Planting Seeds for Food Sovereignty (2022)

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

www.astribe.com

THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE NEWS

March 2022

Volume 32, No. 03

Planting Seeds for Food Sovereignty

In 2021, due to the increased

negative impact of the COVID

pandemic, the AST Executive

Committee recognized the need to

create a program that would help

tribal members in accessing fresh

grown vegetables and produce. Due

to the shortages affecting the supply

chain in the fresh produce industry,

an initiative has been created to utilize

our own tribal lands to plant, grow

and harvest culturally significant or

modern day typical fresh produce.

The newly created Agriculture

department will be creating avenues

in which active participation will

directly benefit individuals who take

interest in wanting to learn, plant,

harvest and reap the benefits of the

simple art of gardening.

Spring time is almost upon us,

and that means that it’s nearly time

to start putting seeds in the ground.

The Agriculture Dept. staff has been

working since the beginning of the

year to identify, improve and prepare

plots of lands that could be used for

planting seeds to provide a variety of

produce to be utilized through the

Food Sovereignty Project.

Through the Food Sovereignty

Project, several avenues have been

created and utilized to help promote

production. A couple of avenues

utilized are:

• Prescribed Fire- prescribed fire

is used as a land management

tool as a better low cost resource

to clear overgrown vegetation

on lands that have been sitting

idle for several years.

• Greenhouses- a variety of

starter plants will be planted

and grown around March 1st,

•

so that distribution can be made

to tribal members interested

in planting them in their own

garden plots. A variety of plants

will be available such as: tomato,

squash, cucumber, peppers,

beans and any other suggestions

from those interested in

gardening. Distribution will

begin April 18th, as this will be

the time in which the threat of

severe frost has passed and the

soil temperatures have risen.

Community Outreach- for those

interested in planting a garden

and need ground plowed, disked

and tilled, contact the Ag Dept.

staff to sign up.

Growing Boxes- for those who

don’t have areas to plant in, an

alternative is to plant in growing

boxes.

The Ag Dept. will

Bids Submitted For

Tecumseh Square Project

provide a box 12 inches high by

whatever dimensions you desire

to plant seeds or starter plants

in. Soil will be provided.

• 3-Sisters Youth Project- a

package

containing

seeds

of Corn, Squash and Beans,

known as the 3-Sisters will

be provided to any youth

interested in planting them as

an introduction to gardening/

agriculture.

Please contact the Ag Dept. staff if

you are interested in making a garden

this year. We will assist as much as

possible, provide any information

needed and continue to create new

avenues that could be beneficial in

providing fresh produce direct from

field to table.

Andy Warrior (405) 432-6257 or

Jennifer Howell (405) 827-6545

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)

Services Offered:

1. Mortgage Payment Assistance

2. Homeowner Utility Payment Assistance (electric, gas, home energy, water, internet

service, broadband internet service, solid waste disposal, sewer)

3. Property Charges (Insurance, Property taxes)

4. Accepting applications beginning Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

Eligibility:

1. Absentee Shawnee Tribal Member, 18 years or older at time of application, any

registered native in Pott. Co.

The bid selection panel for the Tecumseh Square renovation project reviewing bids.

(L-R):Administrative Assistant for Facilities / Maintenance, Courtney Cozad; AST Health

Facilities Manager John Kammerzell; ASHA Developing & Contracting Supervisor Robert

Sheppard; AST Representative DeWayne Wilson; Assistant Procurement Director Brayden

Queen; Procurement Director Rebecca Kennedy

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe recently issued an invitation to bid for

the renovation of Tecumseh Square.

The bids were taken from January

15-February 15, 2022.

The opening of the sealed bids

was held February 18, 2022. In total,

five companies submitted bids. The

companies and their bids were (alphabetical order) –

• Blatt Architects – No Bid

• Geddes – Armstrong $1,701,677.48

• Goldsby Construction -

$2,577,432.00

• Lambert - $2,992,900.00

• Smith and Pickel – No Bid

The bid selection panel will review

the bids and present their selection

to the Executive Committee. The final step in the selection process will

be the Executive Committee awarding the bid via resolution.

The tribe plans to use CARES

funds to revitalize the property and

finishing the dream the late Lt. Governor Kenneth Blanchard had in revitalizing Tecumseh Square.

2. Indian Homeowner, residential and habitable (includes manufactured housing),

unpaid homes within a housing authority program do not qualify, paid off homes

qualify.

3. Attest to financial hardship after January 1, 2020 due to Covid-19

4. Household income must be equal to or less than 150% of the area median income

5. Must be for Applicant’s primary residence

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe

6. One time assistance, cannot be duplicative of any other federally funded homeowner

Homeowner

Assistance Fund (HAF)

assistance

7. Information requested must be submitted with application, incomplete applications

will not be accepted. Applications may be mailed, emailed or delivered in person by

appointment.

Contact Information

Mailing Address:

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801

Phone:

(405) 275-4030 ext.6275

Email:

HAF@astribe.com

Fax:

(405) 275-1922

Restrictions

Limited to one AST member per household

Payments will be issued directly to mortgage lenders, utility

companies, tax assessor, and/or insurance companies

*For more information contact the HAF office*

2A www.astribe.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

John Johnson, AST Governor

GOVERNOR

John Johnson

Hello fellow tribal members,

It is March and spring is on its way. In

general the weather has been mild this

winter, which I am grateful for. We did

have a snow storm in early February that

caused the closure of the campus for 2

days due to hazardous roads. I hope that

everyone stayed safe and warm during

the storm.

The tribe has some exciting new projects that will soon be breaking ground.

The after school program has moved to

a new location so the old trailers that are

south of the daycare can be moved to

start the construction of their new build-

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Ezra DeLodge, AST Lt. Governor

Lt. GOVERNOR

Ezra DeLodge

SECRETARY

Alicia Miller

TREASURER

Joseph Blanchard

Tribal Members,

A few updates from departments within my oversight. These come directly from

the Directors and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact my

office or the Directors.

BIA Roads:

BIA Roads has assisted 26 families with

installing new driveways and we have several more that are currently under construction in different phases. We are also

working with Cleveland and Pottawatomie Counties on country roads projects

through our Long Range Transportation

Plan. The counties have been very happy

with work we have been able to find so far

and I am looking forward to continuing

these relationships.

Nahinli Billy

BIA Roads Manager

(405) 827-5041

Maintenance:

The Maintenance staff has completed

21 work orders since 1/13/22 and also getting all equipment ready for the upcoming mowing season. The housekeepers are

working hard disinfecting and sanitizing

all buildings on the Shawnee campus.

Kevin Kaseca

Maintenance Director

405-275-4030 ext. 6316

Agriculture:

IT’S ALMOST TIME!

Spring time is almost upon us, and that

means that it’s nearly time to start putting seeds in the ground. The Agriculture

Dept. staff has been working since the

beginning of the year to identify, improve

and prepare plots of lands that could be

used for planting seeds to provide a variety of produce to be utilized through the

Food Sovereignty Project.

Through the Food Sovereignty Project,

several avenues have been created and

utilized to help promote production. A

couple of avenues utilized are:

• Prescribed Fire- prescribed fire is

used as a land management tool as

a better low cost resource to clear

overgrown vegetation on lands that

have been sitting idle for several

years.

• Greenhouses- a variety of starter

plants will be planted and grown

around March 1st, so that distribution can be made to tribal members

interested in planting them in their

own garden plots. A variety of

plants will be available such as: tomato, squash, cucumber, peppers,

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Alicia Miller, AST Secretary

REPRESENTATIVE

DeWayne Wilson

Ho wa se ke sa ke!

Since September of 2021, I have been

participating in the Indian Health Service

Director’s Advisory Workgroup on Tribal

Consultation as one of the two Oklahoma City Area Tribal Representatives. It is

been a fruitful experience and a worthy

means to gain greater knowledge of the

consultation policies that are in play between a federal agency and tribes. I am

honored to be part of this process to ensure the Indian Health Service is “…engaging with tribes in a regular, meaningful and robust…manner to “…strengthen

the Nation-to-Nation relationship…”.

The sub-workgroups within the larger

workgroup are continuing dialog with

one another until a final product is completed before the full 60-day Tribal Consultation takes place.

March 2022

ing. Plans and architectural details are in

the final stages of completion. After these

plans are done, dirt work can begin. The

second part of this project is Horseshoe

Bend. Funding has been set aside for this

project out of CCDF and CRSSA funds.

We will soon begin the pre-construction

and design phase.

The new police department building

that has been funded by the ICDBG grant

will begin the survey and soil studies the

first week of March. After these are completed the bidding process will start. So

look for more news on the ground breaking in the next couple of months.

The Tecumseh Square project has been

accepted by the City of Tecumseh. We are

now working with Muhammad Khan the

Vice President of SMC Consulting Engineers to draw up the plans and to oversee

the construction of this project. Making

the thoughts and ideas of the late Kenneth

Blanchard become a reality is so exciting.

The tribal complex is still in phase 2 of

the reopening plan. The complex along

with most of the state has been hit hard

during this last variant of COVID. The

EC made the decision to go to appointment only on campus at the end of January for the safety of all tribal members

and employees. We continue to work split

shifts for all employees. Every department

is open but is working on limited staff.

With that being said, I hope that you all

are still taking COIVD protocols seriously and are wearing your mask.

beans and any other suggestions

from those interested in gardening.

Distribution will begin April 18th,

as this will be the time in which the

threat of severe frost has passed and

the soil temperatures have risen.

• Community Outreach- for those

interested in planting a garden and

need ground plowed, disked and

tilled, contact the Ag Dept. staff to

• Growing Boxes- for those who

don’t have areas to plant in, an alternative is to plant in growing

boxes. The Ag Dept. will provide a

box 12 inches high by whatever dimensions you desire to plant seeds

or starter plants in. Soil will be provided.

• 3-Sisters Youth Project- a package

containing seeds of Corn, Squash

and Beans, known as the 3-Sisters

will be provided to any youth interested in planting them as an introduction to gardening/agriculture.

Please contact the Ag Dept. staff if you

are interested in making a garden this

year. We will assist as much as possible,

provide any information needed and continue to create new avenues that could be

beneficial in providing fresh produce direct from field to table.

Andy Warrior (405) 432-6257

Jennifer Howell (405) 827-6545

Craig Blanchard (405) 434-4300

OEH:

In total for 2022 OEH has assisted

Tribal members with 6 different septic renovations and installations, water

well drilling and installations, well renovations, and community water connections. Also, to there was an error on

the January 2022 OEH report. The total

of 76 renovations and installations was

the total for 2021 rather than 2022. For

2022, we have collected, processed, and

recycled 4 bales of shredded office paper

and cardboard equaling roughly 3 tons of

recyclable waste that has been diverted

from landfills. OEH is on pace to have a

record year in total recyclables collected.

In addition to our collection of shredded

office paper and cardboard, we have also

been collecting electronic waste. Later

in 2022, we plan to collaborate with surrounding Tribes in an electronic waste

recycling event where we plan to deliver

roughly one ton of electronic waste to

be recycled. Construction on the Youth

Camp cabins, bathhouse, entry gate, and

parking lot are scheduled for completion

in February. Upon completion, all closeout documentation will be submitted to

HUD and Camp Nikoti Phase II will be

complete by the end of March. The architectural design and engineering phase of

the new Police Safety Center has begun.

The geotechnical report process and land

survey is scheduled for the first week of

March. Based on the rough timeline provided by the architectural firm, we should

be breaking ground for construction in

June of this year. We are still awaiting results of the 2022 ICDBG application for

the Youth Camp Multipurpose Building.

We have reached out to HUD for a possible timeline of the results, but we were

told that they could not provide any comments due to it being a competitive grant.

Jarrod Lloyd

OEH&E Director

jlloyd@astribe.com (405) 214-4235

Wood Cutting Program:

Wood Cutting Program has been busy

this month with assisting with tribal

members with heater wood. We are currently adding to the inventory to help

members and we will be helping Agricultural Department with some projects

(clearing farm land for spring crops).

Clayton Martinez, Project Coordinator

at 405-395-8101 or email cmartinez@astribe.com for questions and/or assistance.

BIA Tribal Housing Improvement Program:

Since our inception we have received

21 THIP Applications. (6 paper applications and 15 online applications). We

have completed 7 home assessments and

working to complete the third application. The first stage of our application

process; verification of enrollment, proof

of home ownership and home assessment

occurs rather quickly but the timelines for

actual work performance have been expanded due to material/supply shortage

and lack of staffing. Currently, the THIP

Program has only one employee handling

phone calls, emails, conducting home

assessment and performing repairs, still

searching for two (2) Full-Time Employees to complete our team. See Employment Opportunities on the ASTRIBE.

COM website. Keyword: Carpenter and

Maintenance worker

Donnie Marshall

Project Coordinator

Donnie@astribe.com

The annual tax preparation service has

commenced and this is the second year

Ms. Tina Ontiveros (Secretary’s Project

Coordinator) has spearheaded this shortterm program. She has done a wonderful

job at coordinating volunteers, managing

the appointments and overall making

sure it is successful in its implementation.

I also would like to quickly thank the

volunteers for coming out and assisting

our community even through this recent

bout of COVID-19 and the ever changing weather. You have been steadfast, ne

yi wa. If you have an income of $58,000

or less, you are eligible to have your taxes

prepared under this service. Please contact Tina at (405)275-4030 ext. 6431 for

your appointment today.

Each week the Executive Committee

has been participating in weekly updates

on the in-depth feasibility study of the

Hardesty Road property. We have been

learning the possibilities, challenges and

costs of the different avenues we could

take with the acreage. The study will be

wrapping up soon and at that time, the

EC will be in a better position to make an

informed decision for the best use of the

land and will be sharing with the tribal

membership the findings.

The 88th Semi- Annual General Council meeting has been set for Saturday,

April 9, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at Thunderbird Casino in Norman, Oklahoma. We

will be gathering in the Event Center

as we have for our recent GC meetings.

This seems to be the best space for us to

meet that is able to accommodate the attendance of our tribal membership. The

COVID-19 numbers are much lower now

(as of this article); however, I foresee the

continued implementation of precautionary measures for the safety of all who will

be in attendance. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Departmental Updates: Domestic Violence has a new Director and her name

is Nickie Skaggs. (Continued on Page 3A)

If you have any questions or concerns

please contact me by email ezrad@astribe.com, call my office 405-275-4030 x

6253 or cell 405-432-0733.

Respectfully,

Lt. Governor DeLodge

March 2022

SECRETARY’S REPORT

(Continued from Page 2A)

I am excited to have her aboard and

look forward for the continued growth of

this important service. Welcome Nickie!

One area of concern I observed within

our tribal government (which affects our

budgetary bottom line) is employee compensation. With the support of the EC,

I had Human Resources work with an

independent organization (an RFP was

completed) to conduct a first ever compensation study for the tribe. I would like

to see consistency in pay for experience

and/or education (even consider longevity possibly), I would like to see more

accurate pay scales, updated policies all

the while remaining competitive for employee recruitment -while saving tribal

TREASURER’S REPORT

Joseph Blanchard, AST Treasurer

Hello fellow AST members, family, and

friends,

Before long, the flowers will be blooming, the grass will turn green, and Spring

will have sprung. Though Winter is

not officially over, be aware of the rapid

change in the weather. We can still have

freezing temperatures but also now the

threat of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can pop up without any notice.

Make certain you have fresh batteries in

your flashlights and to replace those in

your smoke detectors.

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

DeWayne Wilson, AST Representative

Hello Tribal Members,

Hope everyone had a “HAPPY NEW

YEAR”

For February, 2022, The Tribal Complex is still in Phase 2, appointment only.

This Pandemic has created many obstacles (split- shifts, limited personnel)

and combined with the cold weather

conditions, this month was productively slow. The Executive Committee (EC)

asks everyone to be patient for we will

get through this pandemic and the winter, 2022. My prayers continue to go out

all Tribal members who have lost loved

ones during this difficult time. STAY

HEALTHY, STAY STRONG, STAY

SHAWNEE!!!

In the Education Department: Educa-

www.astribe.com 3A

dollars. I have always been schooled if

you are paying a high percentage of your

budget toward salaries; it is taking away

program/service dollars (for the people).

Don’t get me wrong, we have to have employees to facilitate our programs but we

also must insure it is our people who are

getting the benefit of our tribal government programs. The study has not concluded but will soon and once the results

are provided to the EC and HR, we will

get to work on strategies to best meet

our needs and possibly engage on budget

forecasts. I think we will have interesting

results, I cannot wait because this definitely will give us a baseline of knowledge

on where need to go policy-wise. Lastly,

the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)

Program began taking applications on

February 22, 2022. My staff developed

a qualifier sheet to assist those in determining if they qualify before filling out

a lengthy application. This program is

for any Native American/Alaska Native

enrolled in Federally Recognized Tribe

residing in Pottawatomie County or Absentee Shawnee Tribal member living

anywhere in the U.S. (must be at least

18 years of age and must be income eligible). AST preference will be applied.

You must be a homeowner or have a traditional mortgage with a lender or bank.

I am happy to announce I have hired 3

tribal members to help facilitate this program. They are Jordan Herrod, Ashlynn

Gouge and Taylor Masquas. Welcome ladies! I am so happy you have joined us!

This program will be housed in the Bldg.

1, 1st floor (former Tax Commission Office). Please remember this is a brand

new program for all of us and we will do

our best to help serve you. This is not

a quick turnaround program, there are

more steps involved and your patience is

requested when participating.

This concludes my article for this

month. I give you well wishes, happiness

and joy in your times of celebration this

month. I also give to you my empathy,

kindness and compassion for those who

encounter worries, sadness, illness and/

or grief this month.

Recently, the EC met and passed a

handful of resolutions. The few that

came from my oversight were related to

our Grants Department. As usual, programs must request or receive approval

from the EC by resolution prior to their

submission. I have made suggestions to

Directors to get with Grants early in the

process and not wait until the last minute.

This allows time for staff to review the

material and make certain if the criterion

has been met or not, before forwarding

the application.

As the Liaison to the C-Store, I am

happy to report they have made significant strides in the last half year. For the

C-Store, last month a new interim man-

ager, Karla Baptiste, has been put in place

to coordinate any future changes. A

meeting is forthcoming with the EC to

discuss the Business Plan and measures

for how to improve C-Store functions

and daily operations. I look forward to

their input and suggestions to/from the

Executive Committee.

In other news, the Procurement Department conducted a sealed bid opening for the future remodeling effort at

Tecumseh Square. I expect construction

to begin very soon as we have a deadline

for work to be completed by September

30, 2022. Besides new offices, the building will be utilized for additional storage

space, workforce development, and edu-

cation training. There is still ongoing discussion for other future use.

Before closing, I wanted to share the

EC has chosen the date and location for

the Spring General Council meeting. It

will be held at 10 AM in the Thunderbird

Casino Event Center, on Saturday, April

9, 2022. I look forward to seeing and

speaking with many of you then.

Should you have any questions or

would like to discuss something more

specific, do not hesitate in calling my office or sending an email.

tion Director and I have discussed what

educational programs will receive the

increase in ARPA funding, we have also

discussed other ways how this funding

can be used to assist our tribal members who are pursuing their educational

endeavors. As for the Workforce Development and Career Initiative, we are in

the design/ implementation stages such

as; creating a Mission/ Vision Statement,

participant`s requirements, and creating

a budget. Our emphasis is to EMPOWER, EDUCATE/ TRAIN, and EMPLOY

our tribal members.

In the Cultural Preservation Department: Cultural Preservation Director has

been working with ANA Grant representatives to approve a budget modification.

As of the 2nd week of February, 2022,

Cultural Preservation Director received

notice the ANA/ Language Grant, Budget

Modification is approved. Now we can

“Moving Forward” with the ANA/ Language Grant. I feel that we all agree the

Absentee Shawnee language needs to be

preserved and this grant allows us that

opportunity to start that process.

As for the Gaming Commission: I continue to attend Gaming Commission

meetings. We are hoping to approve

a resolution for a third Gaming Commissioner to be added to the Gaming

Commission Ordinance. We had several discussions about situations of several

people being ban from our casinos. We

continue to have meetings with certain

departments of the Casinos concerning

issues of an internal audit that was conducted in June of 2021.

Finally the Youth Camp: I had a productive meeting with the Executive Director of the Absentee Shawnee Housing

Authority (ASHA) during this reporting

period. Our main topic was the possibil-

ity of a contribution from the ASHA and

how ASHA could utilize the Youth Camp

and it`s projects. I will continue to look

for resources that may contribute to the

Youth Camp projects. We (EC), have not

received any word as of yet if we have

been approved for an ICDBG grant. We

(EC) did approve to use OEH funding

to enlarge the present lagoon system for

these future development.

As always, I am HONORED to be here

representing our tribe and our tribal

membership. If anyone has any questions/ concerns or if we can help you,

feel free to contact me at office phone

#405-275-4030, Ext. 6239 or by email:

dewayne.wilson@astribe.com

Si li no ke ka no la. Ne yi wa.

Respectfully,

Alicia Miller

Tribal Secretary

(405) 287-5247

Neyiwa!

Joseph H. Blanchard

Respectfully,

DeWayne Wilson

March 2022

4A www.astribe.com

Agriculture Department

Garden Planning Guide

Time

to Plant*

Feet of Row

Per Person

Days to

Harvest

Method

of Planting

Spacing

Between

Rows

Asparagus

Fall or Spring

10 to 20

—

Crowns

4 ft.

2 ft.

6 in.

3 to 5

Hardy

Beet

March

10 to 20

50 to 70

Seed

1 1/2 ft.

4 in.

1 in.

1/8 oz.

Semi-Hardy

Broccoli

March

80 to 90

Plants

3 ft.

1 1/2 ft.

6 to 7 plants

Hardy

Cabbage

Feb. 15 to March 10 10 to 20

60 to 90

Plants

3 ft.

1 to 1 1/2 ft.

6 to 15 plants

Hardy

Carrot

Feb. 15 to March 10

70 to 90

Seed

1 1/2 ft.

3 in.

1/8 oz.

Semi-Hardy

Cauliflower

Feb. 15 to March 10

70 to 90

Plants

3 ft.

1 1/2 ft.

Chard, Swiss

Feb. 15 to March 10

40 to 60

Seed

1 1/2 ft

3 in.

1/2 in.

1/2 oz.

Semi-Tender

Kohlrabi

Feb. 15 to March 10

50 to 70

Seed

2 ft.

6 in.

1/2 in.

1/8 oz.

Hardy

Lettuce, Head

Feb. 15 to March 10

60 to 90

Seed or Plant 1 to 1 1/2 ft.

1 ft.

1/4 in.

1/8 oz. or

20 plants

Semi Hardy

Lettuce, Leaf

Feb. 15 to March 10

40 to 70

Seed or Plant 1 to 1 1/ 2 ft.

3 in.

1/4 in.

1/8 oz or

40 plants

Semi-Hardy

Onion

Feb. 15 to March 10

60 to 120

Sets

1 to 1 1/2 ft.

4 in.

1 in.

1/4 qt. sets

Hardy

Onion

Feb. 15 to March 10

60 to 120

Plants

1 to 1 1/2 ft.

4 in.

1 in

1/8 oz. or

75 plants

Hardy

Peas, Green

Feb. 15 to March 10

60 to 90

Seed

3 ft.

2 in.

1/4 lb.

Hardy

Potato, Irish

Feb. 15 to March 10

90 to 120

Tuber pieces

2-3 oz.

3 ft.

1 ft.

4 in.

6 to 8 lbs. Semi-Hardy

Radish

March 1 to April 15

25 to 40

Seed

1 ft.

2 in.

1/2 in.

1/8 oz.

Hardy

Rhubarb

Fall or Spring

—

Crowns

4 ft.

2 ft.

3 in.

3 to 4 crowns

Hardy

Spinach

Feb. 15 to March 10

50 to 70

Seed

1 1/2 ft.

2 in.

1/2 in.

1/4 oz.

Hardy

Turnip

Feb. 15 to March 10

50 to 60

Seed

1 1/2 ft.

3 in.

1/2 in.

1/8 oz.

Hardy

Bean, Lima

April 15-30

90 to 120

Seed

2-3 ft.

6 in.

1 in.

1/8 lb.

Tender

Beans, Green

or Wax

April 10-30

50 to 60

Seed

1 1/2 ft.

4 in.

1 in.

1/8 lb.

Tender

Beans, Pole

April 10-30

60 to 90

Seed

3 ft.

8 to 12 in.

1 in.

1/8 lb.

Tender

Cantaloupe

May 1-20

80 to 100

Seed or Plants

3 to 5 ft.

2 to 3 ft.

1/2 in.

1/8 oz.

Very Tender

Cucumber

April 10-30 or later

5 to 10

50 to 70

Seed or Plants

3 to 5 ft.

2 to 3 ft.

1/2 in.

1/8 oz.

Very Tender

Eggplant

April 10-30

5 to 10

80 to 90

Plants

3 ft.

1 1/2 ft.

Okra

April 10-30 or later

60 to 70

Seed

2 to 3 ft.

1 1/2 ft.

Pepper

April 10-30 or later

90 to 110

Plants

3 ft.

2 ft.

Pumpkin

April 10-30 or later

90 to 120

Seed

5 ft.

3 to 4 ft.

Southern Pea

May 1- June 10

85 to 100

Seed

3 ft.

Squash, Summer

April 10-30 or later

10 to 20

40 to 60

Seed or Plants

Squash, Winter

May 15-June 15

110 to 125

Sweet Corn

Mar. 25-April 30

Sweet Potato

May 1- June 10

Tomato

Watermelon

Vegetable

Spacing

Within

Rows

Quantity

Depth to

Needed

Cover Seed Per Person

Frost

Tolerance

Cool Season

Absentee Shawnee Tribe's Domestic Violence Department

1/2 in.

6 to 8 plants Semi-Hardy

Warm Season

We help with:

Our mission is to:

Domestic Violence

Eliminate violence in

Sexual Assault

Native Country and to

Dating Violence

strengthen

Stalking

Native families to end the

Sex Trafficking

cycle of violence.

Our services are confidential and include:

Safety Planning

Emergency Assistance

Court Advocacy

Shelter Placement Assistance

Referrals

Must be intimate partner

related violence and the

victim must be fleeing the

home/situation

Who we serve:

Where we serve:

Natives and non-Natives

LGBTQ2S+

Any Religion

Any income level

EVERYONE

Because we are federally funded

we get to serve all populations

within our *service area, which

includes Cleveland, Oklahoma and

Pottawatomie counties.

*If you are AST and outside the service area, please call our office and we will see what we can do to help

you.

Office Line 405.273.2888

Fax 405.273.1192

Webpage https://www.astribe.com/domestic-violence

Link to intake https://www.astribe.com/forms/victim-intake

@ASTRisingWarrior

For emergencies call 911 or AST PD @ 405.275.3200

1/4 oz.

Very Tender

5 plants

Tender

1 in.

1/8 oz.

Tender

4 in.

1 in.

1/8 lb.

Tender

4 ft.

3 ft.

1 in.

1/8 oz.

Very Tender

Seed or Plants

5 ft.

4 ft.

1 in.

1/8 oz.

Very Tender

80 to 100

Seed

3 ft.

1 to 1 1/2 ft.

1 in.

1/8 lb.

Tender

100 to 120

Plants

3 ft.

1 ft.

25 plants

Very Tender

April 10-30

10-20

70 to 90

Plants

4ft.

2 to 3 ft.

4 to 5 plants

Tender

May 1-20

10-20

90 to 120

Seed

5-8 ft.

5 to 8 ft.

1/8 oz.

Very Tender

AST Education Department: Big Jim Youth Awards

We will begin taking applications for the 2021-22 Big Jim Youth Awards on January 1, 2022.

Absentee Shawnee High school seniors of both genders within the 50 United States are eligible

to apply for these awards for the 2021-22 academic year. Applications will be accepted from

January 1 to March 31, 2022 by US mail or email. Official transcripts will be accepted via

email or as a hard copy. Faxed copies will not be accepted.

The official application form will be available in December 2021 at www.astribe.com on the

Education page under the Services tab. 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 2022 semester. The

scholarship must be used for the fall 2022 semester.

Applications are for the following awards:

Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male and Female)

Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male and Female)

Please refer to the application for required documents. Eligible applications 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 at a date to be determined after March 2022.

We encourage ALL Absentee Shawnee High School Seniors to apply.

Award recipients will be recognized as the 2021-22 Big Jim Academic Achievement Award

winner or the Big Jim Athlete of the Year. In addition to this recognition the award recipients

will receive the $1,000.00 scholarship to be used towards their education and the advancement of

their career.

Applications accepted:

Jan. 1st –March 31st

Big Jim Youth Award

Apply today!

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Education Department

c/o Tresha Spoon

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

405.275.4030 Ext 6242

youthaward@astribe.com

1 in.

HLA-6004-2

The Deadline will not be extended.

Questions on these awards program should be addressed to:

1 in.

* These dates indicate planting times from southeast to northwest Oklahoma. Specific climate and weather may influence planting dates. For cool season vegetables, the soil temperature at the

depth where the seeds are planted should be at least 40 F. Specific climate and weather may influence planting dates. For warm season vegetables, the soil temperature at the depth where the

seeds are planted should be at least 50 F.

This project was supported byGrant No. 2015-TW-AX-0016 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations

expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

•

3 to 5 plants Very Tender

Finalists announced:

May/June 2022

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

(405) 275-4030 Ext. 6242

youthaward@astribe.com

□ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male)

□ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Female)

□ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male)

□ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Female)

STUDENT INFORMATION

Name: ___________________________________________________

(LAST)

(FIRST)

(MI)

Tribal Enrollment #:

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________

(STREET)

Home Phone: (

)

(CITY)

(STATE)

Cell Phone: (

(ZIP)

)

Email:

Which college/university/vocational institution do plan to attend after high school?

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

High School Name:

City:

State:

Advisor/Counselor:

Phone #:

Sport:

Position:

Coach:

Phone #:

Indian Education Director:

Phone #:

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

If applying for both Academic Achievement and Athlete of the year, applicant must provide two (2) separate

applications and sets of supporting documents.

Documents to be included with application:

□ Official High School Transcript (emailed copies sent directly from school personnel will be accepted)

□ Tribal Enrollment Card (copy)

□ Resume of Accomplishments and Activities

□ Letter(s) of Recommendation (Educator/Coach/Tribal/Church)

□ 500-word Essay: How do you feel your accomplishments (culture/knowledge/training) as well as your being

an Absentee Shawnee Tribal member will influence your future plans?

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

March 2022

www.astribe.com 5A

Cultural Preservation Department

The Cultural Preservation Department has continued to carry out essential day to day operations to ensure the department continues to function properly. On January 13th,

we moved to a split shift schedule in which three staff members are available in the office every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gift Shop

In accordance with the change in operations, the gift shop is now only open to TRIBAL MEMBERS for shopping. If possible, we do encourage curbside and porch shopping.

We ask if you are wanting to shop PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT with the Gift Shop Manager, Mrs. Merry Rodriguez, 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. Also, upon arrival

please check in at the checkpoint. Mrs. Rodriguez can be reached at (405) 275-4030 ext. 6310.

The Shawnee Gift Shop will be the only shop open until further notice. The shop is located at the complex in the Cultural Preservation building. We are open Monday –

Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Further, to ensure the safety and protect the health of all, the Gift Shop has implemented the following 5 safety protocols that we ask visitors to follow:

1. All are required to cover their mouth and nose with PPE (masks) when shopping in the Gift Shop.

2. Occupancy Control – for your safety and the safety of our employees, we are limiting the number of customers in

the gift shop.

a. Only 2 customers will be allowed in at a time

3. Avoid close contact (Social Distance)

a. Please keep 6 feet between you and other customers

4. Use hand sanitizer as often as possible

5. Sorry…NO public restroom is available. Temporarily closed due to COVID-19.

We continue to make progress in new inventory, but please be patient with us if we are unable to get what you are looking

for in-stock. As I have stated in previous articles, we are still experiencing shortages and delays with our vendors.

In addition to current orders, we continue to look and reach out to new businesses especially Native American owned

businesses in hopes of bringing in new inventory. Some inventory that the gift shop recently received can be seen in the

picture to the left.

If you haven’t been in the store lately, please make an appointment and stop by to shop.

Library

Like the Gift Shop, the Library is open to Tribal members only. We ask that you follow all the protocols mentioned above, and that you call Ms. Casey Wilson, the Librarian,

to make an appointment 24 hours in advance. She can be reached at (405) 275-4030 ext. 6416.

Further, for your safety, individuals are asked to use gloves while viewing books in the library, and to ensure that checked out books are properly sanitized, books are placed

in a Ziploc bag and quarantined for four days upon return to the library.

On January 5th the library launched OverDrive, the online access to the library holdings and much more. Also, the Libby App for smart devices was launched at the same

time. For more information or to receive your login information, please contact Ms. Wilson.

THPO

The THPO Program continues to make great strides and advancements. The THPO staff has steadily been receiving Section 106 projects from various Federal Agencies.

Over the past month, the THPO Officer, Mrs. Devon Frazier-Smith, has received 233 new Section 106 projects for review. In conjunction with receiving projects, the program

has consulted on 144 projects. These projects were completed in 23 of our 25 areas of interest/states. The THPO has also taken part in 14 teleconference calls as it concerns

Section 106 projects as well as NAGPRA cases.

FCC/TCNS

In lieu of the shutdowns from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the incoming workflow of new and modified telecommunications projects has been steady for

the TCNS program. The THPO Specialist, Ms. Ashley Brokeshoulder, has been busy reviewing, researching and given recommendations to the telecommunications industry.

Over the past month, she has received 76 new telecommunications facility projects for review. These 76 individual projects will be completed in conjunction with 10 consulting

firms in 8 of our 25 areas of interest/states.

In conjunction with receiving projects, she has reviewed, researched and gave recommendation for the clearance of 64 telecommunications projects. These 64 individual

projects were completed in conjunction with 14 consulting firms in 9 of our 25 areas of interest/states. Also, 12 projects are

awaitingSearch

clearance because their packages are lackWord

ing some information such as full archaeological reports, SHPO responses, or clear pictures.

EVENTS

With the change in the operations and out of concern for the safety of all, we have canceled all in person workshops at this time. Please be on the look-out for announcements

B T Y OGN S Z F S

on the website and Facebook for any virtual events.

Word Search

B E MON J E V U E

Your concerns are important to us. We thank you for the continued support of our department as we continue to make changes to our programs to better serve the Tribal

Xhave

ManyNquestions

J C orSconcerns.

K N A K

community. Please feel free to contact me, Carol Butler, at 405-275-4030 ext. 6245 or cbutler@astribe.com if you

Read under

the stars

Read a digital

book

Listen to an

audio book

Read under a

tree

Read your

favorite book

Read with

your family

Read to a

friend

Read a

nonfiction

book

Read in the

car

Read on a

blanket

Read with a

flashlight

Read a poem

Read a fiction

book

Read in a bed

Read using a

silly voice

Read with a

snack

BG T

YOOM GI N

I ESX ZE F S

W LJ KEDV

WU E

BZ E

MKOSearch

Word

XQ M

NN JG CI ES EKQNA A K

BMK B C N F Y R F

BGT EY W

O G N SI ZI FESX E

B E O KOI M

E E I A E

B E MO N J E V U E

ZS S

F GKZKX F

F CLU KF D W

X MN J C S K N A K

M I EOYNS G

I A H L A

GQE O

W O M I II EE XEEQ A

C LN KF DYWR F

Z BS M

K B

F W

QBO E

N G

K II EE EE QI AA E

B M K B C N F Y R F

S F G Z XWF C U F

B E O K I E E I A E

S FI CA UHFL A

SMF IG E

Z Y

sekewafefa

sekilefefa

mesomeﬁ

siwinewi

kokoge

nekeyi

M I E Y S I A H L A

sekewafefa

Clip this!

When you have completed a square for at least 15 minutes, put your name in the box! The

challenge starts March 14, 2022 and ends March 18, 2022. Winners will be announced on

March 22, 2022. Entries may be dropped off at the Absentee Shawnee Tribe or you may take a

picture with you smart phone and email it to cwilson@astribe.com. Call 405-275-4030 ext.6416

for questions.

noﬁ

sekilefefa

sekewafefa

siwinewi

mesomeﬁ

kokoge

nekeyi

kokoge

siwinewi



mesomeﬁ

sekilefefa

nekeyi

noﬁ

Build your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-generator

Answer Key on Page 6A



Build your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-generator

Build your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-gen

March 2022

6A www.astribe.com

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building Blocks C.D.C.

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, OK 74801

(405) 878-0633

Fax: (405) 878-0156

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building Blocks C.D.C.

16051 Lttle Axe Dr.

Norman, OK 73026

(405) 360-2710

Fax: (405) 360-2726

Building Blocks II

Building Blocks III

Building Blocks serves children 6 weeks through Pre-K. We are accepting

waiting list applications for enrolling in our classrooms. Please call to

inquire about what openings we have in our classrooms and to get a

waiting list application emailed to you.

We are now open & accepting waiting list applications for children 6

months through 12 years of age. If you’re interested in your child attending

Building Blocks Child Development Center in Norman, OK please call

(405)360-2710.

We were closed for a few days in February for Snow Days. Our parents took

pictures of the children having fun in the snow and shared them with us.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building Blocks C.D.C.

16051 Lttle Axe Dr.

Norman, OK 73026

(405) 360-2710

Please call for more information or log onto

www.astribe.com

Building Blocks month of March will be busy fun. We are celebrating Read

Across America and celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday during the week of

February 28-March 4th. We are having dress-up week and encouraging our

parents to read with their child(ren).

March 4th is Employee Appreciation Day; we appreciate our staff very

much! Daylight Savings Time is March 13th, remember to Spring Forward

your clocks. Also, remember to wear green on March 17th for St. Patrick’s

Day. The children love playing outside and look forward to spring beginning

on March 20th and the beautiful spring weather ahead.

Have a wonderful March and Happy Spring!

Building Blocks Valentine's Day Party

Answer

Key From

Page 5A

Word

Word Search

BWord

T Y O Search

GN S Z F S

B E MON J E V U E

X M NY J OC G

S K

N NZ

SAF

ZK S

F S

B TBG YT

E WOM I I E X E

BZ M

MKN

OF N

EDU

VW E

U E

S K

LJ KV

B E

J E

XQ N

CI K

S EN

KQA

NA K

A K

J NCJG S

N F Y R EF X E

GBW

E KO

WBM

OC M

G E

IE EII IEI AX

Z SS KF GK ZFXW

F CKUDF W

OYG

NS G

ELQ

EA A

Q A

I E

AI HE

II E

C F

N YF R

Y F

R F

O K

E E

A E

B E

I EI E

I AI E

C F

U F

S FS G

F C

A H L A

M M

I EI YE SY S

I AI H

L A

sekewafefa

sekilefefa

mesomeﬁ

siwinewi

kokoge

nekeyi

sekewafefa

siwinewi



sekilefefa

kokoge

mesomeﬁ

nekeyi

noﬁ

Build your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-generator

March 2022

www.astribe.com 7A

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Happy Birthday to my AMAZING

Aunt Gert. Wishing you the BEST DAY!

Love, Sherrie & kids

Happy Belated Birthday to my

FAVORITE Uncle Garland. Wishing you a

happy day! We love you lots!

Sherrie & kids

Happy Birthday Vikki

Thank You

Vikki – Welcome to the big 5-0 club!

Hope your day is a SPECIAL ONE!

Love you lots - Sherrie & kids

Greg – Happy Birthday Cousin. The

big 5-0 looks GOOD on you.

Love you, Sherrie

Affordable Payments

────

2 house plan options

────

Built on your home site

────

15-year lease term

APPLY NOW!

TINY HOME

PURCHASE

PROGRAM

Applications are now being accepted to place a new tiny

home on your own property. The monthly payment will be

────

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE

HOUSING AUTHORITY

107 N Kimberly Ave

Shawnee, OK 74801

(405) 273-1050

www.ashousingauthority.com

affordable, based strictly on your annual income.

Tiny homes are under 1000 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 1

bath.

The following eligibility criteria must be met to apply:



Must be enrolled member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Must meet HUD income guidelines

Must own property located in Oklahoma County, Cleveland

County, Pottawatomie County or Lincoln County

Home site must pass environmental inspection

Home site must be cleared with a level location for the

home

Must intend to use the home as your primary residence

Must be responsible for all utility connections, such as water,

sewer, electrical, heating

All other requirements set by ASHA once application is

reviewed

Mom, We hope your birthday is a very

beautiful one. We love you very much!

Love, Jop & Jil & Justin

Deadline to apply is

March 31, 2022

The family of Linda and the late Bucky Little Charley would like to say THANK YOU to

everyone who helped with the Taco fundraiser and for all the donations to the Go fundme, food, clothing, encouraging word, and/or

prayers. We greatly appreciate every single one

of you for all you have done to help our Mother out in this time of need. Our family, work

family, and community came together to show

support to us and we can’t thank you enough

for all the help.

March 2022

8A www.astribe.com

P H O N E D I R E C T O RY - D I R E C T N U M B E R S

O F F I C E O F T H E T R I B A L S EC R E TA RY

2025 S. GORDON COOPER DRIVE, SHAWNEE, OK 74801 • PHONE: 405.275.4030 • EMAIL: SECRETARY@ASTRIBE.COM • WEB: WWW.ASTRIBE.COM

AST Complex – (405) 275-4030

Toll Free - 800-256-3341

All Nations Bank…………………………………………(405) 273-0202

Brendle Corner…......……………………………………(405) 447-3372

Building Blocks….........…………………………………(405) 878-0633

Building Blocks III LA….....……………………………(405) 360-2710

Court………………………......…………………………(405) 481-8575

Domestic Violence…………….....………………………(405) 273-2888

Enrollment……………………….....……………………(405) 481-8650

Food Pantry………………………...……………………(405) 481-8640

Gaming Commission………………....…………(405) 360-9270 x1110

Housing Authority………………………………………(405) 275-1050

Human Resources……………………….....……………(405) 275-1468

ICW………………………………………………………(405) 395-4490

Media………………………….…………………………(405) 598-1279

OEH/OEP…………………….…………….…….………(405) 214-4235

Police…………………………………………(405) 275-3200/275-3432

Social Services…………….…………………….…….…(405) 878-4723

Tax Commission…….……………….……………….…(405) 481-8600

Thunderbird Casino Norman…….……….……………(405) 360-9270

Thunderbird Casino Shawnee…………….….…………(405) 273-2679

Tribal Store Little Axe……………………………………(405) 364-0668

88TH SEMI-ANNUAL GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING OF THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA WILL BE HELD ON

SATURDAY, APRIL 9th, 2022 AT 10:00A.M.

AT THE THUNDERBIRD EVENT CENTER IN NORMAN, OKLAHOMA.

Put a Powerful Financial Tool in Your Pocket with the AllNations Bank

Mobile Banking App. Deposit Checks Securely from Anywhere with our

Mobile Deposit Capture feature.

Today’s smartphones have more processing power than the computers

NASA used to put a man on the moon. And now you can put that power to

work for you with the mobile banking app from AllNations Bank. It’s the

smart, simple and secure way to manage your money.

WHAT YOU CAN DO with the app:

View transactions anytime. Check on your cash flow and

finances.

Make transfers anyplace. Securely move money between your

accounts so funds are where you need it, when you need it.

Deposit checks. Deposit checks securely from anywhere, at any

time, using mobile deposit capture.

WHERE TO DOWNLOAD the app:

Download the AllNations app, by searching “AllNations Access”

on the App StoreSM or Google PlayTM.

any questions or to discuss our account options.

Member

FDIC

www.asthealth.org

March 2022

Section B

ASTHS March 2022 Monthly Update

Recognizing World Kidney Day and National Kidney Month

The AST Health System supports health living and health life-styles for our community and our patients. With the ravages of

diabetes ever present in our Native American communities, it is important to reflect on what good kidney health means for a long,

healthy, and productive life. The World Kidney Day is a joint initiative venture of several committed individuals and/or members

of kidney foundations, societies of nephrology and patients associations that support the campaign in the effort of raising awareness of kidney disease

across the globe. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common and harmful: 1 out of 10 adult people worldwide have it, and if left untreated it can be deadly.

While early detection allows for disease care and management to help prevent morbidity and mortality, and improve cost effectiveness and sustainability,

kidney disease related mortality continues to increase yearly and is projected to be the 5th leading cause of death by 2040. A persistent and ongoing CKD

knowledge gap exists; one that is demonstrable at all levels of healthcare.

In the United States, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) encourage everyone to “Build your path to better

kidney care.” Managing kidney disease is very important for a healthy, long life. Through managing chronic kidney disease, and high blood pressure, and

eating right with chronic kidney disease, you can extend your life and health and mitigate the health impacts upon the body. The three ways you can build

your personalized path to better kidney care are:

•

Be an active participant in your care. Work with your health care team to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle, mobility, health status,

and dietary needs.

•

Follow your care plan. Take medicine as prescribed and stay up to date on vaccines. The COVID-19 and flu vaccines are especially important for

people with kidney disease, who may be more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 or the flu.

•

Build a kidney healthy lifestyle. Try to incorporate healthy habits into your daily schedule. This can include healthy foods and beverages you enjoy; physical activity like walking or taking the stairs to help you stay active and manage your weight, or a sleep routine that helps you get enough

rest.

The AST Health System has many programs that can assist you and your family in achieving a health “kidney” friendly life-style today! Discuss with your

primary care provider and your health care team what strategies work best for you. Help us work together to recognize kidney health month and world

kidney day by taking action now to have a healthier tomorrow.

The employees of the health system make a difference everyday! Thank you all for making an important difference in the lives and health of all of our

health system’s patients!

March Health Employees Awards of the Month

Employee of the Month: Dr. Marty Lofgren, AST Health System Medical Director

Team of the Month: AST Health System Credentialing/Privileging Office

Special Leadership Award: Mrs. Alyssa Campbell, AST Health Legal Council

Mark E. Rogers, MAL, FACHE, CMPE, CHC

Executive Director

March is National Disabilities Awareness Month

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

March is National Disabilities Awareness Month. One of these rare diseases that can house developmental disabilities is Duchenne muscular

dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy can affect developmental milestones physically, as well as mentally. There are two types of muscular dystrophy:

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy. Becker is the milder form of the two diseases. Duchenne is a terminal

disease and considered to be the more aggressive and progressive disease. It occurs more commonly in boys, but can rarely occur in girls. It is

estimated that 1 in 3500 males will inherit this disorder. DMD is usually diagnosed in early childhood. It is often diagnosed through genetic testing

or a muscle biopsy.

DMD is a genetic disorder that affects protein in muscles called dystrophin. This disruption in the dystrophin affects heart and skeletal muscles.

Early signs of DMD include delayed walking, standing, sitting, and delayed/inability to speak. Toe walking is also common in these kids and

causes enlarged calf muscles called pseudohypertrophy. By the teenage years, most DMD boys are using a wheelchair due to muscle weakness and

difficulty walking. Breathing problems and enlargement of the heart cause issues in later development of the disease.

Because of issues involving many different body systems, these kids have more doctors than most grown adults. These specialists include a

neurologist, orthopedist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, physical therapist, pediatrician, and an occupational therapist. There is no cure for Duchenne

muscular dystrophy. Treatments for DMD include managing the symptoms and other complications of muscle loss. Medications like steroids are

often used to help improve the strength and function of the muscles. Steroids are tricky because they can cause weight gain, bone density loss, and

behavioral problems. Some children need an assistive device to help with breathing, especially at night. Gene therapy and drug trials are available

and constantly evolving in the scientific community.

Although this disease and its progression are aggressive and overwhelming, these kids are some of the strongest humans you will ever meet. I

can personally speak to this because I am raising a DMD boy. We adopted my son in 2014. We knew there was a chance he could have Duchenne

when he was born, but did not care either way. My DMD son is a tough kid. He needs frequent breaks in activities because his muscles get tired,

but he is funny, strong, stubborn, smart, and artistic. Children with special needs and a terminal illness allow you to enjoy the little things in life

and appreciate small victories this crazy world has to offer. DMD is a disease that will break your heart, but it will also give you hope in people and

humanity. The road ahead for my son and other boys with Duchenne is uncertain, but there is always hope of a cure.

2B www.astribe.com

ASTHS PHARMACY IS HERE TO SERVE YOU WITH NEW UPDATES

Refill Requests can be made the following ways:

REFILLQUICK APP STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

March 2022

www.astribe.com 3B

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

AST TITLE VI

ELDER INTAKE FORM

2025 South Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801-0381

TODAY’S DATE______________________________ REFERRAL SOURCE_____________________

LAST NAME___________________________ FIRST NAME____________________________ MI_____

Title VI

Elderly Nutrition Program

DATE OF BIRTH______________________ MALE ____ FEMALE____ VETERAN___YES_____NO

STREET ADDRESS____________________________________________________

CITY___________________ STATE_____ ZIP CODE________ PHONE NUMBER _______________

SINGLE ____MARRIED ____ DIVORCED/SEPARATED

___WIDOWED ___ WIDOWER____

SPOUSE’S NAME______________________________ SPOUSE’S DATE OF BIRTH _______________

NAME OF EMERGENCY CONTACT (1)______________________________PHONE______________

NAME OF EMERGENCY CONTACT (2) ______________________________PHONE _____________

PRIMARY LANGUAGE

ENGLISH___ TRIBAL___

OTHER______________________

HOUSING ___ HOUSE ___ APARTMENT ___COMMUNITY HOUSING __OTHER EXPLAIN____________

COMPOSITION ___ LIVES ALONE ___ LIVES WITH SPOUSE ___LIVES WITH FAMILY/FRIENDS

NUMBER IN HOUSEHOLD _______ WHO HELPS ___________________________________________

HEALTH HISTORY ___ ASTHMA

___DIABETES

___ALZHEIMER’S

Dear Absentee Shawnee Tribal Members

___ARTHRITIS ___CANCER ___DEMINTIA

___CHRONIC PAIN ___HEARING AID ___CHOLESTEROL ___BLOOD PRESSURE

PRIMARY TRANSPORTATION ___Own Car ___Friend ____Public Trans. ___Senior Tran’s __Family

PROSTHETIC DEVIECS ___ Walker/Cane __Wheelchair ___Hearing Aid ___Glasses __Dentures ___None

For many years The Title VI Department has provided gas to mow your lawns. We are updating the

guidelines. The Title VI Grant provides gas as supportive services and for us to provide supportive

service you must be a participant in the Title VI Program.

Guidelines:

Absentee Shawnee Member

Must be 55 years and older

Must be an Title VI Member, have a current intake form on file (FY-2022)

Must provide Proof of Residency (utility bill – in the applicants name)

Handicap/Disabled

NO RENTAL PROPERTY WILL BE MOWED

As a Title VI Member as long as you are within the guidelines you can put in your application and turn

in your applications to the Title VI Department. As stated on the application: Maintenance will only

mow and weed eat applicants lawn. Maintenance will mow every two (2) weeks weather permitting.

Also, the maintenance workers will not trim trees, shrubs, and will NOT move any items that are in

the way of cutting your lawn.

This year we are trying to get an early start on our grass mowing list,

Any questions you can reach me at 405-275-4030 ext. 6227 or email me at dowings@astribe.com

ARE YOU ENROLLED WITH A DIFFERENT TITLE VI PROGRAM? ____ YES ____ NO

IF YES, NAME OF PROGRAM & WHERE LOCATED:________________________________________

HEALTH CONCERNS ___________________________________________________________________

SERVICES CURRENTLY BEING RECEIVED_________________________________________

Thomasine Owings____

Thomasine Owings

Title VI Director

EMAIL ADDRESS______________________________________________________

PROVIDE THE DATE OF YOUR VACCINATION COVID

19 1st__________ 2nd_________

BOOSTER__________

Johnson & Johnson __________ FLU__________

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Title VI Department

2025 S Gordon Cooper Dr

Shawnee OK 74801

405-275-4030

CDIB # _______

Grass Mowing Application

D.O.B.________

The Following are the requirements for this program:

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Salisbury Steak

Mashed Pot/Gravy

Veggies

Mandarin Oranges

Ham Wrap

LTOP

Chips

Yogurt

Stew

Cornbread

Cheese Sticks

Cake

Cold Cut Sandwiches

LTOP

Pot Salad

Beef Fingers

Mashed Pot/Gravy

Cauliflower

Bread

Chicken Salad

Sandwich

LTOP

Baked Chips

Apple

White Chicken Chili

Roasted Cauliflower

Cornbread Square

Blueberries

Chicken Stir Fry

Ginger Rice

Sweet n’ Sour

Broccoli Salad

Pears

Manwich

Pot. Salad

Carrot Sticks

Orange

Herb Pork Loin

Sweet Cinn Squash

Fruit Salad

WW Dinner Roll

Crunchy Hawaii

Chicken Wrap

Super Salad

Baked Chips

Ham

Black-eyed Peas

Cornbread

Mandarin Oranges

Goulash Supreme

Rainbow Carrot

Crunch

Oatmeal Cran Cookie

Frito Chili Pie

Onions, Cheese

Apricots

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Baked Chicken

Wild Rice

Veggies

Pears

FRIDAY

Beef Tips & Noodles

Beets

Fluff

Smoked Sausage

Cabbage

Pudding

Roast

Red Pot/Carrots

Bread

Crisp

Scrambled Eggs

Sausage Gravy

Biscuit

Boiled Egg

Bacon

Toast

Fruit

Scrambled Eggs

Sausage Gravy

Biscuit

Grits

Sausage Patties

Fruit

MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SPRING IS AMONG US!!!

Tasty new menu items every Wednesday, courtesy of our Diabetes and Wellness program, honoring our

Elders for National Nutrition Month. We want to hear from you! Complete satisfaction surveys weekly

FOR FUN PRIZES!

CH 1

MAR

We are going to have our March Madness Basketball Bracket for you to fill out so when it comes

available then we will hand them out, if you want to participate.

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE BEHAVIORAL

HEALTH/SASP GRANT PRESENTS

Must be an Absentee Shawnee Member

Must be 55 years and older

Must be an Title VI Member (have an current intake form for the current year 2022

Handicap/Disabled

Must provide Proof of Residency (utility bill must be in applicant’s name)

NO RENTAL PROPERTY will be mowed

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe Maintenance Department will ONLY mow and weed eat applicant’s lawn.

Maintenance will mow every two (2) weeks, weather permitting. Also, the maintenance workers will

not trim trees or shrubs.

If you have any questions, please contact Dos Owings at (405) 275-4030 ext. 6227

NAME: __________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ________________________________________________

CITY: _______________________

STATE:___________

ZIP: _______

HOME PHONE: ____________________ MESSAGE PHONE: ________________

EMAIL: ______________________________________________________

FINDING DIRECTIONS TO HOME:

___________________________________________________________________

*DISCLAIMER

Maintenance will not move any items that are in the way of them mowing your yard so if you

are able or can get some help in getting your yard cleaned, will be very much helpful in

maintaining your yard.

Medicine Wheel & 12 Steps

The medicine wheel and 12 Step program was developed to provide a culturally

appropriate 12 Step program for Native American people. This program was developed by

White Bison, based upon teachings of the Medicine Wheel, the Cycle of Life and the Four

Laws of Change.

How the Process Works

WHITE BISON, INC.

A CULTURAL APPROACH TO PERSONAL RECOVERY

FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE

WELLBRIETY

WORKING LUNCH

Facilitated by: John Soap, LPC

EVERY THURSDAY VIA GOTOMEETING

HTTPS://GLOBAL.GOTOMEETING.COM/JOIN/801887957

BEGINNING MAY 27TH, 2021

12:00PM-1:00PM

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION,

CONTACT:

Brendan (SASP Coordinator) or John

(Facilitator/LPC) at (405) 878-4716

The Medicine Wheel and 12 Step program is designed in a series of modules that enable

people to meet their individual needs. Participants watch a video that explains Medicine

Wheel teachings and apply them to their lives. In addition, participants share their insights

and experiences in a talking circle. They also learn how to mind map their own innate

knowledge around these teachings and then apply that knowledge to their daily lives and

decision making processes. For those working through the program in a group setting

(i.e. Circles of Recovery) very strong social and emotional bonds are created that help

the individuals who participate to develop trust, autonomy, and other healthy feelings and

thought patterns that will help them to grow emotionally, mentally, physically, and

spiritually.

Focus

The focus of the program is on character and values. Thus each of the 12 Steps

is presented from the perspective of the value that it reflects.

Step 1: Honesty

Step 2: Hope

Step 3: Faith

Step 4: Courage

Step 5: Integrity

Step 6: Willingness

Step 7: Humility

Step 8: Forgiveness

Step 9: Justice

Step 10: Perseverance

Step 11: Spiritual Awakening

Step 12: Service

Teachings of the medicine wheel

The Medicine Wheel is an ancient method for teaching important concepts about truth

and life. Many Native American communities use a Medicine Wheel, although the colors

and the

symbols are different depending upon the culture. The purpose is the same in each

culture. These teachings, when applied to one’s life, have the power to influence significant

change in attitudes, behaviors, values and intent. The Elders have shared a series of

Teachings based upon the Natural Order of the way things should be. These are sometimes

referred to as the “original instructions.” These important Teachings are included in the

Medicine

Wheel

12 Steps: 10.) Comfort Zones

6.)

The 12 steps

ofand

recovery

1.) 4 seasons of change

2.) 4 laws of change

3.) 4 directions of growth

4.) 12 principles for healthy

living

5.) Reclaiming Our Power

7.) Nature's Way: Principles,

laws, and Values

8.) Cycle of Life

9.) 8 feelings for healthy

development

11.) The Two Thought System:

Love and Fear

12.) The medicine wheel

13.) The laws of the unseen

world.

4B www.astribe.com

AST HEALTH SYSTEM DIRECTORY

March 2022

AST HEALTH SYSTEM DIRECTORY

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER ..................................................... 405-447-0300

Administration

Business Office

Little Axe Dental

Health Information Management

Lab/X.Ray

Optometry

Patient Benefit Advocates

Primary Care

Public Health

Security

Electronic Health Record

Physical Therapy

Behavioral Health .................................................................................. 405-701-7987

Little Axe Purchased Referred Care ........................................................ 405-701-7951

Diabetes & Wellness ...............................................................................405-701-7977

Pharmacy ...............................................................................................405-292-9530

CompleteCare Home Health................................................................... 405-701-7085

Transportation........................................................................................405-701-7603

SHAWNEE CLINIC ............................405-878-5850 OR 877-878-4702 TOLL FREE

Administration

Business Office

Health Information Management

Lab/X-Ray

Patient Benefit Advocates

Contract Health

Physical Therapy

Primary Care

Public Health

Behavioral Health ...................................................................................405-878-4716

Diabetes & Wellness ...............................................................................405-701-7977

Pharmacy ........................................................ 405-878-5859 OR 866-742-4977TOLL FREE

Transportation........................................................................................405-701-7603

PLUSCARE ............................................................................................... 405-447-0477

GENERAL

AST Resource Center..............................................................................405-364-7298

Corporate Compliance Hotline............................................................... 405-701-7135

Patient Advocate .................................................................................... 405-701-7623

AST Tribal Complex ...............................................................................405-275-4030

AST Tribal Police .................................................................................... 405-275-3200

AST Housing ..........................................................................................405-273-1050

TO SCHEDULE YOUR

APPOINTMENT CALL

405.701.7190

405.701.7600

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A 3RD DOSE OF

A COVID-19 VACCINE?

MODERNA:

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that moderately to

severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. This

includes people who have:

Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the

blood.

Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the

immune system.

Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking

medicine to suppress the immune system.

Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge

syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).

Advanced or untreated HIV infection.

Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that

may suppress your immune response.

PFIZER-BioNTech:

The CDC is recommending that only certain populations initially vaccinated

with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can get a booster shot at this time:

Older adults and 50-64 year old people with medical conditions.

Long-term care setting residents aged 18 years and older.

People with medical conditions aged 18-49 years.

Employees and residents at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure

and transmission.

People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition

and if they meet the above criteria for getting an additional dose.

For more information, please visit www.asthealth.org

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

Under 65? Apply for SoonerCare Medicaid Expansion

You could be eligible for SoonerCare Medicaid Expansion benefits, which

includes full-scope medical and limited comprehensive dental coverage, for

adults ages 19-64 if your income falls at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty

Level (FPL)- under $17,796 per year for an individual; under $36,588 per year

for a household of 4 (Children eligible at a higher income threshold under 210%

FPL). Per Purchased Referred Care guidelines, all patients under 65 years

old, whether insured or uninsured, must apply for SoonerCare to help

augment the cost of tribal healthcare services. Help yourself, help your tribe

and see if you and your family will qualify for state health insurance benefits at

no cost to you or your tribe.

Program rules and continuity of care necessitates completion of an annual application for benefits

to assure services are covered, even if ASTHS patient is already insured.

TO APPLY:

www.mysoonercare.org

WE CAN HELP

Contact a Patient Benefit Advocate

Little Axe

Shawnee

Health Center

Clinic

405.447.0300

405.878.5850

www.asthealth.org

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.