AST Veterans Attend Memorial Dedication in DC (2022)

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE NEWS

www.astribe.com

December 2022

Volume 32, No. 12

AST Veterans Attend Memorial Dedication in DC

*Also attending but not pictured are Don & Esteline Schulenberg.

Absentee Shawnee Veterans participated in the

Native Veterans Procession and Dedication Ceremony

in Washington DC. The event was held November 11

on Veterans Day. They were part of over 1,500 Native

Veterans taking part in the dedication of the National

Native American Veterans Memorial.

The Veterans walked along the National Mall from

the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American

Indian to the stage in front of the U.S. Capital. The

Memorial was designed by Cheyenne and Arapaho

Veteran Harvey Pratt. The design is a raised stainlesssteel circle balanced on a carved stone drum on the

campus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the

American Indian.

Pratt said the design came to him in a dream. “We

created a path of life, a warrior’s circle of honor, lances

with sacred colors and prayer clothes, water, the air, the

earth, and fire,” said Pratt. “I want to thank the Creator,

for creation warriors—without them, we may not be

here.”

The Memorial is the first national landmark honoring

Native American Veterans’ service. Native Americans

have the highest rate of military service than any other

demographic in the country. They have fought in every

major battle since the Revolutionary War.

“Different generations have different things in their

lifetime . Some people fought in wars. Stuff that people

remember in their lifetime. “Said AST Commander

Jason Bender. “It was monumental since Native

Americans have never been recognized and we weren’t

even considered citizens until 1924.”

The dedication ceremony was delayed for two years

due to COVID and it was only fitting that it was held

on Veterans Day. AST Veteran Twila Parker, who

spearheaded the trip said, “Finally, I felt as a Native

American woman Veteran we were finally recognized

and respected.”

Also making the trip was the AST Governor, Treasurer

and Representative. Governor Johnson’s son is a Major

currently serving in the Army and Representative

Wilson is a Marine Veteran.

From The Election Commission

The Filing Period for Elective Office in 2023.

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.

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 Elections to be held in 2023.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Position Filing Fees

Governor

$590.00

Tribal Secretary

$590.00

The Election Commission is seeking

individuals to serve as Alternates.

Alternates must meet the requirements

listed in the Election Ordinance.

Term

4 Year Term

ELECTION COMMISSION

Position Filing Fees

Election Secretary

$174.00

Commission Member #2

$215.00

SEEKING ALTERNATES

FOR

ELECTION COMMISSION

Term

2 Year Term (unexpired term)

3 Year Term

Fee Amount includes: Alcohol test $50.00 Drug test $50.00, MVR $25.00, OSBI $15.00, FBI $18.00 plus

certified postage fee

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.

If you are interested, please submit your

letter of interest to Election Commission

via E-mail: Election.Commission@astribe.com.

P.O. Box 741

Tecumseh OK 74873

Or in person

AST Election Commission

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Tribal Court Building 3

Shawnee OK

405-275-4030 ext 6271

Once we receive your letter of interest,

we will begin the process.

2A www.astribe.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

John Johnson, AST Governor

GOVERNOR

John Johnson

Hello fellow tribal members,

. It is the last month of 2022. I cannot

believe in a few days we will be celebrating Christmas and a new year. The winter

weather has already started with the early

snow we had in November. I hope you are

all staying warm and getting ready for the

colder temperatures.

I had the pleasure to attend the National Native American Veteran’s Memorial dedication ceremony in Washington

DC on November 9th. The Governor of

the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe, Reggie Wassana invited our tribal leaders to

attend. This beautiful memorial was designed by veteran Harvey Pratt. On Veteran’s day, November 11th there was a

procession and dedication ceremony for

the memorial. Treasurer Blanchard, Representative Wilson and I were asked by

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Ezra DeLodge, AST Lt. Governor

Lt. GOVERNOR

Ezra DeLodge

SECRETARY

Alicia Miller

Tribal Members,

Please see below for department updates. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me by email ezrad@

astribe.com, call my office 405-275-4030

x 6253 or cell 405-432-0733.

Maintenance:

The Maintenance staff has completed 38

work orders in the last month while preparing for the upcoming winter months

on the Shawnee campus. I would like

to thank the Maintenance staff and the

Housekeepers for all the work they do for

the department.

OEH:

In total for 2022 OEH has assisted Tribal members with 82 different septic renovations and installations, water well drilling and installations, well renovations,

and community water connections. For

2022, we have collected, processed, and

recycled 38 bales of shredded office paper

and cardboard equaling roughly 28.5 tons

of recyclable waste that has been diverted from landfills. Cleveland County has

begun work on dining hall parking lot at

Camp Nikoti and the preliminary work

on the entry gate has begun. The parking

lot is scheduled to be completed by the

end of the year, and the entry gate is on

pace to be completed in January, which

will complete Phase II of the Youth Camp.

The bidding process for the Police Safety Center has ended. We are currently in

the process of reviewing bids for general

contractor.

We would like to remind Tribal Members that if they see any activities related

to illegal dumping of trash or other dis-

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Alicia Miller, AST Secretary

TREASURER

Joseph Blanchard

REPRESENTATIVE

DeWayne Wilson

Ho wa se ke sa ke!

As I write my article for the December

newsletter, of course, it is November –

Native American Heritage Month. Well,

I have to say we are Native American no

matter what month. I do enjoy there is

a month for “emphasis”, and this allows

others to become familiar again of our

continuing plight and despite our struggles we are still here. I do cringe a little

where it says “heritage” because I interpret it as something long ago or the past.

I am a proud Absentee Shawnee who

tries to live a life where I am contributing

and trying to do my part by helping with

our ceremonies, learning the language,

and learning from my elders. I am not a

member of this tribe because of any monetary benefit. I am a Shawnee and this is

the life I want to live (which is the life of

my ancestors). What monetary or any

other supplemental benefit I do receive,

I am very thankful and feel fortunate. I

don’t make financial demands where I feel

responsibilities lie within one’s self. I wish

there were more conversations about culture and longevity of our language - the

very things that make us who we are besides our genetics. Our ancestors lived so

we can be here in this space on this day.

What are we doing for our children or

grandchildren so that they may know our

December 2022

the AST Veterans to carry the AST banner in the Veteran’s procession. This was

a very moving experience and we were

honored to share this with our veterans.

While in Washington DC I was able to

attend a celebration for indigenous veterans at the Pentagon. This was an amazing

experience that I am truly grateful that I

was able to attend.

On December 18th from 1pm to 3pm

the EC will be holding a Christmas event

called “Pizza with Santa”. This event is for

AST enrolled children ages 0-17. Applications have to be submitted before December 14th. Applications will not be

available at the event. Gift cards may be

picked up at the event; if the card is not

picked up it will be mailed after December 18th.

In closing, I want to wish you all a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I hope that you get to spend this holiday

season with your family and friends.

carded items on Tribal lands to please

contact OEH at the email or phone number listed below.

Jarrod Lloyd

OEH&E Director

jlloyd@astribe.com - (405) 214-4235

BIA Self-Governance

We seem to be headed in the right direction with our 477 Plan. So far we have

received positive feedback from CCDF

and JPT. We are waiting to hear from BIE

and DOL. Hopefully by the time you get

the newsletter our 477 Plan will be finalized by DOI. We look forward to starting

it up in 2023.

I am currently looking into 105(l) leases. These leases can be done through IHS

and BIA. I will have a meeting with them

soon to see if this will be beneficial to the

tribe.

On November 7th I listened in on the

zoom TSGAC Meeting and November

10th was the DOI SGAC Meeting.

BIA Roads Program

On November 1st, I attended the Oklahoma Tribal Transportation Council and

ODOT Meeting in Oklahoma City at the

Department of Transportation Building.

All Tribes are getting prepared to have

their reports submitted by December

31st. It was mentioned that all tribes are

unable to submit for new routes on the inventory at this time due to RIFDs system

being down. Everyone is still waiting to

hear from the Albuquerque Office as to

when it will be back up.

By the end of December the parking

lot at the Youth Camp dining hall should

be completed. Cleveland County will

be starting on the Youth Camp Road in

2023. Dates are yet to be determined.

I have met with Cross Timbers and

Cleveland County in regards to Hwy 9

and South 72nd Street in Norman. This

seems to be a street that has had several

fatalities at intersections. The safety funds

that we receive in 2023 will help with safety protocols such as signs and lights that

are needed to make drivers more aware of

intersections.

Any questions or concerns please email

at TwylaB@astribe.com or (405) 2754030.

Land Management

Land Management has been getting

wood ready elders and has been making

deliveries. We also have been helping tribal members and some have reached out

to the department for further projects. If

you have any concerns or questions call

(405)395-8101 or email cmartinez@astribe.com

Agriculture:

The agriculture department is continuing making progress on maintaining cattle

for this winter season. We are still making

future plans for next year of various activities, events, and classes. One of our

classes we have hosted in November was

a prescribed burn class presented by John

Weir from Oklahoma state university. We

will continue to offer various classes for

this next year to come, to help and have

input for future events or classes, please

join us for Agriculture department 1st

annual community meeting at the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Multipurpose building

on Saturday, December 3rd at 10 a.m. to

2 p.m. . If you have any questions please

by email at agricultural@astribe.com.

ways? When our children become adults,

it will be up to them to teach what it is to

be Shawnee to their children. I personally

don’t want to be in a position where I only

read about our culture – I choose to live

it. My words are not to offend but to

hopefully make one think there are more

imperative issues facing our tribe, as Native Americans. Along with sovereignty,

culture should always be priority for all

Absentee Shawnee tribal members. I am

proud I can call myself a traditional, and I

am thankful I am part of a large traditional family. For me, this is what it means

to be Absentee Shawnee and I think my

ancestors would be proud.

The end of the last quarter is here and

we have been working on preparing for

the 2023 fiscal year. I am excited with

what the future holds seeing projects

come to reality. Reflecting back not only

to this past year but since I became an

elected person; I have experienced quite

a lot during these pandemic years and

I think I could take up the whole newsletter on what those experiences were

– from good to the not so good. Overall, I stay humbled and appreciative I am

able to represent you. As we close out the

month of November, this is what I am

most thankful for along with the health

and well-being of my family.

In the month of December, as I do every

year since 2017 or 2018, my family and I

have sponsored an angel from the Indian

Child Welfare Department’s Angel Tree. I

enjoy being able to contribute in this way.

I hope you are in a position to sponsor a

child or elder as well. Every year we have

many angels who are in need.

I would like to wish all of you a happy

holiday and please protect yourself and

get the booster COVID-19 and Flu vaccination. You can call AST Public Health to

schedule your appointment today. They

are always so helpful and will be more

than happy to assist you. These illnesses

are no joke, all it takes is to be around one

ill person to make a whole group sick and

I wish nothing but health and wellness for

you during this holiday season.

One of the special joys of December is

showing others we care and remember.

Please continue to check on your Elders

during this holiday season. Wishing you

and your family peace, love and warmth

of heart from your loved ones.

I am committed to continually work

with the Executive Committee to make

great strides for our tribal people. I, once

again, thank you for the opportunity to

serve.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

from me to you!!

Si li no ke ka no la. Ne yi wa.

Respectfully,

Lt. Governor DeLodge

Respectfully,

Alicia Miller

Tribal Secretary

(405) 287-5247

December 2022

www.astribe.com 3A

TREASURER’S REPORT

Joseph Blanchard, AST Treasurer

Hello friends and tribal members,

Here are the few things I want to share

and talk about from this past month. Before I do, it is my hope everyone had a

nice Thanksgiving and was able to enjoy

time spent with your family. For those

hunters, I hope you got that monster

buck you’ve been chasing. I don’t know

about y’all but I can’t believe Christmas is

almost here. Keep an eye out for notices

on potential closures due to weather. As

this is the time of year for snow, sleet, ice,

and freezing rain, make certain to keep

bottled water, blankets, and ice scrapers in your vehicle. Also, don’t forget to

check your tire pressure.

I am happy to report our Audit is officially complete and was submitted to the

Clearinghouse. As expected, we received

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

DeWayne Wilson, AST Representative

Hello Tribal Members,

I hope everyone is doing well. I enjoyed

being with Tribal members at the South

Ground, Bread Dance ceremonies. Thank

you, Mrs. Felton for the invite and the

grape dumplings (food), Good Stuff.

I attended several events during this

last month; 2022 G2E Gaming Conference. My main focus was on Sovereignty and sports betting issues that other

tribes are concerned with. I attended the

7th Tribal Nation Conference. The main

focus was for Oklahoma tribes to voice

their interests/ concerns within the State

of Ohio by network with state, local, and

non- profit agencies that have the same

shared interests/ concerns of the lands

and sacred sites. Finally, I attended the

unveiling of the National Native American Veterans Memorial celebration with

the highest rating we can attain of an “unmodified opinion” and there were no major findings. I want to say “Thank You!”

to our staff for the work they do and for

their cooperation with the Auditing firm

in the collection of their data. The company apologized for the scheduling error

which almost created a conflict with us

for our submission. However, because

we were able to submit before the end

of the month, we were able to avoid any

possible sanctions. For this reason, in recent discussion with their staff, we have

already suggested a different time schedule for when they will be at the Complex

next year, and to start the process sooner,

rather than later.

Another issue that has finally been

resolved is the approval of our Indirect

Cost (IDC) Rate. As projected, the rate

did increase. Finance is working to complete adjustments to individual budgets

and update them accordingly. For those

who are unfamiliar, this rate and percentage is determined by reviewing data from

the previous three years. That being said,

I am nervous on how future rates will

be affected by the influx of CARES and

ARPA funds. These are atypical funds

which are not a part of our normal funding base and will likely throw our numbers off and create a lower future rate.

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity

to represent our Tribe at a couple out

of state events. The first trip I attended

was in Sacramento, California for the

National Congress of American Indians

(NCAI) Annual Conference. I was able

to participate in Caucus meetings with

Southern Plains Tribal representatives,

subcommittee board meetings, and network with other leadership. While there,

I was able to confirm follow-up discussion for a future in-person engagement.

The next business trip involved meeting

with officials in Washington, D.C. while

escorting our AST Veteran’s Association.

Our Veteran’s group was able to participate in the parade for the official unveiling of the Native American Veteran’s National Memorial at the National Museum

of the American Indian (NMAI). I was

able to take a few pictures and share with

folks back home. No words can express

the full extent of our gratitude to these

Warriors.

As I conclude this month’s submission,

I want to say “Merry Christmas” and

“Happy New Year” to all our members,

near and far. I hope the Creator answers

your prayers and provides you with abundant happiness and joy. I appreciate the

continued support and words of advice.

the Absentee Shawnee Veterans group.

It was a site to see: the numerous tribal

veterans group and the words convened

by tribal and national leaders the importance and role that Native American Veterans played in every war including and

as far back as the Revolutionary War.

I wish everyone a safe and joyful Christmas Holiday with family and friends.

Stay Healthy.

Education Department;

In the Education Department, It is a

Good Time to get an Education. If you

are in need of educational financial assistance, I encourage you to contact the

Education Department to see how we

may be able to assist you. In Workforce

Development (HVAC), the HVAC mechanic has been inspecting the heat/ air

conditioning units on the tribal complex

and at other tribal properties. The HVAC

mechanic is taking work orders from the

Lt. Governor office to assist Tribal members. A preference is given to our elders.

Call the Workforce Department if you

have any questions.

Cultural Preservation Department;

In Cultural Preservation, Exciting

Times, the newly hired Linguist/ Project

Coordinator has started sending emails

pertaining to our language (words) in

celebration of November being Native American month. Remember this

month the Cultural Preservation department will be offering workshops during

this month. Some of the workshop will be

Beaded Collar, Coloring Contest for children and elders, and Beaded Earrings to

name a few.

Gaming Commission;

The Gaming Commissioners, the Executive Director, and its employees plan

on attending the 2022 OTGRA Fall

Conference, November 15th- 17th in

Durant, OK. Gaming Commissioners`

continue to work with the Thunderbird

Casino pertaining to up- dating their

(Casino) policy/ procedures. I continue

to attend the Gaming Commission meetings. Gaming Commission is still waiting

on approval from NIGC pertaining to

changes (having three Gaming Commissioners) of Gaming Ordinance.

Youth Camp;

Construction continues at the Youth

Camp. Now the playground project has

been completed. The construction of

the tennis and basketball court projects

is underway. The construction company

has also begun construction on the Youth

Camp entrance and the Dining hall parking lot.

Again, if you have any questions or

concerns about the programs or positions

mentioned in this news article, feel free

to contact my office at (405) 275-4030,

Ext.6239 or by email: dewayne.wilson@

astribe.com.

Veterans Association Report

Neyiwa!

Joseph H. Blanchard

Respectfully,

DeWayne Wilson

Tribal Representative

Elder’s Report

Good morning tribal members I just wanted to share with everyone the

winners of Veterans Raffle on November 5, 2022 was:

Good morning Tribal Elders it’s been a long time since we as a group has

been able to meet as a group since Feb. 14, 2020!

Betty Watson winner Ninja Air fryer

Ali Miller winner size 10 Manitobah moccasins, Krystle Mifflin size 9

Manitobah moccasins, Lorrie Thorpe winner size 8 Manitobah moccassin

Rita Robertson winner Pendleton

Jennifer Sloan winner Pendleton

I hope everyone is doing well and your families are thriving. For those

families that are dealing with the loss of a loved one my sincere heartfelt

condolences and prayers.

The Veterans thank everyone who participated in our raffle and thank you

to Governor John Raymond for donating $150.00 and Lorrie Thorpe donated $100 to Veterans fundraising. Also, a big Thank you to Elder Shirley Adkins for a generous donation of $300 for food supplies for Spaghetti Lunch

on October 21, 2022 with a able Chef Jason Alexander at tribal community

building. We were all served a very tasty lunch with a drink and dessert.

With all monies raised donated to Veterans per diem for trip to Washington

D.C. The Veterans wish to thank everyone for their support of the Absentee

Shawnee Veterans trip to Washington D.C. for Smithsonian Dedication ceremonies on November 11, 2022. The Absentee Shawnee Veterans were able

to represent the Absentee Shawnee Tribe among all the other tribes present.

Submitted by Administrator Officer Twila O. Parker

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

HOMEOWNER

ASSISTANCE FUND

(HAF)

SERVICES

OFFERED

Mortgage Payment

Insurance Payment

Property Charges, such as

Property Taxes

Utility Payment, such as electric,

gas, home energy, water, sewer,

solid waste disposal, and

internet

The maximum amount for this

one-time assistance per

household is up to $8,000.

All assistance will be issued

directly to companies indicated

by the applicant.

FOR MORE

INFORMATION

CALL (405) 275-4030

Ashlynn Gouge, ext 6446

HAF Lead Specialist

AGouge@astribe.com

Taylor Masquas, ext 6440

HAF Specialist

TMasquas@astribe.com

I hope everyone is ready to plan on having a group meeting, as everyone is

aware in the past the Resources building was used for storage of medical supplies. I have requested from the new Director Chris Larkin about the Elders

using the building in January 2023. But if this is not possible I recommend

we plan to use the Thunderbird Casino Warriors room I shall inquire about

availability for January 14, 2023. If we are unable to reserve the Resources

center. I look forward to visiting with everyone again in January 2023. If you

have any questions please give me a call at 405-229-8052.

President, Twila Parker

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Agriculture Department

1st Annual

Community Meeting

Saturday December 3rd, 2022

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

AST Multipurpose Building

2029 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicant or Spouse must be at least 18 years of age. (Cohabitant applicants do not have to be legally married.)

Applicant or Spouse must be a homeowner, meaning a

property deed must be provided with the county clerks

stamp from the county in which the applicant resides.

Applicant or Spouse must be a member of a federally

recognized tribe.

If Absentee Shawnee tribal member, residence can be

anywhere within the US.

If tribal member of other tribe, residence must be within

Pottawatomie County.

Annual household income cannot exceed 150% of the

area median income.

Applicant must be able to attest to financial hardship after

January 21, 2020 due directly or indirectly to COVID-19.

Join us for a session of interaction with the staff to discuss

the following:

 Operations of the past year

 Activities

 Classes planned for 2023

 Future agriculture projects- Orchards, Bee Keeping, Honey

production, etc.

 Community garden

 Community suggestions & ideas

Lunch will be provided! Please RSVP by November 28, 2022

Contact: Gabby Rice

(405) 827-6545

Grice@astribe.com

December 2022

4A www.astribe.com

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building Blocks C.D.C.

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, OK 74801

(405) 878-0633

Fax: (405) 878-0156

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building

BlocksTribe

C.D.C.

Absentee

Shawnee

of Oklahoma

16051

Little

Axe

Dr.

Building Blocks C.D.C.

Norman, OK 73026

16051 Lttle Axe Dr.

(405)360-2710 FAX: (405)360-2726

Norman, OK 73026

(405) 360-2710

Fax: (405)

360-2726

Building Blocks

III

Building Blocks II

Building Blocks is excited for the Holiday Season. The children and staff enjoy

doing projects and arts and crafts for Christmas.

We are currently hiring staff, if you are interested in applying visit https://www.

astribe.com/employment for applications and to see what positions are available.

Building Blocks is accepting waiting list applications for all of our ages; 6 weeks

through Pre-K/4 Year Olds. If you are interested in getting your child on our

waiting list please call and we can email you a waiting list application or you may

stop by to fill one out.

We had a busy and fun October and November as we celebrated Halloween, Red

Ribbon Week and Thanksgiving. Attached are some pictures you may enjoy.

We are open to the publicBuilding

and ONLY

accepting

Blocks

III waitlist

applications at this time. If you are interested in your child

We are

open to Building

the public

and ONLY

waitlist

applications

at this time. If

attending

Blocks

Childaccepting

Development

Center

III, please

you are

in your child attending Building Blocks Child Development Center

callinterested

(405)360-2710.

III, please call (405)360-2710.

Director: Skye Foreman, Assistant Director: Renee Richardson.

We are thrilled for the holidays! Our staff and children are

enjoying

related activities.

Ourchildren

center isare

also

excitedholiday related

We are

thrilledholiday

for the holidays!

Our staff and

enjoying

activities.

Our

center

also

excited

announce

have

been

to announce we have been awarded a 5 STAR rating from

theawarded a 5

STARDepartment

rating from the

Department

of Human

Services

which is the highest

of Human

Services

(DHS), which

is (DHS),

the highest

qualification you can receive through their program.

Closures: Monday, December 26th

Happy Holidays!

Please enjoy the pictures we have captured over the past month.

Please enjoy the pictures we have captured over the past

month.

Red Ribbon Walk for Drug Awareness Week

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday and Stay Warm.

Central Tribes Shawnee Area, Inc. (CTSA HEAD START)

Administrative Office

1535 N. McKinley

Shawnee, OK 74801

P: (405) 275-4870

F: (405) 275-9684

Little Feet Big Steps

Early Bird Head Start

Yellow Earth Learning Center

806 E. Grant

111 W. Vine

920884 S. HWY 99

Shawnee, OK 74801

Cushing, OK 74023

Stroud, OK 74079

P: (405) 878-5820

P: (918) 225-1029

P: (918) 968-9445

F: (405) 275-9684

F: (918) 225-9969

F: (918) 968-1763

Parents and Guardians…

Little Feet → Big Steps is enrolling NOW

for the 2022-2023 School Year!!!!

Early Head Start ~ Birth to 3 year olds

Head Start ~ 3 year olds – 5 year olds

Child Care~ Birth to 5 year olds

At CTSA, our goal is to meet the individual needs of ALL of our children – especially those with disabilities.

We offer a fun and exciting programs for your children to learn and grow!

Our qualified and dedicated teachers and staff provide rich learning environments at our centers, where

families and friends are encouraged to volunteer and spend time with their child.

If you have a child or know of a child that would benefit from an interactive,

engaging, stable, and safe learning environment – please call today!!!

We look forward to sharing your child’s learning years with you!!

Little Feet → Big Steps

806 E. Grant St

Shawnee, OK 74801

Ph: (405) 878-5820

Head Start →

Ages: 3-5

Early Head Start → Ages: Birth to 3

*Extended Day Child Care

available to those who qualify*

Administration for Enrollment Questions

Ph: (405) 275-4870

melaniew@ctsaheadstart.org

December 2022

www.astribe.com

Enrollment Department

The Enrollment Department is attempting to contact members who are eligible for the 05/06 Per Capita Payment. If a friend or family member is on the list below please

inform them in case they do not see this article. We can be reached at 405-275-4030 or Enrollment@astribe.com.

Adrianno Carlson

Aizah Sullivan

Alena Deer

Alexander Kobs

Alexee Martinez

Amanda Moore (Hixon)

Angelina Howe

Antonio Ramirez II

Armani Griffin

Ashley Tullius

Blake Woodward

Bradlee Coffee

Brady Thorpe

Branden Gray

Brandon Buckley

Breanna Cutler

Brittany Harjo

Brooklyn Clinesmith

Brooklyn Littlebear

Bryeanna Watson

Caitlyn Longman (Estep)

Caroline McBride

Cheyenne Thompson

Christian Clark

Christina Byers

Cierra Tiger

Citlali Sanchez

Cody Puckitt

Cody Womack

Colby Mann

Collin Gibson

Cruzito Fuentez

Daezi Hernandez

Dakota Gray

Dakota Spoon

Daniel Carlson

Dante’ Gibson

Dantel Hood

David Greenfield

Dennis Carlson III

Desiree Mitchell

Dylan Gibson

Dyllon Judkins

Eathan Wilson

Eric Starr

Eva Arms

Garett Smith

Gavin Grass

Hannah Morton

Heath Williams

Jalon Martinez

James Michaelson

James Wilson

Jared Gray

Jared Martin

Jasmine Martinez

Jason Harjo

Jayden Mcmahan

Jeffrey Gray

Jocelynn Sherrill

John Goombi II

John Michaelson

Johnathan Gibson

Jonathon Littlebear

Jordan Graham

Jose Solis

Joseph Witt

Josephine Littlecreek

Joshua Rolette

Kaitlyn Wilson

Kale Miller

Kinley Martin

Konner Harris

Kyle Johnson

Landon Spoon

Lauresa Squire

Leann Ellis

Lindsey Kennedy (Little Jim)

Logan Ridenour

Luke Hendrick

Lyndon Hunt

Madelyn Steves

Maecie Bender

Mark Johnson Jr

Marshall McBride

Mary Charley

Matthew Copeland

McCann Mann

Mckinzey Keese (Cottrell)

Melonie Gibson

Morgan Robison

Morganne Spybuck

Myles Mossbacher

Nathan Montgomery

Nathan Vaughn

Nicholas Harjo

Nycole Mitchell

Patrick Sipple

Paul Ellis Jr

Qwentis Patton

Rhianna Morton

Scottina Carlson

Seth Lindsay

Seth Williams

Shawneen Deere (Little Axe)

Shelby Whitebird

Shiloh Little Axe

Sierra Tallchief

Skylur Hubble-Kirschner

Stephon Tiger

Taylor McBride

Taylor Nelson

Thomas Spybuck

Toni Lackey (Tiger)

Trent Hill

Trentyn Kowitz

Troy Perkins (Littlecreek)

Tyellissa Carlson

Tyler Gibson

Vaun Longhorn

Victor Harjo Jr

Victor Stricklin

Zachary Allen

Zachary Wolfe Jr

NOTI CE

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE OR STORY

Please give us a call at (405) 598-1279 or send an email to

media@astribe.com

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

Unfortunately we can only accept ONE PICTURE PER BIRTHDAY PERSON, not per birthday wish.

ai166327171069_Now Hiring_AST Paper_third page_REV.pdf 1 9/15/2022 2:55:11 PM

CMY

December 2022

6A www.astribe.com

Cultural Preservation Department

November is National Native American

Heritage Month and one of the events Cultural

Preservation recognized was “Rock Your

Mocs”. Established in 2011, this day provides

a positive opportunity for individuals to

celebrate tribal individuality and honor their

ancestors as expressed on rockyourmocs.

org. The picture to the left displays Cultural

Preservation staff members Rocking their

Mocs.

Red Earth Treefest 2022

On November 15th, Cultural Preservation

traveled to Oklahoma City to decorate a

Christmas tree for the Red Earth Treefest 2022.

This year’s treefest will exhibit 16 Christmas

trees representing 16 different tribal nations.

Each tree is decorated with hand-crafted

ornament that represents each tribe distinctive

and diverse culture. The trees will be on exhibit

for six weeks from November 16th through

December 30th and is free and open to the

public. The trees are located in the ground

floor lobby of the BancFirst Tower, 100 N

Broadway, in downtown Oklahoma City. The

Red Earth Art Center is open Monday through

Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Po-Up Shop

In December, the Library and Gift Shop will be co-hosting a pop-up shop event

(a flyer can be found in this paper). Native artisans and other crafts will be featured.

This event will occur on Friday, December 9th from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. and on

Saturday, December 10th from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. at the AST Multi-Purpose

Building located at 2029 James L Edwards Lane, Shawnee, OK 7480. Please come and

join us for this event and get some of your Christmas shopping done!

Your concerns are important to us. We thank you for the continued support of our

department as we continue to make changes to our programs to better serve the Tribal

community. Please feel free to contact me, Carol Butler, at 405-275-4030 ext. 6245 or

cbutler@astribe.com if you have any questions or concerns.

Pa po ne ke s’fwa – Winter Month (December) Ma ta la me wa ti – Great Spirit

(peh po nee kee s’thweh)

(meh teh leh mee weh tah)

Pa po ke – winter

Wa pe – cold

(peh po kee) (weh pee)

Ko ne – snow Ya pe po n’ka ke – North

(ko nee)

(yeh pee po n’keh kee)

S’ke li wa fe fi - boy

(s’kee lah weh thee thah)

Ne yi wa – thank you

(nee yah weh)

Ya li ko te yi qa – Family

(yeh li ko tee yah qeh)

Ta qe – tree

(teh qee)

Hi li qi ke – stars

(hah lah qah kee)

Ke k’yi – your mother

(kee k’yah)

Ko fi – your father

(ko thah)

Mi mi to ma - pray

(mah mah to meh)

We fa ne – eat Ke se ta la ti – blessing

(wee theh nee)

(kee see teh leh tah)

From the Library

Native American Night Before Christmas

By Gary Robinson -The classic Christmas story told

with a beautiful Native theme throughout the book. A

delightful book for all, especially those interested in

Native customs and art. 2010 Moonbeam Award for

Holiday Books.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6YLOXXj8a0

The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley- This

thrilling novel really brings to life what it means to be

a strong Ojibwe woman when tragedy strikes her

hometown and the reservation. She is faced with

choosing between the people she loves and protecting

her tribal community. "The author, an enrolled

member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa

Indians uses her background knowledge to explain not

only justice and jurisdiction but also cultural traditions

relating to daily life, celebrations, and grief. "

This is one of the best books I have read this year and

will soon be adapted for Netflix. I highly recommend

listening to the audiobook. The narration is wonderful

and the multiple languages make it much better to

hear aloud.

https://okvirtuallibrary.overdrive.com/

https://www.librarycat.org/lib/ASTribe

Holiday Pop-up

Shops

presented by Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Library & Gift Shop

Friday, Dec. 9th 10-4 &

Sat. Dec. 10th 9-3

AST Multi-Purpose Building

2029 James L Edwards Lane, Shawnee, OK 74801

405-275-4030 x6416 for information

Native Artisans & other crafters

pr fle

ize

Rock Your Mocs

(sah wah nwah to weh)

en e

try

Gift Shop

The Gift Shop is open! We have two locations for your shopping convenience. Our

Shawnee Gift Shop is located at the complex in the Cultural Preservation building

(building 6), and our Little Axe Gift Shop is located in the lobby of the Little Axe

Health Center. We are open in Shawnee Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and once a

month, usually at the end of the month, in Little Axe from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. However,

from now until the end of December, we will be opening the gift shop in Little Axe

twice a month as Christmas is approaching.

We are still working with distributors in producing new emblem barring items such

as throw blankets, portfolios, mouse pads, and patches. Currently, we are looking

into carrying products from the company Eighth Generation. This company is Native-owned and a Seattle-based art and lifestyle brand. They carry a range of products

from blankets to soaps.

If you haven’t been in our store recently, please stop by either location. Maybe you

will find something you cannot pass on.

Library

We are happy to announce that we have opened the library to the public! Last month,

activity in the library included 10 check outs and the addition of two new users. To

date, Ms. Jackson has cataloged over 700 books. If you would like to view what books

we have in the library currently, please visit https://www.librarycat.org/lib/ASTribe

to view the catalog. Also, recently she added some new Native American titles available in either eBook or audio format to the virtual library (https://okvirtuallibrary.

overdrive.com/). If you would like to fill out an application for a library card, you may

contact Ms. Paula Jackson at (405) 275-4030 ext. 6416 or at PJackson@astribe.com.

Please come in and visit! We have a wide variety of resources available for checkout,

and many magazines, newspapers and journals for your reading leisure. We look forward to serving your informational needs!

THPO

The THPO Program continues to make great strides and advancements. The THPO

staff has steadily been receiving Section 106 projects from various Federal Agencies.

Over the past month, the THPO Officer, Mrs. Devon Frazier-Smith, has received 188

new Section 106 projects for review. In conjunction with receiving projects, the program has consulted on 25 projects. These projects were completed in 6 of our 25 areas

of interest/states. The THPO and Cultural Preservation Director has also taken part

in 2 teleconference calls as it concerns Section 106 projects as well as NAGPRA cases.

From October 31st through November 5th, the Cultural Preservation Director

along with Representative Wilson traveled to Columbus, Ohio for the 7th Annual

Ohio Tribal Nations Conference. During this week long conference, the eleven Tribes/

Nations in attendance got to sit-down and hear from the Ohio History Connection,

the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration Ohio

Division, and the Nature Conservancy (Ohio) on topics such as on-going projects,

work plans, inventories, and there were even planned site visits. This was very important for us to travel to this conference since Ohio is the Shawnee’s homelands. Plus, it

allows us to continue to build a relationship and keep communication open with the

state of Ohio so that there is that continued building of trust, respect, and accountability.

Language

Mr. Scott Miller has been busy working on building the foundations for a language

program. He has been given access to the language page on the Tribe’s website and

has started putting words and phrases with sound bites directly on the page. Some of

the categories you can find are seasons, directions, animals, weather, months, fruits

and vegetables, and food. This is a trial and error process to eventually turning into

a page where tribal members have access to pre-recorded classes, podcasts, learning

activities, etc.

Mr. Miller has also connected to Mr. Joel Barnes, Director of the Shawnee Tribe

Language Program. He has shared their foundation pieces of their program which

Mr. Miller plans to build upon to establish our own program. We plan to have a joint

Shawnee meeting soon.

Events

Si wi nwi to wa – Speak Shawnee

fre

Day to day operations have continued to be carried out by each program coordinator to ensure the department as a whole continues to function properly. Following is a

breakdown of each departmental program’s most recent activities.

December 2022

www.astribe.com

Happy Birthday

Rachel D. Robertson

Hope your day is blessed.

Love you, from all of

your family

Happy Birthday

Drew H. Robertson

Hope your day is

awesome, Love you.

From all of your family

Jiliyan – Happy 18th Birthday to my beautiful daughter! May you always shine that

amazing smile in everything you do. You’ve

made my momma heart so very proud. I

love you so very much mom. XOXOXO Mom

Happy 80th Birthday to Glenda

Brokeshoulder Johnson!! Glenda is

one of 10 children from the Clifton

and Minnie Brokeshoulder family. She is a favorite Auntie to many

nieces and nephews! We want to

wish her a very wonderful birthday!! Happy 73rd birthday to her

sister too, Katrina Brokeshoulder

Coriz as they share the same birthday. Love and Hugs to Both From

All of Your Extended Family!

Happy Birthday

Kyle S. Robertson

Hope your day is great.

Love you, from all of your

family.

Happy Birthday

Anthony and Dad!!

I love y’all.

Sister – Happy Birthday to you on your big

1-8. Hope it’s all that and a bag of colored

goldfish. Lol.

Love, your brothers Joplin & Justin

Jils – Happiest birthday to my sweet niece.

Auntie loves you so very, very much!

XOXO Aunt B

Burke Thorpe received his Executive

MBA in the Aerospace & Defense program at OU and will walk across the

stage in Dec. 2022.

Burke is a member of the AST. Son of

Ronnie Thorpe (AST tribal member)

and Laura Emhoolah (Muskogee Creek).

We are very proud of him!

His company, The Davis Thorpe Company manufactures airframe parts and

assemblies to support the US Air Force’s

legacy and fighter aircrafts.

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Children Christmas

Pizza with Santa

Sunday December 18th, 2022

1pm to 3pm

Shawnee Multi-Purpose Building

2029 James L. Edwards Lane

Shawnee, OK 74801

Come get your picture with

Santa and enjoy some pizza.

All AST children ages 0-17 are invited to attend.

Applications must be submitted before DECEMBER 14th, 2022 (FIRM DEADLINE, NO EXCEPTIONS)

Applications will not be available at this event.

Gift card may be picked up at this event. Cards that are not picked up will be mailed after December

18th.

For applications go to: astribe.com

For questions call 405-275-4030 x 6307 or 6269

LEGAL NOTICE

December 2022

8A www.astribe.com

P H O N E D I R E C T O RY - D I R E C T N U M B E R S

O F F I C E O F T H E T R I B A L S EC R E TA RY

2025 S. GORDON COOPER DRIVE, SHAWNEE, OK 74801 • PHONE: 405.275.4030 • EMAIL: SECRETARY@ASTRIBE.COM • WEB: WWW.ASTRIBE.COM

AST Complex – (405) 275-4030

Toll Free - 800-256-3341

All Nations Bank…………………………………………(405) 273-0202

Brendle Corner…......……………………………………(405) 447-3372

Building Blocks….........…………………………………(405) 878-0633

Building Blocks III LA….....……………………………(405) 360-2710

Court………………………......…………………………(405) 481-8575

Domestic Violence…………….....………………………(405) 273-2888

Enrollment……………………….....……………………(405) 481-8650

Food Pantry………………………...……………………(405) 481-8640

Gaming Commission………………....…………(405) 360-9270 x1110

Housing Authority………………………………………(405) 275-1050

Human Resources……………………….....……………(405) 275-1468

ICW………………………………………………………(405) 395-4490

Media………………………….…………………………(405) 598-1279

OEH/OEP…………………….…………….…….………(405) 214-4235

Police…………………………………………(405) 275-3200/275-3432

Social Services…………….…………………….…….…(405) 878-4723

Tax Commission…….……………….……………….…(405) 481-8600

Thunderbird Casino Norman…….……….……………(405) 360-9270

Thunderbird Casino Shawnee…………….….…………(405) 273-2679

Tribal Store Little Axe……………………………………(405) 364-0668

The Absentee Shawnee Complex will be Closed

Friday & Monday, December 23 & 26 - For Christmas

'Twas the Night

before Christmas…

And I applied for a loan.

So I could stop renting and finally, own.

The contracts where filled out.

With the greatest of care.

In hopes that I soon would be living there,

In my brand new split-level 4 bedrooms/ 3 bath…

I just had to pass the mortgage lenders wrath.

Then what to my wondering eyes should appear?

But a bank and a process much easier than feared.

Now having bought the best house in sight,

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Happy Holidays From:

2023 Gordon Cooper Dr. • Shawnee, OK 74801 • (405) 273-0202

www.anbok.com

www.asthealth.org

December 2022

Section B

AST Tribal Health System Hires New Executive Director

The Health Board is honored to introduce Mr. Chris Larkin as the new Executive Director of the Absentee Shawnee

Tribal Health System (ASTHS).

For the past 8 years, Mr. Larkin has served as the Health System’s Compliance Officer as well as CEO of the Home

Health. Prior to joining ASTHS, Mr. Larkin was CEO of 3 Oklahoma hospitals and President of HealthQuest Consulting,

LLC. Mr. Larkin is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and holds the rank of Major,

serving as the Senior Health Administrator for the 507th Medical Squadron, Tinker AFB (USAF Reserves).

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Larkin to his new position as we continue to thrive as one of the fastest growing

Tribal Healthcare systems in the state!

Biography of Chris A. Larkin, MBA, FACHE, CHC

Chris A. Larkin serves as the Health Compliance Officer of the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System and the

CEO/ Administrator of CompleteCare Home Health, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Li SI Wi Nwi Health, Inc.

located in Shawnee and LittleAxe, OK. He has been the CEO of 3 different Oklahoma Hospitals, COO for two other

hospitals and CEO/ Administrator of three home health agencies. He has proven leadership in For-Profit, Non-Profit,

Military, Tribal and Critical Access healthcare organizations. Chris is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare

Executives, is a board certified healthcare compliance professional, and holds a Master of Business Administration

from Northeastern State University where he was only the 2nd in the history of the program to graduate Summa Cum

Laude. He currently serves in the United States Air Force Reserve as a Major, Senior Health Services Administrator,

with the 507th Air Refueling Wing and is a member of the AST Veteran’s Association Honor Guard. Chris Larkin is

originally from Southeast Oklahoma and has five children and six grandchildren.

p Your Tribe

Chris A. Larkin

T NO COST TO YOU OR YOUR

TRIBE

PUBLIC NOTICE

u Know?

•

By signing up for a zero cost plan,

Medication Delivery

you allow the tribe to bill for services

nly funded approximately

There reimbursed

has recently been an increased

request from patients for

by insurance

DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 HOLIDAYand to be

o render care to patients?

medication

delivery

by our Transportation

Department.

Our

companies.

This

frees

up more

dollars

think it is funded 100%.

driver’s

top

priority

patient

transportation

whereas

medication

to help those who are not eligible for

AST Health System will be closed on the following dates for the

delivery remains a courtesy service. Please allow up to 48 hours for

es, equipment,

or help

a zero cost plan

Christmas & New Year’s Holidays:

yourhelping

medication to bePurchase

delivered.

we need your

assistance.

_______________________________________________________

Referred Care dollars go further.

FRIDAY, DEC. 23RD, 2022 – MONDAY, DEC. 26TH, 2022

(Christmas Holiday)

Thank You

ALL AST HEALTH FACILITIES CLOSED

__________________________________________________

SATURDAY, DEC. 31ST, 2022 – MONDAY, JAN.2ND, 2023

(New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day)

ALL AST HEALTH FACILITIES CLOSED

______________________________________________________

• In the event of a predicted severe weather forecast, please call

ahead for possible health system closure or delay:

Little Axe Health Center 405.447.0300

Shawnee Clinic 405.878.5850

PlusCare 405.447.0477

• Health closures/delays are posted on the Absentee Shawnee Tribal

Health System on Facebook and on ASTHS website at

www.asthealth.org.

• Please remember the 1st Wednesday of each month our facilities

are closed from noon to 5PM. PlusCare OPEN 5pm until 7PM . Please

note that Shawnee SameDay Clinic is closed until further notice.

• Lastly, Please don’t forget to request medication refills preferably 72

hours prior to our closures:

LAHC Pharmacy 405.292.9530/Shawnee Pharmacy 405.878.5859

www.asthealth.org

Help Yourself

Help Your Tribe

SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A PLAN AT NO COST TO YOU OR THE TRIBE

Help Yourself

Help Your Tribe

SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A PLAN AT NO COST TO YOU OR THE TRIBE

You

Know?

SEE IF YOU

QUALIFY

FOR A PLAN AT NODid

COST

TO YOU

OR THE TRIBE

2023

Open

Enrollment

• 60% of the cost to render care • When you participate in enrolling

Enrollment

Medicare:2023

Oct Open

15 - Dec

7, 2022

Medicare:

Oct

Dec

7, 2022

Marketplace: Nov 1 - Jan 15,

2023

Did You Know?

in insurance plans, it provides

to tribal members comes from

other payment sources outside

of tribal funding?

you with immediate access to

specialized health care services?

Nov 1 - Jan 15, 2023

Did You Know?

2023Marketplace:

Open Enrollment

• If you qualify for and enroll in a

Medicare: Oct 15 - Dec 7, 2022

Marketplace: Nov 1 - Jan 15, 2023

zero-cost plan, it helps

PRC apply funding and deliver

care to more people?

www.asthealth.org

BINGO FOR DEMENTIA PREVENTION - November 5, 2022

December 2022

2B www.astribe.com

HEALTH BUZZ!!

On Saturday, November 5, the AST Health System’s new program, Seeking Hope, sponsored a bingo

event to bring awareness to dementia and the two programs offered through the Alzheimer’s Disease

Program Initiative (ADPI), Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country and Music & Memory.

v Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country is an evidence-based intervention for working with

American Indian and Alaska Native caregivers who care for an elder with memory loss or

thinking problems, such as dementia.

v Music & Memory started with the understanding that music is deeply rooted in our

conscious and unconscious brains. It becomes even more important if the functioning of the

brain is deteriorating, as occurs in dementia and other types of cognitive and physical loss.

We had an excellent turnout with about 100 people attending. An informative presentation about

dementia and the AST Health System’s new programs was given by Atheda Fletcher, Grant Project

Principle Investigator, and Gayla Temple, Dementia Care Specialist. Upon conclusion of the presentation,

bingo games began. Some of the prizes included gift cards, an air fryer oven, and a grand prize of a 50”

television plus sound bar. Door prizes were given as well.

UPDATED PHARMACY MAIL POLICIES

Please be advised:

It is solely the responsibility of the patient to

confirm the desired shipping address for

mailing of any medication from our Health

System Pharmacies. Failure to do so may

result in shipping delays.

We would like to give a special thank you to Jason Bender, an AST tribal member and veteran, for being

our bingo caller. A special thank you goes out to each of our volunteers--AST Elders Officers, Lisa

Harrington, Joseph Holtzclaw, and Sarah Lawerance of the AST Diabetes Department, and Phyllis

Johnson of the AST Public Health Department. We are truly grateful for you and could not have done it

without you!

Please ensure all address changes are made

directly with the pharmacy staff regardless of

any changes made elsewhere in the health

system. Not all systems communicate with

each other if changes are made.

As our clinics continue to grow and mail

volume increases, the above policies will help

ensure you continue to receive prompt and

accurate mail delivery of your prescription

medications. We appreciate your

anticipated assistance in this matter.

For more information about Seeking Hope, please contact Gayla Temple at (405) 561-7870, Atheda

Fletcher at (405) 561-7893, or email us at ADPI@astribe.com. Be sure to visit our webpage:

https://www.asthealth.org/seeking-hope.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Thank you!

WEDNESDAY

2022

EGG ROLL

STIR FRY VEGGIES

RICE

PINEAPPLES

CHICKEN SALAD

SANDWICH

LTOP

CHIPS/ORANGE

CLOSED FOR

CHRISTMAS

CHICKEN PATTY

SANDWICH

THREE BEAN SALAD

ORANGE

GRILLED CHEZ

SANDWICH

VEGGIE SOUP

PEACHES

THURSDAY

FRITO CHILI PIE

FRITOS

ONIONS, CHEZ

BAKED ZITA

BROCCOLI

BREAD STICK

PUDDING

TITLE VI CLOSED

CLEANING &

INVENTORY

BEANS

CORNBREAD

ONIONS

ZUCCHINNI &

TOMATOES

BAKED FRIED CHICKEN

MASHED POT/GRAVY

BROCCOLI

BREAD/MIXED FRUIT

RIBLET

BAKED BEANS

BREAD

PEAR

TITLE VI CLOSED

CLEANING &

INVENTORY

TAMALES

SPAINSH RICE

SALSA/MANDRAIN

ORANGES

BAKED POTATO

HAM, CHEZ,

ONIONS

MIXED VEGGIES

CAKE

HOT HAM & CHEZ

SANDWICH

CHIPS

APPLESAUCE

STEW

CORNBREAD

FLUFF

TITLE VI CLOSED

CLEANING &

INVENTORY

FRIDAY

SCRAMBLED EGGS

SAUSAGE GRAVY

BISCUITS

FRENCH TOAST

SAUSAGE PATTIES

FRUIT

SCRAMBLED EGGS

SAUSAGE GRAVY

BISCUITS

CEREAL

CINNAMON RAISIN

BREAD

TITLE VI CLOSED

CLEANING &

INVENTORY

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

December 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

December 26, 2022 AST Complex will be closed – No lunch will be served or delivered

December 27th - 30th, Title VI will be closed for cleaning- Homebound will get there meals on December 23th.

Any concerns or questions please feel free to contact us at 405-275-4030 ext 6227

As winter approaches- check on your loved ones- make sure they have heat and water and lotion because you know we be ashy during the

winter months!!! Be safe, smart, buckle up, keep your phone charged up.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe – Severe Weather Policy effective December 2013 states:

2. PROVISIONS

a. Prior to normal starting time it will be announced on one of the local television or radio channels that the Absentee Shawnee Tribe is open

and/or closed based on weather severity. The Governor, and/or designee, will report to these channels: Channel 4, 5, 9, Fox 25; Radio- KTOK

1000; KOCK 1520 AM. Formerly the policy has been that when schools in Little Axe and Shawnee are closed then employees would be allowed

administrative leave. This policy seeks to clarify on procedures and gives the decision making process back to the Tribe.

b. On days when weather conditions worsen as the day progresses, the Governor or another Member of the Executive Committee may decide to

close early. In such cases, a decision and an announcement will be made through email to all employees.

December 2022

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV): RSV in

Infants and Young Children

RSV can be dangerous for some infants and young children. Each year in the United States,

an estimated 58,000-80,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized due to RSV

infection. Those at greatest risk for severe illness from RSV include:

• Premature infants

• Infants, especially those 6 months and younger

• Children younger than 2 years old with chronic lung disease or congenital

(present from birth) heart disease

• Children with weakened immune systems

• Children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have

difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions

Severe RSV Infection

Virtually all children get an RSV infection by the time they are 2 years old. Most of the time

RSV will cause a mild, cold-like illness, but it can also cause severe illness such as:

• Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung)

• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)

One to two out of every 100 children younger than 6 months of age with RSV infection

may need to be hospitalized. Those who are hospitalized may require oxygen, IV fluids (if

they aren’t eating and drinking), and/or mechanical ventilation (a machine to help with

breathing). Most improve with this type of supportive care and are discharged in a few

days.

Early Symptoms of RSV

RSV may not be severe when it first starts. However, it can become more severe a few days

into the illness. Early symptoms of RSV may include:

• Runny nose

• Decrease in appetite

• Cough, which may progress to wheezing or difficulty breathing

RSV in Very Young Infants

Infants who get an RSV infection almost always show symptoms. This is different from

adults who can sometimes get RSV infections and not have symptoms. In very young

infants (less than 6 months old), the only symptoms of RSV infection may be:

• Irritability

• Decreased activity

• Decreased appetite

• Apnea (pauses in breathing more than 10 seconds)

Fever may not always occur with RSV infections. These symptoms usually appear in stages

and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability,

decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.

Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.

What you should do if your child is at high risk for severe RSV infection

RSV season in most regions of the U.S. starts in the fall and peaks in the winter. If you have

contact with an infant or young child, especially those who were born prematurely, have

chronic lung or heart disease or a weakened immune system, you should take extra care

to keep the infant healthy by doing the following:

• Wash your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and help

young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer. Washing your hands will help protect you from germs.

• Keep your hands off your face

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Germs

spread this way.

• Avoid close contact with sick people

Avoid close contact, such as kissing, and sharing cups or eating utensils with

people who have cold-like symptoms.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve when

coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash afterward.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces

Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that people frequently touch, such as

toys, doorknobs, and mobile devices. When people infected with RSV touch

surfaces and objects, they can leave behind germs. Also, when they cough or

sneeze, droplets containing germs can land on surfaces and objects.

• Stay home when you are sick

If possible, stay home from work, school, and public areas when you are sick.

This will help protect others from catching your illness.

• Do not kiss infants and babies

We often get the urge to kiss that infant baby, especially when they are so cute

and precious, but we must remember that just one kiss could be dangerous to

that baby. Resist that urge to kiss the baby. We have to be careful and not pass

on our germs to the infants.

Care

Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two.

There is no specific treatment for RSV infection, though researchers are working to

develop vaccines and antivirals (medicines that fight viruses).

Take steps to relieve symptoms

•

Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain

relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give aspirin to children.)

Drink enough fluids. It is important for people with RSV infection to drink

enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).

Talk to your healthcare provider before giving your child nonprescription cold

medicines. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children.

Call your healthcare provider if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not

drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.

RSV can cause more serious health problems

RSV can also cause more severe infections such as bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the

small airways in the lung, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. It is the most common

cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age.

Healthy adults and infants infected with RSV do not usually need to be hospitalized.

But some people with RSV infection, especially older adults and infants younger than 6

months of age, may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are

dehydrated. In the most severe cases, a person may require additional oxygen, or IV fluids

(if they can’t eat or drink enough), or intubation (have a breathing tube inserted through

the mouth and down to the airway) with mechanical ventilation (a machine to help a

person breathe). In most of these cases, hospitalization only lasts a few days.

Scientists are working to develop vaccines

There is no vaccine yet to prevent RSV infection, but scientists are working hard to

develop one. And there is a medicine that can help protect some babies at high risk for

severe RSV disease. Healthcare providers usually give this medicine (called palivizumab)

to very premature infants and young children with certain heart and lung conditions as a

series of monthly shots during RSV season. If you are concerned about your child’s risk for

severe RSV infection, talk to your child’s healthcare provider.

Reference: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

www.astribe.com

4B www.astribe.com

December 2022

AST HEALTH SYSTEM DIRECTORY

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER ..................................................... 405-447-0300

Administration

Business Office

Little Axe Dental

Health Information Management

Lab/X.Ray

Optometry

Patient Benefit Advocates

Primary Care

Public Health

Security

Electronic Health Record

Physical Therapy

Behavioral Health .................................................................................. 405-701-7987

Little Axe Purchased Referred Care ........................................................ 405-701-7951

Diabetes & Wellness ...............................................................................405-701-7977

Pharmacy ...............................................................................................405-292-9530

CompleteCare Home Health................................................................... 405-701-7085

Transportation........................................................................................405-701-7603

SHAWNEE CLINIC ............................405-878-5850 OR 877-878-4702 TOLL FREE

Administration

Business Office

Health Information Management

Lab/X-Ray

Patient Benefit Advocates

Contract Health

Physical Therapy

Primary Care

Public Health

Behavioral Health ...................................................................................405-878-4716

Diabetes & Wellness ...............................................................................405-701-7977

Pharmacy ........................................................ 405-878-5859 OR 866-742-4977TOLL FREE

Transportation........................................................................................405-701-7603

PLUSCARE ............................................................................................... 405-447-0477

GENERAL

AST Resource Center..............................................................................405-364-7298

Corporate Compliance Hotline............................................................... 405-701-7135

Patient Advocate .................................................................................... 405-701-7623

AST Tribal Complex ...............................................................................405-275-4030

AST Tribal Police .................................................................................... 405-275-3200

AST Housing ..........................................................................................405-273-1050

$18,768

$38,304

WE CAN HELP

Contact a Patient Benefit Advocate

Little Axe

Shawnee

Health Center

Clinic

405.447.0300

405.878.5850

www.asthealth.org

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.