District events bring joy

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

Member News

Merry and

Bright

District events bring joy

to members across the

Service Delivery Area!

January 2026

Tribal News

January 2026

Join Us for Lunch!

Members are invited to come and share lunch with the

Executive Team at our monthly meet and greet! We look

forward to sharing a meal, and hearing member input on

projects and prospects facing our Tribal nation. Please be

sure to RSVP, so we can save you a spot at the table!

January 16, 2026 | 12 – 1 pm

Virtual Meeting

Link sent out before meeting

Scan Me!

To RSVP, please scan our QR

code or visit our link: https://

poncatribeofne.formstack.com/

forms/meet_and_greet.

For more information, questions,

or to request a link to join

virtually, please contact

Ben Schott at

bschott@poncatribe-ne.gov.

Tribal Council

Meetings

January 5 | 4:30 pm

Local Offices & Lifesize

January 12 | 4:30 pm

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Annual Healthy Living

Walk/Run

& Powwow

April 18, 2026

Walk/Run Location - Skyview Lake

1900 West Maple Ave. | Norfolk, NE

Powwow Location - Ponca Tribal Gym

1800 Syracuse Ave. | Norfolk, NE

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and its organizers, agencies,

representatives, agents, employees, and sponsors

(“Tribe”) do not accept responsibility and expressly

exclude liability for any loss or damage to any personal

property during the Diabetes Walk/Run and Powwow

or any injuries that may occur or be suffered at or

during the Diabetes Walk/Run and Powwow. The Tribe

makes no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied,

including with respect to information posted about the

Diabetes Walk/Run and Powwow. By attending the event,

vendors, participants, and attendees assume any and

all risks, known and unknown, and responsibility for

any harm, loss, damage, injury, and/or death resulting

from, arising out of, or in connection with participation

any and all activities at the Diabetes Walk/Run and

Powwow. In consideration for being permitted to attend

and participate in the Diabetes Walk/Run and Powwow,

attendees and participants release, waive, discharge, and

relinquish any right of recovery and release the Tribe from

any liability or claims of loss or damage whether known

or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated that may occur

from attendance at or participation in the Diabetes Walk/

Run and Powwow, regardless of cause of origin.

SAVE THE DATE!

Diaper Distribution

January 7, 2026 | 10 am – 6 pm

Sioux City Office

125 6th St | Sioux City, IA

January 13, 2026 | 10 am – 6 pm

Norfolk Gym

1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE

Local Offices & Lifesize

Lincoln Community Room – North Entrance

1600 Windhoek Dr | Lincoln, NE

January 20 | 4:30 pm

Niobrara Headquarters

2523 Woodbine St | Niobrara, NE

Local Offices & Lifesize

Cabinet Building Garage

5813 S 86th Cir | Omaha, NE

January 26 | 4:30 pm

Local Offices & Lifesize

Please bring Tribal ID or proof of enrollment

for you or the child in need to participate.

On the cover: Santa comes to town to visit families attending the District 4 Christmas party

January 2026

Tribal News

Year

wí’

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

District Events & News

January 2026

Rockin' around at District 1’s Christmas Parties

Artists Wanted!

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members are invited to

submit art for the Annual Northern Ponca Powwow

t-shirt, to be used for this year’s Powwow.

The artist whose design is selected will be

compensated $300 for their art, and have their art

credited on the t-shirt and poster. Artists may

submit previously submitted art.

Designs MUST be submitted NO LATER THAN

11:59 pm, January 31, 2026. Scan the QR code

below to submit your artwork!

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

members only. All

artwork must be high

resolution, scalable to

poster and/or t-shirt size.

For more information,

email pteboe@

poncatribe-ne.gov.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

nąbá

January 2026

District Events & News

Mr. and Mrs. Claus visit District 2’s Christmas Party

District 2

Membership Meeting

January 25, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm

Ralston Transit Facility

5805 South 86th Circle | Omaha, NE

Join us for District 2 membership meeting! This will be

a potluck style meeting and your D2 representatives

will provide the main dish. Can’t join us in person? No

problem! Join us virtually on Lifesize at https://call.

lifesizecloud.com/22243458.

This will be the first of several informational sessions.

We’ll begin with a Social Services overview, followed

by member questions, and closing with open

dialogue to help prepare for our next D2 meeting! For

more information, please contact Falon McAlpin at

402.208.0297 or Samantha Gallagher at 402.213.2058.

dábdì

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

District Events & News

January 2026

Big bingo winners at District 3's Christmas Party

Cooks Wanted!

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is seeking Ponca

members to apply for Head Cook for the Annual

Northern Ponca Powwow. Applicants must be 18

years or older to apply, and, if selected, be able to

attend up to two Powwow Committee meetings at

the Committee’s request.

Applications MUST be submitted NO LATER THAN

11:59 pm, January 31, 2026. Scan the QR code

below to submit your application!

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

members only. For more

information, email pteboe@

poncatribe-ne.gov.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

dúba

January 2026

District Events & News

Santa stops his sleigh in Norfolk for District 4’s Christmas Party

Cleaning

Staff Wanted!

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

is seeking Ponca members to

apply for cleaning crew for the

Annual Northern Ponca Powwow.

Applicants must be 18 years

or older to apply. Prospective

cleaning crews must be made

up of at least 6 members.

Applications MUST be

submitted NO LATER

THAN 11:59 pm,

January 31, 2026.

Scan the QR code to

submit your application!

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members

only. For more information, email

pteboe@poncatribe-ne.gov.

sát’ą

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

District Events & News

January 2026

District 2's movie night full of wild laughs at Zootopia 2

From shopping to football, to

the cold and post-Thanksgiving

food coma, nothing could stop

these District 2 party animals

from seeing Zootopia 2 on

November 28th, 2025.

ICWA Qualified Expert

Witness Training

January 28, 2026 | 10 am – 4 pm

January 31, 2026 | 10 am – 4 pm

Ralston Transit Facility | 5805 S 86th Cir | Omaha, NE

February 7, 2026 | 10 am – 4 pm

Virtual Meeting | Link sent out before meeting

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska will be hosting

an ICWA Qualified Expert Witness training.

This training session is designed for tribal

social workers or advocates that represent

tribes in Indian Child Welfare Act cases.

Scan Me!

Spaces are limited so registration

is required. To register, scan

the QR code or visit https://

poncatribeofne.formstack.com/

forms/qew_training.

For more information, please

contact Tiffani Spencer at

tspencer@poncatribe-ne.gov

Travel costs may be reimbursed for

participants outside of the Omaha area

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

šáp’è

January 2026

Language & Culture

This Puzzle is Un–BEE–lievable!

by Patience Teboe, Culture Director

Wagdíškà – Bug

Sį́'gdè – Cricket

́ ̨ t'egà – Fly

Mądika'šibè – Worms

K'igda

́ ̨ 'xè – Bee

U'dískè – Spider

Wanáxąxą – Lightning Bug

Náhąge – Mosquito

Wačíninik'à – Butterfly

Hé – Lice

U'dískè sábè – Black Widow

Įgdé babút'à – Dung Beetle

K'igda

́ ̨ ' xèsnedé – Wasp

Member Mailing

Questions

Have questions about tribal

mailings? Reach out to your District Representatives!

District 3

District 2

District 1

Angie Starkel Falon McAlpin Shanna

402.922.0436 402.208.0297 Carpenter

402.805.0883

Samantha

Patrick

Susan (Susie)

Gallagher

Lamoureux

712.899.8563 402.213.2058 Baker

925.788.0649

p’énąbà

District 4

Alex Taylor

402.750.2045

Kyle Taylor

402.750.4299

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Education

January 2026

Return to your roots

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska's

Native American Youth Enhancement Program

Are you a Native youth between the ages of 13-18? An exciting

opportunity awaits you! For a limited time, you could earn $100 in

incentives and a certificate of completion when you participate in this

enriching program. This program is a dynamic path to success, culture,

and community. As you move through the program, you’ll find many ways

to earn incentives that reward your dedication and achievements. We’ve

structured NAYEP into five engaging units:

b Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness

b Native American History

b Native American Contributions

b Cultural Traditions

b Native American Role Models:

Past & Present

Ready to take your first step? Sign up today!

Contact Amber Appling at aappling@poncatribe-ne.gov or at 402.371.8834

Ext. 2037, or visit www.poncatribe-ne.gov/services/education/

(Make sure to include your email and phone number with your application as well as proof of

lineal descendancy, or proof of enrollment in another type of Indian program).

Education Deadlines:

HIED - Summer 2026: May 15th, 2026

Attention All AVT/HIED

Students Nationwide:

Please remember to submit your official

transcripts after EACH term funded in order

to be eligible to receive future funding.

Students must apply each school year.

Summer 2026 deadline: May 15, 2026

Fall 2026 deadline: August 15, 2026

Winter 2026 deadline: November 15, 2026

The Ponca Educational Trust Fund is

available nationwide to students who

enroll at one of the University of Nebraska

Campuses/Online Courses: Lincoln ~

Omaha ~ Kearney (Must be enrolled in 12

or more credit hours per semester to be

eligible)

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Attention All K-12 YIP Students Nationwide:

• High School Seniors for the 2023-2024 school year are eligible to receive a

$500.00 Graduation Incentive!

• Our department is accepting projects for incentives in the following areas:

Art, Essay/Poetry, and Student of the Month. *Winners may receive

$100.00 for 1st place, $50.00 for 2nd place, and $25.00 for 3rd place.

Grade divisions are as follows: Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle

(6-8), and High School (9-12)

• Perfect Attendance $100.00 (0-.49 days of absenteeism), $50.00 (.5-3.49

days absenteeism), and $25.00 (3.5-5.49 days of absenteeism).

Deadline to apply for the 2025-2026 school year is July 31, 2026.

All Education Department Applications and Program Information are

available online on our tribal website. If you have any questions for the

education department, please feel free to contact Aubrey Knudsen at: office

(402)371-8834, work cell (402)844-0957, or aknudsen@poncatribe-ne.gov.

*Ponca tribal enrollment is required for ALL education programs*

p’edábdì

January 2026

Environmental

Protect your home and health from radon gas

during National Radon Action Month

Cody Barta

Environmental Specialist

January is National Radon Action Month! Radon is a naturally

occurring radioactive and odorless gas that is the second leading

cause of lung cancer.

Radon is naturally found in high

concentrations in Nebraska. 59%

of homes tested in Nebraska have

concentrations ABOVE the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency

action level deemed “safe”!

Radon gas raises the risk of lung

cancer for all people, but it is especially dangerous for smokers, as it

exponentially multiplies the risk of

lung cancer in smokers.

Since you can't see or smell radon, the only way to know if your

home has a problem is to get tested. Thankfully, homes with high

radon levels can be fixed with a

procedure called radon mitigation.

Currently, the PTN Environmental Protection Department offers

FREE radon testing for tribal

members within the PTN service delivery areas that own their

residence and those who are in

Northern Ponca Housing Authority housing.

Please email Cody Barta to

schedule a free radon test at

cbarta@poncatribe-ne.gov , or

send a text to (402) 358-6290.

Mental Health Services

Substance Use Services

• Mental Health Counseling

• Individual Substance Use Therapy

• Individual & Family Therapy

• Individual/Group Counseling

• Anger Management Counseling

• Outpatient Treatment

• Psychological Evaluations/Testing

• Substance Abuse & Chemical Dependency Evaluations

• Psychiatric Services

• Medication Therapy for Opioid Use & Alcohol Use Disorder

• Diagnostic Interviews

• Treatment Planning & Chemical Dependency Education

• Dual-Diagnosis Treatment

Case Management &

Peer Support Services

• Coordinate services across PTN departments

and external agencies

• Assist with benefit enrollment and applications

(Medicaid, SSI, Tribal Enrollment, etc.)

• Support clients in achieving recovery goals and serve as a

supportive role model

Youth Services

• Talking Circles (Adolescent/Teens)

• Cultural Activities: Language, Beading,

Regalia Making & Traditional Dancing

• Field Trips & Summer Youth Camps

• Arts & Crafts

• Collaborate with Behavioral Health Department and Ponca

Health Services to integrate substance abuse prevention

services in various systems

Serving all Native Americans regardless of tribal affiliation.

šák’a

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Environmental

January 2026

Emerging Contaminants:

What are PFAS?

Olivia Pospisil

Environmental Hazards Specialist

PFAS are man-made chemical compounds that have been

used in industry and consumer products. The term PFAS

stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are

also described as “forever chemicals.”

PFAS were made to resist water, heat, and any other process that could degrade it. Because of this, PFAS are very

hard to break down, and could take thousands to millions

of years to naturally decompose.

Examples of where PFAS can be found are:

• Household products and dust (non-stick cookware,

cleaning products, paints and varnishes, stain and water-repellent used on fabrics)

• Personal care products (shampoo, dental floss, and

cosmetics)

• Fire extinguishing foam

• Food packaging (grease resistant paper, fast food containers, candy wrappers, microwave popcorn bags,

pizza boxes)

• Food (fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS

and dairy products from livestock exposed to PFAS)

• Contaminated drinking water in public water systems

and private drinking water wells

PONCA PATHWAYS

Change a life today

THRIFT

PoncaThrift.com is now open for business, offering

affordable clothing, footwear, and everyday

essentials to support your family and community.

Every purchase helps fund job training, workforce

development, and economic opportunities for Ponca

Tribal members.

SHOP NOW 24/7

poncathrift.com

402-405-3773

Pathways to Employment

SECOND SATURDAY Register here for our

VIRTUAL SERIES 2026 online sessions:

JAN.

Resume Writing

PFAS have found their way into plants, which then works

its way up the food chain and accumulates in bigger organisms, including humans.

FEB.

Digital Skills for the Workplace

The research on PFAS is growing fast, and the understanding of it is becoming increasingly widespread. The full

effects of PFAS to humans are unknown but have proven

deadly to certain organisms, especially aquatic life.

MARCH

Beat the Scanner: AI Tools for

Job Seekers

APRIL

Acing the Interview

• Pesticides and fertilizers

Join us for future editions for more on these emerging

contaminants, and ways to reduce their impacts on you,

your family, and the environment around us.

For more information, contact the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Environmental Department or visit the EPA’s website

on PFAS: www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Through guided skill-building and culturally informed support,

Pathways to Employment helps Tribal members step into

meaningful work that strengthen individuals, families, and the

Ponca community.

“Find your path. Build your future.”

gdébą

January 2026

Environmental

Registration opening soon for Ponca Youth Camp!

The Ponca Tribe of

Nebraska is excited to

host our second annual

Mąt'ánąhà Ðéwadè (Into

the Wild) Youth Camp,

June 7-11, 2026. We are

inviting Ponca youth

ages 12-18 to Ponca

homelands in Niobrara

to connect with their culture, the outdoors, and

each other.

Last year’s camp offered

activities like archery,

fishing, swimming, and

horseback riding, and

opportunities to learn

about the natural world,

including foraging and

working together to

build beaver dams!

ened existing ones, and

explored more of what

it means to be Native.

Culture was woven

throughout the week

with language lessons

and cultural crafts and

activities.

Campers also learned

conservation work and

careers with hands-on

presentations exploring

nature photography,

wild-land firefighting,

astronomy, water quality

testing, air quality monitoring, and more!

Registration will be

opening soon for Ponca

youth. To be notified

when registration opens,

please scan the QR code

on the camp ad on this

page to be added to the

notification list. Spots are

limited, so early sign-ups

are encouraged.

Throughout the camp,

campers created new

friendships, strength-

Save the Date

(Into the Wild)

Mąt’ánąhà Ðéwadè : Ponca Youth Camp

July 7 – 11, 2026

Niobrara Grounds | 88915 521 Avenue | Niobrara, NE

Ponca Youth

aged 12 to 18

Connect to your

culture through

education

Learn about

natural

resources

Scan the QR code to be notified when the registration goes LIVE!

agdíwį

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Osni/PEDCO

January 2026

Get Started with

CredibleMind

EXTENDED REALITY

(XR) CAREER

EXPLORATION

The One-Stop Shop for Mental Wellbeing Resources

____

CredibleMind is the free online platform that brings together expert

rated and vetted videos, podcasts, apps, books and articles all in

one easy to use place.

Confidential and available 24/7, with CredibleMind you can learn

new skills, understand your own mental health, take a mental health

assessment and browse our library of thousands of mental

wellbeing resources.

To find support and resources, visit

pedco.crediblemind.com

Here, you can find:

Resources covering over 100 topics

Real-time practices and activities

Courses to learn and grow

Assessments to learn more about

your strengths and challenges

Local Resources

Free, confidential, expert vetted

health and wellbeing resources

AVAILABLE NOW!

PEDCO Career Quest XR

No matter how old you are, choosing a career can be tough. It’s

even harder when you’re not sure what you want to do or don’t

know what kind of jobs exist out there. Wouldn’t it be great if you

could try on several different careers at once to see how they fit?

You can, and PEDCO can help. Thanks to our new extended reality

(XR) work exploration program, Career Quest XR, you can sample

a wide variety of careers through virtual reality (VR) and augmented

reality (AR). Fun, immersive simulations of realistic job scenarios let

you try out the kind of tasks real-world professionals perform

regularly. We’ll even provide a free career assessment to help you

discover jobs aligned with your unique blend of skills and interests.

Whether you’re in school, looking for work, underemployed, or deep

into a career, PEDCO’s Career Quest XR can help you plan your

next move. To schedule your free appointment at one of our

locations in Lincoln, Omaha, or Norfolk, please contact

info@pedco-ne.org today!

EXPLORE REALISTIC

ON-THE-JOB

SCENARIOS

____

FIRST-PERSON

SIMULATIONS

____

FREE CAREER

INTEREST TOOLS TO

HELP YOU DISCOVER

YOUR DREAM JOB

PEDCO

2756 O Street

Lincoln, NE 68510

402.434.2127

PEDCO-NE.org

BUILDING NATIVE

COMMUNITIES

____

FREE FINANCIAL

EMPOWERMENT

TRAINING

COMING THIS JANUARY!

FREE FINANCIAL EDUCATION CLASS

Ever feel overwhelmed trying to make ends meet? You are not alone.

Millions of Americans feel stressed by money. In fact, MarketWatch

estimates 57% of households live paycheck-to-paycheck. Fortunately, help

is here. Starting January 2026, the Ponca Economic Development

Corporation (PEDCO) will offer Building Native Communities: Financial

Skills for Families, a culturally relevant financial literacy curriculum

developed by Oweesta Corporation specifically for Natives.

When: Session 1: Developing a Spending Plan, Working with Checking

& Savings Accounts Monday, Jan. 12, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Session 2: Understanding Credit & Credit Reporting, Using

Credit, and more Wednesday, Jan. 14, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: Lincoln Health and Wellness Center Community Room, 1600

Windhoek Drive Lincoln, NE 68512

FREE supper both nights! Participants completing all sessions will

receive a certificate of completion.

Building Native Communities empowers tribal members to adapt

traditional skills to their financial lives, including wise budgeting, credit use,

economic citizenship, and smart consumer behavior. Due to high demand,

space is limited—please contact PEDCO today to reserve your free spot!

Can’t make it this time? Additional trainings will be offered at other Tribal

offices throughout the year.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

____

OPEN TO ALL PONCA

TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

MEMBERS

____

IN-PERSON (Virtual

options will be

available at future

dates)

____

FACILITATED BY

PEDCO

INTERESTED? CONTACT

PEDCO

Info@pedco-ne.org

402-434-2127

agdínąbá

January 2026

Osni/PEDCO

Ponca Pathways Community Donation Drive

The Ponca Pathways Community Donation Drive on November

22nd, 2025, was a tremendous

success, thanks to the generosity

of our community and partners.

We saw an incredible response on

social media, with strong engagement and digital awareness helping amplify their mission of creating workforce opportunities for

Ponca Tribal members. The turnout, the donations, and the online

support demonstrated just how

deeply our community believes in

the impact of this work.

Ponca Pathways employees and

volunteers were on hand to help

collect both clothing and non-perishable food donations. This event

has laid the foundation for what

will become a staple annual effort

as we move into 2026, strengthening our ability to Feed the Buffalo

and uplift the entire Ponca community.

shared information online, spread

the word, and stood in support of

this growing initiative. Wíbđahà

(Thank you)!

We here at Ponca Pathways wanted to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who donated,

poncathrift@pedco-ne.gov

PONCA YOUTH

AGES 14-24:

Complete PEDCO's needs assessment survey

for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card!

Share your needs in

the areas of education,

job training, and career

exploration and help us

develop our Workforce

program to better serve

Ponca youth!

Scan attached QR code and

take the survey for your chance

to win a $50 Visa gift card.

Contact: Greg Moser, PEDCO

Director at 402-434-2127 Ext. 7.

agdídábdì

INDIANPRENEURSHIP®

NOW AVAILABLE!

FREE SMALL BUSINESS

PROGRAM

Have you ever wanted to start your own business? Anyone can do it—but

there are certain things you need to know first. Fortunately, you can now

access a free entrepreneurship program geared specifically for Native

Americans, thanks to our partnership with the Nebraska Indian

Community College (NICC). NICC’s Indianpreneurship curriculum

provides comprehensive information on the most important aspects of

starting a business, including planning, accessing capital, bookkeeping,

human resources, problem-solving, and marketing. Equip yourself with

the skills you need to take your business idea from daydream to launch.

To learn more and enroll, please visit https://www.thenicc.edu/careerservices/TCSBA-Indianpreneurship.php.

____

FREE SMALL BUSINESS

PROGRAM

____

OPEN TO ALL PONCA

TRIBE MEMBERS

____

IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

OPTIONS AVAILABLE

____

FACILITATED BY THE

NEBRASKA INDIAN

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

INTERESTED? CONTACT

Anthony Warrior

sanawarrior@thenicc.edu

402-241-5943

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Domestic Violence

January 2026

Stalking Awareness Month and how you can help

Brook McCurdy

Domestic Violence Outreach Specialist

voicemails, letters, packages,

emails) but do not respond

January is an incredibly important • Inform family, friends, supervimonth for awareness, including

sors, and property management

both Stalking and Human traffickof the situation

ing awareness. To be good rela• Consider reporting the stalking

tives, we must learn about both,

to local law enforcement

including current statistics, and

what we can do as a community to • Contact an advocate to create a

combat stalking and human trafsafety plan and get support

ficking in our communities.

January is also Human TraffickNational Stalking Awareness

ing Awareness month, educating

Month helps identify and put an

the public on how to prevent and

end to stalking. Stalking affects

respond to human trafficking. Hu13.5 million people in the U.S.

man trafficking involves the use of

each year. Approximately 1 in 3

force, fraud, or coercion to obtain

women and 1 in 6 men in the U.S. some type of labor or commercial

experience stalking. Stalking is de- sex act. While Human trafficking

fined as a pattern of repeated and

affects all ages, races, genders, sexunwanted attention, harassment,

es, ethnicities, and socioeconomic

or contact directed at a person,

classes, it is especially prevalent in

causing them fear or emotional

our American Indian/Alaska Nadistress. Perpetrators often engage tive communities. I n the U.S. and

in behaviors that seem harmless,

Canada, an average of 40% of the

or maybe even appear romantic to women who were victims of sex

outsiders, which can lead to victrafficking identified as American

tims feeling isolated in their fear

Indian or Alaskan Native. Accordand fewer early interventions.

ing to the National Human TrafAll stalkers can be dangerous, but ficking Hotline, some red flags of

trafficking include:

intimate partner stalkers, on average, pose the greatest threats to

• A would-be employer collects

their victims. Stalking and Dofees from a potential worker

mestic violence often go hand in

for the 'opportunity' to work in

hand, as abusers may follow, track,

a particular job

watch, excessively contact, gather

• A person is showered with gifts

information about, threaten, and/

or money or otherwise becomes

or otherwise scare their intimate

involved in an overwhelming,

partner. This may happen before,

fast-moving, and asymmetric

during, and/or after a domestic

(e.g., large difference in age or

violence relationship.

financial status) romantic relaIf you are being stalked:

tionship

• Try to avoid the person

• Developing a relationship that

stalking you

seems too close with someone

known only from social media

• Keep any evidence received from

the stalker, (text messages,

• Someone living with a parent or

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

guardian shows signs of abuse

• Being offered a job opportunity

that seems too good to be true

If you believe you are a victim of

human trafficking or have information about a potential trafficking

situation, please contact the U.S.

National Human Trafficking Hotline. If you or someone you know

is in immediate danger, please call

911.

As we enter January, the community is invited to watch for awareness and educational activities

facilitated by the DV department.

Survivors of stalking and human

trafficking are also invited to share

their stories with the Outreach and

training team. Your lived experience can facilitate awareness and

provide hope to those currently

involved in trafficking. Personal

accounts can be as anonymous as

the survivor is comfortable with.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help

is available through these services:

National Domestic

Violence Hotline:

800-799-SAFE (7233)

StrongHearts Native Helpline:

844-7NATIVE (762-8483)

National Sexual Assault Hotline:

800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Teen Dating

Abuse Helpline:

866-331-9474

All services are available 24 hours

a day, 7 days a week, or reach out

to the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Domestic Violence Program to

access the support or resources

needed.

agdídúba

January 2026

Ponca Health Services

Second annual Tribal Home Visiting Baby Shower

Creation stories with the Circle of Health team

agdísát’ą

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Ponca Health Services

January 2026

Dental modular aides dental staff at Fred LeRoy

On November 21st, 2025, a modular building was delivered via a

heavy machinery crane to the west

parking lot at Fred LeRoy Health

and Wellness Center, sitting next

to the Dental Clinic.

The building was purchased from

the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where it was used as a modular COVID-19 testing site during

the re-entry of students to campus.

This one-of-a-kind building was

built custom on campus with heat/

AC, spacious rooms, and large

windows. This building will take

the place of the occasional Mobile

Dental Unit deployment at Fred

LeRoy campus.

this new clinic to offer our patients

high-quality dental care!

Once fully equipped, this building

will assist the dental clinic by increasing the number of treatment

chairs from three to four chairs,

with the intent in the near future

to add a fifth chair, making the

clinic more accessible to clients.

With the placement of the building, there will be alterations to the

parking structure at Fred LeRoy,

similar to when the mobile was

deployed there. There are two

blocked stalls closest to the modular that will be used for cars

heading east to loop around and

exit the parking lot to the west.

After the first year of opening

the building, all patients will still

check in at the normal dental clinic check-in location and then will

be informed where to access the

building. We are excited to utilize

If there are any questions or

concerns, please feel free to reach

out to Dr. Cameron Aitken, Chief

Dental Officer at (531) 248-5010.

Elder’s Committee

Meetings

January 5 | 10 am

1800 Syracuse Ave. | Norfolk, NE

February 2 | 10 am

1600 Windhoek Dr. | Lincoln, NE

Above: Proposed parking changes and flow at FLHWC

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

agdíšáp’è

January 2026

Ponca Health Services

Ponca member Dr. Rebecca Lechner completes

professional certification aimed at helping PHS clients

Ponca Health Services is proud to

announce that Dr. Rebecca Lechner, APRN, FNP-C, Chief Medical

Officer of PHS, has completed an

18-hour Geriatric Summit and

is now a Certified Geriatric Care

Professional. This achievement

strengthens our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality,

culturally responsive healthcare

for our elders and families.

This advanced training enhances

our ability to recognize and manage the unique healthcare needs of

older adults, including fall prevention, medication safety, chronic

disease management, memory

concerns, and caregiver support. It

also reinforces a holistic approach

to care that honors the physical,

emotional, spiritual, and social

aspects of aging.

Culture is deeply rooted in Dr.

Lechner’s approach to care. As

a proud member of the Ponca

Tribe of Nebraska and the granddaughter of the Tribe’s eldest male

member, Theodore Branstiter, she

understands the significance of

protecting and honoring the health

of our elders.

“It truly is an honor to give back

to the Tribe as a buffalo doctor. I

am grateful for the opportunity to

continue growing as a healthcare

provider and to use this knowledge and training to care for our

community,” says Dr. Lechner.

“We see highly complex healthcare

needs every day, and certifications

like this help ensure we continue

providing the highest quality, culturally sensitive, and safe patient

care for our elders and families.”

For the community, this certification means safer care, improved

coordination across services, and

expanded support for elders and

caregivers. It reflects Ponca Health

Services’ dedication to continuous

learning, leadership development,

and excellence in patient care.

Ponca Health Services remains

committed to strengthening healthcare for our community – today

and for generations to come.

Youth Mentoring

Progam

Behavioral Health is happy to announce that

we will be offering a mentoring program for

all Native youth ages 13 to 24 in our service

delivery areas. Our focus is to help young

relatives gain knowledge as they navigate life.

Our mentors are here to provide guidance,

support, and encouragement as you

work toward your personal, academic, or

professional goals. Your well-being matters to

us, and we’re here to support you in the ways

we can.

For more information, contact our team.

Norfolk & Niobrara:

Lincoln:

Leah Franklin

531.269.0279

Joe Bad Moccasin

531.739.2107

Omaha & Sioux City:

Zach James

402.689.6142

Word search answers from page 6

agdíp’énąbà

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Enrollment

January 2026

HELP US UPDATE OUR MEMBER INFORMATION!

Hello Members,

The Enrollment Department is doing their best to keep our members information current and up to date but we can’t do it without your help. If you’ve moved or need to report a death please contact us to let us know.

Below is a list of members that are inactive. This means that we do not have a current address for them on file or maybe a

death was never reported or documents were never received. If you see the name of someone you know who has moved

please contact them and tell them to update their information with us. If there is the name of someone you know who has

passed please contact us. We need a death certificate or document on file in order to change their status.

You may contact the Enrollment Department at enrollment@poncatribe-ne.gov, or contact the Niobrara office. We appreciate

your help!

INACTIVE MEMBERS AS OF 10/1/2025

Anthony, Jr.,

Steven Scott

Ashrun, Oriana Mae

Aungie,

Mariah Keeley

Shaye Madison

Bachmeier, Tristan Chad

Bagent, Wayne Orval

Bair, Wesley David

Baker, Skylar Dominick

Baker-Ferguson,

Jared Riley

Bear, Cashlyn Rae

Bear, Joshua Gilbert

Beaver, Jason Chaska

Becker, Jr.,

Anthony Arnold

Becker, Sr.,

Anthony Arnold

Becker, Tyller Randell

Bell, Darian Patrick

Bell, Shaunè Kay

Birdhead,

William Randolph

Blair,

Hunter Wo Day Leon

Blowe, Dominick Adams

Blowe, Isaiah Fredrick

Blowe, Tyrone Richard

Boettger,

Dakota Birdhead

Bonge, Stevie Lorene

Bonge, Todd Joseph

Boyd, Myron Ralph

Boyer, Berlin N.

Brooks, Angela Ellen

Brown, J. Wesley

Brownrigg, Steven

Francis

Buffalo Chief,

Uriah Jordan

Burston, Sandra Lee

Carlson, Emma Rose

Carter, Amber Lynn

Chwalowski,

Kaitlin Martika

Courtright, Michael Todd

Crouse, David Lee

Cutshall, Katline James

Da Moude, Deborah Kay

Danielson, Daniel James

Dedicos, Heather Maria

Drapeaux, Juston Lee

Droescher,

Samantha Roma Rae

Droescher,

Savannah Jo Anne

Eckley, Lane Emory

Eckley, Leigha Irene

Eilers, Richard James

Evans, Kareem Antwon

Fegan, Maria Christina

Fierro, Brandon Michael

Flagg, I I I.,

George Albert

Flowers, Joseph

Foley, Michael Joseph

Freeman, Xavier Lee

Glenn, John Allen

Glisan, Cynthia Lynn

Goss, Mamie L.

Govia, Isaiah Lee

Govia, Mc Kenzie Jo

Grant, I I I.,

Jesse Clarence

Green, Brooklyn Marie

Gutierrez, Kassandra Rae

Haahr, Anneliese Teresa

Halverson, Reid Arnold

Hendren,

Adavia Gabrielle

Hennek, Gail Howe

Hocking-Gosnell, Zalla C.

Hope, Dorothea Jo Ann

Horine, Ashley Danielle

Horse, Alexander Bruce

Horse,

Neveah Rosemarie

Howard, Truman Ardell

Howe, Richard H.

Humphreys, Belinda Kay

Jeppesen, Zachary Lee

Johnson, Lukus Tyler

Kellogg,

Mardale Eddie Wayne

Kellogg, Pearl Marie

Kelso, James Alan

King, Gavin Michael

Knudsen, Crystal Mae

Koenig, Jody Alan Jo

Krueger, Annette Marie

Kyles, Jarred Joseph

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

LaPointe,

Alejandro Jauquine

LaPointe, Robert James

Laravie, Jr., Steve Alan

Lasley, Michael Vernon

Lasley, Nathen Shane

Lea, Tychicus James

Leach, Isaiah Marcus

Leal, Amanda Maria

Lerew Jr, Zachariah Ray

LeRoy, Sophia Storm

Lieb, Donovan Joseph

Lieb, Sylas Vittorio

Lindenberg,

David Charles

Little, Jeromy Todd

Loftis, Timothy James

Lopez, Jr., Juan Francisco

Maben, Jessica Paige

Mann II, Steven Michael

Mann, Desireè Leann

Mann, Sydney Desireè

Marlow, Skyler Jade

Mategko, Janet Louise

Mategko, Lisa Louise

Mategko, Michael Steven

Matthews, Jett Haden

McGrath, Bryan Thomas

McGrath, Daniel Patrick

McKeen, Juanita Rose

Mercier, Jade Sharice

Mullen, Deven Miles

Mullins, John Frederick

Muscutt, Elias Gordon

Muscutt, Jr.,

Gordon Dean

Myers, Doron Helmut

Olmer, Dakota Michael

O'Meara, David Joseph

O'Rear, Makenna Shay

Peck, Brandalynn

Peck, Tyler Duane

Phongsavat, Tia Arianna

Picotte - Felde,

Diamond Rose

Picotte, Braden Bardo

Pierce, Raychel Marie

Poafpybitty, Misty Brook

Polly, Rachael Anne

Prichard, Joseph John

Prunty, Austin Joe

Quintana Jr, Arthur Jose

Raymond, Joseph Allen

Reed, Alcina Jewel

Rich, Mitch Andrew

Roberts, Marquitta Ruby

Rodas, Christian Jayce

Rulo, Byron

Russell, Kristina Anne

Sainz, Tritia Jeanene

Sarton, Gwendolyn Lee

Schmidt,

Dylan Andrew- Philip

Schmidt,

John Thomas Carl

Scuderi, Jana Marie

Scurlocke,

Athena Larissa Lucille

Sherman,

Brandon Eugene

Sherman, Cody Lee

Sherman, David Alan

Sherman,

Harold Dewayne

Sherman, John Glenn

Sherman, Michael Ray

Sherman, Mitchell

Everett

Sherman, Robert Le Roy

Sherman, Savannah

Sherman, Tristan Ray

Smith VII,

William Thomas

Smith, Donald Eugene

Smith, Stephanie Rae

Smith, Vi, William

Thomas

Snoozy, Ben Michael

Spencer, Peyton Thunder

Standsblack, Marko Tulio

Stastny, Evan Matthew

Stastny, Rachel Colleen

Stegman,

Mi'a Miwasa Nevaeh

Stuczynski,

Drake Keegan

Suverkrubbe,

Colt Everett

Suverkrubbe,

Nathan Fernando

Suverkrubbe, Saje Moon

Swinarski, Alicia Estrada

Taylor, Kàili Brianna

Teboe,

Temperance Tayen

Thomas, II,

Scott Richard Herbert

Thomas, Jenny Anne

Thomas, Natana Lynn

Thomas, Robin Diane

Torrez, Jr.,

Lawrence DeWayne

Treichler, Jasmine Dawn

Vanderlinden,

Desiree Lynn

VanDervoort, Lucius Kain

Vaughan, Linda Lou

Veals, Clifford James

Velder Jr., Jason Lee

Voss, Joshua Le Roy

Voss, Michael Roy

Warner, Stormy Renee

Waters, Deon Koleen

White, Abrianna Aliya

Williams,

Andrea Michelle

Wright Jr,

Eugene Theodore

Wright, Alina Lee

Wright, Asheena Lee

Wright, Cherita Alberta

Wright,

Cruz Montgomery

Wright, Howard Floyd

agdíp’edábdì

January 2026

Enrollment

Change of Address Form

Mail to: PTN Enrollment Dept PO Box 288 Niobrara, NE 68760

Fax: 402-857-3771 or enrollment@poncatribe-ne.gov

ENROLLED PONCA TRIBE MEMBER REQUESTING ADDRESS CHANGE:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

OTHER ENROLLED PONCA TRIBE MEMBERS IN HOUSEHOLD:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREVIOUS ADDRESS: (Street/P.O. Box, Apt #, City, State, Zip, County)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

NEW ADDRESS: (Street/P.O. Box, Apt #, City, State, Zip, County)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER:_______________________________________________________________

ALTERNATE/CELL NUMBER:______________________________________________________

E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________________

DATE NEW ADDRESS IN EFFECT:__________________________________________________________________________

To provide better services to Ponca tribal members, this information will be shared

with all PTON Departments as needed. Any service may be suspended until this

information is corrected and/or updated.

_______________________________________

SIGNATURE REQUIRED

agdíšąk’a

Revised: 01/22/2025

_______________________________

DATE

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Enrollment

January 2026

(Please sign your name in the area below with a BLACK felt tip marker)

TRIBAL MEMBERS

(please print)

NAME:__________________________________________________DOB:_________________________

MAILING ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________ PHONE: ______________________________

PHYSICAL ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT THAN MAILING):

______________________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL:_______________________________________________________________________________

VETERANS ONLY: MILITARY BRANCH:______________________________________________

***Service papers must be submitted toTRIBAL

the enrollment

department if you are requesting a military

MEMBERS

(please print)

seal.

FOR A PHOTO ID PLEASE SIGN AND FILL OUT THIS PAGE.

DON’T FORGET TO SEND (EMAIL) YOUR PICTURE AS WELL

NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________

Photo ID Instructions

ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________

1. Signature

Please completely fill in the information on the bottom of the signature page. With a black felt tip marker

____________________________________________________________________________

please sign your name in the middle of the top of the signature page. (Please note that children do not require a signature for theirs.)

DO YOU WANT YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD? YES_________OR NO_________

2. yes,

Clear

readable

copies

please

check

one of the

the following

following:must

Full

SSsubmitted:

number_____

or Last 4 digits only_____

TRIBAL

MEMBERS

a: State Driver’s License, State ID Card or other valid Picture ID card

must have

and signature

on responsibility

it) (please print)

By(Itmarking

Yesyour

youpicture

understand

it is your

to keep your SSN confidential and acknowledge

thatb:the

Ponca

Tribe

Nebraska

is notofresponsible

if thebut

cardyour

is lost

oris,stolen.

If you

are not

anof

enrolled

member

the Ponca Tribe,

child

you must still submit a copy of your

State Driver’s License, State ID Card or other valid Picture ID and a copy of your child(s) Social Security Card

NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________

and Tribal Enrollment Card for proof of enrollment.

Photo Options:

ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________

You must submit a current photo without filters and a solid colored background. You can email it to

enrollment@poncatribe-ne.gov or you may mail documentation and current photo to:

____________________________________________________________________________

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Enrollment Department, PO Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760-0288

***Please note that we can/will NOT use a photo from your state ID or driver's license.

DO YOU WANT YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD? YES_________OR NO_________

Military

Seals:

If yes,

please

check one of the following: Full SS number_____ or Last 4 digits only_____

Military branch seals are available for veterans. Military service papers must be submitted to the enrollment

department to show proof of veteran status.

By marking Yes you understand it is your responsibility to keep your SSN confidential and acknowledge

that the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is not responsible if the card is lost or stolen.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

gdébąnąbá

January 2026

Member's Corner

****

NOTICE: All Tribal Members ****

LAW AND ORDER CODE REVISION

TITLE 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED

**** NOTICE: All Tribal Members****

The Law & Justice Committee will be proposing significant amendments to Title I General

Provisions of the Law and Order Code. The majority of Title I will be amended. The

revisions are being considered to enhance the sovereignty of the Ponca Tribe.

Title I General Provisions will be significantly revised. The revisions being considered include,

but are not limited to the following:

•

Adding a chapter on Boards and Commissions

Changing the Terms of Pro Tempore Judges from 1 year to 2 years

Adding Juneteenth as a holiday

Adding Perjury to the Chapter on Contempt

Enhancing the chapter on Sovereignty and Immunity

Adding a chapter on Tribal Contracts

Adding to the chapter regarding Conduct on Tribal Property

A complete copy of the proposed addition is available at the tribal offices, or one may be

obtained by contacting Jan Colwell, Executive Assistant to Tribal Council at 402-857-3391 Ext.

5016 or janc@poncatribe-ne.gov.

Written comments will be accepted until February 1, 2026. The written comments may be

emailed to janc@poncatribe-ne.gov or mailed to

Jan Colwell,

P.O. Box 288

Niobrara, NE 68760

gdébąnąbá kí wí’

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

P.O. Box 288

Niobrara, NE 68760

e.gov

ncatr

Office Locations

NIOBRARA 68760

Headquarters

2523 Woodbine St., P.O. Box 288

Ph: (402) 857-3391

Fax: (402) 857-3736

Enrollment

2523 Woodbine St., P.O. Box 288

Ph: (402) 857-3391

Fax: (402) 857-3771

Cultural

P.O. Box 288

Ph: (402) 857-3519

Fax: (402) 857-3652

Ponca Hills Clinic

Ph: (402) 371-8780

(402) 371-5726

Fax: (402) 379-4291 - Pharmacy

(402) 379-4293 - Registration

(402) 371-4094 - Medical Lab

Administration

125 6th Street

Ph: (712) 258-0500

Fax: (402)939-0297

OTHER RESOURCES

Ponca Express Child Abuse Hotline

Ph: 877-769-3111

800-652-1999 (Nebraska)

800-362-2178 (Iowa)

Northern Ponca Housing Authority

877-244-0864 (South Dakota)

1501 Michigan Ave.

Ph: (402) 379-8224

National Child Abuse Hotline

(800) 367-2320

800-422-4453

Fax: (402) 379-8557

Purchased/Referred Care

Ph: (800) 405-0365

Administration

Fax: (402) 371-0176

1600 Windhoek Dr.

Ph: (402) 438-9222

OMAHA 68107

Fax: (402) 438-9226

LINCOLN 68512

Ponca Health Services-Lincoln

1600 Windhoek Dr

Ph: (531) 248-3030

SIOUX CITY 51103

Fred LeRoy Health & Wellness Clinic

2602 “J” Street

Ph: (402) 733-3612

Fax: (402) 733-3487

National Suicide Hotline

800-273-8255

Domestic Violence Hotline

800-799-7233

National Human Trafficking Hotline

888-373-7888

National Problem Gambling Helpline

Osni Ponca

800-522-4700

2756 O Street

Administration

Ph: (402) 434-2127

5805 South 86th Circle, 68127

Elder Abuse Hotline

Fax: (402) 434-2128

Ph: (402) 315-2760

800-252-8966

NORFOLK 68701

Dental Boys Town Crisis Line

2602 “J” Street

800-448-3000

Ph: (402) 733-1325

Fax: (402) 733-3487

Drug Treatment & Referral Hotline

877-726-4727

Northern Ponca Housing Authority

Gym Building

10635 Birch., 68134

Nebraska Family Helpline

1800 Syracuse Ave.

Ph: (402) 505-3055

888-866-8660

Ph: (402) 371-8834

Fax: (402) 505-3066

Fax: (402) 379-0988

Veterans Crisis Line

800-273-8255

Administration Building

1800 Syracuse Ave.

Ph: (402) 371-8834

Fax: (402) 371-7564

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Newsletter is published monthly and printed by Printco Graphics, Omaha, Nebraska.

Deadline for submissions is the 8th of each month. In the event the 8th falls on a weekend, submissions are due the Friday before.

All submissions of a political nature are subject to Tribal Council approval. Send to Shea VanCleave, sthompson@poncatribe-ne.gov.

See or print the newsletter archives in full color on the web site at: www.poncatribe-ne.gov

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.