# Inside this issue. . . (2012)

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3Aff3da07d8d08556e

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

February 2012

The

Vol. 27 No. 2

Absentee Shawnee
News

www.astribe.com
Inside this issue. . .
Executive Committee
Reports. . . . . . . . . 2-7
Free Tax Preparations. . . . . 6
Elders Report . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Employee of the Month . . . 9
Education Department . . . 10
YTD Tax Collections. . . . 11
Health News. . . . . . . . 12-15
February Birthdays. . . 16-17
Thunderbird Casino . . . . . 19
Horseshoe Bend. . . . . 24-25
Title VI Menu. . . . . . . 22-23

“Among the Shawnee”

-Election News-

In a joint meeting, on January, 24, 2012, between the Executive Committee, the
Election Commission and the potential candidates of the upcoming election, a decision
was made that the Primary Election on March 17, 2012 will not be held this year.
This decision was made because there were no more than two (2) candidates running
for the positions due for election this year. All candidates were advanced to the June
Run-off Election which will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2012,
as required by the AST Constitution.
This is the first time since 1996, when the enactment of the two (2) election processes
began, that this has occurred. This is history in the making.

Please remember to come out and vote!

FROM THE ELECTION COMMISSION:
The following people have filed for elective office:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Lt. Governor
Isaac Gibson, Jr. (Unopposed)
Treasurer
Kathy Deere
Alicia Engler
Representative
Jeffrey Gibson
Diane Ponkilla

ELECTION COMMISSION
Deputy Commissioner
Augustine Johnson
Cynthia Carpenter

City of Shawnee Painted Horse Project
Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
Artist is Jerry Haney

Commission Member #1
Shirley Adkins (unopposed)

Executive Committee

GEORGE BLANCHARD
GOVERNOR

ISSAC GIBSON
LT. GOVERNOR

TERI REED
SECRETARY

Governor’s Corner
Greetings fellow Tribal members.
All of us at Tribal Headquarters hope everyone had a happy and safe
New Year.
As you will see from the other Executive Committee reports, this has
been a very busy start to the new year for all of us. We all think we’re
doing some good things for you, the Tribal members with the resources
available to us and we all hope to improve on all services this new year,
2012. I’ll be more able to give you all a projection on projects for this
year after all budgets are complete, and notification of funding is available. Rest assured, that we, the Executive Committee are committed to
moving our Tribe forward in regards to economic viability as well as
increasing the services to you all. As some of you may be aware, I had
some knee surgery on Jan. 24, 2012. I want to thank the other Executive
Committee members for taking up the slack created when I had to miss
a few days. I missed an Executive Committee meeting during this time,
and the other members of the Executive Committee did an excellent job,
made good decisions, and I want to give them all a special thanks for a
job well done.
George Blanchard, Governor

Lt. Governor’s Report

KATHY DEERE
TREASURER

SHAWNEE WORDS

1. Arrow
he la ni le
2. Bow
he la ni qe
3. Gun
ma ta qi
4. Smoke
le wi ta
5. Cane
hi pi te to wi
6. Stick(s)
hi pi sa
7. Hat
pa ti ke ko wa
8. Gourd
se se qi
9. Whistle
qi se qa sa
10. Rattle
ho li le wa ni
11. Shake
mi le li ta ni
12. Roll
ta ta pa ni

JEFFREY GIBSON
REPRESENTATIVE

SHAWNEE ALPHABET

PI
bah

PA
PE
(spelling)
bay
bee
(pronunciation)

PO
bo

SI
sah

SA
say

SE
see

SO
so

MI
mah

MA
may

ME
mee

MO
mo

FI
FA
FE
FO
(F has a TH sound as in thump)
thah
thay
thee
tho
NI
nah
KI
kah

WI
wah
TI
tah
GI
jah
LI
lah

HI
hah
YI
yah
QI
qah

NA
nay
KA
kay

WA
way
TA
tay

NE
nee
KE
kee

WE
wee
TE
tee

GA
GE
(G has a “J” sound)
jay
jee
LA
lay

LE
lee

YA
yay

YE
yee

HA
hay
QA
qay

HE
hee
QE
qee

NO
no
KO
ko

WO
wo
TO
toe

GO
jo
LO
lo

HO
ho
YO
yo
QO
qo

Greetings Tribal Members,
I hope that the New Year has started off prosperous and beneficial for all. My report this month will be limited, as we are trying to wrap up our year
end projects to help our Finance Department closeout our expense’s before we begin on projects for the New Year.
My office is continually monitoring the programs that we have oversight of to make sure that the best quality of services is being provided to you. With
that, I want to remind you that my door is always open or you can call to talk or leave a message. I try my best to get back with everyone and return your
phone calls. If I’m not available, please feel free to leave a message with my staff, Clarice Murdock or Andy Warrior, they are there to assist if possible.
One project that was recently completed that I would like to mention was the parking lot at our Brendle Corner Facility. The project was awarded to
and completed by Silver Star Construction. The asphalt parking lot and lights add a new appearance to the facility. We hope that this is the first of some
changes and renovations we could do to the facility.
A reminder to all, we still have the Residential Bug Spraying Program available to tribal members. Preference will be given to elders first. The application can be picked up here at the tribal office. Contact Andy Warrior if you have any questions.
Again, I hope the efforts of my office and my departments will be beneficial to all. I would like to commend all my staff and the employees of the tribe
for the dedication and commitment they provide to our tribe. Thank you.

2

Secretary’s
Report
Greeting Tribal Members:
I am excited to announce that our
Website Design Committee has
launched the new website. This
committee has been working on
redesigning the website (www.astribe.com) for the past few months
with the objective of building a
very professional appearance, with
updated and pertinent information
that is easy to understand, and is
easy to navigate through. We solicited feedback from employees
and tribal members to get us started in the right direction. We also
analyzed websites of other tribes,
large businesses, and corporations
to determine the design elements
and menu options that we wanted to
incorporate into our new website.
And lastly, we wanted to add design
elements that have meaning to our
tribal people.
The before and after pictures below showcase the changes that
were made to the basic design of
the website. We featured pictures
of Tecumseh and his brother, Tenskwatawa, in the banner picture
because their image is well known
to tribal members with Tecumseh
being noted as a charismatic leader
of the Shawnee people who was
once described as “one of those
uncommon geniuses which spring
up occasionally to produce revolutions”. We also wanted to depict the
importance of nature and our AST

logo in the banner along with representation of the clans that are
used today. The phrase “Honoring
Our Past – Building Our Future”
represents an important aspect of
our people as we unite to improve
our future while remembering our
past. The before and after pictures
are only representations of the actual website. We invite you to visit
the website at www.astribe.com and
let us know what you think of the
new format. We plan to continue
with other enhancements in the
coming weeks and appreciate your
ideas and input as we continue to
refine our online presence. Suggestions can be emailed to: website@
astribe.com.
The Website Design Committee
consists of our talented MIS department who are responsible for
the maintenance and upkeep of the
website, Rico Coon (MIS Director),
Michael Berry, and Travis O’Dell,
along with Becky Prewett (Procurement), Faustina Blanchard (Media)
and myself. I would like to thank
the committee members for their
hard work, ideas, and determination
in improving the website, and for a
job well done.
In last month’s newsletter I reported
on the Obama administration efforts
to improve Native American relations with his annual conferences
and initiatives. He has primarily focused on the areas of the health care
improvement act, and the settlement of the class-action Cobell lawsuit over the federal government’s
mismanagement of royalties for oil,
gas, timber and grazing leases.

Old Webpage

In December, Obama announced
the signing of an executive order
establishing a White House initiative on American Indian and Alaska native education. The mission
of the Initiative is to help expand
educational opportunities and improve educational outcomes for all
American Indian students, including opportunities to learn their Native languages, cultures, and histories as well as receive complete and
competitive educations that prepare
them for college, careers, and productive and satisfying lives. To accomplish this, the U.S. Department
of Education and the Department
of the Interior are tasked with developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by March 24,
2012 to address how this mission
will be carried out.

put and identify the most effective
strategies for improving education.
Insights shared at these meetings
will directly influence the contents
of the Memorandum of Understanding and the general facilitation
of the policy. Most of the input at
this meeting centered around continued and improved funding for
existing and new programs, the
problems of graduation rates, instilling pride in our native American students, libraries, being able
to monitor/track the progress of our
students, and training programs for
parents and educators. This was a
great opportunity to share our ideas
and it will be interesting to see how
the Obama administration uses this
input in shaping improvements for
Native American education in the
future.

A White House round table discussion for Oklahoma Tribal Leaders
and educators was conducted in
Norman on January 23rd to gather
information for this MOU. This was
the second of four events that were
scheduled across the nation. I was
able to attend as a Tribal leader for
the Absentee Shawnee Tribe along
with Kathy Deere (Treasurer), Tresha Spoon (Education Director),
and Meredith Wahpekeche (Title
VII). There were many tribes present at this event and we were able
to express our ideas and opinions
on the status of Indian education.
William Mendoza (Oglala and Sicangu Lakota), the director of the
new White House Initiative led the
discussion. He said the roundtable
meetings were organized to gather
tribal and community leaders’ in-

In the meantime, we have two
scholarship awards that have been
introduced from our Education Department that are geared to helping
high school students prepare for
higher education. They are:
1. Big Jim Academic Achievement
Award (deadline 3/1/12)
2. Big Jim Athlete of the Year
Award (deadline 3/1/12)
Information about these new scholarships/awards is included elsewhere in this newsletter and on the
website. You can contact Tresha
Spoon in the Education Department for more information on these
scholarships and awards.
Teri Reed – Secretary
teri@astribe.com
405-275-4030 Ext 104

New Webpage

3

Treasurer’s
Report
Greetings Tribal Members,
Happy Valentine’s Day, be sure and
tell your sweetheart you are thankful to have them in your life! Election time is upon us again! Election Day will be Saturday, June 16,
2012. Executive Committee and
Election Commission jointly met
together and decided there was
no need for Primary Election in
March. As required by AST Constitution, to have the June Election since there were no more than
two (2) candidates in any position
up for election. I have filed for
re-election as Treasurer; I hope to
count on your vote again!
We still want to continue toward
progression in the areas of economic development, educating our
tribal members, and services for the
tribal members.
• ASEDA Board Monthly meeting,
as Ad Hoc non-voting member
• Executive Committee had a regular scheduled meeting and Special Executive Committee Meeting. See Resolutions Page.
• Congratulations to Executive
Committee’s Employee of Month
January Winner, Johnnie Hagan.
• Attending the Health Advisory
Board and LiSiWiNwi meetings,
as Ad Hoc non-voting member
• Monthly Redstone Investment
meeting. We have an excellent
investor advisor, who continually
keeps the committee updated on
all the tribe’s investments.
• Attended Tribal Leader Education Roundtable, Embassy
Suites, Norman, Ok, along with
Secretary Reed, Tresha Spoon,
and Meredith Wahpekeche. This
was organized though the Secretary of Education Duncan and
Secretary of Interior Salazar regarding President Obama’s Executive Order 13592 establishing the White House Initiative’s
strategic efforts to engage tribal
and community leaders, Indian
education stakeholders, and the
public on the development of the
MOU and Tribal Leaders’ Education Task Force. The mission

4

of the Initiative is to help expand
educational opportunities and improve educational outcomes for
all American Indian and Alaska
Native (AI/AN) students, including opportunities to learn their
Native languages, cultures, and
histories as well as receive complete and competitive educations
that prepare them for college,
careers, and productive and satisfying lives. Several tribal leaders were in attendance as well
as Indian educators throughout
Oklahoma. Your tribe was well
represented.
• Met with Native American Fund
Advisors (NAFA), LLC, Tulsa,
OK firm registered with United
States Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). Discussed
opportunities with a Nativeowned investment management
firm who has been in business
since 1996, offering bond and
equity portfolio management for
tribal governments.
• Auditors are on site for the 2011
audit. We expect to complete
the audit in May 2012. All the
Tribe’s entities will be audited
first and those will roll up into the
Tribe’s Government wide financials; (ASEDA; ASEDA Fleet,
AST Counseling Services, Store,
Harrah Smoke Shop; and Restaurant: AllNations Bank: and Thunderbird Casino’s Locations 1 &
2). The Audit will include the
MD&A (Management Discussion and Analysis). The MD&A
report is an informative report
within the 2011 Audit; which is
a brief review and explanation of
the Audit. We expect to get another good “Audit for 2012”.
• I would like to thank the students
at Jefferson Elementary School
for their drawings they made for
me. It was very thoughtful and
I appreciate them for doing these
drawings for me.
• Also, would like to thank Mr.
Steven Snake for his drawing
and Jennie Mohawk. It is much
appreciated with the encouraging
words.
•
FUTURE GOALS FOR 2012:
• Being your elected official, I want
to continue to have accountability, communication, working re-

lationships that foster leadership
development, implementing new
programs and strategic planning
for 2012.
• Continue to search for grants that
can advance economic activity
and create jobs within the tribal
communities through our business arm Absentee Shawnee Economic Development (ASEDA).
• Continue to have clean audits.
For the past three years, we have
been given clean audits and my
goal is to continue this into 2012.
• Continue to work with Finance
Department to continue to increase revenue and reduce expenditures, but not hinder tribal
member services.
• Year 2012 looks to be a continued progression for our tribe and
the tribal members.
Sincere appreciation goes out to the
ladies of the Finance Department
and the Controller, Belinda Collins,
as they daily continue the never
ending processes for the financial side of the Absentee Shawnee
Tribe. Without their tireless dedication and commitment we could not
keep the financial transactions processes flowing!
Also, would like to extend my appreciation to the Financial Consultant, Eddie Brokeshoulder, who
continues to assist me with numerous projects, attend meetings where
I cannot attend, and consulting decisions in the office of Treasurer!
We appreciate all your phone calls,
emails, and visits. May God continue to bless you and yours! See
below articles from AllNations
Bank; Financial Consultant, Eddie
Brokeshoulder; and Finance Department.
Respectfully yours,
Kathy Deere, Treasurer

Finance Department
February 2012
The Finance office continues our
efforts in keeping the day to day
activities flowing efficiently and
effectively through communication between the Finance office and

Happy Valentine’s Day

Programs. In working together, we
have found the most time effective
and cost effective processes for
transacting business.
The Indirect Cost Proposal for 2012
has been signed and mailed to the
National Business Center for approval. Our rate is up from 17.74%
for 2010 to 21.98% for 2011 and we
expect our rate to increase; however that is just an estimate. This
estimated increased is based on the
influx of activity deriving from the
new clinic opening in 2012.
The finance department continues to complete accounting by the
seventh day of the month and have
been since August 2010; so that financial reports can be created for
the Health Authority and Li Si Wi
Nwi, Health Inc. boards for health
programs both Shawnee and Little
Axe. The Finance staff will begin November reconciliations for
financial reporting on the first of
December. It is imperative the accounting / bookkeeping continue to
stay ahead of all of the accounting
so that audits go smoothly so that
Indirect Cost rates will stay up to
date as well. Indirect cost proposals cannot be submitted without
completed audits as the audits are
used to calculate the proposal. We
continue to explore avenues that
will make accounting for the tribe’s
finances a smooth process including billing package for health programs. There are many processes
in place in your Tribe’s accounting
department that ensure we keep accurate records of transactions. The
Tribe’s accounting processes must
be in compliance with GAAP;
(Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards
Board).
Auditors are on site for the 2011 audit. We expect to complete the audit
in May 2012. All the Tribe’s entities
will be audited first and those will
roll up into the Tribe’s Government
wide financials; (ASEDA; ASEDA
Fleet, AST Counseling Services,
Store, Harrah Smoke Shop; and
Restaurant: AllNations Bank: and
Thunderbird Casino’s Locations 1
& 2). The Audit will include the
MD&A (Management Discussion

and Analysis). The MD&A report
is an informative report within the
2011 Audit; which is a brief review
and explanation of the Audit. The
2010 Audit was an “unqualified”
audit; which when compared to an
educational grading scale is an A;
and it is my goal that the 2011 will
be unqualified as well.

and decisions of tribal funds and award was open to Native comprograms.
munities across Indian Country.
History of Oweesta reaches back
The following activities I have to the mid 1980’s, was envisioned
been involved and participated.
to develop alternative financing
Financial Reports: Reviewed access to Native entrepreneurs,
and analyzed Treasurer’s monthly homebuyers and tribal businesses.

General fund, Indirect Cost, and In closing, if you should have
Elder Council encumbrance bud- questions, please contact me at
The Tribe currently has compact get reports.
eddieb@astribe.com or 405-275funds of BIA and I H S, 51 Grants,
Absentee Shawnee Economic 4030 ext 148.
and the new Clinic business. In
addition, the Tribe operates on a Development Authority, Inc. Sincerely,
Attended monthly Eddie Brokeshoulder
General Fund and an Indirect Cost (ASEDA):
board meeting discussing future Financial Consultant
Fund.
business strategies.
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Finance Department has very hard Redstone Investments: AttendASEDA Fleet
working group of people and it is ed monthly financial investment
an honor to work with them, the meeting, topics included status of
Treasurer’s office and at the Absen- current investment strategies and
Below is a report of what ASEDA
tee Shawnee Tribe. The Finance future investment options.
has done since the New Board has
Department employs 11; with 7
Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma been in place. Given the resources
(64%) being AST Tribal Members
Inc. (REI): Assisted and provided that we had, our search in finding
and 4 (36%) being non-natives.
support to Rick Short on obtain- opportunities in this area were very
This department, as always, would ing a letter of support from REI in optimistic. We wanted to focus on a
like to extend a special thanks and submission of an economic devel- few things to get us started, oppornote of appreciation to the Execu- opment grant application to Ad- tunities that would need very little,
tive Committee for providing the ministration for Native Americans cash up-front. Something that we
could leverage what assets we had.
tools, resources and support to en- (ANA).
1. Businesses that were already in
able the finance staff to reach its
operation.
National
Center
of
American
Inaccomplished goals and to con2. Businesses that could help bentinue with this effort. A special dian Development (NCAIED):
efit our members
thanks and note of appreciation to Assisted and provided support to
3. Businesses that could have the
Program Managers and Employees Rick Short on obtaining a letter of
potential to hire our members.
of the Tribe for their assistance and support from NCAIED, which rededication in our group effort to- cently opened an office in Tulsa, Below is a brief report on the folOklahoma, in submission of an
ward accomplishing our goal.
lowing projects that ASEDA has
economic development grant ap- been working on.
If you have any questions or needs, plication to Administration for Naplease call 405-275-4030 ext 162 tive Americans (ANA).
REPORT - ABSENTEE SHAWand I will be glad to assist you in
NEE COUNSELING SERVICE
Investment
Management:
Treaany way I can.
This was a venture presented to
surer Deere and I met with Ross
ASEDA
by Native Health ManageRespectfully,
O. Swimmer, Partner and David
Belinda Collins, Controller
Poarch of Native American Fund ment (NHM) and Quapaw EconomAdvisors, LLC, a Tulsa, Oklahoma ic Development Corp. The Quapaw Tribe had over extended their
based firm registered with United
service area for this center. They
States Securities and Exchange
Financial
were directed by IHS to hand over
Commission (SEC). Our meeting
Consultant
the facility to a Tribe in the Oklawith NAFA was to discuss oppor- homa City area or forfeit their Centunities in investment management ter. Absentee Shawnee’s were asked
Hello Tribal Members,
with a company who has been in by NHM, to consider assuming the
business since 1996, offering bond
As Financial Consultant, for Of- and equity portfolio management project. The offer was forwarded to
the ASEDA Board members who
fice of Treasurer, I hope each tribal for tribal governments.
decided to pursue the project. The
member has established a New
project was renamed the Absentee
Year’s resolution to develop a fi- First Nations Oweesta CorShawnee Counseling Services.
nancial plan for 2012. The Office poration: I am a recipient of a
Since its inception on October 1,
of Treasurer will continue to pro- scholarship award from First Na2011, ASCS has currently served
vide our fiduciary responsibilities tions Oweesta Corporation for the close to 180 patients from October
of sound financial management NeighborWorks Training. This

Happy Valentine’s Day

2011 to December 2011. Originally
purchasing this business from the
Quapaw’s for $1. We’ve generated
revenues from this business into
$25,000 each month. Once we are
added to the IHS provider OMB billing rate. We should be able to Net
approximately $50,000 each month.
We believe that our members, as
well as, area Tribal members could
use this facility for counseling services for Substance Abuse and recovering alcoholism. In its first
quarter, we seen a rise in patient visits, a drop in turnover ratio, and an
increase in our revenue.
REPORT – ASEDA FLEET
Started in February of 2011, ASEDA Fleet’s sole purpose was to lease
to Corporations, Government agencies, Municipals, and Tribal Governments. We have created a partnership with Henry Schein/Thunder
Medical, Alaska Native Corporation
(ANC)/NANA Regional Corporation, and Auto Nation. There are
only a handful of minority-owned
fleet businesses in the country. ASEDA Fleet is now the only Tribalowned Fleet business in the country.
We hope to take advantage of the
Minority Diversity objectives of
Corporations, and the ‘Contracting
Set-asides” for Minority Businesses
by Government Agencies.
REPORT – CIVIC PROJECT
The Civic project was presented
to ASEDA by the Secretary and
Treasurer in November of 2011, as
a project for ASEDA to oversee.
We realized that is has been in the
works for the past three years and
the Bonds to finance this project
were set to expire at the end of November. We were able to round-up
some material on the location for
this project, with preliminary floor
plans along with other material that
Ken Jones had already worked on,
for this project, and submit a request
to the IRS for an extension. We received the extension over the Holidays. We now have until the end of
March to present to the IRS on the
following:
Lease agreements
Construction costs
Floor plans w/renderings
We are working on this currently
and will have everything submitted
before the deadline.

5

REPORT – Medical Evaluation
and Integrated Service Associates
(MEISA)
MEISA has presented to ASEDA
a program with options to help our
Tribal members. This opportunity
will help service our elder members with Transportation, home care
(meals, adult daycare, home health
care, & personal care) that will be
provided thru the HMO, PPO ‘waiver’ program. We will be able to cater to our members and bill thru this
‘waiver’ program on all services.
This will also create more jobs in
each of these areas. With this project, we hope to generate at least five
other businesses from this opportunity. These will service not only our
members, but eventually servicing
non-native residents in this area too.

AllNations Bank
Good day to our friends from all of
us, at your bank, AllNations Bank
You can start a business for $1,000
or less. Bootstrapping involves
starting a business with whatever cash you can scrape together.
Hewlett-Packard, United Parcel
Service and Walt Disney all began
as bootstrap ventures into global
giants.

money within two years of starting
the business, think about shutting
it down. The biggest problem for
most start-ups is not having a clear
focus on what the business will do
and what the founder will get out
of it.
Every business needs a business
plan which should describe the
business in detail, how much it
will cost to get started and where
you expect the business to be in
one, two and three years. Draw up
a budget for what it will cost to get
going, and how much it will cost
you each month until you become
profitable. For help in crafting a
business plan, turn to the Small
Business Administration (www.
sba.gov). You will find a wealth
of information about starting businesses. For most bootstrap businesses, the SBA site will provide
all the start-up help you need at no
cost.

FREE Smoke
Alarms and
Carbon Monoxide
Detectors still
Available!!
OEH personnel will provide
and install smoke alarms and/
or carbon monoxide detectors
for enrolled Absentee Shawnee tribal members living in
Pottawatomie, Cleveland, or
Oklahoma County.

You may not have your sights set
that high. But for $1,000 or less,
you can bootstrap a business that
will keep you occupied and proPlease complete an application/
duce cash. Bootstrap operations
short survey form and schedule
typically serve a niche. And a
a time and date for installation.
niche business, if it delivers the
Application/survey forms are
REPORT – GOVCON, Inc.
right product or service at the right
available at the OEH office and
GOVCON will be a holding com- price, can thrive in any economic
at www.astribe.com.
pany for ASEDA to house services climate. Your first impulse may be
for Government Contracts. We are to purchase an existing business
Please contact OEH at
in the process of applying for our or become a franchisee. Either apGene
Davis,
214-4235 for more
SBA 8(a) certification that would proach will cost many thousands
President
information.
help us with more Set aside opportu- of dollars and most likely put you
nities. We will also be working and into a field where you have no exTeaming with other Native-owned perience. Odds are great that you
companies for Contracts and Sub- will lose your investment.
Contract some of these activities
also. Contracts will include a range Carve out a niche in the industry
of areas such as Management, I.T., where you have the most expeTraining, Facilities Maintenance, rience. Think through products
All,
Grounds Maintenance, Supplies, and/or services that would benefit
We regret to inform everyone that the tax clinic which is sponsored
Technical Services, as well as, Con- someone in your industry, but that
by OILS will not be here this year, due to lack of funding!
aren’t available at a reasonable
struction projects.
Here are a few other options:
price. Start with as little of your
This is what we have undertaken in own capital as possible and with
The Norman Public Library will have free tax preparation starting
our first year of serving as Board
no borrowed money. Gambling
1/25/12 on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-8:00pm. OU Law
members for ASEDA. We have
your time on the business is one
students will be providing the preparations.
taken what financial resources we
thing. Gambling your entire sav225 N Webster Ave, Norman, OK
had (very little) and created busiings is something else. Whatever
(405) 701-2600
ness opportunities for our Tribe.
ASEDA is currently looking at other your business you should keep
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program and Central Oklahoma Comopportunities this year for the Little start-up costs at $1,000 or less. Fimunity Action Agency (COCAA) have once again partnered with the
Axe area. As we all know, there is nance growth from business profIRS to offer: FREE TAX PREPARATION
a huge potential to create an econo- its. That’s what bootstrapping is all
Filing Period:
my right here in our backyard. With about. Don’t expect to make monJanuary 23, 2012 - April 17, 2012
continued efforts in economic de- ey immediately. You’ll have start
Location: 108 E. Main Street
velopment in year 2012, we intend up costs and a learning curve to
Shawnee, OK 74801
to create a strong business climate get past. It will take time to make
Across the street from Pott. County Bookstore
within our tribe. ASEDA will take your self known to customers. Do
Schedule: (subject to change) Monday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
advantage of every opportunity and not take money out of the business

Thursdays 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
advantage that is or becomes avail- for personal expenses. Put all of

Saturdays 9:00AM to 3:00PM
able to us.
the money that is made back into
Call for an appointment: (405) 878-1512
growing the business.
Thank you for your time. Ne yi wa!
Appointments are requested and will have priority over walk-ins
ASEDA Board members:
If you can’t see yourself turning a
Dan Little Axe – President
profit within two years don’t start
Adam Proctor – Vice-President
the business. If you are not making
Lyndale Waller – Secretary

Free Tax Preparations

6

Happy Valentine’s Day

Representative’s Report
Hello Tribal Citizens,
2012 has started off in a positive direction. First we purchased Angus Cattle during the latter part of 2011 and I am happy to say that
the 30 Heifers are calving as I am writing this article. I am very
excited hopefully by the start of summer we will have 50% more
Cattle by way of our Heifers giving birth to calves. This is just one
First-born calf
of the ways of how the Tribe is progressing forward and not looking back at yesterday. I have been looking after the Cattle almost everyday and those of you who Farm Cattle know
this a 24/7 job. Also besides Farming I also assist the Lieutenant Governor with everyday work with the Tribe when
needed out in the field. On another note Secretary Reed,TERO Director Randy Edge,Education Director Tresha Spoon
and Realty Specialist Joseph Blanchard have been working on the Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male and
Female) and the Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male and Female) for our youth. It has been an Honor to work with this
fine group, this Program looks to be a wonderful asset to our Tribe and Education Department. Its a Wonderful Feeling
to be able to work side by side with all the programs here at the Tribe from Health, Music, Maintenance, Education
and assisting with our Grant writer on future projects that are going to be beneficial to our tribe. The Programs I see
over are growing every year and the space that we have is almost non-existent on the Absentee Shawnee Complex,
so in the near future there may be some shuffling around with some of the Programs to better suit you and our needs
for better all around service here at the Complex. By the time you Read this article the Indian Child Welfare program
better known as (ICW) will have a Director and for the time being we have had an Interim Director that has done a
wonderful job. 2012, I believe will be the year of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe it seems like everyday gets better than
the last and I am proud to be apart of this Executive Committee that discuss issues on a weekly bases for the betterment and well being of the Tribe. Also if you have any questions at all about the Programs I see over, give me a call
or stop by my office. My door is always open and my phone is always on. I am proud to say I am Absentee Shawnee,
my passion is to help if I can and the Future looks Bright...
NE-YA-WA
Representative Jeff Gibson

Happy Valentine’s Day

7

Elders Board

Elder’s Report

The AST Elders met at the Resource Center in Little Axe
on Saturday, January 21, 2012 for their first regular meeting
of the year. All officers were present. They are: Dan Little
Axe, Sr., President, Gene Parker, Vice-President, Betty Watson, Treasurer and myself, the Secretary. Thirty-two tribal
members were present as well as ten guests/visitors including Gary Wabaunsee, Director of Health programs. We were
happy to see Sherman Tiger of the Media department in at- L to R: Treasurer Betty Watson, Secretary Cynthia Longhorn, President Dan Little Axe,
tendance also to get pictures throughout the meeting and for
and Vice-President Gene Parker
the silent auction following the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 10:23 a.m. with the invocation given by Elroy Alford. Birthdays were acknowledged for Gene Parker, Wanda
Tiger and Stella Little. Minutes for October 10, November 19, and December 17, 2011 were reviewed and approved with noted corrections. The
Treasurer’s report for November 2011 and December 2011 were reviewed and approved. Prior to that, there were many questions concerning the
financial report for both months that included details given for the pow wow of November 5th. It was also reported that questions had been posted
to the Executive Committee about the $100 gift cards to Elders who attended Council meetings. The policy was adopted by the Elders Council that
allows gift cards to be distributed to those who attended four (4) meetings during the year. The funds for this comes from the fund raising account
earned by the Council and does not come out of the general fund money allocated to the Council by the Executive Committee.
Gary Wabaunsee, Director of the AST Health Programs was present and gave a very detailed update on health program activities and explained
what is being planned and hopefully will be in place as soon as the new clinic at Little Axe is open. Announcements for upcoming events included:
A 50/50 bingo and Hand Game by the Pow Wow Hwy 9 committee during February. Elroy Alford gave thanks to the Elders for flowers during his
recent hospital stay. Cynthia Longhorn gave thanks to tribal members who had donated their Christmas gifts for individuals in nursing homes during our December meeting and dinner. Dan Little Axe stated that plans for the golf tournament are ongoing. Comments were heard on expenditures
by the Officers. Plans to meet with those council members volunteering to help put the recipe/cook book together and following the meeting it was
agreed that January 24 would be a good time to gather and discuss this project with Sherman Tiger of the Media department. It was agreed that a
cake/pie auction would be held at the next Elders meeting. That meeting is set for February 18, 2012 at the Title VI Building in Shawnee. The meeting adjourned and pot luck dinner was enjoyed by all and then the silent auction was held followed by 50/50 bingo. For any questions, comments,
or suggestions on anything in this report, call Cynthia Longhorn at (405) 273-4137.

* correction to the January Newsletter. . .Luvenia Tiger was incorrectly named as Bernice, we do apologize!

8

Luvenia “Beano” Tiger, Margaret Ellis,
and Reta Harjo

Elders Meeting

Roy Charley

In line, waiting for all that delicious food!

Sadie Low, Patty Longman, and
Serena Daugherty

Alice McBride

Happy Valentine’s Day

Shawnee Language Class

Language classes are meeting in the Governor's conference room on Sunday afternoons from
12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. until another room or facility becomes available.
All ages and levels of speaking, especially fluent speakers, are welcome and encouraged to
attend. Come and join us in learning and listening to the Shawnee language and also our
culture and history of the Absentee Shawnee.

* correction to the AST 2012 Calendar. . .The month of November was incorrectly spelled, it should be spelled “pe sa ke fe we ke se wa”.

Employee of the Month

welcome new employee

We would like to introduce our new
Human Resources Director, Lisa
January 2012
Brownell. Lisa comes to us with a wealth
Submitted by Rachel Howell
of HR experience and we are glad to have
Ms. Hagan has been an employee her. If you see her out and about, please
for the Realty Department since introduce yourself. Here is some more
January 2007. Ms. Hagan has information about her:
accomplished the following:
I am a Bethel graduate and Shawnee nao Submitted paperwork to claim tive. After graduating and attending OU, I
around $10,000 on behalf of the spent the next 10 years in Tulsa. I've spent
Absentee Shawnee Tribe from the the last few years here in Shawnee work1983 per capita payment issued to non-qualifying individuals. ing at the City of Shawnee and COCAA.
Currently, our department is awaiting notification from the BIA
I am so excited to begin a new chapter with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.
to claim another estimated $5,000.
I am looking forward to becoming part of your family and meeting so
o
Excellent attendance and is consistently on time at work.
many new wonderful people. Thank you for the opportunity to learn
o
Provides quality service to Absentee Shawnee tribal
about your organization and culture. Stop by any time and say Hello.
members as well as other Native Americans.
o
Exhibits loyalty to the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and its Lisa Brownell
(405) 275-4030 ext. 131
members by maintaining confidentially in her work.
o
She displays exceptional professional ability, foresight,
mature judgment, and meticulous attention to detail.

Johnnie Hagan

Happy Valentine’s Day

9

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
The following are current programs administered by the Absentee
Shawnee Tribe Education Department:
• Academic (K-12) Program: assists with academic related
expenses, and a portion of funds can be used for schoolrelated athletic program expenses. Program has a maximum
funding limit for the academic year.
• Zahn Program: established from a trust fund, program can
help with some graduation expenses, and awards two (2) incentives: one for GED recipients and one for High School
graduates. Program has a maximum amount of funding for
graduation expenses.
• Job Training Adult Education Program: funds for vocational training at accredited vocational institutions. Program has a maximum funding limit for the calender year or
per program.
• Higher Education: Education Incentive Award Program: funds for undergraduate degrees, one associates or
bachelors degree, at any accredited college or university.
Funding levels are determined based upon grade point average and full-time or part-time status.
• Graduate Scholarship Program: funds for one master’s
degree or one doctoral degree, and can fund for one graduate admissions test. This program has funding levels based
upon full-time and part-time status.

FREE music lessons
The MSPI Creative Arts
Program offers lessons all year
round for Native American
children from 5 years to 19
years old. Adults are also encouraged to participate. Come
join the fun and learn to play
the guitar, bass guitar, piano, or vocals.
Contact Phil Bradley, Music Instructor (405) 275-4030 Ext: 117
or Cell (405) 370-5576
Classes are offered Tuesday thru
Saturday at the Tribal Complex
and on Tuesday at the Little Axe
Resource Center
Classes are made possible
through AST Behavioral Health’s
Meth/Suicide Prevention Initiative Grant (MSPI)
“Following in Our Footsteps”

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

Attention:
If you are considering taking courses for the spring 2012
semester, please contact the Education Department as soon
as possible.
All applications and guidelines are available at www.astribe.
ALL Middle School and High School Students:
com. Click on Services and select Education.
Middle School and High School Students:
For more information, please call Tresha Spoon at
ALL Middle School and High School Students:
(405) 275-4030 ext. 121 or 1-800-256-3341 or email to
tresham@astribe.com.

MSPI . . .

Come and join the Absentee Shawnee
Youth
Council...
Come and join the Absentee
Shawnee
Youth Council…

The MSPI (Meth/Suicide Prevention Initiative) Creative Arts Program has
All middle school and high school youth are welcomed!
reached many Native tribal members and has brought family’s closer togeth- All middle school and high school
youth are welcome!
will be meeting
er. I currently have a grandmother (Elder student) that has beenWebringing
her once every month to cover topics that interest our youth.
grandson to piano music lessons for awhile and has watched him We
progress.
His
Come
andbe
join
the Absentee
Shawnee
Council…
are involved
with our
communities
through
hands-on
activities
and Youth
We
will
meeting
once
every
month
projects.
Theand
AST Youth Council volunteer activity for December was
progress developed an interest for the grandmother to start taking
lessons
to for
cover
topics that interest our youth.
the AST Foster Care/PSSF programs.
All middle
school and high school youth are welcomed!
she is advancing rapidly very well within a three (3) weeks time.wrapping Christmas gifts

For our January meeting,
haveinvolved
a special guestwith
from theour
AST communities
Cultural
Weweare
through hands-on

Preservation
Department
coming
to speak
with our
youth
about
Language
We
will be
meeting
once
every
month
to cover topics that interest our youth.
Through the music and the outreach efforts of the personnel, I find
myself seeactivities
and
projects.
Revitalization.
ing family members doing better in school and the home. Every
part of the
We our
are involved
with our
communities
through
hands-on activities and
th
Ourtheir
6th Meeting
for theFor
2011-2012
school
year will bemeeting,
Saturday, January
at be discussing our upcoming
MSPI program has played a role in the progress of each child and
family
February
we 14
will
projects.
The
AST
Youth
Council
volunteer
activity
10:00 am in the basement of Building #3.
projects for March and April. for December was
and friends. The MSPI program have been blessed watching families
that at volunteer
wrapping Christmas gifts for the AST Foster Care/PSSF programs.
If youpart
are interested
one time were distant in their everyday lives and now have become
of onein becoming a member of the
AST Youth Council, pleaseOur
TreshaMeeting
Spoon (405)275-4030
121 or 193.
7th
for theext.
school
be Saturday,
another’s in so many ways. I’ve seen attitudes change into caring
for others contact
For our
January meeting,
we2011-2012
have a special
guestyear
from will
the AST
Cultural
February
25th
at
10:00
am
in
the
basement
of
Building
#3.
Preservation
Department
coming
to
speak
with
our
youth
about
Language
and working toward the future together. It is not just the present daily task of
Revitalization.
living to get by but much more. I feel I understand so much of our children’s
If you are interested in becoming a member of the AST
needs and wants in their lives that I look forward to coming to work each day
Council,
Our 6th Meeting for theYouth
2011-2012
schoolplease
year willcontact.....
be Saturday, January 14th at
and watching the MSPI program help everyone that is involved.
10:00 am in the basement
of Building
#3. (405) 275-4030
Tresha
Spoon
Phil Bradley, Creative Arts Instructor
ext. 121 or 193
If you are interested in becoming a member of the
AST Behavioral Health

10

AST Youth
Happy Valentine’s
DayCouncil, please contact Tresha Spoon (405)275-4030 ext. 121 or 193.

Happy Valentine’s Day

$2,549,302.43
$2,549,302.43
$247,547.13
$273,548.07
$232,328.95
$274,133.02
$166,099.46
$144,447.72
$266,749.60
$247,376.84
$238,824.55
NOTES:
- Sales Tax = 6% of Gross Sales
- Gaming Tax
Free cash flow
- Employee = 1% of Gross Wages
- Severence Tax = 8% of Total Production Market Value
State Compact
( Tobacc Refund)

$81,995.72
TOTAL COLLECTIONS

$160,393.37

$193,491.16

$2,085.00
$2,085.00
$310.00
$380.00
$110.00
$220.00
$80.00
$130.00
$120.00
$212.50
$150.00
$132.50
$80.00
$160.00
Miscellaneous

$105,753.36
$1,747,775.00
$137,801.19
$234,810.26
$144,949.51
$176,128.11
$2,547,217.43
$105,753.36
$1,747,775.00
$137,801.19
$234,810.26
$144,949.51
$176,128.11
$2,547,217.43
$12,423.81
$176,000.00
$14,401.26
$25,978.24
$9,584.78
$8,849.04
$247,237.13
$10,976.76
$100,000.00
$25,247.18
$136,944.13
$12,240.84
$10,126.00
$273,168.07
$102.45
$205,697.00
$0.00
$8,046.42
$9,344.82
$9,028.26
$232,218.95
$5,486.74
$180,000.00
$4,177.25
$51,706.48
$14,037.66
$18,504.89
$273,913.02
$11,250.68
$103,835.00
$21,160.54
$2,340.58
$11,997.85
$15,434.81
$166,019.46
$10,539.59
$100,000.00
$4,217.44
$0.00
$13,690.12
$15,870.57
$144,317.72
$7,193.56
$207,561.00
$18,471.03
$2,347.87
$11,283.67
$19,772.47
$266,629.60
$15,566.63
$196,337.00
$9,378.31
$1,424.72
$11,291.89
$13,165.79
$247,164.34
$5,088.76
$200,000.00
$6,507.55
$966.79
$12,156.17
$13,955.28
$238,674.55
$16,646.46
$126,145.00
$18,485.67
$2,103.94
$15,470.44
$14,507.15
$193,358.66
$12.34
$50,000.00
$0.00
$2,062.45
$11,428.73
$18,412.20
$81,915.72
$10,465.58
$102,200.00
$15,754.96
$888.64
$12,422.54
$18,501.65
$160,233.37
Sales (6%)
Gaming
Employee (1%)
Severance (8%)
M Vehicle
Tobacco Refund
TOTALS

TAX COLLECTED
SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

TOTAL

Run Date:
01/25/12

AUGUST
JULY
JUNE
MAY
APRIL
MARCH
FEBRUARY
JANUARY
TAX
CATEGORY

Greetings Fellow Tribal Members,
Election time again! This year we made history! Never has it been done before where only two
candidates have filed for any positions. So we will only have June 16, 2012, as the primary election. The absentee ballot request forms will be available in the later newsletters, website, and by
mail. Call the election commission and they will fax or mail the request form to you, 275-4020
ext. 150.
Voting is a privilege and constitutional rights of your involvement in your tribe. Let your voice
be heard by voting for the most qualified candidates. This time it is Lt. Governor, Treasurer,
Representative, Election Commissioner One and Deputy Election Commissioner. Check out their
qualifications, experience, work ethics, and accomplishments.
Our Tribe is a business enterprise and I have strived to ensure a positive cash flow. I have made
sure we have control of our maintenance of our financial assets. As treasurer, I look at the available data to judge the performance of our business and will continue to look after the tribe’s finances and look for future business and investment opportunities.
We have tailored our expenses according to the financial resources of our businesses. Businesses
with surplus cash or access need to invest their money to make up for the impact of taxation and
inflation. We have continued to make the right financial decisions that will benefit us in the long
run and help us achieve our financial goals.
Our Tribe continues to have financial planning and financial control. Financial planning seeks to
quantify various financial resources available, plan the size and timing of expenditures. Example
of financial control refers to monitoring cash flow. Inflow is the amount of money coming into
a particular company, while outflow is a record of the expenditure being made by the company.
Managing this movement of funds in relation to the budget is essential for a business.
To achieve goals, so far, we have been able to set a point of time. We continue to seek to generate
substantial amount of profits in order to keep up with our budget projections. We are not operating
in the red; therefore, not subjecting our projections to chance. We continue to manage movement
of funds in relation to the budget and not project budgets that may not get the money needed by our
tribal members in the areas of the services we provide them. We continue to be able to make the
financial decisions that are intended to benefit us all in the long run and help achieve our financial
goals.
Our constitution, Article XIII- Duties of Officers, Section 4, states, “The Treasurer shall be custodian of all monies, and related bookkeeping functions, which come under the jurisdiction or
control of the tribe. The Treasurer shall conserve, invest, and pay out money pursuant to the
provisions of this Constitution. All expenditures shall be reviewed and approved or disapproved
by the executive Committee before payment. The authority to approve or disapprove such expenditures shall be based on constitutional authority and/or a duly adopted General council resolution
or ordinance pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution. Subject to the limitations above, the
executive Committee shall render in writing such approval or disapproval that shall be maintained
as a permanent part of the bookkeeping record. The Treasurer shall, upon receipt of written approval, be authorized to sign checks or otherwise make payment on behalf of the tribe. The
Treasurer shall keep and maintain an accurate account of all receipts and disbursements and shall
report the accurate amounts of each account to the executive Committee at each regular meeting.
The treasurer shall submit financial reports and results of audits pursuant to the provisions in Article V. Such reports and audits shall be equivalent to National accounting association practices
and standards. The Treasurer shall keep double-entry accounting records, which shall be fully
implemented within one (1) years following the first election of officers under this Constitution.
The financial records shall be maintained at the tribal headquarters. The Treasurer shall be bonded
by a bona fide bonding company in any amount satisfactory to the Executive Committee and such
bonding fees shall be paid from tribal funds or program funds if authorized by the funding agency
business expansion.,”
If re-elected as Treasurer, I pledge to promote communication, cooperation, positive leadership
and unity. I will be available for questions and comments. Thank you for your confidence and
support by re-electing me as Treasurer. Give me a call or email, my cell phone 405/816-7874 and
email address: shwneturtle56@hotmail.com
Respective fully,
Kathy Deere

FY-2011
YTD TAX COLLECTIONS

Candidate Letter...

11

Music can heal and make your day a winner
The MSPI Music Program
Behavioral Health

Music has always exerted powerful physical and psychological effects on humans, but scientists have only recently
made the connection of different types of music with the
production of endorphins.
Music therapy is also used in treatment schizophrenia,
stroke victims and others.
My own opinion is that music and sounds which have a
Instructions:
Answer the questions below. Add your rhythm were attuned to our heartbeat in some way millions
points. If you score 10 or more, you may be at-risk for
of years ago as a basic human pastime which creates pleadeveloping
diabetes.
Instructions: Answer the questions below. Add your points. If
sure in the individual. Music can calm your heart after a
long hard day and even improve your eye sight and the way
you score 10 or more, you may be at-risk for developing diabetes.
Is your weight greater than or equal to the
5 points
you handle your evening, the psychological effects on huweight
the chart
for
your
Is youron
weight
greater
than
orheight?
equal to the weight on the chart for 5 points
mans is an awesome study that simply takes years of each
(Use chart below)
your height? (Use chart below)
individual to understand how its effects are found in their
Are you under age 65 and have little or no
5 points
everyday lives.
exercise during a usual day?
Are you under age 65 and have little or no exercise during a usual 5 points

Are
day?you between 45 and 64 years of age?

5 points

Are you
you age
between
and 64 years of age?
Are
65 or45
older?

9 points

Are
woman
had baby > 9 pounds at 1 point
Are you
you a
age
65 or who
older?
birth?

Dr., Samuel Davis Ph.D./HTL.
The inter study of our soul.
5 points
Phil Bradley
9 points
Outreach and Music Department

Do you have a sister or brother with diabetes? 1 point
Do you have a parent with diabetes?

ADA Risk Test score

1 point

Oklahoma Federation
of Indian Women

Total

MISS INDIAN OKLAHOMA
(MIO)
Oklahoma City, OK
May 12, 2012
“ Remembering Our Native Mothers:
Their Spirit, Strength, and Beauty”

CHART
For Men and Women
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
(in feet & inches)
(in pounds
without shoes) without clothes)
4’10”
129
4’11”
133
5’0”
138
5’1”
143
5’2”
147
5’3”
152
5’4”
157
5’5”
162
5’6”
167
5’7”
172
5’8”
177
5’9”
182
5’10”
188
5’11”
193
6’0”
199
6’1”
204
6’2”
210
6’3”
216
6’4”
221

Miss & Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma applications
are now being accepted. Go to www.ofiw.org for
details and to download the applications.

If you are at risk, call us today to speak to a certified diabetes educator
at the
Diabetes Education and Wellness Program
AST Clinic, Little Axe
405 360-0698

12

Happy Valentine’s Day

If you have any questions please contact;
Faith Harjo @ 918-804-8433 or
Andrea Kihega @ 405-226-9258

ANGER MANAGEMENT
TIPS TO HELP CONTROL ANGER
Do you get agitated when someone cuts you off in traffic? Can you feel your blood pressure rising as you tell your children to do chores? Anger is
a normal and even healthy emotion. It is the way that we use anger that has the impact: healthy anger or unhealthy anger…. Here are some useful
alternatives to the “anger emotion”.

No. 1: Take a timeout

Counting to 10 isn't just for kids. Before reacting to a tense situation, take a few moments to breathe deeply and count to 10. Slowing down can help
defuse your temper. If necessary, take a break from the person or situation until your frustration subsides a bit.

No. 2: Once you're calm, express your anger

As soon as you're thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but non-confrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and
directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.

No. 3: Get some exercise

Physical activity can provide an outlet for your emotions, especially if you're about to erupt. If you feel your anger escalating, go for a brisk walk
or run, or spend some time doing other favorite physical activities. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that can leave you feeling
happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out.

No. 4: Think before you speak

In the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something you'll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything — and
allow others involved in the situation to do the same.

No. 5: Identify possible solutions

Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Does your child's messy room drive you crazy? Close the door. Is
your partner late for dinner every night? Schedule meals later in the evening — or agree to eat on your own a few times a week. Remind yourself
that anger won't fix anything, and might only make it worse.

No. 6: Stick with 'I' statements

To avoid criticizing or placing blame — which might only increase tension — use "I" statements to describe the problem. Be respectful and specific.
For example, say, "I'm upset that you left the table without offering to help with the dishes," instead of, "You never do any housework."

No. 7: Don't hold a grudge

Forgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up
by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. But if you can forgive someone who angered you, you might both learn from the situation. It's unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want at all times.

No. 8: Use humor to release tension

Lightening up can help diffuse tension. Don't use sarcasm, though — it can hurt feelings and make things worse. I am sure you have heard laughter
is the best medicine.

No. 9: Practice relaxation skills

When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or
phrase, such as, "Take it easy." You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.
We do offer biofeedback that encourages relaxation techniques.

No. 10: Know when to seek help

Learning to control anger is a challenge for everyone at times. Consider seeking help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you
to do things you regret or hurts those around you. You might explore anger management classes or anger management counseling. With professional
help, you can:
• Learn what anger is
• Identify what triggers your anger
• Recognize signs that you're becoming angry
• Learn to respond to frustration and anger in a controlled, healthy way
• Explore underlying feelings, such as sadness or depression
Anger management classes and counseling can be done individually, with your partner or other family members, or in a group. Contact the AST
Behavioral Health Department @ 405-878-4716 for more information.
Warm Regards,
Kristy Morrell, MSW

Happy Valentine’s Day

13

Alcoholism . . .

PHARMACY NEWS
ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBAL PHARMACY

. . . is a chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors that influence the way in which it develops and manifests itself. It is a
progressive disease that is often fatal without treatment. Although, alcohol is
legal, it is one of the most dangerous of all recreational drugs. Shockingly 10
percent of elementary students admit to some alcohol use, and almost 50 percent of high school seniors drink alcohol every month. Each year 6.6 percent
of the world’s population will begin a pattern of long term alcohol abuse, that
being said, Native Americans tend to have higher rates of alcohol abuse and
dependence than any other race. The user will become physically, spiritually,
emotionally, and psychologically ill if the disease is not arrested. People tend
to vary in their patterns of alcohol abuse. Some people drink in large quantities daily while others go on binges that last anywhere from a few weeks to
months. Alcohol abuse causes a multitude of problems including arguments
with family or friends, missed work, and the loss of jobs. Alcohol also plays
a role in one-third of all suicides, rapes, assaults, homicides, and accidental
deaths including 41 percent of all fatal car crashes. Long-term drinking can
also cause serious health damage. Alcohol overworks the liver and can cause
cirrhosis. This is an irreversible condition that causes the liver to scar and become dysfunctional. The immune system and the heart may also become damaged with long term alcohol abuse. It is very important that women refrain
from alcohol use during their pregnancy, because alcohol can cause serious
damage to the fetus. This condition is known as fetal alcohol syndrome. The
abnormalities associated with fetal alcohol syndrome are mental retardation,
hyperactivity, face deformities, heart defects, and slow growth. It is pertinent
that we acknowledge the negative impact that alcoholism is having in our
communities. If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol there
is hope. With the appropriate treatment you can recover and live a full and
productive life.

WELCOME!
The Shawnee Clinic is proud to announce that Dr. Pat Chainakul
will be joining our staff on March 5th, 2012. Dr. Chainakul is a
respected pediatrician that has served the Shawnee community
for the last 30 years. Her years of experience will enhance the
exceptional healthcare that is provided at the Shawnee Clinic.
Dr. Pat takes care of patients from birth to 18 years of age.
Please call to schedule an appointment today.
On Feb 6, 2012, Dr. Jennifer Semore will be joining our
healthcare team. Dr. Semore is a family practice physician
that can see all ages. Dr. Semore will be based in the Shawnee
Clinic until the new Little Axe Health Center is open for
business.
The Shawnee Clinic has same day appointments. We are
excited about the addition of these 2 experienced physicians
to our team.

14

Visit your pharmacy and meet the new Pharmacists! We are excited
to meet you!
Both Shawnee and Little Axe pharmacy locations are now filling prescriptions for members of all tribes, but outside prescription orders are still
restricted to Absentee Shawnee Tribal citizens with established charts.
The following are a few tips to help us be more efficient in our delivery of
pharmacy services to you:
• Present insurance cards each time you pick up or drop off a prescription
• Keep us informed of changes in address, phone number and other contact information.
• Let the Pharmacy staff know if the prescription is going to be picked
up or needs to be delivered.
• When requesting refills, please provide 24 hours notice and either the
refill number, which is located above your name on the prescription
label, or the names of your medication.
• If you have any questions at any time, feel free to call the Pharmacy or
stop by and speak with one of our Pharmacists. We are here to assist
you with your pharmaceutical needs!
New Hours of Operation for the Pharmacy:
Shawnee: 7am-6pm Monday-Friday
Little Axe: 7am-5:30pm Monday-Friday
We are open through the lunch hour!!
**Both pharmacy departments are closed the first Wednesday of
each month to complete administrative duties**

As of January 1, 2012,
Oklahoma State Law mandates that
a valid photo ID must be presented
each time any Controlled Medication is
picked up by the person who picks up.
Thank you for your cooperation.

Congratulations!
The Health Board has awarded
it’s first two scholarships to
Darrel White, RN
and
Kyle Gibson, X-ray Technician

Happy Valentine’s Day

TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEART

February is National Heart month. February 3rd is Go Red for Women Day and women across the nation will be observing the
National Women’s Heart Health month to support the fight against heart disease in women. Until recently, studies were not directed toward heart disease and women. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for American Indian women and is not
only a problem for women but men.
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.
Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
mployee
Fitness
Competition
in fullinvolve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and
• Chest
discomfort. Most
heartisattacks
back. ItAbsentee
can feel like
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sistingcomes
of paired
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• Discomfort
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other areas
to decrease
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•
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s in this 1 year-long
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nee• Employee
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• High
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higher your total cholesterol the greater your risk of heart disease. Total cholesterol should be below 200; HDL (good)
The
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ases•related
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risk of developing certain diseases related to non-active lifestyles. A
lar •disease,
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ressure. The
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conditions such as: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity,
actor
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is competing to win great prizes in this 1 year-lon
What
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ployee teams
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physical activity levels among AST employees.
sedentary
lifestyle in
is one
Lose
weight,
choose
foods
that
are
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in
fat
and
cholesterol,
consume
more
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increase fiber in diet, begin an exercise regimen,
roximately
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monitor blood pressure and cholesterol and keep all doctor appointments. The most important preventable risk factor to prevent heart disease is to
d maintainfitness
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health!
This is approximately 120 employees engaged in
The goal of the Absentee Shawnee Employee Fit
quit smoking.
physical activity to improve and maintain good health!
promote more physical activity in the daily lives
d like to applaud all of the AST
employees. Physical activity and exercise is prov
The AST Fitness Program would like to applaud all of the AST
risk of developing certain diseases related to no
aking physical activity apart of their
employees for their effort in making physical activity apart of their
sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for deve
oyees! May you have success in your
lifestyle. Thank you AST employees! May you have success in your
conditions such as: cardiovascular disease, diabe
h!
journey to maintain good health!
osteoporosis, and high blood pressure. The goo
sedentary lifestyle is one risk factor that can be
we are excited to see sixty employee teams part
fitness competition. This is approximately 120 em
physical activity to improve and maintain good h

The AST Fitness Program would like to applaud
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe Employee Fitness Competition employees
is in full
for their effort in making physical ac
The
Absentee
Shawnee
Tribe Employee
Fitness
Competition
is inShawnee
full employswing for
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for 2012. Sixty
teams
consisting
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paired
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lifestyle.
Thank
AST
employees!
May you ha
swing
2012.
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teams
consisting
of paired Absentee
Shawnee
ees are now competing
to decrease
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and lose
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employees
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decrease
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journey
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employees
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fat health!
prizes in this 1 year-long
eventand
to increase
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activity
AST employees.
percentage
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teamtotheir
percentage
lose inches
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increase
The goal of the Absentee Shawnee Employee Fitness
Competition
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more
physical
activity
in the dailyevent
lives ofto
our
is competing
to win great prizes in this 1 year-long
increase
physical
levels
among
ASTtoemployees.
AST employees.
Physical activity
activity and
exercise
is proven
decrease the risk of developing certain diseases related to nonphysical activity levels among AST employees.
active lifestyles. A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for developing diseases and conditions such as: cardiovascular
The
goal osteoporosis,
of the Absentee
Shawnee
Employee
Fitness
Competition
disease, diabetes,
obesity,
and high
blood pressure.
The good
news is
that sedentary is
lifestyle is one risk factor
The
of
the Absentee
Shawnee
Fitness Competition
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that can be changed.
This ismore
why we
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This is
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and
exercise
is
proven
to decrease

employees.
Physical
activity and
exercise
risk of developing certain diseases
related
to non-active
lifestyles.
A is proven to decrease the

The AST Fitness Program would like to applaud all of the AST employees for their effort in making physical activity a part
riskrisk
of factor
developing
certain diseases related
to non-active lifestyles. A
lifestyle
is a major
forindeveloping
of their lifestyle.sedentary
Thank you AST
employees!
May you
have success
your journeydiseases
to maintainand
good health!

sedentary
lifestyle
is a major
risk factor for developing diseases and
conditions such as: cardiovascular
disease,
diabetes,
obesity,
Happy
Valentine’s
Day
conditions such as: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity,

15

y!
a
d
h
t
r
i
B
Happy
Alford, Dianne Susan
Alford, Donald Ray
Alford, Laurie Leann
Alford, Makenzie Raychel
Alford, Paul Henry
Almanza, Sacha Blue Renee
Arellano, Jennifer Lynn
Argueta, Oneonta Marie
Armstrong, Dusty Ridge
Atwara, Honey Nicole
Barnard, Kevin Michael
Belden, Florene
Belden, Lois Little Creek
Bennett, Deeann Onahwag
Berryhill, Valerie Lynn
Bettelyoun, Amber Dawn
Bettelyoun, Anthony Bryce
Bettelyoun, Lea Dawn
Bittle, Joshua Jacob
Blanchard Craig, Carolyn
Jean
Blanchard Sr, Leland Dale
Blanchard, Aaron Gabriel
Blanchard, Cache Lewis
Blanchard, Caden Briar
Blanchard, Charles Eugene
Blanchard, Joshua James
Blanchard, Kellice Lee
Blanchard, Rikki Rechele
Blanchard, Sierrah Delyn
Blanchard, Taylor Jordan
Blanchard, Thurman Leon
Blanchard, Velma Mae
Bowles, Melissa Carole
Boyd, Laura Lynn
Bread, Charles Michael
Bread, Dina Adele
Brokeshoulder, Tammy Lynn
Brown III, Curtis Jermain
Brown, Cody Wayne
Brown, Lisa Renee
Campbell, Mikayla Jo
Carlson, Scottina Dakota
Carnes, Kylee Aleea Lynn
Carr, Adoree Celeste
Checotah, Eric Wayne
Cloud, Doris ( Elephant )
Coddington, William Michael
Copeland, Val Rochelle
Cottrell, Ryan Thomas
Cozad, Anastasia E-mah-doh
Crocker, Dorothea Carolyn
Csoma, Alexander Attila
Daugherty, Kenneth

16

February Birthdays

Daugherty, Mikenna Hope
Daugherty, Serena Mae
Davis, Meghan Paige
De Shazo, Heather Ann
Deadwiley, Emily Anne
Deardorff, Cynthia Ann
Deer, Kylee Taryn
Deer, Michael Neil
Deere, Adina Ann
DeLodge, Lena Ruby
Rhianna
DeLodge, Ruby Leigh
Digilio, Brandin Anthony
Digilio, Bryon Andrew
Eagledowl, Jasey Belle
Edwards, Kenneth Lee
Ellis, Austin Chase
Ellis, Jeremy Michael
Ellis, Jessica Lyn
Ellis, Leroy
Emmons, Brian Ross
Ferrell, Ethan Shawn
Fixico, Stephen Anthony
Floyd, Jane Elizabeth
Foreman, Joshua Daniel
Foreman, Richard Eli
Frazier, Devon Leanne
Frazier, Shirley Fern
Geissler, Stephanie Dayle
Gibson Jr., Ronald Lewis
Gibson, Kylakay Virginia
Gibson, Loretta Mae
Gibson, Paige Nycole
Gibson, Paul Brian
Gillihan, Dezirea Kristyne
Gilman, Juanita
Gomez, Wilma Sue
Goodman, Blake Samuel
Granstrom, Gayla Sue
Grass, Wayne
Hall, Matteson Roi
Ham, Jerred Mace
Ham, Rhonda Juliene
Harder, Ruth Ellen
Harjo, Benjamin Ray
Harper, Pauline Aileen S.
Harvey, Hally Marie
Hayes, Donna Kay Elkins
Hayes, Jocelyn Cynthia
Lorene
Hernandez, Erica Ann
Herrera, Robert Manuel
Hibdon, Kendra Nicole
Hilderbrand, Amy Beth

Hill, Stephen Allen
Hood III, Warren Weslyon
Hood, Moria Oloizia
Huey, Sandra Lilrene
Huntington, Bradford Paul
Hurst, Joseph Douglas
Skinner
Ibarra, Angel Antonio
Irvin, Nathaniel Konrad
Jimerson Jr., Robert
Johnson Jr., Foster Calvin
Johnson Jr., Mark Benjamin
Johnson, Cleta Joyce
Blanchard
Johnson, Grayling Wade
Johnson, Henry Kirby
Johnson, Mark Benjamin
Johnson, Pauline Virginia
Johnson, Rahstin Allyn
Sabbestiun
Johnson, Sandra Kay
Johnston, Diana Sue Alford
Judkins, Ashley Ann
Kane, Sharon Lavonne
Kaseca, Beatrice June
Kickapoo, Derek Anthony
Kitchen, Amber Elisabeth
Knight, Natalie Jean
Krackenberger, Sharon Lea
Kupczynski, Joseph Martin
Lalehparvaran, Ali Jordan
Laplant, Scotty Alan
Lasarge, Amos Dewayne
Lasenberry, Bobby Joe
Leath, Mary Loyse
Lehman, Joenita Leigh
Lena-Tiger, Camille Dawn
Lewis, Elain Kay
Lewis, Pamela Lynn
Limbaugh, Jodi Kathleen
Little Axe Eckles, Debra Lynn
Little Axe Sr., Danny
Little Axe, Ronald Dean
Little Charley Jr., Scott
Little Creek, Larry Dwight
Littlebear, Brooklyn Shay
Littlebear, Grant Edwin
Littlebear, Laura Jan
Littlecreek, Cynthia Marie
Littlehead, Gary Lynn
Longhorn, Avis Elaine
Longhorn, Cynthia A.
Longhorn, Lindsey Marie
Longhorn, Nathan Neil

Happy Valentine’s Day

Longman, Sasha Mae
Lowe, Kara Michelle
Lowe, Taylor Makayla
Lumpmouth, Wynona Lee
Maddux, Jonathan Webster
Tiger
Mahardy, Jeffery Andrew
Mann, Colby Lee Richard
Markwardt, Ethan Thomas
Marshall, Denia Kay
Martinez, Erica Inez
Martinez, Jasmine Consuelo
Martinez, Shawnee Danielle
Masquas, Joshiah Lee
May, Gina Lanette
McDowell, Farrell Ramon
McKane, Sidna Rae Lenee
McKinney, Ellen Marie
Medina, Elizabeth Ruth Ann
Medina, Trinity Lynn Tiger
Melton, Jaycie Taylor
Miner, Veda Jorene
Molina Jr., Charles B.
Moore, Alexia Saranda
Moore, Thomas Joseph
William Randall
Morton, Joseph Ohland
Mount, Glenda Dawn
Murdock Jr., Steven Alan
Murdock Sr., Steven Alan
Musick, Michael Thomas
Nail, Gregory Thomas
Odell, Ronnie Lynn
Owings, Abigail Rose
Panther, Lydia Denise
Panther, Shawn Dell
Panther-Davis, Tammie Rae
Parker, John Wendall Gage
Perkins, Miranda Deann
Perry, Sierra Breanna
Pine, Jeremiah Andrew
Ponce, Aisaiah Anthony
Oscar
Pyrch, Jesse Kellen
Quraishi, Ibraheem Bin Khalil
Raisbeck, Samuel Walter
Ramirez III, Florentino
Ramirez, Mariah Fay-Ann
Ramirez, Matias Noah
Richey, Kodi Rae Jolynn
Ridenour, Sydney Bree
Riley, Hulbutta Kotcha
Robbins, Blake Anthony
Robbins, Taylar Paige

Robison, Ariana Michelle
Rolette, Cheryl Lynn
Rolette, Madison Joy
Rowan, Damian Eugene
Runsabove, Honor Mae
Sams, Christine Lorraine
Sanchez, Kianna Paola
Seber, Peyton Eddie
Serena, Laveda
Shawnee, LaNayah JaN’aee
Sheets, Angela Christy
Simpson, Cody Lee
Skelly, Shanna Lynn
Slate, Patricia Ann
Sloat, Douglas James
Sloat, Meika Ladon
Sloat, Newton D
Smith, Marvin
Smith, Zackery James
Snake, Alvin Matthew
Snake, Kenneth Lee
Snake, Lewis George
Snake, Stewart Lancer
Solomon, Billie Jean Tiger
Spoon, Edward Joe
Spoon, Justin Tyler
Spybuck, Garland Charles
Spybuck, Gavan Wayne
Spybuck, Roberta Ann
Stevenson, Jodean Ann
Strain, Gerald Tousley
Stryker, Doyle Chad
Stryker, Laurel Brad
Sullivan, Aizah Vanesse
Sullivan, Marcus Lee
Switch, Sabrina Lee
Switch, Sophia Michelle
Tahah, Barton Dale
Talton, Dacia Arie
Talton, Kaydince James
Taryole, Laura Lee
Tascier, Sarah Isabelle
Thompson, Asher Bryce
Thorpe IV, George Isaiah
Thorpe Jr., Edwin James
Thorpe Lena, Janice Gail
Thorpe, Edwin James
Tiger, Kevin Richard
Dewayne
Tiger, Tammy Cindie Ladawn
Tiger, Tyler Matthew
Tiger-Allen, Shane Clifford
Trussell, Sherry Lynn
Uchida, Denise Louise

Uchida, Kevin Micheal
Valdivia Jr., Enrique
Vaughn, Dylan Thomas
Wade, Justin Lee
Walker, Robert Stanley
Wallace, Christopher James
Warrior, Anthony Louis
Warrior, Pamela Sue
Washington, Olvie Winston
Watkins, Destiney Shae
Watkins, Jayana Laneis
Watson, Brent Grynnel
Watson, Micah Lashaun D.
Watson, Peyton Deshae
Wenner, Martha Ellen
Wheeler, Leah J.
Whims, Madison Mackenzie
White, Christopher Alan
White Thunder, Shelby Lynn
Whittaker, Joshua Jay W.
Wiley, Prince John Bowen
Williams, Frank Richard
Williams, Kaylee Nicole
Williams, Kevin Bruce
Williams, Paula Sue
Wilson Harjo, Reta Marie
Wilson, Adam Lee
Wilson, Melvin Wayne
Wilson, Zelma Jo
Womack, Che`le Caye
Wood, Judith A.
Wood, Ryan Ashley
Wright, Cynthia Diane
Yamutewa, Chebon Dale

To my daughter, Barbara
Happy Belated Birthday
Sweetie
I LOVE YOU, Mom
Happy Birthday
to my handsome grandson.
Justin Tyler Spoon
Love, Granny
To My Beautiful Nieces
Chele And Stephanie
Happy Birthday
Love Ya Aunt Rhonda

Happy Birthday
Mama Bea
Love Pat And Nikki

Jocelyn Hayes
February 11

Happy 4th Birthday, Jocey!!
We love you very much!
Aunt Jac and Uncle Lance

Happy Birthday, baby sister!!
We love you!!
Your cousins: Skyla, Lliyah,
Mikaylah, Robyn, Shawn,
Joaquin, and Silas

Happy Birthday
JANICE LENA
From
Coondog & Hotdog

Natalie Ponkilla
February 7
Happy 30th Birthday
Nate!!!
We Love you,
Jac and Lance
Happy Birthday Aunt Natalie!!!
We Love you,
Skyla, Lliyah, Mikaylah, Robyn,
Shawn, Joaquin, And Silas

Happy Belated Birthday BJ
I’m so glad you’re my sister!!
I Love You,
Sherrie
Justin Tyler
Happy 25th Birthday
to our eldest son!
We love you so very much!
Love Mom & Dad
Justin,
Happy 25th Birthday
big brother.
We love you!
Love Jiliyan & Joplin

Happy Belated
42nd Birthday BJ!
We love you,
Sherrie, Jiliyan, Joplin, Justin

Happy Birthday
Paige Gibson
We Love You
Uncle Marvin & Mama Seal

Happy Birthday &
Happy Valentines Day
To the
Worlds Best MOM
(Velma Blanchard)
We love you very much!
Marvin & Sherry
Happy 2nd Birthday
Josh Foreman
From Marv, Sherry & Ryder

Happy Birthday
Brent Watson
We Wish You A
Good Day
Love The Kasecas And
Foremans

Happy 11th Birthday Abbe
February 4
Love Momma, sister &
Baby Hector

Happy Valentine’s day
to our beautiful
Fab Five Blanchard
Girls!
we are so proud of all
of you and
We Love You With All
Our Hearts!
Love Daddy & Mama

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
To my “Mokin Pawpaw”
MARV
From Ryder Cash

Happy Birthday
Bart
From Marvin & Sherry
Happy Birthday
to our favorite mean Uncle
Marvin Smith
From your nephews
Sebastian & Christian
Happy Birthday &
Happy Valentines Day
Marv
We Love you
Sherry, Jake, Bootsie &
China

Happy
Birthday
to my Pops
Marvin
Smith
Love, Jordan

Happy Valentine’s Day

17

On 01/19/2012 Absentee-Shawnee tribal
member Marissa Hackbarth signed a letter of
intent to play for the
Seminole State College Fast-pitch Softball
Program. She attended
Meeker High School
and was a starting player for 4 years with the
Meeker High School Fast-pitch Softball Program. Meeker High
School Coach Robert Palmer was proud to forward the following
information on Marissa. During her senior year she had a batting
average of .297. She had 20 RBI’s. Her overall pitching record
from her junior year to senior year 17 Wins and 13 Losses. She
pitched 6 shutouts and had 4 no hitters. She was named Player of
the Week, made the Route 66-All Conference Team, All Region
Team as well as Honorable Mention All-State.
Marissa is the daughter
of tribal member Carol
(Lovins) Velez of Norman
and Mike Hackbarth of
Meeker; both parents were
in attendance at the signing
held at Meeker High School
as well as new media from
Shawnee and Meeker, her
traveling team coach, Seminole State College assistant coach Charley DuVale,
Meeker High School coach
and staff, numerous team- photo provided courtesy of David Jenkins,
mates and family.
Meeker News
Congratulations Marissa on not only your academic achievements
these last 4 years, but also your softball achievements. Your family is proud of you and is behind you 100 percent.

18

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Jennifer Lee Williams and Christopher Allen Welty

united in marriage on October 8, 2011
at the home of his parents in Nashville, Tennessee.
Parents are Johnny & Charlotte (Garretson) Williams.
Jennifer is the granddaughter of the late Margaret (Mohawk
Garretson) and the great granddaughter of the late Thomas
and Elizabeth Mohawk. The couple make their home in
Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Love you, Mom & Dad

Joshua LittleAxe is a sophomore at Haskell Indian Nations
University as well as a tribal member. He is seeking a degree
in environmental science and interested in Mechanical
Engineering and attending the University of Kansas. Joshua
was awarded a scholarship from Haskell Indian Nations
University and the American Indian College Fund – General
Fund in recognition of Scholastic Achievement and Valuable
Contributions To The University.
Happy Valentine’s Day

ThunderBird Casino Report
With a new year just underway, it is a good time to update everyone on 2011 and all the projects the casinos have underway for 2012. Thunderbird
– Norman continues to experience year over year growth and increases in profitability. We have been working diligently to pay off all of the debts
and settle all of the outstanding claims that had a choke hold on Thunderbird - Norman just a few years ago. We are happy to report that all but one
of the debts of Thunderbird - Norman have been paid off and all of the claims have been settled. Some of these include the Sodak loan, Red River
East advance, Oasis Player’s tracking equipment loan, and the 2004 IRS audit. The lawsuit with Multi-Media was settled. The most important part
of having these liabilities paid off is that it puts Thunderbird Entertainment Center, Inc. (TEC) on a more firm financial footing and allows TEC to
produce more cash flows for the Tribe, as well as reinvesting in its aging Norman facility.
Over 2012, you will all see a lot of changes at the Norman Casino. Many of these projects are already underway. TEC entered into a contract with
Streets, LLC, to install a fresh air system at the Norman facility to be completed by the first of March. This is a major step forward for the facility
because “casino is too smoky” is our number one customer complaint. This new system will exhaust the smoky air into a heat exchanger and bring
fresh conditioned air in. We will all notice a big difference and breathe a little easier. Some of the other projects that we are undertaking are remodeling the bathrooms, adding all new gaming chairs throughout the facility, removing the remainder of the western theme from inside the casino and
adding an entertainment venue for weekend entertainment. We are also working with I-5 Designs for an overall facility update inside and out.
I hope everyone has had a chance to visit the new casino in Shawnee. It is a great addition to the Tribe’s business enterprises. With the development
of the new facility, almost 50 employees have been added to the Tribe’s overall employment. We had a good start at the new property and are working to develop a strong base of players. With the intense competition in the Shawnee area, it is important to separate ourselves from the competition
in everything we do. In the upcoming months, you will see Thunderbird roll out a series of promotions and player incentives that sets us apart and
are unmatched by our competitors. With changes like these we will continue to outpace the competition and grow the Tribe’s gaming enterprises.
We look forward to seeing all of you at this Spring’s General Council Meeting and as always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about your Tribe’s casinos.
Kurt Williams – kurtw@tbecinc.com
Drew Word – drew@tbecinc.com
405-360-9270

AST Education Department Announces New Youth Awards
As reported in last month’s newsletter the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Education Department will begin accepting applications for the following
awards:
• Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male and Female)
• Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male and Female)
The purpose of these awards is to recognize the outstanding contributions of our tribal youth and to promote excellence in academics and athletics
in high school and beyond. Tresha Spoon, Director of Education, stated, “We are excited to offer these awards as recognition of how our Absentee
Shawnee youth are impacting their schools and communities through their academic achievement and athletic performance. The annual recognition
of tribal high school students will give the tribe an opportunity to showcase the talented and hard-working youth in our tribe.” “Most of all,” she
added, “we want to encourage our youth to strive for the best in whatever they choose to do in the future.”
High school students and varsity athletes of both genders in their Junior or Senior year of High School within the 50 United States are eligible to
apply for these awards for the 2011/2012 school year. Applications will be accepted from January 1 to March 1, 2012 by US mail or email, official
transcripts must be mailed. The official application form will be available at www.astribe.com under the Education Department by December 31,
2011. It is also located in this newsletter on page 30.
Individuals are encouraged to nominate deserving high school student/athletes. You may nominate yourself. Please refer to the application for
required documents. Eligible nominations will be judged by a panel of (non-AST) experts assembled specifically for this purpose. The intent is
to bring together an unbiased group of experts to evaluate the applicants in an impartial and unbiased environment. Their decisions are final with
respect to all matters concerning these awards. Awards will be announced in April 2012.
Award recipients will be recognized as the 2011/2012 Big Jim Academic Achievement Award winner or the Big Jim Athlete of the Year. In addition
to this recognition the award recipients will receive $1000.00 to be used towards their education and the advancement of their career.
Questions on these awards program should be addressed to:
Absentee Shawnee Tribe
Education Department
c/o Tresha Spoon
2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive
Shawnee, OK 74801
405.275.4030 Ext 121
youthaward@astribe.com

Happy Valentine’s Day

19

per customer.With coupon.
No substitutions

lunch specials!

KITCHEN
Something

KITCHEN

- 7am to 7pm
COUNTRY Sunday
COUNTRY
ASTAST
different
Monday - 7am to 3pm

every day! Early Bird Breakfast
KITCHEN
KITCHEN
$4.99
Early Bird Breakfast
366-7220
$4.99

Tuesday - 7am to 3pm
Wednesday - 7am to 8pm
Thursday - 7am to 8pm
Sunday
7am
to
7pm
Sunday - 7am to 7pm
pen 7 Days A Week!
Friday - 7am to 9pm
Monday
7am
to 3pm
Monday
- 7am- to
3pm
2 Eggs/Bacon
Sausage/Hash
Saturday or
- 7am
to 9pm
Tuesday
7am
to 3pm
Tuesday
- 7am- to
3pm
Browns
Wednesday
- to
7am
to 8pm
- 7am
8pm
2 Eggs/Bacon Wednesday
or Sausage/Hash
Biscuits
& Gravy or Toast & Coffee
Check
out our
Thursday
-(Not
7am
toout
8pm
Check
our daily
Thursday
7am
to
8pm
n Front
of
Thunderbird
Entertainment
Center
Next
Browns
valid
on Saturday
or Sunday. 1 coupon
Early
Breakfast
Early
BirdBird
Breakfast
Friday
7am
to
9pm
customer.With
coupon.
- 7am
to 9pm per
daily
homemade
BiscuitsShop)
& GravyFriday
or Toast
& Coffee
to AST Smoke
homemade
lunch
special!
Saturday
- to
7am
to 9pmNo substitutions
Saturday
- 7am
9pm
(Not valid on Saturday
or Sunday.
1 coupon
$4.99

Sunday - 7am to 7pm
Monday - 7am to 3pm
Tuesday - 7am to 3pm
Wednesday - 7am to 8pm
Thursday - 7am to 8pm
Friday - 7am to 9pm
Saturday - 7am to 9pm

ABSENTEE
SHAWNEE
Check
out our
daily
homemade
TRIBE
OF OKLAHOMA
lunch specials!
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

$4.99

lunch specials!
per customer.With coupon.
DEPARTMENT
Something
2
Eggs/Bacon
or
Sausage/Hash
2 Eggs/Bacon or Sausage/Hash No substitutionsSomething
different every
Check
out
our
Check
out
our
Browns
different
Browns
Something
day!
Victim Advocacy
daily
homemade
Biscuits
& Gravy
or Toast
& Coffeedaily
homemade
Biscuits
& Gravy
or Toast
& Coffee
every
day!
(Noton
valid
on Saturday
or Sunday.
1 coupon
different
(Not valid
Saturday
or Sunday.
1 coupon
lunch
specials!
lunch
specials!
per customer.With
coupon.
Assist victims by offering educational classes that focus on the dynamics of doper customer.With
coupon.
every
day!
No
substitutions
Open
7 Days
AA Week!
No substitutions
Open
7 Days
Week!
mestic violence and sexual assault, stalking and dating/violence. Each victim
Something
is helped with emotional support and resources both from Tribal programs and
Something
Open 7 Days A Week!
local community programs.
different
different
every
day!
(In Front
of Front
Thunderbird
Entertainment
(In
of Thunderbird
Entertainment Center Next
every
day!

366-7220

366-7220

Center Next to AST Smoke
Shop)
to AST
Smoke Shop)

Front of Thunderbird Entertainment Center Next
Open
7 Days
A(In
Week!
Open
7 Days
A Week!
to AST Smoke Shop)

366-7220
366-7220
Office of Environmental

Health
& Engineering
(In Front
of Thunderbird
Entertainment
Center
(In Front
of Thunderbird
Entertainment
Center
NextNext
to AST
Smoke
Shop)
to AST
Smoke
Shop)

Assists survivors with domestic violence court related appearances as well as
filing for emergency protective orders (EPO) or restraining orders.

Housing and Utility Assistance

• Tribal Housing Improvements Application

The Tribal Housing Improvement Program’s goal is providing sanitary, safe, and decent
housing for its members by utilizing the following criteria to select the most “in need”
tribal members with homes that are in disrepair but are still suitable for rehabilitation. All
applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and criteria which is approved by the
Absentee Shawnee Tribe.
THIP list all applicants by a priority list:
a.
Handicapped/Disabled and Elderly
b.
Income
c.
Family Size/Overcrowded Living Conditions
d.
Condition of Home

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.

Transitional Housing
The AST DV Transitional Housing Program serves victims of Domestic Violence. Participants have up to two years to obtain education and job skills
needed to begin a new life. Services include case management, counseling,
and transportation. There area four homes all equipped with furniture and basic
household items.

Referral Assistance

Other Programs available:
• Sanitation Facilities Assistance Program

Applications need to be completed and all necessary documents attached before the
application will be processed.
Applications are available online on the website: www.astribe.com.
Submit completed application to:

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.

Sexual Assault Advocacy
The AST DV Sexual Assault Program is on-call 24 hours per day to provide
emotional support, advocacy and crisis counseling to sexual assault survivors
at hospitals, police stations and throughout the legal system. The Program also
serves as a resource center to the community by offering educational information and referrals.

Office of Environmental Health & Engineering
Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.
Shawnee, OK 74801
Absentee Shawnee Tribe Complex
Office of Environmental Health & Engineering, Building 13
If you have any questions, you can reach us by phone at (405) 214-4235

Shelter Placement Assistance

Wills Clinic

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.

April 19, 2012
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Little Axe Resource Center

Community Outreach

Call OILS at:
(405) 943-6457 or 1-800-658-1497 to make an
appointment. If anyone needs assistance with a
will before then, call the same number to make
arrangements for an appointment to meet with
OILS attorney.

20

Court Advocacy

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) 275-4030.

Happy Valentine’s Day

February is Teen Dating Violence
Awareness Month

Nearly 1.5 million high school
students nationwide experience physical abuse from a
dating partner in a single year.
One in three adolescents in
the U.S. is a victim of physical , sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner a figure that far exceeds
rated of other types of youth
violence.
One in 10 high school students
have been purposefully hit,
slapped, or physically hurt by a
boyfriend or girlfriend.
One quarter of high school
girls have been victims of
physical or sexual abuse.

Dating violence is a type of intimate partner violence. It occurs between two people in a close relationship.
The nature of dating violence can be physical, emotional, or sexual.
Physical—This occurs when a partner is pinched, hit, shoved, or kicked.
Emotional—This means threatening a partner or harming his or her sense of self-worth. Examples
include name calling, shaming, bullying, embarrassing on purpose, or keeping him/her away from
friends and family.
Sexual—This is forcing a partner to engage in a sex act when he or she does not or cannot consent.
Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Dating violence often starts with teasing and
name calling. These behaviors are often thought to be a “normal” part of a relationship. But these behaviors can lead to more serious violence like physical assault and rape.( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey.)

If you or someone you know has questions about Teen Dating Violence you may contact the Family
Violence Prevention Coordinator at 405-275-4030 ext. 195 or 405-432-9657.
Happy Valentine’s Day

21

Title VI News

Senior Day
Happy
Valentine’s Day
at the
Capitol

February 20th - AST Complex will be
closed for President’s Day. Title VI will not
serve or deliver this day.

Monday, February 27, 2012

9:30 - 11:30
11:30 - 2:00
Program, House Chamber
Resource Fair, 2nd floor
FREE event to:
• Learn about legislation and issues affecting older Oklahomans
• Share your ideas, needs, and concerns with your state legislators
• Visit with non profit agencies to learn about their services.

Visit www.okseniorday.com
for more information and to pre-register by Feb. 15
On-site registration available at event

For more information call, the Senior Info-Line at 1-800-211-2116
or the OKDHS Aging Services Division at 405-521-2281

Monday,
27,
2012
AbsenteeFebruary
Shawnee Tribe of
Oklahoma
Li-Si-Wi-Nwi Medical Clinic
9:30
— 11:30 a.m.
& Dental Clinic

11:30 a.m. — 2 p.m.

15702 E.House
Hwy 9 Chamber
Program,

Resource Fair, 2nd floor

Norman, Oklahoma 73026
FREE event to:

• Learn about legislation and issues affecting older Oklahomans

Medical Clinic: (405) 447-0300
• Share your
ideas,
needs
and concerns with your state legislators
Fax:
(405)
447-2250
• Visit with
nonprofit
to learn about their services
Dental
Clinic:
(405) agencies
307-9704

Visit
www.okseniorday.com
Operating
Hours:
Monday
thru
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
r more information Friday
and to pre-register
by Feb. 15
Weekends/Federal & Tribal Holidays
Closed
Clinic and Pharmacy are opened during the
On-site
registration
available at event
lunch
hour.
For*moreClinic
information
call, thethe
Senior
at 1-800-211-2116
is closed
1stInfo-Line
and 3rd
Wednesday of
month
1:00
p.m.
5:00
p.m at 405-521-2281
or the from
OKDHS
Aging
Serto
v ices
Division

each

*
Pharmacy is closed the 3rd Wednesday of each month
from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m

A OKDHS Revised 1/12

DUI

s authorized by the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services in accordance with state and federal

rinted by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services at a cost of $52.00 for 520 copies. Copies

ted with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

ASSESSMENT & SCHOOLS
(State Approved)

Monday - Friday
8:00 to 5:00

Call Linda Or Glenna

PHONE: 275-3432
Absentee Shawnee Tribal Police Department
2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Building 19
Shawnee, OK 74801

22

Monday, February 27, 2012 is Senior Day at the Capitol. You will need
to pre-register by Feb. 15. Title VI will not be taking any members. For
more Information & pre-register visit www.okseniorday.com.
9:30am to 11:30am Program, House Chamber
11:30am to 2pm Resource Fair, 2nd Floor
Free event to:
*Learn about legislation and issues affecting older Oklahomans
*Share your ideas, needs and concerns with your state legislators
*visit with nonprofit agencies to learn about their services
Please feel free to call us with any concerns or questions at
405-275-4030 ext. 169 (office), ext. 149 (Dining Rm)
or ext. 180 (Packing Rm).

Foster Parents
Needed!!!
Can you open your home and heart for a foster child?
Foster parents provide a temporary, safe home for children
in crisis. Foster parents are partners with child welfare
workers, lawyers and judges. It is not for everyone but if
you have it in your heart - we need you.
• Can you love and care for a child who comes from a
difficult background?
• Can you help a child develop a sense of belonging?
• Are you secure in yourself & your parenting Skills?
• Can you maintain a positive attitude toward a child’s
parents?
• Can you love with all your heart & then let go?
FOSTER PARENTS PROVIDE A TEMPORARY, SAFE HOME FOR
CHILDREN IN CRISIS. THEY ARE PARTNERS WITH WORKERS,
LAWYERS, AND JUDGES. IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE! CAN YOU
OPEN YOUR HOME AND HEART FOR A FOSTER CHILD?

Many children need a loving home and a family to help them
through a very tough time. Please think about it and talk with
your family before you become a foster home. They all need
safe, supportive environments!
If you find yourself and your family interested in Foster Care,
please contact J.R. Wind
405-275-4030 ext. 195.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day

23

HORSE SHOE BEND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM:
Second semester of school has started and students had good reports on their first semester grades. We are very proud of our students they have
worked so hard with their studies. Students have kept me busy with their award assemblies at school each month we have two or more students each
month receiving awards. That is what this after school program is all about our students and your children succeeding in their classroom and school.
Tutors and I were very busy during the Christmas Break preparing for the second semester. School started back on January 3, 2012, we implemented
some physical activity before their snacks and tutoring session. We are walking or running one time around the track students are encourage to do
one or the other. Most students like the idea but there are a few that are not enthused. Their time is recorded daily on how long it takes them to walk
or run the track. Some are decreasing their time and I have students that walk or run 2 or 3 times around the track daily. I have even decreased my
time of walking. Tutors and I are going to emphasize reading and grammar usage (verbs, adverbs, adjectives, nouns, etc.) this second semester.
I would like to thank Warren Winter for installing and hanging our projector screen up. Students, Tutors and I are very excited about the screen it is
finally off the floor and on the wall. Yea!!!! Thanks again.

Student of the Month ERYN JOHNSON

Eryn is a Third Grade Student at North Rock Creek School, he has shown improvement since coming to the after school
program. Math and reading skills are improving each day. He shows enthusiasm and is dedicated to learning. Eryn is
always ready to run around the track at Horse Shoe Bend. Eryn is the son of Victor and Jennifer Castaneda. He has three
sisters, Desiree, Jayleen, Leila and one brother Daniel. He will receive a $25.00 Wal-Mart Gift Card donated by the White
Turkey Band. Eryn is Absentee Shawnee
ERYNS FAVORITES:
College Basketball team: OSU NBA Team: Thunder NFL team: 49’ers Store: Wal-Mart Music Group: Black Eye Peas
Teacher: Ms. Vincent Color: Green Eating Place: Pizza Hut State: California Food: Hamburgers Fruit: Apples Soda
Drink: Pepsi Class: PE Favorite Sport: Football Animal: Monkeys Dessert: strawberry ice cream automobile: Lamborghini NBA Player: Kevin
Durant Favorite Place: Horse Shoe Bend After School Program

December Students of the Month at North Rock Creek School:
Katie Wilson was the Achiever of the month in her Kindergarten Class. Katie has made a lot of improvement in her counting numbers, alphabet, colors, shapes, writing skills. She received a certificate and a medal. Katie is the daughter of Calvin
and Annie Wilson; she has two brothers, Michael, Ruben. Katie is a descendant of the Navajo Tribe.

Katie Wilson

Eryn Johnson was selected the Achiever Award in his Third Grade Class. Eryns teacher has seen a
big improvement in his class work. He is working hard with his multiplications and fractions. Eryn
is very pleasant to tutor and has a good attitude. He is the son of Victor and Jennifer Castaneda,
he has three sisters, Desiree, Leila, Jayleen, one brother Daniel. And Eryn is Absentee Shawnee.

Eryn Johnson

Tara Ann Winter received the Achiever Award in her Fifth Grade Class. Tara Ann utilizes the after school program at North
Rock Creek School and also at Horse Shoe Bend. Tara Ann is doing well in her studies and is involved in Girl Scouts and
also plays on the Fifth Grade Basketball Team at North Rock Creek. She is very active and works hard for her accomplishments. Tara Ann is the daughter of Warren and Tammy Winter, she has one brother Brendan. Tara Ann is Absentee Shawnee
.

Tara Ann Winter
I would like to thank Meagan Mahtushquah from her busy schedule for coming out and spending time tutoring with the after school students. Meagan is in her second year at Oklahoma University majoring in Nursing and is a member of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma. She was my former
student at North Rock Creek School. I appreciate her sharing her experience of college to the students and how it is important to study and make
good grades.
Edwina Butler-Wolfe, Director
Horse Shoe Bend After School Program
405-481-0397 cell number

24

Happy Valentine’s Day

WHITE TURKEY BAND
OF THE
ABSENTEE
SHAWNEE
son Joe LittleCreek, passed
awayTRIBE
on Monday,

uary 9, 2012. FHeUwas
N Dborn
R AApril
I S 9,E 1936,
R in
ncho, Oklahoma.
WHAT:

BINGO

servedWHERE:
in the Navy for
fourSHOE
yearsBEND
as a Deck
HORSE
gineer during the yearsCOMMUNITY
of 1950 to 1954.
CENTER

In

Loving
Memory

46309 Garretts Lake Road
Shawnee,
74801
was preceeded in death
by hisOklahoma
father, Sam

leCreek,
his mother, Grace
Brown LittleCreek,
WHEN:
FEBRUARY 17, 2012
by two sisters and a brother; Mildred
7:00LittleCreek
p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
leCreekTIME:
Switch, Janice
Draper,
Wiley LittleCreek.

CONCESSION STAND WILL BE AVAILABLE AND PRIZES FOR THE
BINGO GAMES.

was survived by sisters Linda LittleCreek Louis,
PRICE PER BINGO CARD WILL BE .50 CENTS.
ora LittleCreek Lupp, and brother Dwight
PROCEEDS
BE SPONSORING
YEAR McGEE,
ROUND ACTIVITIES
leCreek.
HisWILL
children
Micheal
Levi AND
END OF YEAR ACTIVITY AT THE
leCreek, Sammi
LittleCreek,
Warrior,
HORSE SHOE
BEND AFTERAndrew
SCHOOL PROGRAM.
ia LittleCreek Warrior, and Nina Taylor. Also
many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Nelson Joe LittleCreek
April 9, 1936 to January 9, 2012

Nelson Joe LittleCreek, passed away on Monday, January
9, 2012. He was born April 9, 1936, in Concho, Oklahoma.
David and Wayne Skinner

Elaine Brown and Katie Wilson

He served in the Navy for four years as a Deck Engineer
during the years of 1950 to 1954.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sam LittleCreek,
his mother, Grace Brown LittleCreek, and by two sisters
and a brother; Mildred LittleCreek Switch, Janis LittleCreek Draper, and Wiley LittleCreek.

Desiree Johnson

Stuart Rolette tutors
Ruben Wilson and Eryn Johnson

Meagan Mahtushquah tutors
Leila Herrod

Randall Watson tutors
Jeff Worthly and Gregory Hardin

He was survived by sisters Linda LittleCreek Louis, Lenora LittleCreek Lupp, and brother Dwight LittleCreek.
His children Micheal McGEE, Levi LittleCreek, Sammi
LittleCreek, Andrew Warrior, Lydia LittleCreek Warrior,
and Nina Taylor. Also by many grandchildren, nieces, and
nephews.
Thank you from the LittleCreek Family to Governor
Blanchard, Maintenance Department, TERO and everyone who came out to show your support to the family in
their time of need.

Happy Valentine’s Day

25

IF YOUR EYES ARE ON YOUR PHONE, WOULD YOU EVEN SEE
THE LINES YOU’RE CROSSING?
DON’T CROSS THE LINE WHEN IT MEANS PUTTING YOURSELF AND OTHERS’ LOVED ONES
IN DANGER ON THE ROAD. YOUR SOCIAL LIFE CAN TAKE A BACK SEAT WHEN IT’S LIVES
BEHIND THE WHEEL.

Meet Heather

“Hey you and I need to hang sometime :-) alright cool :-)”
Those words were the last words Heather ever said to
somebody. Those words weren’t a promise of her tomorrow but rather a
distraction from the road. According to her parents, Heather’s final text
message was made at 10:27pm and the first call to 911 came in at
10:30pm (heathersstory.org). She was killed instantly.

She proudly posed in front of her new car she
purchased on her own.

Heather was wearing her seatbelt but the force of the impact of the
guardrail against the driver’s side door pushed the door 2 ½ feet into the
car. Heather’s body was found in the front passenger area of the vehicle.
Hear her parent’s message: “Heather made a terrible mistake on that
fateful night of February 23, 2010. She was just driving home from
work. Less than 3-miles from home, she decided to text back-and-forth
with a friend. The conversation wasn’t that important. It could have
waited. The conversation was not worth her life.
Please don’t text and drive. Come home alive.”

Heather was said to be a hard working and
dedicated friend and daughter who had the
world in front of her.

For more information and video on
Heather’s story please visit
Heathersstory.org.
All information was found at
heathersstory.org.

26

AST INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM

405.878.5854 EXT. 190; SALMANZA@ASTRIBE.COM

As part of AST Injury Prevention Motor Vehicle Safety
Campaign, we urge parents to take a look at the Drive2Life
Contest information located in this newsletter. Getting your child
involved is the best way to help them make better safety decisions
when you can’t make decisions for them.
Happy Valentine’s Day

TEENS INVITED TO HELP FIGHT DISTRACTED DRIVING
AS "DRIVE2LIFE" PSA CONTEST LAUNCHES
National Road Safety Foundation and Scholastic team up to find
best youth-generated ideas for Distracted Driving public service message

Co

Winner gets $1,000 and trip to NY City to work with award-winning director
to turn concept into professional PSA for national broadcast.

TEENS INVITED TO HELP FIGHT DISTRACTED D
AS "DRIVE2LIFE" PSA CONTEST LAUNCHE
NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2012 -- The non-profit National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) and Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education
and media company, are looking for ideas from young people to help convince their peers of the dangers of distracted driving. Entries open Jan. 7
for the 3rd annual Drive2Life PSA Contest. The winner will receive a $1,000 prize and an expenses-paid trip to New York to work with an awardwinning TV director to turn his or her idea into a public service message that will be broadcast nationwide next May during Global Youth Traffic
Safety Month.

National Road Safety Foundation and Scholastic team u
best youth-generated ideas for Distracted Driving public ser

Winner gets $1,000 and trip to NY City to work with award-w
to turn concept into professional PSA for national bro

"Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among U.S. teens, with 5,000 killed annually," said Michelle Anderson of The National Road Safety
Foundation, a non-profit group that produces driver safety materials that it distributes free to schools, police and traffic safety advocates. "Distraction is a major factor in many teen crashes, so we are encouraging young people to help us get the word out to their peers via television and the
internet."

“The Drive2Life PSA Contest is a great way for students to get creative and let their voices be heard in the dialogue about the dangers of distracted
driving,” said Francie Alexander, Chief Academic Officer at Scholastic. “We know from our years of working with teachers and listening to kids
that they thrive when given projects connected to solving real world problems.”

NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2012 -- The non-profit National Road Safety Foundation (N
children’s publishing, education and media company, are looking for ideas from yo
Students in Grades 6 - 12 are invited to submit a PSA concept that addresses, in 30 seconds to as long as two minutes, the dangers of distracted drivpeers of the dangers of distracted driving. Entries open Jan. 7 for the 3rd annu
ing. Ideas may be in the form of scripts, storyboards or treatments. No video will be accepted, and group entries are not accepted.
winner will receive a $1,000 prize and an expenses-paid trip to New York to w
The creator of the winning PSA concept, judged by a panel of education and traffic safety experts and an award winning film director, will receive a
director
toexpenses-paid
turn histripor
herYorkidea
a thepublic
message
that will
be runners-up
broadca
$1,000
prize and an
to New
City to into
work with
director toservice
film and edit the
idea into a professional
PSA. Two
in each grade category (Grades 6-8, 9-12) will each receive $500.
Global Youth Traffic Safety Month.
The winning PSA will be broadcast in May on more than 220 TV stations nationwide on the nationally-syndicated Teen Kids News. It will receive
widespread airings on newscasts and online. The winner will also be profiled in Scholastic classroom magazines, which are used in classrooms by
more than three million students and nearly 40,000 teachers.

"Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among U.S. teens, with 5,000
Anderson
The National
Foundation,
a non-profit
group
that produ
"Distracted
driving isof
a dangerous
epidemic on ourRoad
roadways,Safety
and teens are
among the most at risk,"
said U.S. Secretary
of Transportation
Ray
LaHood." It's critically important for young drivers to get the message that even one text or call could have devastating consequences. This PSA
distributes free to schools, police and traffic safety advocates. "Distraction is a m
contest is a creative opportunity for young people to promote safe driving in their communities and encourage their peers to put down their cell
phones
when are
they'reencouraging
behind the wheel." young people to help us get the word out to their peers via te
so we
A 16-year old Arizona high school student, Bethany Brown, won the first Drive2Life PSA Contest, with a 30-second spot titled, "There are no
re-do's in real life." The winner in 2011 was 15-year old Lauren Daniels of Oswego, N.Y., whose spot used humor to get across the message, "Distracted Driving. Not funny."

“The Drive2Life PSA Contest is a great way for students to get creative and let the
about the dangers of distracted driving,” said Francie Alexander, Chief Academic
"We were impressed with the excellent ideas we saw the past two years," said Sec. LaHood. "We look forward to seeing more great ideas from
creative
young
people
that will of
help make
the risks ofwith
distractedteachers
driving resonate
with their
peers."
from
our
years
working
and
listening
to kids that they thrive w
solving
real world
problems.” for more information about the competition and for the entry form and complete rules.
Visit
www.drive2life.org
or www.scholastic.com/Drive2Life
Deadline for entries is Feb. 29, 2012.

Students in Grades 6 - 12 are invited to submit a PSA concept that addresses,
minutes, the dangers of distracted driving. Ideas may be in the form of scripts, stor
will be accepted, and group entries are not accepted.

For nearly 50 years, The National Road Safety Foundation has created driver education programs and distributes them free to schools, police,
traffic safety agencies, youth advocacy groups and others. NRSF has programs on distracted driving, speed and aggression, drinking and driving, and drowsy driving. For more information or to download free programs, visit www.nrsf.org.

Happy Valentine’s Day

27

THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM
PRESENTS

Sexual Assault 101

Sexual Assault 101
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thunderbird Entertainment Center
15700 E. State Highway 9
Norman, OK

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will include a basic overview of what sexual assault is, the
impact of trauma on a victim, myths and facts, sex offenders, and victim response.
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer McLaughlin, MSW, CDSVRP
Director of Personal Development
Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

COURSE HOST: The Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Domestic Violence Department
REGISTRATION INFO: There is no fee to attend this training. This training is open to the public.
Space is limited and pre-enrollment is required. To enroll in the training complete the
registration form below and return it to via mail, email, or fax.

REGISTRATION
Name
Agency
Address
Telephone
Email

Submit Registration to ASTDV
2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. Shawnee, Ok 74801
FAX 405-273-1192 EMAIL to lgouge@astribe.com TELEPHONE 405-275-4030

28

Happy Valentine’s Day

DUI School - 10 Hours
DATE:
February 21, 22, & 23rd/2012
TIME:
5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
PLACE:
2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive,
Bldg. 19
Shawnee, OK 74801
ENROLL:
(405) 275-3432
to be placed on the list.
COST:
$150.00 - Cash or Money Order
Due First day.

Absentee Shawnee
Housing Authority
107 N. Kimberly, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804
Phone: (405) 273-1050

Native American Programs Available:
v Lease with Option to Purchase
v Maintenance Assistance
v Rental
v Down Payment Assistance
v Over-Income Down Payment Assistance and
Maintenance Assistance for Enrolled AST Members

If you’d like to submit an ad
or article give us a call at
(405) 598-1279 or
send us an e-mail at
mediadept@astribe.com
ALL ARTICLES FOR THE
NEXT MONTH’S
ISSUE ARE DUE BY THE
20TH OF THE
CURRENT MONTH

Happy Valentine’s Day

29

Applications accepted:

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Education Department

(405) 275-4030

Jan. 1st –March 1st

Finalists announced:

April 2012

2025 South Gordon Cooper Drive

Toll free (800) 256-3341 Fax (405) 273-1192
youthaward@astribe.com

□ $1,000 Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Male)
□ $1,000 Big Jim Academic Achievement Award (Female)
□ $1,000 Big Jim Athlete of the Year (Male)
□ $1,000 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:

Class Year:
Guidance Counselor:

Phone #:

Sport:

Position:

Coach:

Phone #:

(FIRST)

(LAST)

May include with application:
□ Official High School Transcript
□ Letter of Recommendation (Educator/Coach)
□ Tribal Enrollment Card (copy)
□ Resume of Accomplishments and Activities
□ Video (optional): no more than 10 minutes in length
□ 500-word Essay: How do you feel your accomplishments (knowledge/training) will influence your future?

30

Happy Valentine’s Day

You could
be saving up
to 15%
on qualifying AT&T services.*

MOTOROLA ATRIX™ 4G†
HTC Inspire™ 4G†

Samsung INFUSE™ 4G†

As a part of Absentee Shawnee Tribe, you’ll enjoy the AT&T Sponsorship
Program discount and all the other benefits of AT&T:
• Unlimited usage on the nation’s largest Wi-Fi® network1
• Simultaneous use of voice and data on the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network††
• Keep unused minutes from month to month with Rollover®, only from AT&TØ
• Ask about Unlimited Messaging, personal email and wireless Internet

If you are a current AT&T customer go to att.com/wirelessdiscounts to
sign up today! If you visit a local AT&T store, please have proof of eligibility
(employee badge, pay stub or student ID).
Mention FAN: 4160032 - New Customers Too! Take Flyer to AT&T Store.

For existing customers/citizens with AT&T wireless service you will need to take this ad to an AT&T
store to sign up. AT&T retail representative can sign you up at the store with a manual form. The
online validation process only works if you have a @astribe.com email address.
†4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Requires 4G device and compatible data plan. Learn
more at att.com/network. ØUnused Anytime Minutes expire after the 12th billing period. Night & Weekend and Mobile to Mobile Minutes do not roll over. ††Mobile broadband not available in all areas. 1Wi-Fi enabled
device required. Access includes Wi-Fi Basic. Other restrictions apply. See attwifi.com for details and locations. *Actual service discount applies only to the Monthly Service Charge of eligible plans and varies monthly
depending on your employer’s aggregate volume of qualified charges. See your AT&T representative for complete details. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Limited-time offer. Coverage not available in all areas. Qualified
customers only. Activation Fee of $36. Early Termination Fee up to $325 or $150 depending on device. Two or one year contract required unless purchasing at full commitment price. Requires voice plan. Smartphones
require a Smartphone Data Plan. For more information see att.com/dataplans. Monthly discount: Available to qualified employees of companies and/or government agencies and qualified students and employees
of colleges/universities with a qualified business agreement (“Business Agreement”). Service discount subject to correspo

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aabsentee%3Aff3da07d8d08556e. Public record. Not legal advice.