LI-SI-WI-NWI “AMONG THE SHAWNEE” (2011)

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ABSENTEE SHAWNEE

LI-SI-WI-NWI “AMONG THE SHAWNEE”

www. astribe.com

NEWS

January 2011

WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE NEWSLETTER DELAY

IT WAS UNAVOIDABLE DUE TO DEPARTMENT RE-ORGANIZATION

NEXT EDITION SHOULD RESUME AS NORMAL

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

THE

Vol. 26. No. 1

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

GEORGE BLANCHARD

GOVERNOR

ISAAC GIBSON

Lt. GOVERNOR

MICHELLE LOPEZ

SECRETARY

KATHY DEERE

TREASURER

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Good morning fellow Tribal members:

hope everyone had a good

Christmas and a safe and happy

new year.

First and foremost, I want to

thank the new members of the Executive

Committee for the support they have given

me, so that we can help our fellow Tribal

members. We have done more in the past

seven months than I Had been able to

accomplish in the entire first year I was

in this office. I thank them for having the

same goals as I have: TO SERVE OUR

PEOPLE THE BEST WAY WE CAN!

In December I participated in a telephone

conference meeting during which the

Tribe acquired $4,200,000.00 for the

Health program, and $180,000.00 for the

housing program. By tele-conferencing, we

saved several thousand dollars in travel

expenses and saved valuable time as well.

All Nations Bank is in the final stages

of preparation for opening the branch

bank office at the Tribal Complex. The

scheduled opening date is Feb. 1st, 2011.

Plans for 2011 include the remodeling of

the Horseshoe bend facility (which is well

under way, thanks to Lt. Governor Gibson),

renovating and upgrading Brendle Corner

and the old community building at Little

Axe.

The ASEDA board is enthusiastically

pursuing a feasibility study to determine

if forming a Propane distributorship is a

viable option that can provide low cost

JEFFREY GIBSON

REPRESENTATIVE

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

energy to our Tribal members and also

employ several Tribal members as well.

The Solid Waste Transfer Station that we

were working on in 2010 unfortunately did

not come to fruition due to an insufficient

amount of tonnage. However, the ASEDA

board is at this time contacting several

local trash companies in order to obtain a

substantial increase in tonnage which will

make the transfer Station a more viable

business enterprise. When completed this

project will allow us to hopefully clean up

more of the open dump sights, allow us to

institute recycling programs at Horseshoe

Bend and Little Axe and employ several

Tribal members as well.

In 2011 the Executive Committee is

committed to work side by side with

our ASEDA program to bring additional

business opportunities to our Tribal

communities, so that we can employ more

of our young Tribal members.

In closing, I want to say THANKS for all the

support you all have given me in the past

two years, and yes I will be a candidate for

this office again, and will serve all of you to

the best of my ability.

NE YI WA

George Blanchard,

Governor

would like to wish everyone a

Happy and Prosperous New

Year. The holidays have been

a time consuming part of the

year. This last month, my staff and I

have been pulled in many directions

trying to get several projects moving

or completed as well as attending the

holiday activities sponsored by different

departments of the tribe.

The main project we have been focusing on is the Horseshoe Bend renovation. At the time of this printing, we

will be 75% to 80% completed. Due

to certain unforeseen delays, we are

not as far along as we had anticipated.

Pictures of the before and after progress will be posted in next month’s

newsletter.

We are also in the process of renovating the Brendle Corner facility. Our

intentions for the renovation are to

house an afterschool program that will

serve and benefit our tribal and nontribal youth of the community.

I would like to take this moment to

reflect back on these first 6 months of

service in office. It has been an

adventure finding ways and the means

to provide the best quality of service

to the tribal members, including going

beyond those measures to find im-

ello Tribal members. Well

it’s a new year and this one

is going to be a better and

more prosperous year for

us all. We have to keep a good spirit

in our hearts. We have big things happening for our tribe. I was surprised

when I received a plaque in the mail

stating that I was selected for Woman

of the Year for 2010 and 2011 from the

National Association of Professional

Women. Still don’t know who nominated me but thank you very much. It is a

great honor to be working for our tribe

and to be selected for this as a Native

American Women and Elected Official

They came as far as Alaska to learn

about how to be a great leader and

to respect others in the professional

world. I really enjoyed my experience

and look forward to attend the next

conference.

December was full of meetings:

Health Christmas party was at the Resource Center on the 15th and it was

very nice to see all the employees that

keep our health facilities going. I really

appreciate all their hard work.

Regular EC meeting was also on the

15th where there were Thirteen new

enrollees added to the roll and on the

28th a Special EC meeting was called

to enroll Twenty one new enrollees.

This was Thirty Three so far and we

have around One hundred and eighteen more to do. If you have an application on file to be enrolled or getting

ready to submit an application to be

enrolled please submit a photo with the

application so that enrollment can put

this picture on you new card. Right now

we are issuing cards without photos.

We would much rather see a photo on

your card and its one way of helping us

out on identifying you when you need

services. Thanks to the Enrollment

Staff for all their hard work and getting

these new applications done in a timely

manner.

December 16th I had a TEC board

meeting and we received a new casino

update along with the current financials

for Thunderbird. They are currently

working on Liquor license for the new

casino and once this is obtained we

can move forward on the rest of the paper work. There is a lot of paper work

to be completed so that we can start

construction on the casino. Hopefully it

won’t be much longer.

December 21, 2010, I along with Treasurer Deere attended the Health Care

Board meeting. I brought up the issue

of having a nurse or someone CPR

certified at Title VI and LA Resource

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

SECRETARY’S REPORT

of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

Now for updates on some of the projects that the tribe is moving forward on.

New Casino is still in the early stages

of development with working on the

Liquor license and the Architect has

the final renderings of the new casino

and hopefully we will be seeing some

construction soon. The name of the

New Casino will be Thunderbird Casino

Shawnee.

The New Bank will be opening up soon

here on the complex. Gene Davis has

been here at the bank checking out

everything to make sure things go

well when it does open. He is from

the Calumet location. This will be a

big step for the bank to finally open

up after all this time. It seems like that

building has been sitting there forever

with the hopes of some day opening

and it finally is becoming a reality for

this tribe to have its own branch here

on our complex.

Horseshoe Bend Community Center is

finally remolded and we will be having

a grand opening soon. Please come

see our newly renovated community

center. The new center is equipped

with a new Storm Shelter, Basketball

Court, Playground, Walking Track

and Parking Lot. I have been working on this project for some time now

with Mr. Ed Little and with the new

EC members they just help get this

progressing and now it is ready for the

new Grand Opening. Thanks to the

new EC members we could not have

done this without you. It takes a team

to work together and that’s why we are

progressing. WILL LET YOU KNOW

WHEN THE GRAND OPENING HAS

BEEN SCHEDULED.

Back on December 6th through the 9th

Treasurer Deere and I attended the

12th Annual Native Women’s Tribal

Leadership Conference in Las Vegas.

This was a great conference we really

learned a lot on how to Micro Manage,

and we met Women all over the US.

mediate assistance when needed. The

system of communication I have with

the other EC members is very beneficial as we all work together to provide

for our tribal members. I would like to

thank the staff in the departments I

have oversight of:

OEH, Realty, BIA/Roads, Maintenance,

and Health Programs for their assistance in helping me accomplish the

objectives to this point. I also send a

thank you to all the departments of the

tribe for their cooperation, as we give

direction in which way we want the

tribe to progress.

Thank you and we look forward to a

progressive New Year.

Center during lunch hours. I just think

that this would make our Elders feel

safe. They said that they would look

into it and see if this would be possible.

I did tell them that this was the wish of

the Entire EC. If there are any retired

nurses or any one that is CPR certified that would like to Volunteer to help

with this please contact me here at the

office.

On the 30th My-self along with the HR

staff interviewed two different Health

Insurance Companies to see if this

would help save the tribe any money

if we switched the companies and to

get better benefits for our employees

and after the interviews we came to

the conclusion to stay with the current

company. There were no cost savings.

Will continue to keep you updated as

these projects progress.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

TREASURER’S REPORT

appy 2011 New Year!

Hope everyone had a wonderful time with family and

friends during the holidays!

As we move forward into 2011, we

should see new businesses begin to open

such as the All Nations Branch Bank

and Thunderbird Casino-Shawnee. The

construction progress of our new LI-SIWI-NWI Health Clinic (formerly the

Little Axe Clinic). These are exciting

and progressive times for our Tribe and

their members. We are in the process of

preparing for the 2010 Audit which is

scheduled mid-February. By the time,

tribal members read this article we

should have our Indirect Cost Proposal

Rate approval letter. Tribal Investment

Portfolio is continuing to grow. Our

monthly income and expenses are staying on track. As we grow with newly

added Tribal Members, our present businesses and new businesses will provide

the same services and/or even more and

better services in the months and years

to come.

We have new members on our ASEDA

Board: Dan Little Axe, President, Adam

Proctor, Vice-President, and Lyndale

Waller, Secretary. Please join me in

welcoming them to this very important

board for economic development for

our tribe. Between them all they have

many, many years of business experience to help our tribe progress! Also,

the ASEDA board has their own direct

telephone line where you can talk to a

board member, if you have questions

or suggestions for Economic Development, 405/878-6782. The Treasurer’s

office has acquired Arlene Herrera ext.,

148, as the office clerical support and

she is doing a wonderful job. If I’m

not available, please call her and leave

a message with her. Treasurer’s office

has had a position open for a Financial

Consultant since July and by the time

you read this article; hopefully, I have

one starting. Next month’s article I will

have an update.

See below Finance Department’s article.

The Executive Committee appreciates

the Finance Department and all they

do to keep our accounting and financial

records flowing daily, monthly, and annually. Thank you all!

As always I appreciate our tribal members for their input, questions, issues and

concerns for our tribe. Please continue

to give us, your elected officials, your

opinions and concerns. When you can

attend, come to our monthly Regular

Executive Committee Meetings on the

third Wednesday at 10 am. Call, email,

or stop by to visit with me when you can,

my extension is 118.

Respectively, Kathy Deere

EC members with Santa at Children’s

Christmas Party, it was such an honor,

pleasure, and privilege for us all to be

able to do this annual event for our AST

children. NIAWA (Thank you) parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.,

for bringing your children to this annual

event for them and all the helpers who

assisted in decorating, purchasing and

bagging the goody bags, serving, manning the tables, picture taking, setting

and cleaning up the bldg, and most of all

SANTA CLAUS!! Governor Blanchard,

Lt. Gov. Gibson, Secretary Lopez, TreasurerDeere,andRepresentativeGibson.”

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

JANUARY 2011

The Finance office continues our efforts

in keeping the day to day activities flowing efficiently and effectively through

communication between the Finance

office and Programs. In working together, we have found the most time

effective and cost effective processes

for transacting business. A continued

thanks to the Executive Committee and

all the programs for their support and

understanding in the Finance Department’s continued efforts to stay caught

up; as it is a constant flow of business

transactions.

Our 2010 Audit is scheduled for mid

February and will include the MD&A

(Management Discussion and Analysis).

The MD&A report is an informative

report within the 2010 Audit; which is

a brief review and explanation of the

Audit. The third financials are complete;

November 10, 2010 quarterly reports

There are many processes in place in

your Tribe’s accounting department

that ensure we keep accurate records

of transactions. The Tribe’s accounting

processes must be in compliance with

GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting

Principles) and GASB (Governmental

Accounting Standards Board). In complying with GAAP and GASB, there

are many internal control functions that

mandate a need for qualified accountants

which dictates the need for more than

one accountant to be involved with a

transaction; i.e. the same person writing

up the Tribe’s deposits should never be

the same person who reconciles cash.

The main objective of finance is to prove

and ensure proper back-up documentation accompanies every single payment/

transaction, no matter if the transaction

is $1.00 or $1,000.00, and of course we

must ensure that any transaction of the

Tribe is an allowable expense and this is

proved by the back-up documentation.

There are many functions of the Tribe’s

finance department and this is just one

that I wanted to share with you.

The rules and regulations of accounting

are forever changing; there are rules and

regulations in place today that may not

The Bond Financing closed May 27,

2010 so the funding for the new health

clinic is complete. With this completion

there is a need for the accounting for the

Li Si Wi Nwi, Health Clinic (formerly

the Little Axe Clinic) to have its own financial reports. The finance department

has been completing accounting by the

seventh day of the month since August

2010; so that financial reports can be

created for the Health Authority and Li

Si Wi Nwi, Health Inc. boards for health

programs both Shawnee and Little Axe.

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Finance

Department has a very hard working

group of people and it is an honor to

work with them, the Treasurer’s office

and at the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

This department, as always, 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

reach its accomplished goals and to continue with this effort. 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

REPRESENTATIVE’S

REPORT

Good Day to all!

hope everyone is having safe

and wonderful holidays! The

programs are continuing on to

a new year of business and will

hold full expectations of quality service

for our tribal people. On December 7th

I was in attendance with 2010 Tribal

Employment Law and Legal Updates

Conference held by The Council

for Tribal Employment Rights. The

Council for Tribal Employment Rights,

Conrad Edwards, gave the focus of

the conference which covered tribal

training projects, labor agreements and

economic development within Indian

Country. The Workforce Protection Act

(WPA) was emphasized as another

focal point illustrated by Daniel Press.

The WPA entailed Indian preference

in the employment, federal policies

prohibiting discrimination and potential

impacts to tribes. These policies and

legal updates are secured through the

TERO programs throughout the Indian

Tribes and update on a regular basis.

Our TERO Program is currently referring employment opportunities at the

new Little Axe clinic and is expected to

have more jobs to fill as construction

continues over 2011 year. We had a

great year with our program services

and expect the best quality for our

tribal members.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

It is imperative the accounting / bookkeeping continue to stay ahead of all

of the accounting so that audits go

smoothly so that Indirect Cost rates will

stay up to date as well. Audits affect the

ability to submit indirect cost proposals.

have been in place 5 to 10 years ago

which makes the accounting department

today somewhat more complicated that

it may have been in past years. In addition, the Tribe is a Self Governance

tribe which also adds more work to the

finance department whereas before the

BIA and I H S handled a large portion

of the Tribe’s business. Not to mention

the increases in BIA and I H S funding

over the years, 51 Grants, and the new

Clinic business.

were submitted to the Department of

Interior.

The Indirect Cost Proposal for 2011

has been submitted to the Department

of Interior’s National Business Center

and we were notified of the receipt on

August 3, 2010. This is a 3 to 4 month

process for negotiation and approval,

and we expect an approval letter by the

end of this week (December 17, 2010);

which means we will begin 2011 with

an approved rate. This is the first time

in several years that we have been on

time with audits so that the Indirect Cost

Proposal could be submitted timely thus

an approved rate before the beginning of

the subsequent year.

Resolutions

1The following are Resolutions

passed thru December 28, 2010

EXECUTIVE RESOLUTIONS:

E-AS-10-101 12/15/10

Establishes Holidays for Calendar

Year 2011 as set out herein.

E-AS-10-102 12/15/10

Authorizes and accepts access to

all Trust Asset and Accountability

Management System (TAAMS)

modules and hereby agrees to

maintain said modules in a manner

that lends itself to carrying out the

day-to-day requirements of the

programs administered.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

E-AS-10-103 12/15/10

Approves and accepts Wisper

Dawn Murdock, Julius

Alexander Davis, Ryan Kyle

Davis, Alyssia Lynn Deere,

Marcel Andres Almanza,

Langston Deshun Alberty, Eric

Nelson Byers, Melissa Sue Byers,

Kyler Jesse Blackbear, Tegan

Quinn Blackbear, Jorey Rian

Blackbear, Holland Thomas

Ryder and Mikayla Jo Campbell as

enrolled members of the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe of Indians of

Oklahoma as of the date of this

resolution.

E-AS-10-104 12/15/10

Adopts the organizational

chart, attached as Exhibit “A”

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY,

of which supersedes all previous

organizational charts. (Places

Media Dept. under Lt. Governor)

E-AS-10-105 12/15/10

Grants voluntary relinquishment

of membership of the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe of Indians of

Oklahoma to Susie Louise Neash

provided that she is accepted into

the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.

E-AS-10-106 12/28/10

Authorizing and declaring that

Thunderbird Entertainment Center,

Inc. is a tribal corporation that is

wholly owned by the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

and recognizing Thunderbird

Entertainment Center, Inc. as a

tribal entity.

E-AS-10-107 12/28/10

Approves and accepts Ethan

Daniel Price, Jasmine Consuelo

Martinez, Efren Adam-Dean

Martinez, Brandon Paul

Martinez, Jaxon Avery Shawnee,

Esella Mia Starr, Xochitl Olivia

Gonzales, Michael Thomas

Musick, Sheyenne Nicole

Megehee, Leonardo CruzLarney, Famela Guadalupe

Cruz-Larney, Noah CruzLarney, Thomas Ray Judd, Jr.,

Sandra Lilrene Judd, Misty

Dawn Adams, Gina Lanette

May, Daleana Lee Smith, Tyler

Michael Granstrom, Brandon

Thomas Granstrom, Cody James

Granstrom and Karsen Renee

Granstrom as enrolled members

of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Indians of Oklahoma as of the date

of this resolution.

E-AS-10-108 12/28/10

Authorizes and approves the

agreement between the Tribe

and David Echohawk and

authorizing the Representative or

his designee to sign the service

agreement, effective immediately.

(Attachment)

LEGISLATIVE

RESOLUTIONS:

L-AS-10-37 12/15/10

Authorizes and approves the

purchase of the interest held by

Katie Breeden being one and the

same as Katie Marie Armstrong

(Hamon) Breeden within the

original allotment of Katie Ellis,

described as number 820 S 259,

more specifically, the surface and

surface rights only in the SW/4

SE/4 of Section 6, Township 10,

North, Range 5 East of the Indian

Meridian, Pottawatomie County,

Oklahoma, at a negotiated price

not to exceed its appraised value

and authorizing and approving the

appropriation of funds from the

general fund for said purchase.

L-AS-10-38 12/15/10

Authorizes and approves the

purchase of the interest held by

Katie Breeden being one and the

same as Katie Marie Armstrong

(Hamon) Breeden within the

original allotment of Henry Jones

Ellis, number 820 261, more

specifically, the surface and surface

rights only in and to the N/2

SE/4 of Section 36, Township 11

North, Range 4 East of the Indian

Meridian, Pottawatomie County,

Oklahoma, containing 80.00 acres

more or less at a negotiated price

not to exceed its appraised value

and authorizing and approving the

appropriation of funds from the

general fund for said purchase.

L-AS-10-39 12/15/10

Authorizes and approves the

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

Budget for calendar year 2011

in the amount of Two-Million

L-AS-10-42 12/15/10

Authorizes and approves the Indian

Health Services (IHS) Budget for

calendar year 2011 in the amount

of Eight Million One Hundred

Forty-Three Thousand Seven

Hundred Ninety-One Dollars

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

L-AS-10-41 12/15/10

Authorizes and approves the

Indirect Cost (IDC) Budget for

calendar year 2011 in the amount

of Two Million Eight Hundred

Sixty-Eight Thousand Five

Hundred Ninety-Three Dollars

and No Cents ($2,868,593.00) as

reflected in the attached budget

document, “Exhibit A”, effective

immediately.

L-AS-10-40 12/15/10

Authorizes and approves the

General Fund Budget for calendar

year 2011 in the amount of Two

Million Eight Hundred SixtyThree Thousand Six Hundred

Eighteen Dollars and No Cents

($2,863,618.00) as reflected in

the attached budget document,

“Exhibit A”, effective immediately.

THE ELECTION COMMISSION

Two-Hundred Eighty-Eight

Thousand Five Hundred EightySeven Dollars And No Cents

($2,288,587.00) as reflected in

the attached budget document,

“Exhibit A”, effective immediately.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

Legal Notice

If You Are a Native American Who Tried to Get a

Farm Loan or Loan Servicing from the USDA,

You Could Receive Benefits from a $760 Million Class Action Settlement.

You are not eligible for this Settlement if you filed a

claim, or intend to file a claim, in another USDA

discrimination case like Pigford I or Pigford II (Black

farmers), Garcia (Hispanic farmers) or Love (Women

farmers).

Because of a law passed by Congress, you are also not

eligible for this Settlement if you either:

• Experienced discrimination only between January 1

and November 23, 1997; or

• Complained of discrimination only between July 1

and November 23, 1997.

What does the Settlement provide?

The $760 million Settlement will pay cash to Class

Members for valid claims as well as attorneys’ fees

(between 4% and 8%, subject to Court approval) and

awards. The Settlement includes up to $80 million

in USDA loan forgiveness for Class Members who

qualify. The USDA will pay an additional $20 million to

implement the Settlement and will make some changes

to their farm loan programs. Any money left after all

payments and expenses have been made will be donated

to one or more organizations that help Native American

farmers and ranchers.

For More Information:

Track A – You can get a payment up to $50,000 for

your discrimination claim plus an additional 25% paid

to the IRS to reduce any income tax you may owe.

Track B – You can get the amount of your actual

damages up to $250,000. Track B requires more proof

than Track A.

USDA Loan Forgiveness – Under both Track A and

Track B you can get forgiveness on part or all of

your eligible USDA farm loans plus an additional

25% paid to the IRS to reduce any income tax you

may owe.

How do I get benefits?

You will need to file a claim by December 24, 2011 to

get benefits. After the Court approves the Settlement,

meetings will be held across the country to help Class

Members file claims. You can register for a Claims

Package at the website or by calling the toll-free

number.

What are my other rights?

• If you want to keep your right to sue the USDA

about the claims in this Settlement, you must exclude

yourself by February 28, 2011. Unless you exclude

yourself, you will be bound by the terms of this

Settlement.

• If you stay in the Settlement, you can object to or

comment on it by February 28, 2011.

The Court will hold a hearing on April 28, 2011 to

consider whether to approve the Settlement and the

attorneys’ fees. The Court has appointed attorneys

to represent the Class. You or your own lawyer may

ask to appear and speak at the hearing at your own

expense.

1-888-233-5506

www.IndianFarmClass.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

Am I included?

The Class includes all Native American farmers and

ranchers who:

• Farmed or ranched or attempted to farm or ranch

between January 1, 1981 and November 24, 1999;

• Tried to get a farm loan or loan servicing from the

USDA during that period; and

• Complained about discrimination to the USDA either

on their own or through a representative during the

time period.

What can I get from the Settlement?

The amount of money you will receive will depend on

whether you file a claim under Track A or Track B. It

will also depend on the total number of claims that are

filed and approved.

A class action Settlement with the United States

Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) has been reached.

The lawsuit claimed the USDA discriminated against

Native Americans who applied for or tried to apply for

farm loans or loan servicing. The USDA denies it did

anything wrong.

OILS

action upon a good idea and brings it

to life in a way that is profitable.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

Native Business:

Economic Prosperity for a

New Year.

cheduled to be in

the Court Room on

January 12 from 9

a.m. to 12 noon

to assist with document preparation on

Civil Legal matters

or to direct those in

need of Legal Advice

or Representation to

the right place.

et us start with an established fiscal principle, the

economic multiplier. This

is where money changes hands and

one person’s spending is another

person’s income. When buying and

selling occur in a closed system the

money circulates through the hands

of people and businesses. Goods and

services are exchanged, business and

personal incomes are more likely to

be stable, and over time capital is

available for investment. Naturally

and eventually money leaves the

system through outlets like vacations, the purchase of imports, and

utilization of services not supplied

inside the closed system. The longer

money can stay within the system the

greater the multiplier effect.

Economic Development is a widely

accepted movement across Indian

Country and the way to bolster a tribal economy is to find ways to keep

money in the local system. The total

solution is unique to each respective

tribe, pueblo, band or first nation but

the universal truth is that success in

improving a sovereign economy is

the mobilization of individuals to

provide goods and services internal

to the tribal system. Economic success starts when one person takes

Sometimes before a board meeting I will drive through my Village

to talk to some of the locals. On

one occasion I ran into Maryann

and asked her how she liked the

new store layout. The enterprise

board had approved a remodel and

it had just been completed for the

Taholah Mercantile, a community

store. Maryann was sharing what she

thought then asked something that

surprised me. She said, “Why don’t

you guys have a section for prepared

meals?” Maryann explained that

a lot of times families need something quick to fix but should not cost

too much but still be healthy since

nutrition is important. She though

the store should have pre prepared

meals that you can throw into a crock

pot. She went on to explain that in

addition to healthy meals we could

run contests in the community for

the best recipe which would create

“buzz” and get people to try them. I

told Maryann that she had a great

idea and I encouraged her to think

further on how to make it happen. Maryann had just one of many

ideas that solve a problem and I

know there are many more ideas out

there in Indian Country. I imagine,

what would happen if 1% of all the

ideas held by tribal members could

be manifested into reality. I think

problems would be solved, dollars

could be cycled more frequently

and kept longer in a tribal economic

system than they are today.

Jim Stanley is a tribal member of

the Quinault Nation, Vice President

of the Quinault Nation Enterprise

Board, and board member of the

Northwest Native American Chamber. He freely shares his knowledge with you, his business minded

cousin. Jim can be reached at sovereigndevelopment@hotmail.com.

VETERANS

We held a raffle for most of the

month on a “Shawnee Ribbon” Pendleton Blanket, a Canadian Monopoly

Game (Boardwalk was the Tecumseh

Memorial in Canada), purple shawl

and a $25.00 Gift Shop Certificate.

After much anticipation, the tickets

were drawn during the Open House

and the winners of the raffle were:

Shawnee Ribbon Pendleton Blanket:

Shalah Rowlan

Canadian Monopoly Game:

Johnnie Mae Bettelyoun

Purple Shawl:

Margie Kaniatobe

$25.00:

Mike Blanchard

We would like to thank everyone

who bought and sold tickets to make

this event a success and also to the

Executive Committee for their support.

Karen Kaniatobe resigned her position as Tribal Historic Preservation

Officer, December 3rd. She is going

back to school to get her Master’s.

We wish her all the best and she will

be greatly missed.

ATTENTION: We have two positions available on the Cultural Advisory Council. An additional three

positions will open in 2011. Please

contact Secretary Michelle Lopez’s

office to fill out an application as

soon as possible.

The dinner was simply titled

"A Family Christmas Dinner".

Administrations Officer John

Vanderburg said he felt the title

appropriate because he considers

each member to be like "family".

Though most people understand

and know what the Christmas

season represents, many would

be quick to tell you that what

they value most is the time spent

with family and close friends,

which was the most common answer among those on hand.

Mentioned more than once

was how much members value

the comradery and friendship

they've shared over the years

with each other. Happy Holidays

from The Absentee Shawnee

Tribe Veterans Association.

The next AST Veterans Association meeting will be held Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Thunderbird Casino - in the Southeast

meeting room. The meeting will

begin at 7PM.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

fter months of waiting,

renovating and weather the

Cultural Preservation Department finally got moved to their

new home in the former finance

building, the two story brick building

northwest of the Governor’s building. The Gift Shop is now located

on the first floor on the west side of

the building and the Library on the

east side. The staff offices are located on the second floor, but a phone

is located at the front window, so that

one can dial the extension of the staff

that they want to see and not have to

go upstairs.

The Heritage month activities we

offered were finger weaving, a Hair

ribbon accessory, and the favorite

Beaded Christmas ornament. We

had an Open House (Grand Opening) on November 19th, and an Arts

& Crafts Market of gift shop vendors

and tribal members, throughout the

building.

We served a meal of corn soup,

grape dumplings and fry bread. We

would like to say Thank you to tribal

members Augustine Johnson, CAC

member Christy Pack and staff for

the Corn soup, Sara Little Head for

the fry bread, and especially to 11

year old Montana Little Head for

the delicious grape dumplings. We

estimate that we served over 100

visitors.

We want to thank Augustine Johnson, Gene Parker and staff for loaning us items that belonged to and/

or made by grandparents or worn

by family members to display in the

display room.

n December 8th at Thunderbird Casino 23 veteran

members and guests came

together to celebrate the 5th annual AST Veterans Association

Christmas Dinner. Those in attendance enjoyed smoked brisket

from Van's Pig Stand and other

home cooked favorites. The evening was more personal this year,

then in years past, as attendees

were asked to share what they

are most grateful for.

Cultural/Tribal Historic

Preservation

Department

AST Cultural Center

DRY EYE

Do you have dry, red,itchy, burning, watery or sensitive eyes ? contact

lens discomfort ? maybe you have dry eye syndrome.

The Healthy Heart Program

celebrated the first annual

“Healthy Heart Christmas

Extravaganza” at the Resource Center on December

9 th, 2010. Healthy Heart

participants were treated to

an exquisite holiday dinner,

raffle prizes, gifts, dancing,

and a program slideshow

highlighting all of the Healthy Heart Program’s recent

and past events. As a special surprise for all of our party

attendees, a special guest dance instructor was invited to

teach various dances. Party attendees were given lessons

on how to dance the “waltz”, the “cupid shuffle”, and “the

hustle.” We would like to thank all who had participated

in making this party a wonderful success. Everybody had

a great time in dancing and fellowship.

Dry Eye Syndrome is also called Kerato-Conjuntivitis Sicca or Dry

Eyes. It is a common reason for people to go to their eye doctor

for relief. The condition is caused by decreased tear production or

increased tear film evaporation. The phrase “Kerato Conjuntivitis

Sicca”is latin and its literal translation is dryness of the cornea and

conjunctiva. Patients come into the office complaining of dry, red,

itchy, burning, watery or sensitive eyes. Sometimes they complain

of contact discomfort or contact lenses sticking to their eyes. Some

say eyes lubricating drops help, others say they don’t.

What are the causes of Dry Eye?

Dry Eye Syndrome is usually caused by inadequate tear production.

The lacrimal gland does not produce sufficient tears to keep the entire

conjunctiva and cornea covered by a complete tear layer. Increasing

age is associated with decreased tearing. This is the most common

type found in postmenopausal women. There can be many reasons

for insufficient tears or not complete coverage of tears on the cornea

or conjunctiva. I’ll list a few:

1) Collagen vascular diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis

lupus sjogrens syndrome , and auto immune diseases.

2) Drugs such as nasal decongestants, sedatives, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, beta blockers, atropine, and

some pain relievers such as morphine

3) Lack of good nutritious foods, food allergies

4) Oxidation to various parts of the body due to lack of exercise

and poor nutrition

5) Sun, wind, dry air

6) Abnormal tissue growth on the conjunctiva and cornea of

the eye

7) Contact lens wear, especially sleeping while wearing the

contact lens

8) Environmental factors, such as smoky environments, heaters, air conditioners.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

Dry eyes can also occur or get worse after lasik or other ??? surgeries. Dry eyes caused by this is usually resolved after a few months.

People considering retractive surgery and know they have severe

dry eyes should alert the doctor and in severe cases, consider delaying or cancelling the surgery. Bulging eyes from thyroid problems to

drooping eye lids will also cause experience problems.

Testing for Dry Eye Syndrome?

Doctors trained in Drye Eye can perform a 15 to 20 minute Dry Eye

evaluation. After the test the doctor will know if you do or do not have

Dry Eye. If you do, they can tell the severity and what you need to do.

We have learned a lot about Dry Eye in the last few years. If you

think you have a Dry Eye problem, schedule a Dry Eye evaluation

with your doctor. You might just get some relief.

9) Computer use, which will sometimes slow the blink rate

Forrest W. Shed, O.D.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

RICK LITTLEAXE JR.

LOVE, DAD

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

“ Alliyah B. Shields”,

January 28th

Love ya, Grandaughter

G-ma & G-pa

Happy Birthday

Serena Melton

From Mom, Bo, Sugar, & Jr.

Happy Birthday

“MOM”

Love

Justin, Kalen & Jaycie

“Happy 15th Birthday Cameron”

January 5th

We Love you!!

Mom, Dad, Ben & Derek

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO :

CLAYTON FOREMAN,DANNY WATSON ,

MARY AND ELIJAH FOREMAN AND

JARETT GEISSLER

WE WISH ALL A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY,

CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

LOVE THE KASECAS AND FOREMANS

JAN.12 HAPPY 36TH

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

MOM AND DAD LOVE NIKKI AND KEVIN

Happy Birthday, Chels!!!

Happy Birthday to

Clay Foreman

Mary Foreman

Elijah Foreman

Pat Johnson

Your goofy relatives

Marvin & Sherry

Happy Birthday

Makiah Tilley

Talon Tahah

Love

Grandpa Marvin & Sherry

Happy Birthday

Aunt Qweet

We love you

Marvin & Sherry

CONGRATULATIONS

CHARLIE LITTLEAXE

FOR BEING VOTED IN AS

WESTERN HEIGHTS

HIGH SCHOOL

INDIAN CLUB PRINCESS

LOVE, MOM AND DAD

Johnson Jr., Henry Caddo

Johnson Jr., Josie Ed

Johnson, Bruce Dale

Johnson, David Lee

Johnson, Janessa Leann

Johnson, Patrick Wayne

Johnson, Pauletta Elephant

Johnson, Tanessa Anah Marie

Kaseca, Kesa La`nae

Kaseca, Thomas James

Keith, Shelli Leann

Kihega, Breanna Grace

Komahcheet, Nolan Frank

Larson, Brooke Nichole

Leath Jr., William Jake

Lester, Brandy Nicole

Lewelling, Amber Dawn

Lewelling, Stacie Berlyn

Little Axe Jr., Ricky Lee

Little Axe, Courtney Nicole

Little Axe, Darrell James

Little Axe, John Al

Little Charley, Keith Eldon

Little Jim, Charles Allen

Little, Troy Don

Littlebear Jr., Michael

Littlecreek, Catherine

Littlecreek, Kami Dawn

Livsey, Shannon Marie

Longacre, Nancy L. Warrior

Longhorn II, Leonard Wayne

Longhorn Moore, Tylee Raquel

Longhorn, Crystal Alaina

Longhorn, Ladonna Gail

Longhorn, Shawna Michele

Longman, Caitlin Oteaka

Lovins, Marilyn Sue

Lowry, Linda Diane

Mahsetky, Mariah Diane

Maldonado, Michael Tyrus

Mann Jr., Glenn Dale

Mann Sr., Glenn Dale

Mann, Marc Andrew

Marriott, Cadence Sunay

Martin, Jared Webster

Martinez, Laronda Ann

Martinez, Sam Littlecreek

Martinez, Winter Dawn

Mathany, Connie Ruth

Maxwell, Jimmy Ray

Maxwell, Nellie Tiger

McCreary, Lisa Jane

McGirt, Travis Wade

McPherson, Alan Lynn

McPherson, Jessica Lynn

Meek Jr, Jimmy David

Melton, Serena Jo

Melzer, Logan Michael Boyer

Milburn, Michelle Sahara

Miller, Laney Lee

Miller, Tre Dean

Mitchell, Nycole Morningstar

Montgomery, Nathan Andre Patrick

Morris Jr., John Gilbert

Morris, Betty Sue Williams

Morris, David Leon

Morris, Jordan Marie

Morris, Lucas Hayden

Munroe, Ellen Marie

Nail, Brandy Diane

Nance, Desmond Ravon

Nance, Eva Renae

Neash, Lonnie Allen

Ned, Tina Renee

Nelson, Payton Ashlee

Nicholson Jr., Larry Zenith

Odell, April Babette

Panther Jr., William

Parker, Muriel Gene Tyner

Patty, Elsie Wynona

Pearce, Kelle Dawn

Pearl Atwood, Donna Sue

Perryman, Mary Ella

Ponkilla, Orphie Jane

Queen, Marlene Lucille

Ramirez II, Antonio

Reed, Teresa June

Riden, C`anne Danielle

Ridenour, Logan Taylor

Riedel, Brian Alan

Roach, Dawson Wayne

Roberts, Ramona Lee

Robertson, Wanda Lejean

Robison, Tyrel Lane

Rogers, Tammy Sue

Ruimveld, Chad Christopher

Rye, Gail Marie Alford

Seber, Jamie Nicole

Seber, Lauren Elizabeth

Serena, Anthony George

Shaffer, Christie Elaine

Shawnee, Keaten Wayne

Sherrill, Quentin Patrick

Shields, Aaliyah Brooke

Shular, Sandra Jeanne Hood

Sloat, Cilicia Ann

Sloat, Taylor Renee

Sloat, Warren Howard

Smith, Al Murray

Snake, Anita Mae Burton

Snake, Barry Gabriel

Sorrells, Sandra Lee

Spoon, Barbara Jo

Spoon, Carl David

Spoon, Christopher Jaye

Spoon, Deric Brandon

Spoon, Tina Louise

Spybuck, Winter Dawn

Squire, Jimmy Dowell

Starr, Martin

Starr, Rance George

Steinruck, Mrs. Eugene Donnell

Stewart, Glenn Alan

Stewart, James Clyde

Stone, Brian David

Stricklin, Victor Medrano

Sullivan, Glenda Ann Little Axe

Surface, Ashley Katherine

Switch, Casey Camden

Switch, Tiana Bright Path

Tarbox, Christy Lee

Taylor, Nathan Wayne

Thomas, Joel Elijah

Thornhills, Nina Canalas

Thorpe II, Ronnie Allen

Tiger, Christoper Blaine

Tiger, Wanda Little Axe

Tilley, Makiah Lynn

Tyner, Tonia Melanie

Valdivia, Thomas Lesley

Walker, Roger Steven

Warrior, Tobin Shane

Washington, Rebecca Marie

Watson, Danny Owen

Watson, Julie Marie

Watson, Matthew Payden

Watson, Patrick Scott

Weatherley, Amandia Quaymmie

White Thunder, Sheldon Thomas

White, Jesse Lee

White, Seth Wesley

Whited, Angela Kay

Williams, Joseph Billy

Williams, Joseph Bryan

Williams, Joshua David

Willoughby, Marcie Deann

Wilson, Aarion James Deer

Wilson, Alix Re`Ann

Wilson, Alta Louise

Wilson, Calvin Lee

Wilson, Edward Wayne

Wilson, James Francis

Wilson, Michael Eugene

Wilson, Wesley Dean

Wolf, Aaron Paul

Wolf, Angel Erica

Wolfe Jr., Houston Hugh

Wunderlin, Donna Jo

Wyatt, James Allen

Yandell, Leon Allen

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TWYLA BLANCHARD

LOVE LAKETA & RAYMOND

Aguirre Perez, Mabel Beatrice

Alford Jr., Paul Leon

Alford, David Wesley

Alford, Robert Bruce

Alford, Sandra Kaye

Armstrong, Billy Joe

Armstrong, Frank Lee

Atkinson, Maureen Jessica

Barber, Joseph Leeroy

Bates, Terri Elaine

Bayliss, Jeffery Channing

Beach, Cary Sue

Bettelyoun, Kelan Chase

Blalock, William Charles

Blanchard II, Aaron Gabriel

Blanchard, Bernice Starr

Blanchard, Chelsey Kolesha

Blanchard, Chester Vernon

Blanchard, Cory Eugene

Blanchard, Terance Blaine

Blanchard, Twyla Gayle

Bragg, Ronald Lee

Bread, Christina L.m.

Brinson Jr, F E

Britt, Kelly Lee

Brokeshoulder, Harry

Brokeshoulder, Sherri Dawn

Cathers, Connie Frances

Chisholm, Mark Wayne

Citty, Rebecca

Cobell, Alta Rochelle

Condra, Karri Marie

Coon, Wynona Sloat

Cope, Michell Eldon

Coriz, Matoka Marie

Creek, Bessie Lee

Cripps, Jimmy Mark

Crossley, Orin Lee

Crossley, Rachel Ann

Cruz, Reyna Jalyssa

Cutler, Breanna Kailee

Dankenbring, Melody Renee

Darnell, Carol Jane

Davis, Rhonda Jean

Day, Vivian Denise

Day, Zander Nicholas

Deer, Braelyn Ariyahna

Deer, Melissa Roselynn

Deere, Christopher Lee

Deere, Clinton Jess

Delodge, Raymond Louis

Dibler Jr, Daymon Daniel

Draper, Shawnee Sharisse

Edwards, John L.

Ellis, Brandi Nicole

Felton, Kandice Nicole Grace

Flowers, Jasmine Lynne

Foreman Jr., James Louis

Foreman, Anthony Clayton

Foreman, Elijah Bryce

Freeman, Jerilyn Kay Barnett

Fruit, Andrea Dee

Geissler, Jarett Paul

Gibson, Braxton Reid Caddo

Gibson, Clarence

Gibson, Gloria Lynne

Gibson, Jeremy Lee

Gibson, Jimmy Ray

Gibson, Martha Lynette

Gibson, Ronnie Caleb

Gibson, Walter Ray

Gilman, Howard Floyd

Goodman, Thomas Donald

Harjo, Nicholas Gerald

Harrington, Carolyn Jean

Heatley, Prada DeeAnn

Herrera, Angel Juventino

Hood, Dantel Ruya

Hough, Alyssa Blake

Howe, Angelina Marie

Humphrey, Lou Ann

Irvin, Michael Reed

Isaacs, Betty Jean

James, Diane Rene

Januszewski, Connie Bradley

Jiron, Mary Elizabeth

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

JAN 6TH

TWYLA BLANCHARD

LOVE MOM & GRANDMAN

Safe Kids Oklahoma and Absentee Shawnee

Tribe Health Authority

WHO:

WHAT:

Safe Kids Oklahoma 405.271.5695 and Absentee Shawnee Tribe Health Authority, Injury Prevention Program 405.878.4702

Safe Kids Oklahoma and Shawnee Tribe Health Authority, Injury Prevention Program will

hold a hands-on car seats safety check.

Certified child passenger safety technicians available to provide hands-on instruction on

installing car seats and booster seats and answer any questions.

There are also a limited number of child safety seats for eligible families. You need proof of government assistance, i.e. WIC, food stamps, etc.

WHEN:

January 14th

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: 2025 S Gordon Cooper

Shawnee, Ok 74801

Absentee Shawnee Tribe Health authority

Injury prevention Program

WHY: Rural southeast and southwest regions of Oklahoma showed the lowest usage in 2009, with

76.9 in the southwest and 74.0 in the southeast. The Oklahoma City metro area showed a 94.2

percent usage rate; the Tulsa metro area showed 88.6 percent.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research, the proper use of child

restraints nationwide during the past 30 years has saved the lives of 8,325 children under age

5. An estimated 425 lives were saved by child restraint use in 2006. Research shows that child

restraints provide the best protection for all children up to age 8; after age 8, seat belts provide

the best protection.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JANUARY 2011

About Safe Kids Oklahoma

Safe Kids Oklahoma works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability for

children ages 1 to 14. Its partners include Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, Oklahoma State Department

of Health, and Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. Safe Kids Oklahoma is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global

network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. Safe Kids Oklahoma was founded in 1989.

CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECK-UP

esults from previous safety seat

checks have shown that four out of five

car seats are used incorrectly.

Be sure yours is not one of them!

Friday, January 14th

8:00a.m – 10:00a.m.

AST Tribal Complex

2029 South Gordon Cooper

Shawnee, Ok 74801

405-878-4702

Have your car seat checked free of charge by a

Certified Child Passenger Safety Specialist.

Get answers to these troubling questions:

“My child can climb out of the car seat. What can I do?”

“Why doesn’t my car seat stay tight in the car?”

“When can I turn my baby’s car seat around to face forward?”