Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Compact Signed (2025)

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www.astribe.com

THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE NEWS

Volume 35, No. 10

October 2025

Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Compact Signed

Governor Johnson recently signed the Tribal Transportation Self-Governance

Compact. This action will finally give the tribe to ability to plan and oversee its own

road construction projects.

“I am excited to see this finally happen. This will give us the ability to focus on

projects that will help not only our tribal people but all citizens in this area.” said

Governor Johnson.

The signing was the culmination of several months of approval process and included a visit in August from US Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary

for Tribal Affairs, James A. Crawford and his staff. Their visit coincided with the Mo

Ke Ti Ya He Safety Bash the tribe hosted.

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe is the third tribe in Oklahoma and the ninth tribe in

the nation to sign the TTSG compact. The Tribal Transportation Self-Governance

Program (TTSGP) allows more control, flexibility, and decision-making authority

to Tribes that choose to participate over Federal funds used to carry out transportation projects and activities in their communities.

This program, which DOT established in 2020, follows the model that the Departments of the Interior and Health and Human Services have set forth with their

Tribal Self-Governance programs, which have been in place for the last two decades.

BIA Self-Governance is under Lt. Governor Diane Ponkilla. Twyla Blanchard is

the director.

AST 477 Program Hosts Education Fair

The AST 477 Department recently held with their first Education Fair. The event on September 10 was held at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee.

Over 150 high school students were in attendance. They were able to visit with over 40 universities; vocational schools; armed forces and learn about financial aid opportunities.

Education fairs are a great way for high school students to learn more about the types of schools and programs available. Being able to talk with representatives in a smaller

setting can help them figure out what path they might want to follow.

“It was really interesting seeing all these different types of colleges and things that you can do,” said tribal member Ethan Ferrell.

2A www.astribe.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

John Johnson, AST Governor

GOVERNOR

John Johnson

Hello Tribal Members,

This year has really flew by, I can’t believe we are in October with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner.

Happy Halloween to everyone, be safe

and enjoy your family. With the holidays

coming up the AST Employee Committee

will start a food drive soon. This event

will help with Thanksgiving boxes to be

distributed to the enrolled applicants of

the food bank. Last year we received a lot

of non-perishable food items for Thanksgiving. We hope to get just as much this

year. We appreciate all the extra help;

thank you Employee Committee.

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Diane Ponkilla, AST Lt. Governor

Hello All,

I would like to extend best wishes to all;

I hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day

weekend. This month has been a slow

one I do not have much to report. I assisted the Agriculture Department rounding

up and running cattle through the chute

for worming and shots. The Governor

Lt. GOVERNOR

Diane Ponkilla

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Misty McGirt, AST Secretary

Greetings Tribal Members,

I hope all has been well with everyone

and their families and if you like had a

chance to check out the state fair. Some

important updates General Council will

be October, 4, 2025 at the Thunderbird

Entertainment Center at 10:00. My office

has been very busy especially with general council and handling the day to day

SECRETARY

Misty McGirt

TREASURER

Joseph Blanchard

TREASURER’S REPORT

Joseph Blanchard, AST Treasurer

Hello Fellow AST Members,

As I begin this month’s report, let me

start by saying, “How about them Sooners?” At the time of this writing, our favorite college football team is currently

ranked 11th and has a 3-0 record. They are

about to open SEC play so we’ll see how

the next couple months transpire. Hopefully it ends up with another Conference

championship. Besides the NCAA ranks,

I normally try to make a few of our local

high school events throughout the week.

This is a great opportunity to show support for our AST athletes, families, and

their respective communities. Fall truly

is the best time of the year as the weather gets cooler and we don’t have the long,

hot and humid days.

Now, let me discuss some of the regular

business my office was able to coordinate

this past month. I did not have any out

of state travel, which means there were

not many emails or phone calls to return.

We are beginning the last quarter of the

calendar year and I have been waiting

for announcements from our banking

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

Anthony Johnson, AST Representative

REPRESENTATIVE

Anthony Johnson

Hello Tribal Members,

In September, Governor Johnson and I

travelled to Reno, Nevada with our Cultural Preservation department to the 25th

Annual NATHPO Conference 2025 “Upholding Tribal Sovereignty: Protecting

Native Places in a Shifting Landscape”. We

attended lectures and sessions on topics

regarding national historic preservation

legislation and policies. We also attended

site visits to observe local archeological

and tribal historic sites. Thank you to the

Cultural Preservation staff for inviting me

October 2025

The 95th Semi-Annual General Council is on October 4, 2025 at 10:00am at

the Thunderbird Casino. Hope you are

able to attend but if you can’t make it, you

may watch the full video on the AST website along with all monthly EC meetings.

All updates and upcoming events will be

posted online.

I attended the NATHPO conference in

Reno, NV for the first time with the Cultural Preservation Department. While

there I visited the Stewart Indian Boarding school, Grimes point archaeological

site, and Stillwater point. These places

were all cultural sites that held heartfelt

historical stories. The importance of our

culture and the history of it all was a true

learning experience and I really enjoyed

it.

was on travel status the week of September 08-12, 2025 with the Cultural Preservation Department; therefore I made

sure to be in office. I attended the Elder’s

meeting Saturday, September 13, 2025 @

10am. On September 17, 2025 @ 10am

will be the September Executive Committee Meeting. I will be on travel status

September 21-26, 2025 attending the National Transportation in Indian Country

Conference in Chandler, AZ. The follow-

ing week September 29-October 03, 2025

I will be in Durant, OK with the AST Elderly Committee at the National Indian

Council on Aging (NICOA). On October

04, 2025 @ 10am will be the 95th Annual

General Council at the Thunderbird Casino Event Center in Norman, OK. As always I am here for the Absentee Shawnee

Tribal Members who have any questions

or concerns.

Ne yi wa

operations weekly/monthly meetings. To

recap on my absence of last month’s meeting in August, US DOT Assistant Secretary James Crawford was on our campus

and attended the safety bash held August

13. That same day I attended a Tribal Elders Abuse Code Summit held in Tulsa

with staff. It was a very good conference

even found out we are in desperate need

to update our codes so staff and I are

making sure this is taken care of. September 6 I attended the swearing in of

the Seminole Nation chief and assistant

chief. It was the first time for that tribe to

have both positions held by women. I got

to witness this moment along with other

tribal leaders from other tribes in attendance to show support. That’s all I have to

report at this time if you have questions

or concerns please contact my office 405275-4030 Ex. 3505.

friends and the Federal Reserve. If you

had not heard, the Fed cut interest rates

by a quarter point, dropping the rate by

.25%. Additionally, it was mentioned

there is potential for two (2) more cuts

before the end of the year. The major

concerns we have been working around

this year has been all the Executive Orders from the Trump Administration and

the effects. These actions have created an

action/reaction response from all Tribal

Nations, especially where Grant funding

is concerned.

Last week, I received the official notice

our annual Audit was submitted to the

National Clearinghouse. Normally, this

is completed earlier in the year, before

school is back in session. However, due

to issues with the Casino, we kept being

delayed while waiting for their data and

reports to get completed. As of this date,

we have still not received their final report. According to email, their auditor

suggested it would not be available until

the end of October. In an effort to remain

compliant, we submitted without their

data. As expected, the Auditor came back

with an “Unmodified Opinion”, which is

the best result we can receive.

Also, this past week, I was given notice

from our Budget Officer she has initiated

emails to EC, Directors, and Coordinators to coordinate date and time for 2026

Budget Prep meetings. These will begin

in the latter part of October and compiled

for the EC to review and provide comment prior to the final documents presented in December. Likewise, the Health

System will begin their process as well so

they can have theirs completed in time for

Board approval.

In completion of this month’s submission, here are my final thoughts. I hope

you were able to attend General Council.

My office was able to provide new data

from recent surveys and Tribal participation. If there was any information within

my programs you would like to discuss

further, please coordinate with my assistant to schedule a date and time for an

office visit. You may reach out to me by

email at: jblanchard@astribe.com or call

me directly on one of these two lines:

(405) 275-4030 Ext. 3510 or cell (405)

695-1487. Again, I appreciate the words

of advice, encouragement, and support.

Mr. Chris Larkin the director of Health

has resigned and his farewell party was on

September 16, 2025. It was a true honor

to work alongside him, I truly appreciate

all that he has done for our clinics and

people. Mr. Larkin has done some amazing things and I wish him the very best on

his next big opportunity.

Should you have any question you may

contact my office or my assistant at the information listed below.

Thank You

John Johnson - 405-275-4030 ext. 3500

governor@astribe.com

Alvina Barnes - 405-275-4030 ext. 3501

alvinab@astribe.com

Ne yi wa!

Secretary McGirt

Respectfully,

Joseph H. Blanchard

and Governor Johnson to attend the 25th

Annual NATHPO Conference. The start

of the fall season is here and we are getting ready to host our 95th Semi-Annual

General Council meeting this month on

Saturday October 4th at Thunderbird Entertainment Center. Thank you to the staff

at Thunderbird for hosting our meeting.

Should you have any questions or need

assistance, please contact my office:

Email: adjohnson@astribe.com

Phone: (405) 531-3512.

Sincerely,

Anthony “Tadpole” Johnson,

Tribal Representative

Representative Johnson takes notes on

a site visit at the 5th Annual NATHPO

Conference

October 2025

www.astribe.com 3A

New podcast episode – Tribal Sovereignty & Indian Child

Welfare

Our podcast, Among the Shawnee just released a new episode!

Join Shawnee Martinez, Paige LittleCharley, and attorney Jeremy Otis as they discuss the

intricacies of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and its critical role in protecting Native

American children and tribal sovereignty. The conversation covers legal challenges, historical

context, and the importance of cultural identity. The hosts also explore the need for better

education among legal professionals and social workers regarding ICWA provisions. Their

insights provide an essential understanding of how ICWA continues to safeguard cultural

lineage and community connections for Native American families.

Episode available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud and https://www.

astribe.com/podcasts

Veterans day!

to remember and honor

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!

IF YOU ARE AN AST VETERAN OR KNOW AN AST VETERAN,

WE WOULD LOVE TO FEATURE THEM IN THE

NOVEMBER AST NEWS/SOCIAL MEDIA.

SEND PICS TO MEDIA@ASTRIBE.COM.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS OCTOBER 15.

October 2025

4A www.astribe.com

AST Grant Director Earns Distinguished Grants Management Credential

Shawnee, OK – September 15,2025 — Kryste Carter, AST Grants Director recently joined the elite group of grants professionals who have earned the Certified Grants

Management Specialist (CGMS) credential from the National Grants Management Association (NGMA). Carter is one of more than 300 grants managers who have earned

this prestigious designation. She is one among the few in Tribal government who have earned this credential. Other tribes to have CGMS holders include Chickasaw Nation,

Choctaw Nation, Cherokee Nation, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Kryste Carter has been working for the Absentee Shawnee Grants Department for 6 years. She graduated from Northeastern State University with a Bachelor’s in Political

Science and Public Administration and received her M.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma.

Her prior experience includes working within the education field for Muscogee (Creek) Nation in various positions including Bursar for College of the Muscogee Nation

and Education/Learning Specialist. Kryste is of the Muscogee and Choctaw Tribes and originally from Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

To obtain the CGMS credential, individuals must meet all eligibility requirements and demonstrate proficiency in grants management by passing the CGMS examination.

The CGMS is a rigorous examination that provide a mechanism to measure judgment, application of knowledge, and problem-solving abilities in the full lifecycle of grants

management. It is comprised of questions in the following knowledge domains: General Grants Management Knowledge, Pre-Award Activities, Award Activities, Post-Award

Activities, and Audit/Closeout Requirements.

“Earning this credential means a lot to me because it’s a reflection of my esteem I hold for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe for allowing me to serve them in this capacity and

for my leadership who hold to me to a higher standard,” states Carter. “As the Tribal Grant Administrator I am committed to protecting the integrity of the tribe and ensuring

compliance so that we demonstrate being good stewards of federal dollars.”

About NGMA

Since 1978, the National Grants Management Association (NGMA) has been providing national and international leadership, helping its members achieve success in the

grants management community through the advocacy of best practices and the promotion of professional excellence. To learn more about NGMA, visit https://www.ngma.

org/about-ngma.

Si ta pi ki no fe ke s’fwa

(sah teh pah kah noh thee kee s’thweh)

Wilted Month (October)

October is the first full month of fall. The leaves start to change colors and wilt, hence the name

wilting month. This is also the time of year when our ceremonial cycle comes to a close and we

prepare to hibernate.

Ti qi ke ke – fall time

M’sa s’ke – leaves

Wi pe ko - pumpkins

Ke le ke ne ki – sumac

Hi ne qi ke – squirrels

M’ta ko me – acorn

Ho ma ke ni – gather

Na ki hi la – to change or turn M’si ta – colors

M’sko ta qi le – grass

Ma li me wa fe ne – dew (laying wet) M’sqi we - red

Ka ma ke ni pa – let’s gather up (pick)

Ki fa me - pecan

Ho me ge ni wi – they are eating Ne ke - those

Hi la me – turning

 Ke le ke ne ki m’sa ske hi la me m’sqi we



Sumac leaves are turning red.

 Ne ke hi ne qi ke ho ma ke ni ni wi m’ta ko me



Squirrels are gathering acorns.

 He ne m’sa ske na ki hi la m’si ta



Leaves are turning colors.

 Na ki ma li me wa fe ne m’sko ta qi le



There is dew on the grass.

 Ho wa ka ma ke ni pa wi pe ko



Let’s go gather up pumpkins.



Ne ke hi ne qi ke ho me ge ni wi ki fa me

Squirrels are eating pecans.

AST 477 Department Hosts Career & Resource Fair

The AST 477 Department recently held their first Career & Resource Fair on September 17. The event was held at The Well in Norman. The attendees were able to receive

information about everything from employment opportunities, supportive services and educational opportunities.

If you want more information about the 477 program, visit our website, https://www.astribe.com/477-program or call (405) 878-4545.

October 2025

www.astribe.com

Building Blocks III Newsletter

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

October 2025

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

Building Blocks II is a 5 Star OKDHS Licensed Center. Our teachers &

children love this time of year. October is busy for our center; with

preparing for our Fall Festival, Halloween and Trick or Treating. The

children love the cooler weather that allows for more outside play and

exploration.

Upcoming Events

Reminders

Orr Family Farm 10/06/25

Visit the AG Farm 10/15/25

Trunk-or-Treat & the Zombie

Run 10/23/25

Trick-or-Treating 10/30/25

Halloween Parties 10/30/25

It’s Parent-Teacher Conference

time. Our teachers are

preparing for Parent-Teacher

Conferences. They will

schedule the Conferences for

October 14th-23rd.

The teachers are preparing

portfolios for the parents,

testing skills with the children

and preparing conference

papers in preparation for the

conferences.

Closed October 13th for

Indigenous Day

Halloween safety tips:

Reflective clothing, checking treats,

supervision while trick-or-treating

Grandparents Day

Our Roots Our Strength

We are accepting Waiting

List applications. We

accept ages 6 weeks

through 4 Year Olds.

Please call to inquire

about our waiting list and

spots available for

enrollment. You may

drop by for a waiting list

or we can email one to

you.

New Sign Installed at Horseshoe

Bend After School Building

The newly built facility finally has a new sign for visitors to see. The building

located at 46309 Garretts Lake Road in Shawnee celebrated their grand

opening April 2025. The 5500 square-foot building has 4 classrooms, a gym,

splash pad, playground and 2 offices.

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe will be closed

Monday, October 13th - Indigenous

Peoples’ Day

If you are interested in enrollment, please call (405) 759-4893 or visit their

website, https://www.astribe.com/after-school-program

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MON-WED

THURSDAY

FRI & SAT

4PM-12AM

4PM-2AM

10AM-2AM

SUNDAY

10AM-12AM

October 2025

6A www.astribe.com

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

AST Complex – (405) 275-4030

Toll Free - 800-256-3341

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.asthealth.org

October 2025

Section B

ASTHS October 2025 Monthly Update

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, promoting early detection, and supporting

research and treatment. Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The month aims to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Known best for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs designed to:

•

support people diagnosed with breast cancer, including those with metastatic breast cancer

educate people about breast cancer risk factors

encourage women to go for regular breast cancer screening starting at age 40 or earlier, depending on personal breast cancer risk

raise money for breast cancer research

In the month of October, there are also specific dates designed to raise awareness of specific groups within the breast cancer community.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13)

October 13 is nationally recognized in the U.S. as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. About 168,000 women in the U.S. are estimated to have metastatic breast

cancer (cancer that spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body). Some researchers believe this number will rise to over 246,000 living with the disease by 2030.

Despite the growing numbers of people living with metastatic disease, most money for breast cancer research doesn’t go toward studying it.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day seeks to educate the public about the challenges that people with metastatic breast cancer face and the need for more research

— and more treatments — for this deadly disease.

The day also serves as a reminder that people can do all the right things — breast cancer screenings and all the recommended treatments for early-stage breast cancer — and still have cancer spread to other parts of the body. As sf-cakes, a member of the Breastcancer.org Community, shared, “Being stage IV during Breast Cancer

Awareness Month sucks. All the messaging about ‘if you catch it early, you'll be fine,’ is simply not always true.”

Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week (October 17–23)

Although breast cancer is much more common in women, breast cancer affects men, too. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated October 17 to October 23 Men’s Breast

Cancer Awareness Week. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, and about 510 are expected to die from the disease. But lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care in men, trans men, and non-binary people.

U.S. breast cancer statistics

People of every country, race, ethnic group, and income level are affected by breast cancer. In the U.S., the percentage of women diagnosed with breast cancer has been

slowly rising for the past couple of decades.

•

A woman in the U.S. today has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer over her lifetime and a 1 in 43 chance of dying from breast cancer.

Nearly 30% of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer later develop metastatic breast cancer.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual cisgender women may have a higher risk of breast cancer than heterosexual women due to risk factors like fewer childbirths and higher

alcohol use.

The average lifetime risk that a man in the U.S. will develop breast cancer is 1 in 726.

Transfeminine people taking gender-affirming hormone therapy, including estrogen, are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer than cisgender men.

There are about 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., including women receiving breast cancer treatment.

While the percentage of women dying from breast cancer has gone down in recent decades, Black women remain more likely to die from breast cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group.

Breast cancer is a significant health issue for Native American and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women, who face disparities in late-stage diagnosis, higher mortality rates,

and worse survival outcomes compared to White women. These disparities stem from barriers like limited access to healthcare, chronic underfunding of the Indian

Health Service, cultural factors, and a lack of culturally appropriate screening and treatment options.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for Native women. Breast cancer occurs when breast cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably, forming

tumors.

These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body. Most breast cancers start in the

milk-producing glands or the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. Keeping up with regular screenings improves early detection and may help save your life.

Screening Guidelines

•

Screening Tests: Clinical breast exam, Mammography, Breast MRI

Screening Age: 40 – 74

Frequency: Every two years

Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.

INDIGENOUS PINK CAMPAIGN

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Native women, and is the second leading cause of cancer death.

However, all bodies have breast tissue and are at risk for developing breast cancer.

Indigenous Pink is a national breast cancer awareness campaign for Native people that occurs in October during

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign aims to educate Native communities about the importance

of early detection and remind women, men, non-binary, and gender-fluid relatives to talk to their doctors about

breast cancer screening.

If you are between the ages of 40-74, now is the time to schedule your mammogram. Talk to your healthcare provider for advice and information on breast cancer screenings. Talk to your loved ones about the importance of early

detection and encourage them to schedule a mammogram. At your next appointment, ask your provider to examine

your breast tissue with their hands to feel for any lumps and other abnormalities. They can also teach you how to do

a self-exam each month.

References:

American Indian Cancer Foundation (2025). Breast Cancer. https://americanindiancancer.org/breast-cancer/

BreastCancer.org (2025). Breast Cancer Awareness Month. https://www.breastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-month

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Shawnee Health Center

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

Groundbreaking held Mar 19, 2025 (Anticipate completion in late 2026)

Clinic slab concrete pours have begun!

September 2025 Health Employee Awards of the Month

Employee of the Month: Mikel Carpenter, PRC Referral Technician

Team of the Month: EHR/ Clinical Applications

Special Leadership Award: Victoria Salamy-Sullins, Physician Asst.

October 2025

2B www.astribe.com

OCTOBER

BREAST

CANCER

AWARENESS MONTH

October 2025

www.astribe.com

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

KRAUT & WEINERS

GREEN BEANS

BREAD/FRUIT

PULL PORK SANDWICH

CHIPS

ONIONS/PICKLES

FRUIT

TUNA SANDWICH

LTOP

BEETS

PEARS

PORK CHOP

MAC &TOM

BREAD

INDIGENOUS

DAY

CHICKEN FAJITAS

BELL PEPPERS/ONION

SPANISH RICE

TORTILLA/FRUIT

GOULASH

OKRA/ROLL

TOSSED SALAD*

RIBLET

POT. SALAD

BREAD

PUDDING

TITLE VI CLOSED

TANKERSLEY

FOOD SHOW

HOT HAM & CHEZ

SANDWICH

PICKLES/CHIPS

MIXED FRUIT

TURKEY WRAP

LTOP/CHIPS

MANDRAIN

ORANGES

BAKED CHICKEN

WILD RICE

BRUSSELL SPROUTS

APPLESAUCE

SPAGHETTI

MEAT SAUCE

GREEN BEANS

BREAD STICK

THURSDAY

GRILLED CHEZ

VEGGIE SOUP

PEARS

CHICKEN POT PIE

VEGGIES

BISCUIT/PINEAPPLES

HOMINY & PORK

SPINACH

CRISP

COLD CUT SANDWICH

LTOP

MAC SALAD

PEACHES

BBQ CHICKEN

BAKED BEANS

VEGGIES

FLUFF

FRIDAY

OATMEAL

SAUSAGE PATTIES

TOAST

SCRAMBLED EGGS

SAUSAGE GRAVY

BISCUIT

KICKAPOO ELDER

GAMES

10 AM – 2 PM

ENGLISH MUFFIN

HAM/BOILED EGG

FRUIT

MIPPA EVENT

MBP

10 AM -12 PM

MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

202

LUNCH IS SERVED FROM 11 AM TO 1PM

BREAKFAST IS SERVED FROM 9AM TO 11AM

SERVING AT THE SHAWNEE SITE AND LITTLE AXE RESOURCE CENTER

HEALTH BUZZZ!!

I LOVE Fall (Prevention) and BINGO!

The buzz around the water cooler is that we are going to have an early autumn, so as summer comes to a close, I wanted to take a minute to reflect on our

Bingo Event that we held back in July. For the past three years in November, we host a big Bingo event, but this year we switched things up a bit and had it in

July. If you’ve never attended one before, you should make a point to attend the next one! It’s fun, interactive, educational, and community-mined. This year

we had food, amazing prizes, and an excellent turnout. The atmosphere was lively as the crowd filled the room and everyone was beaming with anticipation

as they kept eyes on their favorite prizes. You could really feel the excitement in the air!

Our Bingo Caller was everyone’s favorite, charming and charasmatic tribal member, Jason Bender. His energy was unmatched as he called out the numbers

(and dad jokes) to the crowd. Our special guest speaker was Dr. Toni Donahoo. She specializes in physical therapy at our Little Axe Health Center. Her

presentation was on the topic of Fall Prevention: For Older Adults With Alzheimer’s Dementia. She highlighted that people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia

related illnesses are 2 to 8 times more likely to fall, and that approximately 47% of people 65+ years of age living in the community with Alzheimer’s will fall

at least once a year. Pretty concerning, right?

Falls often lead to functional limitation, loss of independence, loss of confidence, associated illness, and can lead to an early institutionalization. With the

colder months approaching, the risk for falls will increase but the good news is that falls can be prevented! It’s important to be proactive by keeping a cane

or walker nearby, remove tripping hazards, use non-slip mats, and drink plenty of water to prevent any dizziness.

In closing, I’d like to express my sincerest graditude to everyone who volunteered and those who

made generous donations. Your selfless efforts made this event a fun and successful one. I appreciate

YOU!

For those of you that were unable to attend this year, I hope to see you all at the next one!

If you or someone you know would benefit from the Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country or Music &

Memory programs, contact adpi@astribe.com, or call 405-701-7906.

Check out our web-page on the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System’s website:

https://www.asthealth.org

Click on: “Programs and Preventions” and then click on “Seeking Hope”. You can sign up on line also!

Lacy Gillean, CDCS

Dementia Care Specialist

October 2025

4B www.astribe.com

SAMHSA National Recovery Month

September was SAMHSA’s National Recovery Month. We’re all in recovery from something whether that is a

relationship, trauma, unhealthy ways, disease and sometimes substance use disorders. According to SAMHSA,

recovery is: “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed

life, and strive to reach their full potential.”

Many if not all American Indians are in recovery from the settlement of foreign persons in our territories and

colonialism – the subsequent rule and influence of a foreign power through policy, laws, and beliefs. Before the

influence of colonialism, sobriety was the norm. Now we have to practice awareness and increase our knowledge

about how drugs and alcohol can lead us down a rocky and sometimes deadly path. And for our native people who

have lost their way, we can educate ourselves on how we can support their recovery.

One of the ways AST TOR helped support recovery was to organize two Wellness Recovery Retreats, one for Men

and one for Women. Participants received a day of holistic care to support their recovery journey. The strength and

beauty of Native people gathering to encourage each other was truly powerful. AST TOR staff was thankful and

humbled to be a part of this. We hope to organize more recovery related events in the upcoming year. You can help

by becoming involved in supporting recovery.

Women’s Recovery Retreat

Back to School Highlights: SPF-PFS Ensuring Hope and TOR Wi Si Ka To Wi – Be Well

The SPF-PFS and TOR grant teams had the pleasure of participating in two recent outreach events in August, Cops N Kids and the Center for Children and

Families' Back to School Bash. These events provided a great opportunity to connect with families, share resources, and support our community as we head into

the new school year. School can be a stressful time for kids and parents alike, so our grants take every opportunity possible to get involved with the community

to provide education and spread awareness about substance use prevention and mental health.

CCFI Back to School Bash

On August 6th, SPF and TOR set up tables at the Center for Children and Families Back to School

Bash. This event provides resources like school supplies for any families in need, and our grants shared

information about our programs, provided educational materials on substance use, and conducted a survey

to gauge community perceptions in relation to risk and protective factors. We had 99 people on our sign-in

sheet and gave out all 150 bags of prevention materials!

Cops N Kids

Our second big event in August was Cops N Kids in Shawnee on the 23rd. This was a huge event with

hundreds of attendees! While 93 individuals signed in at our booth, the SPF team packed and handed out

213 bags of prevention materials and every single one found a home. This event continues to be a fantastic

opportunity for youth and families to engage with local law enforcement, learn about their roles in the

community, and build positive relationships in a fun and supportive environment.

Cops N Kids Event

SPF-PFS Director Jack Hartgrave and Bailey Harris

(not pictured) after setting up table for the CCFI event.

Cops N Kids Event

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.