose of funds occurred and constructive changes must be considered.

Projects – There has been a number of actions come up

under ASEDA and they require funding and oversight.

Projects – Loans for those who are unable to meet

certain loan guidelines; need a report on all current YTD

actions and projections for CY2015.

Health

June 2014

For June 2015

Staffing issues – no medical or dental directors;

retention of staff is a major issue.

June 2013

Staffing – Medical and dental directors were part time

and/or Contracted. Medical Director and Dental Directors

were hired in/or around July 2014. Retention of staff –

still fluctuating but improved.

Staffing – Medical and Dental Directors are hired.

Average monthly patients being seen by medical

director: Dr.

Ahmad is 72 (21 ASTHA; 51 LSWN); Average monthly

patients being seen by Dental Director is 122; Retention

of staff – still fluctuating – being offered incentives;

COLA’s; bonuses; team awards; the Tribe needs to have

more input and determine the direction for our people.

Budget problems – Tribe receives a lot of money –

limited programming and staffing retention issues; Little

Axe clinic loan- interest and principal should be made

timely – third party revenue funds being generated are

limited.

Budget problems – Tribe receives funds with Board

operating clinic(s). Clinic principal and interest loan

payments for LSWN appear to be made by revenues

generated from ASTHA and Compact funds being

‘transferred’. Need to re-visit loan agreement and

revise sovereignty language and look at reducing loan

cost to Tribe. Third party revenue being generated by

clinic(s) need improved and should be much higher. It

was anticipated by hiring a Medical Director and Dental

Director it would improve revenue. Not so for the

Medical Director – cost for Medical Director is higher

than recovery of salary at this time – benefit to patient

is unknown as there is no survey tool being used to

measure this outcome.

Budget problems – Budget(s) by health system

submitted late and without budget detail and/or

justifications being reviewed. Board(s) did not review

budgets, based on Board minutes, they were given

totals. (See Health Budget totals.) Clinic principal and

interest loan payments continue to be offset by ASTHA

third party revenue and health Compact funds.

LSWN continues to not be self-sustaining. This year

health sought additional $7 million to run LSWN. Loan

process, investment fees, broker costs, and third party

revenue changes need to be considered by Health Board

and external auditing firm. Health seeking to give all

employees 3% COLA; tenure bonuses (3 years or more);

team incentives; employment contract with Executive

Director of Health for 3 years. These actions need an

objective review and evaluation.

Program Administration – personalities of key staff

within health administration is a concern; large salaries

are paid to health administrator and key staff managing

programs with limited experience in working with or

having experience in management.

Program Administration – personalities of key staff

within health administration continue to be a concern;

large salary is paid through employment contract to

Executive Director of Health. Contract exceeds market

place salary scale and is for 3 years with a 30 day pay

out if removed; unclear if contractor’s employment and

Indian preference were verified.

Program Administration – personalities of key staff

within health administration continue to be a concern

– job descriptions need to reviewed and considered

by SHAREHOLDERS during a called meeting. We need

to ensure ALL employment contracts be made subject

to employment verification, background check, drug

testing, and Indian preference. All contracts, including

Board Attorney, should be subject to Shareholders and/

or EC approval during a duly called meeting. This process

is NOT happening. Health is currently self-appointing

to state committees – all appts. are subject to the Tribal

appointment process; Full disclosure on budget practices

must occur.

Health Clinic Accreditation

– clinics should get accredited.

Health Clinic Accreditation

– AAAHC is being worked towards by the health dept.;

hiring professional staff will assist in accreditation

efforts and forming required committees; training on

AAAHC is occurring.

Health Clinic Accreditation

– AAAHC committees have been established;

professional staff has been hired; timelines for

accreditation are being set.

Programming – Medicaid patient scheduling priorities

are problematic.

Programmatic – Need more open access slots. Hiring

of new staff should assist in offsetting some scheduling

concerns – policy and procedures need enhanced.

Programmatic – Need more transparency in policy.

Policy and procedure development is ongoing and will

need to incorporate

AAAHC requirements; Access

issues still require work.

Health Board(s) – Boards are autonomous; information

is needed from it with reports placed into the AST

newsletter advising on major actions taken. Board

composition needs to be looked at.

Health Board(s) – Boards remain autonomous. Revised

ASTHA by-laws were put into place. No changes in

by-laws for Li Si Wi Nwi have occurred. The Board(s)

listen to the Tribe but DO NOT give full consideration

to concerns and issues being offered to them. Board

appointments need revisited and/or added to. Contract

with Health Board(s) legal counsel should be terminated.

Articles indicating changes approved by Health Board in

health system should be monthly submitted to the Tribe

by Board(s). Financials for the health system should be

made available on the health system.

Health Board(s) – The need for the Li Si Wi Nwi Board

as a tax shelter for the Joint Venture should conclude in

March – this Board should be ‘sunsetted’ (ended). The

ASTHA Board appointments need to be revisited when

new leadership comes on in June; Health Board members

need to represent the interests of the Tribe – current

conflicts of interest appear to exist and arbitrary and/or

invasiveness. The Health Board(s) continue to listen only

to the Tribe’s concerns. Financials still need to be made

available to Tribal members.

Education

June 2013

June 2014

For June 2015

Funding – Education is underfunded and needs more

staffing.

Funding – In 2013 through no fault of the Education

dept. the TYP was not granted. Funds were requested

during CY2014 of AST BIA to

supplement need and were advised to wait till June. The

department encountered a shortfall and staff shortage.

Funding – Funds were requested by program based on

program need. Funding was reduced by 5%. Budget

had prior shortfalls and is entering into FY2015 with

an anticipated shortfall due to budgetary constraints

on program, staffing shortage, and less services to be

offered. This budget must be given priority for program

to accomplish goals and objectives and to ensure the

educational needs of our youth are met and done so

timely.

Eligibility Criteria – needs reviewed and prioritized.

Incentivizing our student to return to work for the Tribe

Eligibility Criteria – the Tribe’s Board of Education

committee continues to review and prioritize eligibility

criteria. Ways to incentivize students to return to the

Tribe and work is still a work in progress.

Eligibility Criteria - the Tribe’s Board of Education

committee will continue to review and prioritize

eligibility criteria. Establish ways to incentivize students

to return to the Tribe and work. A work in progress.

Funding Sources – looking at new funding sources.

Funding Sources – the Education program could work

with grant writer and local resources to offset needs;

project development is ongoing.

Funding Sources - the Education program works with

the grant writer, a grant committee and local resources

to offset needs; project development is ongoing.

Other Issues

June 2013

June 2014

For June 2015

Long Term Care and Ancillary Levels of Care

Review care levels being considered and provided by

Tribe.

Long Term Care and Ancillary Levels of Care – an

attempt was made to create a Planning department

during 2013 & 2014. This department could plan for the

short and long term needs of the Tribe. This effort was

met with resistance from that entire elected body and

the Controller. This department could conduct studies,

discern level of need, and establish cost.

Long Term Care and Ancillary Levels of Care – the short

and long term needs of our people must be considered

and appropriately planned for. A Planning department

needs to be considered to ensure the future of our people

is appropriately planned for. In 2015, I will work to

again advance the need of a Planning Department.

Representation – AST was formerly a forerunner in

legislative and policy development. This is an unmet

need.

Representation – My Office has been active in voicing

the concerns of the Tribe at the federal, state, and

municipal level on health disparities, budgetary needs,

and self- governance issues. Staff have taken part

in forums, committee’s, and written white papers

and letters. We needed a committed legislative/

policy analyst to assist with this effort. If a Planning

department goes into place in 2015 this function could

be placed within it.

Representation – My Office needs to be in attendance

at certain high level meetings. This will be done in 2015.

The Tribe must be represented by professional level

leaders who understand their programs and the need of

the Tribe. A goal of my Office in 2015 is to ensure the

Tribe gives informed input at state and national level

meetings on Indian specific issues.

We need the right leaders in Office to make informed changes that are for the advancement of our people. I hope when you begin to

consider who you want to place in Office you will consider some ‘who’s’: 1) Who do you seeing representing your interests as a Tribal

member? 2) Who will commit to advancing the best interests of the Tribe forward for you? 3) Who can advance the Tribe in an honest

and ethical way?

Help me to make a difference – stand beside me and Let’s Build for the Future (BFF) - united and together!

Thank you for your support.

Examiners, 2014 to present

School of Library Studies Graduate Studies

The Sabrina Little Axe Disability

*12/4/2014 Received SSA Associate Committee 2008-2009,

for AST Governor in 2015 Commissioner Citation for Superior *University of Oklahoma, University

Performance by a DDS Team. (One of 8 Libraries, Integrated Library System

Campaign Team (Marilyn Byers, team members with Sabrina ranking #2 in Migration

Acquisitions

Serials

Jeanette Glass, Sharon Hawkins, Karen

Kaniatobe and Theresa Spoon) would like

to invite you to a meet and greet with

lunch provided for the first fifty people on

February 28, 2015 at the Horse Shoe Bend

Community Building, 46309 Garrett’s Lake

Road, Shawnee, Oklahoma , with activities

starting at 11:00. (If invited, Sabrina will

visit Tribal members who want to visit

one on one. She is doing this because she

understands how it feels to have people all

of a sudden wanting to visit you when you

hardly ever saw them prior to their running

for office.)

The campaign team will talk about their

involvement in the campaign. Sabrina will

discuss Servant Leadership, her symbol for

this type of leadership and her plan. She

will also host a brief informal question and

answer session about forms completed for

disability.

If you cannot make it, please visit us on

facebook or follow us at @Sabrina4ASTgov

for updates. Tweet your support! (Sabrina’s

professional experience, leadership style,

symbol and plan are all available in more

detail on Facebook.)

Sabrina sent an email in June of 2014

to family, friends and tribal members

asking for participation to form an official

campaign team. At our first meeting, she

advised us her campaign would be archived

at the Sequoyah National Research Center

at University of Arkansas Little Rock! After

some discussion, she chose to formally

announce her intention to run for AST

Governor in November 2014.

Here are some highlights of Sabrina’s

professional career and accomplishments:

EDUCATION:

Master of Library and information

Studies with an emphasis in Academic

Librarianship Master of Business Bachelor

of Art in Public Affairs and Administration

with an emphasis in Management, and

Minor in Communication

PROFESSIONAL:

Disability Determination Specialist IV

Previous: Level I (2010), Level II (2012),

Level III (2013), Level IV (2014)

As a Disability Determination Specialist,

she reviews and analyzes evidence of

illness, injury, disease or other medical

conditions and vocational factors, which

prevent an individual from working or

gaining employment. She consults with

internal and external professionals or

contract providers, including physicians,

psychologists and vocational experts to

address highly complex issues.

*National and Oklahoma Association of

top production among Oklahoma disability

examiners.) Excerpts from Nomination:

Management/Module Evaluation Task Force

2007-2008.

Oklahoma

Emergency

Management

Contractor (Tribal Liaison)

2001-2004

Sabrina served as point of contact

for FEMA, state and tribal entities to

ensure all 38 federally recognized tribes

in Oklahoma were provided prompt,

courteous and knowledgeable emergency

disaster assistance to include distribution

of information through special meetings

or presentations as required (or necessary)

for both state and FEMA counterparts.

She assisted with preliminary damage

assessments in each of the Public Assistance

and Individual Assistance components

of FEMA programs. She assisted with

Absentee Shawnee Tribe Election

ongoing grant management by generating

Commission, 2005-2013

obligations for fiscal dollars and processing

Election Commissioner, 2010 – 2013

closeouts for Oklahoma state and Tribal

disaster applicants.

Librarian

2012 – Present

Representative -Elected Position

As a Librarian, Sabrina provides a variety Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

of technical and professional librarian 1998 – 2000

activities of moderate to complex difficulty

including providing:

We believe Sabrina’s experience, self-

motivation and teamwork speaks for itself.

She makes a commitment and is a team

• information and assistance to

player. In the Tribal environment, not

customers of all ages

• information concerning content and all players work as a team. We as Tribal

members, parents of Tribal members,

location of collection

spouses of tribal members and friends of

• performing reference and reader

advisory services

Tribal members, must take responsibility

• collection management

and choose our leaders wisely now and in

the future. We cannot elect one caliber of

*Oklahoma Library Association 2013 to person and expect them to work miracles!

If elected, Sabrina will use her leadership

present

*International Honor Society for Library skills to encourage our leadership to work

& Information Studies Beta Phi Mu Chapter with General Council, together, on issues

concerning our Tribe and its people. The

April 2012 to present (Invited in 2011)

foundation of her leadership model is to

Serials Supervisor for Library Acquisitions share power, to put the needs of the people

first and to empower others to develop

2005 –2010

skills and strengths which will result in a

Sabrina supervised staff and students of stronger Tribal government and a stronger

the Serials Division in Acquisitions. Sabrina Tribal community.

processed new serial orders using vendor

Join us in electing a leader who has the

online databases to verify availability,

cost and payment for invoices and notified knowledge, education and experience of

Collection Development of price increases. working with multiple government entities,

She interacted and corresponded with managing and leading others with a proven

publishers and vendors. She assisted in record of success and accomplishments.

resolving electronic access issues. Other Most importantly, join us in electing a

positions with department: Library leader who is caring and committed to

Technician I Nov 1993 - Jun 1994 and Aug meeting the needs of ALL of our tribal

2000 -May 2001; Student Clerk Typist Oct community members. Thumbs up!

1991 – Oct 1993

Ni Ya We,

*University of Oklahoma, University

(Message approved by Sabrina Little Axe

Libraries, 2010-2012 Strategic Planning

Committee

and the Sabrina Little Axe for AST Governor

*University of Oklahoma, Graduate in 2015 Campaign Team.)

“These examiners have the distinct and

well-deserved reputation around the OK

DDS office as being highly professional

leaders and top performers. They exhibit

competence in carrying out their assigned

job duties by demonstrating self-motivation

and consistency. They are willing to share

knowledge and expertise to improve other

examiner’s effectiveness and service to the

public. Their biggest contribution has been

their combined service to the Citizens of the

State of Oklahoma and Arizona by achieving

the highest in office case production and

the lowest in processing time.”

Congratulations

On December 4, 2014, Sabrina was presented by the Social Security

Administration’s Dallas Region VI Commissioner Sheila Everett,

the “Social Security Administration Associate Commissioners Team

Award for Oklahoma DDS Superior Performing Disability Examiners

for Committed and Consistent Approaches in Service Delivery to

the Citizens of Oklahoma and the Nation” for the fiscal year ending

2013. Sabrina was ranked number two in the Oklahoma Disability

Determination Division for the number of disability cases processed

in fiscal year 2013. Congratulations Sabrina Little Axe! Your

campaign team continues to be proud of your accomplishments.

The following are current programs administered by the

Absentee

Tribe are

Education

Department:

TheShawnee

following

current

programs administered

by the

These are brief

descriptions Shawnee

of current programs.

Program guidelines

are available in

Absentee

Tribe Education

Department:

hard copy at the Education Department office or for download at www.astribe.com.

These are brief descriptions of current programs. Program guidelines are available in

Academic (K-12) Program: assists with academic related expenses, and a

hard

copy at the Education Department office or for download at www.astribe.com.

portion of funds can be used for school-related athletic program expenses.

•

Program has a maximum funding limit for the academic year.

• • Zahn

Program:

from awith

trust

fund, program

can help with

Academic

(K-12)established

Program: assists

academic

related expenses,

and asome

portion

graduation expenses, and awards two (2) incentives: one for GED recipients

funds

can

used

for

school-related

athletic

program

expenses.

Program

has a

and one for High School graduates. Program has a maximum amount of funding

maximum

funding

limit for the academic year.

for

graduation

expenses.

• • Job

Education

fundsprogram

for vocational

training

ZahnTraining

Program:Adult

established

fromProgram:

a trust fund,

can help

with some

accredited vocational institutions. Program has a maximum funding limit for the

graduation

expenses,

and

awards

two

(2)

incentives:

one

for

GED

recipients

and

calendar year or per program.

one forEducation:

High SchoolEducation

graduates. Program

a maximum

amount offunds

funding

• Higher

Incentivehas

Award

Program:

for for

undergraduate

degrees, one associate or bachelor degree, at any accredited college

graduation expenses.

university. Funding levels are determined based upon grade point average and

• or

Job

Training

Adult

Education Program: funds for vocational training at accredited

full-time or part-time status.

vocationalScholarship

institutions.Program:

Program funds

has a for

maximum

funding

limitorfor

calendar

• Graduate

one master’s

degree

onethe

doctoral

degree,

fund one graduate admissions test. This program has funding

year orand

percan

program.

upon full-time

and part-time

• levels

Higherbased

Education:

Education

Incentivestatus.

Award Program: funds for undergraduate

•

degrees,

associate

or bachelor

degree,

at anyincentive

accreditedfor

college

or university.

Big

Jim one

Youth

Award

Program:

annual

High

School

Fundingfor

levels

are determined

basedand

upon

grade of

point

full-time

Seniors

Academic

Achievement

Athlete

the average

Year. and

Deadline

for or

part-time submission

status.

application

is March 31st of each year.

• Graduate Scholarship Program: funds for one master’s degree or one doctoral

degree, and can fund one graduate admissions test. This program has funding

All applications

and upon

guidelines

are and

available

at www.astribe.com.

Click on

levels based

full-time

part-time

status.

Services

andJim

select

Education.

• Big

Youth

Award Program: annual incentive for High School Seniors for

Achievement

and Spoon

Athlete

of the

Year. Deadline for application

For moreAcademic

information,

please call Tresha

at (405)

275submission

is March 31storofemail

eachtoyear.

4030, Ext.

121 or 1-800-256-3341

All funding is based upon the availability of funds at the time of application.

tresham@astribe.com.

All funding is based upon the availability of funds at the time of application.

All applications and guidelines are available at www.astribe.com. Click on

Services and select Education.

–Marilyn Byers, Jeanette Glass, Sharon Hawkins, Karen Kaniatobe,

Theresa Spoon.

For more information, please call Tresha Spoon at (405) 275-4030, Ext. 121

or 1-800-256-3341 or email to tresham@astribe.com.

Office of Environmental

Health & Engineering

• Tribal Housing Improvements Application

The Tribal Housing Improvement Program’s goal is providing sanitary,

safe, and decent housing for its members by utilizing the following

criteria to select the most “in need” tribal members with homes that are in

disrepair but are still suitable for rehabilitation. All applicants must meet

the eligibility requirements and criteria which is approved by the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe.

THIP list all applicants by a priority list:

Handicapped/Disabled and Elderly

Income

Family Size/Overcrowded Living Conditions

Condition of Home

Other Programs available:

• Sanitation Facilities Assistance Program

Applications need to be completed and all necessary documents

attached before the application will be processed.

Applications are available online on the website: www.astribe.com.

Submit completed application to:

Office of Environmental Health & Engineering

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, OK 74801

Absentee Shawnee Tribe Complex

Office of Environmental Health & Engineering, Building 13

If you have any questions, you can reach us by phone at (405) 214-4235

FOSTER CARE

WHAT IS A FOSTER CARE WORKER?

Why do we need Indian Child Welfare?

Why do we need Tribal Foster Homes?

Foster care caseworker training involves completing a bachelor's degree

program in social work through a college or university. Students take

courses in psychology, abnormal psychology, sociology, economics,

ethics, child welfare policies and complete a supervised internship.

Foster-Care System Stretched Too Far

The child’s Foster Care Worker needs to be a partner with the foster

parents to ensure that each child receives the full spectrum of services

provided and/or arranged by the Department.

Recent news reports reported on July 2 that Sally Schofield, the foster

mother of Logan Marr, was found guilty June 25 of wrapping the 5-yearold's body with 42 feet of duct tape during a "timeout," causing the little

girl to suffocate.

Schofield could face up to 40 years in prison for the child's death.

Some aspects of this relationship include the following:

• Sharing information on an ongoing basis regarding the child’s

individual needs, family situation and adjustment to the foster

home

• Encouraging the foster parents to participate in the total service

planning process

• Providing the foster parents the opportunity to discuss the

child’s progress and any unmet needs which they assess

• Providing the foster parent with information, support, guidance

and referrals to other professionals on the child’s behalf

• Helping the foster family, when necessary, to identify and

obtain services for the foster child; e.g., medical, educational

• Ensuring that the foster family, on the child’s behalf, has access

to all financial resources available to the child while in foster care.

A Foster Care Worker works in conjunction with Tribal Courts, Tribal

Law Enforcement, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other county services.

Indian Child Welfare’s goal is to ensure the safety of our tribal children

when they placed in foster care. The homes that our tribal children

are placed in must complete Child Welfare Background Check, OSBI

Background Check, Income Verification, Home Study, and a Physical.

Our AST foster homes are licensed by our Foster Care Committee.

F o s t e r C a r e P ay m e n t s a r e a s f o l l o w s :

"The child-welfare system failed Logan Marr in every possible way," said

Richard Wexler, the executive director of the National Coalition for Child

Protection Reform. "They failed her … by … ignoring her cries of abuse

and they failed her by letting her die in that foster home."

Six weeks before she was killed, Logan was on a visit to her birth mother

when, in the presence of a child-welfare worker hired to supervise the visit,

she complained that her foster mother was hurting her. "She did this to me

and I cried 'cause it hurts me," the child is heard saying on a videotape,

although she isn't seen.

The truth is that we must protect our tribal children; we must protect

them from a system that is overworked and in desperate need of an

overhaul. We must have a voice in the child welfare system for our tribal

children. As tribal child welfare workers there is not a day that goes by

where we are not fighting for the rights of one of our tribal children and

working to make sure that employees of the State are following OICWA

and ICWA. Silence will not ensure the rights of this generation, or the

next generation of Absentee Shawnee Children. The Absentee Shawnee

Foster Care Program is in need of tribal foster care homes for AST children.

A strong tribe must have a system in place to protect the youngest of

its members when they need protection. If we do not have tribal foster

homes, our Absentee Shawnee children go into State homes. We have

not control over these homes; therefore, the children placed in these

homes are more vulnerable. Some will say that no one can love their child

as much as a parent, but when parents are unable to care for their children

properly, we as a tribe need to be there for the children….We must love

that child as their parent.

We use a Native American tradition of the talking

stick. You sit and pass it around and whoever has

the stick has to talk. Some people just hold it.

Others really share.

0-5 age $14.73 day $441.97 month

6-12 age $17.12 day $513.57 month

12 and over $19.30 day $579.13 month

I N ORDER T O R E C E I V E P A Y M E N T, A L L T HE A B O V E M U S T B E M E T

A N D T U R N E D I N T O T HE S T A T E .

O N C E PROCESSED S T A T E P A Y M E N T W I L L B E ISSUED .

This is just a little information on what type of work a foster care worker

performs on a daily basis. If you are interested in becoming a foster

home, please call 405-878-4030 ext. 133.

Let us be a tribe that protects the youngest of our tribal members,

let us just not say the words, but open our homes to those children

who need us to protect them and offer them safety. If you are

interested in becoming a foster parent please notify:

Julie Wilson

AST/CPS/FOSTER CARE

405-878-4702

The Child Welfare Department would like to welcome Glenna Jones and Dara Thorpe as new members of the

Foster Care Committee. We appreciate their dedication and willingness to advocate for our children.

Preservation of American Indian culture starts with protection of our most precious resources -- American Indian children and families.

Only when our children and families are healthy and happy can there be harmony in our world.

Problems Facing American Indian Children and Families

Today, 5.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) live in the United States

•American Indian children have the third highest rate of victimization

•American Indian/Alaska Natives have the highest rate of poverty of any other racial group in the nation

•In 2006, suicide was the leading cause of death for AI/AN males ages 10-14.

•A 2006 study found that, compared to other groups, AI/AN youth have more serious problems with mental health disorders.

•Alcohol-use disorders were more likely among American Indian youths than other racial groups.

•The AI/AN youth population is more affected by gang involvement than any other racial population.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

Children often get lost in a system that is supposed to protect them when their parents can’t take care of them. They need someone

who can provide a home that is safe. They need their emotional needs met by an adult who can act as if they are their parent. These

children need love, shelter, safety, and a place that they can belong, they need a home. They need to know that they are not alone.

If you are able to provide these things to one of our tribal children please contact: 405-878-4702 (ext. 133) Julie Wilson ICW/FC.

FOSTER CARE

Racial disproportionality is defined as the over-or under-representation of certain groups

(e.g. racial/ethnic, gender, age) relative to the group’s proportion in the general population.

Reports conducted in 2008 showed that, compared to other groups, Native American children

were:

• 3 times more likely to be referred to CPS

• 1.6 times more likely to be removed from their biological homes

• Twice as likely to remain in foster care for over two years

• Less likely to be adopted and more likely to be in guardianships

• Less likely to be reunited with their biological parents

The sad reality is that there are not enough culturally appropriate homes for these children,

resulting in the placement of Native American children in homes that do not share their cultural

heritage or traditions. We want to place “our tribal” children in our own homes, to do this we

need tribal members to open their homes and their hearts. Are you willing to open your heart?

Are you willing to open your home?

If so, please contact Julie Wilson ICW/FC/CPS 878-4702 (ext. 133).

Native

American youth have two distinct influences, that of their

Native American youth have two distinct influences, that of their family of origin and that of their

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ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE CHILD WELFARE

405-878-4702 (ext. 133)

Foster Care News

ooking for dedicated individuals to contribute to

ee. If you are interested in becoming part of our

ter to the Secretary that states your interest in

ng a member of our Committee.

Native American youth are facing a

crisis. These children are being removed

from their homes and placed into the

child welfare system at rates much

higher than any other population. Native

American children are often placed in

homes outside of their families, tribes,

and Native American culture and all

this contributes to significant social

problems. The story of Native American people is a complicated one

marked by significant trauma and atrocities. Often times this trauma

consisted of the removal of abuse which happened to these young and

vulnerable children in many of these schools resulted in overwhelming

intergenerational trauma and unresolved grief. This trauma which

interrupted the ability to parent has led directly to the most current social

problems that plague Native American communities today including

alcohol/drug abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse and

parenting deficiencies. All of these problems have contributed to the

break-down of the family unit, leading to the removal of large numbers

of Native American youth from their families. The journey of healing

and breaking the cycles which have been put in place by the historical

trauma experienced by generations of Native Americans requires that

the cultural identity for so long denied to these children be returned.

Native American youth have two distinct influences, that of their family

of origin and that of their caregivers. Absentee Shawnee Tribal Foster

Care is in need of homes for children that are in our child welfare

system. Your participation in being a foster parent helps to ensure that

these children have positive connections to their culture which in helps

nurture a positive sense of identification as a Native American. By being

willing to do this, you can be a valuable part of the healing journey that

will help strengthen this next generation of Absentee Shawnee children;

in turn, helping those children become the parents that their children

will need them to be. Our children are our future, what will we have

our future be? Will you, as Absentee Shawnee member, do your part if

you are able? If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please

contact Juliann Wilson ICW/CPS/FOSTER CARE at 275-4030, ext. 133.

<<<NOTICE>>>

Currently there are three (3) openings on the Foster Care Board. If you are

interested in serving on the board, send your letter of interest to Secretary

Dawsey at the Tribal Complex, 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee, OK 73801.

Horse Shoe Bend After School Program

Our Horse Shoe Bend after school program started back on January 6, 2015, this start date was due

to most schools in this area not beginning their sessions until January 5, 2015.

We are fortunate to have three returning Oklahoma Baptist University students based on the OBU Spring

schedule. Most OBU students do not return for what the University calls “J term” which is a 4 to 5

week session between fall and spring terms. I anticipate most, if not all, of our tutors will return later

in the spring semester.

We have enrolled three more new HSB students since being back from the holiday break. I extend a

warm welcome to our new HSB students coming into the after school program and welcome back those

students returning to us. As we begin this second semester of school, rest assured, our staff and tutors

will work hard with these young students to help them excel in their school work.

As an update, the after school program in Shawnee will be opening soon here on the Absentee Shawnee

Complex. It looks like there is some work, finally, being done on the porches of the new portable

buildings. We will be taking those after school students, who are interested, from the Building Blocks

Child Development Center to the new portable buildings and utilizing our Oklahoma Baptist University

tutors to assist with our young, school age, students. The OBU tutors will assist students with their

homework and provide extra help with those learning needs they may have.

If you have any questions or concerns please call (405) 481-0397.

Thank you,

Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Building Blocks C.D.C.

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, OK 74801

P: (405)878-0633

F: (405)878-0156

Building Blocks News...

Building Blocks had a lot of illnesses circulating through the center in December and January. We

had several employees, children, and families with illnesses ranging from the flu, strep, bronchitis,

mono, and the common cold. With the Governor’s approval, we made the decision to close on January

15 – 16, 2015. We took this time to deep clean and sanitize the entire center as a way to help prevent

the spread of any more illnesses. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused any

of the families, but we felt this step was necessary, as well as part of our responsibility in providing

quality services. We most certainly appreciated everyone’s patience and understanding during this

time.

Dates to remember:

Monday, February 16th: Closed in observance of President’s Day.

Thank you,

Billie Thompson, Director

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

AST PHARMACY NEWS

Injury Prevention Program

Ø Upcoming Pharmacy Department closures are as follows:

ü October 1, 2013 for inventory

ü November 11, 2013 to observe Veteran’s Day

Ø Deliveries of controlled medications are not allowed.

Ø Both Shawnee and Little Axe pharmacy locations fill prescriptions for members

of all tribes, but outside prescription orders are restricted to Absentee Shawnee

Tribal citizens with established charts.

Ø If you would like to receive a text message to your cell phone when your

medications are ready for pick-‐up, please alert the pharmacy staff and provide

us with a current cell phone number.

Ø When requesting refills, please provide 24 hours’ notice until pick-‐up. We will

need your refill number, located above your name on the prescription label, or

the names of your medication in order to fill.

Ø Present insurance cards each time you pick up or drop off a prescription.

Ø Keep us informed of changes in address, phone number, and other contact

information (changes at registration do not flow to pharmacy).

If you have any questions at any time, feel free to call either Pharmacy or stop by

and speak with one of our Pharmacy staff. We are happy to assist you with your

pharmaceutical needs!

Hours of Operation:

Little Axe: 8am-‐5pm (& 7:30a-‐5:30p Drive-‐Thru) Monday -‐ Friday

• Phone -‐ (405) 292-‐9530

Shawnee: 7am-‐5pm Monday-‐Friday

• Phone – (405) 878-‐5859

The Mayo Clinic and the Center for Disease Control & Prevention

say that if you’re physically active it may help prevent you from

falling. The following activities: Walking, chair exercises and Tai

Chi, can improve your leg strength, balance, coordination and

flexibility. Remember to check with your doctor before starting any

of these activities!

Here are some tips on how to stay safe

while getting back into the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

spring of things.

warm-up and

cool down when appropriate.

• Be

sure

Itonjury

Prevention

Program

• Wear protective gear - i.e. bike helmets, wrist & elbow

The Mayoguards,

Clinic and

the etc.

Center for Disease Control & Prevention say that if

pads,

you’re physically active it may help prevent you from falling. The following

• Rest,

especially

when your

muscles

areimprove

tired your leg strength,

activities:

Walking,

chair exercises

and Tai

Chi, can

balance, coordination and flexibility. Remember to check with your doctor before

• any

Prevent

“overuse”

starting

of these

activities! injuries (i.e. stress fractures, tendonitis,

or inflamed

joints)

by safe

not overdoing

exercise.

Here are some

tips on how

to stay

while getting

back into the spring of things.

•

sure

warm-up

and

cool

down

when

appropriate

• Condition your body before jumping into new activities at

•

Wear protective gear – i.e. bike helmets, wrist & elbow guards, pads etc.

full force.

Rest, especially when your muscles are tired

•

We are open through the lunch hour!!

**BOTH PHARMACY DEPARTMENTS ARE CLOSED WITH

THE CLINICS THE FIRST WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON OF

EVERY MONTH TO COMPLETE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES**

•

Prevent

injuries

(i.e. stress

fractures,

tendonitis,

or inflamed

For

more“overuse”

information

contact:

Rosie

Tall Bear

at 405-701-7601

joints) by not overdoing exercise.

Little Axe Health Center

Condition your body before jumping into new activities at full force.

For more information contact: Rosie Tall Bear at 405-‐701-‐7601 Little Axe Health Center

-‐Thank you,

Pharmacy Staff

FITNESS CENTER HOURS

Monday—Thursday

6:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m.

Friday

6:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday

CLOSED

The AST Diabetes and Wellness

Fitness Center provides state of the

art fitness equipment, including:

treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers,

recumbent bikes, free-weights,

kettlebells, and isolation strength

machines. The AST Fitness Center

is available to all Native Americans

and their household family members.

AST employees are also eligible for membership. The AST Diabetes and Wellness Fitness Center strives to

deliver a well-trained staff that seeks to help clients reach their personal fitness and health goals. Our staff takes pride in

providing appropriate and educational fitness training to all clients, providing guidance in developing a successful plan to

help prevent or manage diabetes and/or other health conditions, and providing clients with a fun and positive experience

working with our staff. Please take some time to come by and visit the AST Diabetes and Wellness Fitness Center today!

www.asthealth.org/patient-portal

New Patient Portal

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System

Little Axe Health Center

Shawnee Clinic

Visit your app store and install

the Follow My Health app

- Improved access to your health information

- Communicate directly with your clinic

- Request an appointment

...and more!

for real-time access to your

health information

For more information on how you can register for the new AST “Follow My Health” Patient Portal,

contact Patient Registration at Little Axe Health Center - 405.447.0300 or Shawnee Clinic - 405.878.4702

Personal Banking:

AllNations Bank offers a wide range of products and services to meet today’s consumer demand including our

AllNations Bank Free Checking Account; Savings Account; offers

Certificate

of Deposit Accounts; Individual Retirement Accounts; Money

a wide range of products and services to meet today’s

Market; Now Accounts

Consumer

Loans

including

Auto,

Boat

and

more.

AllNations Offers Free ATM/Debit Card with each personal

consumer demand including

account that can be

used at our Shawnee OK Drive Up ATM. In addition, we offer a wide selection of Safe Deposit Boxes for rent at

our AllNations Bank Free Checking Account; Savings Account; Certificate of Deposit Accounts; Individual

competitive prices.

Retirement Accounts; Money Market; Now Accounts & Consumer Loans including Auto, Boat and more.

AllNations Offers Free

ATM/Debit

Card -with

each

personal

account

that can

be used at our Shawnee OK

Calumet

Office

Gene

Davis

or Dixie

Smith

405-893-2240;

Drive Up ATM. In addition, we offer a wide

Safe Deposit

114selection

E Main,ofCalumet,

OKBoxes for rent at competitive prices.

Shawnee Office - Contact

Gene Davis

Eugene

Stidham 405-273-0202;

Us for or

Details

As Follows:

2023 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK

Calumet Office - Gene Davis or Dixie Smith 405-893-2240;

Business Banking:

114 E Main, Calumet, OK

In addition to our Commercial Checking account, AllNations

Bank offers a wide range of products and services to meet today’s business

Office

- Gene Davis

or Eugene

Stidham

405-273-0202;

needs including all types of CommercialShawnee

and Small

Business

Loans;

Merchant

Services;

Night Depository Drop & More.

2023

S. Gordon

Cooper

Drive,

Shawnee,

Contact

Us for

Details

Follows:

Business Banking: Calumet Office - Gene Davis or Dixie Smith 405-893-2240;

114 E Main, Calumet, OK

In addition to our

Commercial

Checking

account,

AllNations

BankStidham

offers a wide

range of products and

Shawnee

Office

- Gene

Davis

or Eugene

405-273-0202;

2023 S.

Gordon

Cooper

Drive,

Shawnee,

services to meet today’s business

needs

including

all types

of Commercial

and

Small Business Loans;

Banking Hours: Merchant Services; Night Depository Drop & More.

2023 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801Contact Us for Details As Follows:

Lobby Hours 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday

Office - Gene Davis or Dixie Smith 405-893-2240;

Drive In Hours 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM MondayCalumet

- Friday

114 E Main, Calumet, OK

Saturday: 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon

AllNations Bank

Shawnee Office - Gene Davis or Eugene Stidham 405-273-0202;

FYI: Contract Health Service News

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health

The AST Contract Health Services Team are here to assist you

... follow the CHS Guidelines!

Get a copy of the CHS Guidelines and update your information

Contract Health Services

for AST members

with Insurance

Contract Health Services

for AST members

without Insurance

Emergency

and

Urgent Care Services

CHS for a currently enrolled AST

member who resides in the defined

catchment area who has insurance such

as Medicare or Private Insurance:

CHS for a currently enrolled AST member

who resides in the defined catchment area

who does not have insurance:

CHS for a currently enrolled AST member

who resides in the defined catchment area

who needs emergent or urgent care:

Complete CHS Patient Update form

and update all information every 6

months.

Call the On-Call nurse at

(405) 447-0300 option 9 for “triage”.

Notify CHS at least 48 hours

prior to appointment date for a (COB)

Coordination of Benefits to be sent to

provider

Notify CHS on the next businesss day

or within 72 hours after the ER visit.

Notification does not assure

authorization of payment. However

if you do not notify CHS within 72

hours, your bills will not be paid.

For AST members with no insurance

evidence must exist that the visit was

medically necessary. Medical priorities

have been established for determining

which referrals can be authorized for

payment.

For AST members with insurance,

evidence must exist that a third party

resource has made determination such

services were “emergency care” or

“urgent care” (such evidence may

include payment from private insurance).

In the event that you receive a bill

from a provider, please provide a

copy to CHS. You may leave bills with

Rhonda Kaseca at the Shawnee Clinic

and Glendine Blanchard at the Little

Axe Health Center.

You must apply for any alternate

resources for which you may be

eligible - Medicare,Medicaid,

SoonerCare, insurance, etc.

Complete CHS Patient Update

form and update all information

every 6 months

Inform Provider/HealthFacility that

AST CHS is secondary payer/payer of

last resort.

You must utilize the services provided

within the AST health clinics prior to

being referred out.

In the event that you receive a bill

from a provider, please provide a

copy to CHS. You may leave bills with

Rhonda Kaseca at the Shawnee Clinic

and Glendine Blanchard at the Little

Axe Health Center.

Referrals for outside services must

be sent to CHS. Services must be

medically approved by an AST Health

provider.

An appointment will be scheduled

and a COB will be sent to the outside

provider.

In the event that you receive a bill

from a provider, please provide a

copy to CHS. You may leave bills with

Rhonda Kaseca at the Shawnee Clinic

and Glendine Blanchard at the Little

Axe Health Center.

Flo Mann

Darla Gatzman

Contract Health

Direct Phone Line

405.701.7951

Debi Sloat

Glendine Blanchard

Sharon Ponkilla

Jayne Werst

Are you at risk for diabetes, have diabetes or know

someone who does? Type 2 diabetes is the most

common type of diabetes and affects millions of

Native Americans. Many people are unaware

that they have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Native

Americans are twice as likely to develop Type

2 diabetes than others. Some common signs and

symptoms include:

•

“Building Economic Prosperity”

2015 ASEDA Strategic Plan

Frequent infections

Blurred vision

Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal

Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet

Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms.

A b s e n t e e S h a w n e e

E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t

A u t h o r i t y

2 0 2 5 S o u t h G o r d o n C o o p e r

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ASEDA Jumps Starts Its 2015 Activities!

Some ways to prevent and manage diabetes is through healthy lifestyle

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behaviors. One question that many people with diabetes or pre-diabetes often

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ask is “What can I eat?”. The American Diabetes Association states that you

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do not have to be deprived or restricted. The key factors are learning what

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are the “superfoods”, how much of it you can have and how often.

Getting

opportunities

to develop

tribally-owned

commercial

into the habit of eating a healthy diet helps you manage

diabetes and

prevent

economic

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The following foods are listed on the American Diabetes

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our tribal members. development activities of ASEDA and related business enterprises.

as” superfoods”. Try to incorporate as many of these foods into your daily meal

We used this information to guide our strategic planning efforts

plan to enhance the nutrient content of your meals.

for the document: “Building Economic Prosperity” 2015 ASEDA

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to develop a partnership with them for support of our 2015

To learn more about eating these superfoods and recipes visit diabetes.org and

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Source: American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org

development projects.

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This is the largest annual Indian Country economic summit bringing together thou

If you

know of business opportunities or have an idea for

American businesses and

entrepreneurs.

a tribally-owned business, please contact us so we can begin

exploring the possibilities with you.

If you know of business opportunities or have an idea for a tribally-owned

Wishing you and your family a year of good health, peace and

begin exploring

the possibilities with you.

from the

ASEDA Board Members:

Wishing you and your family a year of good health, peace and prosperity, f

Mr. Dan Little Axe, President

Board Members:

Mr. Adam Proctor, Vice-President

Mr. Eddie Brokeshoulder, Secretary

Mr. Dan Little Axe, President

Mr. Adam Proctor, Vice-President

Mr. Eddie Brokeshoulder, Secretary

IF YOU’D LIKE TO SUBMIT AN AD OR

ARTICLE:

Give us a call at (405) 598-1279 or (405) 481-0558

or send us an e-mail to

stiger@astribe.com

ALL ARTICLES FOR THE NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE ARE

DUE BY THE

OF THE CURRENT MONTH

Unfortunately, we can only accept one picture per birthday person,

not per birthday wish.

Recycling Containers Now Available

OEH now has recycling containers set up for public use. These recycle

containers, which are cardboard only containers,

are located on the south side of the Title VI

building at the main complex and the other

container is located at the northeast corner of the

Little Axe Clinic.

We also have our mobile recycle container

available behind the clinic here at the main complex. We are currently

only accepting cardboard in this container as well.

A B S E N T E E

S H A W N E E

T R I B E

O K L A H O M A

O F

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Recycling Program

R E C Y C L I N G M A T E R I A L T H AT

W E AC C E P T .

A L L W H I TE P A P E R,

E N VE LO P E S, C O L O RE D P A P E R, J U NK

M A I L, F A X P A P E R,

M A G A Z I NE S,

N E W S P A P E R, C A R D B O A R D ,

A ND A L U M I NU M C A N S.

M AT E R I A L W E

D O N O T AC C E P T .

T O NE R, C A RB O N

P A P E R, F O O D

W A S TE , A ND P L A S T I C .

R E M E M B E R ,

W H E N I N D O U B T

T H R O W I T O U T .

C O N T A C T

I N F O R M A T I O N

A B S E N T E E

S H A W N E E

T R I B E

O F

O K L A H O M A

O F F I C E

O F

E N V I R O N M E N T A L

H E A L T H

E N V I R O N M E N T A L

P R O G R A M S .

2 0 2 5

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G O R D O N

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S H A W N E E ,

7 4 8 0 1

P H O N E :

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F A X :

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( 4 0 5 )

2 1 4 -

8 7 8 -

“To Establish a recycling program for municipal waste planning, reduction,

and Recycling”

The Office of Environmental Health and Environmental Program is

proud to announce the

start of a new recycling

program for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. The

recycling center is located in the yellow

metal building adjacent

to the OEH Department. The Absentee

Shawnee Tribe (AST)

Recycling Program Program declares that waste

reduction and recycling

are the preferable to the

or processing of municipal waste, and that removing certain materials

from the municipal

waste stream will decrease the flow of solid

waste to municipal landfills. AST Recycling Program used the knowl-

edge and information

about recycling markets

and market demand as

well as information obtained from various publications and the internet

to comprise an analysis

of material the recycling

program will address at

the start of the program.

AST Recycling Program

Plan establishes a goal

that, by year’s end 2013,

at least 25 % of the recyclable material produced

by the Tribe will be recycled.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

The AST recycling Program will initially focus

on the following waste

stream material; HighGrade shredded paper,

Assorted office paper,

Phone books, Magazines,

Cardboard, Newspaper,

and Aluminum cans. As

the program and market

develops, other recyclables will be sought.

There is a cost associated with recycling,

However, economic,

social, and environmental benefits exceed

these cost.

ABSENTEE SHAWEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEPARTMENT

Little Axe

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy

The AST Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Programs are on-call 24 hours per day to provide

emotional support, advocacy and crisis counseling to survivors at hospitals, police stations and

throughout the legal system. The programs also serve as a resource center to the community by

offering educational information and referrals.

Come join us at the AST Resource

Center!!!

Transitional Housing

The AST DV Transitional Housing Program serves victims of Domestic Violence/Sexual

Assault. Participants have up to six months to obtain education and job skills needed to begin a

new life.

Free Tutoring in all subjects!

Games and activities!

Delinquency Prevention!

Healthy Lifestyles!

Court Advocacy

Assists survivors with domestic violence court related costs (when funding is available) and

appearances as well as filing for emergency protective orders (EPO) or restraining orders.

And Much More!

Shelter Placement Assistance

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Program works with other shelters within

Oklahoma in order to help victims obtain safe housing. Emergency transportation for

the victim and children may also be available.

Open to all Middle School and High School Students

Open to Absentee Shawnee Tribal Students K-5 with a C.D.I.B.

Housing and Utility Assistance

Assists victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or dating violence in

emergency situations. This assistance may allow for a victim to either receive housing or utility

assistance.

Everything is offered at no charge….Little Axe bus will transport

students to the AST Resource Center on Peebly Road and parents

are responsible for picking students up by 6:00pm.

Referral Assistance

Assists with providing community resources to those who are in need of additional services

outside the scope of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Program.

Community Outreach

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Program offers educational trainings,

informational displays, and community events in order to provide more awareness to both Tribal

and Non-Tribal communities.

For any questions regarding any of the above services please contact the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe’s Domestic Violence staff at (405) 2

This text is long and has been trimmed here. Open the source document for the complete record.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.