Final Beam Installed at (2023)

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

www.astribe.com

THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE NEWS

February 2023

Volume 33, No. 02

AST Veteran CDIB

Card Available

Final Beam Installed at

LAHC Expansion

AST Veteran Esteline Schulenberg received the first Veteran Absentee

Shawnee Tribe CDIB card. All AST Veterans are eligible even if current cards

are not expired.

“This is something that I have wanted to do for a while now,” said Enrollment Director Amanda Webb. “This is a great way to honor our AST Veterans

and acknowledge their service to our country.”

Schulenberg served in the U.S. Women’s Army Corp for two years and is an

active member in the AST Veterans Association serving as Operations Officer.

She was also a member of the American Legion Post 88 in Norman and was

the first woman commander elected to the position and served from 19992001. She also served and was the Division West Commander of the American Legion of Oklahoma, as well as being the former president of Women’s

Veterans Organization of Oklahoma 2000-2002. Esteline is a charter member

of Women in Military Service for America. In 2001 she was awarded a plaque

for Female Veteran of the Year for the State of Oklahoma. The Crow Nation of

Montana awarded Esteline with recognition as the Outstanding Female Veteran of the Year. In 2010 she was awarded Indian Elder Honors medal from

the Oklahoma AARP.

AST Veterans wanting the Veteran CDIB card must provide DD Form 214,

current CDIB and state ID/driver's license to the Enrollment office. Enrollment office is open Monday through Friday 8 am-12 pm and 1 pm - 5pm.

Members can also renew via mail, email or request CDIB Update form from

the Enrollment Office at (405) 481-8650.

CDIB cards expire four years after the issue date.

On January 11, The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System (ASTHS) and

the AST Executive Committee signed the final beam of the clinic expansion.

The beam was displayed to allow Health employees to sign.

The ASTHS clinic broke ground last May on Phase 1 of the two phase project. Phase one will add space and services to the Little Axe Clinic. Manhattan

Construction Company installed the final beam on January 13. The scope of

work includes five separate expansions for eight different departments; ten

different departments will be remodeled; a 4-lane pharmacy drive-thru ; 36

Primary Care exam rooms and 11 new dental patient rooms. Almost 40,000

square-feet will be added and 17,000 square-feet of existing space will be remodeled.

The groundbreaking last year coincided with the 10th year anniversary of

opening the new Little Axe Clinic. Work is expected to be completed in 2024.

From The Election

Commission

ANNOUNCEMENT OF PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES

FOR ELECTED OFFICE’S FOR 2023

FROM THE ELECTION COMMISSION

Prospective Candidates for Elective Office’s for 2023.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Governor Secretary

John Raymond Johnson

Alicia L. Edwards Miller

Andrew Warrior

Eileen Pearce

Ewell Longhorn

Misty McGirt

Danny Little Axe, Jr

ELECTION COMMISSION

Election Commission Secretary Commissioner Member #2

Shirley Adkins Charlotte Ellis

Tribal Members:

The Primary Election will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023. The voting

polls will be located at the Little Axe Resource Center on Peebly Road and

at the AST Health Multipurpose Building on the AST Tribal Complex in

Shawnee, Oklahoma. The polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at

both locations.

A Sample ballot will published in the March Newsletter

PLEASE fill out EACH BLANK completely and return by the Deadline.

ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST

I, ______________________________________, hereby certify that I am or will be an Eligible

(Print Name)

Voter of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe on or before March 18, 2023. I cannot physically

be present to cast my Vote at the March 18, 2023 Primary Election, therefore, I am

requesting an Absentee Ballot be mailed to me at the following address.

Name (please print): ________________________________________________________

(first)

(middle)

(maiden)

(last)

Address:_________________________ City:_______________St: _______Zip:________

CDIB#:__________________________

Date of Birth: ______________________

Signature: ____________________________

Date:_____________________________

All REQUESTS must be returned to the Election Commission by the deadline date of

February 26, 2023

Mail to:

Absentee Shawnee Election Commission

P.O. Box 741

Tecumseh, OK 74873

Fax to:

Fax # (405) 273-1337 (Do not fax to any other fax #)

Phone: (405) 275-4030 ext. 6271

Toll free number 1-800-256-3341 ext. 6271

Deliver in Person to:

Election Commission Office located in the Tribal Court Building

All eligible voters are entitled to vote either at the Polls or by Absentee Ballot.

This form may be duplicated for your convenience.

______________________________________________________________________________

ELECTION COMMISSION USE ONLY

Received: _____________________ Approved:____________________ Disapproved: _______________

If Disapproved (reason): _________________________________________________________________

Denial Letter Mailed:___________________________ Ballot Mailed:_____________________________

_______________________________________

Election Commission/Representative

2A www.astribe.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

John Johnson, AST Governor

Hello fellow tribal members,

I hope that 2023 is treating you well and

you are still following those New Year’s

resolutions. We have some new and some

ongoing projects that are either continuing or will be starting soon here at the

tribe.

On January 12th I signed the contract

with Calm Construction Company to begin construction on the new Police building. This building is being funded from an

GOVERNOR

John Johnson

Lt. GOVERNOR

Ezra DeLodge

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 405-275-4030

x 6253 or cell 405-432-0733.

Maintenance:

The Maintenance staff has completed

45 work orders in the last month on the

Shawnee campus. I want to thank the

Maintenance staff and Housekeepers for

all their hard work they do for the department.

OEH:

In total for 2023 OEH has assisted Tribal members with 6 different septic renovations and installations, water well drilling and installations, well renovations,

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Alicia Miller, AST Secretary

SECRETARY

Alicia Miller

TREASURER

Joseph Blanchard

Ho wa se ke sa ke!

It is already February and I hope everyone is staying relatively well despite we are

still seeing influenza activity all around

us, coupled with RSV and COVID-19.

Be sure to take care of yourself and your

loved ones by taking the following actions

to help prevent or alleviate serious illness,

such as: making sure to get your annual flu (and COVID-19) vaccine; avoid

close contact with people who are sick,

if possible; cover your mouth and nose

when sneezing and coughing; wash your

hands; avoid touching your eyes, nose

and mouth; and clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

The beginning of January, the Executive

Committee held a special meeting to update a 2010 resolution. The resolution addressed tribal boards minus entity boards

such as gaming, health, ASEDA and

housing. The resolution re-affirmed the

amount for tribal boards per meeting and

also updated to include election commission alternates. The election commission

is the only “board” who uses alternates to

conduct business per the tribal constitution, on an as-need basis. The Executive

Committee merely updated this specific

resolution to include the constitutionally

recognized positions.

I attended an in-person meeting as one

of the two Oklahoma Area Tribal Representatives in Portland, Oregon recently.

This was for the Indian Health Service

(IHS) Tribal/Federal workgroup to update

the government-to-government consultation policy (Indian Health Service Circular No. 2006-01 effective 01.08.2006).

This is very important to work not only

to our tribe but to all tribes, Alaskan Na-

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

DeWayne Wilson, AST Representative

REPRESENTATIVE

DeWayne Wilson

Hello Tribal Members,

I hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy. It was nice to see all the Tribal

elders who attended the Elders’ Christmas Luncheon this past December, 2022.

I witnessed a lot of smiles and laughter

at the Elder Luncheon by the many elders that were in attendance. The food

was pretty good too. I wanted to thank

all the employees who worked hard and

diligently to make the Elders’ Christmas

Luncheon a huge success.

Education Department;

The Education Department has

launched the Big Jim Award Scholarship

guidelines and application; you can find

it at www.astribe.com on the Education

February 2023

ICDBG grant that was award to the tribe

during COVID. We are very excited to see

the construction began. The new building

will give the AST police department the

much needed room that they have needed

for a long time.

The new After School building that is

being built on the south side of the Shawnee campus is taking shape. Construction

crews have been working hard and you

can see the outline of the building. This

building will give much needed space for

the After School program to expand their

services.

At the December 2022 Executive Com-

mittee meeting a resolution was passed

for the 2023 Winter ARPA General Welfare Assistance. This assistance is for $500

for 18 and older (as of June 1, 2021) tribal

members. The application process began

on January 4th and the deadline is February 28th at 5pm. Be sure to go online to

https://www.astribe.com/2023-arpa-winter-assistance for more information or to

fill out your application.

In closing, I am looking forward to the

above project being completed and other

project to begin. With the new buildings

and new programs that are starting, we

will be able to serve more tribal members.

and community water connections.

For 2023, we have collected, processed,

and recycled 2 bales of shredded office

paper and cardboard equaling roughly

1.5 tons of recyclable waste that has been

diverted from landfills.

Cleveland County has begun work on

dining hall parking lot at Camp Nikoti

and the preliminary work on the entry

gate has begun. The parking lot and entry

gate are still on schedule to be completed

by the end of January.

We have awarded the contract to Calm

Construction for general contractor for

the Police Safety Center construction. We

expect them to break ground on the project by the beginning of February.

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 num-

ber listed below.

Jarrod Lloyd, OEH&E Director

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

BIA Program(s)

No report submitted.

Any questions or concerns please email

at TwylaB@astribe.com or (405) 2754030.

Land Management

Land Management has been getting

wood ready for elders and have been making deliveries. We also been helping tribal members and some have reached out

to the department for further projects. If

you have any concerns or questions call

Clayton Martinez, Land Management

Coordinator, at (405) 395-8101 or email

cmartinez@astribe.com.

tive Corporations (ANCs), urbans and

tribal health organizations. All the work,

to date, has been completely virtual. By

meeting in-person, we were able to complete work at a much faster rate. The

workgroup expects to finalize the document later this spring. It will eventually

progress for full public comment in the

Federal Register. It is exciting to be a part

of this process for the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe. This work is ensuring our right as

a sovereign to be heard when laws and

policies affect our ability to carry out tribal health programs, activities, functions,

and services to our tribal people.

The AST Elder event held on January

19th at the Shawnee Clinic Multipurpose

building was well attended. I am happy

we were able to include elder application

assistance for the ARPA general welfare.

Ne yi wa to all who organized, who attended and who volunteered to make this

event possible. We are always delighted to

serve and help our tribal elders. Please do

not forget the ARPA assistance will conclude at the end of February. So be sure

to submit your application - if you were

enrolled and 18 years of age before or on

June 1, 2021.

The submission deadline for this article

is due before the monthly EC meeting is

to be held. At this time, I can report there

are 6-executive resolutions (covering

membership, policy and procedure annual update and a partnership agreement)

and 4-legislative resolutions submitted

(covering budgets and to update a court

code).

Regarding our tribal health system, construction at the Little Axe Health Center

is progressing. Majority of the steel work

seems to be near complete. The departments benefiting from this expansion are

behavioral health, dental, administration,

facilities, imaging, lab, pharmacy, prima-

ry care, public health, and specialty care.

Administration and facilities are near

complete and public health and lab are

not too far behind. As for the Shawnee

Clinic build, we continue to look for alternative sites. We have outgrown its current location for quite some time and the

first choice site considered, which I was

super hopefully for, could take far more

time to make a reality and in the end future growth on that site would be limited.

We are still seeking the best location.

Tax preparation assistance will be spearheaded once again by AST tribal elder,

Ms. Tina Ontiveros-Adame. She always

does a great job of obtaining her annual

certifications to host this short-term program. She also has a great group of volunteers who takes time out of their busy

schedules to help those in our community to get their taxes complete. There are

specific requirements to take advantage of

this tax preparation. You must make no

more than a total (household income) of

$60,000.00. You must bring a photo IDs,

W-2, Social Security cards for all individuals in the home who are included on

your tax return, 1099’s, 2021 tax returns,

(if available) medical insurance expenses

and daycare expenses….please call for

an appointment at (405)275-4030. Tax

preparation will begin on February 14

and conclude on April 18, 2023.

In conclusion, my heart goes out to all

the families who have lost loved ones in

January. May your heart find moments of

peace during your struggles to cope and

understand.

Si li no ke ka no la. Ne yi wa.

page under the Services tab. All High

School Seniors, within the 50 United

States graduating in 2023, are eligible for

this award. There will be one male and

one female winner per category. Please

submit all applications to the Education

Department either in person, by mail or

by email. If you have any questions or

concerns contact the Education Department at 405-275-4030 or by email education@astribe.com. As always, IT’S AN

EXCELLENT TIME TO GET AN EDUCATION.

I am delighted to announce the Workforce Program/ HVAC candidates have

started their training at Moore-Norman

Technology Center in January. They will

complete their training this May, 2023.

This summer, the Workforce Program/

HVAC candidates will begin employment

under the supervision of the AST HVAC

technician. At that time, the candidates

will start on-the-job training and begin

accruing apprentice hours to go towards

obtaining a journeyman’s license.

Cultural Preservation Department;

Most of the goals for 2023 for Cultural Preservation revolve around improving their out of date systems and coming

into the information age. This year they

plan to have more workshops and events

for the community. They are also looking

into possibly recording how-to videos for

such things as moccasins, yarn belts, etc.

and making those available to the community for use at all times.

Gift Shop: The main goal for 2023 the

gift shop would like to accomplish is providing an online shop to their patrons.

The details are currently being evaluated.

(Continued on Page 3A)

Respectfully,

Lt. Governor DeLodge

Respectfully,

Alicia Miller

Tribal Secretary

(405) 287-5247

February 2023

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

(Continued from Page 2A)

Library: In 2023, the Library would

like to accomplish three things. First, the

library would like to diversify their collections. Second, they would like to investigate the possibility of offering library

podcast, videos with guests and possibly

authors, and PowerPoint trainings. Finally, they plan to host more events or

promotions for such days as Read across

America Day and National Book Lover’s

Day.

Language: In 2023, the main goal for

the Language program is providing classes. They are hoping to start the beginning

TREASURER’S REPORT

Joseph Blanchard, AST Treasurer

Hello fellow Tribal members, Family and

friends,

As we begin February, many of us are

looking forward to the “dog days of Summer”, warmer temps, and spitting sunflower seeds at the ball park. Do not get

complacent as Winter is not yet done.

Writing this update, several are anticipating the next cold storm front to push

through. Like many of my relatives, I’m

waiting to take my Shawnee bath to prepare for the new year. Our culture is what

makes us who we are. However, before I

begin, let me express my condolences to

those who have lost loved ones recently. Oftentimes, folks forget that we as

EC members have familial obligations as

well which prevent us from coming to the

office. As the old saying goes, “When it

rains, it pours.”

www.astribe.com 3A

classes in early spring. They will also continue providing material on the Tribal

website.

THPO – Tribal Historic Preservation

Office: The THPO’s main goal in 2023 is

to build a coalition of the three Shawnee

Tribes. This would be beneficial during

consultation. Also, they would like to

continue to work on building/updating

their databases.

Gaming Commission;

Gaming Commission is still waiting

approval of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Gaming Ordinance from Nal`t Indian

Gaming Commission. Gaming commission has started up-dating the Tribal Internal Control Standards for the casino. I

continue to attend the Gaming Commission meetings.

Youth Camp;

Construction continues at the Youth

Camp. We had a meeting with the Construction Co. this past month. The

Construction Co. advised they will be

pouring the concrete for the tennis and

basketball courts this month. The Construction Co. advised those two projects

should be completed in the next two

months and will start the groundwork for

the softball field. The same construction

company is working on the curbing for

the dining hall parking lot and the Youth

Camp entrance.

I am pleased to inform you, the Exec-

utive Committee is having discussions/

meetings with the Absentee Shawnee

Housing Authority, so they can utilize

some of the Tiny Homes for their Safe

Shelter Program. We, Executive Committee, are utilizing a few of the Tiny Homes

to assist Tribal Members who are in need

of temporary emergency housing. If you

have any questions or concerns about the

programs mentioned in this news article,

feel free to contact my office at (405) 2754030 Ext. 6239 or by email: dewayne.wilson@astribe.com.

That being said, let me provide a report

of events my office was able to participate

and assist with this past month. I, along

with other EC members had a Conference Call with our Shawnee relatives

from Miami. Chief Barnes explained the

reason behind the discussion as he was

requesting assistance in an issue in Kansas. I first met Ben and 2nd Chief Roy

Baldridge back in 2012, while on consultation out of state. We have maintained

a friendship over the years and often talk

about concerns that affect each of our respective tribes. I am happy we are able

to provide a Letter of Support for their

project.

Recently, the Grants Department has

been providing training opportunities for

our Directors and staff. These monthly

sessions have been to improve staff reporting, fulfilling grant obligations, and

better understanding on how to interpret

budgets. This is an ongoing effort to provide better communication between our

staff internally and the funding agency.

Through discussion, we created a Task

Group to provide better administration

over the individual grants so that everyone is working off the same playbook and

headed the same direction.

I’m certain there will be another story talking about the Beam Signing but

I wanted to mention it briefly. The last

beam was set out for members, patients,

and staff to sign their names before it was

set into place on Friday, January 13th. We

should start to see the construction begin

to wind up as completion of the expansion in Little Axe becomes near. I don’t

have a date at this time but will make certain to ask at the next meeting. For me,

it doesn’t seem that long ago (10 years)

since the previous beam was signed and

erected.

The Agriculture Department continues to ramp up for the Spring. We’ve already been receiving calls to set up time

for ground tilling. A quick reminder for

those who would like their own garden

area; the Tribe will plow up the ground

but we do not provide the seed, planting, maintenance, and harvesting of the

final product. It is up to the individual to

weed, water, fertilize, and then pick their

bounty. Call Gabby to get on the schedule.

The final item to report on is ASEDA.

There is a minimum amount of 3 board

members and they were set to have a

meeting in late January. I will report

more on them in next month’s issue. As

I complete this submission, I want to say

“thank you!” to those who continue to

provide words of advice, support, and encouragement. I commend our staffs for

their relentlessness to get tasks completed

to better assist our membership. Should

you have any questions, do not hesitate to

call my office or send me an email.

Respectfully,

DeWayne Wilson

Tribal Representative

Neyiwa!

Joseph H. Blanchard

SEEKING ALTERNATES

FOR

ELECTION COMMISSION

The Election Commission is seeking

individuals to serve as Alternates.

Alternates must meet the requirements

listed in the Election Ordinance.

If you are interested, please submit your

letter of interest to Election Commission

via E-mail Election.Commission@astribe.com.

P.O. Box 741

Tecumseh OK 74873

Or in person

AST Election Commission

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Tribal Court Building 3

Shawnee OK

405-275-4030 ext 6271

Once we receive your letter of interest,

we will begin the process.

February 2023

4A www.astribe.com

Education Department

Applications accepted:

Jan. 1st –March 31st

Big Jim Youth Award

(405) 275-4030 Ext. 6242

youthaward@astribe.com

□ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male)

□ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Female)

□ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male)

□ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Female)

STUDENT INFORMATION

Name: ___________________________________________________

(LAST)

The official application form is available at www.astribe.com on the Education page under the

Services tab. The $1,000.00 award is in the form of a scholarship to the college or university

where the award recipient will attend for the fall 2022 semester. The scholarship must be used

for the fall 2023 semester.

Tribal Enrollment #:

Applications are for the following awards:

Email:



Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male and Female)

Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male and Female)

May/June 2023

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

AST Education Department:

Big Jim Youth Awards

We will begin taking applications for the 2022-23 Big Jim Youth Awards on January 1, 2023.

Absentee Shawnee High school seniors of both genders within the 50 United States are eligible

to apply for these awards for the 2022-23 academic year. Applications will be accepted from

January 1 to March 31, 2023 by US mail or email. Official transcripts will be accepted via

email or as a hard copy. Faxed copies will not be accepted.

Finalists announced:

(FIRST)

(MI)

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________

(STREET)

Home Phone: (

(CITY)

)

(STATE)

Cell Phone: (

)

College/university/vocational institution you plan to attend after high school?

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

Please refer to the application for required documents. Eligible applications will be judged by a

panel of (non-AST) experts assembled specifically for this purpose. The intent is to bring

together an unbiased group of experts to evaluate the applicants in an impartial and unbiased

environment. Their decisions are final with respect to all matters concerning these awards.

Awards will be announced at a date to be determined after March 2023.

High School Name:

We encourage ALL Absentee Shawnee High School Seniors to apply.

Coach:

Phone #:

Award recipients will be recognized as the 2022-23 Big Jim Academic Achievement Award

winner or the Big Jim Athlete of the Year. In addition to this recognition the award recipients

will receive the $1,000.00 scholarship to be used towards their education and the advancement of

their career.

Indian Education Director:

Phone #:

Questions on these awards program should be addressed to:

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Education Department

c/o Tresha Spoon

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

405.275.4030 Ext 6242

youthaward@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

Building Blocks is excited to be a 3 Star center

now. The teachers are doing lots of curriculum

with children’s names and preparing the children

for pre-school. Also, we are incorporating

physical activities and hands on learning. Our

teachers are getting CPR and First aid renewed

beginning with the first group on February 4th.

The children are doing lots of Valentine’s Day crafts

and will have parties on February 14th at 3:00 P.M.

Building Blocks will be closed Monday, February

20th in observance of Presidents’ Day.

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.

(ZIP)

City:

State:

Advisor/Counselor:

Phone #:

Sport:

Position:

All Absentee Shawnee High School Seniors are eligible and encouraged to apply.

If applying for both Academic Achievement and Athlete of the year, applicant must provide two (2) separate

applications and sets of supporting documents.

Documents to be included with application:

□ Official High School Transcript (emailed copies sent directly from school personnel will be accepted)

□ Tribal Enrollment Card (copy)

□ Résumé of Accomplishments and Activities

□ Letter(s) of Recommendation (Educator/Coach/Tribal/Church)

□ 500-word Essay: How do you feel your accomplishments (culture/knowledge/training) as well as your being

an Absentee Shawnee Tribal member will influence your future plans?

□ Video (optional): no more than 10 minutes in length

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building Blocks C.D.C.

16051 Lttle Axe Dr.

Norman, OK 73026

(405) 360-2710 Fax: (405) 360-2726

Building Blocks III C.D.C.

We are open to the public and ONLY accepting waitlist applications at this time.

If you are interested in your child attending Building Blocks Child Development

Center III, please call (405) 360-2710.

Director: Skye Foreman, Assistant Director: Renee Richardson.

Building Blocks has started the year off with a BANG!!!! Our building has now been

installed with Antimicrobial LED Lights. This new technology will help fight the

spread of bacteria, infections, and germs. This will help our students and teachers

stay healthy, and less exposed to germs throughout the day. We couldn’t be more

excited!!!

If you love being around children, have early child care training/experience, and

eager to learn APPLY TODAY!

NOW HIRING! Multiple positions! Call (405) 360-2726 or Apply Online @

https://www.astribe.com/employment.

Antimicrobial LED Lights when no motion has

been detected, go into UV lighting to really fight

off those germs!

Antimicrobial LED Lights when no motion has

been detected, go into UV lighting to really fight

off those germs!

Antimicrobial LED Lights during the day while

class is in session. Our new lights also adjust in

brightness.

Antimicrobial LED Lights during the day while

class is in session. Our new lights also adjust in

brightness.

Have a Fantastic February!!

Free Financial Coaching Available to Tribal Citizens

Since June 2020, with grant support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, the Oklahoma Native

Assets Coalition, Inc. (ONAC) has been offering three types of free financial coaching to tribal

citizens across the United States: 1) credit counseling, 2) homebuyer education, and 3) financial

management (i.e. budgeting).

Confidential sessions are offered one-on-one, by teleconference (Zoom) or phone call, with

a certified credit counselor, homebuyer education provider, and financial educator, Felecia

Freeman (Citizen Potawatomi). Typically, these sessions will last for an hour and are scheduled at

a mutually agreeable time.

Thus far, ONAC has offered this free financial coaching to those participating in ONAC’s other

programming. Now, ONAC is offering these financial coaching services to a wider group of

tribal constituents.

If you are a tribal citizen interested in free financial coaching, you are welcome to complete

the following registration form:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ONACcounselingregistration.

Once the form has been submitted to ONAC, our financial coach will work with you to schedule

a remote session by phone or teleconference. This confidential financial coaching is available to

any American Indian or Alaska Native in the United States, regardless of where you reside.

For any questions about these financial coaching services, contact Christy Finsel, ONAC

Executive Director, at (405) 720-0770 or cfinsel@oknativeassets.org.

Please

enjoy

somepicture

picture

have

captured

themonth.

past

month.

Pleaseenjoy

enjoysome

some

have

captured

over

the

Please

wewe

have

captured

overover

thepast

past

month.

Happy

Valentine’s

Day!

Happy

Valentine’s

Day!

Happy

Valentine’s

Day!

February 2023

www.astribe.com

Cultural Preservation Department

Day to day operations have continued to be carried out by each program coordinator to ensure the department as a whole continues to function properly. Following is a

breakdown of each departmental program’s most recent activities.

Cultural Preservation

On December 30th, the Cultural Preservation Department had a meeting to discuss

our goals for 2023-2025. Most of our goals center on improving our out of date systems and coming into the information age. This year we would like to host workshops

that have never been offered before or haven’t been offered recently. We are currently

planning a Woman’s Blouse workshop that will be offered in a series of workshops. I

am hoping to offer the first in late February. Please be on the lookout for an announcement on the Tribe’s website and the Tribe’s official Facebook page.

Also, we are looking into new ways to offer workshops to the community. We would

like to record how-to videos for such things as moccasins, yarn belts, etc. and offer

those to interested individuals. Our hopes are this will give the community 24 hour

access to workshops that they may be interested in that we are not offering. Additionally, please be on the look-out for notices concerning these how-to videos. We are

compiling a database of individuals who can and would be willing to take part in this

project. If you know of anybody or are interested yourself, please contact Ms. Maureen

Bemo at (405) 275-4030 ext. 6238 or at mbemo@astribe.com.

Gift Shop

The Gift Shop is open! We have two locations for your shopping convenience. Our

Shawnee Gift Shop is located at the complex in the Cultural Preservation building

(building 6), and our Little Axe Gift Shop

is located in the lobby of the Little Axe

Health Center. We are open in Shawnee

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and once

a month, usually at the end of the month,

in Little Axe from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please

be patient with us at the Little Axe location

as there is currently only one individual to

cover both shops.

We are still working with distributors

in producing new emblem barring items

such as portfolios, mouse pads, and patches. We have started working with a new

distributor that offers different designs of

blankets. Some of the new items we have

received can be seen in the pictures above

and to the right.

The main goal for 2023 the gift shop

would like to accomplish is providing an

online shop to patrons. Currently, we are coordinating with the appropriate Departments that would help us accomplish this goal. The gift shop would start out small

with just a few items. Please be patient with us as we figure out the details.

However, if you live out of state, we can ship items to you. Please contact the Gift

Shop Manager, Mrs. Merry Rodriguez, at (405) 275-4030 ext. 6310 or at mrodriguez@

astribe.com.

Library

The Library is open! Last month, activity in the library included 4 virtual books

checked out and 3 library books re-checked out. 8 virtual library books are currently

on hold, and Ms. Paula Jackson has added 2 new patrons to both libraries. To date,

she has cataloged over 700 books, 31 being added recently. If you would like to view

what books we have in the library currently, please visit https://www.librarycat.org/

lib/ASTribe to view the catalog. Also, recently she added some new Native American

titles available in either eBook or audio format to the virtual library (https://okvirtuallibrary.overdrive.com/). If you would like to fill out an application for a library

card, you may contact Ms. Paula Jackson at (405) 275-4030 ext. 6416 or at PJackson@

astribe.com.

For 2023, Ms. Jackson plans to diversify the library’s collection. She also would like

to offer new resources such as library podcasts, videos with guests and possibly authors, and PowerPoint trainings. Also, please be on the lookout for events the library

plans to host on the Tribe’s website and the Tribe’s official Facebook page.

Please come in and visit! We have a wide variety of resources available for checkout,

and many magazines, newspapers and journals for your reading leisure. We are open

to your suggestions for the library and look forward to serving your informational

needs!

THPO (Tribal Historic Preservation Office)

The THPO Program continues to make great strides and advancements. The THPO

staff has steadily been receiving Section 106 projects from various Federal Agencies.

Over the past month, the THPO Officer, Mrs. Devon Frazier-Smith, has received 359

new Section 106 projects for review. In conjunction with receiving projects, the program has consulted on 284 projects. These projects were completed in 14 of our 25

areas of interest/states. The THPO and Cultural Preservation Director has also taken

part in 3 teleconference calls as it concerns Section 106 projects as well as NAGPRA

cases.

For 2023, the THPO’s main goal is to build a strong coalition with the two other

Shawnee Tribes. We are currently setting up the first of a series of meetings to discuss topics that are within the Cultural Preservation/Historic Preservation Department such as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, NAGPRA (Native

American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act), TCNS (Tower Construction Notification System), Historical Sites, Language, and other topics that may be of interest.

Language

Mr. Scott Miller has been busy working on building the foundations for a language

program. Over the past several weeks, he has been developing short 15 to 20 minute

lessons to pre-record and place in the Tribal member only section of the AST website.

His plan is to have a series of lessons working through vocabulary, phrases, and short

conversations. He has done a test recording to see how to improve the content and

flow of the lesson and anticipates having the first lesson ready to post within several

weeks.

On January 10th, Mr. Miller participated in a consultation Zoom call with the Department of Education, Office of Indian Education (OIE). The OIE is seeking comment on a proposed National Native American Language Resource Center. The Center

would provide resources as prescribed in the recently signed Durbin Feeling Native

American Languages Act of 2022.

A template agreement for teachers has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s

Office for review. Mr. Miller has a couple prospects for teachers, one in-person and the

other online. He will continue conversations to get a commitment, but please be aware

Mr. Miller will need one more in-person teacher prospect so both locations will be

covered, L.A. and Shawnee.

Please note that the language surveys can still be completed. To date, the language

program has received 4 surveys. So far, the results do not look promising for those

able to understand and even speak limited Shawnee. Hopefully, the efforts mentioned

above will help spark interest in speaking Shawnee.

If you would like to discuss the language program, please contact Mr. Scott Miller at

(405) 275-4030 ext. 6340 or at SMiller@astribe.com.

Your concerns are important to us. We thank you for the continued support of our

department as we continue to make changes to our programs to better serve the Tribal

community. Please feel free to contact me, Carol Butler, at 405-275-4030 ext. 6245 or

cbutler@astribe.com if you have any questions or concerns.

Shawnee Alphabet

The Shawnee Alphabet consists of 13 consonants (P,F,S,N,M,K,W,T,G,L,H,Y,Q) and 4 vowels

(I,A,E,O), which make 52 two letter syllables.

Consonants

• “P” has a soft sound similar to a soft “B”

• “F” has a TH sound as in “thumb”

• “S” has a sound as in “see”

• “N” has a sound as in “new”

• “M” has a sound as in “make”

• “K” has a sound as in “kite”

• “W” has a sound as in “walk”

• “T” has a soft sound similar to a soft “D”

• “G” has a hard “CH” sound or “J” sound as in check or jet

• “L” has a sound as in “land”

• “H” has a sound as in “hello”

• “Y” has a sound as in “yellow”

• “Q” has a sound as in “quiet”

Vowels

• “i” sounds like “ah” or “aw”

• “a” sounds like “eh” or “ay”

• “e” sounds like “ee”

• “o” sounds like “oh”

Special Symbols for Teaching use

• ^ long sound – a vowel sound is held a split second longer than a normal vowel sound.

• ‘ glottal stop – the abrupt stop of a vowel or consonant sound.

• - identifier of a prefix and/or suffix to a verb

Approved 12/21/2022

E-AS-2022-93

Si wi nwi to wa – Speak Shawnee

S’ke pi ye ke s’fwa – Sap Month (February)

(s’kee pah yee kee s’thweh)

Ma li se – sugar

(meh lah see)

Ki qi – Ground hog

(kah qah)

T’hi ko s’ki ge – shadow

(t’hah ko s’kah chee)

Ke sa ke ke s’fwa – sun

(kee seh kee kee s’thweh)

Ke ti qa la ma la – I love you

(kee tah qeh leh meh leh)

Ho wa se la p’wi – happy

(ho weh see leh p’wah)

Fi ke la g’ya na te pa – hold hands

(thah kee leh ch’yeh neh tee peh)

La mi ti pe lo – sit down

(leh mah tah pee lo)

Na wi pi ti – let me see

(neh wah pah tah)

Hi ke ma ge ni ni he – Are you ready?

(hah kee meh chee nah nah hee)

H’yo wa – let’s go

(h’yo weh)

K’ya ke so ho – dress warm

(k’yeh kee so ho)

M’qi ma li ne – ice rain

(m’qah meh lah nee)

Hi mi mo lo – wake up

(ha mah mo lo)

Ke fe qi lo – wash your face

(kee thee qah lo)

LIBRARY

NEWS

by Paula Jackson

Book Review

Five Little Indians by Michelle Good

This novel follows the lives of five children, Kenny, Lucy, Maisie, Clara & Howie, who

were ripped out of their homes and forced to live in a mission school

in Vancouver,

Written

Canada where they endured years of abuse. After being released or escaping as

teenagers, the five find themselves alone and without any skills, support or families.

Although, most of the story is told by a third party we see how they respond to the

trauma and hardships while trying to survive & come to terms with their pasts. Five

Little Indians is a national bestseller. The winner of the 2020 Governor General's

Literary Award for fiction and the 2021 Amazon Canada First Novel Award.

Available on Libby:

https://okvirtuallibrary.overdrive.com/search?query=five+little+indians

February

Black History Month

Library Lover's Day-Valentine's Day

President's Day

Upcoming:

Read Acoss America Day

February 2023

6A www.astribe.com

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Agriculture Department

NOTICE

presents

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO

SUBMIT AN ARTICLE OR STORY

with

Please give us a call at (405) 598-1279 or

send an email to media@astribe.com

Soil and fertilizer 101

Carla Smith

OSU Extension Horticulturist

February 10, 2023

10am – 12pm

AST Multi purpose building

2029 James L. Edwards Ln.

Shawnee, Ok 74801

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.

For questions contact

Gabby Rice

(405) 827-6545

Grice@astribe.com

The Primary Election will be held on

Saturday, March 18, 2023

The polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at

the Little Axe Resource Center and the AST Health

Multipurpose Building on the AST Tribal Complex

Fellow Tribal Members:

My name

is Alicia

(Aly) L. Edwards Miller, and I am

Fellow

Tribal

Members:

officially announcing my candidacy for Secretary of

(Aly) L. Edwards Miller, and I am officially announcing my

the Absentee

Shawnee

Tribe. (Aly)

I wasL.initially

elected

My name

is Alicia

Edwards

Miller,

and I am officially announcing my

the Absentee

Shawnee

Tribe.

I but

wasI am

initially

elected

Representative

2020

currently

serving

candidacy

for

Secretary

the

Absentee

Shawnee

Tribe. I was initially elected as

ut I am currently

servingsince

as the

being

as the Secretary

beingSecretary

appointedsince

in March

Representative

2020

but

currently

serving

as the Secretary since being

2021.

VOTE! VOTE!

appointed in March of 2021.

I am the

daughter

NancyW.

Edwards

and My

the

of Nancy Edwards

and

the lateofGlenn

Edwards.

late

Glenn

Edwards.

Grandparents

are

theand the late Glenn W. Edwards. My

the

daughter

Nancy

Edwards

ate John and Martha Ellis Edwards, and my Great

late

John

and

Martha

Ellis

Edwards,

and

Great

Grandparents

are theEllis.

late I John

and Martha

Ellis Edwards, and my Great

Sargent Ellis

and Annie Bullfrog

am married

Grandparents

are

thethe

latelate

Sargent

Ellis Ellis

and and

AnnieAnnie Bullfrog Ellis. I am married to

Grandparents

are

Sargent

2 remarkable

sons Ellis.

and an

amazing

whom

Bullfrog

I am

marrieddaughter-in-law

to Scott Miller, and

ScottifMiller,

andmention

havemy

2 remarkable

sonswe

and an amazing daughter-in-law whom

ould be remiss

did

not

other

AST

family,

have 2 remarkable sons and an amazing daughterweof

are

soincredible,

very

proud.

I would bewould

remiss

ifI Iam

didhappily

not mention

mymember

other AST

family,

d to be a part

this

and

anmention

active

in-law

whom

we are so traditional

very proud. Ifamily

be remiss

if I did not

my other of

AST

the

Blanchard’s.

proud

part

this

incredible,

traditional

family

and

nd in Little family,

Axe. the Blanchard’s. I am proud to be a part of this incredible, traditional family and I I am happily an active member of

thehappily

North an

Ceremony

Ground

active member

of in

theLittle

NorthAxe.

Ceremony Ground in Little Axe.

esident of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and graduated high school from Tecumseh High School.

I am a Ilong-time

residentresident

of Shawnee,

Oklahoma,Oklahoma,

and graduated

high school high

from

am amy

long-time

Shawnee,

and graduated

ersity of Oklahoma

bachelor’s,

and

Iofobtained

2 master’s

degrees

SGU in school from Tecumseh High School.

Tecumsehwith

High School.

I graduated

from

the University

of Oklahoma

withfrom

my bachelor’s,

IBusiness

graduated

from the University

of Oklahoma with my bachelor’s, and I obtained 2 master’s degrees from SGU in

laude) andand

Administration

(cum laude).

I obtained

2 master’s degrees

from SGU in Management (magna cum laude) and

Management (magna cum laude) and Business Administration (cum laude).

Business Administration (cum laude).

s in various capacities over the span of my administrative career, which has been 20+

I havemy

served

in tribes

various

capacities

over

the span

of the

my administrative

career,

I have

served

various

capacities

over

span

administrative

career, which has been 20+

ed true - serving

tribetribes

has been

oneinof

the most

fulfilling

honors.

I am of

so my

proud

which

has

been

20+

years,

and one

has- remained

true

- serving

my tribe

has

been

one fulfilling honors. I am so proud to

years,

and

one

has

remained

true

serving

tribe

has

been

one

the

most

d I want to continue to build those good relations from within as well as honorably

the

most fulfilling

honors.

so proud

to be Absentee

and Irelations

want to from within as well as honorably

beyet

Absentee

Shawnee

and I Iam

want

to continue

to buildShawnee

those good

ose who are

to know

ofthose

the Absentee

Shawnee

Tribe.

continue

build

good

relations

from

within

well

honorably

represent

ourTribe.

represent our people to those who are yet to know of the Absentee Shawnee

people to those who are yet to know of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

al office, I have worked to do my share for the sake of service and stability. The COVIDSinceinbeing

tribal

office,

I have

to dofor

forservice

thesuch

sake

Since

tribal

office,

I Executive

have

worked

to worked

do my share

the

sake under

andof service and stability. The COVIDight, and I do

notbeing

know

anyin

other

Committee

who

has

come

19 pandemic

was

at its

height, was

and

I do

know

any

other

Committee who has come under such

stability.

The COVID-19

pandemic

its not

height,

andofI do

knowExecutive

of any are

other

e pandemic.

Despite

all the

challenges

these

past

couple

ofnot

years,

there

Executive

Committee

who has come

under such

stressors

of the

a nationwide

pandemic.

stressors

nationwide

pandemic.

Despite

all

challenges

these

de to you to exhibit some of my oversight abilities. I feel this condensed list consists of past couple of years, there are

Despite

all the challenges

theseto

past

of years,

there

areoversight

accomplishments

to provide

youcouple

to exhibit

some

of my

abilities.to I feel this condensed list consists of

t preparedprovide

and skilled

candidate

to beof

the

Absentee

Shawnee

Secretary.

you

exhibit

some

oversight

abilities.

feel

this

condensed

list

consists Shawnee Secretary.

demonstrates I am the best prepared and skilled candidate to be the Absentee

of demonstrates I am the best prepared and skilled candidate to be the Absentee

site overhaul;

and Secretary.

Shawnee

▪ Tribal

website overhaul;

and

n-line electronic CARES/ARPA

applications;

and

▪

Tribal

website

overhaul;

and

▪

Efficient

on-line

electronic

CARES/ARPA

applications; and

gram Assistance to AST members (approximate total up

to) $9,000 provided

▪ Efficient▪ on-line

electronic

CARES/ARPA

applications;

and

CARES Program Assistance to AST members (approximate total up to) $9,000 provided

y; and

▪ CARES Program

Assistance

to AST members (approximate total up to) $9,000

individually;

and

er Assistance Fund

(HAF)individually;

implementation/oversight

providing significant assistance to

provided

and

▪ Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) implementation/oversight providing significant assistance to

tribal homeowners;

and

▪ Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) implementation/oversight providing

qualifyingtotribal

homeowners; and

Square revitalization;

and assistance

significant

qualifying tribal homeowners; and

▪

Tecumseh

Square

and provided individually.

▪ toTecumseh

Square (approximate

revitalization; revitalization;

and

ram Assistance

AST members

total up to) $7,000

▪

ARPA

Program

Assistance

AST

members (approximate

total up to) $7,000 provided individually.

▪ ARPA Program Assistance to AST members (approximate

total up to) $7,000

Re-Elect

John Raymond

Johnson

For AST

Governor

individually.

ust a few of theprovided

many and

there is much more to come. It is time to grow and to

Again,

arethe

justrealities

a few of front

the many

and

much

more to come. It is time to grow and to

ust have an Again,

open these

mind are

tothese

of isus.

Lifethere

andtois

the

world

just a few

of the manyinand

there

much

come.

It iswill

time

experience the

growth,

one of

must

have

an open mind tobecoming

accept the

realities

in front of us. Life and the world will

I do not to

understand

concept

going

backwards

instable

and

grow and to experience

growth,

one

must havebecause

an open mind to accept

the realities

evolve

with

without

us.

not

understand

the

concept

going

backwards

because becoming instable and

tribe well.in Our

to thrive

our will

children

and be

frontduty

of us.is Life

and thefor

world

evolveand

withtheir

or without

us. – I to

dogrow

not understand

stagnate

did

not

serve

our

tribe

well.

Our

duty

thrive

for

our

children

and

their

children – to grow and be

thethere.

concept

of going backwards

because

becoming

and stagnate

did not serve

n help get us

I appreciate

your vote

as Secretary

to instable

KEEP MOVING

FORWARD…

healthier

as aOur

nation.

helpfor

getour

uschildren

there. Iand

appreciate

your –vote

as Secretary

our

tribe well.

duty isI can

to thrive

their children

to grow

and be to KEEP MOVING FORWARD… si

li no ke as

kaano

la. Ne

yi help

wa. get us there. I appreciate your vote as Secretary to KEEP

healthier

nation.

I can

MOVING FORWARD… si li no ke ka no la. Ne yi wa.

Respectfully,

Miller Alicia L. Edwards Miller

February 2023

www.astribe.com

Justin – Happy Birthday to my eldest

child! I love you so very much! XOXO

Love, Mom

Justin – Happy 36th Birthday to our big

brother!! So glad to have you as ours!!

XOXO Love, Joplin & Jiliyan

Happy Birthday

Cora Irene!!!

We love and appreciate

you.

– Your Kids <3 <3 <3

Justin – Happy Birthday to my sweet

nephew! Aunt B loves you!!!

Happy Birthday Laura

Lee Taryole. Hope

you have a Blessed

day. Love from all your

family.

Happy Birthday to

Keaona R. Robertson.

Hope you have a very

blessed day. Sending so

much love to you. From

all of your family.

Happy

Birthday

Lizard

You’re the Mac to my Cheese! The

black to my coffee! We love you and

may the good Lord continue to bless

you! Happy Birthday! Love always and

forever.. Julie and Toby

Trinity

Can’t believe your 19! Stop growing

up!! We are very proud of you and what

you have done so far. We know your

Dad continues to watch and guide you.

Happy beautiful birthday! Love you

forever.. Julie and Toby

Lilly Pad

Happy Happy Birthday my beautiful niece!! You

are a complete JOY to be around and you fill my

heart with laughter!! I absolutely LOVE being

your Aunt! May God continue to bless you and

guide you. I love you always and forever! Love

Aunt Julie and Uncle Toby

Micah

Thank you for being a great sister!

May our good Lord continue to bless

you and your family. Happy Birthday

and I love you!! - Julie

Webb

Happy Birthday!! We hope you have a

blessed and wonderful birthday!! Stay

Golden Pony Boy!

Always and forever love.. Julie and

Toby

Happy Birthday Gary L.

Littlehead. Hope your day is

good. Love from all of your

family.

February 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

The Absentee Shawnee Complex will be Closed

Monday, February 20th - Presidents' Day

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

We have partnered with the Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition, Inc. (ONAC) to establish the

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

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

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



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



Low balance to open

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

Free direct deposit

Free debit card

Free online banking, bill pay & mobile app

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

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

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

Online or Mobile banking transfers.)

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

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

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

2023 Gordon Cooper Drive

Shawnee, OK 74801

FDIC Insured

www.asthealth.org

February 2023

Section B

ASTHS February 2023 Monthly Update

February is American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news:

heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families

can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.

Make a difference in your community: Spread the word about strategies for preventing heart disease and encourage people to live heart-healthy lives

What is Heart Disease?

In fact, there are numerous answers to this question. Heart disease is actually a broad term used for a wide variety of diseases of the heart and blood vessels such as coronary artery

disease, heart rhythm disorders called arrhythmias and defects of the heart present at birth, also called congenital heart defects.

The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease, also called coronary heart disease or cardiovascular disease. This is a condition in which plaque,

which is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances in the blood, builds up inside the coronary arteries which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.

This plaque build-up is called atherosclerosis. A plaque can grow large enough to reduce or completely block blood flow through an artery. More frequently, a plaque may rupture,

causing a blood clot to form that either blocks the artery or breaks off and travels somewhere else in the body causing a blockage at another site. When the blockage takes place in a blood

vessel that feeds the heart, the result is a heart attack or, depending on the severity, Sudden Cardiac Death.

If the plaque build-up or blood clot resulting from the plaque rupture occurs in the carotid arteries on either side of the neck, this is called Carotid Artery Disease and can result in

a stroke. Peripheral Arterial Disease also commonly referred to as Peripheral Vascular Disease, is when the major arteries that supply blood to the legs, arms or pelvis are obstructed. If

blood flow to any of these areas of the body is reduced or blocked, numbness, pain and sometimes dangerous infections such as gangrene can occur.

It is important to understand that while some forms of heart disease are preventable, others may be a result of genetics. Please consult your physician regarding your heart health, family

health history, and ways that you may be able to prevent heart disease.

Heart Attack Symptoms

Symptoms of a heart attack or myocardial infarction can vary greatly from person to person, but in order to help you identify a possible heart attack, we have listed some of the most

common symptoms below:

•

Approximately 2 out of every 3 people who have heart attacks experience chest pain, shortness of breath or fatigue a few days or weeks before the attack.

A person with angina (temporary chest pain) may begin to find that it takes less and less physical activity to trigger the pain. Any change in the pattern of angina should be taken

very seriously and brought to the attention of your physician.

During a heart attack, a person may feel pain in the middle of the chest which can spread to the back, neck, jaw or arms. The pain may also be felt only in the back, neck, jaw or

arms rather than the chest.

A person having a heart attack may have gas-like pain or pressure in the stomach area which is often mistaken for indigestion. The pain is similar to angina, but it is usually more

severe, longer lasting and does not improve with rest or a nitroglycerin pill.

It is important to note that approximately 1 out of every 3 people who have heart attacks do not feel any chest pain. Many of these are women, non-Caucasian, older than 75, have

heart failure or diabetes or have had a stroke.

Nausea & vomiting which are sometimes mistaken for food poisoning or the stomach flu

Lightheadedness or dizziness

Shortness of breath, especially in older people

Feelings of restlessness, sweatiness, anxiety or a sense of impending doom

Bluishness of the lips, hands or feet

Heavy pounding of the heart or abnormal heart rhythms

Loss of consciousness (This can be the first symptom of a heart attack!)

Disorientation resembling a stroke may occur in older people.

•

Helping a Victim of a Heart Attack

Half of the deaths from heart attack occur in the first 3 or 4 hours after the onset of symptoms, so it is important to know and recognize the warning signs.

•

If you think that you or someone in your presence is having a heart attack, call 911 IMMEDIATELY! Every minute you delay can result in more damage to the heart muscle.

After the ambulance has been called, chew and swallow an aspirin, unless you are allergic to aspirin or have been told by your doctor never to take aspirin.

Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed. If you think you're having a heart attack and your doctor has previously prescribed nitroglycerin for you, take it as directed. Don't take anyone else's

nitroglycerin, because that could put you in more danger.

Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest the same as a heart attack?

No. A heart attack may be compared to a plumbing problem in the heart, while Sudden Cardiac Arrest may be compared to an electrical problem in the heart. When people have heart

attacks, they are awake, their hearts are beating, and they are able to communicate. When people have SCA, they are not awake, their hearts are not beating, and they are unable to communicate. Heart attacks can lead to SCA, but there also are many other causes. To learn more, visit the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation (http://www.sca-aware.org/).

Helping a Victim of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating. It strikes seemingly healthy people of all ages, even children and

teens. When SCA happens, the person collapses, becomes unresponsive, and is not breathing normally. He or she may appear to be gasping, snoring or having a seizure. SCA leads to

death within minutes if the person does not receive immediate help.

•

Call 911 IMMEDIATELY!

Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival. Learn the steps for CPR and watch it in action. Find a CPR course

in your area.

Utilize an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available. AEDs - increasingly available in public places and homes - are designed for use by laypersons and provide visual

and voice prompts. They will not shock the heart unless shocks are needed to restore a healthy heartbeat.

The chances of survival for a victim of Sudden Cardiac Arrest drop by 7 to 10 percent with every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, and very few attempts at

resuscitation succeed after 10 minutes, so the key is to ACT QUICKLY!

January 2023 Health Employee Awards of the Month

Employee of the Month: Travis O’Dell, MIS/ Health IT Director

Team of the Month: Health IT

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

Chris A. Larkin, MBA, FACHE, CHC

Executive Director

$18,768

Special Enrollment Periods Did You Know?

Contact a Patient Benefit Advocate

Little Axe Health Center 405.447.0300

Shawnee Clinic 405.878.5850

The Tribe is only funded approximately

40% of cost to render care to patients?

Most people think it is funded 100%.

To add services, equipment, or help

more people, we need your assistance.

By signing up for a zero cost plan, you

allow the tribe to bill for services and to

be reimbursed by insurance companies.

This frees up more dollars to help those

who are are not eligible for a zero cost

plan helping Purchased Referred Care

dollars go further.

$38,304

WE CAN HELP

Contact a Patient Benefit Advocate

Little Axe

Shawnee

Health Center

Clinic

405.447.0300

405.878.5850

www.asthealth.org

February 2023

2B www.astribe.com

A B S E N T E E

S H A W N E E

T R I B A L

HEALTH

SYSTEM

Prevention. Progress. Pride.

CURRENT OPERATING HOURS

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER

405.447.0300

7:30am—6:00pm Mon.—Fri.

LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER

PHARMACY

FOR YOUR VISIT

PLEASE...

CALL AHEAD

405.292.9530 REFILL LINE

8:00am—8:00pm Mon.—Fri.

9:00am—5:00pm Sat.—Sun.

You're Invited

COLLEGE

FAIR

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

WEAR A MASK

PLUSCARE CLINIC

405.447.0477

8:00am—7:00pm Mon.—Fri.

9:00am—4:00pm Sat.—Sun.

6ft

SHAWNEE CLINIC

405.878.5850

7:30am—6:00pm Mon.—Fri.

SHAWNEE CLINIC PHARMACY

405.878.5859 REFILL LINE

8:00am—8:00pm Mon.—Fri.

9:00am—5:00pm Sat.

Shawnee SameDay Walk-In Clinic

is temporarily closed until

further notice.

FOLLOW GOOD

SOCIAL

DISTANCING &

SPACING

USE AVAILABLE

SANITIZERS &

HAND WASHING

9am- 4:30pm

Geared towards

Native High school

students

Colleges

Scholarships

Vocational Schools

Military

ALLOW TIME FOR

ENTRY DUE TO

SAFETY

SCREENING

MEASURES

Students attending

will receive an

incentive

other Resources

Absentee Shawnee Tribal

Health Multipurpose Building

2029 James L. Edwards Ln,

Shawnee, OK 74801

For more details contact Tiffany at trodriguez@astribe.com

or 405-878-4716.

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

PRESENTS

WELLBRIETY

MEETINGS

February 2023 - Scheduled Closings

February 2023 – Scheduled Closings

Dates Closed:

Time(s)

Closed:

Time(s)Wed., Feb 1st

Noon to

Closed:

Locations:

(1st Wed. Month)

5 PM

Locations

WHITE BISON, INC.

A CULTURAL APPROACH TO PERSONAL RECOVERY

FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE

All AST Health facilities CLOSED

-PlusCare RE-OPEN at 5 PM until 7 PM

-LA and Shawnee Pharmacies RE-OPEN at

5 PM until 8 PM

All AST Health facilities CLOSED

Noon to

-PlusCare RE-OPEN at 5 PM until 7 PM

Mon.,

Feb.

5 PM

-LA20th

and Shawnee

Pharmacies

RE-OPEN

at 5 PMCLOSED

until 8 PM

All Day*

ALL AST

Health facilities

(President's Day)

All Day*

ALL AST Health facilities CLOSED

In the event of a predicted severe weather forecast, please call ahead for

possible health system closure or delay: Little Axe Health Center at (405)

447-0300, Shawnee Clinic at (405) 878-5850, or PlusCare at (405) 447-0477

Facilitated by: John Soap, LPC

THURSDAYS AT 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

dicted severe weather forecast, please call ahead for possible health system closure or delay:

SHAWNEE MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING

All Health closures/delays follow the “Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health

nter at (405) 447-0300, Shawnee Clinic at (405) 878-5850, or PlusCare at (405) 447-0477

2029 JAMES L. EDWARDS LN, SHAWNEE, OK 74801

System” on Facebook or visit our website out at www.asthealth.org.

delays follow the “Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System” on Facebook or visit our website out at

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Please plan ahead and allow up to 72 hours for medication refills in

JOHN SOAP, LPC AT JSOAP@ASTRIBE.COM OR 405-878-4716

anticipation of our facilities closures.

nd allow up to 72 hours for medication refills in anticipation of our facilities closures.

Medicine Wheel & 12 Steps

The medicine wheel and 12 step program was developed to provide a culturally appropriate 12 step

program for Native American people. This program was developed by White Bison, based upon

teachings of the Medicine Wheel, the Cycle of Life and the Four Laws of Change.

How The Process Works

The Medicine Wheel and 12 Step Program is designed in a series of modules that enable people to

meet their individual needs. Participants watch a video that explains Medicine Wheel teachings and

apply them to their lives. In addition, participants share their insights and experiences in a talking

circle. They also learn how to mind map their own innate knowledge around these teachings and then

apply that knowledge to their daily lives and decision making processes. For those working through

the program in a group setting (i.e. Circles of Recovery) very strong social and emotional bonds are

created that help the individuals who participate to develop trust, autonomy, and other healthy

feelings and thought pattern that will help them to grow emotionally, mentally, physically, and

spiritually.

Focus

The focus of the program is on character and values. Thus each of the 12 Steps is

presented from the perspective of the value that it reflects.

Step 1: Honesty Step 2: Hope Step 3: Faith Step 4: Courage Step 5: Integrity

Step 6: Willingness Step 7: Humility Step 8: Forgiveness Step 9: Justice

Step 10: Perseverance Step 11: Spiritual Awakening Step 12: Service

Teachings Of The Medicine Wheel

The medicine Wheel is an ancient method for teaching important concepts about truth and

life. Many Native American communities use a Medicine Wheel, although the colors and the

symbols are different depending upon the culture. The purpose is the same in each culture.

These teachings are applied to one's life, have the power to influence significant change in

attitudes, behaviors, values and intent. The Elders have shared a series of teachings based

upon the Natural Order of the way things should be. These are sometimes referred to as the

"original instructions."

These important teachings are included in the Medicine Wheel and 12 Steps:

1.) 4 seasons of change 2.) 4 laws of change 3.) 4 directions of growth

4.) 12 principles for healthy living 5.) Reclaiming our power 6.) The 12 steps of recovery

7.) Nature's way; Principles, laws, and values 8.) Cycle of life

9.) 8 feelings for healthy development 10.) Comfort zones

11.) The two thought system: Love and Fear

12.) The medicine wheel 13.) The laws of the unseen world

February 2023

www.astribe.com

Celebrate American Heart Month: Join the #OurHearts Movement

February is American Heart Month!

Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be

healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

(NHLBI), is that we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we work on them with others.

NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement to inspire us to protect and strengthen our hearts with the

support of others.

Move More

Making Physical Activity Routine

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The good news is that you

can lower your risk of getting it or having a stroke by simply moving more. Many types of activity can help your

Here are some facts, how-to tips, and resources to inspire you to join with others, even if you can’t be

physically together, to improve your heart health.

heart—going on a hike or taking the stairs, biking to the store or around the block, wheeling yourself in your

Heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Most middle-aged

and young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure,

high cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases your risk for

heart disease.

Why Connecting is Good for Your Heart

Feeling connected with others and having positive, close relationships benefit our overall health,

including our blood pressure and weight. Having people in our lives who motivate and care for us helps,

as do feelings of closeness and companionship.

wheelchair. Figure out what works best for you.

How much is enough?

Why move more?

As little as 60 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as walking

briskly helps your heart. For major health benefits, aim for at least 150 minutes

(2½ hours) a week. Or go for 75 minutes a week of more vigorous activity such as

playing basketball, running, or jumping rope, which gives the same benefits. The

bottom line: More activity means a bigger boost to your health.

Being active can:

It’s up to you how you reach your own personal targets. For example, 30 minutes of

physical activity, five times a week, is one option if you’re aiming for 150 minutes a week.

• Lower blood pressure and

cholesterol levels

•

Dancing (standing or seated) to three songs

Getting off your bus early and walking the last stretch

You’ll know you’re moving enough to help your heart if

•

All adults should avoid inactivity.

Start gradually and increase slowly.

Your heart is beating faster

Invite family, friends, colleagues, or members of your community to join you in your efforts to be more

physically active:

•

In addition to aerobic activity, take

time to strengthen your muscles.

Try to work your leg, hip, back, chest,

abdomen, shoulder, and arm muscles.

Aim to do muscle strengthening

twice a week in addition to your

aerobic activities.

Walking briskly for 5 minutes, turning around and walking back

Move more

You’re breathing harder

You break a sweat

Ask a colleague to walk “with you” on a regular basis, put the date on both your calendars, and

text or call to make sure you both get out for a walk.

Get a friend or family member to sign up for the same online exercise class, such as a dance class.

Make it a regular date!

Grab your kids, put on music, and do jumping jacks, skip rope, or dance in your living room or

yard.

Learn more about:

Or, try the talk test:

• CDC Target Heart Rate and

Estimated Maximum Heart Rate.

During physical activities, like brisk walking, you should be able to

talk, but not sing.

• Different types of

physical activity.

During activities such as jogging, you can’t say more than a few

words without pausing for a breath.

• Recommendations for

children, older people, and

pregnant women.

How much is enough? Aim for at least 2½ hours of physical activity each week—that’s just 30 minutes a

day, 5 days a week. In addition, do muscle strengthening exercises 2 days a week. Can’t carve out a lot of

time in your day? Don’t chuck your goal, chunk it! Try 10 or 15 minutes a few times a day. NHLBI’s

Move More fact sheet has ideas to get and keep you moving.

Aim for a healthy weight

Find someone in your friend group, at work, or in your family who also wants to reach or maintain a

healthy weight. (If you’re overweight, even a small weight loss of 5–10 percent helps your health.) Check

in with them regularly to stay motivated. Agree to do1 healthy activities, like walking or cooking a healthy

meal, at the same time, even if you can’t be together. Share low-calorie, low-sodium recipes. Check out

NHLBI's Aim for a Healthy Weight web page.

Eat heart-healthy

We tend to eat like our friends and family, so ask others close to you to join in your effort to eat healthier.

Together, try NHLBI’s free Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. Research

shows that, compared to a typical American diet, it lowers high blood pressure and improves cholesterol

levels. Find delicious recipes at NHLBI’s Heart-Healthy Eating web page.

Quit smoking

To help you quit, ask others for support or join an online support group. Research shows that people are

much more likely to quit if their spouse, friend, or sibling does. Social support online can help you quit.

All states have quit lines with trained counselors—call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). You’ll find

many free resources to help you quit, such as apps, a motivational text service, and a chat line at

BeTobaccoFree.hhs.gov and Smokefree.gov.

If you’re inactive, you’re nearly twice

as likely to develop heart disease than

if you’re active. Learn more about the

benefits of physical activity on the

NHLBI website.

Get strong

Only have 10 minutes? Consider:

You don’t have to make big changes all at once. Small steps will get you where you want to go.

•

min

Try 10 minutes a few times a day, for example.

Be more physically active.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Eat a nutritious diet.

Quit smoking.

Reduce stress.

Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep.

Track your heart health stats.

• Improve blood flow

• Give you more stamina and ability to

cope with stress

Can't carve out a lot of time in your day?

Don’t chuck your goal, chunk it!

Follow these heart-healthy lifestyle tips to protect your heart. It will be easier and more successful if you

work on them with others, including by texting or phone calls if needed.

• Protect your heart (even if you have

heart disease)

hearttruth.gov

Get motivated

Try these tips to make being active part of your everyday routine:

Add a friend or family member

• Take a yoga or other fitness class online with a friend.

• Share your fitness goals with your spouse or roommate.

• Commit to a walking schedule with a friend or family member, even if you can't

walk together.

Do what you love

• If you enjoy the outdoors, try biking, hiking, golf, or gardening.

• Play with the children in your life.

• Check out the track at a nearby school.

• Think of physical activity as a special time to refresh your body and mind.

When To Check With

Your Doctor

Certain physical activities are

safe for most people. If you have a

chronic health condition such as

heart disease, arthritis, diabetes,

or other symptoms, talk with your

doctor first.

Learn more about the risks of

physical activity for certain

groups on the NHLBI website.

Build activities into your day

• Do strength exercises while watching TV or listening to a podcast..

• Use a workout game on your gaming console.

• Take a walk during lunch.

• Go for a walk or a bike ride before you sit down to enjoy dinner or a movie.

If you need extra motivation to quit, consider those around you: Breathing other people’s smoke, called

secondhand smoke, is dangerous. Many adult nonsmokers die of stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer

caused by secondhand smoke.

Manage stress

Reducing stress helps your heart health. Set goals with a friend or family member to do a relaxing activity

every day, like walking, yoga, or meditation, or participate in an online stress-management program

together. Physical activity also helps reduce stress. Talk to a qualified mental health provider or someone

else you trust.

Improve sleep

Sleeping 7–8 hours a night helps to improve heart health. De-stressing will help you sleep, as does getting

a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight. Take a walk instead of a late afternoon nap! Family members and

friends: remind each other to turn off the screen and stick to a regular bedtime. Instead of looking at your

phone or the TV before bed, relax by listening to music, reading, or taking a bath.

Track Your Heart Health Stats, Together

Keeping a log of your blood pressure, weight goals, physical activity, and if you have diabetes, your

blood sugars, will help you stay on a heart-healthy track. Ask your friends or family to join you in the

effort. Check out NHLBI’s Healthy Blood Pressure for Healthy Hearts: Tracking Your Numbers

worksheet.

Visit your Diabetes and Wellness Program at the Little Axe Health Center, Shawnee Clinic and Resource

Center. The Program offers nutrition, exercise and diabetes self-management services to help you and

your family members achieve individually tailored goals designed to improve your quality of life for

years to come! Celebrate Heart Month 2023 by giving us a call at 405-701-7977!

hearttruth.gov

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

BBQ PULLED PORK

SANDWICH

CHIPS

ONIONS/PICKLES

MIXED FRUIT

COLD CUT SANDWICH

VEGGIES SOUP

ORANGE

CLOSED FOR

PRESIDENTS DAY

SMOKED SAUSAGE

PEPPERS n ONIONS

BREAD/

CHICKEN FAJITAS

BELL PEPPER & ONIONS

TORTILLAS

SPANISH RICE

PINEAPPLES

CHICKEN ALFREDO

GARLIC BREAD

VEGGIES

MANDARIN ORANGES

BAKED POTATO

CHEZ HAM ONIONS

BROCCOLI

PUDDING

SALISBURY STEAK

MASHED POT/GRAVY

BEETS

PEACHES

GOULASH

OKRA

PEACHES

CHICKEN STRIPS

MASHED POT/GRAVY

BEETS

ROLL/PEARS

MANWICH

PICKLES

TATOR TOTS

JELL-O

THURSDAY

CHILI HOT DOG

CHEZ, ONIONS

FRITOS

TAMALE

SPANISH RICE

SALSA/CHIPS

APPLE

BAKED ZITA

GREEN BEANS

BREAD STICK

JELL-O

TURKEY ROAST

YAM PATTY

STUFFING

CRANBERRY SAUCE

FRIDAY

PANCAKES

SAUSAGE PATTIES

GRAPES

BOILED EGG

BACON

TOAST/FRUIT

SCRAMBLED EGGS

SAUSAGE GRAVY

BISCUIT

BAGEL

BOILED EGG

CREAM CHEESE

FRUIT

TUNA SALAD

CHIPS

MANDARIN ORANGES

2023

LUNCH SERVED MONDAY – THURSDAY 11 AM TO 1 PM

BREAKFAST ON FRIDAYS- 9 AM TO 11 AM

DURING THE WINTER MONTHS IF THE

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

IS CLOSED DUE TO THE WEATHER IT WILL

BE REPORTED TO THE NEWS CHANNELS

4, 5, 9, AND 25 Or Call Title VI at 405-2754030 ext. 6227

FEBRUARY 14, VALENTINE’S DAY – TITLE

VI/SEEKING HOPE ACTIVITY TO BE

ANNOUNCED

FEBRUARY 20TH PRESIDENT’S DAY - TITLE

VI WILL BE CLOSED – NO LUNCHES WILL

BE SERVED OR DELIVERED

February 2023

4B www.astribe.com

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

HEALTH BUZZ!!

In August of 2020, the AST Health System received the Alzheimer’s Dementia Program

Initiative grant. Seeking Hope, through grant funding, offers two home and communitybased services for Native Americans living with dementia; Music & Memory and The

Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country. I want to share more about both interventions but for

now, let’s take a closer look at Music & Memory.

Music & Memory was founded in 2010 by Dan Cohen, who was a social worker at the

time. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing personalized music playlists to

people in nursing homes and other healthcare settings. He felt compelled to voluntarily

provide music to nursing home residents after hearing a comment on the radio about

music and how it is readily available to younger people. This made him think, what

about the elderly or those living in nursing homes? Seeking Hope would like to go a

step further and extend Music & Memory to persons with dementia living in their homes.

Research has shown us much about how and why music can tap into our deepestseated memories. It can have a positive impact on our overall wellbeing and elicit

physiological responses in otherwise unresponsive patients. It is believed that this is

because of how music is initially stored in our brains and because the parts of the brain

where music is stored remain intact longer. One neuroscientist and University of Central

Florida professor said, “Memories associated with music are emotional memories,

which never fade out — even in Alzheimer’s patients.”

For more information on Music & Memory, email adpi@astribe.com, visit the Seeking

Hope webpage located under “Programs and Prevention” on the AST Health

System website (asthealth.org) or call 405.567.7870. Be sure to watch Alive Inside, a

2014 documentary featuring Dan Cohen, which captures the stories of seven individuals

living with dementia and their journeys with Music & Memory. There are free versions of

the documentary (with advertisements) on YouTube and Amazon Prime.

Warmest Regards,

Gayla Temple

Dementia Care Specialist

Alzheimer’s Dementia Program Initiative

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