Member News
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Ask Donna
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Member News
Celebrating
our people
Halloween pictures,
Restoration Powwow,
and more!
December 2025
Tribal News
December 2025
Member Card
Design Contest
SAVE THE DATE!!!
Annual Healthy Living
Walk/Run
& Powwow
Ponca Tribe members are invited to submit their
original designs for a chance to win $200, and have
their design featured on the front of the 2026 member
birthday cards! Three winners will be chosen!
Must be a member of the Ponca Tribe
of Nebraska to submit a design. Only
one submission allowed per member.
Designs must be submitted by 11:59
pm, December 1, 2025. Please include
member name, age, and any additional
notes about the design when submitting.
All design submissions must be large,
full color, high-resolution images to be
considered (no cell phone photos, highresolution scans are fine).
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.
To submit your design, email
crepenning@poncatribe-ne.gov.
For more information, please call
Candace Repenning at 402.857.3391.
adman
Ste
Roy-Jai
Fred Le
ND Fighting Hawks vs. NE Cornhuskers
December 21, 2025 |7:00 pm
Pinnacle Bank Arena | 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr. | Lincoln, NE
Honoring Fred LeRoy,
Former Ponca Tribe
Chairman
Sponsored by:
Jai Steadman, proud Ponca Tribe of Nebraska member, and Head Men’s
Basketball Coach at Independence Community College in Kansas would like
to invite 25 Ponca students and their families to come and watch as the NE
Cornhuskers take on the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.
• FREE Admission!
• FREE Food Voucher • FREE Christmas Gift Bag!
Tickets are limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more
information, or to RSVP, please call Nancie at 402.450.1095.
On the cover: November northern lights behind the Chief Standing Bear statue in Niobrara. Photo by Charlie Yunker
December 2025
Chairwoman’s Corner
Chairwoman’s Corner
“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived. True resilience is not the
refusal to bend, but the capacity to bounce back stronger after the bend is complete.”
Thati'a relatives,
I hope this message finds
you and your family well.
As the year begins to wind
down, I would like to take
a moment to reflect on the
past couple of months.
Your Tribal Council has
been working diligently,
navigating complex
issues and implementing
initiatives that aim to
strengthen our community
and ensure the well-being
of our membership.
A primary concern we
focused on was the federal
government shutdown. As
you know, stable federal
funding is the bedrock
of many services across
Indian Country. Council
and Administrative staff
have worked diligently to
implement contingency
plans and manage our
Nation’s finances so
that the uncertainty in
Washington had little to no
impact on our vital tribal
nationwide to help
alleviate some of the
cost of food expenses
for the holidays. We
hope this measure brings
some small comfort and
allows you to enjoy time
celebrating with your
families.
Finally, a sincere thank you
to all of you who attended
our most recent General
Membership Meeting last
Vice Chairwoman Angie Starkel, Councilman Alex Taylor, Eastern
month. Your commitment
Band of Cherokee Principal Chief Michell Hicks, Chairwoman
Candace Schmidt at Inauguration Ceremony
to showing up, offering
your perspectives, and
programs and services.
household. Thank you so
Ensuring the continuity
much to the approximately engaging in respectful
dialogue is what makes
of health care, education,
200 members who took
our Nation strong. Your
and social services for our the time to respond. Your
input is vital and helps
Ponca people is always our willingness to share your
us to improve and grow
paramount concern, and
experience is invaluable.
together.
I am proud of the efforts
The Tribal Council will be
that kept everything
reviewing this information Below are some additional
running smoothly.
in detail. It will not only
highlights of Council
give
us
a
clear
picture
activity for the last couple
During the shutdown,
of
the
shutdown's
realof months.
we distributed a Federal
world
impacts
but,
more
Shutdown Impact Survey
importantly, help us know · Weekly Tribal Council
to gather firsthand
meetings
how best to strategically
accounts of how the
· Meetings with local,
assist our members
situation affected your
state, and tribal officials
based on your needs
and feedback in future
continued on page 2
situations.
The Tribal Council
approved setting aside
dollars for crucial Food
Security Initiatives. This
included issuing and
assisting with groceries
for our members who are
SNAP recipients and those
federal employees who
were furloughed or laid off
during the shutdown.
In addition, recognizing
the financial strain the
holiday season often
Chairwoman Candace Schmidt, CEO of Tribal Affairs
Secretary Deb Haaland with
brings, the Council also
Courtney Chavez, Transportation Director Dannette Wright,
NCIA Director Judi Gaiashkibos,
sent out grocery cards
Culture Director Patience Teboe, and Councilwoman Angie Starkel
Santee Chairman Alonzo Denny,
at Oneida Nation Corn Harvest
Chairwoman Candace Schmidt
to all heads of household
wí’
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
1
Chairwoman’s Corner
Chairwoman's Corner (cont.)
continued from page 1
· Federal briefings and consultations
· Great Plains meetings
· ATLMA Conference and Eastern Band of Cherokee
Special Invitation Event
· Restoration Powwow Celebration in Norfolk
· Chief Standing Bear Courage Award
· Oneida Nation Ag-Tour, Harvest Festival, and
meetings
· Native Tourism Conference
· Ponca Heights Grand Opening
· NCAI Convention and meetings
· School visits and presentations
I wish you and your family a safe and peaceful holiday
season.
wíbđahà (thank you),
Chairwoman
Candace Schmidt
candaces@poncatribe-ne.gov (402) 860-1497
District 2
Youth Holiday Gift Cards
This year, District 2 Tribal Council will be giving gift cards
to every District 2 youth aged 0 to 18 for Christmas!
Members must be actively enrolled in the tribe (all
information current with Enrollment when information is
pulled) to qualify.
Gift cards will be available for pick up at the District 2
Holiday party. If you are unable to make it to the party,
please pick up your gift card from Shannon Malone at
Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center.
Gift cards for outside of the service delivery area will be
mailed out according to Enrollment information.
For more information, contact Tribal Council
Representatives Falon McAlpin at 402.208.0297 or
Samantha Gallagher at 402.213.2058.
December 2025
Member Spotlight: Bruce Franklin
Bruce Franklin was born and
raised in The Dalles, OR. He
is the youngest of three. His
father – born in Verdel, NE,
100 years ago – is descended
from Mele LaCharite Sherman.
Bruce joined the US Air Force
in 1980 and learned aviation
electronics. He, his wife, and
kids lived in South Carolina,
Alaska, and settled back in
Oregon after his military
service ended.
For the past 25 years, he has
worked as a manager in the
avionics department at Aero Air, LLC. During that time,
he was fortunate to work on a program that converted
DC-10s into firefighting aircraft. Aero Air maintains five
such aircraft for the US Forest Service, as well as aircraft
for Life Flight planes and helicopters.
During vacations, the family traveled through Niobrara,
NE, and came to participate in August Powwows. One
such visit culminated in a stay at the William Bear
House, which was relocated into Niobrara in 2008 and
completely restored. Learning it was for sale, Bruce took
the opportunity to purchase it in 2021, knowing this was
where they wanted to retire. They made the move in
August 2025.
Since then, he spends his time improving the property,
watching for wildlife, and taking Ponca language
classes. He has a keen interest in walking the places his
ancestors lived and raised their families. He attends the
Elder council meetings and joins the Elder lunches each
Friday in Niobrara.
Bruce loves classic
cars, traveling, science
fiction, and keeping
physically fit. He
plans family reunions
here during August
Powwows as his son,
daughter, their families,
and multitudes of
relatives come to visit.
He and his wife have
been blessed with 3 grandchildren.
Bruce feels honored with the opportunity to live close
to the homeland, looks forward to learn culture and
traditions of his ancestors, and hopes to be of service to
the Ponca community.
2
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
nąbá
December 2025
District Events & News
Monster Mayhem at District 2’s Trunk or Treat Event
District 2
Christmas Party
December 6, 2025 | 1 – 3 pm
Ralston Cabinet Building
5811 South 86th Circle | Omaha, NE
District 2 Ponca Tribal members and their families
are invited to come and celebrate the holidays
together. Please join us for a hot cocoa and cider
bar, decorating ornaments, pictures with Santa and
Mrs. Claus, and presents from Toys for Tots. Don’t
miss out on the fa-la-la-la fun!
For more information, please contact Tribal Council
Representative Falon McAlpin at 402.208.0297 or
Samantha Gallager at 402.213.2058.
dábdì
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
3
District Events & News
December 2025
District 3’s Dino-mite Trunk or Treat Event
District 3
Christmas Party
December 7, 2025 | 11 am – 2 pm
Lincoln Community Room
1600 Windhoek Dr | Lincoln, NE
District 3 Ponca Tribal members and their families are
invited to come and celebrate the holidays together. Join
us for food, activities, Bingo, and a visit and gifts from
Santa! Dress your best for FREE family photos.
For more information, please contact Tribal Council
Representatives Shanna Carpenter at 402.805.0883
or at shannac@poncatribe-ne.gov or Susan Baker at
925.788.0649 or at sbaker@poncatribe-ne.gov.
4
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
dúba
December 2025
District Events & News
Ghastly Ghouls visit District 4’s Trunk or Treat Event
District 4
Christmas Party
December 12 | 5:30-7:30 pm
(Meal will be served at 7:00 pm)
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Gym & Cafeteria
1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE
District 4 members are invited to come
celebrate the holidays together. Join us for
a hot cocoa station, meal, bounce
houses, a visit from Santa, and live
music! Dress your best for FREE
family portraits! For more information,
please contact Kyle Taylor
at 402.750.4299.
sát’ą
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
5
Language & Culture
December 2025
Nákąđe - Lights
Happy Holidays
by Steve Laravie, Sr., Language Program Coordinator
À˛ B
A W A X Ú B
∫
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Uite - Presents
Užígđą - Baking
˛ Mikae Škáažì
North Star
˛ Waxúbe Tąga Àba
Christmas Day
Wáđixa Gáxe Ma Elves
Mázi Búta Uđiša Wreath
Ugasnu Slide
Máđè Snowing
Ma Niášiga Snow Man
Máđè Uskáskà Winter Solstice
H O Z Đ Á˛ I
T À˛ X
H
Mązé Nì - Milk
E Ð G A M U
E Ð A
S N X K
Taxtì GiᲠMa Reindeer
Wakąda Wađahątì Church
G A A
Í
Dahá
Dahą
M É T Á Ž A G ˛Í Ž A B Á˛ I N A Ð
to
praise
A G Ì Ž I Ì Ž A Á˛ K Š E A K I M
1.N Bdáhą
- I Ðpraise
Á K Ą
E K I H Š U G A S N U
2. Náhą - you praise
3. Dahąi
Dahái
District-1 he/she/it praise
4. Ądáhąi
- we praiseParties
Christmas
5. Náhąi
- you all
praise| 2 pm
December
7, 2025
Sioux City Museum
607praise
4th St | Sioux City, IA
6. Dahąima
Daháima
- they |all
December 6, 2025 | 1 pm
7. Wíbdahą
- I thank you
Niobrara Headquarters | 2523 Woodbine Street | Niobrara, NE
District 1 Ponca Tribal members and their families are invited6.to
come and celebrate the holidays together. Please join us for:
7.
¿ Dinner and sweet treats!
¿ Fun activities for kids!
W
d
For more information, please contact
Angie Starkel at astarkel@poncatribe-ne.gov
2.
or Patrick Lamoureux at plamoureux@PoncaTribe-ne.org
4
6
Ponca Tribe OOFFNebraska
Ponca Tribe
Nebraska
3.
h ą i
1.
5.
á h
h
ą
4.
ą
i
dúba
šáp’è
December 2025
Language & Culture
Restoration Powwow Í'ųtì
Į'ut˛ & Blanket Trader Game
On Friday, October 24, the Ponca
Tribe kicked off Restoration Powwow Weekend with an evening
filled with culture, connection, and
fun. The night began with the í‘ųtì
˛‘ųt˛
(Hand Game), hosted by Shannon
Leroy with Drowning Creek as the
Host Drum. New and returning
players gathered to enjoy a delicious meal before lively singing,
guessing, and playful trickery that
filled the gym with excitement.
Following the Hand Game, CEO
of Tribal Affairs Courtney Chavez
introduced a new and engaging
community activity, the Trader Blanket Game. Participants
brought new, handmade, or gently used items and sat in a circle
around a blanket laid out on the
floor. Items up for trade ranged
from snacks to handmade earrings
to small appliances.
Thank you to the Oneida Nation
for introducing us and giving the
Ponca Tribe permission to bring
the Trader Blanket Game to our
members.
Together, both games made for
a memorable night of sharing,
storytelling, and good company the perfect way to start Restoration
Powwow Weekend and strengthen
community bonds.
Ponca Member
Food Distribution
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is pleased
to share that Food Distributions for
Ponca Tribal Members will resume. The
first distribution under this renewed
program is scheduled for the week of
December 15.
This program is for Ponca Tribal
Members only. To participate, please
be prepared to provide the following
at pick up:
Proof of Tribal Enrollment (Tribal ID)
If picking up on behalf of another
household, you must present their
Tribal ID at the time of pick-up
Limited to ONE food package
per address
Thank you for your cooperation and
understanding. We look forward to
serving you and supporting our Ponca
community during this time. Additional
details will be shared as they become
available.
p’énąbà
Tee-Time For Members!
Tatanka Golf Club
53138 NE-12 | Niobrara, NE
Ponca Members can now request one tee-time per
day for one foursome of golfers at the Tatanka Golf
Club. **Some exclusions apply.
To book a tee-time, please book with
the QR code For more information,
please contact Kyle Taylor at
ktaylor@poncatribe-ne.gov
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
7
Restoration Powwow
December 2025
Restoration Powwow: a time for celebration
8
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
agdínąbá
December 2025
agdídábdì
Restoration Powwow
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
9
Restoration Powwow
December 2025
Cornhole Tournament: a Powwow favorite
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.
10
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
SAVE THE DATE!
Diaper Distribution
December 2, 2025 | 10 am – 6 pm
Sioux City Office
125 6th St | Sioux City, IA
December 10, 2025 | 10 am – 6 pm
Norfolk Gym
1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE
Lincoln Community Room – North Entrance
1600 Windhoek Dr | Lincoln, NE
Niobrara Headquarters
2523 Woodbine St | Niobrara, NE
Cabinet Building Garage
5813 S 86th Cir | Omaha, NE
Please bring Tribal ID or proof of enrollment
for you or the child in need to participate.
gdébą
December 2025
Human Services
Child Care Assistance Program expands to new counties!
The Child Care Assistance Program of the
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
assists eligible Ponca
members with childcare
expenses.
The Human Services
Department works collaboratively with State
agencies and applicable
families to help low-income families achieve
and continue their
independence from state
welfare assistance and
obtain self sufficiency.
This program extends
the Department’s philosophy of promoting,
maintaining, and enhancing levels of social
functioning when a person’s ability to do so has
been adversely affected
by life circumstances.
To qualify for this program, a child must:
• Be an enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe
of Nebraska (or pending enrollment in the
Tribe)
• Must be 12 years
old or younger OR is
13 to 18 years old and
involved in active
protective services
• Reside in one of the
approved counties
(see the expanded list
of approved counties
above)
agdíwį
For parents to qualify,
they must:
• Be employed OR
training for work OR
attending an educational institution or
program AND be free
from sanctions from
the State Department
of Health and Human
Services in the county, town, state in
which they reside
(NE, IA, or SD).
• Be free from any past
due bill to any daycare agency that
provided care to their
child(ren).
Eligible families must
provide the PTN Child
Care Assistance program
with:
• A copy of the denial
letter finding individual ineligible for state
assistance
• A report earnings on a
monthly basis
Any changes in household income, job status,
employment, school
and/or other educational programs must be
reported to the Child
Care Coordinator within
10 working days of the
change.
Childcare providers
must either be licensed
or be able to obtain a
criminal background
check and provide a
CCAP Expanded Counties
The Child Care Assistance Program has
expanded to new counties! The CCAP will
cover the following counties:
NEBRASKA
*Adams
*Antelope
*Butler
Boyd
Burt
*Cass
*Cedar
*Cuming
*Dakota
*Dixon
*Dodge
Douglas
Hall
Holt
*Kearney
Knox
Lancaster
Madison
*Pierce
Platte
IOWA
Sarpy
*Seward
Stanton
*Washington
Wayne
*York
SOUTH DAKOTA
*Harrison
*Mills
*Monona
Pottawattamie
*Shelby
Woodbury
copy of their Social
Security card to the PTN
Child Care Assistance
program.
Licensed providers
must provide a copy of
their certification, and
unlicensed programs
must meet Tribal and
State requirements for
an unlicensed childcare
program.
Providers are also responsible for verifying
all information provided
by Child Care Assistance
program recipients and
submitting billing sum-
Charles Mix
*Expanded county
maries within 45 days of
service to receive payment. Providers will only
be paid for the dates that
the child(ren) actually
attend the childcare program, with the exception of illness or family
emergency.
For more information or
to determine eligibility,
please contact your local
Human Services representative, or email
childcare@poncatribe-ne.gov.
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
11
Education
December 2025
Give yourself the
gift of knowledge
this holiday season.
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska's
Native American Youth Enhancement Program
This unique program is open to Native American youth, ages 13-18, nationwide. NAYEP is being
offered primarily online via Google Classrooms and offers a unique opportunity for our Native youth
to build confidence and discover your strengths in a supportive and empowering environment. 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 :
• Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness: Learn to recognize your worth and celebrate what makes you,
you. We'll provide you with practical skills to boost your confidence and build a strong sense of
self. Dive deep into understanding your emotions, thoughts, and values. This knowledge can
help you navigate challenges and make choices that align with who you are.
• Native American History: Discover the vast rich history of the Native American people, how we
lived and who we are.
• Native American Contributions: Learn about the many ways Native American people have
contributed to the culture, from games and place names to laws and business.
• Cultural Traditions: Connect with your heritage and see how your culture is a source of strength.
We'll explore the incredible resilience and wisdom of our ancestors, helping you find pride in your
identity.
• Native American Role Models; both past and present: You will find Elizabeth Wanamaker
Peratovich, Little Priest, and Winona La Duke and many others at the NAYEP!
Ready to take your first step? Sign up today!
Contact: Amber Appling at 402.371.8834 Ext. 2037, or aappling@poncatribe-ne.gov
(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).
12
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
agdídúba
December 2025
Education
Youth Initiatives Program
Attention all K–12 students nationwide: apply to the Youth Initiatives Program
today! Deadline to apply for the 2025–2026 school year is July 31, 2026.
Art & Literature Projects
Ì Awards include:
Ì Grade divisions:
Ì Art and essay/poetry
First Place ($100)
Primary (K-2)
projects may be either
Second
Place
($50)
Intermediate (3-5)
home or school
Third Place ($25)
Middle (6-8)
projects
High School (9-12)
Student of the Month/Year
Attendance Incentive
Ì Student of the Month will receive
Ì Perfect Attendance: $100
$100 in their grade division
Ì 3 days or less of absenteeism: $50
Ì Student of the Year will be picked
Ì 5 days or less of absenteeism: $25
from all Student of the Months
and receive an additional $100
Senior Incentive
Ì High School Seniors for the 2025-2026 school year are eligible to
receive a $500 graduation incentive
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*
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.
Education Deadlines:
HIED - Spring 2026: December 15th, 2025
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.
Spring 2026 deadline: December 15, 2025
Summer 2026 deadline: May 15, 2026
Fall 2026 deadline: August 15, 2025
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)
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*
agdísát’ą
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
13
Osni/PEDCO
December 2025
Calling all
Ponca Artists
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members
are invited to sign up to sell their
handmade items at the Niobrara
Market.
Please scan our QR code or visit
https://poncatribeofne.formstack.
com/forms/ponca_artists_niobrara_
market to sign up. For more
information, contact Rebecca Sullivan
at bsullivan@osniponca.com.
EXTENDED REALITY
(XR) CAREER
EXPLORATION
____
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.
14
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
agdíšáp’è
December 2025
Onsi/PEDCO
Meet Our Ponca Pathways Team: Brett Berkebile
With a career spanning 20
years in sales and marketing,
Brett Berkebile serves as manager of our new Ponca Pathways Thrift and Career Center.
Brett holds a bachelor’s degree
in marketing management and
a minor in communications
from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Brett’s ability to create and
promote new initiatives, along
with his extensive experience
overseeing workforce development programs, aligns with
PEDCO’s mission to generate
economic and employment opportunities for tribal members.
After establishing his career in
the franchising and corporate
industries, Brett felt called to
contribute his insights and
skills to the nonprofit sector,
where he advocates for underserved and marginalized communities.
His strength in digital marketing will help the Ponca Pathways Thrift and Career Center
reach a wide audience and raise
revenue for the tribe.
Outside of work, Brett loves
spending time with his family,
having fully embraced his secondary role as “Dance Dad”
and “Hockey Dad.”
CredibleMind:
Contact us today at:
poncathrift@pedco-ne.gov
The One-Stop Shop for
Mental Wellbeing Resources
CredibleMind is the free online platform that brings together expert-rated and vetted videos,
podcasts, apps, online programs, books, and articles all in one easy-to-use place.
Confidential, anonymous, 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.
CredibleMind covers over 200 topics including:
Ì Stress and Burnout
Ì Mindfulness
Ì Anxiety
Ì Coping with Medical
Diagnosis
Ì Depression
Ì Resilience
Ì Relationships
Ì
Ì
Ì
Ì
Time Management
Happiness
Sleep
Parenting
Ì
Ì
Ì
Ì
Coming this
December!
Grief and Loss
Flourishing
Substance Use
Aging
Your mental well-being matters. Stay sharp with a simple check-in. Some assessment you’ll find
on CredibleMind are:
Ì Is Caring for Others Taking a Toll on You?
Ì Is it Job Stress or Burnout?
Ì Is Your Mind Full or Are You Mindful?
Ì What’s your Mental Health Profile?
Ì What’s Your Meditation Style
Ì How Strong is Your Resilience Network?
By signing up, you will have access to past assessment results to track
improvement over time, your favorite resources, and handpick CredibleMind
resources right to your email! No matter what you are going through,
CredibleMind has resources to help with science-backed evidence you can trust.
Release date coming soon. Stay tuned for updates. For more information, email us at info@pedco-ne.org.
agdíp’énąbà
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
15
Ponca Health Services
December 2025
NAFC hosts Personal Trainer Cerification at PTN
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska hosted
the Native American Fitness Council’s Personal Training Certification
course from October 20th to 23rd.
Twenty people, including eight PTN
Health Staff, learned about how to
keep people healthy and safe through
physical education while having fun.
“Everybody likes to have fun,”
says Brian Laban, lead instructor of
NAFC. “Once they learn this system,
they’re able to breakdown any exercise and meet people where they’re
at.”
Brian and his team have dedicated
24 years to teaching people across
the US on the importance of sharing
fitness in the Native community, “It’s
about giving them the information so
they can take it back to their communities.”
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.
16
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
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
agdíp’edábdì
December 2025
Ponca Health Services
Boo-tiful Halloween Costumes at Elder Lunches
agdíšąk’a
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
17
Ponca Health Services
December 2025
Behavioral Health’s 1st Annual Smudge Walk
On October 26th, the Ponca
Tribe of Nebraska Behavioral
Health Program held their 1st
Annual Smudge Walk, aimed at
honoring cultural tradition in
recovery.
Guest speakers Wendell Birdhead
and Tehya Wright shared stories
of strength, hope, and resiliency
with walking the Red Road.
Circle of Health team shows off their moves
18
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
gdébąnąbá
December 2025
Ponca Health Services
THV and Ponca Dental Group Connection
Tribal Home Visiting teamed up
with Ponca Dental for their October
group connection. Dr. Aitken and
Kathi Narlock shared important information with families about dental
care for children under the age of 5.
This was THV’s first group connection that included their new Omaha
division. If you live in the Omaha
or Douglas County areas and would
like to sign up for THV, please contact:
Abbi Miranda-Carreto
amiranda-carreto@poncatribe-ne.gov
Candace Walahoski
cwalahoski@poncatribe-ne.gov
Jilee Gorus
jgorus@poncatribe-ne.gov
Tonya Wulff
twulff@poncatribe-ne.gov
Don’t Toss It - Donate It!
Give your items a second
life and support a
meaningful cause.
Your gently used clothing
can help Native Americans
build brighter futures
through the Ponca
Pathways Thrift & Career
Center
Phase 1.. What we are accepting:
Clothing
Outerwear
Footwear
Jewelry
Hats
Scarves
Gloves
Purses
Handbags
Belts
Ties
Backpacks
READY TO DONATE?
Donation location:
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.
1001 Fort Crook Rd N
STE 201
Bellevue, NE 68005
Tuesday through Thursday- 9 AM to 5 PM
Friday-Saturday- 11 AM to 7:00 PM
402-405-3773
gdébąnąbá kí wí’
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
19
2026 Open Enrollment
December 2025
Open Enrollment for Medicare, Medicaid
MEDICARE
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period will begin October 15, 2025,
and go through December 7, 2025.
Medicare participants who currently have active Medicare Part
B and/or Medicare Advantage can
make changes to their health and
drug plans for 2026.
Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage participants can make any
of these changes to their current
plan.
1. Switch from Medicare
Advantage back to Original
Medicare
2. Dis-enroll from Original
Medicare and enroll in Medicare
Advantage
NEBRASKA & IOWA
MEDICAID
HEALTH INSURANCE
MARKETPLACE
Thinking about changing your
Managed Care Organization Plan
with Medicaid? Open Enrollment
begins November 1, 2025, through
December 15, 2025.
The health insurance marketplace
Open Enrollment and Annual
Redetermination period will begin
November 1, 2025 and go through
January 15, 2026. Enroll by December 15, 2025 for coverage to
start January 1, 2026.
For participants who currently
have active NE or IA Medicaid
can change their 2026 plans.
Each Managed Care Organization
(MCO) offers added benefits:
Healthy Reward Programs,
Athletic Memberships, GED
Programs.
Nebraska Managed Care
Organizations
• Molina Healthcare of Nebraska
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
Individuals who don’t have health
coverage through a job, Medicare,
Medicaid, or another source that
provides qualifying health coverage
can apply for healthcare coverage.
What is qualifying health coverage?
• Nebraska Totalcare
Qualifying coverage refers to any
health insurance plan that is con• United Healthcare Community
sidered minimum essential coverPlan
age under the Affordable Care Act
4. Sign up for a Part D prescription
Iowa Managed Care Organizations (ACA).
drug plan
3. Change from one Medicare
Advantage plan to another
5. Change from one Part D
prescription plan to another
• Iowa Totalcare
• Molina Healthcare of Iowa
What is minimum essential coverage?
Health insurance that satisfies the
ACA’s individual mandate.
6. Cancel your prescription drug
coverage
• Wellpoint of Iowa
If you opted out of Medicare Part
B in your initial enrollment period
and would like to sign up for benefits in 2026, open enrollment period for Medicare Part B will begin
January 1, 2026, through March
31, 2026, and coverage will begin
the next month. A 10% penalty fee
in addition to the annual Medicare
Part B premium may apply.
Is the Indian Health Services
If you have experienced any chang- considered qualifying healthcare
es in your household income,
coverage?
such as lost jobs, decreased hours,
switched jobs and/or added a new No, Indian Health Services alone
does not meet the minimum essenmember to your family, you may
now qualify for Medicaid. Medic- tial coverage defined by the ACA,
therefore is not considered qualifyaid offers several programs based
ing health coverage.
upon income and household size.
20
Don’t Have Medicaid?
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
gdébąnąbá kí nąbá
December 2025
2026 Open Enrollment
d, and Marketplace open for 2026 plans
If I am eligible for Purchased/
Referred Care (PRC), isn’t this
considered my health insurance
coverage?
No, PRC is not an entitlement
program. It is not insurance and
cannot guarantee payment. PRC
funds are meant to compliment
and supplement other health care
resources available to eligible
patients. To ensure compliance, an
individual must apply for and use
all alternative resources that are
available.
How much does health insurance
through the Marketplace cost?
Premiums are based upon your
annual income and household
size. Some individuals may have
the option to utilize their annual
tax credits to pay their monthly
premium, which can result in no
upfront, out-of-pocket premium
cost for them.
Are there multiple plans available?
The Health insurance marketplace offers several different plans,
ranging from Health Maintenance
Organization (HMO) to Preferred
Provider Organization (PPO) with
little to no cost for deductibles,
out-of-pocket, copay and coinsurance costs.
Can I continue to receive my
healthcare services Ponca Health
Services?
Yes, we accept insurance plans
offered through the Health Insur-
gdébąnąbá kí dábdì
Get assistance with your Medicaid,
Marketplace, or Medicare today!
Schedule an appointment with one of our Patient Benefits
Coordinators over the phone or in person to discuss the
plans and options that best fit your needs!
FRED LEROY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
Sylvia Allen-Lopez
402.738.3151
sallen-lopez@poncatribe-ne.gov
Michelle Hallowell
402.738.3177
mhallowell@poncatribe-ne.gov
LINCOLN HEALTH CENTER
Michelle Runyan
531.248.3030 ext. 1144
mrunyan@poncatribe-ne.gov
PONCA HILLS HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
Andrea Burbach
402.371.8780 ext. 2012
aburbach@poncatribe-ne.gov
ance Marketplace. This allows us
to bill the insurance plan for our
services, and will provide third
party revenue to our facility so we
may offer for additional services in
the future.
Can I change my current healthcare plan with Marketplace?
Yes, after submitting your 2026
marketplace application, applicants have the option to remain
in their current healthcare plan or
I already applied for the Marketchoose a new plan that better suits
place in 2025. Do I need to reapply their healthcare needs.
again?
Participants who are currently
enrolled in a Marketplace plan will
need to reapply to determine their
eligibility for 2026.
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
21
Domestic Violence
December 2025
Holiday happiness can mean holiday hopelessness
for victims of domestic violence
Brook McCurdy
Domestic Violence
Outreach Coordinator
The holiday season is
often portrayed as a
time of joy, togetherness,
and celebration; a time
when families gather,
and communities come
together. Unfortunately,
for many, this season
full of joy is a living
nightmare.
Domestic violence is an
epidemic that causes
tremendous harm to
our communities. While
DV is not seasonal and
occurs every day of
the year, the holiday
season can intensify the
stressors in an already
volatile situation,
causing a spike in
domestic violence rates
and incidents.
Factors that contribute
to the spikes are not
limited to, but include
the following:
Financial Stress
This year has been hard
financially for many
families before the
added holiday strain
of buying gifts, hosting
celebrations, or the cost
of travel. For someone
experiencing domestic
violence, this pressure
can be even more
intense.
22
Isolation
Domestic violence often
thrives on isolation, as
it is a tool to help the
abuser maintain power
and control. During the
holidays, survivors may
feel even more alone,
as social gatherings
and family events often
highlight the absence of
a supportive network.
Increased Alcohol
Consumption
The holidays are often
marked by social
gatherings where
alcohol is present, which
can trigger violent or
abusive behavior. An
abuser’s substance use
can escalate tensions
and increase the risk of
physical violence, and in
some cases, death.
Pressure to Uphold
an Image
The holidays can
sometimes amplify the
societal pressure to
present a perfect family
image. Survivors may
feel obligated to mask
the abuse, pretending
everything is fine for
the sake of keeping up
appearances, sheltering
children, or avoiding
judgment.
Emotional Vulnerability
The holidays can
amplify emotions of
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
loneliness, regret,
and hopelessness,
especially for those
who have experienced
abuse and generational
trauma. For survivors,
being reminded of
family togetherness
can highlight their
sense of isolation and
disconnection, leading to
depression, anxiety, or
a desire to “make things
work” with their abuser
despite the risks.
How to Support
Survivors of Domestic
Violence During the
Holidays
If you know
someone who may be
experiencing domestic
violence, the holiday
season is an important
time to check in with
them. Support is crucial,
and there are many
ways you can offer help
without putting them at
risk:
Reach Out and Stay
Connected
Simply offering a
listening ear can make
a world of difference.
Let the survivor know
you’re available and
willing to support them
when they’re ready.
Avoid telling them
they must leave the
relationship.
Offer Practical
Assistance
Sometimes, offering help
with tangible things–
like transportation,
childcare, pet boarding,
or a safe place to stay—
can empower a survivor
to act. If the victim
is not ready to leave,
this assistance can still
provide options for
when they are ready to
seek help.
Be Patient and
Nonjudgmental
Many victims of
domestic violence stay
in relationships because
of fear, shame, or
emotional manipulation.
Understand that leaving
an abuser is often not as
simple as it seems, and
be patient in providing
a safe and open space
for them to share their
feelings when they are
ready.
Encourage Safety
Planning
A safety plan can help
someone in an abusive
relationship prepare
for what to do if they
are in danger. This
includes having a list
of emergency contacts,
a packed bag with
essentials, and a clear
plan for leaving the
home in an emergency.
gdébąnąbá kí dúba
December 2025
Act
If you believe someone is
in immediate danger, call
emergency services or
encourage the survivor
to contact a helpline for
advice on how to stay
safe.
Raising Awareness and
Breaking the Silence
As a community, we
recognize that domestic
violence does not take
a holiday. If we are
to create a culture of
Domestic Violence
empathy and support,
we need to continue
to speak out against
abuse and stand with
survivors.
Through education,
open conversations,
and supportive actions,
we can help break the
cycle of violence and
offer survivors hope and
resources.
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.
For those experiencing
domestic violence,
remember that there is
always hope and help is
available. Together, we
can work towards a safe
and jolly holiday season
for all.
Domestic Violence Awareness Week & Crafts
gdébąnąbá kí sát’ą
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
23
Environmental
December 2025
Emerging Contaminants: a growing concern for
impacts on humans and wildlife
Olivia Pospisil
Environmental Hazards
Specialist
Science has known for
many years that contaminants in the air,
water, and soil can have
adverse effects on the
health of plants, animals, and humans.
ganisms that are not
commonly monitored
and are of growing
concern due to potential
risks to human health
and the environment.
Examples of emerging
contaminants are:
• PFAS (substances that
are used to make
products resistant
to heat, oil, water, and
stains)
Multiple regulations
are in place to protect
the health of our environment. However, an
increase in emerging
contaminants detected in
the environment marks
a new area of concern
in efforts to protect the
earth.
• Microplastics
Emerging contaminants
are defined as synthetic
or naturally occurring
chemicals or microor-
These contaminants are
being detected at low
levels in surface water,
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal care items
• Pesticides
soil, and air with increasing frequency.
Most of these contaminants have unhealthy
effects on humans, wildlife, or the ecosystem.
These emerging contaminants are still fairly
new, but multiple studies
are being conducted to
better understand their
impact and appropriately restrict their use.
While most emerging
contaminants are not
acutely toxic, these contaminants are known to
have effects on the endocrine system, which can
alter normal functions of
hormones.
Low levels of these
contaminants can have
a variety of effects on
humans and wildlife,
specifically impacting reproduction and fertility.
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 emerging contaminants:
www.epa.gov/wqc/contaminants-emerging-concern-including-pharmaceuticals-and-personal-care-products
Adopt a buffalo today!
You can help our buffalo to prosper by adopting one or more members
of our herd. Our Adopt-A-Buffalo program is open to both Tribal
members and Non-Tribal friends. You will receive a photo of your
buffalo along with an official adoption certificate.
Just choose from the three categories of yearly
support listed below:
$25 for the Yearling Group
$50 for the Buffalo Herd Group
$100 for the Head Herd Bull Group
Make Checks payable to: Northern Ponca Buffalo Program
Mail to: Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
P.O. Box 288
Niobrara, Nebraska 68760
ATTN: Northern Ponca Buffalo Program
24
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
gdébąnąbá kí šáp’è
December 2025
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
gdébąnąbá kí p’énąbá
Revised: 01/22/2025
_______________________________
DATE
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
25
Enrollment
December 2025
(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.
26
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
gdébąnąbá kí šáp’è
December 2025
Enrollment
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
Aungie,
Mariah Keeley
Shaye Madison
Bachmeier, Tristan Chad
Bagent, Wayne Orval
Bair, Wesley David
Baker, Skylar Dominick
Baker-Ferguson,
Jared Riley
Bear, Joshua Gilbert
Beaver, Jason Chaska
Beaver, Jason Eugene
Becker, Jr.,
Anthony Arnold
Becker, Sr.,
Anthony Arnold
Becker, Tyller Randell
Bell, Darian Patrick
Bell, Shaunè Kay
Birdhead,
William Randolph
Blair,
Hunter Wo Day Leon
Blowe, Dominick Adams
Blowe, Isaiah Fredrick
Blowe, Tyrone Richard
Boettger,
Dakota Birdhead
Bonge, Stevie Lorene
Bonge, Todd Joseph
Boyd, Myron Ralph
Boyer, Berlin N.
Brooks, Angela Ellen
Brown, J. Wesley
Brownrigg,
Steven Francis
Buffalo Chief,
Uriah Jordan
Burston, Sandra Lee
Carlson, Emma Rose
Carter, Amber Lynn
Chwalowski,
Kaitlin Martika
Courtright, Michael Todd
Crouse, David Lee
Cutshall, Katline James
Da Moude, Deborah Kay
Danielson, Daniel James
Dedicos, Heather Maria
Detoffoli, Emily Nicole
gdébąnąbá kí p’énąbá
Dodd, Sara Rae
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
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
Kelso, James Alan
King, Gavin Michael
Knudsen, Crystal Mae
Krueger, Annette Marie
Kyles, Jarred Joseph
LaPointe,
Alejandro Jauquine
LaPointe, Robert James
Laravie, Jr., Steve Alan
Latimer, LaRohn Lewis
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
Mc Cray,
Jallen Christopher
Leonard
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
Rhoden III, Enoch Clay
Rhoden IV, Enoch Clay
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, 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, Analicia Shanon
Smith, Stephanie Rae
Smith, VI,
William Thomas
Snoozy, Ben Michael
Spencer, Peyton Thunder
Standsblack, Marko Tulio
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
Wilson, Samantha Tyre
Wright, Alina Lee
Wright, Asheena Lee
Wright, Cherita Alberta
Wright,
Cruz Montgomery
Wright, Howard Floyd
York, Gregory Allen
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
27
Member’s Corner
December 2025
Congratulations, Diane!
We would like to recognize Diane Wagner, Financial Grants and Contract
Specialist, for her 30 Years of Service to the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.
During her career with the Tribe, Diane has held positions with the Health
Services, Tribal Affairs, and Finance Departments. Diane works hard every day
behind the scenes to keep the Tribe’s financial accurate and current, and to keep
the funding pools moving forward. She’s extremely dependable, positive, and
always keeps the Tribe’s best interest in mind.
Diane is always willing to go above and beyond her job duties by working with
any staff that reach out for help with completing tasks. She does it all with a
smile, and the Tribe is blessed to have her as an asset.
Congratulations to Diane on reaching this milestone and we thank her for her
dedication and hard work!
– The Finance Department
Honoring Our Heritage in School
Ponca Culture Presentation
Beverly Everhart honored her Ponca roots during her
school’s People in History day. She dressed up as Ponca
writer and artist Susette “Bright Eyes” LaFlesche and
presented about Bright Eyes, Chief Standing Bear, and
Ponca history. Many of her classmates and teachers
listened to her presentation.
Mr. and Mrs. Iron Thunder along with Little Miss
Ponca Princess Rhemi Johnson did a Ponca History
presentation on Chief Standing Bear, Powwow protocol,
and the Language and Culture of the Ponca people for 7
periods at Lincoln Northeast High School.
Three Ponca generations were at Beverly’s presentation
including herself, her mom Bonnie Everhart, and her
grandfather James Christiansen.
Well done, Bright Eyes Beverly! We are so proud of you.
28
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
Thank you to Rhemi Johnson, Little Miss Ponca
Princess for Representing the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska!
Little Miss introduced herself in Ponca and helped with
some giveaway bags to present to teachers and faculty
members.
We also want to thank Tayton and Alicia (Dental
Assistant with Ponca Dental) for recommending us for
this presentation at Lincoln Northeast High School!
gdébąnąbá kí p’edábdì
December 2025
Member's Corner
Alton Clark Taylor
(September 6, 1961 – October 31, 2025)
Youth Mentoring
Progam
Alton Clark Taylor, 64 of Lake Andes, South Dakota passed
away on October 31, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House in
Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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.
He was born on September 6, 1961, in Norfolk, Nebraska to
Clifford and Barbara Picotte Taylor. He attended elementary
and high school and quit after the 10th grade and later
received his GED. He then went to college for AutoCAD for
architecture.
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.
Alton married Mona Winkler, and they lived in Norfolk and
Lincoln, Nebraska before later settling to Lake Andes, South
Dakota until his death.
He was very kind and loved helping people. He would help
whenever he could, and loved spending time with his family.
While he didn’t like many animals, he adored cats. He would
train them to do things for him, talk to him, and fetch. He
was a cat whisperer. He enjoyed fishing, drawing pictures,
and coin collecting.
For more information, contact our team.
Norfolk & Niobrara:
Lincoln:
Alton is preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents,
Alex & Elizabeth Knudsen Taylor and Jasper & Helen Larvaie
Picotte, and his nephew, Jacob Taylor.
He is survived by his daughter Ashley Taylor and grandchild;
brother Mark from Lincoln, NE, Vince from Norfolk, NE, and
Clifford Taylor Jr. from Sioux City, IA; sisters Sheila O’Meara
and Alexia (Misti) Taylor from Norfolk, NE, and Charmaine
Taylor of Sioux City, IA.
Welcome, Baby Danielle!
Danielle Joi was born on
November 12th, 2025,
weighing in at 7 lbs 15 oz
and measuring 20 inches.
Parents:
Joaquin Archambeau
Grandparents:
Thomasina Robinette
Great Grandmother:
Loren and Alvina Klug
Leah Franklin
Joe Bad Moccasin
Omaha & Sioux City:
Zach James
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Congratulations on
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you all praise
5. Náhąi -Ponca
Tribe OFNebraska
29
6. Dahąima
Daháima - they all praise
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P.O. Box 288
Niobrara, NE 68760
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Office Locations
NIOBRARA 68760
Headquarters
2523 Woodbine St., P.O. Box 288
Ph: (402) 857-3391
Fax: (402) 857-3736
Enrollment
2523 Woodbine St., P.O. Box 288
Ph: (402) 857-3391
Fax: (402) 857-3771
Cultural
P.O. Box 288
Ph: (402) 857-3519
Fax: (402) 857-3652
Ponca Hills Clinic
Ph: (402) 371-8780
(402) 371-5726
Fax: (402) 379-4291 - Pharmacy
(402) 379-4293 - Registration
(402) 371-4094 - Medical Lab
Administration
125 6th Street
Ph: (712) 258-0500
Fax: (402)939-0297
OTHER RESOURCES
Ponca Express Child Abuse Hotline
Ph: 877-769-3111
800-652-1999 (Nebraska)
800-362-2178 (Iowa)
Northern Ponca Housing Authority
877-244-0864 (South Dakota)
1501 Michigan Ave.
Ph: (402) 379-8224
National Child Abuse Hotline
(800) 367-2320
800-422-4453
Fax: (402) 379-8557
Purchased/Referred Care
Ph: (800) 405-0365
Administration
Fax: (402) 371-0176
1600 Windhoek Dr.
Ph: (402) 438-9222
OMAHA 68107
Fax: (402) 438-9226
LINCOLN 68512
Ponca Health Services-Lincoln
1600 Windhoek Dr
Ph: (531) 248-3030
SIOUX CITY 51103
Fred LeRoy Health & Wellness Clinic
2602 “J” Street
Ph: (402) 733-3612
Fax: (402) 733-3487
National Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
National Human Trafficking Hotline
888-373-7888
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Osni Ponca
800-522-4700
2756 O Street
Administration
Ph: (402) 434-2127
5805 South 86th Circle, 68127
Elder Abuse Hotline
Fax: (402) 434-2128
Ph: (402) 315-2760
800-252-8966
NORFOLK 68701
Dental Boys Town Crisis Line
2602 “J” Street
800-448-3000
Ph: (402) 733-1325
Fax: (402) 733-3487
Drug Treatment & Referral Hotline
877-726-4727
Northern Ponca Housing Authority
Gym Building
10635 Birch., 68134
Nebraska Family Helpline
1800 Syracuse Ave.
Ph: (402) 505-3055
888-866-8660
Ph: (402) 371-8834
Fax: (402) 505-3066
Fax: (402) 379-0988
Veterans Crisis Line
800-273-8255
Administration Building
1800 Syracuse Ave.
Ph: (402) 371-8834
Fax: (402) 371-7564
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Newsletter is published monthly and printed by Printco Graphics, Omaha, Nebraska.
Deadline for submissions is the 8th of each month. In the event the 8th falls on a weekend, submissions are due the Friday before.
All submissions of a political nature are subject to Tribal Council approval. Send to Shea VanCleave, sthompson@poncatribe-ne.gov.
See or print the newsletter archives in full color on the web site at: www.poncatribe-ne.gov
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.