AST Teen Financial Education Class (2024)

THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE NEWS

www.astribe.com

September 2024

Volume 34, No. 09

AST Teen Financial Education Class

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe &

AllNations Bank hosted a luncheon

covering financial education for teens.

The BBQ Lunch & Learn event was held

July 25 at the Multi-Purpose Building in

Shawnee.

The topics covered ranged from

financial institutions, money, credit and

credit scores, interest and budgeting.

“The things that we will talk about

today, these are the things that are

important to get you ready to enter into

the work force - introduce budgeting

concepts, and prepare you for adulthood.

“AST Treasurer Joseph Blanchard told

the teens.

Many young people will enter

adulthood without the essential financial

knowledge and skills they need to make

informed choices about their money.

Without basic financial know-how,

they are more susceptible to predatory

lending and managing debt which could

lead them on a path of negative credit

scores or unstable economic security.

AST Financial Analyst Lisa Griffin led

the class and even had the teens work up

a sample budget.

“Learning the ways to handle money

and credit early will put you significantly

ahead of most young adults.” Griffin

said.

A 2023 statistic shows that young

Americans owe over $1 trillion in

debt, and 70 percent of millennials live

paycheck to paycheck. When young

people lack the financial knowledge they

need to make informed decisions, they

are more likely to become trapped in

cycles of poverty and debt.

“Understanding how starting your

savings early will help you to establish

a sound financial foundation for the

future. Also, as you begin to plan on

making large purchases such as a home

or a car, interest rates and credit scores

will directly impact how much you will

have to pay for those items, or if you are

going to even be able to buy them at all.”

Griffin went on to explain the need for

having a savings account or 401K.

Treasurer Blanchard noted the

feedback was all positive and hopefully

more classes can be held in the future.

“Once the session was complete, we

received back comments from parents

and others in the community. ‘I wish

this was taught and explained when I

was their age. It would’ve saved me a

lot of anxiety and stress over the years

had I learned this earlier in life.” said

Blanchard.

Also speaking were AllNations Bank,

Debbie Coym, AVP/Branch Manager;

Bruce Dawson Community President/

Commercial Loan Officer and Chief

Executive Officer Steve Smith.

Teens aren’t usually concerned about

finances or planning for the future but

hopefully the tips they learned will start

them out on a good financial path.

AST Tribal Health System holds Back to School Drive-Thru Event

93RD SEMI-ANNUAL GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024 - 10:00 AM

THUNDERBIRD EVENT CENTER - NORMAN, OK

2A www.astribe.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

John Johnson, AST Governor

Hello Tribal Members,

August has flew by so fast, the fall holidays are just around the corner. August

weather has been extremely hot and unbearable, I sure hope fall comes pretty

quick so we can all get some weather relief.

Please continue checking on your family

members especially any tribal elders you

know or anyone living alone. The temperatures lately have been extremely hot.

I attended the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) conference in

Oklahoma City on August 13 & 14, 2024.

I sat in on the discussion of the Creek

GOVERNOR

John Johnson

Lt. GOVERNOR

Diane Ponkilla

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Diane Ponkilla, AST Lt. Governor

Hello AST Members,

I would like to announce that the Office of the Lt. Governor is fully staffed.

We have Deric Spoon, Executive Administrative Assistant who takes care of the

daily office duties and Joseph Morton,

Project Coordinator who does the AST

Homeowner Emergency Repairs, assist

the maintenance department as needed

and Is part of the Evaluation Committee

who attend construction meetings. I have

confidence in the Lt. Governor’s staff to

achieve the work, open communication

and assist the tribe and tribal people to

the best of their ability. I have oversight

of BIA/Self Governance, OEH, HVAC,

Maintenance and share oversight of Agriculture with Secretary, Misty McGirt.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Joseph Blanchard, AST Treasurer

SECRETARY

Misty McGirt

TREASURER

Joseph Blanchard

REPRESENTATIVE

Anthony Johnson

Hello fellow AST Tribal Members,

Family, and Friends:

Can you believe Summer ’24 is already

over? Seems like it was just yesterday,

classes were getting out, then “poof ”,

posts galore the last two weeks and people

sharing pictures of their kiddos. My wish

for them is they have a great learning year,

make new friends, and keep progressing

towards the completion of their goals. I

say this each year, if you would like me to

attend your child’s event, send me a copy

of their season schedule. I will do my best

to coordinate and attend at least one activity, especially when there are multiple

families or members to support.

These last couple months have been

bombarded with meetings, getting programs up to speed, and finding ways to

save the Tribe money. At the end of June

to late July, Finance scheduled “Mid-Year

Budget Reviews” with all Department

Heads, Directors and Coordinators. I am

happy to report the majority of programs

were on target and their data confirmed.

There were only a few who did not meet

expectations, either by not spending

enough or having unplanned expenditures. We always tell staff, “Spend the

Free money (Grants, Compact) before

using Tribal funds. Our goal is to save

the Tribe’s dollars until the Federal monies are gone. Of course, this impacts the

amount we are able to charge back to Indirect Cost (IDC).

Many don’t understand IDC and its use.

They see the Line Item (GL code) in their

budget, think “Oh, I have extra money”

and then want to spend it. We have to

remind them those funds are not to be

utilized by the Program but it’s there in

the budget to show the associated cost for

their portion of the monthly expenditure

like electric, water, sewer and trash, and

security. The formula calculates our normal yearly expenses used to operate and

provide services. Not all Departments

qualify, which is why there are almost 30

Departments which use Tribal General

Fund. The last few years, our Base numbers increased drastically, due to CARES

and ARPA funds. Initially, these weren’t

September 2024

Nations integration of the state-wide

self-exclusion program with a review of

the compact requirements. Also state key

updates were given for tribal gaming and

the future of sports betting.

The Presidential elections for 2024 are

coming up. I recommend you get out and

cast your vote this year. This is a big election that is crucial for the people of the

United States. Change is coming and we

need to stay aware of all aspects, state and

local.

The newly elected officials have been

in office now for a couple months, if you

have a chance stop by meet them and introduce yourself. We all want to work together to address any and all concerns. I

want to say thank you to the Emergency

Management team. Lt. Governor Ponkilla

and I assisted 14 AST families in Cushing

with water when their town was without

water for a few days. Emergency management delivered several cases of water to

each home all over the town of Cushing.

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

We are in the processes of setting up interviews for the Agriculture Coordinator

position. As of to date John Mann is the

interim of Agriculture and the four staff

members. I attended the following meetings in July:

July 12: Sac and Fox Nation Fun Day@

8am -12pm

July 15: Director’s Meeting@ 10am

July 17: Reg. Executive Committee

Meeting@ 10am

July 17: Ed Bolt, Shawnee Mayor

July 18: Gaming Commission (Mid-year

Budget) @ 3pm

July 18: Agriculture Demonstration

Cooking (Corn) @ 3pm - 8pm

July 20: Eider’s Meeting (AST Homeowners Emergency Repair information)

w/Deric Spoon @ 10am

July 24: ARPA Meeting (Sponsored Programs) @ 3pm

July 25: Lt. Governor’s (Mid-year Bud-

get) @ 10am

July 25: BIA (Mid-year Budget)@ 2pm

July 29: Cooper Bear@ 10am

July 31: Shareholders Meeting@ 10am

As the Lt. Governor I appreciate the

guidance from the other Executive Committee Members and the AST employees.

I look forward to our weekly (Monday)

Executive Committee Round Table Meetings where we discuss and receive feedback amongst each other about concerns

and ideals, these meetings start at 11am

and at times last 3 to 4 hours. I have met

with a few tribal members who came in

for assistance or a complaint and ended

up visiting for a while. I welcome anyone

who would just like to stop by and talk or

who needs information about other AST

Programs, if I do not have the answer I

will guide you to who could help you.

supposed to be included, then there was

a Final Rule released, advising us to add

these to the overall Total. Our rate basically doubled and increased the amount

we charge. I’ll be happy when the current three (3) year look back period has

passed and we no longer have to account

for these extra dollars.

For those who have listened the last few

years, I’ve mentioned a handful of times

the need to create new business. This in

turn creates new jobs, new revenue, and

new taxes besides the advent of a new service, which becomes a new resource for

our Tribal community and neighbors. So

why is this important? I mention it because Governor Johnson, a couple staff,

and I attended the City of Tecumseh

Zoning Commission meeting last week.

Previously, we submitted a Request to Rezone for the Tecumseh Square location,

from Industrial to C-4; which allows for

Office space, restaurants, and shopping

centers. The Application was approved

and now goes before the full City Commission on September 3rd.

Recently, members of the Executive

Committee met with the U.S. Army Corp

of Engineers (USACE), Tulsa District.

In that discussion, we were able to visit

with Tribal Liaison Michelle Horn, and

ask pertinent questions regarding the

Technical Advisory (TA) process and the

types of services their program provides,

especially for properties or sites located in Flood Zones. This is important as

we look to expand, create new business,

and utilize existing specific sites within or

near these areas. There is a Bible verse,

Matthew 7:24-27, which speaks about the

man who builds his house on sand. We

definitely want to be the opposite who

builds on rock and has a good foundation.

As we welcome the newest EC members, Lt. Gov. Diane Ponkilla and Rep.

Anthony Johnson, I would be remiss in

not mentioning the Federal, State and Local runoffs. Hopefully you have heard my

request for our members to participate,

not only in Tribal, but these other elections as well. As stated before, this makes

our job easier when we attend Consultations and/or other professional meetings,

and we’re not having to explain or describe the Tribe’s history, status, and par-

ticipation (or lack thereof) to uninformed

people in positions of authority. Having

an advocate or someone with similar likes

and interests makes the job easier, especially when they support your movement

and what you are trying to accomplish.

The EC invited local candidates to

come and tell the Tribe what their plans

are and how they will include the Tribe.

Without a benefit to us, why should we

invest in their municipality? I am glad

to say after these visits; the EC reached

a majority to support the individual who

best represented our values and allow

for inclusiveness. As agreed and stated,

“What happens with one affects the other. It’s a shame the Tribe was not involved

or did not have a seat at the Table.” I appreciate both gentlemen for coming but

there can be only one choice. So I ask our

Tribal members who vote and live within

the Shawnee community to support Eric

Stephens in his quest to become the next

City of Shawnee Mayor.

Professionally, I don’t think there is

much discussion that needs to be had regarding the next U.S. President. Under

the current administration, Tribal Nations have had UNPRECEDENTED contact with Government officials, Federal

Agencies, and countless funding opportunities due to President Biden’s “Memo”.

This official document to Department

Heads, regarding E.O. 13175, provided

specific directives and reinforced Consultation requirements with Tribes. Though

Mr. Biden will not seek a 2nd term, it is

smart for minorities to support his potential successor, current Vice-President

Kamala Harris. Please keep an eye out

for future Social Media posts regarding

“Rock the Native Vote” and how to register before the next deadline.

As I come to a close for this month’s

submission, I hope all is well with your

families. For those loved ones who have

walked on, my sincerest condolences for

your loss. Take it one day at a time and

ask the Creator for his Grace. As always,

I am grateful to the folks who continue to

provide advice, encouragement, and support. Pray for our military and Elders.

You may also email me:

governor@astribe.com

alvinab@astribe.com

Thank you

Ne yi wa (Thank you)

Neyiwa!

Joseph H. Blanchard

Tribal Treasurer

September 2024

www.astribe.com 3A

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

Anthony Johnson, AST Representative

Hello Tribal Members,

I want to thank you all and express my gratitude to the voters for electing me to serve our tribe. I was sworn into office on June 27, 2024. Since then, we, the Executive Committee, have been to meetings with our Health Board, Gaming Commission/Thunderbird Entertainment, and Housing Authority. I am looking forward to working with our

Cultural Preservation and Education departments, Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) and our Youth Camp. If you have any questions or need to reach me, you can

contact my office at:

(405) 531-3512 or adjohnson@astribe.com

I look forward to serving our tribal community. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Anthony “Tadpole” Johnson, Tribal Representative

AST 477 PROGRAM

•

Currently have 247 Adult 477 Cases and 146 Youth Cases. Total Case Load is 393 cases.

We have 7 new cases this month.

•

We have moved off the AST Complex and we are located for Intake/Visitors at 421 N. Beard

and 477 Administration at 214 N. Oklahoma in Shawnee. We have grown exponentially

and had to have more office staff to accommodate. This is a short term solution and we

are hoping to finalize a long term solution soon.

•

Summer Youth Employment has ended and the AST 477 Program was able to assist 33

native youth with subsidized employment. They learned on the job training as well as

life skills that were taught every two week by our staff and other departments. I want to

thank Stephanie Martinez, Youth Case Manager for all of her time and planning for this

summer!

•

School supply distribution is going on now and if there is anyone who is not receiving

JOM assistance from their school or other tribe can contact our offices to see if we can

assist.

•

•

•

We will be having a Youth Parent Committee Meeting soon. Please be on the lookout for

that information and plan to attend. Our hope is to have a parent representative from

every school that we have children in our service area.

The After School Program Shawnee will be open for after school care. If you would like to

be placed on the waiting list please contact the ASP Manager or stop by the ASP Shawnee

building across from Building Blocks on the complex/

The After School Program Horseshoe Bend construction is ongoing and we hope to have

it completed by the middle of 2025.

AST 477

DEPARTMENT

HAS MOVED!

NEW LOCATION

421 N. Beard Street Shawnee, OK 74801

KEEP IN TOUCH

www.astribe.com/477-program

477program@astribe.com

(405) 275-4030

421 N. Beard Street Shawnee,

OK 74801

Fostering Hope: The Critical Need for Native Foster Homes

Native American children enter the foster care system at alarmingly high rates, yet there's a severe

shortage of Native foster homes to care for them. This disparity creates a crisis within Tribal

communities, threatening cultural continuity and the well-being of Native youth. Becoming

a foster parent for Native children is a profound way to support Tribal communities and help

preserve vital cultural connections. Let's explore why this is so crucial and how interested

individuals can get involved.

The Current Situation

Statistics paint a stark picture: Native American children are overrepresented in the foster

care system, often at rates two to three times their proportion of the general population. This

overrepresentation stems from complex historical and socioeconomic factors, including the

lingering effects of historical trauma, poverty, and systemic biases in states child welfare systems.

Despite this high need, there's a significant shortage of Native foster homes. This shortage often

results in Native children being placed in non-Native homes, potentially disconnecting them

from their cultural heritage and community supports.

Why Native Foster Homes Matter

1. Cultural Preservation

When Native children are placed with Native foster families, they're more likely to maintain ties

to their heritage, language, and traditions. This cultural continuity is crucial for a child's sense of

identity and belonging. Native foster parents can provide insights into tribal customs, participate

in cultural events, and help children understand their place within their Tribal community.

2. Reducing Trauma

Placement in a culturally similar environment can help reduce the trauma of family separation. Native foster parents often have a deeper understanding of the unique challenges these

children face, including potential experiences of historical trauma or discrimination. This understanding can lead to more empathetic and effective care.

3. Legal Compliance

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), passed in 1978, prioritizes placing Native children with relatives or other Native families. This law was enacted to address the high rates of removal of

Native children from their communities. More Native foster homes help support ICWA's goals of keeping Native children connected to their tribes and cultural heritage.

4. Breaking Cycles

By providing stable, culturally-informed care, Native foster parents can help break cycles of intergenerational trauma that affect many Tribal communities. They can model healthy behaviors,

provide emotional support, and connect children with community resources.

5. Community Strengthening

Native foster parents play a vital role in strengthening their communities by caring for its most vulnerable members and preserving cultural knowledge. They become crucial links in the chain

of cultural transmission, ensuring that traditional values and practices continue to the next generation.

6. Supporting Reunification

When the goal is family reunification, Native foster parents can often better facilitate this process. They may have a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Native families and can

work more effectively with biological parents, tribal foster care worker, and other stakeholders.

Becoming a Native Foster Parent

If you're interested in becoming a foster parent for Native children, here are some steps to consider:

I. Research: Learn about the specific needs of Native children in foster care and the requirements for becoming a foster parent in your area.

II. Contact Your Tribe: If you're a tribal member, reach out to your tribe's Indian Child Welfare department for information on their foster care program requirements and licensing

process.

III. Home Study: Prepare for and complete a home study, which assesses your ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment.

IV. Support Network: Connect with other Native foster parents and support groups to build a network of resources and shared experiences.

Challenges and Rewards

Becoming a foster parent is not without its challenges. It requires patience, resilience, and a commitment to ongoing learning. Foster parents may need to navigate complex family dynamics,

address the effects of trauma, and work within the child welfare system.

However, the rewards can be immense. Foster parents have the opportunity to make a profound difference in a child's life, preserving cultural connections and providing a stable, loving

home. They become key players in the effort to strengthen Tribal communities and ensure the well-being of future generations.

We Need YOU!

The need for Native foster homes is urgent and ongoing. By stepping up to become foster parents, Native individuals and families can play a crucial role in supporting their communities,

preserving cultural heritage, and providing loving homes for children in need. While the journey may be challenging, the impact of this work ripples through generations, fostering hope

and resilience in Tribal communities

September 2024

4A www.astribe.com

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building Blocks C.D.C.

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, Ok. 74801

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

We had a busy and fun July at Building Blocks. The children loved

making 4th of July T-Shirts. They also have really enjoyed playing on

our splash pad. The classrooms have scheduled days to play on the

Splash Pad and it will continue throughout August.

We are currently hiring staff, if you are interested in applying visit

https://www.astribe.com/employment for applications and to see

what positions are available.

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

6 weeks through Pre-K/4 Year Olds. If you are interested in getting

your child on our waiting list please call and we can email you a

waiting list application or you may stop by to fill one out.

Summer is upon us and it is key to stay hydrated by drinking lots of

water. Our children have their own water jugs that they can freely

choose to drink throughout the day. Also, it is taken outside with the

children when they go out to play.

Building Blocks will be closed in August when the tribe is closed for

AST Day. Date to be announced.

Building Blocks will have lots of 4 and 5 year old children going to

Kindergarten and Pre-K this fall. SECC and TECC schools start back on

August 15th. We have 10 children going into Kindergarten and age out

of Building Blocks. There are 8 children going into Pre-K. We wish

them all the best of luck in their new learning adventures.

Have an Awesome August!

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

BOARD

VACANCIES

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Building Blocks III C.D.C

16051 Little Axe Drive, Norman, OK 73026 Phone: (405) 360-2710; Fax: (405) 360-2726

September Newsletter

In the Center

In the Classroom

The theme in our infant room this

month is “All About Me”. The

primary objective will be the

introduction of body parts.

In our Toddler class the students

will be learning about farm

animals. They will explore where

they live, what sounds they make,

and what they eat. The 2's will also

be learning about farms. In

addition to studying the animals

they will also by exploring the job

of a farmer. Our three-year-olds

will gain math, science, art and

physical development skills as it

relates to transportation. The

students in the 4's and 5's

classroom will also have the theme

of “All About Me”, but their

objective will be to develop a

sense of self and develop

independence. They will learn how

to verbally ask for help and how to

express their feelings.

Our “big kids” have started back to

school. We celebrated with a back

to school bash that included a tie

dye water game and ice cream

sundaes. In addition to learning in

the classroom, we offer other tools

that our students can enjoy at

home. The center has a library

where our friends can check out

books and also Family Engagement

Packs that focus on literacy and

math skills. We will be having a

visit from the Mad Scientist again

this month. The students are

looking forward to the “Fire & Ice”

lesson that will be presented.

Over the summer our staff

completed CPR training that

covered performing the procedure

on infants, children, and adults.

They also learned how to properly

perform the Himelick maneuver.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know.

The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

~Dr. Seuss

Building Blocks III is open Monday thru Friday 7am to 6pm and is now accepting

applications for students from 6 weeks of age to five-years-old.

Director: Skye Foreman

Assistant Director: Renee Richardson

Pictures

take care

of

you.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SERVING ON

ONE OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS,

COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES OR

COUNCILS:

Foster Care (1)

NAGPRA (5)

Gaming Commission (1)

TEI (2)

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR LETTERS OF INTEREST

WITH RESUME ATTACHED TO:

Tribal Secretary

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

secretary@astribe.com

HOME EQUITY LOANS

You’ve been taking care of your home for years... Now it’s time you let it take care of you.

Whether you’re looking to remodel your old kitchen, buy that

new car, or consolidate debt, AllNations Bank can help. Our

Home Equity Loans make it easy for you to enjoy the

appreciation in your home. Stop by today and let us show

you where the money is in your home.

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

www.anbok.com

September 2024

www.astribe.com

Harland

For your 4th birthday we send you best

regards and wishing you have an unforgettable day.

Happy 3rd Birthda

Everlynn!!!

Love,

Nana Jennifer, Des, Jay and

Uncle Daniel

Hi si me ni ke s’fwa

Paw-paw Month

(September)

Back when Shawnees where further east, paw-paw trees were more abundant and the fruit they

provided were ripe in what we know as September.

September also used to be the start of school many years ago. Here are some phrases we might

have heard at home and at school.

 Fi ke ge k’ya hi – go outside

5A

Love from family and friends

LATEST EPISODE

EP 8

LET’S LEARN OUR LANGUAGE

 Ma ge ki – be careful

 K’ya pe ke lo ti – do your school paper

 Hi ki wa sa lo – you listen

 Hi ki wa sa ko – you all listen

 Pi wi ne ta fe lo – go play

 Pi wi ne ta fe ko – you all go play

 Ka pi ke fe la g’yi – wash your hands

 Te k’ya pa ke s’to – don’t bother that

 Ka ho wa se wi ne ta fe p’wi – play nice

 Te k’ya no g’yi la te p’wi – don’t pick on each other

LET’S LEARN OUR LANGUAGE

AST LANGUAGE DIRECTOR SCOTT MILLER TALKS ABOUT THE LACK

OF FLUENT SHAWNEE SPEAKERS AND TELLS US HOW HE PLANS TO

INCREASE THE NUMBERS WITH THE UPCOMING LANGUAGE CLASSES

HE WILL TEACH.

 Fi ke ge k’ya se pi wi ne ta fe – go outside to play

Maintenance Department

The department is going through another transition; recently we’ve had

two members of the team promoted to new positions inside and outside the

department. Because of these promotions our labor force has been stretched

thin. We currently have six members working in the field trying to keep up

with on campus repairs. For example we have replaced some of the plumbing

in the Cultural Arts basement. At Finance we installed new supply air dampers

to improve temperature control in each room. We replaced some LED lighting

in Procurement warehouse. Also, we have cleaned up the area east of the new

after school building, including all the metal, wood and concrete debris that

has been piled up for several years.

We are actively looking for new members to add to the team. Please be

patient if we are responding a little slower. Understand this is another growth

transition that we are going through.

I am happy to announce that we are still continuing with the larger projects,

such as replacing the trim on building two. Also, we are completing the water

collection system at the camp. Soon we will be assisting with renovations in

building three.

Within the next few weeks if you visit the campus you’ll notice that we are

starting to add some flowers to the existing flower beds and flower pots.

Thank you!

Tribal Member Corner:

I encourage members, to write articles for our paper.

Tribal Member Comer:

Attended a CPR class,

held by the OKC Fire Department, taught by Captains

September Article:

and Major. I was going to provide you, their information, but our tribe will

Indigenous owned for 55

to

encourage

be hosting classes. Iwrite

The

tribemembers,

will hold

Community

CPR classes for Elders,

years by Bo 405.473.0863

articles for our paper.

55 +, Sept 11th and Sept 25th in Norman and Shawnee respectively. Contact

I have utilized their

a CPR class, held

Kathy, 405 701 7997Attended

and Fire

more information.

I am

the tribe 1s

an

did happy,

services, and they

OKC

the

byto register

excellent job!

Department, taught by

providing these classes.

Captains and Major. I was

to the employees,

theirlawn Thanks

you,the

going to provide

Thanks to the employees,

who do

mowing

and

for Title VI.

tribe.

work for our

that

information, but our tribe

hosting classes.

Recently, there waswill

a be

shooting

at Pine Ridge,

South

tribe for at a powwow.

to theDakota,

Also, thanks

you to be careful at

services,

One person was fatally

personproviding

arrested.

Wethatneed

hold

willone

tribe and

The shot

currently do.

Community CPR classes

gatherings.

for Elders, 55 +, Sept 11 th

Attend a church service.

and Sept 25th in Norman

A tribal member, Maxine

Little

Axe is a business partner/owner of All Hours

respectively.

and Shawnee

405 701 Indigenous owned for 55 years by Bo

Professional Detail Contact

ServiceKathy,

(Vehicles).

Eileen Pearce, Tribal

7997 to register and more

Questions,

405.473.0863. I haveinformation.

utilized their services,Member

and they

did an excellent job!

Comments:

Thanks to the employees,

thatthework

tribe. Also, thanks to the tribe for

1s ourLapearce@att.net

tribe for

I am happy,

405.227.2036

providing these classes.

providing services, that you currently do.

Thanks to the employees,

Attend a church service.

who do the lawn mowing

and for Title VI.

Eileen Pearce, Tribal

Member Questions,Recently, there was a

shooting at Pine Ridge,

Comments:

South Dakota, at a

One person shot­

Lapearce@att.net powwow.

injured and one person

arrested.

405.227.2036

� ALL HOU:�::�::SSIONAL �

"We Come To You"

� Bo ... (405) 473-0863

We need to be careful at

gatherings.

A tribal member, Maxine

Little Axe is a business

partner/owner of All Hours

Detail

Professional

Service. (Vehicles)

OPERATING HOURS

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER

SHAWNEE CLINIC

7:30am–6:00pm Mon.-Fri.

7:30am–6:00pm Mon.-Fri.

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER

PHARMACY

SHAWNEE CLINIC PHARMACY

405.447.0300

405.292.9530 Refill Line

8:00am–8:00pm Mon.-Fri.

9:00am–5:00pm Sat.-Sun.

PLUSCARE CLINIC

405.447.0477

8:00am–7:00pm Mon.-Fri.

9:00am–4:00pm Sat.-Sun.

405.878.5850

405.878.5859 Refill Line

8:00am–8:00pm Mon.-Fri.

9:00am–5:00pm Sat.

SHAWNEE SAME DAY

WALK–IN CLINIC

405.878.5850

9:00am–5:00pm Mon.-Fri.

September 2024

6A www.astribe.com

www.asthealth.org

September 2024

ASTHS September 2024 Monthly Update

September is Dementia Awareness Month

Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that are caused

by disorders affecting the brain and impact on memory, thinking, behavior

and emotion. The most common is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects 5060% of people with dementia. Other types of dementia include vascular

dementia, Lewy body dementia and fronto-temporal dementia. Dementia

can also sometimes affect people who are under the age of 65. This is known

as young onset dementia.

Our brains are made up of over 86 billion nerve cells – more than the stars

in the Milky Way. Dementia damages nerve cells so they are no longer able

to communicate effectively and this impacts on how our body functions.

The specific symptoms a person living with dementia experiences will depend upon what parts of the brain are affected and/or the specific disease

that is causing their dementia. Symptoms may include:

• loss of memory

• difficulty in finding the right words or understanding what people are

saying

• difficulty in performing previously routine tasks

• personality and mood changes

DISORIENTATION in TIME and PLACE

We all sometimes forget the day of the week or where we are going momentarily but people with dementia can become lost in familiar places such

as the road they live in, forget where they are or how they got there, and not

know how to get back home. Someone who has dementia may also confuse

night and day.

PROBLEMS WITH CONCENTRATION, PLANNING, or ORGANIZING

A person with dementia may find it difficult to make decisions, solve

problems, or keep up with paying their bills.

MISPLACING THINGS

Anyone can temporarily misplace his or her wallet or keys. A person with

dementia may put things in unusual places such as an iron in the fridge or a

wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

CHANGES in MOOD or BEHAVIOR

Everyone can become sad or moody from time to time. Dementia may

cause someone to become unusually emotional and experience rapid mood

swings or irritability for no apparent reason. Alternatively they may show

Although each person will experience dementia in their own way, even- less emotion or social interaction than was usual previously.

tually those affected will be unable to care for themselves and need help

with all aspects of daily life. Dementia is the leading cause of disability and TROUBLE WITH IMAGES or SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Image problems are different from typical age-related problems, such as

dependen::cy among the elderly.

Dementia affects more than 50 million people worldwide, with a new case cataracts. People with dementia can have difficulty in reading, judging disof dementia occurring somewhere in the world every 3 seconds. Demen- tances, seeing objects in three dimensions and in determining color or contia can also affect individuals under the age of 65 (young onset dementia). trast.

Greater awareness and understanding of dementia is important to challenge WITHDRAWAL FROM WORK or SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

the myths and misconceptions that surround the condition.

At times everyone can become tired of housework, business activities, or

There is currently no cure for most types of dementia, but treatment and social obligations. However a person with dementia may become very passupport are available.

sive, sitting in front of the television for hours, sleeping more than usual, or

Dementia figures

• There are currently estimated to be over 55 million people worldwide

living with dementia. The number of people affected is set to rise to

139 million by 2050, with the greatest increases in low and middle

income countries

• Already 60% of people with dementia live in low and middle income

countries, but by 2050 this will rise to 71%

• A new case of dementia arises somewhere in the world every 3 seconds

• Up to three quarters of those with dementia worldwide have not received a diagnosis

• Almost 80% of the general public are concerned about developing dementia at some point and 1 in 4 people think that there is nothing we

can do to prevent dementia.

• Almost 62% of healthcare practitioners worldwide incorrectly think

that dementia is part of normal ageing

• 35% of caregivers across the world said that they have hidden the diagnosis of dementia of a family member

• Over 50% of caregivers globally say their health has suffered as a result

of their caring responsibilities even while expressing positive sentiments about their role.

Early symptoms of dementia

appearing to lose interest in hobbies.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned about a

friend or relative, visit your doctor and discuss your concerns.

CARING for SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA

In the past we tended to presume that a person with dementia lost their

individuality and personality during the course of their illness.

As physical damage occurred to the brain, their value as a person was

assumed to diminish. People with dementia were sometimes not treated as

individuals in their own right.

An approach to dementia care which recognizes and respects the personal

history, character and individuality of the person living with dementia has

been shown to have a positive impact on the progress of the disease.

Local Support

If you are caring for a family member or are being cared for by a caregiver, you

can contact the Seeking Hope program, a part of The Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Initiative within the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System. Seeking Hope provides quality, person-centered care and support for Native Americans. Certified

Dementia Specialists are available to deliver Home and Community Based Services

to people living with dementia and their family members. These services consist

of caregiver support trainings; dementia-specific consultation, resource assistance

and material; and assistance with home care planning.

Two programs are available for caregivers and family members of those who are

experiencing memory loss. Music & Memory and the Savvy Caregiver in Indian

Country are the programs that you can enroll and participate if you or a loved one

is experiencing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Contact Atheda Fletcher at 405-561-7893

for more information.

MEMORY LOSS

Declining memory, especially short-term memory (remembering things

that have happened recently), is the most common early symptom of dementia. People with ordinary forgetfulness can still remember other facts

associated with the thing they have forgotten. For example, they may briefly

forget their next-door neighbor’s name but they still know the person they CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

are talking to is their next-door neighbor. A person living with dementia Shawnee Health Center

may not only forget their neighbor’s name but also the context. Memories NEW SHAWNEE HEALTH CLINIC! (Coming Soon)

for things that happened long ago may be preserved over recent events.

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

DIFFICULTY PERFORMING FAMILIAR TASKS

Lake)

People with dementia often find it hard to complete everyday tasks that

are so familiar that we usually do them without thinking. Someone with Architect and Construction Manager have been selected. Design Phase is

dementia may not know in what order to put on clothes or the steps for being concluded. Planning for Groundbreaking Ceremony is ongoing.

preparing a meal. People with dementia may dress inappropriately, wearing

August 2024 Health Employee Awards of the Month

several layers of clothes on a warm day or very few on a cold day.

PROBLEMS WITH LANGUAGE

Occasionally everyone has trouble finding the right word but a person

with dementia can often forget simple words or substitute unusual words,

making speech or writing hard to understand. They may also have difficulties following a conversation and therefore become more withdrawn.

Employee of the Month: Callie Baker, LPN Pediatrics

Team of the Month: PlusCare/Same Day

Special Leadership Award: Gregory Reading, Chiropractor/Intern

Program

Chris A. Larkin, MBA, FACHE, CHC

Executive Director

September 2024

www.astribe.com

Grilled Zucchini

with Parmesan

SERVINGS: 4

PREPPING TIME: 20 MIN

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

¼ teaspoon crushed red

pepper, or to taste

½ cup whole-wheat panko

breadcrumbs

2 ounces Parmesan cheese,

grated (about 1/2 cup)

1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme

leaves or 1 teaspoon dried

thyme, crushed

1 teaspoon lemon zest

¼ teaspoon salt

2 large zucchini, halved

lengthwise

Lemon wedges for serving

COOKING TIME: 5 MIN

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine oil, garlic and crushed red pepper in a

small skillet over low heat. Cook, stirring often,

until the garlic is softened and light golden, 3 to

4 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool for 5

minutes. Stir in panko, Parmesan, thyme, lemon

zest and salt.

2. Preheat grill to very high (at least 500°F). Oil the

grill grates, using tongs to hold an oil-soaked

paper towel. Place zucchini, cut-sides down, on

the oiled grates; grill, uncovered, until tendercrisp, about 5 minutes per side. Flip the zucchini

so they are cut-side up; spoon the panko

mixture evenly on top. Grill, covered, until the

topping is golden brown in spots, 2 to 3 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a serving platter. Serve

with lemon wedges.

NOTES

This recipe is also suitable for grilling yellow summer squash, eggplant, bell peppers and

asparagus.

QUESTIONS: CONTACT DIABETES & WELLNESS

(405) 701-7977

7A

September 2024

8A www.astribe.com

MONDAY

2

CLOSED FOR

LABOR DAY

9

BEEF FINGERS

MASHED POT/GRAVY

BRUSSEL SPROUTS

M. ORANGES

16

PULLED PORK

SANDWICH

PICKLES/ONIONS

PINEAPPLES

23

EGG ROLL

STIR FRIED VEGGIES

RICE

FORTUNE COOKIES

30

BAKED CHICKEN

VEGGIES

BREAD

PEARS

TUESDAY

3

10

WEDNESDAY

CHICKEN PATTY

SANDWICH

LTOP

CHIPS/APRICOTS

CHEF SALAD

HAM,CHEZ,ONIONS

CRACKERS

FRUIT COCKTAIL

17

BAKED POTATO

CHEZ,ONIONS, HAM

BROC N CHEZ

PUDDING

24

COLD CUT SANDWICH

LTOP

MAC SALAD

COOKIE

4

11

18

25

SALMON PATTIE

MAC & CHEZ

SALAD BAR*

CHICKEN POT PIE

VEGGIES

BISCUIT

FLUFF

BEANS

CORNBREAD

OKRA

JELL-O

BEEF FAJITAS

BELL PEPPER &

ONIONS

SPANISH RICE

TORTILLA/FRUIT

THURSDAY

5

GOULASH

BREAD

TROPICAL FRUIT

FRIDAY

6*

BAGEL

BOILED EGG

GRAPES

CREAM CHEZ

12

TACO CASSEROLE

SALSA/CHIPS

APPLESAUCE

13

SCRAMBLED EGGS

SAUSAUGE GRAVY

BISCUIT

19

20*

BAKED ZITA

GREEN BEANS

TOSSED SALAD*

26

GRILLED CHEZ

SANDWICH

CHICKEN NOODLE

SOUP

M. ORANGES

*MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

LUNCH SERVED MONDAY – THURSDAY 11 AM TO 1 PM SHAWNEE SITE

LUNCH SERVED MONDAY – THURSDAY 12 PM TO 12:30 PM AT BRENDLE CORNER

BREAKFAST SERVED FRIDAYS 9 AM TO 11 AM SHAWNEE SITE

BREAKFAST SERVED FRIDAYS 10 AM TO 10:30 AT BRENDLE CORNER

OATMEAL

SAUSAGE PATTIES

RAISINS

27

ENGLISH MUFFIN

HAM

SCRAMBLED EGGS