The Absentee Shawnee News (2013)

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The Absentee Shawnee News

June 2013

Inside This Issue...

Pages 2-6

Executive Committee

Reports

Page 7-8

Tornado Pictures

Page 9

Horse Shoe Bend

Page 15

Happy Father’s Day

Page 16-17

June Birthdays

Page 18

Kayla Ciulla

Page 19

The Elders Corner

The Relief Center at

Brendle Corner located

at Hwy 9 and HarrahNewalla Road is open to

all the people who are in

need of assistance. At the

current time, they are in

need of monetary, food,

and volunteer donations.

Please contact the Tribal

office at (405) 275-4030

and ask for Governor

Blanchard’s office. The

Governor wishes to say

THANK YOU!! To all

those that have already

donated their time and

money for this cause.

Vol. 27 No. 18

Police Chief Brad Jackson, Two Volunteers and Governor George Blanchard

The Relief Center at Brendle Corner Located at Hwy 9 and Harrah-‐Newalla Road is open to all

the people who are in need of assistance. At the current time they are in need of monetary ,food

and volunteer, donations. Please contact the Tribal office at (405) 275-‐4030 and ask for Governor

Blanchard’s office. The Governor Wishes to say THANK YOU!! TO ALL those that have all ready

donated their time and money for this cause.

June 16th

Page 20

TERO

Page 23

Big Jim Youth

Awards

Page 25

Benefit Pow-Wow

Page 27

AST Health

Page 29-30

Candidacy Letters

Page 31

Child/Domestic

Abuse Info

REMEMBER TO VOTE!!

FROM THE ELECTION COMMISSION:

Tribal members don’t forget to vote in the Run Off election to be held on Saturday,

June 15, 2013. The poll locations will be at the Police Department on the Tribal

Complex in Shawnee and at the Little Axe Resource Center on Peebly Rd. in Little Axe.

THE POLLS ARE OPEN FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M.

Executive Committee

George Blanchard

Governor

Issac Gibson

Lt. Governor

Teri Reed

Secretary

Kathy Deere

Treasurer

Governor’s

Jeffrey Gibson

Representative

Report

Greetings Friends and Relatives:

The Memorial Day Holiday is come and gone. Here’s hoping that all my friends and relatives got to spend some quiet time together, enjoying each

other’s company and celebrating with some outdoor activity such as a cookout. Our family did just that and all had an enjoyable time.

Let me say that our Tribal elections are just around the corner. It is another time to get out and vote. This is your time to voice your opinion as

an investment in our future by voting for a candidate of your choice. Don’t let your people down by not voting. It is your right to vote so please

participate in this important event.

I’d like to take a moment to thank the many people who assisted in the cleanup of the Little Axe Community. The outpouring of support in manpower

and donations is something of a marvel to witness. Tribal members were very much involved and we should be thankful to those who contributed

in all manner possible.

The Executive Committee put forth efforts in many useful ways and I thank them heartily for a job well done, as with the others.

You are welcome to visit me when your busy schedules allow you too.

Respectfully,

George Blanchard, Governor

26th ANNIVERSARY

THUNDERBIRD CASINO POW WOW

JULY 4-5-6, 2013 • Little Axe, OK

Kevin Washington and Darren

Shields Wins the Mens Doubles

Bowling Event

MC: SAMMY “TONE-KEI” WHITE

HEAD MAN DANCER: WOLFY LEITKA

HEAD LADY DANCER: LESLIE REALRIDER

HEAD SINGER: FOREST WALKER

HEAD GOURD DANCER: ADAM PROCTOR

ARENA DIRECTOR: SAM HOWELL

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE COLOR GUARD

SUPPER EVERY EVENING @ 5PM

ARTS AND CRAFT VENDORS WELCOME

CALL: LEONARD LONGHORN 405-481-0674 or

SUE BLANCHARD 405-312-4621

All contestants must be in full regalia and number in full display during

Grand Entry each night and dance July 4th during inter-tribal dancing.

All decisions made by the powwow committee are final.

NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND LOSSES • DRUGS, ALCOHOL ARE PROHIBITED

Absentee Shawnee Tribal members, Kevin Washington and

Darren Shields won the Mens Doubles Bowling event at

the 49th Albuquerque Annual Native American Bowling

Tournament held on April 26 - 28, 2013. Kevin is the son of

the late Herman & Deloris Washington. Darren is the son of

tribal member, Jenifer Sloan of Tecumseh, OK.

Report

Lt. G overnor’s

The month flew by! We have been busy!

We started the month off meeting with the newest

Pottawatomie County Commissioner; Randy

Thomas, District Two; it was a pleasure meeting

Mr. Thomas. We discussed areas in which the Tribe

might be able to work with the County, regarding

issues that could benefit both Indians and nonIndian citizens. The Tribal Transportation Program

was discussed along with other programs that the

Tribe thought the County might be interested in.

Commissioner Thomas was very forth coming in

his ideas, we enjoyed the visit and we look forward

to working with him, as we have with previous

Commissioner Richards and seated Commissioners,

Dennis and Stackhouse. We wish Commissioner

Richards well in his retirement.

Which reminds me; we got word that George

Skinner, long time County Commissioner in

Cleveland County, has passed. Mr. Skinner was

the Commissioner for the Little Axe area for a lot

of years, I am sure many of you knew him. He was

definitely a friend to the Shawnee, and an advocate

to the Little Axe area, he will be greatly missed.

I know there have been some vague articles in the

Shawnee News Star, maybe other newspapers,

regarding the Mission Hill property. The Tribe is

concerned; a letter has been submitted to kevin

K. Washburn, Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs,

requesting to be included in all previous and future

correspondence between the Department of

Interior and the Citizen Pottawatomie regarding

that property. The correspondence was recently

submitted and we are waiting for a response. You

will be updated as we learn more. There still has

not been a decision on the Tribe with jurisdiction

issue. Hopefully that will come soon.

After a year, we finally have a meeting with the

engineering firm to pick up the plans for the design

of the parking lot for the tribal police substation.

Hopefully construction will start soon.

As budgets are tight, we are trying to limit travel

and training to locally hosted, free trainings.

Realty staff attended a rights-of-way training

in Anadarko, sponsored by the Southern Plains

Regional Office, on May 15th. We have staff planning

to attend training in Stillwater on the new Tribal

Transportation Program legislation (MAPS21), on

the 29th.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Sorry, happy belated Mother’s Day!

Respectfully,

Isaac Gibson

Lt. Governor

Secretary’s

Report

Greeting Tribal Members:

This time of year is an exciting time as many of you

are busy with summer plans, cultural participation

in dances and football, gardening, graduations, and

summer activities. This time of year brings a great

sense of renewal for me and makes me proud to be

Absentee Shawnee.

We appreciate those of you who attended the

General Council meeting in April. One of the

purposes of the General Council meeting is to

provide you with information about tribal services.

We provided information through our

General Council book, oral and written reports,

and through informational booths set up by the

Health Clinic and some of our departments. I hope

you found the information helpful. Several people

indicated they would like to have more notice on

when the General Council meetings will take place.

The Executive Committee discussed this issue and

will work towards providing you more notice in the

future. We set the next General Council meeting for

Saturday, October 5th, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Event

Center/Warrior Room at Thunderbird Casino in

Little Axe. We are also considering extending the

meeting into the afternoon for those of you who

would like more time to ask questions.

I had mentioned in previous newsletters that I was

interested in providing a buyers program for tribal

members, where our Procurement Department

would seek out discounts for good and services that

could be utilized by the tribe and individual tribal

members. During my oral report at the General

Council meeting, I reported that our initial efforts

on this project indicated that we could procure

a 10%-15% discounts at some home improvement

companies, appliance, and electronics stores, etc.

An informal poll at the General Council meeting

indicated that very few tribal members (about

20%) were interested in utilizing a program such as

this. Therefore, we will continue our efforts to find

discounts for the tribe for goods and services we

normally buy, but will not expand this particular

program further. We will continue to seek out other

ways that we may be able to bring new services to

tribal members.

YOUTH ACHIEVMENT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Part of the reason that I love this time of year so

much is because all of the accomplishments of our

native youths. They are finishing up the school year

and making plans for the coming years. We have

so many talented young people in our tribe and I

would like to take this opportunity to mention

a few of them who have been brought to my

attention.

Congratulations to our Big Jim Youth Award

winners. They were selected from a panel of 5

non-AST judges. All of the judges are involved in

either education or coaching within the state of

Oklahoma. These awards are open to High School

Seniors nationwide who submitted an application

by March 31st. Congratulations to our Academic

winners Randall Watson from

Shawnee High School and Jalyn Williams from

Tecumseh High School.

Congratulations to our Athletes Of The Year

winners Solomon Blanchard from the Jim Thorpe

Academy in Shawnee and Andee Frazier from Little

Axe High School.

In May, I got to watch Brandon Johnson and his

Norman North baseball team reach the State Finals

Baseball game where they were defeated by Owasso.

Brandon is a Junior at Norman North. I also got to

watch Little Axe Senior Kayla Ciulla win the State

Tennis Championship in an unbelievable match

where she came from behind and dominated 3-6,

6-4, 6-4. Trevor Yates fished his way to take the

Junior State Fishing

Championship at Lake Eufaula. Congratulations on

these great accomplishments.

I was invited to attend many school award

ceremonies and graduations. I attended as many as

I could. I’m so proud of our young people, including

graduating seniors: Kaitlin Yates, Liyahna Bender,

Tre Miller, Shoshanna Johnson, Alecia Neash,

Darian Shields, Kara Gouge, Ashlynn Gouge, and

Jessica New Moon. These are the students that

were brought to my attention. I am sorry if I missed

anyone. We are proud of all our graduating Seniors!

Lastly, I know we have a number of young people

at various Colleges and Universities in Oklahoma

and beyond. We are proud that you are continuing

your education and encourage you to keep us

posted of your accomplishments. We love to hear

about your accomplishments! I know that tribal

member John Johnson and his wife Janet have a

son, John D. Johnson, who graduated from college

this month and is the first Doctor in the family. Dr.

Johnson is headed to Hawaii for 5 years to complete

his residency work. Dr. Johnson is the grandson

of tribal members Bill Johnson and the late Dee

Johnson. This is a wonderful accomplishment and

we wish him well in Hawaii.

TOBACCO COMPACT

I have attended numerous State and Tribal Leader’s

meetings on the ensuing termination date of our

Tobacco Compact in June. Most of the tribes in

Oklahoma have Tobacco Compacts that are expiring

in June and many of them have been amiable to

the idea of joining forces in our negotiations. We

wrote to Governor Fallin and formally requested a

4 year extension of our current Tobacco Compact.

We also hired the law firm of Hobbs and Straus out

of Oklahoma City to handle our negotiations for

us. Hobbs and Straus handled our negotiations for

our last Tobacco Compact and they did a great job.

Tribal leaders have a face-to-face meeting with

Governor Fallin in mid-June in Tulsa to discuss

concerns the tribes have with the negotiations. In

previous compacts, each tribe had what is called a

“favored nations” clause that allowed tribes to adopt

portions of other tribe’s compacts if the terms were

more favorable than the ones in their compact. This

was good for the tribes. The State has indicated

they are against adding a favored nation’s clause in

compacts signed this year. In my opinion, this is the

State’s way of dividing the tribes and lessening our

strength as Native People. I am hopeful that we will

be able to obtain the extension we requested, as

we currently have a strong compact that provides

needed revenue for our programs.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE UPDATE

If you have kept up with the newsletter over the

past few years, you know that the Secretary’s

office was given oversight of the Tribal Enterprises

(Smoke Shops and Restaurant) back in 2010, which

was well before I took office. It has been reported

by others that I took the tribal enterprises away

from ASEDA Inc. This was not the case. This was

done by a resolution with a unanimous vote by

the Executive Committee (Resolution # EAS-2010104) in December 2010. I assumed the oversight role

from the previous Secretary, and the following

is a report on our tribal enterprises. As with all of

the duties/program I assumed when I took office,

I have worked hard to make improvements and to

manage the entities responsibly.

This is the time of year when our annual audit is

conducted. I thought it might be interesting for

you to know some of the checks and balances

we have for the enterprises. We have a full time

accountant who handles our finances. All paid

expenses go through her and any checks that

are written require two signatures in order to

be paid. The procedures for paying expenses are

documented and followed by employees. Financial

information is made available on a regular basis

to the Executive Committee. We report directly to

the Executive Committee and we are required to

report annually, however, we provide reports to

them more frequently. We are audited annually

by an outside firm that verifies our procedures as

well as our financial reporting. Recommendations

and results are reported to us and to the tribe. We

had a good audit last year and expect another good

report this year. Our accountant is an ex-auditor

and is very familiar with accounting practices and

auditing requirements.

Our General Manager previously worked as a Chief

Financial Officer for two different tribes and is

experienced at financial analysis and business

practices. Net profits and expenses are compared

to industry averages for our area to make sure

we are within defined limits. Our managers are

experienced and work together to solve problems.

We have an in-house inventory control system that

tracks our inventory, but we also hire an outside

company to conduct an independent inventory at

least annually.

Our Tribal Tax Commission tracks all cigarettes

bought and sold on a monthly basis and verifies the

count directly with our cigarette suppliers.

Most of the money that is made by the Smoke

Shops is from Tobacco Compact and fuel credit

money ($400,000-$500,000 annually). This money

goes directly to either the Tribal Tax Commission

or the Tribe’s Finance Department and does not

go through the stores at all. Neither myself or the

General Manager receive any money or stipend for

providing oversight to the enterprises. We do not

have a charge account, we do not get an employee

discount, and we pay for every cup of coffee from

our own pockets. We have documentation on

all our procedures in our Employee Manual. We

have a disciplinary process for employees who

do not follow the rules. We conduct drug tests for

employment new hires, and employees know that

they may be asked to take a drug test at any time.

We have 36 cameras that record everything that

goes on at the Smoke Shops and Restaurant 24

hours per day. The cameras are available for review

by management, the Tribal Complex, and the

Tribal Police Department. I am confident that we

have the experience and knowledge necessary to

manage the enterprises. I will be happy to answer

any questions you might have about the tribal

enterprises.

OTHER CHALLENGES

It is with a heavy heart that I try to make sense of

many of the recent tragedies. I feel for the families

who have lost loved ones. Some of the accidents,

injuries, and sickness within our tribe are difficult

to understand.

The recent tornados in our area have been

devastating. I’m writing this report on the evening

of the deadly tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma.

The television is reporting on the many lives that

were lost and the chaos ahead of us. The only thing

that I am sure of, is that our people are resilient,

strong, and pull together during difficult times.

I have seen it time and again, and I’m sure we will

pull together as a family to help each other through

these challenging times. That is the blessing of being

Absentee Shawnee and an Oklahoman. I am proud

of the way the Tribal Police Department and the

Tribe responded in helping in any way that we can.

If you are facing challenges and need help, please let

us know. We may have programs or services that

can help you through these difficult times.

GENERAL ELECTION

The next general election will be on Saturday, June

15th, 2013. I encourage you to get out and exercise

your right to vote.

If you have any issues or concerns that you would

like addressed in the newsletter, please let me know.

Teri Reed

Tribal Secretary

teri@astribe.com

405-275-4030 Ext 104

Treasurer’s

Greetings TRIBAL MEMBERS,

Report

Election time again! This time around it is for the

Governor and Secretary positions. Voting is an

opportunity and privilege, so make your voice

heard! Congratulations to all the students who have

graduated and received honors, certificates, and

achieved their goals they have set for themselves!

My sincere and deeply felt sorrow for those tribal

members who have lost loved ones. My prayers and

thoughts go out to the families.

• AICCO (American Indian Chamber of Commerce of

OK, OKC Chapter) Mtg., with Guest speakers, Native

American Liaison to Gov. Fallin, Jacque Secondine

Hensley (Kaw Nation) and Diedre Myers, Deputy

Director, Office of Economic & Workforce Policy,

OK Department of Commerce. Ms. Hensley, goal

is to enhance the state’s relationships with the

Oklahoma Tribes. Her duties range from tribal

outreach, issues concerning Indian Child Welfare,

and to working on state compacts with the tribes

concerning gaming, tobacco, etc. Ms. Myers, gave

an overview of Oklahoma’s focus of workforce and

business.On the Dept.of Commerce website,year 2011,

OK experienced 2.7% employment growth ranking

the state 3rd among all U.S. states. According to

Economic Modeling Specialist International (EMSI)

data, top five (5) economic systems (industries)

consists of Aerospace & defense, energy, agriculture

& bioscience, information & financial services, and

transportation & distribution.

• HIV in Indian Country, Community Training, AST

Resource Center, sponsored by the AST Behavioral

Health Services. Presenter was Michaela Grey, MPH,

National Native American AIDS Prevention Center,

Denver, CO. She is a Capacity Building Assistance

Specialist with tremendous experience in Clinical

Trial Research. Her skills from the University

research setting and personal motivation goals

are to increase community awareness of HIV/

AIDS and the potential for a cure. Also, a video was

shown: “Story of an Indian Woman and AIDS, The

Loretta Gibson Story” was very moving, dramatic

realization, motivation, and educational for

everyone there to get the word out there about the

dangers of HIV/AIDS.

• Sovereignty Symposium XXVI, Skirvin Hilton

Hotel, OKC. Opening Ceremony and Keynote address

speaker:

Sandra Day O’Connor, Justice, Supreme Court

of the United States, Retired, and Tom Cole,

(Chickasaw) Congressman, United States House of

Representatives, OK District Four. Honor Guards:

AST Veterans Association and Kiowa Black Leggings

Society. Topics included: Initiatives for Economic

Development, Issues Facing Military Members Past

and Present, A Fair, Impartial, and Independent

Judiciary (Historical Analysis), Tribal and Local

Government Cooperation, Essentials of tribal SelfGovernment and Sovereignty, Judicial Nominating

Commission and Judicial Retention, Compact

Negotiations and Oklahoma Issues Update, Tribal/

State of OK Relationship-Fees and Taxes, Procedures,

Impact or Gaming Development, Criminal Law/

Cross Deputization, Tribal Language Preservation

in the Twenty-First Century, Status of Trust Issues

in the Wake of Judicial decisions, Sovereignty Issues

and Internet Gaming Jurisdiction, Off Reservation,

Economic Analysis, Social gaming, Strategies, Land

into Trust and other regulatory issues Carcieri,

roles of NIGC and BIA, competing interests, taxation

issues, NIGC Update, ICWA and other Children’s Issues,

Tribal Law and Order Act-The Hopi Perspective, and

Department of the Interior Secretarial Commission

on Indian Trust Administration and Reform.

• 2013 Red Earth Parade, OKC. AST was well

represented with our Honor Guard, Elders,

Executive Committee Members, and other entities

of the Tribe.

• 2012 Annual Audit is in process for the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe. Plans are to be concluded by the

end of this month. Appreciate all departments and

employees who have worked hard in making sure

this audit is successful and completed on time.

• Financials for Health Monthly Mtg., Each month

the tribal finance department, health finance,

executive director, clinical administrators, business

office meet to review the health monthly financials

and collections.

• Health Board Authority and LSWN Board Meeting,

held every third Tuesday, Little Axe Health Facility,

Little Axe, OK. Serves as Ad Hoc non-voting member.

Monthly reports of Executive Director, Clinic

Administrators, Department/Program Directors,

financial, and activities of health facility are

presented. We would like to extend to the Health

Board members appreciation and thank you for

serving on the Health Board. The Board consists of

Troy Little Axe, Chairman, Greg Terrell, Secretary,

Lisa Johnson-Billy, Nathan Boren, Surya Pierce,

Sandra Vaughn, and Lancer Stephens.

Monthly

Program/Departmental

Directors

meeting. Each director comes every third Monday

and gives a monthly update on their program/

department. We, as the Executive Committee,

appreciate these departments who take the time

to come and give us an update every month and

prepare monthly written reports. We understand

they may have circumstances occur that prevent

them from coming to the monthly meetings.

THANK YOU!

• Elders’ Monthly meeting are held every third

Saturday, either at AST Resource Center or Title VI

Bldgs, 10 am. If you are 55 years and older, please

come join us for fellowship, food, and fun times

together. Fund raisers, outings, and cultural

activities are planned monthly. Participated in

the annual audit for the Elders’ Council along with

Meredith Wahpeche, and Stella Little.

• 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.

• CDFI (Community Development Financial

Institution) Grant-Action Planning Meeting of

Steering Committee. Grant was submitted February

28, 2013 and should know in August if awarded.

Discussion on creating initial infrastructure, market

analysis, legal infrastructure, and organizational

structure. Next planning meeting, TBD. If any tribal

member is interested in being on this committee,

please contact Eddie Brokeshoulder, 275-4030, Ext.

148.

• WHITE TURKEY BAND POW WOW: HONORING

STUDENTS AND GRADUATES, Held at Horse Shoe

Bend Community Building, Shawnee, OK. A good

crowd came out to honor students and graduates.

The committee did a wonderful job for the

students and it was an honor and privilege to see

them recognized for their scholastic achievements.

NEWS FLASH

• Cobell Update (http://www.indiantrust.com):

Deadlines for claimants who submitted claims in

connection with the Trust Administration Class:

5/1/2013-Claims Administrator will mail letters

detailing the initial determination of eligibility to

all persons who filed a timely claim; 7/1/13- Written

requests for reconsideration must be postmarked

and sent with all supporting documentation to

the Claims Administrator. It is important that

all documentation supporting your claim as a

member of the trust Administration Class be

provided to the Claims Administrator when you

are asking for reconsideration; 8/1/13-The Claims

Administrator must respond to any requests for

reconsideration with a second determination of

eligibility; 9/4/13-Written requests to appeal the

second determination to class eligibility must be

postmarked and sent to the Claims administrator;

APPEALS will be reviewed by the Special Master, the

Honorable Richard Levie (Ret.), who was appointed

by the Court on December 19, 2012. Have questions

call the Info Center: 1-800-961-6109 Site of Infamous

Wounded Knee Massacre, went for sale, with an

asking price of $4.9 million. In a resale interview

the site’s owner, James Czywczynski, revealed

his bitterness over his personal history with the

property and rejected the notion that he should

gift it to the Oglala Sioux. “What makes them think

that I should give it to them?” he asked, “Everything

is given to the Indians anyway.” See article, http://

indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com.

• New Miss Indian World, Kansas Begaye (Dine’) was

crowned at the Gathering of Nations, 30th annual,

Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is 24-years old from

Rio Rancho, New Mexico, graduated from University

of New Mexico in 2011.

• OKC THUNDER’S-RUSSELL WESTBROOK; A surprise

and a plus for me. Met and got to shake his hand at

the OKC Zoo.

The Finance Department employees and Controller,

Belinda Collins, are deserving recognition as they

daily continue the never ending processes for

the financial side of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

Without their tireless dedication and commitment

we could not keep the financial transactions

processes flowing!

My appreciation to the Financial Consultant, Eddie

Brokeshoulder, who continues to assist me with

numerous projects, attend meetings where I cannot

attend, and consulting decisions in the office of

Treasurer! Also, sincere appreciation and thanks

to Arlene Herrera who serves as Administrative

Assistant to me and Enrollment. We appreciate

all your phone calls, emails, and visits. May God

continue to bless you and yours! See below articles

from AllNations Bank, Finance Department, and

Financial Consultant, Eddie Brokeshoulder.

Respectfully yours,

Kathy Deere, Tribal Treasurer

“The ultimate leader is one who is willing to

develop people to the point that they eventually

surpass him or her in knowledge and ability.”

Fred A. Manske, Jr.

Report

Representative’s

Greetings Tribal Members,

I hope everyone is enjoying this warm, cold, and

wet weather we have been experiencing.

Summer is approaching and all the vacations and

outdoor activities that come along with it I hope

everyone has safe travel with their family. Be sure

to spend as much time as possible with your loved

ones, every moment with them is precious. My

thoughts and prayers go out to all the tribal members’ friends and families that have been caught

in the devastation from the tornado. We as a tribe

have been recruiting volunteers to do as much as

possible to help assist those in their times of needs.

If you need any assistance give any executive committee member a call and we will do our best to

assist you in any way we can. I would like to thank

each individual volunteer that has been helping

with the clean up and helping those in need, your

help and effort makes a big difference. I would also

like to thank Edwina Butler Wolfe, the workers and

all the participants as well for the Horseshoe Bend

Powwow.

It turned out to be quite a success. I look forward to

the Jim Thorpe games coming up and I hope to see

many Tribal Members participation during those

events. I hope everyone has a blessed month. If you

need anything my door is always open and I can

also be reached by cell.

Thank you,

Representative Jeff Gibson

April reconciliations for financial reporting. It

is imperative the accounting staff continue to

stay ahead of all of the accounting so that audits

go smoothly, so that Indirect Cost rates will stay

up to date as well. Indirect cost proposals cannot

be submitted without completed audits as the

audit is used to calculate the proposal. There are

many processes in place in your Tribe’s accounting

department that ensure we keep accurate records

of transactions. The Tribe’s accounting processes

must be in compliance with GAAP; (Generally

Accepted Accounting Principles) and GASB

(Governmental Accounting Standards Board) and

these rules are updated sometimes annually.

The Tribe currently has compact funds of BIA and

I H S, 51 Grants. In addition, the Tribe operates on a

General Fund and an Indirect Cost Fund. The new

clinic building payments are current and have been

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 7 (50%) being AST

Tribal Members, 2 non-AST tribal members, and

5 (36%) being non-natives. This department as

always would like to extend a special thanks and

Finance Department note of appreciation to the Executive Committee

providing the tools, resources, and support to

June 2013 for

enable the finance staff to reach its accomplished

The Finance office continues our efforts in keeping goals and to continue with this effort. A special

the day to day activities flowing effectively and thanks and note of appreciation to Program

efficiently through communication between the Managers and Employees of the Tribe for their

Finance office and Programs. In working together, assistance and dedication in our continued group

we have found the most time effective and cost effort toward accomplishing our goal. If you have

effective processes for transacting business.

any questions or needs, please call 405-275-4030 ext

Tribal Members and Native Employees allowing 162 and I will be glad to assist you.

clinic and pharmacy visits to be claimed on their Respectfully,

medical insurance coverage from private insurance Belinda Collins,

or other coverage is very beneficial to the Tribe’s Controller

health systems.

Any cost not paid by your insurance company will Financial Consultant

be paid by Tribal health system funds. You will not

Report

be asked to pay a deductible or any charges not

Hello

Tribal

Members,

covered by your insurance. Using your coverage

allows the health systems to charge your insurance The office of Treasurer continues to manage and

for the service rather than it being paid in full from provide sound financial reporting and in keeping

with fiduciary responsibilities of improving the

the health system funds.

This in turns enhances the entire program and financial status of the Tribe.

allows more services to Tribal members. In addition, I have been involved in review and participated in

any funds paid by the Tribe on claims filed with the following financial related activities:

Financial Reporting: Reviewed and analyzed

your insurance helps to meet your deductibles.

The Tribe’s 2010 and 2011 Audits are “unqualified”; office of Treasurer monthly General Fund and

which when compared to an educational grading Indirect Cost encumbrance budget reports.

scale is an A. We are prepared for the 2012 audit Absentee Shawnee Economic Development

coordinating business entities that will roll up into Authority, Inc. (ASEDA): Attend monthly

ASEDA board meeting to discuss future business

the tribe’s audit.

Auditors are currently. The 2013 Indirect Cost opportunities such as the feasibility development

Proposal was submitted to the National Business of a Rural Water District, with dependable water

Center (NBC) on September 4, 2012. Our rate is up facilities, rural communities can attract families

from 17.74% for 2010 to 21.98% for 2011 to 22.35% for and businesses that will invest in the community

2012, and 27.39% for 2013. As soon as I have a draft and improve the quality of life for all residents.

of the 2012 Audit, I will begin writing the 2014 IDC ASEDA, Inc. is currently being audited by Bledsoe &

Associates, PLLC certified public accountants for

proposal.

The finance department for 2013 is completing calendar year 2012. ASEDA board meetings are held

accounting by the 10th day of the month which monthly, 2nd Thursday, at 10:00 a.m., our meetings

has been extended from the 7th allowing the are open to community tribal members.

Community Development

health finance to provide reports necessary for

Absentee

Shawnee Community Development

adjusting inventory and accounts receivable.

Financial

Institutions

Fund (CDFI): The Absentee

Financial reporting for the Health Authority

Shawnee

Tribe

continues

to wait for notification

and Li Si Wi Nwi, Health Inc. boards for Absentee

from

U.S.

Department

Treasury

on recent CDFI

Health Systems, Shawnee and Little Axe (LSWN)

application.

AST

CDFI

seeks

foster

economic

continues. The Finance staff has completed the

and financial independence for Native people by

assisting in the development of personal assets

through financial and entrepreneurial education.

Currently our steering committee was directed to

develop an action plan for starting a CDFI: Create

Initial Infrastructure, Market Analysis, and Legal

Infrastructure, with our next meeting planned

May 23rd, meetings are open to community tribal

members. For more information please contact

Eddie Brokeshoulder, at 405-275-4030 x 148 or

eddieb@astribe.com.

American Indian Chamber of Commerce

Oklahoma (AICCO): Recently Treasurer Deere

and I attended AICCO luncheon in Oklahoma City,

guest speakers Jacque Secondine Hensley, Native

American Liaison to office of Governor Fallin

and Deidre D. Meyers, Deputy Director of office

of Economic and Workforce Policy, Oklahoma

Department of Commerce. Ms. Hensley gave an

overview of her role and responsibilities as Native

American Liaison. Ms. Meyers spoke about the

state of Oklahoma focus of workforce and business

development.

8th Annual TGI Enterprises Inc., Promo Dos

(Cinco) De Mayo: Treasurer Deere, Arlene Herrera

and I recently attended the 8th Annual TGI

Enterprises Inc., Cherokee Female Native American

owned business in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This event

was a customer appreciation event, facility tour,

promotional product showcase of screen printing

and embroidery. We enjoyed food, presentations

and each received a colorful t-shirt.

Creating Sustainable Programs Webinar:

Participated in a free webinar sponsored by First

Nations Development Institute, our discussion’s

included the creation of sustainable programs

aimed at educating Native community members

in working to strengthen local food systems

while increasing economic opportunities and

organizational capacity.

Absentee Shawnee Community Development

Financial Institution Not-For-Profit 501 (c) 3:

Reviewed resolution prepared by tribal consultant

Rick Short, requesting the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe of Oklahoma authorizing and adopting and

approving the submission of an application to the

Internal Revenue Service for the creation of a 501 (c)

3 non-profit corporation.

In closing, I would like to let you know our offices

are always open, to answer questions you might

have relating to financial management. I can be

reached at 405-275-4030 x 148 or eddieb@astribe.

com

Respectfully Submitted,

Eddie Brokeshoulder

Financial Consultant

AST CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMITTEE

SEEKING VOLUNTEER TRIBAL MEMBERS

Are you interested in participating and

being a part of a better tomorrow?

Are you an Elder or Youth willing to

better the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, if

so please contact: Eddie Brokeshoulder

at 405-275-4030 x 148

or eddieb@astribe.com

Resolutions

If you’d like to submit an ad or article give us a

The following are Resolutions passed through May

call at

15, 2013

EXECUTIVE RESOLUTIONS

(405) 598-1279

E-AS-13-35 04/24/13

(405) 481-0558

Relating to a Loan Agreement and Loan Documents

among the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

or send us an e-mail at

Oklahoma, Thunderbird Entertainment Center, Inc.

and Firstar Bank, National Association.

stiger@astribe.com

E-AS-13-36 04/24/13

Authorizes and approves the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma to apply for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Grant for Domestic Violence Shelters/Grants to Native American Tribes (including Alaska Native Villages) and

Tribal Organizations.

E-AS-13-37 05/15/13

Approves and accepts Fredrick Cecil Combs III, Kayla Nicole Vasquez, Jonathon Louis Vasquez, Jackie

Dean Johnson, Soaryn Edward Matthew Tiger,

Jaime Lee Keith, Devin Anthony Gutierrez, Christian Jacob Simpson, Julian Elliot Simpson, Caden

Marshall Simpson, Jiya Marie Woods, Kayelah Janeablair Davis, Mary-Ann Jackson, Cheyenne Marie

Jackson, Lindsey Nicholle James, Isabel Fe Reyes.

Aireanna Belle Longhorn Dees.

Kristian Parker Phillips, Mason Jaxon Phillips and

Cora Irene Masquas as enrolled members of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma as of

the date of this resolution.

E-AS-13-38 05/15/13

Approves Governor Blanchard signing a contract with Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP for a

$5000.00 retainer and an hourly rate of $195.00 for

the negotiation of the Tobacco Compact with the

State of Oklahoma.

Probates

We would like to thank everyone who

called in with helpful information

regarding the next of kin of deceased

Tribal Members. We still have two

cases pending that we need to locate

their net of kin in order to obtain

the necessary information and

documents to submit the cases for

probate. If anyone knows the names

or whereabouts of any family member

of the decedents listed below, please

contact Johnnie Hagan at (405) 2754030 ext. 126 or at 1-800-256-3341

ext 126:

Robert Jefferson Wimbish

Michael Edward Powell, Sr.

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.

Music

Hello to everyone and I hope

you’re enjoying the nice warm

weather that we’ve been having. Well school

will soon be out and the kids will be home for

a while, and the FREE music lessons are still

being offered each week day and on Saturdays.

We have had some gifted children and adults

as well I hope to see more tribal members

take advantage of the free music classes. We

will soon be holding an award party for all the

music students that will be going on to a higher

level of musical skills, We have two young ladies

that are between 6 and seven years old that are

just awesome players for their age group. I’m so

very proud of them and all of the students that

have come to the music classes and set goals

for themselves and have accomplished their

goals. In music, we will be handing out awards

for achievements in music growth and playing

skill. There will be two elders on the list too

receive awards and pictures as well. Everyone

is welcome to come join in the music and learn

to play the piano, acoustic guitar, bass guitar

and/or drums if you like, all the classes are FREE

all you need to do is bring yourself and you’re

desire to play to each class and you could be

playing in no time. Please feel free to give us

a call or email us at pbradley@astribe.com or

call my cell at 405-370-5576. We offer classes

on Tuesdays in the Little Axe Resource Center

from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and in Shawnee

Wednesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m.

Until 6:00 p.m. at the music house right next

door to the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Police

station, just give me a call and let’s get you set

up with a day and time to start your music

lessons. You can always reach me on my cell so

please don’t hold back the music that’s in you

and call me today and thanks too all the music

students that are in classes right now.

Have a good day and may The LORD send you a

blessing your way.

Phil Bradley Instructor

Music

Tornado Hits

Little Axe

L to R: “Spud” Blanchard, L.T. Gov. Gibson, “Moose”

Blanchard, Andy Warrior, Mike Wood

OKLAHOMA CITY – State and federal officials announce new hours to visit the disaster recovery center

at Little Axe Elementary School in Norman: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The center is a one-stop shop where

Oklahomans who were affected by the recent tornadoes may go for information about state, federal or other

disaster assistance for homeowners, renters and business owners.

HORSE SHOE BEND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM:

June 2013 News

The last day of the Horse Shoe Bend After School Program was May 9, 2013, students was treated to a pizza party and a movie at the

center. As the school year is coming to the end, we are making final preparation for summer activities. May was a very busy month with

the students and tutors, as our tutors are college students and have to prepare for their finals. All students at the after school program made

some remarkable achievements in their school. I enjoyed having: Daniel, Brendan, Kaleb, Kenyan, Ahlijah, Student, Jaydan, Jayleen,

Christian, Katie, Zachariah, Alijah, Olivia, Eben, Jordan, Camryn, Caitlyn N., Katlyn M, Blake, Shayla, Desiree, Ruben, Eryn, Gabriel,

Austin, Alesia, Damon, Wayne, Elizabeth, Mia, Dahlia, David, Kaelan, Andrew (AJ), Jeff. As there were a lot of days that everyone showed

up all 34 students and I just like to say that everyone had the desire to succeed in their school work. I could not have asked for a better

group of students. The tutors worked hard in making sure students completed their homework assignments. Tutors were: Lauren, Caitlyn,

Chris, Meagan, Heather, Macy, Nicole, Joanna, Haley, Dakota, Captain, Stuart, Randall, Elaine.

I could not have done this program without our hard working tutors. All tutors are inquiring of coming back next school term to tutor at

the Horse Shoe Bend After School Program and I have already received calls of new tutors of wanting to tutor. As this program is moving

on to the next level I am working with Representative Gibson of implementing a tutor program in the Shawnee Middle and High School. Plans have already been discussed with

Dr. Marc Moore, Superintendent of Shawnee School System and Indian Education Director Graham Primeaux.

On April 22, 2013 students celebrated Earth Day by planting a Redbud Tree donated the MSPI Program, Jenifer Sloan, Director. Students were very excited of planting a tree

at Horse Shoe Bend and named the tree “Thunder Tree”. Each student participated in planting the tree by throwing a shovel of dirt around the tree. After completing planting

the tree students then went inside and made bird feeders sponsored by Evelyn Pablito, Water Quality Specialist, OEH Department of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. Each student

received a pine cone and spread peanut butter around the cone and then placed the cone in a baggie full of bird seed. As the bird seed stuck to the peanut butter, students then

hung bird feeders in the trees around the Horse Shoe Bend Center. Some bird feeders were placed in trees in the open field just West of center, while placing the feeders in the

trees Ruben and Katie Wilson’s horse seemed to like that as “Trotter” enjoyed the peanut butter. Students finished the day by picking trash up on the premises.

The North Rock Creek Awards Assembly was May 6, 2013, at 8:00 am. The following students received awards were:

ALESIA THOMPSON

Alesia received the Achievement Award in her Fourth Grade Class. We enjoy Alesia at the After School Program. She brings such joy. She

excels in about everything that she does in academics and sports. Alesia is the daughter of Joe and Sandy Masquas, and she is a Sac and Fox

Tribal Member.

ALIJAH MASQUAS

Alijah won for the second time this year the Scholar Award in her Second Grade Class. Alijah is a very

responsible student and she shows her abilities in school work. She likes to play kickball at the center. Alijah

is the daughter of Phillip Masquas and she is an Absentee Tribal Member.

JAYDAN ROBINSON

Jaydan participated in the Shawnee Little Olympic Games, he was one of the few

On June 9, thru June 15, 2013

that won a spot on the team from South Rock Creek as a First Grade Student.

the Horse Shoe Bend Students

We are very proud of Jaydan for his first place run at the Little Olympic on May

will be competing in the Jim

6, 2013. He is the grandson of Leon and Pat Bell, and Jaydan is a Seminole

Thorpe Games, Stuart Rolette

Tribal Member of Oklahoma.

and Randall Watson will be

coaching the 12 under boy’s basketball team. I will be coaching

the girls 12 under team. They also will be competing in the Field

and Track Events located at the Bishop McGinnis High School

Track Field on June 11, 2013. Randall and Stuart and Dakota

Hummingbird and I will be coaching our participants in the

events. There will be 18 students from the Horse Shoe Bend After School Program representing

the Absentee Shawnee Tribe at the Jim Thorpe Games. If you have any questions please call

405 481-0397.

Thank you,

Edwina Butler-Wolfe,

Director Horse Shoe Bend After School Program

Horse Shoe Bend students and tutors

AST Public Health Nursing Department Programs; Caregiver

Program & Injury Prevention Program Host Elders in Two

Educational Events

AST Public Health grant programs hosted an elder outreach event Friday, November 30 at the AST Little Axe Resource Center. The “Brown Bag Special” elder event focused on medication safety and management, as well as the risk of elder fall injuries that can

contributed to taking medications. A “brown bag” lunch was provided to participants during the speaker presentations. AST Health’s Director of Pharmacy, Nancy Phelps spoke on

medication management and safety. Elders had the opportunity for an extended question

and answer session regarding medications, use of AST pharmacy services and obtaining refills. The Caregiver program provided each participant with a personal wallet record to log

their medication, allergies, doctor and pharmacy information to have available when they

seek medical care. Each participant was given weekly medication planner boxes that Public

Health Nursing provided instructions on and demonstrated use. Additional presentations

on available program services and contact information were given by Behavioral Health Director, Dara Thorpe and Injury Prevention Program Coordinator, Sacha Almanza. Elder

games and physical fitness activities, such as Tai Chi which promotes balance and mobility,

were provided by the Resource Centers physical fitness staff.

The last AST Public Health grant programs elder event was held Thursday, December 20 th

at the Little Axe Resource Center. This “Winter Wellness Land” event included door

prizes, fitness games and highlighted fire safety as weather conditions turn cold. AST physical fitness staff provided games and chair and strength band exercise demonstration to participating elders. Special guests included recently retired Shawnee Fire Department Captain

of 24 years, Billy Mitchell , AST OEH Director Kenny Jones, and OEH Project Coordinator

Dennis Burks. Mr. Mitchell’s presentation included a fire extinguishing safety education

video and a offered a question and answer session concluding the presentation. AST tribal

members are eligible for free Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors, including installation,

through a program offered by the AST OEH staff. Many participants signed up for these

OEH Services.

For more information on

AST OEH Services contact 405.214.4235

AST Public Health Nursing Programs

Camp Nikoti Tribal Youth Program presents...

Melokami Youth Camp 2013

THANK YOU to all tribal program staff who helped make this year’s camp a success and

full of fun for the youth!

FY-2013

YTD TAX COLLECTIONS

(thru 4/30/13)

RUN DATE:

05/21/13

TAX

CATEGORY

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

YEAR-TO-DATE

TOTAL

% OF TAXES

COLLECTED

Sales (6%)

Gaming % of free cash

Employee (1%)

Severance (8%)

Motor Vehicle

Tobacco Refund

$5,320.89

$414,328.00

$29,238.39

$15,812.22

$14,481.54

$10,087.72

$5,961.53

$408,888.00

$4,799.87

$5,128.09

$13,521.61

$12,244.26

$10,318.20

$225,370.00

$4,314.16

$0.00

$15,001.64

$8,474.55

$5,250.35

$224,409.00

$20,146.42

$21,426.59

$13,851.28

$9,091.57

$0.00

$26,850.97

$1,272,995.00

$58,498.84

$42,366.90

$56,856.07

$39,898.10

1.79%

84.92%

3.90%

2.83%

3.79%

2.66%

TOTAL TAXES

$489,268.76

$450,543.36

$263,478.55

$294,175.21

$0.00

$1,497,465.88

Miscellaneous

$970.00

$250.00

$106.75

$230.00

$0.00

$1,556.75

0.10%

TOTAL COLLECTIONS $490,238.76

$450,793.36

$263,585.30

$294,405.21

$0.00

$1,499,022.63

100%

AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!!

JUNE 15, 2013

BALLOT

$1,497,465.88

$1,499,022.63

Absentee Shawnee Tribe Transit

System (2013)

This questionnaire is to gather information

to determine the need for transportation

services within the tribe’s jurisdictional

boundaries.

Services: Monday thru Friday 8:00 – 5:00,

special exceptions for weekends.

We will provide transportation to and from

the following in (VANS OR BUSES):

Clinic (Little Axe)

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

RUN OFF ELECTION

SATURDAY JUNE 15, 2013

Clinic (Shawnee)

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS: Cast your vote by placing a [X] or [] mark

Grocery Stores

in the box next to the candidate of your choice.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR:

Wal-Mart

Tribal Complex

What other needs do you think you would

have from the transit system?

George Blanchard………………………………….[ ]

Edwina Butler-Wolfe………………………………[ ]

SECRETARY:

Vera Gibson Dawsey……………………………….[ ]

Teri Reed…………………………………………...[ ]

Tribal member signature:

Name:

Address:

ELECTION COMMISSION

ELECTION COMMISSIONER

Contact #:

No One filed

ELECTION SECRETARY

Meredith Wahpekeche………………………………[ ]

FHA Transit Coordinator questions call Mike

Wood at 275-4030 Ext.112 or cell (405)

432-9652.

AAA Oklahoma News Release

www.AAA.com

www.facebook.com/AAAOklahoma

www.twitter.com/#!/AAAOklahoma

Contacts:

Chuck Mai

Office: (405) 753-8040

Cell: (405) 209-8260

chuck.mai@aaaok.org

Danial Karnes

Office: (918) 748-1074

Cell: (918) 935-9318

danial.karnes@aaaok.org

Kids, Pets and Hot Cars Left Alone = A Deadly Combination

AAA Oklahoma, May 13 - The consequences of leaving kids or pets in hot cars, even for a

minute, can be deadly. Each year, AAA along with Safe Kids works to prevent children and pets

being left in hot cars by educating the public of the dangers.

According to data collected by Dr. Jan Null of San Francisco State University, 32 children died

last year after being left in a car. 52 percent of those who died were left not on purpose, but by

mistake.

“Many times we think we can run into a store and be out in 10 minutes with no problem, but in 10

minutes in the heat of the summer, your car’s interior temperature can rise 19 degrees above that

of the outside air,” said Danial Karnes, AAA Oklahoma spokesman.

AAA urges parents and caregivers to put these simple tips to use to make sure no child is left in a

vehicle this summer.

•

Never leave a child unattended in a car, even for a minute, even if the windows are tinted

or down. The same recommendation applies to pets and the elderly.

Don’t allow children to play in an unlocked, parked vehicle and never leave car keys

where children have access to them.

Keep doors locked and windows closed at all times, even when the vehicle is in the

garage or on a driveway.

Make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Be certain no

one is inadvertently left behind.

When you first place a child in a car seat in the back seat of the car, also open the glove

compartment door, flip down the passenger side visor or put a purse in the back seat.

These actions can serve as visual reminders that a child is in the back seat. Even better,

place your cell phone on the back seat, too.

If you see a child alone in a locked, parked car, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency

assistance.

A not-‐for-‐profit organization, AAA Oklahoma serves its 365,000 members across

Oklahoma with emergency help on the road, auto travel assistance and a wide range

of personal insurance, travel, financial and automotive services through its 45 retail

branches, regional operations center and the Internet at www.AAA.com.

Are you at risk for diabetes, have diabetes or

know someone who does? Type 2 diabetes is

the most common type of diabetes and affects

millions of Native Americans. Many people

are unaware that they have diabetes or prediabetes. Native Americans are twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes

than others. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Frequent infections

• Blurred vision

• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal

• Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet

• Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms.

Some ways to prevent and manage diabetes is through healthy lifestyle

behaviors. One question that many people with diabetes or pre-diabetes

often ask is “What can I eat?”. The American Diabetes Association states

that you do not have to be deprived or restricted. The key factors are learning

what are the “superfoods”, how much of it you can have and how often.

Getting into the habit of eating a healthy diet helps you manage diabetes

and prevent complications caused by diabetes.

The following foods are listed on the American Diabetes Association web

site as” superfoods”. Try to incorporate as many of these foods into your

daily meal plan to enhance the nutrient content of your meals.

The foods listed have a low glycemic index (causes slower rise in blood

glucose after eating) and provide key nutrients that are lacking in the typical

western diet such as:

• calcium

• magnesium

• potassium

• vitamins A, C, and E.

• fiber

Beans,dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit, sweet potatoes, berries,

tomatoes, fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, nuts, fat-free milk

and yogurt. To learn more about eating these superfoods and recipes visit

diabetes.org and sign up for Wellness and Healthy Eating classes at the

Little Axe Clinic. Call Sidna McKane to sign up at 405 701-7977.

Source: American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org

###

AST COUNTRY

ASTAST

PHARMACY

NEWS

PHARMACY NEWS

 Visit our new, convenient drive-thru at the Little Axe location for refill drop off

or pick up!!

 As of January 1, 2012, Oklahoma State Law mandates that a current, state

issued photo ID be on file for both the patient and the representative picking

up for EVERY fill of ANY controlled medication.

 Deliveries of controlled medications will no longer be allowed.

 Both Shawnee and Little Axe pharmacy locations fill prescriptions for

members of all tribes, but outside prescription orders are restricted to

Absentee Shawnee Tribal citizens with established charts.

 If you would like to receive a text message to your cell phone when your

medications are ready for pick-up, please alert the pharmacy staff and

provide us with a current cell phone number.

 The following are a few tips to help us be more efficient in our delivery of

pharmacy services to you:

 Present insurance cards each time you pick up or drop off a

prescription

 Keep us informed of changes in address, phone number and other

contact information.

 Let the Pharmacy staff know if the prescription is going to be picked up

or needs to be delivered.

 When requesting refills, please provide 24 hours’ notice and either the

refill number, which is located above your name on the prescription

label, or the names of your medication.

KITCHEN

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

We are open through the lunch hour!!

**BOTH PHARMACY DEPARTMENTS ARE CLOSED

WITH THE CLINICS THE FIRST WEDNESDAY

AFTERNOON OF EVERY MONTH TO COMPLETE

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES**

Check out our

daily homemade

lunch specials!

Something

different

every day!

If you have any questions at any time, feel free to call either Pharmacy or stop by

and speak with one of our Pharmacy staff. We are happy to assist you with your

pharmaceutical needs!

Hours of Operation:

Little Axe: 7am-5:30pm Monday-Friday

Shawnee: 7am-6pm Monday-Friday

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

Open 7 Days A Week!

366-7220

(In Front of Thunderbird Entertainment Center Next

to AST Smoke Shop)

Sac and Fox Nation

Food Distribution Program

Call Today

To See If You

Qualify!!!

STROUD OFFICE

(800) 256-3398



SHAWNEE OFFICE

(866) 622-2310

If at least one member of your

household is Native American, you

reside within our service area, and you

meet our income guidelines…

You May Qualify, Call Today!!!

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating

on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call

toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through

the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Tecumseh High School

Darian Shields

Jalyn Williams

Seminole Jr. College

Desirae Shields

Great Job!

A special recognition for Jalyn in her Academic Excellence

Go Sooner!

Love,

Grandma Jenifer

To Roy Gene, Gary, Everett, Corey,

Lyndell, Todd, Leonard, Sid, Chubs,

Clay, Eli, Kevin, Rudy, Bob, & Mike

We love you guys!!

Marvin & Sherry

POPPA STEVE!

Love,

Landon, Amiya, Keely,

Aiyana and Miney Moe

JOB OPENINGS

•Executive Director of Gaming

• Internal Auditor

• Surveillance Operator

• Teacher – Building Blocks Child Care

• Floater – Building Blocks Child Care

• Physician – Shawnee Clinic

• Dental Hygienist – Little Axe Clinic

Human Resource Department

2025Shawnee

Gordon Cooper

Absentee

Tribe

Drive

Human

Resource

Department

Shawnee, OK 74801

Phone (405) 2754030

Fax (405)Cooper

273-2710Drive

2025 Gordon

Shawnee, OK 74801

Phone – (405) 275-4030

Fax – (405) 273-2710

Jarell

Love

Amiya & Aiyana

Nakota

To our Dad

Shawn Byers

We love you very much!

Sebastian & Christian

• Pharmacy Tech

• Radiology Tech- Little Axe Clinic

Lisa Brownell – Director x131

Elizabeth Clark – x 170

Rachael Lankford – x 111

www.astribe.com

To our PawPaw

Marvin Smith

We love you!

Ryder Caash &

Baby Landyn

Love, Hermione

Birthd

Aguirre Perez Jr., Jose Ricardo

Anderson, Jeffery Eugene

Anderson, Micah RaShawn

Arms, Eva Nikkole

Armstrong, Bobby Joe

Atabaigi, Victor Arman

Atchico, Kevin Todd

Atwood, Dalana Ann

Bates, Darwin Lee

Bates, Edwin Gale

Bates, Horace Ray

Bates, Leah Daphne Ann

Beach, Madison Sue

Bear, Wally Eugene

Bell, Patsy Marie Rolette

Bettelyoun, Lester John

Bigpond, Michael Ray

Blackburn, Brittney Renee

Blackburn, Nicole Ann

Blackburn, Reba Gayle

Blanchard, Frances May

Blanchard, Joshua Darand

Blanchard, Linda Sue

Blanchard, Mark Leeroy

Blanchard, Ryan Lee

Blanchard, Trinity Morgan

Bluewater, Marty

Bonham, Megan Louise

Bowman, Lourie Ann

Bradley, Megan Nicholle

Breeding, Landry Parker

Brewer, Zelda Sue

Brokeshoulder, Gerald C.

Brown, David Anthony

Brown, Jearldean Louise

Brown, Shedrick Tremain

Brunson, Michelle Denise

Bryant, Christopher Michael

Bui, Robert Dao

Bullard, Carolyn Sue

Burgess, Anthony Wayne

Burris, Joyce Ann

Byers, Samuel Ezra

Chapline, Annabelle Rene’

Charley Jr., Eugene R

Charley, Shawna Tracy

Chasteen, Patricia Marie Haskins

Ciulla, Casimer James

Clark, Christian Eugene

Clark, Mary Esther

Clem, Sherry Michelle

Cobell, Miranda Pauline

Cochrane, Arthur Kent

Coddington, Kevin Dwayne

Coddington, Michael William

Coddington, Nicole Chenoa

Coffee, Bradlee Roy

Corpus, Alyce Karen

Cox, Elizabeth Diane

Creek, Allison Jaine

Creek, Shelia Maria

Cruz, Owen Patrick

Cruz-Larney, Leonardo

Dankenbring, Christina Renee

Davis, Gary Brent

Davis, Jeremy Ray

Deer, Brayden Nathaniel

Deer, Channa Racyne

Delodge Jr., Dwight Lee

DeLodge, Tiger Kaseca

Dennison, Lindsey Nicole

Dibler, Jimmy Floyd

Dietrich, Skylar Star

Dodds, Audrey Scroggins

Douglass, Catalyna Jade

Dunford, Dustin Everett

Durmon, Raven Reese

Eason, Gemini E`lane

Edwards, Christopher John

Ekk, Joyce Lynn Gant

Ellis Jr., Paul Samuel

Ellis, Craig Joseph

Ellis, Joshua Lee

Ellis, Steven Duane

Felton, Beverly Ann

Finley, Charles Christopher

Fixico, Kyeanna Rochelle

Flippen, Gale Sue

Foreman, Jamie Marie

Foreman, Lisa Ann

Frazier, Lisa Deanne

Fritsch, Cheryl D. Sloat

Gant, Phillip Monroe

Garcia, Jennifer Gail

Garfield, Doreecesha La Shawn

Garretson, Sandra Jean

Gibson Sr., Isaac

Gibson, Bryan Scott

Gibson, Kyle Wayne

Gibson, Whitlee Danell Nacole

Gonzalez, Kacey Lynn

Grass, Gregory Ryan

Grass, Skylur Dain

Guthrie, William Thomas

Harjo II, Zackery Colin Dell

Harjo, Samantha MacHel

Harjo, Viola Harjo

Harjoe, Theodore Mose

Harris, Rebecca Rose Lillie

Harvey, Rowena Gail

Haumpy, Tyuana Senoria

Herrera, Arlene June

Herrera, Jose Alfredo

Hibdon, Kylee Brooke

Hill, Ryan Warren

Hood, Flora Jean

Hood, Leah

Houchin, Cynthia Diane

Ibarra Jr., Luis Ricardo

Irvin, Darlene Gosney

Jackson, Tenain A-Tye

Jackson, Tyson Joel Sweeney

Jacobs, Mistie Leann

Johnson, Bryan Austin

Johnson, Dane Echogee

Johnson, Hilo Tsotigh

Johnson, John Raymond

Johnson, Joseph Tarron

Johnson, Megan Lucille

Johnson, Nahtanha Kai

Johnson, Tillman Aaron

Johnson, Travis Eric

Johnson, Troy

Kastl, James Edward

Kelough, LaChrista Kay

Ketakea, Ashley Paige

Kickapoo, Brandy Jo

Kilmer Jr, Gregory Keith

Kilmer, Brandon Keith

Kilmer, Michael Houston

Kinley, Taylor Jordan

Kmatz, Zachary Robert

Koontz, Susan Kay

Kowitz, Shelly Anne

Kupczynski, Mary Lee

LaPlant, Bailey Paige

LaPlant, Cameron Scott

Larney, Harriet Lee

Larney, Megan June

Leitka, MacKlyn Chappell

Lewis, Mariah Nicole

Lewis, Mark Stephen

Lewis, Skylar Dean Cooksey

Lime, Andrew Barry

Little Axe, Arianna Danielle

Little Axe, Claude Tyner

Little Axe, Lisa Annette

Little Charley, Virgil Ray

Little Creek, Calvin Dale

Little, Anthony Ray

Littlebear Sr., Michael

Littlebear, Marquitta Annette

Littlecreek, Arnold Kent

Littlecreek, Christopher Dwight

Littlecreek, Drew Michelle

Longhorn, Darrell Eugene

Longman, Andrea Kay

Low, Sadie L. Spybuck

Lowe, Braylon James

MacK, Justin Wayne

Mack, Kevin Lee

Mahardy, Bradley Gene

Mahardy, Lacey Rochelle

Martinac, Susan Renee

Masquas, Izaiah Zazueta

McGowan, Charles Lee

McGuire, Kelsey Nicole

McMahan, Camdyn Rae

McMillen, Mitchell Thomas

Melton, Kalen Mykel

Michaelson, Carol Sue Morton

Michaelson, James Ross

Mickleburgh, Dorothy Jean

Minesinger, Sara Danielle

Mitchell, Trevor Micah David

Mohawk, Galen Leroy

Mohawk, William Douglas

Molina, Manuela

Montgomery, Richard Henry Aaron

Moore, Jordan LaShell

Morgan, Alissa Ann

Morgan, Billy Joe

Morgan, Twila Marshella

Morton, Madison Skye

Morton, Misty Lynn

Morton, Rachel Raynell

Mullins, Mirissa Bethany

Murdock, Wisper Dawn

Murry Jr., Steven Ray

Nelson, Taylor Paige

Newton, Christy Lynn

Nice, Isac James

Nicewander, Troy Lynn

Nicholson, Peggy Mayrie Welch

Onzahwah, David Levi

O’Toole, Ryan Gregory

Owens, Jaelyn Nevaeh

Ozeretny, Patricia R Musick

Patton, Kimberly Marie

Payne, Riley Erin

Pearce, Eileen

Pearl, Daylen Joseph

Pearson, Etta Axe Washington

Perez, Brenda Irene

Petty, John Eric Matthew

Pine, Rita Ann

Pitchford, Lyria M. D.

Plunkett, Tobie John

Presley, Bailey Paige

Proctor, Sonia Danielle

Raisbeck Jr., Christopher Gene

Raisbeck, Christopher Gene

Ramirez, Virginia

Ramirez, Tiffany Ann

Reading, Gregory Tyler

Respicio, Nicholas Lee

Rides At The Door, Maleah Jane

Riedel, Linda Mae Robinson

Robbins, Ariel Nicole

Robertson, Jimmy

Robertson, Marion James

Rolette, Tyler Austin

Ryan, Moria Colleen

Ryder, Holland Thomas

Sanchez, Eder Pavel

Sanchez, Josefa Yolanda

Scott, Colton James

Seber, James Eddie

Serena, Nicole Inez Raelynne

Shawnee, Lindsay Gael

Shields, Darren

Shrestha, Abhi Chase

Simpson, Flora Mae

Simpson, Lisa Rudine

Simpson, Raechel Rayann

Sipple, Patrick Michael

Slayton, Sharon Virginia

Sloat, Jerry Ray

Sloat, Shirley Ann

Sloat-O’Toole, Lezlie Marie

Smith, Brian Keith

Smith, Chandria Jean

Smith, Christina Sue

Smith, Scott Alan

Smith, Shad Michael

Snake Floyd, Janet Lynne

Soap, Margaret Angela

Spoon, Ashley Nicole

Spoon, David Clayton

Spriggs, Donald Ray

Spybuck, Jason Evan

Squire, Donald Ray

Squire, Joseph Lynn

Squire, Leroy Ricky

Stacey, Rosalyn

Steinruck Jr., Harold Eugene

Stephens, Rebecca Pauline

Steves, Gary Wayne

Stewart, Lonita Virginia Williams

Street, Louise Axe Washington

Stricklin, Eugene Stanley

Switch, Isaiah Jacob

Taff, Nancy Ann

Tapia, Gianna Jade

Tascier, Susan Wilkerson

Taylor, Steven Mark

Tello-Faz, Maribella Elizabeth

Temple, Ginger Lee

Thorpe, Tyrone Guthrie

Tiger, Emma Kay

Tiger, Gerald

Tiger, Kwinten Danyl

Tiger, Marisela Rose

Tiger, Nancy Rae

Tiger, Riley Eugene

Tiger-Onzahwah, Preston Zachary

Tilley, Nolan Grant

Tolbert, Janis Lavonne

Turney, Stephen

Uchida, Bryson Harvey

Wahpepah, Brady Maverik

Wahpepah, Pauline White

Walley, Lowana Gale

Warrior, Andrew Keith

Warrior, Luana Christie

Warrior, Lydia Rose

Washington Sr., Algene

Washington, Karen Rose

Washington, Matthew George

Washington, Tatum Stoney

Watkins, Fawn Lil`grass

Watkins, Freddie Lee

Watkins, Jalyne Alexis

Watson Jr., Gregory Doyle

Watson, Cynthia Ruth

Watson, Darrell Dean

Watson, Katie Jean

Webb, Raven James

White, Xander Ralph

Whitney-Coon, Davin Zane

Whitten, David J. J. Thomas

Wietelman, Ebaney Bionca Lynn

Williams, Braylie Audra

Williams, Ethan Beau

Williams, James Robert

Williams, Kaenon Cole

Williams, Kyree SaVaughn

Williams, Lacey Alexandra

Wilson, Adilynn Magnolia

Wilson, Hannah Mae

Wilson, James Leon

Wilson, Kaden Joseph

Wilson, Marvin Edward

Wilson, Michele Renee

Wilson, Shi Ann Delarae

Wilson, Wesley Sheldon

Winegar, Juanita Jean

Winter-Engrav, Katherine Dorene

Witt, Jacob Matthew

Wolfe, Richard Ray

Wright, Shane Allen

Yeahpau, Eden Dione

Happy Birthday!!

Mom

Happy Birthday!!

LINDSEY

NOLAN

We wish you the happiest, craziest

one yet! For you are one of the

fiestiest elderly lady we know!!

BUT WOULDN’T HAVE YOU

ANY OTHER WAY!!

LOVE,

MARVIN & SHERRY

Happy Birthday

Arlene

LOVE SHERRIE & BJ

Arlene Herrera

Love, Bridge!

SAMUEL EZRA BYERS

Have a good one!

Granny Low,

You are the best granny we have

and love you so very much! Hope

your 70th birthday is a blast!

Love,

Joplin, Jiliyan, Justin

AND COMPLETING YOUR

2ND YEAR OF COLLEGE!

Sherry & Marvin

We are extremely proud and love

you very much!

Keep up the hard work.

-Aunt Sherry, Uncle Shawn & families

Eugene

Happy

93rd

Birthday

Grandma

(Viola Harjo)!!!

Love, Twyla,

Joseph, Dakota,

Solomon, Kyerra,

& lil gurl

You’re the best brother ever

Mr. Jeffrey W. Gibson

I love you!!

Your sister, Darla Juyne

Brother!

Love,

We are so proud of you! We

love

you!

are so

proud of you! We love you!

BC & Family

Congratulations on graduating

Kindergarten!

Congratulations

on graduating Kindergarten!

Braydon Wayne and Canaan

Lee Wayne and Canaan Lee

Braydon

CONGRATULATIONS

BRAYDON WAYNE

AND

CANAAN LEE

ON GRADUATING KINDERGARTEN!

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

WE LOVE YOU!

Kayla Ciulla

State Champion

Kayla Ciulla, a Senior at Little Axe, with a record of 23-1 has

become a State Champion in #2 Singles in tennis on May 6,

2013 after defeating an Elk City girl who knocked her out of

the title last year! She battled during the 2nd set after being

beat the 1st set 3-6 to come from behind 1-4 and win the 2nd

set 6-4. It was a tight game during the 3rd set to decide the

championship but she came out the winner 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to take

the championship title.

Congratulations Kayla for representing your Little Axe High

School and the tribe so well! She will be competing in the Jim

Thorpe games this June 14th in tennis representing one of our

tribal athletes for the games.

Come out to OKC Tennis Center to see her play with Jessica

New Moon, another tribal member who also played in the

state championships in doubles. They will be playing doubles

together and will be playing singles.

From the Elders Corner

by Cynthia Longhorn, Secretary

The Elders Council of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe met

in their regular monthly meeting Saturday, May 18, 2013,

at the Resource Center in Little Axe. Officers present

were: Dan Little Axe, Sr., President, Mary Birdtail, Vice

President, and Cynthia Longhorn, Secretary. Treasurer

Betty Watson was not present due to out of town business.

A quorum was with twenty-five (25) tribal members

present and thirteen (13) non-tribal members (visitors/

guests). The invocation was given by Don Schulenberg.

Celebrating birthdays this month was Richard Birdtail and

Georgia Little Axe.

The minutes from the April 20, 2013 meeting were available for discussion and review. A motion to approve was

made by Sue Blanchard and seconded by Elizabeth Parker. The minutes were approved. The treasurer’s report for the

month of April was not available and a motion to table until next month’s meeting was made by Sue Blanchard and

seconded by Sadie Low; the motion carried. The item of 2012 and 2011 Audit was brought up this time and following

a lengthy discussion, a motion to table until next month’s meeting was made by DK Johnson and seconded by Sue

Blanchard; the motion carried.

New business provided a pleasant acknowledgement wherein Viola Harjo was recognized as the Eldest AST female

tribal member during this month of May when that special day for our Mothers is observed. Viola and members

of her family including great-great grand children were present to watch the acknowledgement and presentation of

a gift card from the Elders Council to celebrate her 92 years young age. Viola graciously accepted the card and

announced that next month she celebrates her 93rd birthday!

Other business and announcements included the following: Red Earth parade is being coordinated by Randy Edge

of the Tero program and anyone interested in being a part of the parade in OKC on opening day should contact him

(405) 275-4030 ext 135. The AST Veterans Honor Guard will be participating.

Lawrence Wilkerson, son of Barbara Wilkerson, had been involved in a motorcycle accident and is currently at

OU Medical Center. A motion was made by DK Johnson to take up a collection for gas money for the family and

was seconded by Wanda Tiger; the motion carried. Also, Darrell Wilson had suffered a stroke and is now in a rehab

facility in Shawnee. It was learned that Richard Birdtail had recently suffered a stroke, but was in attendance today.

Another subject of interest was the second payment due under the Corbell vs Salazar settlement. The Realty

Department is supposedly under a gag order in dispensing more information on this matter and Sue Blanchard is

providing help to tribal members in filling out claim forms next

week at the tribal office in Shawnee.

The subject of a proposed trip to Grand Prairie, Texas was

brought up and discussed, more information on this trip as well as

other locations is expected next month.

There was a discussion on the subject of non-tribal members

attending the Elders meeting as a guest after their spousal tribal

member is deceased. It was the general consensus that attendance

would be allowed. The door prize drawing was won by Dan Little

Axe. Last year’s fund raiser event of a golf tournament, sponsored

by the Little Axe family, was brought up and after discussion, a

motion carried. Today’s collection for the Elders fund account was

$52.05.

The next meeting is set for Saturday, June 22, 2013 at the Title

VI Building in Shawnee. A taco sale will be held at that time. All

business addressed, a motion to adjourn was made by Sue Blanchard

and seconded by DK Johnson. The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

For information on anything herein, contact Council Secretary,

Cynthia Longhorn at (405) 273-4137.

Thank You.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Elders Council

Indian Taco Sale

Saturday June 22, 2013

Title VI Building, Shawnee

12:00-3:00 P.M.

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

Randy Edge

tero director

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

redge@astribe.com

Phone 405.275.4030 ext. 135 Fax 405.395.9888 Cell 405.432.9859

T.E.R.O. Department June Newsletter Article

The Tribal Employment Rights Office also known as TERO is

a department that protects tribal employees’ rights and supports

tribal career development. Within this past month, the TERO

department has experienced a steady flow of business. We have

added 9 new applicants to our database which now brings our

total number of applicants to 568. Of those 9 new applicants, 7

are Absentee Shawnee Tribal members. We have also helped 49

applicants/guests who have walked in, called/received 178 phone

calls, and referred 5 applicants to various departments within the

tribe, 2 applicants to Thunderbird Entertainment Center, and 4

applicants to outside sources.

Besides taking care of daily business, TERO has also been

in attendance to numerous meetings since the last newsletter.

On April 24th in Norman, Oklahoma, TERO attended the 1st

official planning session for the Indian Education Summit which

will be held in Norman, Oklahoma in October, 2013. The nature of

this session was organizational. Subcommittees were organized

and planned to meet further. Then in May, on the 2nd, TERO

in conjunction with AST Procurement attended the annual TGI

promo in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At this promo, TGI enterprise which is

a Cherokee Female Native American owned business promoted

their products/services and venue in hopes of gaining new

clients. Then on May 6th, TERO attended the AICCO’s annual

officers meeting in Oklahoma City. The following day, May 7th,

TERO along with Mr. Rick Short met with Mr. Johnny Seay. At

this meeting, the Greenovation Grant which is a subsidized

employment grant was discussed. That afternoon, TERO met with

Siona Raimi an auditor with Bledsoe & Assoc., PLLC. On May

8th, TERO meet with the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority.

Later that day, TERO attended an American Indian Chamber

of Commerce - OKC Chapter meeting. At this meeting, Jacque

Secondine Hensley, Native American Liaison to Gov. Fallin was

the guest speaker. The following day, May 9th, TERO met the TEC

General Manager Dillon Byrd. Then on May 16th, TERO attended

the May Luncheon of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce

of Oklahoma – Tulsa Chapter. At this meeting AST-TERO served

as one of the guest speakers on the four panel board. During

this meeting, TERO and the preferred vendor programs were

discussed. Finally, on May 18th, TERO attended the 25th Annual

AGC Safety Awards Program at Frontier City in Oklahoma City

and was awarded 2013 Safety Excellence.

In the final weeks of May, TERO will be attending several

more meetings. On May 21, TERO will be in attendance to the

3rd planning meeting for the National TERO Convention at the

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Then, on May

22, TERO will be attending an EEOC Training again at the Hard

Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Within the next month of June, TERO will also be continuing to

take applications for the construction project of the new Building

Blocks Daycare that will be located in Little Axe. Also, there will

be an opportunity to fill out an application for the National Indian

Council on Aging. To fill out an application, you have to be 55 years

of age or older. If you have any other questions concerning either

of these opportunities, please contact our TERO offices to update

your application or put in an application if you are interested.

The TERO department helps Native Americans with job

placement and employment referrals, and we strongly encourage

any tribal member or Native American who may need employment

to come to the Absentee Shawnee TERO department and apply.

To become an applicant, the process is simple. First, you will need

to come to the department to pick-up and fill out an application. We

are located in building #1 on the second floor. Second, you will

need to provide the TERO department your CDIB or a document

to prove your tribal Affiliation (YOU MUST BE A MEMBER

OF A FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBE TO BECOME AN

APPLICANT), your social security card, and your Driver’s License

or state ID. Third, you will need to provide the department with

any licenses, credentials, or any other certifications/degrees you

have acquired.

In addition to keeping your application on file, we also provide

some other services. TERO holds the responsibility of insuring

our applicants have equal opportunity for employment and

receive call backs or letters on all positions that are applied

for. The TERO department also provides/helps our applicants

with job search, referrals, resume assistance, interview tips,

and application status. Further for your convenience, the TERO

department also posts all tribal positions, some local positions, and

some positions for the Oklahoma City, Norman, and Moore areas

outside of our offices on bulletin boards and in binders. Currently,

we have close to 100 job openings posted outside of our offices.

However, keep in mind, these job postings are constantly changing

and being updated weekly as positions are filled. So, a job that

may be listed below may already have been filled. However, still

stop by and fill out an application, if you haven’t already done

so, and look at the current job openings. If you have any further

questions about the TERO program or just have a request, you

can contact our office anytime Monday through Friday from 8 am

to 5 pm (closed 12 pm to 1 pm for lunch), and we will be happy to

assist you.

Randy Edge (Director) 405-275-4030 ext. 135

Carol Butler (Office Assistant) 405-275-4030 ext. 163

The following is a list of job openings for some off campus

positions posted at the TERO department:

Sales Associate

Executive Assistant

Distribution Clerk

Bus Person

Host/Hostess

Waitstaff/Server

Stocker

Cashier

Delivery Driver

Surveillance Operator

Assistant Manager

Supervisors

Bus Drivers

Mechanic Helper

Mixer Driver

Warehouse Worker

Housekeeping

Maintenance Worker

Foster & Adoptive Parents Needed!!!

Can you open your home and heart for a foster child?

Foster parents provide a temporary, safe home for children

in crisis. Foster parents are partners with child welfare

workers, lawyers and judges. It is not for everyone but if

you have it in your heart - we need you.

• Can you love and care for a child who comes from a

difficult background?

• Can you help a child develop a sense of belonging?

• Are you secure in yourself & your parenting Skills?

• Can you maintain a positive attitude toward a child’s

parents?

• Can you love with all your heart & then let go?

FOSTER PARENTS PROVIDE A TEMPORARY, SAFE

HOME FOR CHILDREN IN CRISIS. THEYARE PARTNERS

WITH WORKERS, LAWYERS, AND JUDGES. IT IS NOT

FOR EVERYONE! CAN YOU OPEN YOUR HOME AND

HEART FOR A FOSTER CHILD?

Many children need a loving home and a family to help

them through a very tough time. Please think about it and

talk with your family before you become a foster home.

They all need safe, supportive environments!

If you find yourself and your family interested in Foster

Care, please contact Amanda Lenora, CPS/Foster Care

Worker - 405-878-4702

ASTribe

Indian Child Welfare Department

FOSTER CARE

This article appears in the Daily Times in Farmington, New Mexico. And even

though this talks about the foster care program and tribal children in foster care, this

article can speak on behalf of what the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Foster Care and other

tribes are going thru. Finding foster homes is a necessary to not only protect AST children

but to also maintain their cultural identity, heritage and traditions. The Absentee is a

small tribe and we should be able to work as ONE TRIBE to care for the AST children.

If you have any questions, contact the ICW department at (405)275-4030.

“Only two foster homes in San Juan County belong to American Indian families, but

more than half of the 85 children in foster care now are American Indian. That means

about 40 American Indian youths in the local foster system are living with non-native

families. The Children, Youth and Families Department, charged with placing children

in alternate homes if their own families are deemed unsafe for reasons of abuse or

neglect, is having a hard time finding enough native families for the number of native

children in the system.

The department does everything it can to match a child with a family of a similar

background. That doesn’t work when fewer homes than children are in the system,

which means native children more often than not end up in non-native families. This is

contrary to federal policy, which directs the department to make every effort to place

children of American Indian descent in homes that nourish their cultural identity. But

without more native families stepping up to offer a home for children, there is little the

department can do to remedy this situation.

The Indian Child Welfare Act provides four placement options, which the department

must pursue in descending order every time it places a native child. The first option is

to place American Indian children with a relative who can provide a safe environment

and who eventually attains a foster care license. The second option is for a child to be

placed in a family from the same American Indian tribe. The third is for the child to be

placed with a American Indian family not of the same tribe. The final option, and the

one the CYFD most often uses, is matching native children with non-native families that

simply have a foster care license.

This is a loss for children and for potential foster families. It’s also a loss when

it comes to efforts to revitalize native traditions and teach them to the children. We

encourage all native families with the resources that can allow children a home to

contact the Children, Youth and Families Department. Fostering a child is one of the

most rewarding things a family can do.”

In the state of Oklahoma alone, there are almost 3000 Native American children in

the foster care program with a majority of these children placed in non-native placements.

Now imagine if your son, daughter, grand children were placed in another home that

didn’t teach or understand the Absentee Shawnee traditions. What would happen to

their identity, their sense of being a AST, their sense of belonging and being proud of

being a Absentee Shawnee?

The AST ICW dept are in need to foster homes. Emergency homes, temporary

homes, it doesn’t matter. We have made it a goal to get certify at least 5 homes to be

foster homes for the AST. With obtaining more every year from this point on. It takes

ONE TRIBE to care for ONE CHILD. As the great Tecumseh said, “A SINGLE TWIG

BREAKS BUT A BUNDLE OF TWIGS IS STRONG.”

For more information about being a foster home, please contact: Indian Child Welfare

Department (405)878-4702

AST MAINTENANCE DEPT.

NOW TAKING GRASS MOWING

APPLICATIONS

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Maintenance Department

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801

(405) 275-4030

Grass Mowing Application

The following are the requirements for this program:

1. Must be an Absentee Shawnee Tribal Member

2. Must be 65 years or older

3. Handicap/Disabled (Please have letter from doctor

if under age 65)

4. Must provide proof of residency

5. All trash, branches, debris must be cleaned out of

yard

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe Maintenance Department

will ONLY mow and weedeat applicants’ lawn.

Maintenance will mow every two (2) weeks. Also, the

maintenance workers will not trim trees, shrubs, etc.

NO RENTAL PROPERTY will be mowed.

If you have any questions, please contact Rita Harjo at

(405) 275-4030 ext. 128.

NAME:_____________________________________

ADDRESS___________________________________

CITY:________________________STATE:________

ZIP:___________

CDIB#:_________________DOB:________________

HOME PHONE:_________________________

MESS PHONE:__________________________

Finding directions to home:

____________________________________________

Office of Environmental

Health & Engineering

• Tribal Housing Improvements Application

Promoting Safe & Stable Families would like to

share some WATER SAFETY TIPS to keep you and

your children safe during the summer months.

1. Stay away from open water in your neighborhood,

including ditches, lakes, and drains. These areas

can be enticing to small children as well as teens,

especially during the rainy season when the water is

flowing.

2. NEVER swim alone. If you get in trouble there is

no one to help you out. Always swim with a friend,

around other swimmers and if possible in front of a

manned lifeguard stand. NEVER leave a child alone

in water, whether it be a kiddie pool or the bathtub.

IT ONLY TAKES A TEASPOON OF WATER TO CAUSE A

DROWNING!

3. Take a break when you feel tired. Continuing to

swim for lengthy amount of time can be tiresome on

your body. Don’t panic if you become exhausted.

Call for help while waving your arms. Then turn on

your back and float until you are rescued or have

the energy to swim to the edge of the water.

4. DO NOT roughhouse, run or push around in a

pool or lake. NEVER show-off by diving or jumping

head first into unknown water, it may not be deep

enough. This is the leading cause of head and neck

injuries when swim- ming….ALWAYS THINK BEFORE

YOU JUMP!

5. NEVER enter a backyard pool or hot tub without

an adult’s permission. ALWAYS make sure gates or

other security devices are closed properly so there is

no easy access to a pool or hot tub.

6. Wear a life jacket whenever you are swimming in

open water or riding a boat. ALWAYS SUPERVISE YOUR

YOUNG CHILDREN WHEN WEARING A LIFE JACKET, IT

IS NOT A BABYSITTER.

7. If you or your child can’t swim or is a very poor

swimmer, do not venture out beyond where you are

still able to easily stand up. Be aware in clouded

water there may be holes or dips that you can slip

off into, allowing the water to be over you r head.

8. Be aware of the weather. If you feel a storm coming

and or see lightening, exit the water immediately.

9. ALWAYS follow the lifeguards direction and be

aware of any warning signs/rules posted. There are

rules and warnings for a reason, they are posted to

keep you safe and not for ruining your fun.

10. FINALLY, TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT WATER

SAFETY AND THE RULES OF WATER. HAVE THEM AWARE

OF THE RISKS AND DANGERS WATER POSES TO US ALL.

REMEMBER, RULES AND SAFETY STARTS IN THE

HOME FOR ANY SITUATION.

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.

THIP list all applicants by a priority list:

Handicapped/Disabled and Elderly

Income

Family Size/Overcrowded Living Conditions

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:

Office of Environmental Health & Engineering

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, OK 74801

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

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE

TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

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 &

ENVIRONMENTAL

PROGRAMS.

2025 S. GORDON

COOPER DR.

SHAWNEE, OK

74801

PHONE: (405) 2144235

FAX: (405) 8784701

“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.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

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.

BIG JIM YOUTH AWARDS

On May 1, 2013, the Big Jim Youth Award Committee notified the tribal youth

who were to receive these prestigious awards for their High School Academic

or Athletic performance. As mentioned in previous newsletters, the selection

committee for these awards consisted of five individuals who are either

educators or coaches within the state of Oklahoma. None of the members of

the selection committee were Absentee Shawnee Tribal members. This was

incorporated into the program to maintain fairness to all of the applicants.

Tribal Leader—Big Jim

The Big Jim Youth Award Program was open to all Absentee Shawnee High

School Seniors within the 50 United States. “The purpose of these awards is

to recognize the outstanding contributions of our tribal youth and to promote

excellence in academics and athletics in high school and beyond” said Tresha

Spoon, Educational Director of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

Academic Achievement, $1000.00 Scholarship

Randall Watson

Shawnee, Oklahoma

Parents: Brent and Lisa Watson

Attending Rose State College, Fall 2013

Major: Nuclear Medicine, Radiology

Accomplishments: Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)

2M2L (Too Much to Lose) Prevention of Underage Drinking

Shawnee Native American Class President (2012-13)

Horse Shoe Bend After-school Tutor

Essay: “…I would like to return to the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, upon completion of my

college degree in Radiology, to serve my family and tribe. With the knowledge I possess now and will

gain in the future, with my experiences and education in the health sciences, I hope to share and give

back to my community someday. With my training in working with diverse people, leadership

training, public speaking, cultural awareness opportunities, and religious background I can be the voice

of the ‘unheard.’”

Academic Achievement, $1000.00 Scholarship

Jalyn Williams

Earlsboro, Oklahoma

Parent: Letitia Morgan

Attending the University of Oklahoma, Fall 2013

Major: Pediatric Medicine

Accomplishments: Oklahoma Honor Society (4 years)

Presidential Award for Educational Excellence (4 years)

Recipient of an Academic Jacket (2013)

Essay: “…I needed to take classes in high school that would challenge my academic levels and push me

to take the first steps toward my dreams. Taking these classes not only helped me to create a path

towards my goals but it also came with achievements and awards that would stand out to help me get

into college…These accomplishments that I have acquired over the years will be a key factor in

becoming a successful pediatrician. I believe my future is bright if I keep the same mind set and

continue on the path I’ve made for myself.”

Athlete of the Year, $1000.00 Scholarship

Solomon Blanchard

Shawnee, California

Parents: Joseph and Twyla Blanchard

Attending Seminole State College, Fall 2013

Major: Secondary Education, History

Accomplishments: High School Football (4 Years)

High School Baseball (2 years) plus American Legion Baseball

High School Soccer (2 years)

Essay: “…I have the ability and skills to play any position; the one exception is first base. Although I

prefer second base or shortstop, I can also switch to the outfield. Teamwork and camaraderie are other

things I’ve learned while playing sports. I enjoy hearing the sounds of the fans as they cheer on our

team. But it’s the friendships I’ve developed over the years that I’ll remember and cherish the

most…As for my future, all these people and events have made me who I am. My intent is to give back to

my people, just as my parents have.”

Athlete of the Year, $1000.00 Scholarship

Andee Frazier

Little Axe, Oklahoma

Parents: Rick and Lisa Frazier

Attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Fall 2013

Major: Psychology

Accomplishments: Oklahoman Player of the Year

Ferguson Jenkins Award Winner

3 time State Champion

Essay: “…It is more than a one person show. Teamwork requires communication and trust. One learns

how to communicate to a variety of people, the shy ones, the loud ones, and even the crazy ones. I

always had to trust my team mates. I had to be able to trust that when I threw the ball, the girl receiving

it would catch it. I had to be able to have faith that when a batter made a solid contact, my team would

be behind me, and they always were.”

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

ABSENTEE

SHAWNE

Promoting

Safe and Stable

Families

Parenting Classes

Promoting

Safe and Stab

Parenting Classes

PSSF Program provides parenting classes to promote positive

parenting, help with the understanding of child development

and communication skills to strengthen the entire family. This

session, the classes will meet every Monday evening for ten

weeks at 6 pm, starting June 3rd and ending August 5th,

PSSF Program provides parenting classes to pr

2013.

parenting,

help

with the

ofthis

child

New participants

will be

accepted

untilunderstanding

June 10th, after

communication

skills

to strengthen

the entire fa

date you will

have to wait until

the next

session to enroll.

Every class must be attended by the participant to receive a

Certificate of

Completion.

The

classes will meet every Wednesday evenin

A dinner will

be provided

every

as well

as a babysitter

and

ending

July 17, 20

6pm

starting at

May

15class

on site if needed.

New participants will be accepted until May 22

Classes are also available for non-tribal members at a small

they will have to wait until the next session to e

fee of $50.

cancellations of classes will push the ending da

For more information or to sign up, call 405-878-4702.

participants

have the option of attending a day s

Sena Yesslith,

PSSF Worker

set date. Every class must be attended by the p

a Certificate of Completion.

A dinner will be provided

at every class

as well

It’s

getting

warm

outside,

summer

is on

site if needed. Classes

are also

available

for no

its way!!!

a small fee. For more

information or to sign up

The kids are out of

4702.

school and ready for

all the fun activities and

field trips planned.

Muffins

for

Moms

Mother’s Day was a great turn out and on

Friday, June 14th, we will have Donuts for

Dads.

Sena

Yesslith,

PSSF Worker

On june

20th

and 21st

we will be having

summer pictures for the kids. We have

opened our splash pad and look forward

to all the water fun this summer. We have

quite a few new children joining us here

at building blocks, along with a few new

employees. Our toddler enrollment will

be increasing soon, and we look forward

to welcoming many new children.

In june we will be closed for another

cleaning

day

with

the

date

announced. Our staff have been taking

every opportunity to get involved with

child care trainings, which are required

when working in a child care facility. We

hope every one’s summer starts out great.

Lauren MAy

Building blocks cdc interim director

2025 S. Gordon cooper Dr.

Shawnee, OK 74801

Phone 405-878-0633

Fax 405-878-0156

NATIVE AMERICAN

VETERANS

STAND DOWN

Absentee Shawnee

Housing Authority

107 N. Kimberly, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804

Phone: (405) 273-1050

Event for Veterans that are Homeless or in Overcrowed Situations

Thursday, June 27 8:00am - 4:00pm

Breakfast starts at 6:30 a.m. and lunch starts at 11:30 am

Gordon Cooper Technology Center, One John C. Bruton Blvd. Shawnee, OK

PARTICIPATING TRIBES

Come in and visit with us about:

v Lease with Option to Purchase

v Rental

SERVICES:

• Help with accessing VA benefits & services

• Housing assistance for homeless or overcrowded Veterans

• Counseling & substance abuse referrals

• Emergency shelter & other social services

v Rental for Over Income

v Budget Counseling

• Legal services

• Health screening

• Employment services

• Haircuts

GIVEAWAY ITEMS:

• Personal care products

• Clothing closet

• Surplus items, blankets, boots, etc

• Breakfast and lunch

• Pick-up locations available

Please bring ID (VA card or DD214) if available

For a ride to the Native American Veterans Stand Down we will pick up at

the following locations:

American Legion Post #88 Thunderbird Casino

710 East Main Street 15700 East State Hwy 9

Norman, OK Norman, OK

Pick up Time: 6:45 a.m. Pick up Time: 7:00 a.m.

For more information call (405) 481-3506 or (405) 777-6076

NATIVE YOUTH PREVENTING DIABETES

NYPD 2013

2013 AGC of Oklahoma

Education Foundation

Scholarships

June 10 – 14, 2013

2013

5 days and 4 nights of outdoor activities, Native

American cultural activities, and healthy FUN!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 10, 2013!!!

Please contact Diabetes and Wellness Dept. at

(405)701-7979 or (405)701-7978 for more information

University of

Oklahoma

Construction Science

Scholarship Interviews

03/29/2013

Andy Rine

IFlintco

NTERVIEWS

Randy Edge

A.S.T. TERO

Ken Robson

OU Construction Science

Division, Director

Doug Tapp

AGC Executive Director of

Oklahoma Building Chapter

DISABILITY BENEFITS

FOR

WOUNDED WARRIORS

Military service members can get their disability claims

processed quickly by Social Security.

Benefits available through Social Security are different than

those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and

require a separate application.

The expedited process is used for military service members who

become disabled while on active military service on or after

October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs.

www.socialsecurity.gov

or call toll-free, 1-800-772-1213

(for the deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY

number, 1-800-325-0778)

AST Youth Fitness

The Absentee Shawnee Fitness Program

has been working with the AST Tribal

Youth Program in promoting physical

activity to help prevent diabetes among tribal youth. AST

Program

has

been

working

with

the

AST Tribal

Youth

Program

in AST really

The

Absentee

Shawnee

Fitness

Program

has been

working

with

the

Tribal Youth

Program in the

Tribal

Youth

Program

participants

have

enjoyed

Chair Exercise are exercises or workouts done while seated in a

Tai chi is a self-healing system of slow, graceful exercises that

promoting

physical

activity

to help

prevent

diabetes

among Program

tribal youth. AST Tribal Youth Program

elp prevent

diabetes

among

tribal

youth.

AST

Tribal

Youth

chair, or sometimes standing next to the chair for stability. Chair

games

that

the

Fitness

program

has

provided.

The

goal of

combine movement, meditation and rhythmic breathing to

participants

have

really enjoyed

thehas

games

that theThe

Fitness

program

has provided. The goal of the

exercises are suitable for older adults due to the solid base of

improve

the flow of chi which is thought to prevent illness and

d the games

that

the

Fitness

program

provided.

goal

the

RESOURCE

CENTER

FITNESS

support preventing falls, and less strain on the joints.

the

Absentee

Fitness

is to activity

provide

improve well-being. Preliminary research suggests that tai chi

Absentee

Shawnee FitnessShawnee

Program is to provide

an outlet Program

for exercise and physical

throughan

ram is to provide an outlet for exercise and physical activity through

may reduce stress, lower blood pressure and help older adults

outlet

exercise

and

physical

activity

through

funthrough

games

fun games for

and activities.

The youth

are learning

about healthy

prevent diabetes

They are also suitable for beginning exercisers who need to

thways to

by improving posture, balance, muscle tone, flexibility and

start with easier exercises to gain functional strength for the

outh arehealthy

learning

about

healthy

ways

to prevent

diabetes

through

1970Program

156

Ave.

N.E.

physical

activity.

The

Absentee

Shawnee

Fitness

would

thank

the

AST

Tribal

strength.

and

activities.

The

youth

are

learning

about

healthy

ways

tasks of daily living. Other groups that would benefit include

bsenteeYouth

Shawnee

Fitness

Program

like to

thank the

Tribal

those with chronic conditions such as Cardiovascular Disease,

Program

for allowing

the would

Fitness staff

to educate

andAST

provide

activities for the youth to prevent

Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis and Osteoporosis. Other people

prevent

diabetes

through

healthy

physical

activity.

The

Norman,

OKprevent

73026

RESOURCE CENTERwhoFITNESS

Fitnessdiabetes.

staff to educate and provide activities for the

youth to

could improve their quality of life are the partially mobile,

people in wheelchairs, the frail and the elderly.

Absentee Shawnee Fitness Program would like to thank

156 Ave. N.E.

the AST Tribal Youth Program for allowing the Fitness1970

staff

to educate and provide activities for the youth to prevent

Norman,

OK 73026

he AST

Fitness Program would like to extend an invite to all tribal members

looking

to increase

diabetes.

RESOURCE CENTER FITNESS

heir levels of physical activity and learn more about fitness and exercise. The AST Fitness Facility at

1970 156 Ave. N.E.

he Resource Center is fully equipped with state of the art treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary

The AST Fitness Program would like to extend an invite to all tribal members looking to increase

ycles, dumbbells, isolation strength

and a cable

machine.

Our

facility

is fitness

also equipped

theirmachines,

levels of physical

activity

and learn

about

and exercise. The AST Fitness

FacilityOKat73026

Norman,

with freestanding striking bags, medicine

balls,

exercise

balls,

fitness

mats,

resistance

bands,

BOSU

the Resource Center is fully equipped with state of the art treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary

EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY!

balls, and other various exercise apparatus

for yourisolation

preferred

workout.

The AST

ProgramOur facility is also equipped

cycles, dumbbells,

strength

machines,

andFitness

a cable machine.

AST RESOURCE CENTER

RESOURCE

CENTER

FITNESS

urrently provides free fitness classes

all tribal members.

Classes

include:

Circuit

with to

freestanding

striking bags,

medicine

balls,Kickboxing,

exercise

balls,

fitness would

mats,

resistance

bands,an

BOSU

The

AST

Fitness

Program

extend

invite to all tribal members looking to

TUESDAY (Chair Exercise/or Tai-Chi)

RESOURCE CENTER FITNESS

10:00

a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

balls,camp,

and other

for

your

preferred

workout.

The

AST

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raining, Chair Exercise, Tai Chi, Boot

and various

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here

levels of physical activity

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learn

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N.E. more about fitness and exercise. The AST Fitn

THURSDAYCircuit

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currently

provides

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tribal

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156

Ave.

N.E. and

o help you get started on increasing

your levels

of1970

physical

activity

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invite

you

the Resource Center is fully equipped with

of the

10:00state

a.m. - 10:45

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Norman,

OK 73026

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Exercise,

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Chi,

Boot

camp,

and

Aerobic

Fitness.

The

AST

Fitness

Program

is here

ome visit our fitness facility and see what our fitness

program

can

provide

for

you.

cycles, dumbbells, isolation strengthFRIDAY

machines,

and aTai

cable

Norman, OK 73026

(Chair Exercise/or

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you

toa.m.

11:00 a.m.

- 11:45

with freestanding striking bags, medicine balls, exercise balls, fitness mats, resistance

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Fitness.

The AST Fitness Program is here

a.m.

–physical

9:00 p.m.

to help you get started on increasing your6:00

levels

activity

and

exercise.

invite

you

to help you get started on increasing your levels of physical activity and exercise. We invite you to

Saturday/Sunday

come visit our fitness facility and see what our

fitness

canfacility

provide

you.

come

visitprogram

our fitness

andfor

see

what our fitness program can provide for you.

Saturday/Sunday

CLOSED

405-364-7298

AST Fitness Facility Hours

405-364-7298

Monday through Thursday

6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Health System Update

First of all, I pray that all our tribal members who were affected by the recent tornados here in Oklahoma are well. Please let us know in the

health programs if you have a need and we will try to do our best to help you with those needs. If you were affected with a loss of property or even

suffered an injury and need to talk to one of our Behavioral Health counselors, please call and make an appointment. This is something that you

should not have to try to deal with on your own. We are here to help. It has been a very rough month for a lot of people, especially those who had

damages to their homes, yet even worse for those who lost everything. Please help out those in need and make a visit to those just to let them know

you care and to see if they need anything. A lot of families have many trees down around their properties and could use the help to clear off their

land and many also need to have repairs to their homes. If you have a desire to help and can spare the time, please offer your help to those who

can’t do it on their own. There also other people in the communities affected that could also use some help making repairs or clearing debris. Go

to those people and offer your services to help with the clean-up efforts. You will be truly blessed when you go out to help those families who have

been hit by these recent tornados.

During the recent storms, many of the maintenance staff who work in health have been used to help with debris clean-up and other things in

the community. They have all been great to work with and do all they can to make sure the tribal members and the rest of the community have a

safe place to go back to by cleaning up any hazards around their homes that could cause harm such as falling tree branches or sharp objects such as

glass or nails. If you have been doing clean up on your own and have cut yourself or stepped on a nail, please contact the clinic for a tetanus shot if

you think you may need one. The nurses are her to help with these types of problems and can assist you in making an appointment for the injection.

As a reminder, the changes to the pharmacy formulary will go into effect July 1, 2013. This change is due in part to the recent Health Board

decision to either eliminate or limit certain prescriptions. Much of this is due to the high number of prescription drugs being abused and to help to

eliminate drug deaths due to overdose. By now, some of you may have already received a letter or a call or a note on your prescription regarding the

changes to your medications. The pharmacy staff is working to ensure all our patients whose medication may be on the list for elimination are being

contacted. If you have any concerns or questions about these medications, please contact the pharmacy staff and they will answer your questions.

With the summer months coming up very soon, it is important that you prepare for the warmer weather. As always, check with your primary

care provider if you are on certain medications that may make you more susceptible to sun burns when outside. You may need to wear a sunscreen

to protect you from burning. Also remember to drink a lot of water when working out in the hot sun and the warm weather. If you feel like you are

getting too hot or have been in the sun too long, stop and take a break from whatever you are doing. Sit under a shade and try to drink plenty of

water to rehydrate yourself. Try to cool yourself off with water and rest until you start to feel better. If you don’t think you are getting better or begin

to feel sick to your stomach and are unable to concentrate, call emergency personnel and get to an emergency room. You may be experiencing heat

exhaustion or even heat stroke. Always be careful when out in the hot weather.

This is especially important for those younger children or the elderly. They need to be checked on frequently and make sure they are also

drinking plenty of water.

We continue to have a very successful revenue collection from our third party resources. As you know, all the revenue collected from the

insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid, to do pay the loan payment for the Little Axe Clinic. We continue to go above and beyond collections

each month. When we are able to meet the monthly payment requirement, any revenue collected over that amount is put into a reserve account. If

we should not meet the monthly payment, any amount we are short is pulled from the reserve account to make up the difference for that month.

The only times this has happened were in February and April, 2012. The amount we were short was taken from the reserve account and used to

make the monthly payments. As up May, 2012, we have not missed a payment. It is only possibly with the help and hard work of all the employees.

The providers see the patients, registration schedule patients, and billing makes sure all the information is billed appropriately. Thank you to

everyone who works hard to take care of all our patients.

Lastly, I’d like to thank every one of the staff of the health programs. You are all absolutely great to work with and I’m so happy to have a lot

of caring people with the health program. Without your support, this past month would have been very difficult to handle. I had a horrible feeling,

thinking that my house may be gone and all the memories of my family just scattered all over the countryside. I am so blessed to have so many

people who care. Thank you all for your offer to help clean my yard, trim trees, or just sit and listen. Often, when people go through something

like this, they start thinking of what they should have done differently. They wonder if they should have grabbed a certain picture or other piece of

memento before leaving their house and running toward a cellar. But we did not have that time or luxury to decide what to take. My family took

just the things that matter most, themselves, to a shelter. The material things are just that, material and can be replaced but a life can’t. Please take

time to ponder the future and give your family an extra long hug today. One day they may not be there and you will be lost. Keep happy thoughts

and enjoy your summer months.

Thank you,

Beverly Felton, MSN, RN

Executive Director of Health

“Someday, my children will not feel the pain that I feel. That pain will be replaced with dignity-dignity restored to my people by

Creator Himself. Dignity as we walk in the fullness of who God made us to be. Yesterday I forgot who I was. Today I grasp onto who I

am: I am Indian, I am whole.”

-Personal Testimony from The Red Road to Wellbriety.

The Absentee Shawnee Behavioral Health program seeks to promote the wellbeing of the “whole person” within the context of their culture.

Last month, nearly 19 individuals attended the program, sharing their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences in search of greater peace and

understanding.

Absentee Shawnee Tribal members, individuals from all federally recognized tribes, and sooner care participants are invited to visit the Shawnee

office or call for a meeting. People attend often share concerns about drug and alcohol use and uncomfortable feelings such as anger, fear, sadness,

and doubt. They express goals they have for themselves and work together with a counselor and group members (if they choose to do so) to make

their vision a reality. The Absentee Shawnee Behavioral Health program is ready to help its people grasp onto who they really are.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment:

Alicja “Al” Carter,

LADC Absentee Shawnee Behavioral Health

405-878-4716

SAFETY TIPS FROM...

following

are current

programs

administered

by theby the

The following

are current

programs

administered

√ Never leave children alone in or aroundThe

Tribe Education

Department:

AbsenteeAbsentee

Shawnee Shawnee

Tribe Education

Department:

cars; not even for a minute.

are brief descriptions

current programs.

guidelines

are

These are These

brief descriptions

of currentof programs.

Program Program

guidelines

are

√ Put something you'll need like your cell

available in hard copy for at the Education Department office or for download at

available inwww.astribe.com.

hard copy for at the Education Department office or for download at

phone, handbag, employee ID or brief

www.astribe.com.

case, etc., on the floor board in the back

Academic (K-12) Program: assists with academic related expenses, and a portion of

funds can

be used assists

for school-related

athletic

program

expenses.

hasof

a maximum

Academic (K-12)

Program:

with academic

expenses,

andProgram

a portion

seat.

for the academic

funds can be funding

used forlimit

school-related

athleticyear.

program expenses. Program has a maximum

√ Get in the habit of always opening the back funding limitZahn

for the academic year.

Program: established from a trust fund, program can help with some graduation

expenses, and awards two (2) incentives: one for GED recipients and one for High

door of your vehicle every time you reach Zahn Program:

established

a trust

programamount

can help

with some

graduationexpenses.

graduates.from

Program

hasfund,

a maximum

of funding

for graduation

your destination to make sure no child has expenses, andSchool

awards two (2) incentives: one for GED recipients and one for High

Job Training

Educationamount

Program:

funds for graduation

vocational expenses.

training at accredited

Program Adult

has a maximum

of funding

been left behind. This will soon become a School graduates.

vocational institutions. Program has a maximum funding limit for the calendar year or

program.

habit. We call this the “Look Before You Job TrainingperAdult

Education Program: funds for vocational training at accredited

vocational

institutions

Program has a maximum funding limit for the calendar year or

Lock” campaign.

Higher Education: Education Incentive Award Program: funds for undergraduate

per program.degrees, one associates or bachelors degree, at any accredited college or university.

√ Keep a large stuffed animal in the child's

Funding levels are determined based upon grade point average and full-time or part-time

status. Education Incentive Award Program: funds for undergraduate

car seat when it’s not occupied. When the Higher Education:

degrees, one associates or bachelors degree, at any accredited college or university.

child is placed in the seat, put the stuffed Funding levelsGraduate

Scholarship

funds

foraverage

one master’s

degree or

doctoral degree,

are determined

basedProgram:

upon grade

point

and full-time

or one

part-time

and can fund for one graduate admissions test. This program has funding levels based

animal in the front passenger seat. It's a status. upon full-time and part-time status.

visual reminder that anytime the stuffed Graduate

Scholarship

funds for one

master’s

one doctoral degree,

All funding

is basedProgram:

upon the availability

of funds

at thedegree

time oforapplication.

animal is up front you know the child is in and can fund for one graduate admissions test. This program has funding levels based

uponAttention:

full-time and part-time status.

the back seat in a child safety seat.

All funding isIfbased

uponconsidering

the availability

of funds

at thefortime

application.

√ Make arrangements with your child’s

you are

taking

courses

theofspring

2012 semester, please contact the

Education Department as soon as possible.

day care center or babysitter that you will

Attention:

All applications and guidelines are available at www.astribe.com. Click on

always call if your child will not be there

Services and select Education.

on a particular day as scheduled.

If you are considering taking courses for the spring 2012 semester, please contact the

Education Department

soon as possible.

For moreasinformation,

please call Tresha Spoon at (405) 275√ Keep vehicles locked at all times; even

4030 ext. 121 or 1-800-256-3341 or email to

in the garage or driveway and always set

All applications

and guidelines are available at www.astribe.com. Click on

tresham@astribe.com.

Services and select Education.

your parking brake.

AST Education Department; Big Jim Youth Award applications

√ Keys and/or remote openers should never

For moreThe

information,

please

Tresha

Spoon at

275- applications

Absentee Shawnee

Tribe’scall

Education

Department

will (405)

begin accepting

be left within reach of children.

4030 ext.for121

1-800-256-3341

or email to

the or

following

awards:

√ Make sure all child passengers have left

tresham@astribe.com.

Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male and Female)

the vehicle after it is parked.

Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male and Female)

√ When a child is missing, check vehicles

High school Seniors of both genders within the 50 United States are eligible to apply

and car trunks immediately.

for these awards for the 2012/2013 school year. Applications will be accepted from

√ If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get

January 1 to March 1, 2013 by US mail or email, official transcripts must be mailed. The

official application form will be available at www.astribe.com under the Education

involved. If they are hot or seem sick,

Department. The $1000.00 award is in the form of a scholarship to the college or

get them out as quickly as possible. Call

university where the award recipient will attend for the fall 2013 semester.

911 or your local emergency number

Individuals are encouraged to nominate deserving high school Seniors. You may

immediately.

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

√ Be especially careful about keeping

this purpose. The intent is to bring together an unbiased group of experts to evaluate the

children safe in and around cars during

applicants in an impartial and unbiased environment. Their decisions are final with

respect to all matters concerning these awards. Awards will be announced in May

busy times, schedule changes and periods

2013.

of crisis or holidays.

Award recipients will be recognized as the 2012/2013 Big Jim Academic Achievement

√ Use drive-thru services when available.

Award winner or the Big Jim Athlete of the Year. In addition to this recognition the

(restaurants, banks, pharmacies, dry

award recipients will receive a $1000.00 scholarship to be used towards their

education

and the advancement of their career.

cleaners, etc.)

√ Use your debit or credit card to pay for

Questions on these awards program should be addressed to:

gas at the pump.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

For additional information about ways to

keep children safe in and around vehicles,

visit our website at www.KidsAndCars.org.

Education Department

c/o Tresha Spoon

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

405.275.4030 Ext 121

youthaward@astribe.com

people?

I question

that!

All! Many issues

have come toour

myown

attention

as well

Vera Hello

(Gibson)

Dawsey

Secretary Teri Reed hardly even spoke when she was spoken to at General Council.

reinforce other situations I have been speaking

about

all along.

that our

time toThese

get answers out of the elected officials representing us? Silence

2013

AST Secretary Isn’t

issues are regarding the current Executive Committee

members’

seems to be the theme of Secretary Reed. Last year a tribal member went to Secretary

Candidate

Reed for assistance

involving

the tribe’s Building Blocks Daycare. Representative Gibson

handling of nepotism in the work place, low employment

rate for

AST

kicked

an AST

child to

out of the daycare because of a history of seizures and said she

members, as well as the handling of programs

that were

created

was

liability

the

tribe.

This is fact, let them tell you what they want; I have heard the

Hello

All!

benefit tribal members but don’t operate to their fullest capacity.

Many issues have come to my attention tape recordings and seen the documentation. If you need more, I would be happy to

get you in touch with this mother. The AST mother felt her child’s civil rights were being

as well asAsreinforce

situations

I have

many ofother

you know

General

Council was recently held at

been speaking about all along.

These violated according to the American’s with Disabilities Act. After Representative Gibson

the Little Axe Clinic on April 6 . This is supposed to give tribal

issues are regarding the current Executive told the tribal member she was “going against the tribe” by standing up for her child,

members an

opportunity

to ask

elected officials

questions

and Reed. Ms. Reed said to this tribal member “you are going to

she turned

to Secretary

Committee

members’

handling

ofour

nepotism

a long

road

voice

our concerns.

not one

directhave

answer

washard

given

to ahead of you…” and she didn’t want to “step on anyone’s [other

the work

place, lowHowever,

employment

rate for

members’]

toes”

AST

well as theFor

handling

of weren’t present at by getting too involved. This is just one example of Secretary Reed

thosemembers,

asking theasquestions.

those who

not advocating for a tribal member due to Ms. Reed’s best interest rather than standing

programs

that

were

created

benefit

General Council, I would like to fill you in. One tribal member who

tribal members but don’t operate to their up for what is right. In the April 2013 Newsletter Ms. Reed stated in her campaign letter,

used to work for the AST Health system asked

Blanchard

“I Governor

have the courage

to stand up for my beliefs even when it might be easier to just go

fullest

capacity.

howAs

hemany

couldof

beyou

fairknow

and objective

with his daughter

Beverly

Felton isWhen I see unjustness, I work to make it right.” Where were

along with

the majority.

General Council

yourIf beliefs

and efforts

when you didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes and declined

Executive

Director

ASTAxe

Health

System.

she wasn’t

working

was

recently

held over

at thethe

Little

Clinic

stand

for

the

AST

April

This

supposed

give

in the best interest of employees and the tribal members, how couldchild’s legal rights protected by the ADA? We have had the

mentality that we can do what we want because we are a tribe, but this is exactly the

tribal

members

an opportunity

totoask

we as tribal

members

expect him

beour

fair and

assist in fixing the

elected officials questions and voice our type of passive and self-serving leadership that holds us back as a government and

problem? His reply was that he didn’t want her

the

job

Executive

Director.

That

wasn’t

themembers

questiontrust in OUR own tribe. How do we expect Ms. Reed to serve

tribal

concerns. However, not one direct answer betrays

office

when

she refuses to advocate for someone even as small as a baby and

the

tribal

member

asked,

the

tribal

member

gave

example

stating

Health

Executive

Director

Beverly

was given to those asking the questions. For those who weren’t present at General

fails

answer

questions

for the very people who elected her? It can be appreciated

Felton

solely

hiredlike

andtosupervises

daughter-in-law

lives

Felton and that was an

Council,

I would

fill you in.her

One

tribal memberwho

whoalso

used

to with

workDirector

for the AST

that

Ms.

Reed

chooses

represent us with so much integrity, but let’s make this clear;

Health

system

asked

Governor

Blanchard

how

could

fair

and

objective

with

unethical hiring practice. (I would like to add after this announcement at General Council, Director Felton moved

silence and avoiding conflict with the “majority” is NOT integrity.

his

daughter

Beverly

Felton

Executive

Director

over

the

AST

Health

System.

she

her daughter-in-law under the supervision of her friend/ clinic administrator, maybe in the hopes

that

no one

When

many

EC members campaign, they will tell you they intend to listen to you

wasn’t working in the best interest of employees and the tribal members, how could

would

notice.)

Governor

Blanchard

was

asked,

“Who

was

going

hold

Ms.

Felton

responsible?”

Furthermore,

and

stand

for what is right. Have you seen that with those who have promised you

we as tribal members expect him to be fair and assist in fixing the problem? His reply

things? to

I can

honestlythe

tell you that I was in great support of Secretary Reed when she

the

is it other

Executive

Committee

Members

haven’t

investigate

wastribal

that member

he didn’tquestioned

want her tohow

the job

as Executive

Director.

That wasn’t

the bothered

first start

ran. working

I thoughtfor

sheour

was going to stand up against “unjustness” and work for us as

question

the tribal

member

asked,

somedical

the tribal

memberwho

gaveare

anquitting

exampleasby

statingas they

high

turnover

rate for

employees

and

providers

quickly

tribal members; I have yet to see that. She has a low employment rate for AST members

Health

Executive

Director

Beverly

Felton

solely

hired

and

supervises

her

daughter-inhealth programs? A suggestion was conducting an employee satisfaction survey to evaluate Director Felton’s

both smoke shops and the restaurant. When is Secretary Reed giving our members

law who also lives with Director Felton and that was an unethical hiring practice. (I atDirector

performance as an Executive Director. Governor Blanchard’s response was he wasn’t overthe

Feltonto

but

the their families and give back to our tribe? Secretary Reed if I

opportunity

support

would like to add after this announcement at General Council, Director Felton moved

Health

Board

governed

her.

However,

concerned

employees

have

said

Ms.

Felton

has

used

scare

tactics

with

wrong,

encourage

you to provide current numbers of how many AST you employ

her daughter-in-law under the supervision of her friend/ clinic administrator, maybe

and

manytonon-AST

in the June newsletter. I have heard several complaints from

employees

stating

in aone

clinicwould

meeting

announcing

thatBlanchard

she has the

EC’s

(including

dad’s)

fullhow

support

fire

in the hopes

that no

notice.)

Governor

was

asked,

“Whoher

was

searching

for work, who can’t get a job with our own tribe. Ms. Reed has

going toshe

hold

Ms.

Felton

Furthermore,

the tribal

questioned

anyone

feels

needs

to. responsible?”

How is this type

of intimidation

in themember

work place

ethical andour

notpeople

a conflict

been passive and silent about her dealings around ASEDA Inc. (Economic Development

how is it other

Committee

Members

haven’t

bothered

to investigate

the high

interest?

As forExecutive

the employee

satisfaction

survey,

Governor

Blanchard

said it should

be up to the employees to do

turnover rate for employees and medical providers who are quitting as quickly as they Board) by creating ASEDA Enterprises. She is the only stakeholder in the whole

a survey like that. I’d like to see how far Ms. Felton would allow that to go. My question is

who will listen to the

start working for our health programs? A suggestion was conducting an employee organization. Where are her systems of checks and balances, which will make sure that

results

and

make

the

necessary

changes?

The

truth

the

matter

that

the

are

the

people

who appoint

the

she

doesn’t

have her

hands in all of the cookie jars? Why isn’t ASEDA Inc. allowed to

satisfaction survey to evaluate Director Felton’s performance as an Executive Director.

work

at the capacity

they were formed to, in order to better the tribe economically? It

Health

Board.

If the Health

Board

isn’t

to make

sure

business

practices

aren’t taking

Governor

Blanchard’s

response

was

he doing

wasn’ttheir

overjobs

Director

Felton

butthat

the unethical

Health Board

may be

possiblethen

that ASEDA Inc. could expand our businesses and create more jobs

governed

her. questioning

However, concerned

employees

have said

Felton has used

scaremedical

place

or aren’t

the extremely

high turnover

rate Ms.

for employees,

(including

providers)

for our people. They have the education and know how to, but Ms. Reed cut them off

tactics

with

employees

stating

clinic

meeting

announcing

that

she

has

the

EC’s

WHO ELSE WILL STEP UP TO MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES? FACT: The EC has the power to do all of that!

(including her dad’s) full support to fire anyone she feels needs to. How is this type of at their knees and has handicapped them. If you don’t believe me, I encourage you

Obviously Secretary Reed isn’t going to stand up and propose change! For those who know

anything about

intimidation in the work place ethical and not a conflict of interest? As for the employee to contact Dan Little Axe and ask him about his presentation at General Council that

facebook,

Secretary

Reed as well

as members

our AST

Board

are “friends”

Felton’s

internet Edwina Butler-Wolfe said it best when she said our current

supports

that statement.

satisfaction

survey, Governor

Blanchard

said itofshould

beHealth

up to the

employees

to doon

a Director

transparency,

facebook

to how

read far

what

Felton

feelsallow

she needs

putMy

onquestion

the internetEC

forhas

theno

world

to see. meaning we as tribal members aren’t allowed to know what

survey likepage

that.and

I’dare

likeable

to see

Ms.Ms.

Felton

would

that totogo.

dealings

our

are taking part in and how we as a business are really doing.

is who

willhas

listen

thethe

results

and that

makeshe

thewas

necessary

changes?

truth

theclinic),”

matter also that she put onmembers

Ms.

Felton

puttoon

internet

going on

a “firingThe

spree

(atofthe

the

Also, I would like to see the Resolution on the (TRAP) Tribal Revenue Allocation

that

the

are

the

people

who

appoint

the

Health

Board.

the

Health

Board

isn’t

internet that she knows people who are more scared of catching the flu than of catching an

STD’s, as well as tell

doing their jobs to make sure that unethical business practices aren’t taking place or Plan, which is part of the agreement with the BIA, and NIGC, for the monies that come

the world personal family business in an attempt to slander other tribal members, while atout

theofsame

time

the CASINO.

I have asked about but no one seems to have it or knows where it

aren’t questioning the extremely high turnover rate for employees, (including medical

is.

would

also

like to see the letter from the BIA, stating that the Resolution has been

advertising

for

our

AST

Health

Systems.

Director

Felton

also

went

far

request

help

taking

business

providers) then WHO ELSE WILL STEP UP TO MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES? FACT: The

ratified

the BIA.

Through this agreement, every program in our tribe is supposed

class

to the

“help

out in

Shouldn’t

sheSecretary

already have

and up

ethics

she isby

heading

up such

EC has

power

to[her]

do alljob.”

of that!

Obviously

Reedthat

isn’t education

going to stand

andsince

get

percentage

of the monies from the casino. These programs include Social

propose

change!

For

those

who

know

anything

about

facebook,

Secretary

Reed

well

a big business venture? How does the behavior of Governor’s daughter reflect our tribe? It’s an embarrassment

as members of our AST Health Board are “friends” on Director Felton’s internet facebook Services, Education, Police Department, and more. It is my understanding that all of the

page and are able to read what Ms. Felton feels she needs to put on the internet for the programs, with the exception of the Tribal Police, have been funded a smaller portion

world to see. Ms. Felton has put on the internet that she was going on a “firing spree of monies than in the initial agreement. The Police Department hasn’t received these

(at the clinic),” also that she put on the internet that she knows people who are more monies for years. Without ratification from the BIA, no funding changes can be made.

scared of catching the flu than of catching an STD’s, as well as tell the world personal If I am not mistaken the Casino could be in jeopardy if there is no ratification. Also, by

family business in an attempt to slander other tribal members, while at the same time failing to allocate the agreed funds for our programs, services are being limited to tribal

advertising for our AST Health Systems. Director Felton also went so far as to request members. Have you ever been told that certain tribal programs are low in funding and

help in taking a business class to “help out in [her] job.” Shouldn’t she already have can’t help? This may be part of the reason.

It’s obvious that there are more questions than there are answers and no one is

that education and ethics since she is heading up such a big business venture? How

talking.

I challenge any one of our elected officials to answer them, not just because they

does the behavior of Governor’s daughter reflect our tribe? It’s an embarrassment to

say the least and these are questions that our current administration should be asking. want back in office but because we deserve that. Currently, there is too much support

Instead, Governor Blanchard stated at General Council, “I don’t have a problem with for nepotism in the work place, low employment rate for AST members, as well as the

her [Beverly, Health Director/ Daughter].” The current EC should know that I have had ignoring the purpose our tribal programs were actually formed for. Let’s change that!

several people tell me that when they were seeking medical care outside of our health Even if you don’t vote for whatever reason, please start in June. If I am elected as your

programs, where our former medical staff work, they have been told they quit and could Tribal Secretary this June, my priorities will include advocating or standing up for tribal

no longer work under Ms. Felton because she was unethical and “doesn’t know what members, standing up for employees in our tribal businesses and striving for our tribal

she is doing.” I have heard allegations that Ms. Felton brushed an incident under the businesses to engage in ethical business/hiring practices that don’t promote nepotism.

rug involving a friend/non-tribal employee taking it upon himself to change a patient’s I would also like to see the tribal government be more self-sufficient to support our

prescription without the knowledge of the Dr. and hand delivering it to pharmacy. programs such as Social Services, Education, and P.D. Please don’t misunderstand, I

This person is still working for our Health Programs and I shouldn’t have to tell Ms. don’t have any personal problems with anyone named, instead I have loyalty to the

Felton THAT’S A FELONY! Tribal members have been fired for much less under Ms. tribe as a whole. If I overlook these issues that hold us back simply because I know the

Beverly Felton. It’s not just about how much money is in the bank, it’s also about good people involved, I would be no better than those holding up real progress. I come

consistent care to our community instead of our community members going in to find with no personal agenda, just the frustration that many of you tribal members feel each

out another medical provider has been run off. Why can’t she keep these professional time your choice elected official lets you down, betrays your trust, and breaks promises.

Please feel free to contact me, my phone number is 405-307-0954 and email

employees happy? When is someone impartial going to act in the best interest of the

address

is dawvera@outlook.com

tribe as a whole and NOT the best interest of a friend or their own child? I challenge

Secretary Reed and the rest of the Executive Committee to explain those things to me.

Everyone be blessed and thank you,

They have apparently given the approval to Ms. Felton to fire people, but the EC doesn’t

Vera (Gibson) Dawsey, your 2013 AST Secretary Candidate

have the authority to improve ourselves as an employer and improve our services to

TERI REED FOR TRIBAL SECRETARY

Fellow Tribal Members:

For the past few months, I have submitted a

candidacy letter for the newsletter that focused on

providing you with some background information on

my business experience. Since you are now familiar

with my background, this letter will focus more on

my reason for wanting to run for Tribal Secretary

again. I will also focus on what I am “for” and what I

am “against” in the area of professionalism on the job.

This will be by far my most candid letter.

I have been lucky enough to have many jobs that

were valuable in helping me understand how to manage businesses. I always

thought that someday I would give back to my tribe in the way of service

in some capacity. I was busy raising a family, traveling for work, pursuing

hobbies, and the normal stuff we all do to live a productive life. Years passed

and I began to wonder if I would ever reach a point in my life that I could fulfill

my personal commitment to give back to my tribe. Finally, I reached a point

where I thought I could devote some time to working for the tribe, so I ran for

Secretary and won the election in 2011.

I knew what was involved when I signed up. I didn’t do it because I like to

work long hours or need more stress in my life. I didn’t do it for the money. I

did it because I felt like I had something to contribute and that I might be able

to bring a new prospective to the job. I feel that I’ve been able to do this,

and I feel pretty good about what I have been able to accomplish. After two

years in office, I still feel like I have more to offer. I have learned a lot about

our immediate and long term needs of our tribe, and I feel like I am in a better

position right now to move us forward in some areas that are important. I

believe that I have gained some credibility in the job with tribal members and

other tribal leaders.

I think it is important for you to know that I don’t consider myself a long-term

political candidate. At this point, I don’t see myself running for office again.

Devoting myself “full-time” for two or four years is sufficient for me. I have

other things in life that I want to accomplish. I’m sure I will always have time

to help the tribe in some way because I love our tribe and all the people in it.

These past two years have reinforced the love I have for the tribe and all that

we stand for. I have a great sense of pride for the Absentee Shawnee people,

our culture, and our future.

WHAT I AM FOR

I am for the advancement of our people. I am for developing and encouraging

our young talent so they are ready to assume a leadership role in the near future.

I am for improving our infrastructure so we are more self-sufficient and less

dependent on others. I am for making fact-based decisions that provide long

term benefits for the future of the tribe. I am for finding new and innovative

ways to provide new or existing services to tribal members at less cost.

WHAT I AM AGAINST

I am against irrational decision making. I am against publically slandering tribal

members by name in newsletters or in any other publication that is available

to the world over the internet. In fact, I am against publically slandering any

tribal member by name for any reason. We are a family of members that will be

tied together as a tribe forever. This type of irrational decision making reflects

badly on our tribe. I am against disrespecting our tribe by campaigning at

tribal ceremonies. I am against preparing a “hit” list of tribal members that I

want fired when I get in office, before I even know their job history or have

reviewed their job performance with their managers.

The future of the tribe is in your hands, and the final decision for the secretary

position on June 15th is yours to make. I look forward to whatever the future

holds.

Ni Yi Way

Teri Reed – Candidate for Tribal Secretary

405-275-4030 Ext 104

EDWINA BUTLER-WOLFE FOR GOVERNOR

Edwina Butler-Wolfe

Vote for Me and help me to Build For the Future (BFF)

Friends, neighbors and my fellow Tribal citizens, I want to thank each of you for giving

me the opportunity to discuss with you over the past few months those concerns expressed to me

about our Tribe. It has been quite a while since information like this has been made so readily

available to you and I hope that you have seen that I have a firm grasp of the issues. I also hope

that you see I am willing to work with you and for you. These concerns are very real and are

getting bigger by the day. The problems that I’ve been discussing with you are:

ü Economic Development

o ASEDA – it’s Board(s) and who has been making the main decisions for that Board.

o Projects under the ASEDA program is losing funds for the Tribe and constructive

changes must be considered and occur.

ü Health Department

o Staffing issues – we now have no medical or dental directors – retention of staff

continues to be a major issue. Why are the Providers unhappy?

o Budget problems – we are getting a lot of money from Indian Health Service yet we

have limited programming and staffing retention issues; Little Axe clinic’s loan and

interest payments must be made timely – a major concern is the limited amount of

third party revenue being generated and how it’s being used. Are other departments

having problems paying bills and have we adequately planned for the impact the

sequester will have on programs?

§ The document posted by the Health Administrator and/or Finance describes

only interest payments as being made. Why no payments on the principal?

o Program administration – personalities of key staff within the health administration

is a concern; large salaries are being paid to the Health Administrator and key staff

who are trying to manage programs they have limited experience in working with or

have no experience in managing. Is Human Resources being used appropriately?

o Health clinic accreditation – the clinics should get accredited to ensure our Tribal

citizens receive quality services and that we get the most return from our billing

process. Where are we on health clinic accreditation?

o Programming – Medicaid patients should be seen but not given priority in the

mornings and/or seen only in mornings. Hours of operation need to be re-considered

with thought going into having an after- hours and/or urgent care clinic. Open slots

for patients to be seen should be kept open so that both appointment and walk-in

patients may be seen daily. Is placement of an urgent care clinic a consideration?

Are all walk-ins being seen?

o Health Board – This Board should be an autonomous functioning committee. We

need information from it and that report can be placed into the AST newsletter

advising on the major actions taken by it. We also need to look at how

representatives are selected and/or appointed. Is Board information available?

ü Education

o The program is underfunded and needs more staffing to assist with processing and

monitoring the distribution and use of funds. How is funding levels being

determined and how many staff can we use to make this process work smoothly?

o The eligibility criteria needs to be reviewed and prioritized – incentivize

education for students to return and work for the Tribe. What options have we

considered?

o Look at new funding sources – Foundation funds; fundraising projects; linking

into distance learning and online school programs. Have we looked at other

resources and sources?

ü Other Issues

o Long term care and ancillary levels of care – This level of care needs to be

considered for our Baby boomer populations so that may take care of our elders in

a respectful and cultural distinctive way as befits our Absentee Shawnee

traditions. Have we looked at doing a feasibility study and then applied for grant

funding?

o Representation – we need to be the forerunners in legislation and keep up with

both the national and local levels of expressed concerns. By taking part in forums

on levels of need, regulatory issues, policy concerns and budgetary problems we

can help in making a local, state and federal impact. What part are we taking on

national issues? Are we considered a knowledgeable partner by Tribes and

legislators?

o Lawsuit – we need our land base placed into trust. Where is this action going and

where is it now? I’m very concerned over the limited information that has been

given to us as Tribal citizens and if put into office I will ensure you are kept

informed on this and all other issues. I know there has been expressed concern

over the Mission Hill hospital and we can look at that issue and see what is

happening with that. Did you know our campus sits on leased land from the

Citizen Potawatomi Nation? It’s a hundred year lease. What happens after the 100

years or if the Citizen Potwatomi’s change their mind about leasing it to us?

I’m concerned for my son, my grandchild and all the children of our Tribe. I want them to have a

debt free, land base with quality health care and an array of educational opportunities open to

them. In order to do this I need you to vote. We need to re-vitalize our Tribe through new

measures. We need a strategic plan that establishes timelines and an action plan on how we can

meet those timeline steps. I can and will do this with and for our Tribe if placed into office. I

extend my hand in gratitude to have been given the opportunity to be considered for the

Governor role. I hope you will get out and vote on June 15th and make a difference. Let’s Build

For the Future (BFF)!

The month of April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Promoting Safe

and Stable Families would like to provide some information about child abuse,

warning signs and tips on how you can help to prevent the abuse of a child

from www.preventchildabuse.org.

Facts about Child Abuse

What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

• Physical abuse – an injury to a child that is not an accident, may include:

hitting, punching, beating, burning, biting, kicking, cutting, shaking, or any action that

physically harms a child. The month of April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Promoting Safe and Stable

• Emotional abuse – maltreatment

a child

may involve

criticizing,

insulting,

Families of

would

likethat

to provide

some

information

about child abuse, warning signs and tips on

yelling, swearing, manipulating, rejecting or withholding love.

youwith

cana child,

help to

prevent

the abuse photographs

of a child from

• Sexual abuse – any sexualhow

activity

including

exhibitionism,

or www.preventchildabuse.org

videos, pornography, prostitution, fondling, or rape.

• Neglect – failure to provide for a child’s basic physical, emotional,

medicalChild

or Abuse

Facts about

educational needs.

Who Abuses Children?

What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

Most often the abuser is someone the child knows, such as a parent, relative, neighbor or friend

of the family.

Where Does Child Abuse Happen? Physical abuse – an injury to a child that is not an accident, may include: hitting, punching, beating,

biting,

Wherever children are, where they live,burning,

sleep, learn

or kicking,

play. cutting, shaking, or any action that physically harms a child.

Victim Advocacy

How Often Does Child Abuse Occur?

 Emotional abuse – maltreatment of a child that may involve criticizing, insulting, yelling, swearing,

Assist victims by offering educational classes that focus on the dynamics of

Each year, close to 3 million reports of suspected abuse is filed in the United States. Many more

manipulating, rejecting or withholding love.

cases never get reported. One victim of child abuse is one too many!

domestic

violenceorand

sexual assault, stalking and dating/violence. Each

 Sexual abuse – any sexual activity with a child, including exhibitionism,

photographs

videos,

Warning

igns of Abuse

pornography, prostitution, fondling, or rape.

victim is helped with emotional support and resources both from Tribal proChildren who are abused may show physical and behavioral signs. You may be a child’s only

 Neglect

failure to of

provide

for aaround

child’syou.

basicChild

physical,

emotional,

medical

educational

needs. programs.

lifeline to safety. Please pay attention

to the –treatment

children

abuse

grams

andorlocal

community

is everyone’s business. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected in Oklahoma, call

Court Advocacy

Who Abuses Children?

1-800-522-3511.

Children who have been abused or neglected may be:

Assists survivors with domestic violence court related appearances as well

• Nervous around adults orMost

afraidoften

of certain

adultsis someone the child knows, such as a parent, relative, neighbor or friend of the family.

the abuser

• Reluctant to go home

as filing for emergency protective orders (EPO) or restraining orders.

• Very passive and withdrawn—or

aggressive

and disruptive

Where Does

Child Abuse

Happen?

Housing and Utility Assistance

• Often tired or complaining of nightmares, or not sleeping well

• Fearful and anxious • Showing

sudden

changes

behavior

school

performance

Assists victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or dating

Wherever children are, where they live, sleep, learn or play.

Possible signs of physical abuse:

violence in emergency situations. This assistance may allow for a victim to

• Unexplained burns, bruises, black eyes or other injuries

How Often Does Child Abuse Occur?

• Apparent fear of a parent or caretaker

either receive housing or utility assistance.

• Faded bruises or healing injuries

year, close to 3 million reports of suspected abuse is filed in the United States. Many more cases never

get

Transitional

Housing

• Injuries that do not matchEach

the explanation

reported. One victim of child abuse is one too many!

Possible signs of sexual abuse:

The AST DV Transitional Housing Program serves victims of Domestic Vio• Difficulty walking or sitting, or other indications of injury to the genital area

• Sexual knowledge or behavior beyond what is normal for the child’sWarning

age

Signs of Abuselence. Participants have up to two years to obtain education and job skills

• Running away from home

needed to begin a new life. Services include case management, counseling,

Possible signs of neglect:

Children who are abused may show physical and behavioral signs. You may be a child’s only lifeline to safety.

• Frequently missing school

andis everyone’s

transportation.

There

area four

Pleaseor

pay

attention to the treatment of children around you. Child abuse

business.

If you suspect

a homes all equipped with furniture and

• Begging for or stealing money

food

child

is being

• Lacking needed medical or

dental

careabused or neglected in Oklahoma, call 1-800-522-3511. basic household items.

• Being frequently dirty

Referral Assistance

Children who have been abused or neglected may be:

• Using alcohol or other drugs

• Saying there is no one at home to take care of him or her

Assists with providing community resources to those who are in need of

Possible signs of emotional abuse: Nervous around adults or afraid of certain adults

additional services outside the scope of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Do• Acting overly mature or immature

for the child’s

 Reluctant

to go age

home

• Extreme changes in behavior

mestic Violence Program.

 development

Very passive and withdrawn—or aggressive and disruptive

• Delays in physical or emotional

Sexual Assault Advocacy

• Attempted suicide

 Often tired or complaining of nightmares, or not sleeping well

• Lack of emotional attachment to the parent.

The AST DV Sexual Assault Program is on-call 24 hours per day to proMany of these signs may also be present in children exposed to violence in their homes and

vide emotional support, advocacy and crisis couns

This text is long and has been trimmed here. Open the source document for the complete record.

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.