Tips for being severe weather

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Member News

Severe Weather

Awareness Month

Tips for being severe weather

aware and prepared

March 2026

Tribal News

March 2026

20th Annual Healthy Living

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!

March 20, 2026

12 – 1 pm

April 17, 2026

12 – 1 pm

Walk/Run

& Powwow

April 18, 2026

10:00 am: 2 Mile Prayer Walk and Run

Skyview Lake | Parking off N 25th St. | Norfolk, NE

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

Sioux City Conference Room Niobrara Headquarters

125 6th St

2523 Woodbine St

Sioux City, IA

Niobrara, NE

11:30 am-12:30 pm: Lunch

Ponca Tribe Gym | 1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE

Lunch will be provided to all walk/run participants and

powwow attendees.

1:00 pm-5:00 pm: Powwow

Ponca Tribe Gym | 1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE

To RSVP, please scan our QR code. For

more information, contact Ben Schott

at bschott@poncatribe-ne.gov.

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.

Scan Me!

EXTENDED REALITY

(XR) CAREER

EXPLORATION

____

AVAILABLE NOW!

PEDCO Career Quest XR

No matter how old you are, choosing a career can be tough. It’s

even harder when you’re not sure what you want to do or don’t

know what kind of jobs exist out there. Wouldn’t it be great if you

could try on several different careers at once to see how they fit?

You can, and PEDCO can help. Thanks to our new extended reality

(XR) work exploration program, Career Quest XR, you can sample

a wide variety of careers through virtual reality (VR) and augmented

reality (AR). Fun, immersive simulations of realistic job scenarios let

you try out the kind of tasks real-world professionals perform

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

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

Whether you’re in school, looking for work, underemployed, or deep

into a career, PEDCO’s Career Quest XR can help you plan your

next move. To schedule your free appointment at one of our

locations in Lincoln, Omaha, or Norfolk, please contact

info@pedco-ne.org today!

EXPLORE REALISTIC

ON-THE-JOB

SCENARIOS

____

FIRST-PERSON

SIMULATIONS

____

FREE CAREER

INTEREST TOOLS TO

HELP YOU DISCOVER

YOUR DREAM JOB

SAVE THE DATE!

Diaper Distribution

March 11, 2026 | 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

March 18, 2026 | 10 am – 6 pm

Sioux City Office

125 6th St | Sioux City, IA

PEDCO

2756 O Street

Lincoln, NE 68510

402.434.2127

Please bring Tribal ID or proof of enrollment

for you or the child in need to participate.

PEDCO-NE.org

On the cover: Thunderstorm looms over the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Powwow Grounds

March 2026

Tribal News

Ponca member Cliff Taylor wins Independent Press

Award for latest book

Ponca member and author Cliff

Taylor has received the "Distinguished Favorite" Independent

Press Award in the Cultural Heritage category for his latest novel

The Shining Hands of My Ponca

Ancestors.

This latest novel depicts Cliff's

childhood, during which time –

with the help of friends, relatives,

spirits, and ancestors – he learns

what is truly possible for him and

his tribe, and how dramatically

different that is from the dominant

cultural messaging of his youth.

In the article Indigenous Astoria

author wins Independent Book

Award, written by Heather Douglas for Discover Our Coast Newsletter, Cliff Taylor's response to

the award was one of honoring his

Ponca Ancestors:

“It is such an honor to have my

essay collection The Shining

Hands of My Ponca Ancestors

named as a Distinguished Favorite

at this year’s Independent Press

Awards. I really believe in the

healing and transformative power

of Indigenous stories and literature. And these essays – about the

Sundance, our Ponca Powwow,

our sacred homelands, our ancestral corn – are all about these

things that keep us Indigenous

people strong, brilliant, beautiful,

resilient, and thoroughly ourselves, healing up and transforming our worlds through it all. I am

overjoyed to receive this news and

hope this award helps other readers who could benefit from my

book to find it and have a good,

memorable time reading it.”

To order a copy of The Shining

Hands of My Ponca Ancestors

or to congratulate Cliff, visit his

website cliffponca.com or email

him at cliffponca@gmail.com.

Elder's Committee

Meetings

March 2 | 10 am

2523 Woodbine Street | Niobrara, NE

April 6 | 10 am

Cliff Taylor with a copy of "The Shining

Hands of My Ponca Ancestors"

Photo by Emily Hoard photo

Article courtesy of Heather Douglas. “Indigenous Astoria Author Wins Independent Book

Award - Discover Our Coast.” Discover Our

Coast, discoverourcoast.com/2026/02/05/

indigenous-astoria-author-wins-independent-book-award-for-his-novel/.

Shout out a

Ponca Employee!

Celebrate those who are making a difference

working for the Tribe! Scan the QR code to

submit your shout outs and Mí’ Úwađit’a

̀ ̨ ákà

(Employee of the Month) nominations for March.

125 6th Street | Sioux City, IA

May 3 | 10 am

5805 South 86th Circle | Omaha, NE

wí’

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

District Events & News

District 1 SDA

Easter Egg Hunts

March 29, 2026 | 1 pm

Niobrara Headquarters

2523 Woodbine Street | Niobrara, NE

March 29, 2026 | 5 pm

March 2026

District 1

Easter Youth Gift Cards

Happy Easter from D1 Tribal Council! All youth will

receive a gift card in lieu of an Easter basket. Members

should look for the return address from Corporate

Traditions on their gift card envelope.

Corporate Traditions

1186 North 300 East

Pleasant Grove, UT

Sioux City Offices

125 6th Street | Sioux City, IA

For any questions, contact D1 Council Representatives

Angie Starkel at astarkel@PoncaTribe-ne.gov or

Patrick Lamoureux at plamoureux@PoncaTribe-ne.gov.

Join the District 1 Tribal Council for an Easter egg hunt!

Light refreshments will be provided. For any questions,

please contact D1 Council Representatives Angie Starkel

at astarkel@PoncaTribe-ne.gov or Patrick Lamoureux at

plamoureux@PoncaTribe-ne.gov.

District 1

Easter HOH Gift Cards

Happy Easter from D1 Tribal Council! All head of

household will receive a gift card to help with Easter.

Members should look for the return address from

Corporate Traditions on their gift card envelope.

Corporate Traditions

1186 North 300 East

Pleasant Grove, UT

For any questions, contact D1 Council Representatives

Angie Starkel at astarkel@PoncaTribe-ne.gov or

Patrick Lamoureux at plamoureux@PoncaTribe-ne.gov.

District 3 SDA

District 3 OSDA

March 28, 2026 | 11 am

In lieu of an Easter Basket, District 3 Tribal

Council will be sending $15 gift cards to all

youth ages 0-15 outside of the Service Delivery

Area. All gift cards will be mailed by March 14th.

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!

Easter Gift Cards

For more information, please contact Tribal

Council Representatives Shanna Carpenter at

shannac@poncatribe-ne.gov or Susie Baker at

sbaker@poncatribe-ne.gov.

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

nąbá

March 2026

District 2

Easter and Hand Game

March 22, 2026 | 2 – 5 pm

Ralston Cabinet Building

5811 South 86th Circle | Omaha, NE

All District 2 Ponca Tribal members and their families are

invited to come and celebrate our Easter Hand Game

Event! Every child age 0 to 14 years old will receive an

Easter basket to fill. Join the D2 Tribal Council and Ponca

Youth Council for filling Easter baskets, a few rounds of

Hand Game, Cake Walks, light refreshments, and family

pictures with the Easter Bunny!

For more information, please contact D2 Tribal Council

Representatives Falon McAlpin at 402.208.0297 or at

falonm@poncatribe-ne.gov or Samantha Gallagher at

402.213.2058 or at sgallagher@poncatribe-ne.gov.

District 4

Youth Easter Baskets

March 27, 2026 | 3 – 6 pm

Norfolk Gymnasium

1800 Syracuse Avenue | Norfolk, NE

District 4 Tribal Council will be handing out Easter baskets

and candy for all Ponca youth! For any questions or to

arrange alternate arrangement for pick up, please contact

D4 Council Representatives Alex Taylor at 402.750.2045

or Kyle Taylor at ktaylor@poncatribe-ne.gov.

dábdì

District Events & News

District 2 OSDA

Easter Gift Cards

Happy Easter from D2 Tribal Council! All OSDA kids

0 – 14 years old will receive a gift card in lieu of an

Easter basket. All gift cards will be mailed out by

March 1st. All members must be actively enrolled

when pulling the lists.

For more information, please contact D2 Tribal

Council Representatives Falon McAlpin at

402.208.0297 or at falonm@poncatribe-ne.gov or

Samantha Gallagher at 402.213.2058 or at

sgallagher@poncatribe-ne.gov.

District 4

Easter Gift Cards

District 4 Tribal Council will be sending out $25

gift cards to all head of household to help assist

with their Easter! For any questions, please

contact D4 Council Representatives Kyle Taylor

at ktaylor@poncatribe-ne.gov or Alex Taylor at

402.750.2045.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Language & Culture

March 2026

Ą́ska áma č'ú' - Green things - Word Search Labs

13/26, 4:09 PM

A Word Search to shamROCK Your Socks Off

Ą́ska áma č'ú' - Green things

by Patience Teboe, Culture Director

Y ' C U E N Ú A P È I Į ' À Ú U X K ' U K ' U M I

X G P Y D T O É C T B X I D A T Q F O ' J ' L Č T

O I E X Ú Į ' V Į́I Í K V I W Ą́R Į́J V Ą́É Á D È

Ꟈ W D À V Š S G C L U Ú U V Į A Į́Í ' V È À Į́W A

I Į́È U H I N Š ' V Č F J K U Č N Ꟈ Š H Z Į ' Į́Z

F Ą S Y W W L D E H Ú L G Ą́Ą Č V Ú À R C W W M À

T G K X T È À Ú É Į Ꟈ R A ' Ą Á Q R B K Q X G É '

R A F D R Į́V S ' Į́A T R S É À N X Á W Í L X S T

F D K C T O W É Ú Í O H R Č Į ' Į È K È À Į́G Ą Ú

R G M À M D Č G ' T S Į Í ' T X M À Ą́Š I L S Á B

' W O Ą S Á R V Č T I Ą R Č L B Á Ą ' G J O N ' È

D Ą́M È Z F O S A V Ú A R B Į Ú V D I ' À Ą́L T G

Á T Į C È E D E M U Š S D D Į V Į S E M Q S À A Į

I F R È É V ' J Á M N É M K N Š K A K Ą È B I ' Ꟈ

V F J Į́M Í X S A U W B J J U Y M B J Š R Z B T B

Á Ą Ą V W ' M W K H V Á Ꟈ R É E J U A Č Y V É Á I

I Ꟈ Ꟈ F B E Z P S À À Ꟈ H Į́Q L R D Ą Į́S Á ' E H

Ú O M K W K N Ą Ą́A E X Z Í É J M ' A G P L T ' Ꟈ

L Ą Į́Į É I Į I Ą J S I E Q C Á I Í Q E K X Į́T M

Ą R V F Š Č Į́G S Ą́Č O Í É D ' B H À W N L W A I

K W M B R U P Á B E M É Ꟈ Į́N F R I Į́A C O Í X I

Z M F F K H I Y Č A Z Ą́B E A X U S Z Ꟈ Y Ą Ą U I

C C Į È Á S U È É Š ' A Q O C Í Q I F A C W Š K H

X W R Q G X T N Č ' Ú ' Č T V Ą́Í M Į́T Z Į ' K O

Č Í N C G I S G F Y Q Y S Y U Q Q Į ' È T H X Y À

1. xáde

2. sihí'duba

3. č'ú'

4. mąšč ́gewaꟈatè

5. k'uk'umi

8. xꟈábé

9. ábe

10. mąze'skà

11. t'eát'at'á

12. hibꟈįgèbút'à

Member Mailing

Questions

Have questions about tribal

mailings? Reach out to your District Representatives!

District 3

District 2

District 1

Angie Starkel Falon McAlpin Shanna

402.922.0436 402.208.0297 Carpenter

ps://wordsearchlabs.com/view/1428338

402.805.0883

Samantha

Patrick

Susan (Susie)

Gallagher

Lamoureux

712.899.8563 402.213.2058 Baker

925.788.0649

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

District 4

Alex Taylor

402.750.2045

6. t'ébià

́ ̨ ska áma č'ú' – green things

Xáde – grass

Sihí' duba – alligator

Č'ú' – green

Mąščį́ ge wadatè – lettuce

K'uk'umi – pickles

T'ébià – frog

G'é' – turtle

Xdábé – forest

Ábe – leaf

Mąze' skà – money

T'eát'at'á – praying mantis

Hibdįgèbút'à – peas

7. g'é'

13. ą́skaámač'ú'

Get important news

from your Tribe

in your email!

Contact Jessica Hitchcock at

jhitchcock@poncatribe-ne.gov

to sign up today!

1/1

Coming soon: Text message alerts for important updates

Kyle Taylor

402.750.4299

dúba

March 2026

Emerging Contaminants:

Safely using Pesticides

Olivia Pospisil

Environmental Hazards Specialist

Pesticides are defined as any substance or biological

agent intended for preventing, destroying, repelling,

or migrating any pest. Pesticides are commonly used

at the start of the growing season to keep unwanted

animals away from crops or flowers.

Environmental

(Into the Wild)

Mąt’ánąhà Ðéwadè : Ponca Youth Camp

June 7 – 11, 2026 | Niobrara Grounds | 88915 521 Avenue

Registration for the Into the Wild: Ponca Youth Camp is now open! To

register for the camp, scan our QR code or visit https://poncatribeofne.formstack.com/forms/ponca_youth_camp_2026. Spots are

limited! For more information, please contact Misha Mazurkewycz at

misham@poncatribe-ne.gov.

Pesticides are a broad term for these substances. There

are also insecticides to control insects, herbicides to

control the growth of unwanted plants and weeds,

fungicides to kill molds and fungal problems, and rodenticides to kill rodents like mice or rats.

When using any type of pesticide, make sure to apply

it safely. Things to remember are:

• If you decide to use pesticides, always read the label

first and follow the directions to the letter, including

all precautions and restrictions

• Make sure children and pets are out of the area

when applying, both indoors and outdoors

• Remove toys and personal items from the areas

you’re spraying, both indoors and outdoors

• Remove or cover food during indoor applications

• Wear clothing that protects the skin, such as long

sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, and any other

protective gear the label suggests

Tribal Council

Meetings

• Mix pesticides outdoors or in well-ventilated areas

March 2 | 4:30 pm

• Do not spray in windy or rainy conditions

Local Offices & Lifesize

• Wash your hands and change your clothes

immediately after spraying

March 9 | 4:30 pm

Local Offices & Lifesize

• If you are exposed to the chemicals when spraying,

there are first aid measures on the label and phone

numbers to call

March 16 | 4:30 pm

Join us for future editions for more on these emerging

contaminants and ways to reduce their impact on you,

your family, and the environment around us.

March 23 | 4:30 pm

For more information, contact the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Environmental Department or visit the EPA’s

website on pesticides: www.epa.gov/pesticides.

sát’ą

Local Offices & Lifesize

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Education

March 2026

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.

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)

Summer 2026 deadline: May 15, 2026

Fall 2026 deadline: August 15, 2026

Winter 2026 deadline: November 15, 2026

• 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).

The Ponca Educational Trust Fund is available

nationwide to students who enroll at one of

the University of Nebraska Campuses/Online

Courses: Lincoln ~ Omaha ~ Kearney (Must

be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours per

semester to be eligible)

All Education Department Applications and Program Information are available

online on our tribal website. If you have any questions for the education

department, please feel free to contact Aubrey Knudsen at: office (402)3718834, work cell (402)844-0957, or aknudsen@poncatribe-ne.gov. *Ponca tribal

enrollment is required for ALL education programs*

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Deadline to apply for the 2025-2026 school year is July 31, 2026.

šáp’è

March 2026

Education

March into your heritage

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska's

Native American Youth Enhancement Program

For Native youths between the ages of 13-18 who wish to connect with

their heritage this winter, the Native American Youth Enhancement

Program (NAYEP), is here to help you discover your roots with five

engaging units, you will delve into:

Ì Self-Esteem

Ì Native American History

Ì Native American Contributions

Ì Cultural Traditions

Ì Native American Role Models:

Past and Present

For every unit you complete, you will receive a $20.00 incentive, that’s a

total of $80.00 for spending time learning about your culture. As a bonus,

for completing the program, you will receive an additional $20.00 and a

certificate of completion.

Ready to take your first step? Sign up today!

Contact Amber Appling at aappling@poncatribe-ne.gov or at 402.371.8834

Ext. 2037, or visit www.poncatribe-ne.gov/services/education/

(Make sure to include your email and phone number with your application as well as proof of lineal

descendancy, or proof of enrollment in another type of Indian program).

Class

2026

Honoring our Graduating Seniors

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska would like to honor

our 2026 Ponca graduates in a special section in our

June 2026 Newsletter.

Please complete the online form NO LATER THAN

May 8th, 2026 to have your graduate included in

this section. Submissions may be subject to minor

edits for space and consistency.

To submit your graduate, scan our QR code, or

visit https://poncatribeofne.formstack.com/

forms/2026_graduates.

Questions? Please email

info@poncatribe-ne.gov.

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:

Tara Stahly

402.958.0746

Joe Bad Moccasin

531.739.2107

Omaha & Sioux City:

p’énąbà

Zach James

402.689.6142

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Tribal Emergency Services

March 2026

Be severe weather aware and prepared year-round

Are you and your relatives prepared for severe

weather? Severe weather

refers to any kind of

weather that can create

dangerous conditions

that threaten life and

property. This time of

year, we’re often discussing thunderstorms and

tornadoes, but severe

weather includes winter

weather and extreme fire

conditions as well.

It’s important to know

the risks specific to your

area, and how to prepare

for those risks. Many of

the ways to prepare for

typical spring weather

events can be applied to

other dangerous weather

as well.

Watches, Warnings, and

Advisories and the

differences between them

Knowing what different

types of alerts mean is

important to understanding the dangers

with each type of alert

and what actions to

take.

An OUTLOOK says

that there may be severe

weather in the next 7

days that could pose a

threat to life and property. (ex. Fire weather

outlook -no outdoor

fires).

What to do –

HAVE A PLAN

An ADVISORY is issued

when a weather hazard

is happening, or likely to

happen. Advisories are

for less serious conditions than those for a

warning. An advisory

says to be aware of the

threat, and how it might

affect you (ex. Winter

weather advisory –

check road conditions).

What to do –

USE CAUTION

A WATCH is issued

when weather conditions

are prime for severe

weather to happen that

could pose a threat to

life and property in the

very near future.

In a watch, listen to

weather information

for WARNINGS, and

be ready to take action

to stay safe, especially

when traveling or during

outdoor activities (ex.

Thunderstorm watch

– know where storm

shelters are).

What to do –

GET READY /

BE PREPARED

A WARNING is issued

when a severe weather event is happening

RIGHT NOW that

poses a threat to life or

property. NOW is the

time to act (ex. Tornado

warning – SEEK

SHELTER)!

What to do –

TAKE ACTION!

Spring Severe Weather

Although winter weath-

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

er and fire risks can

still happen this time

of year, spring is traditionally associated

with the return of the

thunder, or įgđå'hút'å

įgđą'hút'ą.

Some of the most likely

threats this time of year

in the Service Delivery

Area and the Midwest

are thunderstorms

įgđå'hút'å and torna(įgđą'hút'ą)

does (t'adé'sagì't'ągà).

A severe thunderstorm is

considered one producing penny or dime-size

hail, with winds greater

than 58 miles per hour.

All thunderstorms can

be dangerous. Hail,

wind, lightning, and

heavy rain can all pose

significant risks.

For hail and wind, seek

shelter in a sturdy building and move to an interior room on the lowest

floor, away from windows. Secure items, park

cars under shelter, and

avoid driving, if possible. If you are caught

away from shelter, use

what you can to protect

your head and face from

hail or flying debris.

When Thunder Roars,

Go Indoors!

Lightning can be dangerous, damaging, and

deadly. Use the 30/30

rule. If you see lightning

and can’t count to 30

before hearing thunder,

seek shelter in a build-

ing or a car with a roof,

and stay inside until 30

minutes after the last

thunder you hear. If you

cannot reach shelter,

move to the lowest spot

possible and stay away

from trees.

Turn Around, Don’t

Drown!

Thunderstorms may also

carry heavy rain, which

can cause flash flooding and visibility issues

while driving.

If you live or work in a

flood plain, stay aware

of weather conditions,

and have a plan to evacuate quickly if a flash

flood warning is issued.

If you are driving, try to

pull over safely until the

storm has passed, and

NEVER try to walk or

drive through water over

the road! It only takes

6 inches of fast-moving

water to knock over an

average-sized person

and twelve inches of

fast-moving water to

move a car.

Thunderstorms can

also spawn tornados.

Tornadoes can destroy

buildings, uproot trees,

and hurl debris through

the air. Seek shelter in a

basement, storm shelter, or an interior room

away from windows.

If you’re in a car, seek

shelter in the nearest safe

p’edábdì

March 2026

Tribal Emergency Services

building. If that is not possible,

leave your car to seek shelter in a

low-lying area. An interstate overpass is NOT a safe shelter!

option, the NOAA Weather

Radio app allows you to access

the same information on your

phone.

Tornadoes can strike any time of

the day or night. Nighttime tornadoes can be especially dangerous.

Have a way to receive alerts at

night and keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed to reach your safe

place quickly if a tornado occurs

at night.

2. Sign up for notifications. Know

how your community sends

warnings (sirens, media, smart

phone alerts.) Members in

the Service Delivery Area can

https://poncatribe-ne.gov/tribal-emergency-services/emergency-alerts/.

Being Prepared

For all types of severe weather,

there are several things you can do

ahead of time to stay safe:

1. Be weather ready. Stay tuned

to your local weather forecast

and have a NOAA weather radio programmed for your local

area. While a battery-operated weather radio is your best

3. Know your safe place and

have a plan. Make sure that

you and your family know

where to go when severe

weather strikes, and how you

can communicate. Have a

kit prepared with batteries or

charging devices, clean water,

some food, and necessary medications for people and pets.

4. Help your relatives!

Help your loved ones and

neighbors develop a plan for

severe weather and be ready to

help where necessary.

Severe weather events can be scary

but knowing more about these

threats and how to be prepared

can help protect life and property,

even when the worst happens.

For more information on types of

severe weather and how to prepare, visit ready.gov/severe-weather, and watch for more severe

weather awareness information

throughout the month of March

and year-round on the Ponca

Tribe of Nebraska Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/PoncaTribeOfNebraska.

SAVE THE DATE!

ANNUAL

PONCA TRIBE OF

4-Day

Powwow!

NEBRASKA POWWOW

August 6-9, 2026

All Dancers, Vendors and Spectators Welcome.

For the most up-to-date information, follow us on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/PTNCultureDepartment/

or contact Culture Director Patience Teboe, pteboe@poncatribe-ne.gov

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 Annual Powwow or any injuries that may occur or be

suffered at or during the Annual Powwow. The Tribe makes no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, including with respect to information

posted about the Annual 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 Annual Powwow. In consideration for being permitted to attend and participate in the Annual 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 Annual Powwow, regardless of cause of origin.

šák’a

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Osni/PEDCO

March 2026

Meet the newest additions to the team: Julia and Rob

Please join us in welcoming Julia as the new Store Manager at Niobrara Market and Rob as the Retail Manager for our Ponca Smoke Signals locations!

Julia has lived in Niobrara for the last 8 years.

You've probably seen

her around the store and

the community. She's

been our baker for the

past 4 years and worked

in the school's cafeteria. She also owns the

Niobrara Trading Post

Lodge and enjoys making it a home away from

home for her guests.

She's looking forward

to serving the Niobrara

community by making

the store the best it can

be. Her favorite hobby is

watching her kids rope,

rodeo and do what they

love. She also enjoys

baking for both humans

and dogs. She won't shy

away from a good cup

of coffee and loves to

garden!

A message from her to

our customers: "Thank

you for the support

I have received since

accepting the position as

manager at the Market!

This community is truly

special. Thank you for

all the confidence and

hellos you have given

me. Please never hesitate

to stop by the market

and say hi!"

Rob joined Ponca

Smoke Signals and

currently serves as the

Retail Manager, overseeing retail operations at

two store locations.

the hardworking and

dependable employees

he works with each day

and credits their teamwork and dedication as

a key part of the stores’

success. Rob looks forward to continuing to

help grow the business

and takes pride in knowing that its success helps

support and strengthen

the Ponca community.

Outside of work, Rob

has been married to

his wife, Jennifer, since

2021 and is the proud

father of two daughters. He enjoys spending

time outdoors, foraging,

collecting and studying

mushrooms, growing

gourmet varieties, and

cheering on the Iowa

Hawkeyes.

Since stepping into his

role, Rob has focused

on strengthening operations, expanding

product offerings, and

driving growth. Rob is

deeply appreciative of

PONCA MEMBERS

Complete PEDCO’s

workforce needs 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 strengthen

our programs to better serve the

Ponca Tribe!

Scan the QR code or visit the link

below

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/

322BKMR

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

gdébą

March 2026

Osni/PEDCO

Ponca Pathways Thrift hosts first Thrifty Thursday

Last month, the team at PEDCO hosted its

first ever in-person shopping experience.

Thrifty Thursday is the latest addition to

the Ponca Pathways Thrift Store, creating a

monthly opportunity for both Tribal members and the public to experience in-person

shopping at the Donation Center located in

the former Southroads Mall in Bellevue, NE.

Eager guests were able to shop bargain

deals, vintage and rare finds, and seasonal

items at this pop-up style event. In all, over

15 guests took advantage of this unique,

in-person shopping experience. The PEDCO

team received positive feedback on the event,

and shoppers expressed interest in the next

Thrifty Thursday offering.

The next opportunity to shop these Thrifty

Thursday deals occurs on Thursday, March

19th, from 10 am to 5 pm at 1001 Fort

Crook Rd inside the former Southroads Mall.

BUILDING NATIVE

COMMUNITIES

____

FREE FINANCIAL

EMPOWERMENT

TRAINING

COMING THIS APRIL!

FREE FINANCIAL EDUCATION CLASS

Ever feel overwhelmed trying to make ends meet? You are not alone.

Millions of Americans feel stressed by money. In fact, MarketWatch

estimates 57% of households live paycheck-to-paycheck. Fortunately, help

is here. Coming this April, the Ponca Economic Development Corporation

(PEDCO) will offer Building Native Communities: Financial Skills for

Families, a culturally relevant financial literacy curriculum developed by

Oweesta Corporation specifically for Natives.

When: Session 1: Developing a Spending Plan, Working with Checking

& Savings Accounts Wednesday, April. 8, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Session 2: Understanding Credit & Credit Reporting, Using

Credit, and more

Thursday, April. 9, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: Ralston Transit Conference Room, 5701 South 85th Circle,

Omaha, NE 68127

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.

____

OPEN TO ALL PONCA

TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

MEMBERS

____

IN-PERSON (Virtual

options will be

available at future

dates)

____

FACILITATED BY

PEDCO

INTERESTED? CONTACT

PEDCO

Info@pedco-ne.org

402-434-2127

Start Your

Wellness

Journey

Today

About Us

CredibleMind is the free online

Benefits

platform where you can learn

Confidential

new skills, understand your

Available 24/7

own mental health, take a

mental health assessment

and browse a library of

Personalized

Expert-Vetted

thousands of mental

wellbeing resources.

PEDCO.crediblemind.com

agdíwį

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Honoring Women

March 2026

Honoring Women

During the month of March, Tribal Council would like to honor all the women

who work for our Tribal government and entities.

While not all the women who work so hard on the behalf of the Tribe are

pictured here, know that we honor and celebrate you all!

Tribal Council

Osni/PEDCO

NPHA

Norfolk - Transit

Prairie Flower Casino

Former Trailblazers

We recognize and honor all previous trailblazers who have empowered

and uplifted us all. To view everyone who contributed to the Tribe, scan

our QR code or visit www.poncatribe-ne.gov/councils/past-councils.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

agdínąbá

March 2026

Sioux City

Honoring Women

Ralston - Admin

Ralston - Transit

Norfolk - Admin

Niobrara

Omaha - Fred LeRoy

Lincoln

agdídábdì

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Domestic Violence

March 2026

It's Not a 'Domestic Dispute': what the difference is

and how to approach in a culturally based response

Kelly DuBray

Domestic Violence Court

Advocate

may or may not occur

during a domestic dispute. A domestic dispute

or disturbance doesn’t

always indicate that a

pattern of power and

control has been used by

an abuser over a period.

constant danger. Science

calls this epigenetics.

Epigenetics is the study

of how behaviors and

environmental factors

cause inheritable changes

that affect the way genes

are expressed without

All these terms seem to

altering DNA. It has been

be interchangeably used, Law enforcement may

both by law enforcement get called to a home by a shown that long-term

third party due to hearing stress and trauma have

and in the media, when

a loud argument between an influence on our genes

describing some kind of

and how they behave,

altercation between a sur- a couple. However, if

how our bodies handle

vivor by a family member. there is no evidence or

allegations of criminal

stress, and even mental

The question is: do they

health risks across generall mean the same thing? conduct, this would be

Is one more serious than called a domestic dispute ations.

the other? Will one result because couples can have

However, epigenetic

in more serious charges to disputes, and this is not

trauma isn't written in

illegal. Police will use

a perpetrator?

stone, and cycle-breaking

these calls to track doDomestic violence is con- mestic disputes to identify is what happens when

someone interrupts that

sidered abusive behavior a pattern.

script. A cycle breaker

used by a perpetrator to

is someone who intenIn the Indigenous comgain or maintain power

tionally stops negative

munities,

where

there

and control over an intipatterns – such as abuse

mate partner, or a family a history of not trusting

the judicial system or any and addiction – within

or household member.

their relationships. Cyoutside agencies, these

It indicates a pattern of

disputes often go unrecle-breaking involves

abuse as opposed to a

ported.

recognizing inherited

single incident that may

behaviors, doing the emooften escalate in severity

According to the Lincoln

tional work to heal, and

over time.

Police Department Crime

creating new, healthier

Analysis and Intelligence

A domestic disturbance

relational dynamics for

Unit, in 2024, the Native

may not necessarily fall

future generations.

American population

under the umbrella of

This is why it is so imdomestic violence. These had the lowest count of

reported Victim Crimes.

portant for the Indigeterms may be used to

This may be due inpart

nous community to have

describe an argument

to the unused resources

access to appropriate

between two people

available to our Indigephysical, emotional,

who live under the same

nous community or due

and mental health care,

roof that has gotten out

to systemic training our

advocacy, and to have

of control and has triggered someone to call the families went through to the opportunity to build

survive while living in

healthy relationships with

police. Physical violence

Domestic disturbance.

Domestic dispute.

Domestic incident.

Domestic violence.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

the judicial systems, as

well as community involvement that engages

and empowers people to

achieve a trusting relationship with all.

If you or someone you

know is experiencing

domestic violence, help is

available through these

services:

National Domestic

Violence Hotline:

800-799-SAFE (7233)

Available 24/7

StrongHearts Native

Helpline:

844-7NATIVE

(762-8483)

Available 24/7

Omaha Tribe of

Nebraska DV Program

402-922-3190

Dakota Tiwahe Service

Unit (Santee Tribe of NE)

402-857-2342

Winnebago Domestic

Violence/ Sexual Assault

Program

402-922-3850

Available 24/7

You can also reach out to

the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Domestic Violence Program to access

the support or resources

needed.

agdídúba

March 2026

Ponca Health Services

New year, new vision boards with Circle of Health

Community members are invited to submit

their designs for the 4th Annual Creator’s

Game t-shirt competition. The artist

whose design is selected will win an Eighth Generation

blanket provided by THV and have their art credited

on the t-shirt.

Designs MUST be submitted NO LATER THAN 11:59 pm,

March 27th, 2026. You can submit your designs by

scanning our QR code or visiting

https://poncatribeofne.formstack.

com/forms/creatorsgame_tshirt.

For more information, please email

Sarah Lehl at slehl@poncatribe-ne.gov.

Save the Date!

4th Annual

Camp Creator’s Game

June 25 – 26, 2025

LNK Community Room | 1600 Windhoek Dr | Lincoln, NE

TBD | Lincoln, NE

Please save the date for the Fourth Annual Camp Creator’s

Game! We will have a team bonding dinner at the Lincoln

Community Room on June 25th. On June 26th, Edison

Rednest will host a presentation on the importance of

the Creator’s game. Youth will get a chance to participate

in the game afterwards. For more information, please

contact Sarah Lehl at slehl@poncatribe-ne.gov.

All artwork must be high resolution and scalable to t-shirt size. Any

submission that includes AI art or Generative AI will not be counted.

agdísát’ą

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Ponca Health Services

March 2026

Heart Health Awareness Month: Protecting the heart of

our native communities

February is Heart Health Awareness Month and it is an important

time to focus on the strength, resilience, and well-being of our Native

American communities. Heart

disease remains one of the leading

causes of illness and death among

Native Americans, but the good

news is that many heart conditions

are preventable through early care,

education, and healthy lifestyle

choices.

• Walking, dancing, stretching,

and playing with children

all count

You may be at higher risk for heart

disease if you:

• Move together as families and

communities

• Have diabetes or prediabetes

Who Is at Higher Risk for

Heart Disease?

• Have high blood pressure or

high cholesterol

• Avoid commercial tobacco and

vaping

• Use commercial tobacco

products (Traditional ceremonial tobacco use is different and

should be respected)

• Ask your healthcare team for

support with quitting if needed

Our outpatient clinic is committed to supporting heart health at

• Are physically inactive

every stage of life—from childhood

through our elders—by providing

• Have a family history of

preventative care, screenings, and

heart disease

culturally respectful education.

• Experience obesity or

Why Heart Disease Impacts

metabolic syndrome

Native Communities More

• Are over the age of 40 (risk inNative Americans experience highcreases with age, but heart diser rates of heart disease and stroke

ease can start earlier)

compared to the general populaEven if you feel well, heart distion. This increased risk is influenced by a combination of factors, ease can develop silently—regular

checkups are key.

including:

Heart-Healthy Lifestyles:

• Higher rates of diabetes

Small Steps, Strong Hearts

• Increased prevalence of high

Protecting your heart doesn’t

blood pressure

require perfection. Here are small,

• Higher rates of high cholesterol consistent changes make a powerful difference for your heart:

• Greater likelihood of smoking

• Choose lean proteins

or tobacco exposure

(fish, turkey, beans)

• Limited access to healthcare in

• Increase fruits, vegetables, and

some communities

whole grains

• Chronic stress and historical

trauma impacting overall health • Limit fried foods, sugary drinks,

and excess salt

Understanding these risks empowers individuals and families to take • Aim for 30 minutes of movement most days

steps toward prevention and early

treatment.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

• Manage stress through prayer,

mindfulness, cultural practices,

or time with loved ones

• Good heart health includes

mental, emotional, and spiritual

well-being

A Message to Our Community

Julie Flynn, a Ponca member,

shares her story of health and the

importance of preventative screenings:

“I had been noticing for a couple

of weeks that while I was doing my

eye makeup, I was not seeing as

clearly as I once did. So, on December 5, 2025, I checked in with

the clinic, and I was able to get

right in.

They performed a vision test and

talked to me about symptoms and

previous health history. My A1c

and my blood pressure were under

control. Dr. Rebecca wanted me to

go to my eye doctor; they got me

an appointment that same afternoon at Pearl Vision.

After their evaluation, I was then

sent for further testing to Eye Surgical Associates. I was diagnosed

with a Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (a blockage of the small veins

agdíšáp’è

March 2026

Ponca Health Services

in the retina, preventing blood

from draining properly from

the retina) and Macular Edema

(swelling in the center of the retina caused by buildup of fluid).

I was told that if I had not gone

to see my primary care doctor

for evaluation, I could have lost

total vision in my left eye. Due to

my health history in my family,

I am now seeing doctors at Bryan Heart who think that my eye

care diagnosis may have stemmed

from problems with my heart.

Now, Dr. Rebecca and I are

working on my cardiovascular

health and preventative health

care. If it weren’t for my access

to health care and preventative

screenings, these underlying

issues may not have been recognized or caught before it was too

late.”

Strong hearts support strong families, strong culture, and strong

future generations. By taking

steps today – no matter how

small – you are honoring your

health and the generations before

and after you.

How Our Clinic Supports Your

Heart Health

Our Health Services clinics offer:

• Blood pressure and cholesterol

screening

• Diabetes prevention and

management

• Heart disease risk assessments

• Nutrition and lifestyle

counseling

• Medication management

• Preventative wellness visits

for all ages

We believe heart health is a lifelong journey – and we are honored to walk alongside you and

your family.

Schedule your heart health checkup, ask questions, and partner

with your healthcare team. Your

heart matters.

Fred LeRoy Health and

Wellness Center

402.733.3612

2602 J St | Omaha, NE

Mon-Fri: 8 am – 4:30 pm

Ponca Hills Health and

Wellness Center

402.371.8780

1800 Syracuse Ave | Norfolk, NE

Mon-Fri: 8 am – 4:30 pm

Ponca Health Services – Lincoln

531.248.3030

1600 Windhoek Dr | Lincoln, NE

Mon-Fri: 8 am – 4:30 pm

Pathways to Employment

SECOND SATURDAY Register here for our

VIRTUAL SERIES 2026 online sessions:

JAN.

Resume Writing

FEB.

Digital Skills for the Workplace

MARCH

Beat the Scanner: AI Tools for

Job Seekers

APRIL

Acing the Interview

Through guided skill-building and culturally informed support,

Pathways to Employment helps Tribal members step into

meaningful work that strengthen individuals, families, and the

Ponca community.

“Find your path. Build your future.”

agdíp’énąbà

INDIANPRENEURSHIP®

NOW AVAILABLE!

FREE SMALL BUSINESS

PROGRAM

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

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

access a free entrepreneurship program geared specifically for Native

Americans, thanks to our partnership with the Nebraska Indian

Community College (NICC). NICC’s Indianpreneurship curriculum

provides comprehensive information on the most important aspects of

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

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

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

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

____

FREE SMALL BUSINESS

PROGRAM

____

OPEN TO ALL PONCA

TRIBE MEMBERS

____

IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

OPTIONS AVAILABLE

____

FACILITATED BY THE

NEBRASKA INDIAN

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

INTERESTED? CONTACT

Anthony Warrior

sanawarrior@thenicc.edu

402-241-5943

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Ponca Health Services

March 2026

Tribal Home Visiting: growing into new places to

serve new faces

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s

Tribal Home Visiting program has

been working diligently working

diligently since we started the program in 2024.

This past year we were able to

expand Tribal Home Visiting into

the Omaha area in November.

We hosted our 2nd Annual Baby

Shower in December, an event that

connects new and expecting moms

with resources, such as the Malone

Center that specializes in maternal

health care and Milkworks that

helps moms with lactation and

finding breast milk.

This coming year will also bring

exciting new opportunities for the

Tribal Home Visiting program! We

are excited to have the opportunity

to present at the NICWA Annual Conference in March. We are

participating in the Native Communities Home Visiting planning

committee, which is the planning

committee for the annual Tribal

Home Visiting meeting.

Walahoski were invited to be panelists to review presentation submissions for the Native Communities Home Visiting Annual Meeting

held in September 2026.

In addition, our program was

invited by the Administration of

Children and Family Services to

participate in a photoshoot that

will be published in their quarterly

bulletins sent to all Tribal Home

As part of the committee, we will

Visiting programs. THV is also in

help plan breakout sessions, speak- the process of mentoring the Winers, and other details for the annu- nebago Tribe’s own Tribal Home

al meeting. Director Abbi Miranda Visiting program.

and Lead Home Visitor Candace

THV Group Connection: ABC's of safe sleep

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

agdíp’edábdì

March 2026

Enrollment

381-U0__________

(Office Use Only)

VOTER REGISTRATION FORM

NAME (Please print)____________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________________________

DOB:____________________________________VOTING DISTRICT:_____________(see back of form)

, hereby certify that I am a member of the Ponca Tribe

of Nebraska, and that I am at least 18 years of age or will be 18 years of age on the date of the election.

Signature

Date

Completion of and return of this registration form is necessary if you desire to become qualified to vote in the forthcoming

election. This form must be received no later than the first Friday in September of each General Election year. This form, upon

completion and return to the Election Board Registrar, shall be the basis for determining whether you qualify to have your name

placed upon the list of registered voters and to receive a ballot.

Completion of this form is voluntary.

Contact person for questions regarding the Tribal Election, etc:

Election Registrar, 402-857-3391

Return this form via U.S. Postal Service to: Ponca Tribe Election Board, Voter Registration Form, P.O. Box 9,

Niobrara, NE 68760.

Please note: If you are in the military and stationed outside of the United States, you need to register in

your “home” state. Example: If you are from Texas, but stationed in Iraq, you need to register in

District 2, not District 1.

Revision .007

December 2025 - Robin Rich, Enrollment

Manager

agdíšąk’a

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Enrollment

March 2026

VOTING DISTRICTS –

DISTRICT (1) consists of the following NEBRASKA counties: Antelope, Box Butte, Boyd, Brown,

Cedar, Cherry, Dakota, Dawes, Dixon, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Rock, Sheridan and Sioux.

Also included in District 1 are the following counties in Iowa: Allamakee, Bremer, Buena Vista, Butler,

Calhoun, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clay, Clayton, Dickinson, Emmet, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin,

Hancock, Howard, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Mitchell, Obrien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth,

Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, Webster, Winnebago, Winneshiek, Woodbury, Worth and Wright.

The following states are also included in District 1: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia,

Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey,

New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota,

Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin and all areas outside the

United States of America.

DISTRICT (2) consists of the following NEBRASKA counties: Burt, Cass, Douglas, Johnson,

Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Sarpy and Washington.

Also included in District 2 are the following counties in Iowa: Adair, Adams, Appanoose, Audubon,

Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Buchanan, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Clarke, Clinton, Crawford, Dallas, Davis,

Decatur, Delaware, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fremont, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hardin,

Harrison, Henry, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas,

Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Mills, Monona, Monroe, Montgomery, Muscatine, Page, Polk,

Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Scott, Shelby, Story, Tama, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Wapello,

Warren, Washington and Wayne.

The following states are also included in District 2: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana,

Missouri and Texas.

DISTRICT (3) consists of the following NEBRASKA counties: Adams, Buffalo, Butler, Chase, Clay,

Dawson, Dundy, Fillmore, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Gage, Gosper, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Hayes,

Hitchcock, Jefferson, Kearney, Keith, Lancaster, Lincoln, Nuckolls, Perkins, Phelps, Polk, Red Willow,

Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Webster and York.

The following states are also included in District 3: Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, New

Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming.

DISTRICT (4) consists of the following NEBRASKA counties: Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Boone,

Cheyenne, Colfax, Cuming, Custer, Deuel, Dodge, Garden, Garfield, Grant, Greeley, Hooker, Howard,

Kimball, Logan, Loup, Madison, McPherson, Merrick, Morrill, Nance, Pierce, Platte, Scottsbluff,

Sherman, Stanton, Thomas, Thurston, Valley, Wayne and Wheeler.

The following states are also included in District 4: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada,

North Carolina, Oregon and Washington

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

gdébąnąbá

March 2026

Enrollment

Change of Address Form

Mail to: PTN Enrollment Dept PO Box 288 Niobrara, NE 68760

Fax: 402-857-3771 or enrollment@poncatribe-ne.gov

ENROLLED PONCA TRIBE MEMBER REQUESTING ADDRESS CHANGE:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

OTHER ENROLLED PONCA TRIBE MEMBERS IN HOUSEHOLD:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREVIOUS ADDRESS: (Street/P.O. Box, Apt #, City, State, Zip, County)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

NEW ADDRESS: (Street/P.O. Box, Apt #, City, State, Zip, County)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER:_______________________________________________________________

ALTERNATE/CELL NUMBER:______________________________________________________

E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________________

DATE NEW ADDRESS IN EFFECT:__________________________________________________________________________

To provide better services to Ponca tribal members, this information will be shared

with all PTON Departments as needed. Any service may be suspended until this

information is corrected and/or updated.

_______________________________________

SIGNATURE REQUIRED

gdébąnąbá kí wí’

Revised: 01/22/2025

_______________________________

DATE

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Enrollment

March 2026

(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 nąbá

March 2026

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 3/1/2026

Adams, Elijah James

Adams, Zachary Thomas

Anthony, Jr.,

Steven Scott

Arellano, Carlos Montana

Ashrun, Oriana Mae

Aungie, Mariah Keeley

Shaye Madison

Bachmeier, Tristan Chad

Bagent, Wayne Orval

Bair, Wesley David

Baker, Cayden Nathaniel

Baker, Skylar Dominick

Baker-Ferguson,

Jared Riley

Bear, Cashlyn Rae

Bear, Joshua Gilbert

Beaver, Jason Chaska

Becker, Jr.,

Anthony Arnold

Becker, Sr.,

Anthony Arnold

Becker, Tyller Randell

Bell, Darian Patrick

Bell, Shaunè Kay

Bennett, Erica Paige

Birdhead,

William Randolph

Blair,

Hunter Wo Day Leon

Bligh, Timothy Lee

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

gdébąnąbá kí dábdì

Cournoyer, Ellis Emery

Courtright, Michael Todd

Crouse, David Lee

Cutshall, Katline James

Da Moude, Deborah Kay

Danielson, Daniel James

Dedicos, Heather Maria

Drapeaux, Juston Lee

Droescher,

Savannah Jo Anne

Drummond, Gregory

Gene

Eckley, Lane Emory

Eckley, Leigha Irene

Eilers, Richard James

Evans, Kareem Antwon

Fierro, Brandon Michael

Flagg, I I I., George Albert

Flowers, Joseph

Foley, Michael Joseph

Fossum, Tanner Allen

Freeman, Xavier Lee

Glenn, Brittany Leeann

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, Carri Kaye

Gutierrez, Kassandra Rae

Haahr, Anneliese Teresa

Hendren,

Adavia Gabrielle

Hennek, Gail Howe

Hocking-Gosnell, Zalla C.

Honeycutt,

Andrew James

Hope, Dorothea Jo Ann

Horine, Ashley Danielle

Horse, Alexander Bruce

Howe, Richard H.

Humphreys, Belinda Kay

Jeppesen, Zachary Lee

Johnson, Lukus Tyler

Kellogg,

Mardale Eddie Wayne

Kellogg, Pearl Marie

Kelso, James Alan

King, Gavin Michael

Knudsen, Crystal Mae

Koenig, Jody Alan Jo

Krueger, Annette Marie

Kyles, Jarred Joseph

LaPointe, Alejandro

Jauquine

LaPointe, Robert James

Laravie, Jr., Steve Alan

Laravie, Justin Matthew

Lasley, Mckayla Rae

Lea, Tychicus James

Leach, Isaiah Marcus

Leet, Ayden Alexander

Leet, Elijah Antonio

Lerew Jr, Zachariah Ray

LeRoy, Sophia Storm

Lieb, Sylas Vittorio

Lindenberg,

David Charles

Little, Jeromy Todd

Loftis, Timothy James

Lopez, Jr., Juan Francisco

Maben, Jessica Paige

Mann II, Steven Michael

Mann, Desireè Leann

Mann, Sydney Desireè

Marlow, Skyler Jade

Mategko, Janet Louise

Mategko, Lisa Louise

Mategko, Michael Steven

Matthews, Jett Haden

McGrath, Bryan Thomas

McGrath, Daniel Patrick

McGraw, Jr.,

Jonathan William

McKeen, Juanita Rose

Medeiros, Jenna Cyann

Mercier, Jade Sharice

Meyer, Earl Levine

Moniz, Cherish Toshia

Mullen, Deven Miles

Mullins, John Frederick

Muscutt, Elias Gordon

Myers, Doron Helmut

Olmer, Dakota Michael

O'Meara, David Joseph

O'Rear, Makenna Shay

Peck, Brandalynn

Peck, Tyler Duane

Pedroza, Jacob Roberto

Phillips, Julianne Esauna

Phongsavat, Tia Arianna

Picotte - Felde,

Diamond Rose

Pierce, Raychel Marie

Polly, Rachael Anne

Prichard, Joseph John

Prunty, Austin Joe

Quintana Jr, Arthur Jose

Raymond, Joseph Allen

Reed, Alcina Jewel

Rich, Mitch Andrew

Rivera, Dani Lyn

Roberts, Marquitta Ruby

Rouse, Mary Mae

Rowe, Crystle Anette

Rulo, Byron

Russell, Kristina Anne

Sainz, Tritia Jeanene

Sarton, Gwendolyn Lee

Scherbeh,

Kimberly Marie

Schmidt,

Dylan Andrew- Philip

Schmidt,

John Thomas Carl

Scuderi, Jana Marie

Sherman,

Brandon Eugene

Sherman, Cody Lee

Sherman, David Alan

Sherman,

Harold Dewayne

Sherman, John Glenn

Sherman, Michael Ray

Sherman, Mitchell

Everett

Sherman, Robert Le Roy

Sherman, Savannah

Sherman, Tristan Ray

Smith VII,

William Thomas

Smith, Donald Eugene

Smith, Stephanie Rae

Smith, VI,

William Thomas

Snoozy, Ben Michael

Spencer, Peyton Thunder

Standsblack, Marko Tulio

Stastny, Evan Matthew

Stastny, Rachel Colleen

Steadman,

Jennifer Renae

Stegman,

Mi'a Miwasa Nevaeh

Stuczynski,

Drake Keegan

Suverkrubbe, Nathan

Fernando

Suverkrubbe, Saje Moon

Swinarski, Alicia Estrada

Teboe,

Temperance Tayen

Thomas, II,

Scott Richard Herbert

Thomas, Jenny Anne

Thomas, Natana Lynn

Thomas, Robin Diane

Torrez, Jr.,

Lawrence DeWayne

Treichler, Jasmine Dawn

Upton, Parker Allan

Vanderlinden,

Desiree Lynn

VanDervoort, Lucius Kain

Vaughan, Linda Lou

Veals, Clifford James

Velder Jr., Jason Lee

Voss, Joshua Le Roy

Voss, Michael Roy

Warner, Stormy Renee

Waters, Deon Koleen

Williams,

Andrea Michelle

Wolff, Toby Timber

Wood, Sara Ethel

Wright Jr,

Eugene Theodore

Wright, Alina Lee

Wright, Asheena Lee

Wright, Cherita Alberta

Wright,

Cruz Montgomery

Wright, Howard Floyd

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

Member's Corner

March 2026

MEMBERS NEEDED

PONCA GAMING ENTERPRISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tribal Council is accepting letter of interest and resumes for a term that will be expiring on April 2, 2026. All

Directors of the Enterprise must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least twenty-five (25) years of age

• Either (1) possess a Bachelor’s Degree in business or a related field or possess a high school diploma (or a

General Equivalency Diploma) and have at least 5 years of business, financial, legal, government contracting,

tribal government or industry experience

• Not have been convicted of, or plead guilty or no contest to, any felony in any jurisdiction

• Not have been convicted of, or plead guilty or no contest to, or otherwise found or admitted to committing

any crime or civil violation in any jurisdiction involving tax evasion, tax fraud, theft, or embezzlement, of moral

turpitude, or against the Tribe

• Be willing and able to perform the Director's duties in compliance with the Business Entities Code and all other

laws of the Tribe

• Not be an employee of the Enterprise, provided that an employee may be selected as a Director on the

condition the employee shall resign as an employee of the Enterprise upon commencement of service as a

Director

• Obtain or be able to obtain any and all required licenses and authorizations from all gaming regulatory bodies

with jurisdiction over the activities of the Enterprise

• Any other qualifications of Directors set forth in the Business Entities Code.

If you are interested in serving, please forward your letter of interest and resume to the Ponca Tribal Council, P.O.

Box 288, Niobrara, Nebraska 68760 or via e-mail to crepenning@poncatribe-ne.gov .You may request a copy of

the Charter of the Ponca Gaming Enterprise from your local Tribal Office. It is also accessible via the web at

www.poncatribe-ne.org. Deadline to apply is March 16, 2026.

PONCA TAX COMMISSION

Under the Authority of the Constitution of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska a body to be known as the “Ponca Tax

Commission” was created. This public agency of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is subordinate to the Tribal Council,

and will possess all the powers, duties, rights and functions as defined in the Law & Order Code to carry out the

administration and enforcement of all Tribal tax laws. The code can be found on our website.

Tribal Council is accepting letters of interest and resumes to fill a term that will be expiring on April 24, 2025.

To be qualified to be appointed a Tax Commissioner a person shall:

1. Be an enrolled member of the Tribe

2. Be at least the age of majority

3. Have no conflicts of interest, as defined in this Chapter

4. Not be serving on a board or commission of the Tribe upon which any other Commissioner, serving or to be

appointed also serves

5. Be willing and able to comply with the ethical duties of Commissioners, as defined in this Chapter

6. Be willing to perform the Commission’s duties in compliance with the laws of the Tribe

7. Have or acquire knowledge of the Title, unless the Tribal Council waives such qualification for the appointee

8. Have the time available to actively fulfill the duties of a Commissioner

9. Be willing to receive orientation and training regarding the duties of the Commission.

Commissioners are paid $250 stipend per meeting plus mileage reimbursement up to 410 miles roundtrip. A

letter of interest and resume to apply for the position of Ponca Tax Commission must be forwarded to the Ponca

Tribal Council, Attn: Candace Repenning, P. O. Box 288, Niobrara, NE or crepenning@poncatribe-ne.gov

Deadline for applications is April 2, 2025.

Ponca Tribe OFNebraska

gdébąnąbá kí dúba

March 2026

Member's Corner

Shane Napaulo Warrior LeRoy

(July 8, 1988 – February 8, 2026)

Shane Napaulo Warrior LeRoy of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on February

8, 2026. He was born June 8, 1988, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where spent his

early years on the Ponca Reservation, maintaining a deep connection to his

heritage, culture, and community throughout his life.

Shane was deeply loved by everyone who knew him — more than he ever

realized. When Shane’s light was on you, he made you feel like the world was a

good place. He was funny, kind, thoughtful, and full of warmth. The best smile

ever seen. He was a devoted partner, father, stepfather, son, brother, and friend.

Shane was also a respected supervisor and valued coworker, known for his

loyalty, encouragement, and genuine care for others.

A talented musician, Shane loved singing, playing guitar and bass, writing

music, and sharing his passion. He enjoyed disc golf, learning new skills, and

had a newfound love of working with tools. He was an avid supporter of Indiana

sports — especially the Colts — and looked forward to the Indy 500 each year,

calling the month of May his “Christmas season.” He loved video games, playing

board games with his family, and Pokémon. Shane had a special soft spot for

animals and especially loved his cats.

In recent years, Shane worked hard to build a sober life and was committed

to growth, healing, and showing up for the people he loved. Shane’s life took

a new direction, and his circle became smaller. Even so, he continued to care deeply about the people who had been

important parts of his life and remained grateful for the seasons they shared. He believed in honesty, connection, and

second chances. He and his longtime partner, Mindi, were building a life together and shared dreams of buying an RV and

traveling the country in the years ahead.

Shane is survived by his children, David LeRoy and Shilo LeRoy; his longtime partner, Melinda (Mindi) Brown; his

stepdaughter, Francesca Brown-Ward; his mother, Georgianna Warrior of Ponca City; and his sister, Corey LeRoy-Cusick

(Alyssa) of Fort Wayne. He is also survived by his beloved pets — Dorito, Lisa, and CJ the cats, and Happy the dog — as well

as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Guyanna Warrior, and his

beloved grandmother, Evelyn Snake LeRoy.

Welcome, Baby Natalie!

Natalie Anne Torres was born on January 21st, 2026 at 2:45 pm,

weighing in at 5lbs 14oz.

Parents:

Rachel and Aaron Torres

Grandparents:

Julie and Don Flynn

Lydia Teeples

Great Grandparents:

Valla and Jack Hoover

Great-Great Grandmother:

Ester Prichard

Great-Great-Great Grandmother:

Bertha Knudsen

Congratulations on your newest

addition to the family!

Word search answers from page 4

gdébąnąbá kí sát’ą

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.