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www.pawneenation.org
YOUR
E
VOT
NTS
JUNE 2020
2020
COU
May 29 - Deadline for Absentee Ballots
June 4 - Candidate Forum 2 pm
June 20 - Election Day !GO VOTE!June
21 - Election Results
June 22-24 Protest Deadline
July 2 - Issue Certification of Election
July 6 - Inauguration
POSITIONS FOR
PAWNEE BUSINESS COUNCIL
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Council Seat #1
2020 Special Election of the Pawnee Business Council
Official Candidate List
On May 14, 2020 the Pawnee Nation Election Commission met to review all candidate
applications and background checks. There were zero (0) challenges filed. The following
candidates have been deemed eligible and will be placed on the official 2020 Special Election of
the Pawnee Business Council ballot for voting on June 20, 2020 at the Pawnee Nation MultiPurpose Building.
2020 Special Election of the Pawnee Business Council
Official Candidate List
On May 14, 2020 the Pawnee Nation Election Commission met to review all candidate
applications and background checks. There were zero (0) challenges filed. The following
candidates have been deemed eligible and will be placed on the official 2020 Special Election of
the Pawnee Business Council ballot for voting on June 20, 2020 at the Pawnee Nation MultiPurpose Building.
President
Walter R. Echo-Hawk
Vice-President
W. Bruce Pratt
James E. Whiteshirt
Jordan Kanuho
Treasurer
Tonette Ponkilla
Ralph Nordwall
Carol Chapman
Member Seat #1
Pamela J. Cook
Cynthia Butler
Election Day is on June 20, 2020
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Member Seat #1
Walter R. Echo-Hawk
Tonette Ponkilla
Ralph Nordwall
Carol Chapman
W. Bruce Pratt
James E. Whiteshirt
Pamela J. Cook
Cynthia Butler
Election Day is on June 20, 2020
Pawnee Nation Multi-Purpose Building
808 Morris Rd-Pawnee, Oklahoma 74058
For any questions please contact the Pawnee Nation Election Commission at
918/691-9675 or electioncomm@pawneenation.org
Or you may visit www.pawneenation.org
Nawa Aki’ra’ru,
On March 14, 2020, and April 11, 2020, Re-call elections were held, resulting in the removal of
Councilman Daryl Wildcat, Vice-President; Councilwoman M. Angela Thompson, Treasurer;
Councilman James Whiteshirt, President; , and Councilwoman Sammye Kemble, Council seat 1,
respectively.
On June 20, 2020, the Pawnee Nation will hold a Special Election in accordance to Pawnee Nation
Constitution to fill the following positions, respectively: President, Vice-President, Council seat 1,
and Treasurer.
The current list of candidates include:
President—Walter R. Echo-Hawk
Vice President—W. Bruce Pratt, James E. Whiteshirt, Jordan D. Kahuno
Council seat 1—Cynthia Butler, Pamela J. Cook
Treasurer—Tonette Ponkilla, Ralph Nordwall, Carol Chapman
All requests for absentee ballots must be received from Pawnee Nation citizens to the Pawnee Nation
election commission no later than 12:00 P.M., May 29, 2020.
These requests can be made and submitted by FAX; (918) 762-6446, standard mail, and email.
Voting polls will be open from 8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. CST on June 20, 2020.
Any questions or concerns may be addressed to the election commission via email at
electioncomm@pawneenation.org, or via phone at (918) 285-6769.
Thank you,
Pawnee Nation Election Commission
Stay updated with #PawneeNation
on Facebook, Vimeo, Youtube, Instagram, and Twitter.
www.pawneenation.org
Message from Pawnee Nation Interim President
Nawa Akitaaru,
The Coronavirus
pandemic has
been a very
stressful time
for
everyone.
Hopefully, the
CHARLES LONE CHIEF
INTERIM PRESIDENT
situation
will
return to an acceptable level soon. We can be
thankful that no deaths in our tribe have been
attributed to the COVID-19 virus. We must
continue to reach out in prayer to the Heavenly
Father for provision and protection.
There have been other deaths due to causes
other than those caused by the Coronavirus.
The Pawnee Business Council members
express their deepest sympathy to the families
and friends who have lost their loved ones.
Much forethought and discussion went into the
planning on how to deal with the pandemic.
The Tribal Emergency Response Committee
(TERC) held several meetings by video/audio
teleconferencing to develop a comprehensive,
strategic plan to deal with the crisis.
Buildings are to be sanitized before re-opening.
The necessary Personal Protection Equipment
(PPE) was ordered to get ready for re-opening.
The PPE list included infra-red thermometers,
masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and any required
materials. Social distancing would be in effect.
The re-opening of the Pawnee Nation buildings
and the return of employees was set for May
26th.
The employees will be tested for the virus
before returning to their workstations. All
individuals, clients, and employees will be
required to have their temperature taken before
being allowed entry. The plan was to entail
the wearying of masks while at work and to
utilize hand sanitizer, sanitary wipes, or wash
hands with soap and water as needed. Center
for Disease Control (CDC) directives will be
closely monitored and followed by the TERC
Committee.. The isolation recommendation
was made for those individuals with
compromised immune systems or other health
issues, and those of age 65 or older to remain
isolated at home. The decision was made to
disallow in-state and out of state travel for any
governmental functions, including Council
members and other officials until further notice.
for their achievements.
It is very sad and disheartening to learn the
Pawnee Indian Veteran staff has cancelled
both the Memorial Day dance and the Annual
Homecoming Pow Wow. In addition, the
Pawnee leaders conferred with the Wichita
leaders, and the decision was made to cancel
the Pawnee-Wichita visitation. These cultural
All of these plans are for tribal members’ safety events will be missed very much.
and the safety of our employees.
By now, you have probably learned the tribe
The StoneWolf Casino re-opened on May was awarded $8,261,242.92 by the COVID
15th. Before re-opening, the Casino was Relief Fund. A plan will have to be developed
professionally sanitized by Jani King on how to administer the funds. Aid to Tribal
Company. StoneWolf Casino security officers Government (ATTG) received funding
now screen patrons at the main entrance of amounting to $1,250,000 from the CARES
the Casino. A form is filled out containing the Act.
following information: personal identification
card, a checklist of questions pertaining to the I want to express my sincere thanks to the
Coronavirus, and their temperature taken by an PBC members, our division directors, and
infra-red thermometer. Following those steps, our employees of the Pawnee Nation. All of
a band was placed on their wrist, showing you have contributed to keeping the Nation
they had gone through the requirements for functioning and operating successfully.
admission. No smoking inside the Casino is Don’t forget election day, June 20th. Be sure
permitted. Social distancing was in effect. to exercise your right to vote. Continue to pray
Casino employees were also required to wear for protection and provision for all our tribal
masks and utilize hand sanitation.
members and non-tribal employees. Also, pray
On May 14th, the Johnson O’Malley Parent that a cure for COVID-19 is found.
Committee sponsored a 2020 Gift Presentation May Atias Tirawahut bless everyone.
recognizing and honoring several Native
American seniors who were scheduled
to graduate this year. Vice-Chairwoman Respectfully,
Cynthia Butler presented each one with a
laptop. Herb Adson, Director of the Cultural Charles Lone Chief
Division, presented each one with an eagle
feather to be worn on their graduation cap. Interim President
Muriel Robedeaux, Pawnee Nation Executive
Director, was the guest speaker and gave an
inspiring address. Banners with photos of each
graduate in their cap and gown, along with
their names, were displayed on the light poles
along Catlett Road and first street. These will
remain on view until the end of May, then will
be mailed to the graduates. Closing remarks
were made by Jamie Nelson, Acting Education
Director. The graduates are to be congratulated
Message from Pawnee Nation Executive Director
Greetings
The
Pawnee
Nation has been
extremely busy
with
several
MURIEL ROBEDEAUX
things happening
PAWNEE NATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
since the last
newsletter in December of 2019. The year began
with the submission of a Recall Petition, which
resulted in a Recall Election in March. Then
a second Recall Petition was submitted which
resulted in another Recall Election in April.
The results of these recall elections resulted
in the Recall of the President, Vice-President,
Treasurer and Seat #1 Councilmember. A
special election has been called for June 20,
2020, to fill the seats that were recalled this
spring.
On March 24, the Pawnee Business Council gloves, and sanitizing agents for use by their
approved an Emergency Declaration
staff but also for all visitors in their offices.
The Pawnee Nation has a Tribal Emergency
“The Pawnee Business Council does hereby Response Committee that is currently meeting
find and declare that conditions affecting public weekly to review the status of the COVID-19
health, welfare, education, and employment Pandemic for possible changes to how we
have arisen with and throughout the jurisdiction provide assistance to our tribal membership
of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma caused by based upon existing and future conditions that
the COVID-19 Pandemic”. At this time, the may affect our assistance programs.
elders who participated in the Elderly Meals
Program, began receiving their meals at home, By the time you receive this newsletter, the
delivered by the Title VI staff, along with other Pawnee Nation will be going into Phase 2 of
staff from various tribal programs and offices. our plans to re-open the offices, and hopefully,
This practice is ongoing and will continue until some of our guidelines will be less restrictive.
the pandemic condition improves enough to Please take care of yourself and your family
allow our elders to gather safely at the Elderly during this Pandemic.
Meals Program.
If you ever have a question or concern, then
The programs that provide direct assistance please feel free to contact me at my email
to our tribal membership began and are still address: mrobedeaux@pawneenation.org.
utilizing an appointment system in order to
continue to provide assistance to their clients. Respectfully,
The Pawnee Nation has developed a New Muriel Robedeaux
Normal for our day to day operations.
Pawnee Nation Executive Director
In the midst of these recall elections, the
COVID-19 Pandemic made an enormous
impact on the Pawnee Nation and how it does
business and still provide assistance to the tribal
membership. Business Travel was initially
limited to in-state only, and then within a week,
all travel, whether in-state or out of state, was This continues to evolve as the Nation looks
no longer allowed. The Pawnee Nation’s to start Phase 1 or re-opening the offices.
Emergency Operations Center was activated. Programs and offices are securing masks,
The Pawnee Nation Election Commission will be conducting a Special Election to fill
the vacant positions of Pawnee Business Council.
The Pawnee Nation Election Comm
the vacant positions of Pawnee Bus
President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Council Seat #1.
President, Vice-Preside
Polls open at 8 am and close at 7 pm, at the Pawnee Nation Multi-Purpose Building,
808 Morris Road, Pawnee, OK 74058.
Polls open at 8 am and close at 7 pm
808 Morris Road, Pawnee, OK 7405
Absentee ballot requests are now being accepted. Please provide a copy of two
forms of identification with your request form or with your written request. All
requests must be submitted by May 29, 2020. We encourage all who are not able to
join us on election day to request an absentee ballot.
Absentee ballot requests are now b
forms of identification with your re
requests must be submitted by Ma
join us on election day to request a
Congratulations class of 2020!
We, in the 477/Education Division, would like to give a big shout out to our graduating seniors in our
Johnson O’Malley Program, this program services students in Pawnee, Cleveland, Jennings, Yale, and
Glencoe.
From Pawnee High School:
Alan Tiger
August Pickering
Brett Eppler
Cierra Carney
Corbin Soxie
Jaden LeadingFox
Kobe Allenbaugh
Rebecca Wagner
Ryan Ensign
Stanton Vaughan
Xavier Horsechief
John Allen
From Cleveland High School:
Jacob Smith
Jenessa Reed
For more information on the Johnson O’Malley Program please contact Jamie Nelson, Youth Services
Coordinator, at jnelson@pawneenation.org or 918-761-3621 ext. 225.
It is with great honor and privilege that the Pawnee Nation Education Division acknowledges the following
Adult Education/Classroom Training and Higher Education students.
Victoria Leadingfox- Certification in Medical Coding and Billing
Ruth Foy- Certification in Medical Coding and Billing
Ian Echohawk- Certification of Class A Commercial Driver’s License
Sheena Whiteplume- Certification of Class A Commercial Driver’s License
Cameron Echohawk- Brigham Young University, Bachelor of Science in Strategic Management
Whitney Wheeler- Texas Tech University-Lubbock, Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Rosetta Clark- Bacone College, Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies
We hope, wish, and pray all the best things in life for each of you and highly encourage you to continue your
growth and your education in every direction possible. We are all proud of you and Congratulations!!!!
PBC 2019 RESOLUTIONS
#19-87 – A Resolution to reaffirm the
and that the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
statement and resolutions contained in Pawnee Class III gaming will continue to be legal
within the jurisdiction of the Pawnee Nation
Nation Resolution #19-53 and the Pawnee
pursuant to the auto-renewed Compact and
Nation of Oklahoma state that the Class III
that gaming operations within the jurisdiction
Compact auto-renews on January 1, 2020,
of the Pawnee Nation shall continue to operate
and remit payments as provided for in the
Compact - Approved December 19, 2019, by
a vote of four for (Thompson, Kemble, Hare,
Lone Chief), none against, none abstaining
and four not voting (President Whiteshirt,
Wildcat, McCray, Knife Chief).
PBC 2020 RESOLUTIONS
#20-01 – A Resolution to initiate the necessary #20-06 – A Resolution to appoint James “Grant” (President Whiteshirt).
action to have the special appropriation of funds
transferred from the U.S. Treasury Department
to the Pawnee Nation’s Annuity Holding
Account – Approved February 1, 2020, by a
vote of seven for, none against, none abstaining
and one not voting (President Whiteshirt).
#20-02 – A Resolution to approve the
submission of the grant application for
participation in Title VI Part A Nutrition
Program; Title VI Part C Caregiver Support
Program and Older Americans Act; and Section
311 Nutrition Services Incentive Program
(NSIP) – Approved February 1, 2020, by a
vote of seven for, none against, none abstaining
and one not voting (President Whiteshirt).
#20-03 – A Resolution to approve the revisions
and addition to Articles VII, XII, and XI of the
Pawnee Nation Liquor Control Act - Approved
February 1, 2020, by a vote of seven for, none
against, none abstaining and one not voting
(President Whiteshirt).
#20-04 – A Resolution to appoint Suzanne
Kanuho to the Pawnee Nation Gaming
Commission as a member whose term begins
February 1, 2020, and expires February 1,
2023 - Approved February 1, 2020, by a vote
of seven for, none against, none abstaining and
one not voting (President Whiteshirt).
#20-05 – A Resolution to re-appoint Lyle Fields
to the Pawnee Nation Gaming Commission as
a member whose term begins February 1, 2020,
and expires February 1, 2023 - Approved
February 1, 2020, by a vote of seven for, none
against, none abstaining and one not voting
(President Whiteshirt).
Hawkins to serve on the Pawnee Nation Tribal
Employment Rights Commission (TERO)
to begin February 1, 2020, and whose term
will expire December 31, 2023 - Approved
February 1, 2020, by a vote of seven for, none
against, none abstaining and one not voting
(President Whiteshirt).
#20-09 – A Resolution to appoint Suzanne
Knife Chief to serve on the Pawnee Nation
Liquor Control Commission beginning
February 1, 2020, and whose term will expire
December 31, 2023 – Approved February
1, 2020, by a vote of seven for, none against,
none abstaining and one not voting (President
Whiteshirt).
#20-10 – A Resolution to appoint Timothy
Allen to the Pawnee Nation Election
Commission as Chair effective February 1,
2020, and term ending on May 31, 2023 –
Approved February 1, 2020, by a vote of four
for (Wildcat, McCray, Kemble, Knife Chief),
three against (Thompson, Hare, Lone Chief),
none abstaining and one not voting (President
Whiteshirt).
#20-11 – A Resolution to appoint Mary Hawkins
to the Pawnee Nation Election Commission
as Clerk effective February 7, 2020, and term
ending May 31, 2022 – Approved February
#20-07 – A Resolution to appoint Jamie 7, 2020, by a vote of six for, none against,
Nelson to serve on the Pawnee Nation Tribal none abstaining and two not voting (President
Employment Rights Commission (TERO) Whiteshirt, Knife Chief).
to begin February 1, 2020, and whose term
will expire December 31, 2023 - Approved #20-12 – A Resolution to appoint James Rice to
February 1, 2020, by a vote of seven for, none serve on the Pawnee Nation Tax Commission
against, none abstaining and one not voting effective February 1, 2020, and term to expire
(President Whiteshirt).
May 8, 2021 – Approved February 1, 2020,
by a vote of seven for, none against, none
#20-08 – A Resolution to appoint Morgan abstaining and one not voting (President
Littlesun to serve on the Pawnee Nation Tribal Whiteshirt).
Employment Rights Commission (TERO)
to begin February 1, 2020, and whose term #20-13 – A Resolution to approve the revisions
will expire December 31, 2023 - Approved of the Pawnee Nation’s Fiscal Policies and
February 1, 2020, by a vote of seven for, none Procedures Manual’s “Section VI, Burial
against, none abstaining and one not voting Policy” which shall replace the version dated
Pawnee Business Council Resolutions and Meeting Minutes can be viewed at www.pawneenation.org under the Government page.
PBC 2020 RESOLUTIONS
#20-18 – A Resolution to approve the
submission of the grant application to the
Department of Interior’s National Park Service
for an FY20 NAGPRA Consultation grant
– Approved February 1, 2020, by a vote of
seven for, none against, none abstaining and
#20-14 – A Resolution to approve the revisions one not voting (President Whiteshirt).
of the Pawnee Nation Fiscal Policies and
Procedures, “Appendix B: The Budget Process” #20-19 – A Resolution to approve eighteen (18)
– Approved February 1, 2020, by a vote of eligible applicants to be added to the Pawnee
six for, one against (Kemble), none abstaining Membership Roll - Approved February 1,
and one not voting (President Whiteshirt).
2020, by a vote of seven for, none against,
none abstaining and one not voting (President
#20-15 – A Resolution to approve the submission Whiteshirt).
of the FY 2019/FY2020 Indian Community
Development Block Grant application for the #20-20 – A Resolution to approve to note the
“Pawnee Nation Public Safety Center Project” date of death of ten (10) deceased members
to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban on the Membership Roll and remove them
Development and further approves, adopts and from the Annuity Roll - Approved February
readopts all items as set forth in the resolution 1, 2020, by a vote of seven for, none against,
– Approved February 1, 2020, by a vote of none abstaining and one not voting (President
seven for, none against, none abstaining and Whiteshirt).
one not voting (President Whiteshirt).
#20-21 – A Resolution to accept the Conditional
#20-16 – A Resolution to approve and Relinquishment of Rebecca Lou Orange from
authorize the submission of the leveraged the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma and she will be
amounts stated above to be applied towards removed from the Pawnee Nation Membership
the “Pawnee Nation Public Safety Center Roll on condition upon being accepted for
Project” that is being submitted for FY2019/ membership with the Cheyenne and Arapaho
FY2020 Indian Community Development Tribe - Approved February 1, 2020, by a vote
Block Grant-Funding Cycle application to of seven for, none against, none abstaining and
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban one not voting (President Whiteshirt).
Development and further approves, adopts and
readopts all items as set forth in the resolution #20-22 – A Resolution to accept the Conditional
– Approved February 1, 2020, by a vote of Relinquishment of George David Shields III
seven for, none against, none abstaining and from the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma and
he will be removed from the Pawnee Nation
one not voting (President Whiteshirt).
Membership Roll on condition upon being
#20-17 - approve and authorize the submission accepted for membership with the Otoeof the Operations/Maintenance Plan stated Missouria Tribe - Approved February 1,
above to be applied towards the “Pawnee 2020, by a vote of seven for, none against,
Nation Public Safety Center Project” that is none abstaining and one not voting (President
being submitted for FY2019/FY2020 Indian Whiteshirt).
Community Development Block Grant-Funding
Cycle application to the U.S. Department of #20-23 – A Resolution to appoint of Sarah
Housing and Urban Development and further Knife Chief to the Pawnee Nation Election
approves, adopts and readopts all items as set Commission as Secretary effective February 7,
forth in the resolution – Approve February 2020 term ending May 31, 2024 – Approved
1, 2020, by a vote of seven for, none against, February 7, 2020, by a vote of six for, none
none abstaining and one not voting (President against, none abstaining and two not voting
(President Whiteshirt, Knife Chief).
Whiteshirt).
August 20, 2018, and become effective on
the date of approval by the Pawnee Business
Council – Approved February 1, 2020, by a
vote of seven for, none against, none abstaining
and one not voting (President Whiteshirt).
#20-24 – A Resolution to appoint of Catherine
Moore to the Pawnee Nation Election
Commission as Alternate effective February 7,
2020 term ending May 31, 2022 – Approved
February 7, 2020, by a vote of six for, one
against, none abstaining and two not voting
(President Whiteshirt, Knife Chief).
#20-25 – A Resolution to enter into a contract
with Special Counsel, Law Office of Chad
Smith and herby contracts with, retains, and
employs the attorney to act as special counsel
for and on behalf of the Pawnee Nation
effective February 11, 2020 – Approve
February 11, 2020, by a vote of six for, one
against (Kemble), none abstaining and one not
voting (President Whiteshirt).
#20-26 – A Resolution to authorize the
submission an OVW Violence Against Women
Tribal Governments Program grant proposal
to the U.S. Department of Justice’s, Office of
Violence Against Women to enhance effective
strategies to curtail violence crimes against
women – Approved February 19, 2020, by a
vote of six for, none against, none abstaining,
one absent (Kemble), and one not voting
(President Whiteshirt).
#20-27 – A Resolution to appoint Randy
Ledford to serve on the Environmental
Regulatory Commission effective March 2,
2020, whose term will expire on December
31, 2024 – Approved March 2, 2020, by a
vote of six for, none against, one abstaining
(Lone Chief) and one not voting (President
Whiteshirt).
#20-28 – A Resolution to approve the
submission of the Family Violence Prevention/
Domestic Violence Shelter and Supportive
Services grant to the Administration for
Children and Families (ACF) an agency of the
Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) and further approves, adopts, and
readopts all items as set forth in the resolution
– Approved March 2, 2020, by a vote of seven
for, none against, none abstaining and one not
voting (President Whiteshirt).
#20-29 – A Resolution to approve the submission
PBC 2020 RESOLUTIONS
of the grant application to the National Park
Service for an FY20 Historic Preservation
Fund grant – Approved March 24, 2020, by a
vote of five for, none against, none abstaining,
two absent (McCray, Thompson) and one not
voting (President Whiteshirt).
#20-30 – A Resolution to approve the
submission of the grant application to the
Department of Interior’s National Park Service
for an FY20 NAGPRA Repatriation grant –
Approved March 24, 2020, by a vote of five
for, none against, none abstaining, two absent
(McCray, Thompson) and one not voting
(President Whiteshirt).
#20-31 –AResolution to approve the Declaration
of a State of Emergency for the Pawnee Nation
and has activated the Emergency Operations
Center due to the outbreak of the COVID-19
and to remain in force until such time when this
Pandemic has been contained, and the Pawnee
People may resume their normal activities and
that this state of emergency shall continue
until such time when this Pandemic has been
contained, and the Pawnee People may resume
their normal activities as declared by the Center
for Disease Control and/or the President of the
United States – Approved March 24, 2020, by
a vote of five for, none against, none abstaining,
two absent (McCray, Thompson) and one not
voting (President Whiteshirt).
#20-32 – A Resolution to accept the recall
election results held on March 14, 2020, for the
recall of Darrell Wildcat, Vice-President and
M. Angela Thompson, Treasurer – Approve
March 24, 2020, by a vote of four for, one
against (Wildcat), none abstaining, two absent
(McCray, Thompson) and one not voting
(President Whiteshirt).
for, none against, none abstaining, two absent 2020, and whose term will expire April 24,
(McCray, Thompson) and one not voting 2022 - Approved April 24, 2020, by a vote
(President Whiteshirt).
of three for, none against, none abstaining and
one not voting (Interim President Lone Chief).
#20-34 – A Resolution to approve for
banking purposes, the four officers of the #20-39 – A Resolution to appoint to the Pawnee
Pawnee Business Council authorized to sign Nation Tax Commission – TABLED April
signature cards and documents are: (1.) James 24, 2020, by a vote of three for, none against,
Whiteshirt, President, (2.) Charles Lone Chief, none abstaining and one not voting (Interim
Vice-President, (3.) Patricia McCray, Secretary President Lone Chief).
and (4.) Dawna Hare, Treasurer – Approved
March 24, 2020, by a vote of three for, none #20-40 – A Resolution to appoint Adrian
against, one abstaining (Hare), two absent Spottedhorsechief to serve on the Pawnee
(McCray, Thompson), and one not voting Nation Sports Commission effective April 24,
2020, whose term will expire April 24, 2023 (President Whiteshirt).
Approved April 24, 2020, by a vote of three
#20-35 – A Resolution to accept the recall for, none against, none abstaining and one not
election results held on April 11, 2020, for voting (Interim President Lone Chief).
the recall of James Whiteshirt, President and
Sammye Kemble, Council Seat #1 – Approved #20-41 – A Resolution to appoint Lauren
April 24, 2020, by a vote of three for, none Quimby to serve on the Pawnee Nation Sports
against, none abstaining and one not voting Commission effective April 24, 2020, whose
term will expire April 24, 2023 - Approved
(Interim President Lone Chief).
April 24, 2020, by a vote of three for, none
#20-36 – A Resolution to approve the removal against, none abstaining and one not voting
of James Whiteshirt and Sammye Kemble (Interim President Lone Chief).
from the Pawnee Business Council; herby
declare two (2) vacant positions on the Pawnee #20-42 – A Resolution to approve and recognize
Business Council for the President and Council the appointments made by a majority vote of
Seat #1; and calls for an election to be conducted the Council for Charles Lone Chief to serve
by the Pawnee Nation Election Commission as Interim Vice-President and Dawna Hare to
to fill the vacant positions – Approved April serve as the Interim Treasurer – Approved
24, 2020, by a vote of three for, none against, April 24, 2020, by a vote of two for, none
none abstaining and one not voting (Interim against, one abstaining (Hare) and one not
voting (Interim President Lone Chief).
President Lone Chief).
#20-37 – A Resolution to approve for banking
purposes, the four officers of the Pawnee
Business Council authorized to sign signature
cards and documents are: (1.) Charles Lone
Chief, Interim President, (2.) Charles Knife
Chief, Interim Vice-President, (3.) Patricia
McCray, Secretary and (4.) Dawna Hare,
Interim Treasurer – Approved April 24,
2020, by a vote of three for, none against,
none abstaining and one not voting (Interim
President Lone Chief).
#20-33 – A Resolution to approve the removal
of Darrell Wildcat and M. Angela Thompson
from the Pawnee Business Council; herby
declare two (2) vacant positions on the Pawnee
Business Council for the Vice-President and
Treasurer; and calls for an election to be
conducted by the Pawnee Nation Election #20-38 – A Resolution to re-appoint Rhonda
Commission to fill the vacant positions – James to serve on the Pawnee Nation Utility
Approved March 24, 2020, by a vote of five Board of Commissioners effective April 24,
#20-43 – A Resolution to approve and
recognize the appointments made by a majority
vote of the Council for Charles Lone Chief to
serve as Interim President and Charles Knife
Chief to serve as the Interim Vice-President Approved April 24, 2020, by a vote of two for,
none against, one abstaining (Knife Chief) and
one not voting (Interim President Lone Chief).
#20-44 – A Resolution to approve the
Proclamation for the gaming businesses
operated by the Pawnee Tribal Development
Corporation may resume activities per the
proposed re-opening plan as of May 15,
2020; and that this state of emergency shall
PBC 2020 RESOLUTIONS
be amended to allow re-opening and recovery
through a phased approach and that the
gaming businesses operated by the Pawnee
Tribal Development Corporation may resume
activities per the proposed re-opening plan
(ADDENDUM A) – Approved May 5,
2020, by a vote of three for, none against,
none abstaining and one not voting (Interim
President Lone Chief).
#20-45 – A Resolution to approve the revision
of the Pawnee Nation’s Office of Human
Resources Policies and Procedures Manual’s
and addition of “Chapter 16, Emergency
Policy” which shall become effective on the
date of approval by the Pawnee Business
Council - Approved May 5, 2020, by a vote
of three for, none against, none abstaining and
one not voting (Interim President Lone Chief).
TERO program’s goal is to ultimately enhance opportunity for our Native people in our community in
obtaining a career. We focus with on-the-job training, certifications, construction work and
enforcing the TERO Act especially regarding Indian Preference. TERO stands for Tribal
Employment Rights Office, we take seriously towards our people to be treated properly at their
perspective jobs within the Pawnee Nation Tribal jurisdiction. When funding is available, TERO
puts client to work for on-the-job training mostly with Pawnee Nation Programs; we have
worked with J&J Custom Designs with apprenticeship program; and the projects that TERO has
done for 20 plus years plus such as the lawn mowing service and cutting wood for
ceremonial/traditional purposes.
Recently, TERO department coordinated the City-wide spring cleanup with Pawnee Nation
Housing Authority and Pawnee Nation’s Youth Services department. This project assisted with
households who are Pawnee Nation members and other Natives who live in the city limits
according to Pawnee City rules. We assisted (24) households during the weeklong project. We
gave precedence to the Elders and then opened it up to others.
For more information contact Suzy Knife Chief, TERO Director, 918-762-3621 x122 or email at
sknifechief@pawneenation.org;
TERO program location: Pawnee Nation’s Resource Complex 1202 Heritage Circle
PBC 2019 MEETING MINUTES
November 13, 2019, Pawnee Business Resolution #19-84 to appoint Reva Howell Dawna Hare, motion carries.
to serve on the Pawnee Tribal Development
Council Special Meeting
Corporation Board in seat #5, seconded by M.
President James Whiteshirt called the meeting Angela Thompson, motion carries.
to order at 6:03 pm, and Ms. Patricia McCray
gave the invocation. Eight Council members Budget Committee Recommendations:
present, quorum established.
Motion made by M. Angela Thompson approve
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
the 2019 LIHEAP budget modification #1,
Motion made by Charles Knife Chief to approve seconded by Sammye Kemble, motion carries.
NEW BUSINESS:
Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
approve Resolution #19-88 for gaming with
the addition of a whereas with language to
address the audit, seconded by Charles Lone
Chief, (Kemble – no; Hare – no; Lone Chief –
yes; Thompson – yes; and tiebreaker, President
Whiteshirt – no) motion fails.
the Pawnee Business Council Special Meeting Motion made by M. Angela Thompson approve
Agenda for November 13, 2019, seconded by the 2019 477 budget modification #2, seconded Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
Resolution #19-88 for gaming, as is, seconded
M. Angela Thompson, motion carries.
by Charles Lone Chief, motion carries.
by Sammye Kemble, motion carries.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion made by Sammye Kemble to approve
Motion made by Sammye Kemble to adjourn,
1. Motion made by Patricia McCray approve Resolution #19-85 for the Attorney Fees for seconded by Charles Lone Chief, motion
the Pawnee Business Council Special Civil Case CIV-2019-020, seconded by Dawna carries to adjourn at 11:25 am.
Meeting Minutes for October 9, 2019, Hare, motion carries.
seconded by Charles Knife Chief, motion Motion made by M. Angela Thompson approve
carries.
Resolution #19-86 for the ODOT Easement
2. Motion made by Patricia McCray approve 812-789, seconded by Charles Knife Chief,
the Pawnee Business Council Quarterly motion carries.
Meeting minutes for November 2, 2019, Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
seconded by Dawna Hare, motion carries. Resolution #19-87 for the AT&T Easement
T2000 (Pawnee Reservation) seconded by
OLD BUSINESS:
Charles Knife Chief, motion carries.
Discussion and/or Action on Resolution #1579, Fracking/Removal of Moratorium (Lillie Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
Cummings) – Determined that at this time, no adjourn, seconded by Charles Knife Chief,
action can happen since the resolution is tied motion carries to adjourn at 7:40 pm.
with the Oil and Gas litigation.
December 31, 2019, Pawnee Business
Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
approve the 2020 PTDC Budget Projections,
seconded by Charles Knife Chief, motion
carries.
NEW BUSINESS:
Council Special Meeting
President James Whiteshirt called the meeting
to order at 11:06 am, and Mrs. Sammye
Kemble gave the invocation. Five Council
members present, three Council members
joined via conference call (Wildcat, McCray,
Knife Chief), quorum established.
Motion made by Patricia McCray approve
Resolution #19-83 to appoint George Gardipe
to serve on the Tribal Employment Rights APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Office (TERO) Commission, seconded by M. Motion made by Sammye Kemble to approve
Angela Thompson, motion carries.
the Pawnee Business Council special meeting
Motion made by Patricia McCray approve agenda for December 31, 2019, seconded by
PBC 2020 MEETING MINUTES
February 1, 2020, Pawnee Business 3. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
the letter to be sent out to Pawnee Allottees
Council Quarterly Meeting
to approve Resolution #20-06 to appoint
James Hawkins to serve on the Pawnee
Nation TERO Commission, seconded by
Charles Knife Chief, motion carries.
concerning the Oil and Gas Leases,
President James Whiteshirt called the meeting
seconded by Charles Knife Chief, motion
to order at 11:04 am, and Mr. Darrell Wildcat
carries.
13. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
gave the invocation. Eight Council members
4.
Motion
made
by
M.
Angel
Thompson
to approve Resolution #20-07 to appoint
present, quorum established.
to approve the Memorandum of
Jamie Nelson to serve on the Pawnee
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Understanding with the City of Pawnee,
Nation TERO Commission, seconded by
seconded by Charles Knife Chief, motion
Charles Knife Chief, motion carries.
Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
carries.
approve the PBC Quarterly Meeting Agenda
14. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
for February 1, 2020, seconded by Dawna 5. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
to approve Resolution #20-08 to appoint
Hare, motion carries.
approve Memorandum of Understanding
Morgan Littlesun to serve on the Pawnee
with the City of Pawnee, seconded by
Nation TERO Commission, seconded by
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Dawna Hare, motion carries.
Charles Knife Chief, motion carries.
1. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
approve the PBC Meeting Minutes for 6. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve 15. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
the Pawnee Nation 2020 Holiday Schedule,
to approve Resolution #20-09 to appoint
October 28, 2019, seconded by Dawna
seconded
by
Charles
Lone
Chief,
motion
Suzanne Knife Chief to serve on the Pawnee
Hare, motion carries.
carries.
Nation Liquor Control Commission,
seconded by Charles Knife Chief, motion
2. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
7.
Motion
made
by
M.
Angela
Thompson
to
carries.
approve the PBC Meeting Minutes for
approve the Pawnee Nation Organizational
November 13, 2019, seconded by Darrell
Chart with changes to move Enrollment 16. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief to
Wildcat, motion carries.
approve Resolution #20-10 to appoint
under the Executive Office and to change
Timothy Allen to serve as Chair on the
the
Approval
Date
on
the
document,
3. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
Pawnee Nation Election Commission,
seconded by Charles Knife Chief, motion
approve the PBC Meeting Minutes for
seconded by Sammye Kemble, motion
carries.
December 31, 2019, seconded by Charles
carries.
Knife Chief, motion carries.
8. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
approve Resolution #20-03 for the revisions 17. Motion made by Sammye Kemble to
APPROVAL OF QUARTERLY REPORTS:
approve Resolution #20-11 to appoint Lillie
and addition to the Pawnee Nation Liquor
Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to accept
Cumming Brant to serve as the Clerk on
Control Act, seconded by Charles Lone
the submission of the Pawnee Nation 2019
the Pawnee Nation Election Commission,
Chief, motion carries.
Fourth Quarter Division Reports, seconded by
seconded by Patricia McCray, motion
9. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
Dawna Hare, motion carries.
carries.
approve the Pawnee Nation Liquor Control
Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to accept
Commission Alcohol Tax at 8% of sales, 18. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
the submission of the Pawnee Nation 2019
approve Resolution #20-12 to appoint
seconded by Charles Lone Chief, motion
Fourth Quarter Committees, Commissions,
James Rice to serve on the Pawnee Nation
carries.
and Boards Report, seconded by Charles Knife
Tax Commission, seconded by Dawna
10. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
Chief, motion carries.
Hare, motion carries.
to approve Resolution #20-04 to appoint
NEW BUSINESS:
Suzanne Kanuho to serve on the Pawnee 19. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
approve Resolution #20-13 as amended
Nation Gaming Commission, seconded by
1. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
to take out the date, seconded by Sammye
Patricia McCray, motion carries.
approve Resolution #20-01 for the Annuity
Kemble, motion carries.
Drawdown (Table Creek Treaty, seconded 11. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
by M. Angela Thompson, motion carries.
approve Resolution #20-05 to appoint 20. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
approve Resolution #20-14 for revisions to
Lyle Fields to serve on the Pawnee Nation
2. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
the Pawnee Nation Fiscal Policy, Appendix
Gaming Commission, seconded by M.
Resolution #20-02 for the Title VI
B, Budget Policy, seconded by Charles
Angela
Thompson,
motion
carries.
continuance application, seconded by
Knife Chief, motion carries.
Charles Lone Chief, motion carries.
12. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
PBC 2020 MEETING MINUTES
21. Motion made by Dawna Hare to deny the 28. Budget Committee Recommendations:
request for the Orr Family Farm & RR,
a. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
LLC, the use of the Pawnee Nation Seal,
to approve the 2020 Cultural Resource
seconded by Charles Knife Chief, motion
Division Budget in the of $100,000.00,
carries.
seconded by Dawna Hare, motion
carries.
22. Motion made by Angela Thompson to
approve Resolution #20-15 for the ICDBG
b. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
grant submission, Citizen Participation,
to approve the 2020 Substance Abuse
seconded by Charles Knife Chief, motion
Inpatient Budget in the amount of
carries.
$116,295.00, seconded by Charles Lone
Chief, motion carries.
23. Motion made by Angela Thompson to
approve Resolution #20-16 for the ICDBG
c. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
grant submission, leveraging, seconded by
to approve the 2020 House Demolition
Patsy McCray, motion carries.
Project Budget that will be funded by
the BIA in the amount of $49,301.00,
24. Motion made by Angela Thompson
seconded by Charles Knife Chief,
to approve Resolution #20-17 for the
motion carries.
ICDBG grant submission, operations,
and maintenance agreement, seconded by
d. Motion made by Darrell Wildcat to
Dawna Hare, motion carries.
approve 2020 Self Governance Contract
and Budget, seconded by Charles Knife
25. Motion made by Angela Thompson to
Chief, motion carries.
approve Resolution #20-18 for the 2020
NAGPRA Consultation grant submission,
e. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
seconded by Charles Lone Chief, motion
to approve 2020 Seed Preservation
carries.
Project carryover, seconded by Patricia
McCray, motion carries.
26. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
the land designation for the Pawnee Nation
f. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
College to utilize, seconded by M. Angela
to approve the 2019 PBC Budget
Thompson, motion carries.
Modification #8 for carryover funds
in the amount of $2,100.00 for Elders
27. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
Birthday Cards, seconded by Charles
approve the renewal of the VIMEO plan at
Knife Chief, motion carries.
$600.00, seconded by Dawna Hare, motion
carries.
g. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
to approve the 2020 PBC Budget
a. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
Modification #1 to add the carryover
Roger Welsch to have access to the
funds into the budget in the amount of
VIMEO videos, seconded by M. Angela
$2,100.00 for the Elder Birthday Cards,
Thompson, motion carries.
seconded by Dawna Hare, motion
b. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
carries.
to amend the request for access to
h. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
VIMEO vote and revote, seconded by
to approve the 2020 PN Princess Budget
Charles Knife Chief, motion carries.
Modification #1 to add carryover funds
c. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
in the amount of $4,739.00, seconded by
to deny the request from Mr. Welsch
Dawna Hare, motion carries.
to have access to the VIMEO account
after listening to the Nasharo Council 29. Discussion with PBC President on Meeting
with Governor Stitt, OIGA Report, Status
comments, seconded by Patricia
on FBI and IRS Reports – President
McCray, motion carries.
Whiteshirt provided a written report to the
Council. No discussion.
30. Motion made by Patricia McCray to approve
Resolution #20-19 for new applicants to
be placed on the roll, seconded by Charles
Knife Chief, motion carries.
31. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
approve Resolution #20-20 to remove
deceased members from the annuity roll,
seconded by Dawna Hare, motion carries.
32. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
to approve Resolution #20-21 for a
Conditional Relinquishment, seconded by
Dawna Hare, motion carries.
33. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
to approve Resolution #20-22 for a
Conditional Relinquishment, seconded by
Patricia McCray, motion carries.
34. Discussion and/or Action on OMES Audit
Report, Gaming Compacts – Discussion
only with The Gaming Commission.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to go
into Executive Session, seconded by Charles
Knife Chief, motion carries. Motion made by
Dawna Hare to come out of Executive Session,
seconded by M. Angela Thompson, motion
carries.
COUNCIL ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE
SESSION:
1. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
to approve the successful completion of
Muriel Robedeaux’s 90-day introductory
period and evaluation, seconded by
Sammye Kemble, motion carries.
2. Discussion and/or Action on Attorney
General Position
3. Discussion and/or Action on Legal Counsel
for Representation on Federal Court Case,
Oil and Gas Leases
Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
hire a contract attorney for items 2 and 3 in
Executive Session, seconded by Charles Knife
Chief, motion carries.
PBC 2020 MEETING MINUTES
Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
adjourn, seconded by Charles Knife Chief,
motion carries to adjourn at 4:43 pm.
February 7, 2020, Pawnee Business Council
Special Meeting
d. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
to approve the 2020 Pawnee Business
Council budget modification #3,
seconded by Charles Lone Chief, motion
carries.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion made by Patricia McCray to approve
the PBC Special Meeting agenda for February
19, 2020, with additions, seconded by Charles
Knife Chief, motion carries.
e. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
to approve the 2020 Youth Supplemental APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Fund budget modification #1, seconded 1. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
by Patricia McCray, motion carries.
approve the Pawnee Business Council
Quarterly Meeting minutes for February
5. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
1, 2020, with corrections including
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
to table Resolution #20-25 for Special
clarification of Charles Lone Chief’s intent
Counsel until the Council receives further
Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve the
of his discussion, seconded by M. Angela
information, seconded by Charles Lone
PBC Special Meeting agenda for February
Thompson, motion carries.
Chief, motion carries.
7, 2020, with additions, seconded by Patricia
McCray, motion carries.
Motion made by Patricia McCray to adjourn at 2. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
approve the Pawnee Business Council
4:31 pm, seconded by M. Angela Thompson,
NEW BUSINESS:
Special Meeting Minutes for February 7,
motion carries to adjourn at 4:31 pm.
2020, with the correction to M. Angela
1. Motion made by Darrell Wildcat to
Thompson’s arrival, seconded by Charles
approve Resolution #20-11 to appoint February 11, 2020, Pawnee Business
Knife Chief, motion carries.
Council
Special
Meeting
Mary Hawkins to serve on the PN Election
President James Whiteshirt called the meeting
to order at 4:04 pm, and Mrs. Sammye Kemble
gave the invocation. Eight Council members
present, quorum established.
Commission as the Clerk, seconded by President James Whiteshirt called the meeting 3. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
Dawna Hare, motion carries.
approve the Pawnee Business Council
to order at 6:00 pm, and Mrs. Dawna Hare
Special Meeting Minutes for February 11,
gave
the
invocation.
Eight
Council
members
2. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
2020, seconded by Charles Lone Chief,
Resolution #20-23 to appoint Sarah present, quorum established.
motion carries.
Knife Chief to serve on the PN Election APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion made
Commission as Secretary, seconded by M. by Dawna Hare to approve the PBC Special PBC TRAVEL REQUESTS:
Angela Thompson, motion carries.
Meeting agenda for February 11, 2020,
Darrell Wildcat and Dawna Hare requested
3. Motion made by Darrell Wildcat to approve seconded by Charles Knife Chief, motion to attend the City of Boulder government
Resolution #20-24 to appoint Catherine carries.
to government consultation in Colorado.
Moore to serve on the PN Election OLD BUSINESS:
Expenses are reimbursable, and the meeting
Commission as the Alternate, seconded by
is March 17-18. Motion made by Patricia
1. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to McCray to approve the PBC travel requests,
M. Angela Thompson, motion carries.
approve the selection of Chad Smith as seconded by M. Angela Thompson, motion
4. Budget Committee Recommendations:
Special Counsel for the Pawnee Nation, carries.
seconded by Dawna Hare, motion carries.
a. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
to approve the 2020 Tribal Opioid Motion made by Patricia McCray to adjourn, NEW BUSINESS:
budget modification #1, seconded by seconded by M. Angela Thompson, motion 1. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
Sammye Kemble, motion carries.
approve the 2020 Attorney General Budget
carries to adjourn at 6:32 pm.
Modification #1, seconded by Charles
b. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
Knife Chief, motion carries.
to approve the 2020 Pawnee Business
Council budget modification #2, February 19, 2020, Pawnee Business 2. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
seconded by Dawna Hare, motion Council Special Meeting
the Godberson agricultural lease, seconded
carries.
by M. Angela Thompson, motion carries.
President James Whiteshirt called the meeting
c. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to to order at 6:01 pm, and Mr. Charles Knife 3. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
approve the 2020 Election Commission Chief gave the invocation. Seven Council
approve Resolution #20-26 for the VAW
budget modification #1, seconded by members present and one absent (Kemble),
Grant Submission, seconded by Dawna
Dawna Hare, motion carries.
quorum established.
PBC 2020 MEETING MINUTES
Hare, motion carries.
Approval Process - The Council has made
a consensus to agree on a process for
requesting attorney opinions.
Motion made by Patricia McCray to adjourn,
seconded by M. Angela Thompson, motion
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
carries to adjourn at 7:39 pm.
Charles Lone Chief, motion carries.
d. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
the 2020 Finance Budget Modification
#1, seconded by Charles Knife Chief,
motion carries.
March 2, 2020, Pawnee Business Motion made by Patricia McCray to go into
Council Special Meeting
Executive Session, seconded by M. Angela 2. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief to
approve Resolution #20-29 for the THPO
Thompson, motion carries. Motion made by
President James Whiteshirt called the meeting Patricia McCray to come out of Executive
grant submission, seconded by Dawna
to order at 6:00 pm, and Ms. Patricia McCray Session, seconded by M. Angela Thompson,
Hare, motion carries.
gave the invocation. Eight Council members motion carries.
3. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief
present, quorum established.
1. Discussion and Formal Introduction with
to approve Resolution #20-30 for the
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion made by
Interim Attorney General - Discussion with
NAGPRA Repatriation grant submission,
Patricia McCray to approve the PBC Special
the Interim Attorney General to work on
seconded by Charles Lone Chief, motion
Meeting agenda for March 2, 2020, seconded
the Constitutional roles and to work with
carries.
by Dawna Hare, motion carries.
the PN Election Commission.
4. Approval of Resolution #20-30, PTDC
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Resolution – Item Removed
Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to
adjourn,
seconded
by
Patricia
McCray,
motion
1. Motion made by Charles Lone Chief to
5. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief
approve the Pawnee Business Council carries to adjourn at 7:44 pm.
to approve Resolution #20-31 for an
Special Meeting Minutes for February 19, March 24, 2020, Pawnee Business
Emergency Declaration of the Pawnee
2020, seconded by Charles Knife Chief, Council Special Meeting
Nation, seconded by Charles Lone Chief,
motion carries.
motion carries.
President James Whiteshirt called the meeting
NEW BUSINESS:
to order at 6:00 pm, and Mrs. Sammye Kemble 6. Discussion on Pawnee Nation Constitution
Revisions: Sammye Kemble’s request
1. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve gave the invocation. Six Council members
to have a discussion to start revising the
present
and
two
absent
(McCray,
Thompson),
Resolution #20-27 to appoint Randy
Pawnee Nation Constitution. Discussion
Ledford to serve on the Pawnee Nation quorum established.
only.
Environmental Regulatory Commission, APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
seconded by M. Angela Thompson, motion
7. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief
carries.
Motion made by Charles Knife Chief to approve
to approve Resolution #20-32 for the
as is for the PBC Special Meeting agenda for
Acceptance of the Re-Call Election Results
2. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson to March 24, 2020, seconded by Dawna Hare,
from March 14, 2020, seconded by Charles
approve Resolution #20-28 for the Family motion carries.
Lone Chief, motion carries.
Violence Prevention/Domestic Violence
Shelter and Supportive Services grant NEW BUSINESS:
8. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief to
submission, seconded by Charles Knife
approve Resolution #20-33 for Removal,
1. Budget Committee Recommendations:
Chief, motion carries.
Vacancy, and Call for Election, seconded
a.
Motion
made
by
Charles
Knife
Chief
by Charles Lone Chief, motion carries.
3. Motion made by M. Angela Thompson
to approve the 2020 PBC Budget
to approve the donation request from the
Modification #5, seconded by Dawna 9. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief to
Employees Club for the annual Easter Egg
accept and appoint Charles Lone Chief as
Hare, motion carries.
Hunt in the amount of $400.00, seconded
Acting Vice-President and Dawna Hare as
by Dawna Hare, motion carries.
b. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
Acting Treasurer of the Pawnee Business
the
2020
PBC
Budget
Modification
Council, seconded by Sammye Kemble,
4. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
#6,
seconded
by
Charles
Knife
Chief,
motion carries. Motion made by Charles
the request to raise the Gaming Commission
motion
carries.
Knife Chief to approve Resolution #20stipends from $100.00 to $125.00 per
34 for signature authority, seconded by
meeting, seconded by Charles Knife Chief,
c. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief to
Sammye Kemble, motion carries.
motion carries.
approve the 2020 Election Commission
Budget Modification #2, seconded by 10. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief
5. Discussion on Attorney Opinions and
PBC 2020 MEETING MINUTES
to approve the oil and gas settlement
agreement, seconded by Dawna Hare,
motion carries.
d. Motion made by Dawna Hare to
approve 2020 PBC budget modification
#7, seconded by Charles Lone Chief,
motion carries.
to the agenda to add Item 9. Approval of
Resolution #20-42 for the appointment of
Charles Lone Chief and Dawna Hare and
Item 10. Approval of Resolution #20-43 for
the appointment of Charles Knife Chief,
seconded by Dawna Hare, motion carries.
b. Motion made by Dawna Hare to 3. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
approve the 3-year renewal of Office
the appointment of Charles Knife Chief
365, seconded by Charles Lone Chief,
as the Interim Vice-President, seconded
motion carries.
by Charles Knife Chief, motion carries.
Motion made by Patricia McCray to
c. Motion made by Dawna Hare to
approve Resolution #20-37 for signature
approve the gift cards for the furloughed
authority, seconded by Charles Knife Chief,
employees of the Pawnee Nation,
motion carries. Motion made by Charles
seconded by Charles Lone Chief, motion
Knife Chief to approve the amendment
carries.
c. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief
to approve the 2020 Pawnee Business
Council budget modification #8,
seconded by Patricia McCray, motion
carries.
Motion made by Charles Lone Chief, seconded
by Sammye Kemble to adjourn, motion carries Motion made by Dawna Hare to adjourn,
to adjourn at 7:13 pm.
seconded by Charles Lone Chief, motion
4. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
carries to adjourn at 6:47 pm.
April 14, 2020, Pawnee Business
approve Resolution #20-38 to re-appoint
Council Special Meeting
April 24, 2020, Pawnee Business
Rhonda James to serve on the Pawnee
Council Special Meeting
Nation Utility Commission, seconded by
President James Whiteshirt called the meeting
Charles Knife Chief, motion carries.
to order at 6:19 pm, and Mrs. Dawna hare gave Interim President Charles Lone Chief called the
the invocation. Five Council members present meeting to order at 12:02 pm, and Mr. Charles 5. Motion made by Dawna Hare to table
and one absent (Kemble), quorum established. Knife Chief gave the invocation. Four Council
Resolution #20-39 to have a discussion
members present, quorum established.
with the current seat on goals for the Tax
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion made
Commission, seconded by Charles Knife
by Dawna Hare to approve the PBC Special APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Chief, motion carries.
Meeting agenda for April 14, 2020, seconded
Motion made by Patricia McCray to approve
by Patricia McCray, motion carries.
the PBC Special Meeting agenda for April 6. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
Resolution #20-40 to appoint Adrian
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
24, 2020, seconded by Charles Knife Chief,
Spottedhorsechief to serve on the Pawnee
motion carries.
1. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
Nation Sports Commission, seconded by
approve the PBC Special Meeting minutes APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Charles Knife Chief, motion carries.
for March 2, 2020, seconded by Dawna
1. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve the 7. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
Hare, motion carries.
Pawnee Business Council Special Meeting
Resolution #20-41 to appoint Lauren
2. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
Minutes for April 14, 2020, seconded by
Quimby to serve on the Pawnee Nation
the PBC Special Meeting minutes for
Patricia McCray, motion carries.
Sports Commission, seconded by Patricia
March 24, 2020, with correction, seconded
McCray, motion carries.
NEW BUSINESS:
by Patricia McCray, motion carries.
8. Budget Committee Recommendations:
1. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief to
NEW BUSINESS:
approve Resolution #20-35 to accept the
1. Discussion and/or Action on Unexcused
Recall Election #2 Results as certified by
a. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
Absence of Patricia McCray – No Council
the Pawnee Nation Election Commission,
approve the 2020 Multipurpose grant
Action
seconded by Patricia McCray, motion
budget for Division of Natural Resource
carries.
and Safety, seconded by Charles Knife
2. Budget Committee Recommendations:
Chief, motion carries.
2. Motion made by Patricia McCray to
a. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
approve Resolution #20-36 to declare the
b. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief
the 2020 Title A FFCRA Budget,
vacancies of two PBC positions and to call
to approve the 2020 CWS budget
seconded by Charles Knife Chief,
for an election, seconded by Charles Knife
modification #1, seconded by Patricia
motion carries.
Chief, motion carries.
McCray, motion carries.
d. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief
to approve the 2020 Pawnee Business
Council budget modification #9,
seconded by Dawna Hare, motion
PBC 2020 MEETING MINUTES
carries.
e. Motion made by Patricia McCray
to approve the 2020 Pawnee Nation
Election
Commission
Budget
modification #3, seconded by Charles
Knife Chief, motion carries.
9. Motion made by Charles Knife Chief to
approve Resolution #20-42 to appoint
seconded by Patricia McCray, motion
Charles Lone Chief as Interim Vice
carries.
President and Dawna Hare Interim
Treasurer, seconded by Patricia McCray, Motion made by Patricia McCray, seconded by
Charles Knife Chief to adjourn, motion carries
motion carries.
to adjourn at 12:40 pm.
10. Motion made by Dawna Hare to approve
Resolution #20-43 to appoint Charles
Knife Chief as the Interim Vice-President,
Pawnee Nation Election Commission
PO Box 600
Pawnee, Oklahoma 74058
2020 Special Election: Schedule of Events
April 27, 2020
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
PAWNEE
NATION
WEBSITE AND SUBMITTED TO PAWNEE CHIEF:
PawneeON
Nation
Election
Commission
DATE OF ELECTION: June 20,
2020
PO
Box 600
Pawnee,
TIME: 8:00 A.M. - 7:00
P.M. Oklahoma 74058
WHERE: Multi-Purpose Building
2020 Special Election: Schedule of Events
May 6 - 9, 2020
FILING PERIOD FOR CANDIDATES:
Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday:
1:00NATION
P.M. - 5:00
P.M.
April 27, 2020
AFFIDAVIT
OF PUBLICATION
ON PAWNEE
WEBSITE
AND SUBMITTED TO PAWNEE CHIEF:
DATE OF
ELECTION:
June P.M.
20, 2020
Saturday:
1:00
P.M. - 5:00
TIME:LAW
8:00 ENFORCEMENT
A.M. - 7:00 P.M. CENTER
PAWNEE
WHERE: Multi-Purpose Building
$300.00 Filing Fee (must be Cashiers Check or Money Order)
May 6 - 9, 2020
FILING PERIOD FOR CANDIDATES:
May 11, 2020
POST LIST OF
CANDIDATES
(9:00Friday:
A.M.)1:00
(Un-Official
until review by Commission)
Wednesday,
Thursday,
P.M. - 5:00List
P.M.
May 11-15, 2020
May 11-15, 2020
May 11, 2020
Saturday: 1:00 P.M.
- 5:00OF
P.M.
ELECTION COMMISSION
REVIEW
ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES
PAWNEE LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER
$300.00 Filing Fee (must be Cashiers Check or Money Order)
CHALLENGE PERIOD: ANY ELIGIBLE TRIBAL VOTER MAY CHALLENGE THE ELIGIBILITY OF A
POST LIST OF CANDIDATES (9:00 A.M.) (Un-Official List until review by Commission)
CANDIDATE IN WRITING. TRIBAL COURT: ACT ON APPEALS AND CHALLENGES
ELECTION COMMISSION REVIEW OF ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES
ELECTION COMMISSION REVIEW OF CHALLENGES
May 11-15, 2020
May 16, 2020
May 18, May
202011-15, 2020POST CHALLENGE
LIST OF QUALIFIED
CANDIDATES:
PERIOD: ANY
ELIGIBLE TRIBAL VOTER MAY CHALLENGE THE ELIGIBILITY OF A
CANDIDATE
IN WRITING.
COURT:
ACT ON
APPEALS
AND
PAWNEE
AGENCY,
PAWNEE TRIBAL
NATION
OFFICES
AND
SUBMIT
TOCHALLENGES
THE PAWNEE CHIEF
May 16, 2020 AND THE
ELECTION
COMMISSION
OF CHALLENGES
PAWNEE
NATIONREVIEW
NEWSPAPER
FOR PUBLICATION
POST LIST
OF QUALIFIED
CANDIDATES:ARE SUBMITTED TO COMMUNICATIONS BY
May 19, May
202018, 2020 DEADLINE:
CANDIDATES
STATEMENTS
PAWNEE
AGENCY,
PAWNEE
NATION OFFICES AND SUBMIT TO THE PAWNEE CHIEF
5 P.M. FOR PUBLICATION IN NEWSLETTER
AND THE PAWNEE NATION NEWSPAPER FOR PUBLICATION
May 29, 2020
DEADLINE FOR "REQUEST FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS" by 12 pm
May 19, 2020
DEADLINE: CANDIDATES STATEMENTS ARE SUBMITTED TO COMMUNICATIONS BY
June 4, 2020
CANDIDATE
FORUM AT ROAM CHIEF BUILDING AT 2 PM
5 P.M. FOR PUBLICATION IN NEWSLETTER
June 20, May
202029, 2020 ELECTION
DAY:
DEADLINE FOR "REQUEST FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS" by 12 pm
POLLS OPEN
8:00ATA.M.
June 4, 2020
CANDIDATE
FORUM
MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING AT 6 PM
June 20, 2020
ELECTION
DAY: 7:00 P.M.
POLLS CLOSE
POLLSRESULTS:
OPEN 8:00 A.M.
June 21, 2020
POST ELECTION
10:00POLLS
A.M.CLOSE 7:00 P.M.
June 21, 2020
POST ELECTION RESULTS:
TRIBAL RESERVE
10:00 A.M.
June 22-24, 2020
PROTEST PERIOD:
ANY VOTER MAY PROTEST IN WRITING
TRIBAL RESERVE
RECOUNT
MUST
BEPROTEST
ACCOMPANIED
WITH $500.00 RECOUNT FEE)
June 22-24, 2020(A REQUEST
PROTESTFOR
PERIOD:
ANY VOTER
MAY
IN WRITING
(A REQUEST
FOR RECOUNT
June 24, 2020
PROTEST
DEADLINE:
5:00 P.M.MUST BE ACCOMPANIED WITH $500.00 RECOUNT FEE)
June 24, 2020
July 2, 2020
PROTEST DEADLINE: 5:00 P.M.
ELECTION
COMMISSION WILL RESPOND TO PROTESTS NO LATER THAN JULY 2, 2020
July 2, 2020
ISSUE CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION
July 6, 2020
July 6, 2020
INAUGURATION
INAUGURATION
July 2, 2020
July 2, 2020
ChairmanChairman
Clerk
Clerk
Secretary
Secretary
Sargent-at-Arms
Sargent-at-Arms
Alternate
Alternate
ELECTION COMMISSION WILL RESPOND TO PROTESTS NO LATER THAN JULY 2, 2020
ISSUE CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION
PawneeNation
Nation Election
Election Commission
Pawnee
Commission
Timothy
Allen
Email:
Timothy Allen
Email: electioncomm@pawneenation.org
electioncomm@pawneenation.org
Mary Hawkins
Phone: 918-285-6769
Mary Hawkins
Phone: 918-285-6769
Sarah Knife Chief
Sarah Knife Chief
Mee-Kai Clark
Mee-Kai
ClarkMoore
Catherine
Catherine Moore
President Pawnee Nation Business Council -Walter Echo-Hawk
Nawa Akitaru,
my name is
Walter
EchoHawk. I am
running
for
President,
Pawnee Nation
B u s i n e s s
Council. I am
h u m b l i n g
myself
before
you to serve our proud Nation as a public
servant, and I am asking for your prayers.
Today three grave public health, economic,
and political problems face our Nation. These
challenges affect everyone. To face troubled
times in the life of our Nation, we must unite
and stand together as one people, like our
ancestors did, to persevere. A nation divided
cannot stand, especially when dark days are
at hand. So my primary goal is to restore unity
in our leadership. No matter who is elected, I
will work cooperatively with every Business
Council member and tribal employee on the
basis of mutual respect, so our government
can “right its ship” and navigate the troubles
we face.
Despite the pandemic at our doorsteps and
the related shutdown of our economy and
community, together with the infighting
among our tribal leaders that has sorely
hampered our government in recent months,
great opportunities do lay ahead if the Business
Council is able to grasp them. This upcoming
election of four new seats on the Business
Council brings hope for a better tomorrow.
With a more healthy, strengthened, and unified
government, our Nation can face these grave
challenges and move forward with confidence
to grasp opportunities in the days ahead.
My parents are Walter & Jeanine Echo-Hawk,
both born and raised in Pawnee. Through
them and my paternal grandparents, George &
Lucille EchoHawk, I belong to the EchoHawk,
Taylor, Bayhylle, and Shunatona families—so
I hail from the Kitkehahki and Skidi Bands
and am blessed with many relatives. I carry
the name Arusa Turahe (Good Horse), which
belonged to my second great-granduncle--the
Pawnee Scout Robert Taylor. I live on the Harvey
EchoHawk allotment near Yale with my wife
Pauline and son Anthony. Most of my children,
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren live in
Pawnee or surrounding communities.
Here is my experience for serving as your
President: (1) Indigenous Rights Attorney:
Since 1973, I have represented Native Nations
and peoples across the country in the modern
era of Federal Indian Law. In that capacity, I
enjoyed a unique opportunity to witness firsthand & learn from some of the best leaders
of our time during the rise of modern Native
Nations; (2) Tribal Attorney: Pawnee Nation
(1981-82); Comanche Nation (2012-2016);
(3) Tribal Judge: Associate Justice, Pawnee
Supreme Court (2000-2013); Chief Justice,
Kickapoo Supreme Court (2011-2016); (4)
Pawnee Government: (i) I helped establish
the Tribal Development Corporation (1981-82)
and have provided TDC board training; (ii) I
obtained a DOI Associate Solicitor Opinion
in the late 1970s that declares the Pawnee
Tribal Reserve an “Indian Reservation” within
the meaning of Federal law; (iii) I helped the
Nation obtain federal & state repatriation laws,
including NAGPRA, to repatriate our dead
for reburial purposes; (iv) I was a founding
trustee on the Pawnee Nation College’s Board
of Trustees, and currently serve the Nation as
a member of the Cultural Resource Division’s
Culture Committee and as a member of the
Museum Planning Committee; (5) Nasharo
Council work: I am helping the Nasharo
Council create the “Pawnee Nation Buffalo
Ranch, LLC,” as a tribal enterprise to acquire
a Kansas buffalo ranch for the Pawnee Nation;
and (6) Pawnee Culture: I served as Whip
Man & Drum Keeper for the Pawnee Veterans
Organization; and I help carry-on Kitkehahki &
Young Dog ceremonies.
If elected, my first task in the transition period
is getting up to speed on internal administrative
affairs of the tribal government and gaining
a deeper understanding of the state of our
Nation. Here are principles I will follow to
guide my work as President:
First, no matter who is elected, I will work
with all Business Council members on a
professional basis founded on mutual respect,
and I will strive to build consensus in a healthy
decision-making process. And it goes without
saying, I will follow the Constitution and tribal
law in all matters.
Second, the health and safety of our people
during the Covid-19 pandemic is a top concern,
including careful monitoring of the reopening
of our community & economy.
Third, I will urge policies and programs that
preserve, protect, and enhance Pawnee
culture, because it is the foundation for our
political sovereignty.
Fourth, environmental integrity of our
homeland is critical to tribal health, well-being,
and a robust economy; so let’s protect our
environment for present & future generations.
Fifth, food sovereignty sustains the health
& survival of Native Nations. To enrich and
grow our economy, I will support a robust
Agriculture Plan that, among other things,
brings Mother Corn, buffalo, and other healthy
traditional food back to the people.
Sixth, to pursue & maintain successful funding,
programs & initiatives, our leaders should
utilize expertise of talented tribal members
from all professions, including those who live
away from the community. Let’s enlist their
advice to help the Nation seize opportunities,
strengthen efficient governance, diversify our
economy & grow more jobs.
My message is one of hope and unity. In testing
times, our forebears stood together. Let us
remember how small our differences are in the
face of adversity and lay internal strife aside in
this dark hour to work as one. Our task is to
unify our leaders for a strengthened Nation
that can bring us through this troubled time. In
that effort everyone has a part, for we rise or
fall together. All of us are determined to survive
and prosper in our homeland, including every
candidate in this election. We owe a great debt
of gratitude to our ancestors, including the
chiefs & tribal leaders who overcame great
obstacles and hardships of their day to bring
us this far. We stand on their shoulders today.
With help from Atius, we shall overcome these
uncertain times. Together we persevere, and
our Nation will endure. In this spirit of service,
I humbly ask for your support.
Thank you,
Walter Echo-Hawk
The statements appearing in this section are the views and comments of the candidates and are not endorsed, approved or reflect the views of the news letter.
Vice-President Pawnee Nation Business Council - W.Bruce Pratt
Nowah
and
greetings to my
relatives
and
friends in the
Pawnee Nation.
Once again it is
election time
for our Tribe
to elect four
members to our Business Council. I’m asking
for your support and vote in this very important
election. I congratulate Mr. Walter Echo Hawk,
who will be our next president. I fully respect
and support his desire to lead our Tribe. I have
chosen to seek the vice-president office and fully
intend to cooperate and work with the entire
Council. I believe that I am fully qualified and
experienced in providing strong and capable
leadership alongside any elected councilors we
have. In my service on the Business Council, I
have always shown respect to all constituents.
I maintained an open-door policy to my office
and always was willing to listen to concerns,
suggestions, and complaints. I tried to resolve
problems and issues professionally with
courtesy and respect. I was taught that by my
parents, grandparents, as well as uncles and
aunties. I believe that’s the Pawnee way.
I wish to mention a few of the highlights and
accomplishments of my past business council
experience: First of all, the Tribe deserves to
have qualified, hardworking, and courteous
employees to carry out the daily tasks of each
department. A fair policy has been developed
to recruit and employ the best-qualified
applicants on a Pawnee preference basis. I
have maintained the integrity and privacy of
the employees with regard to their personal
information. Our employees deserve that. I
appreciate them.
The current Pandemic calls for strong
leadership to help keep our Tribe safe and
healthy. I stepped forward to lead our Tribe
when Pawnee suffered the strongest Earthquake
to hit Oklahoma. We immediately tried to
determine if anyone was physically hurt so that
we could give aid. Fortunately, there were no
injuries, but there was damage to our buildings.
Our workforce was impacted when our offices
had to be vacated. We filed insurance claims in
which settlements were offered far below what
we needed. We fought for a larger settlement
and won. We filed claims against the fracking
oil companies and won. We were the lead
tribe to do that. Other tribes followed our lead
in litigation. We were successful in banning
horizontal fracking. Three oil companies paid
our Tribe, and we repaired our buildings. Mr.
Walter Echo Hawk was instrumental in helping
our Council.
Another event which called for strong leadership
was the Flood of 2019. Many of our people were
displaced from their homes. I helped in the
opening of the Tribally-owned bank building in
Pawnee for a temporary shelter. Food, toiletries,
and bedding were provided. We worked
cooperatively with the City and County officials
to assist in safety concerns. Our Reserve was an
island due to the flood, which also interrupted
the jobs of our employees as well as the IHS and
BIA employees. We were successful in getting
FEMA to augment the Tribal efforts to supply
needed food and supplies. Ms. Cindy Butler,
our
Executive Secretary, was very instrumental as
she used her take charge skills to oversee many
details.
Other initiatives which I accomplished during
my service on the Business Council:
In an important effort to maintain food
sovereignty, a Corn Project was started to
acquire ancestral Pawnee food products to
grow and protect vegetables such as corn and
squash. A Hoop House Project, greenhouses,
was developed and funded to grow vegetables,
fruits, and flowers for use or sale by our
Tribe. This project was also approved and
funded while I was in office but has not been
implemented to the extent of the construction
of the greenhouses as yet. We all know the
importance of food.
The Hemp Project: Hemp is a valuable
commodity that can be locally cultivated and
harvested. It has many uses in the commercial
industry, such as bricks and clothing and
other uses. The Pawnees were the first Tribe
to submit an application to USDA for a grant
to develop this opportunity. We have the tribal
codes and laws to govern this program. It could
have provided jobs and a boost to our tribal
economy, but the efforts came to a standstill
when I left office. So, the hemp project fell by
the wayside. Once again, other Tribes used
our model and codes to facilitate their pursuit
of this opportunity. Other tribes have since
been funded. I still think it is a worthwhile
opportunity to enable our Tribe to develop a
diversified economy.
The Cultural Resource Division was initiated in
my past administration. It is important because
it seeks to enhance and preserve our Pawnee
culture in language, songs, and ancestral foods.
It also seeks the cultural preservation of our
lands in Oklahoma and other states. Through
this program, a cultural leave program was
developed for employees to participate in
cultural activities without penalty for leave use.
Other improvements on our Reserve include
new roads, sidewalks, lighting, and a
playground. The plans and grant applications
were submitted during my time in office. The
new campground improvement also began
during my past term. This campground project
appears to be near completion but has not been
opened for use yet. Surely it will be dedicated
soon.
As a former president of our Business Council,
I gained much knowledge and experience as I
served on numerous boards and committees.
It is important to network and work with
important leaders who can promote and
support the needs and issues which affect our
Tribe. I served on the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pawnee Service Unit Board, represent Pawnee
Nation on the IHS Pawnee Service Unit
Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, represent
Pawnee Service Unit to this Board
Direct Service Tribes Advisory Board, Oklahoma
representative to IHS, Wash, D.C.
Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Board, Oklahoma
Representative on HHS board, Wash, D.C.
HHS Budget Formulation Board, Nat’l Co-Chair,
representing Oklahoma Area
United Indian Tribes of Kansas, Oklahoma, and
Texas, Treasurer for the organization
I have always tried to advance the needs of our
Pawnee Nation as well as speaking in behalf
of other tribes. I have been asked to speak to
the Task Force on Indian Health, the NCAI,
the National Indian Health Board, Health
and Human Services, and gave testimony to
Congress. I have spoken on health disparities,
The statements appearing in this section are the views and comments of the candidates and are not endorsed, approved or reflect the views of the news letter.
Vice-President Pawnee Nation Business Council - W.Bruce Pratt
budget problems, protection of patients, oil
and gas issues, tribal consultation issues,
sequestrations, and gov’t shutdowns. Through
these efforts, our local health clinic and others
have received needed additional funding
and equipment to better serve our People
and others. President Marshall Gover asked
me personally to keep a strong Pawnee voice
speaking for the needs of our Tribe as he did.
Other of our Pawnees are doing great things
in Indian Country, and I believe the Pawnee
Nation should regain its place of leadership
among the Nations. Our members deserve that.
I will continue to work with all of our elected
council members and use my experience for all
Pawnees.
That’s why I humbly ask Attias for guidance
and your vote of confidence in this election.
Thank you.
W.Bruce Pratt
The statements appearing in this section are the views and comments of the candidates and are not endorsed, approved or reflect the views of the news letter.
feeling there's no
escape & no relief
Are you living with
domestic abuse?
Call the Pawnee Nation
Ti-Hirasa Program to get help:
918-399-3310
Services we can provide:
Safety planning
Emergency food
Emergency Shelter
Protection Orders
Legal Advocacy
Protection Orders
Pawnee Business Council Approves
Museum Construction Site
Kirir 2020! That first clap of thunder 2020 signaled good news coming in the Pâri cultural and agricultural new year.
May 5, 2020, was a historic day for the Pawnee Nation! The Pawnee Business Council unanimously approved a 25-acre site for the construction
of a new museum and cultural center south of the Pawnee IHS Clinic. It includes outdoor earthlodges, veterans’ memorial, traditional games fields,
and gardens. The purpose of the Museum of the Pawnee Nation is to collect, preserve, share, and interpret the history, arts, and culture of the
Pawnee Nation.
How did we get here?
“… one thing we always do is go to [Atius] in
prayer before anything else. That’s what our
people taught us.” Nora Pratt, Skiri
In 2019, at the invitation of the Association
of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums
(ATALM), the Museum of the Pawnee Nation’s
Board of Directors convened a 15-member
Museum Design Advisory Committee to work
with ATALM and with the Oklahoma State
University School of Architecture for the
purpose of creating a museum facility design.
That partnership was approved by Pawnee
Business Council Resolution #9-11 January
24, 2019.
The Museum Design Advisory Committee
members represented numerous Pawnee
community families and several Pawnee
Nation Departments that have information,
assistance, resources, or external contacts
with potential expertise or resources (e.g.,
equipment, supplies, merchandise, etc.) needed
for the Museum. Co-Chairs of the Museum
Design Advisory Committee were Gwen
Shunatona and Patricia (Patsy) Cooper, both
members of the Pawnee Business Council
appointed Board of Directors of the Museum
of the Pawnee Nation. In order to inform the
cultural elements of a museum design, a core
group generously volunteered their time to
provide extensive cultural information: Walter
Echo-Hawk, President of the ATALM Board
of Governors; Adrian Spotted Horsechief,
Pawnee Nation Culture Committee; and Matt
Reed, Chair of the Board of the Museum of the
Pawnee Nation.
During the process of developing the museum
design, information was disseminated to tribal
members via the Pawnee Nation Website and
to the public via area newspapers. Initial, direct
community outreach provided information
and gathered input on ideas for the Museum
from the Pawnee Community Language
Class members and from the Pawnee Service
Club, both of which represent many Pawnee
families. Throughout the next planning phase,
the involvement of community members will
be further expanded and intensified.
“Kitihawattu’. Kitihawattu”. “It is budding.
It is budding.” Eighth song of Corn Planting
Ceremony.
We are growing a museum through the
incredible generosity of ATALM in 2019,
when the Pawnee Nation/Board of Directors
of the Museum of the Pawnee Nation had
the great benefit of being an active ATALM
partner with the OSU School of Architecture.
This partnership allowed the Museum Design
Advisory Committee to work closely with 29
OSU fourth-year undergraduate architectural
students. The Museum Design Advisory
Committee shared extensive Pawnee cultural
knowledge with the student architects who
then, under close guidance from their OSU
faculty, created 29 potential designs for a
new Pawnee museum facility. That unique,
participatory process, inspired by the research
design by OSU Architectural Professor Awilda
Rodriguez Carrion, has culminated in a
prototype museum design for small tribes and
specifically the Pawnee Nation. To that end,
the Pawnee committee selected one design
denoted as the “top” design for possible use
by small tribes. The Board of the Museum of
the Pawnee Nation will now work with one or
more architects in order to create a final design
suitable for construction at the Pawnee Nation.
Each of our artifacts tells a story. There are
many stories yet to be told.
Roughly the Museum holds a collection of
37,000 artifacts! The vast majority of these
consist of ceramics and lithics from a few
archaeological sites in central Nebraska.
Within the collection are two examples of
reconstructed Pawnee ceramics that are 700800 years old. Also, among the 37,000 artifacts
is a growing collection of photos, recordings,
clothing, headdresses, and artwork donated
by the community within the last two years.
More donations will be welcome when a larger
facility is constructed. Of special significance,
in contemporary time, the Museum of the
Pawnee Nation currently houses several
important historical items to the community,
including the baseball glove and baseball
card of Moses Yellow Horse, Pawnee, and
the first full-blood Native American to play
professional baseball in the Major Leagues.
A new facility to house the Museum of the
Pawnee Nation would greatly impact our
collections in a positive way. Primarily, it will
welcome donations from Pawnee and other
donors of cultural items, clothing, artwork, etc.
The Museum’s current building houses several
other tribal departments and therefore lacks
any real space for storage for our collections.
A new facility would not only allow for proper
storage and better treatment and preservation
of our collections but also allow classes and
demonstrations, cultural events, security for
exhibits by Pawnee families, museum-related
community gatherings, reliable technological
capabilities, and offices for the staff of the
cultural center and Museum. Now in a former
grocery store, a new, modern facility would
allow us to grow our collection with renewed
confidence and ability to manage our own
history and culture by our own stewardship.
Currently, we rely on larger museums to be
stewards of our past and culturally significant
objects, and we would like nothing more than
to bring these items home. In the past and up
until now, we have hesitated to bring parts of
our culture home because we do not have a safe
place for them to live. A new facility would
allow our own Pawnee tribal members to learn
and see their history and culture for themselves.
This would renew pride and culture in many
of our tribal members, especially our Pawnee
youth.
What’s next?
Exciting news! On March 8, 2020, Susan
Feller, President, and CEO of ATALM,
notified the now-former Museum Design
Advisory Committee that the Pawnee
Nation was selected as an ATALM Cohort
Community. Pawnee Nation will be one of
only nine, small to midsize tribal communities
to receive assistance by ATALM in planning
and designing cultural facilities. To carry-out,
this new planning phase, a new working group,
Museum Planning Committee, will be led by
Co-Chairs Meghan Cunningham, Vice-Chair
of the Museum of the Pawnee Nation Board
and Zach Rice, contract staff with the First
Americans Museum in OKC. Other members
of the new Museum Planning Committee
include Museum of the Pawnee Nation Board
members Matt Reed, Chair; Carlton Gover,
Secretary; Miranda Due, Treasurer; Ron
Rice, Sr.; Patsy Cooper and Gwen Shunatona;
members of the Pawnee Nation Culture
Committee Helen Norris, Ramona (Monie)
Horsechief and Walter Echo-Hawk; as well as,
Ex officio member Herb Adson, Director of the
Pawnee Nation Cultural Resources Division.
Father Sky; Mother Corn; Father Buffalo;
Geography, i.e., Indigenous Homeland; Music;
Artifacts; Cooking/eating/meetings are Pâri
cultural elements to be incorporated into the
design of a new Museum of the Pawnee Nation
along with Pâri History/documents/photos/
documentary films.
The extraordinary opportunity for the Pawnee
Nation being an ATALM Cohort Community
will greatly heighten the probability of success
in pursuing funding from federal agencies,
individuals – both Pawnees and friends,
foundations, and affluent tribal nations in order
to establish a new Museum of the Pawnee
Nation.
In regards to the next steps, the Museum
Planning Committee will be meeting with the
Pawnee Nation Planning Division to discuss
possible funding strategies. If you have any
questions regarding the future Museum, please
submit them to PawneeMuseum@gmail.
com. Nawa iri.
Submitted by Museum of the Pawnee Nation
Board.
Vice-President - Jimmy Whiteshirt
Nawa,
I am Jimmy
Whiteshirt,
I am Chaui,
my
mother
was the late
Maxine Peters
Whiteshirt.
Her father was
the late James
Peters. His father
and mother were
the late Darwin
Peters and Dena
Goodfox Peters. My father was the late John D.
Whiteshirt, a veteran of WWII, spiritual leader,
member of the Native American church, Sun
dancer, and a very traditional man.
June 29th, 2019, I was duly elected as the
President of the Pawnee Business Council.
After being elected, a prominent Pawnee tribal
elder told me, “Jim, now that you have won
the election, the people who didn’t want you in
office are going to come after you anyhow and
anyway they can.” I tell you this because you
want to serve your Pawnee people, you want
a better quality of life for us because we are
way past due for something good. It has been
quite some time since I was on the Council and
nothing has really changed. I hope you will be
given the chance to accomplish your goals for
our people.
July 13th, 2019, I was inaugurated and sworn as
the President of the Pawnee Business Council.
August 16th, 2019, I was verbally suspended
from official duties by the former Attorney
General, Don Mason, in the presence of Carol
Nuttle, her daughter M. Angela Thompson,
members of the staff, and a tribal police officer.
Later, M. Angela Thompson testified against
me in Tribal court.
August 19th, 2019, The Attorney General
filed a “Two sentence document” labeled
“Petition” under Article VII, Section 4 Removal
of Pawnee Business Council members for
cause. The Attorney General listed as cause for
removal a list of 59 crimes. I did not commit
any of those 59 crimes. August 20th, 2019,
the Attorney General filed a “Two sentence
document” entitled, Dismissal of Petition in
which he states, Effective August 20th, 2019,
the Honorable James Whiteshirt, suspension is
officially lifted from the of the President of the
Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma.
The Pawnee Tribal court stated, “While the
Attorney General knew where the process for
removal is found, he made no attempts to follow
the law.” The Attorney General made no attempt
to claim any cause for suspension or seek any
ruling from the court prior to the suspension.
The court also stated that the Attorney General
denied the President his constitutional right
to due process by suspending him on August
16th, 2019. The Attorney General violated
the Pawnee Constitution by “unilaterally and
independently suspending the President.
During my short time as President, I have
revived the investigation by the Gaming
Commission of the Tribal Development
Corporation, which included corruption,
tax evasion, and confession. A year later, the
former President and the current Council took
no action to address the situation. I took the
investigation to the U.S. Attorney’s office for
review. I was advised that the Internal Revenue
Service would be handling the investigation.
I uncovered the 55 counts of embezzlement by
the former Treasurer, M. Angela Thompson,
from the Tribal Development Corporation.
Neither the Tribal Development Corporation
nor the former President or the current Pawnee
Business Council has taken any legal action
against Ms. Thompson.
I have also uncovered the fact that we have a
tribal member who is a federally convicted
felon working for our tribe in a highly paid,
confidential position, who also was not
forthcoming in reference to this question on
the application, “Have you been convicted of
a felony?” The tribal member answered, “No.”
I notified Charles Buddy Lonechief Jr. about
the federal conviction, and he wanted proof,
I presented him the proof. To date, he has not
taken any action nor has the other Council
members to address this issue.
Many of our tribal members have been
confused by other Pawnee tribal members
whose intention is to attempt to discredit me
by spreading malicious rumors especially from
a family who hasn’t lived in Pawnee for two or
three decades and also I have been threatened
by two tribal members who want to do me
bodily harm.
During one of my last Council meetings, I was
thinking of our tribal employees who lost their
jobs when I mentioned to the Council, If it were
up to me, I would give our $240,000 Council
budget to the tribal employees, however, none
of the Council members said a word about
helping our tribal employees during this
difficult time.
This is an email from Carol Nuttle, “Here are
two petitions being circulated, one is to remove
Jimmy Whiteshirt, and one is to remove
Sammye Adson Kemble from the Pawnee
Business Council. I had plans to focus efforts
on Jimmy, but I was being asked, What about
Sammye, so there are two recall petitions. I will
be signing both. If you are able, please acquire
as many signatures as possible, and don’t
hesitate to contact me should you have any
questions. Our goal is to acquire a minimum
of 119 signatures of duly enrolled Pawnee
tribal members by Friday, February 7th 2019.
However, please send in your signature even
if you cannot make the deadline so we can
add your signature should we not reach 119
signatures by Friday. Those who live outside
of Pawnee and or cannot provide an original
signature at this time, please sign and mail
your signed petition to me at the address below
and send me an email so I’ll know its coming.”
I also question how many signatures did not
make the deadline, how many tribal members
actually signed the petition, and if the Election
Commission checked to see how many of those
who signed their signature actually voted in the
last regular election. I saw many names on the
petition that I have never seen before.
Our Constitution states, Upon receipt of a
petition signed by twenty-five percent (25%)
of the number of voters who voted in the
last regular election call for the recall of any
member of the Pawnee Business Council, it
shall be the duty of the election commission
to call and conduct within thirty (30) days an
election on such recall.
The Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma Constitution
is the supreme law of the Pawnee Nation
of Oklahoma and all persons subject to its
jurisdiction. Currently there two issues in
The statements appearing in this section are the views and comments of the candidates and are not endorsed, approved or reflect the views of the news letter.
Vice-President - Jimmy Whiteshirt
Tribal District court;
1. The Constitution clearly states that in
reference to a Recall election, “It shall be the
duty of the Election commission to call and
conduct within thirty (30) days an election on
such recall.” The election did not take place
within 30 days. It took the Election commission
a total of 36 days to hold the Recall election for
myself and Sammye Kemble.
2. The Constitution, Article VI, Section 3
clearly states that, If the offices of President,
Vice-President and Treasurer are vacant the
Secretary shall temporarily vacate their office
and fulfill the duties of the President. What
this means is the current Business Council has
been holding illegal Council meetings, illegally
voting on matters related to the Pawnee Nation
and knowingly ignoring our Constitution,
which is the Supreme Law of the Pawnee Nation
of Oklahoma. The Secretary, Patsy McCray has
not vacated her office to fulfill the duties of
the President. Charles Buddy Lonechief Jr. is
currently fulfilling the duties of the President.
As of this date, May 20th, 2020, Mr. Lonechief
is still fulfilling the duties of the President. He
and the Council continue to knowingly violate
the Constitution.
Some of my goals.
Council and tribal members of our
community to have a very active role in
our tribal government. This amendment
would also bridge the gap of lack of
communication with our Pawnee
people.
e. Bring the Housing under the Pawnee
a. Make all our tribal funds transparent
tribe to take advantage of federal
benefits to build homes for our people.
b. Reorganize the Tribal Development
I am asking for your vote for the position of
Vice-President, to continue my goals.
so our tribal members can see how our
revenues are being spent.
Corporation, put the TDC on a budget.
c. Establish a Revenue Allocation Plan to
distribute a percentage of our gaming
revenue to our tribal members under
the General Welfare Act - tax-free basis.
Thank you very much.
Vote Jimmy Whiteshirt for Vice-President of
the Pawnee Business Council.
d. Update
our Constitution through
a referendum. The purpose of this
amendment would be for the Nasharo
The statements appearing in this section are the views and comments of the candidates and are not endorsed, approved or reflect the views of the news letter.
Vice-President - Jordan Kanuho
Nawa!
My name
is Jordan Kanuho,
and I am running
for the office of
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 great-grandson 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 OSU-IT 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, which includes
my current place of employment. I am also
an ordained minister of the gospel of our Lord
Jesus, and during my time in the ministry, I
have pastored Pawnee Indian Baptist Church
for 5 years. I currently pastor at Belvin Baptist
Church in Okmulgee, OK, where I have served
diligently for 3 years now. My wife, Amanda,
and I have lived in the Tulsa area for 8 years.
Amanda and I have been happily married for
almost 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 3 years.
The reason why I decided to run for Vice
President is because I believe it is the right time
to step up and help our Pawnee people in this
difficult time we are living in today. The people
who are close to me know that I have a heart
to help people and a desire to see people grow
and succeed in the life our Lord has planned
for them. With that being said, I come into this
knowing that I will not be serving a full term,
but finishing out the remainder of this term
for Vice President. So, I want to be as honest
with you as I can and let you know that I’m not
going to make promises I can’t keep. Instead,
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.
Some of you may be wondering what experience
I bring to the table in order to consider myself
qualified to serve in this position. Let me
explain that I have been blessed to serve on
various boards during my years as a Pastor of
the church. I currently serve as the President
on the Executive Board of the Fellowship
of Native American Christians, the Vice
President of Camp Crossway, a faith-based
summer camp, and the Director of the MSW
Association’s Baptist Assembly Camp Meeting.
Serving on these boards has given me a good
understanding of budgets and how to operate
within the means of them, setting goals and
completing them, networking, and building
working relationships to achieve a common
goal and the discipline to work hard for each
of these organizations. In addition to serving
on these boards, I believe my time working in
the engineering field as a Senior Designer has
equipped me with the discipline of meeting
deadlines on projects with multi-million dollar
budgets, working closely with project managers
and clients to meet those deadlines and
providing quality service with high standards
backed by a drive to do what needed to be done
in order to meet the client’s needs. In my 14
years of working in the engineering field, I
have had the opportunity to travel across the
US and into the Bahamas and the Caribbean
to visit client facilities in order to work on
projects within groups of individuals with
years of experience in the many different areas
of engineering, project management, field
services, and mechanical/electrical/structural
design, of which I have learned tremendously
from.
What I plan to accomplish during my time as
your Vice President is first, I will meet with each
program and director to get an understanding of
what each program does and how they operate
based on the budget they set forth. I would then
like to meet the employees of these programs
to let them know that I am here to serve them
as best as I can as their Vice President. Second,
I will meet with some of our elders and get an
idea of what they really need and start to work
with our programs within the Pawnee Nation
alongside the directors to see what we can do
to meet those needs. I believe that we wouldn’t
be where 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. I can’t promise that I will
be able to get them everything they are asking
for, keeping in mind that I will only have a little
under a year to do it, but I promise I will work
harder than anyone to do what I can for them.
Third, I will work to preserve and maintain our
language and culture. What makes us unique
as native people is not the color of our skin but
the fact that each tribe has a distinct language
and culture. If we do not take seriously the
need to preserve and maintain our language
and culture, we are just a generation or two
away from being culturally extinct. I will do
what I can as your Vice President to secure a
path forward to preserve and maintain our
Pawnee Language and culture. Lastly, I will do
as much as I can to pave a promising future for
your children and the future generations down
the road. My Au-kut would tell us from time
to time when she remembered her dad going
out early in the morning to pray. He would
pray on the east side of their house facing east,
and she asked him one time, “Why do you go
out there so early for?” He told her, “That’s
the quietest time of the day, and I’m praying
for all my children and their children. And
I’m also praying for my great-grandchildren
and on down that I may never see”. There was
a generation that looked ahead and thought
much of what will be there for their children
and their children’s children. I’m longing to see
that revitalized within our Pawnee people, and
if I can have a part in putting that into the hearts
of our people, I believe I’ve made an impact
that will be felt in future generations to come.
When we get past the nearsighted selfishness
of our circumstances today and begin to have a
generational perspective that will have lasting
effects on our people in a positive way, I believe
we will see a change like nobody has seen in a
long time. That is why I will work as hard as I
can to make a promising future for the future
generations of the Pawnee Nation.
When you mail in your absentee ballot or go to
the polls on June 20th, I would be grateful to
have your vote and confidence in me to know
that I will do the best I can to serve you as your
Vice President of the Pawnee Business Council.
The statements appearing in this section are the views and comments of the candidates and are not endorsed, approved or reflect the views of the news letter.
Treasurer - Tonette Ponkilla
Nawa relatives,
I am Tonette
Ponkilla, I am
an
enrolled
member of our
Pawnee Nation, I
carry bloodlines
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.
I currently reside in Stroud, Oklahoma, for the
last 20 years, with my husband Gordon Ponkilla
of the Sac and Fox Nation. My children are
Justin Ponkilla, Emily Fixico and, Tania
Ponkilla, and her companion Rico Jessepe. I
have three beautiful grandchildren, Quinton
Jessepe, Tarah Jessepe and, Mariah Jessepe.
I desire to support and help our Pawnee
Nation with my knowledge of Indian Country.
During my time at the University of Oklahoma,
majoring in Public Administration, I 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 Nation and the Iowa Tribe along with
other various employment.
My success of these tribes is physically evident
in projects that allowed each tribe to grow
their nation’s resources and fulfill economic
development down various avenues.
I
confidently bring with me first-hand experience
and knowledge of budgetary management,
economic development, Tribal sovereignty.
I kindly ask for your vote as Tribal Treasurer in
the Pawnee Nation 2020 Special Election to be
held on June 20, 2020.
The statements appearing in this section are the views and comments of the candidates and are not endorsed, approved or reflect the views of the news letter.
Pawnee COVID Response Project
by Monie Horsechief
Donations were from philanthropist George
Krumme, All Souls Unitarian Church, and
Evergreen Baptist Church in Tulsa.
Masks were made by Crystal Caesar and
donated by Pawnee Tribal Development
Corporation, provided to elders and the
public.
Donations for children constisted of coloring
books, bubbles, crayons, snacks, and fruit.
At 15, Kennedy volunteered her Saturday
afternoon to help hand out the donations,
because she knows giving back is its reward.
What a blessing for all as just one example of
what we’ve seen nationwide.
We distributed 65 blessings baskets with
essentials needs for families beginning with
elders.
Julie Hall, Mary Faye, and Cheynowa helped
distribute donations.
Treasurer - Ralph Nordwall
“Our tribe lags
behind
our
neighbors,
in
particular, the Sac
and Fox and the
Otoe’s as the result
of inexperienced
decision-makers
approving
poor
financial decisions.
The PTDC gave an
unnecessary $400,000 ‘goodwill’ payment to
the seller of the convenience store in Pawnee
above the amount it was worth! The PBC
appoints the PTDC board who approves these
sweetheart deals that have placed us behind
the 8 ball and eat up our gaming money. The
ultimate responsibility of those actions can be
laid at the feet of the Council. That is why we
have little tribal money for eyeglasses, cataract
surgeries, dental work, dentures, and crowns
for our elders and others: the money is wasted
on closed-door business deals. As Treasurer,
I will work to fix these problems publicly and
place the tribe on a stable financial footing to
move forward. We need to get back to basics;
unite and serve the people first and make
sure basic needs are covered with elders as a
priority.
and methods. The Pawnee Nation can easily
modify existing policy to ensure the tribe runs
efficiently and create better-paying jobs for
Pawnee people. The politics need to be taken
out of our accounting protocol; this is the
only way we can guarantee stability for our
employees and to our tribal members getting
services. I have a plan to accomplish these
goals as Treasurer and will work to see them
through.”
“Additionally, the tribe is being run as if it
was 30 years ago: under outdated policies
At 22, Rick was the acting director of Cherokee
Nation Health with over 300 employees, where
- Rick Nordwall (Ph) 405-762-1736 on Facebook
@ rick for Pawnee
Rick was born to Alton and Eva Fields-Nordwall
at the old Pawnee Hospital in Pawnee, OK. They
lived in the old housing units along Big D road.
Rick’s maternal grandparents are Arthur and
Ahnawake Fields with uncles Raymond, Arthur
Jr, Jim, Harrison, and Richard.
Rick graduated from Harvard University and
is the only Pawnee graduate from Harvard
College. While attending law school, he worked
for the Native American Rights Fund with John
and Walter Echo-Hawk. Later he delivered
the National Indian Health Board’s testimony
to a US House of Representatives Committee
detailing the state of Tribal Healthcare in the
U.S.
he oversaw the development of one of CNO’s
first Tribal clinics, ambulatory, and dental care
in what is now the largest tribal health service
in the Nation.
Rick has made a career as a Business and
financial consultant in Indian Country. He has
worked on Wall Street in NYC and managed
tens of millions of dollars for Tribal Nations,
Pueblos, Alaskan Native Corporations and
Tribal Foundations, and AMERIND (Tribal
housing insurance).
He has served the Pawnee Nation as the ViceChair of the Pawnee Budget Committee,
Executive Director of the Pawnee Tribal
Development Corporation, and as the Chairman
of the Pawnee Nation Gaming Commission.
Rick has been married to his wife Mary for 47
years, and they have two sons Eric and Sean.
Rick will bring the wealth of knowledge he
has gained from his experience to the Pawnee
Business Council, and as the Treasurer he will
safeguard the peoples’ money and assure the
people it is being spent properly and most
efficiently.
The statements appearing in this section are the views and comments of the candidates and are not endorsed, approved or reflect the views of the news letter.
Pico de Gallo
Recipe by Monie Horsechief from Horsechief Catering
Makes 8 servings or about 3 cups
1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
1 to 2 jalapeño or serrano peppers, finely diced (seeds and membranes removed for a milder
salsa)
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste
Simply great recipe...
DIRECTIONS
Add the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, diced peppers and lime juice to a bowl. Generously season
with salt, start with 1/2 teaspoon and go from there. Set the salsa aside for 15 to 20 minutes.
After this time, stir the salsa, making sure to distribute the juices left at the bottom of the bowl.
Taste and adjust with more salt.
Store up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Treasurer - Carol Chapman
Nawa,
It
is
with
the spirit of
my
beloved
P a w n e e
p a r e n t s ,
T h o m a s
and
Bernice
C h ap m an
that I, Carol
Chapman, am asking for your vote to serve
as Treasurer of the Pawnee Business Council.
I live in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where my
husband, Nathan Young, and I raised our
family. I have two sons, Nathan Young and
John Chapman Young, two daughters Shawn
Soulsby and Michelle Young, three cherished
grandsons, Eric Young, Stoney Barnoskie, and
Charles Walker Young, as well as my wonderful
granddaughter, Olivia “Via” Ruth Young.
Servant leadership is needed today more than
ever in our government, and I am committed
to serving the Pawnee people in the most
honorable and respectful manner that I was
taught by my Pawnee elders. I was born and
raised in Pawnee and am a member of both
Kitkahake and Skidi Bands. My grandfather,
Henry Chapman, served as President of the
Pawnee Supreme Council in 1929. My father
Thomas, uncles Basil and Robert “Bob”
Chapman, also served as Presidents of the
Pawnee Business Council. Inasmuch, I have
been immersed in Pawnee culture, language,
ceremonies, traditions, and community my
entire life with my Chapman and Eaves family. I
cherish those days and credit my family and my
tribe for all the wonderful opportunities in my
life. As a descendant of veterans and Pawnee
leaders, watching their contributions to our
community and Nation had a profound effect
on me as I moved forward in my life’s work
and service to Indian people. After graduating
from Pawnee High School, I attended both
Oklahoma State University and Northeastern
State University, where I earned my degree in
History and Psychology. I became a certified
teacher and also earned a Master’s Degree
in Education in Counseling Psychology. My
life’s work has been to help educate as many
Native American students as possible because I
believe education is the great equalizer.
I retired from Northeastern State University as
the Director of the Center for Tribal Studies,
where I worked with tribal people, tribal
governments, and organizations from across
the United States. In my 25 years of service to
the University, I served as Chair of the Indian
Symposium, then widely recognized as the
forum for Indian scholars, leaders, activists,
and artists. College students and youth from
across the state still visit the symposium to gain
exposure to important ideas and celebrate our
sovereignty and shared culture.
After I retired from NSU, I became a Program
Coordinator for the National Indian Women’s
Health Resource Center, directing numerous
programs funded by federal agencies, working
with tribal communities across Indian Country
to help improve the health and education of
their tribes. Today I specialize in counseling
Native American adolescents on historical
trauma, suicide, addictions, cultural identity,
and self-esteem. I have devoted 35 years of
my professional life to serving Indian people
in different capacities (Education, Policy
Development, Health). I feel fortunate to have
been a part of this rewarding work and feel that
now it is time to devote service to our Pawnee
Nation. From my experience, working together
is how progress and success happens. Working
cooperatively alongside the elected body my
platform includes:
•
Expand and improve services to all Pawnee
tribal members to provide meaningful
assistance to all of our members, especially
in a time of crisis,
•
Follow best practices in decision making
and management,
•
Dedication to transparency in government
and practicing due diligence in all matters,
•
Successful economic development for
our tribal businesses creating more
opportunities for our tribal members,
•
Increased grant writing seeking more
dollars for serving our youth, elders, cultural
preservation, and language, maximizing
our eligibility to expand services.
My financial experience includes years of
directing federally funded programs where I
managed and provided oversight of program
budgets. My job duties included reading
spreadsheets, managed operating accounts,
deposits, purchase requests, and purchase
orders, kept and maintained financial accounts
following federal regulations, and prepared
financial reports for federal project officers. As
a grant writer, I prepared budgets for inclusion
into large grant applications. When a grant was
funded, I managed and directed the program
and oversaw the administration of the financial
expenditures and reporting requirements. In
my job experience, I have served as a board
member, which required financial reports, so
I know what oversight and reporting entails.
In my job experience, I have also been in
the role of preparing financial reports and
presenting to board members on financial
matters. I am qualified to prepare and report
financial transactions to the Pawnee Business
Council and to the people. The Treasurer’s
oversight role requires good communication
and cooperation skills. I pledge respect for the
skilled financial department employees of the
tribe while providing oversight and reporting
as we follow the law, our constitution, and
policies, with all supporting documentation
to the Pawnee Business Council. I have served
on the Pawnee Nation Gaming Commission
and currently serve on the Pawnee Housing
Authority.
The Council are the stewards of your money. I
propose a “How the Money is Spent” document
distributed by mail quarterly to all Pawnee
membership. Explaining, simply, where and
why the tribe spends the Pawnee people’s
money. We come from one of the greatest
legacies the world has ever known, our culture
is studied and revered around the world.
Pawnee people are recognized as leaders across
all of Indian Country. The stability and progress
of our democratic Pawnee government matters
greatly as we enter an era of uncertainty and
anxiety; the Pawnee people have called for
another vote, Stalemate has brought the need
for a new direction. I humbly ask for your vote.
I pledge to work in good faith with PresidentElect Echo-Hawk & Council members. I wish to
serve my tribe, working solely for the benefit of
the Pawnee people.
Atias, Bless the Pawnee Nation
Carol Chapman
The statements appearing in this section are the views and comments of the candidates and are not endorsed, approved or reflect the views of the news letter.
Council Seat #1 - Pamela J. Cook
Nawa (Hello) Family, friends, and Members of
the Pawnee Nation:
I, Pamela Cook, am announcing my candidacy
for Council Seat #1. I consider it an honor and
a privilege to have an opportunity to serve my
Pawnee people in the capacity of a tribal leader.
I come to you as a highly qualified candidate with
over 45 years of tribal government experience
in various departments of the Bureau of Indian
Affairs and Pawnee Nation District Court and
Social Services.
I possess high standards
of integrity and strong ethics, and I have the
education and work experience to read and
interpret tribal laws and legislation. I believe
as a council member, we should work together
collectively and in unity as a group in order to
reach the needs of our people in these desperate
and challenging times of unemployment and
Covid-19 virus pandemic. I believe our tribal
Council has a grave responsibility to our tribal
members, as we must find a common ground
and work together to deal with the unusual
economic circumstances that face our tribal
government today. Unity is needed in our
tribal Council to progress and succeed and to
insure that our common goals and interest of
the Nation are being met. We must continue
to provide continuity and stability within our
Pawnee Nation for our employees, families,
and Pawnee people as a whole to remain a
successful tribal government and to keep our
trust relationship and continued funding with
the Federal Government.
for services who live inside and outside our
jurisdiction, not just a select few; we’re in dire
need of our own Social Service Program funded
with a Revenue Allocation Program Plan.
The Indian Preference Law must be upheld
in employment, and I believe in preserving
our tribal culture for our future generations;
and Tribal economic business ventures must
expand beyond our tribal casinos to increase
our tribal revenues.
in Civil, Criminal Juvenile division; Social
Services Representative for the Sac and Fox
Nation; the National Indian Repository, Office
of Trust; Pawnee Indian Health Center, Medical
Support Assistant Specialty Clinic, Pediatrics,
Cardiology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology,
and Women’s Health Clinic. 2017 - Legal
Assistant Supervisor Court Clerk for the Court
of Indian Offenses, for the Wind River Agency,
in Fort Washakie, Wyoming.
I am the granddaughter of the late Julius Caesar,
Jr., Pawnee member of the Kitkahaki South
Band, a well known Silversmith, and Francis
Caesar. My uncle is Bruce Caesar and the late
Charles Caesar. My parents were Lolita Jo
Caesar Cook and the Rev. Virgil Cook, Pastor
of Faith Tabernacle Church, Yale, OK. I was
educated at Yale and Cushing High School.
I graduated from the Institute of American
Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM, in 1972. I am a
1975 graduate from Oklahoma State University
in Legal Studies, and a graduate from the
University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Criminal Justice. I raised
all my four children in Pawnee, OK, namely
Sam Cook, Nichole Harrison, Ian EchoHawk,
and Maria EchoHawk Martinez. I live on my
Pawnee Indian Allotted land. I have lived in the
Pawnee Area all my life.
Past years: 1981 served as Chairman of Pawnee
Indian Housing responsible for building 42
new Mutual Help Indian Homes located in
Pawnee Reeves Addition and served as Housing
Commissioner and Tax Commissioner for the
Pawnee Tribe.
I have attended numerous
conferences and received training certificates in
Tribal Court Procedures and tribal government
over the years. I was elected to serve as a
council member of the Pawnee Nation under
the leadership of President Elizabeth Blackowl
Pawnee Nation.
A summary of my tribal government work
experience began in 1975 with the Bureau
of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of
Interior, Office of Personnel Management
in Washington, D. C. - In 1977 Credit and
Finance Pawnee Agency; Tribal Development
Office, assisted the five tribes in their budget
formulation process; monitored P. L. 93638 Indian Self-Determination Grants &
Contracts -training and technical assistance to
the Five Tribes-Social Services Office- Land
Operations and Land Titles Office. From 1991
to 1993, I served as Court Clerk, the Court of
Indian Offenses, C.F.R. Court Ponca City, OK,
BIA Pawnee Agency preparing complex legal
documents. In 1993 to 1995 Tribal Government
I strongly believe in education for our youth; Office, Branch of Tribal Enrollment, BIA
I support the elders of the community and Washington, D. C.; In 1998 to 2006 - Court
believe we must include all our tribal members Clerk, Administrator for the Pawnee Nation
Our tribe is facing unusual financial difficulties
and uncertainties right now at this time due
to the COVID 19 Virus pandemic and the
failing economy in the US, which no doubt
has impacted us and has resulted in the loss
of revenues for our tribe. The future success
of the Pawnee Nation is in the hands of our
entire tribal council members. The Leaders of
our tribe must lead our tribe in unity, and focus
on solving our governmental issues, concerns,
priorities, and goals and move forward in our
efforts to sustain ourselves as an independent
sovereign nation.
I sincerely appreciate your vote for Council
Seat #1 for Pawnee Nation, and I promise I will
work diligently to help resolve our complex
problems and to sustain the future of our tribal
government.
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela J. Cook
Candidate for Council Seat #1.
The statements appearing in this section are the views and comments of the candidates and are not endorsed, approved or reflect the views of the news letter.
Council Seat #1 - Cynthia Butler
Nawa. My name is Cynthia Butler, and I am
running for Pawnee Business Council Member
Seat #1 in the upcoming Special Election. I will
do my best to represent the Pawnee Nation and
our members.
I will be requesting to be on the Governing
Documents Committee as we have seen many
inefficiencies within our governing documents,
and I will advocate for change and reform.
We need to strengthen our policies and our
Constitution. It will also take business-minded
individuals with knowledge and understanding
of policy and policy reform to move forward. I
have sat on several Pawnee Nation Commissions
in which we have made innovative strides to
strengthen regulations and bring in revenue for
the tribe. I have also been staff support for all
PBC Committees and have helped with review
and revision of policies. I believe through my
studies at Northern Oklahoma College and
through my ten years of experience working
for the Pawnee Nation, I have what it takes to
contribute to our tribal government.
My top three priorities are: 1. Policy Reform;
2. Continue to advocate for youth services; and
3. Completion of the Pawnee Nation Strategic
Plan. These will be my short-term goals if I am
elected.
It was once said we are the greatest Nation on
the planet, and I firmly believe we are, and we
can be the leaders of Indian Country. To get
there, there must be unity among the Business
Council members. We cannot be part of the
problem; we need to be the solution. We can
have change, but it takes cooperation from
everyone. Everything starts with a thought, a
plan, and then someone to execute the plan
for a result. With my work ethic, I will not shy
away from bringing solutions to the table. I
want to take the opportunity to be part of the
solution for making this Nation, the Pawnee
Nation, prosper, and represent you as a tribal
leader.
Please vote for Cynthia on June 20th for PBC
Member Seat #1.
The statements appearing in this section are the views and comments of the candidates and are not endorsed, approved or reflect the views of the news letter.
New Safety Measures at the Pawnee Nation
While the world braces for the COVID-19
Pandemic, the 2019 Pawnee Nation Safety, and
Enhancement Projects are wrapping up. The
Pawnee Nation’s newest, innovative safety
and enhancement features are the Rectangular
Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs). The RRFBs
were recently installed at the 18/64
Highway intersection of Catlett Rd at
the War Mothers Bridge entrance.
According to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, there
were a total of 14,340 pedestrian
fatalities and 193,000 pedestrian
injuries resulting from pedestrianvehicle crashes nationwide during
the 2004-2006 period. Rectangular
Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB) can
enhance safety by reducing crashes
between vehicles and pedestrians
at unsignalized intersections and
mid-block pedestrian crossings
by increasing driver awareness of
potential pedestrian conflicts.
The RRFBs are activated by
pedestrians manually by a push
button, use amber LED lights, are
solar-powered, and use an irregular
flash pattern to warn oncoming traffic. RRFBs
are a lower-cost alternative to traffic signals
and hybrid signals that are proven to increase
driver yielding behavior at crosswalks.
Through the 2019 Pawnee Nation Safety and
Enhancement Projects, we have installed
the RRFB’s, LED roadway lighting, and
sidewalks along 1st Street and Catlett rd. that
provide for safe access into the Pawnee Nation
Tribal Complex. Our Pawnee Nation Housing
Authority and EagleChief community have
been transformed through these projects.
Future safety and enhancement projects will
focus on safe access for our Yellowhorse
community into the Pawnee Nation Tribal
Complex.
Chris McCray
Pawnee Nation Transportation
& Safety, Manager
Pawnee Nation was one of the tribes selected to
received a sizable donation Walmart of (24) pallets of
fruits and vegetables
Due to the recent COVID-19, Walmart was
seeking out tribes to donate food to. Chris
Roper, the Director of Services for Quapaw
Nation, contacted one of our tribal members,
who works for the Intertribal Agriculture
Council, who then reached out to Pawnee
Nation regarding this awesome opportunity.
Pawnee Nation was fortunate to be one of
the tribes selected; we received a sizable
donation Walmart of (24) pallets of fruits and
vegetables. The donation consisted of the
following:
6 pallets of sweet onions
1 ½ pallets of yellow onions
5 pallets of limes
2 pallets of pineapples
3 pallets of spaghetti squash
1 pallet of tomatoes
1 pallet of sweet potatoes
3 pallets of Idaho potatoes
1 pallet of mangos
½ pallet of butternut squash
During the week of April 13-20, the Division
of Health & Community Services and Property
Management volunteer divided the food
and made food boxes. Recipients received
the food boxes by either home delivery or
curbside delivery. We utilized the produce to
1) supplement our tribal food programs, 2)
distributed to Tribal Development Corporation
and Pawnee Nation employees who have been
furloughed, laid off, and/or reduced hours
due to the pandemic, 3) gave to our elders,
program participants, tribal members, and
tribal employees, 4) donated to local & county
restaurants, nutrition sites, food banks, soup
kitchens, and a nursing home, and 5) shared
with the City of Pawnee employees. Many of
the recipients shared their bounty with family,
friends, neighbors, etc.
Much appreciation goes out to Walmart, Chris
Roper, our tribal member with IAC, and all
those who assisted with this project. With this
partnership, we were able to serve our tribal
community, city, and county during this time
of crisis.
Pawnee Nation Diabetes Program
Nawa Akitahu!
The Pawnee Nation Diabetes Program promotes the delivery of supportive, interactive,
and educational services for Native Americans
with the risk factors of developing and/or with
the diagnosis of diabetes who reside within the
Pawnee service area. It is our intent to improve the quality of life for Native Americans
by implementing SDPI Best Practice: Physical
Activity/Education. Although group physical
fitness classes are on hold due to the pandemic, we still want to encourage physical activity
at home. The week of April 6-12 was National
Public Health Week. In honor of all public
health workers, we launched a steps challenge
for those interested in helping the American
Public Health Association reach their goal of
a billion steps. We had (8) individuals join our
virtual team and log a total of 183,114 combined steps during the week. All participants
received an incentive goodie bag for their
participation.
Direct services for diabetic clients are still
available by appointment only until further
notice due to people with diabetes being more
likely to develop severe coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) and complications. We want to
make sure we are doing everything we can on
our end to keep clients and staff safe.
The Diabetes Program is located in the old
IHS Building, Rooms 101 and 103, and can
be reached at (918) 762-3873 option 4 or
via email at mclark@pawneenation.org or
cg1030@pawneenation.org.
Use of Cloth Face Coverings to
Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings
Cloth face coverings should—
• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or
change to shape
CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other
social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and
pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of
the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from
transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household
items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an
additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age
2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or
otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95
respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for
healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by
current CDC guidance.
Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise
cleaned regularly? How regularly?
Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency
of use.
How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?
A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a cloth face covering.
How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?
Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth
when removing their cloth face covering and wash hands immediately
after removing.
cdc.gov/coronavirus
CS316353B 04/10/2020, 8:07 PM
THE ICW PROGRAM IS SEEKING FOSTER PARENTS.
Benefits of being a foster parent include providing a safe environment for children and ensuring their
connection to their culture and community. For more information on becoming a foster parent, please
contact the Pawnee Nation ICW Program at
(918) 762-3621 ext. 143 or ext. 175.
SAP/MSPI/TOR Update
To start things off, we would like to inform and
reaffirm what we have done in the past and will
continue to do as things begin to move forward.
The Methamphetamine & Suicide Prevention
Initiative (MSPI) and Tribal Opioid Response
(TOR) Programs focus on prevention activities
primarily on our youth. This includes activities
such as guest speakers at the schools and for
the community. In addition, camps are utilized,
and collaborative functions are undertaken
to provide safe and constructive tools for
the individuals served. The MSPI and TOR
Prevention Specialists are trained to present
to and help identify at-risk people within our
community. They are constantly searching for
and identifying concerns that have a negative
impact within the community. The Prevention
Specialists then work diligently to reduce the
impact of those negative markers through their
research and use of best and evidence-based
practices currently available. They attend
trainings as well as program requirements as
stipulated by the funding agencies, for these
grants. Patrick Smith represents the MSPI
grant, while Galen Springer represents the
TOR grant.
like to raise awareness of additional services
that are currently available. If someone needs
or would like to attend a group session, there
are many available in an online format. An
example of this format is available at 12steponline.com. This website has AA rooms, AA
Zoom rooms, NA rooms, Christian rooms
Al-Anon rooms, and Nar-Anon rooms. These
are somewhat easy to negotiate and are free
of charge. The times available are spread
out nicely and can accommodate just about
everyone’s time need. There is everything from
the Night Owls (12:00-1:00 A.M.) to the Early
Birds (7:00-8:00 A.M.)
The SAP (Substance Abuse Program) is an
outpatient program that offers follow up
care for those in non-residential care. The
outpatient care is utilized by those that have
completed inpatient, intensive outpatient or
partial hospitalization facilities. SAP is here to
support those that are transitioning back into
everyday life and need additional support to
continue a successful journey in recovery. In
addition to providing individual counseling,
we also offer a Support Group meeting on
Wednesday evenings. With the COVID-19
occurrence reducing face-to-face meetings and
group meetings, we have taken the current steps
to protect and assist all that we can. We will
see individuals by appointments only, so please
call ahead of time to be seen. If you need to be
seen or need to talk to someone, please contact
the office at 918-762-2143 during regular
working hours, 8 to 5 Monday through Friday,
and necessary arrangements can be made to
assist someone with their needs.
many issues. This is not staffed by medical
personnel but is very useful.
During this time of COVID-19, we also would
chose them because of the reduced time to get
someone into treatment as well as to utilize
the services they have to offer to extend into
co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis
treatments according to the DSM-V criteria
that we adhere to.
With this new treatment facility, we can stay in
the office and make direct contact with 12&12
and do a screening process with the individual
and 12&12’s intake personnel to determine the
individual’s level of need. If they are scored
by the screening tools and determined to need
a higher level of care afforded by inpatient
treatment, then we have the opportunity to
There are also several Hotline numbers that serve a move a person rapidly towards the road to
variety of concerns. All the numbers available here are
recovery. This reduction in lapses in time
accessible 24 hours a day.
creates a much higher chance of a person to
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
get in while in a more receptive state of mind
1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
to allow us as first contact, to work first hand,
Trevor Project Lifeline
with the necessary components, the client,
1-866-488-7386 (Hotline for LGBT youth)
the SAP Program, and 12&12, to expedite the
Child Help USA National Hotline
process to get someone into treatment. Since
1-800-422-4453
we have access to the monies for treatment,
(Hotline for youth suffering from child abuse)
we can authorize payment for treatment and
Crisis Counselor Text HOME to 741741
usually have the person in need there within
is staffed by volunteers to help someone through
four days.
The current conditions that we all must contend
with are allowing us to explore and enhance
In addition to these services, the Substance
our capabilities to serve our people further.
Abuse Program also makes referrals to
additional resources for more extensive care. In
the event, a person comes in for an assessment, SAP/MSPI/TOR Staff are listed below:
and it is determined through the screening tools
Barbara Attocknie, ICADC,
that an individual may need additional services, Program Coordinator/Counselor
we may make a recommendation and referral Mike Ortiz, Counselor
to other resources for help in those areas. As Patrick Smith, MSPI Prevention Specialist
an example, someone comes in, and during
Galen Springer, TOR Prevention Specialist
screening, that individual shows indicators of
depression or other mental or medical health Anthony Leas, Fitness Center Attendant
concerns, then we will make a referral to IHS
Behavioral Health or the Medical Clinic for the
potential additional needs. Often an individual
needs to be further referred to outside treatment
facilities, and the cost will need to be approved
through IHS for this additional treatment need.
This is the reason why this process is necessary.
SAP contracted with 12 & 12 in Tulsa for
inpatient drug and alcohol treatment to best
serve our people’s needs in this area. We
Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
Enrollment Department
P.O. Box 470, Pawnee, OK 74058
Ph# (918)762-3873 Opt #7 Fax# (918)762-9927
Email: changeaddress@pawneenation.org
•
•
CHANGE OF ADDRESS AUTHORIZATION
Date, Name, Date of Birth and Signature are required for address changes
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN THIS STATEMENT LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE
Members 18 years and older must sign this form
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Roll #:
*Name:
Telephone # :(
*Date of Birth:
E-Mail:
Current Mailing Address:
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Yes I would like to receive the
Chaticks si Chaticks, a quarterly publication.
(For enrolled members over the age of eighteen
only and one per household)
City
State
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Update enrolled children under 18
Please update the same
address for the following individuals
under the age of 18:
Name:
Current Physical Address:
Date of Birth:
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Name:
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*Signature of Member or Parent/Guardian
Date of Birth:
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Printed Name of Signature
* Use additional sheet for more children *
In Remembrance
Terry Lynn Kennedy
2/12/1960
1/10/2020
Ruth Ann Foy
9/15/1964
3/10/2020
Kyle Edward W Taylor
12/2/1957
3/13/2020
Arthur Ralph Fields III
11/23/1960
3/16/2020
Karen Marie Evans
2/18/1949
4/1/2020
Timothy Isaiah Nuttle
10/9/2002
4/5/2020
James Little Sun Jr.
9/2/1944
4/8/2020
Vera Jeanine Lyons
5/22/1968
4/15/2020
Thomas C Cline
7/1/1944
4/17/2020
Karl Eugene Kent Sr.
8/16/1953
4/18/2020
Luanne Levier
5/31/1948
4/27/2020
Johnnie Darwin Villines
2/19/1944
5/3/2020
in loving memory of
Arthur Ralph Fields III
Arthur “Sonny”
Ralph
Fields
III, 59, passed
away
suddenly
on March 16,
2020. Sonny was
born November
23,
1960,
to
Arthur
Ralph
Fields Jr. and
Minnie OsborneFields at Tinker
Air-Force Base,
Midwest
City,
OK. Sonny spent
his childhood growing up in Wichita, KS, and
Pawnee, OK. Upon graduating from Pawnee
High School in 1978, he attended Central State
November 23,1960 - March 16, 2020
University in Edmond, OK, working towards
a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. It was
at this time that he learned his artisanship as
a carpenter to provide for his wife Nena and
children. Sonny was a happy and devoted
father, grandfather, and Dallas Cowboys fan.
He lived in Rockville, MD, for six years, which
lead him to use his carpentry skills in high-end
trim carpentry for C R Design. Sonny moved
back home, where he was able to make a home
in Shawnee, OK. Sonny was a proud employee
with Black Bear Builders in Pawnee, OK,
at the time of his passing. He enjoyed being
able to teach others and work for the people
of Pawnee that he loved and cherished. Those
left to cherish his memory are his forever wife
Nena and children; Alicia & Graham, Arthur
“SonnyBoy” Fields IV & Diana, Alana & Ben,
Mariah Ann, and 13 grandchildren: Landon,
Emoree, Trenton, Avery, Aiden, Roland,
Xavier, Railee, Audrey, Theo, Valery, Hinu,
and Gabriel; Siblings: Charlie, Mike, Lyle,
Monie, and Lisa, and many aunts, uncles,
nieces, nephews, friends near and far, and Larry
Reamy and Ron Cooper. He was preceded in
death by his parents, grandparents, brother
Roland Fields, his final resting place will be at
the North Indian Cemetery, Pawnee, OK. Go
Cowboys!
Services were held Thursday 1:00 P.M. March
19, 2020, in the Pawnee Nation Multi-purpose
Building with Rev. Warren Pratt Jr. officiating.
Services were entrusted to the Poteet Funeral
Home and Cremation Services, friends can
leave a memory for the family at www.
poteetfuneralhome.com
in loving memory of
Dennis Wayne Haga
Small group planting at Maramec lake,
in memory of Dennis Haga
April 7, 1956 - May 4, 2020
Pawnee Nation College Honors the
Class of 2020 Graduates
Because of the COVID-19, so many schools
and colleges have moved to online learning
to ensure the safety of their students. Many
graduates are missing their commencement
ceremonies. Traditionally such significant
milestones in their lives, especially the
graduates who will not be able to walk for
graduation as a first-generation student, is a
loss. All college seniors always need inspiration,
reassurance, and life advancement as they head
into the next chapter of their lives, which is
especially true this year during the COVID-19
uncertainty. Encouraging words for our PNC
College graduates of 2020 need to be heard to
celebrate and honor the resilience, strength,
and accomplishments of this year’s graduates.
The future is always uncertain, but we here at
PNC are proud to help you celebrate all of your
achievements, and we are certain of one thing
on this day: You will not let us down.
The graduating students of Pawnee Nation College
Rosetta Clark
(Pawnee)
Bachelor of Arts American Indian
Studies
Albert Lorentz
(Sac and Fox)
Bachelor of Arts American Indian
Studies
Degree and certificate programs are two of the
most common choices for students returning
to the classroom. These two educational paths
are designed to expose students to a specific
field or skill set that can help broaden their
knowledge in that subject area. At their core,
the purpose of both program types is to help
students understand the depth of their industry
and to walk away with the tactical skills and
experiences needed to expand their career
options, advance at work, or even switch to a
new industry altogether.
One of the biggest draws of a certificate
program is the speed at which you can complete
it. Unlike a degree-which can take between two
and four years to finish-certificates require as
little as a few months to a few years to complete.
This variation in length is due to the flexibility
of certificate programs, including that they
allow you to take as few or as many courses at a
time as needed.
Certificate courses are narrowly focused and
Jasmine Lorentz
(Comanche)
Associate of
Science General Business
Summer Morgan
(Kiowa)
Bachelor of Arts American Indian
Studies
explore the actionable skills needed to work in
a particular industry. Depending on the type of
certificate, classes may only cover a broad view
of essential industry-related topics or practices
to ensure you have a working knowledge of the
field. More advanced certificate programs dive
more deeply into the subject or review more
sophisticated methods for the work. In either
type of certificate program, however, graduates
leave with skills well-developed enough to
apply what they’ve learned to your field or, in
some cases, expand that base knowledge into
an advanced degree later on.
At this time, PNC has a total of 34 students
enrolled in the Associate degree Oklahoma
Native Career & Technical Education Programs
(OKN-CTEP), and 5 students enrolled in the
Industry recognized OKN-CTEP.
Pawnee Nation College is planning to have
students back on campus for on-line coursework
for the summer and face-to-face coursework in
the fall. Of course, it is contingent upon the
Arthur Daugomah
(Kiowa)
Associate of Arts American Indian
Studies
Robert Frazier
(Choctaw)
Associate of
Science General Business
proposed phases of Gov. Kevin Stitt reopening
plan will continue. The summer semester
begins June 8th – August 7th, and the fall
semester classes will be announced at a later
date. Throughout this period, all employees,
students, and campus guests are expected to
practice appropriate social distancing and to
follow the COVID-19 CDC guidelines.
www.pawneenationcollege.org
CONGRATULATIONS
to Autumn Only A Chief who has successfully completed
her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California!!! USC’s Class of 2020 Virtual
Commencement will take place on May 15th. No names will be called—only student pictures will be shown.
Autumn Vivian Only A Chief, is the daughter of John Only A Chief and Vivian Evora of California. Autumn is a
2013 alumna of Pawnee High School, who has received many awards for her academic achievements, as well as
her community involvement with the Pawnee Nation and the City of Pawnee. Autumn has 3 brothers including:
Daniel Evora, former student of PHS; Devon Only A Chief, 2008 alumnus of PHS; and Aaron Mulder, current
Pawnee Middle School student.
Autumn earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences-Allied Health from Oklahoma State University in
the Class of 2017 with additional awards—including being selected a top 10 Senior of Significance.
During her clinical studies at USC, Autumn has had the opportunity to be trained at some of the most prestigious
hospitals in her field on the west coast. She participated in an international physical therapy service trip to Costa
Rica to help the indigenous peoples there. Autumn has also enjoyed a much deserved 10-day vacation in Australia during her second year of PT
school.
Autumn is thankful for all her relatives, former teachers, administrators, bus #9 driver Carl Roberts, fellow students, friends, and tribal members
for your love, support and guidance along the way!! She asked that her Aunt Donna be given a very special Thank You!!
A quote from Pele for students from Autumn “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all,
love of what you are doing or learning to do.”
Corn Blueberry Pie
Recipe by Monie Horsechief from Horsechief Catering
Ingredients
For the crust:
2 cups AP
⅓ cup yellow cornmeal
3 Tablespoons confectioner's sugar
1 tsp salt
8 oz. Unsalted butter
3 oz. ice water
For the filling:
2 pints blueberries
kernels from 3 ears corn
⅔ cup sugar
zest and juice from 1 lemon
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 pinch salt
Instructions
To make the crust:
Combine the flour, sugar, salt and cornmeal in a food processor. Pulse to mix. Add about ⅔ of
the butter, in chunks. Pulse until mixture resembles sand. Move to a large bowl, add the
remaining butter in chunks and rub it in/flatten it with your fingers. Add the ice water all at once.
Mix with a fork, divide into two disks, wrap well, and chill until firm.
Roll out the bottom disk between 2 sheets of plastic wrap, use it to line a 9" pie plate. Chill the
plate with the rolled-out dough.
Preheat oven to 425.
For the filling:
In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the filling, and toss. Pour the filling into the bottom
crust, then roll out the other disk, cover the filling, seal and crimp the edges, and cut vents in the
top.
Sprinkle sugar over the pie crust and bake at 425 for 20 minutes. Lower heat to 350, cover with
foil if the crust is looking brown enough, and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes.
Suggestions: Try a variety of berries such as raspberries and add lemon juice and sugar to
balance the tartness.
Pawnee Nation Tax Commission
social distancing that is
critical at this time for our
safety and those at risk for
a period of time.
Pawnee Nation tribal land are required to have
a current food handlers permit. Organizations/
Groups may qualify for a Sales Tax Exemption,
Decorative Tags available with the following captions at the bottom of the plate: Oklahoma, Veteran,
Chaui, Kitkehahki, Skidi, Pitahauirata.
Price: $16.20
and the Tax Commission Staff will have the
Personalized License Plates: you design it, Auto up to 7 letters/numbers. Motorcycle up to 4
appropriate forms to complete and presented to
letters/numbers.
Price: $35.00
Vehicle Registrations can the Tax Commission for approval.
Miscellaneous Merchandise:
be completed by mailing
insurance verification or The Pawnee Nation Tax Commissioners meets
License Tag Ash Trays made from License plates that were returned by tribal members.
emailing to Lyle Fields, on the third Tuesday of each month. The
Price: $5.40
Tax Manager or Margaret Pawnee Nation Tax Commissioners are: Tax
Pawnee Nation Seal sew on Patch 3 1.2” circle Price: $5.40
Twins, Tax Assistant at Commission Chairperson, Kathaleen Daniels;
Pawnee Nation Flag sew on Patch 2” x 3”
Price: $3.24
: lfields@pawneenation. Vice Chairperson- Martha OnlyAChief;
White Ceramic Mugs with PNO Seal.
Price: $5.40
org,
or
MT0111@ Secretary, James Rice; Sergeant at Arms, Ann
Flags (desktop@ base (pictured here)
Price: $10.80
pawneenation.org
and Collins; Treasurer, Liana Teter.
payment
can
be
taken
over
Pawnee Flag 2 x 3’
Price: $27.00
the phone.
The Tax Commission is in the process of
Pawnee Flag 3 x 5’
Price: $54.00
obtaining different merchandise or color
Apparel:
New tags will require availability on our Pawnee Nation merchandise
White Caps with PNO Seal
Price: $16.20
the original title, copy for sale in the future. The hours of operation are
Jerzeez Brand POLO shirt with PNO seal
of CDIB, Copy of tribal Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
members driver license, p.m. The Pawnee Nation Tax Commission
Small, Medium, Large, and XXL available in Navy, Blue, White & Red:
$ 24.75
copy
of
insurance can only accept check or money orders for tag
T-Shirts with PNO Seal available in Navy Blue, White & Red- in small, medium, large, XL, XXL and XXXL
verification, Lien entry issuances or merchandise.
available for $16.20 all sizes
form with tribal member
The Pawnee Nation Tax Commission offices listed on it. Addresses on your driver license The Pawnee Nation Tax Commission has these
were closed to the public in March 2020, due will need to be current and match the address merchandise items for sale. You are welcome to
to COVID-19 for tribal member’s safety and on Lien Entry form if your vehicle is financed. drop by and check with the Pawnee Nation Tax
Tax Commission staff safety that was affecting All documents will need to be mailed to: Commission staff for merchandise purchases,
people worldwide. The Pawnee Nation Tax Pawnee Nation Tax Commission, PO Box 438, and our offices have been restocking our black
Commission continued to provide services to Pawnee, OK 74058.
hoodies that were extremely popular in the
our clients by transactions through the mail for
past.
new tags and/or registration renewals by email. You may call our office for questions. Due to
As of the writing of this article for the tribal the unprecedented times of the COVID-19, we
newsletter, it was projected for the tribal offices will have to revise our methods of completing
to be reopened in the middle of May 2020 and our tribal member’s business and appreciate
will have our office staffed by June 1st. The your assistance with our new procedures. We
Pawnee Nation Tax Commission will require will keep our at-risk loved ones safe.
staff and clients to have mask before services
are provided for a period of time. It is expected Any organization or individual that may be
to have some temporary masks for our clients, holding a special event is required to have the
but due to the shortage, you may want to bring appropriate licenses, permits, or exemptions
your own if possible.
prior to the event on Pawnee Nation
jurisdictional land, and you may contact the
The Tax Commission Manager, Lyle Fields, Tax Manager, Lyle Fields with any questions.
and Tax Assistant, Margaret Twins are available
to answer any questions and can be reached at The Pawnee Nation Tax Commission is
(918)-762-3624.
reminding individuals or organizations that
intend to sell merchandise or food are required
The Pawnee Nation Tax Commission office due to have a daily sales tax permit for $20 for one
to small size will not be able to accommodate day or may obtain a Yearly Sales Tax Permit for
more than one client at a time to maintain safe $50 for the year. Any person selling food on
The following items may be purchased by check or money order. There is a returned check fee of
$25.00. All prices listed below include tax:
The Pawnee
Indian Veterans
Homecoming
2020 Powwow
has been
CANCELLED due
to the COVID-19
Pandemic
NO MORE STOLEN SISTERS!
It starts with us! We must come together to unite and act for Native women and
girls who have been murdered or gone missing, tortured, raped, trafficked, and
assaulted, who have not had the right attention or justice. By standing together
and raising awareness, we can promote solutions to prevent and fight the
mistreatment and violence that many Native women face. We, as a community,
should raise our voices and demand action to prevent the loss of our sisters,
aunties, mothers, and daughters. When you hear about these incidents that are
committed against Native women and girls, you think to yourself how could this
happen? Why did this happen? Why are our Native women being treated this
way?
For years, Indigenous women and girls have gone missing and have been
viciously murdered with little or no explanation as to the location or events,
leading up to those extremely violent attacks. For many Native and First Nation
women and girls, the nonstop threat of violence, abuse, racism, and
discrimination has become an everyday reality with many facing various forms of
violence and abuse daily. The disappearance and death of thousands of
Indigenous women and girls is currently a national tragedy that must come to an
end!
For more information, please contact Ti Hirasa Healing Center for Domestic and
Sexual Violence at (918) 762-3873 opt. 2. We also have a 24-hr Crisis Line at
(918)399-3310.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.