Spring heats up with lots of events

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

Member News

Signs of Spring!

Spring heats up with lots of events

across the Service Delivery Area!

Are you a gardener or forager?

Would you like to be?

Offer your input on the

Indigenous Seed Survey!

More information on page 7!

April 2025

Tribal News

April 2025

USDA funding changes affect Farmer's Market food distributions

On Friday, March 7th,

the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska received notice

from the USDA that they

are terminating the grant

agreement for the Local

Food Purchase Assistance

(LFPA) Program. The

LFPA program funding

was awarded in 2023 and

has been instrumental

in supporting our local

farmer’s market food

distribution events at

each office location. This

program has had a significant and positive impact

on our Tribal community.

On average, we have distributed 975 food baskets

each month, increasing

to nearly 1,500 in November to ensure Tribal

households had the necessary items to prepare a

Thanksgiving meal.

Beyond supporting our

families, this program

has strengthened local

economies by providing

direct support to farmers

in Nebraska and Iowa.

The decision to end this

funding is deeply disappointing, as it does not

align with the needs of

our communities. The

USDA has chosen to

discontinue this program

for all Tribal Nations and

States, despite its proven

success.

We encourage all Tribal

members and community supporters to

contact your state and

federal representatives

in Nebraska, Iowa, and

South Dakota to express

how the LFPA program

has benefited your family. Let them know that

funding for food security

programs is critical and

should remain a priority.

We also invite members

to share their stories

about how the LFPA

program has supported

their families. If you

SAVE THE DATE!

Farmer’s Market

Food Distribution

would like to submit a

ternative funding sources

statement or testimonial, to continue providing

please email questions@

critical services and assisponcatribe-ne.gov. These tance to our community.

March

stories

will be vital in our The final farmers market

continued advocacy.

distribution under the

Mon. March 10, 2025 | 4 – 6 pm

LFPA program will take

Omaha

5815 South

86th Circle

While

this |news

is disapplace in May. We encourpointing,

Ponca

Tues. the

March

11,Tribal

2025| 4

– 6allpm

age

members to take

Council

remain

Sioux and

City |staff

125 6th

Street advantage of this final

committed to seeking alWed. March 12, 2025 | opportunity.

4 – 6 pm

Niobrara | 2523 Woodbine Street

Farmer’s Market

Fri. March 14, 2025 | 4 – 6 pm

Food Distribution

Thurs. March 13, 2025 | 4 – 6 pm

Lincoln |1600 Windhoek Drive | North Lot

Norfolk | 1800 Syracuse Avenue | North Gym Lot

April

March

Mon. March

10,2025

2025| 4

| 4– –66pm

April 14,

Omaha

86th

Circle | North Gym Lot

Norfolk | 5815

1800South

Syracuse

Avenue

Tues. March

11,2025

2025|

April 15,

| 44––66pm

Sioux City | 125 6th Street

Wed. March

12,2025

2025| |44– –66pm

April 16,

Niobrara

| 2523

Woodbine

Street

Lincoln |1600

Windhoek

Drive

| North Lot

Thurs. March

13,2025

2025| 4

| 4– –6 6pm

April 17,

Lincoln

| North Lot

Omaha |1600

| 5815 Windhoek

South 86thDrive

Circle

Fri. March

14,2025|

20254| 4

April 18,

– 6– 6

Norfolk

Avenue

Niobrara| |1800

2523Syracuse

Woodbine

Street| North Gym Lot

April

May

May 19,

Mon. April

14,2025

2025| |44––66pm

Sioux City

| 125Syracuse

6th Street

Norfolk

| 1800

Avenue | North Gym Lot

31 ANNUAL

4-D

PONCA TRIBE OF

ay P

oww

ow!

NEBRASKA POWWOW

August 7-10, 2025

All

Spe ncers,

ctat

ors endors

lcom and

For the most up-to-date information, follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/

PTNCultureDepartment/ or contact Galicia Drapeau at gdrapeau@poncatribe-ne.gov.

May 20,

Tues. April

15,2025

2025||44––66pm

Niobrara

Sioux

City| 2523

| 125 Woodbine

6th Street Street

May 21,

Wed. April

16,2025

2025| |44––66pm

Norfolk |1600

| 1800Windhoek

Syracuse Avenue

| North

Gym Lot

Lincoln

Drive | North

Lot

May 22,

Thurs. April

17, 2025

2025 || 44 –– 66 pm

Omaha | 5815 South 86th Circle

May 23,

Fri. April

18,2025

2025|| 4

4 –– 66 pm

Lincoln |1600

Windhoek

Drive

| North Lot

Niobrara

| 2523

Woodbine

Street

May

On the cover: A Shell-Leaf Penstemon blooming in the buffalo pastures.

Mon. May 19, 2025 | 4 – 6 pm

Sioux City | 125 6th Street

Tues. May 20, 2025 | 4 – 6 pm

April 2025

Chairwoman's Corner

Chairwoman’s Corner

“When we have been wronged we went to war. To assert our rights and avenge our wrongs we took the

tomahawk. We had no law to punish those who did wrong, so we took our tomahawks and went to kill.

He concluded, “But you have found a better way. You have gone into court for us and I find our wrongs can

be righted there. Now I have no more use for the tomahawk. I want to lay it down forever.

I lay it down, I have no more use for it. I have found a better way.”

Thati'a relatives,

I hope this message finds you

well. I want to take a moment

to provide you with an update

concerning our ongoing efforts

to monitor the executive orders

and activities emanating from the

new administration in Washington,

D.C. Our primary focus remains

on safeguarding our funding

and ensuring the welfare of our

members. To keep abreast of any

developments, we hold bi-weekly

meetings with our federal partners,

during which we receive briefings,

discuss updates, and assess any

necessary actions. Should you

have concerns, questions, or if you

have been affected by any recent

changes, please do not hesitate to

reach out via email at questions@

poncatribe-ne.gov.

L-R: CEO of Tribal Affairs, Courtney Chavez; Deputy Director of Tribal Affairs,

Alexcia Boggs; Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Chairwoman Candace Schmidt; Steve

Laravie, Jr. and Nathaniel Laravie, descendents of Chief Standing Bear. Tribal

As we navigate these developments, leadership testified to the Appropriations Committee on behalf of the new

we have also seen extreme weather Standing Bear Museum and Cultural Center.

events that have affected our

service delivery area and beyond.

We have witnessed wildfires, dust

and wind storms, blizzards, and

power outages—reminding everyone

of the importance of ensuring that

our Enrollment Department has your

most current contact information;

(enrollment@poncatribe-ne.gov).

This way, we can reach you promptly

in the event of such incidents.

Additionally, feel free to connect

with our Emergency Management

team (smingura@poncatribe-ne.

gov) to explore how they may assist

you during these challenging times.

event promises to be a wonderful

opportunity to engage in fun

exercise while coming together to

celebrate through song and dance.

I eagerly anticipate seeing many

of you there. Moreover, mark your

calendars for the Sacred Ponca

Corn Planting; scheduled to take

place in Niobrara on May 17-18. Stay

tuned for more details, which will be

shared online and through the mail.

· Tribal Leaders Roundtable

Lastly, I would like to highlight some

key events from the past couple of

months.

· Media inquiries and interviews

· Tribal Council Health

Subcommittee meetings

Looking ahead, I am excited about

the upcoming events this spring. We

· Weekly Tribal Council meetings

will be hosting the Healthy Living

Walk/Run in conjunction with the

· Meetings with local and state

Powwow in Norfolk on April 12. This

officials

wí’

· Diaper Distributions at all office

locations open to all tribal members

· Farmer’s Market events at all office

locations open to all tribal members

· Federal briefings and consultations

· Chief Standing Bear Museum and

Cultural Center meetings

· Great Plains Strategic Planning

· High School Mock interviews

· PFC Phase II Ribbon Cutting

Ceremony

· Bi-weekly Federal calls

· PFC Phase II Grand Opening

continued on page 3

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Member Spotlight

April 2025

CONT: Chairwoman's Corner

continued from page 1

Member Spotlight - Jenny Chaparro

Ceremony

· Great Plains Chair meetings

· Native/Church Invitation

· Testify for Chief Standing Bear Museum & Ponca

Cultural Center

· Great Plains Health Board meetings

Chris Legband said her daughter Jenny had struggled

with addiction and health issues for quite some time.

· Tomahawk Exhibit Day at State Capitol

· Nebraska Intertribal Coalition Meeting

“There was a time that the only way I could check on

her was to do a wellness check with the local police.

This went on for over 10 years and the police were

not always willing to listen to us.”

· Sheldon Art Museum Meeting

· Tribal Strategic Planning Meetings

· Good Life is Calling Focus Group

Next, Chris said by the grace of God Jenny

survived having her leg amputated due to diabetes

complications but wasn’t quite ready to leave the

dangerous lifestyle behind.

· Executive Team meetings

· Social Determinants of Health Summit

Take care of yourselves and each other.

wíbđahà (thank you),

Chairwoman Candace Schmidt

candaces@poncatribe-ne.gov | (402) 860-1497

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska invites you to

Save the Date

July 13 – 17, 2025

Niobrara Grounds | 88915 521 Avenue | Niobrara, NE

Ponca Youth aged

12 to 18

Connect to your culture

through education

Learn about

natural resources

Registration will open in April. For more information, please contact Misha Mazurkewycz

at misham@poncatribe-ne.gov.

"No one had heard from her for a few days after she

had gone home without medical approval from the

hospital and I told my husband we would go to her

apartment that day if I couldn’t get through to her.”’

It was in her apartment that Jenny lay on a

mattress in the middle of her living room, with no

means to get food, water, medication or a phone

for emergencies. Her husband (at the time) had

purposely left her walker and wheelchair in opposite

corners of the room so she could not access them.

“She’s lucky she was still alive,” Chris said.

Legband and her husband called 911 because she

was so weak they couldn’t lift her up to get her out of

the apartment and paramedics came to help.

“We took her home and I went into emergency case

manager mode to help her to start to heal. This went

on for weeks until we started seeing the old Jenny,”

she said.

Although she was registered for her junior year at

Midland University in Fremont, Jenny decided to take

the semester off to heal, get stronger and deal with

all of the things she’d been facing. This included filing

for divorce. Chris said Jenny is much happier now and

that she and her sweet dog Annabelle (her lifeline)

are celebrating one day at a time and that she’s her

miracle. Jenny has been successful in her classes and

also enjoys participating in Choir at Midland.

Their message through Jenny’s story is to never give

up on yourself and don’t be afraid to lean on those

that love you the most in times of need.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

nąbá

April 2025

Tribal News

District 2 Girl Scout Cookie Day a great success!

Join Us for Lunch!

Members are invited to come and share lunch with the Executive Team at our monthly meet and

greet! We look forward to sharing a meal, and hearing member input on projects and prospects

facing our Tribal nation. Please be sure to RSVP, so we can save you a spot at the table!

April 18 | 12 – 1 pm

Lincoln Community Room

1600 Windhoek Drive

July 18 | 12 – 1 pm

Niobrara Agency Room

88915 521 Avenue

October 17 | 12 – 1 pm

Ralston Transit Building

5701 South 85th Circle

May 16 | 12 – 1 pm

Ralston Transit Building

5701 South 85th Circle

August 15 | 12 – 1 pm

Sioux City Offices

125 6th Street

November 21 | 12 – 1 pm

Norfolk Housing Authority

1501 W Michigan Ave

June 20 | 12 – 1 pm

Norfolk Housing Authority

1501 W Michigan Ave

September 19 | 12 – 1 pm

Lincoln Community Room

1600 Windhoek Drive

December 19 | 12 – 1 pm

Niobrara Headquarters

2523 Woodbine Street

To RSVP, please scan our QR code or

visit our link: https://poncatribeofne.

formstack.com/forms/meet_and_

greet. For more information, questions,

or to request a link to join virtually,

please contact Taylor White at

twhite@poncatribe-ne.gov.

dábdì

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Language & Culture

April 2025

Ðíxìdà˛ Clan

by Steve Laravie, Sr., Language Program Coordinator

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Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

D Á˛ S

D A B

∫

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For the next several months, this word

search puzzle will explore historic personal names from each of the Ponca

clans. Ponca names are formed from

words in the language, and provide a

unique way to study both the language

and history of the Tribe.

Mí Hídabì Waning Moon

Ní Wa'i Gives Water

Áhįdubà - Wings

Míxa Žįgà Little Duck

Mąčú Skà White Bear

Xiđá Mášigđe

Rising Eagle

Wégasapì The Whip

Mí Hùsásá

˛ ˛Sparkling Moon

˛ ˛Nudá˛ Mádí

Warrior

Iniđabì The One Healed By

Čumáđì

˛ Spits Walking

Ní Agíwađe Let Us Get Water

Wétíwì

˛ Club Woman

Čąbéskà White Beaver

˛ Níkagahì Šáge

Horse Chief

answers on page 9

Á˛ D E Đ Š

dúba

April 2025

Language & Culture

Annual Healthy Living

Walk/Run & Powwow

April 12, 2025

10:00 am | 2 Mile Prayer Walk & Run

Skyview Lake | 1900 West Maple Ave | Norfolk, NE

Registration starts at 9:30 am. Prizes in all age categories, and

FREE RAFFLE DRAWINGS for all walk/run participants!

11:30 am – 12:00 pm | Lunch

Ponca Tribal Gym | 1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE

Lunch will be provided to all walk/run participants and

powwow attendees.

1:00 – 5:00 pm | Powwow

Ponca Tribal Gym | 1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE

4:30 – 6:00 pm | Buffalo Distribution

Norfolk Cafeteria | 1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE

For more information, please contact your local PTN office or

Crystal Mundorf at 402.371.8834

Enhance Your Diabetes Powwow

Experience with the Whova App!

Connect with others

View the schedule

Get directions

Play games and

quizzes to win prizes

Download the

Whova App!

Share your pictures

from the event

sát’ą

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Language & Culture

April 2025

Weekly Ponca

Language Classes!

5:30-7:00 pm each week!

Norfolk | Mondays

Omaha | Tuesdays

Lincoln | Wednesdays

Niobrara | Thursdays

Sioux City | Fridays

Or join us online in real time via Lifesize!

This is a great opportunity to connect with our Ponca

language and culture. For more information, or the

virtual class link, contact your area instructor.

Sioux City: Deion Miller

402.929.1908

deionm@poncatribe-ne.gov

Omaha: Ruby Wright

402.860.6604

rubyw@poncatribe-ne.gov

Niobrara: Britnie O’Keefe

402.860.3787

bokeefe@poncatribe-ne.gov

Lincoln: Steve Laravie, Sr.

402.405.3875

slaraviesr@poncatribe-ne.gov

Culture Teachers Wanted!

Are you in the Omaha and Lincoln area? Are you

interested in sharing Ponca culture and knowledge

with others? The Culture Department is seeking Ponca

members interested in teaching various aspects of

Ponca culture (regalia, beading, singing, dancing, food,

etc.) and offering classes throughout the coming year.

To be considered, please send a sample of your work

(video, picture, etc.) to Deputy Director of Tribal Affairs,

Alexcia Boggs at aboggs@poncatribe-ne.gov

or 712.258.0500 ext. 1005 or Culture Director,

Galicia Drapeau at gdrapeau@poncatribe-ne.gov

402-857-3519 ext. 5010

Osní' P'ą‘k'a

Úską t'e

INVITATION TO OUR ELDERS

Share Your Stories –

Keep Our Traditions Alive

The Ponca Culture Department

invites you to Share your stories,

wisdom, and history through

Oral Storytelling.

Interested?

Schedule a time and place

that worksfor you!

Contact Galicia Drapeau at

gdrapeau@poncatribe-ne.gov

or 402.857.3519 ext. 5010 or

Contact Alexcia Boggs at

aboggs@poncatribe-ne.org

or 712.258.0500 ext. 1005

Osní' P'ą‘k'a

Úską t'e

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Calling Models

& Designers!

The Ponca Language and Culture Committee

will be hosting a Ponca Fashion show. They

are looking for both models and designers to

showcase their talent on the runway. Apply

now to walk the catwalk!

For more information or questions,

please contact Demetri Zephier at

demetrizephier28@gmail.com.

šáp’è

April 2025

Tribal News

Member input needed on Indigenous seed project!

Christina Gish Hill (Iowa

State University, American Indian Studies) and

Krista Isaacs (Michigan

State University, Plant,

Soil, and Microbial Sciences) are working with

Native nations throughout Nebraska to support Indigenous efforts

towards food and seed

sovereignty. They are

working together with

Courtney R. Chavez,

CEO of Tribal Affairs

for the Ponca Tribe of

Nebraska, under a new

grant from USDA SARE,

Indigenous Seed Sover-

eignty: Collaboratively

Building Seed Systems

with Midwestern Native

Communities.

munity in their efforts to

grow, save, distribute,

and conserve Indigenous

seed in the Ponca nation.

The purpose of the work

is to support Indigenous

communities in defining

food and seed sovereignty. Through surveys and

conversations with Native

communities, we hope to

incorporate Indigenous

ways of knowing into

programming designed

to strengthen seed systems. This is a first step

towards working collaboratively with the com-

To that end, we're inviting Ponca members to

take a few moments to

take a survey on Indigenous seed sovereignty.

In this survey we ask a

few questions about what

you grow, how you get

your seed, what plants

you would like more access to, and if you would

like to engage with our

project designed to support your community’s

seed system. Please scan

the QR Code below to

share your thoughts

about plants, growing,

gathering, and seed, and

watch for more information on Visioning workshops where you can help

further shape our project.

Thank you so much!

GENERAL

MEMBERSHIP

MEETING

May 31, 2025 | 10 am

5701 S. 85th Circle | Omaha, NE

or online via Lifesize

Tribal members are invited to attend the

first General Membership meeting of 2025

in person, or online via Lifesize. Light

refreshments will be provided for the

in-person meeting.

Please RSVP by May 26, 2025 if you plan to

attend in person. Questions submitted by

May 26, 2025 will be addressed first. Tribal

members wishing to participate virtually

must contact Candace Repenning. To submit

questions, or to RSVP, please contact Candace

Repenning at 402.857.3391 or crepenning@

poncatribe-ne.gov.

p’énąbà

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Education

April 2025

Did you know?

Our PTN Education

programs are open to

members nationwide!

• Need based funding in our Higher Education, Adult

Vocational Training, and Graduate programs at the postsecondary level.

• K-12 Youth Incentive Program

• GED Incentive Program and GED testing fee assistance

For more information on any of these programs, please

contact the Education Department at 402.371.8834, via

email at pate@poncatribe-ne.gov

or aknudsen@poncatribe-ne.gov, or via mail:

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Department of Education

1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE 68701

Attention All AVT/HIED

Students Nationwide:

Please remember to submit your official

transcripts after EACH term funded in order to

be eligible to receive future funding. Students

must apply each school year.

Summer 2025 deadline: May 15, 2025

Fall 2025 deadline: August 15, 2025

Winter 2025 deadline: November 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)

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Attention All K-12 YIP Students Nationwide:

• High School Seniors for the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 school year is July 31, 2025.

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

enrollment is required for ALL education programs*

p’edábdì

April 2025

Class of 2025

Honoring our Graduating Seniors

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska would like to honor

our 2025 Ponca graduates in a special section in our

June 2025 newsletter.

Please complete the online form no later than

May 9th, 2025 to have your graduate included in

this section. Submissions may be subject to minor

edits for space and consistency.

Education

À˛ N A Ð A X Ž Ą K Á Đ G Č D

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To submit your graduate, scan the QR code, or

visit https://poncatribeofne.formstack.com/

forms/2025_graduates

A Z

G A Ú Á Ð

Á˛ T D X ˛Í

Ž Ą T A G A Á

Questions? Please email

info@poncatribe-ne.gov.

∫

A N

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Á˛ B Đ Ž ˛Í

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word search answers from page 4

Adam Way Memorial Scholarship

AWARD:

$1000

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Ì Must currently reside in Nebraska

Ì Enrolled Ponca members aged 18 – 45 years old

Ì Preparing to enroll or currently enrolled in a college (2 or 4-year accredited institution),

graduate, trade, or professional school whose eligibility is determined by the

Scholarship Selection Committee

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Scan Me!

Ì An essay explaining how the educational opportunity will be used

to help the Tribe

Ì Three written character references (Respondents need to be

non-family members)

Ì A completed financial need form

To start the application process, scan our QR code or visit our link: https://www.

poncatribe-ne.gov/services/education/adam-way-memorial-scholarship/.

Applications are due June 15, 2025. Applicants will be notified by August 1, 2025.

This scholarship opportunity is available through the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska's Education Department.

šák’a

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Tribal News

April 2025

District 4 has a roaring good time at Mufasa

District 4 members

enjoyed an extra holiday treat this year, in

the form of a private

showing the the movie,

"Mufasa," Sunday,

December 22nd. The

movie showing was

just one of several fun

member events hosted

by District 4!

Celebrating Earth Day

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s Environmental Department will be hosting Earth Day events at

each office site. We will be doing a clean-up, planting trees, and sharing a meal. Bags, gloves, and

grabbers will be provided.

April 14 | 10 am

Lincoln Community Room | 1600 Windhoek Dr | Lincoln, NE

April 15 | 10 am

Ralston Transit Building | 5701 South 85th Cir | Omaha, NE

April 16 | 10 am

Sioux City Conference Room | 125 6th St | Sioux City, IA

April 17 | 10 am

Norfolk Transit Building | 1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE

April 18 | 10 am

Niobrara Headquarters | 2523 Woodbine St | Niobrara, NE

For more information or questions, please contact

Misha Mazurkewycz at misham@poncatribe-ne.gov.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

gdébą

April 2025

D4 Easter

Happenings:

Easter gift cards are being sent

out to all District 4 Heads of

Household nationwide. A meat

distribution will also be held for

Easter.

Watch for more information on

social media and the website,

or contact Kyle Taylor at

402.750.4299, or Alex Taylor at

402.750.2045.

Easter Happenings

District 1 SDA

Easter Meals

April 13, 2024 | 12 pm

Stoney Creek Conference Center

300 3rd Street | Sioux City, IA

April 19, 2024 | 12 pm

Niobrara Headquarters

2523 Woodbine Street | Niobrara, Ne

April 19, 2024 | 5 pm

The Legion

121 2nd Street | Wagner, SD

Join us for a meal, Easter baskets for the kids, Easter egg

hunt, and an appearance by the Easter Bunny! For any

questions, please contact D1 Council Representatives

Patrick Lamoureux at plamoureux@PoncaTribe-ne.gov or

Angie Starkel at astarkel@PoncaTribe-ne.gov.

District 2 SDA

District 3 SDA

April 5, 2025 | 3:30 – 6:00 pm

April 5, 2025 | 11 am

Family Easter Event

Ralston Cabinet Building

5811 South 86th Circle | Omaha, NE

District 2 Ponca Tribal members and their families are

invited to come and celebrate together for Easter. Every

child age 0 to 12 years old will receive and Easter basket

to fill. Join us for filling Easter baskets at 3:30 pm, dinner

at 4:30 pm! Dress your best for FREE family photos with

the Easter Bunny!

RSVP by scanning our QR code no later than 11:59 pm,

March 24, 2025. For more information, contact Tribal

Council Representatives Falon McAlpin at

falonm@poncatribe-ne.gov or Samantha Gallagher at

sgallagher@poncatribe-ne.gov.

agdíwį

Easter Brunch

Lincoln Community Room

1600 Windhoek Drive | Lincoln, NE

District 3 Ponca Tribal members and their

families are invited to come and celebrate

together for Easter. Join us for food,

an egg hunt, Easter baskets, and

a visit from the Easter Bunny!

Dress your best for FREE

family photos.

For details, please contact

Tribal Council Representatives

Shanna Carpenter at

shannac@poncatribe-ne.gov or

Susie Baker at sbaker@poncatribe-ne.gov

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Domestic Violence

April 2025

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

violence report that the

person who harmed them

was someone they knew.

52% of women, and 29%

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault covers any of men have reported

sexual activity not explic- contact sexual violence.

itly consented to by all

Native American and

parties, and includes rape,

Alaska Native women

incest, child sexual abuse,

are at the greatest risk

intimate partner sexual

of sexual assault, with

violence, sexual exploitawomen and girls age 12

tion, human trafficking,

or older experiencing

unwanted sexual contact,

around 5,900 assaults per

sexual harassment, expoyear. 84.3% of Native

sure, and voyeurism.

women report that they

Sexual abuse, harassment, have been assaulted at

least once in their life.

and assault can affect

That's more than 4 out

anyone. Most men and

of 5 women, higher than

women across all sexual

any other demographic.

identities who have experienced contact sexual In contrast, 1 in 3 HisCarrie Gibbs

Domestic Violence Court

Advocate

Ponca Tribal

Code Series

The Ponca Tribal Court and the Domestic Violence

Program are working together to host the Ponca Code

Series. This series is a training being held to assist

tribal members, staff, legal professionals, human

service professionals, and members of the indigenous

community to better understand the Ponca Tribal Code.

Custody

April 24, 2025 | 11 am – 2 pm

Ralston Transit Facility

5701 South 85th Circle | Omaha, NE

Divorce

May 8, 2025 | 11 am – 2 pm

Sioux City Offices

125 6th Street | Sioux City, IA

The series will go over one section of

the code per event and is taught by

the Honorable Patrick Runge. Lunch

will be provided.

This flyer was produced by the Ponca Tribe of NE under two grants: Grant #

90C52045 TCIP, and grant #15POVC-21-GG-00928-TVAG, awarded by the Office of

Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Program, and U.S. Department of Justice. The

opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this flyer are

those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or

policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

panic women report

sexual assault at least

once in their life, and 1

in 4 non-Hispanic black

women report sexual

assault. Among other

marginalized populations, 31% of adults with

disabilities have reported

sexual abuse, and 47% of

transgender persons have

been assaulted at some

point in their lives.

"Your body, my choice,"

is being used by young

boys as harassment,

influenced by online hate

speech and misogynistic

slogans. While it may

be tempting to dismiss

this harassment as only

words, hate speech can

lead to escalated behaviors, including dating and

domestic violence. Additionally, these behaviors

create unsafe environments for female and

marginalized students,

and may go unchecked by

school authorities. Teens

who feel that they are in

danger should report incidents of harassment or

abuse to a trusted teacher,

counselor, or the school

principal. If action isn't

taken by school authorities, the next step is to

call the police. Teens and

young adults are at the

greatest risk for dating

and domestic and sexual

SAVE THE DATE!

Diaper Distribution

April 3, 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

April 8, 2025 | 10 am – 6 pm

Sioux City Office

125 6th St | Sioux City, IA

Please bring Tribal ID or proof of enrollment

for you or the child in need to participate.

agdínąbá

April 2025

Domestic Violence

CONSENT: More involved than just yes or no

violence.

cannot consent.

ered sexual assault or

rape. If this happens to

What is sexual consent?

3. An unconscious person

someone you care about,

cannot consent.

listen and believe them.

Sexual consent means

that all parties involved in 4. A person who is being Then determine if it needs

to be reported to an

any sexual activity agree

coerced, threatened,

to that activity freely and

or manipulated cannot adult, or the authorities.

voluntarily. When one

consent.

Individuals, communities,

person is being forced,

and private agencies are

5. Consent can be

intimidated, coerced, or

already combating the

withdrawn at any

manipulated, that is not

time, even after sexual risk of sexual violence

consent. Proper consent

through conversations

activity has been

involves verbal agreement

about sexual violence,

initiated.

from all parties. Being in

assistance and support

a relationship does not

6. Present consent does

programs, policies, and

guarantee consent.

not indicate future

tools that promote safety,

consent.

respect, and equality. We

7 rules of consent:

7. No is NEVER yes, and have an opportunity in

1. An underage person

this country to educate

maybe is NEVER yes.

cannot consent.

our communities and

Without consent, ANY

help improve and change

2. An intoxicated person

sexual activity is consid-

harmful behaviors.

If you, or someone you

know has experienced

sexual assault or sexual

domestic violence, help is

available. You can reach

out to Domestic Violence

program staff at any

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

office location, or call:

National Sexual Assault

Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

StrongHearts Native Hotline: 1-844-762-8483

Love is Respect: Text

"Loveis" to 22522

LoveisRespect.org

Help Needed for

31st Annual Powwow!

Members are invited to apply for the following

paid positions:

Color Guard

Veterans and members of the

active military are invited to apply

to be a part of our Color Guard.

All natives welcome!

Applications Due:

May 31, 2025 by 11:59 pm

Water Bearers

All applicants must be between

10 to 17 years old and must have

Parent or Guardian permission.

Applications Due:

May 31, 2025 by 11:59 pm

Ponca Artists:

Help us Surround Our Children

in a Community of Care

As part of our efforts to show care and love for our

community, the ICWA Advisory Board is asking for

artwork made by Ponca members to put on cards

to go into care packages. We hope

Scan Me!

to bring comfort and strength to

those who receive them.

To submit your work, scan our

QR code. Applications MUST

be submitted NO LATER THAN

11:59 pm, March 28, 2025.

For more information, please contact Alexcia Boggs at

aboggs@poncatribe-ne.gov.

agdídábdì

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Osni/PEDCO

April 2025

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!

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.

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.

Buffalo Meat Distribution

at Diabetes Powwow

PEDCO WORKFORCE

DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM

Saturday, April 12, 2025

4:30-6:00 pm

Ponca Tribe Gym Cafeteria

1800 Syracuse | Norfolk, NE

Ponca households are eligible to receive buffalo

meat. Ceremonial pieces are also available on a

limited basis, including heart, liver, and kidneys.

Buffalo will be distributed on a first-come, firstserved basis, while supplies last. Meat will NOT be

held for pick up at a later date.

____

CAREER EXPLORATION

____

COMING SOON!

PEDCO WORKFORCE

DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM

MORE INFORMATION TO COME!

EMPLOYMENT

TRAINING

____

CAREER ASSISTANCE

PROGRAMS

____

VIRTUAL SELFDIRECTED LEARNING

The PEDCO Workforce Development program will provide our

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members access to services designed to

help nurture individual self-sufficiency, assist in eliminating barriers

to employment, and provide members a means to achieve

professional success. This program will be available to all members

16+ wanting pre-employment assistance, to further their career, or

to advance professional skills. We are planning to build this into a

career center based on the needs of our People.

PEDCO

2756 O Street

Lincoln, NE 68510

402.434.2127

PEDCO-NE.org

Releasing in early 2025

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

agdídúba

April 2025

Dear Tribal Member;

Enrollment Department – 2025 Census

Enrollment

Enrollment Department - 2025 Census

Each year, in the month of April, the Enrollment Committee will conduct a census of the members of the Ponca

Tribe of Nebraska. The information that is received will help to update the enrollment records. When

completed please mail back to: PO Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760.

Your Name:_________________________________________________ Date:_________________________

Phone Number:_________________________ Email: ______________________________________________

Are we sending your mailings to the correct address? Yes:_____ No:_____

If not, please list your complete physical and mailing address. (Don’t forget to include apartment numbers.)

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Please list all of the Ponca members who reside in your home, including yourself.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

If you have a child that has recently moved out of your household, please list their name and address. (Mailing

& physical)

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Is there a member or relative that you know has passed away in the last 5 years? Yes:_____ No:_____

If yes, please list the name of the individual(s) that you know of and who we may contact for further

information.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

If you have recently had a name change due to marriage, divorce or otherwise, please list your previous/new

name below and attach a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc. for verification of your

name change.

Previous name:_____________________________________________________________________________

New name:________________________________________________________________________________

Are you a registered Tribal voter? Yes:_____ No:_____ (You may contact the enrollment department if you

are unsure.)

If you are not registered would you like a Tribal Voter Registration form mailed to you? Yes:_____ No:_____

Have you or do you currently serve in the military? If yes, please submit documents for verification if you have

not already done so. Yes:_____ No:_____ Branch:______________________

Date of service:_____/_____/______

Scan the QR Code

Thank

Thank you!

you! We

We appreciate

appreciate your

your response!

response!

to complete the

**If you

youknow

knowofofany

any

Ponca

members

are receiving

not receiving

**If

Ponca

members

thatthat

are not

their mailings from

the Ponca

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online!Tribe please have

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the Ponca

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thefrom

Enrollment

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the Enrollment Department.

agdísát’ą

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Tribal News

April 2025

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 4/1/2025

Anthony, Jr., Steven Scott

Bagent, Wayne Orval

Bair, Wesley David

Baker, Skylar Dominick

Baker-Ferguson, Jared Riley

Banuelos, Christa Rose

Barrett, Dannielle Samantha

Bear, Joshua Gilbert

Bear, Max Starr

Beaver, Jason Chaska

Becker, Jr., Anthony Arnold

Becker, Sr., Anthony Arnold

Becker, Tyller Randell

Bell, Darian Patrick

Bell, Shaune` Kay

Birdhead, William Randolph

Blair, Hunter Wo Day Leon

Blowe, Dominick Adams

Blowe, Isaiah Fredrick

Blowe, Tyrone Richard

Boettger, Dakota Birdhead

Bonge, Todd Joseph

Boone, Lola Belle

Boyd, Myron Ralph

Boyer, Berlin N.

Brooks, Angela Ellen

Brown, J. Wesley

Brownrigg, Steven Francis

Buckley II, Sentwali Onyemachi

Buffalo Chief, Uriah Jordan

Burgon, Jeremy Edward

Burston, Sandra Lee

Carlson, Emma Rose

Carlson, Stephanie Lea

Carter, Amber Lynn

Chwalowski, Kaitlin Martika

Courtright, Michael Todd

Cutshall, Katline James

Da Moude, Deborah Kay

Danielson, Daniel James

Drapeaux, Juston Lee

Droescher, Samantha Roma Rae

Droescher, Savannah Jo Anne

Eckley, Lane Emory

Eckley, Leigha Irene

Engles, Donna Antonette

Evans, Kareem Antwon

Fegan, Maria Christina

Fierro, Brandon Michael

Flagg, I I I., George Albert

Flowers, Joseph

Flyinghawk, Landon Alan

Foley, Michael Joseph

Freeman, Xavier Lee

Fua, Tyler Anthony

Glenn, John Allen

Glisan, Cynthia Lynn

Goss, Mamie L.

Govia, Isaiah Lee

Govia, Mc Kenzie Jo

Grant Jr., Donald Allen

Grant, I I I., Jesse Clarence

Green, Brooklyn Marie

Greenwood IV,

Ernest Sydney Leshaun

Gutierrez, Vincent Clarence

Haahr, Anneliese Teresa

Hagler, Joshua James

Harlan, Lavara Mina

Harris, Paul Joseph

Hart-La Londe, Kaedyn Mikael

Hendren, Adavia Gabrielle

Hennek, Gail Howe

Henritze, Joseph Dale

Henritze, Karen June

Hocking-Gosnell, Zalla C.

Hogie, Jamie Lyn

Hope, Dorothea Jo Ann

Horine, Ashley Danielle

Howe, Richard H.

Humphreys, Belinda Kay

Jeppesen, Zachary Lee

Johnson, Lukus Tyler

Keeling, Lamont Terrill

Kelso, James Alan

Kerrigan, Kathleen Ann

Kettula, Ruby Jean

King, Gavin Michael

Knight, Cameron Patrick

Knudsen, Crystal Mae

Krueger, Annette Marie

Kyles, Jarred Joseph

LaPointe, Alejandro Jauquine

LaPointe, Robert James

Laravie, Jr., Steve Alan

Larson, Scott Andrew

Lasley, Brittany Joy

Latimer, LaRohn Lewis

Leach, Isaiah Marcus

Lerew Jr, Zachariah Ray

LeRoy, Sophia Storm

Lieb, Donovan Joseph

Lieb, Sylas Vittorio

Lindenberg, David Charles

Little, Jeromy Todd

Loftis, Timothy Duane

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Loftis, Timothy James

Lopez, Jr., Juan Francisco

Maben, Jessica Paige

Madrigal, Steven Matthew

Mann II, Steven Michael

Mann, Sydney Desiree`

Marlow Anderson, Saidra Lea

Mategko, Janet Louise

Mategko, Lisa Louise

Mategko, Michael Steven

Matthews, Jett Haden

McGrath, Bryan Thomas

McGrath, Daniel Patrick

McGraw, Rowan Bay Leigh

McKeen, Juanita Rose

Mercier, Jade Sharice

Miodowski, Jesse Thomas

Mullen, Michael Thomas

Mullen, Owen Dean

Muscutt, Elias Gordon

Muscutt, Jr., Gordon Dean

O'Meara, David Joseph

O'Rear, Makenna Shay

Peck, Brandalynn

Peck, Tyler Duane

Petersen, Kevin Lee

Pfundstein, Nathan Alexander

Picotte - Felde, Diamond Rose

Pierce, Raychel Marie

Poafpybitty, Misty Brook

Polly, Rachael Anne

Prichard, Joseph John

Prunty, Austin Joe

Queen, Anthony Scott

Quintana Jr, Arthur Jose

Raymond, Joseph Allen

Remmenga, Daniel James

Rich, Mitch Andrew

Roberts, Marquitta Ruby

Rowe, Crystle Anette

Rulo, Byron

Russell, Kristina Anne

Sainz, Tritia Jeanene

Sarton, Gwendolyn Lee

Schmidt, Dylan Andrew- Philip

Schmidt, Jaye Anthony

Schmidt, John Thomas Carl

Schmidt, Jr., Karl Michael

Schmitz, Jennifer Joy

Scuderi, Jana Marie

Scurlocke, Athena Larissa Lucille

Sherman, Cody Lee

Sherman, Harold Dewayne

Sherman, John Glenn

Sherman, Michael Ray

Sherman, Mitchell Everett

Sherman, Robert Le Roy

Sherman, Sage Mae

Sherman, Savannah

Sherman, Tristan Ray

Smith, Ashley Nicole

Smith, Danial Ray

Smith, Stephanie Rae

Solano, Anthony Earl

Spencer, Peyton Thunder

Standsblack, Daniel Skye

Standsblack, Marko Tulio

Stastny, Rachel Colleen

Stegman, Mi'a Miwasa Nevaeh

Stuczynski, Drake Keegan

Suverkrubbe, Nathan Fernando

Swinarski, Alicia Estrada

Taylor, Ka`ili Brianna

Taylor, Samantha Rose

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, Emmi Clarine

Vaughan, Linda Lou

Veals, Clifford James

Velder Jr., Jason Lee

Velder, Tristen Leo Spencer

Voigt, Mitchell Henry

Voss, Joshua Le Roy

Voss, Michael Roy

Waters, Deon Koleen

Wayte, April May

White, Abrianna Aliya

Williams, Andrea Michelle

Wilson, Samantha Tyre

Wolfe Sr, Michael

Wright, Aaron David

Wright, Alina Lee

Wright, Asheena Lee

Wright, Cherita Alberta

Wright, Cruz Montgomery

Wright, Eric David

Wright, Howard Floyd

Wright, Jacob Martin

York, Gregory Allen

Zephier, Cameron Dawn

agdíšáp’è

April 2025

Enrollment

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

TRIBAL MEMBERS

(please print)

NAME:__________________________________________________DOB:_________________________

MAILING ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________ PHONE: ______________________________

PHYSICAL ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT THAN MAILING):

______________________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL:_______________________________________________________________________________

VETERANS ONLY: MILITARY BRANCH:______________________________________________

***Service papers must be submitted toTRIBAL

the enrollment

department if you are requesting a military

MEMBERS

(please print)

seal.

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

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.)

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

2. yes,

Clear

readable

copies

please

check

one of 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

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

NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________

and Tribal Enrollment Card for proof of enrollment.

Photo Options:

ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________

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

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

____________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

Military

Seals:

If yes,

please

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

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

department to show proof of veteran status.

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

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

agdíp’énąbà

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Enrollment

April 2025

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

Ponca

OFNebraska

Revised: Tribe

01/22/2025

_______________________________

DATE

agdíp’edábdì

April 2025

Member's Corner

MEMBERS NEEDED

ELECTION BOARD

The Tribal Council is accepting applications for the At Large positions for the Election Board. Members

are paid $250 per meeting and mileage will be paid for a maximum of 410 miles round trip at the federal

government approved rate. Most meetings are held in Niobrara, Nebraska.

To be qualified to be appointed to the Election Board, a person shall:

1. Be an enrolled member of the Tribe.

2. Be a resident of the voting district from which they are appointed.

3. Be eligible to vote in the election for which they will serve as Election Board Member; and

4. If convicted of a felony, have completed his sentence requirements, including any parole, at least two (2)

years prior to appointment.

No individual shall be permitted to sit as an Election Board member who:

1. Has been convicted of a crime involving the theft of funds or property of the Tribe in any court of any

jurisdiction regardless of any pardon or restoration of civil rights for said offense.

2. Currently holds elective office in the Tribe.

3. Is or plans to be a candidate in any election during his or her term.

4. Has an immediate family member who is currently a member of the Tribal Council, or who is or plans to be

a candidate in any election during his or her term.

5. No Ponca Tribe of Nebraska employees may serve on the Election Board per the PTN Employee

Handbook.

A criminal background check will be conducted.

Please submit a letter of interest and application form to Ponca Tribal Council, Attn: Candace Repenning, P.O.

Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760 or via e-mail to crepenning@poncatribe-ne.gov. Deadline is May 1, 2025.

INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ADVISORY BOARD

Tribal Council is seeking a member for a term that will be expiring on May 31, 2025. The responsibilities of this

Board include advising the PTN Social Services Department and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) program on

child custody cases for PTN members or eligible to be members; identifying services for the Dept. to provide

and/or request for the children and families of the child custody cases; hear complaints and grievances

regarding child custody cases; and report to Council on the Board’s advice and determinations to the Social

Services Dept. The appointment is for a two-year term expiring May 31, 2027.

Requirements to qualify for the Board:

• Ponca Tribe of Nebraska member*

• Successfully pass a criminal background check

• Not an employee of the PTN and PTN entities

*Preferably the member has received services from the PTN Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) program, but it

is not a requirement.

A $250 stipend and mileage reimbursement (not to exceed 410 miles round trip at the govt. rate) are paid

per meeting. Applicants must submit letters of interest and current resume to the Tribal Council, Attn:

Candace Repenning, PO Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760 or by email crepenning@poncatribe-ne.gov. Deadline

for applications is May 7, 2025.

agdíšąk’a

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Member's Corner

April 2025

MEMBERS NEEDED

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE COMMITTEE

The Tribal Council is accepting applications for Outside SDA position for the Language and Culture

Committee due to a vacant position. Applications are now being accepted. This Committee focuses on the

preservation and revitalization of the Ponca language.

The Committee consists of 7 representatives: a representative from each site within the Service Delivery

Areas (SDAs) and a representative from outside of the SDAs. Committee members will be selected according

to their knowledge of Ponca language, culture, and traditional ways. If a representative is not who meets

the above qualification is not available from each site, any qualifying member may be appointed to the

committee.

Members will be expected to attend all Committee meetings scheduled monthly and will be paid a stipend of

$250 per meeting and claim associated travel at the government rate, not to exceed a total of 410 total miles.

Some of the responsibilities of this committee are:

• To provide guidance to the Culture Department and Language Program with long-term planning,

programming, and the use of traditional knowledge.

• To generate culturally appropriate programming to increase tribal involvement on culture and language

activities and create a sustainable culture and language program for tribal members inside and outside the

SDAs.

• To act as a resource for Tribal departments to create culturally based programming by providing guidance,

knowledge, wisdom, and expertise on Ponca culture, traditions, history, and beliefs.

• To assist the Ponca Tribal government in the formulation of policies and procedures pertaining to the Ponca

Language, culture, and history.

• To review and approve all Ponca culturally related educational material, such as instructional materials and

modern communication media productions, to be used to provide instruction to

• To review and reserve approval on all other activities and tasks related to the Ponca language, history, and

culture as may be referred the Committee.

• To periodically assess and review the Language Program and provide such assessments to the Tribal

Council.

Please forward your letter of interest including your qualifications/resume for this Committee to Ponca

Tribal Council, Attn: Candace Repenning, P.O. Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760 or via e-mail to crepenning@

poncatribe-ne.gov. Deadline for Applications is May 7, 2025.

Our website has moved!

You can now find the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

website at www.poncatribe-ne.gov.

Your login info remains the same. All PTN email

addresses have also changed to end in .gov.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

gdébąnąbá

April 2025

The following is the third in a series of poems by

Ponca Member Savannah Sherman/Lake. These poems will be published in the PTN newsletter over the

next few months.

Fallacy

You say that my voice mimics that of a mouse

But I’ll show you a wolf, a now recognized pest

Just count me to three

“welcome”

A new doormat for me

Member's Corner

Elder’s Committee

Meetings

I made su casa - mi nido

Your home - my nest

Walls crumbled, came clean

Your glass ceiling fell free

luxurious irony

Being sold steel doors handcrafted, the best

To find they were mirrors covered in sheet

so fragile and weak that a mouse couldn’t breathe

April 7 | 10 am

PTN Office | Lincoln, NE

May 5 | 10 am

Ralston Office | Omaha, NE

-Savannah Sherman/Lake

MEMBERS NEEDED

NORTHERN PONCA HOUSING AUTHORITY

The District 1 representative term will be expiring 5/31/25. District 1 represents Boyd, Knox and Holt

Counties of Nebraska, Charles Mix County of South Dakota, and Woodbury County of Iowa.

Commissioners receive a $250 stipend per meeting as well as mileage reimbursement and per diem.

Typically, meetings are held once a month.

Other qualifications to serve on this Board are as follows:

• Any person appointed to the Board shall not be less than twenty-five (25) years of age.

• If convicted of a felony, or a sexually related conviction, misdemeanor or otherwise such a person shall not

be allowed to serve as a member of the Board.

• No immediate family members may serve on the Board at the same time. Immediate family means

mother, father, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, spouse or individuals residing in the same

household. This shall include half, step and in-law relations.

• No member of the Tribal Council, employee of the Tribe or any entities thereof, shall serve on the Board of

Commissioners.

Please mail your letter of interest with a resume or brief background on why you would be a good

candidate for the Board of Commissioners to the Ponca Tribal Council, PO. Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760 or

crepenning@poncatribe-ne.gov If you need more detailed information please contact Joey Nathan, Executive

Director of the Northern Ponca Housing Authority at 402-379-8224. A background check will be conducted

on all candidates. Deadline for Application is May 7, 2025.

gdébąnąbá kí wí’

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

P.O. Box 288

Niobrara, NE 68760

onc

gov

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: (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

Fred LeRoy Health & Wellness Clinic

Ponca Health Services-Lincoln

2602 “J” Street

1600 Windhoek Dr

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 68512

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

ahgthee dubah

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

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.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.