OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA (2011)

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

Vol 26, No. 2

Vol. 26. No. 2

ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE

THE

THE

LI-SI-WI-NWI

“AMONG

LI-SI-WI-NWI

“AMONGTHE

THESHAWNEE”

SHAWNEE”

contents

Executive Committee Reports........2-5

Upcoming Elections/Letters............6-8

Indian Trust Settlement...................... 9

Oils/Veterans/Wills Clinic............... 10

Elders Corner.................................. 11

Birthdays/Thank You...................12-13

Governor’s Corner/

Spring Break Flyer...................... 14

Native American Pageants.........15-17

Menu/TERO................................18-19

Spirit of Elders................................. 20

Advertisements...........................21-23

www.astribe.com

www.

astribe.com

NEWS

NEWS

February

February

2011 2011

GEORGE BLANCHARD

GOVERNOR

ISAAC GIBSON

Lt. GOVERNOR

MICHELLE LOPEZ

SECRETARY

KATHY DEERE

TREASURER

2

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

hope this finds all Tribal

members healthy and fully

recovered from the holidays.

First, I would like to address

the issue of jobs for Tribal members

and the economy of the Tribe. The

A.S.E.D.A. board is aggressively

pursuing several business ventures

that will hopefully boost the Tribe’s

economy and provide some jobs

for Tribal members. The Executive

Committee looks forward to working

with the Board of Directors assisting

them in these ventures.

The Executive Committee is well

aware of the needs of Tribal members

in need of home repairs. Lt. Governor Isaac Gibson and the Family

Services department are working

diligently to address these issues. We

ask that you remember that functionally vital issues take priority over

cosmetic issues, and we will strive

to address all issues presented to us

as funding is made available.

As you are all aware, there have

been changes made in the Health

Authority’s medical departments.

Due to these changes, there are

many rumors starting to circulate in

the Tribal Community regarding the

JEFFREY GIBSON

REPRESENTATIVE

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

changes. I ask that you don’t listen to

rumors, but ask for the facts before

forming an opinion on these changes.

These changes are being made for the

benefit of all Tribal members by the

Health Authority Board of Directors.

These changes will allow our health

monies to be used for medical issues pertaining to Tribal members,

and not for the usage of the Medical

staff. It is our hope that these changes

will result in the medical staff being

better qualified to do the jobs they

are required to perform for you the

Tribal members.

As always, please feel free to contact

me with any questions you may have

regarding the many issues that need

to be addressed.

George Blanchard,

Governor

would like to thank all of the employees for their hard work during

2010. There was some reorganization; parts of the reorganization

were not favorable to the individuals or

the departments but were advantageous

to the Tribe. Sometimes, on a personal

level, you don’t want to do somethings

but as a tribal leader they must be done.

Decisions such as these require a lot

of thought and you must also have the

support of the majority of the Executive

Committee.

On a lighter note, the Horseshoe Bend

Facility is almost complete. There have

been a few delays and the grand opening

had to be rescheduled but we are getting

there. The Tribe has received the site

plan for the Brendle Corner project. Both

facilities are geared towards afterschool

programs for our tribal youth. The facility

can be utilized for activities that will accommodate both adults and youth. We

will keep you updated as we continue to

move forward on these projects.

It is the beginning of a new year. I feel

that the Tribe is stepping into this year

with a good strong attitude. We are not

just talking, we are taking action. Some

of our endeavors are larger than others

and will take some time.

We still have ARRA funds that need to

New addition to the

Resource Center

During the month of December, a new

piece of play equipment was installed

and welcomed at the Resource Center

in Little Axe. Requests have been

made for some type of playground

for the younger kids that come to the

Center to have something to play on.

The playground was installed on the

Northwest corner of the facility, as it

would be in clear sight of the workout

room. This would allow the parents to

perform their workout while being able

to keep an eye on their younger kids

playing. We expect the playground to

be widely used as the warmer months

approach. We hope to be able to

acquire other pieces of playground

equipment in the future. We recognize

that the community centers in both

Little Axe and Johnson serve as a hub

for the community and we are trying

to create an atmosphere where the

kids, as well as the parents, feel safe in

visiting.

TREASURER’S REPORT

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

JANUARY 2011

he Finance office continues

our efforts in keeping the day

to day activities flowing efficiently and effectively through

communication between the Finance office

and Programs. In working together, we

have found the most time effective and

cost effective processes for transacting

business. A continued thanks to the Executive Committee and all the programs

for their support and understanding in the

Finance Department’s continued efforts to

stay caught up; as it is a constant flow of

business transactions.

Our 2010 Audit is scheduled for mid February and will include the MD&A (Management Discussion and Analysis). The MD&A

report is an informative report within the

2010 Audit; which is a brief review and

explanation of the Audit. I am working on

the fourth quarter financials to be submitted to the Department of Interior. We are

preparing for Audit; pulling records and

making final year end entries; accruals,

inventory counts and adjustments, and

final analysis of all Trial Balance Sheet

accounts to ensure accuracy for a smooth

audit process.

The Indirect Cost Proposal for 2011 final

document has been signed by the Governor and mailed. Our rate is up from

17.74% for 2010 to 21.98% for 2011 and

we should get our final letter signed by the

National Business Center any day.

The finance department continues to complete accounting by the seventh day of the

month and have been since August 2010;

so that financial reports can be created

for the Health Authority and Li Si Wi Nwi,

Health Inc. boards for health programs

both Shawnee and Little Axe.

It is imperative the accounting / bookkeeping continue to stay ahead of all of the

accounting so that audits go smoothly so

that Indirect Cost rates will stay up to date

as well. Indirect cost proposals cannot be

submitted without completed audits as the

audits are used to calculate the proposal.

There are many processes in place in your

Tribe’s accounting department that ensure

we keep accurate records of transactions.

The Tribe’s accounting processes must be

in compliance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and GASB

(Governmental Accounting Standards

Board). In complying with GAAP and

GASB, there are many internal control

functions that mandate a need for qualified

accountants which dictates the need for

more than one accountant to be involved

with a transaction; i.e. the same person

writing up the Tribe’s deposits should never

be the same person who reconciles cash.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

Isaac Gibson, Jr.

Lieutenant Governor

Through the collaboration between

the Lt. Governor’s office and Building Blocks, a playground was funded

for both the Resource Center and the

Horseshoe Bend Community Center.

3

be obligated as quickly as possible. We

have meet with Pottawatomie County on

several occasions regarding these funds.

We have had informal discussions with

Cleveland County but have plans to sit

down with the Cleveland County Commissioners as quickly a possible, after

the first of the year. We want to see how

the counties and tribal governments can

work together to improve our roads.

The economy is bad, funding is limited

and there is only enough money to do so

many projects. As politicians with aspirations of being re-elected, I’m sure the

counties repair and build roads, select

projects in areas where there is a large

voting population. It was explained to

them, that as elected officials we also try

to make improvements in areas that are

important to our people. These routes

benefit non-Natives and we have limited

funding too. Completing projects by

inter-local agreements with neighboring

governments is a very good way to get

a costly project completed with limited

resources.

Respectfully

The main objective of finance is to prove

and ensure proper back-up documentation accompanies every single payment/

transaction, no matter if the transaction is

$1.00 or $1,000.00, and of course we must

ensure that any transaction of the Tribe is

an allowable expense and this is proved

by the back-up documentation. There are

many functions of the Tribe’s finance department and this is just one that I wanted

to share with you.

GOOD DAY to our Absentee

Shawnee Tribe Friends,

4

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

Well, we are finally in the final stages of

opening our Shawnee Branch. We are

now at the mercy of various vendors. A

key to the process is the communication

(phone and data) line between Calumet

and Shawnee. This is good news and

bad news problem. First, the Bad news:

With the strong economy in Oklahoma

the communication companies have a

The rules and regulations of accounting

waiting list to configure data lines and to

are forever changing; there are rules and

install them. Second, the Good news is

regulations in place today that may not

we are on their list. There is a possibility

have been in place 5 to 10 years ago which

makes the accounting department today that we will be up and running by the end

somewhat more complicated that it may of this month (January) thus, we could

have been in past years. In addition, the open the branch sometime in mid-to-late

Tribe is a Self Governance tribe which also February. So, thanks for your patience

adds more work to the finance department and as spring thaw begins and warmer

whereas before the BIA and I H S handled weather gets closer look for our “open

a large portion of the Tribe’s business. Not for business” sign. YEAH!

to mention the increases in BIA and I H S Banking in general, is doing fine. Our

funding over the years, 51 Grants, and the assets grew by 38% and we had a nice

new Clinic business.

profit in a year that will most certainly

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Finance

go down in history as very unusual. UnDepartment has a very hard working group

usually, 156 U.S. banks failed and U.S.

of people and it is an honor to work with

interest rates were the lowest in history.

them, the Treasurer’s office and at the

I am sure the low interest rate environAbsentee Shawnee Tribe.

ment contributed to some of the bank

This department, as always, would like failures; but by far, I think the majority of

to extend a special thanks and note of the bank failures were due to mortgage

appreciation to the Executive Committee lending problems and poor managefor providing the tools, resources and sup- ment. Your bank on the other hand, as

port to enable the finance staff to reach its of 12/31/2010, had less than .018% of its

accomplished goals and to continue with

loans past due over 30 days. We’ll put

this effort. A special thanks and note of

that stat up against the majority of U.S.

appreciation to Program Managers and

banks for comparison any day of the

Employees of the Tribe for their assistance

world. We are strong! (Oops, too much

and dedication in our group effort toward

accomplishing our goal. Now that we are bragging, but I could not resist.)

caught up, we are dedicated to continue

our efforts in this direction.

I would like to share some interesting

statistics that I read about our Generation

If you have any questions or needs, please Y. They are the segment of the populacall 405-275-4030 ext 162 and I will be glad tion that is the so called Millennials born

between 1981 and 1999. They are 77 milto assist you in any way I can.

lion strong and make up roughly a fourth

Thank you,

of all Americans. Their average age is 37

Belinda Collins, Controller

and they carry the greater burden to support their elders, whether through taxes

to pay for Medicare and Social Security

programs or as individuals who take care

of their aging parents. The single most

important difference between Generation Y (GEN Y) and older generations is

their familiarity with technology. 90% of

Gen Y’ers over 18 use the Internet, More

than 60% of them go wireless and 83%

of them keep cell phones nearby at all

times. Two-fifths of Gen Y’ers don’t even

have landlines. They get their news from

the Internet as from TV (59% vs 65%)

Even fewer read newspapers or listen

to the radio for news (24% and 18%,

respectively). I’ll give you a few more

traits next month.

Time to close, and once again we are

looking forward to joining the Tribe in

Shawnee in the very near future.

We’ll have the coffee on, see you soon.

Bob, Gene and Staff

Bob Billy

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

AUTHORITY (ASEDA):

ASEDA states its purposes as follows:

 To operate tribally owned commercial businesses located on

tribal land whether owned in fee

or held in trust for the benefit of

the Tribe;

 To provide job opportunities

for members of the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe in or near the

Tribe’s Indian country; which

would utilize the talents of the

members and provide adequate

incomes on a long-term basis.

 To provide for the efficient and

effective utilization of the resources of the Tribe’s Indian

country in a manner which

protects the long-term interests

ASEDA Board members are as follows:

Dan Little Axe, President, Adam Proctor, Vice-President, and Lyndale Waller,

Secretary. They had their first official

meeting on Wednesday, January 5,

2011, at 7pm., Tribal Complex, Governor’s conference room. All three were

in attendance with Kathy Deere, Tribal

Treasurer, AD HOC member, and Eddie

Brokeshoulder, Financial Consultant.

Discussed several opportunities for new

businesses. ASEDA goals and plans

are for the benefit of the Tribe and Tribal

Members.

Welcome

My name is Arlene Herrera and I’ve been

working as the Treasurer’s Assistant since

December 1, 2010.

I’ve been busy boxing old files dated back

to 1972 up to 2010. Getting the Financial

Consultant’s office

ready. Also, got the Treasurer’s files, all in

order for her, help enrollment, get the mail,

deliver what ever

anyone needs delivered. I have honestly

learned a great deal working here and everyone is so helpful. I’m thankful to work here

and enjoy coming to work. I’ve met a lot of

nice and interesting people while I’ve been

here. It has been a challenge but, it’s one

I conquered and would do all over again. I

hope this year brings everyone, peace, love,

and

much happiness.

Sincerely,

Arlene Herrera

Greetings Tribal Members,

Hope is all well with you all and your

families!

I understand there are rumors in the

community relating to me about

whether I should be in office or not,

due to not having or refusing to do

a background check. I assure you, I

have complied with all the requirements. I’ve worked 30+ years with

the state and federal governments,

Department of Defense, United

States Air Force, Indian Health

Service and State of Oklahoma. In

order to work with the state and federal governments, you have to have

an extensive, thorough background

check.

The Executive Committee members

meet several times a month to discuss

various issues concerning the tribe

and tribal members. Monthly Programs Directors meetings are a good

resource for us all to know what is

going on in each other’s programs.

EC had a meeting with the Interim

Executive Director and Program

Directors of the Health Board concerning their budgets. Investments

for the month are doing good but

were advised to sell three and add

three that are considered a good

investment. Income and expenses

are staying within boundaries. New

2011 budgets were passed and distributed to each program. I appreciate

and welcome my new staff, Financial

Consultant and Office Support Assistant. As you read on, you will see

reports from ASEDA, All Nations

Bank, Finance, and Support staff.

Have a great Valentine’s Day!

Respectfully,

Kathy Deere

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

 To own, invest in, operate or

manage businesses in or near

the Tribe’s Indian country.

Welcome tribal member Eddie Brokeshoulder to the office of Treasurer, Mr.

Brokeshoulder was hired as the Financial Consultant. As Financial Consultant, his primary duty is to assist Tribal

Treasurer in financial management

analysis support in planning, developing, organizing, directing and evaluating the Tribe’s fiscal performance and

fiduciary responsibilities. As Financial

Consultant, Eddie Brokeshoulder will

provide the office of Treasurer with solution orientated advise and strategies

related to the Tribe’s financial needs.

With over ten years of working in Tribal Government operations and administering tribal programs. Eddie brings

valuable experience and knowledge in

financial budgets, grants and contracts

compliance and program development, health program administration

and recently economic development.

For the past two weeks since being

hired, Mr. Brokeshoulder has reviewed

past audits, 2011 budgets for general

fund, indirect cost, Tribal Investment

Portfolio by Redstone Investments,

Inc., All Nations Bank business plan,

Li-Si-Wi-Nwi Health,Inc./Joint Venture Construction Program, attend

ASEDA board meeting, and assisted

the tribe in collaborating in partnership

in submission of a Administration for

Native Americans (ANA) Language

grant with Eastern Shawnee Tribe

of Oklahoma and Shawnee Tribe in

Miami, Oklahoma.

Sound financial management is important to every person, government, corporation and organization. As a goal

for the position of financial consultant

is to assist the office of Treasurer in

creating and communicating the financial process and providing financial

transparency as possible to the Tribe

which leads to mutual understanding

between the Tribe and its leadership.

5

of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe

and which provides an adequate

return on investment and an

income to the Tribe from the

utilization of those resources,

The Election Commission

accepted the filing packets

of the following tribal

members.

6

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

GOVERNOR:

Kenneth Blanchard

George Blanchard

Ewell Longhorn

TRIBAL SECRETARY:

Leonard Longhorn

Michelle Armstrong-Lopez

Lewis “Jim” Johnson

John Al Little Axe

Teri Reed (Teresa White)

7

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

Campaign Letters

ello everyone. My name

is Michelle ArmstrongLopez and and proudly

Billy Joe Armstrong and

Ruby Seahorn’s daughter and an Absentee Shawnee Tribal member. My

grandmother was Irene Coker Armstrong

and my great-grandmother was Mamie

(Day) Coker.

I am currently your Tribal Secretary and would like to serve our

tribe once again by identifying and solving problems within the tribe

and to continue working with the Executive Committee to come up

with innovative solutions, and with a vision based on a set of strong

values, I will continue to strive to help solve those problems that

our tribe faces in the future.

8

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

I have worked as the Tribal Secretary for the last four years and

I have done my best in helping all tribal members with whatever

they needed. If I couldn’t help them then I found someone who

could help them. My experiences give me a solid foundation for

leadership. I taken a collaborative approach, and work well with

others to inspire a shared vision for the future. And those who have

worked with me will tell you that I introduce creative new ideas,

that I don’t compromise my principles, and that, most importantly,

I work hard and I GET THINGS DONE, and I will continue to get

things done as your Tribal Secretary if you chose to re-elect me.

I understand the need to modernize facilities, renovate crumbling

structures and to build our revenues up for a more solid economic

future. We, the EC have worked together toward a common goal,

and have accomplished several different goals together. This

Tribe needs someone with the skills, the temperament, and the

core values to represent us with dignity and courage – someone

with the experience of having accomplished goals and of having

served the tribe; someone with the integrity to stand for cleaner

government and to do what is right even if it’s not what is popular;

and someone with the passion to fight with a backbone for those

causes that will make our Tribe better. I have the EXPERIENCE,

the INTEGRITY, and the PASSION that the Tribe needs. And so, it

is with humility, excitement and gratitude that I formally announce

my candidacy for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Tribal

Secretary’s office once again.

I know that we finally have an Executive Committee that works as a

team and is moving our tribe in the right direction. Please consider

this in voting in the Election. We are moving forward and I hate to

see us taking steps backward again like in the past.

I ask for your support and your vote in March. I look forward to

hearing about your concerns and priorities.

Thanks!

Michelle Lopez

To all tribal members,

y name is Jim Johnson and I have

filed for the secretary position for our

tribe. I was the secretary in 1989 to

1991 and at that time we received

$50.00 per month for our position on

the executive committee. I am willing to work hard

for our tribe and not for the money. We need to look

at other ways of bringing in more money to our tribe.

We need to be accountable to our members of the

tribe and not ourselves. A new casino is a new ideal,

but more work needs to be done in the location,

maybe closer to Oklahoma City or Norman. Have we

looked at the expenses for the up keep, operation

cost, employees, and can we build this new casino

without using tribal money? I have served 6 years in

the marine corps. I have lived in Norman for the past

20 years. If you have any questions, please call me

at (405) 922-3835.

Legal Notice

Important information about the

$3.4 billion Indian Trust Settlement

For current or former IIM account holders,

Owners of land held in trust or restricted status, or their heirs

There is a proposed Settlement in Cobell v. Salazar, a class action

lawsuit about individual Indian land held in trust by the federal

government. This notice is just a summary. For details, call the tollfree number or visit the website listed below.

The lawsuit claims that the federal government violated its duties

by (a) mismanaging trust funds/assets, (b) improperly accounting

for those funds, and (c) mismanaging trust land/assets. The trust

funds include money collected from farming and grazing leases,

timber sales, mining, and oil and gas production from land owned by

American Indians/Alaska Natives.

If you are included in the Settlement, your rights will be affected.

To object to the Settlement, to comment on it, or to exclude yourself,

you should get a detailed notice at www.IndianTrust.com or by

calling 1-800-961-6109.

Can I get money?

What does the Settlement provide?

• A $1.5 billion fund to pay those included in the Classes.

• A $1.9 billion fund to buy small interests in trust or restricted land

owned by many people.

• Up to $60 million to fund scholarships to improve access to higher

education for Indian youth.

• A government commitment to reform the Indian trust management

and accounting system.

How much can I get?

• Historical Accounting Class Members will each get $1,000.

• Trust Administration Class Members will get at least $500.

• If you own a small parcel of land with many other people, the

federal government may ask you to sell it. You will be offered

fair market value. If you sell your land it will be returned to tribal

control.

There are two groups or “Classes” in the Settlement eligible for

payment. Each Class includes individual IIM account holders or

owners of land held in trust or restricted status who were alive on

September 30, 2009.

If you believe you are a member of either Class and are not receiving

IIM account statements, you will need to call the toll-free number or

visit the website to register.

Historical Accounting Class Members

• If you wish to keep your right to sue the federal government about

What are my other rights?

• The account had at least one cash transaction.

• Includes estates of account holders who died as of September 30,

2009, if the IIM account was still open on that date.

Trust Administration Class Members

• Had an IIM account recorded in currently available data in

federal government systems any time from approximately 1985 to

September 30, 2009, or

• Owned trust land or land in restricted status as of September 30,

2009.

• Includes estates of landowners who died as of September 30,

2009 where the trust interests were in probate as of that date.

This means you have asked a court to transfer ownership of the

deceased landowner’s property.

An individual may be included in one or both Classes.

For more Information:

• If you stay in the Settlement you can object to or comment on it

by April 20, 2011. The detailed notice explains how to exclude

yourself or object/comment.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia will hold a hearing

on June 20, 2011, to consider whether to approve the Settlement. It

will also consider a request for attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses

in the amount of $99.9 million. However, Class Counsel has fee

agreements that would pay them 14.75% of the funds created for the

Classes, which could result in an award of $223 million. The Court

may award more or less than these amounts based on controlling law.

If approved, these payments and related costs will come out of the

Settlement funds available for payment to Class Members.

If you wish, you or your own lawyer may ask to appear and speak

at the hearing at your own cost. For more information, call or go to

the website shown below or write to Indian Trust Settlement, P.O.

Box 9577, Dublin, OH 43017-4877.

1-800-961-6109

www.IndianTrust.com

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

between October 25, 1994 and September 30, 2009, and

the claims in this Settlement, you must exclude yourself by April

20, 2011.

9

• Had an open individual Indian Money account (“IIM”) anytime

OILS

10

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

cheduled to be in the

Court Room on Wednesday, February 16 from 9

a.m. to 12 noon to assist

with document preparation on

Civil Legal matters or to direct

those in need of Legal Advice

or Representation to the right

place.

VETERANS

he Tribal Veterans Association did not hold a

meeting for January, due

to scheduling conflicts. However,

February's meeting will be held

as scheduled on Wednesday,

February 9th, at Thunderbird

Casino [15700 E. Highway 9,

Norman, OK]. The meeting will

begin at 7PM. Association Color

Guard members are in the process of being fitted for new vests

and the new uniforms will be unveiled within the first few months

of the present year. The Color

Guard will be performing at the

TGI Conference, on February

1st, in Catoosa, OK.

Last Will & Testament

(Wills Clinic)

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Little Axe Resource Center

Please call OILS at (405) 943-6457

to make an appointment

THE ELDERS

CORNER

By Cynthia Longhorn,

Secretary

to approve such a purchase at this

time. The motion was carried. Secretary Longhorn will be reimbursed

for her purchase and the recorder

will become property of the Elders

Council.

New business was the election of

officers for the 2011-2012 terms.

Dan Little Axe, Sr. was elected

President. Gene Parker will fill the

position of Vice-President. Cynthia

Longhorn will retain her position

as Secretary and Betty Watson

will assume the responsibilities of

Treasurer, their duties will begin

with the February 2011 meeting

which is set for Saturday, February

19, 2011 at the Title VI Building

on the AST complex. The meeting

time is 10 a.m. A cake/pie auction

and bingo will be held following

the usual pot luck dinner. For comments and/or questions, please feel

free to contact Cynthia longhorn at

(405) 273-4137.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

bag candy. Kathy Deere stated that

$276 had been earned at the 1-142010 chili/stew dinner. Mildred

Switch commented that our younger elders should be more helpful

with events where the eldest elders

were somewhat limited.

Minutes of the December 18, 2010

meeting were presented for review

and comment. They were approved.

Secretary Longhorn apologized

that during her absence in October

and November due to illness that

only minutes for the October 12,

2010 meeting were prepared in

brief form by Kathy Deere. They

were approved. To date, there no

minutes for the November 6, 2010

meeting.

The treasurers’ report for the month

of December 2010 was presented

for review and comment. The AST

account balance was given to be

$903.19 and the Elders fund raising

account balance was given to be

$920.86. The report was approved.

Old business brought out the comment from Helen Wilson, wife

of tribal member Woody Wilson

of the need for a tape recorder to

be used during our meetings and

pointed out that Frankie Watson, a

previous secretary, had used such.

Secretary Longhorn responded to

this comment by saying that she

had requested the current officers

approval to purchase one but had

been denied which resulted in her

purchasing one with personal monies.

Following lengthy discussion, a

motion was made and seconded

11

he Absentee-Shawnee Elders

Council held their regular

monthly meeting Saturday, January

15, 2011 at the Resource Center in

Little Axe. Officers Gene Parker,

President; Mary Birdtail, VicePresident; Kathy Deere, Treasurer

and myself were present. The meeting was called to order at 10:15

a.m. with a quorum of thirty (30)

tribal members and five (5) guests

present. Others arrived during the

meeting. Elder member Mildred

Switch gave the invocation in the

Shawnee language. Birthdays for

the month were recognized for

Gene Parker and Stella Little, wife

of tribal member David Little, Jr.

Announcements included the following items: Elroy Alford thanked

the Elders Council for flowers

during his recent stay in hospital,

Gertrude Pickering pointed out that

she forgotten to sign in during the

December 2010 meeting, Secretary

Longhorn informed everyone of

Clara Rolette Kaskuske’s recent

injury but now is at home, Kathy

Deere stated that the Little Axe

girls basketball team had won a

District championship, Esteline

Schulenberg asked about left over

or extra Christmas bags and was

told that these had been distributed

to Elders in the Little Axe area by

Mary and Richard Birdtail. Serena

Daughtery commented that this

should be made known when this

happens, that is, extra bags for

other elders should be distributed

to them. Donna Butler commented

that only four elders had helped

12

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

happy birthday uncle pat

we love you

from LEIANN AND KANTYNN

Alford, Dianne Susan

PAT JOHNSON WE HOPE YOU AND

Alford, Donald Ray

PATRICK WATSON HAVE A GREAT

Alford, Paul Henry

BIRTHDAY

Almanza, Sacha Blue Renee

LOVE THE KASECAS

Arellano, Jennifer Lynn

TO MY BEAUTIFUL NEICES CHELE

Argueta, Oneonta Marie

WOMACK

Armstrong, Dusty Ridge

(FEB. 5TH) AND STEPHANIE GEISSLER

(FEB . 8TH)YOU GIRLS ARE VERY

Atwara, Honey Nicole

SPECIAL I LOVE YOU BUNCHES

Barnard, Kevin Michael

AUNT RHONDA

Belden, Florene

BRENT WATSON (FEB. 1ST) WE ARE

Belden, Lois Little Creek

WISHING YOU A GREAT BIRTHDAY

Bennett, Deeann Onahwag

LOVE THE KASECAS

Berryhill, Valerie Lynn

Bettelyoun, Amber Dawn

Bettelyoun, Anthony Bryce

Bettelyoun, Lea Dawn

Bittle, Joshua Jacob

Blanchard Craig, Carolyn

Jean

Blanchard Sr, Leland Dale

Blanchard, Aaron Gabriel

Blanchard, Caden Briar

Blanchard, Charles Eugene

Blanchard, Joshua James

Blanchard, Kellice Lee

Happy Birthday

Blanchard, Ladonna Rosalee

Bart

Blanchard, Rikki Rechele

From Marvin & Sherry

Blanchard, Taylor Jordan

Happy Big FIVE-O

to our favorite mean Uncle

Blanchard, Thurman Leon

Marvin Smith

Blanchard, Velma Mae

From your heathen nephews

Sebastian & Christian

Bowles, Melissa Carole

Boyd, Laura Lynn

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

To my Pawpaw MARV

Bread, Charles Michael

From Ryder Cash

Bread, Dina Adele

At Half a Century old

Brokeshoulder, Tammy Lynn

You are still the best

Brown III, Curtis Jermain

Beer drinker I know!

Happy Birthday MARV

Butler, Brandon Linn

From Brown Sugar Davis

Butler, Breanna Pamela

Happy Birthday &

Campbell, Mikayla Jo

Happy Valentines Day

Carlson, Scottina Dakota

To the

Worlds Best MOM

Carr, Adoree Celeste

(Velma Blanchard)

Checotah, Eric Wayne

We love you very much!

Cloud, Doris ( Elephant )

Marvin & Sherry

Coddington, William Michael

Who is FIFTY & NIFTY

Copeland, Val Rochelle

Happy Birthday Marvin Smith

From Shawn & Marilyn

Cottrell, Ryan Thomas

Happy Birthday

Cozad, Anastasia E-mah-doh

JANICE LENA

Csoma, Alexander Attila

From

Daugherty, Kenneth

Coondog & Hotdog

th

Daugherty, Mikenna Hope

Happy 10 Birthday

Paige Gibson

Daugherty, Serena Mae

We Love You

Davis, Meghan Paige

Uncle Marvin & Mama Seal

Deardorff, Cynthia Ann

st

Happy 1 Birthday

Josh Foreman

From Marv & Sherry

Deer, Kylee Taryn

Deer, Michael Neil

Deere, Adina Ann

Edwards, Kenneth Lee

Ellis, Austin Chase

Ellis, Jeremy Michael

Ellis, Leroy

Emmons, Brian Ross

Ferrell, Ethan Shawn

Fixico, Stephen Anthony

Floyd, Jane Elizabeth

Foreman, Richard Eli

Frazier, Devon Leanne

Frazier, Shirley Fern

Geissler, Stephanie Dayle

Gibson Jr., Ronald Lewis

Gibson, Kylakay Virginia

Gibson, Loretta Mae

Gibson, Paige Nycole

Gibson, Paul Brian

Gilman, Juanita

Gomez, Wilma Sue

Goodman, Blake Samuel

Granstrom, Gayla Sue

Grass, Wayne

Ham, Jerred Mace

Ham, Rhonda Juliene

Harder, Ruth Ellen

Harjo, Benjamin Ray

Harjo, Reta Marie

Harper, Pauline Aileen S.

Hayes, Donna Kay Elkins

Hayes, Jocelyn Cynthia

Lorene

Herrera, Robert Manuel

Hibdon, Kendra Nicole

Hilderbrand, Amy Beth

Hill, Stephen Allen

Hood III, Warren Weslyon

Hood, Moria Oloizia

Huey, Sandra Lilrene

Jimerson Jr., Robert

Johnson Jr., Foster Calvin

Johnson Jr., Mark Benjamin

Johnson, Cleta Joyce

Blanchard

Johnson, Grayling Wade

Johnson, Henry Kirby

Johnson, Mark Benjamin

Johnson, Pauline Virginia

Johnson, Rahstin Allyn Sabbestiun

Johnson, Sandra Kay

Johnston, Diana Sue Alford

Judkins, Ashley Ann

Kane, Sharon Lavonne

Kaseca, Beatrice June

Kickapoo, Derek Anthony

Kitchen, Amber Elisabeth

Knight, Natalie Jean

Krackenberger, Sharon Lea

Kupczynski, Joseph Martin

Lalehparvaran, Ali Jordan

Laplant, Scotty Alan

Lasarge, Amos Dewayne

Lasenberry, Bobby Joe

Leath, Mary Loyse

Lehman, Joenita Leigh

Lena-Tiger, Camille Dawn

Lewis, Elain Kay

Lewis, Pamela Lynn

Limbaugh, Jodi Kathleen

Little Axe Eckles, Debra

Lynn

Little Axe Sr., Danny

Little Axe, Ronald Dean

Little Charley Jr., Scott

Little Charley, Wanda June

Little Creek, Larry Dwight

Littlebear, Brooklyn Shay

Littlebear, Grant Edwin

Littlebear, Laura Jan

Littlecreek, Cynthia Marie

Littlehead, Gary Lynn

Longhorn, Avis Elaine

Longhorn, Cynthia A.

Longhorn, Lindsey Marie

Longhorn, Nathan Neil

Longman, Sasha Mae

Lowe, Kara Michelle

Lumpmouth, Wynona Lee

Maddux, Jonathan Webster

Tiger

Mahardy, Jeffery Andrew

Mann, Colby Lee Richard

Marshall, Denia Kay

Martinez, Erica Inez

Martinez, Jasmine Consuelo

Martinez, Shawnee Danielle

Masquas, Joshiah Lee

May, Gina Lanette

McDowell, Farrell Ramon

McKane, Sidna Rae Lenee

McKinney, Ellen Marie

Medina, Elizabeth Ruth Ann

Melton, Jaycie Taylor

Miner, Veda Jorene

Molina Jr., Charles B.

Happy Valentine’s

Day 2011

TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT

RIGHTS OFFICE

RANDY EDGE

TERO DIRECTOR

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

redge@astribe.com

Phone 405.275.4030 ext.135

Cell 405.432.9859

JOB OPENINGS:

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

Laborers

19

On February 21, Absentee Shawnee Tribe will be closed for President’s Day. No Lunch will be

served or delivered.

The Older Americans Act “Spirit of

Elders” newsletter wanted some

stories from different Title VI Departments of the United States telling about some of the traditional

foods served and with the help

of the Elders at Little Axe; their

story was published in the January

newsletter.

Just a reminder when the Shawnee and Little Axe School Systems

are closed due to the weather, we

will be closed.

If you have any questions you can

call us at 405-275-4030 ext 169.

20

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

State of Oklahoma Approved for

Driver’s License Re-instatement.

FREE Smoke Alarms and

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

still Available!!

Little Axe Resource Center

10 hour DUI School – February 7, 8, & 9th

6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.

24 hour DUI School:

Begins February 14 and ends March 23rd.

6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. – Monday and Wednesday Nights

OEH personnel will provide and install smoke alarms

and/or carbon monoxide detectors for enrolled Absentee

Shawnee tribal members living in Pottawatomie, Cleveland, or Oklahoma County.

Shawnee Police Department

10 hour DUI School – February 9, 10, 11th

1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.

24 hour DUI School – February 22 through March 31st.

2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. – Tuesday and Thursday Afternoons

10 Hour fee - $150.00

24 Hour fee - $360.00

(Cash or Money order)

Please complete an application/short survey form and

schedule a time and date for installation. Application/

survey forms are available at the OEH office and at

www.astribe.com.

Please contact OEH at 214-4235 for more information.

Call the AST Police Department to sign up.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Enrollment office

Address Change Request

New Address:__________________________________________________

City: _________________________State ________Zip Code: ___________

County: ______________________ Home Phone (

)________________

Cell Phone (_____)________________

Tribal Member Signature

Date

21

Full Name:____________________________________________________

Please Mail to:

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Enrollment Office

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK. 74801

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

Date: ____________CDIB# _____________ Birth Date:________________

AST COUNTRY

Open 7 Days A Week!

Foster Parents

Needed!!!

Can you open your home and heart for a foster

child.? Foster parents provide a temporary, safe

home for children in crisis. Foster parents are

partners with child welfare workers, lawyers and

judges. It is not for everyone but if you have it in

your heart - we need you.

• Can you love and care for a child who comes

from a difficult background?

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

• Are you secure in yourself & your parenting

Skills?

• Can you maintain a positive attitude toward a

child’s parents?

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

FOSTER PARENTS PROVIDE A TEMPORARY,

SAFE HOME FOR CHILDREN IN CRISIS. THEY

ARE PARTNERS WITH WORKERS, LAWYERS,

AND JUDGES. IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE! CAN

YOU OPEN YOUR HOME AND HEART FOR A

FOSTER CHILD?

Many children need a loving home and a family

to help them through a very tough time. Please

think about it and talk with your family before you

become a foster home. They all need safe, supportive environments!

22

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

If you find yourself and your family interested in

Foster Care, please contact Melissa Lopez

405-275-4030 ext. 166.

366-7220

Early Bird Breakfast

$3.99 - 7 Days a Week

2 Eggs/Bacon or Sausage/Hash Browns

Biscuits & Gravy or Toast

(With coupon-No substitutions-Expires 9/30/10)

KITCHEN

Sunday - 7am to 7pm

Monday - 8am to 3pm

Tuesday - 8am to 3pm

Wednesday - 8am to 8pm

Thursday - 8am to 8pm

Friday - 8am to 10pm

Saturday - 7am to 10pm

Check Out Our Wednesday

Homemade Meatloaf Special

Meatloaf, Mashed potatoes, vegetable side,

salad, roll

$

6.99

Check out our daily homemade lunch

specials! Something different every day!

(In Front of Thunderbird Entertainment Center

Next to AST Smoke Shop)

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBAL PHARMACY

SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA

The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Pharmacy (Shawnee Location) can fill prescriptions

for enrolled tribal citizens only.

The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Clinic Pharmacy in Little Axe can fill prescriptions for

tribal citizens written by Physicians not located a Tribal Clinic under the following

circumstances:

1.

2.

The prescription is for an Absentee Shawnee Tribal citizen who has

an established chart at the Little Axe Clinic.

The prescription is on the formulary of approved medications and

stocked in the pharmacy.

If you’d like to submit an ad

or article give us a call at

(405) 275-4030 ext. 146 or

send us an e-mail at

mediadept@astribe.com

The following are a few tips to help us deliver pharmacy services to you more efficiently;

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

4 Keep us informed of all changes in address, phone number and other contact

information.

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

needs to be

delivered.

4 If you have any questions concerning your prescription please feel free to call

and talk

to our Pharmacist. They are here to assist you with your pharmaceutical

needs.

ALL ARTICLES WILL BE

SUBMITTED AS

RECEIVED.

Office of Environmental

Health & Engineering

• Tribal Housing Improvements Application

The Tribal Housing Improvement Program’s goal is providing sanitary, safe, and

decent housing for its members by utilizing the following criteria to select the

most “in need” tribal members with homes that are in disrepair but are still suitable for rehabilitation. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and

criteria which is approved by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

Applictions need to be completed and all necessary documents attached

before the application will be processed.

Applications are available online on the website: www.astribe.com.

Submit completed application to:

Office of Environmental Health & Engineering

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, Ok 74801

Absentee Shawnee Tribe Complex

Office of Environmental Health & Engineering, Building 13

If you have any questions, you can reach us by phone at (405) 214-4235

Little Axe Clinic • Little Axe Dental Clinic

15702 E. Hwy 9

Norman, Oklahoma 73026

Phone: (405) 447-0300 Fax: (405) 447-2250

Clinic Operating Hours

Monday thru Friday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00

p.m.

Weekends/Federal Holidays

Closed

* Clinic and Pharmacy will be closed the

3rd Wednesday of each month

from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY - FEBRUARY 2011

Other Programs available:

• Sanitation Facililties Assistance Program

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

23

THIP list all applicants by a priority list:

a.

Handicapped/Disabled and Elderly

b.

Income

c.

Family Size/Overcrowded Living Conditions

d.

Condition of Home

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

PRSRT

STANDARD MAIL

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 434

Shawnee, OK 74801

return service

requested

of Indians of Oklahoma

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, OK 74801

2011

TRIBAL PHONE NUMBERS

Tribal Complex

(405) 275-4030

or

1-800 256-3341

Building Blocks

(405 878-0633

Health Programs

(405) 878-4702

or

1-877-878-4702

Little Axe Clinic

(405) 447-0300

Little Axe Dental

(405) 307-9704

Shawnee Clinic

(405) 878-5850

Shawnee Pharmacy

(405) 878-5859

Behavioral Health

(405) 848-4716

LA Resource Center

(405) 364-7298

or

(405) 364-7569

LA Cultural Center

(405) 447-3372

AST Police

(405) 275-3200

or

(405) 275-3432

OEH/OEP

(405) 214-4235

AS Housing Authority

(405) 273-1050

Thunderbird Casino

(405) 360-9270

or

1-800-259-LUCK

AST Media Dept

(405) 598-1279

AST Media Dept

Fax (405) 598-1294

AST Tribal Grocery &

SmokeShop Little Axe

(405) 364-0668

AST Country Kitchen

(405) 366-7220

AST Smokeshop

in Harrah

(405) 454-0055