Absentee Shawnee Tribe Receives Funding for (2024)

www.astribe.com

THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE NEWS

Volume 34, No. 12

December 2024

Absentee Shawnee Tribe Receives Funding for

Porter Bridge Replacement Project

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe was

recently awarded $13,793,400 for the

Porter Bridge Replacement Project in

Norman. The award is part of a new

round of funding through President

Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,

which will allow for the build, repair or

modernization of regionally significant

bridges in 19 states.

The United States Department of

Transportation’s

Federal

Highway

Administration (FHWA) made the

announcement.

This

monumental

allocation to the tribe was the ONLY

award for any tribe in the country and

the ONLY request awarded in the state of

Oklahoma.

The funding will replace the bridge on

Porter over the Little River. It is located

between Tecumseh Road and Franklin

Road. The 87 year-old bridge, which is

located on an emergency route, is prone

to flooding.

“I am so happy that we received this

funding. We have many tribal members

that live in the Norman community and

see this as a very important project. We

look forward to working with the City

of Norman. “Said AST Self-Governance

Director Twyla Blanchard. “Having a

new and better bridge will keep not only

our tribal members but also the citizens

of Norman safe for many years to come.”

The tribe partnered with the City of

Norman, who also owns and maintains

the bridge, on this project. City of Norman

Transportation Engineer David Risland

praised the tribe’s efforts saying, “We

are so grateful for the partnership and

support of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe,”

he said. “They have collaborated with the

City of Norman on a multitude of projects

over the past two years, which has opened

up additional funding opportunities for

infrastructure improvements across the

community. These joint efforts illustrate

their visionary leadership and create a

better Norman for everyone.”

Design of the bridge is underway.

Future activities will include continued

design, environmental studies and

permitting. The bridge is expected to be

under construction in 2027. Oklahoma

tribes consistently rank high in the nation

on their contribution to local roads.

Left Photo (L-R): AST Self-Governance Director Twyla Blanchard; AST Representative Anthony Johnson and AST Lt. Governor Diane Ponkilla stand on the Porter bridge

which will be replaced in 2027. Right Photo: Flooding on the Porter bridge.

Native American Heritage Month Celebrations

Left Photo: On November 12, Norman Mayor Larry Heikkila passed a proclamation proclaiming November as American Indian/Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month in the city of Norman.

Accepting the proclamation were AST Representative Anthony Johnson, AST Governor John Johnson and Kiowa Tribal Vice-Chairman Jacob Tsotigh. Right Photo: AST Governor John

Johnson was one of the featured speakers during the Native American Heritage Celebration at the state capitol on November 20. The event was sponsored by Cheyenne Arapaho MMIP

Chapter. Pictured with Governor Johnson are tribal members and sisters, Akiane Bates, former Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma 2019-2021 and Aria Bates, Miss Oklahoma Indian Biker Princess.

Photos (L-R): Members of the Riverside Indian School Color Guard are pictured along with the Princesses who performed the Lords prayer in sign language. Princesses on the second

floor rotunda of the state capitol.

2A www.astribe.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

John Johnson, AST Governor

GOVERNOR

John Johnson

Hello Tribal Members,

Merry Christmas everyone, I hope

you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and surrounded yourself by family and friends.

I attended the National Congress of

American Indians in Las Vegas in November. There was a lot of interesting agenda

items. The importance of the conference

was to make sure all Native American

people got out and voted in the upcoming presidential elections. The presidential election this year was very important

to the people of the United States, I hope

you was able to cast your vote.

Mr. Larry Heikkila the Mayor of the

City of Norman, requested that I attend

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Diane Ponkilla, AST Lt. Governor

Lt. GOVERNOR

Diane Ponkilla

Greetings Tribal Members,

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to all who have lost a loved one.

I hope the holidays are extra special with

everyone and their families. As we approach the end of 2024 and into the colder weather, I would like to express how

important it is to be prepared. The HVAC

department is assisting with heater checks

to the AST elderly and homeowners.

The Lt. Governor and Secretary have

dual oversight of the Agriculture; on

Monday, October 28, 2024 we spent the

day with the staff Chelsi Peacock, Seth

Jimenez and Bobby Armstrong. I wanted

to see the process of caring, feeding and

daily operations and mainly the work

ethics of the staff. This department has

been the main challenge of all the departments under the Lt. Governor oversight.

I would like to have an Agriculture Coordinator and staff with the same goals

and work ethics to accomplish what this

department needs to succeed. Chelsi

Peacock, Agriculture Administrative Assistant submitted a brief summary to keep

tribal members updated on the cattle.

The Ag Dept. welcomed 7 calves from

the Holdenville herd, which completes

the births from that group and 9 AI (artificial inseminated) heifers are expected

December 2024

November’s monthly council meeting.

At the meeting he read a proclamation

proclaiming the month of November as

“Native American/Indigenous Peoples

Heritage month”. It was an honor to attend this meeting. I am very excited that

surrounding areas are acknowledging the

Native American people and dedicating

the month of November for Heritage

month. The Oklahoma State capital also

held an event that I attended for Native

American Heritage month. At this event

I was asked to give a brief introduction of

the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

Force50Foundation presented Native

American Melodies at the Riverwind casino this year in honor of Veterans Day.

It was the first time I attended this event

and I have to say it was very well planned.

I met with the past Oklahoma Governor

George Nigh, Tom Cole, Governor Bill

Anoatubby with Chickasaw Nation, and

guest speaker Wes Studi. I look forward

to the next invitation. For more information you may search the host online at:

Force50Foundation.com

With the upcoming holidays approaching please be patient as we prepare for upcoming events.

Should you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact myself or my assistant:

John Johnson 405-275-4030 ext. 3500

Alvina Barnes 405-275-4030 ext. 3501

to deliver in December. 7 cows were cull

due to their age; they served their purpose on the farm, leaving 2 generations of

calves. On November 05, 2024 Tecumseh

Vet came to the farm to do health check,

vaccinations and weigh some of the cattle.

The farmhands Seth Jimenez and Bobby

Armstrong attended 2 conference’s, they

learned the importance of soil health and

proper grazing practices from NRCS and

are now BQA certified.

Stacy Coon was hired as the Maintenance Director Stacy has been within the

maintenance department for 11 years.

With his knowledge and history with the

tribe I believe Stacy will excel and be a

great asset not only to the maintenance

department but to the Tribe.

October 31, 2024 the AST complex had

Trick or Treater from Building Blocks I,

II and CTSA visiting each department.

Building #2 had the Governor, Lt. Governor, BIA, Courts, Election Commission

and Agriculture department handing out

treats to our little visitors.

Myself, Secretary and Representative

was invited to judge the ASHA costume

contest and crockpot cook off.

As the Lt. Governor I have attended

plenty of meetings, met with a lot of associates on different matters and I am looking forward to 2025 to further my knowledge and experiences with the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe. Ni yi wa.

October Meetings:

10/02/24: Court @ 10am

10/03/24: SSSA RFP’s @10am

10/05/24: 93rd Semi-Annual General

Council @ 10am

10/08/24: Gaming Commission @

11am

10/11/24: Construction @ 10am

10/14/24: Closed (Indigenous Day)

10/15/24: Health board @ 8:30am

10/15/24: Special TEI Shareholders @

2pm

10/16/24: Governor DeWine @

8:30am

10/16/24: Executive Committee @

10am

10/17/24: BIA Budget @ 9am

10/17/24: Maintenance Budget @

10am

10/17/24: Lt. Governor Budget @

11am

10/17/24: OEH Budget @ 1pm

10/17/24: Agriculture Budget @ 2pm

10/21/24: Sponsored Programs Budget @ 1pm

10/23/24: ASHA Board @ 9am

10/25/24: Construction @ 10am

10/28/24: Agriculture @ 9am-3:30pm

10/29/24: Dance Grounds @ 9am

10/30/24: Out of Office

10/31/24: Trick or Treaters @ 9:30am11am

October 2, 2024- I attended a meeting

concerning our courts @ 10:00am held

at the governor’s conference room at the

AST complex. At 12:00pm our employee

committee held an employee appreciation

luncheon for our employee’s.

October 3, 2024- I attended a CTSA

meeting @ 9:00am held at the Kickapoo

complex.

October 5, 2024- General Council was

held @ 10:00am at the Thunder Bird event

center.

October 11, 2024- I attended a construction meeting with staff and Lt. Governor @ 10:00am.

October 15, 2024- I attended a TEI

Shareholders board meeting @ 2:00pm

held at the casino.

October 16, 2024- Ohio governor Dewine visited the AST complex @ 8:30am we

had breakfast and took him on a tour of

the campus. 10:00am an executive meet-

ing was held followed by a health board

shareholders meeting @ 1:00pm held at

the governor’s conference room.

October 21, 2024- I had six meetings

scheduled for this day. I attended 3 due

to scheduling conflicts. I attended a 477

meeting @ 8:30am held at the governor

conference room. Following after we

had our weekly round table meeting @

11:00am due to other executive members being on travel we had not had our

weekly meeting this month. At 1:00pm I

attended a CTSA meeting.

October 22, 2024- I attended Rising

Warrior’s (domestic violence) walk from

10:00-10:30 held at the Little Axe Health

center. Followed by a gaming commission

meeting I attended @ 11:00am.

October 23, 2024- I attended the housing board meeting @ 9:00am.

October 24, 2024- Rising Warrior (domestic violence) held (Continued on 3A)

You may also email me:

governor@astribe.com

alvinab@astribe.com

Thank you

SECRETARY

Misty McGirt

TREASURER

Joseph Blanchard

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Misty McGirt, AST Secretary

REPRESENTATIVE

Anthony Johnson

Greetings Tribal Members,

I hope everyone had a great Turkey Day

this is a great time to spend time with

family. Congratulations to the children

who won the Halloween coloring contest

and great job to all who participated you

all did a great job. My apologies with all

the slander circling on Facebook regarding my family and I. No one can control

how people want to act. Just know there is

always another side to the story I would

never condone in the allegations being

made against me by individuals on Facebook. I don’t mind explaining in person

my door is always open for Tribal Members to come visit.

During this path month these are the

meetings I have been attending:

December 2024

www.astribe.com 3A

SECTRETARY’S REPORT

(Continued from Page 2A)

another walk at the Absentee-Shawnee

complex I attended along with Lt. Governor Ponkilla. I had an ASEDA call

meeting @ 3:00pm. To wrap up this day I

attended along with Lt. Governor Ponkilla and Rep. Johnson a Little Axe football

game they honored the tribe for helping

the school with jerseys.

October 25, 2024- I attended a construction meeting @ 10:00am held at the

governor’s conference room.

Saturday October 26, 2024- I attended

a monthly elders meeting @10:00am held

TREASURER’S REPORT

Joseph Blanchard, AST Treasurer

Hello fellow Tribal members, Family, and

Friends:

I hope this month’s submission finds

you well, enjoying the memories being

created, and able to spend quality time

with your loved ones this Holiday season.

For those missing one around the table,

I hope the Creator provides strength and

comfort to get you through those tough

times. These last few months have been

exhausting with the number of meetings,

discussions, and other everyday items

that come up throughout the business

day; not to mention the additional travel

and obligations to represent the Tribe at

National Conferences.

Earlier this summer, I requested the Executive Committee to send a Director or

staff member to the National Congress of

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

Anthony Johnson, AST Representative

Hello Tribal Members,

It has been a busy fall season for my

office. In October, I traveled with our

Cultural Preservation department for the

2024 Texas Tribal Consultation Meeting

in Canyon, TX. My office helped welcome children from Building Blocks and

CTSA for the Trick-Or-Treat event at the

tribal complex. Our Housing Authority held a crock pot and costume contest

for Halloween that I helped judge with

Lt. Governor Ponkilla and Secretary McGirt. In November, I traveled with our

477 staff to the 2024 Western Regional

166/477 Training Conference in Auburn,

WA. Our 477 department is thriving and

provides resources and support to help

tribal members become more economically self-sufficient. To learn more about

these resources, contact the 477 depart-

at the multipurpose building.

October 31, 2024- I helped my staff

hand out candy to the children that

stopped by at 9:00am, 10:00am I had a

meeting for surveillance for our agriculture department.

Here is what is going on in some of

my departments:

Enrollment- as of October we are finally 4,700 Tribal members! Our exact

total is 4,718 members.

Rising warrior (Domestic Violence)New buses, train and train station will

be ready and out in the community by

mid-December. Sexual assault grant was

awarded and will continue into 2025.

Kaitlyn one of our coordinators was

awarded the victim advocate of the year

award through Pottawatomie and Lincoln County’s CCRT (Coordinated Community Response Team. We have had 60

clients from Jan-Jun and 18 active cases.

If you or anyone you know suffer from

domestic violence please don’t hesitate to

reach out.

ICW- we have had 107 CPS cases, 36 guardianship cases, 40 - support services

cases, 17 - deprived tribal and state case.

Reminder our ICW is located at 1318

E. independence Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Our ICW staff stays busy helping our

children. They are a great group with so

much passion to make sure our children

are safe and taken care of.

Human Resources- we currently have

605 employees as of October.

Agriculture Department- we have 158

head of cattle.

Before I wrap up my report I would like

to share some exciting news for my family we will be welcoming my last and final

baby girl in February. That’s all I have to

report at this time if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact my office.

American Indian (NCAI) annual meeting. This is the largest gathering of Tribal

Nations and Native Leaders at any point

in the year. It is one of the most important sessions where decisions, legislation,

and proposals are submitted, which affect

all 570+ Governments. Though it didn’t

garner the interest I had hoped for, it was

our biggest contingency sent to date (8).

Several of the staff grasped the relevance of my request and were able to pick

up an abundance of information and establish new contacts from other Tribes, to

network with in the future.

Additionally, during our visit, Governor Johnson and I were able to attend a

Presidential Rally for the Harris/Walz

Campaign, just days prior to the election. It was the first time either of us had

the chance to view and see how they do

things on the National level. In conversation with one of my colleagues, she men-

tioned there had not been a Democratic visit to Oklahoma since the Michael

Dukakis campaign in the 90’s. I want

to express my appreciation to all those

members and employees who came out

to register and chose to participate in the

electoral process.

That being said let me switch gears to

express my thoughts on the recent election. Some may remember my prior

comments about how the last four years

have been very beneficial to Tribal Nations with the Biden administration. I

expressed concern to our Governor in a

recent update and how I expect the new

Presidency to potentially end this movement. This could be highly detrimental

to our system, especially with the ongoing arguments the 39 Tribal Nations have

had the last couple years with the current

Oklahoma Governor. When one throws

in the issues in Education and the posi-

tion of State Superintendent Walters, it

appears darker days are looming, at least

for the foreseeable next two years.

As we enter the last month, many of

our youth will be transitioning into their

Winter sports of basketball and wrestling.

This season will be the first in the last two

decades I won’t have someone to support

on the gym floor, which will be a unique

experience. As my calendar opens up

and there is a little more free time, send

me a copy of your child’s schedule if you

would like me to attend. I always enjoy

good competition, a bag of hot popcorn,

and a Frito chili Pie.

In closing, let me be the first to wish

you “Merry Christmas!” I look forward

to seeing everyone in the upcoming New

Year. God Bless you!

ment at: (405) 878-4545 or 477program@

astribe.com.

My office was also invited to participate

in a pop up Narcan demonstration event

in November with the Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) grant staff at the Shawnee Clinic. The demonstration was well

attended by community members and

clinic staff. Narcan can help save the life

of an individual who has overdosed on

opioids. Our TOR grant staff helps supply our community with free Narcan and

training. They can be reached at: (405)

701-7987.

Should you have any questions or need

any assistance, please contact my office

at: (405) 531-3512 or adjohnson@astribe.

com.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy

holiday season.

Ne yi wa!

Secretary McGirt

Respectfully,

Joseph H. Blanchard

Tribal Treasurer

Sincerely,

Anthony “Tad” Johnson, Tribal Representative

Left photo taken at the AST Housing Crock Pot Cook Off competition. Right photo was

taken at the Narcan demonstration event in partnership with the AST Tribal Opioid

Response grant team, at the Shawnee Clinic. Representative Johnson is showing community

members how to administer Narcan to someone who may have overdosed on opiates. The

individual on the ground in the demonstration pic is AST tribal member Jayden Watson

and he works in the Diabetes & Wellness Department at the Little Axe Health Center.

University of Central Oklahoma students with AST Treasurer Blanchard at the

East Central University Tribal Summit, October 24, 2024.

Tribal member George Blanchard was recently honored at the 56th Algonquian Conference on October 25. The event was held at First Americans

Museum in Oklahoma City. He was one of 12 honorees who were recognized for their language efforts. Blanchard has been passionately teaching

Shawnee language for almost 40 years.

AST Representative Anthony Johnson said “This is a great appreciation of

George carrying on the language”.

NOT IC E

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE OR STORY

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

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

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

December 2024

4A www.astribe.com

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe was recognized for their continued dedication to Little Axe Public Schools Athletic Program. The recognition was given during senior night on

October 24. “We appreciate the Absentee Shawnee Tribe for their ongoing support of our athletic programs for student athletes. Their commitment has made a significant

impact on our students, and we are beyond thankful for their partnership,” said Little Axe High School Athletic Director Terry Rogers.

Left Photo (L-R): Little Axe HS Athletic Director Terry Rogers; Little Axe Superintendent Dr. Jay Thomas; AST Lt. Governor Diane Ponkilla; AST Secretary Misty McGirt;

Little Axe Public Schools School Board President/Tribal member Beverly Felton; AST Representative Anthony Johnson; Little Axe High School Principal Trey Kirkpatrick.

AST Cultural Preservation Co-Hosts Inaugural THPO School

Images courtesy of

THPO School

Participants and AST

Media

Last week, November 4th – 8th, THPO School finally became a reality! The Absentee

Shawnee Tribe – Cultural Preservation Department partnered with Nighthawk Consulting

and The University of Oklahoma – Native American Studies to put on the first ever THPO

School. The concept of the THPO School was first talked about by Mrs. Sheila Bird of

Nighthawk Consulting. She knew the challenges and the overwhelming responsibilities that

come with being a new Tribal Historic Preservation Officer from knowing the laws, to

reading reports from federal agencies, to working in the field and monitoring, to

consultations. After many talks, Carol Butler, Cultural Preservation Director, jumped at the

idea to co-host this school.

The inaugural class was comprised of THPOs and other staff from the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Tule River Indian Tribe of California, Peoria

Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Modoc Nation, and Delaware

Tribe of Indians. The class and field portion of the school were taught by some incredible

individuals who are experts in their fields. Mrs. Sheila Bird discussed preservation laws.

Mrs. Dina Bazzill, Environmental Corporation of America’s Vice President of Cultural

Resources and Tribal Coordinator discussed Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

and Telecommunications. Ms. Carol Butler discussed the tribal side of the FCC and the

TCNS system which is used for consultation. Mrs. Sheila Bird discussed the lawsuit that

was filed against the FCC (UKB vs. FCC). Mr. Chip Smith, a retired assistant with 43 years

of experience with the US Army Corp of Engineers and in the Office of the Assistant

Secretary of the Army for Civil works, discussed the Clean Water Act, waters of the US and

Section 106 regulations and policy. Ms. Stephanie Rainwater, a biologist and ecological

project manager for LJA Environmental Services, discussed Endangered Species and the

different acts and triggers for Section 106. She also did a walk through and discussed

habitats, wetland delineations, and ordinary high water marks of the stream. Ms. Molly

Gibb, Search and Rescue/Recovery K9 handler, discussed searches and training of the K9s.

She, also, took the dogs in the field for a search. Mr. Kevin Nolan, director of Applied

Anthropology Laboratories in the College of Science and Humanities at Ball State

University in Muncie, Indiana, was the lead archaeologist. He led the participants in Phase I

surveys and led the discussion of what are the red flags to look for in bad cultural resources

reports. He, also, provided the basics of geophysical applications (GPR). Ms. Ashley

Mason-Burns-Meerschaert of the Museum of Osteology discussed how to distinguish and

recognize bones and teeth.

December 2024

www.astribe.com

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building Blocks C.D.C.

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, Ok. 74801

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

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building Blocks III C.D.C.

16051 Little Axe Dr.

Norman, OK 73026

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

Building Blocks II is a 5 Star, OkDHS Licensed Center. Our hours are

7a.m. to 6p.m. Monday-Thursday. We take children ages 6 weeks

through Pre-K (4-5Yr Olds).

Building Blocks Teachers and Children love to do Christmas Activities

and Projects. The Holiday season is a busy time at Building Blocks.

We are open to the public and accepting waitlist applications by

email or in person.

We are collecting Donations for the Tecumseh Nursing Home’s Elders through

December 19th. Donations accepted are Throw-Blankets and Non-Slip Socks.

Our 3 & 4 Year olds will deliver the Donations to the Nursing Home on

December 20th.

Director: Skye Foreman

Sforeman@astribe.com

Assistant Director: Renee Richardson

Rrichardson@astribe.com

Building Blocks

Christmas

Program will be

in the evening on

December 13th.

CLOSURES

Closing at 12pm- Wednesday, December 4th

December 24th & 25th

January 1st

Classroom

Christmas Parties

will be December

20th at 3:00p.m.

Happy Holidays from our

Building Blocks family, to yours!

Pa po ne Ke s’fwa

(pay po nee key s’thway)

Winter Month (December)

December is called Pa po ne Ke s’fwa (Winter Month) since the climate changes to cold weather.

The word for winter is pa po ne (pay po nee) or pa po ke (pay po key) for winter time.

It is also a time for family and friends; however we do not have a word for Christmas or Jesus since

the Shawnee religion and beliefs are not like the Christian world. When we do pray, we talk to

Ma ta la me wa ti (may tay lay mee way tah) Great Spirit; Ko ko m’fa ni (ko ko m’thay nah) our

Grandmother; and Ne ma so m’fi (nee may so m’thah) our Grandfather to ask for help and to have

pity on us.

Wa pe – cold

Ya pa po n’ka ke – North

Ko ne – snow

Pe ta ne ka pa – our coats

(way pee)

(yay pay po n’kay key)

(ko nee)

(pee tay nee kay pay)

Pa po ne – winter

Ho wa li ko te wa – peace

(pay po nee)

(ho way lah ko tee way)

Hi qa la te wa – love

We sa ke ta ha wa – hope

(hah qay lay tee way)

(wee say key tay hay way)

Ya li wi qa ke se ti wi ta wi pi ge ka fi ke ho wa si pa po ne

(yay lah wah qay key see tah wah tay wah pah chee kay thah key ho way sah pay po nee)

-

Geese flying south means winter is coming

Ya pa po n’ka ke ho ge t’ke ke sa ke – Cold air comes from the north.

(yay pay po n’kay key

ho chee

t’key key say key)

Hi la me wa pe – It’s getting very cold.

(hah lay mee

way pee)

We si ko ne – It’s going to snow.

(wee sah ko nee)

Qe li he ka ke so we pe ta ne ka pa – We need our coats

(qee lah hee kay kee so wee

pee tay nee kay pay)

K’ya ke so ho – Dress warm

(k’yay key so ho)

He ne ko ge! Si li no ke ka no la p’wi! Ne yi wa!

Tribal Member Corner:

December Article:

Can we reduce the clinic monthly training to 2 hours only, and be open more

for the tribal members.

Maybe we can issue $10 monthly Wal Mart cards, for vegetable purchases, for

our food pantry participants.

Some tribes, offer elders 60 and up, temporary part-time positions within the

tribe. Not sure, if there are enough participants, but something to review.

It would be good to review, other tribe services and what they offer, and of

course design our own.

President Biden offered a formal apology, for the abuses committed by Native

Boarding Schools, October 25, 2024.

My Grandmother, Anna Washington-deceased, Eastern Shawnee, attended

Carlisle Boarding School. (Carlisle Indian Industrial School). She attended

school with Jim Thorpe, he was a grade higher.

My grandmother told me, she couldn’t speak the Shawnee Language. I had a

chance, several years ago, to travel to Carlisle, Pennsylvania to see where my

grandmother went to school or area. Of course, the school was not there, just

the cemetery. It was a long distance from Shawnee, Oklahoma. Many green

hills and pastures there.

I encourage members, to write articles for our paper.

Attend a church service. Happy holidays.

Eileen Pearce, Tribal Member

Questions, Comments: Lapearce@att.net 405.227.2036 or text.

LEGAL NOTICE

5A

December 2024

6A www.astribe.com

The Department of Justice through its Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) awards an Office of Juvenile

Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) - Tribal Youth Program, Five-Year Grant to the AST Education Department

The AST Education Department received a Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) - Purpose Area 9 grant in the amount of $500,000.

Purpose Area 9 - Tribal Youth Program, specifically the Harvesting Change Enhancement/Expansion Grant (Category 3), is a competitive grant through the Office of Juvenile

Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Prevention services under Purpose Area 9 include: to impact risk factors for delinquency and promote protective factors. This may

include mentoring, youth development, anti-gang education, truancy and school dropout prevention programs, after-school programs, anti-bullying programs, and programs

that emphasize youth, family and community engagement. This grant supports staff and programming for the Little Axe After School Program at Brendle Corner, the AST

Public Safety Club, and Indian Club support at local schools (Little Axe, Tecumseh, and North Rock Creek) among other objectives.

Director of Education – Tresha Spoon, Tribal Youth Program Coordinator - Blake Goodman, and Tribal Youth Resource Specialist - Shay Fixico wrote the grant and

submitted it as part of the Tribe’s CTAS application. The Director of Education facilitated CTAS Director’s meetings beginning in January 2024 until the submission date in an

attempt to bring directors and staff together to see how they can improve the Absentee Shawnee Tribal justice system for our youth and families. Directors and staff from the

following departments were invited to these meetings: Courts, ICW, Police, Domestic Violence, and Grants. The Police, Domestic Violence, Education, and Grants staff were

present at most if not all meetings. The Education Department staff were strong advocates and early contributors to the CTAS Purpose Area (PA) 3 – Tribal Justice Systems

Program - Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Tribe also received Purpose Area 3 in the amount of $900,000. Director of Education, Tresha Spoon, writes “the Education

Department staff looks forward to being a part of reaching the goals and objectives for PA 3 and improving resources and access to our Tribal Court system. It was our intent

to include a staff position within PA 3 to help tribal program and service providers work more closely with our youth and families who need resources while they are going

through our justice system in an effort to support a successful outcome.”

As cited on the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s website: This solicitation provides federally recognized tribes and tribal consortia an opportunity to apply for funding to aid in

developing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to public safety. Many of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) existing tribal government-specific programs are included

in and available through this single Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS).

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 CTAS refers to the DOJ’s tribal government-specific competitive grant programs as purpose areas (PA). Applicants may select the PA(s) that best

address their tribe’s concerns related to public safety, criminal and juvenile justice, and the needs of victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence,

and stalking.

Following are the seven PAs and their DOJ components:

PA 1: Public Safety and Community Policing Tribal Resources Grant Program – Hiring and Equipment/Training [Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS

Office)]

PA 2: Tribal Justice Systems Strategic Planning Program [Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), COPS Office, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP),

Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)]

PA 3: Tribal Justice Systems Program (BJA)

PA 4: Tribal Justice System Infrastructure Program (BJA)

PA 6: Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities (OVC)

PA 8: Youth Healing to Wellness Courts (OJJDP)

PA 9: Tribal Youth Program (OJJDP)

Note that, in FY 2024, PAs 5 and 7 are not included in CTAS.

(https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2024-171911)

Education Department: Tribal Youth Programs

The Camp Nikoti’s Afterschool Program currently has 19 students enrolled in the program. There are 14 AST tribal youth, and three youth that are enrolled in other tribes.

They have been working hard to keep up with their homework, and working to improve their skills in all areas using the workbooks that we got them. Valerie Scarberry with

Native Connections came out and spoke with them this past month and did a Pumpkin coloring contest. The winner from the elementary youth and the winner from the

middle school/high school youth each got a $25 gift card. We also had a Halloween party for the youth where they got snacks, drinks, and a bag of candy.

We attended the Native American Student Career Opportunities with Tinker Air Force Base hosted by the Sac n Fox Nation in Stroud on October 23rd. There were 12

schools that attended ranging from grades 7th-12th. We talked with students about the different programs the tribe provides and gave away several items to all the students.

We also attended North Rock Creek’s High School NASA (Indian Club) meeting on November 8th. We did a beading activity with them making a beaded Indian corn for

them to take home. We started the meeting with 8-10 students, but ended up working with about 20 students. While we were working, we talked about the Indian corn and

how we use it in our tribe. The students had a lot of fun and really enjoyed getting to do a hand’s on activity. They invited us back in the spring to do another activity with

them. We also set up a date to do an activity with Mustang High School’s Indian Club in the Spring. We will be attending Little Axe High Schools next Indian Club meeting

on November 14th, and are working to do an activity with Tecumseh High School’s Indian Club soon.

Lastly, we want to give a very special shout out to two of our Program youth. Nick Sanders-McClellan (Senior at LAHS) and Kelin Sanders-McClellan (Sophomore at LAHS)

both qualified and ran in the Class 3A State Championship race for Cross Country. They were the only two runners from Little Axe High School that qualified this year. They

have been a part of our Afterschool program for 6-7 years and have been a part of our Summer Camps and other programs. We are very proud of them and the success they

have achieved. Congratulations to them both.

December 2024

www.astribe.com

7A

Jiliyan – Happy 20th birthday to my

beautiful daughter. Keep being the

wonderful, amazing young woman

you are! Momma loves you so very

much and your brothers do too.

Love, Joplin & Justin

Happy 4th Birthday Sissy

we love you so much!

- Mama, Daddy, & Sissy

Jiliyan – Happy birthday to my

beautiful niece. Hope your day is a

great one. Love, Aunt B

Jil, Happy birthday to our lovely

wonderful (never mean) sister. Love

brothers, Joplin & Justin

Good morning

I would like to see if it is possible to put back in place the Christmas Gift Card for the Seniors or Tribal Members by check or

WALMART Gift Cards.

Congratulations to tribal member Aaliyah

Shawnee, a senior at Glenpool High School, who

signed her letter of intent to play basketball with

Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK.

She is the daughter of Derrick and Isha Shawnee

and granddaughter of Darla Gatzman.

It is much appreciated when they do this, but it is appreciated if

the Elders or Tribal Members can make that decision for what their

family needs.

I believe last year it was Christmas Hams, but there was no notification until days before Christmas in which makes it hard for

anyone to partake in this event if they are traveling.

Janene Alford

A big congratulations to Jasmine

Martinez on All Academic and All

Conference honors for the 2024

cross country season! She attends

Loyola University New Orleans.

Follow Us on Social Media

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

eetribe

AST Rising Warrior hosts Walk United Against Domestic Violence

AST Veterans participated in Norman’s

Veterans Day Parade on November 10th

December 2024

8A www.astribe.com

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

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

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

AST Complex – (405) 275-4030

Toll Free - 800-256-3341

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe will be closed

Tuesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve

Wednesday, December 25th - Christmas

Have A

Holly Jolly

Christmas!

Indian Taco Sale

Indian Taco w Dessert and Drink

Beans and Frybread

Frybread Only

$10

$5

$2

Delivery Available for orders of $30 or More

Call or text 405-410-9075

Happy Holidays

From Your Friends At

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

www.anbok.com

www.asthealth.org

December 2024

Section B

ASTHS December 2024 Monthly Update

December 1-7 is also National Hand Washing Awareness Week, so now is

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) Are At Highalso the time to help stop the spread of the flu virus. Think of yourself as a

er Risk of Developing Serious Complications from Flu

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important

step in protecting against flu viruses. Flu vaccines help to reduce the burden

of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths on the health care system each

year. This season, all flu vaccines will be designed to protect against the four

flu viruses that research indicates will be most common. Everyone 6 months

and older should get an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October.

Vaccination of people at higher risk of developing serious flu complications

is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.

Flu is a Leading Cause of Pneumonia

Flu and pneumonia rank among the top 10 causes of death for American

Indians and Alaska Natives. American Indians and Alaska Natives are more

likely to die from pneumonia and flu than are US residents of other races.

Across the U.S., Flu Causes Hundreds of Thousands of Hospitalizations

Each Season

American Indians and Alaska Natives are at higher risk than others for:

•

•

•

Pneumonia and bronchitis

Hospitalization

Death

Flu poses an even greater risk to American Indians and Alaska Natives

who:

•

•

•

human petri-dish that grows all kind of icky bacteria and is the warm and

cozy home for all kinds of viruses. Washing your hands regularly can prevent many flus, flu-like illnesses, common colds, conjunctivitis, pharyngitis,

tonsillitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, Coxsackie viruses, Streptococcus, Pneumoccous, TB, and more from growing, spreading, or from

entering your body.

Hot Tips for Building Resiliency and Celebrating Hand Washing Awareness Week

1. Wash your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating.

2. “Good” hand washing techniques include using an adequate amount

of soap, rubbing the hands together to create friction and lift the germs

from the skin, and rinsing under running water. Hands should be

washed for a minimum of 15 seconds.

3. Wash your hands after using the washroom (including changing diapers), after blowing your nose, after touching raw meat, poultry, or

fish, after handling garbage, visiting or caring for sick people, and after

handling pets, animals or animal waste.

4. DO NOT cough into your hands, use a tissue if possible.

5. DO NOT sneeze into your hands, use a tissue if possible

6. Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth.

These are the only portals of entry into the human body for respiratory

infections and washing can reduce your risk significantly.

are young children or elders

Does a Flu Vaccine Work Right Away?

are pregnant women

No, it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop

have diabetes, severe obesity, heart disease, or asthma and other lung

in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. That’s

problems

why it’s best to get vaccinated before influenza viruses start to spread in your

Flu symptoms can include:

community.

• Fever*

• Cough

• Muscle or body aches

• Fatigue (feeling very tired)

• Chills

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Runny or stuffy nose

* Not everyone with flu will have a fever

Vaccine Side Effects

Side effects of the vaccine are usually mild and may include a fever, crankiness, headache, fatigue or soreness at the site of the injection.

Benefits of Flu Vaccination

Protect Yourself. Protect Your Community.

•

•

•

•

•

Flu vaccination reduces your risk of getting sick, being hospitalized, or

dying from flu.

Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of having a heart attack in people

who have heart disease.

In people who have diabetes, flu vaccination can reduce the risk of being hospitalized with flu or from their diabetes.

Flu vaccination has been shown in some studies to reduce severity of

illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.

Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, elders, and people with certain chronic health

conditions.

Where Can I Get a Flu Vaccine?

You can receive a flu vaccine from:

•

•

•

Indian Health Service, tribal, or urban health clinics and doctor’s offices

Pharmacies or grocery stores

Local health department

Get Vaccinated. Protect the Circle of Life.

If you have not received your flu vaccine for this year, contact your primary care provider and set up an appointment for a visit.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Aug. 25, 2023). Key Facts About Seasonal Flu

Vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm

Work Smart, Live Smart. (2023) National Hand Washing Awareness Week: Stop the Spread.

https://worksmartlivesmart.com/national-handwashing-awareness-week-december/

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Shawnee Health Center

Take 3 Steps to Fight Flu

1. Get yourself and your family a flu vaccine each year before flu activity

begins in your community. Getting vaccinated this season may be more

important than ever if there is both flu and COVID-19 activity at the

same time.

2. Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs:

• Wash your hands often

• Cover your coughs and sneezes

• Stay home if you are sick

3. Take flu antiviral medicine, if prescribed.

• Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, or an inhaled powder) and are not

available over-the-counter.

Shawnee Construction: Design and Development are substantially completed. Early bid package was released on Oct 18th. Planning for Shawnee

ground breaking has begun (tentative for 1st week in December).

Wash Your Hands

Special Leadership Award: Lisa Doss, RN Team Lead

NEW SHAWNEE HEALTH CLINIC! (Coming Soon)

39665 Benson Park Road, Shawnee, OK 74801 (adjacent to Tecumseh

Lake)

November 2024 Health Employee Awards of the Month

Employee of the Month: Elizabeth Medina, Title VI Driver

Team of the Month: Employee Health

Chris A. Larkin, MBA, FACHE, CHC

Executive Director

December 2024

2B www.astribe.com

How Can We Help?

Please take a moment to fill out our Patient

Healthcare Needs Survey to help us

continue to meet the needs of our mostvalued patients!

Scan the QR Code below!

www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024ASTHA

This survey takes less than 15 minutes to

complete.

Your feedback is appreciated!

Ne yi wa (Thank You)!

PURCHASED REFERRED CARE NEWS

New Purchased Referred Care (PRC) Guidelines have been approved

effective 10/1/2024.

Copies of the new guidelines are available to pick up in person at the

PRC offices at the Shawnee Clinic and Little Axe Health Center, MonFri 8am-5pm.

A copy of the guidelines will also be available on the ASTHS webpage:

https://www.asthealth.org/services/purchased-referred-care.

We encourage all tribal members to pick up a copy of the guidelines

and review all the benefits offered.

Some of the new changes include:

OPTOMETRY-benefit increased to $400 every 12 months

DENTAL-benefit increased to $2,500 yearly

ORTHODONTIC -benefit increased to $5,000 per lifetime for tribal

members age 10-26

HEARING AIDS-benefit increased to $7,500 maximum issuance

every 3 years

REIMBURSEMENTS-no out of pocket reimbursements will be issued

without prior authorization

For questions or more information feel free to contact the PRC office

at: 405-701-7951 or email PRC@astribe.com.

December 2024

www.astribe.com

20

MONDAY

2

BEEF FINGERS

MASHED POT/GRAVY

WINTER MIX

FRUIT

9

EGG ROLL

VEGGIES/RICE

FORTUNE COOKIE

16

23

30

BURRITO

SPANISH RICE

PUDDING

CLOSED FOR

CLEANING

CHICKEN PATTY

SANDWICH

CHIPS

MANDARIN ORANGES

TUESDAY

3

10

CHICKEN POT PIE

VEGGIES

BISCUIT

PEACHES

CABBAGE STEW

CORNBREAD

WEDNESDAY

4

11

17

CHICKEN STIR FRY

TORTILLA

SALSA/CHIPS

PINEAPPLES

18

24

25

31

CLOSED FOR

CHRISTMAS EVE

SOFT TACO

REFRIED BEANS

LTOC

FRUIT

GOULASH

OKRA

MIIXED FRUIT

BAKED POTATO

CHEZ,ONIONS,HAM

BROCCOLI

CLOSED FOR

CHRISTMAS

HAM

BLACKEYED PEAS

CORNBREAD

FRUIT

*MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

SHAWNEE SITE AND LITTLE AXE RESOURCE CENTER

LUNCH SERVED MONDAY – THURSDAY 11 AM TO 1 PM

BREAKFAST SERVED FRIDAYS 9 AM TO 11 AM

24

THURSDAY

5

CORN SOUP

CRISP

12

CHICKEN STRIPS

MASHED POT/GRAVY

BRUSSEL SPROUTS

19

26

CHILI W BEANS

CRACKERS

CHEZ-ONIONS

FRUIT

CLOSED FOR

CLEANING

FRIDAY

6

13

SCAMBLED EGGS

BACON

TOAST/FRUIT

BOILED EGG

CEREAL

TOAST/FRUIT

20

SCRAMBLED EGGS

SAUSAGE GRAVY

BISCUIT

27

CLOSED FOR

CLEANING

3B

December 2024

4B www.astribe.com

TRIBAL OPIOID RESPONSE (TOR) NEWS

The week of October 23rd through October 31st was Red Ribbon Week! Red

Ribbon week is an anti-drug movement that began with the death and murder

of DEA Agent Enrique ”Kiki” Camarena. Agent Camarena was committed

to ending drug trafficking and as a result he was targeted by his enemies. In

1985, he was kidnapped by the Guadalajara cartel in southern California and

murdered in Mexico.

Camarena’s friends and family turned grief into action. They chose to honor

his life by wearing red satin ribbons to make sure his life’s work was remembered.

This local effort grew to a national movement and Red Ribbon week was born.

While it has evolved into a movement targeting youth, adults are leading the

charge for this movement too.

The Tribal Opioid Response project supported Red Ribbon week by hosting

two prevention pop ups at the Little Axe Clinic and the Shawnee Clinic. There

was popcorn, free Narcan, and good information shared. At each of these events,

we also offered a Narcan demonstration. Narcan is a medication that helps save

lives by reversing overdoses.

Mr. Chris Larkin, Health Executive Director, and Mr. Jason Bender, Director

of Security, served as volunteers for the Narcan demonstration at Little Axe.

Mr. Larkin was the overdose victim and Mr. Bender was the bystander who

administered Narcan. These two added their own touch of flair and levity to this

overdose scenario which made it fun but educational for onlookers.

At the Shawnee Clinic, Mr. Anthony “Tad” Johnson, AST Representative, and

Jayden Watson, Community Health Promotion and Health Educator, served as

the actors for our Narcan demonstration. The Representative took on the role of

the person who administered the Narcan while Jayden was the overdose victim.

The Representative had actually received training on how to administer Narcan

so he put those skills to work. Like the Little Axe clinic volunteers, Jayden and

Tad hammed it up a little.

From TOR to the Narcan demonstration volunteers, ne yi wa (Thank you)! We

appreciate you!

Do you need Narcan? TOR offers it for free! Contact us by phone, (405) 7017059 or email: TOR@astribe.com.

Karen Kaniatobe, TOR Grant Project Coordinator