# Tips for being severe weather > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aponca_nebraska%3Aa29b2201a25d571e ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text 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: 1 “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/. 1 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 1 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. 2 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 3 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 4 Ponca Tribe OFNebraska District 4 Alex Taylor 402.750.2045 6. t'ébià ́ ̨ ska áma č'ú' – green things A 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 Register Today! (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 Local Offices & Lifesize Ponca Tribe OFNebraska 5 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* 6 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 of 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 7 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 8 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 sign up for alerts by going to 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! 32 ANNUAL PONCA TRIBE OF nd 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 9 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 10 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 11 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. 12 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 13 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 is 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. 14 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 15 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. 16 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. 10 Resume Writing FEB. 14 Digital Skills for the Workplace MARCH 14 Beat the Scanner: AI Tools for Job Seekers APRIL 11 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 17 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 18 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) I, , 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 19 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 20 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 21 Enrollment March 2026 (Please sign your name in the area below with a BLACK felt tip marker) I I TRIBAL MEMBERS (please print) NAME:__________________________________________________DOB:_________________________ MAILING ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ PHONE: ______________________________ PHYSICAL ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT THAN MAILING): ______________________________________________________________________________________ I I ______________________________________________________________________________________ EMAIL:_______________________________________________________________________________ VETERANS ONLY: MILITARY BRANCH:______________________________________________ ***Service papers must be submitted toTRIBAL the enrollment department if you are requesting a military MEMBERS (please print) seal. FOR A PHOTO ID PLEASE SIGN AND FILL OUT THIS PAGE. DON’T FORGET TO SEND (EMAIL) YOUR PICTURE AS WELL NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________ Photo ID Instructions ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________ 1. Signature Please completely fill in the information on the bottom of the signature page. With a black felt tip marker ____________________________________________________________________________ please sign your name in the middle of the top of the signature page. (Please note that children do not require a signature for theirs.) DO YOU WANT YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD? YES_________OR NO_________ 2. yes, Clear readable copies be If please check one of the the following following:must Full SSsubmitted: number_____ or Last 4 digits only_____ TRIBAL MEMBERS a: State Driver’s License, State ID Card or other valid Picture ID card must have and signature on responsibility it) (please print) By(Itmarking Yesyour youpicture understand it is your to keep your SSN confidential and acknowledge thatb:the Ponca Tribe Nebraska is notofresponsible if thebut cardyour is lost oris,stolen. If you are not anof enrolled member the Ponca Tribe, child you must still submit a copy of your State Driver’s License, State ID Card or other valid Picture ID and a copy of your child(s) Social Security Card NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________ and Tribal Enrollment Card for proof of enrollment. 3. Photo Options: ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________ You must submit a current photo without filters and a solid colored background. You can email it to enrollment@poncatribe-ne.gov or you may mail documentation and current photo to: ____________________________________________________________________________ Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Enrollment Department, PO Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760-0288 ***Please note that we can/will NOT use a photo from your state ID or driver's license. DO YOU WANT YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD? YES_________OR NO_________ 4. Military Seals: If yes, please check one of the following: Full SS number_____ or Last 4 digits only_____ Military branch seals are available for veterans. Military service papers must be submitted to the enrollment department to show proof of veteran status. By marking Yes you understand it is your responsibility to keep your SSN confidential and acknowledge that the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is not responsible if the card is lost or stolen. 22 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 23 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. 24 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 25 P.O. Box 288 Niobrara, NE 68760 w e.gov n e b i ncatr o p . w w 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 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aponca_nebraska%3Aa29b2201a25d571e. Public record. Not legal advice.