# Big Jim Youth Award Winners (2023) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3Abaa62bd465557b34 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text 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 D EP R 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 T G C U LT U RI E A C L A S S E S A RT M EN 7A 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 • • • • • • • • 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 • • • • 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 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3Abaa62bd465557b34. Public record. Not legal advice.