milestone with grand

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

Member News

New

Beginnings

NPHA celebrates

milestone with grand

opening of Ponca Heights!

November 2025

Tribal News

Member Card

Design Contest

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).

To submit your design, email

crepenning@poncatribe-ne.gov.

For more information, please call

Candace Repenning at 402.857.3391.

November 2025

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!

November 21 | 12 – 1 pm

Norfolk Housing Authority

1501 W Michigan Ave

Scan Me!

December 19 | 12 – 1 pm

Virtual Meeting

Link sent out before meeting

To RSVP, please scan our QR

code or visit our link: https://

poncatribeofne.formstack.com/

forms/meet_and_greet.

For more information,

questions, or to request

a link to join virtually,

please contact Ben Schott at

bschott@poncatribe-ne.gov.

GENERAL

MEMBERSHIP

MEETING

November 15, 2025 | 10 am

At any office location, or online via Lifesize

Tribal members are invited to attend the second

General Membership meeting of 2025 at any PTN

office location (Niobrara, Sioux City, Ralston,

Lincoln Clinic, Norfolk), or online via Lifesize. Lunch

and refreshments will be provided at each office

location.

Please RSVP by November 10 if you plan to attend

at one of the office locations. Questions submitted

by November 10 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.

On the cover: Justine Knapp presents Alex Villalpando with blanket during Ponca Heights Grand Opening

November 2025

Tribal News

NPHA opens new Ponca Heights Housing Community

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, in

conjunction with the Northern

Ponca Housing Authority, held

a grand opening ceremony of the

Ponca Heights Housing Community on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025,

at 11AM in Omaha, NE. Ponca

Heights is a 20-unit community offering affordable housing to Ponca

Tribal Elders.

wí’

The complex, located at 8401

White Eagle Court (just off of 84th

and Q) consists of eight duplexes

and one quadplex, along with a

community gathering space and

walking trail. Located near the

future site of the expanded Fred

LeRoy Health and Wellness Center, this complex offers safety and

convenience to Tribal Elders.

The $15 million investment in

affordable housing for Tribal

Elders is a result of federal Indian

Housing Block Grant funding,

Indian Community Development

Block Grants, and Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Transportation

Program dollars.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Culture

November 2025

Wanít'à

́ ̨ ba zizík'a wád

—atè

by Steve Laravie, Sr., Language Program Coordinator

O T A N Ú K A S Á —

D E

X N Ą́ N Ú B A X —

H B

Š

Ą́ Z

A N

H Z W

X —

T Á B

Zizík'à - Turkey

T'abési - Football

T'anúka s'á'd

—e Ham

Wé'baxap'i - Fork

Šé'užégd

—à - Pie

Greenbean

Cassarole

D E

X X

A —

D É

̨Í

Ų N Ą́ Ž

D Ą̀ G À

B A X A P

Ú D

G E M

Núbaxd

—íd

—i Mashed Potatoes

Á B

E A —

D W E

Š

Wahába - Corn

W A K Ą́ D A W A —

D A H Ą́ A —

Ú W Ų

̨Í

G —

D É

—

Z D

W É

È W A N

B Ą X A D

The next few months will be words

describing holidays. This month describes

the Thanksgiving.

X Ą D È G ̨Í

K U

G A —

Š Ą

H A W A K A G À Ą

É N

Núskid

—e Sweet Potatoes

Č W A H Ą́ E

Waníde - Gravy

P Á H

U Z G Á Ú Ą́

Č A B

Ž Č W T M X

̨Í

Ž D

N S Á

G Á

T A B

E N Ą́ B A B

—

D Ą́ B A Z

À T

E H

K D

Ú Ą́

D È Ú N Š

U M Ą́ B A T K

—atè

́ ̨ ba zizík'a wád

- Thanksgiving

Waha

́ ̨ e - Pray

Wak'a

́ ̨ da wad

—aha

̨̀ Prayer

S N

K A W Á —

D A T

P K A O S N

Hįbd

—̨́ ige waníde -

A B Á H A W

We want your

feedback!

Share your thoughts about

the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Language Program. What you

love, what works, what doesn’t,

and how we can make it better!

Your feedback helps shape

the future of our language

revitalization efforts. As a thank

you, you’ll be entered into a

drawing for a beautiful blanket or

shawl!

Both youth and adults are

encouraged to participate, your

perspectives make a difference!

Scan the QR code below to

share your voice today!

YOUTH 13-20

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

ADULTS 21+

nąbá

November 2025

Culture

Corn Harvest: Planting Prayer, Harvesting Hope

Wíbđahà (Thank you) to all the

relatives and friends who made the

journey to join us for this year’s

Annual Sacred Corn Harvest. We

are filled with deep gratitude for

each of you who came to share in

a day of ceremony, community,

and remembrance.

From the morning prayers to the

final steps of the round dance, every moment honored the spirit of

the sacred corn and the ancestors

who guide us. The Horse drum

group filled the air with powerful

songs, grounding us in tradition

and unity.

We were honored by the presence

of Tribal Council members Angie

Starkel and Susie Baker, as well

as Honorary Tribal members Art

and Helen Tanderup, who shared

the story of how the sacred corn

became a symbol of resistance.

For more than a decade, corn has

been planted in the path of the

proposed Keystone XL pipeline on Art’s farmland and beyond - as

a living act of protection for the

land, water, and future generations.

From harvesting together in the

fields, to breaking bread during a

community meal sponsored by the

Language and Culture Committee,

the day was a celebration of resilience and connection. We ended in

joy with a powerful round dance,

led by the Horse Drum Group,

uniting hearts and feet in prayerful

movement.

Wíbđahà to everyone who stood

with us in ceremony and celebration. Your presence strengthens

our purpose and carries the sacred

story of the corn forward.

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

dábdì

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Culture

November 2025

Ponca youth join Elders in Buffalo Harvest

In partnership with the Nature Conservancy, PTN held a

traditional buffalo harvesting

for Ponca members of all ages

on September 13-14, 2025. All

who helped both days were

able to take home buffalo

meat. Thank you to Lisa and

Arlo Iron Cloud for the guidance, information, and support they provided.

Elder’s Lunch

Gift Card Drawing

The Ponca Elders Committee is excited to offer

a new way to make our weekly Elders meals

even more rewarding. Ponca Elders who attend

the weekly meals at each Ponca office will be

entered into a drawing for a Visa gift card.

Each office will give away one gift card twice a

month during the meal. Elders can only win

once per month.

Join us for good food, great company, and your

chance to win. We are excited to see you there!

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Affected by the

Federal Government

Shutdown?

Scan the QR code below to complete a brief

survey on the impact of this shutdown on our

members.

If you or your family are experiencing any

direct disruption or hardship due to the federal

government shutdown, please

contact the Tribe via our dedicated

emergency email address:

membersemergencies@

poncatribe-ne.gov.

dúba

November 2025

Ponca Youth Fund Spotlight

Ponca Youth Fund helps youth grow and thrive

The Ponca Youth Fund is designed

to support Ponca youth ages 0-20

years old by providing funding to

break down barriers to opportunities, experiences, and resources

that will help them grow, thrive,

and succeed.

receive funding in the first round

of payments in December, while a

second round of funding will be

distributed in June to those youth

who become eligible between October 1st and April 1st.

This program is designed to meet

the unique needs of every Ponca

youth. It is up to each legal/custodial guardian or youth to decide

how best to use the funds to support their personal growth. Eligible expenses may include, but are

not limited to: sports equipment,

The program provides $400 to

outdoor gear, new regalia, music

each Ponca youth, disbursed annulessons, school clothes, graduation

ally. Disbursements are sent autoexpenses, and more.

matically from a third-party provider (FSA TPA) via direct deposit, Funding may not be used for

reloadable Visa/Mastercard, or

household expenses (rent, utilipaper checks, depending on prefties, groceries), illegal substances,

erence. Youth who meet eligibility alcohol, tobacco (except for when

requirements on October 1st will

required for ceremonial purposes),

The Ponca Youth Fund program,

revamped in 2024, is available

to all eligible Ponca youth. To be

eligible, youth must be enrolled

Ponca and have a current address

on file with Enrollment.

or any items or activities that do

not directly relate to or benefit the

development of our youth.

Periodic audits may be conducted to ensure funds are being used

appropriately, requiring youth

or their legal/custodial guardians

to submit a report on how funds

were used, and the impact on that

youth’s growth and development.

To ensure your child’s eligibility,

verify contact information for

yourself and your children with

Enrollment. They can be contacted

via email at enrollment@poncatribe-ne.gov. To update your information with FSA TPA, or to sign

up for direct deposit or reloadable

card, please visit ponca.macrim.

net, call 844.969.8777 or email

customerservice@fsatpa.com.

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.

sát’ą

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

District News

District 2 SDA

Family Movie Outing

November 28, 2025 | 11:30 am

Village Pointe Cinema

304 North 174th Street | Omaha, NE

District 2 SDA Ponca tribal members and

their immediate family members are invited

to a showing of Zootopia 2. Doors open

at 11:30 am and movie starts at 12:00 pm.

Small combos of popcorn and a drink will be

provided for each attendee. First come, first

served. Everyone must check in at the PTN

table upon arrival.

November 2025

Join the District 1 and

District 4 Facebook groups

for more information on

fall fun and celebrations!

District 1

District 4

For more information,

please contact Falon McAlpin

at 402.208.0297 or

Samantha Gallagher at

402.213.2058.

District 2 SDA

Thanksgiving

Gift Cards

This year, District 2 Tribal Council will be providing

Village Inn gift cards to all Heads of Household in the

District 2 service delivery area to help with their holiday

meal preparations. Members must be actively enrolled in

the tribe (all information current with Enrollment when

information is pulled) to qualify. Cards will be given out

on a first-come, first served basis.

One card per household.

All cards can be picked up starting November 3 with

Shannon Malone at the Fred LeRoy Health & Wellness

Center. For more information, please contact Tribal

Council Representatives Falon McAlpin at 402.208.0297

or Samantha Gallager at 402.213.2058.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Member

Mailing

Questions

Have questions about

tribal mailings (gift cards, checks, etc.)?

Please reach out to your District Representatives!

District 1

Angie Starkel

402.922.0436

District 3

Shanna Carpenter

402.805.0883

Patrick Lamoureux

712.899.8563

Susan (Susie) Baker

925.788.0649

District 2

Falon McAlpin

402.208.0297

District 4

Alex Taylor

402.750.2045

Samantha Gallagher

402.213.2058

Kyle Taylor

402.750.4299

šáp’è

November 2025

District News

Ponca SDA* Elders

60 years and older:

Ponca

SDA* Youth

ages 14-18:

Senior Secret Santa to

receive a gift from

the Youth Council!

for Toys for Teens to

receive a gift from

the Youth Council!

Scan the QR code to complete

your application. Deadline to

apply is Tuesday, November

19th, 2025, at 11:59 pm.

Participants will be responsible

for picking their gift up at their

local PTN office. Gifts will be

available for pickup starting

December 15th-19th.

*MUST LIVE WITHIN THE

SERVICE DELIVERY AREA!

SCAN ME!

District 3 SDA

Holiday Pie Distribution

November 24, 2025 | 3 – 6 pm

Lincoln Community Room

1600 Windhoek Drive | Lincoln, NE

This year, District 3 Tribal Council will be distributing

pies to help with holiday meal preparations. Pies will be

available for pick up on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

p’énąbà

Scan the QR code to

complete your application.

Deadline to apply is

Tuesday, November 19th,

2025, at 11:59 pm.

Participants will be

responsible for picking their

gift up at their local PTN

office. Gifts will be available

for pickup starting December

15th-19th.

SCAN ME!

*MUST LIVE WITHIN THE

SERVICE DELIVERY AREA!

Interested in

obtaining your GED?

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska offers members

a $250 incentive upon successful completion

of the program plus $60 to be applied toward

testing fees.

For any questions or to obtain an application,

please contact Aubrey or Pat in Education

at 402.371.8834 or you may email them

at aknudsen@poncatribe-ne.gov or

pate@poncatribe-ne.gov.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Education

November 2025

Reach for

the stars and

unlock your

potential.

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 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).

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

agdínąbá

November 2025

Education

Native American Role Model:

Nicole Aunapu Mann

Nicole Aunapu Mann is

an American test pilot

and NASA astronaut.

She was born to Howard

and Victoria Aunapu and

grew up in Penngrove,

CA. She is married to

Travis R. Mann, with

whom she has a son.

After completing high

school, she graduated

from the U.S. Naval

Academy, Stanford

University and the U.S.

Naval Test Pilot School.

Her degrees include a

Bachelor of Science and

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. She

has logged over 2,500

flight hours in 25 types of

aircraft, made 200 carrier

landings, and has flown 47

combat missions in Iraq

and Afghanistan.

HIED - Winter: November 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.

Winter 2025 deadline: November 15, 2025

Spring 2026 deadline: December 15, 2025

Summer 2026 deadline: May 15, 2026

months. She is the second

indigenous astronaut in

space and is currently in

the running to be the first

woman on the moon in

2025.

Mann has been the recipient of numerous awards

and honors. As a student

at the Naval Academy,

she was distinguished as

Academic All American, a

In 2015, she completed as- Trident Scholar, and a Distronaut training, becoming tinguished Graduate. She

the first female commander was the Honor Graduate

of a NASA Commercial

in her U.S. Naval Test Pilot

Crew Program launch.

School class.

Her space flight launch in

During her military career,

October 22, 2022, made

she received two Air Medher the first Native American woman in space. On als, two Naval and Marine

Corps Commendation

the space flight, she took

Medals, and two Navy and

a dream catcher with her

Marine Corps Achievethat her mother gave her

when she was very young. ment Medals. In addition,

she received the NASA

As part of the flight, she

2015 Stephen D. Thorn

will be serving as the

Safety Award and the

Spacecraft Commander

2017 Jerry Yeagley Award

with her crew scheduled

for Exceptional Personal

to live on the Internation- Achievement.

al Space Station for six

agdídábdì

Education Deadlines:

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)

Attention All K-12 YIP Students

Nationwide:

• High School Seniors for the 2025-2026

school year are eligible to receive a $500.00

Graduation Incentive!

• Our department is accepting projects for

incentives in the following areas: Art, Essay/

Poetry, and Student of the Month. *Winners

may receive $100.00 for 1st place, $50.00

for 2nd place, and $25.00 for 3rd place.

Grade divisions are as follows: Primary (K-2),

Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), and High

School (9-12)

• Perfect Attendance $100.00 (0-.49 days

of absenteeism), $50.00 (.5-3.49 days

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

absenteeism).

Deadline to apply for the 2025-2026 school year

is July 31, 2026.

All Education Department Applications and Program

Information are available online on our tribal

website. If you have any questions for the education

department, please feel free to contact Aubrey

Knudsen at: office (402)371-8834, work cell (402)8440957, or aknudsen@poncatribe-ne.gov. *Ponca tribal

enrollment is required for ALL education programs*

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Domestic Violence

November 2025

Domestic Violence: How to Help in November

Heather Oberg

Domestic Violence Training

and Outreach Specialist

Domestic violence (also

known as intimate partner violence, domestic

abuse, or family violence) refers to a pattern

of abusive behaviors

used by one partner to

gain or maintain control

over another partner in

an intimate relationship.

Domestic violence can

include:

• Physical Abuse (hitting, slapping, choking,

etc.)

• Emotional Abuse

(insults, threats, manipulation, isolation)

• Sexual Abuse

(non-consensual acts,

coercion, assault)

• Financial Abuse (controlling finances, preventing employment)

watch for in your own

or a loved one’s life

include:

• Unexplained injuries

or frequent “accidents”

• Fear of partner

• Nervousness or withdrawal

• Financial Abuse (controlling finances, preventing employment)

• Limited access to

money, phone, or transportation

• Constant communication or checking in with

partner

• Isolation from friends

or family

• Changes in behavior,

self-esteem, or confidence

Causes and Risk Factors

of Domestic Violence

• Cultural Abuse (weaponizing cultural identity, forbidding cultural

practice)

Abuse is always the

responsibility of the

abuser. Some risk factors to consider include

exposure to violence in

childhood, substance

abuse, mental health

issues, unemployment

or financial stress, and/

or cultural or societal

norms that support power imbalances.

Signs of Domestic

Violence

The Impact of Domestic

Violence

Some signs you can

Domestic violence affects

• Digital Abuse (monitoring phone or internet

use, online harassment)

• Psychological Abuse

(gaslighting, intimidation)

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

victims, their children,

and their communities.

Victims find themselves

faced with PTSD, depression, anxiety, physical injury, and even

death. Children experience emotional trauma,

behavioral issues, and

the risk of perpetuating

the cycle of abuse in the

future. Communities

face economic costs, and

intergenerational cycles

of violence.

International Day for the

Elimination of Violence

Against Women

On November 25, 2025,

this globally recognized

day sponsored by the

United nations focuses

on ending all forms of

gender-based violence,

including domestic violence, sexual violence,

and emotional abuse for

women and girls.

The International Day

for the Elimination of

Violence Against Women

is the start of 16 Days

of Activism Against

Gender-Based Violence,

which run from November 25 until December

10, 2025 (December 10

is International Human

Rights Day).

During these 16 days,

organizations worldwide

hold awareness events,

marches and protests,

fundraisers for shelters

and survivors, and emo-

tional and policy advocacy programs.

Movember Movement

During the entire month

of November, what

started as a campaign

for men’s health (including prostate and mental

health) has broadened its

horizons and now includes raising awareness

of male victims of domestic violence, encouraging healthy masculinity, and discusses how

violence affects men and

boys (both as victims

and as perpetrators).

How to help in

November

This November, you can

help educate friends,

family, and community members by sharing

facts about domestic and

gender-based violence

on social media. You

can support survivors by

donating or volunteering

at shelters and advocacy

groups. You can also

advocate by calling your

government representatives to establish stronger laws and support

systems.

You can participate by

joining events during

the 16 Days of Activism.

Finally, you can reflect

by considering how

your own community or

workplace can prevent

and respond to domestic

violence.

gdébą

November 2025

Domestic Violence

Every Child Matters Walk held in Lincoln

On September 30, 2025, the

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Domestic Violence program hosted the

3rd Annual Every Child Matters

Walk in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the

Capitol Building with the Lincoln

Indian Center. Participants were

encouraged to wear orange to

raise awareness. After the walk, a

lunch was hosted by Tribal Home

Visiting at the Ponca Health Services Lincoln location.

agdíwį

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Salute to Veterans

November 2025

Robin Bair, E-5

US Army

Afghanistan/Syria

Service: 1986-1996

of Master Sergeant

(E-7), he supervised

maintenance and

production for 25

F-16 aircraft and

I did my basic training

was recognized as

and AiT training in

a subject matter

Ft. Benning, GA. I

expert and certified

then was Stationed

“Red X” technician

in Fort Drum NY,

authorized for aircraft

10th Mountain

flight release. He

Parris Buffalochief,

Division 2/22 Light

deployed in support

Retired Master

Infantry Cohort Unit.

of Operations

Sergeant

2nd Platoon Bravo

Desert Storm and

USAF

Company. Been to

Iraqi Freedom and

Service: 1987-2011

central America 4

participated in

times. Panama twice With 24 years of

international exercises

for jungle training and service in the U.S.

in countries including

Honduras twice to

Air Force, Parris

South Korea, Turkey,

guard Tiger Island and dedicated his career to Australia, Spain, and

do mountain training. aircraft maintenance Japan. His leadership

Also Middle East to a and operations,

and expertise made

peacekeeping force

specializing in

a lasting contribution

in Tel Aviv 3 times.

Electrical and

to Air Force readiness

Preparing for desert

Environmental

and mission success.

warfare. Been to

Control systems

many training places

across five airframes Picture from 2007,

across the United

featuring his children,

— F-111, F-15, F-16,

States. Been to the

Saeka Buffalochief and

A-10, and C-130.

Gaza Strip and Holy

Tatsuya Buffalochief.

Rising to the rank

Lands. Walked up

Mount Sinai and

Cairo, Egypt.

Todd Carlisle, CTM2

US Navy

Gulf War

Service: 1986-1995

Brian Christiansen

Army

Service: 1992-2001

Jennifer M. Phelps,

SGT

(JP Pretty Bull)

Army

Iraq

Service: 1997-2005

Daniel Perez

USMC

Operation

Iraqi Freedom

Service: 1996-2004

Antonio

Blue-Gamble, SPC

Army

2 tours in Iraq apart

of Operation Iraqi

Freedom

Service: 2005-2010

Combat Action

Badge , Iraqi

Campaign Medal,

Army Commendation

Medal, Army

Achievement Medal

Stephanie Sydnor

USN

OIF and OND

Service: 1994-2014

Matthew Maxfield

USMC

Service: 2014-2020

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Gerald Swope

USMC

Service: 1957-1960

Daniel Hamilton,

TSGT

USAF

Operation Joint

Endeavor, Operation

Southern Watch

Service: 1984-2004

Joseph Tate, SRA E-4 Clifford C. Taylor

USAF

Army

Cold War

Korea

Service: 1980-1986

agdídúba

November 2025

Bruce Franklin,

Staff Sergeant

USAF

Service: 1980-1989

Salute to Veterans

Elven J Hamilton

Army

Service: 1946-1948

Vernon Howe, A2C

USAF

Vietnam

Service: 1961-1967

Ernest Iron Thunder

Army

WWII

Mark Peniska

USN

Vietnam

Service: 1969-1970

Michael D. Porter,

ABE-2

USN

Vietnam

Service: 1964-1967

Marshall Prichard

USMC

Vietnam

Service: 1964-1965

Duane Richards, SH1

USN

Vietnam

Service: 1958-1978

Gaylen Standsblack

USMC

Afghanistan

Service: 2/11-10/11

I learned a great

trade working on

aviation electronics

(avionics) in the Air

Force. Continued doing avionics work for

another 35 years until

retiring this year

Last assignment

regimental landing

team, 26th Marines.

Honorable discharge

Mona Wendzillo,

SMSgt/E-8

USAF

Operation Enduring

Freedom, Operation

Iraqi Freedom

Service: 1989-2015

Andrew Rowe, CW3

US Army

Afghanistan/Syria

Service:2007-Present

Serving as an Attack

Helicopter Pilot.

Currently stationed

at Fort Rucker, AL

as a flight school

instructor pilot and

safety officer.

agdísát’ą

Thomas Clark (Tony)

Wright

Army

Vietnam

Kenneth Zarlingo,

PFC

US Army Reserves

Service: 2008-2012

James Christiansen

USMC

Service: 1979-1990

Air Force Achievement, Commendation amd Meritorious

Service Medals. Good

Conduct, Longevity Service, Korean

Defense, National Defense, Short

OverseasTour and

Professional Military

Education Medals/

Awards.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Osni/PEDCO

November 2025

PEDCO Attends 2025 SMCo

Annual Thrift Store Conference

In preparation for the launch

of the Ponca Pathways Thrift

and Career Center, PEDCO

Director Greg Moser, Grants

Manager Tom McCauley, and

Business Development Specialist Rheadina Foster attended

the 2025 SMCo Thrift conference in Knoxville Tennessee

held September 22-24.

The team gained valuable

insights into key operational

strategies for running a successful thrift store, including

donation intake, sorting processes, and pricing items for

retail. These learnings will support the upcoming e-commerce

phase of the Ponca Pathways

Thrift and Career Center.

Starting October 21, 2025,

donations such as clothing,

shoes, hats, jewelry, and purses can be dropped off at 1001

Fort Crook RD N, Suite 201.

Donation hours are:

Tuesday through Thursdays

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Friday and Saturday

11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

All proceeds from sales will

benefit the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, supporting economic

empowerment and workforce

development opportunities for

the Tribe.

Donation bins will be coming

soon and will be located at the

Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center,

the Ralston Administration Building, OSNI

Ponca/PEDCO, and the Lincoln Health

and Wellness Center. Community donation

drives are also coming soon – stay tuned

for updates!

BUILDING NATIVE

COMMUNITIES

____

FREE FINANCIAL

EMPOWERMENT

TRAINING

COMING THIS JANUARY!

FREE FINANCIAL EDUCATION CLASS

____

OPEN TO ALL PONCA

TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

MEMBERS

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.

____

IN-PERSON (Virtual

options will be

available at future

dates)

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

FACILITATED BY

PEDCO

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.

INTERESTED? CONTACT

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

PEDCO

Info@pedco-ne.org

402-434-2127

agdíšáp’è

November 2025

Onsi/PEDCO

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.

INDIANPRENEURSHIP®

NOW AVAILABLE!

FREE SMALL BUSINESS

PROGRAM

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

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

access a free entrepreneurship program geared specifically for Native

Americans, thanks to our partnership with the Nebraska Indian

Community College (NICC). NICC’s Indianpreneurship curriculum

provides comprehensive information on the most important aspects of

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

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

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

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

____

FREE SMALL BUSINESS

PROGRAM

____

OPEN TO ALL PONCA

TRIBE MEMBERS

____

IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

OPTIONS AVAILABLE

____

FACILITATED BY THE

NEBRASKA INDIAN

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

INTERESTED? CONTACT

Anthony Warrior

sanawarrior@thenicc.edu

402-241-5943

PONCA 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!

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

EXPLORE REALISTIC

ON-THE-JOB

SCENARIOS

____

FIRST-PERSON

SIMULATIONS

____

FREE CAREER

INTEREST TOOLS TO

HELP YOU DISCOVER

YOUR DREAM JOB

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

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

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.

agdíp’énąbà

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!

PEDCO

2756 O Street

Lincoln, NE 68510

402.434.2127

PEDCO-NE.org

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Ponca Health Services

November 2025

Wellness Warriors workout with the Circle of Health Team

On September 29, 2025, the

Circle of Health team hosted a

workout class at the Lincoln Ponca Health Services’ gym. Highlights from the night included low

impact workouts, a few rounds

of basketball knockout, a healthy

meal made by the PTN Diabetes

Team, A1C testing, and blood

pressure checks.

Youth Mentoring

Progam

Behavioral Health is happy to announce that

we will be offering a mentoring program for

all Native youth ages 13 to 24 in our service

delivery areas. Our focus is to help young

relatives gain knowledge as they navigate life.

Our mentors are here to provide guidance,

support, and encouragement as you

work toward your personal, academic, or

professional goals. Your well-being matters to

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

we can.

For more information, contact our team.

Norfolk & Niobrara:

Lincoln:

Leah Franklin

531.269.0279

Joe Bad Moccasin

531.739.2107

Omaha & Sioux City:

Zach James

402.689.6142

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

SAVE THE DATE!

Diaper Distribution

November 5, 2025 | 10 am – 6 pm

Sioux City Office

125 6th St | Sioux City, IA

November 19, 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.

agdíp’edábdì

November 2025

Ponca Health Services

Tribal programs promote healthy living at Annual Health Fair

agdíšąk’a

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

2026 Open Enrollment

November 2025

Open Enrollment for Medicare, Medicai

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

6. Cancel your prescription drug

coverage

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.

• Iowa Totalcare

• Molina Healthcare of Iowa

• Wellpoint of Iowa

Don’t Have Medicaid?

If you have experienced any changes in your household income,

such as lost jobs, decreased hours,

switched jobs and/or added a new

member to your family, you may

now qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid offers several programs based

upon income and household size.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

What is minimum essential coverage?

Health insurance that satisfies the

ACA’s individual mandate.

Is the Indian Health Services

considered qualifying healthcare

coverage?

No, Indian Health Services alone

does not meet the minimum essential coverage defined by the ACA,

therefore is not considered qualifying health coverage.

gdébąnąbá

November 2025

2026 Open Enrollment

id, 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 wí’

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

Ponca Health Services

November 2025

Services Expanded for Diabetes Awareness Month

Meghan McLarney

SDPI Project Director

The Ponca Diabetes

Program is growing,

bringing a wealth of new

resources to our communities!

We invite you to connect

with our team to learn

more about preventing

and managing diabetes as we launch fresh

programs, classes, and

services for the coming

year.

November is Diabetes

Awareness Month

Native Americans face

the highest rates of

diabetes and related

complications of any

ethnic group in the U.S.

Of the 5.7 million Native people in the U.S.,

nearly 15% have some

form of diabetes. The

impact of colonization,

forced relocation, loss of

traditional food ways,

and ongoing issues with

discrimination and lack

of access to care contribute to poorer health

outcomes Native people.

In 2017, Native people

were 2.5 times more

likely to die from diabetes complications than

the average American.

November 14th is World

Diabetes Day. The blue

circle is the global symbol for diabetes, representing unity in the fight

against this chronic con20

dition. Wearing blue is

a powerful way to show

support and raise awareness for the millions of

people affected by diabetes around the world.

Diabetes Cooking classes

are offered on a monthly

basis in Omaha, and periodically at other office

locations. Upcoming

classes include:

• Wear blue clothing or

accessories on November 14th

• Norfolk –

November 14th

• Share a photo on social media with hashtags

like #WorldDiabetesDay

and #BlueCircle

• Encourage your workplace or school to join in

with a blue-themed day

• Light up landmarks or

homes in blue to show

solidarity

Foot Care Clinics

Keeping your feet

healthy is incredibly important to anyone with

diabetes. The Diabetes

Program is excited to

now offer Foot Care

clinics in Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Niobrara,

and Sioux City.

To schedule an appointment, contact Michelle

Alloway or reach out to

Scheduling.

Cooking Classes

Healthy eating habits

are essential to helping

control and manage diabetes. Learn more about

how to eat healthy on a

budget, and incorporate

traditional food ways

into your modern diet.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

• Niobrara –

November 25th

We look forward to

working together

throughout the coming

year to build healthier futures. Reach out

to your Ponca Tribe

of Nebraska Diabetes

team today for support,

education, and empowerment, and more!

Meghan McLarney

402.738.3178

mmclarney@poncatribe-ne.gov

Michelle Alloway

402.733.3183

malloway@poncatribe-ne.gov

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Annual Healthy Living

Walk/Run

& Powwow

April 18, 2026

Walk/Run Location - Skyview Lake

1900 West Maple Ave. | Norfolk, NE

Powwow Location - Ponca Tribal Gym

1800 Syracuse Ave. | Norfolk, NE

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and its organizers, agencies,

representatives, agents, employees, and sponsors

(“Tribe”) do not accept responsibility and expressly

exclude liability for any loss or damage to any personal

property during the Diabetes Walk/Run and Powwow

or any injuries that may occur or be suffered at or

during the Diabetes Walk/Run and Powwow. The Tribe

makes no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied,

including with respect to information posted about the

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

vendors, participants, and attendees assume any and

all risks, known and unknown, and responsibility for

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

from, arising out of, or in connection with participation

any and all activities at the Diabetes Walk/Run and

Powwow. In consideration for being permitted to attend

and participate in the Diabetes Walk/Run and Powwow,

attendees and participants release, waive, discharge, and

relinquish any right of recovery and release the Tribe from

any liability or claims of loss or damage whether known

or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated that may occur

from attendance at or participation in the Diabetes Walk/

Run and Powwow, regardless of cause of origin.

gdébąnąbá kí nąbá

November 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 dábdì

Revised: 01/22/2025

_______________________________

DATE

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Enrollment

November 2025

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

TRIBAL MEMBERS

(please print)

NAME:__________________________________________________DOB:_________________________

MAILING ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________ PHONE: ______________________________

PHYSICAL ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT THAN MAILING):

______________________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL:_______________________________________________________________________________

VETERANS ONLY: MILITARY BRANCH:______________________________________________

***Service papers must be submitted toTRIBAL

the enrollment

department if you are requesting a military

MEMBERS

(please print)

seal.

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

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

NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________

Photo ID Instructions

ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________

1. Signature

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

____________________________________________________________________________

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

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

2. yes,

Clear

readable

copies

please

check

one of the

the following

following:must

Full

SSsubmitted:

number_____

or Last 4 digits only_____

TRIBAL

MEMBERS

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

must have

and signature

on responsibility

it) (please print)

By(Itmarking

Yesyour

youpicture

understand

it is your

to keep your SSN confidential and acknowledge

thatb:the

Ponca

Tribe

Nebraska

is notofresponsible

if thebut

cardyour

is lost

oris,stolen.

If you

are not

anof

enrolled

member

the Ponca Tribe,

child

you must still submit a copy of your

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

NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________

and Tribal Enrollment Card for proof of enrollment.

Photo Options:

ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________

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

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

____________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

Military

Seals:

If yes,

please

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

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

department to show proof of veteran status.

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

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

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

gdébąnąbá kí dúba

November 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, Jace Ryan

Bear, Joshua Gilbert

Beaver, Jason Chaska

Beaver, Jason Eugene

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, 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

gdébąnąbá kí sát’ą

Detoffoli, Emily Nicole

Dodd, Sara Rae

Drapeaux, Juston Lee

Droescher,

Samantha Roma Rae

Droescher,

Savannah Jo Anne

Ebeltoft, Jacob Joel

Eckley, Lane Emory

Eckley, Leigha Irene

Eilers, Richard James

Evans, Kareem Antwon

Fegan, Maria Christina

Feldhaus, Christopher

Joseph

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

Grist, Robert Carlyle

Grist, Robert Kay

Haahr, Anneliese Teresa

Hagler, Joshua James

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.

Huber, Christopher Lee

Humphreys, Belinda Kay

Jeppesen, Zachary Lee

Johnson, Lukus Tyler

Keeling, Lamont Terrill

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, Gisele Marie

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

Mc Cray, Johnny William

Melvin

McGrath, Bryan Thomas

McGrath, Daniel Patrick

McGraw, Rowan Bay

Leigh

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

Picotte, Desireè Rosetta

Pierce, Raychel Marie

Pittman, Sharon Kay

Poafpybitty, Misty Brook

Polly, Rachael Anne

Prichard, Joseph John

Prunty, Austin Joe

Quintana Jr, Arthur Jose

Raymond, Joseph Allen

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

Schmitz, Jennifer Joy

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, Sage Mae

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, Ka`ili 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

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

Member’s Corner

November 2025

Ponca Dental gives back to Veterans

The Third Annual Nebraska Veterans Mission of Mercy was held on

September 26th & 27th 2025, in the Nebraska National Guards Readiness

Center in Yutan, Nebraska.

This year we could not send staff to help on the clock, but Kathi Narlock

PHRDH in the Omaha clinic, volunteered her own time provide hygiene

care. The Ponca Dental Clinics were able to provide our radiology

equipment once again for the mission.

This year’s mission was able to help about 400+ patients who do not

qualify for the Veteran Administrations dental program receive the care

they need without worry about payment for services.

The Ponca Dental Clinic looks forward to participating in the 2026

Nebraska Veterans Mission of Mercy.

Deborah Bernadette Spotted Wood

(October 7, 1957 – September 29, 2025)

Deborah Bernadette Spotted Wood, age 67, passed away peacefully

surrounded by her loved ones in her home on Monday, September 29th,

2025 after a long battle with cancer.

Deborah, the daughter of Evelyn Wright, was born October 7th, 1957 in

Wagner, SD. She graduated from Yankton Public High School in 1976 and

is a North East Community College, Norfolk, NE, graduate with her LPN.

She then started working at the Norfolk Regional Center, a career which

lasted for the next 20 years. After that she sat on the Northern Ponca

Restoration Committee Inc. where she helped with the restoration of the

Ponca Tribe in 1990. After the Ponca Tribe was reinstated, she got voted

on as a chairwoman. Following her time as a chairwoman, she became

the tribal health director. She was a proud Ponca Tribal member and she

loved her time working there. She eventually went back to what she

loved, which was helping and caring for others. She continued working as

a private duty nurse up until the end of her career.

Deborah married Eugene Theodore Wright in 1980 in Norfolk NE, where

they shared a long and happy marriage. Deborah had many hobbies and

was very active in her community. She loved macrame, painting, ceramics,

sewing, quilting and tending to her plants. She also enjoyed cooking

and she became a master in making frybread. Music, laughter, and good

energy was always in her house, which she opened to everyone.

Deborah liked to stay busy, by either spending time with her

grandchildren, participating in the Ponca Tribe activities, or attending

pow-wows. She also donated her time to the Johnson-O’Malley program,

where she sat on the committee that provided supplemental educational services to American Indian students to help

them succeed academically and culturally.

Deborah is survived by her 6 children, 4 girls and 2 boys, Wenda Sue Wright, Tyler James Wright, Genessa Lynn Wright,

Kendra Rae Arcoren, Jeanette Theodora Wright, and Eugene Theodore Wright Jr.; as well as 5 sisters and 1 brother. She

also had many nieces, nephews and grandchildren, that she loved dearly and treated like her own children.

She was loved by so many, and will be remembered for her boundless compassion and unwavering dedication to her

loved ones. Deborah’s devotion to family was a cornerstone of her life.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

gdébąnąbá kí šáp’è

November 2025

Member's Corner

Welcome, Baby Ireland!

Ireland Lou Hansen was born on August 27th, 2025,

weighing in at 7lbs 8oz. This is the first grandchild of

Crystal Mundorf.

Elder’s

Committee

Meetings

Parents: Ian Hansen and Presley Marnach

Grandparents: Crystal Mundorf and Scott Hansen

Great Grandmother: Rozlyn (Boettger) Barta

Great-Great Grandmother:

Maxine (Birdhead) Boettger

Congratulations on your newest addition to the family!

November 3 | 10 am

1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE

December 1 | 10 am

125 6th St | Sioux City, IA

Congratulations, Jessica!

We wanted to give a HUGE shout out to Jessica

Hitchcock who graduated from her Executive

Public Information Officer (EPIO) course from the

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on

September 19th, 2025.

Jessica is one of two EPIO’s in the state of Nebraska

and the only one who works for a Tribal nation.

Congratulations, girl! You did it and we are so proud

of you.

– Mary Robertson & the Lincoln Office

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Word search answers from page 4

gdébąnąbá kí p’énąbá

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

P.O. Box 288

Niobrara, NE 68760

e.gov

ncatr

Office Locations

NIOBRARA 68760

Headquarters

2523 Woodbine St., P.O. Box 288

Ph: (402) 857-3391

Fax: (402) 857-3736

Enrollment

2523 Woodbine St., P.O. Box 288

Ph: (402) 857-3391

Fax: (402) 857-3771

Cultural

P.O. Box 288

Ph: (402) 857-3519

Fax: (402) 857-3652

Ponca Hills Clinic

Ph: (402) 371-8780

(402) 371-5726

Fax: (402) 379-4291 - Pharmacy

(402) 379-4293 - Registration

(402) 371-4094 - Medical Lab

Administration

125 6th Street

Ph: (712) 258-0500

Fax: (402)939-0297

OTHER RESOURCES

Ponca Express Child Abuse Hotline

Ph: 877-769-3111

800-652-1999 (Nebraska)

800-362-2178 (Iowa)

Northern Ponca Housing Authority

877-244-0864 (South Dakota)

1501 Michigan Ave.

Ph: (402) 379-8224

National Child Abuse Hotline

(800) 367-2320

800-422-4453

Fax: (402) 379-8557

Purchased/Referred Care

Ph: (800) 405-0365

Administration

Fax: (402) 371-0176

1600 Windhoek Dr.

Ph: (402) 438-9222

OMAHA 68107

Fax: (402) 438-9226

LINCOLN 68512

Ponca Health Services-Lincoln

1600 Windhoek Dr

Ph: (531) 248-3030

SIOUX CITY 51103

Fred LeRoy Health & Wellness Clinic

2602 “J” Street

Ph: (402) 733-3612

Fax: (402) 733-3487

National Suicide Hotline

800-273-8255

Domestic Violence Hotline

800-799-7233

National Human Trafficking Hotline

888-373-7888

National Problem Gambling Helpline

Osni Ponca

800-522-4700

2756 O Street

Administration

Ph: (402) 434-2127

5805 South 86th Circle, 68127

Elder Abuse Hotline

Fax: (402) 434-2128

Ph: (402) 315-2760

800-252-8966

NORFOLK 68701

Dental Boys Town Crisis Line

2602 “J” Street

800-448-3000

Ph: (402) 733-1325

Fax: (402) 733-3487

Drug Treatment & Referral Hotline

877-726-4727

Northern Ponca Housing Authority

Gym Building

10635 Birch., 68134

Nebraska Family Helpline

1800 Syracuse Ave.

Ph: (402) 505-3055

888-866-8660

Ph: (402) 371-8834

Fax: (402) 505-3066

Fax: (402) 379-0988

Veterans Crisis Line

800-273-8255

Administration Building

1800 Syracuse Ave.

Ph: (402) 371-8834

Fax: (402) 371-7564

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

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

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

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

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.