WWW.PAWNEENATION.ORG (2021)

APRIL 2021

WWW.PAWNEENATION.ORG

MESSAGE FROM VICE-PRESIDENT

EN

G

THE R E AT

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vaccine, and I would encourage anyone who that benefits our people, I can be pleased that

I hope that the has an opportunity to receive the vaccine to I did everything in my ability to do what’s

right for every one of you as a Pawnee Nation

Lord’s grace, mercy, do so.

With

a

95%

effective

rate

at

preventing

the

member. We are beginning to see the season

and peace find each

and every one of you COVID-19 illness in people, this will certainly change once again, and new life is coming

well. As we begin a help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect up once more. Where the trees and grass

new year, my hope our most vulnerable such as our elders and were once dead, they are now beginning to

and prayer is that children.

sprout new life, and this reminds us of the

we, as Pawnee people see a much brighter With the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine

hope we have in the resurrection of our Lord

and prosperous year than the previous one.

and the rate of individuals receiving it, there’s

and Saviour Jesus Christ. During this time of

We may have new challenges that await us hope for a better year ahead of us.

year, we remember that He endured a cross

in the coming year, but with the help of our My hope is that we begin to see a return to

for our sins, died, and was buried, but on the

heavenly Father and the resilience of our our tribal gatherings when it is safe to do so.

Pawnee people, we will be able to face any I believe when we are finally able to safely third day, he arose victorious from the grave!

circumstance that may come our way.

reunite with one another at gatherings such Though last year and even the early part of

this year was marked with sickness and death,

2020 was marked with numerous hardships, as our Veteran’s dances, handgames, language

such as the economy’s downturn, loss of jobs, classes, and much more; we will see a much I find encouragement and hope in a risen

the closing of public gatherings, illness, and larger crowd than has been in the past. I Saviour, knowing we will be reunited with

death that were all brought on because of the believe not being able to have our cultural our loved ones again one day.

COVID-19 pandemic. As we begin this new gatherings and seeing our loved ones on these May you all be blessed this Easter and may

year, we look forward to seeing a better year occasions has renewed a greater appreciation

God continue to richly bless the Pawnee

to come as we have witnessed the production of them. Sometimes you do not really know

Nation.

and distribution of the Moderna, Pfizer, and how much something, or even someone,

OF THE P

the newly released Johnson and Johnson meant to you until you cannot have it. My

AW

AL

E

S

vaccine. I commend our healthcare workers encouragement to you is when this pandemic

Pawnee Nation Regular Election

at the IHS location in Pawnee for their diligent has reached a point that it is safe once again

to

meet

for

our

cultural

gatherings,

you

take

work in testing our tribal members efficiently

The Pawnee Nation Election Commission will be condu

and, at the same time, administering the every opportunity you have to attend them

2021. This regular election will be to fill four (4) positions of th

vaccine to our tribal members with the and not take them for granted.

same efficiency. In March 2021, I had the Once again, as I continue to serve you as your

Vice-President, Secretary, Council Seat #3, and Council Seat #4

opportunity to receive the Pfizer vaccine. The Vice President, I will do everything that I can

The Pawnee Nation Election Commission encourages a

level of professionalism and care I received to keep our Pawnee people’s best interest at

exercise

their right to VOTE. Your personal involvement in thi

from the moment I checked in until I could heart. I may not be able to please everyone. Jordan Kanuho

Nation, now and in the future. All members of the Pawnee Nat

leave exceeded my expectations. I am happy Still, my hope is that when I look back at all Vice President of the Pawnee Nation

(18) years of age or over on the date of the election are eligible

to report that I had no complications with the that I have accomplished and put in motion

Nawa,

ATION

Any qualified member of the Pawnee Nation can reque

PAWNEE NATION REGULAR ELECTIONAprilTO

9, 2021BE

at 12 pmHELD

(CT), addressed to the Pawnee Nation E

The Pawnee Nation Election Commission will

be conducting a Regular Election on May 1,

2021. This regular election will be to fill four

(4) positions of the Pawnee Business Council

as listed.

Pawnee

74058. Eligible

voters

may also

of age or over on the date of the election are must

be Oklahoma

accompanied

with

one

(1) FAX a requ

Commission

at (918) 762-6446

or email,

if theyofexpect

eligible to vote.

form

of identification.

Upon

receipt

a to be ab

day

of

the

election.

Please

include

a

valid

address

request, the Election Commission willand telepho

Any qualified member of the Pawnee Nation validabsentee

ballot.

All requests

must beforms

accompanied

to the

voter

all necessary

to be with one (1

can request an absentee ballot in forward

receipt of a valid request, the Election Commission will forwar

the pending election. All ballots must

writing by April 9, 2021 at 12 pm (CT), usedbeinused

in the pending election. All ballots must be received b

by 12 pm on election day to be

Vice-President, Secretary, Council Seat addressed to the Pawnee Nation Election be received

counted.

counted.

#3, and Council Seat #4

Commission at P.O. Box 600, Pawnee

The Pawnee Nation Election Commission

encourages all members of the Pawnee

Nation to exercise their right to VOTE. Your

personal involvement in this process can and

will strengthen our Nation, now and in the

future. All members of the Pawnee Nation

of Oklahoma, who are eighteen (18) years

Oklahoma 74058. Eligible voters may also

FAX a request to the Pawnee Nation Election

Commission at (918) 762-6446 or email, if

they expect to be absent from the polling place

on the day of the election. Please include a

valid address and telephone number when

requesting an absentee ballot. All requests

REGULAR ELECTION

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2021

April 9, 2021 DEADLINE FOR “REQUEST FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS”

April 15, 2021 CANDIDATE FORUM at Multi-Purpose Building at 6 P.M.

May 1, 2021 ELECTION DAY

POLLS OPEN 8:00 A.M.

POLLS CLOSE 7:00 P.M.

LOCATION: Multi-Purpose Building, 808 Morris Road, Pawnee, Oklahoma 74058

POLL WATCHERS: Be present by 7:45 pm for counting of the ballots

May 4, 2021 POST ELECTION RESULTS: Unofficial until after Protest Period 4:00 P.M., Tribal Reserve

May 5-7, 2021 PROTEST PERIOD: ANY VOTER MAY PROTEST IN WRITING

(A REQUEST FOR RECOUNT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED WITH $500.00 RECOUNT FEE)

May 7, 2021 PROTEST DEADLINE: 5:00 P.M.

May 13, 2021 ELECTION COMMISSION WILL RESPOND TO PROTESTS NO LATER THAN May 13, 2021

May 14, 2021 ISSUE CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION

May 18, 2021 INAUGURATION

NAWA PAWNEE NATION

Your 2021 Election Commission

Chairman

Timothy Allen

Clerk

Mary Hawkins

Secretary

Sarah Knife Chief

Sergeant-at-Arms

Mee-Kai Spottedhorsechief

Alternate

Catherine Moore

Email: electioncomm@pawneenation.org

Phone: 918-691-9675

2021 PBC REGULAR ELECTION

REQUEST FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT

Date of Request:_________________

For More Information Please Visit our Website -

Dear Pawnee Nation Election Commission:

I, __________________________________________, an enrolled member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma

am/will be 18 years of age on the day of such election; hereby request that an Absentee Ballot

be mailed to me at the address below. A copy of one form of identification (CDIB, Membership

card or State Issued ID) will be included with the Request for Absentee Ballot and a telephone

number will be provided.

PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMTION CLEARLY:

Print Name:__________________________________________________ (as appears on CDIB/Pawnee tribal card)

Enrollment #: ___________________________________________ (should appear on CDIB/Pawnee tribal card)

Driver’s License/ID #: ____________________________________

Mailing Address:____________________________________________________

City:__________________________State:____________Zip Code:_______________

Telephone# :__________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________________________________________

Note: Request for absentee ballot must be received by April 9, 2021 by 12 pm (CT)

Mail to:

Pawnee Nation Election Commission

P.O. Box 600

Pawnee, Oklahoma 74058

If you choose to submit via delivery service, use this delivery address:

Pawnee Nation Election Commission

Attn: Timothy Allen

881 Little Dee Drive

Pawnee, OK 74058

MEET Tribal Member, Brooklynne Yarber. Her parents are

Pawnee Tribal members Brandi & Skylar Yarber.

Picture taken North Beach : Corpus Christi Texas

Additionally, you may fax a signed request to (918) 762-6446. Please include cover sheet, clear

copy of one form of identification and make attention to Election Commission or by email at

electioncomm@pawneenation.org.

Disclaimer: The Pawnee Nation Election Commission is not responsible for ballot packet once it

leaves the post office. Please check with your postal service on delivery and mailing of your ballot.

2021 CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

Nawa,

JORDAN D. KANUHO - VICE-PRESIDENT

My name is Jordan Kanuho, and I am

running for reelection for Vice-President

of the Pawnee Nation Business Council.

I am the son of David and Suzanne Jim

Kanuho and the grandson of James

and Wanda Goodfox Kanuho, and the

late Jennie Jim. I am also the greatgrandson of the late Lawrence Sr. and

Flora Lewis Goodfox and Phillip and Ella Pratt Jim. I am

a member of the Kitkehahki, Pitahawirata, and Chaui

bands. I am also of Navajo descent. I come from the Big

Water and Many Goats clans of the Dine’ people.

I was born and raised in Pawnee and graduated from

Pawnee High School as a member of the class of

2004. Upon graduating high school, I attended OSUIT in Okmulgee, OK, where I was honored to become a

member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was

on the Registrar’s Honor Roll. Since graduating from

college, I have worked at four different engineering

firms in Tulsa, including my current employment place.

I am also an ordained minister of the gospel of our Lord

Jesus, and during my time in ministry, I have pastored

Pawnee Indian Baptist Church for five years. I currently

pastor at Belvin Baptist Church in Okmulgee, OK, where

I have served diligently for four years now. My wife,

Amanda, and I have lived in the Tulsa area for nine years.

Amanda and I have been happily married for 15 years.

Amanda is employed by the Pawnee Nation College

(PNC) as the Director of Student Affairs. She has held

this position with PNC for four years.

Going into this election, those close to me knew that

I needed to spend some time praying and considering

running for reelection. I understand the commitment

this position will require and the amount of attention

and effort it takes to serve as your Vice-President. With

that in mind, I did not want to enter this lightly, but with

a sense of respect and regard for what the position of

Vice President entails.

After much prayer and consideration, it is my privilege

to serve you once again as your Vice President. I am

thankful for the ones that God has placed in my life who

have helped me work so hard and achieve so much in the

short time I have served. It is this help that will allow

me to continue to serve you to the best of my ability as

Vice President of the Pawnee Nation Business Council.

As I ran last year for the office of Vice President, I stated

that “I will do everything that I can possibly do to lay the

groundwork that will start to get our Nation heading in

the right direction for the betterment of our people.” I

believe that I have begun to do that in the efforts made

within our tribal government and working diligently

with that in mind.

2021 Regular Election of the Pawnee Business Council

I have had the opportunity to meet with

Official Candidate List

several of our division directors and

our employees at the Pawnee Nation.

On March 3, 2021, the Pawnee Nation Election Commission met to review all candidate

I have not been able to meet every one

applications and background checks. There was one (1) challenge that has been resolved.

of our employees, and I still plan to do

The following candidates have been deemed eligible and will be placed on the official 2021

so in my time in office because I still

Regular Election of the Pawnee Business Council ballot for voting on May 1, 2021, at the

believe that the better our programs

Pawnee Nation Multi-Purpose Building.

operate, the better we can offer

services to our Pawnee people. I have

Vice-President

Secretary

also had a chance to visit with some

of our elders as I have been in office.

Jordan D. Kanuho

Pam Cook

I know more about particular areas to

help them as a Nation. I continue to

George Gardipe

believe that we would not be where

Tonette Ponkilla

we are today if it were not for the road

they helped pave to get us where we

are, and we owe them a huge debt of

gratitude for the work they have done.

Member Seat #3

Member Seat #4

I have also worked diligently to be a

voice to preserve and maintain our

Gene Evans

Sammye Kemble

language and culture for the Pawnee

Terance Fields

Charles Knife Chief

Nation. We, as the Pawnee Business

Council, have passed a resolution to

Jesse Lorentz

standardize the Pawnee alphabet. We

are also working to secure grants to

Election Day is May 1, 2021

fund our language program and hire

our instructors as full-time employees

Pawnee Nation Multi-Purpose Building

at the Pawnee Nation. This will ensure

808 Morris Road-Pawnee, OK 74058

the lasting impact of our Pawnee

language. I continue to be a voice

For any questions, please contact the Pawnee Nation Election Commission at

(918) 691-9675 or electioncomm@pawneenation.org

for our culture and work with our

Cultural Resource Division to ensure

Or you may visit www.pawneenation.org

that we maintain and secure a future

for our Pawnee people for generations

to come. Lastly, I continue to keep

in mind the generational aspect of my service as your

Vice-President. I will continue to vote on items that I Vice-President you deserve.

believe will help not only our members who are around I am very grateful and appreciative to have this

today but will also benefit our future tribal members for opportunity to run for reelection as the Vice President

generations to come. My aim is to not have a short- unopposed. This puts a greater weight of responsibility

sighted vision of what we can do right now to make sure on me as well as accountability to you, the Pawnee

things are good, but what we can do to secure a better Nation, as you have put your trust in me to serve you

four more years as your Vice-President. When you mail

future for our Pawnee people in years to come.

I will do my best to serve our Pawnee People, and though in your absentee ballot or go to the polls on May 1st

I may not please everybody at some point as I serve 2021, though I am running unopposed, I would still be

these next four years as your Vice-President, my hope grateful to have your vote and confidence in me to know

will be the main comment from my time in office is that that I will continue to do my very best to serve you as

I did everything in my ability with the Pawnee people in Vice-President of the Pawnee Business Council.

mind. I can only do this with my heavenly Father’s help

and the wisdom and discernment he provides along with

the people he places in my life to help me be the best

Thank you,

Jordan D. Kanuho

Pawnee, Okla. – March 16, 2021, The Secretary of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, at the request of the

Pawnee Nation (Resolution #21-11), has called for a Secretarial Election to be conducted for the attached

amendment to the Constitution of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, Article VII, Section 2, Recall. The

revisions were proposed by the Pawnee Nation Governing Documents Committee with input from the Pawnee

Nation Community and approved for submission by the Pawnee Business Council on January 6, 2021. The

proposal was in response to last year’s two recall elections which resulted in the recall of four of the Pawnee

Business Council members. These revisions come before the people for a vote on May 1, 2021. The question

that will be asked on the ballot is a YES or NO question. Yes, you are in favor of the amendments, or No you

are not in favor of the amendments.

For more information, contact the Executive Office at 918.762.3621.

2021 CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

PAM COOK - SECRETARY

Nawa Pawnee Nation Tribal Members:

I am Pam Cook, and I am announcing my

candidacy for the position of Secretary

of the Pawnee Nation Business Council.

I am the granddaughter of the late

Julius Caesar, Kitkahaki, South Band.

My mother was “Teetles” Lolita Caesar

(Pawnee), married to Virgil Cook. I am

running for Secretary because I believe

that I can make a difference for the betterment of our

Pawnee people. I feel I am the best-qualified candidate

for Secretary because I can provide a true and accurate

record-keeping of PNB Council Minutes due to my

background as a Court Clerk and court transcriptionist.

I have much to offer the Nation, with my diverse

background and work experience in Tribal Government

allows me to bring my tribal expertise and knowledge to

the table in tribal affairs. I am not running for the prestige,

nor for the money, nor for personal gain or recognition;

however, I am running as a concerned tribal citizen with

valuable experience and knowledge, and I have a great

passion for my Pawnee people, which is reflected in my

past work ethic. Since I am now retired, and my nest

is empty, I can devote all my time, and attention and

efforts to fully commit myself to the Position of Secretary

to Pawnee Nation Business Council.

I am a person who possesses strong integrity and ethics,

being an Officer of the Court and upholding the laws of

our Tribal Nation. I also have a strong traditional and

religious background and will do the right thing for our

Pawnee Tribal Members.

As your Council Member, I will wisely represent you as

I have the education, knowledge, and extensive work

experience to read and interpret tribal laws, federal

legislation, and tribal regulations. I have the ability

to think independently and make complex business

decisions on my own initiative as an individual person,

and I feel that is a quality of a true leader. I have faced

many obstacles in life and possess interdisciplinary

skills to overcome adversity both professionally and

personally. I am ready and willing to help take on the

challenge of helping our Pawnee Nation get back on

track to become financially stable, independent, sound,

and solvent, which will take a lot of planning with like

businesses-minded people.

I come to you as a highly qualified candidate with over

35 years of tribal government experience in Tribal

Programs, Grants and Contracts, Social Services, and

Court Administration with the Tribal Courts and Federal

Court of Indian Offenses, Budget, and Credit and

Finance. My first job after graduating from OSU college

in 1974, Legal Secretarial Science Diploma, I served as

a Secretary to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department

of Interior in Washington, D.C.in the Office of Personnel

Management. I later returned home to Pawnee and

worked at the Pawnee Agency BIA for 21 years, raising

my children in Pawnee. I also worked in Washington

D.C. from 1991 to 1995 in the Tribal Government Office,

BIA.

After I completed my Degree in Criminal Justice from

the University of Oklahoma in 2016, I transferred from

Indian Health Services to Wind River Agency, in Fort

Washakie, Wyoming, BIA, and was employed as a Legal

Assistant Supervisor for the Court of Indian Offenses for

the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribe. I have also worked as

the Social Service Representative for the Sac and Fox

Nation of Oklahoma, where I was responsible for 13

tribal social services programs.

I also worked for the Pawnee Nation as the Court Clerk

for eight (8) years as the Court Administrator and

Drug Court Coordinator, which gave me a great deal

of satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment of helping

my Pawnee Tribal Members complete their legal

petitions such as Guardianships, Custody petitions,

Name Changes, Divorce Petitions and Divorce Degrees,

Adoption Petitions. I have transcribed accurate Court

Minutes verbatim and made written court transcripts for

the official court record.

I served as Secretary for the Pawnee Nation Employees

Club, raising funds in their Employee Loan Department.

I served as the Chairman of the Pawnee Indian Housing

Authority responsible for building 42 Mutual Help Indian

Homes for Pawnee Nation in 1981, and also served as

Commissioner of the Pawnee Indian Housing Authority

1980. I also was elected to serve as PNB Council Member

under Elizabeth Blackowl’s Presidency.

My Goals for our tribe: I would like to see qualified

Pawnee Tribal Members with business degrees who have

the business experience and background appointed to

our Pawnee Tribal Development Corporation (PTDC)

so that we may have sound enterprise developments

to establish new businesses and to establish plans and

goals to dissolve our 8 million dollar debt. More Tribal

economic business ventures need to extend beyond the

tribal casino in order to increase our tribal revenues.

I support our youth and would like to see more programs

for our youth in more activities, counseling, and

services, more drug and alcohol services, and more job

opportunities to include Pawnee Preference.

I support the Elders in areas of health, assisted living

services for elderly assistance, and transportation

services. The elders deserve our respect, and they cannot

be overlooked.

I would like to establish a Social Service Program funded

with Revenue Allocation Funds and contract funds from

the Bureau of Indian Affairs Social Services Program,

General Assistance Program to establish programs such

as Emergency Funds to all tribal members, supplemental

heating and cooling programs, ricks of fire wood, gravel

and driveway road program, work programs and services,

supplemental eyeglasses and dental services.

The Leaders of the Pawnee Nation must lead our Nation

in unity and focus on solving our governmental issues at

hand in efforts to sustain ourselves as an independent,

proud sovereign nation. I am up for the challenge at

this election, and I am committed to work for you and

represent you until the job is completed. I am asking

for your vote on May 1, 2021, and I appreciate each and

every one of you. I will put my best foot forward toward

this endeavor, and it would be an honor and privilege to

serve you.

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Cook

GEORGE GARDIPE - SECRETARY

Nawa Akitaru!

I, George Russell Gardipe, Jr. am

announcing my candidacy for the office

of Secretary of the Pawnee Business

Council. I am the son of George

Sr. and Andrea Lyons Bowen, and

the grandson of Adeline Cummings

Matlock and Bernard Douglas Gardipe,

and Horace Victor Lyons and Marcella Smith Lyons.

Lisa Marie (Tiger) Gardipe is my wife, and through this

strong bond, we have Jaden, Alan, Amiyah, Daysia, Trey,

and Jasper making our homelife rewarding. My lineage

includes both Kitkehahki and Skidi ties.

Born in Pawnee, I have lived in Pawnee off and on

throughout the years. I am a strong advocate in education

in the belief that a person can strive to obtain accolades

in life by first taking the pathway of pursuing a solid

educational foundation. As a high school sophomore, I

was honored to attend a college preparatory boarding

school called The Taft School in Watertown, CT. After

graduating, I attended Dartmouth College in Hanover,

NH. My experiences taught me about the vast differences

and commonalities that our people share with other

cultures.

Education has many facets; as a preteen, I asked my

father to teach me his carpentry trade. He looked at me

and said, “No, Son, I want better for you. You will follow

the educational path.” As much as I tried to live up to

his expectation, my life path led me back to my beloved

father’s craft - carpentry. I have mastered countless

commercial and residential construction aspects and

have completed countless projects for individuals and

companies as an employee and as an independent

contractor. When my family and I moved back to Pawnee

in late 2014, I was determined to utilize my skill set for

the betterment of our tribal members. Fortuitously, I

was hired by the Pawnee Nation Housing Authority in

2015 and I have been involved in the modernization

and upgrading of many of our tribal homes. There is no

more incredible feeling than leaving a completed project

knowing that you turned something, well frankly- ugly

and dated into a beautiful, modern home that a tribal

member will enjoy for years to come. Throughout my

employment with the Pawnee Nation Housing Authority,

I have changed from starting as a contractor to being a

full-time maintenance worker into my current position

as Administrative Project Manager. I love being able to

serve our people every day. I have always felt that if you

love what you do, you will never “work” another day in

your life!

Since my return home, I have been committed to

community endeavors. I have been a coach of youth

league football and baseball and served on both Sports

League Board of Commissioners for years. I am a strong

advocate for youth team sports and recreation, as I have

witnessed the benefits of Teamwork. I am currently the

head coach of a 12, and under baseball team, Pawnee

Warstic (sponsored by the Warstic bat company), and we

have the privilege of being able to practice on the historic

Moses YellowHorse ballfield next to the Pawnee Tribal

Roundhouse.

On the Tribal level, I am currently serving on a couple

of committees and a commission. I am currently the

elected Chairman of the TERO Board of Commissioners,

the Founding Board President of the Pawnee Community

School, a charter school in development, and the

appointed Community Representative of the Pawnee

Nation Budget Committee. Serving on this level has

given me a valuable and meaningful perspective of the

inner workings of our Tribe.

Now I am asking you for the opportunity to serve in a

different capacity - as a Pawnee Nation Business Council

Secretary. I am qualified to be your next Secretary

because I have a solid understanding of how our Tribal

government works and yet eager to introduce fresh ideas

to an already hard-working Tribal Council on behalf of

the people. I have witnessed the challenges our Council

face during this current Pandemic and ask you to allow

me to be included in the decision-making. With that

feeling, I would like to introduce my main vision of the

next four years:

1.

Finance: Our Tribe has relied heavily upon gaming

revenues to operate, and with this current Pandemic,

we have learned that exploring, discovering, and

developing new and innovative ways to earn capital

is vital to future successes. I would like to implement

alternate avenues of income to provide adequate

funding for our Tribal Employees and, for that

matter, all tribal members. Our Employees should be

able to work a full 40 hours so that they can do their

jobs more efficiently and effectively to other tribal

members in need. A full staff in every department is

vital to the infrastructure of our Tribal Nation.

2.

3.

Cultural Revitalization: I dream of a day when our

youth can grow up to be proficient and prolific

Pawnee Language speakers that have a clear

understanding of our Tribal roots. This is precisely

the reason I joined the Pawnee Community School

board. In this digital age, I can see media developed

and shared with our tribal members wherever they

may reside. I will do my best to ensure there is a

continuously ongoing effort to accomplish this goal.

Renewable Energy Source: We have a duty to ensure

that our future, our legacy, our children can live

and thrive in an eco-friendly environment. One of

the ways we do this is to incorporate a renewable

energy source, whether it be wind or solar. I feel as

if this is an attainable goal, not only for housing but

for our Tribal reserve. I would like to see our most

vulnerable population, our tribal elders, receive this

type of energy source. I believe that for progress to

occur, the basis for success must be within the lesson

learning framework of a TEAM.

Pawnee Power is a direct result of teamwork power! I look

at the Pawnee Business Council as our most important

team for the future of our Tribal Nation.

Business decisions made today could and should have

a lasting, positive impression that will help our Tribe

flourish for years to come. This is the very reason I am

running for Secretary. I cannot give you any campaign

promises except this one:

I will work diligently for You and keep the lines of

communication open for any concerns YOU would like

addressed and convey a course of action YOU think we

should focus on.

Thank you for your consideration in our upcoming

election of respectable candidates. I am very proud to be

a member of the Pawnee Nation, and I ask that you vote

for me, George Gardipe, as your next Secretary!

George Gardipe

TONETTE PONKILLA - SECRETARY

I currently reside in Stroud Oklahoma,

for the last 21 years, with my husband

Gordon Ponkilla of the Sac and Fox

Nation. My children are the late Justin

Ponkilla, Emily Fixico, Tania Ponkilla,

and her companion Rico Jessepe. I

have four beautiful grandchildren,

Quinton Jessepe, Tarah Jessepe and,

Mariah Jessepe, and Karter Ponkilla.

I desire to support and help our Pawnee Nation with my

knowledge of Indian Country. During my time at the

University of Oklahoma, I pursued Public Administration

and studied our Indigenous history by very impressive

professors such as the late William Rice. My studies lead

me to eventually work for the Sac and Fox (SFN) and

the Iowa Tribe (ITO) and Alabama Quassarte Tribe of

Oklahoma(AQT). Working as Director of Realty/Realty

Officer of the SFN, and Director of Realty at the Iowa

Tribe of Oklahoma, along with my education, allowed

me to oversee each Tribe’s Trust/Fee and Tribal and

individual allotments.

I gained what is not readily obtained through the college

educational setting. The Federal training received in

management of Federal lands were from the Department

of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Special

Trustee, Bureau of Land Management, and at the time

managed for Indian Individual Money accounts as

necessary to procure the Oil and Gas proceeds for the

Individual/Tribes. Other work I provided for the AQT

was during the management of the Indian Reservation

Roads era establishing inventory of road improvements.

Also, during my time with ITO, I administered the Indian

Community Development Block Grants, and succeeded in

the development of potable water for this tribe allowing

the newer developments. Also, water infrastructure

extended the area for the Pow-wow Grounds and a storm

shelter/library facility.

As of today, the ITO is thriving, and continued

developments continue for their tribe.

Just quickly, with the SFN I was part of the 2nd new

office of Environmental Services within Indian Country.

During the new years of the National Environmental

Policy Act (NEPA) legislation for Tribes, we were provided

initiatives to develop programs that would maintain,

address, mitigate environmental hazards and develop

a study and inventory tribal lands. At that time, tribal

lands were affected by the Oil and Gas industry, mining,

injection of contaminants to their lands, the initiatives

were under the auspices of the Cherokee Environmental

Resources that at that time took the lead of the initiative.

I have had experience in budgetary management,

Federal Records Management, Grant administration,

and familiar with many legal documents throughout my

career. Being trained at that time under many of the BIA

instructions, we at that time were also charged in Will

writing (at SFN) and enrollment at the ITO.

Each tribe I have worked with allowed them to grow. My

work at these nations fulfilled economic development

down various avenues. I confidently bring with me

first-hand experience and knowledge of budgetary

management, economic development, Tribal sovereignty,

and many other practices mentioned above.

I am enrolled all my life as a citizen of the Pawnee Nation

and also bloodlines of the Pawnee Nation and of the OtoeMissouria and Ponca nations. I am of the Kitkahaki Band

and daughter of the late Nova Marie Moore Fields and

the late Anthony Arkeketa and sister of the late Delilah

Arkeketa Moses. I have one sister Sylvestine Franklin and

my brother Charles Eddy Arkeketa. My grandparents are

the late Sidney Moore and the late Pearl Peters Moore,

further, I descend from the Jessie Peters family.

Finally, I have dedication, I do have the motivation and

continuously think of the destiny of our tribe. We are at a

time where we must act for our elders, our children, and

each adult of our tribe, I will listen to our citizens. Our

Pawnee Tribe of approximately 3500 enrolled members;

I will consider each one and do want to open the door

to share openly and transparently for the betterment of

our people.

I kindly ask for your vote as Pawnee Business Council

Secretary in the Pawnee Nation 2021 General Election to

be held on May 1, 2021.

Tonette Ponkilla

2021 CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

Nowah,

GENE EVANS

- MEMBER SEAT #3

Athletics, but more importantly, competition, is phone number for citizens of Pawnee to call to connect

I am Gene Evans, M.D., and I am running

for the Pawnee Business Council. I once

asked my brother, Tom Evans, why he

joined the Marines to go to war in Viet

Nam, even though I know that he was

a peace-loving man. His answer was,

“I am Pawnee, what else would I do.”

In that statement, he summed up that

innate thing that makes us different

from all other people.

I am the product of a family of warriors, athletes, and

educators. My Upit, Stacy Howell, earned advanced

degrees after being a scholarship football athlete, despite

having only one arm. His example and direction guided

my Uncles, Stacy Howell, Jr., Joseph Howell, and Ferrell

Howell, all college scholar-athletes. They all lead lives of

service, starting with military service and continuing as

teachers after obtaining master’s degrees or a PhD.

My father, a math professor at Abilene Christian

University, is from a similar background. He joined the

Armed services at 16 years of age to join all his brothers

fighting in World War II. My uncles and aunts on both

sides of my family have excelled in scholastics, sports,

community service, and leadership. Every individual

choosing a life of self-sacrifice over a life of self-serving.

Although most have passed, I feel their continued

presence and influence. The best way to know what I

stand for, what my priorities are and what I will do is

in my family legacy that I proudly try to live up to daily.

I believe in education. I am currently the president of

the Pawnee School Board of Education.

I was a founding member and continue to serve on the

Board of Trustees for the Pawnee Nation College. In

Medical School, I served as the student member of the

curriculum committee, and I have mentored medical

students as a past professor of Medicine for OSU.

Education is the key that provides the most direct route

to the possibility of greatness. I will support programs

that give our youth the advantages they need to compete

as students.

important to me. Education alone is not enough. We

compete our entire lives because greatness is not given

away. We must challenge those things that seem to limit

us. We must engage the world around us with courage

and conviction. We must not fear our ability to compete.

I believe in a life of purpose, guided by honesty, respect,

and honor. What I am is less about what happens to

me and more about what I do. I think that is the basis

of much of our Pawnee way. Honor, honesty, family,

cultural events, and community must be supported by

each of us and by our tribal government. We also must

participate in our community. I am a small-town Doctor.

Pawnee has been my home for more than twenty years.

I have been married to my wife, Holly, for thirty-three

years, and we have two children, Joel and Hailey. I have

served my patients to the best of my ability resulting

in a successful medical practice while concurrently

serving as a hospitalist and ER Physician. I no longer

perform hospital or emergency medicine, allowing time

for community participation.

I have served on the

Pawnee Veterans Committee as Treasurer, Chief, and

President. I am the Medical Director of the Pawnee EMS,

Southern Oaks Care Center, The Pawnee Free Clinic, The

Cleveland Free Clinic and for Traditions Hospice. I work

with many dedicated people who make our community

a better place.

I believe in a healthy community. I firmly believe that

my expertise and my articulation with our area medical

resources will help light the path that our Pawnee

Business Council must navigate through this time of

medical crisis. I believe there is a better way. I have a

comprehensive plan for sustainable Pawnee Healthcare.

This plan requires another of my passions, connecting

hard-working, good people to a common purpose. When

we all pull in the same direction, our collective strength

is much greater than individuals pulling in all directions.

Each individuals’ opinions are important. Within our

individual opinions, there are many shared beliefs,

ideals, and goals through which we can unify. Unity is

the name of my Non-Profit Organization built to focus

efforts to make good things happen. Unity, as a response

to the COVID-19 pandemic, has developed a single

to the innumerable volunteers, groups, churches, and

more that can provide a wide range of help when it is

needed.

This can be as little as people who can help feed animals

when the individual is in the hospital, handymantype services, checking in on elders providing social

interaction, and many more.

We have been certified for and will be starting a Saturday

COVID vaccine clinic for all community members at our

new tribal COVID Response building. Imagine the great

things that can be done when we focus our efforts.

I believe that leadership is not someone who breeds fear

and resentment. When we focus on our fears and anger,

much is said, and little is done.

You will not hear me pile on negative, emotional fears.

My staff says that “I wear rose-colored glasses” because I

verbalize my support for the best of intentions. I choose

to hope for the best but plan for the worst. It is my job

to be aware of the problems and frailties of humanity. I

focus on finding solutions, not blaming or criticizing.

My brother’s words, “I am Pawnee, what else would I

do,” encapsulates so many concepts that I hold dear.

We are a warrior society, blessed with our tribal-societal

pressure to understand honor and the need to give even

one’s own life for the good of our people. From the

example that has been provided for me, I knew from a

young age that I would enter the Armed Forces. I served

in the 3rd Infantry Division, with a final active-duty rank

of Major, although I was promoted to Lt. Colonel later as

a reserve officer.

We are taught to respect our family, community,

elders, veterans, and traditions. From this comes an

undercurrent of gentle pressure and support for the

volunteerism that is a Hallmark of our culture.

I would appreciate your vote.

I am Gene Evans, M.D.

I am Pawnee

Gene Evans, M.D.

TERANCE FIELDS - MEMBER SEAT #3

Nawa Iri, my name is Terance Fields,

and I am the son of Mary-Beth

TakesTheHorse and grandson of Elinor

“Sarge” Fields. I am running for seat #3

on the Pawnee Nation Business Council.

I graduated with a bachelor’s in Political

Science and minor in Pre-Law from

the University of Central Oklahoma in

May of 2019. I am currently attending

Oklahoma State University, where I am

earning a master’s in Public Diplomacy. During my time in

academics, I have been fortunate enough to gain handson experience while working for the Dean of the House,

Congressman Don Young (R-AK), and the Speaker of

the House, Nancy Pelosi (CA-12). After working for the

Speaker of the House, I embarked on a study abroad to

Germany via the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange

for Young Professionals. I lived in Saarbrücken, studying

the German language and viewing cultural sites.

Even though I am young, I have acquired specialized

experience and received great mentorship, whether that

be from my internships or professors. I know I have much

to offer the Pawnee Nation, and with my age comes new

ideas, insights, and ways of thinking. We must start

thinking of the future for the Pawnee Nation and putting

our people first above all else. Education, sovereignty,

and culture are just a few of the many things I will

address during my time in office. I have a deep regard

for the elders as well, being that the majority of them

are the language, agricultural and knowledge keepers of

our tribe. I would like to see more implementation to not

only assist them but the youth as well. Having grown up

in Pawnee, I would like to give back to my tribe and the

people who have played a role in helping me become the

person I am today. I am thoroughly confident in my skills

and abilities to serve the Pawnee people now and for the

next four years. I look forward to election day, and I ask

for your vote not only for me but for the future of the

Pawnee Nation.

Terance Fields

2021 CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

SAMMYE KEMBLE - MEMBER SEAT #4

Nawa, my name is Sammye Kemble.

I am a candidate for Seat 4 of the

Pawnee Nation Business Council. My

parents are Georgia Mae Adson and the

late Andrew Adson, the granddaughter

of the late Herbert and Alice (Simpson)

Morris and of the Pitahawirata Band.

I am married to James Kemble and

have two sons, Steve and Jason

(Susan) Campos, and a bonus family

of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Throughout my 40-years of employment, I have worked

in the corporate sector of private businesses, including

United Parcel Service, Bank of America, and the last

22-years at Becton Dickinson and Company; a global

medical device manufacturer. My current position is

the administration of the quality systems records and

training enterprise at the local level. I have a Bachelor’s

of Science Degree in Business Management with an

emphasis in Organizational Management.

While seated on the Business Council from 2016 to 2021,

I accomplished the following:

• Worked diligently (often alone) in removing the

layers of unknown financial discrepancies in the

Pawnee Tribal Development Corporation’s leadership

team. Today we have a strong financial reporting

process that is transparent, honorable, and timely.

• As the Chairperson for the Land Use Management

Committee many enhancements and improvements

were completed on the tribal reserve, including a

garden, playground, roads, lighting, signage, War

Mother’s Bridge, and the restoration and renovation

of Pani Camp.

• As the Chairperson for Nebraska and Kansas lands; • Love for the Pawnee People

FEMA intervention for flood damages / scoping for • Transparent, ethical, honest, logical

land into trust activities; land/use and ownership

• Go Getter

• Promoted the idea of making the Pawnee Nation an

employer of choice by promoting the idea of work/ • Ethical / Transparent / Logical / Reasonable

life/balance (the balance of one’s time and focus • Culturally aware and an active participant

between working and family or leisure activities)

all of which are intrinsic benefits for all employees; • Extensive experience and knowledge on current and

leadership shadowing for candidates that want to

enhance their skill set which provides training and

a realistic view of different roles for career path

improvement and goal setting; the fostering of

Pawnee preference in hiring, and promoting from

within.

•

•

•

•

• Promoted moratorium for fracking on Pawnee •

Nation lands.

•

• Attended and worked with various teams to enhance

policy, vision, and projects and represented the •

Nation in all aspects of my life and at all times.

• Promoted and participated in cultural activities, •

language, and learning.

•

• Promoted TERO to enhance the labor skillset of

those underemployed and to bring revenue into the •

tribe through TERO fees.

•

• Promoted integrity, honesty, transparency, and •

inclusion in all aspects of the Nation.

best practices

Consummate Professional

No special interests

Ensuring our students are a priority

Promotes Cultural awareness and learning

Approachable

Will ask the hard questions

Present for all meetings and activities (no abuse of

absences)

Open-Minded

Fostering “Good

neighboring tribes

Neighbors”

dialogue

with

Elders Assistance (little homes / transit)

Put the People FIRST

Ensuring our elders are a priority

you for the opportunity to introduce myself, my

• Attended PTDC meetings to gain a better Thank

abilities, and my visions - I would appreciate your vote

understanding of the operation and financial

capabilities for the Nation.

I believe I am the right candidate for Seat 4 for a variety

of reasons:

for SEAT 4! Tatacstehu!!

Sammye Kemble

CHARLES KNIFE CHIEF - MEMBER SEAT #4

My name is Charles Knife Chief, and I am

running for re-election for Council seat

#4. Over the past three administrations

that I have had the opportunity to work

in, there have been many highs and

lows. Most specifically with COVID-19

the past year and the subsequent effect

on the Pawnee people and Nation as a

whole.

Thankfully we are beginning to see a drop in cases

and should be getting back to normal. In spite of these

challenges, we were able to develop a balanced budget

for 2021. It is a pleasure working with the current Council

members who interact professionally and courteously,

allowing individual input regarding the facts and merits

of each issue, discussing and voting according to what

we believe is in the best interest of the tribe. We do not

always agree with the vote outcomes, but we respect

the decisions of others and move on to the next topic,

because in the end, we all have the same goal in mind

regarding the growth of the Nation, continuing with

current services and hopefully increasing the number of

services that can be provided.

The loss of Council members Charles LoneChief and

Patsy McCray’s expertise, experience, wisdom, and

leadership will be hard to replace, and I wish them the

best. I have always felt that general elections are the

time to campaign and vote for the candidate of your

choice, with the voting outcomes deciding who the

majority of our tribal members want to serve on behalf

of them. President Echo-Hawk has been a calming voice

in the storms we have had and continue to face, and he

has implemented new committees to help further his

vision of reaching the promised land. I want to be a part

of the growth we are expecting and would appreciate

your support and vote but most importantly, encourage

everyone to vote for the candidate of their choice.

Charles Knife Chief

JESSE LORENTZ - MEMBER SEAT #4

My name is Jesse Lorentz, and I am a

candidate for the 4th seat of the Pawnee

Business Council. I am an enrolled

member of the Pawnee Nation of

Oklahoma.

My goal is to promote a strong tribal

government for the Pawnee Nation.

In my career, I have served a span of 30 years in supervisory

positions. This includes the US Marine Corp, Indian Health

Services, and the Department of Defense.

I have confidence in my leadership skills to perform my

duties, if elected, as a Pawnee Council member. I am ready

to work hard for the Pawnee Nation, and I will follow the

Pawnee Constitution. I would appreciate your vote.

Thank you, and God bless the Pawnee Nation.

Jesse Lorentz

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

NAWA AKITAARU’.

on Thursdays.

I am pleased to

announce that the IHS

is now vaccinating

all people age 16

and up. Make your

appointment by calling

918-762-6724

or

918-762-6639. Shots

are given each M/T/W

and F between 1pm3:30pm, or anytime

I am calling upon all Pawnees age 16 and

up to come to the aid of your Nation: Get

vaccinated. That is a patriotic act. It will slow

the spread, protect yourselves, the ones you

love, and your neighbors. Please do this now—

even if you have personal doubts or qualms—

to protect your Nation. Those who refuse

vaccination (without valid medical reasons)

will continue to endanger themselves, their

families, and their nation—and that will If we keep our guard up, stick together, and

prolong this pandemic.

follow public health recommendations, we

The Biden Administration and Pawnee can look forward to more normal times–

Nation are fighting the spread of infection. perhaps as early as this summer. Together we

There is now light at the end of the tunnel. will come through this pandemic and emerge

Today, the Country will hit 100 million doses stronger, with renewed faith in each other, and

administered to American citizens. If the in our tribal government that fulfills its most

rate of vaccination continues, herd immunity important function: protecting the Pawnee

will be reached; and that will accelerate people. But your help is needed. Everyone

nationwide efforts to safely open schools, the has an important part to play. I call on each

Pawnee: If you are not vaccinated, it is your

economy, and the community.

turn to slow the spread. Please call and make

This is a time for optimism, but it’s not a time your appointment today.

for relaxation. We need all Pawnees to do your

part for the next couple months: Wash your Thank you. May Atius bless and protect our

hands, stay socially distanced, keep masking Nation.

up, avoid gatherings, and get vaccinated when

it is your turn. Your help is needed to continue With Respect,

fighting the spread—not just for yourself, but Walter Echo-Hawk,

your family, your friends, your neighbors. We President, Pawnee Business Council

are all in this together.

ENROLLMENT DEPARTMENT SERVICES

Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns,

individuals are required to get screened,

temperature taken, and wear masks when

coming to the Enrollment Department. We

are able to provide you with a mask if you do

not have a mask, and we also have children’s

masks. We apologize for any inconvenience

as we are taking precautions to keep you and

the employees of Pawnee Nation as safe as

possible.

online at the Pawnee Nation website,

www.pawneenation.org, or request a

Change of Address form to be mailed or

emailed to you. You may also download the

Change of Address Form and the Application

for Enrollment on the website.

or would like to call before coming from out

of town.

Hours: 8:00 – 5:00 Monday - Friday

Phone: 918-762-3873 Option #7

Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) Email: enrollment@pawneenation.org

membership cards are $5.00 payable to

“Pawnee Nation Enrollment” by check, money

order, or cashier’s check. CDIB membership Carrie Peters, Enrollment Manager

Suzie Kanuho, Enrollment Specialist

Please remember to update your address cards are free for those 62 years and older.

with the Enrollment Department if you Please give us a call or email us if you have any

move.

You may update your address questions regarding any Enrollment services

EXPANDING COVID-19 VACCINE ACCESS AT

PAWNEE INDIAN HEALTH CENTER

by CDR Joyce Oberly

Over the past year, the

COVID-19 pandemic

has taught us many

lessons about keeping

our communities and

tribal members safe.

From social distancing

and hand washing

to wearing masks,

we remained vigilant

in these practices to

protect our people and stay healthy. This was

especially important because our population

has a higher risk of serious complications

from diabetes, heart disease, and others.

Thankfully, within the last few months,

the COVID-19 vaccine was authorized and

released to healthcare facilities, including

the Pawnee Indian Health Center. We have

been vaccinating first responders, staff and

patients since mid-December. Since this time,

our vaccine workgroup has administered over

3,500 vaccine doses. This may seem like a

significant number, but it is not the majority

of our active patient population. There are

still many people in the community that are

reluctant to get the vaccine or may not know

that the vaccine is available to them at this

time.

have a chart with us, please complete the

chart application and return it to our Business

Office either by mail (Pawnee Indian Health

Center, 1201 Heritage Circle, Pawnee, OK

74058) fax (918-762-6640) or hand delivery,

To ensure widespread protection against the Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm.

COVID-19 virus, the Pawnee Indian Health A completed application includes the following

Center is expanding vaccine access to all documents.

individuals age 16 and up. This includes 1. Completed application

tribal members and descendants of a federally

recognized tribe, as well as non-tribal 2. CDIB or Tribal Membership Card or Proof

of Tribal Descendant from a Federally

members and non-natives.

Recognized Tribe (if applicable)

Realizing that our native communities are

interwoven with rural areas, towns, and cities, 3. Photo ID

we will have a greater impact on stopping 4. Private Insurance or Medicare or Medicaid

Card

the COVID-19 virus by immunizing as many

people as possible, including natives and non- 5. Proof of Residence (if the residence is

natives.

inside the Pawnee Service Unit).

If you are age 16 and above and would like For questions, please call 918-762-2517

to be scheduled for a vaccine appointment or and request to speak with a staff member in

know someone that needs the vaccine, please Patient Registration.

call us at 918-762-6724 or 918-762-6639.

A chart at Pawnee Indian Health Center is

required to start the process. If you do not

Pawnee Indian Health Center Health Record

application

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Legal Last Name

First Name

Full Middle Name

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Date of Birth

Social Security #

Gender

Pawnee Indian Health Center

ATTN: Patient Registration

1201 Heritage Circle

Pawnee, OK 74058

Phone: (918)762-2517

Tribal Membership or Descendency: __________________________________ Blood Quantum: __________

Marital status:

Single

Married

Widow/er

Divorced

Separated

Birthplace of Patient: _________________________________

Religious Preference: ___________________

□

□

□

□

□

(City and State)

• CDIB (Certificate Degree of Indian Blood), Tribal membership, or proof

of descent from a federally recognized Native American tribe of the

United States. NOTE: A state issued birth certificate is required for children under

MAILING ADDRESS: ________________________________

Primary Phone #: ________________________________

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: ________________________________

Alternate Phone #: ________________________________

City & State: _________________________________

Work #: ________________________________

Zip Code: _________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Patient’s FATHER: _____________________________________________________________________________

18, using the parent CDIB

• Valid state issued ID or driver’s license for patients 18 and over

• Health Insurance Cards: Medical, Vision, and/or Dental

• Proof of residency: current utility bill, lease/rental agreement showing physical

address.

Purchase Referred Care Services (PRC)

PRC Services are important benefits for you and your family. It provides emergency care in

hospitals, emergency rooms, surgical centers and referral services for eligible patients who

reside in the Oklahoma counties of: Pawnee, Payne, Kay, Garfield, Noble, Grant. Certain

restrictions apply for Osage County residents if eligible.

As part of this registration,

One of our Patient Benefits Coordinators will screen those patients who do

not have health insurance.

(Optional)

LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, and BIRTHPLACE (City and State)

Patient’s MOTHER: ______________________________________________________________________________

MAIDEN NAME, FIRST NAME, and BIRTHPLACE (City and State)

EMPLOYER INFORMATION

Patient’s

Employer Name: _____________________________

Address: _____________________________

City, State, Zip Code: _____________________________

Phone: _____________________________

(If married) Spouse’s

Employer Name: _________________________

Address: _________________________

City, State, Zip Code: _________________________

Phone: _________________________

Full Time:

Full Time:

□ Part Time:□ Self Employed:□ Retired:□

□ Part Time:□ Self Employed:□ Retired:□

***Parents or Legal Guardians of children under 18, please list your employers below ****

Employer Name: _______________________________

Employer Name: _____________________________

(Father/Legal Guardian Father)

(Mother/Legal Guardian Mother)

Address: _____________________________

City, State, Zip Code: _____________________________

Phone: ______________________________

Full Time:

Address: _________________________

City, State, Zip Code: _________________________

Phone: _________________________

□ Part Time:□ Self Employed:□

Full Time:

□ Part Time:□Self Employed:□

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact

Next of Kin

Name: __________________________________

Name: _________________________________

Phone: __________________________________

Phone: _________________________________

Relationship: __________________________________ Relationship: _________________________________

Address: __________________________________

Address: _________________________________

City & State: __________________________________ City & State: _________________________________

Zip Code: _______________________

Zip Code: ___________________________

PAGE 1

MILITARY SERVICE INFORMATION

Pawnee Indian Health Center Health Record Information

Do you have a valid VA card? Yes_____ No ______

Brief description of VA disability: _____________________________________________________________________

ADVANCE DIRECTIVE/LIVING WILL

(For patients who are 18 years or older)

I hereby acknowledge receipt of the Indian Health Service (IHS) Notice

of Privacy Practices at:

Pawnee Indian Health Center

1201 Heritage Circle

Pawnee, OK 74058

Do you have an Advance Directive (Living Will) in place?

YES ____ NO____

If you answered NO, would you like some information on the subject? YES ____ NO ____

Please tell patient registration, your physician or nurse if you would like to know more about the Advance Directive

(Living Will), and they will arrange for the Patient Benefits Coordinator to meet with you and answer

your questions.

Do you have Internet access? Yes □

No □ E-mail address: __________________________________________

Internet access locations: (Check all that apply): Home □ Work □ Mobile □ School □ Library □

other □

Do we have permission to send generic health information to your E-mail address? Yes □

No □

What is your preferred method to receive appointment reminders? (Check one): Phone □ E-mail □ Letter □

What is your primary language of communication? English □ Tribal Language □____________________ Spanish □

Sign Language □

Would you need of an interpreter? Yes □ No □

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Branch of Service: _______________________________

Entry Date: _______________________________

Separation Date: _______________________________

______________________________________

_____________

______________________________________

_____________

Signature of Patient

Signature of Parent or healthcare proxy

(State Relationship to the Patient)

Date

Date

The Indian Health Service (IHS) may disclose all or any part of the patient’s record to any person or corporation which is or may be

liable under contract to the hospital, the patient, a family member and/or employer of the patient for all or part of the hospital’s

charges, including but not limited to: hospital or medical service companies, workmen’s compensation carriers, welfare funds or the

patient’s employer. The information authorized for release may include information, which could be considered a communicable or

venereal disease, which may include, but is not limited to diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea and the Human Immune

Deficiency virus (HIV), also known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

I hereby assign to the IHS such insurance benefits (if any) that I may have pertaining to payment for medical services and supplies

furnished to me by the IHS. I understand that this assignment applies only to medical services and supplies furnished to me during

the time period indicated below.

By signing below, I AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF SUCH BENEFITS DIRECTLY TO IHS.

______________________________________

Pawnee IHC Business Office Employee signature

_____________

Date

For patients unable to acknowledge this receipt

__________________________________________________________________________________________

HEALTH INSURANCE DETAILS

PAGE 2

___________________

Date

PAGE 3

ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS

AND

AUTHORIZATION TO FURNISH INFORMATION

Pawnee Indian Health Center-Business Office

1201 Heritage Circle-Pawnee, OK 74058

First

Middle

SSN: ________________________

Name of Health Insurance Company: ______________________________________________________________________

Policy #: _______________________________ Group #: ___________________ Effective date: _____________________

EMPLOYER INFORMATION OF THE POLICY HOLDER

Name of Employer: _______________________________________________________

Full Time

Signature & title of Business Office Employee

Date

(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

Privacy Rule

I AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF SUCH BENEFITS DIRECTLY TO IHS.

Policy Holder’s DOB: ___________________

Policy Holder’s Address: ____________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ____________________________

Phone Number: ____________________________

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Office Use

PAGE 4

DOS:

OBITUARIES

ROBERT LESLIE EVANS

NANCY SUE MOORE

MAY 24, 1966 - JANUARY 13, 2021

DECEMBER 28, 1940 - SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

JOHN DAVID YANDELL

FEBRUARY 8, 1978 - OCTOBER 28, 2020

DARYL GEORGE TABOR HORSECHIEF

NOVEMBER 29, 1970 - MAY 5, 2020

Daryl George Tabor

HorseChief

was

born on November

29, 1970 in Clinton,

OK

to

Alfred

HorseChief, Jr. and Peggy Tabor. He passed

away on May 5, 2020 in Albuquerque, NM

at the age of 49. Daryl attended school in

Oklahoma and in Greeley, CO. Daryl lived in

Oklahoma and New Mexico. He worked as

a HVAC Technician. Daryl loved sports, he

played football in school. He was a member

of the Baptist Church and was baptized in

Oklahoma City.

HAROLD DEAN WILLIAMS

DECEMBER 9, 1953 - NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Funeral

Services

for Harold Dean

Williams, 66, of

Roff are 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday at the

Messiah’s Temple

in Wewoka, Revs.

Thomas Little and

Steve Williams will

officiate. Burial will

follow at Hawkins

Cemetery

near

Wewoka. A Wake

Service was held at

6:00 p.m. Tuesday

at the church. Refreshments following.

Reverend Williams passed away Wednesday,

November 11, 2020, at an Ada hospital. He

was born December 9, 1953, at Pawnee

to Arthur and Patricia Pratt Williams. He

attended Pawnee and Norman schools. Mr.

Williams was a longtime resident of Roff.

He married LaDoria Alexander on June

2, 2002. Rev. Williams was the Assistant

Manager of Security for the Chickasaw

Nation. He also served as a Minister of

the Full Gospel faith and was ordained by

Pastor Nadine McBeth. He loved to sing,

play his guitar, travel, and study his Bible.

Rev. Williams was a mentor to a lot of

musicians in Oklahoma.

Survivors include his wife, LaDoria, of the

home; two daughters, Dana Barriga and

husband Albert, Norman and Ronalda

Herrod and husband Anthony, Okmulgee;

two sons, Kenneth Williams, Shawnee

and Ronnie Alexander and wife Brittany,

Sulphur; two sisters, Kathryn Williams,

Norman and Paula Lime, Oklahoma City;

two brothers, Arthur Williams, Norman

and Steve Williams and wife Clarice,

Norman; 13 grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents;

a son, Harold “J.R.” Williams, Jr.; brother,

Barry Williams; and two sisters, Teresa

Thomas and Susan Williams.

Bearers will be Kenneth Williams,

Courageous Herrod, Elias “Kabush” Barriga,

Randall West, Miles Thomas, Seth Williams

and Colton Williams. Honorary bearers

will be Andrew Lime, Johnny Wolf, Larry

Harrison, Russell Horn, Joseph Wolf, Tony

Melton and Arthur “Locum” Williams, Jr.

GWENDOLYN ANNE WILLIAMS

MAY 26, 1953 - NOVEMBER 28, 2020

G w e n d o l y n

(Gwendy)

Anne

Williams (Hi Sei

Hihi) Our beloved

Gwendy was born

May 26, 1953, in

Pawnee, Oklahoma

she was 67 years

old.

Gwendy’s

father was George

Washington

Williams, and her

mother was Wilma

Delores

(Moore)

Williams. Gwendy

resided in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and

comes from the Bravescout Family. She

attended Pawnee Schools and Chilocco

Indian School. Her tribal affiliation were

1/4 Pawnee, 1/4 Otoe, 1/2 Arapaho, she

was an enrolled Pawnee Tribal Member.

She was a supporter for Indigenous rights

such as the American Indian Movement;

In her younger years she was a fancy

shawl dancer, she was a Beader, she was

a chorus girl singer for YellowHammer,

and Bravescout singers. Often she was

called upon as she was a frybread maker

for family and tribal events. Gwendy was a

member of the Bravescout Native American

Chapter. Her travels took her throughout

the United States, where she made many

friends and Relatives. In her younger years,

she participated in the Bravescout dance

troupe and went to Ocean City, Maryland,

to perform shows; With her love of singing

Gwendy and sister/ Dorothy sang and

traveled with yellow hammer during the

time this group first united. Gwendy was

preceded in death by her father George

Williams Sr., mother Wilma Williams, and

two brothers, George Willaims and Terry

Williams. Gwendy is survived by Georgene

Nell Williams of the home, Rosalie Williams

of the home, and Wesley Roy of Oklahoma

City, Oklahoma. Her grandchildren, Ezekial

Acosta, Odessa Snell, Stormy Rose Roy,

Ariel Roy, Jordan Roy, Dayton Roy, Ciaomi

Roy, and Daytin Mister Roy. She also has

nephews George Williams III, and Terry

Williams, niece Robin Williams. Gwendy is

also survived by brother Norman Newrider,

and Irvin Brown. Gwendy is also survived

by the Bravescout family consisting of

aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews,

and many grandchildren. Our beloved

Gwendolyn Anne Williams, departed and

left her loved ones on November 28, 2020

at 6:06 A.M. She will be at rest now, to

enjoy truly loved and departed family on

the other side. Graveside services were held

Tuesday 1:00 P.M. in the Otoe-Missouria

Cemetery with Patrick Moore officiating

from the Otoe Native American Chapter.

Services were entrusted to the Poteet

Funeral Home and Cremation Services,

friends can leave a memory for the family

at www.poteetfuneralhome.com

FRANCIS ELLIOT (MOOSE) MORRIS

JUNE 1, 1933 - DECEMBER 2, 2020

Francis

Elliot

Morris

(Moose)

was born on June

1, 1933, and passed

away on December

2, 2020. He was

the only son of

Herbert and Alice

(Simpson) Morris.

His Indian name

was “Asaki Lesharo”

meaning Dog Chief.

Francis

was

born in Pawnee, OK, and joined the

Pawnee Indian Baptist Church in 1944.

He attended Pawnee Public Schools and

graduated in 1951. During high school,

Francis was in the marching band and

played football, basketball, and threw the

shot put and discus on the track team.

He attended Northern Oklahoma College

and Northeastern State University-both

on football scholarships. Unfortunately, he

injured his knee in September 1954 and

never played football his senior year.

Francis enlisted in the Army and was

stationed in Alaska from 1956-1958. He

joined B. Company 45th Infantry Division

as a Sergeant from 1958-1960. After he was

honorably discharged from the Army, he

went back to NSU and graduated in January

1960. After graduation, Francis moved to

California and taught one year at Sherman

Institute. He then moved to Merced, CA and

taught and coached for 33 years until he

retired in June 1994.

In 1983, Francis learned how to fly and

flew his own airplanes from 1983-1998,

accumulating over 400 hours of flight time.

He then moved back to Pawnee in 1998 and

became the Repatriation Coordinator until

2007.

Francis is a member of the Pawnee Nation

of Oklahoma. He is a member of the

Pitahawirata and Skidi Bands. Francis has

been the Pitahawirata Head Chief since he

was first selected in May 2004. He always

considered it to be an honor and privilege

to represent the Pitahawirata Band on the

Nasharo Council. Francis previously served

as a Veterans Chief for the Pawnee Indian

Veterans Committee.

Francis is survived by his sister-Georgia Mae

Adson, (2) step-daughters-Charlene Jones

and Jill Vaughn, and countless nephews,

nieces, grandchildren, great grandchildren,

and great great grandchildren.

Francis is preceded in death by his parents,

sisters-Anna Audrey Mulder, Rowena Kate

Salmon, and Lois Mitchell KnifeChief.

BLANCHE MATLOCK SMITH

DECEMBER 3, 1947 - DECEMBER 4, 2020

Blanche MatlockSmith entered this

world on Dec. 3,

1947, in Tahlequah,

OK to Chauncey

F Matlock and

Adeline Cummings

-Matlock and left

on Dec.4, 2020,

in Stillwater, OK.

She was 73 years

and one day old.

She was one of

the last full-blood

Pawnee. In high

school, Blanche was a Bowler, she ran

Long Distance Cross Country and placed

1st Nationally in Baton Twirling. After

graduating high school, Blanche attended

San Jose State University studying

Electronic Assembly. Blanche worked many

years as a title examiner for Texas Division

of Motor Vehicles. Blanche also worked

as a secretary for the Field Office of the

Episcopal American Indians Ministries. She

was the Pawnee Nation Tax Commissioner.

She loved traveling, especially to New

Mexico and Louisiana to see the hot air

balloon festival and visit family. She loved

watching movies on the Hallmark Channel.

She collected everything teddy bear and

loved Sonny and Cher’s “I got you babe”.

She enjoyed Pow Wows and loved a good

hand game. She was a member of the

Eastern Stars. Blanche was a beloved wife,

mother, grandmother, and friend who will

be greatly missed. Blanche is survived by

her husband of 44 years, Charles H. Smith of

Pawnee, OK., daughter S. Renee Brown and

husband Mike of Colorado Springs, CO., son

Shawn Phillips and wife April of Sherman,

TX., brother Sam Gardipe and wife Loretta

of Tulsa, OK., Grandchildren Tyler Baze,

Kelsie Brown, Kyle Phillips, Adam Sampson,

Brittni Phillips, Bryton Phillips, Blake

Osborn, Samantha Phillips, and Lukas

Phillips and 8 Great-grandchildren, two

cousins in Oklahoma Jean Kay Grant, Helen

Pickering and Margaret Gayle Ahhaity,

and numerous cousins in Louisiana. She is

preceded in death by her parents Chauncey

Matlock and Adeline Matlock, brothers

Douglas Gardipe, George Gardipe, and

Cecil Gardipe.

Services were held at graveside at the

South Indian Cemetery in Pawnee, OK, on

Dec.10th at 10 am. Officiating by Donnie

Ahhaitty. Pallbearers are Kenneth McCosar,

Tim Brown, Kyle Phillips, Bryton Phillips,

Blake Osborn, Xavier Horsechief, and Lukas

Phillips.

LEAH ANNETTE MOORE

OCTOBER 26, 1963 - DECEMBER 9, 2020

Leah Annette Moore

“Mom”

passed

on

December

9,

2020, in Oklahoma

City,

Oklahoma,

surrounded by her

loved ones. She was

born

on

October

26,1963 to Franklin

Jr and Susan Mae

Horsechief Moore, in

Pawnee,

Oklahoma.

Leah Moore was a

member of the Pawnee and Otoe-Missouri Tribes.

She attended Oklahoma City Community College,

and worked as a Security Officer and Deli

Manager. Some of her favorite memories were

at Chilocco Indian School. She liked farming and

riding a tractor. Riverside Indian School were “The

Good Ole Times”. She loved listening to all types

of music, but Oldies and her son’s music, were her

favorites. She enjoyed cooking, jamming out and

having parties at the Moon Tower and gathering

with her family.

She is survived by her mother, brothers David

Moore of Stillwater, OK, Oscar Pigeon Jr of

Pryor, sisters Lou Ellen Moore, Red Rock and

Ramona Moore of Stillwater. Children Carlos M.

Davila, Jakele Davila, Jenice Davila of Oklahoma

City, and Susan Spottedhorsechief of Midwest

City. Grandchildren Dalecia Satepauhoodle,

Silas Davila, Sage Davila, Skylan Davila, Shiloh

Satepauhoodle, Jaydalee Davila, Jakey Davila,

and Dezmin Davila. Plus numerous Aunts, uncles,

cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, sisters

Debra and Connie Moore. At her funeral she

would say “Don’t cry, laugh and have a good time.”

SHARLENE L. ARNOLD

FEBRUARY 18, 1949 - DECEMBER 29, 2020

JAMES ANTHONY CHAVEZ

JULY 29, 1954 - DECEMBER 29, 2020

James Anthony Chavez, 66, Ponca City resident, was born on July 29, 1954 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and passed away

on December 29, 2020 in Ponca City.

NEVA MOORE

FEBRUARY 17, 1922 –DECEMBER 29, 2020

Neva

Horsechief

Moore,

who

received

her

mother’s

Indian

name Sta-wiri-wah

which means “She

brings good news”

was born on Feb.

17, 1922, near

Oakgrove, OK. She

was born to Delbert

Horsechief,

Sr.

and Minnie Ruth

Moses. Neva was a

full-blood Pawnee

of the Kitkehahki and Skidi bands. She

had seven brothers, Delbert Jr. Vance, Levi,

Algar, Lewis, Ellis, and two sisters, Adeline

and Susan Mae.

Her maternal grandparents were Rebecca

White and John Moses. Her paternal

grandparents were Spottedhorse and Lucie

Running Eagle.

Neva graduated from 8th grade at Oak

Grove School and graduated from Pawnee

High School with her brother Levi, Class of

1941.

Neva married Francis Williams (OttawaPeoria) in 1942, and that marriage ended

in 1947.

In 1948, Neva met and married Dewey

Sampson Belvin (Choctaw). Neva and

Dewey (m. 1948, d. 1956) are survived

by four daughters: Linda Sue Cockrell

and husband Leroy (Ruidoso NM), Wilma

Jean and husband Col. Frank Richardson

(Newport NevVS VA), Delberta Ruth

Belvin (OKC), Ellen Mae and husband Vic

Gutierrez (OKC). They are also survived

by two grandsons Eric Leroy Cockrell

(Houston, TX) and Jason Duane Belvin

(OKC). Granddaughter Jamie Renae

Cockrell Berdzar and husband Loren lives in

Castle Rock, CO, with great-granddaughters

Leah Wren and Kenzie Rae.

In 1956, she began working for Lyon’s

Indian Store and met and married Thurman

Frank Moore (Otoe). They had eight

children, Neva, Mike, Allen, Denise, Melvin,

Ronnie, Nancy, and Steve. She worked for

Lyon’s Indian Store even after the death

of her husband in 1970 to the present day.

Neva enjoyed NAC meetings, handgames,

ceremonial dances, loved to cook for the

Young Dog Dance and the Pawnee/Wichita

Visitation. She was a War Mother, Service

Club member, and was baptized at the

Pawnee Indian Baptist Church and taught

Sunday School classes.

Neva lived a long life and was able to see

grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and

great-great­grandchildren.

98 years young!

ROE MITCHELL TOAHTY

JULY 1, 1964 - DECEMBER 30, 2020

Roe Mitchell Toahty

passed from this

life on December

30,

2020,

in

Oklahoma

City,

Oklahoma. Roe was

a member of the

Pawnee Nation and

part Kiowa-Creek

born in Pawnee,

OK, on July 1,

1964. He was the

youngest son of

Ralph and Juanita Toahty. He attended

Del City High School, OK Roe joined the

US Marine and serviced as a member of

Military Police. He attended Culinary Arts

school in Washington state. He worked as

a Chef at several renowned restaurants

in Oklahoma City and Seattle areas. Roe

resided in Happy, TX, and lived in Midwest

City, Del City, OK., and Seattle, Washington.

He was very proud of the two years of

volunteer work he performed following the

major Tornado that devasted individuals in

Missouri. Roe attended the Happy Church of

Christ, and the Del City Church of Christ. He

was an avid fan of the OU sooners. He had a

great sense of humor and was a pleasure to

be around, and he will be deeply missed. He

had numerous friends who he kept in touch

with through social media and a special

friend Cindy. He leaves behind a loving son,

Boe Toahty, and a grandson, Joel. His family

includes a brother David and Lisa Toahty

of Del City, OK. Sisters Gennie and Kevin

Clanin of Guthrie, Terry Jones of Happy,

TX. and an uncle Roy Weeks Taylor. His

nieces and nephews are Elissa Barnes, Sean

Toahty, Christopher Winters, Ralf Toahty,

Tobie Toahty, Rebekah Boyd, Shannon

Jones, Scott Jones, Shelly Graham, and

Shyanne Spivey. Roe is preceded in death

by his parents Ralph and Juanita Toahty;

brothers Joey, Ralph Jr., Gerald and James

Toahty, and a sister Libbie.

Nancy Sue Moore

was

born

on

May 24, 1966, in

Claremore,

OK.

She was born to

Thurman

Frank

Moore

(Otoe)

and the late Neva

Horsechief Moore

(Pawnee). Nancy

was half Otoe and

half Pawnee but

was an enrolled

member of the

Pawnee Nation under the Kitkehaki and

Skidi bands. She had 5 brothers Mike

Moore, Allen Moore, Melvin Moore, Ronnie

Moore, Steven Moore and 6 sisters Linda

Cockrell, Wilma Jean, Delberta Belvin,

Ellen Mae, Neva Pratt, and Denise Moore.

Nancy attended high school at Riverside,

Sequoyah, and graduated high school

in Pawnee in 1984, where she excelled

in softball and basketball. She attended

Meridian Technology Center and received

an accounting certificate. She recently

received an Associate’s Degree in American

Indian Studies through the Pawnee Nation

College.

In the summer of 1985, Nancy met Walter

Peters and later had a son, Bronson Peters,

in March of 1987. They married in 1992

and later had a daughter, Samantha Peters,

in June of 1992. They later divorced in the

2000s.

Nancy worked for the Bureau of Indian

Affairs from 1991-1993 doing contract

work for probates and from 1993-1996 as

a Realty/Probate Clerk GS05. She worked

for the Pawnee Nation from 1996-1999

as an Executive Secretary and Personnel/

Enrollment Technician. She worked from

1999-2009 as an Accounting Tech GS07/05

in the Office of the Special Trustee.

She then moved to Tahlequah, OK, and

worked for the Cherokee Nation Child

Care Billing Department as an Accountant

Clerk III. After that, she moved back home

to be closer to and help take care of her

mother. She started at the Pawnee Nation

as an IT Specialist and later transferred

to her current occupation she held as an

Accountant for the Finance Department.

Nancy enjoyed many hobbies in her years,

which included playing coed softball all the

way up until a few summers ago with her

family team, attending the Pawnee/Wichita

Visitation. Spending time with her family

but especially her grandchildren. She also

enjoyed watching the Oklahoma Sooners

play softball, basketball, baseball, and

football. She was known to give any and

all Oklahoma State fans a hard time and

could be heard yelling Boomer after all OU

games, whether it was a win or loss.

Most of all, the biggest hobby she enjoyed

was the game of pool. She competed on

many teams, in many leagues, and in many

tournaments throughout her life. She was

known to be a force to be reckoned with

because just when you thought you had her

beat, she would run the table out on you.

Her biggest achievement of her pool career

was when she won the State Championship

in the BCA Black and Gold Women’s

tournament in 2009.

Nancy is preceded in death by her father

Thurman Moore, mother, Neva Moore,

brothers Mike Moore, Melvin Moore, and

sister Denise Moore. She is survived by her

5 sisters and 3 brothers, her son Bronson

Peters, daughter Samantha Peters, 2

granddaughters Carlotta Peters, BlueStar

Peters, and 5 grandsons Beau Peters,

Armond Peters, Kamden Sands, Landen

Sands, and Isaiah Sands.

Nancy touched a lot of hearts and lives

throughout her life. She had one of the

biggest hearts for everyone she knew and

loved. She will be greatly missed by her

family, friends, and Nation, old and new.

Until we see you again, fly high, our

beautiful angel.

BARBARA JEAN ATTOCKNIE

MAY 24, 1966 - JANUARY 13, 2021

Barbara

loved

serving

her

community.

She

was an Alcohol and

Drug Counselor for

over two decades.

She was certified

early in her career

and

obtained

international

certification.

Her

workplaces included many jobs, but

ultimately she started working for the

Pawnee Nation in the ’90s. She served

the Pawnee Nation in her capacity since

1995. Recently, she was given an award in

recognition of her 25 years of service to the

Pawnee Nation.

Barbara also served as a War Mother

in the Pawnee Chapter. She served in

various capacities, including President.

She attended many functions that the War

Mother’s sponsored and organized. She

helped in any way possible to our active

and retired service members and their

families.

Barbara also served her community

through active participation in the church.

She was a member of the Cushing Indian

Baptist Church. She attended faithfully in

worship, praise, and giving. She helped

organized and participate in various

functions through the church as well as

being able to serve in mission work.

Barbara loved to travel and loved her

family and friends. Most of all, she loved

her Pawnee people. She expressed her

thoughts about how much the Pawnee

people meant to her and her family and

how much she was willing to give to help.

She gave her whole life by doing what

she could, and when she was not able to,

getting people involved who could.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mom,

Alba Augustine “Jo” Wade (Leadingfox),

her grandparents Albin Leadingfox & Mary

“Mamo” Pratt-Leadingfox, her husband

Paul Joseph Attocknie, and her son Albert

John Attocknie. Barbara is survived by her

siblings, Martin Wade and wife Terri, Virgil

Wade and wife Ronda, Morris “Boscoe”

Wade, Jr., Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Arkeketa,

her father, Morris Wade Sr., her sons Robert

Tabor and wife Joy, Arthur Lee Attocknie

and wife Christina, and numerous brothers

and sisters in Christ and grandchildren,

nieces, nephews, cousins, aunties, uncles,

grandparents, great-grandchildren from

the Pawnee, Otoe, Choctaw, Comanche,

Cheyenne-Arapaho, Ponca, Mohawk, and

many other Tribal Nations.

WALTINA S BAYHYLLE

OCTOBER 12, 1954 - JANUARY 20, 2021

Waltina

Sylvia

B a y h y l l e ,

a

longtime

Afton

resident,

passed

away

on

Wednesday,

January 20, 2021,

in Vinita at the age

of 66. Visitation

was on Friday

evening, Saturday,

and Sunday. No

services will be

held during the

visitations

due

to

COVID19.

Graveside services

were held at 2:00

p.m. Monday, January 25, 2021, at South

Indian Cemetery, Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be held Friday evening,

Saturday, and Sunday at the Roan

Chief Building in Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Arrangements have been entrusted to

Dighton Marler Funeral Home-Stillwater.

Waltina was born on October 12, 1954, in

Pawnee, Oklahoma, to the late Batiste and

Anita (Norman) Bayhylle. She grew up in

Cushing, graduating from Cushing High

School in 1973. She was a cosmetologist

most of her life. Waltina moved to Grove,

then Tulsa, then for the past 20+ years on

Grand Lake with her significant other, Jack

Weber, whom she loved for over 42 years.

Her daughter, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren were the joy of her life, and

she enjoyed spending time with them. She

is survived by her significant other, Jack

Weber, of 42 years; daughter Tonya Wichert

and son-in-law Ray Miller, Stillwater; sister

Cheryl Bayhylle of Stillwater; brother

Maurice Bayhylle, and wife Gwen of

Glenpool; grandchildren: Tiffany Murray

and husband Tevin; Austin Wichert and

wife Presley, Logan Wichert and fiancée

Chassteen Bergeon; great-grandchildren

Xavion and LaRondon Murray and Thea

Katherine Wichert, and numerous nieces

and nephews. Waltina was preceded in

death by her parents; brothers: Neill

Bayhylle, Arnold Bayhylle, Joe Bayhylle;

and sisters: Beatrice Butler and Marvena

Sexton. She will be loved and missed dearly

by those who knew her.

BILL EUGENE HAMBY S BAYHYLLE

JUNE 18, 1967 - JANUARY 20, 2021

PHILLIP H GOVER II

JULY 11, 1939 - FEBRUARY 9, 2021

Phillip

Hendrix

Gover II, 81 years

old, of Jenks, OK,

passed away on

February 9, 2021.

Phillip was born

on July 11, 1939,

in Pawnee, OK.

He

enlisted

in

the

Marine

Corps

Reserves

in

1962

and

served six years,

and

honorably

discharged in March 1968. Phillip

graduated

from

Northern

Arizona

University with a bachelor’s in Chemistry.

He started his career as a chemist in

refineries throughout the United States and

Africa and ended his 40 plus years career as

a plant manager specializing in hazardous

waste management and renewable

energies.

Phillip is survived by his wife Kaye, his

daughter Phyllis Pratt and husband Mike;

his two sons Phillip Gover III and his

wife Tara; David Gover and his wife Cita;

his daughter Meghan Markley and her

husband Jacob; his sister Phyllis Morales;

his brother George “Butch” Gover and

his wife Carolyn; his sister Clementine

Howell and her husband William; his

brother Charlie Gover and his wife Connie;

grandchildren, Peyton Pratt, Jace Pratt,

Seth Pratt, Aidan Gover, Delilah Gover,

Helen Sue Gover, Talan Gover, Benjamin

Markley, Nicholas Markley, and Makaylah

Markley. He is preceded in death by his

parents Phillip Gover, Reva Patterson

Gover, his sister Pauline Cox, his brother

Bill Gover, his sister Sandra St. Clair, and

his brother Garry Gover.

First and foremost, he loved being

surrounded by his family’s laughter,

watching his kids and grandkids play

sports, enjoyed going to his kid’s music

competitions & concerts, golf with his sons,

lunch with his daughters, books, cooking,

bird watching, skiing in his younger days

with kids that had no fear, sunsets and

sunrises, and holding his wife’s hand.

WILLIAM JOSEPH PERRY

APRIL 3, 1941 - FEBRUARY 10, 2021

William

“Bill”

Joseph Perry was

born

April

3,

1941, in Carnegie,

Oklahoma to Cecil

Aubrey Perry and

Doris Hedgecock

Perry Schrock.

Bill’s father died

when Bill was five,

and his brother was

six years old. When

they were 7 and

8 years old, they

swept out the Marx-Wheeler stores before

school each day. Bill worked various jobs

and the Maltberger Station when he was in

high school.

He graduated from Pawnee High School

with the Class 1959. He worked his way

through college and graduated from OSU

with a Bachelors Degree in Economics. He

graduated from OU Law School in 1966.

Upon graduation from law school, he

practiced law with the Darden & Mechem

Law Firm in Las Cruces, New Mexico,

and then became First Assistant Attorney

under Ernie Williams for the Southern New

Mexico District covering three counties.

Bill practiced law in Fairfax before joining

Robert Scott in Pawnee. When Robert

Scott became District Judge, he opened

his office, where he practiced until about

two months before his illness in November

2020, completing 54 years.

He was married to Sheila Bellamy in 1964,

and they had two sons, Boyd and Todd.

His humor and sincerity are well known.

He always tried to represent his clients

well.

He was recognized by his Great Grandma

FawFaw at three years old, with a Pawnee

Indian name, “Funny Bear.”

Bill was a member of the Oklahoma Bar

Association, New Mexico Bar Association,

the Pawnee Christian Church, and in the

past, many other organizations.

He was preceded in death by his mother

and father and his brother, Robert E. Perry.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila; and his

son, Boyd and wife, Steffani; grandchildren,

Parker, Kaden; and son, Todd.

He passed away after a short cancer illness,

and he chose to be cremated.

WILLIAM EDGAR MATHEWS SR

FEBRUARY 3, 1939 – FEBRUARY 18, 2021

William

Edgar

Mathews Sr., age

82, Oklahoma City,

Oklahoma, passed

away on Thursday,

February

18,

2021. William was

born February 3,

1939, in Pawnee,

Oklahoma,

to

Louise

(Kent)

Mathews

and

Philip

William

Mathews.

Growing up, William attended and

graduated from the Chilocco Indian

School in Chilocco, Oklahoma. After high

school, William continued his education

at Oklahoma City University, obtaining

a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. He

was a long-time member of the South

Walker Church of Christ in Oklahoma City,

Oklahoma, and served in the National

Guard for eight years.

William is survived by his nine siblings:

Gilbert Mathews, Philip Mathews, Phyllis

Soxie, Starry Clark, DeLoyce Archie,

Sandra Harjo, Nedra Mathews, Linda

LeRoy, and Nannie Sewell.

William was preceded in death by father

Philip William Mathews and mother Louise

(Kent) Mathews.

A graveside service for William was held

Friday, March 19, 2021, at 12:00 PM

at Iowa Indian Cemetery, Union Road,

Perkins, OK.

Fond memories and expressions of

sympathy may be shared at www.

AdvantageSouth.com for the Mathews

family.

FAMILY

Philip William Mathews, Father (deceased)

Louise (Kent) Mathews, Mother (deceased)

Gilbert Mathews, Sibling

Philip Mathews, Sibling

Phyllis Soxie, Sibling

Starry Clark, Sibling

DeLoyce Archie, Sibling

Sandra Harjo, Sibling

Nedra Mathews, Sibling

Linda LeRoy, Sibling

Nannie Sewell, Sibling

RUSSELL LLOYD TIGER

OCTOBER 12, 1954 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Russell

Lloyd

Tiger, known to

all

as

“Rusty,”

passed from this

life on Thursday,

February

25,

2021, at his home

place, in Cushing,

Oklahoma, having

reached the age

of

66.

Rusty

was born at the

Claremore Indian

Hospital, the only

son to Lloyd and

Patricia (Lone Chief) Tiger. He was raised

in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduating from Will

Rogers High School in 1972. After going

through the Upward Bound Program at the

University of Tulsa, he attended two years

of college at Colorado University in Boulder.

He was married to Cathy Wamego and

began a family, having a son and daughter.

He worked many years as an emergency

room tech at St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa.

Making a career change, he then attended

th􀀡e Spartan School of Aeronautics in

Tulsa, earning a degree in Avionics. A

few years later, he re-married, making his

home in Dallas and then Garland, Texas,

with Wonzie Klinekole. He started a career

working for Solar Turbines in Texas. After

deciding on early retirement, he made his

home in Cushing, OK.

Rusty is survived by his children, daughter

Echo Tiger Adair, son Orion (Rion) Tiger

and their mother Cathy Wamego, sisters

Patty Beaston and Renata Tiger, both of

Tulsa. Grandchildren Dominic Jaiden

Hawk Tiger-Hamilton, Dmitrius Jordan

Young Bird Tiger-Hamilton, Drake Jaxxon

Lone Chief Adair, and Riland Tiger. Uncles,

Charles “Buddy” Lone Chief, and Juan

Arbazza; aunts, Marlene (Lone Chief) Kent,

Yvonne Goodeagle, and Dorothy Tiger.

Brother-in-law, Karl Beaston. He leaves

behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,

extended family, and many other relatives.

Rusty was very proud of his tribal heritage

and did his best to follow his traditional

and ceremonial ways. He was an enrolled

member of the Pawnee Nation, Skicli Band,

Pumpkin Vine Clan. He was head of the

Eagle Clan of the Sac and Fox Nation.

He was preceded in death by his parents,

Lloyd and Patricia (Lone Chief) Tiger,

infant daughter Tiffany Nicole Tiger, infant

granddaughter Ava Morning Star Adair.

Grandparents Elba Tiger (Yuchi), Florence

(Conger) Tiger, (Sac and Fox), Charles

C. Lone Chief, Mae Hazel (Wright) Lone

Chief, and two uncles, Jack Tiger and

Herschel Tiger. Through a Sac and Fox

traditional adoption ceremony, he became

a father to two daughters, Rachel and

Raenell Riley, Shawnee, OK. His maternal

Skidi great-grandmother was Jennie Lone

Chief and Skidi great-great-grandmother

Skura Hau’ (Howell). A great grandmother

Nora (Doran) Wright. His paternal Skidi

grandfather was Charles C. Lone Chief,

Skidi great grandfather Lone Chief, Skidi

great-great-grandfather Comanche Chief,

and great-great-grandfather David J.

Wright.

Rusty loved participating and dancing at

all the powwows in and around Oklahoma.

He was a Straight dancer and also a Grass

dancer. He had the honor of serving many

times as a headman dancer and as a head

gourd dancer. In his younger years, he

also loved the rodeo arena and would ride

saddle bronc and was a member of the

Tulsa Indian Youth Council and serve as a

past president of the council. He was also

a horse wrangler for the Westside YMCA.

Being part of a dance troupe, he had the

opportunity to travel to Europe performing

native dances and expressing the native

traditional ways and customs. In one of

his travels to Germany, as being part of

a dance troupe, he received a certificate

of Appreciation from the Reunification

of Germany and the East-West Powwow

event in 1999. In November 2020, he was

a recipient of a plaque in “Recognition of

Appreciation from the 16 Corps Support,

U.S. Army, Europe, and Seventh Army”

for outstanding support during the

Native American Indian Heritage Month

Observance. Lastly, receiving a certificate of

appreciation from the area support Group

Falcon, Camp Bonds Teel, Kosovo, for

exceptional performance of tribal dances,

which was expressed from the group for

their contribution to the “Morale and

Welfare” of the Task Force Falcon soldiers

and civilians deployed.

Russell Lloyd Tiger’s family wishes to thank

everyone for their support, their heartfelt

condolences, the words of encouragement,

help, and prayers.

Service was held Tuesday 8:00 A.M., March

2, 2021, at the Tiger Family Residence,

Cushing, Oklahoma Officiating was Ira

“Poncho” Fields

Pallbearers: John Sellers, Ira “Poncho”

Fields, Monte Robedeaux, Robbie White,

Dominic Tiger, Tommy “Tuffy’’ Chaino.

Honorary Pallbearers: Dmitrius Tiger,

Riland Tiger, Drake Adair.

Final Resting Place, Tiger Family Cemetery,

Cushing, Oklahoma.

Arrangements by Poteet Funeral Home,

Pawnee, OK

OBITUARIES

ELMO THOMAS MORGAN

IRVIN SUGAR BROWN

FEBRUARY 18, 1942 - MARCH 12, 2021

Elmo

Thomas

Morgan was born

February

18,

1942, in Pawnee,

Oklahoma

to

William

Mullen

Morgan Sr. and

Mamie

Grant

Morgan. He died

Friday, March 12,

2021, at the age

of 79, with his

family by his side

in Oklahoma City,

Oklahoma. Elmo Thomas Morgan was 4/4

Pawnee. He belonged to all four bands of

Pawnee: Chaui, Kitkehahki, Pitahawirata,

and the Skidi. His Pawnee name is “Pahoo

Kau Ti Wah.” He was the Kitkehahki

Ceremony Drum Keeper.

He attended school at Pawnee Indian

Boarding School and graduated from

Pawnee High School in 1960.

On January 8, 1964, he entered the United

States Marine Corps Reserve at Camp

Pendleton. He was honorably discharged

on January 7, 1970, with an Expert Badge

as Field Artilleryman with a Good Conduct

Medal. He then attended Okmulgee

Technical Institute and received his Drafting

Degree. He also attended the University of

Oklahoma. He was employed at the State of

Oklahoma in the Highway Department as

a draftsman. Other employment included

working at Jack Cooper for 20 years and

Mckesson Trucking for 18 years. After

retirement from Mckesson Trucking, he

worked at Oklahoma Christian College

as Head of the Grounds department, FAA

Credit Union, and served on the Pawnee

Business Development Corporation.

Elmo Thomas Morgan was a co-founder

of the Oklahoma City Indian Running

Club. He also served as the Oklahoma

City Powwow Club Chairman for two

terms and Vice-Chairman for two terms

and was also a long-standing member.

He was the American Indian Exposition

Pawnee Director for six terms. He served

as a Board Member for the Oklahoma City

Choctaw Alliance. He was a member of the

Native American Marine Corps Veterans

Association, Cheyenne and Arapaho

American Legion Post 401, American Indian

Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma,

and an Oklahoma Indian Bikers Associate

Member. He also attended the yearly

Sovereignty Symposium in Oklahoma City.

His interests also included being a

University of Oklahoma Season Ticket

Holder for 40+ years and a Thunder

Season Ticket Holder for 13 years. He was a

Gourd Dancer, served as a Powwow Emcee

and traveled to powwows and went as far

as Germany with a dance troupe to tour for

a month.

Elmo Thomas Morgan enjoyed spending

time with his family, as well as his best

dog Little Girl Morning Star. He enjoyed

learning and teaching his Pawnee history,

culture, heritage, and family lineage.

The Morgan family has had the privilege

and honor of sponsoring the Kitkehahki

Ceremonial for over 70 years, and he

valued this right given to his family. He

MAY 30, 1956 - MARCH 15, 2021

had many, many wonderful friends who he

loved who were a part of his life.

Elmo Thomas Morgan is survived by his

wife Margaret Morgan, son Victor Morgan

and wife LaRenda, grandchildren Maximus

Morgan, Raven Morgan, Victor Morgan Jr.,

Justin Woodward, also sisters Anne CollinsMorgan, Sue Cotanny, and numerous

nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great

grandchildren.

He is proceeded in death by his

grandparents, Sun Chief Tom Morgan,

Susie Fox Chief Morgan, Charles Knife

Chief, and Helen Murie, parents William

Morgan Sr. and Mamie Morgan, siblings

William Morgan Jr., Theodore Morgan,

Harold Morgan, Gloria Morgan-Weinstein,

Christabelle Morgan-Echohawk, and sons

Rodney Hernasey and David Cute.

Honorary Pallbearers: Maximus Morgan,

Terry Morgan, Terrence Morgan Sr. Thomas

Burgess, James Lawrence, Christopher

Robinson, Stewart Cady, Darrell Flyingman.

ARIANE KAELI BUFFALOHEAD

FEBRUARY 6, 1984 - FEBRUARY 28, 2021

Ariane

Kaeli

Buffalohead

was

born on February 6,

1984, in Stillwater,

O k l a h o m a ,

to

Anthony

Buffalohead

and

Lena Beard. She

received her wings on February 28, 2021.

The most important thing in her life was

her son Ablaza Kent. She was an organ

donor, which helped to save the lives

of four people. She gave the gift of life.

She is survived by her son Ablaza Kent,

husband Mitch Kent, grandfather Herb

Rice, sister Louise Stevens and brother

Anthony Buffalohead Jr. uncle Beau Beard,

aunts Robin Pickering, Sharon Kay Beard,

Anita Buffalohead, and Eula Buffalohead.

Many cousins, nephews, nieces, and many

other family members and friends. She is

preceded in death by her parents, maternal

grandparents, uncles, and aunts. She will

be missed by all.

Irvin Sugar-Brown

Whitehorn,

64,

Hominy,

OK

resident,

passed

away

Monday,

March 15, 2021,

in

Tulsa,

OK.

Irvin was born to

Isabel and Thomas

Whitehorn Sr. in

Tulsa, OK. Irvin

graduated

from

the Chilocco Indian

School, where he

played football, linebacker position, and

he formed a rock-n-roll band called “Blood

Whitehorn” as lead singer. He graduated

from a trade school in Michigan, where

he learned pipe fitting. He moved back to

Tulsa and began working in the pipe fitting

industry. Irvin was baptized at Bowen

Baptist Church. Irvin was a big OU football

fan. His brother and he would attend OU

games out of state. He would attend Pow

Wows across the nation with his brother

and friends. Irvin is preceded in death by

his parents; brothers, George Joseph “Joey”

Whitehorn, John E. “Porky” Whitehorn,

and Thomas E. “Sonny” Whitehorn and his

sister, Gwendolyn “Gwenny” Williams. He is

survived by his brothers, Sango Whitehorn

of Tulsa, OK and Aukaboo New Rider of

Pawnee, OK; a sister, Winona Whitehorn

of Skiatook, OK; nieces, Laurun Whitehorn

and Danielle Whitehorn; nephews, Sango

Whitehorn II, Douglas Whitehorn, Keem

Whitehorn, and Karri Whitehorn and many

cousins and friends.

Graveside Service: 2:00 p.m., Friday, March

19, 2021

Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cemetery, Red Rock,

Oklahoma

GERRI MARIE ECHO HAWK

MAY 20, 1960 - MARCH 16, 2021

Gerri

Marie

EchoHawk made

her final journey

on March 16th,

2021, to take her

place among the

stars and be with

loved ones who

have traveled on

before her. She

was an enrolled

tribal member of the Kit-Ka-Haki Band of

the Great Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma.

She was born on May 20th, 1960, in

Pawnee, Oklahoma, at the Pawnee Indian

Hospital to Myron Duane and Marie Joyce

(Tonemah) EchoHawk. She was blessed

upon arrival with having an older brother

David Duane EchoHawk to guide, protect,

and walk this earthly journey with her and

their youngest brother George Thomas

EchoHawk II.

Growing up, they moved to different

locations where their parents’ careers

drove them. These destinations provided

numerous opportunities and experiences

on which she often reflected. As she

ventured out into the world, she made

the decision to get a college education to

better her life. She succeeded in graduating

from Northern Oklahoma College as a

registered nurse. Her caring attitude and

genuine desire to help nurture and heal

contributed to her reputation for being an

excellent asset in the health community.

She was always concerned about the

welfare of others and how she could help

enrich others. This eventually helped sway

her decision to run for the Pawnee Nation

Business Council. She was elected to serve

as council seat #3. She made it a point

to serve with great earnestness for her

Pawnee people. She was a part of several

major projects that came into existence.

One concern for her was the outdated

Pawnee Indian Hospital and the need for a

new facility to accommodate patients. She

was extremely excited when the Pawnee

Indian Health Center was completed. She

eventually decided not to seek another

term for business council and accepted an

RN position with the Pawnee Indian Health

Center.

Her commitment, empathy, and concern

for others gave her the natural ability to

touch many people’s lives in a profound

way. Gerri Marie loved life, and her love

for others was truly a gift. When she was

not a career woman, she enjoyed several

hobbies. She loved to bead and enjoyed

every aspect of the creative process and

her finished projects. Sewing also piqued

her interest, and she excelled in that as

well. She enjoyed making elaborate quilts

into which she stitched love and positive

thoughts and prayers. Gerri Marie was

a dedicated mother first and foremost.

She treasured her children, nieces,

nephews and embraced every moment of

motherhood. An even greater role she took

very seriously was being a grandma. She

loved having a big family and cherished

them dearly.

Gerri Marie is survived by her children:

Davi Anne Ferris (Arthur Daugomah);

Marie MorningStar Eppler; Thomasine

Alexis Eppler; Lori Michelle Horn; Kyle

Jack Horn (Ashley Childs).

Grandchildren: Halle Rose Goggles; Jordan

Lane Goggles (Trinity Wagon); Aleigha

C’Bearing; Caleb Nuttle-Andrews; Orion

Rae Primeaux; Masen Davis Anthony

EchoHawk; Kenna Faith Trivia Factor;

Athena Marie Primeaux; Atticus Grey

Primeaux; Morningstar EchoHawk; Lucas

Daugomah; Danae Marie Eppler; Sharon

Jo Mae Horn and Great-grandson, Zaidyn

Lane Aragon.

Brothers: David Duane (Angela) EchoHawk

and George Thomas (Christine) EchoHawk

II.

And numerous cousins and relatives.

Gerri Marie was preceded in death by her

parents, Myron Duane and Marie Joyce

EchoHawk, and her beloved son, Shane

Bluehawk Horn.

Atira, Iracti, Ah-kut, we have been blessed

to have traveled with you on your journey

through life.

PAWNEE NATION DIABETES PROGRAM

Nawa Akitaru!

The Pawnee Nation Diabetes Program’s overall purpose focuses on

three primary areas:

1. Prevention: Best practice is Physical Activity programming for

Diabetes Prevention and Care, including the DHCS Wellness

Program.

2. Resources: Provide outside resources and supplemental support to •

meet the needs of Diabetic Clients.

3. Outreach: Provide nutrition and health education; collaboration

with outside entities to raise awareness of diabetes.

cardio class called FIGHT or RIPPED, and occasionally we will

have Zumba. On Tuesdays, there is a Yoga class. All classes are

held at the Pawnee Nation

Wellness Center Gym (blue

gym) from 6 pm -7 pm. More

information can be found on

our Facebook page.

Collaborations with Pawnee

Public Schools classrooms

to talk about Diabetes

Prevention and help lead

physical activities.

All prevention and outreach

activities are open to the

Nine-week community transformation challenge called Pawnee Community, Indigenous

“Shapeshiftin’ In A Good Way,” led by a certified trainer, Marlin & non-Indigenous individuals

Miller, of Massters of Gravity. Thirty individuals signed up to of all ages. It is our goal to help

participate in this challenge. Included were screenings of blood preserve our wellness through

motivation,

support,

and

encouragement of physical activity.

Our current prevention and outreach activities include:

•

Our current supplemental resources for diabetic clients in our program

include:

•

•

•

sugar, blood pressure, weight, waist & hip measurements, before

and after photos, goal setting, 30- minute strength & resistance •

daily workouts, one-on-one training sessions, and gym membership

fees paid.

•

Tiwari Club, also known as the walking/running/moving club.

Sign-ups are throughout the year and include pre, mid, and post

screenings of blood pressure and blood sugar, quarterly 50k or

100k challenges to receive club gear,

and the shoe assistance program. Each

participant is responsible for tracking

their own physical activity and turning

it into the Diabetes Program staff.

• The Wellness Program hosts

free weekly workout classes for the

community. On Mondays, there is a

RÂHIKÛCU’ GYM

Nawa Akitaru!

Râhikûcu’ Gym located at 491 Agency Road in Pawnee, Oklahoma,

had our grand opening on January 11th, 2021, with a successful

turn-out rate of up to 175 membership sign-ups and counting,

ranging from young members to the elderly.

The meaning of Râhikûcu’ is Warrior and/or Brave in honor of our

courageous soldiers who lost their lives in battle.

Râhikûcu’ Gym offers a variety of equipment such as free weights,

weight machines, different cardio machines as well as male and

female restrooms, which include large lockers for your personal use

and showers anytime of the day, 24/7. We also have a water bottle

refill

fountain.

Nawa Akitaru!

Râhikûcu’

Gym located

491 Agency

in Pawnee, the

Oklahoma

had our

With

Covid-19

still at

among

us Road

throughout

nation,

wegrand

areopening

using

January 11th, 2021 with a successful turn out rate of up to 175 membership sign-ups and

caution

and

only

allowing

ten

people

in

at

a

time,

as

well

as

counting, ranging from young members to the elderly.

requiring masks while entering the facility. Masks must be worn

The meaning

Râhikûcu’

is Warrior

Brave

in honor

our taken

courageous

while

going of

from

station

to and/or

station

but

mayofbe

offsoldiers

oncewho

at

lost their lives in battle.

the station. Disinfectant spray and towels are provided to wipe

Râhikûcu’

a variety

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such as

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down

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useoffers

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disinfects

day,ofmaking

it our

priority

everyone

stays

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use and showersthe

anytime

the day, 24/7.

We also

have have

a water bottle

refill

fountain.

safe

and healthy. Our goal at Râhikûcu Gym is to provide a place for

theWith

community

become

the healthiest

version

ourselves

we

Covid-19 stillto

among

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and

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requiringour

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to station

but may

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at the station.

Disinfectant

fight

off going

any illnesses

people

have

already

from.

spray and towels are provided to wipe down after use of our equipment. Staff in the facility also

clean and disinfects throughout the day making it our priority everyone stays safe and healthy.

Our goal at Râhikûcu Gym is to provide a place for the community to become the healthiest

version of ourselves so we can live a long life and allow our bodies to have a better chance to

HERE

IS Aour

LIST

OF have

OURalready

MEMBERSHIP

FEES:

fight offBELOW

any illnesses

people

suffered from.

Here below is a list of our membership fees:

Annual

Bi-Annual

Monthly

Pawnee Tribal

Members,

Employees, & IHS

employees

$200

$100

$20

Federally Recognized

Tribal Members

$250

$125

$25

Non-Tribal Members

$300

$150

$30

All Youth 13-17

Veterans & Active Duty

$20

$150

$75

$15

All Elders

$5

Tribal Family/Non-Tribal

Family

Corporation

$75 & $100

$2500

For further inquiries please contact Stephanie Sewell, Fitness Center Coordinator, at

ss0499@pawneenation.org.

$250

•

Prescription eyewear assistance up to $150/yearly.

A shoe assistance program to encourage clients to complete yearly

lab work, eye, dental & foot exams, a nutrition visit, and two

glucometer downloads.

A case of nutritional supplement shakes, per a doctor’s order,

monthly.

Blood glucose testing supplies such as test strips, lancets, alcohol

wipes, cotton balls, and band-aids issued once a month. A

glucometer to test blood sugar is issued once a year.

Diabetic socks, one pair, per month.

Eligibility requirements for supplemental support can be found on the

Pawnee Nation website under the Diabetes Program.

The Diabetes Program staff includes Mee-Kai Clark – Program

Coordinator, and Chebon Gooden – Program Assistant. The Diabetes

Program is in the Health & Community Services Building at 400

Agency Road. Contact number is (918) 762-3873 x4.

OVERDOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY

It has been a year now since the Covid-19

Pandemic came into being. We have endured

over 500,000 deaths nationally. There have

been many lives lost to the Covid-19 virus in

our community. Many more are suffering from

grief due to this. Some are seeking help, while

some are self-medicating to try and cope with

this affliction. This article will place focus on

self-medicating concern with emphasis on

overdosing.

The numbers for this article come from our

ambulance service and those who are first

responders for these occurrences. During

this time frame, there were reports of (15)

overdose cases in Pawnee, (9) were female

and (6) were male. It has been reported that

(6) were treated with naloxone as a life-saving

measure. This is becoming a major concern

for our community. On a national level,

according to the Center of Disease Control

(CDC), there was a decrease in overdose

deaths of 4.1% from 2017 to 2018. In the

most recent provisional data available ending

in May 2020, there has been an increase of

18.2% nationally. The increase is the largest suicide attempts and the need for additional

documented since provisional 12-month psychiatric care after the inclusion of fentanyl

numbers began to be calculated in 2015.

into other substances.

CDC reports that this increase has been Since the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic,

primarily driven by synthetic opioids. Data we have been surrounded by negativity.

indicates that overdose deaths due to synthetic Yes, negativity exists, while we need to find

opioids have increased by 38.4%. State and any comfort and help we can, we also have

local health departments report that most

signs that a great deal of good is coming

of the increase in synthetic opioid overdoses

out of all of this. We are finding new ways

is primarily linked to illicitly manufactured

to develop coping mechanisms. This includes

fentanyl. Historically fentanyl was contained

in (28) states east of the Mississippi due to using various forms of media such as Zoom

high concentrations of white powder heroin and FaceTime to seek and obtain needed

in the heroin market. Since the pandemic, positive contacts. Replacing the basic human

fentanyl has become much more prevalent in urge to find a shortcut to deal with trauma

and pain is essential for our ability to come

(10) Western states.

This increase in detrimental occurrences is out ahead of all of this in the future. We can

having a severe impact among our own around make our future bright if we choose to do so.

Pawnee. On a personal level, I have a drastic We need to make sure that each of us does

increase in people coming through that have the best we can to take care of ourselves first,

had usage of fentanyl either knowingly or and then we can focus on those around us.

fentanyl being added to the drug being used. Contact the The Substance Abuse Program

These individuals are reporting incidents of (SAP) can be contacted at 918-762-2143.

PAWNEE NATION INDIAN CHILD

WELFARE PROGRAM

The month of April is National Child Abuse

Prevention Month. The most important thing

that can be done to help children thrive is to

support families before they reach a crisis.

The Pawnee Nation Indian Child Welfare

Program (ICW) provides prevention services,

intervention, referrals for services, and

advocacy/monitoring court cases in state and

Nawa,

tribal cases. The Pawnee Nation ICW Program

also recruits and certifies Indian homes to

serve as foster care placements for Tribal

children removed from their homes for abuse

or neglect.

Resource Complex at 1202 Heritage Circle.

At this time, due to COVID-19 precautions

and procedure, our building is currently

locked, temperatures are taken, and masks

are required. Our office can be contacted to

The Pawnee Nation ICW Program may be schedule an appointment.

contacted at (918) 762-3654. The Pawnee Amanda Farren, ICW Coordinator

Nation ICW Program is in the Pawnee Nation Brandi Johnson, ICW Assistant

PAWNEE NATION YOUTH SERVICES

Youth Services is under the Education Division.

We currently have four active programs, JOM,

Homework Assistance, Native Pathways to

College, and Summer Youth Work Experience.

Youth Services, unfortunately, does not have

the Visa Card Clothing Supplement program

this academic year.

Covid precautions and procedures are in place

during this time for Youth Services in person.

Schedule an appointment via phone or email

with Youth Services Coordinator Jessica

Leading Fox at jl0432@pawneenation.org or

918-762-3621 ext. 226. Our offices follow CDC

Guidelines, no more than 10 in a room, 6 feet

away, wear masks at all times, temperature

checks. NO WALK-INS, appointment only.

JOHNSON O’MALLEY PROGRAM

The Pawnee Nation Johnson O’Malley

program provides Native American students

educational opportunities and cultural

awareness. We target all Native students

enrolled with a Federally Recognized Tribe or

with a cumulative blood quantum of ¼ degree

of Indian blood.

JOM provides direct services with educational

support, cultural activities, and athletic Virtual College & Career Fair on Thursday,

support within Pawnee, Cleveland, Jennings, April 29, 2021. This event is a college readiness

event for jurisdictional high school students

Glencoe, and Yale Public Schools.

The Youth Services Coordinator and the JOM grades 9-12th grade and their parents. The

goal for this event is to increase the number

Parent Committee work together to plan,

of American Indian/Alaska Native students

develop, and implement the Education Plan,

enrollment in college.

fundraisers, and school year events. Annual

Elections will be in May (date TBD). Positions Students who participate in this event will be

up for election: Vice-Chair, Secretary, and eligible for exclusive American Indian College

Fund scholarships and have an exclusive

Pawnee Parent

opportunity to fly in for a summer camp

Representative.

**NOTE Covid 19 may impact this summer

Currently, JOM Parent Committee Meetings 2021

are held via TEAMS application online.

Please be on the lookout on our Facebook Page,

HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

“Pawnee Nation Education Department,” for

The Homework Assistance Program began further information.

on February 1, 2021, based on a teacher SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE

referral and parental discretion. Eligibility

We are planning on having SYWEX this

requirements are that a student must

summer, starting June through July. Please

demonstrate a C in at least one or more classes,

be on the lookout for advertisements on our

complete 477 application and Homework

social media pages.

Assistance program application.

For any questions/concerns, please reach out

NATIVE PATHWAYS TO COLLEGE

to Youth Services Coordinator Jessica Leading

American Indian College Fund and Youth Fox via email jl0432@pawneenation.org and/

Services will be teaming up and hosting a or phone at 918-762-3621 ext. 226.

PAWNEE NATION LEARNING CENTER

The Pawnee Nation Learning Center is staffed 52 children enrolled and only 38 attending

with a center manager, assistant manager, during the COVID Pandemic. We only provide

child care to essential personnel

to families who were already

enrolled before the pandemic.

that think of us! Six out of eleven staff members

received their COVID-19 vaccines in January

2021. This was voluntary, not mandatory.

The Pawnee Nation Learning Center’s last

exposure was in November of 2020.

two master teachers, four teachers, a cook,

and a floater position. The Pawnee Nation

Learning Center is hiring for a teacher for the

two-year olds. Please visit the Pawnee Nation

website for job opportunities available. The

Pawnee Nation Learning center currently has

For any questions please contact the Pawnee

Nation Learning Center at 918-762-3007.

The Pawnee Nation Learning

Center staff have been on our

toes, making sure we are taking all

necessary precautions to keep our

children safe and healthy during

this pandemic. Our COVID-19

procedures were placed last April

2020, and we continue to follow

them. Our staff is required to

wear their masks at all times

while working with our children.

Parents are not allowed into the

buildings during this time to help

stop the spread of infectious diseases. Staff

and children’s temperatures are taken before

they can enter the building. We have received

several donations for staff and children’s

masks, and we are always grateful for those

The Pawnee Nation Learning Center has

some great news to share! In February of

2021, we received $430,084.00 from the

Corona Response and Relief Supplemental

Appropriation Act (CRRSA). These funds will

be used to renovate the old fitness center into

our new afterschool classroom! We are excited

to have all our classrooms in one building. The

Pawnee Nation Learning Center, alongside

our Education Director Suzy Knifechief

will get the opportunity to work with our

transportation and Safety Department and

the Planning Division during this renovation.

The Pawnee Nation Learning Center plans to

have our renovations completed by May 31,

2021.

STRENGTH IN UNITY

The spirit of cooperation for the betterment of

the community was on display early in March

as the City of Pawnee, Pawnee Nation and

the United Community Action Program came

together to provide the financial support

necessary for the Unity Healthcare Association

to operate an additional COVID vaccination

site in Pawnee.

Unity has already secured approval from

the Oklahoma State Department of Health

(OSDH) to administer the vaccine and,

according to Unity spokesperson Kelly Davis,

could receive vaccine from OSDH in time to

offer injections on March 27.

Unity has reserved dates at the Women’s

Building on the Pawnee County Fairgrounds

as the vaccination site but also has access

to Pawnee Nation’s COVID center on Morris

Road.

“The biggest hurdle for Unity was putting

together the money needed to obtain the

supplies and equipment required by the Health

Department to approve our application, like

a freezer and recording thermometer, PPE

for providers, syringes, sharps containers,

disinfectant, Band-Aids, alcohol wipes,

and office supplies,” stated Unity founding

member Dr. Gene Evans. The staff from Dr.

Evans’ clinic will provide the vaccinations.

“We’ve chosen to do this on Saturdays to

make getting the vaccination a little easier for “The willingness of the City, the Nation,

working people” Davis added, “and we are and UCAP to pitch in on this is evidence of

hoping to provide this service twice a month.” their commitment to making things better

in Pawnee when the need arises. We want to

thank Mayor Tom Briggs, President Walter

Echo-Hawk, and Executive Director Johnny

Bryant for their eagerness to help us solve this

problem,” Dr. Evans added.

Unity anticipates that the Moderna vaccine

will be made available for its clinic, but OSDH

will make the final decision on which vaccine

is delivered closer to the proposed date.

Individuals interested in receiving the vaccine

must sign up on OSDH’s vaccination portal.

Questions regarding this sign-up procedure

can be directed to Unity at 539-222-0379 or

to OSDH at 800-522-0203.

Pawnee Tribal Members

CONTACT MY OFFICE CONCERNING THE LOCATIONS

OF YOUR FAMILY’S ORIGINAL ALLOTMENT HOUSES,

BARNS, STRUCTURES. ALSO INFORMATION

REGARDING FAMILY BURIAL PLOTS NOT CONTAINED

WITHIN THE NORTH CEMETERY, THE SOUTH

CEMETERY, OR THE CAWÎ’ CEMETERY, SUCH AS

FAMILY GRAVEYARDS ON ORIGINAL ALLOTMENTS.

THIS INFORMATION WILL NOT BE ACCESSIBLE BY

THE PUBLIC.

THE INFORMATION WILL BE USED TO OVERLAY

ACROSS OUR ORIGINAL RESERVATION TO ASSIST IN

THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW OF BIA AND

OTHER GOVERNMENT-RELATED PROJECTS.

CURRENTLY, PROJECTS OCCURRING ACROSS OUR

ORIGINAL RESERVATION COULD NEGATIVELY

IMPACT OUR TRIBAL HISTORY THROUGH THE

INADVERTENT DESTRUCTION OF PAWNEE FAMILY

STRUCTURES AND UNMARKED GRAVESITES.

MATT REED

HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE, PAWNEE NATION

657 HARRISON STREET, PAWNEE, OKLAHOMA 74058

(918) 762-2180 EXT 220

JREED@PAWNEENATION.ORG

PAWNEE INDIAN HEALTH CENTER

PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 BY MAKING AN

APPOINTMENT

THE VACCINE!

The month

of April FOR

is National

Child Abuse Prevention Month. The most important thing that

Beneficiary

can be done

to help childrenand

thrive is to support families before they reach a crisis. The Pawnee

Non-beneficiaries

Nation Indian

Child Welfare Program provides prevention services, intervention, referrals for

services

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advocacy/monitoring

court cases in state and tribal cases. The Pawnee Nation ICW

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ARE ELIGIBLE

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APPOINTMENTS

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Program also

and certifies

Indian homes to serve as foster care placements for Tribal

children removed from their homes for abuse or neglect. The Pawnee Nation ICW Program may

918-762-6639

be contacted

at (918) 762-3654. The Pawnee Nation ICW Program is in the Pawnee Nation

OR

Resource Complex at 1202 Heritage Circle. At this time, due to COVID-19 precautions and

918-762-6724

procedure, our building is currently locked, temperatures are taken, and masks are required. Our

office can be contacted to schedule an appointment.

Amanda Farren, ICW Coordinator

☺ STAY SAFE &VACCINATE ☺

24 HOUR HOTLINE

1-855-810-4144

Brandi Johnson, ICW Assistant

REGULAR ELECTION

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2021

April 9, 2021 DEADLINE FOR “REQUEST FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS”

LOCATION: Multi-Purpose Building, 808 Morris Road, Pawnee, Oklahoma 74058

POLL WATCHERS: Be present by 7:45 pm for counting of the ballots

ATION

POLLS CLOSE 7:00 P.M.

OF THE P

AW

EN

POLLS OPEN 8:00 A.M.

S

L

EA

NE

May 1, 2021 ELECTION DAY

G

THE R E AT

April 15, 2021 CANDIDATE FORUM at Multi-Purpose Building at 6 P.M.

May 4, 2021 POST ELECTION RESULTS: Unofficial until after Protest Period 4:00 P.M., Tribal Reserve

May 5-7, 2021 PROTEST PERIOD: ANY VOTER MAY PROTEST IN WRITING

(A REQUEST FOR RECOUNT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED WITH $500.00 RECOUNT FEE)

May 7, 2021 PROTEST DEADLINE: 5:00 P.M.

May 13, 2021 ELECTION COMMISSION WILL RESPOND TO PROTESTS NO LATER THAN May 13, 2021

May 14, 2021 ISSUE CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION

May 18, 2021 INAUGURATION

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