Absentee Shawnee News

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

OFFICAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA

April 2020

•

www.astribe.com

•

li si wi nwi

Volume 31, No. 4

“Among the Shawnee”

Johnson Response to Pandemic

Governor’s Update on COVID-19 Response

NOTICES

The Tribal Easter

Egg hunt for

April 4, 2020

has been canceled to

help prevent the spread

of the COVID-19 virus.

_______________

AST Health System

now is providing a 24/7

AST Health System

24 hour LIVE Corona

Virus (COVID-19)

Information Number:

(405) 695-1787 to help

tribal members

__________________

Thunderbird Casino is

Temporarily Closed

until April, 2020

__________________

NOTICE from The

Election Commision

Pg 6

Our people have dealt with times of

uncertainty before, but we are resilient.

I would like to remind our members to

stay strong and supportive during this

time – take care of each other and our

elders. Also, please know that the Tribe

is closely monitoring the pandemic now and for the weeks ahead.

Please also remember to rely on facts

and medical information. If you have

questions, I urge you to seek answers from

reliable sources. In order to do our part

in ensuring correct communication flows

throughout the Tribe, I began meeting

regularly with the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe’s

Emergency

Management

Response Team on Saturday, March

14th.

We have taken a broad range of

preventative measures to help protect

our members, our employees and our

patrons. Let me ensure you that our

Emergency Management Response Team

is diligently monitoring the evolving

public health situation and briefing me

on all updates. Here is a timeline of

actions taken to date:

• March 9th – AST instituted travel

restrictions for our employees in order to

decrease exposure to COVID-19

• March 10th – The AST Health System

stood up a Crisis Action Team (CAT) with

the AST Emergency Manager and AST

Public Safety Office. This team began

assessing logistical planning needs for

the Tribe, including the completion of an

Oklahoma State Department of Health

grant application for COVID response

funding.

• March 12th - Based on public health

recommendations, we made the decision

to temporarily close the AST campus on

March 13th.

• March 13th – AST Health System

initiated a 24/7 staffed COVID

Information Line (405-695-1787).

• March 14th – Under the direction of

the Governor’s Office, AST instituted

daily meetings with the AST Emergency

Management Response Team, including

the AST Health System and AST Public

Safety.

• March 17th – Under my direction,

we have developed a weekly system to

check on our Elders. Based on contact

information provided by our Elders

Council, hundreds of Elders have

received calls from our Elder Call Center.

This population is a priority and we will

continue to check on the health and wellbeing of this group. If you are aware of an

Elder that needs a well-being call, please

let leadership know.

• March 18th – AST declared a State of

Emergency. This declaration will allow

us to make recommendations or institute

measures quickly in order to protect our

members and employees. A declaration

allows us to use all levels of our tribal

government to take action against this

emerging threat. Furthermore, the

declaration may provide our Tribe with

access to additional federal support and

reimbursements for emergency protective

measures we have initiated.

• March 20th – The Absentee Shawnee

Tribe determined the AST Campus will

remain closed to visitors through April 3,

2020. On April 3rd, we will reevaluate

the situation.

Departments can be

reached via email, and a list of addresses

is available on the website.

• The AST Health System will continue

to provide vital services and support to the

Tribe - sustaining patient care on an acute

basis. At this time, those services include

primary care, PlusCare, dental, behavioral

health and drive-through pharmacies;

physical therapy and optometry will be

on an as-needed basis for post-surgical

patients and emergencies. However, all

high-risk AST Health System employees

will be scheduled to work per CDC

COVID-19 guidelines. This may cause

changes to hours of operation beginning

on Monday, March 23rd. Please look for

notices on Facebook, email or the AST

website.

•

AST Health Services has also

coordinated the donation of items to

create care packages for AST Elders. The

packages are distributed based on poverty

guidelines, medical needs, fixed income,

and transportation status of the Elders.

As this newsletter goes to print, the

timeline of response activities continues

to grow. I can only hope that when our

membership receives this information the

pandemic is under control. However, if

we are still adjusting our day-to-day lives

around this public health crisis, I urge you

to continue to check the AST website and

Facebook pages for information. I assure

you that we will keep you updated on any

policy or procedural changes.

Governor Johnson

__________________

Stay informed

ASTRIBE.com

________________

General Council

Meeting Postponed

_________________

All Cultural Preservation

activities have been canceled

until further notice.

Thank You

Carol Butler

Cultural Preservation Director

85th Semi-Annual

General Council Meeting

POSTPONED

Executive Committee

www. astribe.com

John Johnson

GOVERNOR

Governor’s

REPORT

John Johnson

AST Governor

Governor’s Update on COVID-19

Response

Our people have dealt with times

of uncertainty before, but we are

resilient. I would like to remind

our members to stay strong and

supportive during this time – take

care of each other and our elders.

Also, please know that the Tribe is

closely monitoring the pandemic now and for the weeks ahead.

Please also remember to rely on

facts and medical information. If you

have questions, I urge you to seek

answers from reliable sources. In

order to do our part in ensuring correct

communication flows throughout

the Tribe, I began meeting regularly

with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s

Emergency Management Response

Team on Saturday, March 14th.

We have taken a broad range of

preventative measures to help protect

our members, our employees and our

patrons. Let me ensure you that our

Emergency Management Response

Team is diligently monitoring the

evolving public health situation and

briefing me on all updates. Here is a

timeline of actions taken to date:

• March 9th – AST instituted travel

restrictions for our employees in

order to decrease exposure to

COVID-19

• March 10th – The AST

Health System stood up a Crisis

Action Team (CAT) with the AST

Emergency Manager and AST

Public Safety Office. This team

began assessing logistical planning

needs for the Tribe, including

the completion of an Oklahoma

State Department of Health grant

application for COVID response

funding.

• March 12th - Based on public

health recommendations, we made

the decision to temporarily close

the AST campus on March 13th.

• March

13th

–

AST

HealthSystem initiated a 24/7

staffed COVID Information Line

(405-695-1787).

• March 14th – Under the

direction of the Governor’s Office,

AST instituted daily meetings with

the AST Emergency Management

Response Team, including the AST

Health System and AST Public

Safety.

• March 17th – Under my direction,

we have developed a weekly system

to check on our Elders. Based on

contact information provided by

our Elders Council, hundreds of

Elders have received calls from our

Elder Call Center. This population

is a priority and we will continue to

check on the health and well-being

of this group. If you are aware of an

Elder that needs a well-being call,

please let leadership know.

• March 18th – AST declared

a State of Emergency. This

declaration will allow us to make

recommendations

institute

measures quickly in order to protect

our members and employees. A

declaration allows us to use all

levels of our tribal government to

take action against this emerging

threat. Furthermore, the declaration

may provide our Tribe with access

to additional federal support and

Kenneth Blanchard

LT.

GOVERNOR

Ezra DeLodge

SECRETARY

reimbursements for emergency

protective measures we have

initiated.

• March 20th – The Absentee

Shawnee Tribe determined the

AST Campus will remain closed

to visitors through April 3, 2020.

On April 3rd, we will reevaluate

the situation. Departments can

be reached via email, and a list

of addresses is available on the

website.

• The AST Health Syste will

continue to provide vital services

and support to the Tribe - sustaining

patient care on an acute basis. At

this time, those services include

primary care, PlusCare, dental,

behavioral health and drive-through

pharmacies; physical therapy and

optometry will be on an as-needed

basis for post-surgical patients and

emergencies. However, all highrisk AST Health System employees

will be scheduled to work per

CDC COVID-19 guidelines. This

may cause changes to hours of

operation beginning on Monday,

March 23rd.

Please look for

notices on Facebook, email or the

AST website.

• AST Health Services has

also coordinated the donation of

items to create care packages

for AST Elders. The packages

are distributed based on poverty

guidelines, medical needs, fixed

income, and transportation status

of the Elders.

As this newsletter goes to print,

the timeline of response activities

continues to grow. I can only hope

that when our membership receives

this information the pandemic is

under control. However, if we are still

adjusting our day-to-day lives around

this public health crisis, I urge you to

continue to check the AST website

and Facebook pages for information.

I assure you that we will keep you

updated on any policy or procedural

changes.

Governor Johnson

April 2020

Phillip Ellis

TREASURER

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Hosts First Annual Industrial

Hemp Summit

On Friday, February 28th, the

Absentee

Shawnee

Economic

Development Authority, Inc. (ASEDA,

Inc.) and Native American Hemp, a

Native-owned business, gathered

experts, business leaders, cultivators

and government officials for the first

annual Oklahoma Industrial Hemp

Summit. The Summit was held at

the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s MultiPurpose Building in Shawnee.

More than 100 registered attendees

had an opportunity to hear from and

collaborate with farmers, processors

and other businesses operating

within the hemp industry. Participants

discussed current innovations as

well as the legal and regulatory

landscapes that could impact the

business.

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s

Governor, John Johnson, provided

a welcome and touched on the

regulatory landscape, “We are aware

of some important regulatory changes

that could impact our businesses. I

know everyone is particularly eager

to understand the roles of the USDA

and the FDA. I hope what you

learn today will assist you with your

business and the direction you take

in 2020.”

Oklahoma’s Secretary of Commerce,

Sean Kouplen, was the keynote

speaker at the event. Kouplen

expressed support from the State

and encouraged those in attendance

to keep driving the emerging industry

forward.

Industrial hemp is expected to be one

of the fastest growing agricultural

crops during the next 15 years. This

is unsurprising considering there are

nearly 30,000 industrial products

currently made from hemp. The total

value of hemp retail products sold in

the United States in 2017 was $820

million. Hemp is estimated to do $10

billion in sales by 2025.

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe and

Native American Hemp grew one

of Oklahoma’s first industrial hemp

crops in the 2019 season. David

Deer, ASEDA Project Coordinator,

said, “I envision industrial hemp as

Atheda Fletcher

REPRESENTATIVE

a pathway to our self-sustainability

and economic sovereignty. It’s

truly exciting to see the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe at the forefront.

We have exciting plans to expand

acreage this year as well as start

processing and production.”

A Special Thank You from

Governor Johnson

I would like to thank the many tribal

members and AST employees that

have been actively participating in

our strategic vision process. Our

community event, held on March 5th,

was a success. Not only were we able

to hear from several members about

their long-term vision for the Tribe,

many from the community were able

to complete our online questionnaire.

This process will be used to move our

Tribe forward; to develop a roadmap

with metrics and deliverables along

the way. I am excited for all the

possibilities before us – particularly in

the areas of economic development.

Again, thank you for taking the time

to make your Tribe a priority. We will

discuss preliminary survey results

and key findings during General

Council in April. I hope to see you

there.

Governor Johnson Addresses Shawnee

Residents at Forum

On March 6, 2020, Shawnee

Forward hosted a tribal forum

where more than 120 Shawnee

residents gathered to hear

from leaders from the Absentee

Shawnee

Tribe,

Citizen

Potawatomi Nation, Kickapoo

Tribe of Oklahoma and Sac and

Fox Nation.

Governor Johnson was first on

the panel where he shared the

accomplishments of the Tribe.

Johnson recapped the statistics

and facts from the recently

released economic impact report.

• AST has had a $145,162,638

impact on the state

• Across the state, AST

supports 1,131 jobs in a number

of sectors, including healthcare,

banking, gaming and a number of

other commercial enterprises and

tribal operations.

• The Tribe serves healthcare

needs of Native Americans,

SoonerCare

members

and

American Indian Veterans as well

as insured AST employees.

• AST has invested in the

infrastructure of more than 400

miles of state highways and

roads.

Governor

Johnson

also

informed the crowd of the

cross-deputization

AST

law enforcement. His closing

remarks expressed the Tribe’s

desire to remain good partners

with the communities inside the

AST jurisdictional boundaries.

Governor Johnson addresses Shawnee

residents at a Tribal Forum hosted by

Shawnee Forward.

April 2020

Representative’s

REPORT

Atheda Fletcher

AST Representative

Greetings Tribal Members:

Given the evolving situation, I am

encouraged each day with the dedication

of the many volunteers, employees and

leaders who have shown their willingness

to step up in this time of critical need.

To everyone that is part aof our tribal

team, I would like to express my deepest

gratitude for the hard work and long

hours you are showing. Without you,

our tribe would have a very difficult time

progressing through this critical period.

Hopefully, very soon, we will be back to

our normal work schedule.

As for my report, I am pleased to

announce that the departments for which

I have oversight continue to perform the

work required for urgent issues. Each

staff member is required to take proper

safety measures if they come to their

office. Many of the staff is performing

their work remotely for their safety, but

ensuring that tribal business continues

as much as possible.

Summary

• Cultural Preservation is performing

much of their day-to-day work remotely.

The Gift Shop is closed until further

notice. Cultural Preservation staff is

sewing masks to help with the shortage.

• Human Resources staff is working in

shifts to meet essential deadlines.

• Although the casinos are temporarily

closed, the Gaming Commission staff

is required and continues to provide

services. Some staff is necessary, but

all proper protocols and safety measures

are in place for the protection of the

limited staff working.

• The Management Information Systems

(MIS) staff—what can I say—this group

is working non-stop! MIS plays a very

important role in our organization’s

ability to push out messages quickly

during this evolving situation. The

MIS staff is ensuring that all important

and critical information is being posted

for our tribal members and employees.

The MIS staff ensures that leaders,

management, and staff can perform

necessary work uninterrupted; host

conference calls for critical emergency

management meetings; and ensures that

equipment functions properly. This staff

has continuously performed their duties

nonstop to our remote workers and the

staff onsite.

Thanks to all the dedicated staff

members for continuing to contribute

to the management of services for our

tribal members and the ongoing tribal

business needs.

Executive Committee

www. astribe.com 3

Tribal

Enrollment

Training

“So who determines

who is a Real

Indian?

The issue of Tribal

Membership and

Enrollment has

become a

double-edge sword.”

Enrollment is on of the most

important issues that tribes face

today, yet it’s also one of the most

controversial. As Indian nations

continue into the 21st century,

new challenges and situations are

likely to make enrollment even

more complicated. Lt. Governor

Ken Blanchard and Diane Ponkilla,

attended this important information

event from the United States

Department of The Interior. BIA.

March 11 - 12 2020 at the Firelake

Grand Casino Hotel Resort,

Shawnee Ok.

Some of the issues addressed where

Tribal Membership and Enrollment

Issues, Sample Tribal Enrollment

Ordiances and Sample DNA

Resolutions, and The Enrollment

office and personnal.

Malcom Bowekaty, Native American Resources Inc. , Ken Blanchard Lt.

Governor AST Lonnie Emhoolah, Government officer Anadarko Agency

Quote: We don’t develop courage

by being happy every day.

We develop it by surviving difficult

times and challenging adversity.

LT. GOVERNOR

2025 S. GORDON COOPER DRIVE

SHAWNEE, OK 74801

C: 405-685-8338

PROVEN • TRUSTED • EFFECTIVE • LEADERSHIP

Tribal News

www. astribe.com

April 2020

Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Programs

April 2020

We hope you all are doing well

as we prepare for the spring

season. The 2020-2022 CCDF

Plan Preprint started on 10/1/19

and continue until 9/30/22. This

is a three year plan in which we

will become fully compliant with

the CCDBG Act of 2014. The

CCDBG Act of 2014 regulations

fall into four major categories

to include: Protect the health

and safety of children in care;

help parents make informed

consumer choices; provide

equal access to stable child care

for low-income children; and

enhance the quality of child care.

This plan has been provisionally

approved by the federal Office of

Child Care and has been posted

on the AST website for everyone

to see. We will also have plans

available in our offices if you

would like a hard copy.

With the new CCDF plan we

have also had an increase in

funding that we are utilizing for

the program which includes

Building Blocks Centers and the

child care assistance program

also known as subsidy. We

are also hoping to increase

the allocations for staff so that

we can help with retention

and hiring highly qualified

employees. The Centers have

implemented a new learning

curriculum called Frogstreet

that also addresses classroom

management techniques as well

as early learning guidelines and

social and emotional activities

and lessons. The Centers

are also doing upgrades such

as new heating and air units,

playground equipment, fencing

and classroom items to replace

worn out or outdated supplies.

We would like to remind Tribal

Members in need of child care

about our license-exempt

Relative Home Provider care

type. Approved families will

have the option of choosing

a Relative Home Provider for

their child care needs. In the

past a relative provider had to

be OKDHS licensed. Starting

Oct. 1, Relative Home Providers

are exempt from having an

OKDHS license but must be

tribally licensed for child care.

Relative Home Providers will

provide care for children they are

related to and do not reside in

the child’s home. RHPs will be

approved and tribally licensed

based on their application,

passing a background check and

home inspections. RHPs will

have to meet certain guidelines

and follow tribal standards for

care including child to provider

ratios. RHPs will also be subject

to monitoring visits and best

practices through AST Licensing

and Monitoring guidelines. We

will have the application and

guidelines on the AST Website

under the Services/Childcare

page. Applicants who wish

to utilize the RHP will need to

be eligible for AST Child Care

prior to RHP approval. Please

contact me or LaNora Buswell,

CCDF Specialist, if you have

any questions.

Plan Preprint is that families

seeking child care assistance no

longer need to get a denial letter

from OKDHS, they can come

to us first. The application and

information regarding subsidy

and provider selection can

be found on the AST Website

under Services/Child Care. We

also offer a three (3) month

job search for families who

may be experiencing a loss of

employment but still have child

care needs. Families will need

to reside in the AST CCDF

Service area of Cleveland,

Oklahoma, Pottawatomie and

McClain counties. They can

choose any DHS licensed

provider or seek enrollment with

one of our AST Building Blocks

Child Development Centers.

The After School Program is still

operating but we are not able to

provide all day care on breaks

like we did previously. Due to

a staff shortage we can only

We are still accepting

applications for families who

may be interested in child care

assistance and cannot get

assistance through OKDHS.

Children must have their

own CDIB cards or letters

of application to a federally

recognized tribe. Applicants

can choose which child care

provider that best fits their child

care needs such as a Tribally

Operated Center, Non-tribal

Center, family home provider

or relative provider. One of the

other changes with the new

provide care afterschool. We

are not taking any new students

at this time. Please contact us if

you have any questions.

Our goals through the CCDF

grant, Building Blocks enterprise

and the After School Programs

is to provide quality child care to

Native and non-native children

in our communities. We do

this by our innovative ideas on

curriculum and staying abreast

of all training and requirements

to maintain higher levels of care.

We strive to be the best and be

better than the best every day.

If you are interested in any of

these programs or have any

questions please feel free to

contact me at the number above

or by email, briana.ponkilla@

astribe.com.

Ni yi wa! (Thank you)

Briana Ponkilla

CCDF Coordinator

PLEASE fill out EACH BLANK completely and return by the

Deadline.

ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST

I, ______________________________________, hereby certify that I am or will be an Eligible

(Print Name)

Voter of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe on or before June 20, 2020. I cannot physically

be present to cast my Vote at the June 20, 2020 Run Off Election, therefore, I am

requesting an Absentee Ballot be mailed to me at the following address.

Name (please print): ___________________________________________________________

(first)

(middle)

(maiden)

(last)

Address:______________________________ City: _______________St: _____ Zip:________

CDIB#:______________________________

Date of Birth: ______________________

Signature: ____________________________

Date:______________________________

All REQUESTS must be returned to the Election Commission by the deadline date of

May 31, 2020

Mail to:

Absentee Shawnee Election Commission

P.O. Box 741

Tecumseh, OK 74873

Fax to:

Fax # (405) 273-1337 (Do not fax to any other fax #)

Phone: (405) 275-4030 ext. 6271

Toll free number 1-800-256-3341 ext. 6271

Deliver in Person to:

Election Commission Office located in the Tribal Court Building

All eligible voters are entitled to vote either at the Polls or by Absentee Ballot.

This form may be duplicated for your convenience.

______________________________________________________________________________

ELECTION COMMISSION USE ONLY

Received: ________________________ Approved:_______________________ Disapproved: ________________

If Disapproved (reason):________________________________________________________________________

Denial Letter Mailed:_____________________________

Ballot Mailed: ______________________________

__________________________________________

Tribal News

April 2020

www. astribe.com 5

April is Sexual

Assault

Awareness Month

Unfortunately, as a result of

COVID-19 we are unable to move

forward with our in-person sexual

assault awareness events that

were planned for April. The good

news is that there are still things

you can do to spread awareness

and support within the community.

Since TEAL is the color of

Sexual Assault Awareness, we

encourage you to wear the color

TEAL to show your support to

sexual assault survivors and help

to create awareness. Let’s take

these statistics and turn it into an

opportunity for awareness through

painting your nails. “more than 1

in 2 American Indian and Alaska

Native women have experienced

sexual violence” – for this statistic,

half of your nails would be painted

teal and the other half can be the

color of your choice. Or, “more

than 1 in 3 American Indian and

Alaska Native women, will be

raped during their lifetime” – for

this one, every third finger can be

painted TEAL and again the rest

can be the color of your choice.

One more thing, if someone

informs you that they have been

sexually assaulted it is important

that you believe and support them

in any way that they need you to.

Remember: EVERYONE in one

way or another is affected by this

injustice and we need to work

together in order to prevent it and

ultimately end it.

If you or someone you know has

been sexually assaulted please

contact our office at (405) 2732888 for more information. Our

services are confidential and we

are here to help.

Sincerely,

The Domestic Violence

Department Staff

Absentee Shawnee

Resource Center

SATURDAY, May 16th 2020

Event begins at 9:00 a.m.

For ages 5-6, 7-9, 10-12,

and 13-14 years.

AST Diabetes and Wellness

Junior Olympics

Youth Olympics

The Absentee Shawnee Diabetes and Wellness

Program encourages daily physical activity for all

youth. The 2020 AST Diabetes and Wellness

Junior Olympics provides an opportunity for

youth to engage in fun and healthy physical

activity. Please complete the registration form to

enroll your kid(s) in this year's olympics!

Youth events include

50 Yard Dash Softball Throw

Running Long Standing Broad Free Throw

Jump

Shooting

Guardian Name:____________________________________ Youth Athlete (name):______________________________

City, State:___________________________________ Zip:_____________ Phone:___________________________

DOB (Athlete):_________ Age:________ Male:___ Female:___

Waiver: In consideration of the acceptance of this entry I waive all claims for myself and my heirs against the sponsors,

cooperating and coordinating groups and any individuals associated with this event and will hold them harmless for any and all

injuries which may result from my participation. I hereby give my permission to the media to use my name and photograph in

the AST newsletter without limitation or obligation. I certify that I am physically fit for this event and understand the risks

involved by participating in this event.

______________________________________________ _________________________

Signature Date

See what’s NEW at the

SCHOLASTIC

BOOK FAIR

Dates, Times, and Place

AST library is having

a book fair

from April 6-17, 2020

[INSERT DATES, TIMES, PLACE HERE]

All purchases benefit our school!

Permission to reproduce this item is granted by Scholastic Book Fairs®.

For more information,

please call 405-364-7298

Education

www. astribe.com

April 2020

IMPORTANT NOTICE

From The Election

Commission

Tribal Members,

This information is provided to

explain what happened in the

Election Commission office during

the weekend of Feb. 29th. Jim

Spybuck got a phone call from

the Governor concerning the fax

machine not working in the Election

Commission office. He and Emily

Longman came into the office to

investigate the matter Sun., March

1st around 1:00pm. They found that

the line to the fax machine was not

working. This was of no fault of

our own but a phone system lockup.

The Technology Department was

contacted first thing that Monday,

Mar. 2nd. We talked to Kelly

Chambers and he said he would

check it out cause it looked like it

was all over the complex. Around

9:00am, a total reboot of the phone

system was done and it fixed the

phone line and issues with the fax.

Some candidates were concerned that

the Absentee Ballot requests were

not getting through but upon request

by them, we extended the deadline to

be Mar. 3rd at 5:00pm as long as the

Failed Report (which is produced by

all machines when faxing showing

whether it went through or FAILED)

was submitted with the request.

Needless to say, no requests came in

and there were no phone messages

left on our voicemail.

The Election Commission met on

Mar. 20th at 5:00pm to close out

the Absentee Ballots received and

checked for Emergency Ballot

requests but none were left on the

phone voicemail and there were no

faxes logged on the fax machine

either. Absentee Ballots were closed

and accounted for.

The court ruled in a Declaratory

Judgment that the Primary Election

will be postponed and re-scheduled

for April 4th. Case No. CIV-202004 due to the COVID-19 cases in

Oklahoma.

Dear Absentee Shawnee Tribal Member:

As you know, I am running for TRIBAL REPRESENTATIVE once again! I am reaching out to all

tribal members asking for your support and vote in the April 4, 2020 primary election. It is more important than

ever that you vote in this upcoming election. The candidate that is elected will be in office for four (4) years.

We need leaders who are dependable and qualified. It is your chance to select leaders who understand the

issues and will embrace your concerns. I was raised with tribal traditional values, but also learned the ways of

the business world. I want to share my knowledge to help my tribe.

The candidate that you elect will be making multimillion dollar decisions for the tribe. It is so very

important that you elect effective business leaders with traits of self-awareness, decisiveness, fairness,

enthusiasm, integrity, knowledge and endurance. I possess these traits that were honed in the private sector

throughout my professional career. I bring a wealth of business knowledge and drive to grow our tribal

businesses. Growing our tribe is paramount to being able to provide more services to our tribal members.

I have been in office one year and six months and have proven to be an effective leader with a deep

desire to do what is in the best interest of the tribe and tribal members. Following are some (not all) of the

successes that I have performed during my short term as the Tribal Representative.

•

Increased Cultural Preservation activities for tribal members.

Continue to work with and build connections with local high schools to bring our language to the youth.

Working to preserve our language has been a challenge, but we are making strides on various avenues

and I will continue to seek ways to enhance this program.

Spearheading an Assisted Living and Independent Living Project. This topic has been tossed around for

many years. I and a strong committee hope that we can make this a reality.

Completed Phase I for Youth Camp and currently working on Phase II.

Expanded the Gift Shop in order to have a presence at the Little Axe Clinic.

Managed the VITA Free Tax Service Program for tribal members and employees for 2019 tax year.

In 2019, I brought to the tribe more than $209,000 through a benefits program that was basically

overlooked for years. We are currently on track to again gain over $200,000 in 2020. The result will be

over $400,000 in funds that come back to the tribe in my 2-year period in office.

I reviewed and assessed the Tribe’s 401K Plan that had not been reviewed in over ten (10) years. Under

my direction, the HR staff implemented a new 401K Plan resulting in improved services and a savings

to the tribe in plan costs of 14.8% or $29,000 per year.

Currently working to produce the first Employee Handbook and overhauling the Policies and

Procedures. The current Administrative Manual was created in 1997--23 years ago. As the third largest

employer in the Shawnee area, this needed to be done.

Introduced Employee Longevity Recognition Award Program.

Reduced legal service costs for Gaming Commission by more than 50%. A savings of approximately

$30-50,000 annually.

These are only a few of the achievements that I have made during my short time in office. There is so much

more that I want to accomplish, but I need your help and your vote. Please vote for me in the upcoming

Primary Election on April 4, 2020.

The Election Commission will take

all necessary precautions to keep

all tribal members safe including

being able to vote from your cars if

necessary, to keep social distancing

and ease the concern of tribal elders

while voting.

The Election Commission

FDIC

Education

April 2020

April is Testicular

Cancer Awareness

Month

Testicular cancer occurs in about 1 in 270

men and is highly curable when detected

early. 95% of patients are alive after

a 5 year period. The biggest threat that

testicular cancer poses is when Men do

not seek medical treatment early enough

and the cancer has spread to other parts

of the body. So what are the signs and

symptoms?

• A lump of any size on the testicle

• Enlargement of the testicle, change in

shape, size or any irregularities

• Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or

testicle

• A dull ache or sense of pressure in the

lower abdomen or back

• A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the

scrotum

• Enlargement or tenderness of the

breasts due to elevated hormone levels

In most cases early stages of

testicular cancer present themselves

in a completely painless manner. Risk

factors of this disease include having

undescended testicle, family history of

cancer, Urological Birth Defects or being

of Caucasian Descent.

As is the case with most things, the

best protection is early detection. Experts

agree that starting from puberty; all males

need to be completing a month selftesticular exam. Each month, men should

check for any changes or abnormalities,

and be especially aware of the signs

and symptoms as listed above. If you

do find any of these signs, or you just

have questions in general, contact your

primary care physician.

For more general information,

including community support,

please visit https://www.

TesticularCancerAwarenessFoundation.

org/

C VI D

CORONAVIRUS

DISEASE

www. astribe.com 7

10 things you can do to manage your

health at home

If you have possible or confirmed COVID-19:

Stay home from work, school,

Wash your hands often with

Monitor your symptoms

As much as possible, stay in a

specific room and away from

other people in your home.

Also, you should use a separate

bathroom, if available. If you

need to be around other people

in or outside of the home, wear

a facemask.

Get rest and stay

hydrated.

Avoid sharing personal

items with other people in

and away from other public

places. If you must go out,

avoid using any kind of

public transportation,

ridesharing, or taxis.

carefully. If your symptoms

get worse, call your

healthcare provider

immediately.

soap and water for at least 20

seconds or clean your hands

with an alcohol-based hand

sanitizer that contains at least

60% alcohol.

your household, like dishes,

towels, and bedding.

If you have a medical

appointment, call the

healthcare provider

10. Clean all surfaces that are

ahead of time and tell

them that you have or

may have COVID-19.

touched often, like counters,

tabletops, and doorknobs.

Use household cleaning

sprays or wipes according to

the label instructions.

For medical emergencies,

call 911 and notify the

dispatch personnel that

you have or may have

COVID-19.

Cover your cough

and sneezes.

Please go to www.cdc.gov/covid19-symptoms

for information on COVID-19 symptoms.

For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19

CS 315822-A 03/07/2020

On the first day of spring

we recognize National

Native American HIV/

AIDS Awareness Day.

Spring is considered a time of profound

change, new beginnings and birth; A

celebration of life for all people.

From 2010 to 2016, the number of new

HIV diagnoses increased 46% (from

157 to 230) among AI/AN peoples. This

disease is present in our communities,

over 2000 AI/AN peoples currently

living with the disease and more than

1,800 have passed away from it since

2008. The best things we can do for our

community are show support and end the

stigma surrounding the disease. Help end

the Epidemic in Native communities by

Knowing your own HIV status, Choose

less Risky Behaviors and Get Tested.

Talk to your health care providers about

testing. For more information, please

visit http://nnhaad.org/

start your

summer adventure!

Youth

Native ing Diabetes

Preven

sum

OKA

CAMP

dates: JUNE 8-12

CHOU

AST STUDENTS

Ages 8-12

Application

Deadline: MAY 22

CAMPERS ENJOY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS:

ARCHERY • BASKETBALL • HIKING • CRAFTS • SWIMMING • CANOEING • WALL CLIMBING

NATURE STUDIES • VOLLEYBALL • FISHING • ROPES COURSES • CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Campers learn about nutrition, self-esteem, physical fitness and

diabetes prevention, while enjoying all the fun of a traditional summer camp.

For additional information, contact Lisa Harrington at (405) 701-7977 or

LHarrington@astribe.com

About Native Youth Preventing Diabetes:

NYPD is a 501c(3) charitable organization with a mission to educate, promote, and empower future

generations in the awareness of diabetes and its complications. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe is a coalition

member of the organization.

www. astribe.com

Local News

April 2020

In uncertain times unexpected changes may occur for the safety

and wellness of our patients. Here are ways to find out about

our closures and updates:

 Check our website asthealth.org

 Following us on Facebook “Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health

System”

 Call registration to ensure your phone number is up to date

in our system & request you are enabled for text alerts

 Calling ahead to the facility: Little Axe- 405.447.0300,

Shawnee-405.878.5850, & PlusCare-405.447.0477

 Current patients can sign up for the Healow app to check

their appointment statuses and receive notifications (use

practice code: JEDEBD, if you need assistance call patient

registration)

o SEE HEALOW INFORMATION ADDED

JEDBEB

Classifieds

April 2020

Help Wanted

Pharmacy Clerk X2 - Little Axe Health

Center

RN Case Manager - Little Axe Health

Center

Security Guard - Little Axe Health

Center

Dental Assistant - Little Axe Health

Center

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)PlusCare Clinic

Outpatient Therapist - AST Shawnee

Clinic

CCDF Assistant - Absentee Shawnee

Tribe

After School Program DriverAbsentee Shawnee Tribe

After School Program ManagerAfter School

Tribal Youth Resource SpecialistBrendle Corner Community Building

Housekeeper - Absentee Shawnee

Tribe

Patrol Officer-Police Department

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

FOSTER CARE LICENSING COMMITTEE

QUALIFICATIONS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

(a)

A Committee Member may be a member of the Tribe.

(b)

No person shall be barred from serving on the committee because

s/he is an employee, or operates a Foster Home under a State or

Tribal license.

(c)

Each Committee Member shall be at least eighteen (18) years of

age and legally capable of entering into a binding contract.

(d)

No person who has been convicted of a felony or other crime

involving embezzlement, fraud or moral turpitude shall serve

on the Foster Care Licensing Committee. As of May 30th 2001,

background checks will be necessary for each new and/or

reappointed existing committee member.

(e)

Each Committee Member shall take an oath to support and defend

the constitution, rules and regulations of the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe.

(f)

It is strongly recommended each Committee Member complete the

application process to become an Emergency Protective Foster

Home and therefore be licensed through the Tribe.

Master Teacher-Building

Blocks

IT Network AdministratorInformation Technology

Master Teacher Building Blocks III

Norman, OK

Floater 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, OK

A complete list of opportunities, detailed information and a downloadable

application are available at www.astribe.com/employment. Applications can

also be picked up at the Human Resources Department located at the Absentee

Shawnee Tribal Complex, 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK.

SEND COMPLETED APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES TO email: HR@astribe.

com fax: 405-273-2710 or mail to: Absentee Shawnee Tribe-HR Department

2025 South Gordon Cooper Dr. Shawnee, OK 74801

As of 02-25-2020, the EC made a decision to

extend the deadline until 01-Nov-2021

for the adult gift cards from 2019.

Please contact the AST Finance department

for more details.

(405) 275-4030 Bralynn Barnes

or email at bbarnes@astribe.com

www. astribe.com 9

Applicants can apply by picking up the application with your

letter of intent at the Secretary’s office.

Foster Care Licensing Committee Application of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Name: ______________________________________________________ CDIB: _____________________

Address: _____________________________________________ City:______________ State:___________

Phone: _________________________________ Email:__________________________________________

Are you 18 or older? Yes No (circle one) Must be at least 18 and able to enter into a contract

Willing to become a Foster Care Emergency Home and become licensed? ____________________________

Are you willing to undergo a background check? ________ Do you have any felony’s? If yes explain: _____

________________________________________________________________________________________

ASEDA ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Have you served on any other committees? _____________________________________________________

What is your Highest Education Level? ___________________________________ Major: _______________

The purpose of the position is to provide high-level administrative support by conducting

research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests and performing

clerical functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging

conference calls and scheduling meetings.

Any other information that you believe that will help in the decision to choose our committee by?

RESPONSIBILITIES

References

•

Manage and maintain ASEDA Staff schedules and meetings.

Communicates with media on needs for public relations activities inclusive of

storylines, photo opportunities, etc.

Creates and implements community related activities for presentations, mail-outs

and other related informational needs.

Prepare invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements and other

documents, using word processing, spreadsheets, database, or presentation

software.

Read and analyze incoming memos, submissions, and reports to determine their

significance and plan their distribution.

Open, sort, and distribute incoming correspondence, including faxes and email.

Prepare responses to correspondence containing routine inquires.

Perform general office duties such as ordering supplies and maintaining records.

Traveling, on occasion, with and/for ASEDA Staff to various meetings.

Make travel arrangements for ASEDA Staff.

Other duties as assigned by ASEDA Staff.

EDUCTION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree (preferred) and a minimum of two years of professional or technical

administrative experience in business or public administration or an equivalent

combination of education and experience, substituting one year of qualifying experience

for year of the required education.

Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must have excellent

computer skills.

Must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Native American Preference/EOE/Drug Free Workplace

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: _______________________________ Phone: ___________ How long have you known? ____________

Each Committee Member shall take an oath to support and defend the constitution, rules and regulations of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: __________________________

Please include your letter of intent.

The Education Department

is seeking up to three (3)

Members to serve

on the Education Committee.

Please contact the Education Department

with any questions at tresham@astribe.

com

or (405) 275-4030 Ext. 6242

As of August 2019 Advertising Rates/Placement have changed

for the Absentee Shawnee Newsletter.

The paper is no longer able to continue with free advertising

space. Thank you! Your continued support and understanding is

a valuable asset!

Sherman Tiger

AST Media Director

stiger@astribe.com

405-598-1279

April 2020

www. astribe.com

OEH&E NEWS

This Month’s

Conservation Tip

Use Reusable Bags

April 2020

Absentee-Shawnee Tribe Office of Environmental Health & Engineering Newsletter

Plastic grocery-type bags

that get thrown out end

up in landfills or in other

parts of the environment.

These can suffocate animals who get stuck in

them or may mistake

them for food. Also, it

takes a while for the bags

to decompose. Whether

you are shopping for

food, clothes or books,

use a reusable bag. This

cuts down on litter and

prevents animals from

getting a hold of them.

Keep a couple reusable

bags in your car so you

never leave home without

them!

What’s New at AST OEH&E?

AST recently placed a new Director of OEH&E, Jarrod Lloyd. Mr. Lloyd has been

with the Tribe just over 5 years and is dedicated to serving the AST community in

his new role as Director. His extensive background in Environmental Health and

Geographic Information Systems affords him to meet many needs that the Tribe

and its members have.

“Conservation is a state

AST has also brought on a new Environmental Manager, Micah Isaacs, to manage

and develop tribal environmental programs. Mr. Isaacs has the opportunity to help

protect Tribal lands by administering grants funded through the United States Environmental Protection Agency. His background as a biologist and surface water

quality expert will help grow AST’s EPA programs in order to protect the health of

community members and Tribal environmental resources.

of harmony between

men and land.”

- Aldo Leopold

AST OEH&E Programs



Sanitation Facilities Assistance

Tribal Response Program for Brownfields

Photo from Bing Images

Indian General Assistance Program

Clean Water Act Section 106 Water Pollution Control Program

Clean Water Act Programs

Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Program

Clean Water Act § 106 Water Pollution Control Program authorizes EPA to pro-

vide financial assistance to AST to establish and administer programs for

In This Issue



Sanitation Facilities

Assistance Program



Brownfields Program



GAP Program



CWA § 106 Program



CWA § 319 Program

the prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution. AST collects

water quality data on waters important to the Tribe. Data collected is analyzed for the health and safety of our environment and the AST community.

Clean Water Act § 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Management Program

allows EPA to fund AST in order to mitigate or prevent polluted runoff. NPS pollution, unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, comes

from many diffuse sources. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up

and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing

them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and ground waters.

Photo from Bing Images

Do you have a

Brownfield Site?

If you have land that you want to

use for business, park or for cultural purposes and are concerned

about environmental contamination, you may have a brownfield

site.

Typical Brownfield Sites Include:



Photo from Bing Images

OEH&E Programs

Sanitation Facilities Assistance

The OEH and E Office provides the following Water and Wastewater Service: New

Water Wells, Water Well Renovations, Community Water Line Service connections along with hookup and fees, Wastewater Services by providing New Septic

Systems, Renovation of Septic Systems, Community sewer service lines with

hookup and fees, Septic Tank and drain fields and Individual sewage lagoons.



Abandoned Buildings

Burned Homes

Buried/Open Dump Sites

Large Amount of Tires

Oil/Gas Well Sites

If you have a Brownfield Site that

you would like to develop, please

call our offices at:

Indian General Assistance (GAP) Program

GAP provides tribes:

1. Financial assistance to build tribal government capacity to administer

Give us a call for more

information about our

Programs

2. Financial assistance for tribes to meaningfully participate in environ-

Office of Environmental

Health and Engineering

environmental regulatory programs that may be delegated by EPA on

Indian lands;

mental program administration by EPA or authorized states, territories, other tribes, or local governments;

3. Financial assistance for the tribal solid and hazardous waste program

development and implementation in accordance with the purposes

and requirements of applicable provisions of law, including the Solid

Waste Disposal Act (commonly known as the Resource Conservation

and Recovery Act, or RCRA) and the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act; and

(405) 214-4235

We may be able to help you!

4. Technical assistance from EPA to Indian tribal governments and intertribal consortia in the development of multimedia programs to address

environmental issues on Indian lands.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

of Oklahoma

2025 S. Gordon Cooper

Drive Shawnee, OK

74801, Building #13

Phone: 405-214-4235

AST.Environmental.Progr

ams@astribe.com

Visit us on the web at

https://www.astribe.com/

environmental-health

Sanitation Facilities Assistance applications can be found at OEH&E offices or

online here: https://www.astribe.com/sites/default/files/application_for_oehe.pdf

For questions regarding Sanitation Facilities Assistance please call our offices

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, at (405) 214-4235.

Absentee-Shawnee Tribe Office of Environmental Health & Engineering Newsletter

Brownfields Program

The Brownfields Program is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency with a mission of empowering local communities, and other stakeholders

in economic redevelopment by working together to prevent, assess, clean up, and

sustainably reuse brownfield sites.

A brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may

be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance,

pollutant, or contaminant. The Brownfields Program provides technical assistance

for brownfields activities by protecting the environment while addressing potential

sites to ensure the health and well-being of our Tribal members, the local community and environment.

AST’s Brownfield Inventory for Public Record may be found here: https://

www.astribe.com/environmental-health

Absentee-Shawnee Tribe Office of Environmental Health & Engineering Staff

Photo from Bing Images



Jarrod Lloyd—OEH&E Director



Kyra Underwood—Administrative Assistant II



Devin Leitka—Tribal Utility Operator



Micah Isaacs—Environmental Manager

April 2020

Tribal News

www. astribe.com 11

April 2020

www. astribe.com

ASTHS April 2020 Monthly Update

The health system rapidly moved out upon the declara4on of a Na4onal, State, and Tribal

States of Emergency declared in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Health Emergency

Opera4ons Center (EOC) was stood up on 2 March 2020, and daily Tribal Crisis Ac4on Team

(TCAT) mee4ngs were held twice daily to monitor the deteriora4ng situa4on. Maximum eﬀort

was engaged in establishing temperature checks for employees, implemen4ng the CDC guidelines for employees and

their families, as well as implemen4ng the AST Pandemic and All Hazards Response Plans. Daily mee4ngs with the OSDH

Regions 6/8, the AST Public Safety and AST Emergency Manager were vital in a coordinated and synergis4c response

under the direct oversight of the Execu4ve CommiVee and Health Boards Chairwoman. Quick ac4ons and solid plan

execu4on saw that all homebound pa4ents were provided meals with all infec4on control protocols in-place as well as

care packages being provided to homebound pa4ents. Addi4onal coordina4on with the White House with Tribal Leaders,

other federal agencies, and the state all combine to assure vital Na4onal Stockpile Supplies were delivered and

implemented within our plan quickly. Several COVID-19 exposure “false alarms” were experienced early on as criteria

was in ﬂux and moving into a con4ngency conﬁgura4on which was aVained within only a few days as the health system

partnered with the state to get ahead of the deadly COVID-19 outbreak curve. While it will be some 4me before we all

move back into a “normal” life again, the spirit of determina4on, coopera4on, and assistance were key to this large-scale

Public Health response. Please con4nue to accelerate your personal hygiene and decelerate your social contact and

gatherings, especially if you are known with your provider to be in the high-risk category. While the tribe con4nues to do

all we can, it is also a shared sacriﬁce to also care for your family, tribal community, and those whom depend upon you.

Con4nue to work hard on this na4onal campaign to end the COVID-19 pandemic through informa4on, ac4on, and safe

prac4ces for you and your family.

We are always thankful and very proud of our outstanding star performers, and thank them all for their contribu4ons

to our pa4ents, their fellow employees, and the tribe, especially during an unprecedented 3 layered State of Emergency!

Employee Awards and awardees are listed below for recogni4on of outstanding eﬀorts in the face of life and death

during this deadly pandemic. The AST Health System always strives to make your health its top priority, and you all make

a diﬀerence for our health system and the health and wellness of all of our pa4ents!

March Health Employee Awards of the Month

Employee of the Month

Team of the Month

Special Leadership Award

Dr. Monica Durska-Keller

Temperature Check Team & Health Housekeeping Team

Mrs. Sandra Vaughn, Board Chairwoman

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

Execu4ve Director

SUPPORT GROUP FOR SURVIVORS OF ELDER

ABUSE, CHILDHOOD SEXUAL OR PHYSICAL

ABUSE, DOMESTIC ABUSE , STALKING, SEXTRAFFICKING AND FAMILY SURVIVORS OF

HOMICIDE VICTIMS

TALKING CIRCLE

Make sure you get

the Next issue!

Issues come back to us not

being delivered... make sure

your address is correct! Don’t

miss a minute of tribal news

and information! Anyone

needing to be on the mailing

list Please Call!

Sherman Tiger

AST Media Director

405-598-1279

stiger@astribe.com

OUR SUPPORT GROUP ENCOURAGES

PERSONAL HEALING WHILE PROVIDING YOU

WITH SPACE TO SPEAK FREELY AND

HONESTLY ABOUT LIFE EXPERIENCES WHILE

PARTICIPATION IN A CULTURALLY SPECIFIC

HEALING OPTION.

ALL GROUPS ARE CONFIDENTIAL

& ALL ARE WELCOME

FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH

6:00PM - 8:00PM (SHAWNEE)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED CALL FOR

LOCATION AND DETAILS- ALL ARE WELCOME

EVERY FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

TRIBAL VICTIM SERVICES

WENDY STAFFORD

(405)695-9125

This Project was produced by Tribal Victim Services under 2018-VO-GX-0033, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions,

Findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this project are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Tax Information

April 2020

www. astribe.com 13

FY-2020

YTD TAX COLLECTIONS

(thru 2/29/2020)

Tax Commission

Fiscal Year 2020 - YTD Tax Collections ( through 2/29/2020)

TAX