Absentee Shawnee News (2012)

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April 2012

The

Vol. 27 No. 4

Absentee Shawnee News

Inside this issue. . .

Executive Committee

Reports. . . . . . . . . 2-6

Resolutions. . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Employee of the Month . . . 8

YTD Tax Collections. . . . . 8

Education Department . . . 10

Health News. . . . . . . . 12-14

April Birthdays. . . . . . 16-17

Title VI Menu. . . . . . . . . . 23

Horseshoe Bend. . . . . 24-25

Run Off Election June 16, 2012

Absentee Ballot

Request can be found on page 27.

w w w . a s t r i b e . c o m

69th Semi-Annual

General Council

Little Axe Health Center

April 21, 2012

10:00 a.m.

Health Fair throughout the clinic!

Grand Opening!

Little Axe Health Center

May 16, 2012

1:30 to 3:30

Children’s Easter

Egg Hunt

April 7, 2012

Starting at 10:00 a.m.

Thunderbird Casino Complex

Little Axe

Picnic lunch will be provided

Executive Committee

GEORGE BLANCHARD

GOVERNOR

Governor’s

Corner

Greetings fellow tribal members:

My prayers go out to those families

who have lost family members,

and to those who are ill, I hope for

your quick return to good health.

I receive regular phone calls inquiring about more FEMA Mobile

Homes. This office inquires almost

daily for information on the release of more of these homes from

FEMA, but no new releases have

been made by FEMA. As soon as

we are notified of a release of more

homes, those in need will be notified.

In March I attended a Tribal Economic Development tradeshow

in Las Vegas and met with many

other tribal leaders regarding economic issues. I found that we are

in the same position as most other

tribes:”We all need more money to

help our people”. We (tribes) are

all depending on our Economic

Departments (EDA) to bring in

more businesses to our people.

Like most tribes, our EDA is operating on very limited funds, and

are struggling to bring in opportunities that require little or no monetary assets. This is extremely trying, and this conference brought

to my attention the need for all of

us to support our EDA in their efforts. I found it to be a very informative conference.

Our language class has been raising money to make a trip to Fort

Pitt, April, 28-29, to visit the museum and attend a conference on

“Woodland Indians in the early

ISSAC GIBSON

LT. GOVERNOR

TERI REED

SECRETARY

years” a language and cultural trip

for the class.

On 4-7-2012 the Executive Committee hosted an Easter egg hunt

for all tribal children at the Thunderbird Casino Complex in Little

Axe. This was submitted prior to

that date, but I want to thank all the

Executive Committee members,

the Gaming personnel, and all

other Tribal departments for their

participation and support.

I hope to see everyone at the

General Council meeting.

Ne yi wa, George Blanchard

1. Apple

Me sa me ni

2. Blueberries

Se ke pi ke me ni

3. Cookies

Ti ke qi na fi

4. Grapes

Me fo lo me

5. Peaches

Po ki mi ke

6. Plums

Po ki mi fi ke

(RED WILD PLUMS)

7. Onions

Sa ki qe si

(WILD ONIONS)

8. Blackberries

Me ni ke

9. Persimmon

Ma gi se me

10. Cake

Ma ma li se po qi ke ti ke qi

11.Strawberries

Ho ta ha me

12.Watermelon

Se ke ti ma ke

KATHY DEERE

TREASURER

JEFFREY GIBSON

REPRESENTATIVE

Lt. Governor’s Secretary’s

Report

Hello to All,

I hope that you are all enjoying

the nicer and warmer weather. As

the season progresses, our outside

activities will increase. We are

already beginning to cut grass here

on the complex. And we know,

soon we will be cutting at tribal

members homes. We are in the

process of circulating applications

for this service. We will be

providing this service to tribal

elders and those with physical

handicaps. If you need to fill out

an application, please contact Reta

Harjo in the Maintenance Dept. or

Andy Warrior.

The upcoming General Council

Meeting will be held on April 21st

at the new AST Clinic facility

in Little Axe. This will be an

opportunity for us to showcase

the facility before it opens. This

project will be a great attribute in

providing Health Care services

to the AST and Native American

population. Please make plans on

attending as it will be a different

environment to express your

concerns and hopefully hear some

praises for the direction of the

tribe.

/s/

Isaac Gibson, Jr.

Lieutenant Governor

Report

Greeting Tribal Members:

In additions to some general announcements, I want to share with

you some of the questions I’ve received from tribal members over

the past few months. Some questions come up time and again, so

I decided I might as well publish

some of the questions/answers in

hopes that sharing the information

will alleviate some of the confusion.

LITTLE AXE HEALTH

CENTER AND

GENERAL COUNCIL

As I reported last month, the next

General Council meeting will take

place on Saturday, April 21st, at

10:00 a.m. and will be held at our

new health complex in Little Axe.

We will again feature a health fair

during the day and there will be

guided tours of the facility. Come

early to have breakfast and visit the

health fair. We have also scheduled

the Grand Opening Ceremony for

Wednesday, May 16th from 1:30

to 3:30. Please mark your calendars for these two important dates

to celebrate our opening. They are

adding the final touches to this

first class facility. I think you will

be very impressed with our new

health center.

The Little Axe Health Center was

awarded funding through a joint

venture project in 2007 as a partnership between the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe and Indian Health

Services. Out of the 16 tribes who

applied, we were one of only two

tribes in the United States that was

awarded funding through this process.

ANSWER - In order to build a casino, Indian Gaming Regulatory

Act (IGRA) and the Tribal - State

Gaming Compact require that Indian gaming be conducted on trust

land. IGRA has different requirements for lands in trust prior to

1988 and lands acquired in trust

post 1988. One of the things that

prevents any Tribe from building

casinos in other parts of the state

is the limitation on trust land. In

order to acquire trust land, a Tribe

usually has to have trust land in

their original jurisdiction. The

Collier case has limited the Absentee Shawnee Tribe's ability to place

lands in trust from fee status. The

Absentee Shawnee Tribe does not

have any trust lands currently outside the state of Oklahoma and the

trust lands within the state of Oklahoma are limited.

AST GROCERY AND

SMOKESHOP

We are in the process of changing the name of the store to better

fit the way we are doing business

today. For many years the store in

Little Axe has been known as the

AST Grocery and Smokeshop.

This name confuses the public because they don’t understand the acronym AST, and we are operating

more as a convenience store than

a grocery store. Thunderbird Express has been selected for the new

name. We will begin transitioning

to this name around the time we install the new pay-at-the-pump gas

pumps. We are investigating the QUESTIONS - Can we build rivoption of accepting Government erboats casinos on a river?

EBT cards for food stamp purchases and cash benefits.

ANSWER - No. The state of Oklahoma has not passed legislation

BIG JIM YOUTH AWARDS

that allows gambling on rivers.

By the time you receive this news- Only six states have passed legisletter, our first recipients of the lation allowing gambling on rivBig Jim Academic Achievement erboats. IGRA has limited tribal

Awards and the Big Jim Athlete of gaming to what is allowed in the

the Year Awards will have been se- state the tribe resides.

lected. Winners will be featured in

the next newsletter. Each recipient If you have a question or concern

will receive a $500.00 award in the that you would like for me to adform of a scholarship.

dress in the newsletter, please let

me know.

The selection committee consisted of five individuals who are Teri Reed – Secretary

knowledgeable of education and teri@astribe.com

sports. None of the members of 405-275-4030 Ext 104

the selection committee are Absentee Shawnee Tribal members.

This was purposely incorporated

into the program to maintain fairness to all of the applicants. We are

excited about including these new

awards for our youth and hope that

will serve as an incentive to our

youth to strive for excellence in Greetings Tribal Members,

their high school years as they prepare for higher levels of education. Spring is here! Hope you all had

a blessed Easter Sunday activities

with your families and friends!

QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

QUESTIONS - What prevents Attending the 69th Annual General

us from building casinos in other Council meeting at the new Little

parts of the state or out of state?

Axe Clinic, hope to see you all

Treasurer’s

Report

there for updates about your Tribe!

We are continuing progressing in

the areas of economic development, educating our tribal members, and services for the tribal

members. Below is the list of activities for the month:

• ASEDA Board Monthly meeting, as Ad Hoc non-voting

member.

• Executive Committee had a

regular scheduled meeting and

Special Executive Committee Meeting. See Resolutions

Page.

• Congratulations to Executive

Committee’s Employee of

Month March Winner, Lyndale

Waller.

• New Name, “Absentee Shawnee Health Systems”, formerly

the Health Board Authority •

and LSWNE meeting, as Ad

Hoc non-voting member and

Owners’ Rep meeting. Grand

Opening, May 16, 2012.

• Monthly Redstone Investment

meeting. We have an excellent investor advisor, who continually keeps the committee

updated on the tribe’s investments. Investments are a good

opportunity for you and your

family to plan for the future,

college for your children, and

retirement.

• Attended Constitution Revision Committee meeting.

Meetings were held March 11,

18, and 25th, 2012. On the

website, newsletter, and presentation at the April 21st General Council meeting. They

have considered revising the

legislative branch of the AST

government with Proposed

Constitutional Change. Four

options are being considered.

As you will see on another

page the proposed four (4) options.

• Congratulations to the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority (ASHA) on their recognition

for the “extraordinary effort •

put forth in developing and implementing innovative methods to preserve and protect the

integrity of federal programs

and associated funds.” Per letter received on March 09, 2012

from the U.S. Department of

Housing and Urban Development. The Southern Plains

Office commended ASHA for

its “cutting edge initiative in

implementing an enterprising solution to an antiquated

computer data system; keeping

the ASHA on the forefront of

modern technology, allowing

them to better serve all Native

Americans with their housing

needs. The ASHA Directors

and Executive Director, Sherry

Beams were visited and were

shown one of their housing

units by delegates from Washington DC, Southern Plains

Office, and other Housing Authorities across the state and

nationwide.

Attended the RES2012 (Reservation Economic Summit

& American Indian Business

Trade Fair. RES is the premier

American Indian economic

and business development

conference in the nation. Over

3,000 attendees include American Indian and Indigenous entrepreneurs, tribal economic

and business development

decision-makers, tribal leaders, government and corporate

Executives and Buyers seeking

Indian suppliers and contractors. This year had the largest

attendance. RES is structured

as three days of business information and training delivered

through more than 24 60-minute sessions that is geared specifically for native entrepreneurs, tribal enterprises, and

organizations wishing to do

business with American Indian Businesses. In addition,

a 2-day trade fair provides opportunities for American Indian suppliers to meet corporate and government buyers to

market their organizations and

companies, network, and negotiate potential contracts.

ALLNations had their First

Anniversary Open House on

Thursday, March 15th. Congratulations to the winners of

prizes for the drawing! If you

haven’t been to the bank to

open an account or loan, stop

by and meet these folks, they

will treat you like royalty and

are friendly folks!

Donated some time to help at

Little Axe Elementary to setup

an OSU extension, “Farm to

Farm” exhibit for the elementary students.

Monthly Elders’ Mtg at AST

Resource Center. If you are 55

years and older, consider coming to the AST Elders Council

Meetings every third Saturday

of the month either at AST

Resource center or TITLE VI

bldg., 10am., except for April,

since it will be General Council Saturday, they moved their

meeting to April 14, 2012.

They have a great time in fellowship, fundraising activities,

and eating lunch together.

Attended the Cultural Preservation Language classes

held at Brendle Corner. This

is a great opportunity to learn

our language. We have great

teachers and they are anxious

to teach any tribal member

young or old. So consider attending the class. They are

held every Sunday afternoon

either at Governor’s Conference room or Brendle Corner.

Call cultural preservation to

know when and where the next

class will be, 275-4030 X190.

Auditors are on site for the 2011

audit. We expect to complete

the audit in May 2012. All the

Tribe’s entities will be audited

first and those will roll up into

the Tribe’s Government wide

emails, and visits. May God continue to bless you and yours! See

below articles from AllNations

Bank, Financial Consultant, Eddie

Brokeshoulder; and Finance Department.

AllNations Bank: and Thunderbird

Casino Locations 1 & 2). The Au•

dit will include the MD&A (Management Discussion and Analysis).

The MD&A report is an informative report within the 2011 Audit;

which is a brief review and exRespectfully yours,

•

planation of the Audit. The 2010

Kathy Deere, Treasurer

Audit was an “unqualified” audit;

“I consider my ability to arouse which when compared to an eduenthusiasm among men the great- cational grading scale is an A; and

est asset I possess. The way to de- it is my goal that the 2011 will be

velop the best that is in a man is by unqualified as well.

appreciation and encouragement.”

The Indirect Cost Proposal for 2012

Charles Schwab

Sincere appreciation goes out to

has been signed and mailed to the

the employees of the Finance DeNational Business Center (NBC)

partment and the Controller, Befor approval. NBC is six months

linda Collins, as they daily continbehind whereas they had been only

ue the never ending processes for

three months behind last year. The

Finance Department

the financial side of the Absentee

explanation is that they have had a

April 2012

Shawnee Tribe. Without their tirebudget cut; thus staff was cut. Our

•

less dedication and commitment

rate is up from 17.74% for 2010

we could not keep the financial

to 21.98% for 2011 and we expect

transactions processes flowing!

The Finance office continues our our rate to increase for 2012 howefforts in keeping the day to day ever that is just an estimate. This

Also, would like to extend my apactivities flowing effectively and estimated increased is based on the

preciation to the Financial Consulefficiently through communication influx of activity deriving from the

tant, Eddie Brokeshoulder, who

between the Finance office and new clinic opening in 2012. I will

continues to assist me with nuPrograms. In working together, write the Indirect Cost Proposal for

merous projects, attend meetings

we have found the most time effec- 2013 once the audit is complete.

where I cannot attend, and consulttive and cost effective processes

ing decisions in the office of TreaThe finance department continfor transacting business.

surer!

ues to complete accounting by

Auditors

are

site

for

the

2011

the seventh day of the month and

Elections will be June 16, 2012, remember to get your absentee bal- audit. We expect to complete have been since August 2010; so

lot request in as soon as it comes the audit in May 2012. All the that financial reports can be cre•

available. Lt. Governor, Treasurer Tribe’s entities will be audited ated for the Health Authority and

and Representative Positions will first and those will roll up into the Li Si Wi Nwi, Health Inc. boards

be on the ballot. Hope you all feel Tribe’s Government wide finan- for health programs both Shawnee

your elected officials are doing a cials; (ASEDA; ASEDA Fleet, and Little Axe. The Finance staff

AST Counseling Services, Store, will begin February reconciliations

good job and please vote!

We appreciate all your phone calls, Harrah Smoke Shop; Restaurant: for financial reporting on the first

of March. It is imperative the accounting / bookkeeping 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.

We continue to explore avenues

that will make accounting for the

tribe’s finances a smooth process including billing package for

health programs. There are many

processes in place in your Tribe’s

accounting department that ensure

we keep accurate records of transL to R: Treasurer Deere, Governor Blanchard, ASEDA Vice-Pres., Adam Proctor, Margo Gray-Proctor,

actions. The Tribe’s accounting

Chairwoman, NCAIED Board of Dirs., ASEDA Pres. Dan Little Axe., Sr, and Gary "Litefoot" Davis,

processes must be in compliance

President, NCAIED Board of Dirs., and CEO

financials; (ASEDA; ASEDA

Fleet, AST Counseling Services, Store, Harrah Smoke Shop;

and Restaurant: AllNations

Bank: and Thunderbird Casino’s Locations 1 & 2). The

Audit will include the MD&A

(Management Discussion and

Analysis). The MD&A report

is an informative report within

the 2011 Audit; which is a brief

review and explanation of the

Audit. We expect to get another good “Audit for 2012”.

with GAAP; (Generally Accepted The following activities I have

Accounting Principles) and GASB been involved and participated.

(Governmental Accounting StanFinancial Reports: Reviewed and

dards Board).

analyzed monthly General Fund,

The Tribe currently has compact Indirect Cost and Elder Council

funds of BIA and I H S, 51 Grants, encumbrance monthly budget reand the new Clinic business. In ports.

addition, the Tribe operates on a

Absentee Shawnee Economic

General Fund and an Indirect Cost

Development Authority, Inc.

Fund.

(ASEDA):

Attended monthly

ASEDA

board

meeting to discuss

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Finance Department has very hard current business operations and fuworking group of people and it is ture business development opporan honor to work with them, the tunities.

Treasurer’s office and at the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. The Finance

Department employs 11; with 7

(64%) being AST Tribal Members

and 4 (36%) being non-natives.

This department, as always, would

like to extend a special thanks and

note of appreciation to the Executive Committee for providing the

tools, resources and support to enable the finance staff to reach its

accomplished goals and to continue with this effort. A special

thanks and note of appreciation to

Program Managers and Employees

of the Tribe for their assistance and

dedication in our group effort toward accomplishing our goal.

If you have any questions or needs,

please call 405-275-4030 ext 162

and I will be glad to assist you in

any way I can.

Respectfully,

Belinda Collins, Controller

Financial

Consultant

Hello Tribal Members,

The office of Treasurer is looking forward to 69th Semi-Annual

General Council Meeting. We will

provide financial information on

the status of the Tribe at our table.

The office of Treasurer continues

to provide sound financial reporting and in keeping with our fiduciary responsibilities provide you

as Tribal members sound financial

management decisions.

Redstone Investments: Attended

monthly investment meeting, topics included status report of current

investment’s and future investment

opportunities.

NeighborWorks Training Institute: Attended NeighborWorks

Training Institute, February 26 –

March 3, 2012, in Los Angeles,

as a recipient of a scholarship.

NeighborWorks and First Nations

Oweesta Corporation collaborated to provide Native Financial

Education Instructor Training and

Native Community Development

Financial Institutions (CDFI).

Participants came from far away

as Hawaii and Boston, make up

consisted of reservation and nonreservation individuals. Financial

Education Training consisted of

role playing, reviewing and correcting credit reports, predatory

lending, how to get an individual

loan, figuring and calculation of

interest rates on loans.

The CDFI training consisted preparing a market analysis of your

tribal community consisting of a

survey, demographics and size of

your population. A question was

discussed if the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe had a large enough population to prepare an application of

interest, knowing that Pottawatomi

currently has in operation a CDFI

program for all Tribes and has for

the past five (5) years or more.

Native America Finance Organization Association, (NAFOA):

Attended spring conference of

NAFOA, March 20-21, New Orleans, LA, mission to improve the

quality of financial and business

management of tribal governments and their business entities.

The conference consisted of financial business leaders from Tribes,

Chief Executive Officers (CEO),

and Financial Institutions. The

conference provided topics such as

A Tribal View of Economic Challenges & Opportunities and Banking in Today’s Climate and others.

A more detailed report will follow

in the month of May.

AST Constitution Revision Committee: Recently accepted point

of contact person for the Constitution Revision Committee. I will

be the person to assemble agenda’s

for upcoming meetings, prepare

information in format for Tribal

members, and other duties. I accepted this position for the reason

of re-energizing this committee

and completing the goal of reforming our Constitution.

Current AST Constitution Revision Committee: Vera Dawsey, Jerry Little Axe, Betty Watson, Anita

Chisholm, Briana Ponkilla, Shirley

Adkins, Dan Little Axe, Augustine

Johnson, Tribal Treasurer Kathy

Deere, and Eddie Brokeshoulder.

Away.

After winter we all look forward

to spring when rain showers wash

the salt and sand from the roads

and erase the bad memories. But

what happens to that water? Runoff from rain and melting snow

flows over concrete and asphalt

and collects dirt, debris, chemicals

and pollutants washing them into

the storm drains. This storm water

runoff is directed untreated into local lakes, rivers and streams. Once

there, the pollutants in the storm

water can harm native plants, fish

and animals. Protect our environment by following these very simple suggestions:

1. Check the undercarriage of

your vehicle. Leaking motor oil

and other auto fluids are picked

up by rainwater and carried to the

lakes, ponds and streams. When

mixed with other pollutants, this

can cause a toxic soup.

2. Scoop the poop. Pet waste is

one of the major sources of bacteria in natural water bodies. If

bacteria counts become too high,

it can cause skin irritations and illness in recreational users.

In closing, I encourage tribal members to call, email or come by and

visit our offices. Should you have

3. Fertilize properly. If too

any questions or concerns contact much is applied, the excess ferme at 405-275-4030 ext 148 or tilizer is carried to ponds and

email eddieb@astribe.com.

streams and can cause fish kills.

Always read the instructions and

Respectfully,

use sparingly. Recycle all hazardEddie Brokeshoulder

ous household wastes. The days of

Financial Consultant

dumping used motor oil and paint

thinners down the drain are over.

Protecting our environment is a

AllNations Bank very important issue that no one

should ignore. Most communities offer convenient ways to dispose of your hazardous household

Good day to our friends from all of wastes.

us, at your bank, AllNations Bank;

Sincerely,

A great big thank you from your Gene, Eugene, Janice & Amber

bank family to all who attended

our one year anniversary open

house March 15, 2012. It has

been a great year. We are serving

240 customers accounts between

Checking, Savings, CD’s, IRA’s &

Loans. We had a great turnout and

congratulations to each of the winners of our Anniversary Cash Give

Representative’s

The following are Resolutions passed through

March 21, 2012

Report

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Hello I hope everyone is in good

health and enjoying this wonderful

spring weather, it is always a good

time of the year to watch everything blossom and bloom and also

it’s Baseball and Softball season for

all ages and The talent of our members is always good to hear about

when I can`t get out to see any

games but don`t be surprised if I

am seen watching your game cause

its always good to see our members

enjoy what they love to do plus it is

good to visit with family and friends

that I don`t always get a chance to

see. I would Like to wish everyone

that has a Birthday in April to enjoy your special day and say Happy

Birthday to you! General Council

is around the corner and I am very

excited to have the meeting in your

New Health Clinic I have yet to see

the inside of the Facility but I hear

it is something to be very proud of.

The proposed New Building

Blocks III that is soon to be built

this summer is starting the process of meetings this month with

the first Drawings and discussion

on the New Facility I am very excited on the New Development and

it will start our younger generation

with different learning phases as

they grow, something that is much

needed as we all know children are

learning alot more at a young age

and I believe we teach them young

to get them ready for this fast paced

world.

Alot has happened in the first part

of this year of 2012 and I expect

to keep progressing in the Future.

The Executive Committee has been

working this first part of the year in

good fashion and its a good feeling

to have when the Committee agrees

to move the Tribe towards a prosperous future.

As always if you need to talk to

me about the Programs I see over

feel free to call me or stop by my

office and I will visit with you or I

will return your call..."It feels good

everyday to say I am an Absentee

Shawnee"

Representative Gibson

EXECUTIVE RESOLUTIONS:

E-AS-12-13

03/06/12

Authorizing and approving the installment sales contract with Kansas State Bank of Manhattan and authorizing Governor George Blanchard to sign any and all documents necessary to execute and deliver the contract.

(Approving Lease Purchase of Health Systems Equipment)

E-AS-12-14

03/06/12

Authorizes the corrected blood degree change for Lucia Jade McKinney, and hereby makes it known that this

individual is an enrolled Tribal Member and is now and forever the degree of Absentee Shawnee Indian blood

as corrected and shown above.

E-AS-12-15

03/06/12

Approves and accepts Lydia Annelise Warrior, Levi Stafford Warrior, Isaac Necon Warrior, Isac James

Nice, Jonathon Lee Nice, Jr., Hunter Eli Nice, Choske Leylon Longhorn, Bradley Brian Longhorn,

Keiton James Hill, Cruz David Merrell, Maddox Andre Merrell, Charlotte Jayne Kauley, Shawneecey

Jordawna Squire, Takota Lynn Squire, Caiden Skye Whittaker, Brantley Jai Whittaker, Jalen Dean

Deer, Robert Brent Armstrong, Jeremiah Dean Roberts, Evan Ryan Johnson, Keyondre Duane Brown,

Kane Alexander Brown and Cullen Chase Nail as enrolled members of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma as of the date of this resolution.

E-AS-12-16

03/06/12

Rejects the application of Tristan Haven Smith for membership in the Absentee Shawnee Tribe due to Insufficient Blood Degree.

E-AS-12-17

03/21/12

Authorizes and approves the installation of a portable building from the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Tribe

to be utilized and occupied by the Tribal Police Department, effective immediately.

E-AS-12-18

03/21/12

Grants voluntary relinquishment of membership of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma to

Michael Kevin Bradley, effective Immediately.

E-AS-12-19

03/21/12

Approves and accepts James Edward Robb, Amanda Carol Wilkerson, Skylor Georgeann Wilkerson,

Brandon Keith Alaee, Patricia Kay Donnell, Marrissa Ashley Charley Whatley, Shea Alexis Little,

Kathryn Jon-Nicole Larney, Amber Nichole Phillips, Kinsley Reece Breeding and Dorothy Jean Mickleburgh as enrolled members of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma as of the date of this

resolution.

E-AS-12-20

03/21/12

Authorizing and approving the attached software financing agreement with Insight Direct USA, Inc. DBA Insight Global Finance and authorizing Secretary Teri Reed to sign any and all documents necessary to execute

and deliver the contract.

E-AS-12-21

03/21/12

Approves and authorizes the Treasurer’s Office and Finance Department to establish a bank account at AllNations Bank titled “Absentee Shawnee Tribe General Fund Operating 2” in the initial sum of Twenty Thousand

Dollars ($20,000.00) with the signature requirements and authorized signers being the same as Tribal bank

accounts to include the Executive Committee members as follows: Lieutenant Governor Isaac Gibson, Jr.,

Secretary Teri Reed, Treasurer Kathy Deere, and Representative Jeff Gibson, effective immediately.

Continued on next page. . .

AllNations Bank

One Year Anniversary

Open House

March 15, 2012

L to R: Gene Davis, Janice Boettner, Amber Alexander,

and Eugene Stidham

L to R: Johnnie Hagan, Rachel Howell, and Teri Reed

Artwork displayed

within the

AllNations Bank

depicting

Tecumseh (left) and

Kish-kal-wa (right)

E-AS-12-22

03/21/12

Cont.

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. (To provide services

in the area of Family Violence Prevention)

E-AS-12-23

03/21/12

Adopts and approves the submission of an application to the U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation. (To provide

and improve public safety and victim services)

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS:

L-AS-12-02

03/21/12

Amends the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Gaming Ordinance as provided for in the attachment “Exhibit A”, effective immediately. (Attachment)

TAX

CATEGORY

Sales (6%)

Gaming

Employee (1%)

Severance (8%)

M Vehicle

Tobacco Refund

TOTALS

Miscellaneous

$1,290.00

$1,303.68

$109,331.00

$1,771.92

$1,033.85

$11,657.32

$9,662.76

$134,760.53

JANUARY

$330.00

$5,764.96

$105,500.00

$6,921.68

$19,231.62

$14,984.82

$11,107.79

$163,510.87

FEBRUARY

$144,464.74

$130.00

$9,556.88

$84,000.00

$19,027.03

$12,197.33

$10,321.97

$9,231.53

$144,334.74

MARCH

$0.00

APRIL

$0.00

$163,840.87

TOTAL COLLECTIONS $136,050.53

NOTES:

Hello, it is that time of year again and I, Jeff Gibson am

honorably being re-elected as your Tribal Representative. This first term as Representative is a wonderful

experience and an honor to support our tribal people by

phone and in person no matter what time it is. As Representative there is constant support for all our tribal

people to uphold the integrity of the tribe whether it’s

during business or after hours. I sincerely believe in my

heart that all ages of our tribal people are my concern

and the needs have been met to the best of my ability.

There have been so many changes since I have been in

office and I am proud of the way the Tribe is effectively

progressing. Each year there have been challenges all

tribes are facing with cuts in funding, my goal is to help

increase the tribe’s economic stability and build our

resources for a better financial future. The knowledge

I have gained as your Representative, I feel, will help

continue this progress. Here are some of the programs

that I have implemented or assisted in development while in office for you the Tribe:

$0.00

MAY

$0.00

JUNE

$0.00

JULY

$0.00

AUGUST

FY-2012

YTD TAX COLLECTIONS

MARCH

$0.00

* Horseshoe Bend Remodel

* Hiring of the New Health Director

* Continued the Program from the past Representative and implemented the TERO Program

* Apart of opening the All Nations Bank

* Apart of opening the New Casino on the complex

* Purchasing Registered Angus Cattle for the Tribe and worked the Lands owned by the

Tribe in Earlsboro and Tecumseh

* Started the After School Program at Horseshoe Bend Community center

* Future site Building Blocks III Learning Center

* Future Remodel of Brendle Corner

* First year for your new Youth Award Program for Seniors in High School

* and helped Tribal Members with various Projects

These are some of the Projects that I had part in while working for you. I believe the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe has a Bright future and the direction its going is promising and it’s great to work

with a committee that envisions the same goals and working well together. If we don`t see the

same future for the Tribe then we take twice as long to reach our goals so let’s keep the progress

going and help me help you and let’s make this Absentee Shawnee Tribe the Best...”I am Absentee Shawnee and Proud to work for you”

$0.00

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

$0.00

Jeff Gibson

Employee of the Month

Mr. Lyndale Waller

March 2012

$16,625.52

$298,831.00

$27,720.63

$32,462.80

$36,964.11

$30,002.08

$442,606.14

Run Date:

03/26/12

$16,625.52

$298,831.00

$27,720.63

$32,462.80

$36,964.11

$30,002.08

$442,606.14

$1,750.00

TAX COLLECTED

$1,750.00

$444,356.14

TOTAL

$444,356.14

Campaign Letter . . .

Lyndale Waller he helps with everything. He’s good about

following up…you just ask him one time and he does it for you.

He has great knowledge of Tribal Government and Enterprise.

He’s always cheerful and always willing to help in any way

possible.

Great Guy to have working for me, in addition with the duties

he does for me. He helps all tribal members with their needs

and/or problems, etc., if he can. Person I’m glad I can call “Friend”.

Lyndale serves as a positive example to all. His broad knowledge and experience of administrative

procedures, professional competence, initiative, and sound judgment enabled him to accomplish

all duties assigned in a superior manner, and make him a material contribution to the Office of

the Governor and to the Absentee Shawnee Economic Development Board of Directors. We

appreciate all Lyndale has done for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma.

Campaign Letters . . .

I would like to take

this opportunity to introduce myself and go over

a brief history about me.

First of all, my name is

Alicia (Watson) Engler

and I am a candidate for

the upcoming election for

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Treasurer. My family history includes my parents,

Greg Watson and Martha

(Tiger) Watson. My maternal grandparents are the

late Webster Tiger and the

late Geraldine (Panther)

Tiger and my maternal

great grandma was Irene (Longman) Panther. My paternal grandparents

are the late Dan Watson and Frankie (Kaseca) Watson, and paternal great

grandparents are the late Frank Kaseca and the late Cornelia (Mack)

Kaseca and Winey Ellis. My educational background includes pursuing a degree in the health field from Oklahoma Baptist University and

a certification in phlebotomy. My work experience is a collaboration of

assisting in a medical office, engaging in retail/business practices and

most recently working for the tribe for nearly the past five years. My

work experiences at the tribe include working in the Cultural Preservation department, serving as an alternate on the election commission and

currently the Tax Commission office. Finally, I would like to touch base

on some of the primary objectives I hope to achieve if elected to office

as Treasurer of the tribe. Below is a list of objectives:

RE-ELECT KATHY DEERE

FOR TREASURER

I am Kathy Deere and it has

been my honor to serve the Absentee Shawnee Tribe as Treasurer since June 2010. When I

look back over the last year and

half, I am proud and grateful.

We have made a great deal of

progress but there is more to

be done. I remain committed to

providing a prosperous future

for our people.

Dr. William Claire Menninger

said, "Six essential qualities

that are key to success are Sincerity, personal integrity, courtesy, humility, wisdom, and charity."

Respectfully,

Kathy Deere

Congratulations!

• Explore and implement practices to cut wasteful spending and

make our tribe function more efficiently.

• To build a solid financial plan so we can become more self supportive in these times of federal budget cuts.

• To research other tribe’s operational strengths in order to better

ours.

• To create a roadmap directing us to where we need to be five and

ten years into the future.

• To learn from past experiences and improve the tribe for future

generations.

I look forward to visiting everyone and would like to hear all recommendations, feedback, and concerns. I can be reached at (405)214-6125

or littleindianengler@hotmail.com. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Alicia Watson Engler

Candidate for AST Treasurer

Miss Indian OKC 2012 - Brooke Larson

Native American Woman of the Year 2012 Meredith Wahpekeche

Jr. Miss Candidate 2012 - Breanna Kihega

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

FREE music lessons

The following are current programs administered by the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe Education Department:

The MSPI Creative Arts

Program offers free music

lessons all year round for

Native American

children from 6 years to 19

years old. Adults are also encouraged to participate. Come

join the fun and learn to play

the guitar, bass guitar, piano, or vocals.

These are brief descriptions of current programs. Program

guidelines are available in hard copy form at the Education

Department office or for download at www.astribe.com

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

used for school-related athletic program expenses.

Program has a maximum funding limit for the academic year.

• Zahn 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 School graduates. Program

has a maximum amount of funding for graduation

expenses.

Contact Phil Bradley, Music Instructor (405) 275-4030 Ext: 117

or Cell (405) 370-5576

At the Shawnee Campus from

10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on

Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. until

4:00 p.m.

Classes are made possible

through AST Behavioral Health’s

Meth/Suicide Prevention

Initiative Grant (MSPI)

“Following in Our Footsteps”

• Job Training Adult Education Program: funds

for vocational training at accredited vocational institutions. Program has a maximum funding limit

for the calender year or per program.

• Higher Education: Education Incentive Award

Program: funds for undergraduate degrees, one

associates or bachelors degree, at any accredited

college or university. Funding levels are determined based upon grade point average and fulltime or part-time status.

Come enjoy music and have some fun too!

• Graduate Scholarship Program: funds for one

ALL can

Middle School and High School Students:

master’s degree or one doctoral degree, and

Middle School and High School Students:

fund for one graduate admissions test. This proALL Middle School and High School Students:

gram has funding levels based upon full-time and

part-time status.

Come and join the Absentee Shawnee

All funding is based upon the availability of funds at the

Youth

Council...

Come and join the Absentee

Shawnee

Youth Council…

time of application.

All middle school andAll

high middle

school youthschool

are welcomed!

and high school

Attention:

youth are welcome!

We will be meeting once every month to cover topics that interest our youth.

Come

andbe

join

the Absentee

Shawnee

Council…

We are involved with our

communities

through

hands-on

activities

and Youth

will

meeting

once

every

month

projects.

to cover topics that interest our youth.

All middle school and high school youth are welcomed!

Applications for fall 2012 must be received

For our February meeting, we will be discussing our upcoming volunteer

projects for March and

April.

are involved with our communities through hands-on

We will be and

meeting

once every month to cover topics that interest our youth.

or postmarked by June 15, 2012.

activities

projects.

Our 7 Meeting for the 2011-2012 school year will be Saturday, February 25 at

10:00 am in the basement of Building #3.

We our

are involved

with our communities

through

hands-onour

activities

and

For

April meeting,

we will be

discussing

upcoming

projects.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the

volunteer projects for May and preparing for our last meeting of

Youth Council, please contact Tresha Spoon (405)275-4030 ext. 121 or 193.

All applications and guidelines are available atASTwww.

the

year.meeting, we will be discussing our upcoming volunteer

Forschool

our February

astribe.com. Click on Services and select Education.

For more information, please call Tresha Spoon at

(405) 275-4030 ext. 121 or 1-800-256-3341 or email to

tresham@astribe.com.

projects for March and April.

Our 9th Meeting for the 2011-2012 school year will be Saturday,

April

at 10:00

in Building

#3. will be Saturday, February 25th at

Our 7th28th

Meeting

for theam

2011-2012

school year

10:00 am in the basement of Building #3.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the AST

If you are interested in becoming

member of the

YouthaCouncil,

please contact.....

AST Youth Council, pleaseTresha

contact Tresha

Spoon

(405)275-4030

ext. 121 or 193.

Spoon

(405)

275-4030

ext. 121 or 193

From the Elders Corner . . .

by Cynthia Longhorn

The Elders Council of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe met for their regular monthly meeting on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the

Resource Center in Little Axe. All officers were present. Dan Little Axe, Sr., President, called the meeting to Order at 10:25

a.m. with Vice-President, Gene Parker; Cynthia Longhorn, Secretary; and Betty Watson, Treasurer present and available for input and information. A quorum of elders was established with twenty-nine (29) tribal members and eleven (11) visitors/guests

in attendance. The invocation was given by Don Schulenberg, husband of tribal member Esteline (Sloan) Schulenberg. There

was one birthday celebrant this month, that being Gertrude (Spybuck) Pickering.

Minutes of the February 19, 2012 meeting were available for review and comment. Following the notation of needed corrections, a motion to approve such was made by Sue Blanchard and seconded by Mary Birdtail. The motion carried and the

Minutes were approved. The Financial report for the month of January 2012 was available (tabled from 2-1-2012) for review

and comment. The Council fund raiser money balance was given to be $727.89 ad the AST balance was listed as $1,391.80. A

motion to approved the report was made by Serena Daugherty and seconded by Emily Longman. The motion carried and the

January financial report was approved. The Financial report for the month of February 2012 was presented for review also.

The fund raiser account balance was listed as being $1,355.54 and the AST balance $9,256.10 A motion to approve was made

by Sue Blanchard and seconded by Sadie Low. The motion carried and report was approved. During the discussion of the financial reports questions were heard from Council members about the promised “carry over” monies being made available to

the Elders Council. It was learned that these monies will not be put into our budget at this time as was expected but the Tribal

Treasurer, Kathy Deere, explained the process was for our Council to spend funds on needed items and then make a request to

the Executive Committee for that amount. Governor George Blanchard was in attendance at the meeting and commented also

on the state of confusion on this subject.

Old Business: The work continues on collecting recipes for the recipe/cook book and according to Sue Blanchard, a draft of

this will be available at next month’s meeting. David Little, Jr. added that there will be more information on the golf tournament also at the next meeting with a tentative month of June for this event.

New Business: There was a lot of discussion on the possibility again of the Elders Council providing dinner for General Council, set for April 21, 2012. The asking price was discussed at length and it was agreed that the traditional food menu was still

expected and appeared to be the favorite among tribal members. The OKC Princess Honor Dance that is happening this date

was discussed and it was agreed that the Elders Council would attend and sell raffle tickets for items donated for such use. We

heard, too, that the Health Program was planning to have a health fair at General Council. Items to be used in the display case

at the new clinic at Little Axe are being solicited. The can be “loaned” to the clinic for short periods of time, if individuals

were interested. The Language and Culture program is holding a raiser bingo game at Brendle Corner this date in their efforts

to raise money for a trip to Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania. Tribal members heard that an elder, Kenneth Washington, is experiencing

serious health issues. Money donated today was $56.

The next meeting date is set for April 14, 2012 at the Title VI Building in Shawnee. The meeting date was rescheduled to accommodate the General Council which is set for our regular meeting date. A motion to adjourn was made by Emily Longman

and seconded by Elroy Alford. The meeting adjourned and most everyone stayed and enjoyed the fund raiser chili dinner. For

questions or comments, contact Cynthia Longhorn at (405) 273-4137, Secretary, Elders Council.

The Creek Family would like to thank the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the

Representative’s office, and Maintenance for all their help with the services they provided

in our time of need.

New Research Reveals Medications Are the Leading Cause of

Accidental Poisoning Deaths Among Children Today

“Safe Storage, Safe Dosing” Campaign to Focus on Medication Safety

March 20, 2012

Washington, DC – Today Safe Kids Worldwide released a new research report that found while the death rate among children from poisoning has been cut in

half since the late 1970s, the percentage of all child poisoning deaths due to medications has nearly doubled, from 36 percent to 64 percent.

Safe Storage, Safe Dosing, Safe Kids: A Report to the Nation on Safe Medication examines trends in morbidity and mortality of medication poisoning among

children ages 14 and under. The report underscores the challenge of medication-related poisoning among children and offers solutions that will reverse the

trends. Safe Kids also proposes specific roles that parents and other caregivers, industry, governments, and the medical community can play in improving medication safety through safe storage and safe dosing.

“About 165 kids -- or roughly four school busloads of children -- are seen in emergency rooms for medication-related treatment every day in the U.S.,” said Kate

Carr, President and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. “Every one of those trips was preventable. We can and must do better.”

Among young children, 95 percent of medication-related poisoning visits to emergency departments are caused by a child ingesting medication while unsupervised and approximately five percent are due to dosing errors made by caregivers. “Ultimately, safe storage and safe dosing mean safe kids,” said Carr. “Together

with our partners, Safe Kids Worldwide is dedicated to reducing unintentional medication ingestions and medication dosing errors in children, as well as strengthening the poison control center infrastructure in case these poisonings still occur.”

The report launches an effort by Safe Kids to help prevent unintentional medication exposures, injuries and deaths in children. At both the national level and

through its powerful U.S. network of 600 coalitions and chapters, Safe Kids will educate parents, grandparents and caregivers about the behavioral changes

they need to make related to safe medication storage and dosing. This public education will be accomplished through a strategy involving community events,

traditional and social media outreach, and full partnership in the Up and Away and Out of Sight educational program led by the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC).

Did you know?

• Medications are the leading cause of child poisoning today.

• Each year, more than 500,000 children under the age of five experience a potential poisoning related to medications.

• More than 60,000 children are treated in emergency departments due to accidental unsupervised ingestions each year.

• Currently, more children are brought to emergency departments for medication poisonings than for motor vehicle occupant injuries.

• Among young children, one of every 150 two-year-olds is being seen in the emergency department for medication-related poisoning.

• From 1979 to 2006, the poisoning death rate was cut in half, declining from 0.35 to 0.17 per 100,000 children. Yet, among all child poisoning deaths the

number attributable to medications increased from 36 percent to 64 percent.

The report offers several reasons for the medication-poisoning: more medications than ever are in the home, especially prescription pain medication; the pace

of today’s lifestyle may prevent caregivers from immediately putting medicines away in a high, out of sight and locked location after every use; a rise in multigenerational households in which children may now have greater access to grandparents’ medications; working and single parents relying on multiple caregivers,

who may not coordinate closely on the timing of children’s dosages; and formulation of children’s medications that are designed to taste good but may entice

children to take them when unsupervised. The report also urges government to enhance the structure and stabilize funding for poison control centers.

• Always put medicines and vitamins away after every use. Never leave them on the counter between dosings. Don’t be tempted to “keep them handy” in a

purse, backpack, or briefcase, or in an unlocked cabinet or a drawer within a child’s reach.

• Always read and follow label instructions when giving medicines to children.

• Only use the dosing device that comes with the medication. Never use a household utensil, such as a teaspoon or tablespoon, to measure medication.

• Up to 20 percent of pediatric poisonings involve a grandparent’s medication. Make sure that all medications in the child’s environment are stored out of reach

and out of sight.

• Program the nationwide poison control center number (1-800-222-1222) into your phones.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tia Danker RDH

Li-Si-Wi-Nwi Dental Clinic

Most Common cause of tooth sensitivity in adults is the

exposed tooth roots due to receding gums. Do your teeth

hurt when you eat something cold or hot? When you

breathe in really cold air? Then you might be suffering from tooth sensitivity.

CAUSES:

- Brushing too hard

- Receding gum line allowing the root to be exposed

- Excessive use of tooth whiteners and abrasive

toothpaste

- Mouthwash or foods with high acidity

How to care for sensitive teeth?

Key is to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Reducing the pressure you

Tooth sensitivity happens when the vulnerable under layer of your teeth- use on the toothbrush if you are a scrubber. Use an antibacterial rinse to

the dentin- is exposed. This allows the tubules that run from the dentin keep bacteria low and keep your mouth feeling clean. Use a soft toothto the nerve to carry pain sensations.

brush and if needed use sensitive toothpaste.

Diabetes & Wellness

Oklahoma Inter-tribal Diabetes Coalition

APRIL

is foot health month

SAVE THE DATE

announces

Foot Care Tips

3rd Annual Benefit Golf Scramble

Friday, April 20, 2012

Take care of your feet for a lifetime

 Keep diabetes under control.

8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start

 Check your feet every day.

(Rain cancellation date – Friday, April 27)

 Wash your feet every day.

Firelake Golf Course

1901 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

(405) 275-4471

 Keep the skin soft and smooth.

 Wear properly fitting shoes and

socks at all times.

4 Man Scramble ($200/team or $50/person)

1st, 2nd, 3rd Flight Prizes Awarded

Proximity Contests – Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Straightest Drive

Hole in One Prize

Door Prizes – T-shirts, gift certificates, and maybe even a kitchen sink!

You can prevent damage to your feet by looking for

 Blisters

 Cuts or scratches

 Ingrown toenails

 Red or black spots

 Dryness

T FITNESS PROGRAM

Come and support the Coalition’s efforts in raising awareness and advocating

AST FITNESSforPROGRAM

diabetes prevention in Oklahoma.

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Warm Weather is Here! Let’s Get Moving!

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New clinic close to completion

The new clinic at Little Axe is nearing completion. The last of the touch

up work is being completed and furniture and equipment are being delivered on a daily occurrence. There is a lot of activity at the new site and

many new employees are being hired to staff the facility. The planned

first day to start seeing patients will be Monday, April 30, 2012. Because

of the need to move employees from the current location to the new

clinic, the old clinic at Little Axe will close during the week of April 2327th. This includes the pharmacy. So please plan accordingly with any

refills. We will be moving all medications from the old clinic to the new

clinic and pharmacy staff will be doing an inventory of the current medications. All the pharmacy staff from Little Axe will be involved with the

move. If you have medication to pick up, please make plans to pick it

up before April 23rd. We will not be able to allow patients in the clinic

during that week due to movers coming in and out moving supplies and

employees from one building to another. During the closing of the old

clinic, you will be able to call the Shawnee clinic for urgent care. Any

chronic or follow-up appointments will be rescheduled for another time.

PHARMACY NEWS

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBAL PHARMACY

• OUR NEW LITTLE AXE LOCATION WILL SOON BE

OPEN!! OUR LITTLE AXE LOCATION WILL BE CLOSED

THE WEEK OF APRIL 23-27 IN ORDER TO MOVE IN TO

THE NEW FACILITY. PLEASE PLAN YOUR REFILLS

ACCORDINGLY IF YOU FILL AT THAT LOCATION SO

THAT YOU DO NOT RUN OUT OF YOUR MEDICATIONS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING DURING THIS EXCITING RELOCATION!

• As of January 1, 2012, Oklahoma State Law mandates a current

photo ID is required for EVERY time ANY controlled medication

being picked up.

We plan to have the General Council meeting in the new clinic. We will

be serving breakfast in our employee break area and will have the health

fair throughout the clinic. Each department will have a booth set up so

make sure you attend the meeting to see the new clinic and to get some

great health information. You will also have the chance to meet many of

the new providers and employees. We are so proud of the facility and

know that as a tribe, this is a great accomplishment. In order to help with

the beautiful nature of the building, we will be putting Native American

artwork throughout the building. We have a large display case in the

main waiting area. If you would like to donate artwork for the building

or items for the display case, please contact Beverly Felton, Little Axe

clinic administrator at 405-447-0300. We would love to have items that

represent the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and its people. Each donation will

have a small sign denoting who the artist is or who donated the items.

We will also be asking local tribal artists if they would like to showcase

their artwork in the facility. What a great way to get recognized.

The grand opening for the clinic will be held on May 16, 2012 beginning

at 1:30 pm. We are inviting many tribal, local, state, and official dignitaries. This event will be a one of a kind event and we are hoping for many

of those invited to attend. Currently, we have invitations out to individuals with Indian Health Service, the state and city elected officials, and

many other federal agencies. We are also inviting many different tribal

leaders to see our new facility. A full agenda is scheduled for the event.

Make plans now on coming out to the grand opening on May 16, 2012

from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.

• Both Shawnee and Little Axe pharmacy locations both 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:

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

P Keep us informed of changes in address, phone number and other contact information.

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

up or needs to be delivered.

P 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.

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

and speak with one of our Pharmacists. We are here to assist you with your

pharmaceutical needs!

New Hours of Operation for the Pharmacy:

Shawnee: 7am-6pm Monday-Friday

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

We are open through the lunch hour!!

**Both pharmacy departments are closed the first Wednesday of each

month to complete administrative duties**

The Behavioral Health Department welcomed a new member to the staff this month. Monte Blake is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, with

26 years of experience in mental health and social services. Utilizing a cognitive behavioral approach to therapy coupled with an empathic understanding of the psychodynamic influence of early childhood experiences and the complexities of life, Monte has provided therapeutic services to a

wide range of populations and people of all races and walks of life. Monte has worked in mental health centers, mental health hospitals and public

schools. He has provided therapeutic services in the home and spent ten years providing services to incarcerated men in a medium security prison.

A prevailing philosophy for Monte has been the belief that people are capable of positive change in their life, regardless of their personal struggle,

if they are willing to afford themselves an honest self evaluation through reflection, contemplation and examination of their internal dialogue and

behavioral choices.

Monte has been married for 31 years and has two wonderful adult children, He and his wife Ruth live on 11 acres which requires a lot of tender

loving care to develop and maintain.

Monte is excited about the opportunity to serve the Absentee Shawnee Clinic.

Constitution Revision Committee . . .

Legislative Structure Question

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE

The AST Constitution Revision Committee has been recently started meeting again. As our process of revising the AST Constitution we are interested in getting

feedback from the Tribal Members so that everyone has a voice in the revisions. Last year we addressed the revision issue of reducing the blood quantum at a Special

General Council. At this year’s April General Council we would like to present our ideas on revising the Legislative branch of the AST Government. Currently the

Executive Committee hold both Executive and Legislative branches. Our recommended revision is to split the Executive and Legislative powers into two different

branches. The Legislative powers, or law making powers, would be given to the Tribal Legislators who serve as representatives for the Tribal Members. The issue

at hand is how we will structure the legislature- We are proposing four (4) options as stated below. Please give us your input and which option you feel best works

in the revision of the AST Constitution.

The Constitution Revision Committee is considering revising the legislative branch of the AST government. Below are the four options that are currently being

considered, which option do you feel would best represent the Absentee Shawnee Tribe:

A. Districts based on two geographical lines that would intersect the entire U.S. represented here based on Highway 9 and Highway 18 through Shawnee, OK.

This option would have four districts with equal representation based on the number of voters in each as stated above. (See Attached “A” Map)

B. Districts based on separating the counties of Oklahoma into four districts and separating the states to coincide with these districts as well so that the Districts are

easier to distinguish. District 1 is the northeast portion of Oklahoma and the US, District 2 is the southeast portion of Oklahoma and the US. District 3 is the

southwest portion of Oklahoma and the US. District 4 is the northwest portion of Oklahoma and the US. District 2 and District 3 with the most eligible voters

will have two legislators each and District 1 and District 4 will have one legislator each for a total of 6 legislators. (See Attached “B” Map)

C. Districts based on the two historical bands of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe: the White Turkey and the Big Jim Bands. Each eligible voter will have to choose a

historical band to be a registered voter based on their family association with the band. Those who can claim both must choose which they wish to be affiliated.

Each band will have 3 legislators each.

D. The final option is to not have a separate legislative branch and leave the legislative powers with the Executive Committee as it is now.

I would like to thank members of the AST Constitution Revision Committee for their time and effort and thank Kenny Jones, OEH-OHP for the Maps. Should you

have any questions, if I cannot answer them, I will direct them to the committee, please contact me 405-275-4030 ext 148 or email eddieb@astribe.com.

Respectfully,

Eddie Brokeshoulder

Point of Contact

AST Constitution Revision Committee

Happy

Alberty, Shannon Venita

Alexander, Rachel Paulette

Alford Jr., Eugene Ray

Alford, Jaci Lanae

Alford, Ray Wildcat

Arms, Steven Anthony

Armstrong, Tina Marie

Bacon, Misty Twylight

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Bethell, Shelby Ann

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Bradley, Willard Lee

Bradshaw, Jana Marie

Brady, Scott Edgar

Brinson, Christopher Allen

Brokeshoulder Jr., Clifton

Brokeshoulder, Eddie K.

Brown, Jennifer Leah

Bryce, Shayla Maelyn

Buckley, Dawna Michele

Byers, Reanna Nicole

Byers, Zachary Elias

Byrd, Lyndell D Armond

Caires, Vanessa Little Axe

Chaney, Brittni Lynn

Charley Whatley, Jorden

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Chisholm, Carly Nicole

Clark, Dallas Joseph

Clark, Dave George

Clutter, Ramona Lynn

Coddington, Aubriana Marie

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Coddington, Michael Richard

Coffee, Sahaunie Nicole

Coon Jr., Stacy William

Creek Sr., Albert

Creek, Amber Lee

Creek, Eunice Marie

Creek, Stevie Eli

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Cryder, Michael Lawrence

Davis Sr., Edward Leroy

Davis, Jyquale Lee De`shon

Deere, Neva Lee ( Larney )

Dibler, Dale G.

Doussett, Delisha Ann

Draper Sr., Russell Lee

Draper, Reuben James

Eason, Braxton Noah

Ellis, Ariel Raquel

Ellis, Russell Bruce

Evans, Kayla Marie

Fife, Andrew Jacob

Frank, Janice Arlene

Garcia, Josiah Elias

Garfield, Alicia Raejhaun

Garretson, Riley Dean

Gibson, Darianne Alexander

Gibson, Jaysan Baylee

Gibson, Mary Ann

Gibson, Melonie Dian

Gibson, Norma Jean

Gilman III, Thomas Eugene

Gilman, Robert Everett

Goodwin, Dawn Marie

Goodwin, Larry Tiger

Gouge Jr., Marg

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Graham, Charles Robert

Grass, Solomon Wayne

Griffin, Ladawn Abraham

Hamon-Breeden, Katie Marie

Harjo, Timothy A.

Harris, Monte Lee

Harvey II, Johnny Troy

Haumpy, Ariann Renee

Haumpy, Gage Allen

Haumpy, O-Day Tah’lee

Eugene

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Hernandez, Curtis David

Hill, Trent David

Hoepher, Emily Danielle

Holderness, Samantha Grace

Hollenbeck, May Angela

Hood, Randolph Paul

Hudson, Latasha Kay

Hunt, Leeona Lucile

Hurst, Maegan Nicole

Jackson, Fallon Kay

Jacobs, Maria Elena

Jacobs, Stormie Raelein

James, Na`chelle Ardena

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Johnson, Justice Lonewolf

Johnson, Richard Michael

Johnson, Shoshanna Louise

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Little Axe Jr., Troy Lee

Little Axe, Diane Gail

Little Axe, Jordan Kane

Little Axe, Joshua Taylor

Little Axe, Kaylee Jean

Little Axe, Shiloh Blue

Little Charley, Evelyn Lavon

Little Creek, Alex

Little Creek, Lawrence Keith

Little Jr., Gilbert Boyd

Littlebear, Tonya Lynn

Littlecreek, Samantha Jolene

Littlecreek, Thomas Eugene

Longhorn, Darrell Wayne

Longhorn, Leonard Wayne

Longhorn, Vincent Wade

Longman, Cherokee Dakota

Longman, Trina Ann

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Mack, Cylas Ledarix

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Mann, Raymond Freeland

Mann, Richard Freeman

Mann, Savanah Nicole

Mann, Taylor Lawrence

Markwardt, Franklin Thomas

Martin, April Denise

Martin, Kinley Rae

Martinez, Amaya Rynae

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Masquat, Iola Renee

Massey, Karen Sue

Mattingly, Alana Irene

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McDaniel, Karen Diane

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McGuire, Kyla Marie

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Megyesi, Charles Stevens

Milburn, Heather Renee

Miller, Lillian Grace

Mills, Brian Richard

Mohawk, Curtis Roy

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Morgan, Summer Dawn

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Robertson, Winifred L.

Rolette, Gregory Shawn

Rolette, Hanna Grace

Roller, Geraldine M Bradley

Runsabove, Bryce Leigh

Ryder, Vanessa Louise

Sanchez, Bailey Marie

Sanchez, Citlali

Sanchez, James Andrew

Skylar

Sanchez, Victoria Nicolette

Seaton-Blanchard, Stephen

Anthony

Sellers, Levi Dalton

Sexton, Jacob David

Shawnee, Jaxon Avery

Shawnee, Sharon Dale

Sherrill, Penelope

Sloan, Jenifer

Sloat, Morgan Elaine

Smith, Joshua Dean

Smith, Noah Ryan

Snake, Archie Ellis

Soap, Alpha Christine

Soap, Terayana Maxine

Spoon, Ashley Donelle

Spoon, Marques Dwyane

Spoon, Samuel Lee

Spriggs, Brian Lee

Spybuck, Adrianne Eileen

Spybuck, Larry Eldon

Spybuck, Thomas Mark

Squire, Billie Gene

Squire, Samson Robert

Squire, Wilbur James

Starr-Fuentez, Olivia Angelina

Stephens, William Lee

Steves, Madelyn Louise

Stewart, Saundra Leigh

Stone Sr., James Lee

Stone, Dawn Michelle

Sullivan, Tiffany Chantele

Sumka, Lena Darcille

Switch, Traci Lynn

Switch, Charles William

Taryole, Trevor Seth

Tascier, Timothy Andrew

Tenner, Taylor Denise

Thompson, Rhonda Gail

Thornhill, Westly Lynn

Thorpe, Brady Wayne

Thorpe, Mary Catherine

Tieyah, Lavern Wilson

Tiger, Patricia Ann

Tiger, Stephon Michael

Wabaunasee, Thelma Jean

Wallace, Kay Laverne

Walley, Johnny Ray

Wallis, Baryn Clinton

Walters, Shirley Ann

Warrior, Marcellus James

Washington, David Axe

Washington, Kenneth

Washington, Kevin Bryan

Washington, Samantha Lynn

Watkins, Autum Paige

Watson, Frankie Louise

Kaseca

Watson, Jayden Tyler Scott

Wenholm, Casey Andrew

Whinery, Pamela Jean

White, Brenda Kaye

White, Wesley Shane

Whited, Kimberly Diane

Whittington, Charlene E.

Williams, Seth Andreas

Wilson, Alize` Jade

Wilson, Damon Allen

Wilson, Drake Kenneth Rylee

Wilson, Ethan Hawke

Wilson, Gabriel Ahboah

Wilson, Harold Wayne

Wilson, Howard Gene

Wilson, James Wayne

Wise, Keeley Ava Lynn

Witt, Joseph Andrew

Wunderlin, Travis Rece

Yellow Eagle, Angela Marie

Happy Birthday to my son,

Ben

April 25th

Happy Birthday Shorty

April 22nd

Love, Amy & Family

Happy Birthday

RAMONA

From

Sherry & Marvin

Happy Birthday & April

Fools

Sharon Shawnee

Have a great Day!

Love

Marvin & Sherry

Happy 20th Birthday

Lindsey James

April 8th

Lindsey is currently serving

her second year in the Navy

and stationed at Everett

Washington, we just want to

let her know that we love her,

miss her very much and we are

very proud of her.

Love you,

Fina, Mom, and the Harjo’s

Happy 20th Birthday on

April 8th Lindsey James

We love you, miss you and

we are very proud of you.

Deke, Gina, Tara, Ray &

Tessa

Happy Birthday “Uncle”

I love you, Tessa

Happy 21st Birthday

Zachary Elias Byers

We Love you

From

Aunt Sherry, Uncle Marvin,

Uncle Shawn, Aunt Marilyn

& all your cousins

Happy Birthday

Hollin Barnes!!

We Love You

Love

Bridgette, Brandon

& Bryleigh

Happy Late Birthday Bralynn

& Happy Birthday Hollin

Love you guys bunches love,

Momma, Daddy & Jordan.

Happy Birthday

to my older dearest Cousin!!

COURTNEY WAYNELL

GOUGE

Happy Birthday to our daughter,

Love, Leah Bates and family!!

Pam Whinery

April 1

Love, Mom & Dad

Happy Belated 17th birthday

to my baby girl

Yahna Kayne!

We love you with all our

hearts!

Love your family!

(and Howler Monkey!)

Happy Belated Birthday

Thomas Bates!

We love you,

Leah, Kiarah, Yahna, Keegan,

Akiane, and Aria!!

Happy Belated Birthday

to Nylah Brown!

Love,

Auntie Fefe, Uncle Thomas,

and kiddos!

Happy Birthday Daughter.

Enjoy your day like you look

here!

Love Your Mom

Happy 26th Birthday

to my baby boy

Ray (Ravis) Battise

on April 3rd.

I love you, Mom

Happy Birthday Ray !

We love you

Gina, Tara, Karla & Kyle

Amber Batson Vasquez

Happy Birthday Keauana;

or should we say “Cinnamon”

Ha! Ha! Have a great day.

We love & miss you.

The Herrera Family

Happy 8th Birthday “KD”

We love you, Tessa & Family

Happy 8th Birthday to

Kadence Harjo

on April 28th

We love you. Fina, Mom and

brothers & sisters

Happy Birthday

to our granddaughter,

Leigha Kelsey

April 19

Love,

Mema & Papa Schulenberg

Happy Birthday

to my sisters

Marty Kaniatobe

April 10

Jenifer Sloan

April 28

Love,

Don & Esteline Schulenberg

Happy Birthday

Courtney Gouge,

Leonard Longhorn

and last but not least

Vincent Longhorn

from your family

Happy 5th Anniversary

Curtis & Sally Mohawk

From all the kids!

Happy Birthday

Frankie Watson

we wish you good health

love the Kasecas, Foremans

George and Sue Blanchard

celebrate 50 years.

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

OF OKLAHOMA

George and Sue Blanchard of Little Axe recently celebrated their 50th

wedding anniversary with a party at Thunderbird Casino thrown by their

children. George and Sue were married February 28, 1962 in Texas. After they were married, George began working as a laborer with a bricklaying business. While working in the bricklaying business, he was also

a bus driver in the 60s at Little Axe Schools. He went on to work for the

Central Tribes of the Shawnee Area training center in the mid-70’s as a

brick-laying instructor and after that, he and Sue started their own construction company. They worked together in that business, along with

their children for a number of years. He later went on to work in the

landscaping department at Griffin Memorial Hospital before becoming

the Chief of security at Thunderbird Entertainment Center in Norman.

After over 25 years in security, George was elected into office as Governor of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe in 2009 and was reelected in 2011,

a position that he currently holds. Sue, the former Linda Sue Johnson,

has worked as a cook with Little Axe Schools and Griffin Memorial

Hospital. She has also had jobs working for Thunderbird Entertainment

Center. She has also worked side by side with George during their days

working with their construction company. Sue currently cares for three

of their great-grandchildren while her granddaughter works.

George is the son of the late Lewis and Cynthia Blanchard of Newalla.

He has 4 brothers and 4 sisters. Sue is the daughter of the Pauline Johnson of Norman and the late Henry Johnson, Sr of Norman. She has 3

brother and 1 sister. They have three children, Bob and Denise Blanchard

of Moore; Beverly and Doug Felton of Newalla, and Tee Blanchard of

Norman. They also have 6 grandchildren; Lacey and Joe Rudloff of

Newalla, Zac Felton of Newalla, Brittany Shaver of Norman, Taylor and

Chris Tenner of Newalla, Kaylee Blanchard of Moore, and Jordan Shaver of Norman. They also have 9 great-grandchildren; Dylan, Derek, and

Emma Rudloff; Kandice, Wyatt, Aiden, and Kai Felton; Kirsten Tenner;

and Easton Jones.

An anniversary celebration was held February 25, 2012 at Thunderbird

Casino with family and friends in attendance including many out of town

friends. After the dinner celebration, the Gary Gibson Band played for

the couple and their guests in a private party with the couple having the

first dance on the floor and then a champagne toast. They took a trip to

Las Vegas for their anniversary.

TERO is looking forward to the months to come with so many opportunities arising. We encourage all tribal members currently seeking

employment to apply with TERO. We are located in Building #1 on

the second floor all the way to the right. Bring in any license, certificates, letters of recommendations, and any degrees you may have as

well as your ID, Social Security Card, and CDIB. TERO will assist

any applicant looking to update or make a resume or online job opportunities. We have a partnership with Express Personnel in the Shawnee area. They are currently seeking applicants for Diesel Mechanic,

Stick Welders, General Labor, and Customer Service. If any applicant

is interested in any of these positions contact TERO for more information. In this month, TERO will be attending the AST General Council

which will be held on April 21st at The Little Axe Health Center in

Norman, Ok. We will have plenty of applications and will be available

to answer any questions you may have. We will provide a list of the

current positions available within the tribe, local jobs, as well as all

other employment opportunities. We encourage everyone to attend to

support your tribe. In this past month TERO has received 121 phone

calls, 42 walk ins, and we referred 12 applicants to various positions

within the tribe. TERO attended the OSHA Training, a meeting with

Seminole State College for Business & Information Systems Division,

and attended a meeting with Jan Pro and we are glad to say they will

be putting applicants to work. In the months to come TERO will be

attending meetings with various companies in hopes to place more individuals in the workforce. We will be attending a Career Fair at OBU

on April 4th, 2012. If you have any questions or concerns please feel

free to contact the TERO office at 405-275-4030.

TERO STAFF

Randy Edge Ext: 135

TERO DIRECTOR

Bridgette Wilson Ext: 163

Office Assistant

I would like to take this chance, on behalf of my sister

Francis Blanchard, to say thank you to our brother, Ralph Mann,

for conducting the services for my nephew/son Conrad Blanchard.

Also to the men from maintenance who set up the tarps, chairs, and

port a potties. We truly appreciate all the help that was extended to

us in this time of sorrow and need. As it was a tough time getting

our love one home, Mr. Jeff Gibson, thank you for your help in

these matters.

No Ki/ Nee Yaw way! Again Thank You!

Sherman Tiger

How Child Welfare

Works with American

Indian Families

The Voices of Zak’s Aunt

and Uncle

When we first found out that our nephew, Zak, (my brother’s 2 year old son)

was in foster care, we weren’t sure what to do. He was in another state and his

parents had been accused of physically abusing him. Even though he is an enrolled member of our tribe, he wasn’t in an Indian foster home like the Indian

Child Welfare Act requires. But at the time, that was the least of our worries.

We just wanted to find out what we could do to help my brother, sister-in-law,

and nephew.

Things didn’t look too good. Even though the abuse charges were alleged, they

hadn’t been proven. But besides the abuse charges, my brother and his wife

were pretty heavily involved in drugs and didn’t seem to be doing anything

to try to get their son back. My husband and I didn’t think Zak would ever be

returned to them because they really weren’t working on their treatment plan.

We were licensed foster parents on the reservation where we live. We figured

we’d have a good chance to get our nephew placed with us when the permanent

plan was decided. My brother and sister-in-law were ok about us having Zak

placed with us. But the child welfare agency in their state thought we wouldn’t

protect him from his parents, so they left him in the non-Indian foster home.

At first the child welfare agency didn’t notify our tribe about our family situation. My brother didn’t tell the worker that he was a tribal member, and she

didn’t think Zak looked “Indian.” If the agency worker had asked Zak’s parents more about their Indian heritage, she would have found out that Zak was

enrolled with our tribe. By the time the agency worker found out about Zak’s

Indian heritage and notified our tribe, Zak had already been in foster care for 3

months. The tribe intervened and told the child welfare agency that they wanted

to transfer Zak’s case to tribal court in our state. But the state court found “good

cause” not to transfer and noted that Zak had bonded with the foster family.

So Zak stayed in the non-Indian foster home where he’d been placed. We were

able to visit him only about once every 6 to 8 weeks because it was a hard for

us to travel out of state to see him. But we didn’t want him to forget us so we

kept visiting as often as we could. In the meanwhile, our tribe kept trying to get

jurisdiction.

After a year, Zak’s mom and dad had not finished their treatment plan and had

done nothing to reunify with Zak. The agency worker decided that the permanent plan for Zak would be adoption. Even though she wanted the foster family

to adopt him, we also wanted to adopt Zak since he’s our nephew. Our tribal

lawyer was able to show in court that the purpose of Indian Child Welfare Act is

to keep Indian families together. He proved that the social service agency didn’t

follow the Indian Child Welfare Act from the beginning. He also showed that

we had kept close connections with Zak with our visits, and we were bonded to

him too. It took a long time, but finally the court ruled in favor of the ICWA and

transferred jurisdiction to our tribal court, and we adopted Zak.

We know it was hard for his foster family to give him up, so we try to make

sure he has visits with them sometimes. But now Zak is growing up with his

cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who live near us on the reservation. He

is learning the traditions and ceremonies of our tribe.

If it hadn’t been for the Indian Child Welfare Act, our family probably would

have been separated forever.

What is the Indian Child Welfare Act?

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is an important federal law for Indian

tribes. All state child welfare agencies and courts must follow the law when

they are working with Indian families in child custody proceedings.

What does the Indian Child Welfare Act do for tribes?

ICWA gives Indian tribes the right to be involved in deciding what should happen for Indian children who may be placed in foster care or adoptive placements. Tribes, state agencies, and state courts don’t always agree on what the

best plan is for Indian children in foster care.

How does the child welfare agency know when ICWA applies?

To find out if you or your child is an American Indian, the agency worker

should ask you if you are a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe.

Sometimes, when parents aren’t available to give this information, the agency

worker may decide this might be an ICWA case if she learns that your family

has connections to a Indian tribe, Indian organization, Indian Health Service,

etc. Your friends or relatives may also provide information to the child welfare

agency that gives them reason to believe they need to follow the Indian Child

Welfare Act. The best information about your tribal enrollment comes from

you. Without your help, agency workers will have to look for clues about your

Indian heritage, and it will delay the notice that your tribe receives about the

situation.

What rights does the Indian Child Welfare Act give Indian families, and

what responsibilities does it give state child welfare agencies?

ICWA gives Indian parents certain rights. ICWA gives state child welfare agencies certain responsibilities:

• Before state child welfare agencies can take children from their families,

ICWA requires the agency to make “active efforts” to help keep children

at home. “Active efforts” means any kind of direct services and assistance

that will help the family stay together. But if the situation is very dangerous, children can be removed immediately until it is safe for them to be

returned.

• As an Indian parent or Indian custodian, you, and also your tribe, must receive “notice” by registered mail of all of the legal proceedings involving

your children. If your child must be removed from home, the state child

welfare agency and state court must notify you and your child’s tribe(s).

This must occur whenever a tribal member is involved in a child welfare

proceeding. The notice must be sent to you and to your tribe by registered

mail. No hearing can be held until 10 days after you and your tribe receive

the notice. Then you and the tribe can request up to 20 additional days to

get ready for the proceeding.

• If you are not able to afford legal counsel, under ICWA, you have the right

to have legal counsel appointed by the court. If a state does not provide you

with legal counsel, the court is supposed to notify the U.S. Secretary of the

Interior. The Secretary is supposed to pay reasonable fees and expenses so

that you will have legal counsel.

• Before removing your child from home, ICWA requires that an “expert witness” testify in court that this placement is necessary. The expert witness

is a person who is American Indian or who is experienced in working with

Indian families.

What happens if my child is placed in foster care?

If your child is placed into foster care, he must be placed with a relative. If a

relative isn’t available, he must be placed with a foster family who is a member

of your tribe. If no foster family from your tribe is available, your child must be

placed with an Indian foster family who is a member of another tribe. Unfortunately, there are often few, if any, Indian foster families available. As a result,

Indian children are sometimes placed with non-Indian foster families, although

this is not in compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act.

What happens if my tribe gets involved?

The tribe may decide to “intervene.” That means that the tribe is in contact with

the state child welfare agency and wants to get more information about your

situation. The tribe may recommend where your child should be placed. The

tribe may ask the child welfare agency to send court reports and other documents in order to stay informed about what is going on. ICWA gives the tribe

a right to intervene and parents can’t object to this. It is expected that the child

welfare agency will cooperate with the tribe’s request; however, the agency

may choose a plan that is not in agreement with the tribe’s plan. It is possible

that the court will agree with the state, rather than with the tribe. The tribe

may also request to “transfer” a child’s case to tribal court, even if the tribe

is in another state. Parents can object to the transfer to tribal court. If either

parent objects, it will stay in state court. Sometimes children’s cases are not

transferred to tribal court because state courts find “good cause” not to transfer.

“Good cause” may mean that your child has needs that can be met only in the

custody of the state child welfare agency, such as extreme medical needs. Your

tribe may disagree with the state’s ‘good cause’ decision not to transfer. If the

tribe disagrees, it may decide to appeal the decision in state court.

Practical Tips for Families

√ Tell the state agency worker immediately if you are a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe.

√ Ask the agency worker if they have notified your tribe about your situation.

√ Contact your tribe’s social service program to find out if they know about

your situation.

√ If you’re not sure of your tribal heritage, give the agency worker as much

information as possible about your family heritage: your parent’s names,

where they live and what you know about your tribal connections.

√ If your child is being placed in foster care, give the agency worker the

names of family members who might be able to take care of your child.

√ If you don’t have relatives nearby, ask if your child will be placed with an

Indian foster family.

√ Ask for court-appointed legal counsel if you cannot afford to pay for a

lawyer.

√ Ask to see the reports and documents that have been filed with the court

about the decision to place your child.

√ Attend all the court hearings related to your child.

√ If your child is going to be placed in foster care, ask the agency worker if

an Expert Witness has recommended the placement.

√ Ask to visit your child regularly while he is in foster care.

√ Ask for help if you need assistance to follow your Service/Treatment Plan.

This plan will describe why your child is involved in the child welfare

system, your family’s strengths and needs, your child’s and family’s goals,

actions you and the child welfare system are to take, services you and your

child are to receive and participate in, and a time period for working on

these things. If your child is living at home with you, the service plan will

describe what needs to happen so that he will be safe and can continue to

live in your home. If your child is in foster care, the service plan states

why he came into care. It will say what needs to happen for him to be

returned home and for the child welfare agency to no longer be involved

with your family.

√ When you sign the service plan, it means that you agree with it. If you

don’t agree with it, you don’t have to sign it. Instead, you could ask the

agency worker to reconsider the parts that you don’t agree with.

√ Be sure to get a written copy of the service plan to keep.

√ If available, seek help from tribal or off-reservation Indian resource programs to help you with your service plan.

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

INDIAN CHILD WELFARE DEPARTMENT

ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE TRIBE

(405)275-4030

INDIAN CHILD WELFARE DEPARTMENT

(405)275-4030

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

INDIAN CHILD WELFARE DEPARTMENT

(405)275-4030

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

5th Annual Preparing for the 7th Generation:

The Journey Continues

April 17, 18, 19, 2012

Reed Conference Center

Midwest City, OK