# WWW.PAWNEENATION.ORG (2021) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apawnee_oklahoma%3A8df9a407ef892445 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text APRIL 2021 WWW.PAWNEENATION.ORG MESSAGE FROM VICE-PRESIDENT EN G THE R E AT NE 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: ____________________________ I hereby certify that the patient was unable to acknowledge receipt of the IHS Notice of Privacy Practices because of reason stated below: ___________________________________________ Notice of Privacy Practices for HIPAA 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. Last Date Parent/Legal Guardian or Proxy signature here on behalf of the patient The information authorized for release may include information, which could be considered a communicable, or venereal disease that may include, but is not limited to diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea and the human immune deficiency virus, also known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Policy Holder’s NAME: ______________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Patient Signature here (PH) 918.762.2517 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. Patient or Proxy Signature: _________________________________________________ (IF OTHER THAN PATIENT SIGNATURE, PLEASE SPECIFY RELATIONSHIP TO PATIENT) (If you have any health insurance, please give front/back copy to patient registration) Private Insurance: YES____NO____ Medicare A and/or B:YES____NO____ Affordable Care Act: YES____NO____ Medicare Replacement/Advantage:YES____NO____ Oklahoma SoonerCare: YES____NO____ Part D (Rx Plan): YES____NO____ Vietnam Service indicated? Yes____ No____ Service Connected? Yes____ No____ Claim Number: _________________ □ Part Time □ Self Employed □ Employer’s Address: ____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code: ____________________________________________________ Employer’s Phone Number: ________________________ List family members with ACTIVE CHARTS@PAWNEE IHS, covered under this insurance policy 1. _________________________________ 2. _________________________________ 3. _________________________________ 4. _________________________________ 5. _________________________________ 6. __________________________________ 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 of equipmentStaff such as weight machines, down afterGym useoffers of our equipment. infree theweights, facility also clean and different cardio machines as well as male and female restrooms which include large lockers for disinfects day,ofmaking it our priority everyone stays your personalthroughout 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 us throughout the nation, we are usingof caution and only so allowing can live ina atlong and bodies to have a better 10 people a timelife as well as allow requiringour masks while entering the facility. Maskschance must be to worn while from station our to station but may be taken off oncesuffered 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 [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apawnee_oklahoma%3A8df9a407ef892445. Public record. Not legal advice.