Absentee Shawnee Tribe Creates Language/Culture Dept. (2026)

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THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE NEWS

www.astribe.com

January 2026

Volume 36, No. 01

Absentee Shawnee Tribe Creates Language/Culture Dept.

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe recently created a standalone Language/Culture Department – Ka si wi nwi to wa pa - “Let’s Speak Shawnee”. The resolution was officially

passed on December 17. Language was previously a part of Cultural Preservation and 477 programs.

“This resolution what it does, it’s kind of historic in a sense that we have never had a language department. The time has come to go that direction, “explained Language

Director Scott Miller, “We all know we are losing Elders every year. We are losing knowledge and we are losing language knowledge.”

The newly created department hopes to increase efforts to revitalize the language. Miller will continue to lead the department alongside Jaylan Littlehead, language specialist.

The Executive Committee previously declared a state of emergency regarding language in December 2022. They also adopted the Official Shawnee Alphabet – Pi Pa Pe Po

alphabet. Also in 2022, Miller released a Language Assessment Survey and the results were alarming. Less than one percent of all tribal members could be classified as fluent

speakers.

Since then, he has been trying to increase the fluency of the Shawnee language. He initiated online language lessons, QR codes, classes for the AST After-School Program

with Mrs. Littlehead, and will start in person classes this year, with the help of an ANA language grant.

“We are really working hard to teach Shawnee especially in our kids. The younger ones tend to retain it quicker and then there’s the fact that they can go home and speak it

and help their parents learn or even re-learn.” Miller said of his efforts.

“We are basically having to start from the beginning. A lot of us know how to say words and some phrases but not all of us know how to speak a full conversation so hopefully

as we get going we will start sparking some memory and really some confidence in speaking our language” Miller said.

Governor Johnson applauded the newly created department. “ I know there are other tribes that are going thru the same scenario and I am glad that we are stepping up so

we can begin this.”

The classes will focus on all ages and be available via virtual or in person with locations to be announce. The Language Department is located at 421 N Beard Street in Shawnee. For more information regarding language or to contact them directly, email language@astribe.com.

“We are basically having to start from the beginning. A lot of us know how to say words and some phrases but not all of us know how to speak a full conversation so hopefully

as we get going we will start sparking some memory and really some confidence in speaking our language” Miller said.

Language is not only a tool to communicate but it connects us with our culture. Now, with a department fully dedicated to its care, the Shawnee language will have a place

to grow and to be heard again.

Pictured: Jaylan Littlehead, Language Specialist and Scott Miller, Language Director, teaching kids at the AST Afterschool Program.

FROM THE ELECTION COMMISSION

The Filing Period for Elective Office in 2026

PLEASE fill out EACH BLANK completely and return by the Deadline

A tribal member may file for office, January 1 to January 10 (excluding weekends and

holidays). Hours to file are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST

I, ______________________________________, hereby certify that I am or will be an Eligible

Potential candidates please consult the Election Ordinance for the procedures and qualifications

when running for elective office.

The following positions will be open for the Election to be held in 2026:

(Print Name)

Voter of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe on or before March 21, 2026. I cannot physically

be present to cast my Vote at the March 21, 2026 Primary Election; therefore, I am

requesting an Absentee Ballot be mailed to me at the following address:

Name (please print): ________________________________________________________

(First)

(Middle)

(Maiden)

(Last)

Address:_________________________ City:_______________St: _______Zip:________

ELECTION COMMISSION

Position

Deputy Commissioner

Secretary

Commission Member #2

Filing Fees

$100.00

$200.00

$300.00

CDIB#:________ Date of Birth:______________

Term

1 Year Term (Prorated)

2 Year Term (Prorated)

3 Year Term

Fee Amount includes: Alcohol test, drug test, MVR, OSBI, FBI fee plus certified postage fee,

ballot printing (twice), Absentee Ballot and correspondence postage.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A) An enrolled member of the tribe.

B) An eligible voter for purposes of voting in tribal elections.

C) Must be twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of the election for which he/she desires to

be a candidate.

D) Physically reside within the following Counties: Cleveland, Pottawatomie, Oklahoma,

McClain, Garvin, Pontotoc, Seminole, Lincoln, or Okfuskee.

E) In cases where a prospective candidate has been convicted of a felony, such person shall not

be eligible for consideration as a candidate until at least five (5) years have passed following

completion of the penalty for such conviction(s).

F) Not more than one (1) member of an immediate family shall be elected to the same tribal

elective body except when running as a candidate for the same elective position.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (approved by Referendum June 20, 2015)

Signature: ____________________________

Telephone:___________________

Date:_____________________________

All REQUESTS must be returned to the Election Commission by the deadline date of

March 1, 2026

Mail to:

Absentee Shawnee Election Commission

P.O. Box 741

Tecumseh, OK 74873

Fax to:

Fax # (405) 273-1337 (Do not fax to any other fax #)

Phone: (405) 275-4030 ext. 6271

Toll free number 1-800-256-3341 ext. 6271

Email to:

election.commission@astribe.com

Deliver in Person to:

Election Commission Office

located in Bldg 2, Shawnee Campus

All eligible voters are entitled to vote either at the Polls or by Absentee Ballot.

This form may be duplicated for your convenience.

______________________________________________________________________________

ELECTION COMMISSION USE ONLY

Received: _____________________ Approved:____________________ Disapproved: _______________

If Disapproved (reason): _________________________________________________________________

Denial Letter Mailed:___________________________ Ballot Mailed:_____________________________

A) Must have a valid Oklahoma State Driver’s License

B) Must have a negative result on a drug and alcohol test

C) Must have a high school diploma or GED

_______________________________________

Election Commission/Representative

2A www.astribe.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

John Johnson, AST Governor

Hello All,

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas

and a Happy New Year. I personally am

looking forward to a new year; we have

some big projects that will be starting

soon. The new Shawnee Clinic has already broke ground and will officially start

the next phase. Also Calm Construction

has been selected to start on the new admin building here on campus. Look for

updates in the newsletter for the ground

breaking event. The new building is well

over due and I know some of you had a

January 2026

hard time watching the old one go but it’s

time for a new clean building. Once this

one is done we will work on the other admin buildings on campus. I am hopeful

these projects will move fairly quickly.

The Executive Committee is working

on a 5yr strategic plan for our future and

we are asking for your input. For any suggestions or comments please call or email

Kryste C. in grants, KCarter@astribe.

com. Ms. Carter will be hosting a two

day workshop to discuss the strategic plan

and how important it is for the tribe. Her

and a few other directors will be working

together to put the plan into place beginning January 1, 2026. This will also be in

the newsletter so watch for updates.

As of December 20, 2025 my office has

processed 559 applications for the Children’s Christmas Gift cards. All the gift

cards have been placed in the mail. If you

have not applied for your child you still

have time. The deadline is January 31,

2026. If you need help please contact my

office, my assistant will be happy to help.

Should you have any comments or concerns you may call or email myself or my

assistant at the emails listed below.

Thank You

of 2024 I gained guardianship of my three

granddaughters at that time they were

ages 3, 2 and 1 years old. You talk about

a quick lifestyle change we had to adjust

and adapt to one another. They taught me

patience, caring and most of all loving on

a child’s level. I believe god placed these

beautiful baby girls with me for a reason,

some time we lose sight of our purpose

and need clarification. I knew the placement was temporary and they would

eventually go home. On Friday, December 19, 2025 they returned home and I am

way beyond thankful and blessed to have

had the opportunity to have this thought

process adjustment. Being a family and

the Lt. Governor of the Absentee Shawnee is not a job it is caring and showing

love to each another. Let us continue

to support and be kind to one another

throughout the years to come.

Ne yi wa

see their individual budgets. Because of

this frugality, we were able to transition

through October and November almost

unscathed during the Government Shutdown and the SNAP Crisis. One of my

goals, back during the 2020 Campaign

year, was to help bring the Tribe into the

21st century with new technology.

Some may have noticed I did not

submit a December report. There was a

software update that hadn’t integrated

or uploaded to my laptop; the issue was

resolved as soon as I returned to Oklahoma and the MIS team was able to correct issues. I am happy to report, while

attending the 82nd Annual Conference

for the National Congress of the American Indian (NCAI), Leadership from the

other Tribes in the Southern Plains region

elected me to the Vice President Alternate

position. It is a 2 year term and allows

us the opportunity to interact with executives and leadership from organizations

like NCAI, IGA, NIGC, NAFOA, and

others on a level we’ve never had.

Since November, I have already been

on 2 conference calls with the Leadership

Team in preparation for the upcoming

Executive Council Winter Session in February. This meeting is always in Washington, D.C. and coordinates with the U.S.

Presidents presentation of the State of the

Union address. On the final days of that

trip, Tribal Leaders will ascend on Capitol

Hill to have discussion with many differ-

ent U.S. Senators and Representatives, to

advocate on behalf of our Tribe and Region; especially those Congressmen who

serve as Committee chairs or have greater

influence over junior delegates.

In December, I participated in 2

Conference calls or Consultations to represent our Tribe. These were follow-up

meetings to previous discussions about

improvements or changes being incorporated into the National system. I have

provided an update to Governor Johnson

about the content but we have been asked

to not discuss publicly until the final reports and data have been submitted for a

final resolution. What I can say is there

were official letters sent by OIGA Chairman Matt Morgan to the State of Oklahoma, and a coordinating notice from IGA

Chairman David Bean to U.S. Securities

and Exchange Commission regarding

illegal gaming. The request is simple in

they are requesting each respective entity uphold Indian Gaming Regulatory Act

and enforce Federal law.

In closing, I hope you and your loved

ones were able to enjoy the holiday season. I will continue to pray for those who

are grieving or still learning to adjust for

the ones that have walked on. I always

ask the Creator to bless our Elders and

protect our Warriors (Veterans). Until

next time.

TERO Convention” in Las Vegas, NV.

Also in December, I obtained a certification in Tribal Governance during a

three day training session offered by the

Tribal Leadership Council.

Should you have any questions or need

any assistance, please contact my office by

phone or email.

John Johnson - 405-275-4030 ext. 3500

governor@astribe.com

Alvina Barnes - 405-275-4030 ext. 3501

alvinab@astribe.com

GOVERNOR

John Johnson

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Diane Ponkilla, AST Lt. Governor

Blessings All,

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year and sending my sincerest

condolences to the 25 AST families who

have lost loved ones in 2025. As 2025

comes to an end I would like to thank all

the TM, staff and people who have made

this a positive experience. In December

TREASURER’S REPORT

Joseph Blanchard, AST Treasurer

Lt. GOVERNOR

Diane Ponkilla

SECRETARY

Misty McGirt

Hello AST Family and Friends,

Happy New Year!!! Welcome to 2026.

Wow, I don’t know about y’all but I can’t

believe it’s here. Before I get into my update, first, let me express my gratitude to

the employees in our Enrollment and Finance departments. They worked extra

hours to jump through hoops and overcome barriers to provide a service to our

membership, while completing and performing regular tasks during our busiest

time of the year. For those not aware,

there are approximately 3600 AST adults

eligible for the program; which equates

to 3.5 months of extra work to be accomplished in 30 days. As I’ve always said, it

takes multiple people and teamwork to

get things done.

As 2025 concludes, now we initiate

Audit Prep and finalize documents for

tax reporting and Year End close out.

November and December were ripe with

Department Head meetings to discuss

budgets, modifying budgets, and presenting the final paperwork for approval by

the Executive Committee. Over the last 6

years, Finance, Grants, and Procurement

have worked hard to reel in spending,

become better stewards, and provided

training to Directors on how to utilize

our current software to manage and over-

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

Anthony Johnson, AST Representative

TREASURER

Joseph Blanchard

Hello Tribal Members,

I hope everyone is having a good new

year. In December, I traveled with our

TERO department to the, “2025 National

Neyiwa!

Joseph H. Blanchard

Phone: (405) 531-3512.

Email: adjohnson@astribe.com

Sincerely,

Anthony “Tadpole” Johnson,

Tribal Representative

Our podcast, Among the Shawnee just released a new

episode!

REPRESENTATIVE

Anthony Johnson

This episode of Among the Shawnee explores the origins, migrations and defining moments that shaped the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe. Host Mindy Longhorn speaks

with Scott Miller, Language Coordinator, and Clayton

Martinez, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, who walk

listeners through centuries of history from the Ohio Valley homelands to Indian Territory. The discussion clarifies why the tribe is called “Absentee Shawnee,” explains

the Big Jim and White Turkey bands and underscores

the urgent need to revitalize the Shawnee language and

cultural practices.

Episode available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts,

SoundCloud and www.astribe.com/podcasts.

https://youtu.be/ZrLCW1JxsS8

January 2026

www.astribe.com 3A

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building Blocks C.D.C.

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, Ok. 74801

(405)878-0633 FAX(405)878-0156

Building Blocks is an OkDHS 5 Star Accredited Facility. If you are

interested in putting your child on our Wait List please call and we can

email you an application. We take 6 weeks through (Pre-K) Four Year

Olds.

Building Blocks had a busy December.

The classrooms have been doing lots of

activities engaging the children in learning

that sparks imagination. A special Thanks

to Jaylan Littlehead who has been reading

to the children in AST Language and doing

a craft with each child.

With the New Year here we are ready and excited for the children to

do many fun things as they play and learn.

Building Blocks hopes everyone has a Wonderful 2026 Year. Building

Blocks is closed January 1st in observance of New Years. Building

Blocks will also be closed on Monday, January 19th in observance of

Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Have a Wonderful January!

YOUTH

ADVISORY

COUNCIL

INTRODUCTORY MEETING.

LEADERSHIP.

EMPOWERMENT.

CULTURAL ADVOCACY.

INTERGENERATIONAL

HEALING AGES 12-24

YEARS OLD

JANUARY

5TH

6 PM

BRENDLE CORNER

19200 E ROBINSON ST,

NORMAN, OK

(LOCATED OFF OF HIGHWAY 9,

JUST EAST OF 192ND)

CONTACT: LACY J CARROLL

LJCARROLL@ASTRIBE.COM

405.275.4030 EXT 3676

DANIELLE MASON-RAINS

DMRAINS@ASTRIBE.COM

AST 477 &

AST LANGUAGE PROGRAM’S

SWEETHEART

SOCIAL/STOMP DANCE

Everyone welcome! Bring your own chairs

Raffles

50/50

Social

Dance

3pm

Vendors

3-10pm

Dinner

5pm

Contests

& Cake

Walk

Stomp

Dance

6pm

Casino

0 2 . 0 7 . 2 6 Thunderbird

15700 OK-9

4pm-11pm

Norman, OK 73026

For more info contact: Scott Miller-(405) 827-1557

Vendor Contact: Melinda Ferrell-(405) 878-4545

Vendor details available upon contact. First Come, First Serve

Absentee Shawnee Tribe is not responsible for accidents,

injuries or theft.

No alcohol or drugs allowed.

LEGAL NOTICE

4A www.astribe.com

2025 Native Connections Winter Gathering

January 2026

www.astribe.com

Heavenly 5th passing of my

momma Sadie Spybuck-Low.

Miss you more each day. Hope

you are laughing and having the

best time with Auntie & everyone else. We love you always,

Sherrie, Joplin, Jiliyan, Justin &

Barbara Jo

Happy Birthday Eli!

Love,

Mom, Dad, and Joanna

Happy Old Lady Birthday Creep! Hope it’s a great

one. We love you lots. Love baby sister SheREE and

ALLLL my kids – Just, Jop & Jil

We're Hiring !

OPEN POSITIONS:

Director of Finance

F&B Team Member (Both Locations)

F&B Lead (Shawnee)

Player’s Club Supervisor (Shawnee)

EVS Supervisor (Norman)

EVS Team Member (Both Locations)

Operations Manager on Duty (Both)

Security Supervisor (Norman)

Security Officer (Shawnee)

Slot Tech (Both Locations)

Apply Now

$500 Sign on Bonus!

www.playthunderbird.com

(Split between 90th and 180th days)

Obituary

Janet Lynne (Snake) Floyd

Janet Lynne (Snake) Floyd, 66 of Cushing, Oklahoma passed from this life on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Tulsa

Hillcrest hospital. She was born on June 27, 1959, to Amos and Jennie Snake in Norman, Oklahoma, and was a member

of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. She attended her early elementary school years at Bethel School in Shawnee, and later in

the Cushing Public School System. Janet attended the Vocational Technical School in Drumright, where she graduated

as a nurse in their LPN program. She worked at various health facilities and enjoyed her profession.

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by one sister Frances Ressler. She is survived by her siblings:

Alvin, Kenneth, Anita, Carolyn and husband Gene Duncan, Alta and husband Tony Helvy, Norma, and Steven; her

two daughters: Jana Snake, and Crystal Tarbox, and son Zachary Galloway; including her 12 grandchildren: Shelby and

husband Keith Bradley, Skylar, Daisy, Corey, Camryn, Jasmine, Christy, Desirai, Alainna, Matthew, James, Joseph; and

her great grandson: Jonah Bradley; and other extended family and relatives.

Tribal Member Corner:

Jan 26 Article:

Greetings! It has been a while, since my last article. I will only be writing, when I

have news of interest.

Still, would like to see a first aid class, held for the members.

Members ask, do we really need Good Friday, as a holiday for the tribe? Not many

companies, allow their employees off.

Are you tired of receiving numerous spam calls? Register on donotcall.gov., part

of the Federal Trade Commission. You may report unwanted calls there also, after

31 days. You will need date, phone no, time, name of company, person, reason

for call. It takes time to report these, on a daily basis. Of course, you can block

individual calls on your mobile device. There are apps, for block service too.

Check to see if there is a charge.

In addition, can register online, for the Oklahoma's Do not Call List. Google

Oklahoma Telemarketer Restriction Act Consumer Registry.

Be aware, if you order a replacement(missing) trash can in Oklahoma City. City of

Oklahoma City, sometimes charges you on your utility bill, for a third trash can,

without advising you. It appears on the bill. Two are free or included in rate.

Attend a church service and take the time, to write an article.

Eileen Pearce, Tribal Member

Comments: Lapearce@att.net

N OTI CE

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE OR STORY

Please give us a call at (405) 598-1279 or send an email to media@astribe.com

All articles for the next month’s issue are DUE by the 15th of the current month.

Unfortunately we can only accept ONE PICTURE PER BIRTHDAY PERSON,

not per birthday wish.

January 2026

6A www.astribe.com

AST Elders Association Christmas Lunch

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe will be closed

Monday, January 19th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

PAID AD

HEALTH BUZZZZ!!!

Halito and Happy New Year, AST fam! I hope that this year brings you all health and happiness. It’s important to

have a refreshed mindset and health reset occasionally, and what better time to do that than at the beginning of a new

year. This is acheivable by prioritizing health needs and setting smart and realistic goals for yourself. It’s easy and

normal to fall off the saddle when trying to achieve a goal,

but2026

the imporant thing to do is to get back on. Setting

www.asthealth.org

January

personalized clear goals keeps us on track and can really make a big difference in a years time. Health is the basis for

everything, so prioritizing it at the start sets a strong tone for the year!

Section B

HEALTH BUZZZ!!

Here are some tips for starting the New Year off on the right foot:

Halito and Happy New Year, AST fam! I hope that this year brings you all health and happiness. It’s important to have a refreshed mindset and health reset occasionally,

and what better time to do that thanSchedule

at the beginning

of a new

This is

acheivable

prioritizing

healthscreenings.

needs and setting smart and realistic goals for yourself. It’s easy

Now: Book

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visitbyand

any needed

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really make a big difference in a years

time.

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so prioritizing

at the8start

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Start

Small:

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Make it Fun: Exercise

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Schedule Now: Book your annual wellness visit and any needed screenings.

Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours, establish a routine (cool, dark room, no screens).

Start Small: Add one vegetable to dinner, or drink an extra 8 ounces of water in the morning.

Make it Fun:

Exercise

with

family

or friendsglucose,

for 15 minutes

cook new

healthy recipes.

Track Progress:

Monitor

your

blood

pressure,

mood,daily;

and activity

levels.

Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours, establish a routine (cool, dark room, no screens).

As we begin the 2026 journey, we offer this quote.

Track Progress: Monitor your blood pressure, glucose, mood, and activity levels.

“The bad news

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So, take the controls, set your course for purpose, and enjoy the journey because you’re the one flying it!

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If you or someone you

know

would benefit

from would

the Savvy

Caregiver

in Savvy

Indian Country

or Music

& Memory

programs,

adpi@astribe.com,

or call 405-701-7906.

If you

or someone

you know

benefit

from the

Caregiver

in Indian

Country

or Musiccontact

& Memory

programs,

contact adpi@astribe.com, or call 405-701-7906.

Check out our web-page on the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System’s website: https://www.asthealth.org

Click on: “Programs and Preventions” and then click on “Seeking Hope”. You can sign up on line also!

WISHING EVERYONE GOOD HEALTH, LOTS OF HAPPINESS, AND A GREAT NEW YEAR!

WISHING EVERYONE GOOD HEALTH, Lacy

LOTS

OF HAPPINESS, AND A GREAT NEW YEAR!

Gillean

Dementia Care Specialist

Lacy Gillean

Dementia Care Specialist

Ensuring Hope Participates in Native American Student Day at the Paycom Center

On November 19th, 2025, the Ensuring Hope grant team had the opportunity to attend and table at Native American Student Day held at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma

City. The event brought together hundreds of Native youth from across the state, creating an inspiring space for cultural celebration, connection, and education.

The day opened with a powerful welcome ceremony featuring traditional fancy dances, energizing the entire arena and setting the tone for a meaningful day. Following the

ceremony, students explored the vendor booths, where the Ensuring Hope team shared substance use prevention information, outreach materials, and culturally relevant

resources. Staff visited with students throughout the afternoon, engaging in conversations about healthy choices, protective factors, and the importance of seeking help and

supporting one another.

To close out the day, we attended the OKC Thunder game, where the Absentee Shawnee Tribe was recognized as one of the honored groups in attendance—an exciting moment

that highlighted the Tribe’s presence and ongoing work in the community.

The Ensuring Hope team was grateful to participate in such a vibrant event focused on empowering Native youth and looks forward to continuing outreach efforts that uplift

and strengthen the community.

Pictured above is the Ensuring Hope table before the

students came through.

SUN

MON

Pictured above is the opening ceremony.

TUE

TOR Grant Talking

Circle Meeting

Pictured above is the Absentee Shawnee being

recognized on the screen during the game.

WED

THU

Closed at 6pm

Closed for New 1

Year’s Day

Closed at NOON

FRI

Elders Thursday

Fun Day @ Little

Axe

SAT

JANUARY

TOR Grant Talking

Circle Meeting

Closed for Martin

Luther King Day

TOR Grant Talking

Circle Meeting

TOR Grant Talking

Circle Meeting

Elders Thursday

Fun Day at Little

Axe

More information for TOR

Talking Circle can be found

on our Facebook page

More information for Elders

Thursday Fun Day can be

found on our Facebook page

PlusCare & Pharmacy will reopen @ 5pm Jan. 07

January 2026

2B www.astribe.com

2026

NEW

YEAR’S

ELDER THURSDAY’S FUN DAY

January 8th | 11 AM - 1 PM

Little Axe Resource Center

January 22nd | 11 AM - 1 PM

AST Complex, Title VI Building

Lunch provided by Title VI, if you are signed up with the

program. $5 a meal if you are not signed up with Title VI.

Elders 55 years and older, come and join the Public Health

Department for fun games and activities with health

education topics.

For More Info Contact: Sianna Morgheim

405.827.7704 or smorgheim@astribe.com

AST Diabetes & Wellness

2026 Monthly Challenge

KI-KE-KI-KA-MI-GE

“KEEP MOVING”

Get ready to move in 2026! “Ki Ke Ki Ka Mi Ge” a community monthly

physical activity challenge kicks off in January 2026. This program will

bring a fresh, fun approach to fitness – think walking challenges, dance

breaks, and everyday movement that fits into real life. Have a busy day that

makes going to the gym a challenge? That’s okay, because this new monthly

challenge program is going to help you Ki Ke Ki Ka Mi Ge without

interrupting your day-to-day routine. You can get physical activity in right

inside your home, community and workplace.

On the first of each month, a new monthly challenge will be released providing you with

the ability to track your activity via an app. Interaction through the app will not only help

you Ki Ke Ki Ka Mi Ge but it will also provide social connections to keep you motivated

and offer peer support. Whether you’re taking your first steps toward better health or

looking to stay on track, this new movement is about coming together to build a stronger,

healthier community – one step at a time.

Scan the QR code to register and then be on

the lookout for an email with more

information.

Questions about our

Diabetes & Wellness

programs?

We're here to help.

Reach us at

405-701-7977.

Scan to

Jan ry

KI-KE-KI-KA-MI-GE

“KEEP MOVING”

MONTHLY

CHALLENGE

AST Diabetes & Wellness

January - New Beginnings & Motivation

“Jumpstart the Year - Move for Our People”

Kick off the year with movement and collective

wellness.

Challenge: Mindful Movement - Meditative Walk

Goal: Enjoy better energy, mood, and sleep, as well

as reduced stress and fatigue by enjoying a 20

minute walk at least 4 times a week.

Questions? We’re here to help

you achieve a healthier YOU!

Look Out For

Medicare & Marketplace

Phone Scammers!

HOW TO DEAL WITH PHONE SCAMMERS:

1. DO NOT give your personal information out to anyone

you do not know or to anyone from an unrecognized

number. Be wary of callers posing to be from AST Health.

Scammers disguise their identity and can mimic phone

numbers to appear local through AI programs.

2. If you speak to someone you do not know, hang up

immediately and block their number. If you are unsure if

the caller is from AST Health, hang up and call the clinic

directly to ensure the call is legitimate.

3. Visit www.donotcall.gov to add your name and

number to the DO NOT CALL LIST. Let us know if you

need assistance. Report scams to:ftc.gov/complaint.

If You Have Medicare or

Marketplace Questions,

We Can Help!

You have an insider with 15+ years of experience

in health insurance right here at AST Health!

Al Triggs takes care of hundreds of patients and is

standing by to take care of your insurance needs.

Al Triggs

Contracted Benefits Advisor

Legacy Tribal Services

(918) 853-1211

Proudly Serving AST Citizens

January 2026

www.astribe.com

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

CHICKEN SALAD

SANDWICH

LTOP

CHIPS/FLUFF

BURRITO

SPANISH RICE

MIXED FRUIT

MARTIN LUTHER

KING JR DAY

WIENERS N KRAUT

VEGGIES

TOSSED SALAD*

CUTIE

CABBAGE STEW

CRACKERS

PUDDING

HOT HAM & CHEZ

SANDWICH

BAKED CHIPS

APPLESAUCE

GRILLED CHEZ

SANDWICH

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

CHILI

CORNBREAD

ONIONS, CHEZ

MANDARIN ORANGES

BBQ CHICKEN

PEAS & CARROTS

TOSSED SALAD*

PEACHES

PORK CHOP

MAC & TOM

BREAD

APRICOTS

SHEPHARDS PIE

BREAD

CAKE

CHICKEN FAJITAS

VEGGIES

TORITLLA

SALSA/CHIPS

HAPPY

NEW YEAR

ENCHILADA

CASSEROLE

RANCH BEANS

PEARS

CHICKEN TORTILLA

SOUP

TORTILLA CHIPS

JELL-O W/FRUIT

GREAT NORTHERN

BEANS

SPINACH

CORNBREAD

ROAST

RED POT

CARROTS

ROLL/FRUIT

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST

BURRITO

TATER ROUNDS

SALSA

BOILED EGG

TOAST

SAUSAGE PATTIES

GRAPES

SCRAMBLED EGGS

SAUSAGE GRAVY

BISCUIT

CEREAL

SAUSAGE PATTIES

TOAST

GRAPES

SCRAMBLED EGGS

BACON

CROISSANT

FRUIT

MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

LUNCH IS SERVED FROM 11 AM TO 1PM

BREAKFAST IS SERVED FROM 9AM TO 11AM

SERVING AT THE SHAWNEE SITE AND LITTLE AXE RESOURCE CENTER

Tribal Opioid Response Grant (TOR)

November is a time to celebrate American Indian heritage within and outside our tribal community but we can and do celebrate our American Indian heritage throughout

the year. Dependent on family, clan, ceremonial grounds, etc., each Native person’s cultural beliefs may differ and that’s expected. We may have cultural differences but we

also have values that unite and strengthen us as a tribal community – respect, generosity, compassion, and understanding. As we move into the winter season let’s take time to

reflect on how we can support these values and help one another be stronger.

In early November, we held a canning class. Around the 1900s, canning became a wide spread method used to preserve foods long term. In the class held at the Little Axe

Resource Center, participants learned to prepare salsa for canning. Salsa isn’t tradish but it sure is good!

The first week of December is recognized by SAMHSA as Grief Awareness Week. Grief is usually linked with the loss of a loved one, but grief is essentially about coping with

loss. This could be the loss of a relationship, a job, health, etc. Since tribal employees serve people who may be experiencing grief, TOR hosted a training for staff to recognize

and acknowledge grief including how to take care of ourselves.

January is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. To help bring awareness to Substance Use Disorders (SUD), let people know that a SUD is a disease. Like diabetes, a

SUD can be managed. TOR can also assist persons with a SUD find treatment options, whether it be medication assisted treatment, outpatient services or an inpatient facility.

TOR set up at the OKC Thunder Native American Student day.

4B www.astribe.com

January 2026

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.