# Tribe Breaks Ground On New Police Safety Center (2023) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3A0b15543efabcf523 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## 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 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 ELEVATIONS BUILDING SECTIONS WALL SECTIONS ENLARGED FLOOR PLAN ROOM FINISH PLAN AND SCHEDULES DOOR SCHEDULE AND DETAILS GENERAL NOTES AND SCHEDULES PLUMBING PLAN 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 NS COVER SHEET Tear Off  T S HY EC T STA 7/28/2022 9:08 AM E TIMOT CHECKED BY: A 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: OM APPROPRIATE POLL BEHAVIOR ISSUE DATE: 22 JULY 2022 E 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 AN KM 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 T 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 ARE ON BACK ORDER ESTIMATED ARRIVAL APRIL 2023* Stoles will be available on a first come, first served basis and contingent on available funds. 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: Required documents:     th 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. 5A 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! Please enjoy the pictures we captured over the past month! M s. Pa pres ula from erva cultu tio a nd ral craft n doing s wit s h ou om e f u n r stu dent arts s! 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 contact us at (405) 275-4300 EXT. 6263 or by email at agricultural@astribe. 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 By 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 7A 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 9A 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 FOLLOW st (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 PM 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: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 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 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 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 6 KRAUT & WEINERS GREEN BEANS BREAD ICE CREAM 13 EGG ROLLS STIR FRY VEGGIES RICE FORTUNE COOKIE 20 CHICKEN FRIED STEAK MASHED POT/GRAVY BROCCOLI PEAR 27 SLICED HAM BLACKED EYE PEAS CORNBREAD PUDDING TUESDAY 7 TACO SALAD SALSA/CHIPS APPLE 14 CHICKEN ALFREDO GARLIC BREAD VEGGIES MIXED FRUIT 21 COLD CUT SANDWICH THREE BEAN SALAD APPLESAUCE 28 TATOR TOT CASSEROLE VEGGIES CRISP WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 1 BEEF TIPS & NOODLES PEAS & CARROTS MIXED FRUIT 2 8 TURKEY SANDWICH PICKLES MAC SALAD YOGURT 15 MANWICH POT. SALAD PICKLES ORANGE 22 BAKED ZITA GREEN BEANS BREAD STICK JELL-O 29 CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH BAKED CHIPS MANDARIN ORANGES 9 FRIDAY 3 BAKED CHICKEN VEGGIES BREAD PUDDING CHICKEN BROCCOLI CASSEROLE BEETS ROLL/PEARS 16 CORN BEEF CABBAGE CARROTS BREAD 23 STEW CRACKERS CHEZ STICKS PEACHES 30 PINTO BEANS W HAM CORNBREAD ONIONS CAKE OATMEAL SAUSAGE PATTIES APPLE SLICES 10 SCRAMBLED EGGS BACON TOAST/GRAPES 17 SCRAMBLED EGGS SAUSAGE GRAVY BISCUIT 24 CEREAL SAUSAGE PATTIES TOAST/RAISINS 31 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 3B 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 We 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 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 of 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 Contact us today at 405-701-701-7085 to see if we can help your family with at 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 y The Tribe is only funded approximately 40% of cost to render care to patients? Most people think it is funded 100%. y To add services, equipment, or help more people, we need your assistance. y 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: 5B 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 s 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 1 DOWN 1. 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. 2 7 3 8 3. This fruit is a cross between a pomelo and a tangerine. 4 5 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. O M I M R H S V A 10 T O E S R R A G E N M A 3 R I N G C H E U R L 7 B U B C 2 1 U A B 5 C 4 E G S U E T T E M T F B O A I I L T E E 6 L E R 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 C Teachings Of The Medicine Wheel O 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. L 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 K Focus This vegetable may be eaten raw or cooked and is used to make sauces for pasta. C 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. 9. 11 U 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. D Medicine Wheel & 12 Steps A type of quick-cooking wheat kernel that’s popular in dishes like pilaf, tabbouleh, and kibbeh. 11 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: JOHN SOAP, LPC AT JSOAP@ASTRIBE.COM OR 405-878-4716 7. A SHAWNEE MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING 2029 JAMES L. EDWARDS LN, SHAWNEE, OK 74801 ACROSS D THURSDAYS AT 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM 10 O Facilitated by: John Soap, LPC 6 9 S 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. 8 ht g u o h T ive T w P o sit 9 Gro ©2022 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Reproduction of this handout is permitted for educational purposes. Reproduction for sales purposes is not authorized. March 2023 6B www.astribe.com AST HEALTH SYSTEM DIRECTORY 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 1. 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 2. 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 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3A0b15543efabcf523. Public record. Not legal advice.