# February 2018

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3A6935cf108059c737

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

February 2018

“Among the Shawnee”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2
5
6
8

Governor’s Report
Treasurer Report
Building Blocks
AST Health

12
14
15
16

Emergency Management
Tax Commission
Election Commission
Title VI

19
20
24
26

In Memory
Birthdays
Domestic Violence
Diabetes & Wellness

28
30
31
34

Elder’s Corner
OILS
Education
Enrollment

Volume 29 No. 02

The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Secretary Appointee Ezra Delodge
sworn in 1/22/18, at Tribal court house, Shawnee, OK.

Election Commissioner John Al Little Axe And AST Secretary Ezra Delodge.

2018 Primary Election cancelled! Details found on page 15.

Executive Committee

Edwina Butler-Wolfe

John Johnson

Ezra Delodge

Leah Bender

Anthony Johnson

Governor

Lt. Governor

Secretary

Treasurer

Representative

Monthly Executive Committee meetings can be watched online at astribe.com

Governor’s Report
Hello My Absentee Shawnee Tribal People!
I Hope everyone had a Happy and Safe New Year. The flu is a great concern with
the Executive Committee and we hope that everyone has already received their flu
shot, if not, it is never too late to get one. Please make time to stop by the Shawnee
or Little Axe Health Clinic during normal operating hours.
As we started our new year, I was able to reach out to the Absentee Shawnee Tribal
People and scheduled a Tribal Address to you, the people of our Great Tribe. Since
I have been elected as your Governor for the past 5 years I felt that there was a need
to address the accomplishments and the struggles that I had encountered. The Tribal
Address took place on January 13, 2018, at the Health Multi-Purpose Building here
on the Absentee Shawnee Campus. There were 30 to 35 tribal people that attended
to hear the Governor’s Address. I would like to thank those people for their time
that they took out of their busy schedule to come and listen to what has transpired
with their tribe the last 5 years. For those who could not come to the Address our
Media Director, Sherman Tiger, videotaped the entire Address and it is on the www.
astribe.com website. At the beginning of the address, I welcomed everyone and
introduced the Executive Committee: Lt. Governor John Johnson, Treasurer Leah
Bender, Representative Anthony Johnson were all in attendance. In addition, I did
announce the appointment of the new Secretary, Mr. Ezra Delodge.

Code and Code of Conduct pertaining to the Executive Committee. Both referendums passed.
Resolution E-AS-2014-39- Salary Code passed by Executive Committee August
20, 2014 unanimously 4-0.
Resolution Code of Conduct E-AS-2014-38- was passed by Executive Committee
August 20, 2014 with voting of: Lt. Governor Isaac Gibson – YES, Secretary Vera
Dawsey – NO, Treasurer Leah Bates – NO, Representative Kenneth Blanchard
– YES, Voting was a tie 2-2, which required the Governor to vote. Governor
Edwina Butler-Wolfe – YES. MOTION PASSED 3-2 VOTE.
The Salary Code was not implemented until January 2015 due to some confusion
of the Treasurer, Leah Bates, on the effective date. This issue had to take place
in tribal court with Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe and Representative Kenneth
Blanchard filing a Declaratory Judgement against Treasurer Bates as when the date
would be effective.
The AST Court decision was rendered and declared the effective date of August 20,
2014, Case CIV-2014-109 was the assigned case number.

The following accomplishments were mentioned:

Additional Referendum Action by the Absentee Shawnee People

Tobacco Compact negotiated.
Ramah Settlement approximately $2M that was distributed to the Tribal Members.
Negotiated settlement against a pharmaceutical drug company to the tribe.
Contract Support Cost Settlement.
ATOKA Pipeline is still in settlement progress.
Agreement with the Sac and Fox Nation to provide juvenile detention services for
the Tribe.
Purchased land on Hardesty and 177 highway and Charley Starr allotment.
Return our Absentee Shawnee Tribal Child the was unlawfully removed from
Oklahoma for an out
of state adoption.
Updated the Tribe’s Traffic Codes and Juvenile Codes.
HEARTH ACT authorizing the enactment of the business site leasing ordinance.

April 4, 2015- General Council discussion by council membership voiced their
concerns to put more restriction of future candidates running for any elected position to have a valid driver’s license, a negative drug test, and have a high school
diploma or GED.

Referendum Vote:
2014 June Election- Vote by the Absentee Shawnee People to implement the Salary

2

Resolution E-AS-2015-40 was passed in the Regular Executive Committee Meeting, August 24, 2015, recognizing the results of the referendum vote on June
20,2015, as certified by the Election commission,
to amend the Election Ordinance and require that candidates for office: 1) must
have a high school diploma or GED; 2) must possess a valid Oklahoma Driver’s
License; and 3) must have a negative drug and alcohol test result.
The additional referendum vote action by the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Council
Membership was to increase the election commission budget to $50,000.00.
These were just a few of the highlighted topics that I had mentioned; however,
there are many more topics of battles and struggles in the last five (5) years as

Oklahoma. The ideas need to be bigger. I’ve sat and watched our tribe fester into
confusion and ill will towards each other. The AST People and Executive Committee need to re-examine their goals, start getting involved with the future. The
chances of us to save our identity are decreasing day by day and we need to utilize
other businesses to sustain our identity and cultural traditions. I will continue to be
a voice for our tribal people in this venture as we build for a better future.

Governor.
I did mention the Cattle and made an onsite visit at both sites, Little Axe and Shawnee on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. My first stop was at the Little Axe site and was
accompanied by Lt. Governor John Johnson, Representative Anthony Johnson,
Kevin Blanchard and Andy Warrior. I am happy to report the cattle appeared very
healthy. We have at the time of my visit 25 cows plus a donkey not included. As
the days pass we are increasing the numbers as the 25 cows will be having babies.
If they all have good births and survive.
The Shawnee site which is near the Earlsboro and I-40 Exit was accompanied by
Lt. Governor John Johnson and Andy Warrior and John Mann. We have 92 heads
of cattle at this site. Both sets of cattle look like very healthy cows are being cared
for from the day I made my visit.
At the Little Axe site there are much needed repairs to be done on the fencing. The
Executive Committee and I should really take a good look at what the cost to date
has been for the tribe and what we really want this project to do for the tribe now
and in the future. At this point in time, I cannot give you the most needed information of how much the cost has been as I do not have those figures but will work to
get a long-range plan for this project and a true cost.
I would like to thank John Mann, Kevin Blanchard and Andy Warrior for taking
care and attending to the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Cattle Project. Also, the AST
Tribal maintenance department for their help in the project.
Other needs of the Tribe would be to investigate contracting for the Department
of Defense. It seems President Trump is allocating more funds to this area. Fortunately for the Tribe, we do have a tribal member who has knowledge already in this
area and could be utilized to explore Defense Contracts to help bring in additional
revenue into the tribe. At some point, the Tribe needs to explore other revenue
producing businesses to supplement our gaming revenue.
Some areas of possible projects for the Tribe:
Government Contracting
Medical Marijuana this topic will be placed on the State Ballot in June 2018 to be
voted on by the Citizens of Oklahoma.
Charter School for Native Youth.
The Collier Case which is the land issue between the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and
the Citizen Potawatomi Tribe.
Land into Trust.
CLOSING
The Native American Technology sector needs to be more heavily researched and
invested in. We, the tribe, need to consider being leaders and examples of being a
highly advanced tribal nation. I say we invest in technology manufacturing ownership. We can pull resources from outside and inside for engineers and technology
majors. The opportunity will increase education and job growth for our youth as
well as middle aged people. The future is creeping on us and we need to jump on
the “spaceship” or we’re going to be left behind.
The United States has failed to be leaders in cleaner energy needs and due to poor
administration leaders in Washington, DC at this current time. This is the opportunity to show the world we as Native Americans can band and unite like our leader
Tecumseh tried to do 200 plus years ago. The Great Shawnee Nation has the international assistance as well. The entire world is moving to cleaner energy, 139
countries are moving to cleaner energy with wind, solar, and various other methods
that are eco-friendly. This would decrease the environmental impact on our planet
and the way our life is headed.
Opening these channels would allow our tribal nation to negotiate with the federal
government in government contracting with defense and other ventures not limited
to energy and medical. It’s time we expand beyond Shawnee and Little Axe and
move forward with the rest of the world. The world is advancing around us and we
need to be more conscious of our place in the world not just Shawnee or Little Axe,

December and January Governor’s Meetings:
18th
Tribal Office Closed only the AST Campus due to water was shut

off the morning of
December 18, Everyone reported to work at 1:00 pm.
21st

Directors Meeting:
Departments that attended:
Police, Media, Domestic Violence, Building Blocks III, Education, Building Blocks II, Social Services, Cultural Preservation,
Absentee Shawnee Housing, Health.
Executive Committee Members that attended: Governor

22nd

Christmas luncheon with oversite directors and staff in the
conference room

25th & 26th

Christmas Break- Offices Closed

27th

Interviews for selection of the Office of the Secretary
Selection was made: Ezra Delodge.

28th

2:00 pm meeting with David Rolette, Teacher and AST Tribal
Member at Shawnee Public
School. Jacob Tsotigh, South Central Comprehensive Center
and I met on discussion
Of In-service training for the Shawnee Public School Teachers.

JANUARY
1ST & 2ND

Tribal Office Closed

2nd

CTSA Training at 9:00 am

3rd

9:00 am CTSA Monthly Board Meeting
11:30 am- In-service training at Shawnee Public School. David

Rolette, Teacher and Coach Jacob Tsotigh, South Central

Comprehensive Center, Graham Primeaux, Shawnee Title VI Director, Kristen Wilson, Shawnee Public School Board Member and myself.
6th

White Turkey Meeting

8th
Met with a local tax person of possible working with our tribe

with tax filing for our tribal Members.
9th

Day outing to count our cattle

12th

Attended the 40 Year State Champion Event at Dale High School
where I was one of many former basketball players honored for
winning the first girls basketball championship.

13th

Tribal Address speech at 11:00 am

15th

Martin Luther King Day – Tribal Office Closed

16th

Health Board Meeting

17th
Executive Meeting was postponed due to Tribal Veteran Funeral

Services
2:00 pm DOJ (Department of Justice) Meeting- Discussion of
Tribal Justice
Strategic Planning.
18th

3

Executive Committee Meeting at 10:00 am.

EXPRESSIONS
For those families who lost a loved one this month I offer my sincere condolences to
you and your family on your loss.
CONCLUSION
My door is always open (unless I am in a meeting or at a meeting) and I welcome
your visits.
Help me to make a difference – stand beside me and Let us Build for the Future
(BFF) – united and together!
Respectfully,

Ezra Delodge is sworn in as Tribal Secretary
LtoR: Representative Anthony Johnson, Treasurer Leah Bender, Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe, Lt. Governor John Johnson, and Secretary Ezra
Delodge

Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe
405 275-4030, Ext: 6308
405 481-0397 Tribal Cell Phone

Edwina Butler-Wolfe is honored along with her teammates for winning the first Girls Basketball Championship for Dale High School.
Governor Edwina Butler-Wolf meets with Shawnee Schools educators.
LtoR: David Rolette, Teacher & Softball coach at Shawnee High School;
Kristen Wilson, Shawnee School board member; Gov. Edwina Butler-Wolfe, AST; Jacob Tsotigh, OU South Central Comprehensive Center;
Graham Primeaux, Director of Indian Education, Shawnee Public Schools

Tribe members attend the Governor’s address January 13, 2018.

Gov. Edwina Butler-Wolf with basketball coach Harold Jones

Governor attends 40 year State Championship reunion, Dale High School
LtoR (Back): Coach Harold Jones, Vicki Butler-Wilson, Lynna Goss-Taylor,
Lora Long-Wapepah, Kay Stith Walck, Gov. Edwina Butler-Wolf.
(Front): Terri Flewallin Griffith, Maxanne Morgan Kline, Kim Bly Blakely
(Kneeling): Tina Stith Burgess, Teresa Jordan, Gay Stith Faulk

Gov Edwina Butler-Wolfe poses with State Championship trophy
and teammate Vicki Butler-Wilson.

4

Treasurer
o
Disaster Recovery
o
Unified Purchasing
o
Reorganization – two separate systems between the government
and Health IT systems for added efficiency and security;
o
Software upgrades
o
January 2018 begin creation of Policy and Procedures for MIS/IT
•
Net Forum: DATA tracking and easy access for information for
Tribal members
•
Prodigy: Working with Secretaries office and enrollment on our
current software system that provides a large scale of capabilities that
were never used to the maximum.
•
Grants and Compliance-Grants management software to manage
all grants from financials, reports, and deadlines;’ ensure compliance
with all state, federal, and private grants to ensure the successful financial
management of grants and contracts in order to go after additional grants
and contracts with a stronger success rate;
•
Comprehensive Planning for tribal departments goals and
achievements’ to ensure positive growth to begin in January 2018.
•
Strategic Planning for the tribe to assist us with managing cultural, economic, governmental community, and health assets to begin in
January 2018.
•
Create protocols for successful economic development strategies
for the Tribe.
•
Developing Templates for RFP’s (contracts) and developing, implementing, and establishing a more efficient proposal process.
The current Executive Committee has worked diligently to provide
support and communication to my office to achieve the overall goal of
success for the tribe. We will progress forward and accomplish goals
each and every day as a team.

Treasurer’s Report -- January
2018
By Leah Bender, AST Treasurer

The Executive Council’s overall goal is to diversify tribal government
and guide positive future growth of the Tribe. We have, as members of
the E.C., analyzed governmental systems and developed new strategies in order for the Tribe to successfully move in a positive direction.
During the last six months, I initiated and developed many different
projects that successfully navigated positive change for the Tribe. The
following is a list of completed and in-progress projects I have initiated
during my time as your Treasurer:
•
All Nations Bank: currently working with the EC for development of the strategic planning process in order for the bank to take on
positive growth; financial training for the E.C. to understand its role as
shareholder’s representatives;
•
ASEDA, Inc.: Spearheading the recruitment and selection of the
new Board members, Strategic Board development, program and fiscal
accountability; Strategic Planning, Budgeting, transparency, Action
Plans, program development;
•
Finance:
o
Began 2017 comprehensive Audit-Target completion date by
May 2018; this will assure compliance with proper accounting and fiscal
responsibility to the Tribe;
o
Policies & Procedures development-Target completed by January
2018. This will assist the Tribe in better management and oversight of
fiscal processes to align our financial goals growth;
o
Inventory System-Procurement and Finance for Asset tracking:
this will assist us with better monitoring of Tribal funds and assets
o
Investment Policy-Completed by December; this includes the
management and oversight of the Minors’ Per Capita Fund so these funds
will grow now and in the future;
o
Electronic record keeping for Executive Committee members
review at any time
•
Procurement:
o
Development of the paperless system (LaserFiche) which improves accountability and environmental outputs;
o
Auction: Working with Representative’s office for clearing out
our inventory and storage space in order to develop additional fund revenue for the Tribe;
o
Vendor set up and authorization’s for purchasers which includes
a more streamlined system to better manage and maintain the flow of
goods
o
Policies and Procedures Completed by January 2017: institute
and develop a better management system for procurement of goods and
services on behalf of the Tribe
•
MIS: Implement the following practices to better manage electronic systems to benefit the Tribe:
o
Cyber Security
o
Asset Tracking

5

Building Blocks

Child Care Development Fund
(CCDF) Programs
The CCDF Subsidy program allows Native American parents the
opportunity to seek quality child care while they are employed
full-time or attending school up to a bachelor’s degree in a fulltime program with the goal to obtain full-time employment. As
of 10/1/17, we have 28 children from 16 families who receive
child care assistance through the subsidy portion of the CCDF
grant. Of those, 9 are AST Children and 6 families have a family
member who is employed with the AST or one of its enterprises.
The purpose of this program is to maintain compliance with the
CCDF guidelines and ensure the proper use of funds. We are
currently in our subsidy renewal period and hope to assist just as
many families and children as our last fiscal year.
As the CCDF Coordinator, I have submitted the required FY2017
reports to the funding agency. The next CCDF Plan Preprint will
be due in 2019. When the time comes, the CCDF program will
hold a public hearing to review the proposed changes as was
done in 2016.
Building Blocks CDC II & III continue to operate according to
the CCDF guidelines as well as the Oklahoma DHS licensing
standards. BBII again received the Excellence certification from
the Certified Healthy Oklahoma program through the Oklahoma
State Department of Health. BBII will be able to use the distinction when referencing accomplishments to the public and to
families interested in enrolling.
The Horse Shoe Bend After School Program (ASP) has opened
for the spring semester of the 2017-2018 school year. The Horse
Shoe Bend ASP provide after school services and tutoring for the
North Rock Creek Schools.
The AST Shawnee After School Program has once again opened
on the Tribal Complex for the 2017-2018 school year. The program is located in the modular buildings across from Building
Blocks II. We are open after school only and provide tutoring
and supervision throughout the school year. Currently there are
21 children in our ASP Shawnee program who are transported
from Shawnee and Tecumseh Schools.
Our goals through the CCDF grant, Building Blocks enterprise
and the After School Programs is to provide quality child care to
Native and non-native children in our communities. We do this
by our innovative ideas on curriculum and staying abreast of all

6

training and requirements to maintain higher levels of care.
We strive to be the best and be better than the best every day.
If you are interested in any of these programs or have any
questions please feel free to contact me at the number above
or by email, briana.ponkilla@astribe.com.
Ni yi wa! (Thank you)
Briana Ponkilla
CCDF Coordinator

Building Blocks

Building Blocks CDC II, Shawnee February News
We had such a busy December and January.
December: The children were able to enjoy their Christmas parties with a special guest, SANTA! Who left a gift for each of the children at the center! We
would like to say thank you to the AST Police Department and a very special
thank you to Officer Brinker for making sure Santa arrived safely. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the Annual Christmas Program due to having so many
children out with the Flu; we can happily report that it seems the flu has finally
left the center.
January: January is always a bit quieter for the center as the kids head back to
school and we settle into a new year. But as always the kids keep us on our toes.
Due to colder temperatures, outdoor play is limited but they have the same energy which makes for fun Big Room time and activities.

BUILDING BLOCKS
Dates to Remember:
February 14:
Valentine’s Parties at 3:00pm
February 19:
Closed for President’s Day

Absentee Shawnee Tribe
of Oklahoma
Building Blocks CDC
16051 Little Axe Drive
Norman, OK 73026
P: (405) 360-2710
F: (405) 360-2726

7

AST Health System

ASTHS February 2018 Monthly Update

The year in review for 2017 showed it was another great year for your AST
Health System! We’re increasing patient care and access to even more services, more
reliable, for more tribal members, generating more employment opportunities and
revenue for the health programs than has ever been achieved in the tribe’s history within its health programs!
Highest third party revenue month, ever recorded by health, breaking 2 more record setting months in 2017!
More AST Tribal Members received approved contract health services than ever – in the Tribe’s history! More
pharmacy coverage provided to patients and tribal members – than ever! We added thousands of new
patients to our services, saw a huge return of AST members coming back to their health system, as well as
maintaining great customer service and ever improving patient satisfaction scores! The Healthy Business
Award from the OK State Health Department was awarded again to the health system, further illustrating our
continued ability to promote and advance health and wellness to our patients and community. We continue
to sustain our nationally recognized Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and
actively are preparing for our third year re-assessment. We also continue unprecedented patient services
expansion never before seen by your health system year to year, with more renovation projects and growth
by the tribe, improving the facilities and business atmosphere desired by our patients! Please continue to use
your flu precautions as we are in an unprecedented season this year as well as the possibility and concern of a
second flu outbreak this year. We will continue to advise you on the status and preparations as more
information becomes available. Patients will experience longer than usual wait times at the walk-in clinics due
to the significant amount of flu patients experiencing symptoms or coming down with the full blown flu virus.
We wish everyone a prosperous and very Happy New Year, and continued good health in this New Year – we
are strong and great because of our patients, our staff, and the tribe - thank you for your dedicated support!
We are always thankful and very proud of our outstanding star performers, and thank them all for their
contributions to our patients, their fellow employees, and the tribe! Employee of the year for 2017 was Lisa
Harrington, Diabetes and Wellness Director. She was elected to represent the staff and employees by vote of
the employees of the health system from the 12 eligible Employees of the month awardees from 2017. The
AST Health System strives to make your health its top priority, and you all make a difference for our health
system and the health and wellness of all of our patients!
Employee of the Month
Team of the Month
Special Leadership Award

Health Employee Awards of the Month
Marvin Smith, LAHC Behavioral Health Counselor
James Wilbanks and Vanessa Coon, Electronic Health Records team
Misty McGirt, LAHC Housekeeping/Maintenance

Mark E. Rogers, MAL, FACHE, CMPE, CHC
Executive Director

8

Date:
Mon., Jan.1st
(New Year’s Day)
Wed., Jan 3rd
(1st Wed of Month)
Mon., Jan 15th
(MLK Jr. Day)

Time(s)
Closed:
All Day
Noon to 5
PM
All Day

Locations:

AST Health System

All AST Health facilities CLOSED except PlusCare Clinic OPEN 9a until 5p (last patient accepted at
4:30p)
All AST Health facilities CLOSED
- PlusCare Clinic & Shawnee Clinic Ext Hours re-OPEN at 5p until 9p (last patient accepted at 8:30p)
All AST Health facilities CLOSED except PlusCare Clinic OPEN 9a until 5p (last patient accepted at
4:30p)

History:
The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Vocational Rehabilitation Program has provided vocational services to American Indians since 1994, and transition services to students since 2009. Our goal
is to develop and provide specialized services to American Indian students with a disability. We
want to help these students that are making a transition from high school to work or who are
seeking post-secondary education.

February 2018 - Scheduled Closings
January 2018 - Scheduled Closings

Date:

Time(s)
Locations:
Closed:
Date: on an individual’s
Time(s)
Locations:
Depending
th needs and goals, will determine which services are best for you.
Wed.,
Feb.
7
Noon
to
5
AllfeesAST
CLOSED
However, some services that we canClosed:
provide include testing
suchHealth
as SATs &facilities
ACTs, assistive
devices,
evaluations,
and
various
other
services.
st
(1stMon.,
Wed of
month)
PM
-AllPlusCare
Clinic
& Shawnee
Clinic
Ext Hours
re-OPEN
5p until
9p (last
patient
accepted
at 8:30p)
Jan.1
AST Health
facilities
CLOSED
except
PlusCare
Clinicat
OPEN
9a until
5p (last
patient
accepted
at
th
All
Day
Qualifications:
Mon.,
Feb.
19
All
AST
Health
facilities
CLOSED
except
PlusCare
Clinic
OPEN
9a
until
5p
(last
patient
accepted
at
(New Year’s Day)
4:30p)
All Day
Must
be an enrolled member
a junior or senior in high school,
rd of a federally recognized tribe,
(President’s
Day)
4:30p)
Wed., Jan 3
Noon to 5 All AST Health facilities CLOSED
Services Than Can Be Provided:

and must reside in one of the seven counties served by the Iowa Tribe Vocational Rehabilitation
must also provide documentation
of your
disability and
this can&include
a
(1stProgram.
Wed You
of Month)
PM
- PlusCare
Clinic
Shawnee
Clinic Ext Hours re-OPEN at 5p until 9p (last patient accepted at 8:30p)
doctor’s
or theth
IEP
plan from your
school. weather forecast, please call ahead for possible health system closure or delay:
* Instatement
the event
ofora504
predicted
severe

Mon., Jan 15
(MLK Jr. Day)

All AST Health facilities CLOSED except PlusCare Clinic OPEN 9a until 5p (last patient accepted at
4:30p)

All Day
CountiesLittle
We Serve:
Axe Health Center
at (405) 447-0300, Shawnee Clinic at (405)878-5850 or PlusCare at (405)447-0477
Kay, Noble, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Lincoln, and Logan

**Health closures/delays are posted on the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health Facebook wall “Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health”,
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
Contact: Christa McClellan
Twitter
@ASTHealth
& on ASTHS website
at www.asthealth.org
Vocational
Rehabilitation
Program
Phone: 405-547-5721
P.O. Box 728
Perkins, OK 74059

Date:

Time(s)
Closed:
th
Wed., Feb. 7
Noon to 5
(1st Wed of month)
PM
th
Mon., Feb. 19
All Day
(President’s Day)

February 2018 - Scheduled Closings

Toll Free: 1-888-336-4692
E-mail: cmcclellan@iowanation.org

Locations:

WE ARE ON THE INTERNET: www.bahkhoje.com

All AST Health facilities CLOSED
- PlusCare Clinic & Shawnee Clinic Ext Hours re-OPEN at 5p until 9p (last patient accepted at 8:30p)
All AST Health facilities CLOSED except PlusCare Clinic OPEN 9a until 5p (last patient accepted at
4:30p)

Sign up, stay connected.

* In the event of a predicted severe weather forecast, please call ahead for possible health system closure or delay:
Little Axe Health Center at (405) 447-0300, Shawnee Clinic at (405)878-5850 or PlusCare at (405)447-0477

ONLINE PATIENT PORTAL

**Health closures/delays are posted on the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health Facebook wall “Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health”,
Twitter @ASTHealth & on ASTHS website at www.asthealth.org

for our Little Axe Health Center and Shawnee Clinic
Need to schedule an appointment? Ask a question? View lab results?
Now, Little Axe Health Center and Shawnee Clinic patients can connect
with their health records and care providers via our real-time, secure patient portal. Go to www.asthealth.org/patient-portal to register.
For more help, call your clinic, and we’ll walk you through it.

Install the app
on iPhone or
Android for
real-time access
to your health
information

HEALTH SYSTEM

S H AW N E E C L I N I C 4 0 5 . 8 78 . 5 8 5 0 o r 8 7 7. 8 78 . 470 2 ( TO L L - F R E E )

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AST Health System

C O N T R A C T H E A LT H S E R V I C E S N E W S
The AST Contract Health Services
Team is here to assist you.

Please follow the CHS guidelines.
Keep a copy on hand
and update your information.

EMERGENCY AND URGENT
CARE SERVICES
CHS for a currently enrolled AST member who
resides in the defined catchment area and needs
emergent or urgent care.
1. Call the On-Call nurse at 405.447.0300,
option 9 for triage.
2. Notify CHS on the next business day or within
72 hours after your ER visit. Notification does not
assure authorization of payment. However, if you
do not notify CHS within 72 hours, your bills will not
be paid.
3. For AST members with no insurance, evidence
must exist that your visit was medically necessary.
Medical priorities have been established for determining which referrals can be authorized for payment.
4. For AST members with insurance, evidence
must exist that a third-party resource has made the
determination such services were “emergency care”
or “urgent care.” Such evidence my include payment from private insurance.
5. In the event that you receive a bill from a provider, please provide a copy to CHS. You may leave bills
at the Little Axe Health Center CHS office or the
Shawnee Clinic CHS office.

CONTRACT HEALTH SERVICES
FOR AST MEMBERS
WITH INSURANCE

CONTRACT HEALTH SERVICES
FOR AST MEMBERS
WITHOUT INSURANCE

CHS for a currently enrolled AST member who resides in the defined catchment area and has Medicare or private insurance.

CHS for a currently enrolled AST member who
resides in the defined catchment area and does not
have insurance.

1. To complete existing CHS patient updates, please
visit Patient Registration at either the Little Axe
Health Center or Shawnee Clinic during regular
hours of operation.

1. You must apply for all resources available to you,
such as: Medicaid, Medicare, Worker’s Compensation, Vocational Rehabilitation, auto insurance and
other personal injury or liability coverage. CHS staff
and/or Patient Benefit Advocates can assist you
with the application process for alternate resources.
Failure to exhaust available or potentially available
alternate resources may result in denial of payment.

For new AST tribal members, to become established
for CHS services, please make an appointment to
see the New Patient Coordinator/PBA at either the
Little Axe Health Center or Shawnee Clinic during
regular hours of operation.
2. Notify CHS at least 48 hours prior to appointment
date for a Coordination of Benefits (COB) to be
sent to the provider.
3. Inform provider/health facility that AST CHS is a
secondary payer/payer of last resort.
4. In the event that you receive a bill from a provider,
please provide a copy to CHS. You may leave bills at
the Little Axe Health Center or Shawnee Clinic.

EASY ACCESS
Contract Health Services is conveniently
located in Little Axe Health Center and in
Shawnee Clinic, Building 16.
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
Closed on Holidays
All facilities closed the first Wednesday of the month from Noon to 5pm.

2. To complete existing CHS patient updates, please
visit Patient Registration at either the Little Axe
Health Center or Shawnee Clinic during regular
hours of operation.
For new AST tribal members, to become established
for CHS services, please make an appointment to
see the New Patient Coordinator/PBA at either the
Little Axe Health Center or Shawnee Clinic during
regular hours of operation.
3. You must utilize the services provided within AST
health clinics prior to being referred out.
4. Referrals for outside services must be sent to CHS.
Services must be medically approved by an AST
Health provider and/or CMMR Committee.
5. An appointment will be scheduled, and a COB will
be sent to the outside provider.
6. In the event that you receive a bill from a provider,
please provide a copy to CHS. You may leave bills at
the Little Axe Health Center or Shawnee Clinic.

I M P O RTA N T C O N TAC TS

BILLING & PAYMENT INQUIRIES
Little Axe Health Center & Shawnee Clinic

REFERRAL MANAGEMENT
Little Axe Health Center

REFERRAL MANAGEMENT
Shawnee Clinic

Glendine Blanchard, CHS Coordinator
Darla Gatzman, CH Technician
Chelle Foreman, Medical Claims Examiner
Lena Carol, CH Technician
Kareena Deere, CH Technician/Medical Records

Debi Sloat, CHS Coordinator/RN
Sharon Littlecreek, Patient Care Manager/LPN
Jayne Werst, CH Specialist, Medicaid Patients
Kelly Armstrong, CH Specialist, IHS Patients/LPN
Jennifer Wells, CH Technician
Melinda Ferrell, PBA, Dental Referrals

Flo Mann, CH Specialist, AST Patients/LPN
Laurie Webber, CH Specialist, IHS Patients/LPN
Carrie Stanley, CH Specialist, Medicaid patients/
Medical Assistant

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER CHS

SHAWNEE CLINIC CHS

405.701.7951 (Please follow voice prompts)
405.447.0300 (Secondary)

405.878.5850 (Primary)
405.878.4702 (Secondary)

10

HEALTH SYSTEM

Dear Absentee
Shawnee Tribal
Members:
My name is Atheda Edwards-Fletcher and I
am soliciting your support in my pursuit of
the position of Tribal Representative in the
upcoming tribal election. I wish to get all
tribal members to take a closer look at my
qualifications and why I am the best choice
for the office of Tribal Representative.
I want to bring fresh ideas and positive
solutions to the management of the programs that are currently the responsibility
of the Tribal Representative. If elected, I
will diligently work to preserve our tribal
language; ensure that our distinct traditions
and culture are kept alive and thriving; and
strive to bring all tribal members together to preserve our history.
Our language is primarily spoken by middle-aged or older adults, and if no one is
speaking a language, it will slowly die away. Scholars project that without immediate and persistent action; only 20 native languages will still be spoken by 2050.
My goal is to provide operational excellence and sound financial management to
maximize the usage of funds for these programs that will support the continuation of
our language, traditions and culture so that they do not go to the wayside. If elected,
I will actively work alongside the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer to protect
our historical properties and cultural traditions. I will embrace the responsibilities
for the preservation of significant historic properties on tribal lands and represent
our tribe to the fullest of my abilities. All of this work will require development of
programs, research, grants, and advocacy work. All this can be achieved along with
growing our tribe organizationally in this modern time.
The Tribal Representative is also responsible for Human Resources. I bring to the
table more than 10 years of professional experience gained with a Fortune 100 corporation where I managed high-value, multimillion dollar programs and managed
many of the day-to-day human resources issues. I am a certified Human Resources
professional, with a B.A. degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, wherein I graduated at the top of
my class. I was also presented with the Multicultural Student Services Certificate
of Academic Excellence. I believe that I can contribute to the general framework
of the Human Resources Department to ensure effective operations and continual
improvement.
Never has it been more important to elect a person who is unbiased; who can represent every tribal member’s voice; someone who will work tirelessly to bring about
positive changes to our tribe; someone who is willing to act in the Tribe’s best interest and bring a higher level of cooperation and management to the forefront. I
believe that I am capable of meeting the challenge and I look forward to the work
ahead. I ask that you cast your vote for me in this upcoming election.
Atheda W. (Edwards) Fletcher

11

Emergency Management

Snowstorms and Extreme Cold - Part I

Have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:
Extra blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter coats

This article will be Part I of a series of articles on this topic that will explain what
action to take when a winter storm alert is given and what to do before, during, and
after a snowstorm or extreme cold.

Fireplace or wood-burning stove with plenty of dry firewood, or a gas log fireplace

Part I: Before and During Snowstorms and Extreme Cold

Fully winterize your vehicle: Have a mechanic check antifreeze, brakes, heater and
defroster, tires, and windshield wipers to ensure they are in good shape. Keep your
gas tank at least half full.

Know Your Risk
A winter storm occurs when there is significant precipitation and the temperature
is low enough that precipitation forms as sleet or snow, or when rain turns to ice. A
winter storm can range from freezing rain and ice, to moderate snowfall over a few
hours, to a blizzard that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied
by dangerously low temperatures.
Winter storms can cause power outages that last for days. They can make roads and
walkways extremely dangerous or impassable and close or limit critical community
services such as public transportation, child care, health programs and schools. Injuries and deaths may occur from exposure, dangerous road conditions, and carbon
monoxide poisoning and other conditions.
Before Snowstorms and Extreme Cold

Prepare your home:

Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.

Fill a gallon container with water and place them in the freezer to help keep food
cold.
A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the NWS
for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your
local emergency services.
During Snowstorms and Extreme Cold
•

Stay indoors during the storm.

•
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day;
don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule and your route; stay on
main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.

o
Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house
knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to
alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
o

Make sure you have a cell phone with an emergency charging option (car, solar,
hand crank, etc.) in case of a power failure
.
People who depend on electricity to operate medical equipment should have alternate arrangements in place in case power is out for an extended period of time.

Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located
and how to operate it in case you lose power.

Make an emergency kit for at least three days of self-sufficiency.

o
Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping
around your doors and window sills to keep the warm air inside
o

Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.Sand to
improve traction.

Plan to bring pets inside.

•
Keep space heater safety in mind: Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Remember to keep all heat sources
at least three feet away from furniture and drapes.
•

Keep an extra emergency kit specifically created for your car. In addition to the
basic essentials, consider adding a portable cell phone charger, ice scraper, extra
blanket, sand for traction and jumper cables.

Plan to check on elderly/disabled relatives and neighbors.

•
Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together
when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another,
how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
•

Prepare your vehicle:

•

Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.

o
Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with
plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.

•
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a
heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. Use caution, take breaks, push
the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads.

Consult a professional to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually
heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do
not work.

•
Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

If you have a wood burning fireplace, consider storing wood to keep you warm
if winter weather knocks out your heat. Also, make sure you have your chimney
cleaned and inspected every year.

•
If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight,
warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should
be tightly woven and water repellent
•

12

Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.

Emergency Management
•

Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to reduce heat loss.

•
The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity,
heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.
•
Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your
home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon
monoxide.
•
If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location
outdoors or by an open window or door.
•
Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency
personnel arrive to assist you.
Stay or Go
STAY:
•
If stuck on the road to avoid exposure and/or when rescue is likely
•
If a safe location is neither nearby or visible
•
If you do not have appropriate clothing to go outside
•
If you do not have the ability to call for help
GO:
•
If the distance to call for help is accessible.
•
If you have visibility and outside conditions are safe.
•
If you have appropriate clothing.
•
Once the storm has passed, if you are not already home, follow instructions
from your local transportation department and emergency management agency to
determine if it is safe to drive and, if so, which route will be safest for you to get home.
Drive with extra caution.

Cold Related Illness
•
Frostbite is a serious condition that’s caused by exposure to extremely
cold temperatures.
o
a white or grayish-yellow skin area
o
skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
o
numbness
o
If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care.
•
Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, is a dangerous
condition that can occur when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures.
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s
produced. Lengthy exposures will eventually use up your body’s stored energy,
which leads to lower body temperature.
o
Warnings signs of hypothermia:
o
Adults: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss,
slurred speech drowsiness
o
Infants: bright red, cold skin, very low energy
If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°
F, the situation is an emergency—get medical attention immediately.
Carbon Monoxide
Caution: Each year, an average of 430 Americans die from unintentional carbon
monoxide poisoning, and there are more than 20,000 visits to the emergency
Part II will cover After Snowstorms and Extreme Cold
room with more than 4,000 hospitalizations. Carbon monoxide-related deaths
are highest during colder months. These deaths are likely due to increased use of
Contact information:
gas-powered furnaces and alternative heating, cooking, and power sources used
Emergency Management Coordinator can be reached
inappropriately indoors during power outages.
•
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natuat the Tribal Police Department 405-275-3200, cell phone
ral gas or charcoal- burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace
number 405-740-1562, and at this email address:
or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents
that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Keep these devices at least
lday@astribe.com
20 feet from doors, windows, and vents.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
HEARTLINE EMERGENCY

911
211

Police, Fire, Ambulance
State of Oklahoma

TRIBAL POLICE
TRIBAL EMERGENCY MANAGER

405-275-3200
405-740-1562 (Cell)

Absentee Shawnee
Absentee Shawnee

SHERIFF
CITY POLICE
CITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
COUNTY HEALTH DEPT.

405-273-1727
405-273-2121
405-273-5272
405-273-2157

Pottawatomie County
Shawnee
Shawnee
Pottawatomie County

SHERIFF
CITY POLICE
HEALTH DEPT.

405-701-8888
405-321-1600
405-749-1591

Cleveland County
Norman
Cleveland County

OG&E

Report Power Outage

CANADIAN VALLEY

405-272-9595
1-800-522-6870
405-382-3680

DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
HIGHWAY PATROL

1-800-522-0206
405-425-4385

State of Oklahoma
Road Conditions

13

Power Outage

to volunteer! If you are interested in our program, please contact our office
in
program.
program.
• graduati
Zahn
•
Higher
•
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Education:
Education
Ed
your area to complete an application.

Tax Commission

degrees,
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calendar
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(Birth to 3), & Head Start (3 up to 5). Both Norman and Cushing are strictly
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(thru 12/31/2017)
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All funding
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If you would like more information regarding our programs or
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and
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• Gradua
YEAR-TO-DATE % OF TAXES
Shawnee Main Office: Enrollment ManagerShawnee Center: Center Supervisorupon
Sherry
Marsh
(405)
275-4870
Stacey Osborne
(405)
degree,
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
COLLECTED
For more
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1535 N McKinley, Shawnee 74801
1533 N
progra
McKinley,
Shawnee
74801 $6,000.02
$6,327.41
$1,249.55 $11,726.12
$5,626.42
$5,788.21
$6,196.86
$1,077.12 $11,160.42
$6,334.56
$73,042.08
2.40%
• Big Jim
sherrym@ctsaheadstart.org
Seniors
$150,000.00 $100,000.00 $250,000.00 $300,000.00 $200,000.00 $250,000.00 $150,000.00 $250,000.00 $239,499.80 $250,000.00 $2,589,499.80
85.17%
• applicati
Big J
$11,265.34
$7,924.08 $15,147.53 $15,133.49Cushing
$13,042.41
$11,235.03 $11,201.14
$15,062.98
$13,573.74
$154,261.29
5.07%
Center: $11,803.29
Center SupervisorNorman Center:
Center SupervisorSchoo
Anderson
(918)$2,985.08
225-1029$1,990.05
Amy
Porter$19,974.89
$867.28
$658.59
$4,176.63
$1,052.37 Wava
$2,297.27
$873.02
$931.90
$0.00
0.66%
Deadl
All
funding
is b
(405) 447-0381

FY-2017 YTD TAX COLLECTIONS (through 12/31/2017)
TAX
CATEGORY

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Sales (6%)
Gaming % of free cash
Employee (1%)
Severance (8%)
Motor Vehicle
Tobacco Refund

$1,050.71 $10,504.68
$250,000.00 $200,000.00
$7,658.64 $21,213.62
$3,310.81
$831.89
$11,861.13 $16,062.81
$2,216.22
$690.73

TOTAL TAXES

Melanie$286,587.87
Williams$192,050.87
(405) 275-4870
$276,097.51 $249,303.73 $188,856.27 $121,914.49 $296,211.48 $339,331.09 $237,646.33
$279,508.65 $282,969.28 $286,084.54

$19,746.67
$649.57

$11,107.82
$974.45

$14,387.88
$773.32

$13,723.64 $12,730.96
$13,259.04
$16,556.62
111 W Vine,
Cushing
74023$11,238.02
Norman
73069
$3,795.17
$3,787.48
$4,455.66
$5,274.12
$4,002.32

$11,439.86
$4,874.32

$11,752.45
516 Iowa $163,866.90
St.,
$4,423.79
$35,917.15

Applications f

Health/Mental Health/Disabilities Manager

$3,036,562.11

1535 N McKinley, Shawnee 74801

Miscellaneous

$516.46

$212.50

$138.10

$140.30

$85.15

$125.15

5.39%

1.18%
All
funding is
Attention:

$220.15
$207.65
$145.21
$190.75
$510.00 COUNTIES:
$1,261.00
FAMILIES
MUST LIVE
IN THE
FOLLOWING

$3,752.42

POTTAWATOMIE, PAYNE, LINCOLN, & CLEVELAND

NATIVE
AMERICAN
(ALL ACCEPTED)
TOTAL COLLECTIONS $276,613.97 $249,516.23 $188,994.37 $122,054.79 $296,296.63 $339,456.24 $237,866.48
$286,795.52
$192,196.08 PROGRAM
$279,699.40 $283,479.28
$287,345.54 $3,040,314.53

All applications
All application
Services and se

0.12%
For more inform
For more inform
800-256-3341
o1
100%

ABSENTEE SHAWEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEPARTMENT
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy
The AST Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Programs are on-call 24 hours per day to provide
emotional support, advocacy and crisis counseling to survivors at hospitals, police stations and
throughout the legal system. The programs also serve as a resource center to the community by
offering educational information and referrals.
Transitional Housing
The AST DV Transitional Housing Program serves victims of Domestic Violence/Sexual
Assault. Participants have up to six months to obtain education and job skills needed to begin a
new life.

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive
Shawnee, OK 74801
(405) 275-4030 • Fax: (405) 214-4225

Second Wind

Court Advocacy
Assists survivors with domestic violence court related costs (when funding is available) and
appearances as well as filing for emergency protective orders (EPO) or restraining orders.

Tobacco Cessation
Program

Shelter Placement Assistance
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Program works with other shelters within
Oklahoma in order to help victims obtain safe housing. Emergency transportation for
the victim and children may also be available.
Housing and Utility Assistance
Assists victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or dating violence in
emergency situations. This assistance may allow for a victim to either receive housing or utility
assistance.

• VALID OKLAHOMA DRIVER’S LICENSE
• VALID OKLAHOMA INSURANCE
• CDIB/ENROLLMENT CARD
• NOTARIZED TITLE
• NOTARIZED BILL OF SALE or
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
• LIEN ENTRY FORM (if you are making payments)
• LIEN RELEASE FORM (if previous owner had lien)

Session Name

Session 1: Understanding basic tobacco
facts
Referral Assistance

Date

January 16,2018

Time

2:00-3:00pm

Session 2: Exploring factors that contribute to smoking

January 23,2018

PLEASE C
2:00-3:00pm
LOCATED
2:00-3:00pm

Community Outreach
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Program offers educational trainings,
informational
and and
community
events
in order to provide more awareness to both Tribal
Session 3:displays,
Coping skills
relaxation
techniques
and Non-Tribal communities.

January 30,2018

For any questions regarding any of the above services please contact the Absentee Shawnee
Session
4: Identify
potential
situations
Tribe’s
Domestic
Violence
staffdanger
at (405)
273-2888.

February 6,2018

2:00-3:00pm

*TRIBAL MEMBER MUST BE PRESENT FOR
ALL NEW REGISTRATIONS*

Session 5: Building personal support networks

February 13,2018

38
2:00-3:00pm

Note: You may be asked to provide supporting
documentation for verification purposes.

Session 6: Long –term benefits with ending commercial
tobacco use; and certificate of participation

February 20,2018

2:00-3:00pm

Location:

Little Axe Health Center
Training Room

Facilitator: Marvin Smith, LPC/LADC, Therapist
• VALID OKLAHOMA DRIVER’S LICENSE
• VALID OKLAHOMA INSURANCE
• CDIB/ENROLLMENT CARD
• PREVIOUS YEARS REGISTRATION
*ANYONE MAY COME RENEW THE
VEHICLE AS LONG AS THEY HAVE
THE ABOVE LISTED DOCUMENTS
FOR THE TRIBAL MEMBER*

1-4 YEARS
5-8 YEARS
9-12 YEARS
13-16 YEARS
17- OVER YEARS

FO

Assists with providing community resources to those who are in need of additional services
outside the scope of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Program.

$85
$75
$55
$35
$15

Contact Information: Rolanda Smith

$0.25 A DAY

14

405-701-7987

W

Election Commission

Primary Election Cancelled
FROM THE ELECTION COMMISSION:
In a joint meeting, on January 22, 2018, between the Executive Committee, the Election Commission and the potential candidates of the upcoming election, a decision was made that the
Primary Election on March 17, 2018 will not be held this year.
The decision was made because there were no more than two (2) candidates running for the
positions due for election this year. All candidates were advanced to the June Run Off Election
which will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018, as required by the Absentee Shawnee Tribal
Constitution.
FROM THE ELECTION COMMISSION:
Prospective candidates for elective office for 2018.
Lt. Governor
Kenneth Blanchard
Andrew Warrior

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tribal Treasurer
Phillip Steven Ellis
Leah D. Bender

Deputy Commissioner
Shirley Adkins

ELECTION COMMISSION
Commission Member #1
No One Filed

Tribal Representative
Atheda W. Fletcher
Anthony “Tadpole” Johnson, Jr.

34

35
Absentee Shawnee Tribe
Behavioral Health Services

WHITE BISON, Inc.
A Cultural Approach to Personal Recovery
Substance Abuse

Wellbriety Group Meetings
Facilitator: John Soap, LPC

Every Thursday 5:30pm-6:30pm
Shawnee Multipurpose Building
(east of the Shawnee Clinic, Bldg. 16)

For further information, contact:
Shawnee Behavioral Health Services:
John 405-878-4716
Little Axe Behavioral Health Services:
Dara 405-701-7987

15

Title VI

Title IV News
February 2,

February 14,

February 16,

Chinese New Year
Year of the Dog

February 19,
February 19,

AST Complex Closed
No Meals will be served or delivered

Winter Olympics start on Feb 9th to Feb 25

Now sure if we still will see some winter storms or just pure coldness,

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

16

Title VI

2018
Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
1

4

5

11

12
Cold Cut Sandwich
Veggie Soup
Cookie

13

18

19
AST Complex Closed
Presidents Day

20
BBQ Pork Sandwich
Baked Beans
Onions
Mixed Fruit

21

25

26

27

28

Salisbury Steak
Mashed Pot/Gravy
Veggies
Apricots

Pork Chop
Mac n Tom
Bread

6

Stew
Crackers
Chez Sticks
Crisp

Chicken Fajitas
Bell Peppers n Onions
Tortilla
Mandarin Oranges

Baked Pot.
Onions, Chez
Broc w Chez
Pudding

7

Baked Chicken
Wild Rice
Salad Bar*
Peaches

14

Hot Dog
Pot Salad
Chips
Pears

8

Ham
Sweet Pot.
Black eye Peas
Bread

15
Pork & Potatoes
Greenbeans
Cake

Chicken Fry Steak
Mashed Pot/Gravy
Green Beans
Applesauce

Burrito
W/ Chili
Chez, Onions
Spanish Rice/Jell-O

22

Spaghetti
Meat sauce
Veggies
Bread Stick

Friday
2

9

16

23

Cereal
Banana
Toast
Boiled Egg
Scrambled Eggs
Sausage Gravy
Biscuit

Boiled Egg
Sausage Patty
Fruit

Scrambled Eggs
Sausage Gravy
Biscit

Saturday
3

10

17

24

Beans
w/ Ham
Steakfries
Cornbread/Peaches

NOT GOING TO BE HOME!!!
CALL AND LET US KNOW AT 405-275-4030
EXT 6227 or 6270
OR NOTIFY YOUR DRIVER

LUNCH SERVED MONDAY-THURSDAY 11AM TO 1PM
BREAKFAST SERVED FRIDAYS

Free Music Lessons
Guitar • Bass • Piano • Drums

Available to all Native Americans w/CDIB#
For details, call Absentee Shawnee Behavioral Health

405-878-4716
17

9AM TO 11AM

Foster Care

ICW - Foster Care

THE INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT OF 1978
The Indian Child Welfare Act is a 1978 federal law. It offers protections to Indian children,
parents, guardians and tribes in cases in which a child has been removed from its home.
The ICWA forces state courts to recognize the political, cultural, and social standards of
Indian tribes and peoples. The Court must consider those standards during any proceeding or placement of the child. The ICWA protects the best interests of Indian children and
seeks to promote a stable, secure Indian family.

Midnight calls, long drives across state and emotional encounters all
make it difficult for social workers in child protection services to really
ever “clock out.” Their job doesn’t end when the typical 40-hour work week
is over. The true nature of the profession requires them to be available at a
moment’s notice, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Please Report Child Abuse
You could be saving a child’s life.

PARTIES PROTECTED BY THE ACT
Indian children are those enrolled in a tribe or eligible to be enrolled, with at least one
IF YOU ARE A GRANDPARENT
parent who is a member of an Indian tribe. The ICWA also protects three other parties.
THAT IS RAISING YOUR GRANDFirst, it protects the custodial parents of an Indian child should they be accused of wrong- CHILD YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR
TANF. GRANDPARENTS THAT
doing. The ICWA makes the state courts provide full notice of all hearings, use expert
HAVE LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP
witnesses, and follow a higher standard of proof than in non-Indian cases. The Act also
OF THEIR GRANDCHILDREN
makes the state court appoint an attorney to represent the parents if they are unable to
CAN RECEIVE TANF BY APPLYafford one. Second, the ICWA protects Indian custodians. Indian people who have raised ING FOR “CHILD ONLY” TANF
GRANT WHICH WILL ONLY
a relative child as if they were their own, or people to whom the natural parents have
TAKE IN ACCOUNT THE GRANgiven temporary custody, are entitled to the same type of notice and protections as the
CHILD’S
INCOME/ASSETTS.
natural parents. Finally, the Act protects tribal rights as well. The state court must give
THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN
notice to the tribe and generally follow its recommendations about placement. If these
SERVICES WILL ASK YOU FOR
YOUR INFORMATION, BUT IT
parties’ rights are not protected, the Act allows any of them to overturn the result of the
state court. The ICWA does not apply in three types of cases. It does not apply in divorces WILL NOT BE USED IN THE APPROVAL PROCESS. IF YOU HAVE
or divorce modifications, unless a termination of parental rights is involved or custody is ANY QUESTIONS IN REGARDS
given to someone other than the natural parents. It does not apply if the child in custody TO GRANDPARENTS APPLYING
is accused of a crime. Finally, Oklahoma courts have created a third exception to the law: FOR TANF. PLEASE CALL JULIE
the ICWA does not apply to noncustodial Indian parents who do not support or visit their WILSON 395-4492.
children.
STATE AUTHORITY OVER INDIAN CHILDREN
In some cases, Oklahoma lacks any kind of authority over an Indian child. If the child
lives on trust or restricted land, or in an MHO Housing cluster, or in a dependent Indian
community, the state may not have authority to proceed. Under the ICWA, the case must
be heard in the tribal court. For other Indian children, the state shares jurisdiction with
tribal courts. However, the Supreme Court has said that tribal courts are the preferred
court for Indian children. An Indian parent or tribe may request that a case be transferred
to tribal court for proceedings.
If a child is placed in foster care, the Act requires the state to follow placement guidelines.
The State must follow the Tribe’s Tribal State Agreement and Placement Preferences
“RESPECT THE INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT BECAUSE OUR CHILDREN ARE
NOT YOURS TO TAKE”
Before placing a child in a non-familial or non-tribal final home, states are required to make what
are called “active efforts” to place the child in an ICWA-compliant situation. These efforts include
mandatory attempts at parental and familial reunification before terminating rights permanently, and
consultation with the tribe in a timely manner.

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE INDIAN CHILD WELFARE DEPARTMENT

Ronelle Baker ICW Director 395-4491
Julie Wilson Child Protective Services/Foster Care 395-4492
Jackie Denny PSSF Program 395-4493

ICW HAS MOVED TO 105 N. KIMBERLY AVENUE

18

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program
for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
is a federal assistance program of the Food
and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
for healthcare and nutrition of low-income
pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and
infants and children under the age of five.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING THEIR
GRANDCHILDREN MAY RECEIVE WIC
FOR THEIR GRANDCHILDREN

If you are interested in becoming an
AST foster care home and would like
more information please contact
Julie Wilson
405-395-4492
COMMUNITY MARKET OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY
120 S. CENTER ST. SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA. (405) 788-4957
HOURS OF OPERATION
MON. 12:30 TO 5:30 P.M., TUE. 10:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M.
WED. 10:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M., FRI. 10:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M.
(COMMUNITY FOOD BANK)

In Memory of
Shawnee Antonio Tapia

Absentee
Shawnee teen
Shawnee Antonio Tapia, 35, of Colorado Springs, Colorado passed from
performs
this life Sunday, January 7, 2018 in Colorado Springs.
He was born July 26, 1982 to Ricky Antonio and Linda Gene (Day) Tapia abroad
in Sante Fe, New Mexico.

Shawnee was raised in Choctaw, Oklahoma and was a 2000 graduate of
Choctaw High School.
He married Sonya Perry in 2000 in Sacramento, California.
Shawnee proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from July 24, 2007
until his honorable discharge on December 16, 2012. He completed his
basic training at Ft. Benning in Georgia and was stationed at Ft. Lewis in
Washington. Shawnee served in the Infantry and was deployed to Afghanistan with the Bear Troop 8-1 Cavalry.
He was a proud member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and was very proud
of his Native American heritage.
Shawnee attended Life Church and volunteered with the church. He loved
riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, hiking, collecting Marvel, Star
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Vocational
Wars, Alien, Predator and Transformer figures, and Hot Wheels. Most of
Program
all, he loved being aRehabilitation
great father to his two children,
Gianna and Carlito.

Sutton Little, a member of the
Santa Fe High School Orchestra,
recently visited London along
with Santa Fe High School’s
band, orchestra and choir. The
students were in London from
December 27th through January
3rd. They performed at Cadogan
Hall, one of London’s leading
venues and home to the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. They also participated in London’s New Year’s parade.
Sutton is a member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. His parents are
Keith Little and the late David Little Jr.

“ S e e t h e Pe r s o n N o t t h e D i s a b i l i t y ”
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Gilbert and Lovina
Day.
Those left to cherish his memories are his wife, Sonya Tapia of the home;
1 son, Carlito Tapia of the home; 1 daughter, Gianna Tapia of the home;
mother, Linda Day of Choctaw, OK; fater, Ricky A. Tapia of Santa Fe, NM;
sister, Dakotah Cruz Tapia of Choctaw, OK; brother, Ricky Daniel Tapia of
Sante Fe, NM; and other loving extended family and friends.
History:
The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Vocational Rehabilitation Program has provided vocational services to American Indians since 1994, and transition services to students since 2009. Our goal
is to develop and provide specialized services to American Indian students with a disability. We
want to help these students that are making a transition from high school to work or who are
seeking post-secondary education.

From the Tapia and Day Family

Our families wish to thank everyone for the prayers and kindnesses we
received after my son, Shawnee A. Tapia, passed. We thank you so much
Thanand
Can Be
Provided:
for your Services
support
care
for our family during the loss of our loved one.
Depending on an individual’s needs and goals, will determine which services are best for you.
We wereHowever,
comforted
by your messages of hope and kindness.
some services that we can provide include testing fees such as SATs & ACTs, assistive
devices, evaluations,
and various other
services. Butler-Wolfe, Tribal Police Chief
Special thank
you to Governor
Edwina
Qualifications:
Brad Gaylord, Sherman Tiger, Annie Wilson, Reta Harjo, Isaac BettelyMust be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe, a junior or senior in high school,
oun, Kevin
Kaseca from Maintenance, and Twila Parker and the AST Vetand must reside in one of the seven counties served by the Iowa Tribe Vocational Rehabilitationreally
Program.appreciate
You must also provide
of your disability
and this canhand
include for
a
erans. We
your documentation
acts of kindness
and helping
our
doctor’s statement or the IEP or 504 plan from your school.
family during/after
the funeral service. It was comforting to us to know the
Counties We Serve:
details were
in
your
hands.
Kay, Noble, Pawnee,
Payne, Pottawatomie, Lincoln, and Logan
Thank you to those who attended the funeral, sent flowers, cards, and for
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
Christa McClellan
the food that
was
provided
by friends and family.Contact:
Vocational
Rehabilitation
Program
Phone: 405-547-5721
P.O. Box 728
Toll Free: 1-888-336-4692
Signed, Linda Day,
George
M. Day, Dakotah Tapia,
Sonya Tapia
Perkins,
OK 74059
E-mail:and
cmcclellan@iowanation.org
WE ARE ON THE INTERNET: www.bahkhoje.com

19

February 2018 Birthdays!
Alford, Dianne Susan
Carlson, Scottina Dakota
Alford, Laurie Leann
Carnes, Kylee Aleea Lynn
Alford, Makenzie Raychel
Carr, Adoree Celeste
Alford, Nicholas Blake
Checotah, Eric Wayne
Alford, Paul Henry
Cloud, Doris ( Elephant )
Almanza, Sacha Blue Renee
Coddington, William Michael
Arellano, Jennifer Lynn
Cooper, Dade Luke Allen
Argueta, Oneonta Marie
Copeland, Val Rochelle
Armstrong, Dusty Ridge
Cotney, Trinity Dawn
Asbridge, Sandra Lilrene
Cottrell, Ryan Thomas
Atwara, Honey Nicole
Cozad, Anastasia E-mah-doh
Barnard, Kevin Michael
Creek-Harjo, Josiah Sage
Battiest, Phyllis Leeann
Crider, Eric Russell
Belden, Florene
Crocker, Dorothea Carolyn
Belden, Lois Little Creek
Csoma, Alexander Attila
Bennett, Blaine Mattingly
Daugherty, Kenneth
Berryhill, Valerie Lynn
Daugherty, Mikenna Hope
Bettelyoun, Amber Dawn
Daugherty, Serena Mae
Bettelyoun, Anthony Bryce
Davis, Meghan Paige
Bettelyoun, Lea Dawn
De Shazo, Heather Ann
Bittle, Joshua Jacob
Dean, Minnie Bear
Blanchard Craig, Carolyn Jean Deardorff, Cynthia Ann
Blanchard Sr, Leland Dale
Deckard, Dakota Dale
Blanchard, Aaron Gabriel
Deer, Kylee Taryn
Blanchard, Cache Lewis
Deer, Michael Neil
Blanchard, Caden Briar
Deere, Adina Ann
Blanchard, Charles Eugene
DeLodge, Lena Ruby RhianBlanchard, Joshua James
na
Blanchard, Kellice Lee
DeLodge, Ruby Leigh
Blanchard, Rikki Rechele
Digilio, Brandin Anthony
Blanchard, Sierrah Delyn
Digilio, Bryon Andrew
Blanchard, Taylor Jordan
Downs, Camden Blake
Blanchard, Thurman Leon
Downs, Cayden James
Blanchard, Velma Mae
Dragoo, Micah Lashaun D.
Bowles, Melissa Carole
Edwards, Kenneth Lee
Boyd, Laura Lynn
Ellis, Austin Chase
Bread, Charles Michael
Ellis, Jeremy Michael
Bread, Dina Adele
Ellis, Jessica Lyn
Breeding, Kinsley Reece
Ellis, Leroy
Brokeshoulder-Tyner, Tammy Emmons, Brian Ross
Lynn
Engledowl, Jasey Belle
Brown III, Curtis Jermain
Fenner, Kayana Isabelle
Brown, Cody Wayne
Ferrell, Ethan Shawn
Brown, Lisa Renee
Fixico, Stephen Anthony
Bryant, Isis Aponi
Floyd, Jane Elizabeth
Bullen, Myles Robert
Foreman, Joshua Daniel
Campbell, Mikayla Jo
Foreman, Richard Eli

Frazier, Devon Leanne
Blanchard
Garcia, Amaziah Perez
Johnson, Cooper Allen
Geissler, Stephanie Dayle
Johnson, Grayling Wade
Gibson Jr., Ronald Lewis
Johnson, Henry Kirby
Gibson, Kylakay Virginia
Johnson, Jacob Jordan
Gibson, Paige Nycole
Johnson, Marc Anthony
Gibson, Paul Brian
Johnson, Mark Benjamin
Gillihan, Dezirea Kristyne
Johnson, Michael Jeremy
Gilman, Juanita
Johnson, Pauline Virginia
Gomez, Wilma Sue
Johnson, Rahstin Allyn Sabbestiun
Goodman, Blake Samuel
Johnson, Sandra Kay
Granstrom, Gayla Sue
Johnson, Tiffany Sheri
Grass, Avis Elaine
Jones III, Timothy Dale
Grass, Wayne
Jones, Willie Lee
Gravel, Olivia Jane
Judkins, Ashley Ann
Hale, Taliyah Marie
Keith, Andy Ronin
Hall, Matteson Roi
Kelly, Ryan Michael
Ham, Jerred Mace
Kennedy, Kade Andrew
Ham, Rhonda Juliene
Kickapoo, Derek Anthony
Harder, Ruth Ellen
Kirby, Gage Robert
Harjo, Benjamin Ray
Kitchen, Amber Elisabeth
Harman II, Joshua Ely
Krackenberger, Sharon Lea
Harper, Pauline Aileen S.
Krejci, Ronald Dylan
Hartfield, Jazlynn Shae
Kupczynski, Joseph Martin
Harvey, Hally Marie
Lalehparvaran, Ali Jordan
Hayes, Donna Kay Elkins
Laplant, Scotty Alan
Hayes, Jocelyn Cynthia
Lasarge, Amos Dewayne
Lorene
Lavell, Jade Daniel
Hernandez, Erica Ann
Leath, Mary Loyse
Herrera, Robert Manuel
Lehman, Joenita Leigh
Hibdon, Kendra Nicole
Lena-Tiger, Camille Dawn
Hilderbrand, Amy Beth
Lewis, Elain Kay
Hill, Stephen Allen
Lewis, Pamela Lynn
Hood III, Warren Weslyon Limbaugh, Jodi Kathleen
Hood, Dakota Zane
Little Axe Eckles, Debra Lynn
Hood, Moria Oloizia
Little Axe Sr., Danny
Hunter, Audrey Della
Little Axe, Ronald Dean
Huntington, Bradford Paul Little Charley Jr., Scott
Hurst, Joseph Douglas Skin- Little Creek, Larry Dwight
ner
Littlebear, Brooklyn Shay
Ibarra, Angel Antonio
Littlebear, Grant Edwin
Irvin, Nathaniel Konrad
Littlebear, Laura Jan
Jimerson Jr., Robert
Littlecreek, Cynthia Marie
Jobe, Alexa Lee
Littlehead, Gary Lynn
Johnson Jr., Foster Calvin
Longhorn, Lindsey Marie
Johnson Jr., Mark Benjamin Longhorn, Nathan Neil
Johnson, Cleta Joyce
Lowe, Kara Michelle

20

February 2018 Birthdays!
Lowe, Taylor Makayla
Lumpmouth, Wynona Lee
Maddux, Jonathan Webster Tiger
Mahardy, Jeffery Andrew
Mann, Caylie Grace
Mann, Colby Lee Richard
Mann, Kyelie Rose
Markwardt, Ethan Thomas
Marshall, Denia Kay
Martinez, Erica Inez
Martinez, Hayden Loa
Martinez, Jasmine Consuelo
Martinez, Shawnee Danielle
Masquas, Cora Irene
Masquas, Elysia Rose
Masquas, Joshiah Lee
May, Gina Lanette
McDaniel, Kelsey Layne
McDoulett, John William
McDowell, Farrell Ramon
McKane, Sidna Rae Lenee
McKinney, Ellen Marie
Medina, Elizabeth Ruth Ann
Medina, Trinity Lynn Tiger
Melton, Jaycie Taylor
Miller, Cari Denise
Miner, Veda Jorene
Minesinger, Joshua Brooker
Minesinger, Seth Wildcat
Mitchell, Benito Miquel Travis
Mohawk, Cherokee Cheyenne
Molina Jr., Charles B.
Moore, Alexia Saranda
Moore, Thomas Joseph William
Randall
Morton, Joseph Ohland
Mount, Glenda Dawn
Murdock Jr., Steven Alan
Murdock Sr., Steven Alan
Musick, Michael Thomas
Nail, Gregory Thomas
Neely, Ethan Ray
Novick, River Elaine-Monique
Odell, Ronnie Lynn
Onzahwah, Davani Utonna
Onzahwah, Ti Calvin Kachine
Owens, Beau Wesley Laine

Owings, Abigail Rose
Smith, Cynthia Diane Daugh- Tiger, Tammy Cindie Ladawn
Panther, Lydia Denise
erty
Tiger, Tyler Matthew
Panther, Shawn Dell
Smith, Juliana Renee
Trussell, Sherry Lynn
Panther-Davis, Tammie Rae Smith, Marvin
Uchida, Denise Louise
Parker, John Wendall Gage
Smith, Samuel Ryan
Uchida, Kevin Micheal
Perez, Tesla Nichole
Smith, Zackery James
Vaughn, Dylan Thomas
Perkins, Miranda Deann
Snake, Alvin Matthew
Wade, Justin Lee
Perry, Georgia Grace
Snake, Julia DeAnn
Walker, Robert Stanley
Perry, Sierra Breanna
Snake, Kenneth Lee
Warrior, Anthony Louis
Peter, Kalina Nicole
Snake, Lewis George
Warrior, Pamela Sue
Pine, Jeremiah Andrew
Snake, Stewart Lancer
Washington, Olvie Winston
Ponce, Aisaiah Anthony
Snow, Desmond James
Watkins, Destiney Shae
Ponkilla, Natalie Jean
Soap, Sally Clarice
Watkins, Jayana Laneis
Pyrch, Jesse Kellen
Solomon, Billie Jean Tiger
Watson, Adriana Renae
Quraishi, Ibraheem Bin Khalil Spoon, Edward Joe
Watson, Brent Grynnel
Raisbeck Jr., David Nathaniel Spoon, Justin Tyler
Watson, Peyton Deshae
Raisbeck, Samantha Storm
Spoon, Paisley Rennea
Wheeler, Emily Anne
Raisbeck, Samuel Walter
Spybuck, Garland Charles
Wheeler, Leah J.
Ramirez III, Florentino
Spybuck, Gavan Wayne
Whims, Madison Mackenzie
Ramirez, Mariah Fay-Ann
Spybuck, Roberta Ann
White Thunder, Shelby Lynn
Ramirez, Matias Noah
Stevenson, Jodean Ann
White, Christopher Alan
Reyes, Isabel Fe
Stoudemire, Naviah DeAnne Whittaker, Caiden Skye
Richey, Kodi Rae Jolynn
Strain, Gerald Tousley
Whittaker, Joshua Jay W.
Ridenour, Sydney Bree
Stryker, Doyle Chad
Wiley, Prince John Bowen
Rigg, DeeAnn Onahwag
Stryker, Laurel Brad
Wilkinson, Kaelynn Rayann
Riley, Hulbutta Kotcha
Sullivan, Aizah Vanesse
Williams, Brennan Marie
Robbins, Blake Anthony
Sullivan, Marcus Lee
Williams, Kaylee Nicole
Robbins, Sasha Mae
Sutton Jr., Jeremy Ray
Williams, Kevin Bruce
Robbins, Taylar Paige
Switch, Sabrina Lee
Williams, Phoenixx Winter
Robison, Ariana Michelle
Switch, Sophia Michelle
Ryne
Rolette, Cheryl Lynn
Tahah, Barton Dale
Wilson Harjo, Reta Marie
Rolette, Madison Fox Grant Talton, Dacia Arie
Wilson, Adam Lee
Rolette, Madison Joy
Talton, Kaydince James
Wilson, Mariana Danyel
Rowan, Damian Eugene
Taryole, Laura Lee
Wilson, Melvin Wayne
Runsabove, Honor Mae
Tascier, Sarah Isabelle
Wilson, Zelma Jo
Sams, Christine Lorraine
Tello-Faz, Maria delaLuz
Womack, Che`le Caye
Sanchez, Kianna Paola
Terrell, Xavier Thomas Jack- Wood, Ryan Ashley
Seber, Peyton Eddie
son
Yamutewa, Chebon Dale
Serena, Laveda
Thompson, Asher Bryce
Shawnee, LaNayah JaN’aee
Thorpe Jr., Edwin James
Sheets, Angela Christy
Thorpe Lena, Janice Gail
Simpson, Christian Jacob
Thorpe, Edwin James
Simpson, Cody Lee
Tiger, Karman Rose Daylee
Slayton, Brooke Danielle
Tiger, Kevin Richard DeSloat, Douglas James
wayne
Sloat, Meika Ladon
Tiger, Soaryn Edward MatSloat, Newton D
thew

21

Justin Tyler,

Happy 31st Birthday to my sweet
nephew!
Love, Auntie “It”, Chloe
B, and Mike Hauncho

Justin,
Happy Birthday
to my awesome
eldest son!!! 31
years ago you
made me so
proud to be
your mom!
Love you
bunches!

Happy Birthday to
MacKenzie Rachelle Alford
I love you, great-grandaughter.

Have a Happy 18th.
Love, G-Low

XOXO, Mom

Have a great day and lots more birthdays to you, my awesome grandson

Justin Tyler Spoon
I love, love, love you.
Granny Low

Brother,

Hope your day is a
great one! Happy!
Happy Birthday!!!
We love you!

Happy, Happy Birthday to my
brother

Garland Charles Spybuck

Love, Jopi D and
Jili J, R.A.T.

I love you.
Your big sis, Sadie

Happy Birthday to my Granddaughter

Whitney Nicole Huckaby

Happy Birthday!!!
“Chubby”

Have a wonderful day, pretty girl.

I love you, Granny Low

Uncle Garland,

Love,

Mom, Brandy,
Micah, & Dakiah

Hope your day is a special one!
Happy, Happiest of birthdays!!!
Love, Sherrie, Joplin, Jiliyan, J.T.

22

H

BI R T H D A
Y
P
P
Y
A

!
y
e
s
l
W
e
e Love
Ch
Yo
The Mann Family
Mom, Dad, Yetty and Lawrence

u!

Laurel & Doyle
Happy Birthday Laurel Brad
Love you very much, Auntie

Happy Birthday Cousin
Love you, Derek, Megan, Logan, and Korban
Happy Birthday Brother
Love you, Rodney
Happy Birthday! You mean the world to me. I’m so proud of the
young man you have become. Love you, Granny.
Happy Birthday to my twin.
Love you, Doyle
Happy Birthday Doyle Chad
Love you, Auntie
Happy Birthday Brother
Love you, Rodney
Happy Birthday Doyle. I’m so proud of the young man
you have become. Love you, Granny

Sheldon White Thunder
January 16th

from Mom, Dad, Shelsie, Shelby, Bryson,
Kelsey, and NaKiaus

Bernice Blanchard
January 19th

Happy Birthday Cousin
We love you, Big Cousin, Megan, Logan, and Korban
Happy Birthday to my twin.
Love you, Laurel.

from Sis, Tommy, Sheldon, Shelby, Shelsie,
Bryson, and NaKiaus

23

Domestic Violence
ATTENTION TEENS:
FEBRUARY IS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
ARE YOU OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT IS GOING OUT WITH A PERSON
WHO…
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

is jealous, possessive, checks up on you or won’t accept breaking up?
tries to control you by being bossy, making all the decisions, has to have it his/her
way all the time?
screams, yells, puts you down in front of your friends, tells you that you are stupid or
ugly?
scares you, makes you wonder if you have done something wrong to make him/her
react like this?
is violent, grabs, hits, pushes, or shoves you?
pressures you for sex or tries to force you into having sex?
has a history of bad relationships and blames the other person?
abuses alcohol or drugs and pressures you to take them as well?
keeps you from seeing or talking with family and friends?

Early warning signs that your relationship may eventually become abusive:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Extreme jealousy
Controlling behavior
Quick involvement
Unpredictable mood swings
Alcohol and drug use
Explosive anger
Isolates you from friends and family

•
•
•
•
•
•

Blames others for his problems or
feelings
Cruel to animals or children
Verbally abusive
Uses force during an argument
Abused former partners
Threatens violence

For more information please contact the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence
Department. If you or someone you know says “yes” to ANY of the above or if you have any
questions you may contact someone at 405-273-2888 for help.
You can also visit:
www.stayteen.org
www.breakthecycle.org
www.dosomething.org

www.teendvmonth.org
www.datingabusestopshere.com

24

Domestic Violence
ATTENTION PARENTS:
FEBRUARY IS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
What is teen dating abuse?
Teen dating abuse describes actual or threatened acts of physical, sexual, psychological, and verbal harm by a
partner, boyfriend, girlfriend or someone wanting a romantic relationship. It includes violence between two
young people in a current or former relationship and can occur among heterosexual or same-gender couples.
It can also include using the internet, social networking sites, cell phones, or text messaging to harass,
pressure, or victimize.
What are the warning signs?
Teens may be experiencing a variety of physical and emotional changes during this time of their life. As a
result, your young teen might not share everything that is happening in his or her life. Do your part – know the
warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. Be on the lookout if your child displays any of these potential
signs:
Conversation Starters:
Talking about teen dating violence to the youth in your life is vital. These conversations can begin in middle
school.
What makes a healthy relationship?
What do you want in a relationship?
What are the relationships like that you have witnessed at school or among friends?
Have you witnessed any acts of violence?
Have you seen someone using Facebook or text messages to insult, monitor, or control any of your friends?
What would you do if you witnessed or experienced dating violence?
How could you help someone in an abusive relationship?
What is a healthy relationship?
Why is respect important to having a healthy relationship?
5 Facts about Teen Dating Violence
1. Roughly 72% of eighth and ninth graders are in a dating relationship.
2. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, an estimated 1 in 3 high school relationships involve
some sort of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
3. Each year nearly 1.5 million high school students in the United States experience physical abuse from a
dating partner.
4. Approximately two-thirds of teens in an abusive relationship never tell anyone about the abuse.
5. Nearly 4 out of 5 girls who have been physically abused continue to date their abuser.
For more information please contact the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Department. If you
have any questions you may contact someone at 405-273-2888 for help.
You can also visit:
www.stayteen.org
www.breakthecycle.org
www.dosomething.org

www.teendvmonth.org
www.datingabusestopshere.com

25

Diabetes and Wellness

Chrissy Wiens
Physical Activities Specialist

Buster Bread
Fitness Manager

Brandon Goodman
Fitness Technician

The AST Diabetes and Wellness Fitness Center provides state of the art fitness equipment to help you reach your fitness
goals. The AST Fitness Center is available to AST Diabetes Program patients, all Native Americans and their household
family members, and the AST employees. Our goal is to provide appropriate and educational fitness training to all AST
diabetes patients while promoting a safe, fun, and positive experience. Take some time to come by and visit the Diabetes and
Wellness Fitness Center today! For more information, please contact Buster Bread or Chrissy Wiens at (405) 364-7298.

McKenna Watson
Fitness Technician

AST Diabetes and Wellness Program
The goal of the diabetes and wellness program is to provide a supportive resource to tribal members who are currently diagnosed
with diabetes, or at risk and seeking information and/or support for diabetes and personal health. The program will offer guidance
on healthy lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, exercise tips including workout classes with our two certified trainers, and keys
to reducing stress.
The AST Resource Center fitness room hours are:
Monday-Friday
6:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday
9:00am - 3:00pm
Sunday
CLOSED
For more information on the many exciting opportunities available for our tribal community please call our clinic at 405-7017977 or visit our website at www.asthealth.org (Then navigate to our Diabetes and Wellness section under the services section.)

26

Diabetes and Wellness

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

CLASSES

CLASSES

CLASSES

CLASSES

CLASSES

Zumba Fitness
6:15 a.m.-7:00 a.m.
Chrissy Wiens
Little Axe Resource Center

Strength Circuit
6:15 a.m.-7:00 a.m.
Chrissy Wiens
Little Axe Resource Center

Cardio Kickboxing
6:15 a.m.-7:00 a.m.
Chrissy Wiens
Little Axe Resource Center

Strength Circuit
6:15 a.m.-7:00 a.m.
Chrissy Wiens
Little Axe Resource Center

Zumba Fitness
6:15 a.m.-7:00 a.m.
Chrissy Wiens
Little Axe Resource Center

Dance Mix Wednesday
12:00 p.m.-12:45 p.m.
Chrissy Wiens
LITTLE AXE HEALTH FACILITY
HIIT Friday
2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Buster Bread
LITTLE AXE HEALTH FACILITY
Strength Circuit
5:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Buster Bread
Little Axe Resource Center

“Dance Mix”- Bring a co-worker, your shoes, and your energy to
learn new and FUN dance moves to help improve your fitness
level.

Aerobic Circuit
5:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Buster Bread
Little Axe Resource Center

“Circuit Training”- A time efficient training system aimed at
developing strength through pre-determined training stations.

“Cardio Kickboxing”- Aerobic training using kickboxing
techniques to engage and strengthen the cardiovascular system.

27

“HIIT”- High-intensity Interval Training alternates between intense
training intervals and brief rest periods to give you an short and
effective workout.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy

//aarp.cvent.com/2018IndianElders.
I willPrograms
provideare
a copy
AARP
The AST Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
on-callof24the
hours
per news
day to release
provide at the
emotional
support,
advocacy
and
crisis
counseling
to
survivors
at
hospitals,
police
stations
and
ry meeting.
Elder’s Corner
throughout the legal system. The programs also serve as a resource center to the community by
offering educational information and referrals.

hed is the 2018 meeting schedule. Please note the corrected date for the December
Transitional Housing
ng. The AST DV Transitional Housing Program serves victims of Domestic Violence/Sexual

2018 Meeting Schedule

Assault. Participants have up to six months to obtain education and job skills needed to begin a
new life.

DATE
TIME
LOCATION
Court
Advocacy
January 20
10:00 A.M. Title VI Bldg., Shawnee
Assists survivors with domestic violence court related costs (when funding is available) and
February
17 as filing
10:00
A.M. Resource
Center,
Axe orders.
appearances
as well
for emergency
protective orders
(EPO)Little
or restraining
March 24
10:00 A.M. Title VI Bldg., Shawnee
Shelter Placement Assistance
(1 week later due to AST election)
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Program works with other shelters within
April 21
10:00
Resource
Center, Little
Axe for
Oklahoma
in order to help
victimsA.M.
obtain safe
housing. Emergency
transportation
theMay
victim19
and children may
also
be
available.
10:00 A.M. Title VI Bldg., Shawnee
Housing and Utility Assistance
Assists
victims
of
domestic
violence,
assault,
stalking,Little
and/orAxe
dating violence in
June 23
10:00 A.M. sexual
Resource
Center,
emergency situations. This assistance may allow for a victim to either receive housing or utility
(1 week later due to AST election)
assistance.

July 21
10:00 A.M. Title VI Bldg., Shawnee
Assistance
August 18
10:00 A.M.Referral
Resource
Center, Little Axe
Assists with providing community resources to those who are in need of additional services
September
15the Absentee
10:00 A.M.
Bldg., Violence
Shawnee
outside
the scope of
ShawneeTitle
Tribe’sVIDomestic
Program.
October 20
10:00 A.M. Resource Center, Little Axe
Community Outreach
17 10:00
Multi-Purpose
Bldg.,Shawnee
TheNovember
Absentee Shawnee
Tribe’sA.M.
Domestic
Violence Program
offers educational trainings,
informational
displays,
community
in order to
provide more
December
15 and
10:00
A.M. events
Resource
Center,
Littleawareness
Axe to both Tribal

Greetings!!
While the year is still young---the Elders Officers welcome
input and suggestions for activities, projects and improvements to our organization. The New Year is a fresh start,
and the time to make changes that will improve our organizational framework.
At the December, 2017 meeting, we started the process of
reviewing and improving our Elders Council Guidelines.
The officers
have assessed
the OUR
pastSERVICES
year activities and will
FOR INFORMATION
ABOUT
introduce suggestions for improvement of the guidelines
CALL (405)
273-1050 OR
COME
BYbe
OUR
OFFICE
andPLEASE
activities.
The members
will
also
given
the opportunity
to make
suggested
improvements.
LOCATED
AT 107
NORTH KIMBERLY
IN SHAWNEE,OK.
WEBSITE: WWW.ASHOUSINGAUTHORITY.COM

I will be working on the speakers list and hope to have a
Please
note
the corrected
date
for please
the December
meeting.
For any
questions
regarding
any of the above
services
contact the Absentee
Shawnee
schedule built very soon. If you have a topic or speaker
Tribe’s Domestic Violence staff at (405) 273-2888.
e: If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.
that you would like to recommend, please let me know. We
38
will not host any speakers for the first two or three months
Until next time, Atheda Edwards-Fletcher
as we will be attending to administrative work during this
time. I will also be working on plans for trips and activities for consideration by the membership. I hope to build
a proposed schedule for the entire year so that all members
can reserve and plan for these outings. As always, if you
have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I always appreciate suggestions that will help improve our
organization.
and Non-Tribal communities.

AARP is currently accepting nominations for its 10th annual Indian Elders Honors. This year’s event will be held
on October 2, 2018. Nomination applications can be found
on line at https://aarp.cvent.com/2018IndianElders. I will
provide a copy of the AARP news release at the January
meeting.
Quote:
“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what
you’ve always gotten.”

28

Until next time,
Atheda Edwards-Fletcher

If there is one thing Leah Bender is
passionate about, it’s change.
And she has seen plenty of change in the last three years as AST’s Treasurer. “There was
certainly a mess when I came into office,” she says. After years of working in various
positions within the Tribe, in Health, in government, and in gaming, Treasurer Bender
saw the inner workings (the systems and processes which allows the Tribe to function
as a sovereign government entity) of the Tribe, including how we function in day to day
operations.
For those unfamiliar with the workings of both small and large business, it takes a lot of
people and things to create stability. One of the main things a business or government
entity has to provide to its members is accountability. People want to know how much
money there is, what is money was spent on what, and what bills need to be paid, in order
to measure the success of the business or government. And that is not always an easy task.
It takes constant management of people, and of processes, to make accountability transparent to tribal members. For example, in order to provide information to the Tribe on
who spent what and what they spent restricted or unrestricted funds on, it wasn’t always
clear who had what authority to make decisions that affected the financial future of the
Tribe. What was clear was that things had to change in order to provide a clearer picture
of the financial health- and stability- of the Tribe. Changes had to occur.
When Bender was elected three years ago, she set out to try and make the process---and
the people--- respond better by making changes. “My main focus was to clean up processes, delegate financial responsibility to Directors…” meaning, that financial processes
weren’t clearly defined, even by those who were expected to provide clarity to the Tribe’s
members. Previous finance directors had control over processes that weren’t aligned with
their job descriptions, and that had to be fixed. “The finance department had total control
over processes not within their scope of work, and I had to fix that, in order provide a solid
foundation for the tribe to thrive on,” Bender says. “Communication was key, and that
included making sure everyone was on the same page- from the E.C. to their leadership
staff, and all of the departments the leadership staff oversee. Cleaning up the processes
allowed us to create more efficient ways to manage the Tribe’s assets--- people and finances---to create positive growth and change for the Tribe’s future.”
One of the difficulties in coming into a new position in the E.C. is often the lack of time
in completing tasks and campaign promises. Two years may seem like a long period of
time, but when an EC member is elected they often have to come in and spend time researching projects and procedures started- and unfinished- by their predecessors. “Elected
officials spend majority of their time reviewing the records that have been kept (by those
who were elected before them) or not kept and if they do not review the history, we have
often repeated ourselves and waste valuable time. “ So, Bender hit the ground running.
She reorganized the Finance department, reviewed job descriptions and existing duties of
directors and staff, and realigned duties, with the help of Human Resources and Executive
Committee, in order to streamline processes. She called together directors from different
– but intersecting—departments to work together on how to streamline work in a more
efficient- and transparent- manner. Directors from Human Resources, Grants, Finance,

MIS, Procurement, Casino, and Health came together to assist not only Treasurer Bender
in restructuring for better accountability, but one another.
Once systems and processes were better aligned for productivity and efficiency, then
Bender could turn her attention to other fixes. “Fighting for our rights in all facts of life; as
a Tribe and a nation, we will forever continue to fight for land, sovereignty, and economic
self-sufficiency… all of our cultural resources, our identity as who we are as Shawnee
people.” In that spirit, traditional values had to be aligned with modern values. Economic
development--- the management of the Tribe’s resources and ability to remain leaders
in these economic development strategies- was a key component of success. “We were
early leaders in developing revenue through gaming, which lead us to be able to provide
resources such as education, health and wellness to our people,” Bender says. “Our Health
System is one of the strongest in the state of Oklahoma, and we continue to develop a
strong health system that not only is economically self-sufficient, but financially stable,
assisting in bringing revenue to the Tribe’s Health program. But we can’t sit back and
be content with where we are. We need a comprehensive plan for our Tribe that will
help us stay ahead of the game and plan for our future--- our healthy, strong financial
future.” Under her direction, the Tribe has restructured its investment strategies, which
Bender says will create consistent sources of long term income for the Tribe in order to
continue to provide services to tribal members. “I developed a three-pronged approach to
investment,” Bender says, “that provides shared responsibility for managing the Tribe’s
financial investments. The Investment Committee, which reports to me directly, makes
recommendations on which investments to look in to, based upon positive, strategic financial growth for the Tribe. I then work with a professional investment advisor that
makes recommendations on rebalancing our financial portfolio every quarter to achieve
maximum return on our investments. From there, I take these recommendations from the
committee and the advisor to our investment manager who advises and makes changes to
our portfolio to achieve the best return. So far, our investments have had good return and
are helping us achieve financial stability and growth for the future.”
Several projects have seen significant change since Bender came in to office. The remodeling of restructuring of the Norman convenience store, the ongoing restructuring of
All Nations Bank, the acquit ions of real estate to be used for business development, and
the reorganization of the Tribe’s federally chartered economic development corporation
have all been achieved under Bender’s care. Additionally, the restructuring of the Tribe’s
computer systems, software management, and grants and contracts management systems
have all occurred during her time in office.
Now that new systems are in place, the time is to look toward the future. “I want to serve
the Tribe for as long as it takes to affect the change we need realize in order to move
forward,” Bender says, adding, “There’s still so much that can be done in the next two
years. “ This includes the development and implementation of a strategic plan and a comprehensive plan. While similar, these are different in their approach. A comprehensive
28
plan is a long-term process that looks at a tribes assets (cultural, people, financial, historical) and helps develop a two or three generations into the future plan that will affect
future generations. A strategic plan is the road map, or short-term plan, that helps the Tribe
move through the process and change that needs to happen to get to changes for future
generations. Economic development, stability, education, and wellness are all hallmarks
of Bender’s thoughtful and meticulous plan to move the Tribe in the right direction. The
current Executive Committee is committed to working together on this planning process
to move the Tribe forward. “We want to create businesses that can thrive and flourish and
still remain true to who we are as Absentee Shawnee people. How do we support growth
for our future? By working with businesses that are owned and managed by the Tribe, its
members, and creating jobs for all of our generations that will provide funds for the health
and wellness of our community.” Food sovereignty, the ability to utilize traditional ways
of cultivating the food our ancestors grew and used to keep us healthy, is a big project that
the Executive Committee members are looking into. “Providing healthy nutritious food
to our Tribe and the community around us is a well to ensure health and wellness for all.
This creates jobs, helps us use our traditional teachings, and keeps us connected to our past
and our future. It helps us change and still remain the same.”
And change--- while remaining tied to our history, our culture, our nation, is how we have
survived and how we will continue to do so.

29

Cucumber & Onion
Salad
Yogurt

Chili & Chez
Spanish Rice
Pears

Mashed Pot/Gravy
Peas & Carrots
Fluff

Meatloaf
Mashed Pot/Gravy
Greenbeans
Bread/Fruit

23
BBQ Pork Sandwich
Pickles, Onions
Chips
Pineapples

Spanish Rice
Salsa
Peaches

Oklahoma Indian LegalRealty
Services Department
(OILS)
20

21

Chicken Salad
On Croissant
LTOP
Chips/Apple

22

24

Hot Dog
Pork n Beans
Cookie

Banana
Sausage Patty
25

Scrambled Eggs
Sausage Gravy
Biscuit

26

Oklahoma
Indian Legal Services enters it’s 37th year of providing legal
ever, Hudson said there are options for those who don’t meet the guideReminder:
services to Oklahoma tribal members.
lines including organizations like the Oklahoma Bar Association and the
All trust
land
transactions
come through
Realty Office.Indian Law Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association.
Oklahoma• Indian
Legal
Services
(OILS)must
is a non-profit
legal the
services
27•
28other trust land transactions
29
30
31 Department and approved by the BIA.
Sales and/or
must be authorized
by the
Realty
organization
providing
freeany
legal
representation
to low-income
If Chicken
you
have
a legal
issue
that does not involve federal Indian law, Legal
Salisbury
Steak
Hominy & Porkcitizens Grilled
Beans
• with
Any federal
trust land
transactions
nothas
involving
Realtysince
Department
areServices
invalid.of Oklahoma
Mashed Pot/Gravy
Zucc.the
& Tomatos
Sandwich
Cornbread
facing issues
Indian
law.
OILS
been
in
existence
Aid
(LASO) takes applications by telephone. Their
Brussel Sprouts
Cake
Veggie Soup
Steakfries
•
Please
keep
addresses
current
with
the
Office
of
the
Special
Trustee
for
Indians
@
1-888-678-6836.
This will
allow proper
notification
Apricots
Onions
1981 and is part of the same network
as Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Plums
phone number is 1-888-534-5243.
Tribal
members
in Oklahoma
with
to
be
made
to
landowners
on
new
leases
and
other
information.
(LASO). The organization
employs six (6) attorneys who provide legal
a federal Indian LUNCH
law issue
can apply
for services with Oklahoma
Indian
NOT GOING TO BE HOME!!!
SERVED
MONDAY-THURSDAY
11AM TOto1PM
Please
keep
addresses
with the Absentee Shawnee Enrollment
Department.
This allows
the completed
Realty Department
crossservices to• tribal
members
across
thecurrent
state.
Legal Services
(OILS). Applications
are
by telephone.
Please
CALL
AND LET
US KNOW
AT 405-275-4030
reference
landowner
addresses
with
the
OST.
BREAKFAST
SERVED
FRIDAYS
9AM
TO
11AM
EXT
6227
or
6270
According to Stephanie Hudson, Executive Director of OILS, issues that
call 1-800-658-1497.
OR NOTIFY YOUR DRIVER
• lease
Shawnee Tribe, to see if you or your relatives are on this
tribal members
facevisit
canwww.indiantrust.com
be
different and morewhereabouts
complicated.unknown/Oklahoma/Absentee
Those issues
list. Child Welfare Act, probate on restricted Indian lands,
include the Indian
•
transactions
will take
time
to get approved
wills for trustGift
and deed
restricted
Indian lands,
tribal
housing
problems,from
tribalthe BIA.
• and
Negotiated
sales
mustIndividual
follow thetribal
proper
procedures
ensure
sovereignty
individual
rights.
members
can to
find
it the transaction is considered for approval.
A family
a deceased
must initiate the probate process.
difficult to• navigate
themember
differentoffederal
laws, landowner
state laws, administrative
codes and tribal laws that can be encountered when dealing with land or
childIfwelfare
issues.
anyone
has any questions, please contact the Realty Department @ (405) 275-4030.
Last year, OILS saw an increase in the number of grandparents seeking
a guardianship or an adoption for their grandchildren in state district
MISSION STATEMENT
courts. “There is a large opioid crisis going on inPROBATE
Oklahoma,” Hudson
said. “What a lot of citizens don’t realize is if the Indian Child Welfare
Who
are Assets
the children
in need?
Thefollowed,
primary the
mission
of the Division
the Probate
to compile
inventories of the Indian
Trust
and family
information, and to
Act is not
guardianship
could beofvacated
later.” isOILS
also
• Native American children in custody of tribe or state.
coordinate
the timely
distribution
of trust
assets
with
the Office
of Hearings and Appeals, Land
Titles and Records Office and the Office of
provides
legal education
classes
for attorneys
who
do not
regularly
prac• Native American children ages 0-17.
Special
Trustee.
•
Native
American children in sibling groups.
tice federal Indian law, because many have questions about the Indian
• Native American children with special, physical, or emotional needs.
Child Welfare Act.
• Native American children mixed with another ethnicity.
The
Division
Probate to
gathers
regarding
decedent’s
Hudson
said,
“OILS isofrequired
followinformation
federal poverty
guidelines
when family and property and prepares it for adjudication by the Office of
Hearingswho
andcan
Appeals
After
OHA
issuesfunder
a probate
worksFOSTER
with otherCARE
trust offices,
such ARE
as theNEEDED
Office of Special
TRIBAL
HOMES
FOR
determining
receive(OHA).
assistance.
Our
primary
is theorder the Division
American Indians
and the Land
andfollow
Records
Office to distribute assets. OUR TRIBAL CHILDREN
LegalTrustee
ServicesforCorporation
in Washington,
DC. Titles
We must
their
guidelines which allows us to provide services to applicants whose family
WILL
YOU OPEN
YOUR
HOME
TO A(Probate)
CHILDto
INstart
NEED?
order
this to125%
happen,
thefederal
familypoverty
of the decedent
will
the Absentee
Shawnee
Real Estate
Division
the
incomeIndoes
notfor
exceed
of the
guidelines.
” need to contact
probate
process.
“It does
cut out
some people who are employed from being able to receive
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FOSTER
our services, she said. “There is a real issue in the United States with peoCARE HOME PLEASE CONTACT:
ple who
are employed
can’t afford
an attorney.
are many at 405-275-4030 ext.
Should
you havethat
anystill
questions,
please
contactThere
Lea Tsotaddle
6248.
JULIE
WILSON 275-4030 EXT. 6376
people representing themselves in state district and tribal courts. How-

NOW Accepting Applications
For
Fall 2016

Deadline for applications is June 1, 2016

For more information, visit Haskell Indian
Nations University website at www.haskell.edu.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO SUBMIT AN AD OR ARTICLE:
Give us a call at (405) 598-1279 or (405) 481-0558
or send us an e-mail to
stiger@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.
29
30

Education

Current Programs
The following are current programs administered by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Education Department:
•
Academic (K-12) Program: assists with academic related expenses, and a portion of funds can be used for school-related athletic program
expenses. Program has a maximum funding limit for the academic year.
•
Zahn Program: established from a trust fund, program can help
with some graduation expenses, and awards two (2) incentives: one for
GED recipients and one for High School graduates. Program has a maximum amount of funding for graduation expenses.
•
Job Training Adult Education Program: funds for vocational
training at accredited vocational institutions. Program has a maximum
funding limit for the calendar year or per program.
•
Higher Education: Education Incentive Award Program: funds
for undergraduate degrees, one associate or bachelor degree, at any accredited college or university. Funding levels are determined based upon
grade point average and full-time or part-time status.
•
Graduate Scholarship Program: funds for one master’s degree or
one doctoral degree, and can fund one graduate admissions test. This
program has funding levels based upon full-time and part-time status.
•
Big Jim Youth Award Program: annual incentive for High
School Seniors for Academic Achievement and Athlete of the Year.
Deadline for application submission is March 31st of each year.
All funding is based upon the availability of funds at the time of application.

Attention:
Applications for fall 2018 must be received or postmarked by June 15,
2018.
Fall 2018 applicants must provide a copy of their new Tribal Enrollment
Card with their application.
December 2017/January 2018 Update by Tresha Spoon:
On December 19th I attended the Tecumseh Public Schools Title
VI Indian Education and Impact Aid Public Hearing. I attended the
monthly Directors Meeting on December 21st. January 3rd, Brandon
Goodman and I attended an In-Service Teacher Training at Shawnee
Middle School hosted by Tribal member, David Rolette with Governor
Butler-Wolfe as one of the guest speakers. On January 5th, the Governor
had a meeting with all the directors under her oversight which I attended.
On Tuesday, January 9th Blake Goodman and I met with the Grants
Director, Phyllis Wahahrockah-Tasi, to discuss our upcoming application
for the Department of Justice 2018 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) for Purpose Area #9-Tribal Youth Program. At noon that
same day I participated in the 2018 CTAS Application webinar. I hosted
a planning meeting on January 16th for an upcoming event the Education Department has collaborating on since October 2017. This event is
tentatively scheduled for April and once dates and times are confirmed
the information will be made public. The project partners are the Citizen
Potawatomi Nation and the American Indian Institute.
For more information, please call me at (405) 275- 4030, Ext. 6242 or
1-800-256-3341 or email me at tresham@astribe.com.

31

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBAL MEMBERS
APPLYING FOR TRIBAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE (T.E.A)
(A ONE TIME YEARLY PAYMENT OF $150.00, PER RESIDENCE)

ELIGIBILITY
¸

ENROLLED ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

¸

18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER

¸

UTILITY BILL IN YOUR NAME AND/OR SPOUSE’S NAME (SPOUSE MUST RESIDE IN HOME)

¸

TOTAL RESIDENCE INCOME (MUST NOT EXCEED A MONTHLY NET PAY OF $2,800.00)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:
¸

SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS (ALL MEMBERS RESIDING IN THE RESIDENCE)

¸

CDIB CARDS (ALL MEMBERS RESIDING IN THE RESIDENCE)

¸

CURRENT UTILITY BILL AND/OR DISCONNECT NOTICE

¸

CURRENT 30 DAYS INCOME VERIFICATION (I.E. CHECK STUB, SOCIAL SECURITY,
UNEMPLOYMENT, TANF, ETC.)

¸

UNEMPLOYED APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE SELF-CERTIFICATION FORM PROVIDED BY CASE
WORKER

APPLICATION ALSO ONLINE: wwwastribe.com

HAVE APPLICATION COMPLETED AND ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATIONS BEFORE
SUBMITTING TO SOCIAL SERVICES

ATTENTION
OILS

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
Oklahoma
Indian
Legal Services
the Absentee
Shawnee
Tribe. will be at the Tribal Court House,

TRIBAL MEMBERS!!!

Bldg.
#3 eachmailing
month on in
theyour
2nd Thursday
from 9am-12pm.
When
application
for

THIP list all applicants by a priority list:
a.
Handicapped/Disabled and Elderly
b.
Income
Oklahoma
IndianSize/Overcrowded
Legal Services (OILS)
is a nonprofit
organization
c.
Family
Living
Conditions
Condition
of Home
thatd.provides
free legal
services to low income Native Americans

any assistance through the Social Service Department, Please DO NOT send
in
Oklahoma.
To beavailable:
eligible for services you must fall within OILS
Other Programs
original
CDIB,
Drivers
License
and Social
•Sanitation
Facilities
Assistance
Program
income
guidelines.
Applications need to be completed and all necessary
Security
cards.
Please
attachwillcopies
documents
attached
before
the application
be processed.
Contact
information:
Applications
are available
thein
website:
of your
ID’s
only;
ifonline
you on
are
the office
www.astribe.com.
copiesOklahoma
will be
made.
Absentee ShawIndian
Legal
Submit completed
application
to: Services (OILS)
neeOffice
Tribe
not
responsible
for
lost ID’s
4200
Perimeter
Center
Dr.,&Ste
222
of is
Environmental
Health
Engineering
Tribe
of Oklahoma
Oklahoma
City,
OKany
73112
in the Absentee
mail.2025
If Shawnee
you
have
questions,
S. Gordon
Cooper
Dr.
Shawnee,
OK
74801
Telephone: (405) 943-6457
(405)
275-4030,
ext. 6225 or
please call
Absentee
Shawnee
Tribe Complex
Telephone:
(800)& 658-1497
Office of Environmental
Health
Engineering, Building 13
If you have any questions, you can reach us by phone at
Facsimile:
917-7060
(405) (405)
214-4235

6255.

THE OFFICE
OF
STUDY
ON
PUBLIC
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
& ENGINEERING (OEH&E)
HEALTH,
WELLNESS
AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN
TRIBAL COMMUNITIES

The principal role of OEH&E is to raise the
health status of our tribal members to the highest possible level
by providing services in the area of water and wastewater. To
qualify for a water well and/or septic system, the applicant must
be an enrolled Absentee Shawnee Tribal member and reside
within one of these six counties; Pottawatomie, Cleveland,
Oklahoma, Payne, Lincoln, or Logan, provide land ownership
by verification such as a Warranty Deed or Notarized Lease
The Absentee
Tribe
is supporting
Agreement
through Shawnee
the Absentee
Shawnee
Tribe Realitya
Department. Proof of income is not required.
grassroots
initiated research study on public safety,
The services we provide are: new water wells, renovation of
health
and wellness
affecting
Indian women.
This
a water wells,
new city or rural
water connections,
replacement
of
city
or
rural
water
service
lines,
new
wastewater
septic
research
was requested by Indian women and
systems, renovation of septic systems, new city sewer lines/
tribal
leaders
consultations
held systems
with the
renovation
of cityduring
sewer lines
and water treatment
as
needed.
We
are
not
funded
to
perform
annual
pumping
of
septic
U.S. Department of Justice and through separate
tanks. That service is considered part of home maintenance.
visits
toarevarious
congressional
These
If you
having water
or wastewaterdelegates.
issues or building
a
new
home
and
need
services
please
come
by
our
office
and
fill
advocacy efforts caused Congress to mandate the
out an OEH&E application for assistance.
National
Institute
(NIJ)
tohousing
conduct a
If your home
is underof
theJustice
management
of any
authority and
has not study
been paid
off, you do
qualifysafety,
national
baseline
focusing
on not
public
for assistance. Applications for this program are
public
health and wellness needs of Indian women
available online at www.astribe.com and at the
living
tribal lands.
OEH&Eon
building.

18
32
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe seeks to better

For information or assistance with problems related to stalking incidents, please contact the
Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Department at (405)273-2888. All services are
confidential and provided without judgement
19
19

Enrollment

EXHIBIT A
The following sections represent the only amended sections of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma’s Membership Ordinance. Please be
advised that some changes have already been made in the constitution and
just need to be changed in the ordinance. The added portions are bolded,
and deleted portions are stricken. These specified sections supersede the
existing Membership Ordinance sections upon enactment by the General
Council of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma.
IV.
Eligibility Criteria
C. All children born since April 17, 1954, who are of at least
one eighth 1/4 (1/8) degree Absentee Shawnee blood.

Section 2. From and after the effective date of this Consti
tution, no person shall be enrolled as a member of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe unless he possesses at least one
eighth 1/4 (1/8) degree Absentee Shawnee Indian blood.
V.

Filing an application for enrollment
D.
Documentation to accompany all applications- Since the
burden of proof is on the applicant, the application must be ac
companied by the following documentation:

1. Applicant’s original state-issued birth certificate.

2. Applicant’s social security card (may be a copy).

3. If the applicant’s natural mother was not a tribal mem
ber, or if the Absentee Shawnee blood of the father is re
quired for the applicant to have 1/4 1/8 Absentee Shawnee
blood,

one of the following also must accompany the birth certif
icate:

a) a marriage license showing that the appli cant’s mother was married to the tribal member
father at the time of conception; or

a)
A DNA or genetic marker test (obtained at

the applicant’s sole expense)

b)
determining the probability that a specific

tribal member is the natural father of the applicant

to be not less than 97% 98%; or

c)
A court order declaring a specific tribal

member to be the natural father.
VI.

Processing an application for enrollment
A.
By tribal enrollment staff

3. Make sure the application is complete. A copy will be
made of an incomplete application and the original will be
sent back to the applicant to be completed. The date the
incomplete application was returned to the applicant will
be noted. The copy will be retained in the applicant's fold er along with the supporting documents pending the re turn of the completed original application.

4. A completed application submitted without sup
porting documents will not be accepted. A letter accom-

panying the application and documents will be sent back requesting a
completed application with needed documents.
C.
By the Executive Committee

2.
Direct the enrollment staff to notify the accepted

applicants of their acceptance into membership; their first

three (3) CDIB cards will be free of charge; and any card

that needs to be replaced thereafter will be $5.00. Trib
al members may have a CDIB printed no more than

two times a month. Every four years the member will

be required to renew their CDIB with updated picture

upon their card’s expiration date. All original docu
ments that were submitted will be returned to the appli
cant, and a photocopy will be kept in the file. The enroll

ment staff will need to initial and date the copies that are

made for the enrollment file.
VII.

LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP
A.
Relinquishment

2. By a minor member- The membership of any mem
ber of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe who is not at least

18 years of age maybe relinquished by court order or

presenting their circumstance to the Executive Com mittee.

4. Membership after relinquishment- An adult mem
ber can relinquish only once before they have perma
nently severed his/her ties with the tribe and shall

not be permitted to rejoin the Tribe without a court

order. A minor member whose membership has been

relinquished by a parent or guardian may submit an

application for membership after he/she becomes

18 years of age. Such application shall be processed as

though the individual had not previously been a mem ber.
VIII.

Appeals
A.
Eligible appellantsThe following persons shall be eligible to file an appeal:

1.
Any applicant who has been rejected for member
ship, or

2.
Any applicant who has been rejected for relin

quishment on the behalf of a minor, or

3.
Any person who has been disenrolled.
B.
Timing of appeal Each notice of rejection, rejection of relinquishment,

or disenrollment shall provide that an appeal must be

received within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the

notice in order to be considered. The date stamped on

the receipt of the certified letter shall be considered the

beginning of that 30 day period.
IX.

34

Records

UAL BENEFITS & DISCOUNTS

XE HEALTH
CENTER
OPTOMETRY
A.
Contents
of individual folders:

4.
Social
card;
UAL
BENEFITS
&security
DISCOUNTS
nee Tribal Members with Vision Insurance:

Enrollment

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy
ABSENTEE
SHAWEE
TRIBEareOF
OKLAHOMA
The AST Domestic
Violence/Sexual
Assault Programs
on-call
24 hours per day to provid
emotional support, advocacy and crisis counseling to survivors at hospitals, police stations and
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEPARTMENT
throughout the legal system. The programs also serve as a resource center to the community by
offering educational information and referrals.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy
The AST Domestic Violence/SexualTransitional
Assault Programs
are on-call 24 hours per day to provid
Housing
emotional
support,
advocacy
and
crisis
counseling
to
survivors
stations an
The AST DV Transitional Housing Program serves victims atofhospitals,
Domesticpolice
Violence/Sexua
throughout
the legal system.
programs
serve education
as a resource
to the
community
Assault.
Participants
have upThe
to six
months also
to obtain
and center
job skills
needed
to beginb
offering
new
life.educational information and referrals.

B.
Access to records:

1.
Thehave
Roll:
e Shawnee Tribal members
who
vision insurance will have their insurTheoptical
tribe’s
current
may
xam
and any prescribed
products.
Themembership
Tribal benefitroll
will be
usednot
forbe viewed

by
member
ofInsurance:
the
Shawnee
Tribe. Neither
cost
for prescription
eyeany
glasses
or contact
lens,Absentee
not to exceed
the $350.00
nee
Tribal
Members
with
Vision
h the
ASTHS Contract Health
Services.
If theany
amount
exceeds
the $350.00
the
current
roll nor
portion
thereof
may be copied or
Transitional
Housing
Court Advocacy
ember
will be
responsible
forwho
the out
pocket
expense.

distributed
to of
any
person
or organization,
except to com- Assists
e Shawnee
Tribal
members
have
vision
insurance
will have their insurThe AST
DV
Transitional
Housing
Program
serves
of Domestic
survivors with domestic violence court related victims
costs (when
funding isViolence/Sexua
available) and
Assault. Participants
have
up
to
six
months
to
obtain
education
and
job
skills needed
to begin
xam
and
anyMember
prescribed
optical
products.
Theand
Tribal
will be
used for
ply
with
Tribal
Law
forbenefit
legitimate
governmental
pur- appearances
entee
Tribal
with
insurance
chooses
to see
an
outside
provider
as well as filing for emergency protective orders (EPO) or restraining
orders.
new
life.
cost
for
prescription
eye
glasses
or
contact
lens,
not
to
exceed
the
$350.00
ible poses.
for notifying ASTHS Contract
Health
The 1937
rollServices
maybe(405.701.7951
viewed for research purgh
the
ASTHS
Contract
Health
Services.
If
the
amount
exceeds
the $350.00
Shelter Placement Assistance
. Their
benefit
within
the
Absentee
Shawnee
Optometry
Department

poses through the enrollment department.
Court
Advocacy
The
Absentee
Shawnee
Tribe’s
Domestic
Violence
Program works with other shelters within
ember
will
be
responsible
for
the
out
of
pocket
ex

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3A6935cf108059c737. Public record. Not legal advice.