OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
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OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
LI-SI-WI-NWI “AMONG THE SHAWNEE”
WWW.ASTRIBE.COM
***NOTICES***
MASK DISTRIBUTION
The AST Office of
Emergency Management
still has masks available
for tribal members. They
can either be picked up
at the checkpoint
Monday – Friday
8 am – 4:30 pm or they
can call Assistant
Emergency Manager
Levi Walker at
275-4030 extension 6268
to request masks to be
mailed to you.
Chad Larman
Emergency Manager
AST Health System
now is providing a 24/7
AST Health System
24 Hour LIVE
CORONAVIRUS
(COVID19)
Information Number:
(4025) 695-1787
Have a safe and
Happy
Thanksgiving
Holiday!
NOTICE
NOTICE
Effective
11/3/2020-12/28/2020
Schedule Change
Drive-Thru
COVID19 &
COVID-19 Drive-thru testing available on Wednesdays from 5:30 pm-7:30
pm
Antibody Testing
Bring proper
COVID-19 Drive-thru testing available on Tuesdays from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm identification
ANTIBODY testing available on Thursdays from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm
Remain in your vehicle
Wear a mask
Be prepared to have
blood drawn
Little Axe Health Center
405.447.0300
Those not being tested
wil not be allowed entry
into the clinic
Testing is available to
COVID-19 testing held
anyone ages 10 and older
hh Nov. 3rd & 17th
hh Dec. 1st, 15th, & 28th
from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm
ANTIBODY testing held
at LAHC only
hh Nov. 5th & 19th
hh Dec. 3rd & 17th
from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
Shawnee Clinic
405.878.5850
COVID-19 testing held
hh Nov. 10th & 18th
hh Dec. 9th & 28th
from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Testing is open to public.
Fore testing inquiries, please call:
405.695.1787
In the event of rain or adverse
weather, testing will not be conducted.
November 2020
Vol. 31, NO. 11
Deadlines for COVID-19 Relief Fund Programs
On behalf of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, the Executive Committee has established
the COVID-19 Small Business Disruption Aid in
response to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Executive Committee understands the impact this
pandemic has had on our Absentee Shawnee tribal members and wants nothing more than to help
serve our people. The COVID-19 Small Business
Disruption Aid is designed to provide necessary
assistance to Absentee Shawnee majority-owned
businesses that have been negatively impacted by
the effects of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 Small Business Disruption Aid
is designed to assist Absentee Shawnee small
business owners overcome the temporary loss of
revenue, work-force/personnel issues, aid with inventory and supply shortfalls, capital access due to
changing market, aid in the cost of business related
insurance or Coronavirus facility remediation. This
aid is a one-time payment of $1,500 per individual
applicant or $5,000 for a company not exceeding
10 employees. Payments will be made MAILED
directly to the Absentee Shawnee business/owner.
For information for this fund go to the tribes’ website https://www.astribe.com/cares.
COVID-19 Food and PPE Assistance Program
The COVID-19 Food and PPE Assistance Program
is a one-time payment of $150.00 for eligible AST
enrolled tribal members. This service will be distributed and/or mailed out as a Wal-Mart gift card. The
Absentee Shawnee tribal members who meet the
guidelines are eligible for this service. No payment
or reimbursement will be made to the applicant.
This one-time payment assistance will be used towards food staple items, personal protective equipment and/or cleaning supplies.
All applications MUST BE SUBMITTED ON OR
BEFORE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13th, 2020.
COVID-19 Home Relief Program and COVID-19
Energy Assistance Program have expired with the
deadline of October 30, 2020.
Any questions about the CARES fund programs
you may call the AST Enrollment Department at
(405) 275-4030.
First Ice Storm Causes Power Outage and Tree Damage
Rare October ice storm hits AST complex on Monday afternoon October
26 and over night into Tuesday morning with many trees covered with ice
causing the complex to be littered with downed limbs and branches.
Due to the inclement weather the complex, ALLNations Bank and Shawnee
Clinic were closed on Tuesday, October 27th. Much of Shawnee was hit
with power outages beginning Monday evening but we were spared and
were able to resume normal business on Wednesday.
It was the first time that the National Weather Service in either Norman or
Tulsa had issued an ice storm warning during the month of October, and the
pre-Halloween glaze was the worst ice storm to strike at any time of year in
at least five years.
The Pottawatomie County Commissioners declared a state of emergency
due to damages from last week’s ice storm in their regular meeting Monday.
Any tribal members in this area that are needing assistance with tree removal or you are still without power, you may go on the website and complete the Disaster Assitance Forms. If you have any questions, you may call
(405)481-8564.
Any future closings due to inclement weather, postings will be on the
Absentee Shawnee Tribe Facebook site, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe
Office of Emergency Management Facebook site or the tribe’s website,
https://www.astribe.com.
No Quorum for the 85th General Council Meeting
On Saturday October 31, 2020, the 85th
General Council meeting was to be held
at 10:00a.m. The Executive Committee
called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
The Election Commission confirmed that 27
members were in attendance and a quorum
was not present. The Executive Committee
adjourned the meeting at 10:03 a.m. The
General Council meeting did not take place
due to not meeting the Constitutional requirements.
In article XVII-Quorum, the constitution reads
as follows:
General Council meeting, fifty (50) members of the General Council, who are eligible voters, shall constitute a quorum to transact business at any duly called General Council meeting.
The Executive Committee would like to thank those who did make it out on the cold windy morning.
If you are interested in a General Council book, you may request a copy from the Secretary’s office or the
Election Commission. If you have any question regarding any of the reports from the GC book, you may
email the Executive Committee at executive.committee@astribe.com
Future Closings:
Veteran’s Day
11/11/20
Thanksgiving
Holiday
NOV. 26 & 27/2020
2
Executive Committee
November 2020
John R. Johnson
Governor
Kenneth Blanchard
Lt. Governor
Ezra DeLodge
Secretary
Joseph Blanchard
Treasurer
www.astribe.com
Alicia Miller
Representative
Governor’s REPORT
Representative’s REPORT
Tribal members,
Ho wa se ke sa ke! (Good day!)
I hope this finds everyone in good health. October has been proclaimed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month by the Tribe. The AST Domestic Violence/ Family Services department held a drive-by
event on October 1st in which I attended and read the Domestic Violence proclamation. I have also
signed the VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) 2021 grant that will continue to get funding for the victims of
Domestic Violence. If you need any assistance or have any questions, please contact the Domestic
Violence / Family Services department at 405-275-4030.
This month I met with the director of AST Housing Authority (ASHA) and Police Chief to update the
Police and Housing contract. This contract provides police protection and related services to tenants
living in the ASHA-owned units. I am always happy to report how our departments work together to
keep our tribal members safe.
Also the second Friendship house is wrapping up construction. The Friendship House was made
possible through a partnership between the Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County and the
Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority. The goal of a Friendship House is to build trust and bring
resources into the neighborhood. The three-acre site occupies the southeast corner of Main Street
and Bryan Avenue in the Rolling Hills South Addition on Absentee land, just a couple blocks north of
Pleasant Grove School. I am very excited to tour this new house on October 23rd.
On October 16, 2020 the Constitution that was ratified on May 10, 2019 was sent to the BIA for their
records. By doing this the Constitution has been fully accepted and updated within the BIA. You may
find the complete version on the website.
The Complex remains in Phase II of reopening. This means the AST complex is open to tribal members by appointment only, no visitors. Keeping our tribal members and employees safe during this
pandemic is of upmost importance. If you need assistance during this time call the complex at 405275-4030 or go to the AST website (www.astribe.com) and click on the CARES tab. You will find
directions and applications for the COVID-19 programs the EC has recently passed. Please continue
to follow all CDC guidelines and wear your mask for the safety of yourself and others.
I hope you are enjoying the fall foliage and the cooler outdoor temperatures. I will begin by recapping
some of the most recent activities my office has partaken since my last article. Unfortunately, the
Coronavirus did affect many of our tribal staff towards the end of September, beginning of October;
however, many thankfully have recovered and returned to work (happy to see them). The depletion of
the workforce, within each of our respective areas, forces us to continuously evaluate how we maintain
moving forward in spite of this pandemic and safely provide services to our tribal members at the same
time. The tribe remains in Phase II. This means appointments are to be made if you need to conduct
business at the tribe. This is for your (health) protection and ours - as the numbers continue to climb in
our area and state. In October, I attended the Domestic Violence Proclamation reading by the Governor
and I applaud the work this DV department has done and continues to do. This is an extremely important service for our community. I also attended a series of monthly and quarterly meetings (gaming
commission, ASTHA/LSWN shareholders’ meeting, TEC, ASEDA, health board, and most recent tribal
participation in the local community, Shawnee Bridges Out of Poverty). I would also like to give kudos to
the AST Cultural Preservation Department for their 3 year grant award from the Administration for Native
Americans for the Absentee Shawnee Language Program. I foresee great strides in the preservation
and teaching of our Shawnee language.
JOHN R. JOHNSON
AST Governor
Thank you,
Governor Johnson
Secretary’s REPORT
Ezra DeLodge
AST Secretary
Tribal Members,
I hope all is well and we continue to take our precautions during this pandemic. To those who have lost
loved ones my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We are getting closer to the end of the year and things are extremely busy here at the tribe. Trying
to maintain a sense of normalcy during a pandemic is next to impossible. I don’t know if we will ever
have a “normal” as before. I do know together, doing our part, we can get past this virus and on to
better days.
There is no doubt the tribe has been affected by covid-19 and we have had to operate under different
circumstances, but we are able to pull together and maintain operations. At the end of the day the
health and well-being of everybody should be a high priority.
As always if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call, email or make an
appointment.
Respectfully,
Tribal Secretary
Ezra M. DeLodge, MBA
405.432.0733
ezrad@astribe.com
ALICIA MILLER
AST Representative
Since we have entered the last quarter of the year, we have been working on departmental budgets
with the finance department and preparing for 2021 and the fiscal impacts 2020 has dealt. It is my hope
Congress extends the period which tribes have to expend the Treasury CARES ACT funds. The tribe
will lobby our congressional leaders and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin’s office with letters
of support for this extension. Current CARES ACT fund programs for tribal members are the home
relief program, the energy assistance program and the gift card for food and PPE. These are one-time
financial (COVID-related) assistance programs for AST members. For additional information, please
visit the AST website under the CARES tab. There you will find program information, applications and
beginning/ending dates. Also, at the time of this article submission, there will be 2 additional COVID assistance programs up for vote at the regular EC monthly meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday,
October 21, 2020. The first is the AST small business aid and the other is for a second general welfare
distribution. I will be proposing a resolution for a website re-design. Since COVID, some of the tools of
communication we are currently utilizing for the tribal membership and general public is either lacking or
needs improvement. The website was identified, by my office, as a communication tool to create better
awareness of the ever-changing recommendations, updates and enforcements regarding the pandemic
public health information and orders, tribal services and available CARES ACT programs. The current
format is not conducive as we need it and now is an opportunity to fix it. Next month, I will further report
how this project will proceed once the outcome of the resolution has been voted on.
Moving forward toward to November, I would like to proudly acknowledge as Native American Heritage
Month. The AST Cultural Preservation Department will host some fun, creative, alternate cultural activities midst of this coronavirus pandemic. Please see the Cultural Preservation’s article for their announcement of scheduled events. Coincidentally, this year also marks 30 years since President George
H.W. Bush actually declared the month of November as Native American Indian Heritage month. Time
certainly flies…
Also, by the time you receive this newsletter, we either are casting our vote or finding out who won
national and state elections. Regardless of your state/national political affiliation, I encourage you to
vote or hope you exercised your right to vote. The next 4 years many tribes, especially self-governance
tribes, are concerned about eroding tribal sovereignty at the hands of those who have little to no knowledge of tribal (legislative) history and law regarding tribes. We all must continue to support and advocate
for the protection of our inherent sovereign rights and vote for those who will join our and support our
plight.
In conclusion, I want to thank our Veteran’s for their service to this country (Veteran’s Day, 11/11), and I
also would like to wish you all a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving.
Ne yi wa! (Thank you!)
Alicia (Aly) Miller
Tribal Representative
Cell: 405.287.5247
Email: aliciam@astribe.com
Executive Committee
November 2020
www.astribe.com
3
Treasurer’s REPORT
JOSEPH BLANCHARD
AST Treasurer
Hello Tribal members!
To begin this article, let me start by saying how much I enjoy this time of year. Many families will be gathering together to celebrate Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday period over the next couple months.
It is my hope many will be able to reflect on the year and truly have much to be grateful for. Some may
be experiencing the season’s events and notice the empty seat of a loved one missing. I pray our Creator
gives you comfort and solace. For those born in this month, “Happy Birthday!”
First, let me apologize for not replying sooner to emails or returning phone calls promptly. The last few
weeks, Finance staff and I started budget meetings with all Department Directors and Program managers. These discussions began at the end of September and have carried into October. Many of these
were postponed and rescheduled due to positive COVID tests and other possible exposures. As these
occurred, it created delays in service to Tribal members. However, many agree it is better to err on
the side of caution versus potentially affecting more staff and/or the community. Operating during this
Pandemic has presented occasional difficulties, but we’ve been able to overcome problems with limited
consequences.
For those who were unable or chose not to participate in the 85th General Council, here are a few of the
things I discussed and believe were important, regarding the departments of which I oversee. Before
receipt of this newsletter, Finance will have completed the “Request for Proposals” (RFP) to solicit an
audit and select a firm for the accounting of expenditures related to the CARES ACT. There has been
much discussion related to the interpretation of documents, stipulations and obligations, and advisement
received prior to my coming on board in July. Subsequently, my office was informed of a possible Code
of Ethics violation related to the renovation of the Lillard Property. I will elaborate more on this later once
there is more information to share about this allegation.
Additionally, I submitted an email to Governor Johnson and the other Executive Committee members, with
the suggestion to “Request an Extension” from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Secretary Steve
Mnuchin. Without sugar-coating, I’ll simply say, I’ve spent the last 20+ years trying to save and conserve
money. Now, I’m being asked to spend an extreme amount in a limited time span of 4-5 months, which
would normally be considered excessive and unreasonable. The latest news articles suggest there is a
2nd stimulus package and national disbursement of $2 trillion called the HEROES ACT. My efforts are
to show we have managed this initial payment properly, fulfilled our obligations to the stipulations and
reporting requirements, in order to maintain eligibility for any future payouts.
In conversation with Realty, I was informed a settlement has finally been reached over the Atoka Waterline Trespass. This is good news as its been 9 years since the initial investigation began and the reports
submitted back in 2011. For those not familiar, this relates to the City of Oklahoma City and an expired
easement on 19 AST allotments. More info will be released to the heirs once the agreement has been
signed, approved and reviewed by the Judge.
In closing, again, I want to express my gratitude to the ladies in Enrollment and Finance, our unsung
heroes. They have processed countless applications and helped render services and assistance to our
People during the pandemic. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. I can be
reached by email at: jblanchard@astribe.com or you may call my office at (405) 275-4030 Ext. 6280.
Neyiwa!
Seeking position of CEO for ASEDA
Chief Executive Officer
The Absentee Shawnee Economic Development Authority, (ASEDA, Inc.) is
a federally charted tribal corporation dedicated to sustaining, expanding, and
attracting business that benefits the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, (AST) and its
tribal members. The ASEDA Board is seeking to hire a Chief Executive Officer
to manage the ASEDA organization, oversee its multiple ongoing projects, business operations, manage staff, and launch projects that have been identified as
important to the growth of the AST. This position will be responsible to develop
strategies to enhance, create, and build the AST economic development and
revenue diversification activities, including the complex analysis of data related
to planning, financing, tax incentive packaging, marketing, and business assistance programming. More importantly, this position would be responsible to
develop long and short-term economic and community development goals.
A complete job description will be available on
https://aseconomicdevelopment.com/home/. Candidates are required to submit
a cover letter and a resume electronically, to Mr. Tim Burg at tburg@shawneeforward.com.
The selection process will be made by the ASEDA Board with input from the
AST Executive Committee.
Joseph H. Blanchard
Resolutions
The following are the Resolutions passed through
OCTOBER 28, 2020
EXECUTIVE RESOLUTIONS:
ABSENTEE-SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
SPECIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
E-AS-2020-50
A RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA AUTHORIZING
THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHOIUTY, INC.
TO APPLY FOR A 2020 GRANT FROM THE BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS NATIVE AMEIUCAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE FORA FEASIBILITY
STUDY TO DETERMINE THE BEST USAGE OF UNDEVELOPED PROPERTIES OWNED BY THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TIUBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA.
ABSENTEE-SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
REGULAR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
OCTOBER 21, 2020
E-AS-2020-53
A RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA HEREBY AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE CONDUCTING OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEETINGS BY USE OF VIRTUAL MEDIA ATTENDANCE BY ALL EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS, STAFF AND TRIBAL MEMBERS AS THE CONTINUING COVID-19 EMERGENCY MEASURES MAY REQUIRE AND FOR OTHER
SIMILAR EMERGENCIES AS REQUIRED. ALL VIRTUAL MEETINGS WILL
ORIGINATE FROM THE AST TRIBAL HEADQUARTERS AND CAN BE JOINED
REMOTELY BY ANY OR ALL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND OTHERS.
E-AS-2020-54
A RESOLUTION DULY PROPOSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF
THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA HEREBY
AMENDING RESOLUTION E-AS-2020-17 WHICH AMENDS THE DISTRIBUTION OF CARES ACT FUNDS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE NEEDS FOR
PHASE ONE HIGH PRIORITY PROJECTS SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO
HEALTHCARE PROJECTS ONLY AND AS IDENTIFIED IN THE ATTACHED
HIGH PRIORITY LIST AND RECOGNIZING THAT FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY-SEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY TWO DOLLARS AND
ZERO CENTS ($437,392.00) IN CARES ACT FUNDS SHALL BE REALLOCATED FOR FUTURE PROJECTS (ATTACHMENT).
E-AS-2020-56
A RESOLUTION DULY PROPOSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OF THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA TO
APPROVE THE COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS DISRUPTION AID PROGRAM
WITH AN OVERALL BUDGET OF $75,000.
E-AS-2020-57
A RESOLUTION DULY PROPOSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF
THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA TO APPROVE THE STUBBLE CREATIVE, INC. WEBSITE RE-DESIGN PROPOSAL
IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000.
ABSENTEE-SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
SPECIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
OCTOBER 28, 2020
E-AS-2020-58
A RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF
THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA HEREBY
APPROVING AND ACCEPTING A SECOND DISTRIBUTION OF EMERGENCY FINANCIAL RELIEF TO TRIBAL MEMBERS OF THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OKLAHOMA FOR USE OF COVID-19 FUNDS.
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS:
ABSENTEE-SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
REGULAR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
OCTOBER 21, 2020
L-AS-2020-26
A RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA HEREBY AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURE IN THE
AMOUNT OF $27,000 TO ASSIST ITS INCARCERATED MEMBERS AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
L-AS-2020-28
A RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA APPROVING
THE THUNDEBIRD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER INC. (TEC) REQUEST FOR
AST COVID CARES FUNDS.
4
Tribal News
November 2020
www.astribe.
TAX COMMISSION
~ TAG AGENCY ~
ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
2025 SOUTH GORDON COOPER DRIVE
SHAWNEE, OK 74801
NOW ACCEPTING
Credit/Debit
Effective May 1 2019, the tag
office will
be accepting credit and debit cards.
Please note: a convenience fee of
2.75% will be added.
July 27, 2020
RE: MOTOR VEHICLE QUESTIONS
AST Tribal Members,
Per the Executive Committee, the AST tag office is operating under Phase 1 protocol. We are taking necessary
steps to limit exposure to Tribal members. Due to COVID-19, the tag office will be closed to the general
public until further notice.
The staff will be doing its part in helping to alleviate any motor vehicle concerns by continuing to process through
the outlined procedures below:
FOR NEW REGISTRATION:
405.481.8600 ~ Fax 405.214.4225
tax@astribe.com
Please email: tax@astribe.com or Call: (405)481-8600 for further instructions.
FOR RENEWAL:
OPTION #1- BY MAIL
●● Please include copies of your CDIB, valid Oklahoma driver license, current Oklahoma insurance.
OPTION #2- BY DROP BOX (Shawnee location only: west entrance of AST Police building)
●● Please include copies of your CDIB, valid Oklahoma driver license, current Oklahoma insurance.
OPTION #3- BY EMAIL tax@astribe.com
●● Please include copies of your CDIB, valid Oklahoma driver license, current Oklahoma insurance.
PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR ALL TRANSACTIONS
●● Payments accepted at this time: Check, Cashier check, Money order, Credit or Debit card. **In order to
process by Credit/Debit, we will need the Credit Card Authorization form located on www.astribe.com or
forms will be next to the drop box.**
The drop box location is on the west
entrance of the AST Police Building.
NOTE: Please be patient with us as we work through this difficult time and understand we will work diligently to
get your motor vehicle documents back to you as quickly as possible by mail. For any questions regarding
penalties/amount owed due to closure please call the number listed.
You can use the drop box for your business with the Tax
Commission.
ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE
TAX COMMISSION
For the Tax Commission, you will need to contact them
by phone or email, to let them know that you have left
documents to get a vehicle tag.
2025 S. GORDON COOPER DRIVE
SHAWNEE, OK 74801
(405)481-8600 ● Fax: (405)214-4225 ● Email: tax@astribe.com
NEW REGISTRATIONS:
RENEWALS:
Documents Needed:
-
tax@astribe.com
405.481.8600
fax: 405.214.4225
Documents Needed:
Valid Oklahoma Driver’s License
Valid Oklahoma Insurance
Enrollment Card
Notarized Title
Notarized Bill of Sale or
Purchase Agreement
Lien Entry Form (if you are making
payments)
Lien Release Form (if previous owner had
lien)
-
Valid Oklahoma Driver’s License
Valid Oklahoma Insurance
Enrollment Card
PROCESS STEPS:
1. After receiving all necessary motor vehicle
documents, we will enter the data into our
tag program and process the payment.
2. After processing the renewal we will mail
you the Registration, Receipt, and Decal.
NOTE: You may be asked to provide supporting
documentation for verification purposes.
NOTE: All documents for a Renewal must be
emailed, mailed in or left in drop box at the
Shawnee Campus Police Station.
PROCESS STEPS:
1. After receiving all necessary motor vehicle
documents, we will enter the data into our
tag program and process the payment.
2. Then we will Email/Fax/Mail the Application
form for you (Tribal Member) to sign; don’t
worry about the notary portion. Please sign
and send Application back.
3. Once signed Application is received we will
complete the process.
4. All items will be mailed to you. Includes:
AST Title, Registration, Application, Receipt,
and Tag.
Make sure you get the
next issue!
TAG PRICES:
NOTE: All documents for New Registrations
must be mailed in or left in drop box at the
Shawnee Campus Police Station.
1-4 YEARS
$85
5-8 YEARS
$75
9-12 YEARS
$55
13-16 YEARS
$35
17-Over YEARS
$15
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 the AST
enrollment or email us at
newsletter@astribe.com
PENALTY
$0.25 A DAY
FY-2020
FY-2020
YTD TAX COLLECTIONS
YTD TAX COLLECTIONS
(thru 9/30/2020)
(thru 9/30/2020)
TAX
CATEGORY
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Sales (6%)
Gaming % of free cash
Employee (1%)
Severance (8%)
Motor Vehicle
Motor Fuel Taxes (Qtrly.)
Tobacco Refund
$7,499.91
$250,000.00
$18,216.80
$3,817.67
$14,622.24
$43,922.66
$8,640.57
$8,834.40
$200,000.00
$19,868.77
$0.00
$15,652.41
$0.00
$7,320.64
$13,276.94
$200,000.00
$8,424.95
$4,177.14
$9,718.02
$0.00
$6,906.11
$3,782.80
$250,000.00
$22,071.85
$0.00
$14,375.66
$38,779.48
$6,651.73
$0.00
$0.00
$4,440.11
$746.04
$15,329.57
$0.00
$4,373.24
$3,215.94
$0.00
$13,792.86
$0.00
$28,960.40
$0.00
$9,270.15
$4,056.92
$0.00
$15,149.85
$1,524.92
$27,799.05
$34,188.16
$10,594.56
$3,961.02
$200,000.00
$9,105.56
$3,032.87
$15,763.32
$0.00
$7,442.15
$3,985.05
$200,000.00
$13,437.32
$0.00
$18,396.24
$0.00
$7,145.74
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$48,612.98
$1,300,000.00
$124,508.07
$13,298.64
$160,616.91
$116,890.30
$68,344.89
TOTAL TAXES
$346,719.85
$251,676.22
$242,503.16
$335,661.52
$24,888.96
$55,239.35
$93,313.46
$239,304.92
$242,964.35
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,832,271.79
Miscellaneous
$874.50
$69.15
$119.00
$76.00
$201.00
$152.00
$182.00
$120.00
$252.40
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$2,046.05
0.11%
$347,594.35
$251,745.37
$242,622.16
$335,737.52
$25,089.96
$55,391.35
$93,495.46
$239,424.92
$243,216.75
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$1,834,317.84
100%
TOTAL COLLECTIONS
YEAR-TO-DATE % OF TAXES
TOTAL
COLLECTED
2.65%
70.87%
6.79%
0.72%
8.76%
6.37%
3.73%
Health News
November 2020
SHAWNEE CLINIC
405.878.5950
LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER
405.447.0300
www.astribe.com
5
PLUSCARE
405.447.0477
ASTHS November 2020 Monthly Update
The pandemic continues to impact every aspect of life moving into the fall season.
Please ensure you remain vigilant with safety precautions and prepare to
continue to live and work as you need to, but with enhanced awareness and
use of safety precautions and CDC guidelines. Make sure you are protecting
your family, neighbors, tribe, and yourself as we all attempt to move about
with our normal daily activities, but do so in a safe and courteous manner.
Remember: “Your mask protects me, my mask protects you.” With the holidays approaching, please ensure you take extra caution when visiting with
family and friends; do not let your guard down in fighting this horrible disease!
We will continue our COVID-19 drive through testing events weekly along
with antibody testing. The COVID-19 Information Line is 24/7 and here to
help our Tribal members and other patients with their pandemic questions.
Your Health System has continuously been open for access to care, and remains open 7 days a week to assure services are continued for our patients.
We also continue to provide carryout and delivery of Title 6 meals to our
members with over thirty-five thousands meals being provided to date this
year by Dos Owens and her team to our most vulnerable population! Please
follow our COVID-19 page on the Health System Website as well as follow us
on Facebook and the AST Tribe’s Government Page for the latest information
regarding access to services and support. Let’s continue to work together
to defeat COVID-19 in our Native American and surrounding communities by
protecting our most vulnerable population, our Elders and our other high-risk
populations!
tomer service to our patients and other employees/staff (both the External/
Internal Customers)! 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 patients – “THANK YOU” for all you do!
October Health Employee Awards of the Month
Employee of the Month: Misty McGirt, Housekeeping
Team of the Month: Health Employee Appreciation Volunteers
Special Leadership Award: Chris Turpin, Pharmacy Director
November Health Employee Awards of the Month
Employee of the Month: Carol Myers, RN, Shawnee Clinic
Team of the Month: Primary Care Nursing and Providers (Shawnee/LittleAxe)
Special Leadership Award: Shelia Downey, LPN, LittleAxe Clinic
Mark E. Rogers, MAL, FACHE, CMPE, CHC
Executive Director
We proudly recognize our outstanding star performers, and thank them all
for their contributions to our patients, their fellow employees, and the tribe,
especially during our unprecedented times! Employee Awards and awardees
are listed below for recognition of outstanding efforts with ensuring great cus-
NOTICE EFFECTIVE Nov. 3-Dec. 28
COVID-19 DRIVE- THRU &
ANTIBODY TESTING
LITTLE AXE HEALTH
CENTER, 405.447.0300
For Your Visit
Please…
Wear a mask
Bring
identification
Remain in your
vehicle
COVID-19 testing held
from 5:30pm-6:30pm:
• Nov. 3rd & 17th
• Dec. 1st, 15th, & 28th
•
•
ANTIBODY testing held
from 5 :00pm - 6:00pm
(at LA only):
• Nov. 5th & 19th
• Dec. 3rd & 17th
For Antibody
Testing…
•
•
SHAWNEE CLINIC,
405.878.5850
•
COVID-19 testing held
from 5:30pm – 6:30pm:
• Nov. 10th & 18th
• Dec. 9th & 28th
•
For inquiries please call
405.695.1787
In the event of rain or adverse
weather, testing will not be
conducted.
Testing is open to the public.
Be prepared to
have blood
drawn
Those not being
tested will not be
allowed entry into
the clinic
Testing is
available to
anyone ages 10+
6
Health News
November 2020
PURCHASED REFERRED CARE NEWS
The AST Purchased Referred Care
Team is here to assist you.
Please follow the PRC guidelines. Keep a copy on hand and update your information.
To update your patient information, please see patient registration.
SHAWNEE CLINIC
PURCHASED REFERRED
CARE
HAS MOVED.
We are now located in
SHAWNEE CLINIC (BLDG. 17)
Our phone numbers have NOT changed.
EASY ACCESS
Purchased Referred Care is
conveniently located in
Little Axe Health Center and in
Shawnee Clinic, Building 17.
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
Closed on Holidays
All facilities closed the first
Wednesday of the month
from Noon to 5pm.
EMERGENCY AND URGENT
CARE SERVICES
PRC for a currently enrolled AST citizen who
resides in the defined catchment area and needs
emergent or urgent care.
1. Call the On-Call nurse at 405.447.0300, option
9 for triage.
2. Notify PRC on the next business day or within
72 hours after your ER visit. Notification does
not assure authorization of payment.
However, if you do not notify PRC within 72
hours, your bills will not be paid.
3. For AST citizens with no insurance, evidence
must exist that your visit was medically
necessary. Medical priorities have been
established for determining which referrals can
be authorized for payment.
4. For AST citizens with insurance, evidence must
exist that a third-party resource has made the
determination such services were “emergency
care” or “urgent care.” Such evidence my
include payment from private insurance.
5. In the event that you receive a bill from a
provider, please provide a copy to PRC. You
may leave bills at the Little Axe Health
Center PRC office or the Shawnee Clinic PRC
office.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
BILLING & PAYMENT INQUIRIES
REFERRAL MANAGEMENT
Little Axe Health Center & Shawnee Clinic Little Axe Health Center
REFERRAL MANAGEMENT
Shawnee Clinic
Glendine Blanchard, PRC Director
Darla Gatzman, PRC Specialist
Lena Carroll, Claims Processor
Jennifer Wells, PRC Technician
Keli Mitchell, PRC Specialist
Flo Mann, PRC Specialist, AST Patients/LPN
Laurie Webber, PRC Specialist, IHS Patients/LPN
Carrie Stanley, PRC Specialist, Medicaid patients/
Medical Assistant
Debi Sloat, PRC Deputy Director/RN
Lee Ann Sommer, PRC Health Specialist/RN
Leslie Davis, PRC Health Specialist/LPN
Lawana Martin, PRC Specialist, Medicaid Patients
LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER PRC
405.701.7951 (Please follow voice prompts)
405.447.0300 (Secondary)
SHAWNEE CLINIC
405.878.5950
SHAWNEE CLINIC PRC
405.878.5850 (Primary)
405.878.4702 (Secondary)
LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER
405.447.0300
PLUSCARE
405.447.0477
www.astribe.com
November 2020
Tribal News
Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Bag
Breast Cancer awareness month
Breast cancer unfortunately doesn’t stop
– not even for a global pandemic. Screening mammograms can’t afford to, either.
Mammography saves lives. Keeping up
with medical care – especially during the
COVID-19 pandemic – will help ensure your
health in the future. While you may have
reservations about going to the doctor now,
do not allow fear of the virus to prevent you
from scheduling your mammogram and
detecting any problems early.
Traditionally, October is the designated
month for Breast Cancer and Health Awareness. This year, due to COVID-19, the Little
Axe Health Center Mammography Department is going to carry this awareness on
through the month of November.
Beginning November 1, 2020, the first 125 patients that schedule their mammogram and have it performed will receive a Breast Cancer Awareness gift as a
thank you for choosing our facility for your breast health needs. In addition, those
patients that have their mammogram performed during November will be entered
into a drawing for a Self-Care gift basket filled with items that are great to start off
a self-care routine.
Please contact the Little Axe Health Care Center Radiology Department to
check eligibility and schedule your next mammogram. This will be open to
patients that are due (have no symptoms and haven’t had a mammogram within
the last year) or past due for their mammogram.
Little Axe Health Center
15951 Little Axe Drive
Norman, OK 730256
(405) 447-0300
Indigenous Pink Day ~Oct. 15th
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, AST Health System
employees wore pink on October 15th for Indigenous Pink Day to
recognize survivors and spread awareness that breast cancer can
affect all of us. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Native
women, and is the second leading cause of cancer death. However, all
bodies have breast tissue and are at risk for developing breast cancer.
Indigenous Pink Day aims to educate Native communities about the
importance of early detection, and remind women, men, non-binary,
and gender fluid relatives to talk to their doctors about breast cancer
screening.
Help spread awareness and encourage others to #GetScreened!
www.astribe.com
Should
I Still Get
a Mammogram
This Year
?
7
Breast cancer unfortunately doesn’t stop — not even for a global pandemic.
So, screening can’t afford to, either. Simply put: mammography (still) saves lives!
Is it Safe to Schedule My Mammogram Now?
Keeping up with medical care — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic — will help ensure your health in the future. While you
may have reservations about going to the doctor now, do not allow fear of the virus to prevent you from scheduling your mammogram
and detecting any problems early.
Share your concerns about scheduling your exam with your doctor, discuss your individual risk and decide together when it is safe for
you to return to care.
Once you schedule your mammogram, here are some tips to help you prepare:
Check with your provider about the safety protocols they’ve implemented, so you know what to expect at your next appointment.
Radiology practices, for example, are following expert guidelines from the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) and the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to safely resume nonemergency care like mammograms and other screenings.
Healthcare appointments will include multiple safeguards to protect patients and staff. For example, you may have your temperature
checked upon arrival, you may be asked to wait in your car rather than in the waiting room until your appointment time and you
will likely be asked to wear a mask while in the facility.
Follow staff instructions and take common-sense precautions - like practicing social distancing - during the visit.
Be patient. Radiology practices are spacing out appointments to allow for proper equipment and room sterilization, so more time
may be needed before your appointment begins.
Talk To Your Doctor
It’s smart to take all risks into account, but delaying an exam won’t make cancer go away — and it might make the road to recovery
more difficult. Talk to your doctor about scheduling your screening mammogram today.
Did you know the most rigorous scientific studies have shown that the most lives are saved by starting annual mammography
screening at age 40?
That’s why the American College of Radiology, Society of Breast Imaging and other medical associations
recommend that women begin getting a mammogram, every year, at age 40.
Why do I need a mammogram? Why start at 40?
One in six breast cancers occurs in women in their 40s, and these cancers tend to be more aggressive than those found in older
women.
According to National Cancer Institute data, since mammography screening became widespread in the mid-1980s, the U.S.
breast cancer death rate has dropped 38 percent.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention shows mammography screening cuts the risk of dying from
breast cancer nearly in half.
By not getting a yearly mammogram after age 40, women increase their odds of dying from breast cancer, and treatment for
advanced cancers ultimately found will be more extensive and more expensive.
We wear Pink!
Lawana Martin, LPN
Purchased/Referred Care
For more information on Breast Cancer, please visit https://www.americanindiancancer.org/aicaf-project/breast-cancer-awareness/
L to R: Stephanie Comstock, RN, Kathy Heldenbrand, RN,
Deidre Yarbrough, RN/Public Health Director and Keira
Dougan, Dietician
Breast cancer death rates declined 40%
from 1989 to 2016 among women.
The progress is attributed
to improvements in early detection.
[1] Source: American Cancer Society
Paint for Prevention
The SASP (formerly MSPI) and Native Connections Grants, would like
to thank everyone who participated in September’s Suicide Awareness
Paint for Prevention activity. We had a fantastic turn out of over 70 participants and discovered that we have some amazing artists among us!
As a reminder, Behavioral Health can assist in various ways to combat
suicide in Native Youth 12-24 through our grants. If you or anyone you
know may be having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to your provider, friend, loved one, coworker or call the National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline number 1-800-273-8255.
For more information about AST Behavioral Health Prevention Grants.
Please contact, Linda Gouge 405-701-7989.
John Soap
Outpatient Therapist
Behavioral Health
L to R: Victoria Salamy-Sullins, PA, Luvey Deathrage, PA,
and Miranda Wright, LPN
8
Tribal News
November 2020
www.astribe.com
Happy Birthday
to the Nov AST Members
Aguinaga, Jessika Lyn
Aguinaga, Julia Dawn
Aguirre, Daniel Enrique
Alderman, Makenzie Rene’
Alexander, Tammy Lynn
Alford, Glen Tecumseh
Alford, Reagan Elizabeth
Alvarez, Amanda Leigh
Araujo, Jonathan Jose
Arms, Cameron Blake
Arms, Dakota James
Badger, Casey Mae
Baker, Makaiah Lashaun
Balch, Emily Twila Kay
Baldwin, Ayveri Mae
Bates, Damion Christian
Bettelyoun, Cathern Mae Marie
Billie, Kathrine
Blanchard, Ashlynn Shay
Blanchard, Cayanna Dee
Blanchard, Dawsyn Rain
Blanchard, John Michael
Blanchard, Lisa Ann
Blanchard, Matthew Ryan
Blanchard, Norman Neal
Blanchard, Tobias Ray
Blevins, Dakota Royce
Blocker, Bailey Marie
Boatman, Allyson Lyndi
Boatman, Mark James
Bockoven, Tina Nicole
Boston Sr., Carl Kent
Boston, Arthur Joseph
Box, Jodie Gayle
Bradley Jr., Carl Franklin
Bradley, William Lee
Brandon, Sean Patrick
Breeding, Joshua Adam
Brewer, Rockey Darren
Brinson, Allen William
Brokeshoulder, Rita Gayle
Brown, Andrea Elaine
Brown, Keyondre Duane
Brown, Shandalyn Shermain
Bryant, Corbin Ash
Bryant, Lorraine Morton
Bryce, Emily Danielle
Buckheart, Felise Maria
Bui, Reilly Paul
Bump Jr., Richard Dewitt
Campbell, Lousetta
Carolina, Jammie Leann
Carter, Andrea Dawn
Caudillo, Robert Lee
Chisholm, Cole Nathanial
Collett, Dillon Wayne
Colungo, Antonio Joaquin
Cortez, Alixus Renee
Creek, Kaydence Rae
Crossley, Joseph Tyner
Crow, Anabeth Sophia Ximara
Crow, Randon Matthew
Danner, Latonia Marie
Davis, Alexander Edward James
Davis, Eli Joel
Davis, Hannah Starr
Davis, Joshua Lee
Davis, Kayelah Janea Blair
Davis, Rebecca Ann
Day, Darnell Ann
Deere, Karena Louise
Dennis, Kayci Dawn
Detwiler, Tanya Elaine
Dietrich, Tricia Lynn
Dodds, Cody Ralph
Dolchok, Carole Sue
Donnahoe, Leah Jane
Doussett, Flossie Jean Spoon
Doussett, Gabriella Diane
Downey, Tyler Preston
Draper Jr., Russell Lee
Drywater, Sherry Lyn
Duboise, Rebecca Kay
Eckiwardy, Selena Monica
Eckiwardy, Victoria Destiny
Edgmon, Pacey Wyatt
Edwards - Fletcher, Atheda
Edwards, Chet
Edwards, Cutke Lashelle R.
Ellis, Paul Samuel
Ellis, Phillip Steven
Ellis, Scott R.
Embery, Aubrianna Marie
Fazende, Isabella Jasya Keith
Foreman, Robert Wade
Foreman, Thomas Henry
Fuentez, Ariana Yasmine
Garretson, Alayla Danielle
Garretson, Christopher P.
Gibson, Dante` Jamison
Gibson, Pamela Ann
Gibson, Wilfred Lew
Gomez, Petra Maria
Goombi II, John Duane
Goss, Melody Naomi
Gower, Jon Paul
Gray, Jared Christapher
Gray, Jeffrey David
Greenfield-Novick, Precious Dawn
Groves IV, Donald Eugene
Guttmann, Rosemary ( Bradley )
Hadjiconstantinou, Brent Christopher
Hale, Alisha Marie
Hale, Tyrena Skye
Harjo, Brittany Marie
Harjo, Jacqueline Rhea
Harjo, Maliyah Kinsley
Harjo, Tawanna Jo
Harp Brown, Tara Rae
Harris, Kallie Dahn
Harvey, Ronnie Troy
Hatcher, Donald Ray
Haumpy, Olivia Huerta
Haumpy, Zaylee Jew`el
Heisley, Robert Egan
Hemphill, Justin Travis
Hernandez, Isabella Lois
Hicks, Emily Nicole
Hill, Kambree Shaylyn
Hood, Allison Rachelle
Hood, Stefanie Michelle
Hopkins, Tabia Renee
Hopper, Deborah Ann
Huerta-Carrillo, Jacob Jeremiah
Hulett, Tiffany Gayle
Humphrey, Jo Lynne
Isaacs, Jon Edwin
Jacobs, Tiffanie Marie
Johnson, Evan Ryan
Johnson, Jackie Dean
Johnson, Jaylin Lee
Johnson, Michael Thomas
Johnson, Nizhoni Naim River
Johnson, Rayanna Kay
Johnson-Stephenson, Alyssa Cyndel
Jones, Easton Allen
Kaniatobe, Guy Eliot
Kaseca Jr., Frank Linn
Keith, Joni Cheryl
Keith, Lisa Gaye
Kilmer, Cheyenne Lashell
Kilmer, Kayla Marlene
Kirby, William Hunter
Lackey, Oaklen Ray
Lalehparvaran, William Majid
Larney, Patti Mae
Larney, Walter Lee
Lasenberry, Khloe Dawn
Leath, Timothy Coates
Leetka, Addysen Grace
Leitka, Devin Lance
Limon Jr., Richard Martin
Limon, Jocelyn Marie
Lindsay, Seth Ryan
Little Axe, Brandon James
Little Axe, Katherine Pauline
Little Axe, Paiden Taylor
Little Charley, Kieri Leeann
Little Creek, Lynda Carol
Little Jim, Caleb Frank
Little Jim, Clint Jason
Little, Dee Ann
If you have a birthday or an
anniversary to submit for next
month’s newsletter,
you may email to
newsletter@astribe.com
In Honor of
Veterans Day
Thank You for
your Service
Marvin Smith
USMC
Darrol Davis Army
Marvin
Darrol
Little, Lisa Ann
Littlebear, Clifford Newman
Littlebear, Josheau Alan
Littlecreek, Sammi Louise
Littlecreek, Sharon Renee
Littlecreek- Testerman, Skielar D’Wayne
Littlecreek-Watts, Lily
Littlehead, William Bill
Loeks, Betty Lou
Logan, Terri ( Sloat )
Longhorn, Joel Boyd
Longhorn, Stevie Lynn-Rose
Longman Jr., Henry Daniel
Lovins, Garrett Scot
Lowe, Skyla Reyann
Lowrance, Eaan Zane
Mack, Darrin Wayne
Mann, Loretta Lynn
Mann-Shopteese, Wanda Gayle
Martin, Tiffany Ann
Martinez, Clayton Dale
Martinez, Tiana Rae
Masquas, Jeanlene
McBride, Allison Lorraine
McBride, Marshall Dylan
McBride, Travis Eugene
McDaniel, Cody Aaron
McGirt, Elijah Ray
McGirt, Ricky Lee
McGonigal, Michael Shawn
McGuire II, Wayne Lloyd
Megehee, Sheyenne Nicole
Miller, Charles Ray
Mills, Lindsey Gayle
Minnck Larney, Kayla Leeann
Mitchell, Legus Trent
Mitchell, Meegan
Mohawk, Joni Marie
Montgomery, Stephany Sky
Montgomery, Zechariah Cyreke-Dean
Moore, Sophia-Marie Linda
Morlan, Derek Thomas
Morris, Austin Jay
Morris, Miracle Marie
Morton, James Cristian
Morton, Rebecca Lynn
Mossbacher, Avery Jade
Muench, Rose Ann
Musick, Dr. Charles Randall
New Moon, Jessica Lynn
Nice Jr., Jonathon Lee
Novick, Ridley Rose-Everly
Ortiz, Isaiah Faustino
Owens, Asher James
Owens, Rhett Patrick
Pannell, Amy Marie
Panther Jr., Donald Eric
Panther-Pitner, Eliazbeth La Rayne
Perez-Vargas, Joel Encarnacion
Pierce, Velisa Allyn
Ponkilla, Briana Cynthia
Ponkilla, Mary Frances
Preciado, Oscar Gabriel
Ramirez, Axel Bennett
Ramirez, Tiffany Elyse
Richard, Frances Ann
Ridenour, Lydia Paige
Roberts, Siera Brooke
Robinson, Sieanna Gail
Robison, Laynee Elizabeth
Russell, Averie Rayne
Salazar, John Thomas
Santa Cruz, Briana Danae
Sawinski, Ashley Dawn
Schoenebaum, Daxton Ryder
Sherod, Daemon Marcus
Shields, Brent Fremond
Siemon, Hudson Kennedy
Sinks, Robert Elmer
Sloan, Whitney La Rae
Sloat, Amanda Renee
Smith, Alfred L.
Smith, Anna Mae
Smith, Carolina Elizabeth
Smith, Garett Allen
Smith, Taylor Logan
Snakeman, Luther
Soap, Taziah Jayson Lee
Spoon, Ariana Nicole
Spoon, Bruce Wade
Spoon, Christopher Scott
Spoon, Joel Lee
Spoon, Kolee Raye
Spoon, Tresha Dawn
Squire, Lauresa Cerise
Squire, Michael Lee
Stacy, Daelin Shey
Stewart, Arvel Eugene
Stinger, Elizabeth Juanita
Stoliby, Daniel A
Stone, Heidi Nichole
Stuckey, Wade Dexter
Switch, McKenzie Ranee
Switch, Michael Dwight
Taylor, Ryan Aaden
Thompson, Jami Lynn
Thorpe, Gary Allen
Thorpe, Iris Nahla
Thorpe, Jasper Pristine
Thorpe, Jonah Azariah
Thorpe, Vicki Jo
Tiger, Dion Anthony
Tiger, Joseph Little Chief
Tiger, Nakota Cotcha
Tillery, Trevor Ryan
Tilley, Nelson Vaughn
Townson, Lindsey Denise
Trent, Danielle Elyse
Tyner, Michael Roy
Tyner, Wasalee Raine
Upman, Belva Ann
Vasquez, Makai Isaiah
Villalobos, Francisco Javier
Voyles, Devin Robert
Wakley, Stacy Ann
Wakolee, Garry Lavar
Wakolee, Jerry Lamar
Walker, Kurtis Robert
Walker, Ty Dewayne Owen
Wallis, Coltin Bryan
Wallis, Dawn Marie
Warrior, Aaron Duane
Warrior, Debra Faye
Wasley, Mandella Dawn
Watson, Brent Randall
Watson, Gavin Layn
Watson, Mckenna Ann
Weaver, Dylan Micheal
Werst, Nelda Jayne
Westberry, Justin Doyle
White Jr., Robert
White, Daniel Lee
White, Dustin Lee
Wilburn, Sonya Leigh
Wilkerson, Dorotha Fallon
Williams, Anfernee Isiah
Williams, Dominic Warrior
Williams, Ella Ann
Williams, Erik Braden
Williams, Heath Jared
Williams, Katharine Melina
Williams, Nathan Barrett
Wills, Jessica Renae
Wilson, Isaac Lane
Wilson, Joseph Scott
Wilson, Savannah Colette
Wilson-Ongaco, Tristen Xavier
Wolfe, Stormy Ray
Wolfe-Clark, Tina Marie
Womack, Grayson Wallace
Yandell, Raymond Lloyd
Yoder, Vanessa Lynn
Younger, Sandra Kay
Tribal News
November 2020
www.astribe.com
9
Cultural Preservation Update
The Cultural Preservation Department has continued to carry out essential
day to day operations to ensure the department continues to function properly. Currently, five staff members are available daily in the office from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. These staff members include the Director, the THPO, the
THPO Specialist, the Administrative Assistant, and the Gift Shop Manager. The Librarian is currently working remotely Monday through Friday
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is currently closed to all visitors except tribal members and
employees. In accordance with the Tribe’s protocols, those individuals
wanting to shop need to make an appointment with the Gift Shop Manager
24 hours in advance to allow enough time to notify emergency management. However, to ensure the safety and protect the health of all, the Gift
Shop has implemented the following 5 safety protocols that we ask visitors
to follow:
1. All are required to cover their mouth and nose with PPE (masks)
when shopping in the Gift Shop.
2. Occupancy Control – for your safety and the safety of our employees,
we are limiting the number of customers in the gift shop.
a. Only 2 customers will be allowed in at a time.
b. NO children allowed.
3. Avoid close contact (Social Distance)
a. Please keep 6 feet between you and other customers
4. Use hand sanitizer as often as possible
5. Sorry…NO public restroom is available. Temporarily closed due to
COVID-19.
We have placed decals on the floor to help
with social distancing. We have also installed plexiglass and hand sanitizer stations.
During the last month, the Gift Shop Manager, Mrs. Merry Rodriguez, has been
working diligently to refill the current
stock. We have an assortment of new AST
logo bearing merchandise, such as face
masks, available for purchase. We also
have new shipments from Pendleton like
the new Pendleton Army Blanket featured
to the left.
In addition to the new products, currently, we are running a 20% sale on
last season’s Pendleton products and Minnetonka Shoes. So, please call
and make an appointment to come shop with Mrs. Rodriguez. She can be
reached at (405) 275-4030 ext. 6310.
ceiving projects, the THPO specialist has reviewed, researched and gave
recommendation for the clearance of 83 telecommunications projects.
Grants
On September 29th, the department received some good news. The Tribe
was selected by the Administration for Native Americans for an ANA grant
to aid in the creation of a language program. This grant will be used to
implement a Shawnee Language Program to collect and create Shawnee
language resources in which to teach and preserve the language.
Upcoming Events
November is National American Indian Heritage Month, and the department has a variety of events planned.
•
•
•
•
•
Spirit Days Facebook Challenge
Gift Shop Promotion Spend-to-Win Wheel
Language Kids Facebook Challenge
Puppet Show Kits
Employee Email Quizzes
Please continue to check the website and tribal Facebook page for more
information and fliers.
Your concerns are important to us. We thank you for the continued support
of our department as we continue to make changes to our programs, in order to provide the best service to our Tribal community. My door is always
open so please feel free to contact me, Carol Butler, at 405-275-4030 ext.
6245 or cbutler@astribe.com.
Library
The library is currently closed to all visitors. Ms. Casey Wilson, our Librarian, is working on protocols that will ensure the safety and protect the
health of all visitors. More information will be posted soon.
THPO
Our THPO Program continues to make great strides and advancements.
Section 106 projects have been steadily coming. Over the past month, the
THPO has received 274 new Section 106 projects for review. In conjunction with receiving projects, the she has consulted on 206 projects. The
THPO has also taken part in numerous teleconference calls.
FCC/TCNS
In lieu of the shutdowns from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the incoming workflow of new and modified telecommunications
projects has been steady for the TCNS program. The THPO Specialist has
been busy reviewing, researching and given recommendations to the telecommunications industry. Over the past month, she has received 111 new
telecommunications facility projects for review. In conjunction with re-
From the office of AST Education Department ~ FYI
Tresha Spoon
HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY - PRESIDENTS CORNER
Dr. Ronald Graham, President
DUAL ENROLLMENT ONLINE COURSES ARE
NOW BEING OFFERED
Haskell is now offering Dual Enrollment classes
to High School Juniors and Seniors in all Oklahoma BIE high schools commencing Spring
Semester (January). This is a new Haskell Pilot
Program where both juniors and seniors will be
able to take online courses toward their Bachelor’s degree while still attending high school.
Further, “all fees will be waived.” High School
juniors and seniors will be able to take up to 18
units before transferring to Haskell (or another college of your choosing) to complete your
chosen degree programs after graduation. As
HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY
a high school student, you will soon be able to
Dr. Ronald Graham, President
experience college classes without leaving the
comfort and support of your home. You may ask…
how does this work? As a Dual Enrollment student you will be taking online classes
that will count towards your high school credits for graduation and credits toward
college at the same time. You can use these completed credits to transfer to Haskell
Indian Nations University or to another college of your choice.
Our administration will be working with each of your schools to identify a liaison for
you to contact and help you enroll and with any questions that you may have in the
near future. In addition, you can contact our Admissions Office at 785-749-8454 or
the Registrar at 785-749-8440 with any questions. Let our folks know that you are a
new (or interested) Dual Enrollment student when you call and they will take all the
time that you need to answer questions. Another excellent resource to contact would
be your Director of Education, Tresha Spoon at 405.275.4030 Ext. 6242.
Requirements for dual enrollment vary from state to state, so students should check
with their high school counselors and education advisors to find out if they qualify for
Haskell’s Dual Enrollment classes. In general, students must be at least 16 years
old and have a high school GPA of at least 2.5. Students will need permission from
parents/guardians and a high school counselor or principal. Among the classes
being offered through Haskell’s Dual Enrollment program include college writing,
college math, communications, history, art, biology, and many more. Again, “all fees
are waived” for students qualifying for this program.
--------For k12 Administration--------Recently a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was forwarded to all of the Oklahoma BIE k12 schools. So far Riverside Indian High School and Shawnee Public
Schools have signed the agreement. All High School Principals and Superintendents are encouraged to contact me direct at 785-813-2054 if they did not receive
a copy of the MOU for review if interested in this initiative. With the current health
challenges within the communities, there have been a few computer glitches. We
will respond to your needs immediately.
10
Tribal News
November 2020
Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
Child Care Development
2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.
Shawnee, Ok. 74801
(405) 432.8411 FAX: (405) 878-0156
Child Care Development
November 2020
•
•
Building Blocks II has been busy with renovation of our Shawnee Child Care Center. Due to COVID-19 and our Air Conditioner leaking and flooding our building, we are in the process
of renovating our facility.
We got bids on take down of damaged walls and cabinets.
We are having our Infant room, 4 year olds, 3 year olds and
Big Room damaged walls and cabinets replaced and the
floors relayed by Trilink. They have torn down the damaged
walls and cabinets already. Renovation will begin Monday,
October 12th, 2020.
www.astribe.com
•
We are in the process of getting bids for new playground
equipment and installation for both playgrounds. We are also
getting bids for laying a splash pad on our toddler playground.
•
We are also getting a bid on resurfacing the existing tile and
sealing the entire tile.
•
Briana Ponkilla, CCDF Grant Coordinator got an extension on
our 2019 Grant Money due to COVID-19 closing AST Complex and Building Blocks.
•
We are getting new furniture and replacing learning items
in all our classrooms. We are getting bids from Lakeshore,
Kaplan, and Discount School Supply to purchase these new
items.
•
Building Blocks Staff have prepared the classrooms and center for rebuild. They have also been cleaning the playgrounds
and shed as well as doing lawn maintenance.
•
We are doing daily cleaning and sanitization for COVID-19
guidelines and wearing our masks and social distancing.
•
Teachers and staff have been doing their yearly required training. This training includes our required Civil Rights Compliance training for CACFP and Infection Training for DHS. They
are renewing their CECPD/Ok Registry Professional Development Ladders as they are coming due.
•
Building Blocks has been busy trying to prepare our center for
reopening and we can’t wait for it to be ready.
We have openings for employee’s children at
Building Blocks III Child Development Center
16051 Little Axe Drive
Norman, OK 73026
We take virtual students too!
If you are interested or have any questions,
please call (405) 360-2710
Phone 405.432.8411 ~ Fax 405.878.0156
Email: briana.ponkilla@astribe.com ~ lanora.buswell@astribe.com
Absentee Shawnee Tribe
Office of Emergency Management
(405) 275-3200
2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.
Shawnee, OK 74801
ACTIVE POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES
FOR THE AST COMPLEX
Date: October 28th, 2020
AST HEALTH TESTS TO-DATE:
Completed: 5,406
TOTAL AST HEALTH TEST RESULTS TO-DATE
Negative: 4,975
Positive: 356 (53 AST Members)
Rejected: 68 | In Process: 7
POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY CASES:
New Cases (Today): 21
Total Cases: 2,232
Total Recovered (To-Date): 1,818
CLEVELAND COUNTY CASES:
New Cases (Today): 31
Total Cases: 8,400
Total Recovered (To-Date): 7,301
SAFETY GUIDELINES
Wash hands for at least 20 seconds
Please keep a safe social distance
between yourself and others (2 meters or
6 feet apart)
Restrict non-essential travel
Please wear masks while you are in
public to keep yourself and others
around you safe
We encourage everyone to sign up for
the Everbridge alert system to be notified
of emergency notifications as they are
gathered
20 people maximum for indoor social
gatherings, including wedding and
funeral receptions and birthday parties
Please stop at the Tribal complex
checkpoint to be screened upon entry
Please make appointments prior to
arriving at the complex to be allowed
entry
AST Health System Information
COVID-19 Drive-Thru testing is currently being held on the 1st
& 3rd Tuesday from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the Little Axe Clinic,
and the 2nd & 4th Wednesday from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the
Shawnee Clinic.
1 CASE
Useful Links
www.asthealth.org
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
coronavirus.health.ok.gov
Antibody Testing will be held on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of
every month from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm at the Little Axe Clinic.
AST Health System COVID-19 Hotline: (405) 695-1787
AST Office of Emergency Management: (405) 275-3200
AST OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COVID-19 | UPDATE DATE: OCTOBER 28, 2020
Tribal News
November 2020
www.astribe.com
11
Indian Child Welfare
I hope that this newsletter finds you well and safe.
This month ICW newsletter is focusing on foster care. The children usually arrive in the dead of night, silent and terrified.
Each year, many children join families through foster care. These families may face unique challenges. The acceptance of the differences between families formed through birth and those formed through foster care is essential in promoting positive emotional growth within the family.
By giving a child the chance to flourish emotionally, physically, mentally and culturally, the positive benefits are felt throughout their lives and
the Tribe.
The decision of whether to expand one’s family through the foster care program is an important one, and we hope the information provided
below gives you some insight into the various benefits, and challenges, fostering a child may present your family.
Foster Care - Frequently Ask Questions
Question
What is foster care?
What do foster parents do?
What are the basic requirements to become a foster parent?
Is there an age requirement to be a foster parent?
Do foster parents have to be married?
What is the process to become a foster parent?
What is a home study?
Is there training available for foster parents?
Will we receive any financial help?
What if all the adults in the household have employment, can
the home still provide foster care?
How long can you foster a child?
How good is fostering?
Answer
Foster care is a program where families open their homes for a
child to live until it is safe for the child to go home or other plans
for permanency are made. Foster care is a temporary placement for a child
Foster parents provide care for children who are removed from
their homes for specific reasons such as abuse or neglect.
Foster parents serve as temporary parents to a child or children
placed in their home. Foster parents love and nurture the children and provide for their basic needs of food, shelter, clothing,
and safety. Foster parents help the children maintain their social
and cultural connections and customs.
Both couples and single persons can become foster parents if
you are in good general health, have enough income to adequately support the people currently living in your home, consent to a criminal background check, have adequate room in
your home for an additional child or children, attend training for
foster parents, and most importantly are willing to work as a part
of a team to meet the needs of any child placed in your home.
AST ICW requires foster parents to be at least 21 years of age
before applying for foster care certification. AST ICW welcomes
foster families of all age groups. AST ICW encourages elders in
good health to become foster families and be a positive cultural
force in our Foster Care Program.
No, foster parents can be single, married, widowed or divorced.
What’s important is that you are able to give a child the love,
care and respect they deserve.
The first step is to contact the AST ICW and let us know you are
interested! Once you call or email, the foster care program will
assign a worker to your case to assist you with the documentation and do a home study. Your worker will contact you to schedule the first home visit in order to meet with you and your family.
A home study is a document developed from the information you
have given to AST ICW through your application, home visits,
interviews, and references. This document gives our workers
greater insight into the types of children that you can care for
in your home. Your home study will identify your strengths and
tell us how many children your home will accommodate, what
gender would be most acceptable and with what ages you are
willing to work.
Yes, your worker will provide Circle of Keepers training. This
training helps you understand your role as a foster parent. It will
increase your knowledge about children in the child welfare system and help you understand the issues faced by children who
have been traumatized by abuse or neglect. There will be other
pieces of training offered periodically that will help you in your
understanding and care of the children placed in your home.
The State will pay a monthly reimbursement to help with the expenses of the child. A medical/dental card is issued by the State
as well to each child while they are in your care to meet any
medical expenses the child may incur.
Parents can have fulltime employment and still be foster parents
for children. AST ICW looks at the whole picture in determining
what is the best placement for a child. There are some children
who will need a full-time parent in the home but each case is
evaluated on the needs of the child or children. In some instances when you work outside the home, daycare can be provided.
Be sure and ask your worker if you need day care.
The length of time a foster child will stay in your home varies
greatly, for a lot of reasons. Each child, foster family, and case is
different, and it may be nearly impossible to predict how long it
will take. Circumstances may also change over the course of a
case that might lead to a child returning home sooner or staying
in your home or foster care longer.
Placing children into a foster home can transform their lives, but
they are not the only ones who benefit from the arrangement.
Becoming a foster parent is extremely rewarding and for the majority of foster parents it is a calling rather than a job. Of course
there are highs and lows, but the positive for both partners outweigh any negatives.
If you are or know someone who may be interested in becoming a foster care provider or adoptive parent, ICW continuously seeks
culturally appropriate, safe and nurturing homes for Absentee Shawnee custody children. Please contact the ICW office
at 405-395-4490 or fostercare@astribe.com for more information.
12
November 2020
Tribal News
www.astribe.com
ALLNations Bank
Ask about our “AST Preferred Checking”!
You can either be an Absentee Shawnee Tribe Member or an Employee of the
Tribe or one of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s businesses:
Free Value Checks
.25% rate reduction with auto debit on consumer loan rates
Interest bearing account
$25.00 minimum to open the account
No minimum to earn interest
No monthly maintenance fee
Free direct deposit option
Free ATM/Debit Card
Free Online Banking & Bill Pay
Free Online Electronic Banking Statement
Free check images with statement
Free 1 year rental of a 3x5 safe deposit box or 6 months free rental of
a 5x10 safe deposit box (based on availability)
Free Notary Service
FDIC Insured
For more information contact us at
2023 S. Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee, OK 74801, PH (405) 273-0202
or 114 E. Main St, Calumet, OK 73014, PH (405) 893-2240
Member FDIC
Newsletter Subscription
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Future submissions for the AST newsletter can be mailed in or
emailed to:
newsletter@astribe.com
Mail to AST Media Department
219 E. Walnut
Tecumseh, OK 74873
Call 405-598-1279 or Fax 405-598-0221
NOVEMBER 2020
AST Health System will be closed on the following dates for Holiday
observances:
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2020
(Veteran’s Day)
LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER (LAHC), SHAWNEE CLINIC & SHAWNEE
PHARMACY CLOSED
PlusCare & LA Pharmacy OPEN 9 AM until 5 PM, last patient accepted at 4:30PM
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25, 2020
LAHC & SHAWNEE CLINIC/PHARMACY CLOSE AT NOON
PlusCare & LA Pharmacy OPEN 9 AM until 5 PM, last patient accepted at 4:30PM
THURSDAY, NOV. 26, 2020
(Thanksgiving Day)
ALL AST HEALTH FACILITIES CLOSED
FRIDAY, NOV. 27, 2019
LAHC, SHAWNEE CLINIC & SHAWNEE PHARMACY CLOSED
PlusCare & LA Pharmacy OPEN 9 AM until 5 PM, last patient accepted at 4:30PM
Please remember that on the first Wednesday of each month our facilities are closed from noon to 5pm.
Shawnee Clinic OPEN at 5PM until 8PM (last patient at 7:30PM).
PlusCare OPEN at 5PM until 8PM (last patient at 7:30PM).
* DON'T FORGET TO REQUEST MEDICATION REFILLS BEFORE CLOSURE.
LAHC PHARMACY: 405.292.9530 • SHAWNEE PHARMACY: 405.878.5859
In the event of a predicted severe weather forecast, please call ahead
for possible health system closure or delay:
Little Axe Health Center 405.447.0300 • Shawnee Clinic 405.878.5850 • PlusCare 405.447.0477
Health closures/delays are posted on the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health Facebook wall
“Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System and on the ASTHS website at www.asthealth.org.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.