Tribe Breaks Ground On New Police Safety Center (2023)

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

www.astribe.com

THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE NEWS

March 2023

Volume 33, No. 03

Tribe Breaks Ground On New Police Safety Center

Pictured L-R: AST SORNA Officer Russell Harjo; AST Captain Jason Brinker; AST Lt. Governor Ezra DeLodge; AST Governor John Johnson; AST Secretary Alicia Miller; AST

Representative DeWayne Wilson.

ST RR

The Absentee Shawnee

Tribe recently broke ground on a long-awaited new Police

DESIGN GROUP, INC

Safety Center. The center is being built with an Indian Community Development

Block Grant the tribe received in 2018.

CJC Architects,

The new building

will beInc.located directly east of All Nations Bank on the tribal

complex. The floor plan includes 8 offices, a reception/lobby area, a conference room

interview room, evidence room, patrol room, EOC/Training area within a FEMArated storm shelter, as well as a fitness area. The new safety center will have 5,940

square-feet.

The police department currently shares a building with MIS. “We have certainly

outgrown our current building and definitely need more space”, said Brad Gaylord,

Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety. “This project has been in the works for

a long time and will allow us to better address the Public Safety needs of the Tribe.

We are excited to finally be moving forward and would like to thank the Executive

Committee and all those who have worked to push this project from the get go.”

“I am excited that we are finally breaking ground.” said Governor John Johnson.

“This bigger and better facility will help them serve not only our tribal members but

the community as well.”

ABSENTEE

Calm Construction

is the general contractor. Expected completion date is January

SHAWNEE

POLICE

CENTER

2024.

SHEET INDEX

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE

POLICE SAFETY CENTER

Rendering of the new Absentee Shawnee Tribal Police Safety Center. (Courtesy of

CJC Architects, Inc.)

G000

G001

C1.0

C2.0

C3.0

C4.0

C4.1

C5.0

C6.0

C7.0

S001

S002

S003

S101

S102

S501

S601

S602

A001

A101

A111

A201

A202

A211

A301

A401

A601

A611

MP001

P101

P102

M101

E001

E101

E201

E301

E401

COVER SHEET

LIFE SAFETY PLAN AND BUILDING CODE DATA

CIVIL SITE COVER SHEET

GENERAL NOTES

EXISTING CONDITIONS AND DEMOLITION PLAN

SEDIMENT AND EROSION CONTROL PLAN

SEDIMENT AND EROSION CONTROL DETAILS

SITE PLAN

GRADING PLAN

UTILITY PLAN

STRUCTURAL GENERAL NOTES

SPECIAL INSPECTION

FOUNDATION PLAN

ROOF FRAMING PLAN

FOUNDATION DETAILS

CMU DETAILS

ICF DETAILS

ARCHITECTURAL SITE PLAN

FLOOR & ROOF PLAN

REFLECTED CEILING PLAN

BUILDING ELEVATIONS

BUILDING SECTIONS

WALL SECTIONS

ENLARGED FLOOR PLAN

ROOM FINISH PLAN AND SCHEDULES

DOOR SCHEDULE AND DETAILS

GENERAL NOTES AND SCHEDULES

PLUMBING PLAN

MECHANICAL HVAC PLAN

ELECTRICAL GENERAL NOTES AND SCHEDULES

ELECTRICAL LIGHTING PLAN

ELECTRICAL POWER PLAN

ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS AND DETAILS

ELECTRICAL PANELBOARDS

1401 S. DENVER, SUITE A, TULSA, OK 74119

(918) 599-7770 FAX (918) 384-3186

CA #3995 EXP. JUNE 30, 2023

CA #01915 EXP. JUNE 30, 2023

1401 S Denver Ave, Suite B, Tulsa, OK 74119-3445

918-582-7129

cjcarchitects.com

No.

STARR DESIGN GROUP, INC.

ARCHITECT: CJC ARCHITECTS, INC.

CONSULTING ENGINEER: ALLIED ENGINEERING GROUP, LLC

FROM

THE ELECTION COMMISSION:

Description

Date

From The Election Commission

In order to comply we suggest that you do not campaign in any fashion. For Example:

No “vote for. . .”sticker on cars

No campaign clothing

No disbursement of campaign material

No counseling as to who to vote for

Do not loiter at poll site:

1. Arrive

2. Register

3. Vote

4. Exit

OF O K L A H

TIMESTAMP:

. BOEC

3975

TULSA,

OKLAHOMA

COVER SHEET

Tear Off 

STA

7/28/2022 9:08 AM

TIMOT

CHECKED BY:

According to the Election Ordinance Article VIII Section 1 – The official polling sites and adjoining

Tribal Grounds are neutral grounds, therefore, there shall be no campaigning or loitering on

Election Day by any person. It shall be the duty of the Election Commission to request that Tribal

police, be present at each polling place and be responsible for maintaining order, prevent

campaigning, and loitering during the election process.

DRAWN BY:

APPROPRIATE POLL BEHAVIOR

ISSUE DATE: 22 JULY 2022

located at the Little Axe Resource Center on Peebly Road, 1970 156th Ave NE, in Norman,

Oklahoma and at the AST Health Multipurpose Building, 2029 James L Edwards Lane, on

the Tribal Complex in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00

p.m. at both locations.

CONFIDENTIAL

NOT FOR PUBLIC USE

PROJECT NO: 2201

360 ENGINEERING, LLC.

Tribal Members:

CIVIL ENGINEER: OLSSON

The Primary Election will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023. The voting polls will be

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER:

This document, and the ideas and designs incorporated

herein, as an instrument of professional service, is the

property of Starr Design Group Inc., and is not to be used,

in whole or in part, for any other project, without the written

authorization of Starr Design Group Inc.

LIC

P:\2201 Absentee Shawnee Police Safety Center\CAD\Police Building+95%.pln: 7/28/2022 - 9:08 AM

PRIME DESIGNERS:

E D A RC H I

7/28/2022

BALLOT

G000

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

PRIMARY ELECTION

MARCH 18, 2023

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS: Cast your vote by placing an [X] or [] mark next

to the candidate of your choice.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR (4 Year Term)

John Raymond Johnson ----------------------------------[ ]

Andrew Warrior--------------------------------------------[ ]

Ewell Longhorn--------------------------------------------[ ]

Danny Little Axe, Jr. --------------------------------------[ ]

SECRETARY (4 Year Term)

Alicia L. Edwards Miller----------------------------------[ ]

Eileen Pearce------------------------------------------------[ ]

Unless there is a line each voter should be at the poll, no more than 10 minutes, outside of voter

booth. Each voter may take all the time they need to read the ballot to vote in the private booth

but should not “visit” with Commissioners or other voters at the poll site.

Any visiting of voters must occur outside of the Poll Site and adjoining Tribal grounds.

Voting Polls close at 6:00 p.m. Voter has to be in line in order to vote.

Policies and Procedures states:

There shall be no campaigning on property of polling site. This includes signs, person to person,

clothing, etc. or within 200 ft. of the polling site. On Election Day all signs must be over 200 ft.

away from the edge of tribal property that contain poll sites.

Misty McGirt------------------------------------------------[ ]

ELECTION COMMISSION

COMMISSION SECRETARY (pro-rated 2 years)

Shirley Adkins----------------------------------------------[ ]

COMMISSIONER #2 (3 year term)

Charlotte Ellis-----------------------------------------------[ ]

2A www.astribe.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

John Johnson, AST Governor

GOVERNOR

John Johnson

Hello fellow tribal members,

March is the beginning of spring. The

kids will be on spring break soon and everything will start blooming. I hope this

newsletter finds everyone well.

On February 8th the Executive Committee traveled to Washington D.C. to

meet with the Department of the Interior.

We met with Mr. Bryan Newland, United

States Assistant Secretary of the Interior

for Indian Affairs. This was a very informative meeting that will help our tribe

with land acquisitions.

I am excited to share that a ground

breaking was held for the new police department building. This building will be

to the east of All Nations Bank. If you

drive by the complex you will see that

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Ezra DeLodge, AST Lt. Governor

Lt. GOVERNOR

Ezra DeLodge

Tribal Members,

Please see below for department updates. 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.

Maintenance:

The Maintenance staff has completed

30 work orders in the last month and also

cleaning off campus roads and sidewalks

during the winter weather that came in. I

would like to thank the Maintenance staff

and Housekeepers for all their hard work

they do for the department.

OEH:

In total for 2023 OEH has assisted Tribal members with 6 different septic renovations and installations, water well drilling and installations, well renovations,

and community water connections.

For 2023, we have collected, processed,

and recycled 9 bales of shredded office

paper and cardboard equaling roughly

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Alicia Miller, AST Secretary

SECRETARY

Alicia Miller

TREASURER

Joseph Blanchard

REPRESENTATIVE

DeWayne Wilson

Ho wa se ke sa ke!

In February, I was a member of an AST

delegation who traveled to Washington,

D.C. to speak with DOI Indian Affairs

Assistant Secretary, Mr. Bryan Newland

(Ojibwe). The topic was regarding AST

land acquisitions. He was attentive and

responsive during our conversation. I

look forward, on behalf of the AST, for

continued dialogue with his office on this

subject.

My office and oversight programs, Enrollment and MIS (tech work), has been

busy accepting and verifying ARPA Winter General Welfare Assistance applications. Everyone (from Media to Finance

to Main Reception & more) who has had a

hand in the workflow of this program has

done a wonderful job. Ne yi wa to you all

and I hope everyone who has applied and

received their funds has had beneficial

use of this assistance. The reason we have

the funds is due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been news the pandemic status will change to an endemic in the

months to come. Of course, this doesn’t

mean COVID-19 has gone away but what

this means is we will transition out of the

emergency phase of the pandemic. As of

now though, in the U.S., the public health

emergency has been extended until April.

The Indian Child Welfare and the Domestic Violence Departments have been

updating their respective codes within the

AST criminal code with assistance from

the Attorney General’s Office. Our tribal codes have needed updating for quite

some time. I am pleased my directors of

my oversight programs are working hard

to get this accomplished.

I am also pleased to announce, after recessing the Annual AST Easter Egg Hunt

due to COVID-19 the past few years, we

are resuming the event this year. The

event will be held at the tribal complex on

Saturday, March 25, 2023, from noon to

2:00 P.M. If there happens to be inclement weather on this day, we will re-schedule on a more weather cooperative day,

but not extending it out too far from the

original date.

The Oklahoma 59th Legislature is in

March 2023

the contractors have started dirt work.

The estimated completion date is January

2024.

The other major building project on

campus is the After School building.

The contractor is hard at work trying to

get this building done for the 2023-2024

school year. As of now the estimated completion date is November of 2023. Continue to look for updates as we get closer

to completion of this new building.

On February 15th the Food Pantry

started a new way of distribution. Now

you will give the member a list of items

that are available for the month. You will

be able to choose the items that you are in

need of and the boxes will be made while

you wait. If you would like to fill out your

list before your scheduled date please call

the Food Pantry at 405-275-4030 x 6437.

The Food Pantry staff is also working with

the surrounding area Food Pantries to

partner with and get grant information.

We are hoping by doing this we will be

able to serve the Absentee Shawnee tribal

members better and get different and bigger variety of products in the future.

The Tecumseh Square building is being worked on by our architects. They are

creating plans to receive building permits.

The City of Tecumseh has notified us that

as soon as the plans are submitted and

approved they will be able to install the

electric transformer and water meter so

construction can begin.

In closing, I am very excited about all

the projects that are helping move the

tribe into the future. The buildings that

are being built, the new programs being

implemented and the future land acquisitions are a great way to make this tribe

even better. Be sure to get out and vote on

March 18th in the primary election; make

your voice heard for our tribe.

6.75 tons of recyclable waste that has been

diverted from landfills.

The entry gate at Camp Nikoti is in the

final stages of completion. The dirt work

has been completed for the parking lot.

The next step will be the curbs and then

the parking lot will be paved and completed.

The ground breaking ceremony for the

new Police Safety Center took place on

January 27. Calm Construction is now in

the process of completing the dirt work

for the building pad and site drainage.

We would like to remind Tribal Members that if they see any activities related

to illegal dumping of trash or other discarded items on Tribal lands to please

contact OEH at the email or phone number listed below.

Jarrod Lloyd, OEH&E Director

jlloyd@astribe.com - (405) 214-4235

BIA Program(s)

The weatherization program has been

up and running for a year as of 3-3-22.

We have had a total of 77 applications, 42

online applications and 35 paper applications. Out of the 77 applications 19 have

been completed and 4 are in the process

of being completed. Due to a work related injury in June of 2022 the repairs have

slowed down due to work restrictions and

inclement weather. As of February 2023 I

have been released with no work restrictions. The repair process will be moving

faster due to the release. The repairs start

with elders first then the remaining applicants. Thank you for your concerns and

for being patient. If you have any questions you can e-mail me at dmarshall@astribe.com or call or text at 405-827-4311.

Land Management

Land Management has been getting

wood ready for elders and have been making deliveries. Also, we have been assisting tribal members that have reached out

to the department for further projects. If

you have any concerns or questions call

Clayton Martinez, Land Management

Coordinator, at (405) 395-8101 or email

cmartinez@astribe.com.

session and there are a couple of bills

introduced which could have a significant impact on tribal people/tribes

throughout the state. Tribes are keeping

a watchful eye on the advancement and

outcome of these bills. The first is Senate Bill (SB) 429. It is a bill introduced

by Senator John Montgomery (R) from

Lawton, Oklahoma, and Representative

Trey Caldwell (R) of the House (also from

Lawton). Language of the bill states a

student enrolled in an institution within

The Oklahoma State System of Higher

Education may wear tribal regalia on the

institution’s campus or at any institution

function, whether it is held at a public or

private location. The bill defines “tribal

regalia” as traditional garments, jewelry,

and other adornments such as an eagle

feather, an eagle plume, a beaded cap, or

similar objects of cultural significance

worn by members of a federally recognized Indian tribe or the tribe of another

country. Tribal regalia does not include

any firearm or other weapon. Tribal regalia does not include any object that is

otherwise prohibited by federal law, except in compliance with an appropriate

federal permit. If this passes, the act shall

become effective July 1, 2023. Our graduates who are graduating this May (2023)

will not be able to take advantage of this

new law unless their school is proactive

and allows Native students to express

themselves traditionally. I need to mention, previous versions of the bill failed in

2020 and 2021.

The second bill is about sports betting. House Bill 1027 is sponsored by

Representative Ken Luttrell [Cherokee]

(R)-Ponca City and Senator Bill Coleman

(R)-Ponca City. Tribal nations have exclusive gaming rights in Oklahoma, and

in exchange, will have to pay the state a

share of proceeds every month. The bill

would allow tribes to add on sports betting to existing state gaming compacts

and tribes could offer in-person or online

sports betting or both. There are still ongoing discussions regarding how much

money the state would receive. Tribes

who are in gaming have many factors to

consider with this bill such as competition, price tag of the operations, fees, and

geography. In the end, will it be financially worth it for tribes in Oklahoma? I

think so, if the final methodology ends up

favoring tribes as the owner/operators, as

any business should as far earnings.

It is tax season for all of us and I feel

you should be aware that there is a tax

exemption ruling from the Oklahoma

Tax Commission (OTC) which could affect enrolled Tribal citizens who are employed by their tribe and live within the

boundaries of their Tribal reservation. It

has been understood those members are

exempt from state income tax. The Oklahoma Tax Commission rejected tribal

citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation,

Alicia Stroble’s exemption request. She is

employed by her tribe and lives on Indian

land. When the McGirt ruling was issued,

Governor Stitt asked all state agencies to

report how they might be adversely affected by this case. Using the information

from the OTC, Ms. Stroble submitted for

an exemption for the previous 3 years she

had been taxed by the state. An administrative law judge found Ms. Stroble did

meet the criteria for exemption. The OTC

reviewed the matter and overturned the

judgment and ultimately denied the exemption. The OTC commented the McGirt ruling is limited to the Major Crimes

Act, disregarding, and going against the

information provided in their own state

report. They lay blame on not being aware

of such report as well as other excuses.

The Creek Nation and the Choctaw Nation have filed suits against the OTC seeking relief for their citizens against this unlawful state taxation. I hope I am wrong,

but I fear is this may become a unilateral

practice across the state and make it more

challenging for those who meet the exemption criteria and who are not a part of

the 5 Civilized Tribes.

Lastly, I hope you are practicing your

Shawnee language skills. I know I have

been trying. Lessons can be located on the

website by logging on the Tribal member

section. I am happy this program is up

and going. Daylight savings and Spring is

upon us, and I hope you enjoy the changing of seasons. Until next month…

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

Respectfully,

Lt. Governor DeLodge

Respectfully,

Alicia Edwards Miller

Tribal Secretary

(405) 287-5247

March 2023

www.astribe.com 3A

TREASURER’S REPORT

Joseph Blanchard, AST Treasurer

Good Afternoon Fellow Tribal Members,

Family and Friends,

I hope this update finds you and your

family well. I’ll be brief and submit

more information in my General Council report. As March begins, many of the

Spring activities have started to roll out.

Basketball playoffs are wrapping up and

Baseball/Softball season will start their

preseason tournaments. I appreciate

those who have forwarded schedules to

my office. I always enjoy attending events

to support our next generation of mem-

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

DeWayne Wilson, AST Representative

Hello Tribal Members,

I wish everyone a Happy Easter! I hope

everyone is doing well and taking care of

one another. The Tribal Elections are being held March 18, 2023. Please get out

and vote! Due to weather this last month,

it had slowed tribal business (closures

and meetings) and construction from occurring.

Education Department: IT`S A

GOOD TIME TO GET AN EDUCATION. The Education Department has

been busy attending webinars and seminars during the month of February. They

attended the Oklahoma State Department of Education Collaboration zoom

meeting; participated in 2 Coordinated

Tribal Assistance Solicitation webinars;

and attended the Every Student Succeeds

Act (ESSA) Tribal Consultation. Education has also begun taking applications

for graduation stoles on February 9, 2023.

Please submit all applications to the Education Department either in person, by

mail or by email. If you have any questions or concerns contact the Education

ber athletes.

Besides sports, those with a Green

Thumb will be out trying to plan this

year’s crop. If you have availability, do

not forget the AST Agriculture Department is coordinating with the OSU Extension Office to bring these classes to

the Complex. Normally, there is a class

the 2nd Friday of each month. Also, they

now have a page on the Tribal Website.

Please visit to confirm upcoming events.

Earlier today, I had discussion with

Procurement about our excess property.

They are tentatively scheduling June as

the month for a Surplus Auction for Vehicles and larger equipment. Once that

is completed, then another will follow a

couple months later with the smaller, easier to transport items.

Regarding Finance, we have had our

first discussions with the Audit Firm

and completed the paperwork for the

timeline and associated costs. They are

expected to be on the Complex in May.

As many know, the recent Winter ARPA

Assistance concluded on February 28th.

The first checks were sent out to membership on February 1st, then followed by

another check distribution on the 15th.

At last count, 2573 members applied for

the program.

Grants let me know they’re extremely

busy, preparing applications for submission. One of the good pieces of news is a

new employee was hired this past month

and he is adjusting to his new position.

Additionally, the “interim” label was removed from the Director’s title and she

has eased our transition into our new

Grants Reporting Cycle.

As I conclude this month’s article, as

usual, I want to say “Thank You!” to those

who continue to support our office, provide advice, or share encouraging words.

It definitely makes the job easier and we

couldn’t do it without you. If you have

any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call or send me an email.

Department at 405-275-4030, by email

education@astribe.com or visit the www.

astribe.com website.

The Workforce Development Program’s HVAC technician has been doing

preventive maintenance checks on all the

AC/heating units on the complex. Our

HVAC technician continues to fulfill

work orders for tribal members (preference to elders) on their heating and air

conditioning units. The Workforce Program Coordinator is now preparing the

basement in Building One as a class room

for the HVAC program participants for

training purposes.

Cultural Preservation Department:

The THPO staff attended the National THPO Conference in Cherokee, NC,

in February. At the conference, the staff

had the opportunity to discuss some concerns they had with federal agencies and

other THPO departments pertaining to

consultation procedures. Cultural Preservation/THPO staff has been conducting research for multiple projects. They

have been looking through documents

as well as reaching out to people to help

better understand the tribe’s migration.

This will help in updating our databases

that will aid in Section 106 and NAGPRA

consultations. Research is ongoing into

the complex’s rich history. In the future,

the Cultural Preservation has partnered

with the Domestic Violence Department

and MMIP Central Oklahoma Chapter

to plan a fashion show/silent auction that

will be on May 13th at Thunderbird Casino Event Center. All proceeds will go

towards benefitting the MMIP Central

Oklahoma Chapter to help decrease the

high rates of Indigenous People going

missing or murdered.

The Language Program, Media, and

MIS departments have been working together to upload pre-recorded language

lessons to the Tribal Member login page.

Be sure to login in and do the lessons to

help preserve our language! The Language Program has a new email for general language questions and information,

astlanguage@astribe.com. Lastly, the Gift

Shop, Media, and MIS departments had a

virtual meeting in February with Square

Representative’s (the company we use

for our point of sale system) on Monday

February 13th to discuss how we can use

their system to provide our shop online.

The project is ongoing.

Gaming Commission: TThe Absentee

Shawnee Tribe Gaming Commission has

approved the following TEC policies and

procedures: Gaming Compact, Title 31

policy and procedures, and accounting.

The Internal Audit for 2022 is coming to

a close and is set for an exit interview this

month. The exit interview will consist of

the audit report and any findings in each

category along with the action plans that

will be set forth to resolve those findings.

Overall past finding have decreased dramatically.

Youth Camp: Construction continues

at the Youth Camp, however, construction has slowed due to the weather in

February. The construction on the entrance and parking lot is still underway

as well as the construction for the tennis

and basketball courts.

Again, if you have any questions or

concerns about the programs mentioned

in this news article, feel free to contact

my office at (405) 275-4030, Ext.6239 or

by email: dewayne.wilson@astribe.com.

Neyiwa!

Joseph H. Blanchard

Respectfully,

DeWayne Wilson

Tribal Representative

SEEKING ALTERNATES

FOR

ELECTION COMMISSION

The Election Commission is seeking

individuals to serve as Alternates.

Alternates must meet the requirements

listed in the Election Ordinance.

If you are interested, please submit your

letter of interest to Election Commission

via E-mail Election.Commission@astribe.com.

P.O. Box 741

Tecumseh OK 74873

VACANCIES FOR

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

AND ABSENTEE SHAWNEE

TRIBAL HEALTH SYSTEM

Apply at www.astribe.com/employment

Or in person

AST Election Commission

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Tribal Court Building 3

Shawnee OK

405-275-4030 ext 6271

Once we receive your letter of interest,

we will begin the process.

March 2023

4A www.astribe.com

Education Department

Applications accepted:

Jan. 1st –March 31st

Big Jim Youth Award

(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)

The official application form is available 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 2023 semester.

Tribal Enrollment #:

Applications are for the following awards:

Email:



May/June 2023

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

AST Education Department:

Big Jim Youth Awards

We will begin taking applications for the 2022-23 Big Jim Youth Awards on January 1, 2023.

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

to apply for these awards for the 2022-23 academic year. Applications will be accepted from

January 1 to March 31, 2023 by US mail or email. Official transcripts will be accepted via

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

Finalists announced:

(FIRST)

(MI)

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________

(STREET)

Home Phone: (

(CITY)

)

(STATE)

Cell Phone: (

(ZIP)

)

College/university/vocational institution you plan to attend after high school?

Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male and Female)

Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male and Female)

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

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 2023.

High School Name:

We encourage ALL Absentee Shawnee High School Seniors to apply.

Coach:

Phone #:

Award recipients will be recognized as the 2022-23 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.

Indian Education Director:

Phone #:

Questions on these awards program should be addressed to:

City:

State:

Advisor/Counselor:

Phone #:

Sport:

Position:

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)

□ Résumé 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

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

2023

Graduation Stole Request Form

2023

College/Vocational

Graduation Stole Request Form

AST High School Seniors

This application is for 2023 graduates only. Student must graduate in 2023 calendar year.

This application is for 2023 high school graduates only. Student must graduate in 2023 calendar year.

*STOLES ARE ON BACK ORDER ESTIMATED ARRIVAL APRIL 2023*

Stoles will be available on a first come, first served basis and contingent on available funds.



Eligible tribal members will only receive one (1) graduation stole during their lifetime.

The information you provide below will be used to contact you regarding your form, where

your stole will be sent to, or scheduling a time for you to pick up a stole.

Information must be current.

If your contact information changes after you submit your form, notify the Education

Department immediately.

We will not be responsible for lost stoles, stoles being sent to incorrect addresses, or the

inability to schedule a pick up time.

Name:

Address:



Eligible tribal members will only receive one (1) graduation stole during their lifetime.

The information you provide below will be used to contact you regarding where you would

like your stole to be sent or scheduling a time for you to pick up a stole.

Information must be current.

If it changes after you submit your form, notify the Education Department immediately.

We will not be responsible for lost stoles, stoles being sent to incorrect addresses, or the

inability to schedule a pick up time.

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Phone:

Email:

How would you like to receive your stole? ☐Pick up

☐Mail

*If picking up a stole, you will be called to schedule a pick up time.

How would you like to receive your stole? ☐Pick up

☐Mail

*If picking up a stole, you will be called to schedule a pick up time.

Required documents:



Verification – Copy of class schedule: 12 grade enrollment

Tribal Enrollment Card - Copy (must be the updated card)

Education Department

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

405.275.4030 Ext. 6242

405.273.7938 (fax)

tresham@astribe.com

Education Department

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

405.275.4030 Ext. 6242

405.273.7938 (fax)

tresham@astribe.com

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT

EDUCATION INCENTIVE AND SUPPORT PROGRAM

(ARPA EISP)

Applications and Guidelines

Available at:

www.astribe.com/education

Pre-K

Coll

12th

Voc

atio

nal

ege

GED

Education Department

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK

74801

Verification – Copy of college application for graduation

Tribal Enrollment Card – Copy (must be the updated card)

405.275.4030

Education@astribe.com

March 2023

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

Building Blocks II

We have had a busy couple of months at Building Blocks. When the

weather has allowed the children have been playing on our new

playgrounds. They love playing on them. When it started snowing while

we were at the center the 4’s played in the snow. They loved playing in the

snow on the playground.

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 III C.D.C.

Happy St. Patties DAY!

Are you feeling lucky this month? I know we are! In March students are

learning about different zoo animals, shapes, types of bugs, and “all about

me”. With the weather getting warmer we are also excited to have more

outdoor playtime!

If you love being around children, have early child care training/experience,

and eager to learn APPLY NOW!

NOW HIRING! Multiple positions! Call (405) 360-2726 or Apply Online @

https://www.astribe.com/employment.

We are open to the public and ONLY accepting waitlist applications at this

time. If you are interested in your child attending Building Blocks Child

Development Center III, please call (405) 360-2710.

Director: Skye Foreman, Assistant Director: Renee Richardson.

Please enjoy the pictures we captured over the past month!

M s.

pres ula from

erva

cultu

tio

a nd

ral

craft n doing

s wit

h ou om e f u n

r stu

dent arts

The children have been busy with new projects for holidays. We appreciate

all the parents for providing goodies and coming to Valentine’s Day Parties.

It was lots of fun for the children!

Our CPR/First Aid got postponed due to the winter weather. We

rescheduled it for Saturday, February 25th. We are also having staff training

on Saturday, March 11th on ‘Building Positive Relationships with Children’

for 2 Formal Credit Hours.

Our teachers prepared Parent Teacher Folders for the children in their

classrooms during February. Our bi-annual Parent Teacher Conferences

went well and the parents enjoyed seeing how much their children are

learning.

Remember to set your clocks forward on Sunday, March 12th for Daylight

Savings Time. Also, remember to wear Green on Friday, March 17th for St.

Patrick’s Day. Spring Begins Monday, March 20th and new life will begin to

show in nature.

We are currently hiring staff, if you are interested in applying visit https://

www.astribe.com/employment for applications and to see what positions

are available.

Building Blocks is accepting waiting list applications for all of our ages; 6

weeks through Pre-K/4 Year Olds. If you are interested in getting your child

on our waiting list please call and we can email you a waiting list application

or you may stop by to fill one out.

Have a Fantastic March!!

March 2023

6A www.astribe.com

Cultural Preservation Department

Agriculture Department

Language Program

The Agriculture Department continues to make improvements and strides

for the start of the New Year! We have broken ground to start plowing and

tilling tribal member’s plots. Be sure to contact agriculture department

for your gardening service needs. We have started planting for our plant

distribution coming up in April; we have hopeful anticipation for our starter

plants this year. We continue to host our gardening classes each month with

emphasis on various subjects, such as, Soil and Fertilization. We partner

with Carla Smith the Horticulturist from OSU extension to help and present

information for our classes. As we progress with efforts to maintain cattle, we

have had many of our 6 to 7 year old cows drop calves and we are expecting

our second time cows to be dropping calves soon. We continue to make

efforts and community outreach through our numerous events coming up;

some events include our department Meat Raffle. We have a flyer circulating

and contact information for ticket purchases. If you have any questions please

com. or by our website at https://www.astribe.com/agriculture.

Po s’qe Ke s’fwa

(po s’qee kee s’thweh)

Halfway Month

Ka we yi ki me li we pa hi se si wi ne wi to wa yi qa

(keh wee yah kah mee lah wee peh hah see sah wah nee wah to weh yah qeh)

Let’s get serious to speak Shawnee.

Ma lo ki me – Spring

(meh lo kah mee)

Ka pi ge k’ka pe la - plow

(keh pah chee k’keh pee leh)

Hi mi mo lo – wake up

(hah mah mo lo)

Ke fe qi lo – wash you face

(kee thee qah lo)

Ni ni he lo – get ready

(nah nah he lo)

Ma ke n’ge ka – garden

(meh kee n’chee keh)

S’ko ta – fire Le wi ta – smoke (from a fire)

(s’ko teh) (lee wah teh)

Ma se k’ki ke – wind

(meh see k’kah kee)

M’sa s’ke – leaves

(m’seh s’kee)

Me yi se fi ke – potato

(mee yah see thah kee)

S’ke pi k’yi – green

(s’kee pah k’yah)

Pa qe – ashes Ne ko gi ya – I will try

(peh qee)

(nee ko chah yeh)

Pre-recorded language lesson are available on the AST Tribal Member Login

page.

Please fill out the language survey on the tribe’s website in the Language

section under the Government tab.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Agriculture Department

Presents

Pollinators!!

How pollinators help

our gardens!!

Join us!!

March 10, 2023

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

AST Multi Purpose Building

2029 James L. Edwards Ln.

Shawnee, OK 74801

Presentation by

Carla Smith

OSU Extension Horticulturist

Ne yi wa!

Library

News

Paula

J a c ks o n

Come learn and explore all about:

 Beneficial insects to our gardens!

 Why pollination is important!

 How to attract beneficial pollinators to

our vegetable gardens!

 Butterfly gardens!

 Conservation!

 Bees!

Questions? Call Gabby Rice (405)827-6545

B OO K S OF TH E M O N T H

Yellow Bird: Oil, Murder, and a Woman's Search for Justice in Indian

Country-by Sierra Crane Murdoch PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST.

The gripping true story of a murder on an Indian reservation, and the

unforgettable Arikara woman who becomes obsessed with solving it.

From Penguin Random House-When Lissa Yellow Bird was released from

prison in 2009, she found her home, the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation

in North Dakota, transformed by the Bakken oil boom. In her absence, the

landscape had been altered beyond recognition, her tribal government

swayed by corporate interests, and her community burdened by a surge in

violence and addiction. Three years later, when Lissa learned that a young

white oil worker, Kristopher “KC” Clarke, had disappeared from his

reservation worksite, she became particularly concerned. No one knew

where Clarke had gone, and few people were actively looking for him.

Yellow Bird traces Lissa’s steps as she obsessively hunts for clues to

Clarke’s disappearance. She navigates two worlds—that of her own tribe,

changed by its newfound wealth, and that of the non-Native oilmen, down

on their luck, who have come to find work on the heels of the economic

recession.

https://okvirtuallibrary.overdrive.com/media/4754363

NOTICE

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO

SUBMIT AN ARTICLE OR STORY

Please give us a call at (405) 598-1279 or

send an email to media@astribe.com

All articles for the next month’s issue are

DUE by the 15th of the current month.

Unfortunately we can only accept ONE

PICTURE PER BIRTHDAY PERSON,

not per birthday wish.

March 2023

www.astribe.com

Happy Birthday

Hayley M. Dover

May you have a very awesome

day. Thinking of you.

Love you, from all your family

We would like to wish

our son, Taylor Carter, a

Happy 30th Birthday!

Sending lots of love from

all your family, Justine

Seetot & Frank Carter.

Happy Birthday to Casey L.

Westberry. Hope you have a

blessed day! Thinking of you.

Love you, from all of your

family.

Happy Birthday BK!

We love you!!

Momma

Happy Beautiful Blessed Birthday! Thank

you for EVERYTHING you do for us,

for me. I’m so lucky to have you as my

momma! You’re the glue that holds our

family together. We pray our GOOD LORD

continues to bless you and we celebrate

many many many more birthdays with you.

I love you!! Enjoy your day!!

Happy Birthday to

Derek M. Hilderbrand!

Wishing you a great day.

Thinking of you. Love

you, from all of your

family.

Jiya “Bug”

Happy Beautiful belated Birthday my baby!! Omg

you’re 12 years old!! I love you so very much! You are

my last baby and I wish time wouldn’t go so fast, but

here you are almost a teenager. Life without you would

be impossible to deal with. You bring so much laughter

and love into our lives. I hope you have a blessed and

wonderful birthday!

Love always and forever

Momma and Toby

Happy Birthday to Jerry W. Squire, wishing you a

very good day. Love from all of your family.

Congratulations to tribal member Amaya Martinez, a senior at

Shawnee High School in Oklahoma, who signed her letter of intent

to play basketball for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in

Miami, Oklahoma.

I WANT TO CONGRAULATE MY SON(TRIBAL MEMBER) AARON TIGER

AND DAUGHTER IN LAW NICOLE TIGER FOR WINNING AN AWARD

FROM CITY OF SULPHUR FOR BEING THE BEST SMALL BUSINESS OF

THE YEAR! SULPHUR NUTRITION THEY HAVE TWO SHOPS ONE IN

SULPHUR, OK AND ONE IN DAVIS, OK. THEY ARE GOING ON 7 YRS. OF

BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR. THEY WORK HARD 7 DAYS A WEEK AND

STRIVE TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

AND STILL FIND TIME FOR FAMILY TIME, THEY HAVE 4 BEAUTIFUL

CHILDREN 3 DAUGHTERS AND ONE SON. THEY JUST DON’T SERVE

SHAKES AND TEAS THEY ARE ALSO INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTORS

AND WELLNESS COACHES. SO IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA ANYTIME

STOP IN AND TRY A SHAKE AND TEA THEY ARE DELICIOUS “BE YOU,

DO YOU, FOR YOU”. SO PROUD OF THEM.

March 2023

8A www.astribe.com

VOTE!!!

VOTE! VOTE!

DANNY LITTLE AXE JR.

AST GOVERNOR

FOR THE PEOPLE

Re-Elect

John Raymond

Johnson

For AST

Governor

The Primary Election will be held on

Saturday, March 18, 2023

The polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Little Axe Resource Center and the AST Health

Multipurpose Building on the AST Tribal Complex

March 2023

www.astribe.com

AST Veterans Association

Available for Rent

Asher Home

415 E. Baker Street

Asher, OK

2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

AST Veterans attended OKC Princess Honor Dance held February 11,

2023 in Shawnee OK, in honor of Little Miss Indian OKC Princess Zoli

Gibson and Head Lady Leah Bender both AST tribal members. Veterans

Commander Jason Bender as well as fellow tribal members filled the arena

to sing, dance and spectate and enjoyed themselves.

Home is available for rent at the start of April. Rent is $800.00 a month with a

$500.00 deposit. The rental agreement is for one year; all payments are due to

the finance department. Please inquire with the Realty Department for more

information.

The advertisement will be available to the Absentee Shawnee Tribal members

first for the month of March. If the rental property is still available by April,

advertisement will be opened up to the public for rent.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Realty Department.

LEGAL NOTICES

March 2023

10A 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

90th Semi-Annual General Council Meeting

Saturday, April 1, 2023 - 10:00 am

Thunderbird Casino Event Center - Norman, OK

AllNations Bank announces added benefits for Absentee Shawnee Tribe members!!

We have partnered with the Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition, Inc. (ONAC) to establish the

Simply Safe Account. This account makes banking accessible to everyone. AllNations Bank

was the first Native American owned bank to offer this account, a certified Bank On account by

The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. Simply Safe Account features are listed below:



A debit card that honors the Absentee Shawnee Tribe – issued to AST members.



Low balance to open

Low monthly fee (Fee is now waived for AST members)

Free direct deposit

Free debit card

Free online banking, bill pay & mobile app

Free online monthly statement ($2.00 fee for a paper statement)

No overdraft fee (This is a check-less account. Account transactions are limited to

Withdrawals at the Teller Window, Debit Card and ATM transactions, Online Bill Pay,

Online or Mobile banking transfers.)

For any other questions about the Simply Safe Account features and benefits, please call

AllNations Bank at 405-273-0202. Or go to our website www.anbok.com to download a

new account application form and start banking with your Simply Safe Account today!

2023 Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

FDIC Insured

www.asthealth.org

March 2023

Section B

ASTHS March 2023 Monthly Update

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Brain Injury Awareness Month, recognized each March, provides an important opportunity to bring attention to the prevention of traumatic

brain injury (TBI) and to promote strategies to improve the quality of life for persons living with TBI and their families.

TBIs, caused by an impact or force to the head or body or a penetrating injury to the head, affect millions of U.S. persons each year. Falls are a leading mechanism of

TBI, and older adults are at increased risk for sustaining a TBI and experiencing TBI- associated adverse outcomes. A report in the March 2020 issue of Morbidity and

Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) found a nation-wide 17% increase in the rate of fall-related TBI deaths during 2008–2017, with increases in most states. The largest

increases in fall-related TBI deaths occurred among persons aged ≥75 years.

Evidence-based prevention efforts to decrease falls are important to reducing the incidence and prevalence of TBI among older adults. CDC’s STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries; https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html) initiative includes resources and tools for health care providers to improve identification of

patients at risk for a fall, as well as effective strategies to reduce the risk for fall-related injuries, including TBI.

What is traumatic brain injury?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain. It is one of the most common causes of disability and death in adults.

TBI is a broad term that describes a vast array of injuries that happen to the brain. The damage can be focal (confined to one area of the brain) or diffuse (happens in

more than one area of the brain). The severity of a brain injury can range from a mild concussion to a severe injury that results in coma or even death.

What are the different types of TBI?

Brain injury may happen in one of two ways:

Closed brain injury. Closed brain injuries happen when there is a non-penetrating injury to the brain with no break in the skull. A closed brain injury is caused by a

rapid forward or backward movement and shaking of the brain inside the bony skull that results in bruising and tearing of brain tissue and blood vessels. Closed brain

injuries are usually caused by car accidents, falls, and increasingly, in sports. Shaking a baby can also result in this type of injury (called shaken baby syndrome).

Penetrating brain injury. Penetrating, or open head injuries happen when there is a break in the skull, such as when a bullet pierces the brain.

What are the possible results of brain injury?

Some brain injuries are mild, with symptoms disappearing over time with proper attention. Others are more severe and may result in permanent disability. The longterm or permanent results of brain injury may need post-injury and possibly lifelong rehabilitation. Effects of brain injury may include:

•

Cognitive Deficits (Coma, Confusion, Decreased Attention Span, Memory Problems, etc.)

Motor Deficits (Paralysis or Weakness, Tightening/ Shortening of the Muscles, Poor Balance, Tremors, etc.)

Perceptual or Sensory Deficits (Changes in hearing, vision, taste, smell and touch or loss of sensation, vision problems, etc.)

Communication/ Language Deficits (Difficulty Speaking or Choosing the Right Words, Difficulty Reading, etc.)

Functional Deficits (Impaired Abilities with Dressing, Bathing or Eating, Inability to Drive a Car or Pay Bills, etc.)

Social Difficulties (Impaired Social Capacity, Difficulty Making/ Keeping Friends, etc.)

Regulatory Disturbances (Fatigue, Changes in Sleep Patterns/ Eating Habits, Dizziness, Headaches, etc.)

Personality or Psychiatric Changes (Apathy, Decreased Motivation, Irritability, Anxiety, Depression, etc.)

Can the brain heal after being injured?

Most studies suggest that once brain cells are destroyed or damaged, for the most part, they do not regenerate. However, recovery after brain injury can take place, especially in younger people, as, in some cases, other areas of the brain make up for the injured tissue. In other cases, the brain learns to reroute information and function

around the damaged areas. The exact amount of recovery is not predictable at the time of injury and may be unknown for months or even years. Each brain injury and

rate of recovery is unique. Recovery from a severe brain injury often involves a prolonged or lifelong process of treatment and rehabilitation.

Types of Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programs

There are a variety of brain injury treatment programs, including the following: Acute rehabilitation programs, Subacute rehabilitation programs, Long-term rehabilitation programs, Transitional living programs, Behavior management programs, Day-treatment programs, and Independent living programs.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/pdfs/mm6909a1-H.pdf

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Little Axe Health Clinic

•

Full occupancy of the new Administration and Facilities areas are anticipated for early March.

Lab and Imaging (X-Ray) are expected to move into their new areas in early April.

Pharmacy, with a modified drive-thru, will move to their temporary location on the west side of the building no later than the end of March.

Pre-construction work will begin in the Dental department in mid-March.

Substantial completion/ occupancy of the Little Axe Expansion is expected for Spring 2024!

Shawnee Health Clinic

We continue to identify and evaluate potential sites! Initial programming has been re-submitted with edits to the architects to solidify space and budgeting.

February 2023 Health Employee Awards of the Month

Employee of the Month: Melinda Ferrell, Patient Resources Specialist

Team of the Month: Purchased Referred Care (Contract Health)

Special Leadership Award: Genevieve Foster, Health System Financial Officer and

Dayna Dick, Health HR Manager (Compensation Implementation Team)

Chris A. Larkin, MBA, FACHE, CHC

Executive Director

March 2023

2B www.astribe.com

A B S E N T E E

S H A W N E E

T R I B A L

HEALTH

SYSTEM

Prevention. Progress. Pride.

OPERATING HOURS EFFECTIVE FEB. 6TH

February

2023

– Scheduled

March

- April

2023

- ScheduledClosings

Closings

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER

405.447.0300

7:30am—6:00pm Mon.—Fri.

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER

PHARMACY

FOR YOUR VISIT

PLEASE...

CALL AHEAD

405.292.9530 REFILL LINE

8:00am—8:00pm Mon.—Fri.

9:00am—5:00pm Sat.—Sun.

Dates Closed:

WEAR A MASK

PLUSCARE CLINIC

405.447.0477

8:00am—7:00pm Mon.—Fri.

9:00am—4:00pm Sat.—Sun.

6ft

405.878.5850

7:30am—6:00pm Mon.—Fri.

SHAWNEE CLINIC PHARMACY

SHAWNEE WALK-IN CLINIC

405.878.5850

9:00am—6:00pm Mon.—Fri.

9:00am—4:00pm Sat.

DISTANCING &

SPACING

Mon.,

Feb. 20th

(President’s Day)

SHAWNEE CLINIC

405.878.5859 REFILL LINE

8:00am—8:00pm Mon.—Fri.

9:00am—5:00pm Sat.

Wed.,

FebGOOD

1st

(1 SOCIAL

Wed. Month)

USE AVAILABLE

SANITIZERS &

HAND WASHING

Time(s)

Closed:

Time(s)

Dates Closed:

Closed:

Locations:

Locations

All AST Health facilities CLOSED

-Shawnee Walk-In Clinic RE-OPENS at

All AST Health facilities CLOSED

Wed., Mar. 1st

Noon to

5 PM until 6 PM.

Noon(1sttoWed. -PlusCare

until 7RE-OPENS

Month) RE-OPEN

5 PM at 5 PM

-PlusCare

at 5 PM until 7 PM.

5 PM

-LA and Shawnee Pharmacies

RE-OPEN

at 5 PMPharmacies

until 8 PM

-Little Axe

and Shawnee

RE-OPENS at 5 PM until 8 PM.

All Day*

ALL AST Health facilities CLOSED

Friday, April 7th

(Good Friday)

Closed All

Day

ALL AST Health facilities CLOSED

ALLOW

TIME

FOR

In the

eventDUE

of aTO

predicted

severe weather forecast, please call ahead for possible health system closure or delay

ENTRY

In the

event of

a predicted

forecast,

please

call ahead

LittleSAFETY

Axe Health Center at (405)

447-0300,

Shawnee

Clinicsevere

at (405)weather

878-5850,

or PlusCare

at (405)

447-0477

SCREENING

MEASURES

for possible health system closure or delay: Little Axe Health Center

All Health closures/delays follow

the “Absentee

Tribal

Health

System”

on Facebook

or visit our

at (405)

447-0300,Shawnee

Shawnee

Clinic

at (405)

878-5850,

or PlusCare

at website

www.asthealth.org.

(405) 447-0477

Last Updated: Jan. 28, 2023

Please plan ahead and allow up to 72 hours for medication refills in anticipation of our facilities closures.

Elders Service Day - January 19, 2023

The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health Systems recently held an Elders Service Day. The Purchased Referred Care (PRC)/Contract Health Services (CHS) department was

instrumental in organizing the first time event held on Thursday, January 19, 2023. Melinda Ferrell, Patient Resource Advocate with PRC/CHS, coordinated the event and she

did an excellent job at organizing the event. Invitations were sent to all departments within the Absentee Shawnee Tribe that offered services not only to AST elders but all

tribal members. The event serviced elders 59 years and older with elders being first priority but was not limited to only this group.

The event was very informative and many elders were able to complete applications regarding services, especially regarding Medicare. AST Health System would like to

thank all departments who were able to set up tables with information regarding to their programs and departments.

March 2023

www.astribe.com

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

2025 South Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801-0381

Title VI

Elderly Nutrition Program

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:

Dear Absentee Shawnee Tribal Members

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-2023)

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

Handicap/Disabled

NO RENTAL PROPERTY WILL BE MOWED

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 2023)

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: _______________________

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

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.

Thomasine Owings____

Thomasine Owings

Title VI Director

MONDAY

KRAUT & WEINERS

GREEN BEANS

BREAD

ICE CREAM

EGG ROLLS

STIR FRY VEGGIES

RICE

FORTUNE COOKIE

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

MASHED POT/GRAVY

BROCCOLI

PEAR

SLICED HAM

BLACKED EYE PEAS

CORNBREAD

PUDDING

TUESDAY

TACO SALAD

SALSA/CHIPS

APPLE

CHICKEN ALFREDO

GARLIC BREAD

VEGGIES

MIXED FRUIT

COLD CUT SANDWICH

THREE BEAN SALAD

APPLESAUCE

TATOR TOT

CASSEROLE

VEGGIES

CRISP

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

BEEF TIPS & NOODLES

PEAS & CARROTS

MIXED FRUIT

TURKEY SANDWICH

PICKLES

MAC SALAD

YOGURT

MANWICH

POT. SALAD

PICKLES

ORANGE

BAKED ZITA

GREEN BEANS

BREAD STICK

JELL-O

CHICKEN SALAD

SANDWICH

BAKED CHIPS

MANDARIN ORANGES

FRIDAY

BAKED CHICKEN

VEGGIES

BREAD

PUDDING

CHICKEN BROCCOLI

CASSEROLE

BEETS

ROLL/PEARS

CORN BEEF

CABBAGE

CARROTS

BREAD

STEW

CRACKERS

CHEZ STICKS

PEACHES

PINTO BEANS W HAM

CORNBREAD

ONIONS

CAKE

OATMEAL

SAUSAGE PATTIES

APPLE SLICES

SCRAMBLED EGGS

BACON

TOAST/GRAPES

SCRAMBLED EGGS

SAUSAGE GRAVY

BISCUIT

CEREAL

SAUSAGE PATTIES

TOAST/RAISINS

BOILED EGG

BISCUIT

GRAVY

LUNCH SERVED MONDAY – THURSDAY 11 AM TO 1 PM

BREAKFAST ON FRIDAYS- 9 AM TO 11 AM

DON’T DELAY: TEST SOON AND TREAT EARLY

| COVID-19 |

If you are at high risk of

getting very sick from

COVID-19, and test positive,

treatment may be available.

Get tested as soon as possible

after your symptoms start.

Contact your healthcare

provider right away if your

result is positive.

Don’t delay. Treatment must

be started early to work.

cdc.gov/coronavirus

CS329478-A | February 6, 2022 10:26 AM

March 2023

4B www.astribe.com

HEALTH BUZZ!!

We have been busy! We’re working diligently to spread the word about the Alzheimer Disease Program

have

busy!

We’re

working

diligently

to spread

wordCountry.

aboutCheck out some

Initiative

andbeen

our two

programs,

Music

& Memory

and The Savvy

Caregiverthe

in Indian

the

Alzheimer

Disease

Program

Initiative

and

our

two

programs,

Music

of our awareness signage below.

Memory and The Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country. Check out some of our

awareness

signage below.

177 & Benson Road

Highway 9

177 & Benson Road

Highway 9

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and provides the opportunity to bring

attention to the prevention of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and promote strategies

to improve the quality of life for persons living with TBI and their families.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by an impact or force to the head or body, or

penetrating injury to the head. This injury can lead to lifelong disabilities and even

death. TBI affects millions of people in the US each year. However, North America

indigenous populations are affected at a greater prevalence, with 27/100,000 TBI

related deaths verses 18/100,000 in non-indigenous populations. It especially

impacts the elderly and vulnerable in these communities with a higher risk of fall

injuries.

Shawnee, OK, AST Complex

Many people with TBI have their lives defined for them. It is important to understand

that if you or a loved one is living with TBI there are many options to assist your

family with care. At CompleteCare Home Health we give individuals a chance

to overcome those definitions, by allowing them the opportunity to change the

narrative and take hold of their health care needs in the privacy of their own home.

Our skilled nurses and staff are able to provide support and quality care with

medication management, evaluations for disease process and management, care

instruction and guidance to assist a loved one with TBI on how to manage daily

We have participated in several events recently:

care needs, speech therapy to evaluate and treat language, vocal patterns, and

swallowing issues as well as address cognitive issues.

Upon request from the Comanche Nation Elder’s Council, the Alzheimer Disease Program Initiative staff

you or a loved one has been diagnosed with TBI related injury or disability let

presented information on the AST Health System’s Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative’s “SeekingIfHope”

CompleteCare

Home Health assist you by providing your family with a community

caregiver programs and dementia. The meeting was held on February 6 at their Comanche Nation Elder’s

skilled

medical

staff with your home health care needs.

Council monthly meeting in Lawton, OK. There were 120+ elders along with members of their tribal leadership

in attendance. Our presentation was well received and many Comanche Elders met with us after the meeting

to ask questions.

home health care needs.

Twila Parker, our AST Elder’s Council President, joined us and shared information about the AST Elder’s Council

We have participated in several events recently:

activities, travels, and gave a brief history of how our tribal name came to be. Twila held the audience’s

Upon

request

Comanche

Nation

attention

and was afrom

great the

representative

for our

tribe. Elder’s Council, the Alzheimer

Disease Program Initiative staff presented information on the AST Health

System’s Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative’s “Seeking Hope” caregiver

programs and dementia. The meeting was held on February 6 at their

Comanche Nation Elder’s Council monthly meeting in Lawton, OK. There

were 120+ elders along with members of their tribal leadership in attendance.

Our presentation was well received and many Comanche Elders met with us

after the meeting to ask questions.

Twila Parker, our AST Elder’s Council President, joined us and shared

information about the AST Elder’s Council activities, travels, and gave a

brief history of how our tribal name came to be. Twila held the audience’s

attention and was a great representative for our tribe.

MARCH IS

BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH

5.3 MILLION PEOPLE ARE LIVING WITH A BRAIN INJURY EACH

YEAR AND WANT HELP TAKING BACK THEIR LIFE.

LET US HELP YOU OR YOUR LOVED WITH QUALITY AT HOME

CARE.

CALL TODAY

(405) 701-7085

CARING FOR YOUR LOVED ONES WITH DIGNITY, COMPASSION AND KINDESS IN THE PRIVACY OF YOUR HOME

During January, 2023, other events included the Public Health Nurses

Quarterly Meeting, AST Elder’s Service Day, and the AST Elder’s Council

Meeting.

On February 14, we joined forces with Title VI for a Valentine’s Day Lunch

and Bingo event. Title VI participants were served lunch, enjoyed the

Rocks and Fossil Show presented by Herb Magley and Tim Good from the

Oklahoma City Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and then with great

joy, some games of bingo. There were 37 Title VI participants present, along

with volunteers.

$18,768

$38,304

WE CAN HELP

Contact a Patient Benefit Advocate

Little Axe

Shawnee

Health Center

Clinic

405.447.0300

405.878.5850

www.asthealth.org

We couldn’t have successfully pulled this event off without the help of our

amazing volunteers: Lisa Harrington, Iris Jaquez, Sarah Lawrence, and Kaylee

Martin from the AST Diabetes and Wellness Department; Cheri Hardeman

from CompleteCare Home Health; Dos Owings and the Title VI staff, and AST

tribal member, Jason Bender, who called our bingo games.

We would like to encourage you to contact the Alzheimer’s Disease Program

Initiative staff at adpi@astribe.com or (405) 561-7870 if you or someone

you know is having memory problems. We have two programs available,

Music & Memory and The Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country. We can also

provide additional resources for caregivers of loved ones with dementia and

individuals living with dementia.

Warmest Regards,

Gayla Temple

Dementia Care Specialist

Alzheimer Disease Program Initiative

Special Enrollment Periods Did You Know?

Contact a Patient Benefit Advocate

Little Axe Health Center 405.447.0300

Shawnee Clinic 405.878.5850

The Tribe is only funded approximately

40% of cost to render care to patients?

Most people think it is funded 100%.

To add services, equipment, or help

more people, we need your assistance.

By signing up for a zero cost plan, you

allow the tribe to bill for services and to

be reimbursed by insurance companies.

This frees up more dollars to help those

who are are not eligible for a zero cost

plan helping Purchased Referred Care

dollars go further.

March 2023

www.astribe.com

Absentee Shawnee Native Connections Grant &

Ensuring Hope Project Presents:

Eat Right

Food, Nutrition and Health Tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Mental Health Matters

Eating Right and Reduce Food Waste

by incorporating these food, nutrition and physical activity tips

GO FURTHER with FOOD

3/21/23- Shawnee Behavioral Health

2029 S Gordon Cooper Dr, Shawnee, OK 74801

@ 10am- 4:30pm

3/22/23- Little Axe Clinic

15951 Little Axe Dr, Norman, OK 73026

@ 10am- 4:30pm

It’s been estimated that Americans throw away billions of pounds of food each year either at

home or when eating out. And that amount doesn’t even include the food that goes uneaten

at the grocery store or the crops that are left in farmers’ fields.

Not all food that is wasted can be saved and eaten, but it’s been proven that a lot of food

waste could be prevented, especially at home.

A good place to start is right in your own kitchen. Here are a few tips that will help.

Plan Meals Based on the Foods You Already

Have on Hand.

**Limited supply**

1 kit per person, must be present to receive

For more information contact Tiffany at trodriguez@astribe.com

or Rob at rmeely@astribe.com or call us at 405-878-4716.

WHITE BISON, INC.

A CULTURAL APPROACH TO PERSONAL RECOVERY

FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Transform meals into soups, salads or sandwiches by

cutting up leftover veggies and cooked meats.

•

Look in the refrigerator, freezer and pantry

for foods that need to be used up.

•

Write a list of the ingredients you still need.

•

Buy only the amount of perishable foods that

can be eaten or frozen within a few days. This

is especially true for foods, like fresh fruits,

vegetables, meats, dairy products

and seafood.

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

PRESENTS

WELLBRIETY

MEETINGS

Get Creative with Leftovers

•

Use as a topping for salads or cooked grains

like rice or pasta.

•

Wrap in a tortilla or stuff into a pita for a

satisfying sandwich.

•

Combine to make soup, then enjoy or freeze

for future use.

•

Eat as a leftover meal later in the week.

•

Or simply brown bag the leftovers for lunch.

National Nutrition Month® 2023

CROSSWORD

DOWN

When corn is dried and processed,

it can be made into this ingredient

which is used for dishes like

polenta, grits, and cornbread.

2. These tiny fruits are available

fresh, frozen, or dried and include

a color in their name.

3. This fruit is a cross between a

pomelo and a tangerine.

4. This fish is often used in Cajun

cuisine or may be coated (in the

answer to #1 Down) and baked or

fried.

5. A low-fat, slightly sour beverage

that is part of the Dairy Group.

6. Found in the produce section and

is often bumpy on the outside and

smooth and green on the inside

when ripe. It’s also the main

ingredient in guacamole.

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 are 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 and 12 Steps:

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 6.) The 12 steps of recovery

7.) Nature's way; Principles, laws, and values 8.) Cycle of life

9.) 8 feelings for healthy development 10.) Comfort zones

11.) The two thought system: Love and Fear

12.) The medicine wheel 13.) The laws of the unseen world

Teachings Of The Medicine Wheel

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

11. This game bird is found on dinner

tables in some households during

the holidays and special occasions.

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.

10. These seeds have a nutty taste and

are the main ingredient in tahini.

They can also be used in a variety

of other dishes or pressed into an

oil that’s used for cooking.

ANSWERS

Focus

This vegetable may be eaten raw or

cooked and is used to make sauces

for pasta.

How The Process Works

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 pattern that will help them to grow emotionally, mentally, physically, and

spiritually.

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.

8. This dairy food is common in

lunchboxes and a popular snack for

children and adults.

Medicine Wheel & 12 Steps

A type of quick-cooking wheat

kernel that’s popular in dishes like

pilaf, tabbouleh, and kibbeh.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

JOHN SOAP, LPC AT JSOAP@ASTRIBE.COM OR 405-878-4716

SHAWNEE MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING

2029 JAMES L. EDWARDS LN, SHAWNEE, OK 74801

ACROSS

THURSDAYS AT 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Facilitated by: John Soap, LPC

Come pick-up your mental health gardening kit

People rarely talk about the foods they toss out, yet the topic of food waste is getting a lot

more attention these days.

ive

w P o sit

Gro

March 2023

6B www.astribe.com

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

COVID Hotline ........................................................................................405-695-1787

MEMBER ACTION REQUIRED: Update Your SoonerCare to avoid coverage loss!

Get ready to renew your

Coverage

Update your contact information

Update your contact information ie: mailing address, email address and phone number.

* Online at mysoonercare.org * Contact a Patient Benefit Advocate

Check your mail

Take action quickly to avoid a gap in your coverage.

* Update contact information * Respond to request for information

Don’t miss important SoonerCare coverage updates!

Verify your contact information at

MySoonerCare.org

Or contact an ASTHA Patient Benefit Advocate

What if you don't qualify for continued coverage?

If you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to receive health insurance

coverage through the ACA marketplace at no cost to you or your tribe.

* Affordable: Low-cost monthly premiums when federal subsidies are applied.

* Comprehensive: Plans cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits,

urgent care, hospitals visits and more.

Visit Healthcare.gov

Little Axe Health Center: 405-447-0300

Shawnee Clinic: 405-878-5850

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.