Big Jim Youth Award Winners (2023)

www.astribe.com

THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE NEWS

September 2023

Volume 33, No. 09

Big Jim Youth Award Winners

In June 2023, the Big Jim Youth Award Selection Committee identified the tribal members who would receive the 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 Absentee Shawnee Tribal members. This was incorporated into the program to maintain fairness to all 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.

Athlete of the Year, $1000.00

Scholarship

Academic Achievement, $1000.00

Scholarship

Athlete of the Year, $1000.00

Scholarship

Mia Little

Aledo, Texas

Parents: Troy and Brandi Little

Attending: East Central University

Accomplishments:

Captain of Aledo High School Ladycat

Volleyball

Cruz Merrell

Shawnee, Oklahoma

Parents: Jason and Robbi Merrell

Attending: Oklahoma State University

Accomplishments:

Top 5% of High School Class

1st Team All-District

National Honor Society – 4 years

2nd Team All-District

Academic Letter Jacket Recipient –

November 2022

Track

Shawnee High School Soccer Varsity

Letterman – 4 years

Essay: “The experience I gained through being a soccer player, [pre-engineering]

student at Gordon Cooper Technology Center and intern [at Shawnee Milling

Company] has lead me to be the person I am today…I have played soccer for almost

my whole life...As a sophomore, I began playing Varsity…this year we are maintaining

a good record and have won the Rose Rock Invitational Tournament. From my

sophomore to junior year, I attended Gordon Cooper…my projects required me to

solve complex issues with little outside help…and made me a better problem solver

overall. This year I began interning at Shawnee Milling Company. I have been working

with the Finance department. This has allowed me to confirm that I want to be an

Actuary. My tribal role models have inspired me to accomplish my goals. I am proud

of my Native American heritage and will always represent my tribe to the best of my

ability.”

Academic All-State

National Honor Society

Essay: “While being an Absentee Shawnee Tribal member I know that my future plans

can be bigger and brighter…A big piece of my life and knowledge was my grandpa

“Papa”, David Little, he taught me almost everything I know about my culture today…

Now later on in life my turn will come and I will carry on the tradition and share the

cultures to my family in the future. In the fall of 2023, I will attend and play volleyball

for East Central University…before I got accepted to play volleyball at ECU my backup

plan for college was to attend Oklahoma State University. I always saw the next phase

of my life going into Oklahoma and I know this is all because of my Papa. Choosing

ECU made me feel closer to him and the traditions of the tribe. I can manage college

while also feeling like I am a part of a home.”

Academic Achievement, $1000.00

Scholarship

Stevi Johnson

Norman, Oklahoma

Parents: Steven Johnson and Melanie Johnson

Attending: Oklahoma City University

Accomplishments:

National Honor Society

OSSAA State Academic Champion

Cross Country/Track

7th Generation Youth Advocate Award

Youth Trainer for Community Anti-Drug

Coalitions of America

Essay: “I have learned from both of my parents about how they were raised and

how my grandparents were raised and often through the good times there were

times that life was centered around trauma, however I see how they survived...and

how my parents and sister used their education to survive. When I was 11 years

old I became involved with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America

as a youth trainer…the prevention training that I received at a young age helped

me understand the abuse of substances and how a person can be overprescribed

medication that can affect them negatively…Becoming a Physical Therapist

can help…by using this skill to heal bodies and educate my community on the

dangers of substances. I wish to use my position to help my people and be a good

relative to my family, friends, and community…I’ve made it my mission to stay

healthy. As a runner, you are trained to have a strong mind, body, and emotional

balance…As a proud Absentee Shawnee Tribal member, I hope to continue my

efforts, I hope to one day honor my promises of giving back to my people and

grounding myself in my culture. For if it was not for my ancestor’s sacrifices, I

would not been afforded the opportunity to thrive.”

Agriculture Dept. Hosts Indian Pumpkin Cooking Class

2A www.astribe.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

John Johnson, AST Governor

Hello tribal members,

As August ends and September begins be sure to stay hydrated and keep

cool. Oklahoma is under a temporary

heat dome. Always check on your

family members, friends and especially our tribal elders. As school returns

GOVERNOR

John Johnson

Lt. GOVERNOR

Ezra DeLodge

SECRETARY

Misty McGirt

TREASURER

Joseph Blanchard

REPRESENTATIVE

DeWayne Wilson

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Ezra DeLodge, AST Lt. Governor

Tribal Members,

Please see below for department

updates. If you have any questions or

concerns please contact me by email

ezrad@astribe.com, call my office 405275-4030 x 6253 or cell 405-432-0733.

Maintenance:

The Maintenance staff has completed

52 work orders in the last month. The

Maintenance crew has done a great

job taking care of the campus grounds

during these hot days. I would like to

say thank you to the Maintenance and

Housekeeping crews for all their hard

work they do for the department and

Tribe.

OEH:

In total for 2023 OEH has assisted

Tribal members with 42 different septic renovations and installations, water well drilling and installations, well

renovations, and community water

connections.

For 2023, we have collected, processed, and recycled 24 bales of shredded office paper and cardboard equaling roughly 18 tons of recyclable waste

that has been diverted from landfills.

The new Police Safety Center is on

schedule to be completed in January

of 2024. The exterior metal and brick

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

DeWayne Wilson, AST Representative

Hello Tribal Members, again I hope

everyone is healthy and continues to

look out for one another during the

hot weather. I would like to acknowledge all the hard work and time of

the Education Dept. and 477 staff in

distributing the much needed school

supplies to our Tribal community.

Education Department: We began

awarding students their financial aid

for the Fall 2023 school year. This financial aid is for the Graduate, Higher

Ed, and Job Training programs. The

Education Dept. presented the Big Jim

Youth Awards for Academic Achievement and Athlete of the Year. The Big

Jim Youth Awards are awarded to both

male and female participants who met

academic excellence and who excelled

in athletics. The Education Dept. got

real busy distributing AST 477 School

Supplies at AST Complex and at Brendle Corner facility. AST 447 School

Supply distribution assists families

with needed school supplies.

Workforce Program: All three of

the HVAC interns started back to

school (Moore/ Norman Tech. Ctr.) on

August 14, 2023 for their last semester. After graduation, they will continue as interns at the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe of Oklahoma until they meet

their apprentice hourly requirements.

Once the apprentice requirements are

obtained, the interns will be eligible

to take the HVAC Journeyman test to

become licensed HVAC technician.

Cultural Preservation: As the Language Department grows, we continue to seek out new grants for funding.

One such grant Mr. Miller and Ms.

Butler have been working on is the

September 2023

to session remember to turn in your

children’s school clothing application,

each child must be an enrolled member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe

and be in Kindergarten to 12th grade.

Also check with the Education department or the 477 department for

help with school supplies.

August was a busy month for me.

I attended the OVW Tribe to Tribe

consultation with Secretary McGirt in

Tulsa, OK. I heard many stories, concerns and questions regarding OVW.

The panel had a lot of information

that I found interesting. I also attended the OIGA conference in Tulsa as

well as the other 4 EC members. We

got a lot of good information.

Be looking for upcoming dates for

the October General Council.

Thank you

Governor Johnson

has been completed, as well as the interior framing, and evidence room.

The storm shelter/EOC room will be

completed in the coming weeks with

the top cap.

We would like to remind Tribal

Members that if they see any activities

related to illegal dumping of trash or

other discarded items on Tribal lands

to please contact OEH at the email or

phone number listed below.

Jarrod Lloyd, OEH&E Director

jlloyd@astribe.com - (405) 214-4235

Self-Governance

Zoom meetings for the month of

August:

August 7th - Tribal Caucus: Tribal

Consultation on the IHS Tribal Consultation Policy

August 14th - NIHB FY2024 Appropriations

August 22-24th – HHS Regional

Tribal Consultation for Region 6

August 29-31st - The IHS TSGAC/

DOI SGAC meetings.

BIA Roads Program

I attended the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Tribal Advisory Board Quarterly Meeting in

Oklahoma City on August 8th. They

discussed House Bill 2418 that was

passed in April of 2023. This is important for all tribal members that

have teens. Beginning November 1,

2023 all teen drivers must complete

the Oklahoma Department of Transportation teen driver work zone and

first responder safety course to receive

a driver’s license.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority

Deputy Director mentioned they will

be reaching out to tribes soon for tribal members tag information so they

can bill those individuals that use the

toll roads. They have been able to set

up a system that now recognizes tribal

plates. The billing process could start

as early as November if not definitely

the beginning of 2024.

I previously mentioned that we submitted for Tribal Transportation Safety

Fund and we have been awarded for 2

different projects. One in the amount

of $73,985.85 for “Safety countermeasures at the S-curve of 156th Ave NE,

a two-lane roadway”(location is by

the Resource Center) and the other

in the amount of $3,840 for “Systemic Application of Low-Cost Intersection Safety Countermeasures at the

Stop-Controlled Intersections in rural

Oklahoma”.

Any questions or concerns please

email at TwylaB@astribe.com or

(405)275-4030.

Living Language Grant. This grant is

a three year grant and is intended for

immersion projects that can provide

an “all-of-community” language program with measurable outcomes. At

the time of writing this article, they

were preparing the final documents

to submit the grant. The Director of

Cultural Preservation is also the interim NAGPRA Coordinator travelled to

Ohio to attending a NAGPRA consultation with the Ohio History Connection. On July 24th, the Cultural Preservation Department held a fry bread

demonstration for the CCDF Summer

School Age Program. The department

started out the demonstration by feeding each participant an Indian Taco.

Then, Mrs. Devon Frazier-Smith ended the demonstration by teaching the

students how to make fry bread and

allowing each student the chance to

make their own. The 2nd Annual Algonquian Language and Cultural Convention in which Cultural Preservation/Language Program are co-hosts

will be held at the First American Museum in Oklahoma City on Saturday,

September 30th. Some things on the

agenda include workshops, detail discussions of the Algonquian language,

and cultural topics of concern.

Gaming Commission: NOTICE:

The Gaming Commission is looking

for another Gaming Commissioner.

If you are interested, please file a Letter of Interest through the Secretary`s

office. The Gaming Commission continues to improve our staff by attending various training events throughout the year. On July 19th, we sent a

Compliance Officer to attend the Advanced Internal Audit Workshop offered by the National Indian Gaming

Commission at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, OK. Our goal is to

internalize our own Internal Audits

process through the Gaming Commission. The Gaming Commission attended the Annual Oklahoma Indian

Gaming Association’s Conference and

Tradeshow on August 14th-16th in

Tulsa. These events will offer opportunities to network with other tribes, receive updates on different topics in the

gaming world, interact with vendors,

and attend several in person training

seminars detailed to the regulation

of gaming. The Gaming Commission

continues to stay busy with the processing of gaming licenses, working

with Thunderbird casino administrative staff to update policies and procedures, and overseeing the regulation

of the tribe’s gaming operations.

Youth Camp: Construction on the

softball field has started. Presently, the

construction company is doing the

dirt work of the softball field. We continue to look at up- grades (lighting,

coated fencing) to improve safety issues at the Youth Camp. The next anticipated project at the Youth Camp, is

to apply for an ICDBG grant to receive

funding for an administration building. I will keep you updated.

Respectfully,

Lt. Governor DeLodge

I would like to take this opportunity

to encourage our Tribal membership

to look on our website, our Facebook

page, and/ or call our 477 department

to see if that department can assist you

in your future endeavors. If you have

any questions or concerns about these

programs mentioned in this news article, feel free to contact my office at

(405) 275-4030 Ext. 3512 or by email:

dewayne.wilson@astribe.com.

Respectfully,

DeWayne Wilson

September 2023

www.astribe.com 3A

102-477 (477) Programs

On September 27, 2022, the AST Executive Committee passed a resolution authorizing and approving the submission of a 102-477 plan. On December 15, 2022, the

AST 102-477 Plan was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This plan became effective January 1, 2023.

The AST 102-477 Plan is a for three year period, January 1, 2023-December 31, 2025. The approved plan met all the requirements for the Public Law 102-477, Indian

Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Demonstration Act of 1992, as amended by the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act Bill of 2006, and the

Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017.

Under the current 102-477 Plan, the AST 477 Programs will combine like services and activities to serve three components which are employment/training, education

and support services. By implementing this plan it is the hope of the AST Tribe to help identify and resolve barriers that participants will face in their pursuit of

employment, training and educational endeavors, to strengthen cultural and language development within all AST tribal members to encourage self-sufficiency and to

serve tribally determined goals consistent with the policy of self-determination and self-governance. These are just a few programs goals thus far. The main goal is to

provide resources and support to help individuals and families become economically self-sufficient.

The AST 477 Program has been in effect for 6 months now and has had a lot of growth within the administration and organization of the program. We are ready to put

the information out to the greater community so that everyone can participate in the services we are offering. The 477 Program application is available on the website

and as of this newsletter will be an online application process. I am very proud of the work we have done thus far but I know that we will continue to expand and create

more opportunities for employment, training, support services and economic development in the years to come. Please bear with us in implementing and providing

services. Ni yi wa! Si wi n’wi ke Ni ti mo wi ke!

Briana Ponkilla, MJIL

477 Director

AST 477 Application can be found at www.astribe.com/477-program or by email: 477Program@astribe.com.

September 2023

4A www.astribe.com

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Available for Rent

Asher Home

415 E. Baker Street

Asher, OK

2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

Home is available for rent at the above address. Rent is $800.00 a month

with a $500.00 deposit. The rental agreement is for one year; all payments

are due to the finance department, Absentee Shawnee Tribe. The tenant

will be responsible for the utilities in their name. Please inquire with the

Realty Department for more information.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Absentee

Shawnee Realty Department 405-275-4030.

ATTENTION

PARENTS OF AST STUDENTS

Please keep track of your child’s school clothing card balance

by the receipts or click on the link

which will enable you to check your balance,

https://www2.consumercardaccess.com/main/absenteeshawnee/Home

All receipts must be turned in before the end

of December of that year.

TO MAKE A PURCHASE:

1.Swipe the card

2.Select CREDIT

3.Sign for your purchase

School Clothing Cards do not have a PIN

IMPORTANT

NOTICE

AST SCHOOL CLOTHING PARTICIPANTS

You will receive a call from the School Clothing Program when cards are

loaded. PLEASE do not call the School Clothing Program to see if cards

have been loaded. Every year a school clothing application will need to

be filled out with a copy of the child’s updated CDIB card.

If the CDIB card is expired, please contact the AST Enrollment

Department to update the card.

School Clothing applications can be dropped off in person at the office;

drop box in front of AST Police Department or by mail to Absentee

Shawnee School Clothing Program, 2025 S Gordon Cooper Drive,

Shawnee, OK 74801.

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

The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System held a Back to School Drive-Thru Event on August 9 at the AST Multi-Purpose Building in

Shawnee and the Little Axe Health Center. They gave out backpacks, school supplies, and other miscellaneous items for students grades

K-12.

September 2023

www.astribe.com

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building Blocks C.D.C.

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, OK 74801

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

Building Blocks II

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

of

Oklahoma

We had a busy and fun summer here at Building Blocks. Now we are ready

for learning and the children are doing some new and exciting things.

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

www.astribe.com/employment for applications and to see what positions

are available.

Building Blocks is accepting waiting list applications for all of our ages; 6

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

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

or you may stop by to fill one out.

Building Blocks will be closed Friday, September

1st for AST Day. Also, we will be closed the

following Monday, September 4th for Labor Day.

Grandparent’s Day is Sunday, September 10th.

We hope everyone celebrates their special

Grandparent’s on this day!

At the Center

School is officially in fully swing and fall is here! Finally time

for some cooler temperatures!

Who's ready for football?!

At the center our littles are learning about "All About Me's",

ABCs&123s, the changing weather, and farm animals!

We are having Goodies with Grandparents on September 8th

@ 3:00pm. Please join us for snacks and punch in the Big

Room!

Stay tuned for any upcoming events!

Please enjoy some pictures from last month :)

Reminders

Sept 1- AST Day; Center is Closed

Sept 4- Labor Day: Center is Closed

Sept 8- Friday School @ LA

Sept 27- Happy Birthday Mrs. Donna &

Ms. Kailey!!

Fall is quickly approaching. Fall begins

Saturday the 23rd.

Bird watching in

the 2's class!

SNO-CONE

FACTORY!!!!

Tods havin'

Fun in the

sun!

Last day of Summer Break!

What are the 4's &

5's doing to Mrs.

Dyonna?!

5A

September 2023

6A www.astribe.com

Cultural Preservation Department

Over the next couple of months, we will learn some of the things Shawnees don’t do. Some of these sayings and rationale may slightly differ from family to

family. However, the gist and moral are often the same. I would also say “mi ti we ge ti” (forgive me, I’m not doing it on purpose) if I leave something out or

the reasoning isn’t the same as what you may have learned. I am only providing what I can recall from what I have seen and heard.

Te ka m’fi ge mo ti ke yi – Don’t brag on yourself.

(tee keh m’thah chee moh tah kee yah)

Shawnees are proud but humble people. No matter the accomplishment and praise you might receive, we don’t purposely brag or bring attention to ourselves.

There is always someone or people who will be jealous. Their mission is to try to bring you down in a bad way.

------Te ka ni na ki mo ti we fa ne – Don’t sing at the table or while eating.

(tee keh nah neh kah moh tah wee theh nee)

The old folks would tell us as children to not sing at the table or when eating. The reason is, when we got older our kids would be crybabies.

------Te ka pi we fa ne ti k’pa ke gi ke – Don’t eat in the dark.

(tee keh pah wee theh nee tah k’peh kee chah kee)

Shawnees believe spirits and beings are active especially in the dark. If you eat in the dark and notice pieces of food missing, this is an indication a spirit has

taken a piece of your food. This can be a bad sign and you should throw your food out. When feasts for loved ones are conducted, there is a brief period when

food is left on the table in the dark for the spirit of the loved one. This is the time when a spirit eats. If you must drink or eat in the dark or carry food at night,

pour out or pinch off a small piece and throw it out. This should keep the spirits from bothering you.

------Te ka pe pi ke ti yi me ge ke – Don’t throw food.

(tee keh pee pah kee tah yah mee chee kee)

Old timers would say not to throw food because you only throw food to dogs. It is also disrespectful to throw food to people and disrespectful to those who

prepared it.

------Te ka mo ne s’qe na po we ki na ke – Don’t clean graves.

(tee keh mo nee sqee neh po wee wah neh kee)

Understandably it is difficult to see the final resting place of a loved one un-kept. Shawnees have passed down through the generations that we don’t clean

graves. This possibly goes back to the days when Shawnees moved from place to place throughout the original homelands. In those days it would be difficult

to know where graves were left, especially when encampments were moved and vegetation changed around camps and along trails and routes. Even today it is

not customary to visit the grave site of loved ones.

------Te ke pa ta ke ka li pe we p’fa yi na ti ho fa p’se mo fo ge we ya fi –

(tee kee peh teh kee keh lah pee wee p’theh yah nah tah hoh theh p’see moh thoh chee wee yeh fah)

Don’t look back when leaving a grave.

At a traditional Shawnee funeral, the person in charge of the funeral will give instructions to those attending the 4 day ceremony. These instructions must be

followed for your safety and to help the loved one go on their journey. One of these instructions is to not look back when leaving the grave site. After things

have concluded at the grave, we are told not to look back, especially the ladies, when leaving the grave site. It is said the loved one may have a difficult time going

on their journey if they see sadness and hear weeping.

------Te ka hi m’ya li ke mi ge lo fe g’ke ti ho fa p’se mo fo ge we ya fi (tee keh hah m’yeh lah kee mah chee loh thee ch’kee tah hoh theh p’see moh thoh chee wee yeh thah)

Don’t bring kids to funerals.

The strong beliefs of our elders saw to it that young children were not allowed at a traditional funeral. The seriousness of a funeral is no place for a child that

has not become of age. A deceased person is said to be more powerful than when they were alive and should be handled with respect and care. Kids could be

bothered by the deceased person’s spirit and have night terrors or other happenings if kids are allowed at funerals.

LIBRARY NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2023

BOOKS OF THE MONTH

LIBRARY NEWS

I highly recommend the audio book of Warrior

Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley. Warrior

Girl is a thrilling mystery about a Native teen

that must find a way to bring an ancestor home

to her tribe.

Perry Firekeeper-Birch was ready for her

Summer of Slack but when she attends a

meeting at a local university, Perry learns about

the “Warrior Girl”, an ancestor whose bones and

knife are stored in the museum archives, and

everything changes. Perry has to return Warrior

Girl to her tribe. Determined to help, she learns

all she can about NAGPRA, the federal law that

allows tribes to request the return of ancestral

remains and sacred items. But there is more to

this repatriation than meets the eye as more

women disappear. Available on Libby.

"Isabella Star LaBlanc brings an authenticsounding

narration

to

this

powerful

audiobook."

—AudioFile

Summer was a busy time for everyone. I visited both

Building Blocks locations. The 3 & 4 year old classes

created paper plate wreaths for the 4th of July.

Dream Catchers were made by the students in the

After School Program.

During the summer break we worked with the CCDF

program encouraging the students to continue

reading over summer break. We made dreamcatchers

and Jingle dance art. We also read Juniper's Butterfly

Garden so the students could receive free OKC Zoo

tickets.

The Jingle Dancer. New York Times best sellingauthor Cynthia Smith's lyrical text is paired with

the warm evocative watercolors of Cornelius

Van Wright and Ying-Hwa-Hu in this affirming

story of a contemporary Native American girl

who turns to her family and community. A great

family read aloud book. Available in the AST

Library.

NOTICE

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO

SUBMIT AN ARTICLE OR STORY

The Library is excited to announce we now have a

dedicated kids workstation loaded with ABCmouse

and several other educational websites. "This project

was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum

and Library Services [NAB-252254-OLS-22]."

APPLY FOR A LIBRARY CARD ONLINE:

HTTPS://FORM.JOTFORM.COM/230804193039150

405-275-4030 X3530

PJACKSON@ASTRIBE.COM

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.

September 2023

www.astribe.com

Happy 3rd birthday, Harland! We wish you lots

of love and happiness on

your special day!

Best wishes from your

family & friends!

Happy 2nd Birthday

Everlynn Grace.

We love you sweetie pie.

Have a great birthday!

Love Nana, Papa, Unc and Aunties

Happy 2nd Birthday

Colson Michael!!

Love you always- Mom, Dad,

Autumn, Mae Mae,

Granny, and Papa

Happy Birthday Colt!

Love Aunt Trina, Uncle

Larry & Uncle Clyde

Happy 22nd Birthday Eryn!!

Have a bless and

wonderful birthday.

We all love you.

Love Mom, Dad and Family

The AST Complex will be closed

Friday, Sept. 1, 2023 - AST DAY

Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 - Labor Day

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W I T H O S U E X T E N S I O N H O R T I C U L T U R I S T

C A R L A S M I T H A R E N O W O N L I N E

J A N 1 3 , 2 0 2 3 - G A R D E N I N G 1 0 1

F E B 1 0 , 2 0 2 3 – S O I L F E R T I L I Z E R 1 0 1

M A R C H – N O C L A S S

A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 2 3 – G A R D E N B O X E S

M A Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 3 – F R U I T P R O D U C T I O N

J U N E 9 , 2 0 2 3 – S E E D S A V I N G

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C L A S S E S

A RT M EN

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T O W A T C H O N L I N E ,

W W W . A S T R I B E . C O M / A G R I C U L T U R E

September 2023

8A www.astribe.com

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

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

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

AST Complex – (405) 275-4030

Toll Free - 800-256-3341

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Absentee Shawnee Tribe's Domestic Violence Department

We help with:

Our mission is to:

Domestic Violence

Eliminate violence in

Sexual Assault

Native Country and to

Dating Violence

strengthen

Stalking

Native families to end the

Sex Trafficking

cycle of violence.

Our services are confidential and include:

Safety Planning

Emergency Assistance

Court Advocacy

Shelter Placement Assistance

Referrals

Must be intimate partner

related violence and the

victim must be fleeing the

home/situation

Who we serve:

Where we serve:

Natives and non-Natives

LGBTQ2S+

Any Religion

Any income level

EVERYONE

Because we are federally funded

we get to serve all populations

within our *service area, which

includes Cleveland, Oklahoma and

Pottawatomie counties.

*If you are AST and outside the service area, please call our office and we will see what we can do to help

you.

Contact Us:

Office Line 405.273.2888

Fax 405.273.1192

Webpage https://www.astribe.com/domestic-violence

Link to intake https://www.astribe.com/forms/victim-intake

@ASTRisingWarrior

For emergencies call 911 or AST PD @ 405.275.3200

This project was supported byGrant 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.

www.asthealth.org

September 2023

Section B

ASTHS September 2023 Monthly Update

September is Dementia Awareness Month

Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain and impact on memory, thinking, behavior,

and emotion. The most common is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects 50-60% of people with dementia. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia,

Lewy body dementia, and fronto-temporal dementia. Dementia can also sometimes affect people who are under the age of 65. This is known as young onset

dementia.

Our brains are made up of over 86 billion nerve cells – more than the stars in the Milky Way. Dementia damages nerve cells so they are no longer able to communicate effectively and

this impacts how our body functions.

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

Symptoms may include:

• loss of memory

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

• difficulty in performing previously routine tasks

• personality and mood changes

Although each person will experience dementia in their own way, eventually those affected will be unable to care for themselves and need help with all aspects of daily life. Dementia

is the leading cause of disability and dependency among the elderly.

Dementia affects more than 50 million people worldwide, with a new case of dementia occurring somewhere in the world every 3 seconds. Dementia can also affect individuals under

the age of 65 (young onset dementia). Greater awareness and understanding of dementia is important to challenge the myths and misconceptions that surround the condition.

There is currently no cure for most types of dementia, but treatment and support are available.

Dementia Figures

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There are currently estimated to be over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia. The number of people affected is set to rise to 139 million by 2050, with the greatest

increases in low and middle income countries.

Already 60% of people with dementia live in low and middle income countries, but by 2050 this will rise to 71%.

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

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

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

Almost 62% of healthcare practitioners worldwide incorrectly think that dementia is part of normal ageing.

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

Over 50% of caregivers globally say their health has suffered as a result of their caring responsibilities even while expressing positive sentiments about their role.

Early Symptoms of Dementia

Memory Loss

Declining memory, especially short-term memory (remembering things that have happened recently), is the most common early symptom of dementia. People with ordinary forgetfulness can still remember other facts associated with the thing they have forgotten. For example, they may briefly forget their next-door neighbor’s name but they still know the person

they are talking to is their next-door neighbor. A person living with dementia may not only forget their neighbor’s name but also the context. Memories for things that happened long

ago may be preserved over recent events.

Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks

People with dementia often find it hard to complete everyday tasks that are so familiar that we usually do them without thinking. Someone with dementia may not know in what order

to put on clothes or the steps for preparing a meal. People with dementia may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers of clothes on a warm day or very few on a cold day.

Problems with Language

Occasionally, everyone has trouble finding the right word but a person with dementia can often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making speech or writing hard to

understand. They may also have difficulties following a conversation and therefore become more withdrawn.

Disorientation in Time and Place

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

they are or how they got there, and not know how to get back home. Someone who has dementia may also confuse night and day.

Problems with Concentration, Planning, or Organizing

A person with dementia may find it difficult to make decisions, solve problems, or keep up with paying their bills.

Misplacing Things

Anyone can temporarily misplace his or her wallet or keys. A person with dementia may put things in unusual places such as an iron in the fridge or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

Changes in Mood or Behavior

Everyone can become sad or moody from time to time. Dementia may cause someone to become unusually emotional and experience rapid mood swings or irritability for no apparent

reason. Alternatively, they may show less emotion or social interaction than was usual previously.

Trouble with Images or Spatial Relationships

Image problems are different from typical age-related problems, such as cataracts. People with dementia can have difficulty in reading, judging distances, seeing objects in three dimensions, and in determining color or contrast.

Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

At times, everyone can become tired of housework, business activities, or social obligations. However a person with dementia may become very passive, sitting in front of the television

for hours, sleeping more than usual, or appearing to lose interest in hobbies.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned about a friend or relative, visit your doctor and discuss your concerns.

Caring for Someone with Dementia

In the past, we tended to presume that a person with dementia lost their individuality and personality during the course of their illness.

As physical damage occurred to the brain, their value as a person was assumed to diminish. People with dementia were sometimes not treated as individuals in their own right.

When dementia care takes into consideration your personal history, individual traits, and characteristics, it has been shown there is a positive impact on slowing the progress of disease.

An approach to dementia care which recognizes and respects the personal history, character, and individuality of the person living with dementia has been shown to have a positive

impact on the progress of the disease.

Local Support

If you are caring for a family member or are being cared for by a caregiver, you can contact the Seeking Hope program, a part of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Initiative within the

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System. Seeking Hope provides quality, person-centered care and support for Native Americans. Certified dementia specialists are available to deliver

home and community-based services to people living with dementia and their family members. These services consist of caregiver support trainings; dementia-specific consultation,

resource assistance and material; and assistance with home care planning.

Two programs are available for caregivers and family members of those who are experiencing memory loss. Music & Memory and Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country are the programs

that you can enroll and participate in if you or a loved one is experiencing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Contact Atheda Fletcher at 405-561-7893 or Gayla Temple 405-561-7870 for more

information.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Little Axe Health Clinic

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Demolition and construction has begun in the old Pharmacy location. The expected completion date (ECD) is December.

Construction and remodel continues Behavioral Health area. Services are temporarily housed in the Diabetes/ Wellness area and in Administration. ECD: August

Construction continues in the new Primary Care and Dental areas. We expect delivery of all equipment and furniture in August. ECD: September

Remodel of the current Primary Care will begin in October. This will be the new location of the Specialty Clinic and PlusCare and the final phase of the expansion project! ECD:

February 2024

Shawnee Health Clinic

COMING SOON! — NEW SHAWNEE HEALTH CLINIC!

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

The feasibility study has been completed. The team continues to work through the design and scoping phase with the architect (anticipate 73K-80K sq. ft.)!

August 2023 Health Employee Awards of the Month

Employee of the Month: Billie Moore, LPN

Team of the Month: Purchased Referred Care (PRC)

Special Leadership Award: Lawana Martin, LPN, PRC Asst. Director

Chris A. Larkin, MBA, FACHE, CHC

Executive Director

September 2023

2B www.astribe.com

VIETNAM

GULF WAR

POST - 9/11

WERE YOU EXPOSED TO

BURN PITS, HERBICIDES,

OR OTHER TOXINS

WHILE IN THE

MILITARY?

You may be eligible

for VA health care

and compensation.

Learn more at VA.gov/PACT

Have questions?

Call 1-800-MyVA411

(1-800-698-2411)

VA SURVIVOR BENEFITS & THE PACT ACT

You may be eligible for VA benefits and services after your loved one has passed.

The PACT Act makes it easier for many survivors to receive

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

VA will be contacting survivors who were previously denied DIC

benefits and may be newly eligible under the PACT Act. You do

not need to wait for VA to contact you to submit a claim.

How to Apply for DIC and/or Accrued Benefits

Surviving family members may apply for these benefits using the appropriate VA form on va.gov/family-member-benefits.

Dependency and Indemnity

Compensation

Monthly payment for the eligible surviving

spouse, dependent children or parent(s) of

the Veteran or service member IF Veteran or

service member died in the line of duty or

due to a service-related injury or illness.

Accrued Benefits

A one-time payment to a surviving spouse,

dependent child(ren) or dependent parent(s) of

a deceased Veteran based on relationship when

the record shows additional benefits (such as VA

compensation or pension) due to the Veteran prior

to passing.

Additional Survivor Benefits Available:

Burials and Burial Allowance

Final Monthly Payment

Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any

of our National cemeteries with available space,

opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care,

a government headstone, marker, or medallion, a

burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate,

at no cost. Some survivors may also be eligible for

a plot allowance, transportation allowance, and

burial allowances based on the service connected

disability status of the deceased Veteran.

If a Veteran who is receiving VA compensation or

pension benefits passes away, their last month of

benefits can be paid to their surviving spouse.

Education and Training

Health Care

Chapter 35 benefits and Fry Scholarship are the

two main GI Bill programs offering educational

assistance to survivors and dependents of

Veterans who died in the line of duty or as a result

of service-related disabilities.

Survivors and dependents of Veterans may qualify

for health care benefits, such as CHAMPVA.

Home Loan Guaranty

Certificate of Eligibility is available for surviving

spouses receiving DIC.

HEALTH BUZ

Learn more and sign up at VA.gov/PACT

Download the VA Health and Benefits App

Call us at 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)

Find a VA at VA.gov/find-locations/

HEALTH BUZZ!!

If you have attended any of our events or listened to any of our presentations then you have likely heard us share our love

for the Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country and Music & Memory. Why do we love them so and why do feel they are beneficial?

Caregivers are the best medicine available for the elder! But caregivers often feel unprepared for their caregiving role.

Research suggests that caregiver training, such as the Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country, reduces caregiver stress and

improves health outcomes for care recipients. The Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country training will provide caregivers the

needed skills so they may continue to provide care over the course of the elder’s time of memory and thinking loss - skills

that include recognition of the elder’s changing cognitive function and what types of activities are best at those times so that

the elder can remain as involved with their family as their abilities allow. It emphasizes the importance of caregiver self-care,

decision-making, and expanding family support.

We also recognize that the caregiver’s time is valuable and although the course is designed to be delivered over six weekly

two-hour sessions, we can tailor it to accommodate your schedule. We truly appreciate the honor of caregivers allowing us

into their homes to provide this training.

We love Music & Memory because of the tremendous amount of research behind what music can do for reviving our

deepest-seated memories. A study from 2022 revealed that music therapy may improve social interactions between people

with dementia and their caregivers. A board-certified music therapist and clinical psychologist said, “These foundational

memories and songs are locked together in deeper vaults down winding mountain roads that dementia doesn’t seem to

be able to fully crush. I’ve seen a person not recognize their spouse of 65 years but when I play their wedding song this

individual turns to their spouse and they recognize them and dance.” For people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or

other cognitive impairments, those connections persist when other parts of their memory may fail. Participants in our Music

& Memory program will receive a kit that contains equipment that enables them to listen to a thoughtfully selected playlist

with music from their youth.

On another note, we have been out and about quite a bit lately and have taken part in a number of activities including

the Kickapoo and Iowa Tribal Health Fairs in June and the Sac & Fox Nation Health Fair in July. Along with the AST Title VI

Department, we hosted an event where Title VI participants were treated to breakfast and lunch. Presentations were given

by Atheda Fletcher on dementia in Oklahoma and our two caregiver programs, Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country and Music

& Memory and Carey Lee from the Alzheimer’s Association on “Healthy Living”. We then held a corn-hole tournament,

played chair volleyball, and topped off the event with bingo.

As always, we have some amazing volunteers that step up and make our events not only possible but enjoyable for

everyone. We want to thank Dos Owings, Donna Butler, Jennifer Castaneda, and Robert Schoolfield from Title VI. Jason

Bender, as always, does a fantastic job of calling our bingo games. We would also like to thank Lisa Harrington, Shea Warden,

and Iris Jaquez from the Diabetes and Wellness Department, Alex Lewis and Brent Shields from the Health System Media

Department, Twila Parker, President of the AST Elder’s Council, and Rob Meely from Behavioral Health, Charlca Elias, and

Ralph Roy. Pictured to the right are just a few moments from the day.

For more information on The Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country or Music & Memory, email me, Gayla Temple, at gtemple@

astribe.com or adpi@astribe.com, or call 405.561.7870. You can also visit the Seeking Hope webpage. Go to the AST Health

System’s website, asthealth.org, click on “Programs and Prevention” and click on “Seeking Hope”.

HEALTH BUZZ

Warmest Regards,

Gayla Temple

Dementia Care Specialist

Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative

For more information on The Savvy Careg iver in Indian Country or Music & M

gtemple@astribe.com or adpi@astribe.com, or call 405.827.8216 or 405.561

September 2023

www.astribe.com

9-1-23 AST DAY

9-4-23 LABOR DAY

9-10-23 GRANDPARENTS DAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

1

4

11

18

5

LABOR DAY

TITLE VI CLOSED

EGG ROLL

STIR FRY VEGGIES

RICE

FORTUNE COOKIE

PORK CHOP

STUFFING

CAULIFLOWER

MANDRAIN ORANGES

25

BAKED CHICKEN

WILD RICE

GREEN BEANS

MIXED FRUIT

CHICKEN POT PIE

VEGGIES

BISCUIT

MANDARIN ORANGES

12

CHICKEN STRIPS

MASHED POT/GRAVY

ROASTED BROCCOLI

FLUFF

19

MEATLOAF

MASHED POT/GRAVY

VEGGIES

FRUIT

26

CHEF SALAD

HAM, EGGS, ONIONS

CRACKERS

PEACHES

6

PORK N POTATOES

GREEN BEANS

ROLL

CRISP

13

SPAGHETTI

W/MEAT SAUCE

GREEN BEANS

SALAD BAR*

20

HAM & CHEZ

SANDWICH

TOM, ONION &

CUCUMBER SALAD

27

SALMON PATTY

COLESLAW

MAC & CHEZ

PEARS

HEAL FOR

THOSE WHO

COULDN’T.

Be the ancestor the next generation

will thank. Reach out for f ree mental

health help.

Suicidal Thoughts Depression & Anxiety Substance Abuse

Domestic Violence Self Harm Paranoia & Psychosis Emotional Distress

988OKLAHOMA.COM

988 MENTAL HEALTH WORD SEARCH

Q E P A X

S W A S T

E E T D H

L L I M O

F L E A U

C N N R G

A E C E H

R S E L T

E S O P S

M E N T A

E R L N K

O K L A H

T E X T

H Z Q H

S T R E

S K S R

L G N A

P S U P

A L G Y

H E R A

V A W A

L H E A

L I F E

O M A L

O W

I D

S S

J V

N C

P O

S P

P I

R E

L T

L I

R X

C A L L A B R

A S W K S E E

J F E T D H S

S T I G M A I

Q F L E I V L

R T J K N I I

V A E C D O E

S T K R F R N

N E S S U S C

H B E M L A E

N E R L N K L

N M I N D H O

Find the following words in the puzzle.

Words are hidden horizontal and vertical.

AWARENESS

MINDFUL

SUPPORT

BEHAVIOR

OKLAHOMA

TEXT

CALL

PATIENCE

THERAPIST

LIFELINE

RESILIENCE

THERAPY

MENTAL

SELF CARE

THOUGHTS

HEALTH

STIGMA

WELLNESS

MIND

STRESS

7

14

GRILLED CHEZ

SANDWICH

VEGGIE SOUP

COOKIE

COOK’S

CHOICE

21

28

CHICKEN FAJITAS

BELL PEPPER &

ONIONS

TORTILLA/FRUIT

ROAST

RED POT

CARROTS

ROLL

8

AST DAY

TITLE VI CLOSED

BOILED EGG

TOAST

BACON

FRUIT

15

SCRAMBLED EGGS

SAUSAGE GRAVY

BISCUIT

22

SCRAMBLED EGGS

SAUSAGE PATTIES

CINNAMON RAISIN

BREAD

29

BAGEL

CREAM CHEZ

GRAPES

BOILED EGG

3B

September 2023

4B www.astribe.com

AST HEALTH SYSTEM DIRECTORY

AST HEALTH SYSTEM DIRECTORY

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER ..................................................... 405-447-0300

Administration

Business Office

Little Axe Dental

Health Information Management

Lab/X.Ray

Optometry

Patient Benefit Advocates

Primary Care

Public Health

Security

Electronic Health Record

Physical Therapy

Behavioral Health .................................................................................. 405-701-7987

Little Axe Purchased Referred Care ........................................................ 405-701-7951

Diabetes & Wellness ...............................................................................405-701-7977

Pharmacy ...............................................................................................405-292-9530

CompleteCare Home Health................................................................... 405-701-7085

Transportation........................................................................................405-701-7603

SHAWNEE CLINIC ............................405-878-5850 OR 877-878-4702 TOLL FREE

Administration

Business Office

Health Information Management

Lab/X-Ray

Patient Benefit Advocates

Contract Health

Physical Therapy

Primary Care

Public Health

Behavioral Health ................................................................................... 405-878-4716

Diabetes & Wellness ...............................................................................405-701-7977

Pharmacy ........................................................ 405-878-5859 OR 866-742-4977TOLL FREE

Transportation........................................................................................405-701-7603

PLUSCARE ............................................................................................... 405-447-0477

GENERAL

AST Resource Center..............................................................................405-364-7298

Corporate Compliance Hotline............................................................... 405-701-7135

Patient Advocate .................................................................................... 405-701-7623

AST Tribal Complex ...............................................................................405-275-4030

AST Tribal Police .................................................................................... 405-275-3200

AST Housing ..........................................................................................405-273-1050

COVID Hotline ........................................................................................405-695-1787

Worried about losing your SoonerCare Coverage?

Two ways to renew

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

CHECK YOUR MAIL

Update your contact information

ie: mailing address, email and

phone number.

Take action quickly to avoid any

disruption in your coverage.

Online at

mysoonercare.org

Respond to the

request for

information

Contact a Patient

Benefit Advocate

Bring the letter to

a Patient Benefit

Advocate

FOR THOSE WHO NO LONGER QUALIFY FOR

SOONERCARE COVERAGE

If you no longer qualify for SoonerCare you could receive health insurance

coverage through the Marketplace at NO COST TO YOU or the tribe.

Our contracted benefits advisor

with Legacy Tribal Services is

available to assist in the

enrollment process.

Just give us a call!

Little Axe Health Center: 405-447-0300

Shawnee Clinic: 405-878-5850

www.asthealth.org