The Official Newsletter of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

March 2010

Vol. 25. No. 3

The Official Newsletter of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE

News

Li-Si-Wi-Nwi “Among the Shawnee”

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MARCH

Executive Committee

George Blanchard

Governor

Dan Little Axe Sr.

Lt. Governor

Governor’s Report

To Concerned Tribal Members:

As everyone is now aware, the Ab-

sentee Shawnee Tribe’s Government

budget is in a state of deficit. If you

are asking WHY, consider the following facts.

1. The Tribal budget for 2009

was adopted by the Executive

Committee based on unrealistic projections from the past

controller of the Tribe instead

of basing the 2009 budget on

actual revenues for 2008 as

any knowledgeable business

manager would have done.

This total lack of business

acumen resulted in a deficit of

about $57,892.94. However,

the 2010 projected budgets

were based on actual revenues

of 2009.

2. During the 2009 calendar

year, the Absentee Shawnee

Tribe has spent a total of

$3,425,507.65 ($2,884,517.95

+ $540,989.70) on the Joint

Venture Clinic in LittleAxe.

This WAS your money.

This total also contains

$540,989.70 of expenditures for the loan closing and

Department of Interior bond

guaranty fee of $468,000)

2

Alecia Onzahwah

Representative

Michelle Lopez

Secretary

in which a $600,000.00 loan

was made for these expenses

that the previous leadership

approved to be used for these

bond closing costs, the remainder of $2,884,517.95 was

spent on construction due to

the previous leadership authorizing the start of construction

of the clinic before the loan

agreement with BancFirst was

finalized (very, very, very bad

business practice).

3. The total deficit caused by

what can only be attributed

to total lack of any business

sense of any kind would look

like this.

4.a $57,892.94 deficit due to

using unrealistic projections instead of actual

proceeds from

previous years.

4.b $3,425,507.65 spent on the

clinic when NO AGREEMENT

WAS IN PLACE TO REPLACE

IT.

$57,892.94= poor budget projections

$3,425,507.65= needless

spending on clinic

____________________________

$ 3,483,400.59= Unnecessary

deficit to Tribe for 2009.

4. Of the $3,425,507.65 spent on

Anita Chisholm

r

Treasure

the clinic about 40% of this

MAY be recouped from the issue of the bonds if the loan is

finalized. However, this may

not happen since the first bond

rating was not approved. If the

loan does not go through, the

Tribe is out the total amount.

(This money should not have

been spent prior to the loan

being finalized).

5. If the loan does not go through

there is the possibility of litigation from the construction

company for costs of materials

ordered when they were given

approval to start construction.

These costs are unknown at

this time.

6. All of the above was in place,

and approved by the previous leadership before June 1st

2009. The present Executive

Committee is forced to proceed with the venture in order

to recoup ANY of the money

needlessly spent on the clinic.

Without the very bad business

decisions made by the previous

leadership in 2007, 2008 and 2009

there would not be this expense

put forth for the joint venture

project

As a result of the 2009

budget projections, all General

Fund programs have taken drastic

cuts. The Elders program, The Veterans program, Title VI program,

March 2010

Family assistance, Tribal Police,

just about everything except child

welfare has taken cuts due to the

ineffective leadership shown by

the previous leadership in 2007,

2008 and 2009.

Everyone should be aware that

the above figures should be public

record for

anyone wanting to see what

checks were written, and who on the

Executive

Committee authorized the transactions. Just attend a Executive Committee meeting

and ask your favorite member to

produce the documentation.

I, as your Governor would like

to present all Tribal members with a

more

optimistic report on our financial

future. I assure you all that the present

Executive

Committee is working to the best

of our ability to correct the situation,

and I want to

personally thank all department

heads for their diligence in operating

under these

unfortunate circumstances not of

their making. Thanks to you all.

George Blanchard,

Governor of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Secretary’s Report

Hello Tribal members. Hope all is doing well. It’s been awhile since I have

submitted a newsletter article. Haven’t

had much to report to you lately with all

the budget cuts and the slow in progress.

We the EC continue to have meetings on

important issues but no decisions have

been made. It seems like we meet to

discuss, discuss, and discuss but no decisions. However we did meet with the

Global Gaming Solutions “Chickasaw

gaming Enterprise” last Friday and they

presented us with their Recommendations. Most of the recommendations we

are already doing at the casino and the

others we already new like longer terms

for elected officials for a more stable

government and a high level action plan

to implement a structure based on the

governance model of the Chickasaws.

Well I have always questioned why we

would bring in our competitor to evaluate our casino, and to recommend to

us how to run our government. Maybe

it’s just me. I think of this as “Let’s

give them all our trade secrets and our

information and let them run with it.”

Well it’s done now and we will see what

happens in the future.

Well with the new Organizational Chart

I now have oversight of the following

departments. Enrollment, Media, MIS

“Management Information Systems”,

Procurement and the Receptionist office.

Each of these departments does a great

job fulfilling their duties. These departments all send monthly reports to all

EC members.

Enrollment has been busy processing

applications for enrollment, disenrollment due to insuffient blood quantum,

Relinquishments, and the processing of

CDIB cards.

We have been dealing with a major issue in the enrollment department and

will continue to try and do my job by

cleaning up the rolls. I have brought

this to the attention of the General

Council back in October and in previous newsletters. Currently there are15

tribal members on the roll with insufficient blood quantum and enrollment

has conducted the research, and we

have sent out three different letters to

these individuals notifying them of this

action and scheduled hearings. Only

three showed up for these hearings. We

asked for any additional information that

would help the research please bring it

to the Enrollment Office and only one

proceeded to furnish information. The

enrollment office has researched this

over and over again and came up with

March 2010

the same answer not enough blood to

be on the roll. I have presented this

to previous and present EC members

and still nothing has been done. I was

elected to be the Custodian of the rolls

and I am trying to clean them up. I have

been threatened by lawsuits or have been

told that I would be opening Pandora’s

Box. I would like for the Members of

the Tribe to step forward and give me

some direction in this matter since the

indecisiveness of previous Committees

and present members of the Executive

Committee feels that we should leave

this alone due to some of the individuals

are family members or they’re running

for office. I’m asking for direction on

this matter. I have been told that I am

just singling out individuals to dis-enroll

and this is certainly not the case. Yes,

I realize this is a major decision on the

part of the EC but if we don’t correct

the Rolls now it may never be resolved.

I have received several calls regarding

these individuals allowed to remain

then why can’t everyone be accepted .

I would like for you to mail or email the

entire EC with your comments. I feel

it is my job to keep the roll straight for

future generations to come. My email

address is michellel@astribe.com.

Look forward for your comments.

Media is now ready to have their grand

opening ceremony in a few weeks just

waiting for the sign to get finished. They

are now open to the public and will start

advertising in local newspapers within

in the next two weeks. If you would or

need printing done please don’t hesitate

to call upon LI-SI-WI-NWI Graphics

and Printing located at 219 E. Walnut

Tecumseh, Oklahoma 74873 Phone#

598-1279.

MIS is constantly updating our website

and researching new ways to help with

broadband. The MIS department has

been steadily working on various projects. Most of the projects have revolved

around end user requests, but also includes some larger projects and goals

of the department. Our ultimate goal is

to provide a constant work environment

3

by keeping the computer system online

and operational and by providing an

“always on” networking environment

for the end users to accomplish their day

to day tasks.

Randy Edge one of our MIS Specialist, attended a meeting in Fayetteville,

North Carolina on broadband on Feb

9-11. He reported that there are several

grants out there to help rural areas. The

United State Department of Agriculture

has funding available through the stimulus Recovery Act of 2009. The Federal

Government granted $7.2 Billion to

expand broadband access allocating

$4.7 to Broadband Telecommunication Opportunities Program (BTOP)

and $2.5 Billion to Broadband Initiatives Programs (BIP). In addition to

the USDA the Rural Utilities Service

(RUS) provides loans/grants to expand

broadband services to rural communities

who are underserved or limited. The

Federal Government focus is to leverage the technology availability in order

to sustain economic growth. Will keep

you updated on this issue.

Procurement is in charge of purchasing,

travel and other duties that include working with the insurance companies in

getting the Governors building remolded

and other offices in the case of storm

damage. The EC has been asked why

there are no tribal members working

on the building and it’s because of the

insurance company is employing their

own workers to do this job.

Well I have taken up to much of your

time and will close for now.

If you should have any concerns or questions please call or come by my office.

Thank you

Secretary Lopez

4

Treasurer’s Report

Well here it is the middle of February. Time is really flying by here at

the tribal complex. I don’t know if

you feel this way but the weather has

really taken its toll on me as of lately.

It seems all I want to do is snuggle in

my warm house. The snow was beautiful? I wished I could have gone snow

sledding or ice skating.

I just read all the information in the

newsletter about the candidates who

are running for office. It quite exciting to hear about all the new people

who are interested in running for office. I wish each of them well in their

endeavors. You can rest assured that

who ever win the position for Treasurer that my office will work with

that person to ensure they have all the

information needed about the finances

of the tribe. I ‘ll set up a transition

period of time where the newly elected

Treasurer, the finance department and

myself meet on a regular bases until

that person is sworn into office in June

or July.

When I came in office of July 08 we

started cutting back on our budgets

and that continues up to the present

time. We must continue this process

if we are to get the tribe back on track

financially. We’re not like the federal government where we can print

more money and keep on spending.

All the current EC members have

been informed of our financial picture

and appear to be willing to make the

necessary changes to bring our tribe

back to a sound financial foundation. I

hope who every is elected as new EC

members will have that the same commitment when they get into office and

really know what the true picture is

with our tribe. It is easy to say “we’re

going to this or going do that” but

when you face the “music” it’s a lot

harder to do. Cutting budgets is hard

to do!! We did end 08 and 09 in the

black but with a small margin.

Yes, all the administrations (EC) starting in 2005 up to the current EC need

to figure out a way of bring more money into our tribal complex. The staff

need to help with this as well. Many

have helped by writing for funding for

new grants/contracts with indirect cost

which has helped a lot. When we get

new funding in where we can charge

for the indirect cost part we bring

in new money to the tribe. We have

hoped the ASEDA, Inc. And the board

members would bring in new projects

to the tribe. They have a project that

could possible to do that in the future. The TEC board wanted to build

a new casino on the tribal complex.

One funding source after another has

not materialize. Building new smaller

casinos is one key to more funding for

the tribe. The EC and TEC board need

to work together on this issue.

The Joint Venture effort for the new

clinic still continues. There is so much

information to share but will let the

Governor do that in his timing. We

are now at the stage where we are getting the “bonds” rated by Fitch. The

Bonds should be rated and sold by the

end of March. Hopefully, construction

should be starting in the Spring. This

project which was started back in 2007

and passed on to the current EC has

had its “gliches” here and there but is

back on track again.

You may recall that the opening of the

All Nations Branch Bank was stopped

by the EC administration in the fall of

2005. What followed was the building

has sat empty from 2005 to now 2010.

The building has been utilized by staff

for workshops and other meetings.

During the year of 08 a suggestion was

made to lease the building. Leasing

the building would have been a small

money maker and would have required

a 5yr to 10 year lease. Leasing the

building never transpired. We recently

learned that the current officers of the

All Nations Bank feel we can open the

building on our complex as a branch

sometime in 2010. Finally the tribe

March 2010

will be able to utilize that building for

what it was intended. The All Nations Bank is holding its own and has

increased their portfolio in the loan department. The growth has been slow

but that investment the tribe made

back in the early 2000's is still there.

The federally required audit of the

Tribe is paid out of the Finance budget

as is the Indirect Cost Proposal that in

necessary so that we can charge federal

dollars indirect cost fees to provide for

the indirect cost pool and these expenses

are budgeted at $150,000.

Well that is my “two cents” for this

month. I can’t tell you how much I

enjoy working for the tribe and working with all the EC and staff members

of this tribe. Talk to those candidates find how what they really mean

about how they are going to serve the

people. Make sure that each person

is willing to serve in their position in

a full time capacity. You deserve that

type of representation. .

The Finance department affects the

entire Tribe. We handle all the bookkeeping for the Tribe, payments, recording, reconciling, storage of documents,

and many other duties. In addition, we

handle payroll for 170 employees; who

will increase once the new clinic is

completed and staffed. It is important

to realize as well, that with the payment

of invoices, the cost to cut a check is the

same regardless of the dollar amount

of the check – a $1.45 check cost the

same to produce as a $100,000. We continually explore ways to reduce cost for

example; utilizing petty cash for smaller

purchases (having keys made, etc.).

CONSTITUTION

REVISION COMMITTEE

The next meetings for the Constitution

Revision Committee will be on:

- March 6, 2010 @ 9:00 AM

-

April 19, 2010 @ 9:00 AM

Meetings will be held at the Little Axe

Resource Center.

Please come and give your input.

If you have any questions or comments,

call Briana Ponkilla (405)275-4030x

131 or bponkilla@astribe.com.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

MARCH 2010

There have been some questions regarding the Finance Departments budget. I

hope this information with clarify the

use of the finance budget.

The Finance Budget takes care of many

expenses that are Tribal wide. Utilities

(water, electric, trash pickup, gas, are a

few) for the Complex, Little Axe Clinic,

Resource Center, etc are budgeted for

approximately $250,000; and we will

be adding the new day care building

utilities this year as well.

We have completed the books for 2009

and have closed the year. We expect

auditors on sight March 8, 2010. We

expect to have the audit completed by

the end of May so that we can prepare

our Indirect Cost proposal for submission by June 30 deadline.

I would like to extend a sincere THANK

YOU to all the entire staff of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe for hitting deadlines

and for their understanding of deadlines/

timelines for accurate accounting of the

finances. We would not be caught up

if it weren’t for all of you helping and

delivering information timely. THANK

YOU, AGAIN!!!!

For 2010, the Finance Department cut

staff level by not replacing the third

highest paid position, the Grants Accountant. Rather than higher a Grants

Accountant to replace the previous

Grants Accountant who was promoted to

Assistant Controller, we opted to share

the duties of the three positions between

the Controller and Assistant Controller

and hired a Staff II Accountant to handle

some of the lower level accounting

March 2010

functions the Controller and Assistant

Controller were handling; thereby reducing payroll expense. In addition, to

this change we have opted not to replace

the recently vacant Benefits/Payroll

specialist at this time. We are splitting the duties of this position between

the Human Resource Department and

Finance. The duties that remain with

finance will be absorbed by current staff.

The overall staff reduction for finance is

approximately 1.5 persons.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

JANAURY 2010

The Finance Office has made great

progress in getting the day to day activities flowing efficiently and effectively

through communication between our

offices and the Programs. In working

together, we have found the most time

effective and cost effective process for

transacting business. Thanks to the Executive Committee and all the programs

for their support and understanding during this endeavor.

Our 2008 audit was completed late August 2009. Accounting was caught up

and financials were completed through

June 2009 for the second quarter and

then again for October 2009 for the

third quarter.

The Tribe has submitted the 2010

indirect cost proposal and expects an

approved rate in March 2010.

The Finance Department has begun

preparation for the 2009 Audit. Once the

2009 Audit is completed we will begin

the Indirect Cost Proposal for 2011. It

is imperative the accounting / bookkeeping be caught up and continues to stay

caught up so that audits go smoothly.

Audits affect the ability to submit indirect cost proposals which affects grants.

We expect the audit to be completed by

the end of May so that we can prepare

the indirect cost proposal; which is due

by June 2010.

After the interview process a selection

5

was made for an Assistant Controller.

Genevieve Foster was selected. She has

been with the Tribe since June of 2007

and she has held the position of Staff

Accountant II/Cash management and

Grants Accountant before her promotion

to Assistant Controller. Genevieve has

an accounting degree and has sat for the

CPA exam. We are very proud to have

Genevieve on our team. Congratulations, Genevieve!

In the effort to cut costs, we are combing the Grants duties with the Assistant

Controller duties and have hired a Staff

Accountant II / Reconciliations - Journal

Entries. We are proud to announce that

we have hired a Tribal member for this

position.

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Finance

Department has a very hard working

group of people and it is an honor to

work with them and at the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe. This department would

like to extend a special thanks and note

of appreciation to the Executive Committee for providing the tools, resources

and support to enable the finance staff

to accomplish what has been accomplished. A special thanks and note of

appreciation to Program Managers and

employees of the Tribe for their assistance and dedication in our group effort

toward accomplishing our goal. Now

that we are caught up, we are dedicated

to continue our efforts in this direction.

If you have any questions or needs,

please call 405-275-4030 ext 162 and

I will be glad to assist you in any way

I can.

Thank you,

Belinda Collins, Controller

Reprentative’s Report

In previous articles I have expressed the

need for a tribal Land and Water Conservation District and now I would like

to take this opportunity to explain why I

feel this is so important. If you will recall, in the February newsletter, I shared

with you all a recent Tribal Water Rights

resolution I presented to the Executive

Committee for consideration, which was

subsequently passed. The intent of this

resolution was to notify the Governor

of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Water

Resource Board of our intent to assert

and maintain our tribal water rights. The

resolution along with a letter has been

sent to Governor Henry and the OWRB.

Again, this is to protect the tribal water

rights of all water that borders, flows

through and flows under tribal land.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the Collier case, this case

stemmed from a previous action many

years ago in which the U.S. Government

assigned or set aside approximately

259,000 acres for the Citizen Band Potawatomi tribe and then, the very next

day, unbeknownst to us, the government

then assigned or set aside the very same

portion of land for us, the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe. In my opinion, this

action was preposterous. Fast forward

to many years later, the Collier case

came about in which the Citizen Band

Potawatomi’s won and the result being

that we, the Absentee Shawnee, must

obtain permission from them before we

can place any land into trust within what

is considered their tribal jurisdiction.

This has been a barrier in terms of developing business in the Shawnee area.

In time, this case may or may not be

an issue as we also work to protect our

water rights for water bordering, flowing

through and under our tribal lands. In

the meantime, we have taken a proactive

measure in passing the AST tribal water

rights resolution and forwarding it to the

appropriate Oklahoma offices.

In asserting and maintaining tribal water

rights, tribes must create a water man-

6

agement and usage plan which outlines

any present water usage but also must

identify any tribal lands which may, at

some point in the future, be irrigated

for agricultural purposes as well as any

traditional and industrial usage. Water

has become a “use it or lose it” issue and

there have been those situations in which

individual non-Indian land owners water

rights have been removed from them for

lack of an initiation of planned water usage. Tribes however have distinct rights

but we MUST continue to protect them.

Equally important to managing tribal

water is the creation and the execution

of a land usage and management plan

within a tribal land and water conservation district. When tribes work to

develop tribal enterprise, there are often

various challenges to overcome and I

will attempt to explain a few of those

challenges.

It has been mentioned that our tribe

needs to seek to develop alternative energy. While I agree with this, there are

many factors that should be considered.

Last year I attended a Senate Committee

on Indian Affair’s tribal consultation on

Energy Development in Indian Country

and was able to learn more about the

various challenges that tribe’s face when

working to develop alternative energy

such as wind, geothermal and bio-fuel

energy on tribal lands. Unfortunately,

tribes often face barriers when dealing

with 1) bureaucratic federal policies,

outdated and cumbersome regulations;

2) lack of tribal access to the transmission grid 3) difficulty in finding

financing for tribal energy development

projects. I reported on this issue in a

previous article.

These are factors that both tribal leaders

and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs are working on. Until these barriers

move toward resolve, it will be challenging for any tribe, including our own, to

develop alternative energy; however,

we should still prepare and plan for a

time when the playing field for Indian

energy development is accessible and

March 2010

this plan should include accessing our

natural resources, both land and water,

and obtaining an energy audit so that

we can determine which types of energy

development, if any, are feasible on our

tribal lands.

Finally, another major reason it is important for us to consider a tribal Land

and Water Conservation District is so

that we can begin to address another

issue that often comes to the forefront

as tribes take into account the desire to

develop their lands and that is the issue

of fractionation.

“Fractionation” is what happens to

Indian land when an Indian land owner

passes on “intestate”, or without a will,

without clearly naming an heir to inherit

that particular piece(s) of land that he/

she owns. As most of us know, when a

person passes on, their estate, or property, must go to what is called probate,

which is, in essence, a hearing of sorts,

conducted in a probate court. If a person

has a will, once it is determined the will

is genuine, the wishes of the deceased

are administered or carried out. Should

an individual pass on without a will

(intestate), the probate hearing will

determine who will be your heirs (generally next of kin) and what percentage

of ownership that heir will get. Herein

lies the problem:

When an individual Indian landowner

passes on without a will, often this results in there being multiple heirs to that

parcel(s) of land and those heirs who

inherit that land end up owning percentages, or fractions, of that parcel(s) of

land. The land has now become fractionated. This has happened time and

again in many instances, resulting in

many parcels of Indian land throughout

Indian country being fractionated over a

period of generations – an estimated 3.6

million acres. Some parcels may have

hundreds of heirs with various percentages of ownership. I personally own a

few parcels of land one which I own ½

of 1% of that entire acreage of land due

to the multiple amount of heirs.

March 2010

It is nearly impossible to develop fractionated property for any purpose due to

the fact that there are multiple owners

and all owners must be located and then

agree to specific development of that

parcel of land and give express consent for such. Unfortunately, this often

leads to disagreements and ill feelings

among percentage owners. More often

than not, individuals will not attempt to

complete this task as it is difficult to get

those several other percentage owners to

agree. Tribes face the same challenge.

When working to develop leases of or

purchases of tribal members land, tribes

also face the issue of how to get all

individual percentage owners to agree.

So what is the solution to the fractionated land issue? This is one that has

weighed heavy on the minds of both

tribes and individual Indian land owners for years and thus far there is not

an across-the-board-solution; however,

there are options that our tribe may

want to consider to include in any future

Tribal Land and Water Conservation

District, should one be developed.

One tribe has developed a land consolidation plan that includes a Tribal Land

Enterprise (a tribal corporation), or

TLE. Under the TLE, individual Indian

land owners are allowed to exchange

their fraction interests on the land they

hold in exchange for TLE Certificates

(shares in the tribal corporation). These

individuals who hold TLE Certificates

may then “ 1) keep the certificates and

receive dividends, with the tribe, from

the use of the exchanged land interest

2) convert all or some of the certificates

into cash 3) trade the certificates back

to the tribe in exchange for a TLE land

“assignment” to which they may rights

of use and devise as long as only one

beneficiary is designated.” It should also

be kept in mind that tribes and tribal

corporations can obtain funding to assist

in consolidating land interests, or fractions, whereas individual land interest

owners are generally unable to access

such funding.

I would also like to refer to the recent

settlement of the Cobell case in which

years and years of litigation was centered on the argument that the government mismanaged billions of dollars

in oil, gas, grazing, timber and other

royalties overseen by the Interior for

Indian trustees since 1887. The settlement amount consists of a $1.4 billion

payback to Indian plaintiffs involved in

the case (which still must be approved

by Congress), plus another $2 billion to

go into a Trust Land Consolidation Fund

to buy back fractured trust interests. It

should also be noted that of the $2 billion, the settlement requires that a Secretarial Commission on Trust Reform

be established paid for by money in the

Trust Land Consolidation Fund. Tribes

and individual Indian land owners must

pay close attention to this issue for the

consolidation would seek to consolidate

all 128,000 individual Indian allotments

into an Indian-owner-managed trust,

this could include tribes and individual

land owners as owners in common. The

Secretary of the Interior could then be

authorized to consolidate the estimated

3.6 million acres of fractionated Indian

land interests into what the government

believes to be efficient and beneficial.

There are still other steps that must be

completed before the Cobell settlement

is finalized and until this is done, we

should take it upon ourselves to engage

in our own fractionated land solution

through a Tribal Land and Water Conservation District, we must also consider

establishing various codes of law such

as Tribal Water Codes, Wild Life Codes,

and Environmental Codes for the management and protection of our lands.

Earlier in this article I touched upon the

probate of a person’s estate, or property.

Often, the probate of our loved ones take

extended periods of time- sometimes

years. Tribes do have the option to pursue establishing a tribal probate code so

that we handle our own probates. This

is yet another area that our tribe needs

to consider at some point in time. This

7

8

Thank you for taking the time to read

what I have shared in this article.

100%

$78,410.36

March 2010

NOTE:

$78,410.36

TOTAL COLLECTIONS

$795.00

$795.00

Miscellaneous

$77,615.36

$77,615.36

1.01%

8.20%

65.78%

13.51%

1.71%

9.79%

% OF

COLLECTIONS

Tax Collection

TOTAL TAXES

As a quick update, I would also like

to say that we have completed the

interviews for new staffing for the

new daycare center and are awaiting

clearance on backgrounds checks, etc.

While there have been some unforeseen

delays, the daycare will be opening very

soon. I think you all will be very proud

of the new center. One highlight that I

have been impressed with is that each

classroom with have the hi-tech “Smart

Representative Onzahwah

$6,427.61

$51,581.00

$10,591.43

$1,337.71

$7,677.61

There are often factors that contribute

to some of the concerns that we may

have about our programs from time to

time and I feel it is important that we

communicate this so that we all have

a better understanding of why things

occur. I also want you to know that

there are good things on the horizon

developing in our health programs, as

well as other programs within our tribe,

but these things take time. I have encouraged our health programs to share

these things with you as time goes by

and they have assured me that they will

be submitting articles for this purpose

to highlight some of these projects and

achievements.

Respectfully,

$6,427.61

$51,581.00

$10,591.43

$1,337.71

$7,677.61

Finally, I would like to share this: I

have had various concerns shared with

me over our tribal health clinics. With

this in mind, I posed a few questions to

our Executive Health Director, Mr. Chris

Walker, Clinic Administrator – Modina

Waters, and Dr. Boren. One inquiry was

the question of why do we sometimes

have long wait times or difficulty getting

a walk-in appointment when at times it

I have posed this question to our health

program staff and they have provided

me with some insight on how no-call/

no-shows can affect the flow of services

at our clinics. I think it is very important that we understand this and that

we do our part to avoid being a no-call/

no-show. I encourage us all to help decrease the no-call/no-show situations by

keeping our appointments or by calling

the clinic should an unforeseen event

happen that may prevent us from keeping an appointment. I have asked Mr.

Walker, Dr. Boren and Modina Waters

to submit an article explaining this to

you. Please see the health department’s

article in this newsletter edition for more

information. As you read it, please take

note that the Little Axe clinic had more

than 700 visits in October 2009. That is

astounding in itself.

Sales (6%)

Gaming % of free cash

Employee (1%)

Severance (8%)

Motor Vehicle

I have emphasized the need for our tribe

to pursue establishing a Tribal Land

and Water District and I wanted to take

this time to explain why I feel this is so

important for our people for the years

to come. I hope that I have been able

to shed some light on the various challenges we face but I also hope that I

have been able to offer some solutions

to consider for our future.

Boards” for teaching the children. An

opening will be announced soon.

TAX

CATEGORY

What other reasons are there for establishing a Tribal Land and Water Conservation District? A tribal conservation district provides the means for the

tribe and the United States Department

of Agriculture to work together. The

U.S.D.A. is a very large department of

the U.S. government with 29 agencies

within it. Establishing a tribal conservation district and an Memorandum of

Agreement with the U.S.D.A. would

assist the U.S.D.A. in providing direct

access for tribes to those 29 agencies and

the various programs within those agencies that may be beneficial to the tribe

and tribal members. Some examples of

resources that would be more accessible

would be: Assistance with community

infrastructure and business development, assistance with management of

natural resources and environment and

financial assistance for those who may

wish to farm or ranch.

appears we are not fully booked at our

health facilities.

FY-2010

YTD TAX COLLECTIONS

(thru 1/31/2010)

YEAR-TO-DATE

JANUARY

TOTAL

may allow the process to go a little more

timely while yet again strengthening our

sovereignty. Thus far, to my knowledge,

the Standing Rock Sioux and the Umatilla tribe’s are the only tribal nations

to establish and implement such tribal

probate codes. There may be a few more

since I last visited this issue.

The following are Resolutions passed

during the month of January 2010

EXECUTIVE RESOLUTIONS:

E-AS-10-01

01/06/10

Amends Executive Resolution No.

E-AS-2009-51 (formation of the Office

of Self Governance) and dissolves the

position of Director; EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.

E-AS-10-02

01/06/10

Amends Legislative Resolution No.

L-AS-2006-16 (formation/budget of

the Veterans Affairs Department) and

dissolves the position of Coordinator/

Director; EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY; and

E-AS-10-03

01/06/10

Rescinds Executive Resolution E-AS2001-23, approved on February 28,

2001, attached in its entirety, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. (Absentee

Shawnee Burial Trust Fund Agreement)

E-AS-10-04

01/06/10

Rescinding Executive Resolution E-AS2001-33, approved on April 4, 2001,

attached in its entirety, EFFECTIVE

IMMEDIATELY. (Motor Fuels Distribution Plan)

E-AS-10-05

01/06/10

Authorizes the application submission

to the U.S. Department of Treasury for

allocation of Tribal Economic Development Bonds.

E-AS-10-06

01/20/10

Adopting the organizational chart, attached and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A” effective immediately, which

supersedes all previous organizational

charts.

March 2010

E-AS-10-07

01/20/10

L-AS-10-03

Approves and accepts Dawn Marie

Wallis, Amber Elisabeth Kitchen and

John Eric Matthew Petty as enrolled

members of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe

of Indians of Oklahoma as of the date of

this resolution.

E-AS-10-08

01/20/10

Rejects the application of Josiah Elias

Garcia for membership in the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe due to Insufficient Blood

Degree.

E-AS-10–09

01/20/10

Authorizes and consents to the conveyance of a 1.25 acre tract within Absentee

Shawnee Allotment AS-S 490-F.

E-AS-10-10

01/20/10

Adopts the Absentee Shawnee Tribal

Complex Cafeteria Flexible Benefit Plan

in the form presented to the Executive

Committee, which Plan is effective as

of February 1, 2010

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS:

L-AS-10-01

01/06/10

01/06/10

Authorizes and approves the Bureau of

Indian Affairs (BIA) Budget for calendar

year 2010 in the amount of Two Million

Two Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand

Nine Hundred Nine Dollars and No

Cents ($2,288,909.00) as reflected in the

attached budget document, “Exhibit A”,

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.

L-AS-10-04

01/06/10

Authorizes and approves the Indian

Health Services (IHS) Budget for calendar year 2010 in the amount of Eight

Million One Hundred Forty-Three

Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-One

Dollars and No Cents ($8,143,791.00)

as reflected in the attached budget

document, “Exhibit A”, EFFECTIVE

IMMEDIATELY.

L-AS-10-05

01/06/10

Rescinds Legislative Resolution L-AS2000-51, approved on August 11, 2000,

attached in its entirety, effective immediately. (Absentee Shawnee Education

Trust Fund)

L-AS-10-06

01/20/10

Authorizes and approves the General

Fund Budget for calendar year 2010

in the amount of Two Million Two

Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand Three

Hundred Seven Dollars and No Cents

($2,284,307.00) as reflected in the attached budget document, “Exhibit A”,

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.

Amends L-AS-2010-01, the General

Fund Budget for calendar year 2010,

to the amount of Two Million Three

Hundred Eight Thousand Three Hundred Forty-Eight Dollars and No Cents

($2,308,348.00) as reflected in the attached budget document, “Exhibit A”,

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.

L-AS-10-02

L-AS-10-07

01/06/10

Authorizes and approves the Indirect

Cost (IDC) Budget for calendar year

2010 in the amount of Two Million Five

Hundred Eighty Thousand Forty-Seven

Dollars and No Cents ($2,580,047.00)

as reflected in the attached budget

document, “Exhibit A”, EFFECTIVE

IMMEDIATELY.

01/20/10

Amending L-AS-2010-02, the Indirect

Cost (IDC) Budget for calendar year

2010, to the amount of Two Million Five

Hundred Eighty-Two Thousand Four

Hundred Forty-Seven Dollars and No

Cents ($2,582,447.00) as reflected in the

attached budget document, “Exhibit A”,

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.

*****************************

9

CANDIDATE LETTERS

My name is HisoWik-Kimse, Betty

Mahardy Watson,

and I am a candidate for Representative. I cannot stress

enough it is critical

Betty Watson

you exercise your

right to vote on

March 20. Do not let someone else

pick the candidates for you to vote on

in June.

We, the General Council members,

do not know all the facts concerning

what is actually happening within our

tribal government and cannot get the

real truth behind questions we have

concerning the true financial condition of our tribe, Executive Committee salaries, casino revenues, and the

joint venture health project. We have

questions when the General Council

voted by Referendum and the Referendum vote of General Council are not

followed by the Executive Committee

members. For example, the higher

salaries being paid to Executive Committee members when we, the General

Council, voted the salary increased

down twice by Referendum (tribal

law), and they continue to get the high

salaries. Another example we, the

General Council, voted NO to he Joint

Venture to build the new clinic and

incur indebtedness in the amount of

$25 M, but the Executive Committee

crafted a scheme to go around the vote

of the General Council. Please understand one thing, when the General

Council votes by a Referendum, that

becomes tribal law and cannot be circumvented by the Executive Committee by them passing a Resolution. The

Tribal Law cannot be changed except

to take the issue to the General Council for another vote. They did not do

this and now the Executive Committee

is in the processing of securing a loan

to build the JV clinic in the amount of

$26 Million, even though the General

10

Council Voted NO.

These are major issues and concerns I

have as a tribal member and I plan to

address should you elect me as your

Representative. I know some of the

issues have been going on by elected

officials past and present, but because

it was done in the past does not make

it right. I cannot emphasize enough

that the stakes are very high for the

future or our Tribe. Our finances are

in a state of emergency, our tribal

government has not been responsible

in taking care of our assets and affairs

and have made some bad business decisions concerning the financial future

of our people. One cannot single out

a particular person or administration

to blame as this has been continuing

for several administrations. And, we

all share in the blame by not holding

certain individuals responsible and

accountable. They did not plan for another business or commercial projects

to generate income for our Tribe other

than the casino and we do not realize

the income that we once relied upon to

support our tribal programs.

Our Tribe is in a financial crisis with

no plans for financial growth, I have

several projects that are ready to go

that will generate millions of dollars in

revenues and jobs for our Tribe each

year. I have plans for the land that is

sitting idle and not making a single

dollar for the Tribe. I have plans for

the new Bank building that has been

sitting empty for five years that will

start bringing in money to the Tribe. I

want to identify the education, housing and health needs of our tribal

members. I would like to see that all

of our members no matter where they

live be covered for health care and

hospitalization, dental, optical services

and prescriptions. Education, I want

to see every child have access to a

computer in their homes. I want every

student to have the opportunity to go

to college or achieve a skill or trade

that will help them to have a quality

life. I want a leadership training and

internship program for our tribal college students to work closely with our

elected officials to learn about tribal

governments and sovereign issues so

they would be ready and informed to

accept leadership of our Tribe. These

are the future leaders of our Shawnee

People!!!

This is a very ambitious plan and I

know I can fulfill the majority of these

goals, but I have to have your help

in electing me as your Representative. I also need your help in electing

qualified and dedicated leaders on the

Executive Committee, who have the

vision and who will work together to

make our Tribe a success once again!!

Our Tribe needs you to vote March 20!

Thank you.

Betty Mahardy Watson

Candidate for Representative

P.S. Please come and join our Watch

Party March 20, Little Axe at 10:00

am. We will have food and entertainment and there will be rides available

to the polls if needed.

WHEN THE

LEGENDS DIE,

THE DREAMS

END; THERE

IS NO MORE

GREATNESS!

TECUMSEH

Kathy Deere

Greetings Tribal Members,

We are one of many different tribes

here in Oklahoma. In order for us to

exist and be known as a progressive

tribe, we need always be on the watch

for business opportunities and ways

March 2010

to improve our service benefits for all

our tribal members in state and out of

state.

I am proud to be an Absentee Shawnee

and would like to serve you, our tribe,

my family and friends to the best of

my ability. I feel that as an Executive

Committee member, we are elected

to use our educations, knowledge and

experience to develop and promote

good business for our tribe. We are a

sovereign nation and we need to be a

leader once again in progressions.

Proposed Goals and Objectives:

*Explore new business opportunities

and restructure current businesses.

*Examine current assets. It is being

utilized and profitably?

*Limit the unnecessary training and

travel of all personnel.

*Prevent excessive, frivolous, and

wasteful spending.

*Out of state tribal members receive

same benefits as in state tribal members.

*Elders and Youth have their own

large facilities for meetings, conferences, ect.

*Tribal Employees benefits include:

rehired (count previous dates worked)

and longevity is an honorable trait, we

should recognize them with award/certificates, pin, ect.

I ask you to consider me when you

vote in the Primary Election on Saturday, March 20, 2010. If you have

questions or would like to offer comments, please call me at 405-816-7874

or 405-447-1247 or email shwneturtle56@hotmail.com.

Blessings to all,

Kathy Deere

March 2010

ELDERS COUNCIL

The Absentee-Shawnee Elders

held their regular monthly meeting at the VFW Hall at 811 East

MacArthur, Shawnee on Saturday,

February 13, 2010. A shout out of

appreciation goes to Commander

AL Wright for accommodation our

short notice request to use this facility. Three officers were present

with Vice-President Mary Birdtail

conducting the meeting in the absences of President Gene Parker

who was absent due to her sons

illness. Secretary Cynthia Longhorn made copies of the January

16, 2010 meeting minutes available and they were approved with

one noted spelling error. Treasurer

Kathy Deere presented the financial report for the month ending

January 31, 2010 with a tribal budget of $11,511.00 and a Council

balance of $1,344.31. The report

was approved as presented.

Birthdays for the month o February

were recognized for Dan Little Axe,

Sr., Lee Roller and Gerry Roller,

Serena Daugherty, Helen Wilson,

Reta Harjo, and Cynthia Longhorn.

Don Schulenberg announced that

the AST Veterans Association

Honor Guard will be presenting the

colors at the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game on Sunday,

March 14 at the Ford Center in

downtown Oklahoma City. The

Thunder will play the Utah Jazz.

Elders and Veterans may get a

reduced group ticket rate if enough

tribal members respond (quickly)

and arrangements can be made

for purchasing suck. Wynoon

Coon informed those present of

the recent passing of tribal elder

Harold Brokeshoulder. Dan Little

Axe reminded everyone of the

Special General Council set for

Saturday, February 20, 2010 at

the Resource Center in Little Axe.

Secretary Longhorn pointed out to

those present of the requirement to

review Guidelines for the Council

and requested addresses for those

did not have copies in order that

copies could be mailed to them.

Proposed changes will be voted on

at the March 2010 monthly meeting.

Woody Wilson, brought up the

subject of the annual Elders sponsored Veterans pow wow which led

to suggestions for fund raising for

the event. A previously discussed

topic of a fund raiser golf tournament was brought up by Jenifer

Sloan. Officer David Haskins of

the AST Police had discussed this

in the past and a motion for Secretary Longhorn to again contact

Officer Haskins for details and the

possibility for having this event was

made by Jenifer Sloan and seconded by Emily Longman.

Secretary Longhorn informed

those present that she had learned

at the Veterans Association meeting held on February 10th of the

need to establish a list of elders

who may need help during bad

weather such as the recent ice/

snow conditions. She asked that if

elders themselves desired this service or knew of someone that they

could submit names/addresses/

phone numbers to be turned over

to Linda Day at the AST complex.

Items such as water, candles,

blankets and packaged individual

meals or other emergency items

could be available.

There were questions heard about

voting on Outstanding Elder and

Volunteer, items obtained from pow

wows and donations to the Council

and discussion was held. A motion to adjourn was made by Joann

Walker and seconded by Barbara

Wilkerson. The meeting adjourned

at 11:05 a.m. The next meeting

is sched uled for Saturday, March

13, 2010 at the Resource Center

in Little Axe. Meeting time is 10:00

a.m. Come and bring a covered

dish.

11

My apologies to tribal members

in not having a monthly article for

our newspaper but the deadline

for submitting articles is usually

AFTER our usual third Saturday

meeting date so by the time I can

submit an article, the information

is already very old. This particular article is being included in this

edition in order to publicize the

Elder Council sponsored forum for

candidates in next months tribal

primary election. We had a good

turn out with only two candidates

not making an appearance, those

being Jeffrey Gibson and Isaac

Gibson, Jr. A special Thank You

goes out to the Election Commission staff person, Emily Longman,

who contacted candidates and

advised them of the forum. I am

especially grateful to the Media

Department for their cooperation

"hold the presses" and allow me

the time to submit this article.

Elders listen to the presentations made by

candidates following the regular monthly meeting

which, this month was held at the VFW Hall in

Shawnee.

Representative candidate, Betty Mahardy Watson,

waits to give her presentation to the Elders Council.

Behind her (L to R) Luvenia tiger, Margaret Ellis and

Reta Harjo listen. To the far is incumbent Treasurer,

Anita Chisholm who listened to comments and from

time to time, offered comments as well as explanation

on department or Executive Committee operations.

Representative candidate, Roy Larney, attentatively listens while awaiting his turn to give his

presentation.

Respectfully,

Cynthia Longhorn

Secretary of the Elders Council

405-273-4137

Candidates who also

attended the meeting

Alecia Onzahwah, current Tribal Representative

and candidate for LT. Governor, attended the

Elders Council meeting and addressed those

present at this important forum.

Scott Miller

Treasurer Candidate

Scott Miller

Dan Little Axe Sr., current Lt. Governor and candidate for re-election, was present for the Elders

Council meeting and made a presentation at the

forum following the meeting.

Brianna Ponkilla

Treasurer Candidate

Briana Ponkilla

Kathy Deer

Treasurer Candidate

Tribal elders Delores Carter and Howard Wilson

listen to candidates give their perspective on tribal

issues while to the far right, “Woody” Wilson appears to be giving deep thoughts to presentations.

Kathy Deere

12

March 2010

Says fot the month

Hello everyone, here are our sayings

for the month:

1. Do you know how to swim?

hi ke - wi ko ti - hi se - li fa no yi le

2. Can you drive?

hi ta pe - ka pa ma - se ki

3. Do you know how to sew?

hi ta pe - ka pa ma - se ki

4. Can you sweep my floors?

hi ta pe- ka ge kit e – ta ko

5. Get the leaves raked.

he ne – me sa se ke – ka ma ke ni wi

6. Cut the grass.

Ka ke se ko ti wa

7. Burn the leaves.

Fi ke fi wo – he ne – me sa g eke

8. Burn the trash.

Yi kit e we – ka fi ke fi

9. Everyone gather wood for a fire.

Gi ke we yi fi – yi mi ne fa ko

10. Stack the wood.

Ka ho wa se fa to ni – he ne – ho

fa ko

11. Lets cut some wood.

ka pi ke se ki pa – ho ta ko

12. Cut only dry wood.

Ka ki k eta ke – ho ta ko – pa he –

ka ke se ki ni

That’s it for this month. Remember,

the more you practice, the better you

will speak our language.

Sue and I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to all of the

friends, neighbors, and family for their

support for David Lee Johnson Sr. during our fund raiser for him ion February. Again, many thanks.

George Blanchard,

Governor of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

March 2010

MARCH IS NATIONAL

NUTRITION MONTH

During National Nutrition Month, the

American Dietetic Association reminds

everyone an easy way to focus on eating

better is to start with the basics: Build

Your Nutrition from the Ground Up!!

Ways to build your nutrition from the

ground up:

1. Focus on fruits and vegetables- Add a serving of fruit or

vegetable to one meal each day

and increase over time.

2. Start a garden or look locallyStarting a garden in your back

yard or adding porch fruit/

vegetable plants is a good way

to increase fruit and vegetable

intake. Another way is to look

at your local farmers market.

You can freeze many of the

fruits and vegetables grown

from your garden or purchased

in season.

3. Make calories count- Focus on

foods with one or more vitamins

and nutrients. There are no good

or bad foods, it is all in how you

consume the foods.

4. Test your taste buds- Try a new

recipe or reduced fat way of

preparing a favorite food.

5. Trick yourself with treatsYou don’t have to deny yourself

the foods you love. Alternate

fruit or yogurt with your favorite dessert or trail mix or nuts.

Source: American Dietetic Association

Please note: This information

was as current as we could make it

on the date given above. But medical information is always changing,

and some information given here may

be out of date. For regularly updated

information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the

AAFP patient education Web site.

Diabetes: What You Need to

Know

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when

your body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin the right way.

Insulin is a hormone that helps your

body use sugar (glucose) for energy.

Because your body has a problem with

insulin, sugar builds up in your blood.

Your body can't use it for energy, and

some of the sugar passes out of your

body unused in urine.

What are the different types of

diabetes?

There are three types of diabetes:

Type 1 (also called insulin-dependent)

diabetes

Type 2 (also called non insulin-dependent) diabetes

Pregnancy-related (also called gestational) diabetes

Type 1 diabetes develops most often in

children and young adults. It is treated

with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is much

more common and usually develops in

older adults. Type 2 diabetes is treated

with diet, exercise, pills or insulin.

Some women develop diabetes during pregnancy. Although this type of

diabetes goes away after pregnancy,

13

women who have had it may develop

type 2 diabetes later in life.

What health problems can diabetes

cause?

Over time, high blood sugar levels

can damage your eyes, blood vessels,

nerves and kidneys. Damage to your

blood vessels increases your risk of

heart attack and stroke. Besides the

long-term health risks of high blood

sugar levels, diabetes can also cause

episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood

sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood

sugar) and ketoacidosis.

Hypoglycemia occurs when your

blood sugar falls too low--when you

have too much insulin in your blood or

haven't eaten enough.

Hyperglycemia occurs when your

blood sugar level is too high--when

you don't have enough insulin in your

blood.

Ketoacidosis occurs when you don't

have enough insulin in your blood

and your body starts breaking down

fats for energy instead of using blood

sugar. This process leaves behind

wastes called ketones. Ketoacidosis is

a risk for people with type 1 diabetes.

How will my family doctor treat my

diabetes?

The goal of treatment is to keep your

blood sugar level as close to normal as

possible. To do this, your doctor may

give you pills or insulin. Sometimes

diabetes can be controlled without

medicine if the person loses weight,

eats a healthy diet and exercises.

Your doctor will also watch your

blood sugar level closely by checking

your blood and urine. Your doctor will

want to see you regularly to check for

other problems (complications) caused

by your diabetes, such as foot or vision problems.

How do I know if I am controlling

my blood sugar level?

14

Checking your blood sugar regularly

can help you control it. By monitoring your blood sugar you can see how

food, exercise, medicine and insulin

affect your blood sugar. It also can

signal if you need a change in your

treatment plan.

How do I check my blood sugar

level?

Follow your doctor's advice and the

directions that come with the test

strips. Here are the basics of how to

check your blood sugar:

Take one test strip from the bottle or

box.

Use an alcohol pad to clean the finger

that you're going to prick.

Prick your finger with a lancet or

spring-loaded device (these are ways

to make a small cut in your finger) to

get a drop of blood.

Put the drop of blood on the test strip.

Wait for the length of time it says on

the package.

When the strip changes color, compare

it to the box or bottle. This will give

you a number for your blood sugar

level. (If you are using a glucose meter, skip this step.)

If you are using a glucose meter, put

the strip in the meter. The meter will

give you a number for your blood

sugar level.

How often should I check my blood

sugar?

Check your blood sugar as often as

your doctor suggests. You may need to

do it more often at first, during times

when you feel sick or stressed, during

pregnancy, or when you're changing

your medicine or insulin dose.

How does what I eat affect my

diabetes?

When you eat, you put sugar in your

blood. Making wise food choices can

help you keep your blood sugar at the

right level. What you eat can also affect your overall health. Some people

have high cholesterol levels and need

to watch how much fat and cholesterol

they eat. Other people may need to

lose weight and must limit the number

of calories in their diet. Your doctor

will help you find the right nutritional

plan for you.

Will exercise help?

Yes. Exercise can help the body better

use the insulin it has, resulting in a

lower blood sugar level. Exercise is

also good for your heart, cholesterol

levels, blood pressure and weight--all

factors that affect your risk of heart attack and stroke. Talk with your doctor

about starting an exercise program.

Women’s Heart Health

Luncheon

Absentee Shawnee Healthy Heart

program took part in 8th Annual

Women’s Healthy Heart luncheon

on February 9th held at the Shawnee Expo Center. Attendees were

treated to a healthy meal, while

listening to professionals such as

nutritionist, personal trainers, and

doctors.

Of the attendees enjoying this

year’s luncheon was AST Tribal

citizen Mary Birdtail. She stated,

“I liked it a lot…we were all there

for one reason to get some information on getting healthier.”

Heart disease is not a just a man’s

disease. In fact, a woman dies

from heart disease every 34 sec-

March 2010

onds. According to the American

Heart Association, Americans can

lower their risk of heart disease

by as much as 82% just by leading

a healthy lifestyle.

Everyone was treated to pedometers as an avenue to start or

begin a walking program. Walking is a good way to get physical

activity in your daily routine and

reduce your risk of heart disease

and diabetes. To

start a

walking program and

get a pedometer, call

878-4702 and ask for

Patricia.

George Foreman & Healthy Heart

A patient diagnosed with diabetes has

increased risk for heart disease. The

AST Healthy Heart program provides

one-on-one case management to patients

diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Though

the Healthy Heart program is based in

Little Axe, it has a satellite office at the

Shawnee Clinic.

Incentives are provided to Healthy

Heart participants meeting goals and

objectives of the program. These goals

and objectives have proven to have a

protective effect on our health status.

Healthy Heart participants are provided

gas cards to meet with a case manager at

either clinic. Other incentives include

water bottles, crock pots, cookbooks,

and jackets.

The most popular incentive is the

“George Foreman” grill. These are

provided to Healthy Heart participants

for grilling products to prepare healthier

foods. Recently, George Foreman was

presented AST literature, as well as

Health Heart jacket to recognize his

impact on aiding AST Healthy Heart

patients in preventing heart disease.

If you would like to become a participant

in the Healthy Heart program, please

contact either: Buster Bread, Healthy

Heart Recruitment/Retention Specialist

or Leah Bates, Administrative Assistant

at 405-360-0698.

March 2010

15

day that they are sick while continuing SHOW impact to our health system

CVS/pharmacy

to have clinic growth by adding new pa- when appointments are not rescheduled

Cancels Contract with tients from all tribes. The plan is to see timely. Little Axe Clinic had 1075 NO

AST patients within two weeks and SHOW appointments, and Shawnee

AST Health Programs new

still be able to get new non-AST patients Clinic experienced 675 NO SHOW apThe Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health

Authority has received a Contract Termination letter from CVS/pharmacy,

Inc. effective February 25, 2010.

The Health Programs staff was informed

by CVS that the volume of AST citizens

failing to provide pharmacy insurance

coverage information to the Norman

and Shawnee pharmacies was to high.

Therefore, Health Programs are requesting that all patients using CVS for their

chronic and routine prescriptions contact

their physician to write a new prescription and provide it to the AST Shawnee

Pharmacy.

We are working to contract with another

pharmacy company in the area, and

moving forward the utilization of this

service will be for filling prescriptions

related to Urgent Care and ER visits

requiring a fill after hours or over a

weekend when our pharmacies at Little

Axe and Shawnee are closed.

Health Corner News

Maximizing Access to Care

The winter season was particularly challenging for the AST clinics.

Over 700 patients were seen at the Little

Axe Clinic alone in October 2009. The

new H1N1 flu strain was a major factor

causing a larger than normal patient

load. However, the most recent patient

numbers have been more manageable.

In order to maintain access for

the tribal citizens and also continue to

add new patients to the clinic schedule,

we have been aggressively reviewing

our current policy and are in the process

of revising it. Our goal is to be able to

see all sick AST patients on the same

16

in without having them wait for over a

month. Trying to balance these objectives will be challenging but doable.

AST patients can help by participating as follows:

1.

If you are unable to

come in for a scheduled (Don’t Be A

NO SHOW), call the

clinic at least the day

before or as soon as

possible to reschedule

your appointment, so

that we can offer the

time slot to another

tribal member.

2.

When sick, call in as

soon as possible for

an appointment so that

you can be seen that

day, or by the next

morning.

3.

Showing up on-time

for an appointment is

extremely important.

Not showing up for an

appointment on time

can begin to strain

the patient flow and

interfere with the ability to see new or other

patients.

4.

Ensuring an appointment is kept; whereby

any loss of revenue

to the tribe can be

avoided.

5.

Compliance to these

suggestions could

avoid any detrimental

impact to the health of

other tribal members.

pointments.

Thank you,

Chris Walker

ED – Tribal Health Programs

We appreciate your consideration. Your assistance is requested as

we continue to strive to provide the best

access to care to the patients we serve.

The graph below provides the 2009 NO

March 2010

The Little Axe Dental clinic has

selected March 4, 2010 as “our

day” for Give Kids a Smile.

Please partner with us by calling

and making an appointment for

your child on this very special

day as we try to increase the

awareness and importance of

oral health education in our own

children close to home.

Give Kids A Smile is an annual

centerpiece to National Children’s

Dental Health Month (NCDHM)

and is observed every year on

the first Friday in February, while

NCDHM is celebrated during the

entire month of February. National Children’s Dental Health

Month focuses on providing oral

health education to all children

despite their economic status.

Give Kids A Smile was designed

to provide education, preventative and restorative care to lowincome children who do not have

access to care.

Give Kids A Smile started in

2000 as idea in the minds of a

few community oriented professionals in St. Louis, Missouri, in

response to the obvious need of

the children of the area for dental

care. Through the dedication of

a multitude of volunteers and the

support of schools, organizations,

corporations, and individuals,

Give Kids A Smile has provided

comprehensive dental care to

children since the first clinic in

February, 2002.

March 2010

Soon after beginning the Give

Kids A Smile project in St. Louis,

the American Dental Association

adopted the GKAS concept and

established a national clinic day

each year in February where over

a million children are cared for

and over $100,000,000 in dental

care is provided yearly.

The Little Axe Dental clinic

wants to participate in this

annual event by designating an

entire day to the treatment of

kids. The national recognized

day for this event was February

5th, 2010, which was the first of

two days members of the AST

Dental team donated their time

in the 1st Annual Oklahoma

Mission of Mercy. The first

Oklahoma Mission of Mercy

(OkMOM), co-sponsored by the

Oklahoma Dental Association,

the Delta Dental of Oklahoma

Charitable Foundation and the

Oklahoma Dental Foundation,

was held on February 5 and 6,

2010, at the Tulsa Convention

Center. The two-day clinic

allowed nearly 1,800 patients to

be treated with a value pushing

$1,000,000.

Congratulation to the Little

Axe 3rd grade boys team

who finished the season's

tournament with 2nd place

trophies.

Levi Colquitt, Haedan Denson-Hill, Aliya Hanna, Andrew

Hanna, Jacob Ille, Daniel

Jennings, Keegan Bates, and

Dacoda McDowell.

Again, please call the Little

Axe Dental Clinic to obtain an

appointment for your child at:

(405) 307-9704.

Thank you,

Little Axe Dental Team

Paige Little Charley

On Making the Deans Honor

Roll at North Eastern Oklahoma

we are very proud and Love

You

Mom, Dad, The Megehee Family, and The Ferrell Family

17

Happy 10th Birthday

Kylie Ann Yates

From

Uncle Nine Toes

& Mama Seal

Happy Birthday

MANUEL

HERERRA

FROM

Marvin & Sherry

Happy Birthday

Everett Tahah

Love

Uncle Marv & Auntie

Sherry

Happy Birthday

Chelle Foreman

From

Sherry

HAPPY BELATED 1st BIRTHDAY

Eathan Ferrell

We Love You,

Aunt Becca, Uncle DD, Dakot, Hunter,

and Willie

18

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY

"TESSIE"

I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH

LOVE "NANA"

Happy 18th

Birthday To

"Our Princess"

Shelby Lynn

White Thunder!

FEB.3,2010

From: Mom,

Dad, Shelsie, and

Sheldon

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY

TESSA

ON MARCH 9TH

I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH

LOVE MOM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TESSA

WE LOVE YOU

AUNT GINA, UNCLE

RAY AND PAPA

HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY REGINA GAYLE ON

MARCH 30TH. WE LOVE

YOU !!

MOM, REVIS, TARA,

RAY AND TESSA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO MY BEAUTIFUL NEICES

CHELE WOMACK AND STEPHANIE GEISSLER I HOPE YOU HAVE

A WONDERFUL DAY ON FEB 5TH

AND 8TH I LOVE YA'LL BUNCHES

AUNT

RHONDA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ON FEB

1ST BRENT WATSON HAVE

A GREAT DAY LOVE THE

KASECAS AND FOREMANS

March 2010

SayINg of tHE MOnth...

THE MEDIA DEPARTMENT’S

The best way to predict the

future is to invent it. (Alan Kay)

Haskell Indian Nations University hosting 2nd Annual BIE Youth Leadership Challenge

Lawrence, Kansas - On June 6-12, 2010, Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is sponsoring the second annual

Summer Youth Leadership Challenge hosted by Haskell Indian Nations University. The Summer Youth Leadership Challenge is a week long residential summer program which provides an array of educational activities and

events for the students participating in the event.

The Leadership Challenge was launched by the leadership of BIE in 2009 to encourage and support the youth to

facilitate and stimulate a desire in students to undertake their role as leaders in their community. The format will

include presentations by tribal leaders, university officials, and other experts in the fields of health, education,

and leadership and based upon a curriculum that will engage students on the historical, political, legal and social

development of tribal governments. Additional activities that enhance knowledge and promote problem solving

skills will be integrated into the program.

The BIE SYLC program is open to students who are members of federally recognized tribes who will be in

grades 9-12 during the 2010-2011 academic year. There is no cost to attend and students will be responsible for

their travel to the host site. Students will be selected based on their academic achievements, social standing and

overall leadership qualities. Last year students represented 17 states and 20 nations.

The applications are to be received by March 1, 2010 (1st round - priority); and the second round of applications are to be received by March 15, 2010. All materials must be mailed in one envelope; no faxes are accepted. Applications may be accepted until May 1 (on a space available basis); please contact the office after

May 1 to find out if spaces are open. Applications are available for download after December 15, 2009 from the

website: www.haskell.edu

For more information on this program contact Freda Gipp at (785) 749-8407 or fgipp@haskell.edu and for

information on the College Fair Sharon Eagleman at (785) 749-8489 or seagleman@haskell.edu

(application instructions on next page)

March 2010

19

20

March 2010

Education Department

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

•

Academic (K-12) Program: assists with academic related expenses, and a portion of funds can be used for schoolrelated athletic program expenses. Program has a maximum funding limit for the academic year.

•

Zahn Program: established from a trust fund, program can help with some graduation expenses, and awards two

(2) incentives: one for GED recipients and one for High School graduates. Program has a maximum amount of

funding for graduation expenses.

•

Job Training Adult Education Program: funds for vocational training at accredited vocational institutions. Program has a maximum funding limit for the calendar year or per program.

•

Higher Education: Education Incentive Award Program: funds for undergraduate degrees, one associates or

bachelors degree, at any accredited college or university. Funding levels are determined based upon grade point

average and full-time or part-time status.

•

Graduate Scholarship Program: funds for one master’s degree or one doctoral degree, and can fund for one graduate admissions test. This program has funding levels based upon full-time and part-time status.

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

Attention:

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

There are no deadlines for the Job Training Adult Education Program, but you must submit your application documents at

least three weeks prior to the beginning of the course to ensure funding is available and can be disbursed to the institution.

For more information, please call Tresha Spoon at (405) 275-4030 ext. 121 or 1-800-256-3341 or email to tresham@

astribe.com.

AST/EOC Tech contract courses still available:

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe has an agreement with Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center to offer courses for tribal

members and employees. More information is available on the tribe’s website at www.astribe.com. No online courses

are covered in the contract. All courses are campus-based courses only. The contract covers tuition and books, additional

supplies required for the courses are the responsibility of the tribal member. Eligible courses are short-term courses, no

full-time programs. This contract covers up to $6,000.00 worth of tuition and books for tribal members, once this amount is

depleted the agreement ends. A catalog of spring 2010 courses can be found at www.eoctech.org.

We have been into this agreement for a couple of years and we need to fulfill this agreement as soon as possible. For tribal

members interested in taking a course, the application is available for download or a copy can be picked up at the Education

Department. Tribal members need to make an appointment to meet with the Education Director, Tresha Spoon, to complete

the application process. Please bring your completed application and a copy of your tribal enrollment card.

If you have any questions, please call Tresha Spoon at (405) 275-4030 ext. 121 or email to tresham@astribe.com.

March 2010

21

PRESS RELEASE

9TH Annual “TO BRIDGE

A GAP” CONFERENCE

March 29-April 1, 2010

The Muscogee Creek Nation

will be hosting the 9th Annual

“To Bridge A Gap” Conference,

in collaboration with the National Forest Service. This conference is designed to strengthen

Government-to-Government

relationships between the USDA

Forest Service and federally

recognized Tribal Governments

with interests in our Forests.

The Forest Service and Tribal

Governments have a desire and

obligation to establish Government-to-Government relationships where there are mutual

interests in managing the cultural, natural, or social resources

of the National Forests.

The conference will be held at

the Southern Hills Marriott Hotel

in Tulsa, Oklahoma and will

provide opportunities for Tribal

and Forest Service leaders to

share information about their respective missions, values, program activities, and interests.

Topics for this year’s To Bridge

A Gap will include:

1) GPS (Global Positioning

System), and GPR (Ground

Penetrating Radar) for preservation.

2) We Are Distinctly Unique

Peoples and Cultures

3)

Tribal Consultation Best

Practices

4) Tribal and NFS Collaborative

Programs

22

5) Archaeological Resources

Protection Act (ARPA) and

Vandalism Issues

6) Native American Graves

Protection and Repatriation Act

(NAGPRA)

7) GIS (Geographic Information

System): Benefits for Preservation

8) Tribal Environmental

Programs and Issues

9) National Tribal Historic

Preservation Program: Updates

and Application Process

Guest Speaker will be Jefferson

Keel, Lt. Governor of the

Chickasaw Nation and

President of the National

Congress of American Indian.

Several federal and state agencies will be present including

National Forest Service from

various regions, Army Corp. of

Engineers, State Historic

Preservation Offices, National

Park Service, and National

Resources Conservation

Service.

The To Bridge A Gap Conference is a wonderful opportunity

to discuss tribal relations and

cultural preservation issues, and

participate with others whom

are dedicated to improving this

relationship.

For more information including

registration forms, please

contact Joyce Bear, MCN,

Cultural Preservation

Department at (918) 732-7731;

or Johnnie Jacobs at (918) 732-

7835, johnniej@muscogeenation-nsn.gov

Conference registration and

hotel information can also be

found on the Muscogee Creek

Nation website at www.muscogeenation-nsn.gov under

Bulletins on the homepage.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Veterans Association

To find out more about the AST

Veterans Association, schedule the

Color Guard or request a Military

Funeral Honor call:

David (405) 245-4802

Walter (405) 683-1247

John (405) 401-9418

Next meeting will be held at

Brendle Corner on Wednesday,

March 10th at 7 p.m.

*The AST Veterans Association

meets the second Wednesday of

every month and alternates between the AST-OEP bldg (corner

of highway 177 and Benson Park

Road) and Brendle Corner (highway 9 & Harrah Newalla Road.)

astveterans@gmail.com

OILS

Oklahoma Indian Legal Services...

will be here at the Court House

again March 16, 2010 from

9am-12pm

March 2010

NEED HELP IN

ACET, Inc. has received an immediate request to provide assistance

to the devastation from the recent

earthquake that has befallen the

nation of Haiti. We are looking

for anyone interested in going to

Haiti to help for a 3- 6 month period. There are no particular skills

sets defined at this point, except

the willingness to help wherever

needed. We will be presenting folks

and highlighting their unique skills

and trade qualifications, so if the

opportunity to help in your area exists - it will be noted and presented.

As you can well imagine, any skill

that you may have - can be of great

help.

If you are seriously interested or

know of someone who would be

interested - please email me back

ASAP or forward this email, and I

will provide more details for you at

that time.

This is a unique opportunity to

make a difference to the people of

Haiti!

Onekqua Beverly

Corporate Recruiter/Security Specialist

ACET, Inc.

301-861-5023 (Office)

301-885-3199 (Fax)

otbeverly@adamscomm.com

Typical skill sets needed:

Carpenters

Masons

Electricians

Medical Personnel

Communications

Builders

Heavy Equipment Operators

Plumbers

Logistics

Etc.

THIS IS NOT A VOLUNTEER

REQUEST - you will be paid for

the work you do. This is a temporary employment assignment that

will include travel, expenses, remuneration with an understanding

that housing accommodations will

be very basic. All that is needed at

this point is a passport or ability to

obtain one ASAP.

March 2010

23

Foster Parents Needed!!!

Can you open your home and heart for a foster child.? Foster parents provide a temporary, safe

home for children in crisis. Foster parents are partners with child welfare workers, lawyers and

judges. It is not for everyone but if you have it in your heart - we need you.

• Can you love and care for a child who comes from a difficult background?

• Can you help a child develop a sense of belonging?

• Are you secure in yourself & your parenting Skills?

• Can you maintain a positive attitude toward a child’s parents?

• Can you love with all your heart & then let go?

FOSTER PARENTS PROVIDE A TEMPORARY, SAFE HOME FOR CHILDREN IN CRISIS. THEY

ARE PARTNERS WITH WORKERS, LAWYERS, AND JUDGES. IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE! CAN

YOU OPEN YOUR HOME AND HEART FOR A FOSTER CHILD?

Many children need a loving home and a family to help them through a very tough time. Please

think about it and talk with your family before you become a foster home. They all need safe, supportive environments!

If you find yourself and your family interested in Foster Care, please contact Melissa Lopez

405-275-4030 ext. 166.

March 2010

25

Table Games Manager

Must be energetic, customer orientated and dependable.

Minimum 5 years Table Games Management experience required.

Please apply with HR at Thunderbird

We are located 17 miles East of Norman on Hwy 9

NEED A CAR, TRUCK OR SUV

AS LOW AS $299.00 DOWN - WAC

E-Z APPROVAL - LARGE SELECTION

*FREE LIMITED WARRANTY*

CALL EL DORADO MOTORS @

405-526-4600

AND ASK FOR BIG LARRY OR LITTLE JOHN

For More Information Call

405-414-7277

Owner/Broker

FOR SALE OR TRADE

Ideal for a tribal owned bank or financial institution!

Federal National Bank Building

24 E. Main Street, Shawnee, OK

 Three properties for the price of one!

o Bank Building at 24 E. Main

o Two ATM Drive-through locations:

1. Downtown Shawnee

2. North Kickapoo near I40 close to Lowe’s, Staples, and WalMart

 Located in the area of five Indian Tribes with rich Native American heritage

 Beautiful lobby and penthouse with apartment

 Seven story building

 Terrific tax advantages with former Indian Reservation Lands and Historic District

 Priced @ $55 per square foot – well below replacement cost

DRIVER’S LICENSE RE-INSTATEMENT

Call Linda or Glenna today

(405) 275-3432

Ask about the DUI Assessments

and our next 10 hour DUI School!

EVERYONE WELCOME!

March 2010

Title VI would like to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Wear your green.

March 14, move your clocks up one hour.

If you have any questions, you can call me at 275-4030 ext. 169.

Yvette Moore

Title VI Coordinator

March 2010

29

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBAL PHARMACY

SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA

The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Pharmacy (Shawnee Location) can fill prescriptions

for enrolled tribal citizens only.

The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Clinic Pharmacy in Little Axe can fill prescriptions for

tribal citizens written by Physicians not located a Tribal Clinic under the following

circumstances:

an

1.

The prescription is for an Absentee Shawnee Tribal citizen who has

established chart at the Little Axe Clinic.

2. The prescription is on the formulary of approved medications and

stocked in

the pharmacy.

The following are a few tips to help us deliver pharmacy services to you more efficiently;

4 Present insurance cards each time you pick up or drop off a prescription.

4 Keep us informed of all changes in address, phone number and other contact

Services

available

to you

information.

4 Let the Pharmacy staff know if the prescription is going to be picked up or

needs to be

delivered.

4 If you have any questions concerning your prescription please feel free to call

and talk

to our Pharmacist. They are here to assist you with your pharmaceutical

needs.

Office of Environmental Health & Engineering

• Tribal Housing Improvements Application

The Tribal Housing Improvement Program’s goal is providing sanitary, safe, and

decent housing for its members by utilizing the following criteria to select the

most “in need” tribal members with homes that are in disrepair but are still suitable for rehabilitation. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and

criteria which is approved by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

THIP list all applicants by a priority list:

a.

Handicapped/Disabled and Elderly

b.

Income

c.

Family Size/Overcrowded Living Conditions

d.

Condition of Home

Other Programs available:

• Sanitation Facililties Assistance Program

Applictions need to be completed and all necessary documents attached

before the application will be processed.

Applications are available online on the website: www.astribe.com.

Submit completed application to:

Office of Environmental Health & Engineering

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, Ok 74801

Absentee Shawnee Tribe Complex

Office of Environmental Health & Engineering, Building 13

If you have any questions, you can reach us by phone at (405) 214-4235

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Little Axe Clinic • Little Axe Dental Clinic

15702 E. Hwy 9

Norman, Oklahoma 73026

Phone: (405) 447-0300 Fax: (405) 447-2250

Clinic Operating Hours

Monday thru Friday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00

p.m.

Weekends/Federal Holidays

Closed

* Clinic and Pharmacy will be closed the

3rd Wednesday of each month

from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m

Some services that are offered

include:

Business Cards

Invitations

Announcements

Calendars

Logo Designs

Graphics

Brochures

Envelope Designs

Copies

Banners

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

PRSRT

STANDARD MAIL

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 434

Shawnee, OK 74801

of Indians of Oklahoma

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, OK 74801

return service

requested

2010

TRIBAL PHONE NUMBERS

Tribal Complex

(405) 275-4030

or

1-800 256-3341

OEP

(405) 273-9966

Building Blocks

(405) 878-0633

Health Programs

(405) 878-4702

or

1-877-878-4702

Little Axe Clinic

(405) 447-0300

Shawnee Clinic

(405) 878-5850

Shawnee Pharmacy

(405) 878-5859

Behavioral Health

(405) 878-4716

LA Resource Center

(405) 364-7298

or

(405) 364-7569

LA Cultural Center

(405) 447-3372

AST Police

(405) 275-3200

or

(405) 275-3432

OEH

(405) 214-4235

AS Housing Authority (405) 273-1050

Thunderbird Casino

(405) 360-9270

Or

1-800-259-LUCK

AST Media Dept

AST Media Dept

(405) 598-1279

Fax (405) 598-1294