# 2-3 execuTIve coMMITTee’s reporTs (2017) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3Af97df5c9bfd6fba8 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text March 2017 “Among The Shawnee” InsIde ThIs Issue 2-3 execuTIve coMMITTee’s reporTs 4 asT polIce deparTMenT 6-7 elecTIon coMMIssIon 8 veTerans assocIaTIon 9 10 11 12 13 Volume 28 No. 3 19-21 March BIrThdays 23 FITness calendar 24-25 caMpaIgn leTTers 27 eMergency ManageMenT 37 conTracT healTh educaTIon deparTMenT Tax collecTIons asT healTh sysTeMs realTy deparTMenT TITle vI Menu From the Election Commission The Primary Election will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017. The voting polls will be located at the Little Axe Resource Center on Peebley Road and the AST Police Department building on the Tribal Complex in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. at both locations. Mr. George Blanchard has withdrawn as a candidate for the position of Tribal Governor. APPROPRIATE POLL BEHAVIOR According to the Election Ordinance Article VIII Section 1 – The official polling sites and adjoining Tribal Grounds are neutral grounds, therefore, there shall be no campaigning or loitering on Election Day by any person. It shall be the duty of the Election Commission to request that Tribal police, be present at each polling place and be responsible for maintaining order, prevent campaigning, and loitering during the election process. In order to comply we suggest that you do not campaign in any fashion. For Examples: No: “vote for…” sticker on cars; campaign clothing; disbursement of campaign material; counseling as to who to vote for. Do not loiter at poll site: 1. Arrive; 2. Register; 3. Vote; 4. Exit; Unless there is a line each voter should be at the poll no more than 10 minutes, outside of voter booth. Each voter may take all the time they need to read the ballot to vote in the private booth but should not “visit” with Commissioners or other voters at the poll site. Any visiting of voters must occur outside of the Poll Site and adjoining Tribal grounds. Voting Polls close at 6:00 p.m. Voter has to be in line in order to vote. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES STATES: There shall be no campaigning on property of polling site. This includes signs, person to person, clothing, etc. or within 200 ft. of the polling site. (On Election Day all signs must be over 200 ft. away from the edge of tribal property that contain poll sites.) The Election Commission wants to inform tribal members that there is construction work being done on the south side of the tribal complex near the police department. When coming to vote on Saturday, March 18, 2017 please enter the tribal complex by AllNations bank to get to the police department. There will be signs to inform tribal members where to vote. Tear Off  BALLOT ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA PRIMARY ELECTION MARCH 18, 2017 VOTING INSTRUCTIONS: Cast your vote by placing an [X] or [] mark next to the candidate of your choice. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE GOVERNOR Edwina Butler-Wolfe--------------------------------[ ] John Soap, Jr------------------------------------------[ ] Andrew Warrior--------------------------------------[ ] Phillip S. Ellis---------------------------------------- [ ] Joseph H. Blanchard---------------------------------[ ] SECRETARY Atheda W. Edwards Fletcher-----------------------[ ] John Raymond Johnson-----------------------------[ ] ELECTION COMMISSION Election Commissioner John Al Little Axe------------------------------------[ ] Election Secretary Sherman Tiger-----------------------------------------[ ] Commission Member #2 Alicia Miller-------------------------------------------[ ] Primary Election-Saturday, March 18, 2017 Executive Committee Edwina Butler-Wolfe Governor Isaac Gibson Lt. Governor John Johnson Secretary Leah Bates Treasurer Anthony Johnson Representative Monthly Executive Committee meetings can be watched online at astribe.com Governor’s Report Hello friends, neighbors, relatives and Tribal members at large! This week Oklahoma Governor Fallin issued a 14 day burn ban for 53 counties. After it rained throughout Oklahoma she lifted it for 44 counties. This, again, illustrates the unusual weather patterns we are seeing in Oklahoma and in our service areas. It makes it difficult for those who are preparing flower and garden beds. This unpredictable weather also impacts a wide range of services and leads to a number of necessary action plans being developed. Director’s Meetings The January Director’s Meeting was held on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and was attended by Tresha Spoon, Education, Carly Dyer, Enrollment, Annette Wilson, Social Services, Christina Yergee, ASHA, Sherry Drywater, ASHA, Alvina Barnes, Secretary’s Office, L.R. Crawford, Building Blocks, Mark Rogers, Health, Tom Tremble, MIS, Cheri Hardeman, HR, Brad Gaylord, Police Department. On February 13, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. our February Director’s meeting was attended by Brad Gaylord, Police Department, Marla Throckmorton, Health, Sherman Tiger, Media, Annette Wilson, Social Services, Tresha Spoon, Education, Billie Thompson, Building Blocks III, Liz Crawford, Building Blocks II, Carly Dyer, Enrollment, Ken Jones, OEH, Sherry Drywater, ASHA, Kathy Brock, Courts, Ronelle Baker, ICW, Alvina Barnes, Secretary’s Office, Briana Ponkilla, CCDF. I have requested that all Directors and Executive Committee (EC) members attend these meetings so that we can address program questions and help the tribe to face the challenges within our tribal community. We have seven major Divisions at the Tribe under EC oversight. The Health Corporation(s) is now under Health Board operational authority without direct tribal oversight. Feed the Children Donation This past month the tribe received a pallet of crackers and of Snicker candies from the Feed the Children organization. Our Police Department picked up the pallets and brought them to the Afterschool Program trailer on the tribal complex. The CCDF Coordinator assisted with their distribution. These items were donated to the community with over 130 tribal and community people receiving them. Other Topics/Expressions Happy Birthday & Anniversary To those who have had a birthday or anniversary I extend my warmest regards. Condolences A special note to the family of Officer Nathan Graves, a Sac and Fox Nation police officer, who was killed in a head on auto accident while on patrol. The AST police department assisted the SFN during this time of need. I attended the funeral and our officers represented the tribe well. Those officers who attended were: Chief Brad Gaylord, Detective Jason Brinker, Officers Steven Crisp, Evan Austin, Matt Dougherty, Josh Bledsoe and Ron Ross. And a special note of thanks to James Woolbright who stayed at the office to take calls for both the AST and SFN. To all our AST families who may have lost a family member this month I extend my deepest condolences to you and your family. Meetings Attended for Mid-January through Mid-February 2017 JANUARY 2017 19th 23rd 24th 25th 26th CTSA Meeting in Shawnee, OK Tribal Directors Meeting in Shawnee, OK OK Indian Gaming Association Meeting State Capitol – OKC, OK Exit Audit Meeting Thunderbird Casino – Little Axe, OK Oklahoma School Choice Summit & Expo - Oklahoma City Community College – OKC, OK 30th United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas (UINOKT) – Pawnee, OK FEBRUARY 2017 1st Bank Meeting, OKC, OK 2nd Little Axe Town Hall Meeting – Fire Station in Little Axe, OK 3rd American Health Association – Go Red for Women – Grand Casino, Shawnee, OK 2 DOT Negotiated Rulemaking Committee possibilities. My door is always open (unless I am in a meeting or at a The DOT FAST Act Negotiated Rulemaking Committee meeting that was meeting) and I welcome your visits. to be held in Denver, CO was cancelled. Help me to make a difference – stand beside me and Let us Build for the If you are interested in learning more about the FAST Act DOT TTSGP Future (BFF) - united and together! Negotiated Rulemaking Committee this information may be found at: flh. Thank you for your support. fhwa.dot.gov Election Commission v. Governor Butler-Wolfe - Case Summary • During the 2016 Tribal elections, the Executive Committee positions of Treasurer and Representative were up for election with several candidates running. • From the initial vote count, Leah Bates received the highest number of votes for Treasurer and Anthony Johnson received the highest number of votes for Representative. • Immediately after the vote count, official protests were filed by other candidates for Treasurer and Representative. The protests claimed that an ineligible voter had voted in the election. Tribal Leaders with Ernie Stevens, Jr. at UINOKT • Under Article XIV Section 2 of our Election Code, if improper voting has occurred the entire election can be void. • When the protests were brought to my attention, I contacted the Election Commission and the enrollment department and asked that they verify the voter information and respond to the protests. It is the Election Governor Anoatubby, Chickasaw Commission’s responsibility under Article XIV Section 1 of the Election Nation, AST Governor Edwina Code to investigate and make a decision on protests within five days. Butler-Wolfe, Chief Tarpie Yargee, • Instead of fully investigating the protests as required by law, the Election Alabama Quassarte Tribal Town. Commission just declared the winners of the election without following At State of the State address the proper legal procedures – and then filed a lawsuit against me claiming I Oklahoma State Capitol. “interfered” with Treasurer Bates and Representative Johnson taking office. • At no time did I interfere with Treasurer Bates or Representative Johnson taking office, and in fact they have been in office since June 2016. Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman National Treasurer Bates and Representative Johnson have not joined the Election Indian Gaming Association-AST Governor Commission’s lawsuit, and they have never alleged I interfered with them Edwina Butler-Wolfe taking office. • The lawsuit is completely pointless – the Election Commission is suing to have Treasurer Bates and Representative Johnson put into office, when they’ve already been there for seven months. Twila Parker And AST Governor Edwina • Tribal law says that when a member of the Executive Committee is sued by Butler-Wolfe- American Heart Association an outside party (like the Election Commission), the member is entitled to Conf at Grand Casino a legal defense from the Attorney General’s office. • The law firm of Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker has been the Tribe’s Attorney General for many years, and as the law requires they have been providing the legal defense against the Election Commission lawsuit. Greetings to all tribal members and their respected families: • A few months ago, the other members of the Executive Committee decided March 18, 2017 is election time for the Governor’s and Secretary position. to end Hobbs Straus’ time as our Attorney General effective January 27, As you all know, I will be running for the Secretary’s position again and 2017. However, they have not selected a new Attorney General despite would like to continue my duties as your tribal secretary. having several months to do so. It has been a learning experience to see how our tribe operates internally • The Tribe now has no full-time Attorney General to serve our people. and I would like to continue to lead the tribe with my expertise. I hold • By dismissing our Attorney General and not appointing a new one, the my position with the upmost respect and importance for the tribe and its Executive Committee has tried to illegally take away my legal defense to members. My goal from day one was for the tribe to be successful and move the improper Election Commission lawsuit, with the clear purpose of having the lawsuit continue on in the hope it will harm my campaign for forward for the future in which I continue to work on every day. If reelected, there will be no lag time in learning tribal operations and I look forward to re-election. • By filing and maintaining a suit against the Governor the Election progressing the tribe with a full two years of work performance. I hope Commission has raised a question of whether they can conduct a fair and each of you please show respect and kindness to all candidates. I appreciate your continued support and vote for the Secretary’s position in March. an unbiased election. Secretary’s Report In Conclusion Ne yi wa I have 4 months left in Office and I find each day eventful and full of Secretary John Johnson 3 AST Police Department Alert to Tribal Members – Increase in Criminal Activity in Little Axe Area Chief Brad Gaylord, Absentee Shawnee Tribal Police The Absentee Shawnee Tribal (AST) Police Department has received reports of at least four burglaries occurring in the Little Axe area during the month of January 2017. Two of these burglaries were vehicle related and two were residential burglaries. The aforementioned burglaries have resulted in numerous items being stolen including but not limited to: firearms, big screen televisions, and many other miscellaneous items. The AST Police Department has also responded to four suspicious person reports in the last several weeks in this same area. At this time there have been no arrests made, however all leads are actively being pursued. The AST Police Department is working with both the Cleveland County Sheriff Office and the Norman Police Department to coordinate enforcement efforts in this area. AST Police would like to remind everyone to always remove valuables from your vehicle and never leave your vehicle unlocked. Always be aware of the vehicles and persons in your neighborhood and don’t be afraid to report anything out of the ordinary. Anyone with information concerning suspicious or criminal activity is encouraged to call the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Police Department at (405) 275-3200 • Lease to Own Homes • Low Rent Housing • Over Income AST member Down Payment & Closing Assistance • College Housing Assistance • Home Rehab Program • Storm Shelter Assistance • Transitional Housing • Over-Income Rental Housing FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SERVICES PLEASE CALL (405) 273-1050 OR COME BY OUR OFFICE LOCATED AT 107 NORTH KIMBERLY IN SHAWNEE, OK WEBSITE: WWW.ASHOUSINGAUTHORITY.COM 4 Who are the children in need? • Native American children in custody of tribe or state. • Native American children ages 0-17. • Native American children in sibling groups. • Native American children with special, physical, or emotional needs. • Native American children mixed with another ethnicity. TRIBAL FOSTER CARE HOMES ARE NEEDED FOR OUR TRIBAL CHILDREN WILL YOU OPEN YOUR HOME TO A CHILD IN NEED? IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FOSTER CARE HOME PLEASE CONTACT: JULIE WILSON 275-4030 EXT. 6376 Come and join us to hear about Financial Aid from staff at the Oklahoma College Assistance Program When: Where: Monday, March 27, 2017 6 pm to 7 pm Governor’s Conference Room Building #2 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive Shawnee, OK 74801 Refreshments will be served. For more information: Tresha Spoon Director of Education 405.275.4030 Ext. 6242 tresham@astribe.com FULL TIME: RN CASE MANAGER If you love working with the elderly and would like to make a difference in their lives, CompleteCare Home Health is the place for you. CompleteCare is looking for a RN Case Manager and a PRN LPN to work in the Little Axe area with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. Qualified candidates must have an active Oklahoma license in Good standing and reliable transportation. This position travels 100% of the time. Candidates may Fax resume to 405-928-2720 or Email a resume to afontaine@icmhealth.com or stop by the Corporate Office located at 2401 Tee Circle, Suite 207 Norman, OK. For further information Contact Angelina Fontaine at 405-928-2727 ext. 2009 *NOW INTERVIEWING* EOE 5 Election Commission FROM THE ELECTION COMMISSION: There will be a re-organization on how tribal members line up when they come in to vote during elections. There will be only (1) person, at a time, allowed at the registration table when registering to vote. At the Shawnee Poll: Tribal members will enter from the west and wait in the lobby allowing one (1) person at a time to be registering at the registration table. At the Little Axe Poll: Tribal members will wait in the enclosed glass foyer and enter after the one (1) person, registering to vote, leaves the registration table. This process will allow tribal members more privacy when registering to vote. Update on CIV-2016-63 To Tribal Members, In response to the Media Director’s statement in the February Newsletter: Election Commission v. Governor Butler-Wolfe “As of press time, Media department has received many campaign letters from candidates, but in Media’s communication with AST Election This continued 2016 case arises from a dispute between the Governor and the Election Commission over who gets to decide when a newly elected Commission NONE of background checks have come back.” official has been properly sworn into office. The Election Commission The statement might lead tribal members to think that candidates’ believes the tribal constitution and election ordinance give the Election background checks not being completed prevents them from campaigning, Commission the sole authority to swear-in the winning candidates. The which is not true. Each candidate receives in their filing packet a statement Governor argues she should be able to decide when the winning candidates that states: “As a prospective candidate you may campaign” officially take office. The Governor has filled a motion to dismiss the Election Commission’s case. The Election Commission is asking the Court to decide whether this authority rests with the Governor or the Election Commission. AST Candidates Forums AST Candidates Forum Tecumseh City Hall 2/18/17 Little Axe Family Meeting On February 4th 2017 the Little Axe family hosted the political candidates for Governor and Secretary offices. Candidates for Governor- AST Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe, John Soap, Phillip S. Ellis and Joseph H. Blanchard were present. For Secretary, Altheda Edwards Fletcher was in attendance. Andrew Warrior candidate for Governor and Secretary-John Johnson were not in attendance. All candidates were invited to meeting by John Al Little Axe. If you would like to watch meeting in it’s entirety, it is on AST Tribal website. On February 18, 2017 Michael Deer, Elaine Makaseah-Brown and Jackie Carpenter hosted a question and answer session with candidates. Sec-John Johnson was absent, Also Former Governor Candidate George Blanchard has withdrawn from race. Complete video and audio recording of meeting is on tribal website. Candidates L to R: John Soap, Altheda Flechter, AST Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe, Andrew Warrior, Joseph Blanchard and Phillip Ellis. Candidates L to R: Phillip Ellis, John Soap, Joseph Blanchard, AST Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe and Altheda Fletcher. 6 Election Commission PLEASE fill out EACH BLANK completely and return by the Deadline. ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST I, ____________________________________, hereby certify that I am or will be an Eligible (Print Name) Voter of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe on or before March 18, 2017. I cannot physically be present to cast my Vote at the March 18, 2017 Primary Election, therefore, I am requesting an Absentee Ballot be mailed to me at the following address. Name (please print): ___________________________________________________________ (first) (middle) (maiden) (last) Address:____________________________ City: _______________St: _______Zip:________ CDIB#:______________________ Date of Birth:_______________________ Signature:________________________________ Date:______________________________ All REQUESTS must be returned to the Election Commission by the deadline of February 26, 2017 Mail to: Absentee Shawnee Election Commission P.O. Box 741 Tecumseh, OK 74873 Fax to: Fax # (405) 273-1337 (Do not fax to any other fax #) Phone: (405) 275-4030 ext. 6271 Toll free number 1-800-256-3341 ext. 6271 Deliver in Person to: Election Commission Office located in the Tribal Court Building All eligible voters are entitled to vote either at the Polls or by Absentee Ballot. This form may be duplicated for your convenience. ______________________________________________________________________________ ELECTION COMMISSION USE ONLY Received: _____________________ Approved:____________________ Disapproved: _______________ If Disapproved (reason): _________________________________________________________________ Denial Letter Mailed:___________________________ Ballot Mailed:_____________________________ _______________________________________ Election Commission/Representative 7 AST Veterans Association Congratulations Abbe!!!! 13 Folds of the U.S. Flag 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Symbol of Life Symbol of our belief in the Eternal Life Made in Honor and Remembrance of our Departing Veterans Represents our Weaker Nature Is a Tribute to our Country Is for Where Our Hearts Lie A Tribute to Our Armed Forces A Tribute to the One Who Entered In To The Valley of the Shadow of Death A Tribute to Womanhood A Tribute to Father In The Eyes of a Hebrew Citizen In The Eyes of a Christian Citizen When the Flag is Completely Folded – Reminds Us of Our National Motto “In God We Trust” Family of Faith Christian School 8th Grade Girls Basketball Team OCSSA 2A STATE CHAMPIONS! This is the reason for the “Retiring of Colors Ceremony” when we fold the U.S. Flag for departed Veterans. Our Next Meeting is March 8, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Thunderbird Casino off of Highway 9 in the Warrior’s Room. Contact Information: Commander Walter Larney-405-683-1247, Twila Parker-405-229-8052. Abbe Owings - 8Th Grade Basketball Champ AST Tribal Member Abbe Owings, An 8th grad ♥Proud Momma, Dos Owings of Faith Christian School. On February 13th ,2016 AST Elders Council Meeting – Saturday, March 11, 2017 @ 10:00basketball a.m., Title VI Building AST On February 13th,Complex. team won ton he the OCSSA 2016, Abbe Owings and the 8th grade girls class 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!!! basketball team at the This meeting will also be accepting nominations from the group for election of Officers for the Elders Council to serve the nexttook term state of office. OCSSA 2A class state championship The Elders Council meets the 3rd Saturday of every month. We invite everyone 50 years of age and older to join us and become involved. Congratulations Abbe!!!! PROUD MOMMA-­‐Dos Owings Elders Council Honoring Our Past With Promise for Our Future LIFE is Beautiful Living Meth Free 10 8 Education Department Applications accepted: Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Education Department 2025 South Gordon Cooper Drive (405) 275-4030 Ext. 6242 Toll free (800) 256-3341 youthaward@astribe.com Jan. 1st –March 31st Finalists announced: May 2017 Fax (405) 273-7938 □ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male) □ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Female) □ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male) □ $1,000 Scholarship Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Female) STUDENT INFORMATION Name: ___________________________________________________ (LAST) (FIRST) (MI) Enrollment #: Address: _________________________________________________________________________________ (STREET) Home Phone: ( (CITY) ) Cell Phone: ( (STATE) (ZIP) ) Email: HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION High School Name: City: State: Guidance Counselor: Phone #: Sport: Position: Coach: Phone #: (FIRST) (LAST) All Absentee Shawnee High School Seniors are eligible and encouraged to apply. Documents to be included with application: □ Official High School Transcript □ Letter of Recommendation (Educator/Coach) □ Tribal Enrollment Card (copy) □ Resume of Accomplishments and Activities □ 500-word Essay: How do you feel your accomplishments (knowledge/training) will influence your future? □ Video (optional): no more than 10 minutes in length 9 March 2017 - Scheduled Closings March 2017 - Scheduled Closings DATE: TIME(S) CLOSED: Wed., Mar. 1st (1 Wed of month) DATE: Noon to 5 PM TIME(S) CLOSED: st LOCATIONS: Closings All AST HealthFebruary facilities2017-Scheduled CLOSED - Shawnee Clinic Extended Hours re-OPENS 5 PM till 9 PM (last patient at 8:30 PM) - PlusCare Clinic re-OPENS 5 PM till 9 PM (last patient at 8:30 PM) LOCATIONS: All AST Health facilities CLOSED April 2017- -Scheduled Scheduled Closings *Shawnee Clinic Extended Hours re-OPENS 5 PM till 9 PM (last patient at 8:30 PM) April 2017 Closings *PlusCare Clinic re-OPENS 5 PM till 9 PM (last patient at 8:30 PM) DATE: TIME(S) CLOSED: LOCATIONS: Mon., Feb. 20th All Day ASTHealth Healthfacilities facilities CLOSED AllAll AST CLOSEDexcept PlusCare Clinic OPEN 9 AM to 5 PM (last patient at 4:30 PM) Wed.,(President’s Apr. 5th Day) Noon to 5 PM Shawnee Clinic Extended Hours re-OPENS 5 PM till 9 PM (last patient at 8:30 PM) (1st Wed of month) - PlusCare Clinic re-OPENS 5 PM till 9 PM (last patient at 8:30 PM) March 2017-Scheduled Closings th Fri., Apr. 14 All Day All AST Health facilities CLOSED except PlusCare Clinic OPEN 9 AM to 5 PM (last patient at 4:30 PM) (Good Friday) DATE: TIME(S) CLOSED: LOCATIONS: All AST Health facilities CLOSED st **In theWed., eventMar. of a1weather cancellation affecting health services if you are unsure health is closed, please Noon to 5 PMor delay *Shawnee Clinic Extended Hoursorre-OPENS 5 PM till 9 if PM (last patient at 8:30 PM)call ahead. st (1 Axe WedHealth of month) Little Center at (405) 447-0300, *PlusCare ShawneeClinic Clinicre-OPENS at (405)878-5850 or PlusCare at (405)447-0477 5 PM till 9 PM (last patient at 8:30 PM) Wed., Feb. 1st (1 Wed of month) st Noon to 5 PM ***Also, weather closures/delays will be posted on the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health Facebook wall “Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health”, Twitter @ASTHealth and on ASTHS website at www.asthealth.com. **In the event of a weather cancellation or delay affecting health services or if you are unsure if health is closed, please call ahead. Little Axe Health Center at (405) 447-0300, Shawnee Clinic at (405)878-5850 or PlusCare at (405)447-0477 Tax Collections ***Also, weather closures/delays will be posted on the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health Facebook wall “Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health”, Twitter @ASTHealth and on ASTHS website at www.asthealth.com. FY-2017 FY-2017 YTD TAX COLLECTIONS (Thru 1/31/17) YTD TAX COLLECTIONS (thru 1/31/2017) TAX CATEGORY JANUARY Sales (6%) Gaming % of free cash Employee (1%) Severance (8%) Motor Vehicle Tobacco Refund $1,050.71 $250,000.00 $7,658.64 $3,310.81 $11,861.13 $2,216.22 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 TOTAL TAXES $276,097.51 $0.00 Miscellaneous $516.46 $276,613.97 TOTAL COLLECTIONS FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL % OF TAXES MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,050.71 $250,000.00 $7,658.64 $3,310.81 $11,861.13 $2,216.22 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $276,097.51 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $516.46 0.19% $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $276,613.97 100% COLLECTED 0.38% 90.38% 2.77% 1.20% 4.29% 0.80% Song Demo Studio Services Available I can make a sound track for you’re songs, or offer song writing help. Also for those that like singing Karaoke, I can change the keys to your tracks. I can transfer your old LP albums to modern CD’s and clean them & much more. For free estimate call or text; Phil Bradley (405) 585-8801 10 AST HeAlTH SySTem - mArcH 2017 Please be advised - beginning Monday, March 13th, the Little Axe Health Center’s west entrance to the facility will be closed for public entry. All patients and clinic visitors shall enter through the south main entrance. The west door entrance will be closed due to security concerns for patient, employee, and public safety. The AST Health System hosted the Oklahoma Department of Health’s Listening Session in February at the Little Axe Health Center regarding input to the waiver for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions by Tribal leaders and health care leaders from Oklahoma’s Indian Country. This is one of the final meetings before the program waiver is sent to the new administration on recommendations for provisions to be retained where it is vital to Indian and Tribal Health Programs service delivery. AST Health also continues to support community blood drives, please watch for dates and times to help with this vital program that benefits all of us! Health has been fortunate with its specialty clinic, as patient appointment bookings continue to swell with the new services. Additional times and availabilities are being worked on to add more clinical time into the schedule for our patients. Please ensure you continue to keep your contact information update upon your next visit to the clinics. Several patients often change their phone numbers and addresses without updating our systems, and it makes it extremely difficult to contact patients when this information becomes outdated during weather emergencies and other patient notifications. The new multi-purpose health facility and storm shelter should be completed by April! The drive through pharmacy will be finished sometime thereafter, making it more convenient for our patients to access their medications from the comfort and convenience of their vehicles. We see the flu continues to wreak havoc upon our state, one of the hardest hit again this year. Please continue to use good hygiene and if you become sick, limit your exposure to your family and co-workers during the onset of symptoms. It is not too late to get the flu vaccine and if you do become sick, seek medical attention as soon as possible to limit the effects of the flu upon you and your family. We are thankful and very proud of our outstanding health system star performers again this month and thank them all for their contributions to our patients, their fellow employees, and the tribe! We are extremely happy to announce the Employee of the Month in February for health was Glendine Blanchard, Contract Health; the Team of the Month was the AST Health System’s Registration Staff (Shawnee and Little Axe)! The Special Leadership Award was presented to Health HR’s Dayna Dick, Health HR Office, for her service to the employees. Our AST Health System strives to make your health its top priority, and you all make a difference for our health system and the health and wellness of all of our patients! Additional health related information: • PlusCare Clinic/Little Axe area has the ability to treat non-life threatening illnesses and injuries on a walk-in basis (no appointment needed). This service is extended to enrolled AST tribal members and other IHS eligible Native Americans who are the ages of 2 years and up. If you are a new (AI/AN) patient to our health system and are in need of our PlusCare services, please bring with you, your CDIB card, a second form of identification, social security card and health insurance card(s), if available. The location is 15702 East State Highway 9, Norman, OK (former Little Axe Clinic-near Thunderbird Casino/Norman). The phone number is (405) 4470477. Hours of operation are M-F 9 AM to 9 PM with last walk-in accepted at 8:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM and holidays are 9 AM to 5 PM (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas) with last walk-in patient accepted at 4:30 PM. • Shawnee Clinic Extended Hours/Shawnee area has the ability to treat non-life threatening illnesses and injuries on a walk-in basis (no appointment needed). This service is extended to enrolled AST tribal members, Native American Veteran’s, IHS eligible Native Americans, Medicaid/SoonerCare pediatric patients, and BCBS covered AST non-Native employees who are the ages of 2 years and up. If you are a new patient to our health system and are in need of our extended hours services, please bring with you, your CDIB card, a second form of identification, social security card and health insurance card(s), if available. The location is 2029 South Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK. The phone number is (405)878-5850. Hours of operation are M-F 5 PM to 9 PM with last walk-in accepted at 8:30 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM with last walk-in accepted at 4:30 PM and closed Sundays and holidays. • Emergency Dental Clinic is available every Monday from 8 AM to 11:30 AM at the Little Axe Health Center. Patients will be evaluated on a first come, first serve basis and type of emergency care needed. Patients who have suffered trauma or present infection will be considered before other as well as established patients being considered before new patients. For more information, please call (405) 447-0300. • AST/Serviced Health System Native American Veterans: If you are currently receiving services with the area VA Medical Center, please contact us today to set up an appointment to have your services established with the AST Health System at either the Shawnee Clinic (405) 878-5850 or Little Axe Health Center (405) 4470300. • If you need CPR training, please contact the AST Health System’s Public Health Office at (405) 447-0300 for scheduling and training opportunities. • Contract Health Services (CHS) interactive phone menu helps patients access the most appropriate service provider by calling (405) 701-7951 at the Little Axe Health Center. This feature will speed up access to the patients seeking services and follow-up to their care. We also have Contract Health representatives available at our Shawnee location. Tribal members are able to call Ms. Flo Mann, LPN or Ms. Laurie Webber, LPN at (405) 878-5850. • Customer Service line is (405) 701-7623. Please direct all complaints or compliments to this line for appropriate attention and/or response. Please be assured that this is the best way to have each situation addressed, with consistent updates from our Health Staff. After the investigations of all issues are complete, our Health Director or a Clinic Administrator will personally contact you with updates, decisions, or question pertaining to your case. • The AST Anti-Bullying Prevention “HOTLINE” is (405) 701-7987 during work hours 8-5, M-F, and for added confidentiality or after hours you may contact Mrs. Dara Thorpe at either (405) 701-7992 or via cell (405) 481-0815 to start intervention assistance for tribal youth. If it is an emergency or someone is at risk of harming themselves or others, please contact 911. • The Affordable Care Act Decision Tool continues to be a valuable tool with helping you decide what you need to do for compliance with the act. Please see the ACA tab at the ASTHA Health Program’s Website: http://www.asthealth.org/aca (Please visit our site today to find out what you need to do to protect yourself and your family)! • Emergency After Hours Pharmacy: If you experience an emergent issue after hours and receive a prescription that needs to be filled that same evening, AST Health has provided access for Tribal members only at three (3) approved Wal-green locations in Shawnee and Norman. You will need to submit your prescription and it is mandatory to identify yourself with your AST CDIB card and other appropriate ID. Then they shall fill your prescription. You will have a 5-day limited fill on your prescription. Upon the first work/business day, you can have the remaining balance of your prescription(s) transferred to your AST pharmacy in either Shawnee or Little Axe, and they will fill your remaining balance. The three (3) AST Health approved Walgreen service locations are: 1427 North Harrison Street or at 600 Shawnee Mall Drive, Shawnee, Oklahoma or 615 West Main Street, Norman, Oklahoma. The Little Axe Health Center Drive-Thru Pharmacy is also available for emergency fills, for tribal members only, from: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday & Sunday and holidays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas. • Social Media: You can follow the AST Health System on Facebook and receive the most current messages and announcements regarding your tribal health care. 11 Realty Department Reminder: • • • • • • • • • All trust land transactions must come through the Realty Office. Sales and/or any other trust land transactions must be authorized by the Realty Department and approved by the BIA. Any trust land transactions not involving the Realty Department are invalid. Please keep addresses current with the Office of the Special Trustee for Indians @ 1-888-678-6836. This will allow proper notification to be made to landowners on new leases and other information. Please keep addresses current with the Absentee Shawnee Enrollment Department. This allows the Realty Department to cross-reference landowner addresses with the OST. lease visit www.indiantrust.com whereabouts unknown/Oklahoma/Absentee Shawnee Tribe, to see if you or your relatives are on this list. Gift deed transactions will take time to get approved from the BIA. Negotiated sales must follow the proper procedures to ensure the transaction is considered for approval. A family member of a deceased landowner must initiate the probate process. If anyone has any questions, please contact the Realty Department @ (405) 275-4030. PROBATE MISSION STATEMENT The primary mission of the Division of the Probate is to compile inventories of the Indian Trust Assets and family information, and to coordinate the timely distribution of trust assets with the Office of Hearings and Appeals, Land Titles and Records Office and the Office of Special Trustee. The Division of Probate gathers information regarding decedent’s family and property and prepares it for adjudication by the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA). After OHA issues a probate order the Division works with other trust offices, such as the Office of Special Trustee for American Indians and the Land Titles and Records Office to distribute assets. In order for this to happen, the family of the decedent will need to contact the Absentee Shawnee Real Estate Division (Probate) to start the probate process. Should you have any questions, please contact Lea Tsotaddle at 405-275-4030 ext. 6248. AST FORUM This Social Media Facebook page, AST Forum was set-up for Absentee Shawnee Tribal Members, Tribal Workers and associates. Purpose of web page is to have a Forum to discuss Tribal Issues and possible solutions, also to share Tribal and family events which may occur. AST Forum is a creation of Mr. Calvin White. Currently there are 333 members of which may add new members to the group, I can only hope a good dialog and solutions will be discussed on the page. And maybe new friends will be made and old relatives will meet once again and find common ground, to make our Tribe just a little better. Sherman Tiger Media Director 12 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 1 5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27 Chicken Strips Mashed Pot/Gravy Veggies Peaches Salisbury Steak Boiled Pot. Beets Apricots Beef Fingers Mixed Veggies Tossed Salad* Bread Chef Salad w/Ham Eggs,Chez Crackers/ Pineapples 7 BBQ Pork Sandwich Chips Pickles n Onions Pudding 14 21 Stew Cornbread Crisp Soft Taco LTOC Spanish Rice Salsa/Mixed Fruit 28 Chicken Fajita Bell peppers & Onions Tortilla NOT GOING TO BE HOME!!! CALL AND LET US KNOW AT 405-275-4030 EXT 6227 or 6270 OR NOTIFY YOUR DRIVER 8 15 22 29 Baked Ham Sweet Pot. Black eyed Peas Apple Frito Chili Pie Onion, chez Cookie Manwich Veggies French Fries Orange BBQ Chicken Mac Salad Brussel Sprouts Pears Egg Roll Stir Fry Veggies Banana N Strawberry Glaze Thursday 2 Baked Zita Salad Bar* Garlic Toast 9 Smoked Sausage Mac n Chez Veggies Applesauce 16 Hawaiian Chicken Wild Rice Carrots Pineapples Friday 3 10 17 23 Wild Onion Dinner Beans Cake 24 30 31 Hamburger Tater Tots LTOP Mandarin Oranges Scrambled Eggs Sausage Gravy Biscuit Oatmeal Sausage Patty Boiled Egg Scrambled Eggs Ham Tropical Fruit Cereal Toast Sausage Patty 11 18 25 Boiled Egg Sausage Gravy Biscuit LUNCH SERVED MONDAY-THURSDAY 11AM TO 1PM BREAKFAST SERVED FRIDAYS BRING US YOUR USED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT!!! US medical YOUR USED MEDICAL items EQUIPMENT!!! The AST Health System is accepting usedBRING durable equipment for re-use. The AST wheelchair, Health Systemcane, is accepting used durable medical equipment items for reWe can shine up that old walker, or CPAP breathing machine and make it serviceable again. use. Drop off your un-used item(s) at Little Axe or Shawnee Physical Therapy departments. We can shine up that old walker, wheelchair, cane, or CPAP breathing machine For more information call:and 405. 447.0300 (Little Axe) make it serviceable again. 405. 878.5850 (Shawnee) Saturday 4 Drop off your un-used item(s) at Little Axe or Shawnee Physical Therapy departments. 13 9AM TO 11AM HOBBS, STRAUS THANKS ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE In late December, members of the Executive Committee expressed their desire to terminate the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s relationship with Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP, which has served as the Tribe’s Attorney General since the Fall of 2013. Hobbs, Straus would like to thank the Executive Committee and the Tribe’s members for the opportunity to be of service. We were proud to assist the Tribe on various fronts and helped the Tribe achieve some pretty remarkable things: • Contract Support Costs settlement: The Tribe utilized other attorneys for this matter at a rate of $350 an hour who recommended the Tribe settle its claims against the United States for about $4 million. Hobbs, Straus pushed for additional negotiations and the Tribe received a substantially higher settlement offer from the United States that brought the total settlement to approximately $6.6 million, plus interest, totaling nearly $7 million. • Ramah settlement: Hobbs, Straus helped the Tribe navigate the final steps to secure an approximately $2 million payment from the federal government. • Hobbs, Straus, helped the Tribe evaluate and negotiate settlements against pharmaceutical drug companies which resulted in a payment to the Tribe of $192,125.00. • Hobbs, Straus facilitated and negotiated a tobacco compact with the State of Oklahoma. • Hobbs, Straus represented the Tribe’s interest in the Atoka pipeline right-of-way litigation, revived and facilitated settlement discussions, and negotiated a landmark settlement with the City of Oklahoma City over the Atoka pipeline. Hobbs, Straus is in the process of finalizing this agreement, which will be substantially larger than original discussions that stalled under the Tribe’s prior counsel. The settlement will also benefit Tribal members who own land along this right-of-way. • Hobbs, Straus helped negotiate an agreement with Sac and Fox Nation to provide juvenile detention services to the Absentee Shawnee Tribe courts. • Hobbs, Straus protected the Tribe from efforts by the City of Shawnee to tax the Tribe. • Hobbs, Straus drafted policies and assisted the TEC board with efforts to end gamesmanship on a number of fronts. One example involved terminating an illegal contract with a gaming vendor, saving the Tribe nearly $2 million. Another example, involved bringing an end to a two-person gaming board, where the board Chairman was also one of the TEC’s highest paid vendors through a contract with his fellow board member/general manager. • Hobbs, Straus created a standard gaming vendor contract template to provide the Tribe with leverage in negotiating gaming agreements for gaming machines. • Hobbs, Straus revised the bylaws for the ASTHA Health Board. • Hobbs, Straus helped protect tribal members by assisting the Tribe with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Red Cross. • Hobbs, Straus developed plans with the Housing Authority for police services. Additionally, Hobbs, Straus routinely provided other legal services to the Tribe, including: advising the Tribe on several potential new business and land transactions; interacting with federal and state representatives on the Tribe’s behalf; reviewing and negotiating contracts for the Tribe and various departments; drafting, revising and updating the Tribe’s laws, including its Traffic Code, Juvenile Code, Ethics Code, Business Site Leasing Act, and Executive Committee resolutions; advising the Tribe’s gaming commission on licensing, regulatory, and contract matters; assisting and advising other tribal departments on a wide range of issues; prosecuting criminal matters (not involving Executive Committee members); and representing the Tribe in Indian child welfare matters, including the Baby T case, helping secure the return of an Absentee Shawnee child unlawfully removed from Oklahoma for an out-of-state adoption. Unfortunately, there exist areas of concern where problems were identified but our advice was not followed. One of these matters was likely a contributing factor to our departure: • There are numerous problems with the Tribe’s existing corporations – both the federal charter and tribal corporation controlling the convenience store. While we gave the Executive Committee extensive and detailed advice on how to resolve these issues, the Executive Committee failed to act. • Hobbs, Straus worked diligently to protect the Tribe’s interests when the Health Clinic debt was refinanced. Primarily, Hobbs, Straus fought against the bank’s efforts to enable it to place a lien on all the Tribe’s assets, including employee retirement account funds, in the event of default – something that was never part of the original financing arrangement with the bank. Hobbs, Straus very publicly fought against the bank’s efforts to obtain a legal opinion from Hobbs, Straus that was adverse to the Tribe and would damage the Tribe’s interests in relation to the bank. The clinic’s management ultimately convinced members of the Executive Committee to act against the Tribe’s best interests and hire Troy Little Axe (who was paid an undisclosed sum) to provide the legal opinion to the bank a year and a half after the transaction closed. • When members of the Executive Committee notified Hobbs, Straus that their relationship was being terminated (unlawfully), Hobbs, Straus recommended and attempted to secure a transition period during which Hobbs, Straus could, in an orderly manner, transfer all pending matters to new counsel so that the Tribe would not be left vulnerable. The Lieutenant Governor refused to agree, placing the Tribe and its members in jeopardy on multiple fronts. (To their credit, a majority of the Executive Committee directed our continued assistance on a few critical matters, including the Atoka settlement and an important federal bank regulatory meeting.) Recently, Hobbs, Straus has become the target of some intentionally misleading and harmful statements on social media regarding the fees the Tribe paid to Hobbs, Straus. Much of the information focuses on fees paid for “legal and professional services” from 2013-2015, totaling $2,388,833.00 – an average of $796,277.66 a year. The post falsely and intentionally suggests that Hobbs, Straus was paid this entire amount for serving as Attorney General. While we typically do not bother to refute misinformation contained in social media, we feel compelled to do so here, because the total figure cited on social media is far more than Hobbs, Straus ever received. In other words, during 2013, 2014, 2015 (and we presume 2016), most of the money for “legal and professional services” was paid to someone or some firm OTHER THAN Hobbs, Straus. YEAR LEGEL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PAID TO HOBBS, STRAUS PAID TO SOMEONE ELSE 2013 $789,249.00 $175,843.55 $613,405.45 2014 $846,081.00 $395,254.65 $450,826.35 2015 $753,503.00 $274,222.25 $479,280.75 TOTAL $2,388,833.00 $845,320.45 $1,543,512.55 To put that into perspective, the nearly $3 million Hobbs, Straus obtained for the Tribe for the IHS contract support cost settlement has offset the amounts paid to our firm several times over. We suggest that the Tribe’s members ask the Executive Committee what lawyers or law firms received the remaining $1,543,512.55 during those years, what services were provided to the Tribe for that money, and what the Tribe’s return for that investment was. To be clear: In 2015, after several failed attempts to develop a budget with the Executive Committee, Hobbs, Straus voluntarily imposed its own cap on services, which we have abided by since that time. Additionally, we have provided many hours of services (over $400,000 worth) above the cap, which were not billed to the Tribe. Even still, at times, various officials have threatened and refused to make payments for services we rendered (and they utilized). At one time, Hobbs, Straus provided services to the Tribe for close to a year without payment. Finally, in December of 2016, the Lieutenant Governor refused to allow Hobbs, Straus to be paid for five months’ worth of services from 2016 unless the Governor signed a letter terminating our contract. Two things are clear. First, there is a concerted effort involving the disclosure of sensitive information perhaps by certain elected officials and/or staff or other lawyers, to purposefully mislead the public regarding our services and the cost to the Tribe for those services. Hobbs, Straus has been paid a mere 35% of what these culprits are reporting. (It would be interesting to know the names of those involved and the real purpose behind their effort.) Second, we have more than earned the fees we have received. In our initial service to the Tribe, we fought the National Indian Gaming Commission to keep your casino open and running, reduced the Tribe’s regulatory fine by more than $6 million, and negotiated the Tribe’s gaming compact for you. Most recently, Hobbs, Straus is responsible for a nearly $3 million increase in your contract support costs settlement. Our efforts on the Tribe’s behalf have resulted in millions to the Tribe at about a third of the cost others want you to believe Hobbs, Straus has received. Their information is false and misleading, and their motives are self-serving. Despite the improper way our contract was terminated, Hobbs, Straus remains committed to the Tribe and to advancing the interests of good governance, honesty, and leadership over the interests of certain invested individuals. If you wonder why, it is because our firm is solely dedicated to representing tribes and tribal organizations. Unlike several other of the attorneys seeking to replace us, we do not represent private banks and oil companies and gaming developers and the Oklahoma Tax Commission, each of whom oppose the Tribe’s sovereignty. Some of our core principles include providing quality legal service, protecting tribal interests, and remaining steadfast to the rule of law. Our integrity and ethics are of the highest caliber, and our accomplishments on the Tribes’ behalf speak for themselves. It has been an honor to serve you and we look forward to continuing our relationship as the Tribe sees fit. 14 15 LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER OPTOMETRY ANNUAL BENEFITS & DISCOUNTS Absentee Shawnee Tribal Members with Vision Insurance: All enrolled Absentee Shawnee Tribal members who have vision insurance will have their insurance billed for the exam and any prescribed optical products. The Tribal benefit will be used for the remainder of the cost for prescription eye glasses or contact lens, not to exceed the $350.00 vision benefit through the ASTHS Contract Health Services. If the amount exceeds the $350.00 benefit, the Tribal member will be responsible for the out of pocket expense. *If an enrolled Absentee Tribal Member with insurance chooses to see an outside provider they will be responsible for notifying ASTHS Contract Health Services (405.701.7951 or 405.878.5850). Their benefit within the Absentee Shawnee Optometry Department will only allow for the amount within the $350.00 that was left unused for the vision benefit year. (i.e. If you were seen December 31, 2016 your vision benefit year lasts until December 30, 2017.) All enrolled Absentee Shawnee Tribal members who do not have vision insurance must use the Absentee Shawnee Optometry Department to receive their eye exam at no charge and their $350.00 tribal benefit for the cost of prescription eye glasses or contact lens. If the amount exceeds the $350.00 benefit the Tribal member will be responsible for the out of pocket expense. Absentee Shawnee Tribal Members who live outside of the catchment area: All enrolled Absentee Shawnee Tribal members who reside outside of the catchment area (Cleveland, Pottawatomie, Logan, Lincoln, and Oklahoma counties) may still utilize their tribal benefit only if they use the Absentee Shawnee Optometry department for their exam and/ or prescription optical products. The allotted $350.00 will be used towards prescription eye glasses or contact lens. If the amount exceeds the $350.00 benefit the Tribal member will be responsible for the out of pocket costs. *These patient will need to ensure they have updated their chart. This is to include updated HIPAA and consent forms. Transitional Housing The AST DV Transitional Housing Program serves victims of Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault. Participants have up to six months to obtain education and job skills needed to begin a new life. Court Advocacy Assists survivors with domestic violence court related costs (when funding is available) and appearances as well as filing for emergency protective orders (EPO) or restraining orders. Housing and Utility Assistance Assists victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or dating violence in emergency situations. This assistance may allow for a victim to either receive housing or utility assistance. Referral Assistance Assists with providing community resources to those who are in need of additional services outside the scope of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Program. Community Outreach The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Program offers educational trainings, informational displays, and community events in order to provide more awareness to both Tribal and Non-Tribal communities. For any questions regarding any of the above services please contact the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence staff at (405) 273-2888. 38 Did You Know..... Additional products/charges outside of the allowed benefit schedule: Any additional products/charges outside of the allowed benefit schedule must be paid for by the patient. For example, patients who do not require corrective lens but chose to get colored contacts or non-prescription sunglasses these will be at their own expense. All charges will need to be paid for in advance following the payment guidelines posted in the office. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED. *No combining of discounts allowed *Insurance benefits must be exhausted first before discounts can be applied. Patient’s co-pay portion cannot be discounted. Did You Know…… Anyname name changes changes that Any thatmay mayoccur occur marriage, divorce, (ie:marriage, (i.e. divorce, etc.) etc.) need need totobebeupdated updated through enrollment, BEFORE any new through enrollment, BEFORE any new registrations or renewals can be processed. registrations or renewals can be processed. 15702 East State Hwy 9 Norman, OK 73026 NEW LOCATION: In the PlusCare Building by Thunderbird Casino P H O N E : 4 0 5 . 4 4 7. 0 3 0 0 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy The AST Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Programs are on-call 24 hours per day to provide emotional support, advocacy and crisis counseling to survivors at hospitals, police stations and throughout the legal system. The programs also serve as a resource center to the community by offering educational information and referrals. Shelter Placement Assistance The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Domestic Violence Program works with other shelters within Oklahoma in order to help victims obtain safe housing. Emergency transportation for the victim and children may also be available. Absentee Shawnee Tribal Members without Vision Insurance: OPTOMETRY ABSENTEE SHAWEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEPARTMENT FA X : 4 0 5 . 7 0 1 . 7 0 8 0 16 Let us help... With your cooling bill this summer If you live in Pottawatomie or Cleveland counties and have a C.D.I.B. card you may qualify for the L.I.H.E.A.P Program 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive Shawnee, OK 74801 (405) 275-4030 • Fax: (405) 214-4225 Come and apply Starting in May thru September 2016 The L.I.H.E.P Program will pay for • VALID OKLAHOMA DRIVER’S LICENSE • VALID OKLAHOMA INSURANCE • CDIB/ENROLLMENT CARD • NOTARIZED TITLE • NOTARIZED BILL OF SALE or PURCHASE AGREEMENT • LIEN ENTRY FORM (if you are making payments) • LIEN RELEASE FORM (if previous owner had lien) All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and criteria which is approved by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. Department of Social Services (405) 275-4030, Ext. 6225 Annette Wilson, Social Services *TRIBAL MEMBER MUST BE PRESENT FOR ALL NEW REGISTRATIONS* The following are current programs administered by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Education Department: Note: You may be asked to provide supporting documentation for verification purposes. These are brief descriptions of current programs. Program guidelines are available in hard copy at the Education Department office or for download at www.astribe.com. • • • • • • Academic (K-12) Program: assists with academic related expenses, and a portion of funds can be used for school-related 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 associate or bachelor 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 one graduate admissions test. This program has funding levels based upon full-time and part-time status. • VALID OKLAHOMA DRIVER’S LICENSE • VALID OKLAHOMA INSURANCE • CDIB/ENROLLMENT CARD • PREVIOUS YEARS REGISTRATION Big Jim Youth Award Program: annual incentive for High School Seniors for Academic Achievement and Athlete of the Year. Deadline for application submission is March 31st of each year. *ANYONE MAY COME RENEW THE VEHICLE AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE ABOVE LISTED DOCUMENTS FOR THE TRIBAL MEMBER* All funding is based upon the availability of funds at the time of application. Attention: Applications for fall 2016 must be received or postmarked by June 15, 2016. All applications and guidelines are available at www.astribe.com. Click on Services and select Education. For more information, please call Tresha Spoon at (405) 275- 4030, Ext. 6242 or 1800-256-3341 or email to tresham@astribe.com. 17 1-4 YEARS 5-8 YEARS 9-12 YEARS 13-16 YEARS 17- OVER YEARS $0.25 A DAY $85 $75 $55 $35 $15 Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives “Now THAT I understand.” If you’re over 50, get tested for colorectal cancer. Polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms. That’s why screening is so important… screening helps find precancerous polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. See your doctor and get screened. TM 18 March 2017 BIRTHDAYS Alexander, Jason Thomas Alford, Michael Jason Alford, Terry Wayne Allen, Vanessa Olivia Anania, Salvatore Westbrook Anderson, Steven Brian Annis, Loraine Pearl Applegate, Richard Allen Araujo, Bearen Demetrio Arms, Bruce Edwin Arms, Drake Jagger Augustine, Dezmond Solomon Barnes, Bralynn Kierra Barnhill, Rachel Renee Beaver Jr., Rodney Gene Bender, Liyahna Kyne Bernard, Carol Jean (Mohawk) Bettelyoun, Isaac Phillip Bettelyoun, Taylin Hope Bittle, Mona Jene Blanchard II, Larry Dean Blanchard, Brayden Nicole Blanchard, Cecily Ann Blanchard, Izabel Marie Blanchard, Joe Henry Blanchard, Kolton Reece Blanchard, Russell Duane Blanchard, Solomon Grant Bowden, Rosada Lynn Bradley, David John Brady, Dallas Dustin Brannon, Tkeyah Monique Brinson, Alexander Armando Brokeshoulder, Ashley M. Brooks, Amy Louise Brophy, Eulue Lee Eleyce Brown, Railynn Taylor Bryce, Jerry Dale Buckheart, Elysa Victoria Buckheart, Phillip Cruz Burk, Harley Lynn Cahwee, Yvonne Katherine Carter, Taylor Wade Casteel, Rhaeanna Corinne Caudillo, Herman Russell James Caudillo, James Adam Clark, Carol Dawn Coddington, Koryne Shazity Coddington, Michele Cholena Cole, Carolyn Mary Cook, Jonathon David Cook, Makylea Mae Coon, Justin Bo Coon, Waylon Henry-Goliath Coriz, Clinton Eric Coyle, Shannon Christine Cravens III, John Monroe Creek, Felix Albert Cruz, Gregorie Thomas Cuellar Jr., Leno Davis, Shawn E. Day, Linda G. Day, Rosanna Jolena Deer, Makiyah Kaylind Anora Denson, Hilda Mae Eckiwardy, Alano Ezekiel Edgin, Laura Marie Ellis, Andrew Ellis, Leann Dee Ellis, Mark Russell Ellis, Renee June Elsloo, Kasia Lee England, Adam Joe Fenner, Alannah Benae Ferree, Sierra N Fife, Zachariah Everett Fontenot, Teddy Lynn Foreman, Henry Jake Foreman, La Donna Rochelle Foreman, Merrilee Foster, Gabriel Lee Frazier, Andee Danielle Freeman, Retha Ann French, Jeffrey Martin Fuller, Rhealee Grace Garretson, Stephanie Rae Garretson, Tanisha Marie Gibson, Charles Arthur Gibson, Dylan Scott Gibson, Isaac Dean Gibson, Jaylan Chaunce Gibson, Johnathan Caine Gibson, Joshua Lee Gibson, Phillip Craig Gibson, Toney Ellise Grass, Ayson Grass, Gavin John Gravel, Robin Renee Graves, Casey James Greeley, Willow Maria Grace Grover, Michelle Renee` Hall, Elizabeth Lynn Hall, Kayla Collette Hargis, Tricia Marie Harjo, Jacob Lee Harjo, Jimmie Dean Harjo, Sammy Harjo, Shirley Ann Harjo, Zerek Bishop Harp, Emily Sue Haskins, Michael Truett Herrera Jr., Rudy Herrera, Richard John Hilderbrand, Derek Mitchell Hood, Richard Foster Hood, Ross Damon Hooper, Michael Shayne Hubble-Kirschner, Skylur Nacole Hunt, Lyndon Brandon Ibarra, Rosalee Brianna Lizzet Irvin, Catherine Ann Isaac-Robbins, Shirley Jean Isaacs, Leann Vachon Johndrow-Boston, Mark Joseph Johnson Jr., Hubert Dana Johnson Jr., Walter Mack Johnson Sr., Walter Mack Johnson, Alexis Lynn Johnson, John Daniel Johnson, John Pershing Johnson, Leam Edwin Johnson, Pamela Johnson, Shirley Renee Johnson, Skylar Wind Dancer Jones, Dennis Roy Judkins, Charles Gary Kaniatobe, Tiffany Paige Ketakea, Georgia Kay Ketakea, Kayla Marie Khalil Qureshi, Maryam Anisah Khalil-Quraishi, Sumiyah Khan, Keyania Shaneil Kickapoo, Collins Kristopher Kirschner, Tony William Kisor, Alexzander Jordan Landrum, Avery Lynn Lasenberry, Whitley Sue Mae Leach, Melissa Louise Leatherman, Maximus Phillip Florentino Antonio Ledezma II, Roberto Bernal Lee, Catherine Stacey Lemon, Toni Marie Leroy, Mary Denise Lewis, Katlyn Hope Cooksey Lewis, Quinton DeWayne Lindsay, Lila Little Axe, Dennis Robert Little Axe, Skye Keenan Patrick Little Charley, Estelena Little Charley, Gary Dean Little Creek, Levi Kelly Little Jim Jr, Webster Little, Benjamin Ray Little, Keith David Little, Marysa Fay Little, Micco David Littlebear, Kensley Sue Littlebear, Trinedad Adam Littlecreek, Jade Marie Littlecreek, Jeremiah James Littlecreek, Sadie Rachelle Logan, Priscilla Ann Longhorn, Bradley Lucky Longhorn, Tommy Dale Longhorn, Vaun Marie Longman Jr., Clyde Bennie Longman, Michael Ray Lowe, Victor Shane MacK Jr., Thomas James MacK, Kameron Wayne MacK, Ryan Dale Mahtapene, Charlie Renee Martinez, Alexee June Masquas, Taylor Daine Masquat, Cameron Isaiah Masquat, Nathaniel Gage Maxwell, Kimber Leigh Mayo, Leslie Carol Garretson Mayo, Michelle Marie McBride, Taylor Iralee McBroom, Ashley Denise McBroom, Michelle Leigh McCray, Ashley Nicole McDoulett, Karen Susan McGonigal, Peter Roygan Hodge McGuire, Kasi Lynn McKinney, Mahnee Zuri McLovin, Alexander Charles McMillen, Destenie DeAnne McPherson, Maiden Ashlee Kaylynnn Merrell, Jason Andre Miller, Louis-Renee Sarah Miller, Patrick Michael Miller, Redena Kay (Blanchard) Miner, Matthew Carl Mohawk, Billye-Jo Ryleigh Molina, Terry Randall Montgomery Jr., Wendall Len Moore, Joseph Dakota Moore, Patricia Naomi Morgan, Katie Lynne Morton Jr., Jeremiah James Morton, Hannah Raine Nakamoto, Lisa Marie Nelson, Linda June Nuckolls, Larry Wayne Oney, Mattison Marie Ongaco, Ariana D. Wilson Onzahwah, Leroy Galin Ozeretny, Gary Lee Panther IV, William Panther, Ashlynn Nevaeh Panther, Cyerra Lynn Patten, Sherri Louise Pease, Xailey May Peetoom, Alexander R S Pickering, Gertrude B Spybuck Powell, Alicia Kaye 19 Powell, Terry Shane Price, Judith Ann Puckitt, Steven Ray Rainey, Katherine Lydia Warrior Rakestraw, Colton James Rakestraw, Corbin Lee Respicio, Lucas Antonio Rex, Suzzy Jean Reyes IV, Jose Ysmael Richard, Eryxon Joe Richey, Gunner Wayne Rigney, Sean Librado Roach, Dustin Michael Roach, Dylan Lane Robbins, Joshua Dale Robinson Jr., Richard Dion Robison, Jack Alan Rolette Jr., Larry James Rolette, Seth Allan James Ruimveld, Vickey Lynn Runsabove, Bryant Kent Ryan, Ryder Lazaro Sanchez, James Andrew Scott, Denise Renee Self, April Jennell Self, Sheila Ann Sevier, Jennifer Michelle Sloan, James B. Sloat, Athenia Kayra Sloat, Christina Sue Sloat, Jeremy Clay Smith, Courtni Renee Smith, Daleana Lee Snake, Steven Ray Soap Jr., Roger Eugene Spoon, Alexander Jacob Spoon, Elijah Gage Spoon, Gracelynn Faith Spoon, Isabella Lorraine Spoon, John Allen Spoon, Robby Wayne Spoon, Sherrie Dawn Spriggs, Dakota Paul Squire, Jerry Wayne Starr, Christopher Jerome Starr, Jesse Lloyd Starr, Lawrence Mitchell Stephens, Aubriana Nichole Steves, Adam James Stewart, Stanley Allen Stinger, Heather Ann Stone, Taylor Cheyenne Straight, Lela Gale Stryker, Vikki Dawn Stuckey, Zoee Ellori Sutton, Mason Riley Sutton, Virginia Lee Switch, Faye Ramona Switch, Redonna Lynn Tahah, Everett Wade Tapia, Dakotah Cruz Taryole, Newman Ryan Taryole, Sydney Alixandra Tascier, Matthew Isaiah Taylor, Lafonda Raye Taylor, Scott Alan Thapa, Sonya Shree Thompson, Billie Gean Thompson, Brandee Ian Thornhill, Nathaniel Weston Thorpe, Kimberly Clarice Thorpe, Mary Elizabeth Tiger, Anthony Michael Gene Tiger, Donna Jean Tiger, James Scott Tiger, Raymond Gary Toca, Kelly Amanda Tucker, Brian O’Neal Tucker, Keely Marie Turner, Monica Francesca Turner, Terry Michael Vanliew, Naomi Maye Villalobos, Lena Lou Walker, Morgan Baylee Walker, Vera N Wallace, Christopher James Walley, Aubree Michelle Walley, Brian Jeffery Warrior, Shawna Kogee Watkins, Melysha Raven Watson Jr., Theodore Randall Watson, Bryeanna Renee Louise Watson, Martha Ruth (Tiger) Wenholm, Jody Dawn Werth, Luke Jake Wesley Jr., Daniel Kenneth Westberry, Casey LyDale Westberry, Hayley Morgan White Thunder, Shelsie Mae White, Calvin Lee White, Raelynn Williams, Bryce Cameron Williams, Cody Grant Williams, Johni Kaleen Williams, Kayce Brylin Williams, Mark Henry Williams, Matthew James Williams, Taree Renea Wilson, Annette Ponkilla Wilson, Mitchell James Wayne Winter, Warren Patrick Witt, Adam Wayne Wolf, Bryne Andrew Wolfe, Leonard Wayne Woods, Kathy Lynn Wright, Tasha Laquinta Suzanna Wyatt, William David Yandell, Steven Joseph Yates, Kylie Ann Yeahpau, Roman Mausanap Zinn, Jenifer Coleman 20 HAPPY HAPPY BIRHDAY BIRTHDAY From, Mom, Dad, Sheldon, Shelby, Bryson, Mowgli & Hambuga Happy Birthday Rikki Blanchard & Leland Blanchard From, the entire family To my OLDER sister SHARON KAY DAVIS I wish you a wonderful 62nd Birthday Love you bunches, Rhonda & family Happy Birthday Wishes To all our March Birthday Relatives Happy Birthday J.B. Roses are red, violets are blue Slow down and count the candles We are about to catch up to you With Love, The Sloan Sisters Chelle Foreman, Rhonda Kaseca, Manuel Herrera, Everett Tahah, Kylie Ann Yates y a d h t r i B y p Hap ) e i r r e h S ( m Mo Eat Lots of Cake And enjoy your big day! Marvin, Sherry & Family A Big Birthday Wish To my brother Garland Charles Spybuck I Love you, Your Sister Sadie Vikki D, Happy Birthday Cousin!!! Hope it’s a great one!! Love, Sherrie D IF YOU’D LIKE TO SUBMIT AN AD OR ARTICLE: Give us a call at (405) 598-1279 or (405) 481-0558 or send us an e-mail to stiger@astribe.com ALL ARTICLES FOR THE NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE ARE DUE BY THE 15TH OF THE CURRENT MONTH. UNFORTUNATELY, WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT ONE PICTURE PER BIRTHDAY PERSON, NOT PER BIRTHDAY WISH. 21 Chrissy Wiens Physical Activities Specialist Buster Bread Fitness Manager Brandon Goodman Fitness Technician The AST Diabetes and Wellness Fitness Center provides state of the art fitness equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. The AST Fitness Center is available to AST Diabetes Program patients, all Native Americans and their household family members, and the AST employees. Our goal is to provide appropriate and educational fitness training to all AST diabetes patients while promoting a safe, fun, and positive experience. Take some time to come by and visit the Diabetes and Wellness Fitness Center today! For more information, please contact Buster Bread or Chrissy Wiens at (405) 364-7298. McKenna Watson Fitness Technician AST Diabetes and Wellness Program The goal of the diabetes and wellness program is to provide a supportive resource to tribal members who are currently diagnosed with diabetes, or at risk and seeking information and/or support for diabetes and personal health. The program will offer guidance on healthy lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, exercise tips including workout classes with our two certified trainers, and keys to reducing stress. The AST Resource Center fitness room hours are: Monday-Friday 6:00am - 9:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 3:00pm Sunday CLOSED For more information on the many exciting opportunities available for our tribal community please call our clinic at 405-7017977 or visit our website at www.asthealth.org (Then navigate to our Diabetes and Wellness section under the services section.) 22 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY CLASSES CLASSES CLASSES CLASSES CLASSES Zumba Fitness 6:15 a.m.-7:00 a.m. Chrissy Wiens Little Axe Resource Center Strength Circuit 6:15 a.m.-7:00 a.m. Chrissy Wiens Little Axe Resource Center Cardio Kickboxing 6:15 a.m.-7:00 a.m. Chrissy Wiens Little Axe Resource Center Strength Circuit 6:15 a.m.-7:00 a.m. Chrissy Wiens Little Axe Resource Center Zumba Fitness 6:15 a.m.-7:00 a.m. Chrissy Wiens Little Axe Resource Center Core ‘N More 12:00 p.m.-12:45 p.m. Chrissy Wiens LITTLE AXE HEALTH FACILITY Tabata Interval 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Buster Bread LITTLE AXE HEALTH FACILITY Strength Circuit 5:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Buster Bread Little Axe Resource Center “Core ‘N More”- Core training mixed with strength and aerobic exercises to improve total body strength. Aerobic Circuit 5:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Buster Bread Little Axe Resource Center “Circuit Training”- A time efficient training system aimed at developing strength through pre-determined training stations. “Cardio Kickboxing”- Aerobic training using kickboxing techniques to engage and strengthen the cardiovascular system. 23 “Tabata Interval”- A time-efficient aerobic training system aimed at burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness. PHILLIP S. ELLIS FOR OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR To my fellow tribal members, My name is Phillip S. Ellis and I’m running for the Office of the Governor for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma (AST). Since my last campaign letter in the February 2017 edition of The Absentee Shawnee News I’ve spoken with and heard from a cross section of our membership (and AST employees) and consequently two overarching point of concerns have emerged. The two of which are the way our tribal government functions and our economic development. This is not to say that all is bad or negative; quite to the contrary. There are several bright spots within our Tribe. For example, the clear majority of employees under the AST umbrella are hard-working, smart, and helpful. However, I must address the two concerns in this letter. First, our government. Our present form of government is (1) handicapped by constitutional limitations, (2) affected by problems with the structure under which our current government operates, and (3) beset with leadership and communication difficulties. Although there are several examples we all could point out as major constitutional handicaps we all seem to agree that both the executive and legislative functions of our government are combined into one in the form of the Executive Committee (EC); resulting in a weak check and balance system. As for an example of a problem with our governmental structure the current set up is whereby the Tribe’s departments and programs are divvied up among each EC member who in turn is responsible for their strategic direction. The resulting impact of this arrangement is no collective agreement on a mission-oriented direction for the Tribe and in most cases EC members also having assumed day-to-day decision making authority over the departments and programs under them; which adversely affects our Tribe. As for leadership and communication; it’s weak. Possible solutions are perhaps we should revive the committee that was created to make recommendations to amend our Constitution to make it more effective and efficient. Next, it’s imperative that we restructure how our government operates. An EC member by virtue their elected position within the Tribe should be one of a strategic decision maker; not one of a mid- or lowlevel decision maker. Finally, we need someone who understands the leadership role of the governor and possess the communications skills to lead. Second, economic development. Presently, our economic development is practically non-existent in some respects. Our current situation presents a tremendous challenge for the elected Governor, the EC, and our Tribe to fund our short-term needs but more importantly our long-term goals. I’ve heard some good economic development ideas. Some viable, some not. Some with a short-term term horizon in mind, while others with a long-term horizon. We need to explore all alternatives and think “out of the box” when moving forward on economic development. For example, perhaps we can leverage some federal grants toward any economic ventures? We should take advantage of any applicable preferences items under federal law (e.g., 8(a) certifications, etc.). Or we should expand our competitive advantage in our growing health care system to generate truly economic and financial benefits? Whatever the case, I strongly believe that we need to evaluate our strengths, recognize our opportunities, realize our competitors, and minimizing our weakness and then plan our future. Finally, to be sure there are other equally important challenges lying ahead of us. Protection of our sovereignty. Protecting our health care gains under the Affordable Health Care Act related to funding for Native American tribes but also planning for our future health care needs. Protecting and fostering our culture and our language. Challenges in which there are no simple answers or solving by just pushing a keystroke on a computer. All these challenges require a governor who must think and act strategically. A governor who is business minded but is equally committed to a well-functioning government that operates effectively, efficiently, and fairly. A governor who also understands the day-to-day struggles of life unique to each of us; both as AST member and/or an employee. Out of all the candidates running for the office of the governor, please ask yourself who among us is most qualified to meet these challenges? Warm regards, Phillip S. Ellis My name is Beverly Edwina Butler-Wolfe. I am a proud citizen of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and was elected to serve as your Governor in July of 2013. My educational efforts began at Dale High School and and after graduating I took courses at Seminole State Jr. College, Rose State Jr. College, St. Gregory’s and Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. Being the youngest of seven sisters I knew being employed was not an option, but a way of life, and so I began working in my early teens. I have always believed that one’s work can be a true illustration of one’s character through commitment and the work product they complete. Since I began in 2013 one of my primary focuses has been on educational reform and curriculum advancement in the state of Oklahoma and in our community. I am pleased to say we made a number of advancements on mascots, school names and culturally specific educational curriculums. I have been fortunate to serve on national educational panels where I have been asked to speak on native issues. My prior work experience of 15 years in the local school system has served me well in this respect. For over 28 years I have been fortunate to serve on multiple advisory, planning, and educational committees and boards. I am a strong advocate for health and fitness and continue to actively participate in local and state sports and am a staunch ‘THUNDER’ supporter. I enjoy assisting with or coaching youth basketball, softball, track and volleyball. My grandson, Landon, is an amazing swimmer and I attend as many of his meets as time allows for. My husband, Leonard Wolfe, an Absentee Shawnee tribal member, is both a dedicated husband and dedicated Manager at our local Walmart in Shawnee. My adult son, Josh, an enrolled AST, is a continued blessing to me, as he works for our tribe and is committed to family. MY CHALLENGES *Constitution—Strengthening the language within our Constitution is vital this year. We need to consider language changes pertaining to our jurisdiction, membership roll, self-government, remedies, distribution of powers of our government and its composition, constitutional supremacy clauses, terms of office and disqualifications, quorum requirements, and presentation of resolutions to Governor, merit based employment system and annual budget procedures, and establish Executive powers with veto power. *FBI – Stigma attached to this investigation and the very real concern they will return in the near future. *Election Ordinance - Election Commission placed in elected roles need to adhere to the established Ordinance. If there are area’s that require modification then lets do that and put language into place that gives clear guidance to our Commissioners and to the Court system if they are not followed. *Audits—These are required by federal law for our 638 contracts and are a means for us to track how we are following our internal policies. At present date it is safe to say—we are NOT following them as we have findings and material deficiencies. The most notable are those on our Leave Policy and how certain of our elected body have not followed them and have even blatantly violated the policy as it is currently written. *Administrative Manual—The tribes Administrative Manual is authorized under Resolution to be the tribes established policy and procedure manual. This Manual is out of date and most staff and elected officials do not appear to use them or follow them. This must be changed. We need to annually update, under EC Resolution, these policies and procedures (Continued on next page) Re-Elect Edwina Butler-Wolfe for AST Governor 24 and make them specific for employees, contractors and elected officials of the tribe and those corporations owned and operated on behalf of the tribe that use tribal funds. *Health Corporations – this year the Lt. Governor sponsored the action that moved the health system from under the oversight of myself and the tribe and placed two EC as LIASIONS. I am troubled by this action as these actions do not align with established ASTHA health board by-laws. I do NOT believe as a self-governance tribe we should remove oversight of one of our major funding streams operated by a non-AST Executive Director through a Board that is primarily non-AST. We need to correct this action and ensure all tribal expenditures are approved by the tribe. We need reform in our tribal system. That requires ethical leaders being elected. That is why I hope that you will vote for me so that together we can make a difference! Stand beside me and Let’s Build For the Future (BFF)! JOHN SOAP FOR OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Now that you may more know about me it is time to write about my platform and ideas. The first order of business will be to develop a strategic plan for the future of our tribe and we need to look ahead not just to the next 2 years, we need to look ahead the next 20 • years. It is hard to prioritize our needs, that’s why we do risk and needs assessments to develop a strategic plan. We must have a mission! I will say these are not promises because historically we have not had good teamwork in our leadership. My campaign slogan is “Teamwork in Leadership!!! I fully believe these ideas can come to fruition if we work together as a tribe. • Economic Development: Our ASEDA has had a difficult time progressing our tribe and that is what is for! To PROGRESS our tribe! We have land bases in good spots that can be commercial enterprises. It will be nice if we can put these properties in trust and that has to be a goal for • our tribe. We have to stop holding back ASEDA but we need to make sure the business enterprises ASEDA brings are not only feasible but that those businesses bring an abundant return! • AST Health Systems: Our health system is the best thing we have going for our tribe and it is a business that is unlimited to how much it can grow. With ASEDA we could open specialty clinics and have Rheumatologist, Nephrologist, Hematologist, Oncology Specialists, Diabetic shoe store, Dialysis center, etc… because we have already proven to really good doctors that the Absentee Shawnee Tribe is a good place to practice. It is a lot of work and headache to work for yourself in the medical field, besides being a provider you have to be a businessman. We could be the businessmen and they can be the provider. Education: Our education department has been another bright spot, especially with the work they do for higher education. The idea for a Native American charter school has been discussed in Shawnee because we have so many Native American students in our schools in this area. There was a law passed for Indians in Oklahoma to build charter schools. Population guidelines will let schools be built on public lands in OKC and Tulsa but in less populated areas of the state they can only be built on trust lands. So, that is more reason for us to get land put in trust. We can make this happen! Judicial System: Our Tribal court does not have teeth! Punitive sanctions are almost impossible to enforce!!! People don’t pay fines, don’t do community service, and many times don’t even show up to court. Our police are the ones handcuffed because they don’t have the resources to enforce the law to the full extent of their capabilities. We need to build a new Absentee Shawnee Tribal Justice Center that can serve as a one stop shop for our Court, police headquarters, probation services, substance abuse counseling, ICW, domestic violence, and election commission. We could also build a jail next door; yes, I said jail. We need to take the handcuffs off our law enforcement and make this a self-sufficient enterprise. • Constitution: Must be revised! All of the rest of the programs: All people, areas, and programs are very important and none need to be left out. Our elders, veterans, children, special needs children, and tribal members living with disabilities, need to be served and treated with a little more emphasis from every facet of our tribe. All our departments need to be held accountable to the highest regard and have checks and balances in order at all times. Our leaders must live by higher moral and ethical standards than most people 24/7/365 if they are to uphold the integrity our Absentee Shawnee Tribe and when I say leaders it is not just the Executive Committee it is every director and supervisor of our programs. Difficult times are upon us in our national government. More than ever we need to be proactive against the forces that will try to challenge our sovereignty and our God given rights to exercise our jurisdiction and governmental powers as our own nation within our nation called United States of America. NIYAAWE!!! Respectfully, John Soap ATHEDA W. FLETCHER FOR TRIBAL SECRETARY Dear Absentee Tribal Members: I have been actively campaigning for the Tribal Secretary position and have been fortunate to have met so many Tribal Members. This experience has been very rewarding. I have talked with Tribal Members and have gained valuable insight into many of their concerns. There can never be too much communication when working towards a common goal. I value each and every Tribal Member’s ideas, suggestions and comments. I believe that your input can help the Leaders in their decision-making for what programs are needed and what current programs are not meeting Tribal needs. I participated in the Elders’ Meeting and Forum in Tecumseh on March 18. These events provided me with the opportunity to give some insight into what I hope to bring to the Secretarial position, if elected. I have been out in the communities trying to meet as many Tribal Members as possible. This takes time and I will not get to see each and every Tribal Member, but please know that I am making an effort to visit as many as possible. There are challenges that our Tribe faces today and these challenges must be overcome through a higher level of cooperation and management. I hope to bring my experience as a professional to share with the Tribe. I will bring a new business prospective to the Tribe so that we can move forward with greater success. My promise is to always work in “the best interest of all Tribal Members”. If I am elected, I look forward to working with each and every Tribal Leader. As I have said previously, our Tribe has come to a 25 critical crossroad. I want to help make a difference. I want to secure the future for all of our Tribal Members. Never has it been more important to elect a person who can represent your voice; someone who is willing to act in the Tribe’s best interest to protect our services and assets. I believe that I am capable of meeting the challenge. I ask that you cast your vote for me in March, 2017. Thank You, Atheda Edwards-Fletcher ★★★ $1 ADULTS $.50 KIDS PER CARD ★★★ FRIDAY NIGHT MARCH 17TH HORSE SHOE BEND COMMUNITYBUILDING 46309 GARRETTS LAKE ROAD SHAWNEE, OK 74801 ★★★ START 6:30PM FINISH 9:00PM ★★★ WHITE TURKEY BAND BINGO RAFFLES★ ★ ★ ★ CAKEWALK★ ★ ★ ★ PRIZES Little Axe Community Center Food Pantry Little Axe Community Center is located at 1000 168th N.E. Norman, OK, And serves Cleveland County, East side of Norman and Little Axe Community. The food pantry service hours; Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Please call to confirm that they are in operation and hours have not changed. Phone number (405) 292-9770 26 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CHILDREN AND HOME FIRES Fast Facts Children under the age of five are twice as likely to die in a home fire than the rest of the population, and child-playing fires are the leading cause of fire deaths among preschoolers. About 300 people per year are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed in fires attributed to children playing with fire. Just over half of child-playing fires in the home start in a bedroom, and bedding material is most often the first item ignited. About two out of every three child-playing fires – and three out of every four associated deaths and injuries – involve matches or lighters. Children also start fires by playing with candles, fireworks, stoves, and cigarettes. Only twenty-six percent of families have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Preparedness Tips Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of the reach of children, and only use lighters with child-resistant features. Practice your home fire escape plan with your children several times a year. Also practice stop, drop and roll and low crawling. Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm and what to do when they hear it. Teach your children not to be scared of firefighters. Take them to your local fire department to meet them and learn about fire safety. Teach your children to tell you or a responsible adult when they find matches or lighters at home or school. Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. Having a working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half. Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for more information on children and fire safety. (Sources: American Red Cross, U.S. Fire Administration, and the National Fire Protection Association.) ### FEMA Cell phone app: WEATHER THE STORM – Download to receive Weather Alerts, Safety Tips, Shelter Information, and Photos. Available in Apple App Store and Google Play http://www.fema.gov/mobile-app ### Contact information: Emergency Management Coordinator can be reached at the Tribal Police Department 405-275-3200, cell phone number 405-740-1562, and at this email address: lday@astribe.com EMERGENCY NUMBERS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE HEARTLINE EMERGENCY 911 211 Police, Fire, Ambulance State of Oklahoma TRIBAL POLICE TRIBAL EMERGENCY MANAGER 405-275-3200 405-740-1562 (Cell) Absentee Shawnee Absentee Shawnee SHERIFF CITY POLICE CITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COUNTY HEALTH DEPT. 405-273-1727 405-273-2121 405-273-5272 405-273-2157 Pottawatomie County Shawnee Shawnee Pottawatomie County SHERIFF CITY POLICE HEALTH DEPT. 405-701-8888 405-321-1600 405-749-1591 Cleveland County Norman Cleveland County OG&E Report Power Outage CANADIAN VALLEY 405-272-9595 1-800-522-6870 405-382-3680 DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY HIGHWAY PATROL 1-800-522-0206 405-425-4385 State of Oklahoma Road Conditions 27 Power Outage Birthday & Graduation Dance In Honor Of Shelsie Mae White Thunder “HiKiWiNiKis” “Nakomenoh” April 15, 2017 Thunderbird Casino Event Center (Norman, OK) Gourd Dance @ 3pm Supper Break @ 5pm Dance to Follow HEAD STAFF MC: Billy Youngbird HS: Charles “Neka” Logan HMD: Deion Henry HLD: Courtney Cozad Plumley Honored Grandparent’s: Kenneth and Serena Daugherty Honored College Graduate: Devin Leitka (HINU) Honored High School Graduate: Macklyn Leitka (LAHS) Co-Host: Comanche Little Ponies AD’s: John Soap Special Contest Woman’s 18 & UP Buckskin and Cloth Combined 1st $300 2nd $200 3rd $100 2 Consolation Places of $50 each In Honor of Shelsie Mae White Thunder Men’s 18 & UP Grass and Chicken Combined WINNER TAKE ALL In Honor of Devin and Macklyn Leitka For More Information Please Contact Sandra Blanchard @ 405-432-9595 or Shelby White Thunder @ 405-317-2496 ***Family is NOT responsible for ANY thefts or accidents. NO drugs or alcohol allowed*** 28 March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and in women. Colorectal cancer is cancer in the colon (the large intestine) or rectum (the area that connects the colon and the anus). Colorectal cancer is also called colon cancer for short. There may not always be symptoms, especially in early stages and that is why it is important to get screened. If symptoms are present they may include: • Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement) • Stomach pain, aches or cramps that don’t go away • Unexplained weight loss If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to find out the cause. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Most cases occur in those 50 years of age or older but there are other risk factors such as: • A history of Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis • A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps • Life style factors including: • Lack of regular physical activity • Diets low in fruits, vegetables, & fiber and high in fats • Being overweight or obese • Alcohol consumption • Tobacco use The most effective way to reduce your risk is by having colorectal cancer screenings regularly beginning at age 50 or earlier if you are at high risk. All though incidence in Native Americans is among the lowest of all ethnicities, it is still important to be screened for prevention and early detection. Screenings can find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum) and remove them before they turn to cancer. Polyps may be in the colon for many years without symptoms before turning cancerous. They can also find cancer early when there is a better chance of effective treatment. There are several screenings available. Ask your provider about which test is best for your situation. For more information visit the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/index.htm or contact the ASTHS Public Health Nursing Department. Flu activity rising in U.S. The flu is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by the Influenza virus. Influenza, or the flu, can cause symptoms anywhere from mild to severe and can even lead to death, especially in older adults, younger children, and certain people with chronic health conditions. Symptoms of the flu include: • Fever-all though not everyone with the flu will develop a fever • Cough • Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Muscle or body aches • Headaches • Fatigue (tiredness) • Vomiting and diarrhea-more common in children than adults The flu is spread primarily by droplets in the air made when people cough, sneeze, or even talk. The droplets can travel through the air up to six feet and land in the mouths or noses of others infecting them with the flu virus. The droplets landing on surfaces such as tables and chairs can also infect others by them touching the surfaces and then touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. If you have the flu virus, you can spread the virus to other people up to 1 whole day before you even start to feel symptoms and up to 7 days after you become sick. Symptoms generally start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters your body. This means not only can you pass the flu on to others while you are sick, but before you even know you are sick. Hand hygiene is very important in cutting down on the spread of the flu. Hands should be washed quite often with warm water and soap or hand sanitizer. If someone in your home is sick it is important to clean their linens and any surface or areas of the home they come in contact with so that others are not infected. The sick person should always be mindful of covering their mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing in order to keep droplets from spreading through the air. In recent weeks the impact of the flu virus on our state has been substantial. The number of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths has risen dramatically throughout the state. School districts have cancelled school for students due to epidemic outbreaks of the flu. Flu season is now in full effect. The sooner you receive a flu shot the better because it takes up to two weeks for antibodies to build up in the body to protect you from the flu virus. The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. Native Americans fall under the category of “high risk” and are especially urged to receive the flu shot. The flu shot is available at the Little Axe and Shawnee clinics by appointment and on a walk-in basis at Plus Care and Shawnee Clinic Extended Hours Clinics. For more information about the Influenza virus visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/ flu/index.htm or contact the ASTHS Public Health Nursing Department. 29 30 our Foster Care Committee. If you are interested in becoming part of our team, please send a letter to the Secretary that states your interest in becoming a member of our Committee. FOSTER CARE >> Currently there are three (3) openings on the Foster Care Board. If you are interested in serving on the board, send your letter of interest to Secretary Dawsey at the Tribal Complex, 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee, OK 73801. Native American youth are facing Native American youth have two distinct influences, that of their Native American youth have two distinct influences, that of their family of origin and that of their a crisis. These children are being of Aorigin family that their caregivers. bsentee Sand hawnee Tribal of Foster Care is caregivers. in need of homes Absentee for children that aShawnee re in our child welfare system. Care Your participation in being oster parent for helps children to ensure that these are children Tribal Foster is in need ofa fhomes that inhave our removed from their homes and positive connections to their culture. This interaction helps these children nurture a positive sense of child welfare system. Your participation in being a foster parent identification as a Native American. By being willing to do this, you can be a valuable part of the placed into the child welfare system helps ensure thesethis children have connections healing jto ourney that will that help strengthen next generation of Apositive bsentee Shawnee children; in turn, children bThis ecome tinteraction he parents that their children will need them to be. Onurture ur children aa re tohelping theirthose culture. helps these children at rates much higher than any our f uture, w hat w ill w e h ave o ur f uture b e? positive sense of identification as a Native American. By being other population. Native American willing to do this, you can be TRIBE a valuable part of the healing ABSENTEE SHAWNEE CHILD WELFARE children are often placed in homes journey that will help strengthen this(ext. next 133) generation of Absentee 405-878-4702 Shawnee children; in turn, helping those children become the outside of their families, tribes, parents that their children will need them to be. Our children are and Native American culture and our future, what will we have our future be? all this contributes to significant ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE CHILD WELFARE 405-878-4702 (ext. 133) social problems. The story of Native American people is a complicated one marked by significant trauma and atrocities. Often times this trauma consisted of the removal of abuse which happened to these young and vulnerable children in many of these schools resulted in overwhelming intergenerational trauma and unresolved grief. This trauma which interrupted the ability to parent has led directly to the most current social problems that plague Native American communities today including alcohol/ drug abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse and parenting deficiencies. All of these problems have contributed to the break-down of the family unit, leading to the removal of large numbers of Native American youth from their families. The journey of healing and breaking the cycles which have been put in place by the historical trauma experienced by generations of Native Americans requires that the cultural identity for so long denied to these children be returned. Native American youth have two distinct influences, that of their family of origin and that of their caregivers. Absentee Shawnee Tribal Foster Care is in need of homes for children that are in our child welfare system. Your participation in being a foster parent helps to ensure that these children have positive connections to their culture which in helps nurture a positive sense of identification as a Native American. By being willing to do this, you can be a valuable part of the healing journey that will help strengthen this next generation of Absentee Shawnee children; in turn, helping those children become the parents that their children will need them to be. Our children are our future, what will we have our future be? Will you, as Absentee Shawnee member, do your part if you are able? IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT, PLEASE CONTACT JULIANN WILSON ICW/CPS/FOSTER CARE AT 275-4030, EXT. 133. Racial disproportionality is defined as the over-or under-representation of certain groups (e.g. racial/ ethnic, gender, age) relative to the group’s proportion in the general population. Reports conducted in 2008 showed that, compared to other groups, Native American children were: • 3 times more likely to be referred to CPS • 1.6 times more likely to be removed from their biological homes • Twice as likely to remain in foster care for over two years • Less likely to be adopted and more likely to be in guardianships • Less likely to be reunited with their biological parents The sad reality is that there are not enough culturally appropriate homes for these children, resulting in the placement of Native American children in homes that do not share their cultural heritage or traditions. We want to place “our tribal” children in our own homes, to do this we need tribal members to open their homes and their hearts. Are you willing to open your heart? Are you willing to open your home? If so, please contact Julie Wilson ICW/FC/CPS 878-4702 (ext. 133). WHAT IS A FOSTER CARE WORKER? Foster care caseworker training involves completing a bachelor's degree program in social work through a college or university. Students take courses in psychology, abnormal psychology, sociology, economics, ethics, child welfare policies and complete a supervised internship. The child’s Foster Care Worker needs to be a partner with the foster parents to ensure that each child receives the full spectrum of services provided and/or arranged by the Department. Some aspects of this relationship include the following: • Sharing information on an ongoing basis regarding the child’s individual needs, family situation and adjustment to the foster home • Encouraging the foster parents to participate in the total service planning process • Providing the foster parents the opportunity to discuss the child’s progress and any unmet needs which they assess • Providing the foster parent with information, support, guidance and referrals to other professionals on the child’s behalf • Helping the foster family, when necessary, to identify and obtain services for the foster child; e.g., medical, educational • Ensuring that the foster family, on the child’s behalf, has access to all financial resources available to the child while in foster care. A Foster Care Worker works in conjunction with Tribal Courts, Tribal Law Enforcement, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other county services. Indian Child Welfare’s goal is to ensure the safety of our tribal children when they placed in foster care. The homes that our tribal children are placed in must complete Child Welfare Background Check, OSBI Background Check, Income Verification, Home Study, and a Physical. Our AST foster homes are licensed by our Foster Care Committee. Foster Care Payments are as follows: 0-5 age $14.73 day $441.97 month 6-12 age $17.12 day $513.57 month 12 and over $19.30 day $579.13 month IN ORDER TO RECEIVE P A Y M E N T, A L L THE A B O V E M U ST B E M E T A N D TURNED I N TO THE STATE. O N CE PROCESSED STATE P A Y M E N T W I L L B E ISSUED . This is just a little information on what type of work a foster care worker performs on a daily basis. If you are interested in becoming a foster home, please call 405-878-4030 ext. 133. 39 31 ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBAL MEMBERS APPLYING FOR TRIBAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE (T.E.A) (A ONE TIME YEARLY PAYMENT OF $150.00, PER RESIDENCE) ELIGIBILITY ¸ ENROLLED ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE ¸ 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER ¸ UTILITY BILL IN YOUR NAME AND/OR SPOUSE’S NAME (SPOUSE MUST RESIDE IN HOME) ¸ TOTAL RESIDENCE INCOME (MUST NOT EXCEED A MONTHLY NET PAY OF $2,800.00) REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: ¸ SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS (ALL MEMBERS RESIDING IN THE RESIDENCE) ¸ CDIB CARDS (ALL MEMBERS RESIDING IN THE RESIDENCE) ¸ CURRENT UTILITY BILL AND/OR DISCONNECT NOTICE ¸ CURRENT 30 DAYS INCOME VERIFICATION (I.E. CHECK STUB, SOCIAL SECURITY, UNEMPLOYMENT, TANF, ETC.) ¸ UNEMPLOYED APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE SELF-CERTIFICATION FORM PROVIDED BY CASE WORKER APPLICATION ALSO ONLINE: wwwastribe.com HAVE APPLICATION COMPLETED AND ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATIONS BEFORE SUBMITTING TO SOCIAL SERVICES THE OFFICE OF STUDY ON PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & ENGINEERING (OEH&E) HEALTH, WELLNESS AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN TRIBAL COMMUNITIES Office of Environmental Health & Engineering OILS •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 Oklahoma Indian Legal Services the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. will be at the Tribal Court House, Bldg. #3 each month on the 2nd Thursday from 9am-12pm. THIP list all applicants by a priority list: a. Handicapped/Disabled and Elderly b. Income Oklahoma IndianSize/Overcrowded Legal Services (OILS) is a nonprofit organization c. Family Living Conditions Condition of Home thatd.provides free legal services to low income Native Americans in Oklahoma. To beavailable: eligible for services you must fall within OILS Other Programs •Sanitation Facilities Assistance Program income guidelines. Applications need to be completed and all necessary documents attached before the application will be processed. Contact information: Applications are available online on the website: www.astribe.com. Oklahoma Indian Legal Submit completed application to: Services (OILS) Perimeter Center Dr.,&Ste 222 Office 4200 of Environmental Health Engineering Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK 73112 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. Shawnee, OK 943-6457 74801 Telephone: (405) Absentee Shawnee Tribe Complex Telephone: (800)& 658-1497 Office of Environmental Health Engineering, Building 13 If you have any questions, you can reach us by phone at Facsimile: 917-7060 (405) (405) 214-4235 The principal role of OEH&E is to raise the health status of our tribal members to the highest possible level by providing services in the area of water and wastewater. To qualify for a water well and/or septic system, the applicant must be an enrolled Absentee Shawnee Tribal member and reside within one of these six counties; Pottawatomie, Cleveland, Oklahoma, Payne, Lincoln, or Logan, provide land ownership by verification such as a Warranty Deed or Notarized Lease The Absentee Tribe is supporting Agreement through Shawnee the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Realitya Department. Proof of income is not required. grassroots initiated research study on public safety, The services we provide are: new water wells, renovation of health and wellness affecting Indian women. This a water wells, new city or rural water connections, replacement of city or rural service lines, new wastewater research was water requested by Indian womenseptic and systems, renovation of septic systems, new city sewer lines/ tribal leaders consultations held systems with the renovation of cityduring sewer lines and water treatment as needed. We are not funded to perform annual pumping of septic U.S. Department of Justice and through separate tanks. That service is considered part of home maintenance. visits toarevarious congressional These If you having water or wastewaterdelegates. issues or building a new home and need services please come by our office and fill advocacy efforts caused Congress to mandate the out an OEH&E application for assistance. National Institute (NIJ) tohousing conduct a If your home is underof theJustice management of any authority and has not study been paid off, you do qualifysafety, national baseline focusing on not public for assistance. Applications for this program are public health and wellness needs of Indian women available online at www.astribe.com and at the living tribal lands. OEH&Eon building. 18 32 ATTENTION PARENTS!!! CTSA EARLY HEAD START & HEAD START IS LOOKING TA L K I N G L E AV E S J O B C O R P S A FOR CHILDREN, AGES BIRTH TO 3 FOR OUR EHS A NATIVE EMPHASIS CENTER PROGRAMS AND AGES 3 UP TO 5 FOR OUR HEAD START The following The following areThe current are current programs programs administered administered by the byAbsentee the Shawnee Shawnee TribeTr E following are current programs administered by Absentee the Absentee Shawnee Department: Department: The following are current programs administered by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe PROGRAMS!!! Career Training at No Cost To Qualified Applicants! Tribe Education Department: How to Get a Tag Education Department: TheseThese are brief are brief descriptions descriptions of current of current programs. programs. Program Program guidelines guidelines are available are available in har the Education the Education Department Department officeoffice or foror download for download at www at .www astrib .a es .c tr om i be ..com. Our goal is to meet the individual needs of all children, especially those These are brief descriptionsof ofcurrent currentprograms. programs. Program Programguidelines guidelines are available These are brief descriptions are available in with disabilities. If you have a child or know of a child that would enjoy a cade safe, hard the office academic or for download at www.astribe.com. • A• A m cade ic in ( m K ic12) (copy KP 12) rat ogr P aEducation r m ogr : assists am: Department assists with with academic related related expenses, expenses, and a and p hard copy at the Education Department office or for download atexpenses. www.astribe.com. interactive and engaging learning environment, please call or come by one of funds funds can be can us be e d us for ed school-related for school-related athletic athletic program program expenses. Program Program has a h our locations today! funding funding limit for limit the for academic the academic year. year. NEW MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION* you are... Any new motor vehicle If registrations must be done in person by the Tribal Member. The following is a  16-24 years • Academic (K-12) Program: assists with academic related expenses, • Zahn • ZP ahn rogr P arog m : r established a m : established from from a trust trust fund, fund, program program can help can help with with some g list of required documents you must have foranew motorwith vehicle registration(s). • Academic (K-12) Program: assists academic related expenses, and a so expenses, expenses, and awards and awards two (2) two incentives: (2) can incentives: one for one GED for GED recipients recipients and one and and a portion of funds be used for school-related athletic program old portion of funds can be used for school-related athletic program expenses. A fun and exciting program for your child to learn and grow! Our qualified and School School graduates. graduates. Program Program has a has maximum a maximum amount amount of funding of funding for graduation for graduation expen • Aing TITLE expenses. Program has aP maximum funding for the academic Program has maximum limit for academic year. • Job • T Job rain T ing rain du lt Ad E u dlu t aca Etd ion ucat P ifunding on rogr ar m ogr : funds a mthe : funds for limit vocational for vocational training training at a dedicated staff provide rich learning environments where parents are encouraged  Program Need Career vocational vocational institutions. institutions. Program has a has maximum a maximum funding funding limit can limit for help the for calendar thesome calen y year. • Zahn Program: established from a trust fund, program with • BILL OF SALE ORTraining/High SALES CONTRACTLIEN ENTRY FORM (if applicable) to volunteer! If you are interested in our program, please contact our office in program. program. expenses, awards two one GED recipients • graduation Zahn Program: established from a (2) trust fund, program can help with • Higher • Higher Education: Education: Educ E atduc ion at Iiand n on cen Itn ive cen t A ive w ard Aincentives: w P ard rogra Pr m ogra : for funds m : funds for unde for your area to complete an application. • and ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBAL ENROLLMENT CARD Diplodegrees, degrees, one associate one associate orSchool bachelor degree, degree, at awards any ataccredited any college college or university or univ oneor forbachelor High School graduates. Program hasaccredited a(2) maximum amount funding some graduation expenses, and two incentives: oneof for Tours Every Thurslevelslevels are determined are determined basedbased upon upon gradegrade point point average average and full-time and full-time or part-time or part-tim stat ma/GED for graduation expenses. GED recipients and one for High School graduates. Program a docto • you! G• radua Gradua te Sc h te o lSc a9:45 rsh hoi lp arsh Progra ip Pr m ogra : funds m : funds for one formaster’s one master’s degree degree or one orhas doctoral one d day at a.m. • OKLAHOMA INSURANCE VERIFICATION We look forward to sharing your child’s learning years with • Job Training Adult Education Program: funds for vocational training at can fund can fund one graduate one graduate admissions admissions test. This program This program has funding has funding levelslevels basedb (Except for Major Holimaximum amount oftest. funding for graduation expenses.  Meet income time and time part-time and part-time status. status. days) vocational institutions. Program has a maximum funding limit for the •• accredited VALID DRIVER LICENSE Job OKLAHOMA Training Adult Education Program: funds for vocational b guidelines Did You Know..... Did You Know…… Anyname name changes changes that Any thatmay mayoccur occur In our Shawnee location, we have two available options: Early Head Start calendar or per program. • Bi •g B Jiim g J Y im outh Y ou Atw h ayear rA d a Pr rd ogr P ar m ogr : a annu m: institutions. aannu l incentive al incentive fo rhas High fo r High School Scho S training atwaccredited vocational Program a maximum se (Birth to 3), & Head Start (3 up to 5). Both Norman and Cushing are strictly Let’s welcom Academic Academic a n d Athlete a n d Athlete of the ofYear. the Year. Deadline Deadline for application for application subm •stAchievement Higher Education: Education Incentive Award Program: funds for stAchievement Talking Leaves Job funding limit forpending the calendar year or per program.  No March March 31 of 31each of year. each year. Head Start Programs (3 up to 5). degrees, one associate or bachelor degree, at any accredited college P Corpsundergraduate Center marriage, divorce, (ie:marriage, (i.e. divorce, etc.) etc.) need need totobebeupdated updated through enrollment, BEFORE any new through enrollment, BEFORE any new registrations or renewals can be processed. registrations or renewals can be processed. REGISTRATION • Higher RENEWAL Education: Education Incentive Award Program: funds There are two (2) options available. The following is a list of required documents for renewals. ... Job Corps could be for you! (Bus travels to OKC each weekend ) RENEWING IN PERSON: legalof matters All funding All funding is based is based uponor upon the availability the availability funds of funds at the at time the of time application. of application. After weeks university. Funding levels are determined based upon grade point average and 5700 Baldfor Hillundergraduate Rd If you would like more information regarding our programs or degrees, one associate or bachelor degree, at any o full-time or are part-time status. All applications All applications and guidelines and guidelines available are at www at .a www s tr i .a be s.tcro im be.determined .co Click mBrad . Click on to apply, please contact: accredited college oravailable university. Funding levels are basedonhas b OK Tahlequah, Gaylord Services Services and select and select Education. Education. • Graduate Scholarship Program: funds for one master’s degree or one doctoral tr Shawnee Main Office: Enrollment ManagerShawnee Center: Center Supervisorupon grade point average and full-time or part-time status. 74465 Sherry Marsh (405) 275-4870 Stacey Osborne (405) degree, and can fund one graduate admissions This program has funding ai Chief Gaylo For more For more information, information, please call Tresha call Tresha Spoon Spoon at (405) atfunds (405) 275for -test. 4030, 275 4030, Ext. 6242 Ext. 6242 or 1-800-2 or 1•please Graduate Scholarship Program: one-master’s degree or 878-5820 levels and part-time status. 3341 3341 or email or email to tresh toatm re@ sh a as m trbased @ iba es .c tupon r o im be..full-time c om . p one doctoral degree, and can fund one graduate admissions test. This 1535 N McKinley, Shawnee 74801 1533 N Absentee Shawnee th program has funding levels based upon full-time and part-time status. McKinley, Shawnee 74801 For more information • Big Jim Youth Award Program: annual incentive for High School responsibilities incl en sherrym@ctsaheadstart.org Seniors for Academic Achievement and Athlete of the Year. Deadline for st of each Ashley • Perkins Big Jimsubmission Youth Award Program: annual incentive Department for High with ar Call 405.424.1927 application is March 31 year. th Placement Advisor Cushing Center: Center SupervisorNorman Center: Center Supervisorac School Seniors for Academic Achievement and Athlete of the Year. Office: 405-810-4090 Wava Anderson (918) 225-1029 Amy Porter development plans st g Cell: 918-506-7602 Deadline application submission 31of application. of each year. All funding is basedfor upon the availability of fundsisatMarch the time (405) 447-0381 perkins.ashley@jobcorps.org o 111 W Vine, Cushing 74023 516 Iowa St., Departmental plann Norman 73069 All funding is based upon the availability of funds at the time of application. Attention: • • • • Current Registration Certificate Oklahoma Insurance Verification Valid Oklahoma Driver License Technical Training Absentee Shawnee TribalCareer Enrollment card  Clinical Medical Assistant  Facilities Maintenance objectives within ge Applications for fall 2016 must be received or postmarked by June 15, 2016. Health/Mental Health/Disabilities Manager Melanie Williams (405) 275-4870 1535 N McKinley, Shawnee 74801 C RENEWING MAIL:  Culinary Arts  Office Administration Chief Gaylo All applications andBY guidelines are available at www.astribe.com. Click on Services fo All applications and guidelinesand areselect available at www.astribe.com. Click on Education. as To renew by mail, send check or money order along [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3Af97df5c9bfd6fba8. Public record. Not legal advice.