# Inside This Issue... (2014) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3A22307389bb52f099 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text The Absentee Shawnee News March 2014 Vol. 27 No. 26 Inside This Issue... Page 2-7 Executive Committee Reports Page 8 Spotlight Employee Page 9 Finance Reports Page 11 Resolutions & Cultural Preservation Page 14 Title VI Menu Page 15 Horse Shoe Bend Page 16-17 February Birthdays Page 20 Big Jim Youth Award Application Page 21 Music Page 24 Realty Department Page 25 Valentine’s Day Bingo Page 26-28 Campaign Letters & Ads Page 29 Foster Care FROM THE ELECTION COMMISSION The Primary Election will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 The Voting Polls will be located at the Little Axe Resources Center located Tear Off F on Peebly Rd. BALLOT and in the Police ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA PRIMARY ELECTION Department MARCH 15, 2014 building on the INSTRUCTIONS: Cast your vote by placing a [X] or [ü] mark in the box next to the candidate of your Tribal Complex VOTING choice. in Shawnee, OK. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTION COMMISSION The polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at both locations. LT. GOVERNOR TREASURER GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 5, 2014 10:00 AM AT THE TEC IN LITTLE AXE John Al Little Axe ¨ Isaac Gibson, Jr. ¨ Isaac Bettelyoun ¨ Diane Ponkilla ¨ Wynona Coon ¨ Betty Watson ¨ Kathy Deere ¨ Ewell Longhorn ¨ Sharon Ponkilla ¨ Leah Bates ¨ REPRESENTATIVE Jeff Gibson Sample ballot: ¨ Sherman Tiger ¨ Dewayne Wilson ¨ Kenneth Blanchard¨ ELECTION COMMISSIONER COMMISSION MEMBER #2 Alicia “Aly” Edwards Miller ¨ Retha A.Wilson-­‐Pearman ¨ Briana Ponkilla ¨ Mary Birdtail ¨ Executive Committee Edwina Butler-Wolfe Governor Issac Gibson Lt. Governor Vera M. Dawsey Secretary Kathy Deere Treasurer Jeffrey Gibson Representative Governor’s Report Hello my Absentee Shawnee people! The weather continues to change as does the political atmosphere here on the campus. This month we were forced to close the campus several days due to the bad weather conditions. This was and is a costly event when the Tribe closes even for a day as it impacts services and revenue generating. As for the political climate within the tribe – well, that is ever changing just like our Oklahoma weather. It takes a team effort to make positive changes and strategically approach short and long term issues and right now our elected body isn’t acting as a team. I have and will continue to make concentrated efforts to work with my fellow officials to the best of my ability but they too must make that effort. In public forums and in our Regular Executive Meetings when these officials deem it a good day to make an appearance they state ‘we need to work together’. But enough about internal tribal politics and the weather which are two of the most common themes talked about in Oklahoma and with our Tribal people. Only your prayers and your steadfast support can and will make a difference. Let me explore another issue with you that you may have seen in the news recently. The City of Shawnee sent a letter to me and the three other Tribal leaders in the Shawnee service (Sac and Fox; Kickapoo and Citizen Potawatomi) area to ‘instruct’ us that we need to pay a 3% tax on any non-tribal person who shops in our tribal properties. Our Tribe currently doesn’t have any businesses in the City of Shawnee that would potentially be impacted by this act. However, this is a major concern to us as a sovereign nation as it is an effort to exert local government authority over us. I work with many of the businesses in the downtown Shawnee area and serve on the Safe Events for Family Committee and discussions I have had with these individual business owners has led me to believe this is the Mayor and City Commissioners at work as they passed the action during one of their meetings. If you have communication with them I suggest you ask the following: Can you educate me on why you would want to support non-Indian, non-member (meaning other Tribal) people being taxed as these are your constituents (voters)? We, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, are a major employer as are the other three tribes in this area. In the Shawnee and Tecumseh area we employee over 433 people. Of these we have approximately 150 from our Tribal programs that reside in the Shawnee-Tecumseh area with approximately $11.5 million in salaries being paid to Tribal employees. Last year our Tribe alone contributed $5,000 to the municipal pool; $16,039 to area public K-12 schools; paid $10,987 to Shawnee utilities; $114,875 to area colleges; and we do as much area purchasing as possible and utilize local businesses for these services. These contributions and/or expenditures I just mentioned don’t include our corporations (casinos, clinics and housing). We provide sponsorships for baseball; basketball; football; volleyball, soccer and after school programs as funds allow. We take part in the Rotary Club, contribute to the Kiwanis Club and many other organizations locally. For the City of Shawnee to erroneously state that it has seen its ‘sales tax revenues decrease significantly in recent years’ and imply it was due to Tribal enterprises not taxing non‘sales tax 2 revenues decrease significantly in recent years’ and imply it was due to Tribal enterprises not taxing nonmembers and non-Indians -this is a major concern to us. This implies to me that over the years the City looks at the Tribes as being part of the issue instead of a valued resource who employs staff; purchases equipment and supplies locally; participates in economic development and contributes to the communities at large – we are, in my opinion, part of the solution, not a problem. Our Tribal staff already pay extra taxes as each non-contracted Tribal employee pays a Tribal tax then taxes are paid to both the state and to the federal government. The AST Tobacco Compact taxation helps the state offset state educational costs yet we receive no thanks or mention to the general public. Our AST Housing Authority pays PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) each year to the City of Shawnee. When our Tribal members make purchases in local businesses they get taxed and we don’t ask them to tax on our behalf. That approaches the issue of taxation as a discriminatory practice. We are a sovereign nation and should be treated as such. Not a local government, not a state government but at the same level as other nations so why does the City of Shawnee want to do this? Only they can truly answer that. Did we cause the City’s revenues to decline? No. The records we have seen shows no such decline in the City’s taxes and we along with the other tribes in the area are now in the process of seeking further clarification. It would seem we need to work on leveraging our position in the City, County and State government by seeking to place in these elected positions those who understand and can aptly represent our Indian issues. There are over 640 eligible AST voters in the City of Shawnee. Your vote can make a difference – at the Tribe; in the City; in the County; State and in national elections. We need to become pro-active to ensure our concerns are heard and our issues represented. Discussions will take place with City of Shawnee officials about the 3% sales tax on March 24, 2014, 10:00 a.m., at the Cultural Heritage Center of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. These discussions will be held with Tribal leaders and key staff from the Absentee Shawnee, Kickapoo Tribe, Sac and Fox Nation and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. On another note this month I met with Rear Admiral (RADM) Kevin Meeks, the Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service Director, and it was an informative and productive meeting. We spoke of our concerns for the continuation of the funding for the Methamphetamine Suicide Prevention Initiative that is set to end in August and who and Treasurer Kathy Deere, Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe, & how those funds were being given and distributed; we spoke RADM, USPHS Area Director Kevin Meeks Continued on page 6 3 Treasurer’s Report Dear Tribal Members, Hope you had a good Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. AST Voting Day is Saturday, March 15, 2014. Please take time to vote for the best candidate for the positions of Lt. Governor, Treasurer, and Representative on the Executive Committee. This is your time as tribal members to exercise your right to support and elect the best candidate for these positions. As always, our prayers and thoughts go out to our AST families, who have lost loved ones this past month! • ASTHA and LSWN Health Board Meeting. The two health boards concurrently meet every third Tuesday of the month. They have newly appointed ASTHA board members: Melpherd Switch, Sandra Vaughn, Lancer Stevens, Lisa Johnson-Billy, and Dr. Surya Pierce. Mr. Mark Rogers, Health Programs Director, gave his monthly report updates on Affordable Care Act, Veteran’s MOA, Customer Service Line, patient portal, AST Health programs website (http://www.asthealth.org ) to educate tribal and community members on health insurance options. Reports on financials, business office-third party collections, credentialing and privileges, contracts, and other reports. • Financials for Health Monthly Mtgs, Monthly tribal finance, business officer manager, health finance, Shawnee Clinic Administrator, and Health Programs Director meet to review monthly financials and collections of the health clinics in Little Axe and Shawnee. • Monthly Program/Departmental Directors meeting. We had to postponed February meeting due to holiday (President’s Day). • REGULAR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS, meet every third Wednesday of the month to decide on executive and legislature resolutions for the advancement and betterment of the tribe. • Elders’ Council Monthly meetings are held every third Saturday, either at AST Resource Center, Thunderbird Casino, 10 am. If you are 55 years and older, please come join us for fellowship, food, and fun times together. Amendments to Bylaws were presented to the Elders Council for vote on February 15, 2014 and passed. Fund raisers, outings, and cultural activities are planned monthly. Activities and Events the Elders have hosted are: Veterans’ Pow Wow in November, Inaugural Ball, attended various cultural events in Canada, Iowa, New Mexico, South Dakota, etc., in and around the state of Oklahoma. The NEW officers are Dan Little Axe, President, Wynona Coon, Vice-President, Mary Birdtail, Secretary, and Emily Longman, Treasurer. Next meeting is March 15, 2014. If you would like more information about the Absentee Shawnee Elders Council, please call Mary Birdtail, 405-386-7851. • Thunderbird Casino Monthly financial meeting with General Manager, Dillon Byrd, Controller, myself, and/or other Executive Committee Member, who are available, to go over the monthly financials of both casinos in Little Axe and Shawnee. • Internal Revenue Service, AST VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). AST VITA is a service for free tax preparation for tribal members, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit components, targeted toward low-income families with children (Adjusted Gross Income Limit-AGI=$52,000) and tax counseling for elders. This is our first year and we hope to be successfully and continue to have this service for our tribal members and eventually be community wide. Appointments started February 12– April 12, 2014 (Wed, Thurs, and Sat), 3-7pm and 9-2pm. Our first week, we had 12 appointments, with 3 no shows, total savings about $2,430+ for AST tax payers and year to date refunds, $12,400+. We have a total of 12 volunteers including tax preparers, quality reviewers, and greeters/scanners. Appointments only, please call 405-275-4030 x 241 to set up an appointment and forms will need to be filled so you will be asked to come at least 20-30 minutes early. If you have questions, please call Eddie Brokeshoulder, 405-275-4030 x148, or email eddieb@astribe.com • CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA). Board directors will be meeting in the near future to begin implementing bylaws, incorporation, 501(c) and our two products: credit building, and small business loans. We are need tribal members to serve on the AST CDFI Board of Directors. Near future we will be advertising for an executive director of AST CDFI. If any tribal member is interested in being on steering committee, board of directors, or loan committee, please contact Eddie Brokeshoulder, 275-4030, Ext. 148 or email eddieb@astribe.com • Constitutional Revision Committee (CRC): Next meeting for the CRC 4 was February 20, 2014, AST resource center, to discuss the last few Articles on the constitution. They appreciated all your inputs and commitment to update our constitution. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Eddie Brokeshoulder, 405-275-4030 Ext. 148. Or contact Briana Ponkilla, her email address: brianaponkilla@yahoo.com NEWS FLASH Cobell Update (http://www.indiantrust.com): Have questions call the Info Center: 1-800-961-6109. TRUST ADMINISTRATION CLASS PAYMENTS EXPECTED IN 2014 Important Update: Trust Administration Class payments are expected to be mailed in 2014. The SettlementAgreement approved by Congress and the Courts requires identification of all Trust Administration Class Members and calculation of their respective pro rata shares before the Claims Administrator for the Cobell Settlement can mail Trust Administration Class payments. That work is ongoing and is nearly complete. After the membership of the Trust Administration Class is finalized, it will take approximately a month to complete the calculations for the over 500,000 Trust Administration Class Members. Once the Claims Administrator receives those calculations and the Court approves the Second Stage Distribution, the Claims Administrator will quickly prepare and commence distribution within three weeks. Please be assured that all parties are doing everything possible to issue the Trust Administration payments as soon as possible. Any questions can be directed to the below: Indian Trust Settlement P.O. Box 9577 Dublin, OH 43017-4877 By Phone: 800-961-6109 By Email: Info@IndianTrust.com Reading to Succeed By Janet Barresi, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014 As the third-grade reading law takes effect this school year, I have been contacted by a number of parents and teachers worried about the possibility that their child or pupil might be retained. The question often posed to me is: How can we consider holding back a child from moving on to the next grade? The question I pose to them is: How can we consider promoting a child who can’t read? We do no favors for students who are passed on to the next grade without their having this most fundamental skill. Reading isn’t just a subject; it is a skill that is the foundation of all learning. Education experts have noted that being unable to read at an appropriate grade level can lead to an array of other problems. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 88 percent of 19-year-olds who dropped out of high school were unable to read proficiently by third grade. Seventy percent of U.S. prison inmates cannot read above a fourth-grade level. But research has shown that with enough time on task and the right intervention, 95 percent of children can learn to read on grade level. We owe our students this chance to succeed. It is important that I clearly communicate two important points. First, this is not one test on one day to determine if a child is promoted. Second, retention is a last resort. I can’t stress enough that retention, as a requirement of the state law, is absolutely a last resort. Retained students would be limited to only those students who score Unsatisfactory in the reading assessment of the thirdgrade Oklahoma Core Curriculum Test (OCCT) and who don’t qualify for one of the state’s six good-cause exemptions. If a child demonstrates what typically would be deemed a second-grade reading level or higher on this assessment, the child will be promoted. A student who scores Unsatisfactory on the state assessment, however, will still have the opportunity to take alternate tests; a teacher can still show a portfolio of the child’s work to demonstrate grade-level performance. There are other good-cause exemptions as well, for English Language Learners, for children on Individualized Education Plans who have been previously retained and others. Some schools are considering transitional grades for retained students. There is nothing to stop a school from offering a transitional grade earlier than third grade. In addition, no one, including the parent, should be surprised if a child scores Unsatisfactory. Under the law, schools are required to use benchmark assessments at the beginning of each year for students from kindergarten through third grade to identify children at risk of retention for reading. Schools must implement individualized reading plans for these children, and Annual enrollment numbers come from the Oct. 1 enrollment Average Race/Ethnicity of Student Population, October 1, 2013 count taken annually by every public school district and charter school site in the state as received 52% by the State Department of 2% Education’s accreditation office. Asian, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Results are then certified. 7% Two or More Races Oklahoma’s student 9% population is 52 percent white, 15% 15 percent Hispanic, 15 percent 15% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 9 percent black, 7 percent “two or more races” and 2 percent Asian, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, according to the 2013-14 data. The three largest school districts in the state remain Oklahoma City Public Schools with 45,717 students, Tulsa with 41,115 and Edmond with 23,020. Moore, Putnam City, Broken Arrow, Norman, Union, Lawton and Midwest City-Del City round out the top 10. All 10 districts made up the same list last year, although some have changed ranking. See enrollment figures here: http://ok.gov/sde/documents/2014-02-13/state-student-public-enrollment-2013 parents must be notified in writing about the intensive intervention. To help ensure success for the Reading Sufficiency Act, the Oklahoma State Department of Education is requesting an additional $16 million in funding for the law. We are pleased to announce that we will be offering a summer undergraduate internship opportunity in 2014 for students of underrepresented minorities interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields (for example, agricultural science, economics, environmental engineering). Interns will be involved in handson activities related to climate research that will allow them to see the direct impacts of climate variability and change on forest ecosystems in Oklahoma, coastal areas in Louisiana, and the Texas Hill Country. Internship participants will travel across the South Central United States to visit university campuses and field locations and interact with faculty conducting cutting edge research. The internship will take place from Sunday, July 20, 2014 to Saturday, August 9, 2014. Interns will spend one week with the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, one week with Louisiana State University, and one week with Texas Tech University. All meals, lodging and travel will be provided during the three week period. In addition, interns will receive a $200/week stipend for the duration of the program. The program will not cover local travel between the participant's home to their closest airport, personal equipment (clothing, cameras, etc.), or other personal expenses. The deadline to apply is 5:00 PM Central Time on Friday, March 14, 2014. For eligibility requirements and to access the application form, please see: http://goo.gl/ZXjkZL The South Central Climate Science Center is committed to encouraging diversity in the sciences. Please encourage your scientifically minded students to apply for this unique opportunity to experience climate research hands-on. Established in 2012 by the Department of Interior, the South Central Climate Science Center provides decision makers with the science, tools, and information they need to address the impacts of climate variability and change on their areas of responsibility. The Center supports big thinking, including multi- institutional and stakeholder-driven approaches to climate variability, change, impacts, mitigation, and adaptation research. For more information: Aparna Bamzai Technical Coordinator South Central Climate Science Center Phone: 405-325-0539 Web: http://southcentralclimate.org/ Editors, Reporters: This release contains a corrected chart of the 10 largest school districts. Enrollment figures for 2012 were incorrect for some districts on the original. Enrollment in Oklahoma schools increases sharply in past five years OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 14, 2014) — The number of students enrolled in Oklahoma public schools has increased for the 2013-14 school year. The total enrollment of students attending public schools in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 is 681,578. That is an increase of 8,388 students from 673,190 in 2012-13 enrollment and 27,036 more than in 2009, five years ago. "Because of this sharp growth in enrollment over the past five years," said state Superintendent Janet Barresi, "I have asked for additional funding for schools from the state Legislature. I'm pleased that even in a tight revenue year, Gov. Fallin has proposed a significant increase for K-12 education. "Additional funding certainly isn't the sole answer, but we are working to ensure that common education receives as much funding as possible given fiscal realities. I also continue to ask local school boards and administrators to do their best to get dollars to the classroom so our teachers are better equipped to teach this growing number of students.” Oklahoma Public School Enrollment White Black American Indian* Hispanic *American Indian subgroup includes all students identified as Native American or Alaskan Native. SOURCE: State Department of Education, Accreditation Standards/Data Services from public school Applications for Accreditation for 2013/14. The Finance Department employees, very much deserve special recognition as they daily continue the never ending processes for the financial side of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. Without their tireless diligence, dedication, and commitment we could not keep the financial transactions processes flowing! Also, appreciation to the Financial Consultant, Eddie Brokeshoulder, who continues to assist me with numerous projects, recommendations/suggestions, attendance at meetings where I cannot attend, and consulting decisions in the office of Treasurer! Very special thanks to Arlene Herrera who serves as Administrative Assistant in the office of treasurer and secretary. We appreciate all your phone calls, emails, and visits. May God continue to bless you and yours! See below articles from Finance Department and Financial Consultant, Eddie Brokeshoulder. Respectfully, Kathy Deere Tribal Treasurer ‘‘TO EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE, WE MUST REALIZE THAT WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT IN THE WAY WE PERCEIVE THE WORLD AND USE THIS UNDERSTANDING AS A GUIDE TO OUR COMMUNICATION WITH OTHERS.” ~ANTHONY ROBBINS If you’d like to submit an ad or article: Give us a call at (405) 598-1279 or (405) 481-0558 or send us an e-mail to stiger@astribe.com Annual Enrollment Oklahoma Public Schools Statewide fall enrollment count from the annual Oklahoma Public School Applications for Accreditation (2008-2013) All articles for the next month’s issue are due by the 20th of the current month Unfortunately, we can only accept one picture per birthday person, not per birthday wish. SOURCE: Oklahoma State Department of Education, Accreditation and Data Services as of October 1, 2013. 5 Complex campus. We are working on the guidelines and policies that could work best to meet the needs of the Tribe and community. We will inform the public as soon as our plans are finalized. By the end of February we will have job postings for the new BBIII in Little Axe. We are still accepting applications for the waiting list for our new BBIII facility in Little Axe. We will update you on any new developments to the new center as they happen. We look forward to all the developments and strides we are making at Building Blocks II and III. Governor’s Report - Cont. from page 2 on our concerns on the Contract Support Cost claims and how they were being processed; we spoke about our own growing disease burden and health budget needs. We have forwarded a letter to address these concerns and look forward to continuing our dialogue with RADM Meeks and his staff on those issues and other related health initiatives. We have been seeing and hearing many things about our Casino, its operations and staff. In my recent attempt to learn about the Thunderbird Entertainment Center I asked for specific information. As-to-date I have received limited information. It’s not even clear to me who is on the Thunderbird Entertainment Center, Inc. Board. It seems that the General Manager is one of the Board members and one of the other Board members is his employee. I’m sure there must be more members than that but without specific information I don’t know the whole picture. Let me re-state what I have said before - We need to look at the composition of our Boards and Commissions and get Absentee Shawnee people on them that are part of our local communities, involved in industry, who understand the needs of our people and are willing to assist the Tribe to make progress. It appears we have an array of internal operational problems and the issues instead of being resolved are growing. This statement is based on Gaming Commission reports whom are tasked to report concerns to the Casino who in turn is expected to resolve them so that our Casino’s aren’t shut down or penalized by the National Indian Gaming Regulatory Authority (NIGRA). We have had a busy month in my programs and I would like to share with you what they have advised they are doing within them: Emergency Management This month our Emergency Manager did the following: 1. Attended emergency manager orientation given by the Oklahoma Emergency Management and took a tour of the Emergency Operations Center. 2. Met with Red Cross to discuss establishing MOU for assistance during disasters. These documents will be reviewed by legal and Governor and submitted to EC for consideration. 3. Attended National Summit in OKC to network with reconstruction experts, viewed the latest safe rooms and heard from national weather experts on updated data about recent tornado events. This was found to be informative with good resource materials. 4. Attended Intertribal Emergency Coalition hosted by the Iowa Tribe. FEMA reviewed comments from Tribes acquired during the tribal consultation policy comment period and discussed disaster related permanent work projects. 5. Attended Preliminary Damage Assessment Training hosted by Cherokee Tribal Emergency Management. Linda Day is the Emergency Manager and is located at the new police substation in Little Axe. Ms. Day is the contact for this program and may be reached at 405-275-3432. If she is unable to resolve your concerns please communicate with my office. Building Blocks This month has been quite challenging with regards to weather. Because of this, Building Blocks was closed for 4 days in the first week of February. We understand that this can create somewhat of a hardship on working parents. In an effort to listen to the concerns of parents, but still consider the safety of the children and staff, we reviewed our inclement weather closing policy with Governor Butler-Wolfe and decided to update it. Our former policy stated that Building Blocks would close ‘if Shawnee Public Schools close OR the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Complex closes.’ Our new policy states that ‘Building Blocks will ONLY close when Shawnee Public Schools close.’ We hope that this will alleviate any more confusion about when we close and decrease future hardships on parents. Our Valentine’s class parties were a huge success! The children had such a wonderful time sharing treats with others and eating all of the yummy snacks. Thank you to all of the parents who contributed snacks and/or attended. Also, thank you to the teachers for putting together such wonderful parties for the children. We have been working on increasing our enrollment. We currently have 63 children enrolled. Eight of those are new children. Currently, there are two (2) immediate openings in our toddler room and one (1) immediate opening in the two-year-old room. If you are interested, please contact us at (405) 8780633. All other age groups have a waiting list. However, we accept applications for our waiting list at any time. Building Blocks Child Development Center now has a Facebook page!! Please look us up and LIKE us!! This is where we will post events, closings, child development topics, and any other relevant information. This is a great way for us to reach our parents and the community. Building Blocks is a wonderful center and we want to share all of the great things that we are doing here!! Dates to remember: Law Enforcement During the month of January the Police Department responded to 99 calls for service and hosted the COPS Native American Training Series IV from the 28 Department responded to 99 calls for service and hosted the COPS Native American Training Series IV from the 28th to the 30th. The training series addressed community issue topics such as underage drinking, disorderly youth in the community and Domestic violence just to name a few. The training series also covered school violence/shootings, bullying and a variety of school safety issues. In addition to the previously mentioned topics the training series provided instruction and material to prepare tribal police leaders to address today’s law enforcement challenges in Indian Country. This training series made presentation and educational materials available to both the Governor’s Office and the Police Department that may be used for community awareness. The point of contact for this program is Police Chief, Brad Jackson, and he may be reached at 405-275-3200. If he is unable to resolve your concern communicate with my office. Building Blocks & CCDF CCDF The CCDF Subsidy program held a meeting for parents on January 30th to discuss the BBII rate changes and the provider reimbursement changes. These rate changes became effective February 1. Currently we have 25 children who receive child care assistance through the subsidy portion of the CCDF grant. The AST CCDF Coordinator and BBII Director have been working with the Governor’s Office on implementing an afterschool program on the AST 6 March 3: We wil celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday with green eggs & ham and birthday cake! The point of for contact for the Building Blocks program is Billie Thompson at 405-s The point of contact for the Building Blocks program in Shawnee is Billie Thompson at 405-878-0633. The contact the Little Axein Shawnee Building Block’ 878-0633. The contact for the Little Axe Building Block’s program and/or CCDF is Brianna program and/or CCDF is Brianna Ponkilla also at 405-878-0633. If they are unable to assist you with your questions contact my office. Ponkilla also at 405-878-0633. If they are unable to assist you with your questions contact my office. Education Education The Education Department is accepting applications for the Big Jim Youth Award Program The Education Department is accepting applications for the Big Jim Youth Award Program 2014. Please nominate Absentee Shawnee High School 2014. Please nominate Absentee Shawnee High School Seniors. We are still accepting applications for the spring 2014 term for tribal members interested in educational assistance. Seniors. We are still accepting applications for the spring 2014 term for tribal members interested in educational assistance. Tresha Spoon, Director, attended Tresha Spoon, Director, attended a Budget and Finance Committee meeting for the a Budget and Finance Committee meeting for the Oklahoma Council on Economic Education on February 12th and a Board meeting on February 19th. Oklahoma Council on Economic Education on February 12 and a Board meeting on February 19 . The Camp Nikoti-After School Program at the Little Axe Resource Center continues to serve Tribal members Kindergarten through 12th grade. The point The Camp Nikoti-After School Program at the Little Axe Resource Center continues to serve of contact for this program is Tresha Spoon, Education Director, 405-275-4030, Ext. 121. Please feel free to communicate with her and Tribal members Kindergarten throughif 12 she grade. is unable to assist you then contact my office. 405-275-4030, Ext. 121. Please feel free to communicate with her and if she is unable to assist you then contact my office. th th th Health This month Mr. Mark Roger, Health Director, worked on the Veterans Administration Agreement. He indicates it will be completed soon, and we will be able to begin seeing our AST Veterans in both the Shawnee and LittleAxe locations and bill the VA for these services. An open house enrollment and seminar will be held jointly with the VA just prior to the official roll out to educate all of our tribal veterans and serviced VA patients from other tribes receiving services at our area clinics. The AST Health System has implemented its new Customer Service Line. Please direct all complaints or compliments to (405)-701-7623. Please be assured that this is the best way to have each situation addressed, with consistent updates from our Health Staff. After the investigation of all issues is complete, our Health Director or a Clinic Administrator will personally contact you with updates, decisions, or question pertaining to your case. Pharmacy After Hours Process: After hours and weekends/holidays, did you know you can go to Walgreens in either Shawnee or Norman, and have a five-day limited fill on prescriptions? All you have to do is submit your prescription, identify yourself with your AST CDIB Card and other appropriate ID, and then they will fill your prescription! Upon the first workday, you can have the remaining balance of your prescriptions transferred to your pharmacy in either Shawnee or LittleAxe, and they will fill your remaining balance. This is an emergency convenience for your benefit and to save the contract health dollars as well, so please be aware of this and other benefits your tribe provides you. See the website for health at: www.asthealth.org including actions for your compliance with the ACA using the decision support tool. If you have questions for the Health area, please contact Mark Rogers, Health Director, at 405-447-0300 (Little Axe) or 405-878-5850 (Shawnee). If you are unable to get a response on your issue please contact my Office. Media If you should have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Sherman Tiger, Media Director, at 405-598-1279. If you continue to have questions and/or concerns contact my Office at 405-275-4030, Ext. 188. Conclusion In conclusion – I have 16 months to go and we have many unmet needs that I hope that we can address in the near future. Some of my top priorities over the next few months will be looking to educate the Health Board(s) on our concerns. This month the Health Board placed the former law firm we have been working so hard as a Tribe to remove from our system back in for another year. This Board and its members have the same mentality as the Bureau of Indian Affairs – ‘big brother knows best what you need’ attitude. I am very disappointed and frustrated with both Board(s) actions. If they truly want to help the Absentee Shawnee people then they need to LISTEN to us. I now believe in order to resolve the issues with the Board(s) that we must look at placement of individuals on the Board(s) that will hear our concerns and act accordingly. This Board’s actions are an affront to the Tribe. Another priority is to assist the Treasurer as she and her MIS department endeavor to complete a Communications Policy. This will assist in safe communications being provided by AST and make it available to users for the purposes of the business functions of the tribe. In looking to future I believe there are opportunities and challenges ahead of us as a Tribe and we need to move forward together as a Tribe to ensure they happen. I believe I can make a difference for all of our people with your help. Help me to make that difference – stand beside me and Let’s Build For the Future (BFF) united and together! Thank you again for your support. 7 SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Sherman Tiger This month my Spotlight features Mr. Sherman Tiger, Media Director, as the employee of the month. Sherman is an enrolled Absentee Shawnee Tribal member who does a great job on keeping within his limited budget, getting projects done, utilizing local resources to promote programming and creatively reaching goals that are established with and for him. Mr. Tiger came on board in 2011 as the Tribe’s Media Director and since then work products have been enhanced and creative projects have come from his department. Formerly, Mr. Tiger, worked in the Cultural Preservation Department, has served on the Election Commission and is active in local events, fundraisings and Stomp Dances. We appreciate all of the services that you bring to the Tribe. Thank you , Sherman. Let’s Build For the Future (BFF)! GOVERNORS SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe will be working with the six program department that she has oversight over and will monthly select an employee that is deemed to have contributed to their program and to the Absentee Shawnee tribe. The attributes to be considered are: Contributions to the community and the Tribe; leadership; performance and work ethic; teamwork. It is the intent of the Governor to recognize tribal employees who do a remarkable job and might not otherwise get recognized for their contributions. This special employee recognition program will be highlighted under my Office as the SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH program. Come join us at the AST Resource Center!!! Free Tutoring in all subjects! Games and activities! Delinquency Prevention! Healthy Lifestyles! And Much More! FREE GIFT CARD & GOODY BAG OPEN TO ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS We are looking for participants to join us in a discussion over our community’s prescription drug use and underage drinking issues. We are looking for adult community members as well as youth community members ages 15-19. There will be 3 sessions, one for adults, one for male youth and another for female youth. Each participant will receive a free gift card and goody bag! To sign up to join in on this community discussion send me your contact information and add your name to our list! This is first come first serve! Limit 10 per group. Everything is offered with no charge….Little Axe bus will transport students to the AST Resource Center on Peebly Road and parents are responsible for picking students up at 6:00pm. Duration: Starts October 7th and will run through the school year. Monday-Thursday, 2:45pm-6:00pm For more information and sign up please contact Blake Goodman at (405) 364-­‐7569 Kasey Dean – LA Behavioral Health Department 405.701.7993 Kdean@astribe.com 8 • • Finance Department Brothers Bottling Company, LLC a Native American owned water bottling company, owner John Fryrear, Company, of El Reno, OK. Fryrear gave a presentation on thebottling bottling Brothers Bottling LLC aMr. Native American owned water company. company, owner John Fryrear, of El Reno, OK. Mr. Fryrear gave a presentation on the bottling company. ASEDA welcomes tribal members and elected officials to attend our monthly board meetings ASEDA welcomes tribal members and 10:00 elected to attend our scheduled every second Thursday of each month, a.m. officials tribal complex Governor’s monthly conferenceboard room. meetings scheduled every second Thursday of each month, 10:00 March 2014 a.m. tribal complex Governor’s conference room. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (Article Written 2/13/2014) The Finance office continues our efforts in keeping the day to day activities flowing effectively and efficiently through communication between the Finance office and Programs. In working together, we have found the most time effective and cost effective processes for transacting business. The Tribe’s 2010, 2011, and 2012 Audits are “unmodified” opinion; which when compared to an educational grading scale is an A. The 2014 Indirect Cost Proposal has been submitted to the Interior Business Center (IBC) and I was notified on September 17, 2013 that it is ready to be assigned to a negotiator. The proposal has been assigned to a negotiator and I have answered the questions posed. Our rate AST INCOME TAX TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) AST VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER INCOME (VITA) is up from 17.74% for 2010 to 21.98% for 2011 to 22.35% for 2012 and 27.39% for 2013; I would like The to give much needed special thank-you toASSISTANCE our VITA Volunteer Certified AST IncomeIncome Tax Assistance (VITA) program which started February 12th B TheaVolunteer AST Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) program which started with 2014 being undetermined until negotiations during 2014. continues to12th prepare free basicto taxprepare returns for low-to-moderate incomefor Tribal members. At the February continues free basic taxGonzales, returns low-to-moderate We are preparing for the 2013 Audit which will begin early 2014Preparers: for all of Belinda Collins, Genevieve Foster, Jessica Jennifer Hernande time of this writing our VITA tax program has refunded over $12,500 dollars and a valuehas of the Tribe’s entities [Casinos; Store; Restaurant; Smoke Shop’s; ASEDA, Inc.; ASEDA, income Tribal members. At the time of this writing our VITA tax program services provided at $2,430.00 in savings. A final report of program success will be provided to Deer, Spoon, Brenda Claw and Mark Rogers. Also the following certified Enterprises; ASTHA & LSWN which makes up Absentee Health Systems; and Tresha the refunded over $12,500 dollars and a value of services provided at $2,430.00 in Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) and May newsletter. As site coordinator, Eddie Brokeshoulder Tribal Government.] All of the tribe’s entities must be audited first and then they savings. A final report of program success will be provided to Internal Revenue greeters: Treasurer Deere, Bettelyoun, Novadeen Hood, andBrokeshoulder, Stella Little. are combined with the Tribe’s Governmental Audit. Service Kathy (I.R.S.) and MayLeah newsletter. As site coordinator, Eddie th The finance department is completing accounting by the 10 day of the I would like to give a much needed special thank-you to our VITA Volunteer month. Financial reporting for the Tribe, Health Authority and Li Si Wi Nwi, Health Certified Basic Tax Preparers: Belinda Collins, Genevieve Foster, Jessica th Inc. boards and the Executive Committee for Absentee Health Systems,Our Shawnee program continues to accept appointments through April 12 . Please Gonzales, Jennifer Hernandez, David Deer, Tresha Saturday, Spoon, Brenda Claw and Mark and Little Axe (LSWN) continues monthly. The Finance staff has completed the th Rogers. Also the following certified volunteer greeters: Treasurer Kathy Deere, January reconciliations and financials. It is imperative the accounting 4030 staff x 241, for an appointment, do not wait until April 15 , the last day to file. Should continue to stay ahead of all of the accounting so that audits go smoothly, and Leah Bettelyoun, Novadeen Hood, and Stella Little. programEddie continues to accept appointments through Saturday, April x Indirect Cost rates stay up to date. Indirect cost proposals cannot be questions, submitted pleaseOurcontact Brokeshoulder, Site Coordinator at 275-4030 without completed audits as the audit is used to calculate the proposal. There 12th. Please call 275-4030 x 241, for an appointment, do not wait until April 15th, the eddieb@astribe.com. are many processes in place in your Tribe’s accounting department that ensure last day to file. Should you have questions, please contact Eddie Brokeshoulder, we keep accurate records of transactions. The Tribe’s accounting processes must Site Coordinator at 275-4030 x 148 or eddieb@astribe.com. be in compliance with GAAP; (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) and these rules are updated annually. The Tribe currently has compact funds of BIA, I H S, and approximately 51 Grants. In addition, the Tribe operates a General Fund and an Indirect Cost Fund. The new clinic building payments are current and have not been late and projections are that they will continue to be current going forward. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Finance Department has very hard working group of people and it is an honor to work with them, the Treasurer’s office and at the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. The Finance Department employs 14: with 6 Absentee Shawnee Development Corporation (43%) being AST Tribal Members, 2 (14%) non-AST tribal members, 6 (43%) being non-natives. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe filed for a Not For Profit Certification of This department would like to extend a special thanks and note of IncorporationAbsentee with StateShawnee of Oklahoma on August Corporation 2013, now named Absentee Development appreciation to the Executive Committee for providing the tools, resources, Shawnee Development Corporation (ASDC). A recent meeting with Kristi CokerTheand Absentee Shawnee Tribe filed for aCorporation, Not For Profit Certification Incorporation and support to enable the finance staff to reach its accomplished goals to Diaz, of First Nations Oweesta provided attendeesof Treasurer Kathy w continue with this effort. A special thanks and note of appreciation to Program Deere, Glenna Jones and I information on steps we need to take to assemble board of Oklahoma on August 2013, now named Absentee Shawnee Development Co Managers and Employees of the Tribe for their assistance and dedication in our of directors, implementing Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and advertise for continued group effort toward accomplishing our goal. executive director. TheKristi ASDC isCoker-Diaz, in need of a volunteer has a financial recent meeting with of Firstwho Nations OweestaandCor If you have any questions or needs, please call 405-275-4030 ext 162(ASDC). and I will A an business ownership background to serve on our board of directors. If you are be glad to assist you. provided attendees Treasurer Kathy Eddie Deere,Brokeshoulder Glenna Jones and I information interested, please contact at 405-275-4030 x 148. on steps w Respectfully, Access & Creditimplementing in Native Communities: webinar sponsored Belinda Collins take to assemble boardto Capital of directors, ArticlesA free of Incorporation, By-L by OSIYO Consulting, LLC and GBS, LLC facilitated virtual session which examined Controller. to improve access to Communities. advertise forways an executive director. Thecapital ASDCand is incredit need inof Native a volunteer who has The a fina webinar will assist our Absentee Shawnee Development Corporation by business ownership to inserve on our board directors.credit If you providingbackground best practices raising capital andof improving for are our intereste Tribal community. If you would like more information on the development of this contact Eddieopportunity Brokeshoulder at 405-275-4030 x 148. more articles will be presented in our upcoming newsletters. Contact Eddie Brokeshoulder if you have any questions at 405-275-4030 x 148. Greetings Tribal Members, Building a Powerful Grants Strategy: A free webinar sponsored by First Hope you are surviving the March winds, keeping your hair and bonnets Access to Capital & Credit in Institute Native Communities: free webinar sponsored Nations Development and GrantStation.AOwner Cynthia Adams gave by in place! As the third quarter of 2014 comes to an end, my how the quarters presentation on LLC establishing a grants calendar for which the next 12 to 18 months, andand GBS, facilitated virtual session examined ways to fly. The office of Treasurer continues to be a good steward of theConsulting, financial aLLC designing adopting a Grants Decision Matrix before beginning the process resources, ensuring stringent internal controls, sound financial management, of building specificingrants strategy for each project. access to capital and acredit Native Communities. The webinar will assist our accountability and transparency. In closing the office of Treasurer continues to provide accountability and Shawnee Development Corporation by providing best practices in raising capital and im Its election time again, get out and VOTE for the most qualified candidate. transparency in abiding by our Tribal constitution as custodian of all monies, related accountingIffunctions, which the jurisdiction control credit for ourand Tribal community. you would likecome moreunder information on theordevelopme of the tribe. The following activities I have been involved and participated: more articles will be presented in our upcoming newsletters. Conta Absentee Shawnee Economic Development Authority, Inc.opportunity (ASEDA): Respectfully, Eddie Brokeshoulder ASEDA continues to hold monthly meeting regarding economic development Brokeshoulder if you have any questions at 405-275-4030 x 148. Financial Consultant efforts for the Tribe. At our recent board meeting the following companies gave Financial Consultant’s Report a presentation: • Marathon Builders who have experience in the construction business such ***NO REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR MARCH FROM LT. Building as, Devon Boathouse in Oklahoma City, and over the last 50 years have built ina Powerful Grants Strategy: A free webinar sponsored by First Nations Dev AND REPRESENTATIVE*** 49 states, Canada and Mexico. Institute and GrantStation.GOVERNOR Owner Cynthia Adams gave a presentation on establishing 9 The AST Fitness Program would like to extend an invite to all tribal members looking to increase The AST Fitness Program would to eFxtend aH n ours invite to all tribal m looking to fitness increase currently parovides free classes to aand ll teribal members. Classes include: Kaickboxi embers AST lFike itness acility their levels of physical activity nd learn more about fitness xercise. The AST Fitness Facility t their levels of physical a ctivity a nd l earn m ore a bout f itness a nd e xercise. T he A ST F itness F acility a t Training, C hair E xercise, T ai C hi, B oot c amp, a nd A erobic F itness. T he A ST F itness Pro The AST Fitness Program like to extend an invite to all tribal members looking to increase the Rwould esource Center is fully equipped AST Fitness Facility Hours with s tate of the art treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary Monday t hrough T hursday the Resource Center is fully equipped with scycles, tate of dtumbbells, he art treadmills, elliptical achines, sitationary to help ysou gfitness et m started ncreasing your levels oOf ur physical aictivity nd exercise. We their levels of physical activity and learn more about andon exercise. The Fitness Facility isolation trength m achines, and a cable mAST achine. facility s also eaquipped at the Resource Center is fully equipped with state of the art treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary cycles, dumbbells, isolation strength machines, and a cable machine. O ur fo acility is also equipped come vbisit ur fitness fbacility and see bw hat foitness ur fitness program can bpands, rovide for you. Monday through Thursday with freestanding striking ags, medicine alls, exercise alls, mats, resistance BOSU 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. cycles, dumbbells, isolation strength machines, and a cable machine. Our facility is also equipped with with freestanding striking bags, medicine bballs, alls, exercise balls, fitness mats, raesistance bfor ands, BOSU and other various your preferred workout. ST Fitness Program 6:00 aexercise .m. e – xercise 9:00 balls, p.m. pparatus freestanding striking bags, medicine balls, fitness mats, resistance bands, BOSU balls, The A balls, and other various exercise apparatus f or y our p referred w orkout. T he A ST F itness P rogram Friday currently provides free fpreferred itness cRESOURCE lasses to all tThe ribal members. Classes Kickboxing, Circuit and other various exercise apparatus for your workout. AST Fitness Program currently RESOURCE CENTER FITNESS ENTER FITNESS include: currently provides fprovides ree fitness classes to classes all tribal to members. Cmembers. lasses include: Kickboxing, CC ircuit Friday free fitness all tribal Classes include: Kickboxing, Circuit Training, Chair Fitness Hours Training, Chair Exercise, Tai Chi, Boot camp, and Aerobic FAST itness. The FAacility ST Fitness Program is here th 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 thhere 1970 56p.m. Aerobic ve. N.E. Fitness. Fitness. Training, Chair Exercise, Tai Chi, oot cBoot amp, a1nd A The Aincreasing ST The Fitness Pour rogram is 1970 156 A ve. N.E. is a Exercise, TaiBChi, camp, and AST Fitness Program here toand help you getWe invite you to to help you gAerobic et 6:00 started o n y l evels o f p hysical ctivity e xercise. a.m. – 5:00 p.m. started increasing your levels of physical activity and exercise. We invite to comethrough visit ourThursday fitness Monday to help you get started on ion ncreasing your levels f isit hysical activity and e What e invite you tyou o program Norman, Oov K 7p3026 come our fitness facility axercise. nd see w our fitness can provide for you. Saturday/Sunday Norman, OK 73026 facility and see what our fitness program can provide for you. come visit our fitness facility and see what our fitness program can provide for you. Saturday/Sunday 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. CLOSED AST Fitness CLOSED Facility Hours The AST Fitness Program would like to extend an nvite to all Ptrogram ribal members looking to increase Friday The AiST Fitness would like to AST extend an iFnvite to ll tribal m embers looking to increase Fitness acility Haours Monday through Thursday 405-­‐364-­‐7298 their levels of physical activity and learn more about f itness a nd e xercise. T he A ST F itness F acility a t 405-­‐364-­‐7298 AST Ftheir itness F acility H ours levels of physical activity and learn more about fitness and exercise. The AST Fitness Facility at 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. the Resource Center is fully equipped with state f the art Ctenter readmills, elliptical machines, stationary Monday through the Roesource is fully equipped with state of the Tahursday rt treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary Friday tahrough Thursday cycles, dumbbells, isolation strength mMonday achines, nd daumbbells, cable machine. Our facility im s aachines, lso equipped cycles, isolation strength and a cable machine. Our facility is also equipped Saturday/Sunday 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. B–OSU 9:00 p.m. with freestanding striking bags, medicine balls, e xercise b alls, f itness m ats, r esistance b ands, with freestanding bags, medicine balls, exercise balls, fitness mats, resistance bands, BOSU 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. striking Saturday/Sunday balls, and other various exercise apparatus fballs, or your p referred w orkout. The AaST Fitness for Program CLOSED and other various exercise pparatus yFriday our preferred workout. The AST Fitness Program CLOSED currently provides free fitness classes to all tcurrently ribal members. C lasses i nclude: K ickboxing, C ircuit Friday provides free fitness classes to all tribal members. Classes include: Kickboxing, Circuit 405-­‐364-­‐7298 Training, Chair Exercise, Tai Chi, Boot camp, Training, and Aerobic Fitness. T405-364-7298 he TAai ST Fitness is A here 6:00 aand .m. – 5:00 pF.m. Chair Exercise, Chi, Boot Pcrogram amp, erobic itness. The AST Fitness Program is here 6:00 a.m. :00 p.m. ctivity and exercise. We invite you to to help you get started on increasing your levels of –py 5hysical to help ou get satarted on increasing your levels of physical activity and exercise. We invite you to come visit our fitness facility and see what ocome ur fitness porogram can provide for you. Saturday/Sunday v isit ur f itness f acility and see what our fitness program can provide for you. Saturday/Sunday CLOSED CLOSED AST Fitness Facility Hours 405-­‐364-­‐7298 405-­‐364-­‐7298 AST Fitness Facility Hours Monday through Thursday Monday through Thursday 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday Friday 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday/Sunday Saturday/Sunday CLOSED CLOSED 405-­‐364-­‐7298 405-­‐364-­‐7298 Oklahoma’ SOCIAL Oklahoma’ s news new SOCIAL HOSTHOST lawlawlaw Oklahoma’s new SOCIAL HOST means youunderage let underage drinking that ifunderage youif let drinking means that if means you letthat drinking AllNations Bank atoryour onproperty, your property, occuroccur at your house oryour onoryour property, occur at your house onhouse to $500 the youyou will will get fined, up$500 toup$500 for thefor you will get fined, upget tofined, for the offense. firstfirst offense. first offense. Personal Banking: offers a wide range of products and services to meet today’s consumer demand including our AllNations Bank Free Checking Account; Savings Account; Certificate of Deposit Accounts; Individual Retirement Accounts; Money Market; Now Accounts & Consumer Loans including Auto, Boat and more. AllNations Offers Free ATM/Debit Card with each personal account that can be used at our Shawnee OK Drive Up ATM. In addition, we offer a wide selection of Safe Deposit Boxes for rent at competitive prices. Contact Us for Details As Follows: Calumet Office - Gene Davis or Dixie Smith 405-893-2240; 114 E Main, Calumet, OK Shawnee Office - Gene Davis or Eugene Stidham 405-273-0202; 2023 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK Business Banking: FRIENDS FRIENDS FRIENDS $500 $500 $500 ELTHE SEWHO FINE HOST HOST THE MOSTFINE OL SMOST FINE OSE MOST WHO HOST LOWHO THE In addition to our Commercial Checking account, AllNations Bank offers a wide range of products and services to meet today’s business needs including all types of Commercial and Small Business Loans; Merchant Services; Night Depository Drop & More. Contact Us for Details As Follows: Calumet Office - Gene Davis or Dixie Smith 405-893-2240; 114 E Main, Calumet, OK Shawnee Office - Gene Davis or Eugene Stidham 405-273-0202; 2023 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK Banking Hours: 2023 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 Lobby Hours 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday Drive In Hours 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday - Friday Saturday: 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon AbsenteeHealth Shawnee Tribe Behavioral Health Services ProgramSPF– Program Absentee Shawnee Tribe Behavioral HealthSPF– Services Absentee Shawnee Tribe Behavioral Services SPF– Program 405.701.7987 405.701.7987 405.701.7987 10 RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTIONS THROUGH FEBRUARY 19, 2014 EXECUTIVE RESOLUTIONS: E-AS-14-05 02/19/14 Establishes that the 73rd Semi-Annual General Council Meeting for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma be set for Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., Thunderbird Entertainment Event Center, in Little Axe, Oklahoma. E-AS-14-06 02/19/14 Authorizes, adopts and approves the submission of four applications to the U. S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation, and further authorizing such approval for submission for the entirety of the fiscal year 2014 and continuing until the Year 2019. E-AS-14-07 02/19/14 Amends the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Criminal Code Chapter Six, “Traffic Offenses”, as provided for in the attachment Exhibit A, effective immediately. E-AS-14-08 02/19/14 Approves and accepts Rachel Anne Powell Hendricks, William Chase Anderson, Tabitha Rose Johnson, Royce Jaxxon Bullock, Anniah Faith Moore, Panther Sky Little Axe, Kaley Jean Tiger, Rylan Ambrose Ramirez, Shawn Daniel Boston, Vicki Jo Thorpe, Christina Gracella Preciado, Oscar Gabriel Preciado, James Francis Thorpe, Jr., Jasper Pristine Thorpe and John Edward Canales as enrolled members of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma as of the date of this resolution. E-AS-14-09 02/19/14 Authorizes the submission of an updated Tribal Transportation Improvement Plan to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Transportation for construction, overlay, or maintenance. Cultural Preservation Department The AST Cultural Preservation Department would like to pass along the following information concerning updates to each of our programs. Cultural Preservation This past month, we held our second activity of the year for our Program. On February 22nd, participants had the opportunity to learn how to make a Yarnbelt by Fingerweaving. Ms. Jennifer Onzahwah led the demonstration and presentation at the LA Resource Center. As usual, lunch and snacks were provided and we had lively conversation and good fellowship. It is my hope that those of you who participate will be able to take away a new skill upon the completion of each class. It is our intent to have an activity each month, though it may not always be a cultural or skills demonstration. If you have questions about the skills classes or would like to lead a demonstration, please call Joseph at Ext. 203, or send an email to joseph.blanchard@astribe.com Library We have a variety of resources available for checkout or your reading leisure including: magazines, newspapers, journals, CDs and DVDs. Since the last publication, we have conducted interviews for the Library Technician/Archivist position. The interviews are complete and a selection has been made so I will make a formal announcement and introduce our newest Team Member in the next newsletter. The Library program will be operational once again and services will be restored shortly. If you have any concerns or questions about membership or circulation, please call us at ext. 122. Gift Shop The Gift Shop continues to make progress in sales and new inventory. At the time of this submission, we have started to receive our Spring orders from Pendleton and our other vendors. Plus, come in and view our selection of CD’s in the Native style of music you prefer. We carry tunes for Powwow, NAC, and Stomp Dance. Also, the latest variety of bags, rugs and table cloths are now in stock. If we don’t have what you like, let us know. Oftentimes, we can ‘Special Order’ your request and have it on hand in a matter of days. If you have any questions, please call Esther at ext. 122, or by email at elowden@ astribe.com THPO Our THPO program continues to make great strides and advancements. As previously discussed, in conjunction with the National Forest Service, we are hosting a Heritage Resource Technician (HRT) Paraprofessional training, March 17-26. This will consist of 40 hours of Classroom and 40 hours of Field Work, for a total of 80 hours to complete the certification. The cost of the course is $200, which includes Lunch and Snacks. Please call myself or Carol Butler for all the details. Likewise, along with this activity, there is another opportunity, in the near future, for us to assist the National Railway Association, which will require an additional 4-8 hours of ‘E-Safety’ training. These classes are necessary for individuals to gain eligibility to become employable or contract out for services. 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. Thank you for your time. Joseph H. Blanchard Cultural Preservation Director/ Tribal Historic Preservation Officer 11 Introduction The information being provided is to help families understand what programs are offered through the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority and how to apply. Our programs target low income Native American families who need housing assistance. The programs currently being provided are Rental, Lease to Own and Down Payment Assistance. Subhead. Subh CONTACT INFORMATION: 107 N. Kimberly Shawnee, OK 74801 P.O. Box 425 Shawnee, OK 74802-0425 Phone: 405-273-1050 Fax: 405-275-0678 Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Application Process Our process begins with the completion of our housing application. When completing the application be sure and answer all the questions that pertain to you and sign all attached forms. If you should have any questions regarding the application; call or come by our office and ask our staff in the Programs & Admissions Department and they would be glad to assist you. The application will also require documents to be attached in order to complete the process; which are:  Photo I.D.  CDIB Card  Social Security Card  Birth Certificate  Marriage License/Divorce Decree/Custody Decree (if applicable)  Declaration of Section 214 (form is included with application) Each household member must provide a birth certificate, social security card and CDIB card (if enrolled in a federally recognized tribe). The Housing Authority will conduct a criminal background check and credit check on all adult household members over the age of 18. A home visit is the final step in completing your application. Eligibility for each program has income requirements; please be sure and review the current income limits on your application. We will not be able to process your application if you do not meet the income criteria. Waiting List A letter will be mailed out once your application has been approved notifying you of the date your name was placed on the waiting list. It is very important to stay in contact and notify the Housing Authority anytime changes occur in income, household composition, or contact information. In the event that your name is next in being offered a home; you will be notified by letter or phone. Annual Updates required to remain on the waiting list. Low Rent Housing Our low rent housing program is provided to families in need of housing in the Shawnee and Tecumseh area. Rental houses are furnished with kitchen appliances, central heat and air, and mini blinds all throughout. In the Shawnee area, the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority has two elderly/handicap communities. These areas have fully and partial handicap accessible units. A laundry facility is located in the community for tenant use only. Tenants in our rental program are provided services through our Maintenance Department; if any maintenance issues should arise you would contact the Housing Authority and a crew member will come and do the repair. Descendents of Fryor & Margaret (Christjohn) Brown Family Reunion If you plan on attending please call one of the people listed below to RSVP by May 1. We are trying to get a count on how many plan to make it. Also if you would be interested in Tee shirts let us know that too. Thanks! Please call: Glenda (Brown) Fuller 405-962-5732 Ronnie Lauderdale 405-765-2700 Twiggy (Wilson) Gregory 405-434-9136. John Soap Jr. 405-585-9268 Sissy Franklin 405-567-9254. 12 ! The Lease to Own Program is available for any Native American family who has met our requirements and would like to purchase a home through the Housing Authority. The homes offered are ones currently in inventory and owned by the Housing Authority. This program is designated for income eligible families who have been renting but now feel they are ready for the opportunity to purchase their own home. The application is the same as the rental; accept the income requirements are different. Be sure and specify when completing your application, that you are applying for the Lease to Own Program. If you have substantial rental history and meet the income requirements, your name may be placed on the waiting list. This program offers a one-time grant of up to $20,000 to assist with down payment and/or closing cost to purchase a home and is designed to make home mortgage payments more affordable Eligibility Requirements • Applicant must be eighteen (18) years of age • Must be Native American enrolled in a Federally Recognized Tribe, with priority given to enrolled members of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma to apply • Applicant must qualify as a low-income family, and must meet minimum income guidelines • Applicant must be first-time homeowner • Primary residences only • Must be approved for home loan • Dwelling Unit must pass environmental inspection ! ! ! All applicants are required to attend a counseling class conducted by our Resident Counselor before signing a lease. Annual Recertification are required for Rental/Lease to Own programs Inspections are performed on our homes annually MONTHLY RENT IS CALCULATED BY YOUR INCOME ! OUR LOW RENT UNITS HAVE 1, 2, 3, & 4 BEDROOMS ! LEASE TO OWN HOMES HAVE 3 & 4 BEDROOMS Applications are now being accepted for families that are over the income limits for our IHBG funded programs. Please contact our Programs & Admissions Department for further details. NOTE: There is limited homes available for this program. FY-2014 FY-2013 YTD TAX COLLECTIONS (thru 1/31/14) YTD TAX COLLECTIONS RUN DATE: 02/12/14 RUN DATE: 02/12/14 (thru 1/31/14) TAX CATEGORY JANUARY Sales (6%) Gaming % of free cash Employee (1%) Severance (8%) Motor Vehicle Tobacco Refund $5,532.03 $250,000.00 $10,095.26 $8,940.31 $13,670.11 $9,303.52 $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 $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 $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 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5,532.03 $250,000.00 $10,095.26 $8,940.31 $13,670.11 $9,303.52 TOTAL TAXES $297,541.23 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $297,541.23 Miscellaneous $600.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $600.00 0.20% $298,141.23 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $298,141.23 100% TOTAL COLLECTIONS FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL % OF TAXES COLLECTED 1.86% 83.85% 3.39% 3.00% 4.59% 3.12% $297,541.23 $298,141.23 NOTE: AST VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) Absentee Shawnee Tribe Development Corporation FREE TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE FOR LOW –to- MODERATE INCOME ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBAL MEMBERS WHO MAKE LESS THAN < $52,000 ü ü ü ü ü BOARD MEMBER NEEDED Trained preparers check eligibility for EITC and Child Care Credit Federal and State returns are electronically - filed with the IRS Confirmation the IRS has accepted your tax return Direct Deposit of Federal and State refunds available Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Limit = $52,000 The Absentee Shawnee Tribe Development Corporation is establishing a board to help further develop the AST CDFI program into a certified Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Please bring the following items: • • • • • • • • • • AST C.D.I.B. For married filing joint, both spouses must be present Taxpayers Proof of Identity (Driver’s License) and/or spouse Previous Tax Year Return All forms, W-2, 1098 and 1099 Information for other income Total paid to day care provider and their tax ID number Information for deductions/credits Proof of account for direct deposit of refund (e.g., voided check) Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and/or dependents. The CDFI board must be a representation of who CDFI will serve, and will consist of five individuals with skills and experience in or more areas of business, banking, accounting, business law, marketing, nonprofit management, or fundraising. If interested in serving in this worthwhile endeavor as a CDFI board member please submit a Letter of Interest and Resume to: Filing Period: February 12, 2014 – April 12, 2014 Location: Title VI Building, Tribal Complex Schedule: Wednesdays 3 P.M. – 7 P.M. Thursdays 3 P.M. – 7 P.M. Saturdays 9 A.M. – 2 P.M. Mail: Eddie Brokeshoulder, CDFI Steering Committee Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive Shawnee, OK 74801 Fax: 405-695-9780 Email: eddieb@astribe.com For more information (FMI): 405-275-4030 x 148 Call for an Appointment: (405) 275-4030 Ext. 241 Please arrive 30 minutes early to complete intake / review form. Appointments Only! 13 March 2014 2% milk served daily SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 Hot Dog Pork n Beans Chips Yogurt 9 10 Spring Forward Set clocks up one hour!!! 16 23 Spaghetti w/ meat sauce Veggies Salad Bar* Breadstick 11 Chef Salad w/ Chicken Cottage Chez Peaches Chicken Patty Mashed Pot/Gravy Brussel Sprouts Bread Mixed Fruit 12 Pork Chop Stuffing Green beans Cobbler 17 18 BBQ Sandwich Coleslaw Pickles & Onions Chips Fresh Fruit Baked Ham Sweet Pot. Blacked-Eyed Peas Crisp 24 25 Chicken Strips Mashed Pot. & Gravy Tossed Salad* 30 5 7 8 13 14 Biscuits Sausage Gravy Scrambled Eggs Baked Chicken Veggies Wild Rice Bread/Pears Manwich Pot. Salad Pickle Spear Prunes 20 Chicken Fajitas w/bell peppers & onions Tortillas Refried Beans 21 Enchilada Casserole Mexi-corn Tossed Salad* 27 28 19 Fish Sticks Mac & Chez Veggies Pie 6 Smoked Sausage Mac & Tom. Veggies Fruit 26 Beef Stroganoff Broccoli Cookie Wild Onion Dinner Beans Cake 15 Pancakes Sausage Patty Fruit 22 Biscuits Sausage Gravy Scrambled Eggs 29 Cereal Sausage Patty Toast Tropical Fruit 31 Hamburger Lett, Tom, Pickles Onion Rings Pineapples NOT GOING TO BE HOME CALL AND LET US KNOW AT 405-275-4030 EXT 169 OR NOTIFY YOUR DRIVER Lunch served Monday – Thursday Breakfast served on Fridays 11am to 1pm 9am to 11am Injury Prevention Since spring forward happens this month, its time to change out the batteries in smoke detectors or update your old ones! If you are a tribal member in need of a smoke detector or carbon monoxide home detector, please contact Rosie Tall Bear at the AST Little Axe Clinic (405)-4470300 ext. 7601. All you need to do is fill out a survey form and we can either install them for you or you can pick them up. Here are some fire safety tips to remember from the National Fire Protection Association: • Clean the lint filter from your clothes dryer and keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn • Make sure your smoke detectors are working • Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop & make sure you clean the oven • Check electrical cords to make sure they don’t run across doorways or under carpets If you have any questions or want more information about AST Injury Prevention Program, please contact Rosie Tall Bear at the AST Little Axe Clinic (405)-447-0300 ext. 7601. 14 Horse Shoe Bend After School Program March 2014 The after school program is back in full force for the second semester of school. Unfortunately, due to school scheduling: Lauren Wood, Jo Kleinsasser and Caitlyn Wells will not be able to continue their tutoring with us this semester. We are hopeful they will be able to come back and tutor in the fall of 2014. With three of our tutors gone this semester we still anticipate being able to maintain our current student workload that need to be tutored as we still have 9 tutors onsite daily with the program having around 20 students attending daily. We started a new initiative with our Absentee Shawnee Tribal health department and by partnering with them grant funds through the Methamphetamine Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI) Program will be used to provide a music instructor once a week at the Horse Shoe Bend After School program. This contracted individual will be able to instruct our students in the area of music, playing musical instruments and learning about all the different types of music. We are also working on an additional site for after school tutoring which will be located on the campus here at the tribal complex. Two 50 X 100 portable metal buildings were delivered on January 17, 2014 for this project and we anticipate it being opened sometime after Spring Break. On January 15, 2014, our Absentee Shawnee Police Department, Officers Trent Norton and Shawn Crowley gave a presentation on Bullying. Our students were very responsive to this topic as most had witnessed and/ or have been a victim of bullying at their school. We hope that the students were able to absorb all of this useful information on what to do when bullying occurs. At this same event we also had t wo members of our Absentee Shawnee Health Clinic, Eva and Jennifer, interact with students in role playing and games. Students were encouraged to talk about good and bad feelings and to work towards talking to someone when something is bothering them. Students were supplied with bags of treats from both Departments. I would like to thank all who attended this worthwhile event: Treasurer Kathy Deere, Officer Trent Norton, Officer Shawn Crowley, Jennifer Sloan, Eva, and Christy Williams. If you should have any questions or concerns I may be reached at 405 481-0397. Thank you, Edwina Butler-Wolfe Governor TREASURER Fellow Tribal Members, 15 My name is Leah D. Bates and I am seeking your support as I pursue the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Treasurer seat. My deep-rooted 2014 BIRTHDAYS Alford, Dianne Susan Alford, Donald Ray Alford, Laurie Leann Alford, Makenzie Raychel Alford, Paul Henry Almanza, Sacha Blue Renee Arellano, Jennifer Lynn Argueta, Oneonta Marie Armstrong, Dusty Ridge Asbridge, Sandra Lilrene Atwara, Honey Nicole Barnard, Kevin Michael Battiest, Phyllis Leeann Belden, Florene Belden, Lois Little Creek Bennett, Deeann Onahwag Berryhill, Valerie Lynn Bettelyoun, Amber Dawn Bettelyoun, Anthony Bryce Bettelyoun, Lea Dawn Bittle, Joshua Jacob Blanchard Craig, Carolyn Jean Blanchard Sr, Leland Dale Blanchard, Aaron Gabriel Blanchard, Cache Lewis Blanchard, Caden Briar Blanchard, Charles Eugene Blanchard, Joshua James Blanchard, Kellice Lee Blanchard, Rikki Rechele Blanchard, Sierrah Delyn Blanchard, Taylor Jordan Blanchard, Thurman Leon Blanchard, Velma Mae Bowles, Melissa Carole Boyd, Laura Lynn Bread, Charles Michael Bread, Dina Adele Breeding, Kinsley Reece Brokeshoulder, Tammy Lynn Brown III, Curtis Jermain Brown, Cody Wayne Brown, Lisa Renee Campbell, Mikayla Jo Carlson, Scottina Dakota Carnes, Kylee Aleea Lynn Carr, Adoree Celeste Checotah, Eric Wayne Cloud, Doris ( Elephant ) Coddington, William Michael Cooper, Dade Luke Allen Copeland, Val Rochelle Cottrell, Ryan Thomas Cozad, Anastasia E-­mah-­doh Creek-­Harjo, Josiah Sage Crider, Eric Russell Crocker, Dorothea Carolyn Csoma, Alexander Attila Daugherty, Kenneth Daugherty, Mikenna Hope Daugherty, Serena Mae Davis, Meghan Paige De Shazo, Heather Ann Deardorff, Cynthia Ann Deckard, Dakota Dale Deer, Kylee Taryn Deer, Michael Neil Deere, Adina Ann DeLodge, Lena Ruby Rhianna DeLodge, Ruby Leigh Digilio, Brandin Anthony Digilio, Bryon Andrew Downs, Camden Blake Downs, Cayden James Edwards, Kenneth Lee Ellis, Austin Chase Ellis, Jeremy Michael Ellis, Jessica Lyn Ellis, Leroy Emmons, Brian Ross Engledowl, Jasey Belle Fenner, Kayana Isabelle Ferrell, Ethan Shawn Fixico, Stephen Anthony Floyd, Jane Elizabeth Foreman, Joshua Daniel Foreman, Richard Eli Frazier, Devon Leanne Frazier, Shirley Fern Geissler, Stephanie Dayle Gibson Jr., Ronald Lewis Gibson, Kylakay Virginia Gibson, Paige Nycole Gibson, Paul Brian Gillihan, Dezirea Kristyne Gilman, Juanita Gomez, Wilma Sue Goodman, Blake Samuel Granstrom, Gayla Sue Grass, Wayne Hall, Matteson Roi Ham, Jerred Mace Ham, Rhonda Juliene Harder, Ruth Ellen Harjo, Benjamin Ray Harper, Pauline Aileen S. Hartfield, Jazlynn Shae Harvey, Hally Marie Hayes, Donna Kay Elkins Hayes, Jocelyn Cynthia Lorene Hernandez, Erica Ann Herrera, Robert Manuel Hibdon, Kendra Nicole Hilderbrand, Amy Beth Hill, Stephen Allen Hood III, Warren Weslyon Hood, Dakota Zane Hood, Moria Oloizia Huntington, Bradford Paul Hurst, Joseph Douglas Skinner Ibarra, Angel Antonio Irvin, Nathaniel Konrad Jimerson Jr., Robert Jobe, Alexa Lee Johnson Jr., Foster Calvin Johnson Jr., Mark Benjamin Johnson, Cleta Joyce Blanchard Johnson, Grayling Wade Johnson, Henry Kirby Johnson, Jacob Jordan Johnson, Mark Benjamin Johnson, Michael Jeremy Johnson, Pauline Virginia Johnson, Rahstin Allyn Sabbestiun Johnson, Sandra Kay Johnson, Tiffany Sheri Johnston, Diana Sue Alford Judkins, Ashley Ann Keith, Andy Ronin Kickapoo, Derek Anthony Kirby, Gage Robert Kitchen, Amber Elisabeth Knight, Natalie Jean Krackenberger, Sharon Lea Krejci, Ronald Dylan Kupczynski, Joseph Martin Lalehparvaran, Ali Jordan Laplant, Scotty Alan Lasarge, Amos Dewayne Lavell, Jade Daniel Leath, Mary Loyse Lehman, Joenita Leigh Lena-­Tiger, Camille Dawn Lewis, Elain Kay Lewis, Pamela Lynn Limbaugh, Jodi Kathleen Little Axe Eckles, Debra Lynn Little Axe Sr., Danny Little Axe, Ronald Dean Little Charley Jr., Scott Little Creek, Larry Dwight Littlebear, Brooklyn Shay Littlebear, Grant Edwin Littlebear, Laura Jan Littlecreek, Cynthia Marie Littlehead, Gary Lynn Longhorn, Avis Elaine Longhorn, Cynthia A. Longhorn, Lindsey Marie Longhorn, Nathan Neil Longman, Sasha Mae Lowe, Kara Michelle Lowe, Taylor Makayla Lumpmouth, Wynona Lee Maddux, Jonathan Webster Tiger Mahardy, Jeffery Andrew Mann, Colby Lee Richard Markwardt, Ethan Thomas Marshall, Denia Kay Martinez, Erica Inez Martinez, Jasmine Consuelo Martinez, Shawnee Danielle Masquas, Cora Irene Masquas, Joshiah Lee May, Gina Lanette McDoulett, John William McDowell, Farrell Ramon McKane, Sidna Rae Lenee McKinney, Ellen Marie Medina, Elizabeth Ruth Ann Medina, Trinity Lynn Tiger Melton, Jaycie Taylor Miller, Cari Denise Miner, Veda Jorene Minesinger, Joshua Brooker Minesinger, Seth Wildcat Mitchel, Benito Miquel Travis Mohawk, Cherokee Cheyenne Molina Jr., Charles B. Moore, Alexia Saranda Moore, Thomas Joseph William Randall 16 Morton, Joseph Ohland Mount, Glenda Dawn Murdock Jr., Steven Alan Murdock Sr., Steven Alan Musick, Michael Thomas Nail, Gregory Thomas Novick, River Elaine-­Monique Odell, Ronnie Lynn Owens, Beau Wesley Laine Owings, Abigail Rose Panther, Lydia Denise Panther, Shawn Dell Panther-­Davis, Tammie Rae Parker, John Wendall Gage Perkins, Miranda Deann Perry, Sierra Breanna Peter, Kalina Nicole Pine, Jeremiah Andrew Ponce, Aisaiah Anthony Oscar Pyrch, Jesse Kellen Quraishi, Ibraheem Bin Khalil Raisbeck Jr., David Nathaniel Raisbeck, Samantha Storm Raisbeck, Samuel Walter Ramirez III, Florentino Ramirez, Mariah Fay-­Ann Ramirez, Matias Noah Richey, Kodi Rae Jolynn Ridenour, Sydney Bree Riley, Hulbutta Kotcha Robbins, Blake Anthony Robbins, Taylar Paige Robison, Ariana Michelle Rolette, Cheryl Lynn Rolette, Madison Fox Grant Rolette, Madison Joy Rowan, Damian Eugene Runsabove, Honor Mae Sams, Christine Lorraine Sanchez, Kianna Paola Seber, Peyton Eddie Serena, Laveda Shawnee, LaNayah JaN’aee Sheets, Angela Christy Simpson, Christian Jacob Simpson, Cody Lee Skelly, Shanna Lynn Slate, Patricia Ann Sloat, Douglas James Sloat, Meika Ladon Sloat, Newton D Smith, Marvin Smith, Zackery James Snake, Alvin Matthew Snake, Kenneth Lee Snake, Lewis George Snake, Stewart Lancer Soap, Sally Clarice Solomon, Billie Jean Tiger Spoon, Edward Joe Spoon, Justin Tyler Spoon, Paisley Rennea Spybuck, Garland Charles Spybuck, Gavan Wayne Spybuck, Roberta Ann Stevenson, Jodean Ann Stoudemire, Naviah DeAnne Strain, Gerald Tousley Stryker, Doyle Chad Stryker, Laurel Brad Sullivan, Aizah Vanesse Sullivan, Marcus Lee Sutton Jr., Jeremy Ray Switch, Sabrina Lee Switch, Sophia Michelle Tahah, Barton Dale Talton, Dacia Arie Talton, Kaydince James Taryole, Laura Lee Tascier, Sarah Isabelle Tello-­Faz, Maria delaLuz Terrell, Xavier Thomas Jackson Thompson, Asher Bryce Thorpe IV, George Isaiah Thorpe Jr., Edwin James Thorpe Lena, Janice Gail Thorpe, Edwin James Tiger, Kevin Richard Dewayne Tiger, Soaryn Edward Matthew Tiger, Tammy Cindie Ladawn Tiger, Tyler Matthew Tiger-­Allen, Shane Clifford Trussell, Sherry Lynn Uchida, Denise Louise Uchida, Kevin Micheal Valdivia Jr., Enrique Vaughn, Dylan Thomas Wade, Justin Lee Walker, Robert Stanley Wallace, Christopher James Warrior, Anthony Louis Warrior, Pamela Sue Washington, Olvie Winston Watkins, Destiney Shae Watkins, Jayana Laneis Watson, Adriana Renae Watson, Brent Grynnel Watson, Micah Lashaun D. Watson, Peyton Deshae Wenner, Martha Ellen Wheeler, Emily Anne Wheeler, Leah J. Whims, Madison Mackenzie White, Christopher Alan White Thunder, Shelby Lynn Whittaker, Caiden Skye Whittaker, Joshua Jay W. Wiley, Prince John Bowen Wilkinson, Kaelynn Rayann Williams, Brennan Marie Williams, Frank Richard Williams, Kaylee Nicole Williams, Kevin Bruce Williams, Paula Sue Wilson Harjo, Reta Marie Wilson, Adam Lee Wilson, Mariana Danyel Wilson, Melvin Wayne Wilson, Zelma Jo Womack, Che`le Caye Wood, Judith A. Wood, Ryan Ashley Wright, Cynthia Diane Yamutewa, Chebon Dale Happy Birthday Wishes To all our March Relatives Chelle Foreman Rhonda Kaseca Manuel Herrera Everett Tahah Kylie Ann Yates Aunt Rhonda! We love you lots! The Geisslers and The Womacks Eat Lots of Cake And enjoy your big day! Marvin & Sherry Wishing my Big To My Sweet Daughter Sherrie Brother B.K. Runsabove Shelsie Mae White Thunder Love ya! Mom, Dad, Sheldon, Shelby, Bryson & Daelan A Happy 26 th Birthday 23 Love your Sister, rd To our fun, loving, prankster, BryceRunsabove! We Love You & may you be blessed with many more birthdays! Love Always, Mom, Dad, Honor, Wade, Brock, BK, Mike, Matt, Momo, & GooGooch!! Shelby th 6 2 To my sweet, loving, little sister. I hope your birthday is filled with love and laughter. To the Best Sister Ever!! LoveCreep Wishing my Baby Sister A You are a great mom you do everything for us! Hope your Birthday is all that you want. You deserve it!! I love you so very much. You make me so proud!! I Love YouMom Happy 21st Birthday *Booty K* (BK Runsabove)! Thank you for being a Fun, Loving,& good hearted helpful person! We Love You & Enjoy your Special Day! Love Always, Mom, Dad, Honor, Wade, Brock, Bryce, Mike, Matt, Momo, & GooGooch!!! Shelsie Mae White Thunder “Mousie” Love always your sister, You’re sweet, nice and you are loved very, very much!! Happy 43rd Birthday! Shelby Love your kids, Joplin & Jiliyan & Justin 17 Boob! Love, Dadro, Mom, Bud, Raye, and Lil’ Girl Darlowe & Laurie (Schulenberg) Todd October, 2013 Rapid City, S. Dakota From Don & Esteline Schulenberg Clint & Michelle (Whinery) Rapp Summer, 2013 Michelle is a R.N. at Midwest City Hospital. She was awarded “Nurse of the Year” at the Reed Center at their Winter Gala. Michelle is the daughter of Tom & Pam (Schulenberg) Whinery 18 Colby & Rachel (Whinery) Oldham January, 2014 Harn Homestead Oklahoma City HELP BUILD A PLAYGROUND! In partnership with Boy Scout Troop 424, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, and KaBOOM! WHAT WE’RE DOING We are looking for volunteers to help build a new playground for the children of our community. Bethel Acres is teaming with Boy Scout Troop 424, Good Neighbor Pharmacy and KaBOOM! to build the playground at the Bethel Acres Community Center. Volunteers do not have to be trained, skilled or have any special tools. You just need to be enthusiastic, energetic and willing to work while having fun. DATES FOR VOLUNTEERING Site prep day: Thursday, March 20 (15-20 volunteers needed) Build Day: Saturday, March 22 (100-150 volunteers needed) WHO TO CONTACT If you would like to volunteer, please contact one of the following people (via text, call or email): *Ryan Sharp: (918) 645-1303 or ryan.m.sharp@gmail.com *Neal Davis: (405) 314-3930 or nealdav@msn.com Facebook.com--Search “Bethel Acres Community Playground” The AST Domestic Violence Department would like to invite you to join us in recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We will have our 4th Annual Balloon Release in remembrance of those affected by Sexual Assault and to bring awareness to this crime.   Balloon Release for the Shawnee Complex will be on April 3, 2014 @ 3:00pm in front of Building #1. Balloon Release for the Norman/ LittleAxe area will be April 4, 2014 @ 3:00pm at the LittleAxe Clinic. Although April is declared Sexual Assault Awareness Month it is important to keep in mind that this type of violence happens everyday of the year in our community and possibly within our families. If you or someone you know is or has recently been affected by Sexual Assault please contact us at 405-273-2888. Below are the names and numbers of those who can help. Jackie—(405) 432-9377 Melissa—(405) 432-9657 Linda—(405) 585-8348 Kimberly—(405) 365-9658 The Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma’s Domestic Violence Department’s mission is to eliminate violence in Native Country and to strengthen Native families to end the cycle of violence. 19 AST Education Department: Big Jim Youth Awards Applications The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Education Department will begin accepting applications for the following awards: • Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male and Female) • Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male and Female) High school seniors of both genders within the 50 United States are eligible to apply for these awards for the 2013/2014 school year. Applications will be accepted from January 1 to March 31, 2014 by US mail or email, official transcripts must be mailed. The official application form will be available at www.astribe.com under the Education Department. The $1000.00 award is in the form of a scholarship to the college or university where the award recipient will attend for the fall 2013 semester. Individuals are encouraged to nominate deserving high school Seniors. You may nominate yourself. Please refer to the application for required documents. Eligible nominations will be judged by a panel of (non-AST) experts assembled specifically for this purpose. The intent is to bring together an unbiased group of experts to evaluate the applicants in an impartial and unbiased environment. Their decisions are final with respect to all matters concerning these awards. Applications accepted: Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Education Department Jan. 1st –March 31st Finalists announced: May 2014 2025 South Gordon Cooper Drive (405) 275-4030 Toll free (800) 256-3341 Fax (405) 273-7938 youthaward@astribe.com □ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male) □ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Female) □ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male) □ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Female) STUDENT INFORMATION Name: ___________________________________________________ (LAST) (FIRST) (MI) Enrollment #: Address: _________________________________________________________________________________ Awards will be announced in May 2014. Award recipients will be recognized as the 2013/2014 Big Jim Academic Achievement Award winner or the Big Jim Athlete of the Year. In addition to this recognition the award recipients will receive a $1000.00 scholarship to be used towards their education and the advancement of their career. Questions on these awards program should be addressed to: Absentee Shawnee Tribe Education Department c/o: Tresha Spoon 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive Shawnee, OK 74801 405.275.4030 Ext 121 youthaward@astribe.com (STREET) Home Phone: ( (CITY) ) Cell Phone: ( (STATE) (ZIP) ) Email: HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION High School Name: City: State: Guidance Counselor: Phone #: Sport: Position: Coach: Phone #: (FIRST) (LAST) All Absentee Shawnee High School Seniors are eligible and encouraged to apply. Documents to be included with application: □ Official High School Transcript □ Letter of Recommendation (Educator/Coach) □ Tribal Enrollment Card (copy) □ Resume of Accomplishments and Activities □ 500-word Essay: How do you feel your accomplishments (knowledge/training) will influence your future? □ Video (optional): no more than 10 minutes in length 20 ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE HOURS √ Holidays Election Day Free Music Lessons Open 8-12/1-5 Free Music Lessons Free Music Lessons Free Music Lessons Hi there! Hi there you’ve ever wanted tolearn learn acoustic Hi if there if you’ve wanted thethe acoustic Hi there ifthere you’ve everever wanted totolearn the acoustic Hi if you’ve ever wanted to learn the acoustic Ifguitar you’vebass everbass to learn theprogram acoustic guitar, orwanted piano The AST music program can or piano The AST music can guitarguitar bass or piano The AST music program can guitar bass piano The AST music program can bass,you or piano, AST Music Program can help help you learn allorthese instruments and drums too! too! help allthe these instruments drums help you learn learn all these instruments andand drums too! 2014 X Open 1-5 ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE Promoting Safe and Stable Families Parenting Classes helpall you learninstruments all these instruments and drums too! you learn these and You just need to call me or e mail me anddrums I’ll do mytoo! You need toneed call me oreme e mail me and I’llI’ll do my You just need to call me or mail me and I’ll do my Youjust just need to call me or email me and my best tojust get the right day and set up forand your You to call ortime e mail me I’lldo do my PSSF Program provides parenting classes to promote positive parenting, help with the understanding of child development and best toto get right day and time settime up for your best get the right day and time set up for your bestto gettothe the right day and time set for your lessons, We have had over 300 tribal members that best get the right day and setup up for your communication skills to strengthen the entire family. have learned to play music and they are loving their lessons, We have had over 300 tribal members that lessons. We have had over 300 tribal members that lessons, We have had over 300 tribal members that lessons, We have had over 300 tribal members that new found gift; We have all the instruments you’ll session, the classes will meet every Wednesday evening for have learned to play music and they are loving their have learned to play music and they are loving have learned to play music and they are loving their have learned to play music and they are loving their This need right here at the Shawnee music house right ten weeks at 6pm, starting March 26 through May 28, 2014. New new found We have allhave instruments you’ll you’ll their new found gift. We have all the instruments newtogift; found gift; We allinstruments the new found gift; We have allthe the participants will be accepted until February 5th, after this date you next the AST Police department, myinstruments number isyou’ll need right here at the Shawnee music house right you’ll need right here at the Shawnee music house will have to wait until the next session to enroll. Every class must needhere rightathere thecan Shawnee music house right 405-370-5576 cell you e mail me at need right theoratShawnee music house right be attended by the participant to receive a Certificate of next the AST Police department, number is righttopbradley@astribe.com next to the AST department, PolicemyDepartment. My next to the AST Police my number is Completion. next to the ASTcell Police department, my number is 405-370-5576 or you can e mail me at can number is 405-370-5576 (cell) or you email me 405-370-5576 cell or you can e mail me at Please hurry is filling up FAST.. 405-370-5576 cellenrollment or you can e mail me at A dinner will be provided at every class as well as a babysitter on pbradley@astribe.com at bpradley@astribe.com. pbradley@astribe.com site if needed. Classes are also available for non-tribal members at pbradley@astribe.com Please hurry! Enrollment is filling up FAST... a small fee of $50. For more information or to sign up, call 405Please Please hurry enrollment is and filling FAST.. Please give me a call or e mail let’s get started on theup gift ofFAST.. music, hurry enrollment isup filling Please give me a call or email me and let’s get 878-4702. Please hurry is fillingor pbradley@astribe.com up FAST.. Phil enrollment Bradley Music Program 405-370-5576 started on the gift of music. Please give me a call or e mail and let’s get started on the gift of music, Please me a call or e Music mail and let’s get started on the gift of music, Sena Yesslith, PSSF Worker PhilgiveBradley Program Phil Bradley Music Program 405-370-5576 or pbradley@astribe.com Please give me call or Music e mailProgram and let’s get started on gift of music, PhilaBradley 405-370-5576 or the pbradley@astribe.com 405-370-5576 Phil Bradley Music Program 405-370-5576 or pbradley@astribe.com pbradley@astribe.com 21 ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA Recycling Program RECYCLING MATERIAL THAT WE ACCEPT. ALL WHITE PAPER, ENVELOPES, COLORED PAPER, JUNK MAIL, FAX PAPER, MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPER, CARDBOARD, AND ALUMINUM CANS. MATERIAL WE DO NOT ACCEPT. TONER, CARBON PAPER, FOOD WASTE, AND PLASTIC. REMEMBER, WHEN IN DOUBT THROW IT OUT. CONTACT INFORMATION ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & Office of Environmental Health & Engineering Absentee Shawnee Tribe • Tribal Housing Improvements Application The Tribal Housing Improvement Program’s goal is providing sanitary, safe, and decent housing for its members by utilizing the following criteria to select the most “in need” tribal members with homes that are in disrepair but are still suitable for rehabilitation. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and criteria which is approved by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. “To Establish a recycling program for municipal waste planning, reduction, and Recycling” The Office of Environmental Health and Environmental Program is proud to announce the start of a new recycling program for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. The recycling center is located in the yellow metal building adjacent to the OEH Department. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe (AST) Recycling Program Program declares that waste reduction and recycling are the preferable to the or processing of municipal waste, and that removing certain materials from the municipal waste stream will decrease the flow of solid waste to municipal landfills. AST Recycling Program used the knowl- edge and information about recycling markets and market demand as well as information obtained from various publications and the internet to comprise an analysis of material the recycling program will address at the start of the program. AST Recycling Program Plan establishes a goal that, by year’s end 2013, at least 25 % of the recyclable material produced by the Tribe will be recycled. THIP list all applicants by a priority list: a. Handicapped/Disabled and Elderly b. Income c. Family Size/Overcrowded Living Conditions d. Condition of Home Other Programs available: • Sanitation Facilities Assistance Program Applications need to be completed and all necessary documents attached before the application will be processed. Applications are available online on the website: www.astribe.com. Submit completed application to: ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS. 2025 S. GORDON COOPER DR. SHAWNEE, OK 74801 PHONE: (405) 214- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Office of Environmental Health & Engineering Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. Shawnee, OK 74801 4235 FAX: (405) 8784701 The AST recycling Program will initially focus on the following waste stream material; HighGrade shredded paper, Assorted office paper, Phone books, Magazines, Cardboard, Newspaper, and Aluminum cans. As the program and market develops, other recyclables will be sought. There is a cost associated with recycling, However, economic, social, and environmental benefits exceed these cost. Absentee Shawnee Tribe Complex Office of Environmental Health & Engineering, Building 13 If you have any questions, you can reach us by phone at (405) 214-4235 VETERANS! AST COUNTRY KITCHEN The Executive Committee will be providing a trailer for an office space for the Absentee Shawnee Veterans Association. So if you are a Veteran & interested in attending our meetings; Here is a schedule for this year: March 12, 2014, June 11, 2014, Sept. 10, 2014, December 10, 2014. Sunday - 7am to 7pm Monday - 7am to 3pm Tuesday - 7am to 3pm Wednesday - 7am to 8pm Thursday - 7am to 8pm Friday - 7am to 9pm Saturday - 7am to 9pm Early Bird Breakfast $4.99 2 Eggs/Bacon or Sausage/Hash Browns Biscuits & Gravy or Toast & Coffee (Not valid on Saturday or Sunday. 1 coupon per customer.With coupon. No substitutions Check out our daily homemade lunch specials! Something different every day! Open 7 Days A Week! 366-7220 All meetings are held at Thunderbird Casino in the Warrior’s room start time is 7:00 pm with a potluck meal shared (In Front of Thunderbird Entertainment Center Next to AST Smoke Shop) 22 Come join us at the AST Resource Center!!! Free Tutoring in all subjects! Games and activities! Delinquency Prevention! Healthy Lifestyles! And Much More! OPEN TO GRADES K-5 for Absentee Shawnee Tribal Students Everything is offered with no charge….Little Axe bus will transport students to the AST Resource Center on Peebly Road and parents are responsible for picking students up at 6:00pm. Duration: Starts October 7th and will run through the school year. Monday-Thursday, 2:45pm-6:00pm For more information and sign up please contact Blake Goodman at (405) 364-­‐7569 Coming Soon!!! New Patient Portal Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System Little Axe Health Center Shawnee Clinic www.asthealth.org - Improved access to your health information - Communicate directly with your clinic - Request an appointment ...and more! For more information on how you can register for the new AST “Follow My Health” Patient Portal, contact Patient Registration at Little Axe Health Center - 405.447.0300 or Shawnee Clinic - 405.878.4702 23 Prescribed Burn to Prevent Wildfires On February 18, 2014, the Realty Department, Cultural Department, Joseph Blanchard, Project Specialist, Andy Warrior, Levi Littlecreek and Terrence Tiger, joined up with the Wild land Fire Program to unite a prescribed burn on a 30 Acre tract of prairie terrain in Eastern Pottawatomie County. The Wild Land Program is a serviceability formed by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe to manage our lands with prescribed burns. Prescribed fire is a natural process that can be used to restore ecosystems and landscapes to their historical biological diversity and productivity. Also, prescribed fires can be used to improve forage production, quality, composition, and palatability for livestock or wildlife. It can also be used to control non-native or undesirable plant species, plant diseases, and internal and external animal parasites such as ticks by modifying their habitat. Fire can be used in forest management to reduce logging debris and leaf litter, manage competing vegetation and prepare logged areas for planting or seeding. Prescribed fire can be used to enhance the appearance of both forests and rangelands. Fire can be an economically and ecologically sound alternative to herbicide use to reclaim native prairies, shrub lands, savannahs, or forests and to reduce the probability of wildfires. • Reduce fuel accumulations - Periodic burning reduces the annual fuel accumulation in forests and grasslands reducing fire intensity and creating an ecosystem less susceptible to catastrophic wildfire. • Improve wildlife habitat - Periodic burning improves habitat for Oklahoma wildlife by modifying cover, and food quality and volume. • Increase biodiversity - Periodic burning induces environmental changes that result in plant and animal communities that are adapted to fire. The realty department is mailing letters out to land owners to recommend a prescribed burn. We are recommending a prescribed burn; because, after recent inspections a notice of understory brush is starting to overtake hay fields and prairie pastures on our lands. Our intentions of recommending a prescribed burn are to increase the value of property and restore its natural habitat. We would appreciate your help, support and cooperation from land owners so that we can help you preserve your property. For more information about the Wild Land Program, contact Project Specialist Andy Warrior 405.275.4030 Ext. 189. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 405.275.4030 Ext. 127. BEFORE DURING AFTER 24 Floyd Deere is ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day Jerry & Barbara Littleaxe Married 53 years Awarded with a gift card for being married the longest Buster having some fun with the elders!!! Richard & Mary Birdtail Celebrating 28 years together Elders getting some exercise and having fun!! Marjorie Kanitobe enjoying her chocolates!!! 25 Wynona Coon for Lieutenant Governor BETTY L. MAHARDY WATSON CANDIDATE FOR LT. GOVERNOR ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE We have elected officials in office now for four years! Do you want to elect them for another two (2) years? What have they accomplished in the four (4) years?? It is time for a CHANGE! CHANGE FOR A BETTER TRIBAL GOVERNMENT! We need dedication, loyalty, integrity and accountability of the actions of our elected officials. We need an Ethics Commission to establish Ethics & Conflict of Interest Codes to govern the actions of our elected officials, as well as tribal employees. It’s time for a CHANGE! We need to elect strong, dedicated and experienced leadership to face the challenges our tribe, a sovereign nation is confronted from the federal and state government on a daily basis. Experience in tribal government is complicated and takes years to understand the complexity of the intricate governmental powers the tribe possesses as a sovereign nation. We cannot afford to make mistakes as a sovereign nation because of the far reaching effects to other sovereign nations nationally. We are facing one such challenge today with the CITY OF SHAWNEE ATTEMPTING TO IMPOSE A 3% SALES TAX ON THE TRIBES IN THE SHAWNEE AREA! My number one goal, if elected as your Lt. Governor, is economic development. We must provide for our growing tribal membership, now 4,000 and growing! I want to create income from new revenue sources from economic development to provide additional services and benefits for ALL tribal members, NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE. Presently, you must live in a five county service area, (Cleveland, Pottawatomie, Oklahoma, Logan, and Lincoln), in order to receive benefits. If you live outside this area, you receive very few benefits, even though you are counted in the total membership when the tribe receives their budget from the BIA ($2,206,533.00) and Indian Health Service ($21,894,467.00). The government has established guidelines that restrict the use of these funds, BUT we can create income from other revenue sources that can provide benefits for ALL TRIBAL MEMBERS. You know tribes that provide a per cap payment to all members from their casino revenues, what do we get? Nothing! Some tribes provide additional help for the elders living on fixed incomes by providing food vouchers and additional help with emergency expenses. Our only source of revenue is from the Thunderbird Casino! It is the only economic development that generates any income for the tribe. If the Thunderbird Casino was destroyed by fire or a tornado (we have had two tornados and a fire that came close), what would we do? I asked the treasurer how long could we operate, if this were to happen, 3 to 4 months, maybe. That is scary! We cannot delay; we must elect leadership with the education, tribal government and business experience to create wealth and jobs through economic development. The Tribe built a new health clinic at Little Axe, but we will not realize any income until we pay off the $26 million debt in 2034. We, the General Council voted not to build the clinic, but the elected officials went around us and built it anyway. It is built on fee land meaning we would have to pay property taxes if the City of Norman takes away the waiver given for 5 years. Property taxes 0.97% of property’s assessed fair market value for a $23M facility is $223,100 per year. And, we are building a child care facility on the same land, we will have to pay taxes on it. The old clinic building at Little Axe is empty! No plans for development, it has been 2 years, there are many uses for the building that could create income for the tribe, where is the leadership? We have a convenience store, cafe, two smoke shops, two banks, and COWS, none generating any real profit for the tribe. We have prime property, Tecumseh Square, Lillard Pipe Building & Land, Earlsboro property (Dreamcatcher site), needs to be developed. We are paying property taxes on 687 acres in Pott. County and 111 acres in Cleveland County, should have been placed in trust years ago. My top priority is increasing our land base, putting our fee land into trust and pursuing the Absentee Shawnee homelands in Kansas and Texas, that have never been extinguished! THIS ELECTION IS ABOUT CHANGE! We need STRONG, DEDICATED, EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP WITH WISDOM TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS FOR OUR PEOPLE. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE ON MARCH 15!! Thank you. VOTE for Lt. Governor, Kathy Deere Accountable, Honest, Reliable, and Trustworthy I have been asked lately, “Why am I running for Lt. Governor instead of Treasurer?” My answer is I feel that we need elected officials that are honest, reliable, and trustworthy leaders to address local, state, and national issues and I feel I can be more of an asset to our Tribe as Lt. Governor. Some conferences, symposiums, and workshops I attended I have been the only tribal leader there and sometimes the only tribe representing Oklahoma. I will continue to serve this tribe with respect, honor, and as a privilege. You can say, we are a small tribe, but we can stand with other tribes and be heard as many voices instead as of one. We are strong as many, not as one! We have to be involved with health, sovereignty, land, gaming, general welfare, taxation issues, economic development, etc. All of these issues are affecting tribes locally, state, and nationally. We have to think about our future of our children and grandchildren. We want to leave them with future legacies not burdens. Campaign promises of Per Capita. Let us stop and think how it will affect all of us. When you think about the future of The Absentee Shawnee Tribe and its members, it seems that the question of a per capita payment is always either a common question or a platform. With the economic state of not only the tribe, but the nation as a whole, per capita payments are not reasonable. Most tribal members and election candidates seem unaware of the sacrifices that would have to be made to issue per cap payments. Part of the Absentee Shawnee Tribal motto is “Honoring our Past, Building the Future”. In order to make per cap payments, services to all Tribal members would be at a disadvantage. So when programs such as education could be affected, which would hinder the youngest Tribal members, which are our future. Services would be drastically cut and could effect our elders, and they are our link to our past. Programs such as Social Services, Housing, and Healthcare could be effected which benefit all tribal members. You must remember that the Gaming Industry itself is a gamble; we must realize that the revenue generated from our gaming operations is often inconsistent and unreliable, and that the funds from the casinos are better suited benefiting the Tribe as a whole, through services. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as elected Treasurer and I want to continue to serve as your elected Lt. Governor. So if you bestow this honor on me, I will strive to do the best of my ability for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. With all my respect, Kathy Deere 26 As the Primary Election approaches, I ask for your support and vote to serve as your next Lt. Governor. I have the experience and knowledge to provide a strong leadership. As I have stated the Tribe needs to be moving at a faster pace than we have in the last few years. We as leaders must establish a strategic plan in order to move forward and work in a collaborative effort to achieve goals of property and sustainment for the betterment of our Membership’s future. The issues we must place emphasizes on: Other means of Revenue, Revenue Allocation, Economic Developments, Partnerships and to be able to expand and enhance our programs and services. As we cast our votes, evaluate each candidate on their experience, knowledge, and skills and who will represent you best at all levels. We need to restore a professional work environment, integrity and have accountability. Again, I ask for your support and vote to move forward. Respectfully, Wynona Coon Hello Friends, Family and Tribal Members, I am seeking your vote for the March 15, 2014 election. I wish to serve as your TREASURER. I have been working among the Shawnee at the Little Axe Health Center Clinic for several years. I enjoy serving our people and look forward to serving you at a higher level. My intention is to work with the Executive Committee to make forward progress. I bring Healthcare knowledge and experience to the table. I hope to improve the services that we currently have and create new services to meet the needs of our people. I appreciate your time, consideration and VOTE in the upcoming election. Sharon Ponkilla for Absentee Shawnee Tribe Treasurer! KENNETH BLANCHARD CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF TRIBAL REPRESENTATIVE As former Governor and Lt. Governor of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe I have the knowledge and experience to provide professional leadership and improve services that impact each of you as a tribal member. We need to plan for our future with sound economic development that will provide programs and services that will have a direct effect on you and your families now and in the future. We cannot provide these thing without dollars. We own several pieces of property that can be developed to generate the needed funds. We need more information and stability in our health care programs. We need to evaluate the educational needs of our youth. Their future depends on what opportunities we provide for them now. With my experience in tribal government I am not a “learn as you go” candidate. Please consider these things before you cast your vote. I am asking for your vote March 15, 2014. EWELL LONGHORN FOR TREASURER I previously served as Treasurer from 2006-2008. I learned very much during my two year term. Two years is really a short time but I am proud to point out a few accomplishments during my term: Intervened to stop the sale of our bank that would have resulted in a loss by the Tribe of $1.6 million. Directed and supervised the Finance Department in bringing the Tribe’s Indirect Cost Agreements with the BIA current. When I took office the Tribe was two years without a current Agreement and our federal funding agencies were threatening to stop funding our grants unless we had a current Agreement. Cut the cost of the Tribe’s annual audit by almost 50%. The Tribe was paying two separate audit firms to complete the audit. I directed the Finance Department in eliminating one of the audit firms resulting in a savings of approximately $50,000 for each annual audit. Ahead of the big recession that began in late 2007, I saw the downturn coming and directed our investment firms to begin selling the riskier investments in the Tribe’s investment portfolio. I believe large potential losses were avoided by this action. Since I left office in 2008 I’ve continued working with Tribal governments as an economic development consultant and as executive director for a large tribe. I hope to serve my Tribe again as Treasurer. A few of my goals will be as follow: Analyze our businesses (includes two casinos now and a bank) and determine why we are still unable to make per capita payments to our Elders. Search and apply for new grant opportunities for tribal projects especially in the areas of renewable energy and farming on the Tribe’s lands and those of our Tribal members. Expand and develop training and job placement services for Tribal members especially our young Tribal members from the ages of 18 to 30 years old. Young families often need more assistance to prepare for and to find better jobs. I am proud to say I am an Absentee Shawnee with a bachelor’s degree in business, seven years experience in the banking industry and over 20 years working with tribes. I hope to receive your support and vote in the election! Elect a Man with a Plan Lieutenant Governor: (X) J. A. Little Axe MBA, LPN If you’re sitting here reading this article, it means you want answers. You’re here on your own time because you care about this tribe—and you want to make sure I care about it as much as you do. You want to make sure I’ll bring real solutions with me to office, not just bandages. Well, I’m not going to waste any of your time. My main focus today is your healthcare system. “Tribal Healthcare” It’s a phrase we hear often enough, but it is often used without full understanding of the implications. “Tribal Healthcare” means that you are our priority. Right now, we have fewer providers than we need to keep up with demand. Not only that, existing healthcare providers are overwhelmed with the demand for care; taxed beyond their capabilities. That is not making you our priority. That is not securing your future or the future of this tribe. No one wants to move to a different provider or stay with the tribe’s provider that has, to be frank,a lousy Healthcare system. When I was a child, our clinic was moved from the main building on the tribal campus to the Shawnee clinic’s present location, so what changed over the last forty years? For one thing, it certainly isn’t the way we do business. We have spent countless dollars on fruitless ventures that have failed. Those dollars should have been spent on you and your healthcare, and encouraging our people to seek a career in healthcare. With foresight we built a clinic in Little Axe and then with forward thinking a more suitable facility, although built under scrutiny, we now have a gorgeous facility. Now we must combine the two clinics we have with the education department and create an apprenticeship program to groom our future healthcare professionals and certainly our future leaders. We must educate our adults so that they have a better understanding of challenges that come before us. Healthcare is a job generator; there is a job for anyone who will take the initiative to get a good education and training. We will support you with an apprenticeship program while you earn your degree. Upon graduation we will provide you a job in the healthcare system. On top of that, we will provide bench mark healthcare. We will also be carving out our share of the multibillion dollar healthcare industry. I think the most valuable change we can make as a tribe is ensuring that our staff top to bottom is filled with individuals who strive for perfection rather than settling for what’s merely acceptable. And what better way to motivate our clinics than to give them a more appropriate budget? More money invested in our healthcare means a lower patient-to-doctor ratio, which means you will be getting the attention you need and will have a better quality of life. Recently, we hired a new Executive Director who is on track to turn the health care system around. He wil [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3A22307389bb52f099. Public record. Not legal advice.