# Member News > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aponca_nebraska%3Abadf80abcf11e743 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text Member News Taking the next step Ponca Tribe breaks ground on phase 2 of Prairie Flower Casino December 2022 Tribal News December 2022 Ponca Tribe breaks ground on phase 2 of Casino construction On Monday, October 31, 2022, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska broke ground on Phase 2 of construction for Prairie Flower Casino. The 60,000-square-foot expansion will include more gambling machines, dining, and a sports book, creating an estimated 200 new jobs. The ground breaking, held on the 4th anniversary of the initial grand opening of Prairie Flower Casino, and the 32nd Anniversary of the reinstatement of the Ponca Tribe, marks another step in the long range vision of the Tribe. During the first four years of the Casino’s operation, the Tribe has been able to reinvest $28 million into three health clinics, transportation, housing and cultural preservation, expanding services for Tribal citizens and members of other federally recognized tribes in the community. The new expansion is set to open in Summer of 2024. On the cover: Shovels of earth are turned to break ground on phase 2 of Prairie Flower Casino. December 2022 Culture We’re planting seeds... will you help them grow? Become an instrumental part of the growth of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Language Program! We have several upcoming openings for positions teaching the Ponca language, and facilitating that education process. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE FLUENT IN PONCA TO APPLY! Successful candidates need only have the desire and dedication to learn, as training will be provided. The Tribe will soon be hiring the following positions: Language Instructors (4), Language Coordinator, Culture Multimedia Specialist Look for these jobs to be posted on the PTN website at https://www. poncatribe-ne.org/careers/ in the near future. Please contact Culture Director Ricky Wright with any questions at 402.371.8834 or rwrightjr@ poncatribe-ne.org. Ponca Language 1 Virtual Beginners Class Mondays & Wednesdays | 5:30-7:40 pm Starting January 17 Ponca Tribe of Nebraska member and Tribal Council representative Angie Starkel will be teaching a 16 week Ponca Language class at Nebraska Indian Community College, starting January 17. Classes are virtual, using Microsoft Teams, and meet Mondays & Wednesdays from 5:30-7:40 pm. Ponca Language 1 is a 4 credit hour course, and tuition is only $1/credit hour! Students will receive a final grade cash bonus. For more information, please contact Angie Starkel at 402.922.0436. To register for the course, please visit https://www.thenicc.edu/admissions/ applicant-information.php win Ponca Tribe OFNebraska 1 Tribal News December 2022 Ponca Tribe hosts Halloween events for members The Ponca Tribe hosted a variety of family fun get togethers for members in October. Here are some highlights from those events. More photos can be found on the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Facebook Page. 2 Ponca Tribe OFNebraska nonbá December 2022 thábthin Tribal News Ponca Tribe OFNebraska 3 Tribal News December 2022 Congratulations to the D2 Virtual Costume Contest Winners! Cutest: 1st - Amaia Cantu 2nd - Samara Crawford Scariest: 1st - Hunter Svagera 2nd - Cristian Villagas Funniest: 1st - Ashleigh Pojar 2nd - Leighton Pojar Creative: 1st - Jennifer Crone 2nd - Travis Cantu Virtual Ugly Sweater Contest District 2 members nationwide are invited to have a doggone good time with our very first Virtual Ugly Sweater Contest! Members of all ages are invited to don their ugly sweaters, take some photos, and join in the fun! Prizes: 1st Place - $100, 2nd Place - $50, 3rd Place - $25 Please submit an individual picture (no group photos will be accepted) and include first and last name, contact phone number and full address. All entries MUST be submitted NO LATER THAN December 26, 2022. If all your information is not included, your entry will not be included in the contest. Winners will be announced on January 3, 2023. The winner will be announced online, and contacted directly. Please submit photos and information to D2UglySweater@poncatribe-ne.org. For questions, contact Becci Sullivan at 531.222.4471. All submissions will be featured on PTN social media, and winners will be featured in the February newsletter. By submitting your picture and information, you agree to allow us to post your pictures. 4 Ponca Tribe OFNebraska dubá December 2022 Tribal News Elders dress up, get spooky at Elders Halloween parties Elders Christmas Parties Elders are invited to join our Community Health Workers in each location from 12-2 pm for holiday food, fun, and fellowship. Enjoy holiday games, and wear your ugliest sweater for the Ugly Sweater Contest! Prizes will be awarded. Lincoln: December 19 Omaha: December 20 sáton Sioux City: December 21 Norfolk: December 22 Niobrara: December 22 Ponca Tribe OFNebraska 5 Domestic Violence December 2022 How to help victims and survivors this holiday season Andrea Womaque Trauma Informed Care Specialist community members, and tribal members, the greatest gift we can give to our loved ones this season, who are either currently experiencing violence or abuse or who have suffered violence and abuse in the past, is to be available, supportive, and encouraging. Victims and survivors do have power, but often times they may need help from their friends, family, and the community to use that power. Often, victims and survivors feel so much pressure to make things go well during the Holiday season that they are unlikely to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and needs. In our role as elders, parents, siblings, friends, Love. Tell your family and friends that you love them. Remind them often. We can also help friends and family members support victims and survivors with resources and referDecember has arrived and we are rals. Please reach out to us with now in the thick of Holiday Seaany questions and we will guide son. In fact, it is very unlikely that you in the right direction. We can we will be able to go anywhere in also help connect members with public without being subjected to other Ponca Tribe programs to a never-ending loop of Holiday make this Holiday Season a joyful tunes. December often comes in Here are some tips to keep in mind one. Please Call. just like a blizzard. For some of over the Holidays on how to be us, it is as if we are sucked into a a positive support for friends or Norfolk: flurry of activity, chaos, and holifamily that have experienced abuse 1800 Syracuse Ave. day themed string lights. It can be or violence or who are currently Norfolk, NE. 68701 a tangled but quite enjoyable mess. experiencing abuse or violence. Thomas Wright II On the other hand, blizzards also Listen. Allow them to fully tell Domestic Violence bring a sense of renewal and retheir story. Believe what they Program Coordinator plenishment, and force us to slow are saying to you because this is Office: 402.371.8834 ext. 105 down. While we wait for the bliz- their experience and it is very real Mobile 402.266.1652 zard to pass, safe from the whirling to them. Remember, people can Omaha: wind and activity, we can reconexperience symptoms from trauma Fred LeRoy Center nect with family and friends, plan as if it has just occurred, even if 2602 J Street some “lazy time” for ourselves, in reality the experience occurred Omaha, NE. 68107 cook and eat hearty meals, and years ago. start setting goals or making plans Ralston Transit Bldg: Do not judge friends or family for for spring. 5701 S. 85th Circle what has happened or is happening Ralston, NE. 68127 Unfortunately, blizzards can also to them. Encourage treatment and be destructive and frightening. services. Ralston: They can make us feel tremendous 5805 S. 86th Circle fear and leave us feeling powerless Ask friends and family members Ralston, NE. 68127 to protect ourselves and our fami- how you can help. Offering to lies. This is exactly what December babysit or even do laundry can al- Marian Harris low a victim or survivor to attend DV Outreach Coordinator can feel like to victims and surviappointments or seek out services mharris@poncatribe-ne.org vors of domestic violence, sexual that will allow them to get out of Office: 402.315.2760 assault, elder abuse and human abusive or violent situations. Mobile: 402.750.9296 trafficking. 6 Ponca Tribe OFNebraska If you or someone you know has experienced or is experiencing abuse or violence due to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or elder abuse, please reach out to The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska for assistance. Cheyenne Moore Domestic Violence Case Manager cmoore@poncatribe-ne.org Office: 402.734.5275 Direct: 402.738.3182 Mobile: 402.992.6836 continued on next page shápe December 2022 Domestic Violence HELPING: Ponca Tribe DV staff are here to help at anytime Andrea Womacque Trauma Informed Care Specialist awomacque@poncatribe-ne.org Office: 402.315.2760 Mobile: 402.690.4204 Shea O’Brien MA LMHP Domestic Violence Case Manager sobrien@poncatribe-ne.org Office: 531.248.3030 ext. 1109 Cell: 402.937.3074 Lincoln Office: 1600 Windhoek Dr. Lincoln, NE. 68512 Sioux City Office: 125 6th St. Sioux City, IA. 51103 Julie Flynn Elder Abuse Case Manager jflynn@poncatirbe-ne.org Office: 531.248.3030 ext. 1152 Adrianna Buffalo Chief Hoffman Human Trafficking Program Coordinator abuffalochiefhoffman@ poncatribe-ne.org continued from previous page Office: 712.258.0500 Cell: 402.943.6291 Chris Denny Domestic Violence Case Manager cdenny@poncatribe-ne.org Office: 712.258.0500 Cell: 402.681.6414 Toby Doucette Trauma Informed Care Specialist jdoucette@poncatribe-ne.org Office: 712.258.0500 Cell: 402.860.5839 Calling all Ponca Veterans! The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) is working to create a comprehensive list of all Ponca veterans for present and future recognition of service. As such, the THPO is respectfully requesting members who are veterans, or those who have family that have served, help provide information, including: • Branch of service • Wars served • Dates served • Photographs • Details or a story from that service This information will be featured on a veterans honor wall in the Ponca Tribe Museum, and will be used to honor veterans at events, memorials, etc. To submit veteran information, please contact Stacy Laravie, THPO via email (ssettje@poncatribe-ne.org) or via mail: Stacy Laravie, THPO Ponca Tribe of Nebraska 88915 521 Avenue Niobrara, NE 68760 péthonba Ponca Tribe OFNebraska 7 Tribal News December 2022 District 3 holds beginning sewing classes District 3 members are getting the chance to learn to sew regalia. Ponca member Theresa Foley has been teaching sewing members of all ages how to create applique designs and sew ribbon skirts. Look for more information on future District 3 sewing circle dates! Free assistance to Ponca member owned businesses to help you compete for government contracts! Do you own a business? Would you be interested in developing your business through government contracting? District 1 Ponca Families Holiday Potluck • Assisting your business with all necessary registrations for government contracting • Identifying and applying for special government contracting certification programs that leverage your business’s minority owned status December 10, 2022 | Noon-2 pm • Marketing your business to government agencies and prime contractors Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Headquarters 2523 Woodbine Street | Niobrara, NE • Locating contract opportunities that are suited for your business December 11, 2022 | Noon-2 pm • Assisting you to write bid proposals District 1 Ponca families are invited to a holiday potluck. Turkey and ham will be provided for the main dish, along with beverages. Members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. There will be games and activities for the kids. To learn more, visit our website at www.pedcoptac.org. Sign up at the website for client services, or contact Darren Osborne (Program Manager) for more information. Darren can be reached by phone at 712.308.1366 or by email at dosborne@pedcoptac.org. Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Offices 125 6th Street | Sioux City, IA For more information, please contact District 1 Council Representatives JoAn Schlotman, 712.276.7103 or Angie Starkel, 402.922.0436. 8 PEDCO PTAC can help—by offering completely free of charge procurement counseling that will help your business to succeed in the government marketplace! Our services include (and are not limited to): Ponca Tribe OFNebraska • And much, much more! pethábthin December 2022 Diabetes Diabetes program presents for World Diabetes Day Monday, November 14th was World Diabetes Day! Participants in each office location dressed their best in blue and enjoyed a pre- sentation about diabetes. Prizes were awarded to participants wearing the most blue to raise awareness about diabetes. Attention Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members: You can access Tribal Council minutes on the tribe’s website at https://www.poncatribe-ne.org/tribal-documents/council-minutes-agendas/ (note that you must register and be logged in). These are updated as soon as approved minutes are distributed. shónka Ponca Tribe OFNebraska 9 Environmental December 2022 THPO works with team assessing cultural impact of highway widening On October 25, a team of archeologists met with Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) Stacy Laravie and Environmental Manager Misha Mazurkewycz. The team is working along Hwy 12 near Verdel, Nebraska, as they are considering moving and enlarging the highway. These archeologists have consulted with our THPO and are doing spot sampling along a potential new route to determine if it would impact any sites for the Tribe. Along this cooridor it is vital to do such surveys when any roadway is being done, and along Hwy 12, there are many cultural resources. Stacy, as THPO, works alongside these surveys to ensure Ponca lands and ancestors are protected. This survey is a phase two survey, which involves dig pits. Sampling done to check mercury levels in fish in Niobrara area On October 25, 2022, the EPA conducted fish sampling to test if the fish around the Tribe’s land contained mercury. If humans consume fish with high concentrations of mercury, it can cause harmful effects to the brain and kidneys. In past testing, mercury was not detected in any fish, but checks are done yearly to ensure that there is no To test the fish, an elecchange. tric shocker is used to stun the fish, which are then caught in nets, and placed in a bucket with an air bubbler until they are weighed, measured, and using a punch device, a small piece of the skin and meat of the fish is taken, for sampling. This is only done to larger, predatorial fish because they accumulate more mercury. The fish are then released back into the river. The samples taken are sent to the lab, with results being available in about a month. Region 7 and 8 Tribes collaborate on environmental issues October 18-20, Region 7 Tribes, Region 8 Tribes, and EPA representatives gathered at the Regional Tribal Operations Committee meeting at Haskell Indian Nations University. Each region presented work on topics ranging from clean water, drones, food sovereignty, pesticides, climate change, and solid waste. This event 10 also featured a Memorandum of Understanding signing between the EPA and Haskell University to work together in assisting Haskell students in getting involved in EPA work. This collaboration was a first for this region. Around 35 tribes participated in person and virtually. Ponca Tribe OFNebraska gthébon December 2022 Tribal News Great Pumpkin winners Youth: 1st-Kamron Grant 2nd-Bella Wright 3rd-Laila Chamberlain Adult: 1st-Rebecca Wright 2nd-Myron Grant 3rd-Ezron Grant Attention All AVT/HIED Students Nationwide: Please remember to submit your official transcripts after EACH term funded in order to be eligible to receive future funding. Students must apply each school year. Spring 2023 deadline: December 15, 2022 Summer 2023 deadline: May 15, 2022 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) agthín win Attention All K-12 YIP Students Nationwide: • High School Seniors for the 2021-2022 school year are eligible to receive a $500.00 Graduation Incentive! • Our department is accepting projects for incentives in the following areas: Art, Essay/Poetry, and Student of the Month. *Winners may receive $100.00 for 1st place, $50.00 for 2nd place, and $25.00 for 3rd place. Grade divisions are as follows: Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), and High School (9-12) • Perfect Attendance $100.00 (0-.49 days of absenteeism), $50.00 (.5-3.49 days absenteeism), and $25.00 (3.5-5.49 days of absenteeism). Deadline to apply for the 2022-2023 school year is July 31, 2023. 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 @ office (402)3718834, work cell (402)844-0957, or aknudsen@poncatribe-ne.org. *Ponca tribal enrollment is required for ALL education programs* Ponca Tribe OFNebraska 11 Tribal News 12 Ponca Tribe OFNebraska December 2022 shápe nonbá December 2022 Enrollment Change of Address Form Mail to: PTN Enrollment Dept PO Box 288 Niobrara, NE 68760 Fax: 402-857-3771 HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD MUST BE AN ENROLLED PONCA TRIBE MEMBER ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 agthín thábthin Approved: 10/18/2008 _______________________________ DATE Ponca Tribe OFNebraska 13 Enrollment December 2022 (Please sign your name in the area below with a BLACK felt tip marker) I I TRIBAL MEMBERS (please print) NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________ ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________PHONE:______________________ I DO YOU WANT YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD? YES_________OR NO_________ If yes, please check one of the following: Full SS number_____ or Last 4 digits only_____ I 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. TRIBAL MEMBERS (pleaseON print) WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BLOOD QUANTUM YOUR ID? YES_____OR NO_____ ***Don't forget to include your picture! FOR A PHOTO ID PLEASE SIGN AND FILL OUT THIS PAGE. NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________ DON’T FORGET TO SEND (EMAIL) YOUR PICTURE AS WELL Photo ID Instructions ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________ 1. Signature Please completely fill in the information on the bottom of the signature page. With a black felt tip marker ____________________________________________________________________________ please sign your name in the middle of the top of the signature page. (Please note that children do not require a signature for theirs.) DO YOU WANT YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD? YES_________OR NO_________ If please check one of of the the following following:must Full be SSsubmitted: number_____ or Last 4 digits only_____ 2. yes, Clear readable copies a: State Driver’s License, State ID Card or other valid MEMBERS Picture ID card TRIBAL must have and signature onresponsibility it) (please print) By(Itmarking Yesyour youpicture understand it is your to keep your SSN confidential and acknowledge thatb:the Ponca Tribe Nebraska is notofresponsible if thebut cardyour is lost oris,stolen. If you are not anof enrolled member the Ponca Tribe, child you must still submit a copy of your State Driver’s License, State ID Card or other valid Picture ID and a copy of your child(s) Social Security Card and Tribal Enrollment Card for proof of enrollment. NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________ 3. Photo Options: ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________ You can email a current photo (without filters) to - enrollment@poncatribe-ne.org OR You may mail documentation and your ____________________________________________________________________________ current photo to: CERTIFICATE CARDS DOPonca YOUTribe WANT YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD? YES_________OR NO_________ of Nebraska Certificate cards, or non photo IDs are available upon Enrollment Department If yes, please check one of the following: Full SS number_____ orThis Lastform 4 digits only_____ request. is not required for certificate cards. PO Box 288 Pleases contact the enrollment department if you like your an enrollment card without picture. ByNiobrara, marking NE Yes68760-0288 you understand it is your responsibilitywould to keep SSN confidential anda acknowledge that the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is not responsible if the card is lost or stolen. 14 Ponca Tribe OFNebraska agthín dubá December 2022 Member’s Corner MEMBERS NEEDED TAX COMMISSION: The Ponca Tax Commission is charged with the administration and enforcement of all Tribal tax laws. Commissioners are paid a $250.00 stipend per meeting plus mileage reimbursement up to 410 miles roundtrip. Please submit a letter of interest and resume to apply. Deadline for Applications is February 1, 2023 LAW & ORDER CODE REVISION COMMITTEE: There will be an upcoming vacancy for a tribal member. The responsibilities of the Law & Order Committee are to review the Law & Order Code and recommend changes to the Tribal Council. A $250 stipend is paid plus mileage reimbursement up to 410 miles roundtrip. Deadline for Applications is February 1, 2023. ELECTION BOARD: The Tribal Council is accepting applications for District 2 and District 4, for the Election Board due to terms expiring. Members are paid $250 per meeting and mileage will be paid for a maximum of 410 miles round trip at the federal government approved rate. Most meetings are held in Niobrara, Nebraska. To be qualified to be appointed to the Election Board, a person shall: 1. Be an enrolled member of the Tribe 2. Be a resident of the voting district from which they are appointed. 3. Be eligible to vote in the election for which they will serve as an Election Board Member; and 4. If convicted of a felony, have completed his sentence requirements, including any parole, at least two (2) years prior to appointment. No individuals shall be permitted to sit as an Election Board member who: 1. Has been convicted of a crime involving the theft of funds or property of the Tribe in any court of any jurisdiction regardless of any pardon or restoration of civil rights for said offense. 2. Currently holds elective office in the Tribe. 3. Is or plans to be a candidate in any election during his or her term. 4. Has an immediate family member who is currently a member of the Tribal Council, or who is or plans to be a candidate in any election during his or her term 5. No Ponca Tribe of Nebraska employees may serve on the Election Board per the PTN Employee Handbook. If you are interested in serving please submit a letter of interest and/or resume to the Tribal Council, Attn: Candace Repenning, P.O. Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760 or by e-mail crepenning@poncatribe-ne.org. A background check is required. OSNI PONCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Tribal Council is accepting applications for the Osni Ponca Board of Directors. The purpose of Osni Ponca LLC is to engage in economic development activities for the benefit of the Tribe and its members. This Board manages the activities and affairs of Osni Ponca. No member of the Tribal Council, employee of the Tribe or any entities thereof, shall serve on this Board. The Board members must have the following minimum qualifications: 1) Be at least twenty-five (25) years of age; 2) either (a) possess a Bachelor’s Degree in business or a related field, or (b) possess a high school diploma (or GED) and have at least five (5) years of business, financial, legal government contracting, tribal government or industry experience; 3) have no felony convictions; and 4) submit to a background investigation which yields no results showing convictions involving tax evasion, tax fraud, embezzlement or moral turpitude. Applications will be accepted from Tribal and non-tribal members. A $250 stipend per meeting is paid as well as mileage reimbursement up to 410 miles roundtrip. Applicants must submit a letter of interest and current resume to the Tribal Council, Attn: Candace Repenning, P.O. Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760 or by e-mail to crepenning@poncatribe-ne.org. A background check is required. Deadline for application is February 1, 2023. agthín sáton Ponca Tribe OFNebraska 15 Member’s Corner December 2022 Ponca Storyteller’s Corner Is there anyone out there who doesn’t have a story, or a few, that means the world to them? Stories contain worlds, convey knowledge, shape identity, live in the best parts of our hearts and memories. Without them, the world would be drab, colorless. Without them, we might wind up forgetting everything we most want to remember. As Ponca People and as Natives, stories are particularly important to us. For thousands of years, we were an oral culture, meaning the spoken word and storytelling were among the primary ways we transmitted what we knew from generation to generation, how essential things and just lovely things moved through families, clans, and societies. Recently, as we all know, we Poncas have made our way through a kind of apocalypse. It has been difficult, tough, tragic. But we are still here and we are rebuilding, regenerating, and our story as a tribe continues. Guided by our ancestors, we persevere and go forward. And we Ponca People still have plenty of stories—baskets, pickup trucks, and houses just full of them. They make us laugh, they make us cry, they make us who we are. We remember them from long ago when we were kids, and we remember them from yesterday. We tell them around the fire, and we tell shortened versions of them in our Facebook comments. They’re treasures; sacred, precious family belongings. But they’re also jokes, lessons, cultural history, and dreams. Aren’t they the best? Isn’t it awesome that as Ponca People we still have such a beautiful mountain of stories standing at the center of who we are as a people and as a tribe? In this column, which I’m calling the Ponca Storytellers Corner, I’m aiming to create a place in our monthly newsletter where us Ponca can share our stories—any of them that come to mind—that are meaningful or educational to us, that need sharing or might be inspiring. My hope is that this column feeds our growth, feeds our journey, feeds our soul, because isn’t that what a good story does anyway? If you have a story you’d like to share in the Ponca Storytellers Corner, email it to cliffponca@gmail.com and jhitchcock@poncatribe-ne.org. We are richer as individuals and as a people when we share the stories we have to tell. Let’s make each other rich again as Poncas with the stories we carry. Weblaho, Cliff Taylor THANK YOU! I would sincerely like to THANK everyone who supported and voted for me during the Tribal elections. I look forward to running again during the next election and will genuinely appreciate your support and votes again. -Sincerely, Beth Branstiter Interested in Ponca Language classes? Classes stream live at https://call.lifesizecloud. com/13507809. Additionally, a playlist of previous language classes can be found on the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska YouTube channel. For more information, please contact Ricky Wright, Culture Director, at rwrightjr@poncatribene.org, or 402.371.8834, ext. 120. 16 Ponca Tribe OFNebraska Elder’s Committee Meeting December 5 | 10 am Ponca Tribe Offices Niobrara, NE January 9, 2023 | 10 am Ralston Admin Building Omaha, NE agthín shápe December 2022 Member’s Corner Janet Lee Velasquez Saiz Janet Lee Velasquez Saiz was a woman of tremendous drive, energy, charisma and courage. At every venue she attended, she took center stage. At powwows held in Wisconsin she was often the head woman dancer, and in her sixties she was a featured dancer at a powwow held in Germany. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1938 and is the daughter of Gavino and Ga-thay-dash-tway, Clara Peniska Velasquez, a prominent Northern Ponca elder and storyteller. Janet attended public school in Omaha where she excelled in numerous subjects, such as art (drawing especially) dance, choir, theatre, and girls’ varsity sports. Later, after she married and had children, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned honors as a history major by making the Dean’s List. Janet was courageous. She was a social and political trendsetter and tireless leader. At Madison, she was a leader in the American Indian student organization Wunk Shek, and later, as a corporate manager for AT&T and one of the few minority women in positions of power, she was a member of the National Organization for Women, one of the leading figures for Wisconsin’s Women of Color, and an influential supporter of La Raza Unida in its campaign for Latino migrant workers’ rights. Janet is survived by her sisters Marguerite and Katherine, as well as her ex-husband Prospero. She is also the mother of four sons: Sean, Augustine, Michael, and Peter. Her beloved grandchildren are Gabriel, Jorge, Isabella, Antonio, Christopher, Katherine, Emma, and Augustine Jr. All have excelled in their respective professions due to her sacrifices, nurturing, and being a role model. In addition to teaching her sons and grandchildren the value of education and hard work, she taught them to cherish their heritage as Northern Poncas. She passed on her knowledge of Ponca traditions, wisdom, history, and culture to them. She was a proud Ponca who loved her life as an Indian woman and as a political leader, a successful businesswoman, elder, mother, and grandmother, and she wanted to be reunited with her traditions and return here to Niobrara her homeland for her final journey accompanied by her family and friends under the auspices of Ponca rituals. PEDCO/PONCA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD There will be one position open due to a term expiring. Applications are now being accepted. The general mission of the Corporation is: a) to assist the members of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska to become more employable, including through technical assistance, training, and development of skills; b) to increase members marketable employment and business skills and proficiency in order for them to achieve better employment and economic opportunities; c) to assist members with establishing, developing, and growing their own businesses and increasing their business opportunities, including through loan and other funding programs as well as the provision of technical assistance and training for business; and d) to otherwise improve and increase the economic well-being of the members and community of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska as a whole. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Ponca Economic Development Corporation and the Bylaws are on the website www.poncatribe-ne.org for your viewing or a copy can be e-mailed to you if requested. The management and affairs of the Corporation shall be vested in a Board of Directors to carry out the purposes of the Corporation. To be eligible for appointment as a Director an individual: a. Need not be a resident living on Tribal lands or within the territory of the Tribe. b. Must meet all requirements set forth in the Business Entities Code and any other law of the Tribe applicable to the Corporation; and c. Must meet any other standards or requirements which the Member’s Representatives may from time to time require. A $250 stipend per meeting is paid as well as mileage reimbursement up to 410 miles roundtrip. Applicants must submit letter of interest and current resume to the Tribal Council, Attn: Candace Repenning, P.O. Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760 or by e-mail crepenning@poncatribe-ne.org. A background check is required. Deadline for applications is February 1, 2023. agthín péthonba Ponca Tribe OFNebraska 17 P.O. Box 288 Niobrara, NE 68760 nc o p . w ww org . e n e atrib Office Locations NIOBRARA 68760 Headquarters 2523 Woodbine St., P.O. Box 288 Ph: (402) 857-3391 Fax: (402) 857-3736 Enrollment 2523 Woodbine St., P.O. Box 288 Ph: (402) 857-3391 Fax: (402) 857-3771 Cultural P.O. Box 288 Ph: (402) 857-3519 Fax: (402) 857-3652 Ponca Hills Clinic Ph: (402) 371-8780 (402) 371-5726 Fax: (402) 379-4291 - Pharmacy (402) 379-4293 - Registration (402) 371-4094 - Medical Lab Administration 125 6th Street Ph: (712) 258-0500 Fax: (712) 258-0762 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 1701 E Street Ph: (402) 438-9222 OMAHA 68107 Fax: (402) 438-9226 Fred LeRoy Health & Wellness Clinic Ponca Health Services-Lincoln 2602 “J” Street 1600 Windhoek Dr, 68512 Ph: (402) 733-3612 Ph: (531) 248-3030 Fax: (402) 733-3487 Osni Ponca 2756 O Street Administration Ph: (402) 434-2127 5805 South 86th Circle, 68127 Fax: (402) 434-2128 Ph: (402) 315-2760 LINCOLN 68508 SIOUX CITY 51103 National Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255 Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 National Human Trafficking Hotline 888-373-7888 National Problem Gambling Helpline 800-522-4700 Elder Abuse Hotline 800-252-8966 NORFOLK 68701 Dental Boys Town Crisis Line 2602 “J” Street 800-448-3000 Ph: (402) 733-1325 Fax: (402) 733-3487 Drug Treatment & Referral Hotline 877-726-4727 Northern Ponca Housing Authority Gym Building 10635 Birch., 68134 Nebraska Family Helpline 1800 Syracuse Ave. Ph: (402) 505-3055 888-866-8660 Ph: (402) 371-8834 Fax: (402) 505-3066 Fax: (402) 379-0988 Veterans Crisis Line 800-273-8255 Administration Building 1800 Syracuse Ave. Ph: (402) 371-8834 Fax: (402) 371-7564 The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Newsletter is published monthly and printed by Printco Graphics, Omaha, Nebraska. ahgthee dubah Deadline for submissions is the 1st of each month. In the event the 1st falls on a weekend, submissions are due the Friday before. All submissions of a political nature are subject to Tribal Council approval. Send to Jessica Hitchcock, jhitchcock@poncatribe-ne.org. See or print the newsletter archives in full color on the member’s side (you must log in) of the web site at: www.poncatribe-ne.org --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aponca_nebraska%3Abadf80abcf11e743. Public record. Not legal advice.