affecting crops, Ponca

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

Member News

Persisting

through

adversity

Despite a dry year

affecting crops, Ponca

Corn Harvest provides

lessons on resiliency and

community

November 2022

Culture

November 2022

Ponca Corn Harvest provides lessons of hope and resiliency

On October 16, 2022,

the Ponca Tribe of

Nebraska was joined

by Southern Ponca

relatives and pipeline

fighters for the Sacred

Ponca Corn Harvest in

Neligh, Nebraska, on

Ponca Nation Land.

Drought conditions

over the summer had an

impact on the corn, but

not the spirits of those

who joined together and

braved the sandburrs to

help with the harvest.

On the cover: An ear of Ponca corn in the warm sunshine of a late October afternoon. Drought conditions did impact the corn, but the survival

of enough ears to provide seed for future crops is an example of resiliency for the Ponca people.

November 2022

Culture

We’re planting seeds...

will you help them grow?

Become an instrumental part of the growth of the Ponca

Tribe of Nebraska Language Program! We have several

upcoming openings for positions teaching the Ponca

language, and facilitating that education process. YOU

DO NOT NEED TO BE FLUENT IN PONCA TO APPLY!

Successful candidates need only have the desire and

dedication to learn, as training will be provided. The

Tribe will soon be hiring the following positions:

• Language Instructors (4)

• Language Coordinator

• Culture Multimedia Specialist

Look for these jobs to be posted on the PTN website at

https://www.poncatribe-ne.org/careers/ in the near

future. Please contact Culture Director Ricky Wright with

any questions at 402.371.8834 or rwrightjr@poncatribene.org.

win

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Tribal News

November 2022

Senator Brewer honored in October 3rd ceremony in Ralston

On Monday, October 3,

the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska held an early celebration of Native American Heritage month, as

Senator Tom Brewer was

honored by Congressman Don Bacon for his

advocacy for the Native

American community in

Nebraska.

of Nebraska. From the

continually and the legacy a tireless advocate for all

dedication of statues of

of Chief Standing Bear.

native peoples in the state

Chief Standing Bear in the Senator Brewer remains

of Nebraska.

Ponca Tribal homeland

in Niobrara and in the

nation’s capitol in Washington D.C. to advocating

for the return of Standing

Bear’s tomahawk to the

Ponca Tribe to the renaming and dedication of

the Chief Standing Bear

Since 2017, Senator Tom

Justice Administration

Brewer has been instruBuilding. Senator Brewer

mental in many of the

has worked within the

most momentous celebraNebraska legislature to

tions of the Ponca Tribe

promote the Ponca Tribe

Tribal disaster response discussed

at resiliency conference

The offices and clinics of the

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska will be

closed Friday, November 11th

in observance of Veterans Day.

Offices will reopen for clients

Monday, November 14th.

Emergency Services and Risk Manager Tori Champaign recently participated on a panel discussion at

the Midwest Resilience and Preparedness Conference.

Champaign, along with FEMA Tribal Liaison Sara

Henry, and the Dodge County Emergency Manager

discussed the impact of the 2019 flooding on the

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, and the lessons learned

from that disaser

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

nonbá

November 2022

Health

Annual Health Fair showcases Ponca Health Services and community agencies

On Saturday, October 1, the Annual Health Fair was held in Ralston,

Nebraska. Ponca Health Services

and other community agencies

had booths to provide education

on programs and services to help

thábthin

achieve and maintain a healthy life- the creation of the Ponca Health

style.

Services Food Pantry to address

food insecurity across the region.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska was

Lunch was provided along with

also awarded a check for $25,000

activities, freebies, and a bike prize

from Medica that will go towards

drawing.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Health

November 2022

Breast Cancer Awareness Month events held throughout Service Delivery Area

This October, the Ponca

Tribe of Nebraska welcomed men and women

to our Breast Cancer

Awareness Events. We

had a fantastic turnout

(over 40 people in Omaha) of folks who donned

their pink and joined us

for lunch, a presentation

from Great Plains tribal

leaders health board,

and prizes for the person

wearing the most pink.

For joining us for the

afternoon, attendees received a brand new breast

cancer awareness Ponca

strong T-shirt.

the Nebraska Urban

Indian Center honored

Emily Dunn. Emily and

her employer, Hy Vee, are

friends and supporters of

the Ponca Tribe. Emily

was gifted with a blanket

water bottle and a breast

cancer awareness bag,

as she is a breast cancer

survivor.

Employees at all locations

also participated, and

wore their best pink for

the day’s activities.

The Community Health

Workers would like to

thank everyone who

showed up to our events

Before kicking off the fesin all our locations.

tivities in Omaha, Community Health Manager

Nancie Velasquez and

June Bear Noonan from

Omaha Elder winners,

Carrie Voss and Judy

Genovesi

Sioux City elder winner, Norfolk Elder winner,

Faythe Hurd

Florence Wright

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Lincoln Elder winner,

Sue Bad Moccasin

Niobrara Elder winner,

Stella Branstiter

dubá

November 2022

sáton

Health

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Health

November 2022

Health Professional Focus: Kathleen N

Hi everyone!! I am

Kathleen Narlock RDH,

BSDH, PHRDH. What

that all means is that I

am the Registered Dental

Hygienist at the Omaha

dental office. I have been

at the Ponca Tribe for 14

years.

I was born in 1965 in

Honolulu, Hawaii. I

have a younger brother

who teaches in Florida.

I grew up moving a lot

as a Navy “brat”. I call

Wisconsin home (Yes, I

am a BADGER fan) as

that is where I graduated

from high school and

met my husband, Rick.

We have been married

for 38 years and have

two sons, a daughterin-law and a 9-year-old

grandson. They live in

LaVista, NE. My husband joined the Air Force

in 1984 and his first duty

station was Okinawa,

Japan. My dental career

started by taking the Red

Cross Volunteer Dental

assistant course. I had

known since high school

I wanted to be a dental

hygienist. I had my son

Stephen while in Japan.

We moved to Utah where

I took more classes

towards my hygiene

degree. My son Nicholas

was born in Utah. Next,

we moved to Missouri

for just a year and then

was transferred to Texas

so that my son Nick

could receive specialized

medical treatment (he

was born with an immune deficiency). The

boys and I lived there

for four years while my

husband took a year and

lived in Korea. The last

six months we were in

Texas I again took the

Red Cross Volunteer

Dental Assistant course.

It had been almost 10

years but it was like

riding a bike and I was

able to move right back

into that role. After a

few issues with where we

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

would be moving next,

a wonderful doctor Nick

had in Texas was now

here in Nebraska at Offutt. He helped us with

our move to Nebraska.

We have been here ever

since. After a few of

Nick’s health issues I

started Volunteering as

a Dental Assistant at Offutt, which then turned

to a paid position. As I

worked full time at Offutt, I was also taking the

rest of the pre-requisite

courses at Metro Community College to ap-

ply to Dental Hygiene

school. I worked at

Offutt with a wonderful

dentist that encouraged

me to apply to Iowa

Western Community

Colleges Dental Hygiene

program. I was accepted

and had orientation

in June 2006. I graduated May 2008 with my

Associates of Applied

Science Degree in Dental

Hygiene and continued

taking classes and graduated again in December

of 2009 from Creighton University with my

Bachelors of Science

Degree in Dental Hygiene. I am also a Public

Health Registered Dental

Hygienist which means I

can go to schools, retirement homes and other

areas that other dental

hygienists can’t preform

services without a dentist

present.

While at the Ponca Tribe

I have worked with the

WIC program, Iowa

Western Community

College students, traveled to Norfolk to fill

in when needed, gone

to schools for the NICE

program and work with

preschoolers. I, along

with co-workers set up

the Norfolk dental clinic.

I have helped plan and

implement the yearly

dental part of the health

fair. I have spoken at

Elders Luncheons about

shápe

November 2022

Health

Narlock, Registered Dental Hygienist

oral health. I enjoy these

times to get to know the

tribal members personally

and not just in the dental

office.

Other volunteer activities

I have been involved with

have been very fulfilling. I was the Cub Scout

Den Mom for each son.

Stephen became an Eagle

Scout. Nick was the musician and played the trombone, tuba and baritone.

He was in marching band

and was able to march in

The ACC originated at

the Rose Parade.

the Offutt Chapel. Over

The day after my orithe years many members

entation for Hygiene

have moved but they all

school, I hopped on a

converge for a week in

plane to meet the ApJune to build a home. I

palachian Construction

have spent a week of my

Crew (ACC) volunteer

vacation every other year

group that build a home

since 2006 in Kentucky

for a low-income family

to help feed the 30-35

in Whitley City, Kenpeople that build the

tucky. This is one of the

home. It is amazing to see

poorest counties in the

this group put up a house

United States because it

in a week and then finish

is mostly National Forest the drywall, flooring and

with very little industry.

such the second week.

I have collected aluminum cans, participated in

bowl-a-thons, pancake

breakfasts, worked many

Offutt Air Shows, dinner raffles and rented a

van to drive to Kentucky

for many years. I made a

board with all the names

of the families that homes

were built for. I usually

take a few cases of toothbrushes and toothpaste so

the community center can

péthonba

Omaha component. I

received the Community

Service award in 2011

and Dr. Karen Bober

received the Advocate of

the Year from the Omaha

Dental Hygiene association in 2012. I had the

pleasure of meeting Esther Wilkens, the founder

of Dental Hygiene who

also became a dentist has

a legacy of promoting

oral health.

I enjoy traveling to see

family and friends that

give them out to anyone

we have meet through

that needs them. I was the my husbands Air Force

webmaster for the ACC

career. I like to craft and

until just recently.

many of the Ponca employees or members have

I have participated with

received baby blankets

the Nebraska and Iowa

that I have made for

Mission of Mercy. This

is a free service to receive them. I enjoy needlepoint,

dental treatment. The first photography and coordinating the dental part of

one I was in 2005 as a

the annual health fair.

dental assistant. I hadn’t

started my Hygiene career It has been an honor and

yet. I have volunteered

privilege to work with the

with four Mission of

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

Mercy in Nebraska and

I have seen the tribe grow

one in Iowa. They are

and build new sites. I

long but very rewarding

have many wonderful paevents. My husband and tients that I call friends!

youngest son have joined And now we are all waitme and volunteered wher- ing patiently for the new

ever they were needed.

Omaha clinic to be built

so that many more people

I am the Nebraska Denwill have the health and

tal Hygiene Association

dental care they need.

Treasurer and the Nebraska Dental Hygiene

See you all in the clinic

Initiative Treasurer. I am soon!!

an active member of the

Kathleen Narlock RDH,

local association and

was the treasurer for the BSDH, PHRDH

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Domestic Violence

November 2022

The Holiday Season is ripe for financial abuse

Julie Flynn

Elder Victim Advocate

With cooler days and the

smell of crisp leaves in the

air, we are at the beginning of the Holiday Season and the scammers are

beginning to call. During

this time, many elders are

a prime target for financial scams. Please beware

of who is calling and the

personal/financial information you are giving

them.

According to National

Council on Aging, in

2021, there were 92,371

older victims of fraud

resulting in $1.7 billion in

losses.

Some scams to be aware

of:

• SOCIAL SECURITY/

IRS SCAM: A caller

saying there is a problem with your SSN or

Account.

• GRANDPARENT

SCAM: Getting a call

from someone claiming they are the target’s

grandchild, and that

they need help now

(money for bail out of

state, for example) or

something terrible will

happen to them.

payment to an agency or Signs of Financial Abuse

organization, please call

• Unusual changes in

them before disclosing

• ROMANCE SCAM:

bank accounts or monof any personal informaThe target has been

ey management

tion such as SSN, account

interacting with somenumbers, pin numbers.

• Unusual or quick

one online. After a time

changes in a will or

they request money to

Familial Financial Abuse

other financial docucome see them (they

During this holiday

ments.

never show), or because

season while families are

some dire event is going

• Fake signatures on

celebrating, with relato happen (i.e. evicfinancial documents

tives visiting, and children

tion) and they need the

home from school, some • Unpaid bills when

target’s help out of the

Elders are facing financial

there should be enough

situation.

abuse not only by scammoney

• SWEEPSTAKES SCAM: mers but also by their

• Giving someone unThe target is told they

own relatives.

known to the family

have won the lottery,

Some financial abuse perPower of Attorney

but that they have to

petrated by family mempay a processing fee

If you suspect Financial

bers:

(with a gift card) to

Abuse of an Elder, you

receive their winnings.

• The son or daughter

can contact your:

that takes the parent to

Look out for anyone

• Local APS, Adult Prothe ATM and says the

calling and asking for a

tective Services, through

machine is not workpayment using the follow

Health and Human

ing while keeping the

methods:

Services.

money for their selves.

- Retail gift cards

AARP Fraud Helpline (

• The Auntie or Uncle

877) 908-3360

- Wire Transfer

shopping for the Elder

and buys stuff for them- • Local Law Enforcement

- Pre-paid debit cards

selves.

• Ombudsmen in a long

- Internet currency

• The grandchild who

term care facility

comes over and steals

- Mailing cash or some• National Elder

money out of the

one will pick up from

Fraud Hotline

Grandparents purse/

your address.

1-833-FRAUD-11

wallet, just because.

Note: If you are wanting

(1-833-372-8311)

to make a donation or

Attention Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members:

You can access Tribal Council minutes on the tribe’s website at

https://www.poncatribe-ne.org/tribal-documents/council-minutes-agendas/

(note that you must register and be logged in). These are updated as soon as

approved minutes are distributed.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

pethábthin

November 2022

Tribal News

Tribal Court welcomes Escalera as new Tribal Court Services Specialist

Hello, my name is Alyssa

Escalera. I am writing this

letter to introduce myself

as the new Tribal Court

Services Specialist. I grew

up on a farm outside the

small town of Hoskins,

NE. My husband and I

have been together for

nine years. We have two

daughters; Maeva is two

and Tatum is five months

old. We also have an Old

English Bulldogge, Mowgli. Recently, we moved

back to Winside, NE,

where my husband and I

graduated high school.

In 2018, I graduated

from Wayne State College with a Bachelor’s of

Science degree in human

services and counseling

with a minor in criminal

justice. I have worked as

a family service worker

and a direct support professional in the past.

I am excited to be an employee for the Ponca Tribe

of Nebraska. My position

is included in the Tribal

Court Improvement

Project. This means I will

be collaborating with the

Tribal Court as well as

Craft & Vendor Show

November 26, 2022 | 10 am-3 pm

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Headquarters

2523 Woodbine Street | Niobrara, NE

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska will be hosting a Craft

& Vendor show, featuring Ponca and Native artists

and businesses. Free prize drawings will be held

throughout the day.

This vendor show is held in conjunction with other

holiday activities and craft shows in the Village of

Niobrara, so plan to make a day of it!

To reserve a booth

table, please

contact Cheryl at

402.857.3391.

Booth preference will be given to and fees will be

waived for artists and vendors who are Ponca, Native,

or current PTN staff members.

shónka

the Social Services Department to increase the

knowledge and awareness

of assistance that can be

provided to members,

specifically in child welfare cases. Moreover, I

will be attending trainings

the beginning of the year

to provide mediation services to the Ponca Tribal

Court cases.

I will also be facilitating

training and educational

opportunities to employees at the Ponca Tribe

of Nebraska as well as

to community partners

and to Ponca members.

Please watch out for these

upcoming training opportunities. The Ponca Tribe

of Nebraska has grown

exponentially and I look

forward to seeing where it

will go and how I can assist the Ponca members.

I can be reached via my

office phone at (402)

371-8834 Ext. 106 or my

work cell phone at (402)

266-1649. I can also be

reached via email at aescalera@poncatribe-ne.org.

District 1

Ponca Families

Holiday Potluck

December 10, 2022 | Noon-2 pm

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Headquarters

2523 Woodbine Street | Niobrara, NE

December 11, 2022 | Noon-2 pm

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Offices

125 6th Street | Sioux City, IA

District 1 Ponca families are invited to a holiday

potluck. Turkey and ham will be provided for the main

dish, along with beverages. Members are asked to

bring a side dish or dessert. There will be games and

activities for the kids.

For more information, please contact

District 1 Council Representatives

JoAn Schlotman,

712.276.7103 or

Angie Starkel,

402.922.0436.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Veteran’s Salute

November 2022

Celebrating our

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska would like to take this

military veterans or are currently serving in the mil

Todd Carlisle, CTM2

USN

Gulf War

Service: 1986-1995

Brian Christiansen

Army

Service: 9/92 - 5/01

Vernon Howe, A2C

USAF

Vietnam

Service: 1961-1967

Ernest Iron Thunder

WWII

Gaylen Stansback

USMC

Afghanistan

Service: 2/11-10/11

Stephanie Sydnor

USN

OIF and OND

Service: 1994-2014

Gerald Swope

USMC

Service: 1957-1960

Joseph Tate, SRA E-4

USAF

Cold War

Service: 1980-1986

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

gthébon

November 2022

Veteran’s Salute

Ponca Veterans

s opportunity to honor tribal members who are

litary. Thank you for your service!

Mark Peniska

USN

Vietnam

Service: 1969-1970

Daniel Perez

USMC

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Service: 1996-2004

Jennifer M. Phelps, SGT

(JP Pretty Bull)

Army

Iraq

Service: 1997-2005

Michael D. Porter, ABE-2

USN

Vietnam

Service: 1964-1967

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Tribal Historic

Preservation Officer (THPO) continues to create a

comprehensive list of all Ponca veterans. Members

who are veterans, or those who have family that have

served, are invited provide information, including:

• Branch of service

• Dates served

• Details or a story from that service

• Wars served

Cliff Taylor

agthín win

Thomas Clark (Tony)

Wright

To submit veteran information, please contact Stacy

Laravie, THPO via email (ssettje@poncatribe-ne.org)

or via mail:

Stacy Laravie, THPO

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

88915 521 Avenue

Niobrara, NE 68760

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Veteran’s Salute

USAF

ARMY

USAF

ARMY

USMC

USN/ARMY

ARMY

USAF

USN

USMC

ARMY

USMC

USAF

USNG

ARMY

USAF

ANG

USN

ARMY

USAF

USN

USMC

ARMY

USMC/USNG

USAF

USMC

ARMY

USMC

ARMY

USMC

USN

USAF

ARMY

USAF

ARMY/USAF

USAF

ARMY

ARNG

ARMY

USAF

USMC

November 2022

DANIEL BAKER

SGT

LARRY R BAKER

SGT

VIETNAM

DANNY M BARFIELD

A1C

CHARLES M BEAR

JORDAN L BEAR (KIA)

SSGT

AFGHANISTAN

LEE G BEAR

SGT

LEONARD B BEAR

PVT

LOGAN F BEAR

RAYMOND L BEAR (KIA)

SGT

WWII

RICHARD BEAR

CPL

WILLIAM C BEAR

1STSGT

WWII

LEONARD R BRANSTITER

SMSGT

VIETNAM

RAYMOND J CHRISTENSEN

E-5

VIETNAM

KYLIE DAVIS

HM3

ACTIVE

DAVID DUCKER

LCPL

VIETNAM

BRIAN ECKLEY

A1C PFC

1986-1988

CHARLES N ECKLEY

PVT

DWAYNE ECKLEY

MAJOR

1981-2005

GEORGE ECKLEY

E-5

1956-1964

JACK ECKLEY

SSG

1966-1989

LEO ECKLEY

E-5

WWII

ARTHUR ENQUEST

VIETNAM

LEX ENQUIST

VIETNAM

1967-1970

LEE J GATZEMEYER

A1C

TARA HATHCOCK

OIF

2007-CURRENT

RICHARD A HENDREN

QM1

SANDRA R HERNANDEZ

PV2

ANTHONY M KING

SrA

BRUCE LARSON

VIETNAM

11/65-2/68

FRED LEROY

VIETNAM

MARCUS LOVER

SSG

OIF

2000-2004

MATT MAXFIELD

2011-2019

ALFRED R MEYER

CAPT

VIETNAM

ANDREW PENISKA

KOREA

JAMES PENISKA

KOREA

WILLIAM C PHILLIPS

SSGT

JAMES POLLY

VIETNAM

10/65-10/69

MARSHALL PRICHARD

PFC

DUANE L RICHARDS

SH1

VIETNAM

RANDY ROSS

ANDREW ROWE

CW2

AFGHANISTAN

MONA WENDZILLO

SMSGT

PHILLIP WENDZILLO

MSGT

GULF WAR

FRANK WHITE

TSGT

GARY WICK

E-4

VIETNAM

LARRY WRIGHT, JR.

CPL

LARRY WRIGHT, SR.

LCPL

VIETNAM

RICHARD WRIGHT

VIETNAM

SHANNON WRIGHT

WILLIAM WRIGHT

CPL

DESERT STORM

JOHN R YOUNKER

PFC

WWII

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

shápe nonbá

November 2022

Health

2023 Health Insurance Enrollment Dates

MEDICARE

Medicare Annual Enrollment

Period began October 15, 2022

and will run through December 7,

2022. Medicare participants who

currently have active Medicare

Part B, Medicare Advantage and/or

Medicare Part D can make changes

to their health and drug plans for

2023.

Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage participants can make any

of these changes to their current

plan.

If you opted out of Medicare Part

D and would like to sign up for

2023, you may do so. Coverage

will begin January 1, 2023. A 1%

penalty fee may apply in addition

to your plans monthly premium.

Important message for existing

Nebraska Medicaid Participants:

Please contact your patient benefits

coordinator to ensure your mailing

address is accurate with Nebraska

Medicaid.

2023 Medicare Part B standard

monthly premium will be $164.90,

a decrease in $5.20 from 2022

and the annual deductible will be

$226.00, a decrease of $7.

Patient Benefit Coordinators PBC

are available to discuss any questions or concerns, the application

process and assist with the enrollment in an insurance plan through

Medicare, FFM and/or Nebraska

Medicaid. PBCs are certified application counselors with the Federal

Facilitated Marketplace and Senior

Health Insurance Assistance Program SHIP. We provide assistance

to all Native Americans and Alaska Natives residing in the State of

Nebraska.

2023 Medicare Part D annual deductible will be $505, an increase

of $25.00 from 2022.

1. Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare

FEDERAL FACILITATED MARKETPLACE (FFM)

2. Dis-enroll from Original Medicare and enroll in Medicare

Advantage

Federal Facilitated Marketplace

Annual Redetermination period

will begin November 1, 2022

through January 15, 2023 for coverage in 2023.

3. Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another

FRED LEROY HEALTH AND

WELLNESS CENTER

Existing Marketplace participants

will need to submit a 2023 ap1. Sign up for a Part D prescription plication to determine their advance tax credit, if applicable and

drug plan

monthly premiums to avoid a lapse

2. Change from one Part D prein coverage or surprise increase in

scription plan to another

monthly premiums.

3. Cancel your prescription drug

NEBRASKA MEDICAID

coverage

Open Enrollment period to change

If you opted out of Medicare Part

a Managed Care Organization will

B in your initial enrollment pebegin November 1 – December 15,

riod and would like to sign up for

2022

benefits in 2023, open enrollment

2023 Nebraska Medicaid Manperiod OEP for Medicare Part B

will begin January 1, 2023 through aged Care Organizations

March 31, 2023, and coverage

• Healthy Blue of Nebraska

will begin July 1, 2023. A 10%

penalty fee will apply in addition

• Nebraska Total Care

to the monthly Medicare Part B

• United Health of the Midlands

premium.

Medicare Part D

agthín thábthin

Sylvia Allen-Lopez

402.738.3151

sallen-lopez@poncatribe-ne.org

Michelle Hallowell

402.738.3177

mhallowell@poncatribe-ne.org

LINCOLN HEALTH CENTER

Michelle Runyan

531.248.3030 ext. 1144

mrunyan@poncatribe-ne.org

PONCA HILLS HEALTH AND

WELLNESS CENTER

LaTausha LaPointe

402.371.8780

llapointe@poncatribe-ne.org

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Diabetes

November 2022

Focusing on our health during National Diabetes Month

Type 1 diabetes occurs

when the body can’t

produce insulin, a horNovember is National

mone in the pancreas that

Diabetes Month. Every

breaks down carbohyyear, this month is imdrates into blood sugar

portant because it focuses or glucose for energy.

on boosting awareness

Insulin therapy helps

about diabetes preventhe pancreas to function

tion, care, education, and more normally.

health outcomes. More

Type 2 diabetes is the

than 35 million people

most common form of

in the United States have

the disease, where the

some form of diabetes,

body is unable to process

and around 25% of them

our internal insulin well

aren’t even aware they

enough to keep blood

have it. In addition, it is

sugar at normal levels.

estimated that another 96

million adults in the U.S. Gestational diabetes dehave prediabetes, which

velops during pregnancy

only about 20% are

in some women who

aware of.

don’t already have diabetes. As the body makes

Types of diabetes.

more hormones and the

There are a few different

baby grows, it puts a

types of diabetes: Type 1,

higher demand on the

Type 2, and gestational

pancreas to release more

diabetes.

insulin.

Jessica Bollig

Diabetes Program

Registered Dietitian

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.

Winter 2022 deadline: November 15, 2022

Spring 2023 deadline: December 15, 2022

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

Know your risk factors.

• Increasing water intake

You may be predisposed

can prevent dehydrato Type 2 diabetes if you

tion, which can keep

are overweight, there’s

our bodies from funcfamily history of diabetes,

tioning well.

you live a sedentary life• Taking a look at our

style, you are older than

sleep habits is impor45, if you’ve had gestatant. Are you getting

tional diabetes, or if you

enough sleep? Fatigue

have been diagnosed with

can cause a resistance

prediabetes. Weight loss

to the insulin your body

is a key preventive meaneeds.

sure. By reducing your

weight by 5-7%, you can • Could we find ways to

reduce your risk of getbe a little more active

ting diabetes. Exercising

each day? Exercise can

for 30 minutes per day,

prevent major spikes in

5 days a week can lead

our blood sugar levels,

to a great start in weight

especially after meals,

management.

and can even help

improve our quality of

How to observe National

sleep.

Diabetes Month

• Commit to a healthier

• Be adventurous and try

lifestyle. We can all take

some new recipes and

a look at ways that we

foods! Take a look at

can live a little healthier

websites or cookbooks

by taking a look at our

with diabetic recipes.

habits.

continued on next page

Attention All K-12 YIP Students Nationwide:

• High School Seniors for the 2021-2022 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 2022-2023 school year is July 31, 2023.

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 @ office (402)3718834, work cell (402)844-0957, or aknudsen@poncatribe-ne.org. *Ponca tribal

enrollment is required for ALL education programs*

agthín dubá

November 2022

Diabetes

DIABETES: Small changes can have big results

continued from page 14

Many common recipes

have been adapted to

decrease sugar, fat and

calories. Adding new

fruits, vegetables, and

whole grain foods can

help provide our bodies

with the vitamins and

energy it needs to function at its best.

• Be prepared for sick

tablets, a thermometer,

days. It’s always good

hand sanitizer, a timer

to be prepared for an

to stay on top of checkillness when you have

ing your levels or anydiabetes. You could crething else you can think

ate a “sick day” kit so

of that you may need.

that you are prepared

• Attend a diabetes event.

in case you need to stay

During diabetes month

home or head out to see

there are typically

your doctor. Things you

a variety of booths,

may want to consider

presentations, or events

could be glucose monithat you can attend at

toring supplies, glucose

health fairs, your doctor’s office, local health

center or community

centers. You may learn

some new information, be able to taste

test some new recipes,

ask questions, or bring

home new education or

planning materials for

your own diabetes care

needs.

World Diabetes Day 2022

November 14

9 am-11 am

Norfolk Gym | 1800 Syracuse | Norfolk, NE

Ralston Transit | 5701 S 85th Circle | Omaha, NE

PTN Headquarters | 2523 Woodbine St | Niobrara, NE

PTN Offices | 125 6th Street | Sioux City, IA

PTN Offices | 1701 E Street | Lincoln, NE

Dress your best in blue, and join the Ponca Tribe

of Nebraska Diabetes Program for a celebration

of World Diabetes Day. Breakfast will be provided,

along with a presentation on diabetes. A prize

will be awarded to the person wearing the

most blue for Diabetes Day!

Ponca Tribe

of Nebraska

Diabetes

Program

For more information, please contact

Crystal Mundorf at 402.371.8834.

agthín sáton

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Tribal News

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

November 2022

agthín shápe

November 2022

Enrollment

Change of Address Form

Mail to: PTN Enrollment Dept PO Box 288 Niobrara, NE 68760 Fax: 402-857-3771

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD MUST BE AN ENROLLED PONCA TRIBE MEMBER

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

agthín péthonba

Approved: 10/18/2008

_______________________________

DATE

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Enrollment

November 2022

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

TRIBAL MEMBERS

(please print)

NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________

ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________PHONE:______________________

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

If yes, please check one of the following: Full SS number_____ or Last 4 digits only_____

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.

TRIBAL MEMBERS

(pleaseON

print)

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BLOOD QUANTUM

YOUR ID? YES_____OR NO_____

***Don't forget to include

your picture!

FOR A PHOTO

ID PLEASE SIGN AND FILL OUT THIS PAGE.

NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________

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

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.)

YOU WANT

YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD? YES_________OR NO_________

please

check

one of

of the

the following

following:must

Full be

SSsubmitted:

number_____ or Last 4 digits only_____

2. yes,

Clear

readable

copies

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

valid MEMBERS

Picture ID card

TRIBAL

must have

and signature

onresponsibility

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

and Tribal Enrollment Card for proof of enrollment.

NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________

3. Photo Options:

ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________

You can email a current photo (without filters) to - enrollment@poncatribe-ne.org

You may mail documentation and your

____________________________________________________________________________

current photo to:

CERTIFICATE

CARDS

DOPonca

YOUTribe

WANT

YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD?

YES_________OR

NO_________

of Nebraska

Certificate cards, or non photo IDs are available upon

Enrollment

Department

If yes,

please check

one of the following: Full SS number_____

orThis

Lastform

4 digits

only_____

request.

is not

required for certificate cards.

PO Box 288

Pleases contact the enrollment department if you

like your

an enrollment

card without

picture.

ByNiobrara,

marking NE

Yes68760-0288

you understand it is your responsibilitywould

to keep

SSN confidential

anda acknowledge

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

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

agthín pethábthin

November 2022

agthín shónka

Tribal News

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Member’s Corner

PEDCO/PONCA ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

BOARD

There will be one term open due to a

resignation. Applications are now being

accepted. The general mission of the

Corporation is: a) to assist the members of

the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska to become more

employable, including through technical

assistance, training, and development of

skills; b) to increase members marketable

employment and business skills and

proficiency in order for them to achieve better

employment and economic opportunities;

c) to assist members with establishing,

developing, and growing their own businesses

and increasing their business opportunities,

including through loan and other funding

programs as well as the provision of technical

assistance and training for business; and

d) to otherwise improve and increase the

economic well-being of the members and

community of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

as a whole. The Amended and Restated

Articles of Incorporation of Ponca Economic

Development Corporation and the Bylaws are

on the website www.poncatribe-ne.org for

your viewing or a copy can be e-mailed to you

if requested.

November 2022

“The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is beginning to build and rebuild our Tribe,

from the buildings to the members. We are using members to do the

building and repairs. We work hard, and we work safely when we’re not

taking photos. We want to make sure everyone knows we are very inclusive in all we do. We want everyone to feel they are a part of the Tribe.”

-F. James Baker, Facilities Manager

I successfully obtained

my GED. I am 45 years

old. For the ones who

don’t have their GED or

high school diploma, I

encourage you to get

it! It opened up a whole

new door! It’s never

too late to get your

education!

I did it!!

The management and affairs of the

Corporation shall be vested in a Board of

Directors to carry out the purposes of the

Corporation. To be eligible for appointment as

a Director an individual:

I am the grandson of

the late Ernest & Amelia

“Babe” (Knudsen) Iron

Thunder and the son

of the late Glenn Saul &

Claudette Vacha

a. Need not be a resident living on Tribal lands

or within the territory of the Tribe.

- Claude Iron Thunder

b. Must meet all requirements set forth in the

Business Entities Code and any other law of

the Tribe applicable to the Corporation; and

c. Must meet any other standards

or requirements which the Member’s

Representatives may from time to time

require.

A $250 stipend per meeting is paid as well

as mileage reimbursement up to 410 miles

roundtrip. Applicants must submit letter

of interest and current resume to the Tribal

Council, Attn: Candace Repenning, P.O.

Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760 or by e-mail

crepenning@poncatribe-ne.org. A background

check is required. Deadline for application is

December 1, 2022.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Elder’s Committee Meeting

November 7 | 10 am

Ponca Tribe Offices | Niobrara, NE

December 5 | 10 am

Ponca Tribe Offices | Sioux City, IA

gthebon nonba

November 2022

Member’s Corner

Ponca Storyteller’s Corner

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t have a story, or a few, that means the world to them?

Stories contain worlds, convey knowledge, shape identity, live in the best parts of our hearts and memories.

Without them, the world would be drab, colorless. Without them, we might wind up forgetting everything we

most want to remember.

As Ponca People and as Natives, stories are particularly important to us. For thousands of years, we were an

oral culture, meaning the spoken word and storytelling were among the primary ways we transmitted what we

knew from generation to generation, how essential things and just lovely things moved through families, clans,

and societies. Recently, as we all know, we Poncas have made our way through a kind of apocalypse. It has

been difficult, tough, tragic. But we are still here and we are rebuilding, regenerating, and our story as a tribe

continues. Guided by our ancestors, we persevere and go forward.

And we Ponca People still have plenty of stories--baskets, pickup trucks, and houses just full of them. They make

us laugh, they make us cry, they make us who we are. We remember them from long ago when we were kids,

and we remember them from yesterday. We tell them around the fire, and we tell shortened versions of them in

our Facebook comments. They’re treasures; sacred, precious family belongings. But they’re also jokes, lessons,

cultural history, and dreams. Aren’t they the best? Isn’t it awesome that as Ponca People we still have such a

beautiful mountain of stories standing at the center of who we are as a people and as a tribe?

In this column, which I’m calling the Ponca Storytellers Corner, I’m aiming to create a place in our monthly

newsletter where us Ponca can share our stories--any of them that come to mind--that are meaningful or

educational to us, that need sharing or might be inspiring. My hope is that this column feeds our growth, feeds

our journey, feeds our soul, because isn’t that what a good story does anyway?

It’s easy to get this ball rolling and to be a part of making this Ponca Storytellers Corner a lively, interesting place:

all you have to do is email me a story. The plan is, I’ll introduce the story and then share it here, and then we’ll all

have a story to think about, ponder, and absorb into our memories each month. Doesn’t that sound like a great

idea? Isn’t that something you might look forward to each month when you pick up your newsletter?

This month I’ll start with a short little story my dad, Cliff Taylor Jr., messaged one day a few months back that

I’ve thought about several times since. It’s a bit sad, but it’s also real, and it’s the real stories that stick with us. I

share it here and hope it takes you someplace meaningful in your thoughts today.

“Here’s a story for you.”

“I can tell you when my grandma got killed and it was a closed casket. I remember we ate chicken soup for the

funeral. It was snowing bad and vehicles couldn’t get up hill in the cemetery. The snow was up to my waist and

I think I was 11 years old. When they finally got the casket buried, I can’t remember who, but someone pointed

at this big jackrabbit and told me it was watching the whole time we were in the cemetery. After that we went

home and on the 3rd day after she died we put food out for grandma. I still remember hearing the spoon moving

in the bowl like someone was eating. Grandma’s spirit came…

“I don’t remember going back to Verdell until I drove there myself years later. I would have been a whole different

person because she was going to raise me the traditional way. The true Ponca way.”

If you have a story you’d like to share in the Ponca Storytellers Corner, email it to cliffponca@gmail.com and

jhitchcock@poncatribe-ne.org. We are richer as individuals and as a people when we share the stories we have to

tell. Let’s make each other rich again as Poncas with the stories we carry.

Weblaho, Cliff Taylor

gthebon nonba kiedi winonxchi

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

P.O. Box 288

Niobrara, NE 68760

org

atrib

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: (712) 258-0762

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

1701 E Street

Ph: (402) 438-9222

OMAHA 68107

Fax: (402) 438-9226

Fred LeRoy Health & Wellness Clinic

Ponca Health Services-Lincoln

2602 “J” Street

1600 Windhoek Dr, 68512

Ph: (402) 733-3612

Ph: (531) 248-3030

Fax: (402) 733-3487

Osni Ponca

2756 O Street

Administration

Ph: (402) 434-2127

5805 South 86th Circle, 68127

Fax: (402) 434-2128

Ph: (402) 315-2760

LINCOLN 68508

SIOUX CITY 51103

National Suicide Hotline

800-273-8255

Domestic Violence Hotline

800-799-7233

National Human Trafficking Hotline

888-373-7888

National Problem Gambling Helpline

800-522-4700

Elder Abuse Hotline

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. ahgthee dubah

Deadline for submissions is the 1st of each month. In the event the 1st falls on a weekend, submissions are due the Friday before.

All submissions of a political nature are subject to Tribal Council approval. Send to Jessica Hitchcock, jhitchcock@poncatribe-ne.org.

See or print the newsletter archives in full color on the member’s side (you must log in) of the web site at: www.poncatribe-ne.org

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.