# District events bring joy > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aponca_nebraska%3A0c1cd6b35c5c4fa7 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## 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 in wí’ Ponca Tribe OFNebraska 1 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. 2 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 3 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. 4 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 5 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 ** 6 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 Ha ́ ̨ 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 7 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) 8 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 9 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. 10 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. 14 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 14 Beat the Scanner: AI Tools for Job Seekers APRIL 11 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. 10 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 11 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. 12 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, Contact us today at: 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 13 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 14 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 15 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 16 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 17 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 18 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 19 Enrollment January 2026 (Please sign your name in the area below with a BLACK felt tip marker) I I TRIBAL MEMBERS (please print) NAME:__________________________________________________DOB:_________________________ MAILING ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ PHONE: ______________________________ PHYSICAL ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT THAN MAILING): ______________________________________________________________________________________ I I ______________________________________________________________________________________ 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 be If 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. 3. 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_________ 4. 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. 20 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 21 P.O. Box 288 Niobrara, NE 68760 w e.gov n e b i ncatr o p . w w 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 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aponca_nebraska%3A0c1cd6b35c5c4fa7. Public record. Not legal advice.