Tax Commission Getting New Building (2021)

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www.astribe.com

THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE NEWS

September 2021

Volume 31, No. 09

Tax Commission Getting New Building

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe Tax Commission is getting

a new modular building complete with a drive-thru. The

new building was purchased with CARES money that

the Tribe received. The building will be located west of

Finance/Title VI.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to service Tribal

members via a drive-thru window. Since last year and

the onset of the pandemic, the Tax Commission office

remained opened by providing motor vehicle registrations

by mail, email and a local drop box” Tax Administrator

Alicia Engler said. “It’s been a goal of our office to find a

way to service the Tribal members in a resourceful and

safe way.”

Future plans will allow for in person transactions;

however details aren’t finalized yet. The building is slated

to open sometime this year.

2021 Big Jim Youth Award Recipients

Tribal Leader-Big Jim

In June 2021, the Big Jim Youth

Award Selection Committee identified

the tribal youth who were to receive

these prestigious awards for their

High School Academic and Athletic

performance. The selection committee

for these awards consisted of

individuals who are either educators,

coaches, or affiliated in these areas or

to the area of higher education within

the state of Oklahoma. None of the

members of the selection committee

were members of the selection

committee were Absentee Shawnee

Tribal members. This was incorporated

into the program to maintain fairness

to all of the applicants.

The Big Jim Youth Award Program

was open to all Absentee Shawnee

High School Seniors within the 50

United States. “The purpose of these

awards is to recognize the outstanding

contributions of our tribal youth and to

promote excellence in academics and

athletics in high school and beyond”

said Tresha Spoon, Educational

Director of the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe.

Academic Achievement, $1,000.00 Scholarship Academic Achievement, $1,000.00 Scholarship

William Peetoom

Gracey LittleJim

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Norman, Oklahoma

Parents: William and Stephanie Peetoom

Parents: Clint and Lisa LittleJim

Attending: Oklahoma City University

Attending: Rose State College

Major: Secondary Education (English

Education)

Major: Pre-Physical Therapy/Kinesiology

Accomplishments: Football 6A-II

Academic State Champion: 2018, 2019

Football 6A-II State Runner-up: 2018,

2019

McClain Scholar Student: 2019

Essay: “Being a member of the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe has given me many

opportunities and many chances to

look onto my culture and heritage with

pride. I believe that I have a unique set of skills and a unique background that

will help motivate me through life, and eventually help me excel. While many

of my relatives who would have taught me about my culture have passed

away…I know that being Native American has given me opportunities…I

was able to attend the Oklahoma Indian Challenge Bowl multiple years…to

participate in programs in engineering, N7 events, and many different tribal

events through my schools NASA Program. ”

Accomplishments: Headmasters Honor Roll

Excellence in Biology

Excellence in History

National Junior Honor Society, active

member 3 years

Essay: “I have loved receiving an exceptional

education …I have been prepared well for

my future. My school curriculum is different

than most because it is geared towards

achieving college level learning. I have been

able to take college courses as dual credit in high school and will be entering

college with over a semester under my belt. I am one of only a few Native

Americans in my school and have been for many years…I think this has prepared

me to be alright with standing out in a crowd and being proud of who I am.”

Tribal Member Appointed to State & National Positions

Beverly Felton

Tribal member Beverly Felton was

recently appointed to the Oklahoma

State School Board Association

Board of Directors for District 6. The

district covers the school districts

in Oklahoma, Cleveland and Logan

counties. Felton was also appointed

to sit on the National Commission

Education Workgroup for the

American Nurses Association 2021

National Commission to Address

Racism in Nursing.

She has been on the Little Axe

School Board of Education for 26

years, serving the last 10 years as the

board president. Felton has spent the

past 27 years as a nurse, having worked

in hospitals and clinics, an educator

in career tech, and in administration.

Felton holds a Master of Science

in Nursing from the University of

Phoenix and is currently working on a

dissertation to complete her Doctorate

Healthcare

Administration.

Currently she is the Public Health

Director for the Absentee Shawnee

Tribal Health System.

“Being on the School Board

Association Board of Directors and

the ANA Workgroup on Racism in

Nursing is an honor because it means

that my voice is going to be heard

on both the state and national level

regarding many different issues.”

Felton said. “Coming from a small

rural community and a relatively small

Native American tribe in Oklahoma, I

hope to help make changes regarding

education, healthcare, and Native

American issues.”

She has been married to her

husband Doug Felton for 39 years.

She has a daughter, Taylor Tenner

and her husband, Chris and their

daughter Kirsten; son, Zachary and

his wife Autumn and their children,

Kandice, Wyatt, Aiden, Kai, and Jace

and daughter, Lacey and her husband

Chad and their children, Dylan,

Derek, and Emma.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

www.astribe.com

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

John Johnson, AST Governor

Hello fellow tribal members,

I hope everyone has been taking

COVID-19 precaution and staying

healthy. Due to the rise in the number of

COVID cases the EC has decided to increase precautions. Everyone is to wear a

mask on campus and appointments need

to be made with the department you have

business with to cut down the number of

people on campus. All employees are being tested and we have banned all out of

state travel. The EC may make the decision to move to phase II of the recovery

GOVERNOR

John Johnson

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Ezra DeLodge, AST Lt. Governor

Tribal Members,

I hope all is well, and we are doing our

best to stay safe and continue to practice the CDC recommended guidelines

(get vaccinated, wear your mask indoors

in public spaces) to further prevent the

spread of COVID-19 and the variant

strains. The news of these strains is very

unsettling and is infecting people of all

ages. Now, more than ever, I urge you

all to get vaccinated immediately. There

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Alicia Miller, AST Secretary

Lt. GOVERNOR

Ezra DeLodge

SECRETARY

Alicia Miller

TREASURER

Joseph Blanchard

Ho wa se ke sa ke!

The month of August started out with

some positive notes. The tribe attained a

new full-time Attorney General, Mr. Randy Homburg. Mr. Homburg is an Oklahoma attorney who has been licensed to

practice since 1988. He comes to our tribe

from the Choctaw Nation. He brings with

him a wealth of experience having worked

for the Oklahoma Attorney General, private practice as a trial attorney, a patent

attorney, the City Prosecutor for Midwest City. He and his wife, Robyn, have

been married for 38 years and he has two

daughters, Hannah, who is the Director

of Neurosurgical Research at OU Health

and Sarah who teaches special needs

children at an elementary in Oklahoma

City. I am excited Mr. Homburg is here

and look forward to a productive working

relationship as we advance the tribe forward. When I was a candidate running

for office, one of the first speaking engagements was with our tribal elders. One of

the items I campaigned on was the hiring

of a full-time Attorney General. It is good

to see an idea come to fruition one year

into my term. Mr. Homburg has a such a

wealth of knowledge and experience. His

availability and overall budgetary savings

to the tribe will be such a great benefit to

our tribal government.

The veteran’s and elder’s building is

looking great and is just about ready for

use! The tax commission modular work

is progressing as we inch closer and closer

to relocating this department. We are excited to see the fruits of our CARES projects and even more exciting for the safe

TREASURER’S REPORT

Joseph Blanchard, AST Treasurer

Hello fellow Tribal members, friends and

family,

REPRESENTATIVE

DeWayne Wilson

I hope all is well with you. As we begin the fall season, the best times of the

year are fast approaching. School is in

session, Oklahoma Football should begin

any Saturday, and Fastpitch softball is in

full swing. Please go support our youth

or your local community, but, as you attend these events, please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and

your loved ones. Our AST Health system

has set up multiple events to receive the

COVID vaccination, virus testing, and

antibodies testing. The numbers continue to rise and the amounts of people affected have become exponential in a short

amount of time.

The Executive Committee receives

weekly status updates to help keep us

apprised on the trends. Additionally,

Emergency Management and Media post

regularly on Social Media and our AST

website to inform our local community

and members of issues that occur, at a

moment’s notice. Do not be surprised,

September 2021

plan to keep all tribal members and employees safe. If phase II is implemented,

campus will be closed to visitors and staff

with work on rotating schedules. We are

highly encouraging everyone to do their

part and get the vaccine.

Now for some exciting news! The tax

commission has received a modular

building which arrived the middle part

of August. This building will have a drive

through window to better serve our tribal

members. The second building arrived at

camp Ni-ko-ti at the end of August. This

building will be used as COVID relief,

nurse’s station and quarantine. As for the

third building that arrived back in July,

which houses veterans and elders, is get-

ting porches, ramps, electric and water.

These buildings will soon be operational.

I am happy to see the growth that is happening throughout our tribe.

At the July 28th EC meeting a resolution was passed for a new afterschool

building. We are now in the final stages

of the bidding process. Once this is complete we will break ground and get under

way with the construction of the building.

This building will allow our afterschool

program to grow and hopefully reach

more children.

In closing, I encourage everyone to get

vaccinated and continue to wear your

mask. Let’s do our part in stopping the

spread of this deadly virus.

is a lot of discussion about the effectiveness of these vaccines and they have been

proven by science they do work, and they

will keep you out of the hospital. Getting

vaccinated can protect you and the people

around you, which is why it is of the upmost importance to get vaccinated. A majority of the infections now are the Delta

variant, which spreads faster than earlier

forms of the virus that causes COVID-19.

As the campus moves into various

phases I ask for your patience and understanding as we try to maintain the safety and well-being of all tribal members,

visitors and employees alike. During

these trying times it’s not easy trying to

figure out the best course of action, but

it is something we take very serious and

it consumes a good majority of our time,

we can hope and pray we make the best

decisions for the betterment and future of

our tribe. Lastly, I send my condolences

to those who have lost loved ones, and

offer a prayer for those who are suffering

during these difficult times.

delivery of service to tribal members.

Also, this past month, I participated

in a tribal nation’s series – Investing in

your tribes’ infrastructure hosted by the

Harvard Project on the American Indian

Economic Development Program. This

was one of many Harvard Project presentations intended to assist tribe’s in setting

tribal priorities, to building infrastructure, to managing and sustaining projects. Since the American Rescue Plan Act

(ARPA) is an unprecedented opportunity

for the 574 federally recognized tribal nations to use our rights of sovereignty and

self-government to strengthen each of

our tribal communities.

Since the start of COVID-19, many ceremonial grounds have had to cancel gatherings and dances. This past spring, our

tribal people started to see a little glimmer of hope with the availability of the

vaccine. Through tragedy to triumph, we

began having our dances again. It felt so

good to see relatives and friends back at

the ceremonial grounds for War Dance.

I attended the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Conference held at the

Oklahoma City Convention Center in

mid-August.

This was probably the

first conference I attended (with a mask)

in person since COVID-19 began. It was

good to see familiar faces from the gaming world and it was good to obtain the

latest information for Oklahoma gaming

tribes.

On August 18th, we held the monthly

Executive Committee meeting where I

presented resolutions for enrollment, a

utilization study for the Hardesty Property, and COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Programs for tribal members and employees.

The utilization study is to determine the

best use of the 31 acres located on the

SW corner of Hardesty and US-177. The

tribe purchased the land around 2017 and

with it sitting in a prime location, in my

viewpoint, it would be in the tribe’s best

interest to hire a third party to conduct

the study to remediate the issues deemed

by FEMA to be within a floodway, all but

3.6 acres to be exact. This will aid the EC

in determining the best use of land.

The remaining resolutions was a step to

solidify the Executive Committee’s commitment to the public health and safety of

the tribe. Two incentive programs were

developed. One for tribal members and

tribal employees who are or will be fully

vaccinated against COVID-19. With the

recent surge in COVID-19 cases, it requires action be taken to encourage tribal

members who are currently unvaccinated to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Program details will be released when the

program is fully ready for participation.

As a tribal leader, I am participating on

the Indian Health Service Director’s Advisory Workgroup on Tribal Consultation.

The goal of this group is to seek input and

recommendations to improve the IHS

Tribal Consultation Policy and Process.

As I am writing this article, the meeting

date for this workgroup has yet to occur

but is scheduled. I will provide future updates as the work fully commences, and I

am honored to represent our tribe in this

effort on the federal level.

As I wrap up my article, I want to wish

you all a great month, stay safe, and I pray

for the health and well-being of all our

Shawnee people. (Be sure to mask up!)

not if but, when the decision is made to

revert to Phase II. This is an effort to get

ahead of the trend and keep our People

and staff out of harm’s way.

Be on the lookout for information regarding the Vaccination Incentive. This

is a one-time payment and ARPA funds

will be utilized for this allowed expense to

promote individuals getting the shot. The

t-shirt to be distributed was designed by

one of our AST Summer Youth workers.

Yes, this will include those who were proactive and got the shot early. Everyone

that obtains the shot will have their name

put into a special drawing for additional

prizes.

While I’m discussing ARPA, tribal

member Distribution Payments have

gone out on time, as projected. There are

a handful still in the system, due to missing documents, but will be processed once

extra data is submitted and confirmed. In

all, the ARPA Helpline, Enrollment, and

Finance received and approved 3642 applications since it went live and pushed

them out the door in a quick manner.

Yes, there were glitches in the system but

staff was able to work through those issues. I want to publicly acknowledge ALL

the staff from each department and pro-

gram who chipped in to make sure our

members received their checks; especially

our Finance Department. Several worked

overtime to complete this thankless task.

Since I’m talking about Finance, it’s appropriate for me to talk about our Annual

Audit. My office finally received the official notice for the completion of this year’s

audit and the results. As expected, there

were no major findings and we received

an “Unmodified Opinion”. Of course, we

will continue to find ways for improving

our functions and make determinations

on how we can become better. Self-Assessment is something I constantly harp

on as we strive to raise expectations.

This summer, some members made

statements about the lack of reporting

concerning AllNations Bank. Of course,

some information I can’t report on due to

the sensitive or internal nature of the proprietary data. Even as the ownership, the

Tribe nor its membership has complete

say in its operation. They are governed

by their own Board of Directors, which in

turn answers to and follows the Federal

Bank Regulatory guidelines.

Respectfully,

Lt. Governor Ezra M. DeLodge

Si li no ke ka no la.

Alicia Miller

Tribal Secretary

(405) 287-5247

(Continued on Page 3)

September 2021

www.astribe.com

TREASURER’S REPORT (Continued)

That being said, I have two pieces of information to share. First, and the most

important, AllNations received notification the sanctions imposed a few years

ago, prior to my election, have now been

resolved and removed. The Bank is able

to move and operate with no ill effects.

Additionally, I received notice about an

article in the ICBA Independent Banker, July 2021 edition; our Bank is listed

as #12 in the Nation among Agriculture

Banks (under $500 million), and #1 in

the State of Oklahoma. I want to publicly

thank Mr. Stephen Smith, President and

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

DeWayne Wilson, AST Representative

Hello Tribal Members,

I hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy. We, Executive Committee

(EC), are monitoring the COVID-19

(Delta Variant), as the numbers continue to rise. I was excited to reconnect

with some family and friends at the (War

Dance) located at the North grounds. It

was good to be around my fellow tribal

members.

Recently, the (EC) passed a resolution

revising the Tribes Organizational Chart

in July, 2021. I was assigned to oversee

the Education and Cultural Preservation

departments. I also have oversight of

Gaming Commission and Youth Camp

program.

In the Education Department: I met

with the Education Director, Tresha

Spoon, where we discussed the afterschool program (Brendle Corner) and

CEO, for providing leadership to create

this change. This goes without saying,

the direction, suggestions, and advice of

the newly revamped Board of Directors

also played a critical role.

Also, there were some vacancies on the

Bank Board of Directors and, the two

suggestions I provided to the EC, did obtain their verification and approval from

the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

I expect there to be an official publication

or biography for these two next month’s

newsletter. But, I want to welcome AST

tribal member Wade Stuckey, and local Cherokee citizen, Shane Jett, to the

Board.

Finally, I want to say a few things regarding our Realty Department. As a former employee, I am more aware of policy

and procedure of this program and its

function. Taylor Carter and staff have

been working tirelessly to make improvements these last six months. The delay in

annual Lease payments is based on the

Federal government not being back at

full staff. The employees at the Regional

Field Office remain on a rotational basis

and the majority of Leases are still waiting to be ‘approved’. However, at the time

of this printing, the Annual Farming and

Grazing Lease sale will have come and

gone. I only mention it as a complemen-

tary to what I expect to come from the

Lt. Governor’s office on our newly created

Agriculture Department. I provided data

and made suggestions on potential locations we could use to the benefit of this

new program. Procurement has been

sent out requests and we have received

bids back to purchase the needed equipment.

That is all for this month. As always,

should you have any questions or want

to share your concerns, do not hesitate to

contact my office or send me an email.

other accomplished projects. We discussed their present budget as well as researching other funding sources. The Education department has an OJJDP/CTAS

(Tribal Youth Program) grant that has a

salary for a grant coordinator. Also, we

discussed looking how we can enhance

present services within the Education department.

In the Cultural Preservation Department: I met with the Cultural Preservation Director, Carol Butler, where we

discussed the several programs and projects within this department. Presently,

Cultural Preservation has 5 employees

ranging from program coordinators to

an administrative assistant. We have discussed obtaining the goals and reporting

requirements of the grants that she oversees. We have/ are discussing maintaining the grant funding source as well as

researching for other funding opportunities.

As for the Gaming Commission, I have

attended a several gaming commission

meetings. We have discussed/ approved

policy changes pertaining to Banning

and the Player Club procedures. These

approved policy changes were in need

of up- dating for the Thunderbird Entertainment Casinos. We would like to send

our (EC) condolences out to Titus Carter’s family. We (Tribe) have lost a valued

employee, Titus Carter, Executive Director of the Gaming Commission. In the

little time that I have known Mr. Carter,

he was an exceptional person who was always polite and respectful.

As for the Youth Camp, it is my pleasure

to inform tribal members that we hope

to complete Phase II at Camp Nikoti by

the end of December 2021. A resolution

was passed on July 28th 2021, to complete the 6 camp cabins, bathhouse and

entry gate (HUD funds), the parking lot

around Dining Hall building (Matching

funds) and an Access road (BIA funds).

We are working with CLS and Associates

Landscape Architects Connie Scothorn

and Brian Patric in developing a strategic plan for the next phase of the Youth

Camp.

I would like to acknowledge the amazing job of the following departments and

staff, Secretary’s , Treasurer’s, Finance

and the MIS department staff, and all of

the other departments involved in getting

the ARPA checks out in a professional

manner. I would like to say as a member

of the Executive Committee, we are all

working together and making difficult

decisions pertaining to the pandemic.

We are maintaining a positive attitude

and the outlook is always of “Moving

Forward”. If anyone has any questions/

concerns or if we can help you, please

feel free to contact us at our Office phone

number: 405-275-4030, Ext. 6239 or Ext.

6240 or by email: dewayne.wilson@astribe.com

Neyiawa!

Joseph H. Blanchard

Reminder from Court:

Jury Trials

The Jury Pool primarily consists of AST members who are in the Jurisdiction.

AST Employees can request to be on the Court Clerk’s Jury list at any time. They will also be added to the Jury Pool.

All parties for the Jury must be 18 years of age or older.

The Jury Pool is pulled from a large Jury Wheel. These names are randomly drawn by the Court Clerk and Police Chief.

Anyone who is drawn for the Jury cannot just request to be taken off the Jury, they have to come to Court the day that they

are summoned. Then the Judge, Prosecutor or Defender will excuse them if they think it is necessary.

Fotordy Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Pan

Food Pantry

AST Food Pantry Application

Please Print

Please fill out application completely. Incomplete applications will be denied.

Have a copy of all household member’s CDIB cards, Utility bill for household, and proof of income.

AST FOOD PANTRY REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION

Name of Household: _______________________________________________________________________________

All Applicants Must Submit The Following Items:

Number of family members

Annual Total income for household

$1,231

$1,604

$1,977

$2,365

$2,769

$3,173

$3,547

$3,920

Each additional member

$374

REQUIRED FOR ALL HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS.

•

Federally Recognized Tribal Affiliation Card (CDIB).

Social Security Card.

Driver’s License or State ID.

Proof of Income for Last Six Months.

Proof of Residency (Must be In Applicants Name).

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________

State: _________________

Head of Household CDIB #: ___________________

Zip: __________________________

Phone #:_____________________________________

Total Number of members in Household: ____________

List Name and Age of Members in Household:

___________________________________ Age ______

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:

Date Received ______________________________________________

Family Name ______________________________________________

Family Size ____________

Color of Card Given _____

Copy of all CDIB Cards _____

Copy of Utility Bill _____

APPLICANT IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF PICKUP.

AST MEMBERS ONLY.

Copy of Income Verification _____

Notes:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________

September 2021

www.astribe.com

ASTHS September 2021 Monthly Update

We are very proud of the employees of the health system for their recognition by the Indian Health Service’s Oklahoma City Area Office for

the Area Director’s Award for COVID Pandemic Leadership! This is a first of its kind award, and the health system’s employees are much deserved of this prestigious award! The Health System has released a new Community Needs Assessment Survey seeking to capture input from

our AST Tribal Members, our Patients, and Employees on services desired and needed in our health system that may or may not be currently

addressed. This comprehensive survey is conducted every two to three years for both the Tribe and the community for review of services and to

identify needs of the AST Tribe and it’s patients. In years past this survey has led to expanding services in what we know now as PlusCare and the Shawnee Walk-in

Clinics, expanded drive-through pharmacy hours and services, specialty clinic, Home Health Services, contract health, physical therapy, and behavioral health services

being stood back up at the Shawnee Clinic, as well as a more robust Public Health program for the tribe. If you have not had a chance to complete the survey, please take

the time to have your voice heard and your input captured in this important survey effort!

The COVID Delta Variant is wreaking havoc in our community! Please continue to observe your 3 W’s: Wear your mask; wash your hands; and watch your distance –

this is the best thing to do whether you’re vaccinated or not, when in the public or working in doors around other staff. The CDC has maintained unique procedures for

Health Care Professionals (HCPs), due to working in and around potentially infected patients and other high-risk patients, so this is imperative just as much now as it

was last year to assure maximum good public health practices for your family and the community. We are maintaining the COVID Hotline, and encourage everyone to

still get vaccinated and monitor the Health System’s COVID webpage for updates as well as the Tribe’s Emergency Management page on the Tribe’s main page. If you or

your family has any health care special needs, please let us know so that we can get them addressed. Starting with your provider is always recommended, however unique

challenges and situations arise with this ongoing pandemic and we understand and want to help where and when we can!

Help me in congratulating our September Monthly Employee Award Winners this month! These outstanding professionals and team players lead the way in making our

programs succeed and with taking care of our patients!

September 2021 Health Employee Awards of the Month

Employee of the Month: Michelle Wollenzin, RN, Clinical Quality/Infection Control Director

Team of the Month: AST Health System’s Public Health Team

Special Leadership Award: Beverly Felton, RN, Public Health Director

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

Executive Director

September is Dental Infection Control Month

September is Dental Infection Control Month and the AST Dental Clinic would

like to highlight some of the measures we have taken to help prevent the spread

of COVID-19 in the dental clinic and ensure a safe dental visit. Dentistry has

always had a high level of infection control policies and practices, but these

were enhanced even more upon notification of the COVID-19 virus outbreak.

During this time, we worked tirelessly and efficiently to find additional ways to

reduce the possible spread of COVID-19 within the dental clinic – keeping both

patients and staff safe.

Screening of patients became our first line of defense. In the beginning and

continuing even today we are utilizing screening questionnaires to reduce

the number of possible active COVID patients within the clinic. Secondly, we

introduced the addition of hand sanitizer by all patients upon arriving and leaving

the dental setting. The hand sanitizer helps to control the entrance or exit of any

virus present on patient’s hands reducing the potential spread of the virus within

the dental clinic.

In the beginning of the pandemic, we only treated patients for emergencies as

recommended by the CDC. We were very restricted on what procedures could

be done.

With the CDC recommended restrictions-in-mind, we searched for additional

ways to protect our patients by reducing any potentially infectious aerosols

within the dental setting.

In doing so, we found that for aerosol procedures, the use of an additional intraoral system and an extra-oral suction unit to be the best and most effective

way to help control the spread of potentially virus-filled aerosols from a dental

standpoint.

The extra-oral suction unit with a medical grade three layer HEPA filtration system

is utilized with all patients who are receiving an aerosol-generating procedure.

This system helps remove the aerosol produced during procedures from the air

and takes it through the HEPA filtration system where it is treated with UV light

to destroy any virus particles that may be present. We continue to utilize UV light

cabinets for treatment of staff travel laptops and cell phones.

The American Dental Association is proud to announce and so are we, that at

this time there is no known contraction or spread of COVID-19 through dental

procedures

We have also been extremely blessed to have the proper PPE (Personal

Protective Equipment) to protect ourselves and our patients. With that being

said we want to thank all involved in making this happen and ensuring that

our tribal members, staff and all that entered our dental clinic stayed safe. As

many schools start back this month, more people return to in-person work and

we continue to find our new normal we encourage people to take care of their

oral health and know that we are doing all we can to provide the safest dental

experience for you and your family.

The AST Dental Clinic is here to serve you. To make an appointment please call

(405) 701-7964.

This article was brought to you by the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Dental Clinic – Little

Axe Health Center.

5 Questions to Ask at Your Child’s Back-to-School Dental Visit

School will be back in session before you know it. Whether your child will be in the

classroom or learning from home, a healthy smile is still a back-to-school essential.

Some schools require a back-to-school dental exam. Still, it’s always a good time of

year to schedule one of your child’s regular visits. “We can help spot and take care

of any issues so your child doesn’t have to miss class once school starts,” says ADA

pediatric dentist Dr. Mary Hayes. “It’s also a great time to help get back on track if some

of your child’s dental habits fell away during summer, when normal routines can go out

the window and there are a lot more treats around.”

And just as this school year might be looking a bit different for your child, their backto-school appointment will have some changes too. To learn more about the steps

your child's dentist is taking to keep them safe at their appointment go to https://www.

mouthhealthy.org to read "COVID-19: What to Expect When Your Dentist's Office

Reopens"

Here are a few questions to ask at your child’s appointment:

How Is My Child’s Overall Dental Health?

The dentist will be looking at the big picture of your child’s mouth, including teeth and

gums. “We will check to make sure teeth are lining up correctly, your child’s bite is in

good shape and to keep an eye out for any [orthodontic] issues that may show up

later,” Dr. Hayes says. “We’re also making sure baby teeth are going to the Tooth Fairy

like they should.”

Will My Child Get a Cleaning Today?

This is a must, no matter how well your child brushes. “Even if your child—or you, for

that matter—brushes twice a day, it’s not possible to get rid of all the bacteria that can

lead to cavities,” Dr. Hayes says. “And on the other hand, you may have a child who

goes off to camp and never opens their toothbrush.”

That’s why a professional cleaning goes a long way. “It removes more of the cavitycausing bacteria and helps to keep gum tissue healthy,” she says. “It can also remove

most or many stains from teeth.”

Does My Child Need an X-Ray?

X-rays help your dentist see how your child’s teeth are developing and make sure the

tooth roots are healthy. They also are used to see if there is any tooth decay between

your child’s teeth. “The decay process can move very, very fast, so the earlier we can

catch it, the better,” Dr. Hayes says.

Your child won’t need an x-ray at every visit. “We do them only when necessary,” she

says.

Can You Check My Child’s Mouthguard?

If your child plays sports year-round, make sure you bring his or her mouthguard along

so your dentist can check for wear, tear and fit. “If your child is having a growth spurt,

losing teeth and getting new ones, the mouthguard might need to be redone,” she says.

What Are Sealants?

Sealants can be another way to keep your child from getting cavities, but they’re no

substitute for brushing and flossing. A sealant is a thin, protective coating (made from

plastic or other dental materials) that your dentist can place on the chewing surfaces

of your child’s permanent back teeth (called molars). Once they’re on, sealants work to

keep cavity-causing bacteria and bits of food from settling into the nooks and crannies

your child’s toothbrush can’t reach. This helps keep cavities from forming and tiny

existing spots of decay from getting worse.

In fact, having sealants on your permanent molars reduces the risk of cavities by 80%.

It’s best to get sealants as soon as your child’s permanent molars come through their

gums (usually at age 6, then again at age 12). “It doesn’t hurt to put on or apply a

sealant,” Dr. Hayes says. “When permanent molars start coming in, parents should ask

if sealants are recommended.” Most last for years and your child’s dentist will make

sure they’re holding strong at every regular visit.

This article is brought to you by the American Dental Association - Mouthhealthy.org.

September 2021

www.astribe.com

NOTICE AUG.-SEPT. 2021

AFTERHOURS COVID-19 & ANTIBODY

TESTING & VACCINE CLINIC

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER

405.447.0300

• Testing- 5:30pm-6:30pm:

Thursday, Aug. 5th, Aug. 19th,

Sept. 9th, Sept. 23rd

• ANTIBODY testing-5 pm-6pm (LA

only): Thursday, Aug. 26th, Sept.

30th

• Vaccinations- 5pm-7pm:

Thursday, Aug. 5th, Aug. 12th,

Aug. 19th, Aug. 26th, Sept. 9th,

Sept. 23rd

SHAWNEE CLINIC

405.878.5850

• Testing- 5 : 3 0 pm-6:30pm:

Tuesday, Aug. 10th, Aug. 24th,

Sept. 14th, Sept. 28th

• Vaccinations- 5pm-7pm:

Tuesday, Aug. 3rd, Aug. 17th,

Sept. 14th, Sept. 28th

For Your Visit…

• Wear a mask (no

cloth masks

permitted).

• Bring identification.

• All clinics are open

to the public, walkin only, no

appointment

needed.

For Antibody

Testing…

• Be prepared to

have blood drawn.

• Testing is available

to anyone ages

10+.

For Vaccine Clinic…

• Vaccine is

available to

anyone ages 12+.

• Vaccine will be

administered in two

shots 3-4 weeks

apart.

• You will be

monitored 15-30

minutes after

receiving.

In the event of adverse weather, testing may not be conducted. Follow the

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System on Facebook or our website for

updates asthealth.org.

September 2021

www.astribe.com

Title VI

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

LABOR DAY

AST COMPLEX CLOSED

Wieners N Kraut

Green Beans

Bread/Pear

Chef Salad

Turkey, Chez, Eggs

Crackers

Mandarin Oranges

Manwich

Pot. Salad

Pickles N Onions

Applesauce

Chicken Strips

Mashed Pot/Gravy

Tossed Salad*

Orange

Beef & Broccoli

Brown Rice

Mandarin Oranges

Baked Chicken

Wild Rice

Carrots

Apple

BBQ Pork

Sandwich

Pickles n Onions

Jell-O w Fruit

Grilled Chicken

Sandwich

LTOP

Italian Pasta Salad

Thursday

Boiled Egg

Sausage Patties

Fruit

Turkey

Dressing w/Gravy

Cranberry Sauce

Roll/Cobbler

Spaghetti w

Meat sauce

Tossed Salad*

Mixed Fruit

Chicken Fried Steak

Mashed Pot/Gravy

Brussel Sprouts

Plums

Philly Steak Sandwich

Cottage Chez

Peaches

Pinto Beans w Ham

Onions

Crisp

Salisbury Steak

Boiled Pot.

Tossed Salad*

Fish

Coleslaw

Peas n Carrots

NOT GOING TO BE HOME!!!

CALL AND LET US KNOW AT 405-275-4030

EXT 6227 or 6270

OR NOTIFY YOUR DRIVER

Frito Chili

Pie

Chez, Onions

Jell-O

Mission Statement:

To provide a nutritional meal five days a week to our tribal members and other tribe affiliated members 55 or older who live in the jurisdiction. We also provide supportive services

to members.

Requirements for the Title VI Program

CDIB card from a federally recognized tribe

55 years or older

Spouses of eligible elders

Complete an intake form

Individuals with disabilities who reside at home with older individuals eligible for services

HOMEDELIVERED MEALS PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:

Elders should only be on the home delivered meal program if they are unable to leave their

homes without great difficulty. Their inability to leave home may be because illness, disability, or general fragility. They may be home bound because they cannot ride comfortably in

an available vehicle for the time it takes to get to the congregate site because of their fragility.

TITLE VI ELDERS WILL DRIVE THRU UNTIL FUTHER NOTICE.

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Complex Building #9, Shawnee Ok

Congregate Meals are served on Mondays Only– 10 am to 2 pm

Title VI Staff

Thomasine Owings, Title VI Director

Lula Bettelyoun, Cook

Donna Butler, Assistant Cook/Driver

Robert Schoolfield, Driver/Maintenance

Ted Watson Jr, Driver/Kitchen Assistant

Guy Kowena, Driver/Kitchen Assisitant

Pancakes

Bacon

Fruit

Scrambled Eggs

Sausage Gravy

Biscuit

English Muffin

Ham

Scrambled Eggs

BREAKFAST SERVED FRIDAYS

During this COVID 19 PANADEMIC: TITLE VI IS ONLY OPEN ON MONDAYS

CONGREGATE MEAL SITES:

AST DAY

AST COMPLEX CLOSED

Saturday

September!!!

Friday September 3rd – AST Complex

is closed for AST Day- No meals will be

delivered or served

Monday September 6th- AST Complex

is closed for LABOR DAY- No meals

will be delivered or served

Sunday September 12th – GRANDPARENT DAY!!! TAKE PICTURES

WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS!!!

LUNCH SERVED MONDAY-THURSDAY 11AM TO 1PM

TITLE VI ELDERLY NUTRITION PROGRAM

•

Friday

9AM TO 11AM

At this time we are not having dine in

meals – We are making the meals to go

at each site.

Thank you for understanding

Wash your hands!! Wear your Mask!!

Watch your distance!!

September 2021

www.astribe.com

Cultural Preservation Department

The Cultural Preservation Department has continued to carry out essential day to day operations to ensure the department continues to function properly. Currently, all staff members are

available full time in the office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gift Shop

We are happy to announce the gift shop is open to all customers for in-store shopping! However, individuals wanting to shop need to make an appointment with the Gift Shop Manager, Mrs.

Merry Rodriguez, 24 hours in advance. Also, upon arrival please check in at the checkpoint. Mrs. Rodriguez can be reached at (405) 275-4030 ext. 6310.

We have two locations for your shopping. Our Shawnee Gift Shop is located at the complex in the Cultural Preservation building, and our Little Axe Gift Shop is located in the lobby of the Little

Axe Health Center. We are open in Shawnee Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and once a month, usually at the end of the month, in Little Axe from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Further, to ensure the safety and protect the health of all, the Gift Shop has implemented the following 5 safety protocols that we ask visitors to follow:

All are required to cover their mouth and nose with PPE (masks) when shopping in the Gift Shop.

Occupancy Control – for your safety and the safety of our employees, we are limiting the number of customers in the

gift shop.

a. Only 2 customers will be allowed in at a time

Avoid close contact (Social Distance)

a. Please keep 6 feet between you and other customers

Use hand sanitizer as often as possible

Sorry…NO public restroom is available. Temporarily closed due to COVID-19.

We continue to make progress in new inventory. Some new items we recently received in the gift shop can be seen to the

left. We also are excited to announce that we have been working with Eskimo Joe’s Design Team on some new color schemes

and designs for our AST t-shirts. So, be on the lookout for the new designs in the coming months.

In addition to the new products, we still have a few Pendleton and Minnetonka items on sale. So, if you haven’t been in our

store recently, please make an appointment and come have a look at our merchandise.

Further, for your safety, individuals are asked to use gloves while viewing books in the library, and to

ensure that checked out books are properly sanitized, books are placed in a Ziploc bag and quarantined

for four days upon return to the library.

In conjunction to opening to the public, we are still working on using OverDrive to get our collections

online. This system will give our patrons access to a large collection of titles as well as access to exclusive

titles unique to the tribe. It will allow us to expand our reach and engage more patrons. We are hoping

the online website is launched by the end of the month. Please reach out to the Librarian if you have any

questions.

As mentioned last month, we are happy to announce that the library was approved for another year

for the Read for Adventure program featuring the book Juniper’s Butterfly Garden–A Small Start for a

Better World. After the book is checked out, free zoo passes will be issued to all participating families. If

you have any further questions, please call the Librarian.

On July 29th, the library hosted A Day at the Movies for Building Blocks II. The featured movie was

Brother Bear. The library served fresh popcorn and cold juice for all in attendance. A total of 11 children

and 3 staff members were in attendance.

THPO

The THPO Program continues to make great strides and advancements. The THPO staff has steadily

been receiving Section 106 projects from various Federal Agencies. Over the past month, the THPO

Officer, Mrs. Devon Frazier-Smith, has received 147 new Section 106 projects for review. In conjunction

with receiving projects, the program has consulted on 64 projects. These projects were completed in 17

of our 25 areas of interest/states. The THPO has also taken part in 11 teleconference calls as it concerns

Section 106 projects as well as NAGPRA cases.

FCC/TCNS

In lieu of the shutdowns from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the incoming workflow

of new and modified telecommunications projects has been steady for the TCNS program. The THPO

Specialist, Ms. Ashley Brokeshoulder, has been busy reviewing, researching and given recommendations

to the telecommunications industry. Over the past month, she has received 142 new telecommunications facility projects for review. These 142 individual projects were completed in conjunction with 11

consulting firms in 8 of our 25 areas of interest/states.

Social Distancing Required

Ribbon Skirt Workshop

Library

We are happy to announce that we have opened the library to the public! However, like the Gift Shop, we

ask that you follow all the protocols mentioned above, and that you call Ms. Casey Wilson, the Librarian,

to make an appointment 24 hours in advance. She can be reached at (405) 275-4030 ext. 6416.

WHERE:

AST Health Multipurpose Building,2029 S.

Gordon Cooper Drive,

Shawnee OK

*class sizes are limited*

Contact the Cultural

Preservation Department

reserve your spot today!

405-275-4030 ext.6238

WHEN:

September 9,2021

TIME:

5:30-7:30 PM

The Gift Shops’ Summer Days Giveaways Winners

In conjunction with receiving projects, she has reviewed, researched and gave recommendation for the

clearance of 114 telecommunications projects and 2 emergency towers. These 114 individual projects

were completed in conjunction with 11 consulting firms in 8 of our 25 areas of interest/states. Also, 28

projects are awaiting clearance because their packages are lacking some information such as full archaeological reports, SHPO responses, or clear pictures.

EVENTS

The Gift Shops’ Summer Days Giveaways was well received by all. We had a total of 643 entries. Cultural

Preservation Director, Ms. Carol Butler, spun the wheel on August 2nd. Please see the winners to the

right.

Also, please be on the lookout on the website and Facebook page for new workshop flyers. For more

information, please contact Cultural Preservation.

Photos 1-4. Winners (left to right) – Lisa Frazier, Wynona Coon, Katie Thomas

(Shelia Creek pictured picking up the gift), and Delores Logan.

Your concerns are important to us. We thank you for the continued support of our department as we continue to make changes to our programs to better serve the Tribal community. My door

is always open so please feel free to contact me, Carol Butler, at 405-275-4030 ext. 6245 or cbutler@astribe.com.

September 2021

www.astribe.com

SEPTEMBER

BIRTHDAYS

Alaee, Sheila Sepideh

Alexander, Lisa Marie

Alford, David Paul

Allen, Tasia Lynn

Applegate, Jason Grant

Arellano, Brayden Joe George

Arms, James Louis

Arms, Michael Brandon

Armstrong, Angela Michelle

Armstrong, Darrell Lynn

Arrieta, Dana Laree`

Atwood, Stephen Jacob

Baldwin, Ayden Cole

Barnes, Jordan Tylor

Barriga Jr., Rogelio Alberto

Bateman, Thomas Albert

Bates, Charles Edward

Beaver, Matthew David

Bellin, Chance Andrew

Bellin, Jack Matthew

Berry, Shane Tecumseh

Bittle, Kyli Rose

Blanchard Jr, Reuben Caleb

Blanchard Jr., Leland Dale

Blanchard Sr., George Melvin

Blanchard, Chael Harper

Blanchard, Consuela Sirena

Blanchard, Craig Lewis

Blanchard, Jacob Dakota

Blanchard, Paulette Louise

Blanchard, Reuben Caleb

Blanchard, Summer Gail

Blankenship, Fabian Mae

Blocker, April Dawn

Bolt, Mia Angelina Kayleigh

Bonds, Theresa Jo

Bosquez, Emilia Marie Nicole

Bowens, Kendra Rachelle

Bradley, Ernest Timothy

Brinkoetter, Karen Kay

Brinson, Lunna Mae

Brokeshoulder, Audrey Dyan

Brown, Addilynn Emmalee

Brown, Rebecca Fay

Bruner, Rhiannon Lydia

Bullock, Valerie Yolanda

Bump Sr., Richard Dewitt

Burnett, Darrell Wayne

Burns, Alex J

Burns, Natasha Brooke

Butcher, Sallie Elizabeth

Callaway, Katie Mae

Cargo, Odessia Lynn

Carlson III, Dennis Roy

Carlson, Daniel Ray

Carnes, Haley Ann Marie

Carpenter, Cynthia Marie

Charley Whatley, Maddisson Noel

Charley, Garry Joe

Clark, Nathan Allen

Clinesmith, Brooklyn Makay

Cobell, Julee Rae

Coddington, William Luther

Cody, Donna Noreen

Colungo, Redena Sue

Combs III, Frederick Cecil

Conces, Susan Nicole Olivia

Coon, Ella Kay

Cortez, Stephen Kaleb

Cravens, Goldie Ann

Creek, Josephine

Creek, Ralph Samuel

Creek, Vanessa Fire

Crosswhite, Hunter Raven

Culwell, Bryson Gene

Cypret, Norman Wayne

Dean, Haylee Jade Michelle Mae

Deer, Brandon Jeremy

Deer, David Joel

Deer, Jalen Dean

Dillwith, Katrina Tate

Downey, Cheyenne Rena

Downs, Debra Ann

Draper, Anna Faye Kay

Duncan, Carolyn Ann

Edgmon, Jeorgia Annabella

Elam, Marquese Dashawn

Ellis, Eric Wade

Ellis, MaKenzie Rae

Ellis, Richard Bryant

Ellis, William Bryant

Elmore, Christa Ann

England, Aubrey Sue Marie

Ferrell, Melinda Kay

Foreman, Stefany Elayne

Foster, Linda Jean

Fowler, Janyah Railyn

Frazier, Rickie Dewayne

French, Jeffery John

Fritsch, Jadyn Mark

Fuentez, Cruzito Damacio

Ganaway Jr., Mark Terrell

Garretson, Cody Ronald

Garza Jr., Gary Don

Gibson Jr., Isaac

Gibson, Edna Faye

Gibson, Grayson Wayne

Gibson, Jennifer Michelle

Gibson, Justin Ryan Hill

Gillespie, Tamara Sue

Gilman, Peter Howard

Gouge, Ashlynn Jean

Graham, Thomas Wendell

Grass, Brooklynn Rayne

Hackbarth, Marissa Lucille

Hadjiconstantinou, Openia Sue

Hale III, Phillip Wayne

Hall, Christayl Rachell

Harjo Jr., Benjamin

Harjo Jr., Burton Thomas

Harris, Suzy Diane

Harvey, Shelia Lynn

Haumpy Jr., William Allen

Haumpy, Talia Sharee

Herrera, Harland John

Hicks, Angelia Jean

Higgins, Constance Darlene

Hill, Amanda Nicole

Hill, Dreyton Scott

Hixon, Carson Lee

Hobia, Kamryn Aurora

Holt, Kaylee Lilian

Holt, Trenton Riley

Hood, Malacki David Weslyon

Houston, Michael

Houston-Fenix, Lexus Nicole

Hurst, Brian Keith

Jacobs, Kasiana Marie

James, Billie Jane

James, Zachary Lee

Jimerson, Tyrone Dremain

Johnson, Brady James

Johnson, Brandon W. C.

Johnson, Eryn Edward

Johnson, Ki'Arra Joy

Johnson, Lewis Allen

Johnson, Locv Lee Jace

Johnson, Lyndsey Marie

Johnson, Sandra Kay

Johnson, Santana Little Bear

Jones, Kamora Monica

Jones, Selden Parks

Jones, Tsegan Araujo

Jordan, Wendi Renee

Josytewa, Dakota Daniel

Judkins, Rhonan Koa

Kaseca, Kristin Nikole

Kaseca, Paul Daniel

Kelly, Gayla Ann

Kelly, Kellie Marie

Kickapoo, Roy Matteson

Killian, Angelic Marie

Kilmer, Aldon James

Kilmer, Levetris Ann

Kirby, Emma Grace

Kmatz, Jacob Alexander

Kowitz, Trentyn Mikal

Kupczynski, Coreena June

La Plant, Ryan Zachary

Langston, Zachary Daniel James

Laplant, Raymond Lowell

Larney, Darrell Scott

Lee, James Stacey Chang-Sun

Leedom, Donna Jeanne

Leetka, Dominic Lee

Leupp, Lenora Little Creek

Limon, Justine Danielle

Little Axe III, Troy Lee

Little Axe, Brittany Elaine

Little Axe, Jason Randall

Little Axe-Sadongei, Carolyn

Little Charley, Paige Marie

Little Jim, Charles Kerwin

Little Jim, Jason Webster

Little, Christina Kathaleen

Littlebear, Kianna Carolyn

Littlecreek, Joshua Dwight

Livsey, Mckinzy Diane

Lockner, Krin Kimberly

Longhorn-Dees, Aireanna Belle

Longman, Anthony Lamont

Longman, Emily Redena

Longman, Jordyn Christian Spybuck

Longman, Shea Michael

Louvier, Natasha Renee

Love, Faith Annaleigh

Lowe, Ariah MaRae

Lowe, Brian James

Lowe, Caden Elijah

Lowe, Raelynn Mae

Mack, Zander Luis

Manley, Sue Ann

Mann, Ethan Coe

Mann, John Edward

Martin, Juston Allen

Martinez, Brandon Paul

Martinez, Leo Littlecreek

Masquas, Jace Gabriel

Masquas, Jaylen Nathaniel

Mauldin, Charlotte Vada Renia

Mayfield, Destiny Renee

McAnally, Amber Chantel

McBride, Malakai Nicholas

McGirt, Douglas Burton

McGirt, Koa Amari

McGirt, Os'Keowv Nokose

McGirt, Vincent Carlos

McKinney, Lucia Jade

McMahan, Ashley Rae

McPherson, Jeremy Lee

Medina, Jocelyn Adelene

Miller, Esperanza

Monk, Riley JaLisa

Morrell, Kristy Ann

Morris, Brandon Zachary

Morris, Raymond Ray

Morton, Myla Brook

Moyer, Katherine Elizabeth

Murry, Stevey Raynae

Myers, Malissa Lisa Renee

Nance, Jada Karyn

Nance, Kameron Jace

Nelson Jr., James Bradley

Nelson, Telisa Renee

Nelson-Mann, Brady Charles

Neske, Christopher Hugh

Nice, Hunter Eli

Norton, Jai'Ahnna Anjali

Ochoa, Florence Pauline

Olinger, Stephen Garrett

Olivas, Elijah Tiger

Ongaco, Alexandra Renee`

Ortiz, Mariella Raelynn

Pack, Trace Matthew

Palacios, Phyllis Diana

Panther III, William

Panther, Raymond Dale

Panther, Sophia Aylin

Pierce, Mahkinlee Allyn

Ponkilla, Edmond Lee

Ponkilla, Timothy James

Poston, Teresa Sue

Powell, Christopher Scott

Powell, Robert M

Powell, Wesley Lynn

Prettyman, Faith Grinell

Proctor, Noah Gene

Purcell, Jason Lee

Reeves, Marian Louise

Ridenour, Katelynn Faith

Roberts, Jimmy Dean

Routledge-Hunt, Brandi Faye

Rowan, Cobie Mae

Ruimveld, Shacoda Louis

Ruimveld, Shawn Wade

Ruiz, Kathlene Luiza Mae

Ryan, Danielle Marie

Salisbury, James Haydyn

Sampson, Sharon Louise

Sandoval, Teri Kaye

Schmitz, Tana Marie

Schnell, Jennifer Christine

Serena, Gary Allen

Sharpe Jr., Chevis Shenold

Shaver, Brittney Nicole

Shaver, Jordin Lei

Sherrill, Jocelynn Elyssa

Shupe, Joshua Michael

Simpson, Colt Lee

Simpson, Julian Elliot

Sloat, Alec Duane

Sloat, Colby Trae

Sloat, Garrett Davis

Smith, Kristi Dawn

Snake, Jana Rachelle

Soap, Jakobi Christopher

Soap, Wilson Lee

Spoon, Dakota Austin

Spoon, Eric Louis

Spoon, Kenneth Lee

Spriggs, Helen Wyatt

Spybuck, Justice Evan

Spybuck, Kase Brennon

Squire, Shawneecey Jordawna

Squire, Takota Lynn

Stallin, Kiara Daelene

Starr, Meranda Lynn

Stoliby, Sean Ryan

Switch, Eastman Kelly

Switch, Isaac Jay

Switch, Mrs. Lana Iris

Switch, Susan LeAnn

Tackett, Elliana Leighan

Tascier, Samuel Ethan

Terres, Paula Ailene

Thompson, Carter Dane

Thompson, Darian Andrew

Thompson, DeShayla Tamia

Thornton, Calvin Shaun

Thorpe, Grace Janette

Thorpe, Keenan Allen

Thorpe, Melanie Lea

Thorpe, Rachel Danielle

Thorpe-Emhoolah, Lorrie Ann

Tiger, Alisha Lynn

Tiger, Christopher Neal

Tiger, Clementine Cecilia Rose

Tiger, Darryl Dean

Tiger, Dion Henry

Tiger, Gladys Jean

Tiger, Mary Augustina

Tiger, Phyllis Gail

Tiger, Terrance Nathan

Torres, Hector Gene

Tullius, Kaley Mariah

Tyner, Marcus Charles

Valdivia, Joseph Enrique

Valdivia, Ronald David

Vazquez, Tyler Keith

Wahpekeche, Meredith

Wahpekeche, Silas Kane

Walley, Breanna Joy

Warrior Jr., Lucian J.

Warrior Sr., Manuel Anthony

Warrior, Levi Stafford

Washington Jr., Eric Sean

Washington, Nicholas Shane

Watkins, Mickaela Marie

Watkins-Long, Natalia Grace-Christine

Watson, Betty Lou

Watson, Jo Ann Spybuck

Westberry, Amanda LeJean

Whims, Ethan Bradley

White III, Charles Daniel

White, Nina Renee

Whitecloud, Bluesky Rain

Whitecloud, Raqueal Amae

Whited, James Aaron

Wilburn, Joshua Wayne

Wilkerson, Lawrence Anthony

Wilkerson, Tammy Lynn

Williams, Christopher John

Williams, Kade Thomas

Williams, Kuruk James

Williams, Sonja Barbara Gosney

Williams, Taren Janea

Wilson Jr., Darrell Gene

Wilson, Patrick Loyd

Wilson-Porambo, Anthony Thomas

Winrow, Rickie Dawn

Winter, Brendan James

Winter, Tammy Lyn

Winter, Tara Ann Nicole

Woods, Anna Marie

Yates, Tyson Todd

Yeahpau, Jeri Maye

Yones, Amber Marie

September 2021

www.astribe.com

Blue Zones Project Pottawatomie County

Happy 1st Birthday,

Harland!

We Love You,

Dada, Mama, Grandma Ethel,

Uncle Slim, Da’Lovely, family &

friends

Blue Zones Project Pottawatomie County — in partnership with Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority; Community Renewal Friendship House; the City of Shawnee; and local indigenous artist

Tony A. Tiger, facilitated the installation of a painted crosswalk at Main and Bryan.

Elders Council Report

Hello to all the tribal Elders and

hoping everyone was able to get vaccinated, if not contact the Shawnee or

Little Axe Health center to make arrangements for your shots. I realize

there’s some people who have misgivings or second thoughts about being

vaccinated. Which reminds me of

what my dad used to say, “better Safe

then Sorry later”!!

Shawnee Tribal Emergency Management announced a update on the

spread of the variant delta virus which

mutated from the COVID 19 virus. As

of July 29, 2021 the infection rate went

from 1% to 80% in Pottawatomie and

Cleveland county. Due to this changing environment of the continued

spread of the delta virus and because

of the number of people that are unvaccinated, the Tribal Elders will not

in the coming months plan to have

any group meetings. The Tribal Elders

Officers only will continue to meet as

long as it is safely to do so with the

guidance of Tribal Emergency Management.

This is a short report on the Elders

Care Bags that were handed out on

May 15, 2021 at Thunderbird Casino

and at General Council on June 19,

2021. The Tribal Elders were able to

hand out 170 Care Bags with 30 of

Care Bags delivered to Tribal Elders

at home because of health reasons

or because of no transportation. The

Tribal Elders wish to say thank you to

the following people who donated to

this effort; Governor John R. Johnson,

Secretary Ali Miller, Indian Child

Welfare, Brad Gaylord, Chief of

Shawnee Tribal Police department for

offering to pay for all items provided

in the Elders Care Bags.

Also, the Elders wish to thank the

Executive Committee for providing

a new trailer for the Elders Council

which we are anxious to move into a

soon as possible.

Again I want to wish all Elders the

best of health and stay safe everyone

to protect yourself as well as your

families.

If there are any questions please feel

free to call me, Twila Parker at cellphone: 405-229-8052

Shawnee Tribe Memorializes Language & Culture Bearer Sherman Tiger

Internships Named for the Elder Who Passed Away in 2020

MIAMI, OK — Ramping up their

cultural revitalization work this past

spring, the Shawnee Tribe’s language

department began preparing cultural

materials for digitization and upload

to the Indigenous Language Digital

Archive (ILDA) hosted by Miami

University in Ohio.

“We already wanted to find a way

to bring on college-level interns and

get younger Shawnees involved, so

this was the perfect opportunity,”

said Shawnee Tribe linguist Anastasia

Miller-Youst.

This

opportunity

create

internships for young Shawnees also

presented a solemn opportunity for

the tribe to honor and memorialize

Sherman Tiger (Absentee Shawnee).

Tiger was a Shawnee speaker and

culture bearer who the community

lost to the COVID-19 pandemic in

2020.

“I’m grateful to not only have

worked alongside Sherman, but to

have had the honor of his friendship,”

says Shawnee Tribe Chief Ben Barnes.

“This past year, occasions have come

up where I would normally call my

friend and we would share stories

and visit about our work. Sherman’s

knowledge of our language and

culture as well as the work he did for

the Absentee, was a benefit to all three

Shawnee tribes and vital to keeping

Shawnee ways alive and well. It’s only

fitting that our language internship

program bear his name and legacy.”

NOW HIRING

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Roads Program

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe is seeking temporary construction laborers to help

create a substantial economic impact in our community and assist the Roads

Program with construction and road projects. This opportunity is to provide

contract employment opportunities for qualified citizens. Interested individuals

must be able to:

•

Climb, crouch, push, pull, reach, stand, engage in repetitive motions,

communicate, hear and see including color, depth perception and clarity.

Must be able to lift 75lbs

Must be able to work in extreme environments including in climate

weather (extreme heat, cold, and unfavorable conditions) as needed

General qualifications are as follows current CDL preferred, general knowledge

of construction work experience preferred, and oral and written communications

skills. As required a valid OK Driver’s License, able to pass background check

and pre-employment screenings. Contract Labor will be paid hourly with no

benefits, hourly rate will range between $15-$20 an hour pending qualifications

and experience.

If interested please submit a letter of intent to KymberlyH@astribe.com or

contact Kym Hazlett with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma at 405-2754030 ext. 6325 with any questions or concerns.

“The interns are preparing our most

used source, the Leif Selstad Shawnee

Dictionary, for upload to our instance

of ILDA,” said staff linguist MillerYoust.

The Shawnee ILDA Dictionary

will eventually serve as an online,

searchable dictionary for all Shawnee

people, as well as a single archive

of Shawnee sources for use in

curriculum development for the

language program.

The Shawnee Tribe plans to continue

offering this internship opportunity

in the future and will make future

application information available at

shawnee-tribe.com.

“The Shawnee Tribe is a sovereign

nation of more than 3,100 citizens

living across North America. Tribal

headquarters are located in Miami,

Oklahoma, and Shawnee Chief

Benjamin J. Barnes was elected in

2019. In January 2020, Chief Barnes

issued an executive order declaring

a state of emergency for the Shawnee

language. The Shawnee Tribe Business

Council adopted resolution R-0106-20-K which officially declared the

years 2021-2030 as the Decade of

the Shawnee Language and pledged

tribal resources flow toward a

comprehensive plan to create fluent

speakers from the youngest Shawnees

and deploy language curriculum

to all Shawnee people. For more

information, visit shawnee-tribe.

com.”

September 2021

www.astribe.com

The following are current programs administered by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Education Department:

• Academic (PK-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.

• Johnson O’Malley Program: assists Absentee Shawnee tribal members enrolled in any

of our nine (9) school districts: Tecumseh, Bethel, Earlsboro, Wanette, Asher, South

Rock Creek, Macomb, Dale, and Little Axe.

• 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. Applications are available and accepted

beginning January 1st and the deadline for application submission is March 31st of each

year.

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 an exciting August at Building Blocks. The 4 year olds class got ready

to go back to school. They had a little graduation and a party day. Extreme

Animals visited our center on August 4th and brought lots of neat animals.

Wow, it was neat and the kids and staff were excited.

All funding is based upon the availability of funds at the time of application.

Attention:

All applications and guidelines are available at www.astribe.com. Click on Services and

select Education.

For more information, please call (405) 275- 4030, Ext. 6242 email Tresha Spoon at tresham@

astribe.com.

AST High School Seniors

Graduation Stole Request Form

The information you provide below will be used to contact you regarding your

form, where your stole will be sent to, or scheduling a time for you to pick up a

stole. Make sure the information is current. If your contact information changes

after you submit your form notify the Education Department immediately. We will

not be responsible for lost stoles, stoles being sent to incorrect addresses, or the

inability to schedule a pick up time.

Our Employee of the Month is

Amanda Withrow. Congratulations!

**Stoles will be available on a first come, first served basis.**

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

How would you like to receive your stole? ☐Pick up

☐Mail

*If picking up a stole, you will be called to schedule a pick up time.

Required documents:

Verification

•

Class schedule: 12th grade enrollment

Tribal Enrollment Card

•

Copy (must be the updated card)

Education Department

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

405.275.4030 Ext. 6242

405.273.7938 (fax)

tresham@astribe.com

College/Vocational

Graduation Stole Request Form

The Executive Committee will be sponsoring graduation stoles for 2021 College

and Vocational graduates. The information you provide below will be used to

contact you regarding where you would like your stole to be sent or scheduling a

time for you to pick up a stole. Make sure the information is current. If it changes

after you submit your form contact the Education Department immediately. We

will not be responsible for lost stoles, stoles being sent to incorrect addresses, or

the inability to schedule a pick up time.

Building Blocks will be closed Friday,

September 3rd for AST Day.

Also, we will be closed Monday,

September 6th for Labor Day.

We are accepting waiting list applications for children ages 6 weeks through 4

Year Olds (Pre-K). Call or come by for a waiting list application.

Also, we are still hiring employees. We are still looking for Floaters,

Teachers, Master Teachers, Housekeepers and Custodians. Come by to get an

application or visit astribe.com to fill one out.

Remember, Fall 2021 starts on Wednesday, September 22.

Have an Amazing September!!

NOTICE

**Stoles will be available on a first come, first served basis.**

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

How would you like to receive your stole? ☐Pick up

☐Mail

*If picking up a stole, you will be called to schedule a pick up time.

Required documents:

Verification

•

Copy of college application for graduation

Tribal Enrollment Card

•

Copy (must be the updated card)

Education Department

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

405.275.4030 Ext. 6242

405.273.7938 (fax)

tresham@astribe.com

The Tax Collection report can be

found by logging in to the Tribal

Member Login section on the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s

website (www.astribe.com).

September 2021

Scan

www.astribe.com

the

code

get

information

about

our

services

If you have any questions you may call

405.273.2888 for assistance.

This project was supported by Grant No. 2015-TW-AX-0016 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions,

and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office

on Violence Against Women.

AllNations Bank announces added benefits for Absentee Shawnee Tribe members!!

Last year we partnered with the Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition, Inc. (ONAC) to establish the

Simply Safe Account. This account makes banking accessible to everyone. AllNations Bank was

the first Native American owned bank to offer this account, a certified Bank On account by The

Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. Simply Safe Account features are listed below:

•

A debit card that honors the Absentee Shawnee Tribe – issued to AST members.

•

Low balance to open

Low monthly fee (Fee is now waived for AST members)

Free direct deposit

Free debit card

Free online banking, bill pay & mobile app

Free online monthly statement ($2.00 fee for a paper statement)

No overdraft fee (This is a check-less account. Account transactions are limited to

Withdrawals at the Teller Window, Debit Card and ATM transactions, Online Bill Pay,

Online or Mobile banking transfers.)

For any other questions about the Simply Safe Account features and benefits, please call

AllNations Bank at 405-273-0202. Or go to our website www.anbok.com to download a new

account application form and start banking with your Simply Safe Account today!

2023 Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

FDIC Insured

IN THE TRIAL COURT OF

THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA 74801

In The Matter Of:

I.P & G.P.

)

Case No. PG-2021-06

AFFIDAVIT TO OBTAIN SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS

SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA

)

§.

being duly sworn upon oath states:

That she/he is the Plaintiff Denise Gonzalez above-named, and that on the 15 day of July

,2021 , said Plaintiff filed in this Court a Petition against Defendant :and this is one of the class of

cases prescribed by the Statutes of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, and is absent

therefrom, and that with and after the exercise of due diligence, said Plaintiff is unable to make personal

service upon said Defendant, Erin Coody

, within the jurisdiction of the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe, and that Plaintiff wishes to obtain service upon the said Defendant by publication as

provided by law. (AST CODE OF LAWS, Section 205, Section 206 and Section 209)

September 2021

www.astribe.com

Governor John R. Johnson ......... 6308

Alvina Barnes ............................... 6307

Kim Porter .................................... 6269

Lt.Governor Ezra DeLodge. ............ 6253

ELECTION COMMISSION

Emily Longman ................................... 6271

ENROLLMENT

Amanda Webb ..................................... 6292

............................................................... 6288

Elicia Ramirez ...................................... 6290

Secretary

Diane Ponkilla .............................. 6267

Mike Bread……………………….6445 FINANCE

Andrew Warrior…………………6263 Jennifer Crenshaw........................................... 6228

Secretary Alicia Miller ................ 6289

Taylor Kinley ............................... 6275

Tina Ontiveros ............................. 6431

Mary Ponkilla……………………6446

Treas.

Lt. Gov.

Gov.

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE – SHAWNEE DEPARTMENT EXTENSIONS (405) 275-4030

Treasurer Joseph Blanchard ..... 6280

Jan Ranft ...................................... 6309

....................................................... 6341

Rep.

Representative DeWayne Wilson 6239

................................. ...................... 6240

RECEPTIONIST

Kylia Pinson ......................................... 4030

ATTORNEY

Randall Homburg ............................... 6313

BIA/SELF GOVERNANCE

Kymberly Hazlett ................................ 6325

Nahinli Billy ......................................... 6301

Whitney Standing ....................................... 6283

CCDF

Briana Ponkilla .................................... 6347

LaNora Buswell ................................... 6348

COURT

Chelsea Cope ....................................... 6241

Ashley Hudson…………………………..6336

Shelsie White Thunder ....................... 6260

CULT. PRES. / GIFT SHOP

Carol Butler ......................................... 6245

Merry Rodriguez (Gift Shop) ................. 6310

Gift Shop....................................................6254

Devon Frazier(THPO) ........................ 6243

Ashley Brokeshoulder ......................... 6312

Kay Bemo ............................................. 6238

Casey Wilson (Librarian) ................... 6416

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/FAMILY SERVICES

Melissa Lopez ...................................... 6333

Leslie Harris ........................................ 6326

Bryisha Payne ...................................... 6315

Jasmine Rocha ..................................... 6293

Lacey Carey ......................................... 6298

Sandra Burnett ........................................... 6294

Tracey Dickson ............................................ 6279

Tina Fixico ................................................... 6250

Courtney Green ........................................... 6300

Holly Davis................................................... 6265

Colleen Butler .............................................. 6320

Misti Casey .................................................. 6385

Laina Martin ............................................... 6424

Sheila King................................................... 6344

Conf. Room .................................................. 6397

FOOD BANK

Falon Powell ................................................ 6438

Reception ..................................................... 6437

SW Office ..................................................... 6439

NW Office .................................................... 6440

GRANTS

Phyllis Wahahrockah-Tasi ......................... 6338

Kryste Carter .............................................. 6284

Bronte Pearson ............................................ 6295

HUMAN RESOURCES

Michele Nowell ............................................ 6296

Casey Adams .............................................. 6337

Rebecca Hyde .............................................. 6222

Jennifer Kinslow ......................................... 6252

Lauren Parish .............................................. 6423

ICW

Sheila Wilson ....................................... 395-4494

Shawnee Martinez ............................... 395-4491

Kelly Seaton .......................................... 395-4490

Paige Little Charley ............................. 395-4493

MAINTENANCE

Kevin Kaseca.. ............................................. 6316

Break Room.. ............................................... 6234

SheilaOrphan………………………………6331

Robert Komacheet, Joe Morton, John Mann

Stephen Fife, Stacy Coon, Duke Blanchard,

Clayton Martinez

Cindy Carpenter ......................................... 6249

MEDIA

Mindy Longhorn ......................................... 6435

Derek Hilderbrand...................................... 6436

MIS

HELP DESK ................................................ 3100

Travis O’Dell ............................................... 6327

Donna Cody ................................................. 6402

Amelia Grass ............................................... 6329

...................................................................... 6342

Rafael Rodriguez ......................................... 6332

...................................................................... 6328

EDUCATION

Tresha Spoon ....................................... 6242 OEH

.............................................................. 6255 Jarrod Lloyd ................................................ 6229

Blake Goodman ................................... 6432 Kyra Underwood......................................... 6398

Shay Fixico ........................................... 6433 OTHER EXTENSIONS

ALL CORRECTIONS PLEASE EMAIL TO:

MIS@ASTRIBE.COM

Last updated: 7/30/21

Bldg. 1 Conf. Rm. ...................................... 2009

Bldg. 1 Break Rm ....................................... 6305

Gov. Bldg. 2 Conf. Rm. .............................. 6330

Fam. Svcs. Conf. Rm. ................................. 6311

Finance Conference Rm ............................. 6236

LITTLE AXE CLINIC

Clinic - Medical .................................... 447-0300

L.A.Plus Care....................................... 447-0477

Dental Clinic ........................................ 307-9704

Diabetes ................................................ 360-0698

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

Resource Center .................................. 364-7298

(Chrissy Wiens)

POLICE DEPT ....................... 275-3200 / 275-3432

Brad Gaylord (Chief) ................................. 6302

Jason Brinker .............................................. 6259

Steven Crisp ................................................ 6262

Linda Day .................................................... 6261

James Woolbright ....................................... 6276

Russell Harjo............................................... 6391

Patrol Room ................................................ 6278

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Levi Walker ......................................... 6426

PROCUREMENT

Dylan King ................................................. 6291

Tara Battise ................................................. 6281

Rebecca Kennedy........................................ 6410

Blake Wiggins ............................................. 6422

Lisa Camren ................................................ 6232

Brayden Queen ........................................... 6339

...................................................................... 6244

REALTY

Taylor Carter .............................................. 6246

Cara Hamilton (Probates) .......................... 6248

Yecica Gutierrez………..……………………..6420

Kimberlee Billie……………….………….........6235

SOCIAL SERVICES

Annie Wilson (Director) ............................. 6311

Nancy Edwards ........................................... 6225

TAX COMMISSION / TAG

Alicia Engler… .......................................... .6257

Shelby White ............................................... 6258

...................................................................... 6286

...................................................................... 6237

TITLE VI

Thomasine (Doss) Owings (DIR) ............... 6227

Lula Bettelyoun, Donna Butler, Robert

Schoolfield, Ted Watson… …..…………...6270

OTHER ENTITIES & TOLL FREE

All Nations Bank .................................. 273-0202

ASEDA ................................................. 878-6782

Toll Free ..................................... 1-800-256-3341

Brendle Corner .................................... 447-3372

Building Blocks ................................... 878-0633

(Barbra Pope)

Building Blocks III LA ........................ 360-2710

(Skye Foreman)

Court Clerk .......................................... 481-8575

Enrollment ........................................... 481-8650

Gaming Commission ................ 360-9270 x1110

Housing ................................................. 273-1050

Human Resources ................................ 275-1468

Media .................................................... 598-1279

(Mindy Longhorn)

OTHER EXTENSIONS

OEH/OEP ............................................. 214-4235

Bldg. 1 Conf. Rm. ...................................... 2009

Police Dept.......................... 275-3200 / 275-3432

Bldg. 1 Break Rm ....................................... 6305

Thunderbird Casino NRM ................. 360-9270

Gov. Bldg. 2 Conf. Rm. .............................. 6330

Shawnee Casino ................................... 273-2679

Fam.Commission

Svcs. Conf. ..................................

Rm. .................................

6311

Tax

481-8600

Finance

Conference

.............................

6236

Tribal Store (Little Axe)...................... 364-0668

LITTLE AXE CLINIC

ALL CORRECTIONS

PLEASE EMAIL

TO:

Clinic

- Medical ....................................

447-0300

MIS@ASTRIBE.COM

L.A.Plus Care....................................... 447-0477

Dental Clinic ........................................ 307-9704

Last updated: 7/30/21

Diabetes ................................................ 360-0698

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

Resource Center .................................. 364-7298

(Chrissy Wiens)

SHAWNEE CLINIC

Clinic (Bldg. 17) ................................... 878-5850

Pharmacy ............................................. 878-5859

Toll free ...................................... 1-866-742-4977

Rhonda Kaseca .................................... 878-4702

NOTICE

SHAWNEE CLINIC

Clinic (Bldg. 17) ................................... 878-5850

Pharmacy ............................................. 878-5859

Toll free ...................................... 1-866-742-4977

Rhonda Kaseca .................................... 878-4702

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.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.