AST Public Safety Center Hosts Grand Opening (2024)
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www.astribe.com
THE ABSENTEE
SHAWNEE NEWS
May 2024
Volume 34, No. 05
AST Public Safety Center Hosts Grand Opening
On April 24 the Absentee Shawnee Tribe held a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for the new AST Public Safety Center.
The new building is directly east of AllNations Bank on the tribal complex. Ground was broken March 2023 and was built with an Indian Community Development Block Grant the tribe received in 2018.
The facility has 5,940 square-feet and has a dedicated interview room, conference room, FEMA approved storm shelter, Emergency Management offices along
with patrol and investigative offices, a fitness area and the EOC.
“With this upgrade, we have more room to spread out. We have more room to do what we need to do.” said Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police Brad
Gaylord. “We finally have enough space. We are very excited that the building is completed.”
From The Election Commission
PLEASE fill out EACH BLANK completely and return by the Deadline.
ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST
I, ______________________________________, hereby certify that I am or will be an Eligible
(Print Name)
Voter of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe on or before June 15, 2024. I cannot physically
be present to cast my vote at the June 15, 2024 Annual Election; therefore, I am requesting
an Absentee Ballot be mailed to me at the following address.
Name (please print): ________________________________________________________
(first)
(middle)
(maiden)
(last)
Address:_________________________ City:_______________St: _______Zip:________
CDIB#:__________________________
Date of Birth: ______________________
Signature: ____________________________
Date:_____________________________
All REQUESTS must be returned to the Election Commission by the deadline date of
May 26, 2024
Mail to:
Absentee Shawnee Election Commission
P.O. Box 741
Tecumseh, OK 74873
Fax to:
Fax # (405) 273-1337 (Do not fax to any other fax #)
Phone: (405) 275-4030 ext. 6271
Toll free number 1-800-256-3341 ext. 6271
Email to:
election.commission@astribe.com
Deliver in Person to:
Election Commission Office
located in the Tribal Court Building
All eligible voters are entitled to vote either at the Polls or by Absentee Ballot.
This form may be duplicated for your convenience.
______________________________________________________________________________
ELECTION COMMISSION USE ONLY
Received: _____________________ Approved:____________________ Disapproved: _______________
If Disapproved (reason): _________________________________________________________________
Denial Letter Mailed:___________________________ Ballot Mailed:_____________________________
_______________________________________
Election Commission/Representative
2A www.astribe.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
GOVERNOR’S REPORT
John Johnson, AST Governor
Hello Tribal Members,
The 92nd Semi Annual General Council was held on April 27, 2024 I hope you
was able to attend. If you have any questions please contact us, we will do our
best on helping you with those concerns.
Also the Clinic expansion ceremony was
held on May 1, 2024. This expansion has
been in the works for quite some time
and I am very thankful to the AST Health
LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT
Ezra DeLodge, AST Lt. Governor
GOVERNOR
John Johnson
Lt. GOVERNOR
Ezra DeLodge
Maintenance
The maintenance department helped
the BIA group and finished clearing all
the trees and debris from Tecumseh
square. The haunted warehouse sign has
been removed and a temporary Absentee
Shawnee Tribe sign has been installed.
The runoff water issue at Brindle corner
has down been corrected. Maintenance
first removed over 10 loads of dirt and
trees from the east side of the property
changing the grade and runoff of water.
Then we installed a French drain along
the south and east side of the building
that terminates out towards the Hwy 9.
While working on the drain problem
we found the electric to the air conditioning systems had been compromised
underground and was shorting out . We
removed all the high voltage wiring to the
units and installed new inside conduit
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Misty McGirt, AST Secretary
SECRETARY
Misty McGirt
Hello Tribal Members,
I hope each and every one of you is doing well. As May is here please stay safe
and be weather aware as we are in tornado season. It’s been very busy for my
office with wrapping up tax preparation,
doing my regular secretary duties and attending our regular meetings. At the end
of March I ended with a busy schedule. I
attended the NASNTI (Native AmericanServing Nontribal Institutions) roundtable discussion. This was a great event the
topic was about Native language in the
workplace. The speakers shared great information and ways to bring our language
REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT
DeWayne Wilson, AST Representative
TREASURER
Joseph Blanchard
REPRESENTATIVE
DeWayne Wilson
Hello, Tribal members, I hope everyone is in good health. Spring is here. I
hope everyone got out and Voted during
our Primary Election. I hope to see everyone at General Council in April. My door
is always open and as always Take Care of
one another.
477 Program: Currently, we have 14
new adult cases for the month of April
for a total of 57 and 1 new youth case for
a total of 6 for the 2024 year. The total
of 477 Participants is 354. At the end of
March 2024, the 477 Director and Youth
Case Manager attended the 2024 JOM
Conference in Tulsa. The 477 Program
will be enrolling youth participants for
Summer Youth Employment this month.
In April 2024, THE 477 Child Care Coordinator and the 477 Director attended
the Office of Child Care (OCC) National
Conference. The 477 staff needed to get
up-dates and changes to CCDF Final Rule
and other practices. On April 13, Tribal
Child Abuse Awareness training was held
with AST Tribal Child Care providers in
collaboration with AST ICW and DV Departments.
Education: In March 2024, Education
Director was involved in the Native Education Roundtable: Bridging Voices for
Empowerment with Jackie White, from
the Office of American Indian Education. This platform aims to bring together educators, Superintendents, and Tribal members from across Oklahoma to
foster collaboration, share insights, and
work collectively towards providing services for our Native American students
in our schools. Also in March 2024, Education Director and a staff attended the
Oklahoma Johnson O’Malley Conference
@ Riverspirit Casino in Tulsa, Ok. They
attended sessions like Title VI – Indian
Education application process, the Kio-
May 2024
Board and all the AST Clinic employees
for all your hard work and dedication for
making this possible for our Tribal members. I look forward to what the future
holds for our clinics.
For the first time, I attended the Southern Plains Indian Housing Association
(SPIHA) meeting in Catoosa, Ok. This
meeting was very interesting to me and I
wish to attend these meetings in the future.
I want to take the time to personally
“Congratulate all the 2024 graduating se-
niors”. I am very proud of you and wish
you the best of luck on your future.
Remember the AST podcast is up and
running, be sure to listen for any new updates or upcoming news.
Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact my office
at the information listed below.
governor@astribe.com 405-275-4030
ext: 3500
alvinab@astribe.com 405-275-4030 ext:
3501
Thank you
above grade.
We have now turned our focus on
building three located on campus. We
have started tracking down and repairing
water leaks through the basement walls.
While working on the first leak we found
the main gas line to the building leaking
underground. Our plan is to remove or
abandon the old gas line and install a new
line from the meter to the building. The
total length of pipe will be over 300’.
The mowing season is now upon us and
many days have now been spent mowing, spraying and weed eating the campus
along with some offsite sites. Please contact Title six if you are in need of having
your lawn mowed.
In the upcoming weeks you will find we
have started installing new wood benches
around the campus. These are being built
in our shop by Joe Morton and look excellent. Good job Joe!
Like last month we have found the time
to continue with taking care of most all
work orders which include repairing several floors for elders clean and continue
working on the maintenance building
(18) and part of maintenance building
two (18B).
OEH:
In total for 2024 OEH has assisted Tribal members with 22 different septic renovations and installations, water well drilling and installations, well renovations,
and community water connections.
For 2024, we have collected, processed,
and recycled 14 bales of shredded office
paper and cardboard equaling roughly
10.5 tons of recyclable waste that has been
diverted from landfills.
We would like to remind Tribal Members that if they see any activities related
to illegal dumping of trash or other discarded items on Tribal lands to please
contact OEH at the email or phone number listed below.
Respectfully,
Lt. Governor DeLodge
to light. To wrap the end of March up I
attended along with Treasurer Blanchard
and Lt. DeLodge the spears tribal summit held at the OSU campus in Stillwater
Oklahoma. The first of April I attended
along with Representative Wilson, Carol
Butler, Clayton Martinez, and Devon Frazier-Smith the 23rd annual Bridging the
Gap meeting held at F.A.M. This meeting
was very informational for me learning
to see what our staff does on a daily with
their line of work. In April I attended
Tribal Self-Governance held in Arizona
along with Treasurer Blanchard and Representative Wilson. That is all I have to
report at this time.
Ne yi wa!
Secretary McGirt
wa Education Agency’s development, and
Cherokee Culture in the Classroom. In
April, 2024, Education staff attended OK
STEP Grant (bi-weekly meeting) and a
Tribal Youth Resource Center Technical
Assistance Status update with Deborah
Tobacco. This is an update with our TA
provider for our OJJDP TYP grant from
CTAS FY19. The Education staff was also
involved of meeting by zoom relating to
the Tribal Youth Program with the Dream
Navigator curriculum developer for our
College and Career readiness project.
Workforce Program: Nothing new to
report, The H/VAC mechanic and the H/
VAC interns continue to be busy completing work orders on the Tribal Complex and to Tribal member homes. In the
near future, the H/VAC Department will
be transitioning from heating to air- conditioning service. Let us know if we can
be of service.
Cultural Preservation: During March,
2024, Ms. Carol Butler and Mrs. Devon Frazier-Smith traveled to the State
of Ohio. During this trip, they met with
four different groups: Dawes Arboretum,
Newark Earthworks, SunWatch Indian
Village/Archaeological Park, and Great
Council State Park. This trip was important in fostering new relationships and
partnerships for future consultations and
collaborations. In April 2024, Ms. Carol
Butler, Mrs. Devon Frazier-Smith, and
Mr. Clayton Martinez attended the 2024
“Bridging the Gap” Meeting at the First
American Museum in Oklahoma City.
The theme for this year’s meeting was
Building Relationships through Collaboration. The largest topic on the agenda
was NAGPRA with Region 9 and 8 of the
Forest Service working on the establishments of Tribal Working Groups. Also in
April 2024, Scott Miller and Paula Jackson traveled to Mt. Vernon, Ohio to attend the SPI Eclipse Program and Watch
Party. Ms. Stephanie Geiger, Director of
the STEM Program, contacted Cultural
Preservation requesting representatives
to assist in a condensed telling of 1806
Tecumseh’s eclipse. Ms. Jackson assisted
STEM students in creating stick puppets
of Tecumseh, Tenskwatawa, and William
Henry Harrison and read the narration
of the puppet show. Mr. Miller provided
a Shawnee interpretation of a portion of a
speech from Tenskwatawa. The program
was well received by those attending with
the audience asking many questions.
Gaming Commission: Since the ASTGC has brought the Internal Audit process in- house, it has been going very
well in developing, implementing and
strengthening our policies & procedures.
The Internal Auditor has completed the
first Internal Audit of the year with Surveillance and is currently working on IT
(Information Technology) Audit. Last
month, the Executive Director has also
completed the Level I: Commissioners
Certification Training with Indian Gaming Association and plans to move forward with Level II that is scheduled for
June. ASTGC plans to have all Compliance Officers certified when the next
opening of certification comes available.
We look forward to gain developmental
growth for the Gaming Commission
Youth Camp: Presently, we have started construction on installing a water harvest project around the dining hall. The
water harvest project will allow the water
to be used to irrigate the softball field. Finally, the lighting construction has been
approved for parking lot, playground
area, tennis court, basketball court, and
softball field areas.
In closing, it is my pleasure to serve our
Tribe as the Tribal Representative. If you
have any questions or concerns regarding
these programs or need my assistance,
feel free to contact me at (405) 275- 4030
at Ext. 3512.
Ne Yi Wa
DeWayne Wilson
May 2024
www.astribe.com 3A
TREASURER’S REPORT
Joseph Blanchard, AST Treasurer
Hello fellow AST Members, Friends, and Family:
I begin this month’s edition for the newsletter by saying “Happy Mother’s Day!” to all the
special women in our lives. Without them (mom, stepmom, aunt, Grandma, sister), we would
not be who we are today. They each serve a specific function, role, and responsibility for the
advancement of us all. Additionally, I want to say “Congratulations!” to all our young people
graduating. We wish you well and hope for continued success as you begin this next step in
life. As they say, “Go out and prosper”.
This time of year brings along many opportunities for individuals to participate in several
Rites of Passage. Besides Graduation, many are looking forward to Summer Break and vacations. Before we get there though, we always have Spring Bread Dance. This is an important
time as it symbolizes the change of seasons and beginning of our New Year. I hope you took
the chance to participate at one of our 3 tribal grounds and got your fill of good Indian food,
plus received the associated blessings.
Earlier this month, I attended the National Realty Conference with a few of our staff.
Many of the topics that were presented described best BIA practice and how to get the best use
out of your Tribal lands. We were able to expand our network with a few other Tribes that also
own livestock, and/or use their lands for Agriculture. The most important session provided
information for the “Updated” CFR Regulations. Many of us have been waiting to hear how
these may affect our process, or if it truly gives Tribes an easier road to operate.
I just returned from the National Self-Governance Conference, hosted at the Gila River
Resorts and Casino in Chandler, Arizona. While there, I attended several sessions over Finance, Funding, and a Consultation with Indian Health Service. Secretary Roselyn Tso presented updates on several specific issues and answered questions regarding new information.
For me, the best part of my interaction was expanding our network with GSA and the new
Strategic Program Advisor for Tribal & Small Independent Agencies, Jessie Jagne. This will
help the Tribe continue to purchase product and expand inventory at the best prices possible.
Please be on the lookout for future dates to sign up for “Voter Registration”. In coordination with a couple of our other EC and their staff, we want to encourage your participation
to help change the course of our State and National leadership. As I mentioned previously,
this will give us people to work with who are sympathetic to Native People, our needs, and
our concerns.
Finally, I want to say “Thank you!” for those who chose to attend the Spring General
Council meeting. It is my hope the information distributed was able to answer any questions
you may have about the Tribe’s regular course of business. Should you still have concerns,
you may contact me at: (405) 275-4030 Ext. 3510; on my work cell at: (405) 695-1487; or by
sending me an email at: jblanchard@astribe.com.
Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
Building Blocks C.D.C.
2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.
Shawnee, Ok. 74801
(405)878-0633 FAX(405)878-0156
Building Blocks Staff attended Child Abuse Training on April 13th.
Also, those staff needing recertification in First Aid/CPR attended
training on April 27th. We strive to keep our staff certified and trained
in Child Development related topics and ready to teach those precious
children.
We are currently hiring staff, if you are interested in applying visit
https://www.astribe.com/employment for applications and to see
what positions are available.
Building Blocks is accepting waiting list applications for all of our ages;
6 weeks through Pre-K/4 Year Olds. If you are interested in getting
your child on our waiting list please call and we can email you a
waiting list application or you may stop by to fill one out.
We will be celebrating our Teaching Staff during the week of May 6th10th with a Pot Luck Lunch on Friday, May 10th. We appreciate our
awesome teachers and staff!
Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12th!
Building Blocks will be celebrating our children’s
Mothers on Friday, May 10th at 3:00p.m. with
‘Muffins with Mom’s.’ Have a Magnificent May!
Sincerely,
Joseph H. Blanchard
AST Lt. Governor Ezra DeLodge, AST Secretary Misty McGirt and AST Treasurer Joseph Blanchard attended the OSU Spears School of Business Tribal Summit.
More than 70 tribal leaders were in attendance.
On April 13th 2024, AST 477 Child Care collaborated with Domestic Violence & ICW and hosted Child Abuse Awareness training for
Building Blocks II & III, After School Program & a few Child Care providers at Gordon Cooper Technology Center.
May 2024
4A www.astribe.com
CLASS OF 2024
Carlie Noelle Brady
Julian Elliot Simpson
West Valley High School
EPIC Charter Schools
Tecumseh High School
Ryan James Smith
William S. Little Charley
Takota Sun Larney
Noah Hunter Thornhill
North Rock Creek High School
Konawa High School
Royce Jaxxon Bullock
Shawnee High School
EPIC Charter Schools
Tegan Blackbear
Byng High School
Kensington Deer
Talihina High School
Kimberly Jolene Little Axe
Stefany Foreman
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Science
Health Information Management
New Mexico Highlands University
Master Degree in Social Work
with a Clinical Concentration, MSW
Congratulations 2024 AST Graduates
Ke ho wa se li we
(kee hoh weh see lah wee)
May 2024
www.astribe.com
AST High School Seniors
College Scholarship Entry Form
AllNations Bank is providing one (1) $500 scholarship to an AST high school
senior. The bank’s president, Steve Smith, is providing one (1) $500 scholarship to
an AST high school senior. These scholarships are to assist in furthering their
education after high school. The information you provide below will be used to
contact you regarding your entry. You will be notified if your name has been
selected and we will schedule a time for you to take a photo to be placed in the
AST Newsletter and on the Tribe’s media outlets. The scholarship check will be
issued directly to the school the student attends.
Absentee Shawnee Tribe's
Youth Garden – Tribal Youth
Programs-Education Dept.
The youth planted their plants on April 11th. They planted a variety of
things like tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini, and egg plants. They are
super excited to watch them grow and learn to take care of them.
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Required documents:
Tribal Enrollment Card
Copy (must be the updated card)
Submit forms via fax, email, mail, or at the Education drop box on the AST Shawnee Complex.
DEADLINE: RECEIVED BY MAY 15, 2024 AT 5:00 PM CDT
Education Department
2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive
Shawnee, OK 74801
405.275.4030 Ext. 3533
405.273.7938 (fax)
tresham@astribe.com
ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE
AST LITTLE AXE YOUTH
SOCCER PROGRAM
Youth Public
safety club
Ages 10-18
Leadership Development
Educate youth about Law
Enforcement & Emergency
Management & Public
Safety
Build a positive relationship
between youth and cops
The Little Axe Youth Soccer Program season started April 6th, and will run through
early June. We had about 70 kids sign up to participate this year. They play each
Saturday between 9am and 12pm. Everyone is welcome to come and watch, and hang
out. We look forward to a fun and great season.
Where:
-Brendle Corner19200 E Robinson St,
Norman, OK
(Located off of Highway 9,
just East of 192nd)
Sponsored and Funded by Tribal Youth Programs-Education Dept.
Date:
May 16th @ 6:30 pm
Contact information:
-Tribal Youth ProgramsShayanne Fixico sfixico@astribe.com
Blake Goodman bgoodman@astribe.com
TYP Cell- 405-617-6231
Missing & Murdered
Indigenous Women/Girls
May 5th - National Day of Awareness For MMIWG
Murder is the 3rd leading cause of death for Native
American women.
Murder rate for Native American women is more
than 10 times the national average.
More than 4 out of 5 (84.3%) Native American
women have experienced violence in their lifetime.
June 2023, NamUs database of missing persons
included 820 cases of missing Native American
individuals: 256 were Native American women/girls.
60 out of the 256 were 18 or younger.
66.4% of Native American women have experienced
psychological aggression by an intimate partner.
55.5% have experienced physical violence by an
intimate partner.
56.1% have experienced sexual violence.
48.8% have experienced stalking.
97% of Native American women have experienced
violence by a non-Native perpetrator.
35% have experienced violence by a Native
perpetrator.
Oklahoma is in the top 10 in the U.S. for the number
of cases of MMIWG.
In 2020, there were 18 missing and murdered
Indigenous women cases in Oklahoma. Oklahoma
city had 2 missing cases, 7 murdered cases, and 1
unknown. Tulsa had 4 missing cases, 1 murdered
case, and 3 unknown cases.
https://www.niwrc.org/resources/toolkit/mmiwtoolkit-families-and-communities
AST Education Department is an Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
– Tribal Youth Program Grantee. We promote public safety and seek to prevent risk
factors impacting our youth. TYP Staff: Coordinator – Blake Goodman, Tribal Youth
Resource Specialist- Shayanne Fixico
Contact Information: sfixico@astribe.com
bgoodman@astribe.com
5A
May 2024
6A www.astribe.com
CULTURAL PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT
Cultural Preservation has been very busy the last couple of months with rebranding some of the programs. Following is a breakdown of each departmental program’s most
recent activities.
Eclipse Program
On April 8th, Mr. Scott Miller and Ms. Paula Jackson traveled to Mt. Vernon, Ohio to attend the Science Play-Space Initiative (SPI) Eclipse
Program and Watch Party where they collaborated with SPI to host eclipse activities. Ms. Stephanie Geiger, Director of the STEM Program,
contacted Cultural Preservation in January requesting representatives to assist in a condensed telling of 1806 Tecumseh’s eclipse. Ms. Jackson
assisted STEM students in creating stick puppets of Tecumseh, Tenskwatawa, and William Henry Harrison and read the narration of the puppet show. Mr. Miller provided a Shawnee interpretation of a portion of a speech from Tenskwatawa. The program was well received by those
attending with the audience asking many questions
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is currently open! We are located in building 6 just east of the new police station. Our current hours are Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Our Gift Shop Sale continues as we work on making space for fresh stock. Come check out our selection of logo t-shirts at $13.99 each and
take advantage of the additional 30% off that price! We are in the process of ordering new inventory which includes new logo items! Eight
vibrant shades of t-shirts have been ordered. We also will have more supplies to choose from for our folks that bead and make jewelry. We will
be putting a suggestion box out front for any suggestions or ideas that tribal members or employees would like to see us carry in the gift shop.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mrs. Sheila Burnside, the Gift Shop Manager, by phone or email at SBurnside@
astribe.com.
Picture 1. Mr. Miller providing
interpretation.
Library
The Library is open! Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last month, activity in the library included 3 library visitors with a total of 4 books
checked out. Also, 5 virtual books were checked out. Ms. Paula Jackson, Librarian, added 1 new patron to the system. Please note the library application has been converted to
a digital format that can be emailed. If you would like the application please contact Ms. Jackson at (405) 275-4030 ext. 3530 or at PJackson@astribe.com.
If you would like to view what books we have in the library currently, please visit https://www.librarycat.org/lib/ASTribe to view the catalog. Also, if you have a library card,
please check out the virtual library (https://okvirtuallibrary.overdrive.com/) which currently has approximately 74,600 books available.
Like with the Gift Shop, we are still in the process of rebranding the library. We want to carry more Native American and more specifically Shawnee books and resources.
Please let us know your opinions of what you would like to see in the library.
March 2nd was National Read Across America Day! To help celebrate this day and the upcoming Easter holiday, Ms. Jackson read the book “The Golden Egg” and did an
arts and crafts project at both building block locations.
THPO (Tribal Historic Preservation Office)
Our Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) Program continues to make great strides and advancements. The THPO staff has steadily been receiving Section 106 projects from various Federal and State Agencies. Over the past month; the THPO Officer, Mrs. Devon Frazier-Smith, and TCNS Coordinator/THPO Specialist, Mr. Clayton
Martinez, have together received 821 new Section 106 projects for review and consultation. The program staff has successfully consulted on 652 of these received projects, of
which occur in 12 of our 25 areas of interest/states. The THPO Staff, including myself as Director, have also taken part in 12 teleconference calls regarding Section 106 projects
or NAGPRA cases.
NAGPRA
In addition to Cultural Preservation Director, I currently hold the position of NAGPRA Coordinator. With the new NAGPRA regulations and requirements has come an increase in consultations. More and more agencies/museums/colleges both
in the states and overseas have been reaching out. Currently, we are in consultation with 10 different facilities concerning the
ancestors and funerary objects they have in their possession.
Ohio
From March 17th – March 20th, Mrs. Devon Frazier-Smith and I traveled to Ohio. During this trip, we met with four different groups: Dawes Arboretum and Newark Earthworks in Newark, OH; SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park in
Dayton, OH; and Great Council State Park in Xenia, OH.
At Dawes, we engaged in a mini-conference with their education and outreach committee. Part of our agenda allowed us to
visit the Newark Earthworks with a guided-tour by Ohio History Connection staff. This gathering was important in fostering
new relationships and partnerships for future consultation and collaboration between Tribes and the Arboretum.
At SunWatch, we visited with the President/CEO and Curator for the site. SunWatch is a reconstruction of Fort Ancient period structures in their original 13th Century locations, with an interpretative center with artifact exhibits. We were able to give
insight on their NAGPRA grant application, and advices on proper consultation with federally-recognized Tribes.
At Great Council State Park, we were able to visit the construction site with several folks including Bill Mahon (Director of
Interpretation and Experiences) with Ohio History Connection and staff with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources like
Mary Mertz (Director), Melissa Clark (Sites Manager), Brant Fulks (Capital Program Administrator for Parks), and Jeremy
Wenner (Chief of Division of Engineering). It was good to touch base on the state park’s development and collaborate on panel
information that our office has been consulting on for past few years. Anticipated opening date for Great Council State Park is
Friday, June 7th of this year.
Picture 2. Guided-tour at Newark Earthworks.
Picture 3. Future Site of the Interpretative Center.
Language
Our beta classes continue at the L.A. Health Center and Shawnee Multipurpose Building. We have a consistent number of
employees at both locations and have received valuable feedback about the lessons. We are on track to provide classes to the
public very soon.
At the time of writing this article, the program and the Grants Department were busy working on the application for the
new upcoming ANA Grant. The previous three year grant ends this year. With this new grant, the program will be advancing
beyond the establishment of the program, which was what was written in the first grant, and looking to provide classes and
more resources (two examples of activities).
For general language questions and information, please contact the department by phone or email at ASTLanguage@astribe.
com.
Your concerns are important to us. Ne yi wa for the continued support of our department as we continue to make changes to
our programs to better serve the Tribal community. Please feel free to contact me, Carol Butler, at 405-275-4030 ext. 3525 or
Thunderbird AST_Job Fair_2024_half page.pdf 1 3/22/2024 1:35:04 PM
cbutler@astribe.com
if you have any questions or concerns.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Picture 4. From Left to right: Director Mary
Mertz, Cultural Preservation Director Carol
Butler, and THPO Devon Frazier-Smith on the
third floor of the Interpretative Center.
May 2024
www.astribe.com
“Jopula” Happy 16th birthday to my sweet guy.
Hope it’s everything & more! Momma loves you
very much! Love, Mom
Joplin- Happy birthday little brother! We love you
very much! Love, Jiliyan & Justin
Happy 12th Birthday
Jacob Foreman!
We love you!!!
Joplin – Happy birthday to my amazing nephew!
Keep doing what you love! You’re going to go far!
Auntie loves you!
Congratulations
Jiliyan – Congratulations on graduating from 3 years of Business School at Vo-Tech. We are so very
proud of you! You’re going to do what you do best – being successful in business & future bakery
owner. Momma loves you so very much! Congratulations again!
Jil – I’m so very proud of you! Do what you love and you’ll have nothing but SUCCESS! Love Auntie!
Jil-Bil – We are so very proud of you! Finishing your business course! You’re going to make it successful in whatever you do! Love, Joplin & Justin
NOTI CE
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE OR STORY
Please give us a call at (405) 598-1279 or send an email to
media@astribe.com
All articles for the next month’s issue are DUE by the 15th of the current month.
Unfortunately we can only accept ONE PICTURE PER BIRTHDAY PERSON, not per birthday wish.
7A
May 2024
8A www.astribe.com
ELECT
DEWAYNE
WILSON
AST TRIBAL
REPRESENTATIVE
A PROVEN & DEDICATED LEADER
FOR YOUR VOTE,
HERE’S WHAT YOU GET:
A DEPENDABLE,
HARDWORKING AND
EXPERIENCED LEADER
WITH THE
DETERMINATION TO
ACCOMPLISH PROGRESS
AND GROWTH FOR OUR
TRIBE.
AST REPRESENTATIVE
2021-CURRENT
I AM ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT
ON JUNE 15, 2024
NE YI WA
Front row (L-R): Donna Woodfork, Jan Ranft. Back row (L-R): Tina Ontiveros,
Gregory Reading, Stacie Lewelling
The Volunteer Tax Season has ended as of Saturday, April 13, 2024. We
served 195 clients, consisting of 97 Tribal Members and the community.
We saved the taxpayers a total of $23,718 dollars to file their taxes for free.
Thank You Volunteers for doing a Great Job! And a big
Thank You to Tribal Secretary McGirt for helping us at every tax session.
Tribal Member Corner:
Solar panels vs taxes
Solar panels for your home, may be good. I know of one citizen, his monthly
electric bill is $8.00.
Paying for solar panel in cash, is best. If you finance, it will cost a monthly payment with interest-finance charges.
Maybe more, than your prior monthly electric bill.
Sometimes, property taxes will increase.
Remember, there may be cost, if you have to replace your roof, to restore the panels. Solar panels in yard, may be best.
You must have a tax liability, to receive up to 30% in energy credits, on your taxes
yearly.
Eileen Pearce
Tribal Member
Now Offering
ROUND UP
SAVINGS!
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe
will be closed
Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day
LEGAL NOTICE
AUTOMATICALLY GROW YOUR SAVINGS!
Round Up makes saving money easy and
convenient by rounding debit card
transactions up to the nearest dollar,
Enroll today to begin saving for a rainy
day and see how quickly your savings
add up. Contact customer service to
enroll at 405-273-0202 or 405-893-2240.
Member FDIC
2023 Gordon Cooper Dr. • Shawnee, OK 74801 • (405) 273-0202
www.anbok.com
www.asthealth.org
May 2024
Section B
ASTHS May 2024 Monthly Update
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is May 7th
Each year, National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (May 7th) seeks to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and show
that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.
Created in 2005 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the day's purpose is to increase public awareness about
the needs of children with serious mental illness (SMI) and severe emotional disturbance (SED) and their families, provide information about evidence-based
practices, and encourage those who need help to seek treatment
Youth with mental health disorders are more likely to be unhappy at school, absent, suspended, or expelled. Their learning is negatively impacted because of poor concentration,
distractibility, aggressive behavior, or an inability to retain information or develop peer relationships. Also, far too many children are exposed to traumatic experiences that profoundly
impact their development.
Trauma can negatively shape family development. Poverty, abuse and neglect, fractured families and children living separately from families, these are some of the problems we see too
often in Oklahoma. Addressing the mental health needs of children is the responsibility of all community members.
Our country has a long history of violence and oppression of Indigenous peoples, the effects of which are still apparent today. This systemic inequity continues with the United States
currently not upholding many of its treaty obligations to Native nations. The country is also not fully implementing policies intended to support their well-being.
It is critical that we work to remove the structural barriers that remain for Indigenous populations. Despite past and present injustices, Native nations have shown leadership and
strength in their contributions to society. Supporting all aspects of their well-being is a key part of working toward equity and justice.
AI/AN families’ resilience is evident in their cultural values which include a deep respect for family and elders, a strong sense of community, and a shared responsibility to care for
children and the environment. According to the KIDS COUNT Data Center, AI/AN families are exceeding the national average on a significant measure of health: Babies born to AI/AN
mothers are more likely to have a healthy birth weight, which reduces the risk of long-term health and developmental problems. Additionally, several trends noted below are moving in
a positive direction for AI/AN families, such as rising median family incomes, improving health insurance coverage for kids and declining rates of youth in juvenile detention.
At the same time, historical trauma and generations of discriminatory policies have led to AI/AN children, youth, and families having disproportionately poor experiences across many
measures of health and well-being compared to the general population. Studies have documented the adverse effects of trauma on the physical and mental health of AI/AN populations
— effects that endure for generations. Some of the wounds inflicted by U.S. policies are relatively recent. For instance, the government’s sanctioned removal of AI/AN children from their
homes due to forced assimilation policies continued in different forms until 1978, when the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was passed. Other historic and ongoing U.S. policies and
practices have led to isolation, economic deprivation, food scarcity, and chronically under-resourced health care and education systems for AI/AN communities.
The following selection of data not only highlight the disparate conditions experienced by AI/AN children and families, but also demonstrate the need to prioritize equity at all levels of
government and expand the opportunities and support available to AI/AN communities.
ECONOMIC INEQUITIES
• In 2022, nearly one-third (29%) of AI/AN children were living in poverty, almost double the national rate of 16%. The AI/AN child poverty rate has remained well above the
national level for decades.
• AI/AN kids are nearly three times as likely to live in high-poverty neighborhoods compared to their counterparts: 22% vs. 8%, according to 2017–2021 data.
• Just under half (43%) of AI/AN children live in families where parents do not have secure, full-time employment, compared to 29% on average in 2021.
EDUCATION INEQUITIES
• In 2022, about half (49%) of AI/AN fourth-grade students were considered chronically absent from school in the previous month, an alarming jump from 31% in 2019, and well
above the national average of 36% in 2022.
• In 2022, more than 8 in 10 (82%) AI/AN fourth-grade students scored below proficient in reading, an increase from previous years and a higher share than the national average
(68%).
• Similarly, close to 9 in 10 (89%) AI/AN eighth-grade students scored below proficient in math in 2022, 10 percentage points higher than a decade earlier and 15 percentage points
above the national average of 74%.
HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH INEQUITIES
• According to the CDC’s 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, AI/AN high school students are more likely to seriously consider attempting suicide than other students: 27% vs. 22%.
Tragically, they are also more likely to attempt suicide, with 16% of AI/AN students reporting at least one suicide attempt in the previous year, compared to 10% of all high school
students. AI/AN students were the most likely of any racial and ethnic group to report seriously considering or attempting suicide in 2021.
• A 2023 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report found that AI/AN populations experience sadness, anxiety, anger and shame related to the traumas
they have faced — including forced migration, broken treaties and loss of land, family ties, language, and culture. The report also called for more data on AI/AN well-being and
recommended making this a federal priority.
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY INEQUITIES
• Over one-third (37%) of AI/AN children have had at least two adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) — more than double the national average (17%), according to 2020–2021
data. ACEs are potentially traumatic events such as: exposure to family or neighborhood violence, parental death or incarceration, frequent economic hardship, or living with
someone who has mental illness or substance abuse problems.
• AI/AN children continue to be overrepresented in the foster care system. In 2021 and previous years, AI/AN kids made up 2% of those in foster care — double the share of the
general child population (1%). Even after the Indian Child Welfare Act was passed to provide minimum federal protections and end the forcible removal of children from their
homes, the law has not been implemented consistently, and the child welfare system continues to demonstrate systemic bias. AI/AN children remain more likely than their white
peers to experience maltreatment investigations and be placed in foster care.
• Among AI/AN youth transitioning out of foster care — who also participated in a follow-up survey — 43% reported experiencing homelessness between ages 19 and 21, significantly higher than the national rate of 29%.
• AI/AN youth are also disproportionately detained and incarcerated by the justice system. The latest National Center for Juvenile Justice Data show that 181 AI/AN youth per
100,000 ages 10 to 21 were residing in juvenile detention in 2021, a substantial decline from previous years but well above the national rate of 74 per 100,000.
LOOKING FORWARD
Achieving equity for AI/AN communities is certainly possible, if prioritized, but it will take public policy and systems change, increased resources, improved collaboration and longterm commitments, particularly from non-Native allies. We must promote awareness among non-Native allies about the structural inequities that continues to drive disparities in AI/AN
children’s health and well-being. We also must prioritize and incorporate AI/AN views and knowledge as we identify culturally responsive solutions.
Along with building on the wisdom and expertise of the AI/AN communities, it is critically important to honor U.S. treaty obligations and support the sovereignty and self-determination of Native nations in any efforts to improve the health and well-being of these children. The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) provides one opportunity to respect this sovereignty
and address systemic racism. For instance, the ICWA aims to keep AI/AN kids connected with their families, culture, and communities by requiring active efforts to prevent children’s
removal from their homes. If removal is necessary, however, it requires placement with AI/AN families before non-AI/AN families. The ICWA also mandates active efforts to support
family reunification when possible. Ensuring that states and agencies fully comply with the ICWA is an essential strategy to correct structural biases and protect AI/AN families.
Additional opportunities to strengthen the well-being of AI/AN children, youth, and families include but are not limited to:
• Prioritize equity throughout state and federal policies, including ending the chronic underfunding of health care and education infrastructures in Indigenous communities.
• Recognize and support Indigenous cultures as a protective factor in any program and policy solutions.
• Fully implement existing policies intended to advance equity, such as the ICWA described above.
• Promote ongoing efforts to eliminate discrimination in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems and prevent young people from entering these systems in the first place.
Maximizing juvenile justice diversion responses and supporting Indigenous-led restorative justice models that focus on treatment, accountability, healing, and repairing harm to
the community are just two ways to help rather than punish.
By prioritizing actions like these, we can move toward a future in which AI/AN children, youth, and families have equitable opportunities to thrive in safe, healthy, and sustainable
communities. Equally important is ensuring that today’s AI/AN children have the opportunity to grow up in communities where their sovereignty and self-determination are supported,
and they are fully connected to their cultural identity, practices, language, and land. Indeed, Indigenous communities have maintained these vital cultural assets despite generations of
destructive U.S. policies, and efforts to fully restore and uplift Native cultures will continue while we work toward a shared, positive future for all.
If you or your child needs to talk to someone immediately, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Number 988. This is a free call. If you would like to talk to a counselor
or make an appointment at the clinic, call to set up an appointment at either the Little Axe or Shawnee clinics. Counselors are available for you and your child. Don’t wait until
it’s too late, make that call NOW!
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Little Axe Health Clinic
• Primary Care/ Behavioral Health Expansion – Completed
• Pharmacy Expansion – Completed
• PlusCare and Specialty Clinic Relocation/Remodel – Completed
• Public Health Expansion – ECD: Apr 26th
Grand Opening of the Renovated Health Center is scheduled for May 1st from 2-4 pm!
April 2024 Health Employee Awards of the Month
Employee of the Month: Peyton Watson-Cloud, Physical Therapy Aide
Team of the Month: Specialty Clinic
Special Leadership Award: TDeana Aissaoui, RN Nurse Manager
Chris A. Larkin, MBA, FACHE, CHC
Executive Director
May 2024
2B www.astribe.com
Purchase Referred Care (PRC)
Policy Reminder
Purchased Referred Care (formally referred to as Contract Health)
would like to remind all tribal members to report all outside office
visits to the PRC department at least 48 hours prior to your
appointment so that we can process a Coordina�on of Benefits
(COB) to cover your visit.
ER visits must be reported to PRC within 72 hours of the visit to
be considered for payment.
To be eligible for payment of outside services, tribal members
must be in compliance with PRC guidelines, which include
providing the following to the PRC department:
•
An Up-To-Date CDIB card,
•
Proof of Residence within the AST Catchment Area,
•
Copies of All Commercial Insurance Cards, and
•
A SoonerCare Applica�on.
Thank you for allowing us to serve you in your healthcare needs!
Phone: (405) 701-7951
Email: PRC@astribe.com
NOTICE:
Effective May 13th, 2024,
Dr. Obhrai will move to the Shawnee Clinic
Dr. Obhrai will transition to a full-time Pediatric provider at
our Shawnee Clinic location, effective May 13, 2024.
If you wish to continue seeing Dr. Obhrai as your
pediatrician at the Shawnee Clinic,
please call (405) 878-5850 to schedule an appointment.
If you do not wish to continue pediatric services with
Dr. Obhrai after her relocation to the Shawnee Clinic,
please call (405) 447-0300 to schedule a Transfer of Care
appointment with one of our other Little Axe Health Center
Pediatricians.
LAHC 405.447.0300 / Shawnee Clinic 405.878.5850 / PlusCare 405.447.0477
Little Axe Pharmacy 405.292.9530 /Shawnee Pharmacy 405.878.5859
NOTICE
COVID guidelines have changed as
we con�nue our fight against COVID.
Please review the following:
COVID pa�ents no longer need to be separated
in wai�ng areas.
Pa�ents do not need to wait inside their vehicle
at any of our loca�ons.
Symptoma�c pa�ents do not need to use
separate entrances/exits.
You must wear a mask in waiting areas if
you have COVID symptoms!
Little Axe Health Center 405.447.0300 Shawnee Clinic 405.878.5850
PlusCare Clinic 405.447.0477
May 2024
www.astribe.com
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1
6
BEEF TIPS
AND NOODLES
SALAD BAR*
CAKE
2
HAM
BLACKED EYE PEAS
CORNBREAD
PEACHES
7
8
SALISBURY STEAK
CHICKEN SALAD
BAKED ZITA
MASHED POT/GRAVY
SANDWICH
GREEN BEANS
VEGGIES
LTOP
BREAD STICK
MANDRAIN ORANGES
CHIPS/COOKIE
CRISP
13
14
15
COLD CUT SANDWICH
OVEN FRIED CHICKEN
CABBAGE STEW
LTOP
MASHED POT/GRAVY
CRACKERS
CHIPS
BROCCOLI
PUDDING
YOGURT
APRICOTS
20
21
22
May 6th to May 12th marks National Nurses Week, a time to honor and celebrate the invaluable
contributions
that
nurses
make
to
the
healthcare
industry
and
the
lives
of
individuals
they
care
for.
SMOKED
SAUSAGE
MANWICH
CHEF SALAD
Nurses play a crucial role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to patients in a variety of
settings,
hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies
like CompleteCare Home Health.
MAC
& including
CHEZ
PICKLES
w/HAM, CHEZ
VEGGIES
TATOR
TOTS
COTTAGE CHEZ
Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing
essential services
such as administering
medications, monitoring patients' vital signs, and coordinating care plans. They are often the ones who
PEARS
JELL-O
PEACHES
spend the most time with patients, offering comfort, support, and guidance during times of illness or
9
27
30
BBQ PULLED PORK
SANDWICH
POT. SALAD
PINEAPPLES
recovery. Nurses possess a unique blend of clinical expertise, empathy, and compassion that allows
them to connect with patients on a personal level and provide holistic care that addresses both their
physical and emotional needs.
28
29
MEMORIAL
DAY
BRISKET
HAM
In the home health
setting, nurses play a vital role in helping
individuals recover from illness or injury
and manage chronic conditions in the comfort of their own homes. Home health nurses provide skilled
VEGGIES
YAM
PATTY
nursing care, medication management, wound care, and education to patients and their families,
allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life
while receiving the care they need.
ROLL
GREEN BEANS
ORANGE
ROLL
The benefits of home health nursing are numerous and can
have a significant impact on a patient's
overall health and well-being. By receiving care at home, patients can avoid unnecessary hospitalizations
and reduce their risk of infection. Home health nurses also help patients and their families navigate
complex healthcare systems, coordinate care with other healthcare providers, and develop personalized
care plans that meet their unique needs and goals.
2024
THURSDAY
16
23
BAKED CHICKEN
PEAS & CARROTS
BREAD
MIXED FRUIT
BURRITO
REFRIED BEANS
SPAINSH RICE
APPLESAUCE
BEANS
CORNBREAD
CUCUMBER,TOM
ONION SALAD
OKRA
FRIDAY
3
OATMEAL
SAUSAGE PATTIES
RAISINS
10
SCRAMBLED EGGS
BACON
TOAST
17
BOILED EGG
HAM
APPLES SLICES
24
SCRAMBLED EGGS
SAUSAGE GRAVY
BISCUIT
31
WAFFLES
SAUSAGE PATTIES
FRUIT
*MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE*
LUNCH SERVED MONDAY – THURSDAY 11 AM TO 1 PM SHAWNEE SITE
At CompleteCare Home Health, we recognize the important role that nurses play in delivering highLUNCH
SERVED
–Nurses
THURSDAY 12 PM TO 12:30 PM AT BRENDLE CORNER
quality, patient-centered care to individuals
in the comfort
of their ownMONDAY
homes. This National
Week, we want to express our gratitude to all the dedicated and compassionate nurses who work
tirelessly to improve the lives of their patients. If you or a loved one could benefit from home health
BREAKFAST
FRIDAYS
9 AM TO 11 AM SHAWNEE SITE
nursing services, consider reaching out to
CompleteCare Home SERVED
Health at 405.701.7085
to learn more
about how our team of skilled nurses can
help you achieve yourSERVED
health and wellness
goals.
BREAKFAST
FRIDAYS
10 AM TO 10:30 AT BRENDLE CORNER
May 6th to May 12th marks National Nurses Week, a time to honor and celebrate
the invaluable contributions that nurses make to the healthcare industry and the
lives of individuals they care for. Nurses play a crucial role in delivering high-quality,
compassionate care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics,
and home health agencies like CompleteCare Home Health.
Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing essential services such
as administering medications, monitoring patients' vital signs, and coordinating
care plans. They are often the ones who spend the most time with patients, offering
comfort, support, and guidance during times of illness or recovery. Nurses possess
a unique blend of clinical expertise, empathy, and compassion that allows them to
connect with patients on a personal level and provide holistic care that addresses
both their physical and emotional needs.
In the home health setting, nurses play a vital role in helping individuals recover
from illness or injury and manage chronic conditions in the comfort of their own
homes. Home health nurses provide skilled nursing care, medication management,
wound care, and education to patients and their families, allowing them to maintain
their independence and quality of life while receiving the care they need.
The benefits of home health nursing are numerous and can have a significant impact
on a patient's overall health and well-being. By receiving care at home, patients can
avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and reduce their risk of infection. Home health
nurses also help patients and their families navigate complex healthcare systems,
coordinate care with other healthcare providers, and develop personalized care plans
that meet their unique needs and goals.
At CompleteCare Home Health, we recognize the important role that nurses play
in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals in the comfort of
their own homes. This National Nurses Week, we want to express our gratitude to all
the dedicated and compassionate nurses who work tirelessly to improve the lives of
their patients. If you or a loved one could benefit from home health nursing services,
consider reaching out to CompleteCare Home Health at 405.701.7085 to learn more
about how our team of skilled nurses can help you achieve your health and wellness
goals.
We Are Hiring
Apply at www.astribe.com/employment
3B
May 2024
4B www.astribe.com
AST Tribal Opioid Response Project
Addiction is a disease that affects the entire family. When a
person is misusing substances like opioids or methamphetamine
and addiction has taken root, everyone in that person’s circle is
impacted, including children. According to a 2022 data report by
the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, there were 3,868
(27.20%) substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect related
to substance abuse. The effects of addiction are widespread and
devastating to the entire family unit – children, family, friends, even
the family pet.
A person who misuses substances CAN HEAL with treatment and
families CAN RECONNECT. One way to help a struggling loved
one is to tell them there are resources like the AST Tribal Opioid
Response project available to assist them with finding treatment
(residential and outpatient). Staff can walk them through the process
of selecting a treatment option and, if needed, can transport them to
a treatment facility. When a person leaves residential treatment, it
may be helpful for them to ease their way back into the world by
spending time in a transition or sober living home. TOR can assist
persons with this too. Give us a call to learn more about what TOR
offers!
Tuesday, May 7th is the National Fentanyl Day of Awareness, on
this date; AST TOR is organizing a panel discussion and a resource
fair which is open to the general public! This will be held at the AST
Health Multi-Purpose Building at the AST complex from 5pm to
7:30pm. The panel discussion is called Fentanyl: Fact vs Fiction. The
panel’s purpose is to unravel misconceptions surrounding fentanyl.
Check out some of the baskets made at the basket weaving classes
led by Kathy Haney on April 6th and 13th. As you can see no two
baskets were the same! Every participant left with a basket and
information about TOR to share with others.
A letter to the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
It is with much regret that I must inform you of my retirement as a physician at the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System. This is not meant to be a notice that you might
get from a disgruntled employee or an “I quit” letter to one’s boss. In fact, this is a letter of love to my wonderful patients in the tribe and to any other Tribal members with
whom I have come into contact over my 9 years at the tribal health system.
In 1996, while on a military deployment in Honduras I chanced to meet up with a young girl who had a facial disfigurement that turned my whole life upside down. I don’t
need to get into the details here but I will tell you that I had a true epiphany when I saw this girl in her utter poverty and disfigurement. An inner voice told me that my future
was not going to be in retiring from my vocation as an engineer for AT&T and then sitting around gathering dust. I was 43 years old at the time and even I knew that my life
was far from over.
Months passed before, while talking to my sister-in-law, a soul mate at the time, I had my midlife reawakening. It hit me like a flash and like someone shook me by the
shoulders to wake me up. My desire to become a physician finally took hold of me with a desire like I have never experienced in my life. The problem was that at the age of 43
no one starts to think about going to medical school. In truth, it would take another 5 years before my first goal, getting admitted, would be fulfilled. You have to know this
about me. I am not any smarter than anyone else walking down the street. I was driven by a force. That was the only way I can explain it. That force saw me through several
bouts of depression when it looked like I would not get admitted, and when I had to put my residency on hold due to health issues with my mother.
Four years of medical school and 3 years of residency took me to the age of 56 and point that I could ask the question, “Now what do I do?” In truth I floundered around for
a number of years through self-employed practice, hospital practice, the VA and the department of defense. While at Tinker, and still being somewhat discontent with my lack
of self-fulfillment I happened to call my great colleague Marty Lofgren, MD asking him if there would be room for me at the clinic in Little Axe. He informed me that there
was no position available but that somehow one would be made. Now, I did not know or understand the structure or the organization of the health care system at the time
but I see in retrospect that this effort was due to someone’s intervention. Don’t ask me who but provide your own answer for that. This turned out to be my true calling as it
were. So, here I am, 9 years later baring my soul to you, my extended family because I have been in your homes and sat with your dying family members. I have been to your
ceremonies and been honored to learn some language.
In essence I have been working since I was 9 years old throwing newspapers around my working class neighborhood in Kansas City. This is not glorify myself at all but to
tell you that because I have always worked so to speak it is all the more difficult to leave you, my patients and friends. The hard fact is that at the age of 76 it is time to give way
to a younger person whom, I hope will care for you as much as I. One might ask, why retire when you still have all your marbles left. True, but remember what the Greeks said
some 3,000 years ago – “To thine own self be true.” I am experiencing little health changes taking place that might, if I were to satisfy my ego cause a patient to come to harm.
I will not allow that to happen. It’s just time folks, what else can I say?
It is not a cliché’ when I say it has been my greatest honor to be a part of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Health System. And, in truth, being able to serve the tribe and other
members of my patient family has helped me obtain the greatest height of personal satisfaction. I really don’t know that more one could hope for in life.
All the best and with much love,
Bruce Stafford
VA
U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs
ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WILL BE HOSTING A:
Brain Training
Exercise is the Key!
There is increasing evidence showing exercise improves the brain. Exercise can improve
learning, memory, neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire itself), potentially delaying
memory loss due to age and decreasing risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. So, if you
want to keep your brain sharp, and prevent cognitive decline while getting older, physical
activity is an essential part in making that happen!
Nutrition is Another Important Strategy!
Participants in the “Enlighten Trial,” a study from 2011-2018, showed those who
followed the DASH diet had better “executive function,” which is a term covering many mental
skills such as: remembering and processing things in the short term (working memory),
controlling automatic urges (inhibitory control), and changing how you think when you
encounter something new (cognitive flexibility). Other studies have shown eating fruits and
vegetables decreased risk of Alzheimer, dementia, and cognitive decline. So, eating healthy can
affect your brain tremendously!
During the event,
Speak with representatives
Get answers to VA Benefits and Claims questions
File your claim
What Should I Do?
Get same day decisions when you share complete information
Receive VHA Toxic Health Screens
Widows unsure if you qualify for benefits,
please come in and let us research it for you
For more information contact:
Were you exposed to burn pits, herbicides,
or other toxins while in the military?
Mary Culley, 405-626-3426
If you have ever served in the military and
have questions because you are not sure if
you qualify, please come in and ask
Connie Bottaro, 405-701-7629
mary.culley@va.gov
cbottaro@astribe.com
Run, bike, swim, walk, dance, walk the dog, vacuum, push mow the lawn, do chair
exercises, follow along with workout videos, or take short activity breaks. Just get moving! In
general, try to work up to getting 30 minutes a day either at one time or 10 minutes 3 different
times.
As always, stop by the AST Diabetes and Wellness department and meet our wonderful
registered dietitians and certified personal trainers to help you personalize and apply this to
your life!
https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.16252
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2796.2010.02281.x
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29188891/
May 2024
www.astribe.com
5B
HEALTH BUZZ!!
PLANNING AHEAD AS A CAREGIVER
Caring for a loved one with a memory or movement disorder can be overwhelming. The demands you experience as a care partner will change over time as the disease
progresses. Knowing when and how to ask for help from family and friends can impact the quality of life of both you and your person.
When your loved one is in the early stages of disease, you may find yourself taking over more of the instrumental activities of daily living such as driving, shopping, cooking,
housekeeping, managing finances and medications. As the disease progresses, you’re now helping with the activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding,
using the bathroom, and moving around.
There are a lot of other things you do as a care partner too, such as managing medical appointments, engaging community resources and additional care, addressing family
communication, and providing a sense of security for your person, just to name a few. No wonder you’re tired!
So where do you start? Start early in the disease process, plan ahead and acknowledge that the task of caring for your loved one is a BIG job and one best shared. Many of
us were raised to be independent and self-sufficient. You may have been told that it was a sign of weakness or selfishness to ask for help. In reality, we all need each other and
learning to be interdependent is a healthier viewpoint to adopt.
Many of us also learn that we need to be in control and strive for perfection. These qualities will not serve you well as a care partner. Dr. Pauline Boss, a family therapist and
researcher speaks to this in her book, “Loving Someone with Dementia”. Dr. Boss encourages us to “soften your standards of perfection, so that you can gradually see that a
“good-enough” relationship also has its place.
Make a list of all the tasks you do each day to care for yourself and your person. Next make a list of friends and family, both local and long distance, who you can reach out to
for support and help. Involve your larger network that may include neighbors, faith-based groups, and professional and community services like adult day programs, memory
cafes, in home care and caregiver support groups.
When you ask for help, make a specific request. Instead of asking “Can you help me?” try “Could you take David to his day program on Tuesday?” If they can’t do what you
ask, then let them know the opportunities for assistance you identified in your list. There are websites that can help you find resources that can provide useful information
and help.
While it can seem at times to be a lonely job, being a care partner can be a rich experience when you create a village to help care for you and your loved one.
Remember, the Alzheimer Disease Program Initiative team is here for you! We can help! Please contact us for more information about our two dementia caregiver support
programs:
Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country and Music & Memory
Check out our web-page:
Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System
https://www.asthealth.org
Programs and Prevention
Seeking Hope
You can also contact me directly at: (405) 561-7893.
Best regards,
Atheda Fletcher
Grant Project PI
Tip on Brain Health: Keep Smiling!!
Smiling helps you stay positive. Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative
without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message
that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.
SEEKING HOPE is pleased to announce that the second ADPI testimonial will be released the first of May 2024. Ms. Tina Ontiveros shares her story
of how her dementia journey started with her mother, Ms. Hazel Battice, and what she has done to help increase her knowledge about dementia.
We greatly appreciate and thank Ms. Ontiveros for participating in the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System’s (ASTHS) two caregiver support programs,
Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country and Music & Memory. Her desire to learn about dementia in order to provide the very best care for her mother is a big step
towards meeting the challenges in their dementia journey.
Please take a break to listen to Ms. Ontiveros’ message. You can view this video on several different media outlets:
AST and ASTHS websites
AST and ASTHS Facebook
ASTHS YouTube Channel
The Seeking Hope programs are funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) through the Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative (ADPI) grant.
These programs have benefited many individuals, both the caregiver and the person living with dementia. The dementia education positively affects knowledge,
self-efficacy, and attitudes towards dementia and people with dementia.
The ADPI staff is available to help provide support for your dementia journey. Please
contact us at (405) 561-7893 or (405) 447-0300. You can also read more about our
programs on the ASTHS website under Programs and Prevention. Online registration
is also available..
May 2024
6B www.astribe.com
AST HEALTH SYSTEM DIRECTORY
AST HEALTH SYSTEM DIRECTORY
LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER ..................................................... 405-447-0300
Administration
Business Office
Little Axe Dental
AST
SYSTEM DIRECTORY
HealthHEALTH
Information Management
Lab/X.Ray
Optometry
LITTLE
AXE HEALTH CENTER ..................................................... 405-447-0300
Patient
Benefit
AdministrationAdvocates
Primary Care
Business
Office
Little
Dental
PublicAxe
Health
Health
Information
Management
Security
Lab/X.Ray
Electronic Health Record
Optometry
Physical Therapy
Patient Benefit Advocates
Behavioral
Health .................................................................................. 405-701-7987
Primary Care
Little
Purchased Referred Care ........................................................ 405-701-7951
PublicAxe
Health
Diabetes
Security & Wellness ...............................................................................405-701-7977
Pharmacy
...............................................................................................405-292-9530
Electronic Health
Record
Physical
Therapy
CompleteCare Home Health................................................................... 405-701-7085
.................................................................................. 405-701-7987
Behavioral
Health
Transportation
........................................................................................405-701-7603
Little Axe Purchased Referred Care ........................................................ 405-701-7951
Diabetes & Wellness ...............................................................................405-701-7977
SHAWNEE
CLINIC ............................405-878-5850 OR 877-878-4702 TOLL FREE
Pharmacy ...............................................................................................405-292-9530
Administration
CompleteCare Home Health................................................................... 405-701-7085
Business
Office........................................................................................405-701-7603
Transportation
Health Information Management
Lab/X-Ray CLINIC ............................405-878-5850 OR 877-878-4702 TOLL FREE
SHAWNEE
Administration
Patient Benefit Advocates
Business
ContractOffice
Health
Health
Information
Physical Therapy Management
Lab/X-Ray
Primary Care
Patient Benefit Advocates
Public Health
Contract Health
Behavioral
Health ...................................................................................405-878-4716
Physical Therapy
Diabetes
& Wellness ...............................................................................405-701-7977
Primary Care
Pharmacy
........................................................405-878-5859 OR 866-742-4977TOLL FREE
Public
Health
................................................................................... 405-878-4716
Behavioral
Health
Transportation
........................................................................................405-701-7603
Diabetes & Wellness ...............................................................................405-701-7977
TOLL FREE
Pharmacy ........................................................
405-878-5859 OR 866-742-4977
PLUSCARE
...............................................................................................
405-447-0477
Transportation........................................................................................405-701-7603
GENERAL
PLUSCARE ............................................................................................... 405-447-0477
AST Resource Center..............................................................................405-364-7298
Corporate Compliance Hotline............................................................... 405-701-7135
GENERAL
Patient
Advocate
....................................................................................
405-701-7623
AST
Resource
Center
..............................................................................405-364-7298
AST Tribal Compliance
Complex ...............................................................................405-275-4030
Corporate
Hotline............................................................... 405-701-7135
Patient
Advocate
405-701-7623
AST Tribal
Police .................................................................................... 405-275-3200
AST
Complex
...............................................................................405-275-4030
AST Tribal
Housing
..........................................................................................405-273-1050
AST Tribal Police .................................................................................... 405-275-3200
COVID Hotline ........................................................................................405-695-1787
AST Housing ..........................................................................................405-273-1050
COVID Hotline ........................................................................................405-695-1787
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR SERVICE.
WE’RE HERE FOR
YOU IF YOU NEED US.
PACT ACT ELIGIBILITY
Were you exposed to
burn pits, herbicides,
or other toxins while
in the military?
VA PHONE SUPPORT
411
800 -M yVA
-2411
(800) 698
1-800-MyVA411
(800-698-2411)
You may be eligible for
VA health care and
compensation. Learn
more at VA.gov/PACT.
The one number all Veterans, their
families, caregivers, and survivors
can use to access VA resources 24
hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.
VA’S OFFICIAL MOBILE APP
VA WELCOME KIT
Download the
VA Health and
Benefits App!
Download VA’s
Welcome Kit!
• View and cancel appointments
• Check claims and
appeal status
• View payment
information
• Download Veteran
Service Letters
Download the VA Welcome Kit and
explore VA benefits and services,
including:
VA.gov/welcome-kit
Disability Ratings
Education Benefits
VA Health Care
Veteran-Owned
Small Business Support
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.