Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 47 • No. 5 • May 2025
Tribal code
Ask Donna
What actually matters in this document.
Text
Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 47 • No. 5 • May 2025
SFN Continues ‘988’ Tribal
Response With New PSAs
The Sac and Fox Nation, in
partnership with the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP), is continuing its
988 campaign with new public
service announcements (PSAs),
community event attendance,
and additional community-focused resources to further raise
awareness about the free and
confidential 988 Mental Health
Lifeline.
The campaign builds on efforts launched in 2023 to normalize seeking mental health
support and reduce stigma in
Native communities. This next
phase includes culturally relevant video PSAs, tribal and
community event outreach, and
ongoing education to ensure that
tribal members know help is always available—24/7/365—by
calling or texting 988 or chatting at 988lifeline.org.
“Native American communities have experienced historical oppression, trauma and
systemic discrimination which
can contribute to mental health
struggles, but 988 is there to
help,” said Second Chief Audrey Rose Lee (Sac and Fox).
“988 is free, confidential and
available via phone call or text
to all Sac and Fox Nation tribal
citizens. Our Nation is built on
strength, and when we reduce
the stigma around asking for
help with mental health struggles, we can empower our community to continue growing in
resilience and accessing the care
they deserve.”
The newest PSAs feature Sac
and Fox Nation citizens, and
their participation reflects the
strength and diversity of the Nation and reinforces the message
that seeking help is a sign of resilience, not weakness.
The new videos launched in
early April ahead of Jim Thorpe Day, which is a celebration
of the Sac and Fox citizen’s extraordinary life and accomplishments, despite the adversity he
faced from a young age. Thorpe, who is now well known as
one of the greatest athletes of all
time, came from extreme poverty, lost his brother and both
his parents at an early age, and
famously competed and won a
gold medal in an Olympic race
with mismatched shoes from
the trash bin after his were stolen. The messaging behind the
campaign mirrors the sentiment
(Continued on Page 3)
Senate Bipartisan Resolution Recognizes
50th Anniversary of Self-Determination Act
On April 7, 2025, the U.S.
Senate unanimously passed a
bipartisan resolution led by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK),
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA),
and Senator Brian Schatz (DHI), Vice Chairman of the SCIA,
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (ISDEAA). In
addition to Chairman Murkowski and Vice Chairman Schatz,
the resolution is co-sponsored
by Senators Catherine Cortez
Masto (D-NV), John Curtis (RUT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL),
Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John
Hoeven (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan
(D-NM), Markwayne Mullin
(R-OK), Alex Padilla (D-CA),
Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Tina
Smith (D-MN), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).
The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act, signed into law in 1975,
fundamentally reshaped Federal
Indian policy by promoting tribal self-determination through
Tribal involvement and oversight of programs and services
administered to them on behalf
of the U.S. government.
“This resolution celebrates
the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Congress
unanimously passed this law 50
years ago which began a transformation of the federal-tribal
relationship. Because of ISDEAA and the expansion of
self-determination and self-governance across many agencies,
Tribes have raised the quality of
life of their people, boosted local economies, improved health
care delivery, and designed and
implemented services that are
better tailored to their unique
communities – including in job
training, transportation, housing, social services, forestry, and
more,” said Chair Murkowski.
“I’m proud to lead this bipar-
tisan resolution, alongside Vice
Chairman Schatz, as a way to
honor the incredible progress
Tribes are able to make when the
federal government upholds the
trust responsibility while honoring Tribes’ right to self-determi-
nation.”
“More than five decades ago,
President Richard Nixon stood
before Congress and called for
a new era of Tribal self-determination—ushering in the most
(Continued on Page 2)
Student Honors Jim Thorpe
For ‘Shaping America’
Gemma Thorne, a fourth grader at Casady School in Oklahoma City, is pictured with her class project display she recently
prepared featuring the late world-famous athlete Jim Thorpe.
For their class projects and reports, students were asked to
honor influential people who shaped America. “We are proud
of Gemma for trying to educate her classmates by choosing a
member of her tribe who she thought had an impact on shaping America,’ said her grandmother and Sac and Fox Nation
tribal member, Anita Mack. Gemma is the daughter of James
Thorne and Ragan Butler.
(Photo Provided)
SFN Second Chief Audrey Rose Lee is pictured during the
production of AAIP 988 mental health lifeline public service
announcements.
(Photos Provided)
‘World’s Greatest Athlete’ Portrayed by Mark Megehee
Tribal Royalty Quincie Barse-Presson is pictured during the
recording of 988 campaign pubic service announcements.
Families attending the SFN Activity Committee’s ‘Jim Thorpe Day & Easter Gathering on April
19 were treated to a special performance by Mark Megehee as he portrayed ‘World’s Greatest
Athlete Jim Thorpe.’ Megehee shared highlights of the late world-famous athlete’s experiences in baseball, football and The Olympics Track and Field. See more photos inside.
(Photo by Mike Brown)
Page 2 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
Sac and Fox News
The Sac & Fox News is the monthly
publication of the Sac & Fox Nation,
located on SH 99, six miles south of
Stroud, OK.
Mailing address:
Sac and Fox Nation
Administration Building
920963 S Hwy 99 Bldg A
Stroud, OK 74079
Phone: 918-968-3526
Fax: 918-968-4837
The Sac & Fox News is the official
publication of the Sac and Fox
Nation. Our mission is to meet all
tribal members information needs
concerning the Nation.
The Sac & Fox News is mailed free,
one per address, to enrolled Sac and
Fox tribal members. Paid subscriptions
are available for $12.00 annually.
Editorial statements, guest columns,
and letters to the editor published in
this newspaper contain the opinions
of the writers. These opinions do not
necessarily reflect the opinions of
the Sac and Fox News staff or any
elected official or department of tribal
government or administration.
The Sac and Fox News reserves the
right to refuse publication of letters to
the editor. All editorials and letters to
the editor become the property of the
Sac and Fox News.
Submissions for publication must
be signed by the author and include
an address and contact phone number.
They are limited to 300 words. The
staff will not edit editorials or letters
to the editor to fit the 300-word limit.
Obituaries
Georgia Faye Nullake, age 74, of
Meeker, Okla., passed away Wednesday,
March 26, 2025 at Oklahoma City, Okla.
Georgia was born August 25, 1950 in
Pawnee, Okla., a daughter of George and
Ruth Anne (Morris) Nullake. Georgia
was raised in the Aydelotte community.
She attended Meeker schools, graduating
in 1969. After High School, she attended
Central State College in Edmond.
As one of the few full-blood members of the Sac and Fox Nation, Georgia
lived her entire life in central Oklahoma.
Georgia worked at the CTSA Head Start
and later as an Enrollment Clerk for the
Sac and Fox Nation before retiring in
November of 2023.
As well, she was a former chairwoman of the Sac and Fox Nation Election
Committee. In her free time, Georgia enjoyed sewing, attending Pow-Wows, and
traveling to her favorite natural wonder,
the Grand Canyon. When she was taking
it easy at home, she appreciated watching her favorite TV show “Naked and
Afraid.” She was a loving, caring mother, sister, aunt and friend.
Survivors include her son Edison
Nullake of Meeker; adopted daughter
Cecelia ‘Lois’
Washington
Deadline for the June edition is:
Tuesday, May 20 at 4:30 p.m.
Reprint permission is granted, with
proper credit to the Sac and Fox News,
unless other copyrights are shown.
Articles and letters may be submitted
to the newspaper either by mail or Fax
to the address provided above, - or by
e-mail:newspaper@sacandfoxnationnsn.gov.
Address corrections and changes are
accepted by the Business Committee
at the address listed below.
Managing Editor
Mike Brown
For information:
918-968-3526 x1060
newspaper@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Publisher: Sac and Fox Nation
~~~~~~~
Tribal Officers:
918-968-3526 or 800-259-3970
Principal Chief:
Randle Carter
Telephone (918) 968-3526
Ext. 1008
chief@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
principalchief@sacandfox.com
Second Chief:
Audrey Rose Lee
Telephone (918) 968-3526
Ext. 1004
secondchief@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
secondchief@sacandfox.com
Secretary:
Lana Butler
Telephone (918) 968-3526
Ext. 1007
secretary@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Treasurer:
Carla Wallace
Telephone (918) 968-3526
Ext. 1006
treasurer@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Committee Member:
Robert Williamson
Telephone (918) 968-3526
Ext. 1005
cmember@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Executive Assistant:
Kelsey Byrd
Kelsey.Byrd@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Business Committee
Mailing Address:
Sac and Fox Nation
920963 S Hwy 99 Bldg A
Stroud, OK 74079
Visit us on the webb @
sacandfoxnation.com
Georgia Faye Nullake
Deanna Larney of Meeker; sisters: Stella Nullake of Aydelotte, Nancy Nullake
of Cushing, and Ida Parish of Shawnee;
grandchildren: Autumn Torres, Julien
Torres, and Emilio Torres, as well as, a
host of other beloved nieces, nephews,
cousins, and friends.
Georgia was preceded in death by her
parents, daughter Juliette Blanchard, siblings Regina Davis, Shirley Alexander,
George Nullake, Jr., nieces Jaylen Johnson and Henrietta Kauley, as well as, her
nephew Kyle Nullake.
A traditional Sac and Fox funeral ceremony was held March 30, 2025 at the Sac
and Fox Nation Community Building at
the Sac and Fox Nation Complex south
of Stroud, Okla. Following the ceremony, Georgia was laid to rest at the Wakolee Cemetery, north of Shawnee, Okla.
Georgia Faye Nullake
Cathy LeJune Cole
Cathy LeJune Cole was born September 25th, 1954. She passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by
her family.
Cathy was a devoted mother, wife,
sister, daughter, aunt and friend. Family
was the most important thing to her. She
was a passionate animal lover and very
proud of her native heritage.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hazel and Herbert Clark; father,
Elmer Foreman; sister, Louise Allison;
brother, John Stephens and her precious
chihuahua, Isabelle.
Cathy is survived by her mother, Ruby
Stephens; husband, Donald Cole; sons,
Robert Dwayne Campbell, Jr. and wife,
Tina and Ezekiel (Zeke) Tucker; sister, Paula Stephens Winlock and fiancé,
Lance; brothers, Greg Stephens and Mike
Harris and wife, Sandy; and many nieces
and nephews that loved their Aunt Cathy.
Memorial Service was held March 29,
2025, at Fisher Funeral Home, Denison,
Texas.
Cathy LeJune Cole
Happy May Birthday Elders!
Cecelia ‘Lois’ Washington
Cecelia ‘Lois’ Washington, age 95, of
Shawnee, Okla., passed away on Sunday,
March 23, 2025. Cecelia worked most of
her life as a home health aide for Med
Core of Seminole, Okla. She was a proud
member of the Sac and Fox Tribe of
Oklahoma.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harrry E. Wakolee and Lillian M.
Wakolee; two children, Larry D. Snodgrass and Linda Beene; two brothers,
Gary Wakolee and Delbert Wakolee; five
sisters, Irene McClellen, Thelma Wilcox,
Donna Green, Sue Bohannon, and Leona
Wakolee; and, one great-grandson, Spencer Snodgrass.
She is survived by one son, Wayne
Snodgrass and wife, Teri of Meeker,
Okla.; daughter, Joyce and Clayton Ray
of Shawnee, Okla.; three sisters, Charlotte Lane, Esther Armitage, and Frida
West; one brother, Gene Wakolee and
wife Debbie of Earlsboro, Okla.; four
grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside ceremony was held on
March 27, 2025 at Resthaven Memorial
Park in Shawnee, Okla.
Obituaries Continued on Page 14
ISDEAA 50th
Anniversary
(Continued from Page 1)
successful federal policy for Native people in our nation’s history,” said Vice
Chairman Schatz. “For decades, administrations from both parties have strengthened Tribal sovereignty and self-governance. But today that progress is at risk,
as recent actions threaten to make it harder for Tribes to access federal funding
and for the government to fully uphold
its trust and treaty obligations. Instead of
moving backward, we should commemorate this anniversary by continuing to
build upon its legacy.”
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
are accessible on the Website
sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Abke, Candace Margaret
Ashley, Reginald
Baggett, Judy Anita
Barber, Genevieve Marie
Bass, Eric Blaine
Bass, Sammy Lee
Bemo, Ronald Maurice Sr.
Berry, Billie Francis
Bohannan, Myra Kaye
Brice, Ricky Dean
Brown, Bertha Lynn
Brown, Glannister Charles Jr.
Brown, Robin Gaye
Brown-Hill, Bertha Lynn
Butler, Allen
Butler, Edgar Thomas
Carter, Frankie Charles
Carter, Larry Don
Case, Debra Kay
Chaney, Robert David Jr.
Clinkenbeard, Rosalyn Glendola
Colbert, Ladonna Michelle
Dean, Rebecca Lea
Dean, Timothy Hannum
Dixon, Peggy Ann
Dowd, Larry William
Dowd, Odell Maxwell
Dutro, Christi Lorena
Ellis, Teri Denise
Ferguson, Theresa Sue
Freeman, Billy Ray Jr.
French, Rebecca Jeanne
Gibbs, Michael David
Goniwicha, James Lee Jr.
Goodeagle, Rona Kay
Hale, Barbara Ladon
Hancock, Sean Collier
Hanson, Sonja Renee
Harshberger, Barbara Jane
Haynes, Janna Dee
Henthorn, Duke Anthony
Henthorn, Jimmy C
Hilbrink, Veronica Marie
Hillis, Julie Christine
Holland, Patricia Ann
Jefferson, Elvita Louise
Jones, William Cliff
Ketcher, Carmelia
Kramer, Stephanie Michelle
Leadercharge, Letha Dawn
Lenzini, Monica Lee
Littlehead, Cecil Dewayne
Lizarrago, Tonya Lisa
Longshore, Edward Abraham III
Macias, Elizabeth Ann
Martinez, Rebecca Ann
McCreless, Joseph Virgil
McEntire, David Wayne
Meek, Vada Rose
Mikulski, Cathleen Dolores
Natseway, Elizabeth Denise
Nelson, Thomas Wylie
O’Brien, Edward L III
Pappan, Clifton Wade
Parish, Ida Louise
Perez-Loza, Tiffany Lee
Pimley, Michael John
Pipkin, Ray Lynn
Reynolds, Marietta
Romine, Tracey Dawn
Roubidoux, Howard Gene
Rumbaugh, Jeffrey Wayne
Russell, Sheryl Ann
Safford, Edward Lenfesti IV
Schexnider, Brian Anderson
Shawn, Bobbie L
Smith, Traci Alene
Steiner, Debora Camille
Stephens, Judy K
Switch, Gwendolyn Jean
Tasier, Monty Eli
Thornton, William Francis Jr.
Tiger, Randall Keith
Torres, Carla Delain
Twinem, Neecy
Valero, Charlotte Ann
Wakole, Byron Keith
Wakole, Debra Elaine
Wakolee, Shirleen Thelma
Walklin, Joy Ellen
Webb, Pauline Sue
West, David Glenn
Whipple, Jeffrey Alan
Williams, Gloria Gay
Winlock, Paula Iris
Wood, Katie L.
Wood, Pamela Sue
Yarbrough, Patricia R
York, Melva Ladawn
Zein, Anita Marie
Page 3 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
Officials Attend Tribal Finance Consortium
Pictured from left during the Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium Spring
Conference held April 15-16, 2025 at FireLake Grand Casino are: OTFC
President Victor Flores, SFN Treasurer Carla Wallace, SFN Second Chief
Audrey Rose Lee and SFN Secretary Lana Butler.
(Photo Provided)
988 Tribal Response Campaign
(Continued from Page 1)
round Jim Thorpe’s life – that when faced
with adversity we must not give up.
The 988 Mental Health Lifeline offers
support for those experiencing suicidal
thoughts, substance misuse or emotional distress or can be a resource for those
seeking to help people in their family or
community who are struggling.
In June 2024, the Sac and Fox Nation
conducted a survey at its annual pow
wow to understand community awareness of 988 and perceptions of mental health. Nearly 67% of respondents
identified fear of judgment or stigma as
a barrier to seeking support, while 83%
stressed the value of cultural connection
in a crisis response.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call
or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat
with a trained professional.
Native American Artist Nicholas Blanchard
Shares Talent, Knowledge With CTSA
Nicholas Blanchard, a local Native American artist, recently shared his time
with children attending CTSA Head Start. He is pictured painting feathers with
the children and talking about the significance of feathers in tribal culture. “We
look forward to having him share his tribal knowledge with us in the future.
Thank you from CTSA Head Start” said Deniece Jordan, Family Community
Partnership Advocate.
(Photo Provided)
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
are accessible on the Website
sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Page 4 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
Sac and Fox Nation Education Department News
Hello Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Members!
The Education Department would like
to share with you some of the events that
we attended in the past month:
The Seminole Nation, Citizen
Potawatomi Nation, and Sac and Fox
Nation Education Departments partnered
together and hosted the first Tribal Education Departments Summit that was
held at the Citizen Potawatomi Cultural
Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
The Summit was a success as we had
Tribal Leaders from the Sac and Fox
Nation, Seminole Nation, Citizen Band
Potawatomi, and Absentee Shawnee
Tribe to attend. Tribal Education Departments that attended were: Absentee
Shawnee, Caddo Nation, Chickasaw
Nation, Ponca Tribe, Quapaw Nation,
Iowa Tribe, Osage Nation, Cherokee Nation, Delaware Tribe, Muscogee (Creek)
Nation, Seminole Nation, Citizen Band
Potawatomi Nation, Sac and Fox Nation,
Kaw Nation, and Kiowa Tribe.
The morning session started with Vice
Chairwoman Linda Capps of the Citizen
Band Potawatomi Nation welcoming everyone. Principal Chief Randle Carter
of the Sac and Fox Nation, Chief Lewis
Johnson of the Seminole Nation, and Assistant Chief Brian Palmer of the Seminole Nation all gave introductory speeches on Indian Education affairs.
Key speakers were Spike Bighorn
from the BIE in Washington DC, Misty
Farber from the Office of Indian Education in Washington DC, and Nakina Mills
from the National Indian Education Association in Washington DC. All speakers provided insightful updates on the
ongoing developments in Washington
DC within the Indian Education arena.
The afternoon session included a
round table discussion with the tribal education departments, with the main topic
being Every Student Success Act (ESSA)
Consultations. This gave each tribe and
nation the opportunity to discuss what is
happening in their area and share their
experiences and concerns with each other to strengthen engagement efforts.
We are planning Summit 2026, which
will be held at the Sac and Fox Nation
April 2, 2026.
DEADLINE DATES to Remember:
• May 1, 2025 deadline date to Summer Internship Program.
• June 30, 2025 deadline date for
Higher Education (college students) for
Fall 2025 Session.
March 2025 Activities
• 20th - The Education Department attended the United Indian Nation of Oklahoma Meeting at the Hard Rock Hotel,
Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• 25th - Justin and I attended ESSA
Consultation at Ada High School
• 28th - Planning meeting for the Tribal Education Department Summit.
• 29th – 31st - Chicago, IL with scholarship winners
by Edwina Butler-Wolfe
April 2025 Activities
• 3rd - Tribal Education Department
Summit
• 4th - Cushing Public School ESSA
Consultation
• 9th - Little Axe School Assemblies,
STEP/TEDNA Grant sponsored speaker
• 10th - ESSA Consultation with Shawnee, Tecumseh, McLoud Public Schools
• 15th - ESSA Consultation with Choctaw-Nicoma Park
• 15th - Justin Morris meeting with
Cushing School VO-AG Instructor
• 16th - Stroud Public School Federal
Program Meeting 7:30 am
• 16th - Quarterly Meeting Oklahoma
Advisor Council on Indian Education
(OACIE) Oklahoma State Board
• 17th - Sac and Fox Nation Senior
High School Banquet at the Grand Casino
• 21st - Seminole Public School Federal Program Meeting and Indian Parent
Meeting.
If you have any concerns or question,
please let me know.
Edwina Butler-Wolfe
Education Director
Mobile phone: 405 328-0402
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
are accessible on the Website
sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
First Tribal Education Departments Summit
Tribal officials and Indian education representatives from
across the state are pictured during the First Tribal Education Departments Summit held April 3 in Shawnee,
Okla. The summit was hosted by the Seminole Nation,
Citizen Potawatomi Nation and Sac and Fox Nation Education Departments.
(Photo Provided)
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Sac and Fox Nation
Sac and Fox Casino
Sac and Fox Language Program
Sac and Fox Dept. of Human Services
Sac and Fox National Public Library
Page 5 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
Jim Thorpe Day & Easter Gathering
Members of the Sac and Fox Nation Activity Committee and volunteers from
the Meeker Indian Club, and Shawnee High Shool Native American Club prepared hamburgers for lunch for families attending the April 19 Jim Thorpe
Day and Easter Gathering festivities. At bottom right, attendees are shown
registering for door prizes at the event held in the Sac and Fox Nation Community Building.
The Easter Bunny made a special visit at the SFN Activity Committee for
family photo opportunities. Families also enjoyed Easter games, door prizes,
and Easter Bonnet and Easter Cake Contests. (All Photos by Mike Brown)
Page 6 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
SAUK LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
PHILOSOPHY
Indians are born speaking our languages. For some of
us, they lie dormant within our bodies. They are looking
for a way out. God gave us these beautiful languages. All
of us hold them in a sacred manner within. There is no
such thing as an Indian person who cannot speak Indian.
Our language programs find these languages within
our bodies. They bring them out through our mouths and
deliver them to their rightful resting places within our
hearts.
May Comic
Page 7 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
Re-Elect Carla Wallace
Sac and Fox Nation Treasurer
My name is Carla Wallace and I am seeking re-election as Treasurer of the Sac and Fox
Nation.
I am the daughter of Harold and Kay Wallace; grand daughter of H.E. and Grace (Wakolee) Wallace; great granddaughter of Jackson and Esther (Kakaque) Wakolee and a
member of the Thunder Clan. We have all
lived on Moccasin Trail and I have raised my
children there as well.
My professional career has been in Tribal
Accounting and Finance and spans 40 years;
all dedicated to the Sac and Fox Nation and
Carla Wallace
other tribal organizations.
In 2021, I pledged a commitment to serve as your Treasurer and have fulfilled
each commitment to you. I have been present at the office, Business Committee
meetings, Governing Council meetings and have proudly represented the Sac and
Fox Nation at local and national meetings.
During my term, I have ensured that Tribal Members have the option to receive
improved services in the form of electronic fund payments rather than waiting for
their check to arrive in the mail; to date over 700 Tribal Members have utilized this
alternative form of payment.
I have also worked with the Business Committee to increase the Sac and Fox
Nation land base and together we have purchased property which will assist with
future grants and services for Tribal Members as well as future economic development projects.
In addition, my service to Tribal Members includes: delivering food baskets to
families, elders and home bound Tribal Members during and after COVID; delivering paperwork, applications and medications upon request; advocating for
Missing and Murdered Tribal Members and advocating for Child Care Development.
On April 19, 2023, a EF2 Tornado hit the Shawnee area, our housing units and
homes of Tribal Members received substantial damage; we visited the devastated
area immediately and stayed onsite until 4am to determine assistance our Tribal
Members needed. On the morning of April 20, 2023, a few of us Business Committee members returned to personally deliver ARPA checks to Shawnee residents
so they did not have to wait for their check to arrive in the mail and could get much
needed food, supplies and necessities.
With your support, I will continue my commitment to serve as your Treasurer
and I humbly ask for your vote on June 7th in the Primary Election.
Respectfully,
Carla J. Wallace
Spring Word Search
Meeker High School Wins Big at ONAYLF
Students from the Meeker Indian Club of Meeker High School competed at the Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair (ONAYLF) held on April 8th at the Sam
Noble Museum in Norman. Students from all over the state gather at this event to
compete using only their Native American languages in categories such as spoken
prayer, skits, videos, traditional songs. Students prepared for this competition by
meeting with the Sauk Language Department once a week since January to practice
and develop an idea for their competition piece. The Meeker Indian Club made a
video on how to make frybread using only the Sauk language when giving instructions and won 1st place in the category. The students that submitted this video are
Breanna Butler, Tristian Bynam, Corbin Maggard, Oske Bemo, Kiera Bizzell, Kara
Casteel, Layla Carter. Corbin Maggard and Oske Bemo also competed in the Duet
Spoken Prayer category and won 2nd place. You can view their submissions by going to www.youtube.com/@oklahomanativeamericanyout3680.
(Photo Provided)
Re-Elect Lana Butler
Sac and Fox Nation Secretary
Dear Tribal Members of the Sac and Fox
Nation,
I am the fifth daughter of the late Roland Butler (Sac and Fox) and the late
Beverly J. Butler (Absentee Shawnee) and
granddaughter of the late Dewey Butler
(Sac and Fox) and, I am Bear Clan. I was
raised in the Johnson community, and I
remain deeply committed to the growth
and prosperity of our Nation.
Over the past term, I have worked diligently alongside our leadership to support the advancement of our Nation.
Key accomplishments include:
• Completed Black Hawk Health
Center expansion; with the Dental
Clinic scheduled to open in the coming
months.
• Partnering with Harvard University on the Land Back Project.
• Purchased additional acres at the Tanger Mall site.
• Major Construction projects currently underway:
• Pavilion Expansion
• New Elder Concession Stand
• New Speaker Stand
• New boulevard construction
• New Maintenance Building construction
• Rebuilding of old Maintenance Building
I am proud of the progress we have made, and I am committed to continuing this momentum. I humbly ask for your support and vote as we build a
stronger future for the Sac and Fox Nation together.
Lana Jo Butler
Candidate for Secretary
Sac and Fox Nation
Page 8 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
Youngman Lawsuit Against
Sac and Fox Nation
Lavonda Youngman was appointed
to the Sauk Business Enterprise Board
(SBEB) in September, 2019 and submitted her resignation on April 4, 2022. On
July 13, 2022, the Gaming Commission
revoked Ms. Youngman’s gaming license
following an investigation.
On August 12, 2022, Ms. Youngman
filed a lawsuit, Case #CIV-2022-00004,
in Sac and Fox Nation District Court
against the Sac and Fox Nation Gaming
Commission appealing her gaming license revocation.
To date, the Sac and Fox Nation has
paid costs exceeding $126,000 to: attorney fees ($98,759), Gaming Commissioners ($14,013) and staff ($13,927) to
defend the Nation in this case.
In December, 2024, a motion to dismiss without prejudice was filed by
Ms. Youngman, and granted by the Sac
and Fox Nation District Court. A filing
“without prejudice” means Ms. Youngman can resume her lawsuit against the
Sac and Fox Nation in the future.
May 2025
SAC AND FOX NATION
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
PROGRAM
STROUD WAREHOUSE
918-968-3030 • 1-800-256-3398
SHAWNEE OFFICE
405-395-0063 • 1-886-622-2310
ALL FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS
ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! THANK YOU!!
HOURS (Monday-Friday)
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8 am - 5 pm
Distribution
8 am - 3 pm
Store AM Inventory 8 am - 8:30 am
Store PM Inventory 3 pm - 5 pm
HOME DELIVERIES ARE FOR
HOMEBOUND AND/OR DISABLED
ELDERS. CALL OUR
STROUD OFFICE
TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY.
This institution is
an equal opportunity provider.
May 2025
SFN Elders Title VI Menu
Page 9 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
Sac and Fox Nation 2025 Election Dates to Remember
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
are accessible on the Website
sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Page 10 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
920963 S. Hwy. 99, Building A • Stroud, OK 74079 • (918) 968-1141 • FAX (918) 968-1142
Compliance Officer (Gaming)
Transportation Coordinator
Resident Advisor(s) *NEW SALARIES*
Behavioral Health Licensed Therapist (BHHC, Stroud)Policy
Analyst, #2024-05 (Stroud)
Cashier – Finance (Stroud) #2024-30
Outreach Specialist (Stroud) #2024-32
Realty Specialist II #2024-34 (Stroud)
Self-Governance Specialist #2024-35 (Stroud)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #2024-042
Payroll Technician #2024-54
Registered/Licensed Dietitian #2024-57 (Stroud)
NAGPRA Coordinator #2024-65 Stroud)
Historical Researcher #2024-68 (Stroud)
Pharmacist #2025-03 (Stroud)
Family Practice Physician #2025-10 (Stroud)
JDC Maintenance Supervisor #2025-13 (Stroud)
Staff Accountant #1 #2025-15 (Stroud)
Maintenance Technician #2025-16 (Stroud)
Custodian I #2025-17 (Stroud)
Information Clerk #2025-18 (Stroud)
Landscaper/Laborer–Temporary Full Time #2025-31 (Stroud)
Laboratory/X-Ray Assistant II #2025-34 (Stroud)
PCL Community Health Specialist – LPN #2025-23 (Stroud)
PCL Biller – Scheduler #2025-24 (Stroud)
PCL Supportive Services Worker #2025-26 (Stroud)
Landscaper #2025-36 (Stroud)
Lifeguard #2025-37 (Stroud)
Certified Pool Operations Manager #2025-38 (Stroud)
Executive Assistant – Gaming Commission #2025-39Executive
Assistant 2, #2025-41(Stroud)
Head Cook, #2025-42 (Stroud)
Environmental Director, #2025-43 (Stroud)
John Carrington, HR Director
hrdirector@sacandfox.com
NOTICE
A W-9 form is not needed for Per
Capita Payments unless you have a
name change, new address, you are
a newly-enrolled tribal member or, if
required, for RAP applications.
^
Sac and Fox
Nation Telephone
Extensions
Main Number:
918-968-3526
• Chief - 1008
• Second Chief - 1004
• Treasurer - 1006
• Secretary - 1007
• Committee Member - 1005
• BC Front Desk - 1009
• Tax - 1043-1045
• Accounting - 1030-1036
• Property and Procurement 1020-1039-1022
• Maintenance - 2062
• BHHC - 918-968-9531
• ICW - 1711
• Court - 2039
• Library - 2020-2021
• Language - 1075
• JUVI - 4000
• USDA - 2077 (WIC 2079)-20802081-2082
(Warehouse USDA 2089)
• Education - 2046
• IT - 2041
• Police - 2033
• Self-Governance - 1080
• Capitol Security - 1090
• Realty - 1052
• Enrollment - 1040-1041
• RAP - 2000 - 2001
• Social Services - 2010-2011
• OES - 2091-2092-2094
• Veterans - 1065
• Newspaper - 1060
• Tribal Administrator - 1010
• NAGPRA/Historic
Preservation - 1070
• ARPA - 1819
W-9 FORM MUST BE CUT ON DOTTED LINE BEFORE MAILING
^
Business Committee Meeting
Minutes are
accessible on the Website
sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
X
X
X
SAC AND FOX NATION
920883 S. HIGHWAY 99 BLDG. “A”
STROUD, OKLAHOMA, 74079
X
X
X
Page 11 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
Sac and Fox Nation Office of Environmental Services
General Assistance and Solid Waste Management
by Daniel Red Thunder Wind
The Office of Environmental Services
(OES) is primarily funded by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
grant funds. The primary function of one
of our grants is to administer environmental programs and to build capacity.
A portion of the grant is used to collect
baseline surface water quality data on
lakes, rivers, and streams.
There are other EPA grants and grants
in general that assist tribal nations with
collecting various types of environmental data and allow OES to perform various types of assessments. Some of these
grants are non-competitive and some are
very competitive locally, regionally, and
nationally against states and other tribal
nations.
While I don’t want to bore you with
all the details, I will let you know we
collect, analyze, and report data for indoor air quality, surface waters, and solid
waste dumpsites. We can assess the issue
and educate the public on environmental
issues, but we cannot remediate the issue
with current EPA funds. We must search
for other funding sources to help with
those issues or through other tribal departments, agencies, or work groups.
This year, we were able to request a
small amount of funds through the RAP
allocation to assist OES with tribal member environmental issues. These funds
are used to design a program to help tribal members with environmental concerns
that cannot be addressed through other
means. It’s a way to fill a gap between
other programs. We can help address
certain issues with drinking water, septic
systems, and household trash disposal.
Give us a call and fill out an application to see if we can help. OES may be
able to assist with water well issues, septic tank repair, or providing a roll-off for
clean-up. OES also has a dump trailer
for smaller disposal projects. OES will
make a site visit and assess the situation
to determine what exactly needs to be
done and what level of assistance we can
provide.
NOTICE TO VETERANS!
Men & Women, especially WWI, WWII & Korean War
The Sac and Fox National Public Library
is asking for your DD 214s for their records and
MEMORIAL MONUMENT PURPOSES!
The Veterans are also requesting photos of tribal members in
uniform or on military or active duty.
These will be reviewed and may be selected to be put on one
of the monuments (WWI, WWII, Korean or Vietnam). A fifth
monument will be designated with the appropriate name for the
Peace Keeping Initiative Years
(Iraq, Kuwait, Bosnia, Desert Storm and Desert Shield)
Contact: Sac and Fox National Public Library
918-968-3526
Determination of assistance is done on
a case-by-case basis, and we will try and
work with other departments or agencies
to address the issues. We will be placing
brochures throughout the nation’s buildings and posting the application here in
the newsletter as well.
Spring Clean-up Event
You may have heard through Facebook
and other postings that we are having
a Spring Clean-up Event starting April
21st in Cushing, April 28th in Shawnee,
and May 5th in Stroud. Central Disposal
will be placing roll-off dumpsters for one
week to dispose of household items. If
this event proves successful, and funds
permitting, we may try and have a similar event in the fall.
Document Shredding Event
On June 14th, OES will be hosting a
document shredding event at the OES office between the courthouse and juvenile
detention center. This will provide an
opportunity for tribal members and tribal departments to properly destroy documents with sensitive information. As
well as any other paper items you may
be holding on to. This event will be from
9am to noon. Fliers will be posted in
tribal buildings and on Facebook.
As always, if you have any questions
or comments, please let us know. We
will have a new Facebook page coming
soon that we will post information on.
You can also email me at Daniel.wind@
sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov or at environmentalspecialist1@sacandfox.com. You
may also call us at the main office number: 918-968-3526 Ext. 2091 or 2092.
General Assistance Program and
Application Form
Purpose:
The Office of Environmental Services
(OES) General Assistance (GA) program
is a pilot program that may provide assistance to tribal members with environ-
mental issues that may not be covered
by other tribal programs, I.H.S., state or
local assistance. The OES GA program
may provide assistance for environmental related issues regarding water quality,
indoor air quality, and solid waste, for example water wells, mold, dump site clean
ups, septic systems, etc. The program
will provide assistance to tribal members
until funds have been exhausted.
Requirements
Eligibility:
To be eligible for assistance through
this program the following factors will
need to be met.
• Applicant is a Sac and Fox Nation enrolled member over the age of 18.
• Proof of tribal member residence is required. If a tribal member is not named
on the lease or bill, a written statement
from the owner must be submitted along
with the request indicating the tribal
member is residing there.
• Applicants must be in dire need of emergency or extraordinary assistance and
must have exhausted all other resources.
(Proof of service denial may be required)
• Eligibility shall be determined by the
type of assistance requested.
Verification:
• Available assistance from other departments and/or agencies, tribal or local.
• Site assessments will be conducted to
verify and rate the need for assistance.
• Site Accessibility.
Other Considerations:
• OES may verify additional program eligibility with other assistance programs.
• Only environmental issues will be considered.
• If other programs can assist, the information will be forwarded to the applicable program.
• OES will consider and save all applications to determine future needs of the
program. See application below:
Page 12 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
Page 13 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
Greetings Fellow Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Citizens:
It is wonderful to be back home again.
I am Eugenia (Gena) Tyner-Dawson, enrolled citizen of the Sac and Fox Nation,
and I am Wolf Clan. I was raised in Wichita, KS and in Cushing, OK, and today I live
in Meeker, OK. I am the daughter of Sac and Fox Nation citizen Eugene Lewis Tyner,
and Alice Agnes Miller Briggs Gulline Tyner (Scottish, and a US naturalized citizen).
My brother is Robert Lewis Tyner, his daughter is Amy (Tyner) Meyer, and my sister
was Marjorie Alice Tyner, her sons are John R. Rivera, and Cody R. Tyner (deceased).
My paternal Sac and Fox great-grandmother was Maggie Jefferson Tyner, married to
Claude Tyner, of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. Their son, Raymond F.
Tyner, was my grandfather, and he was Potato Clan. My other great-grandfather was
Benjamin Harris and his daughter, my Sac and Fox grandmother was Marie Harris
Tyner, and she was Deer Clan. My daughter is Margaret Marie Reeser, and she is
Thunder Clan. My grandchildren are Calib Justin Brewer, Mayraya Dawn Eddings,
and Icle Marie Brewer, and they are Bear Clan, and my great-grandson is Boston Leo
Brewer.
If I am elected as your Sac and Fox Treasurer, per the Tribal Constitution, I am required to receive all monies and other assets of the Nation and keep all tribal monies
entrusted to my care in one or more special accounts and all disbursements therefrom
shall be made pursuant to resolution or ordinance of the Business Committee with two
approved signatures on each check. At any time that such an account shall amount to
more than $50.00, I shall file a bond satisfactory to the Business Committee and the
Governing Council. The cost of such bond shall be paid out of tribal monies. I shall
render a certified written report at the annual meeting and at the expiration of my term
of office. Upon my death, resignation, expiration of term or removal from office, the
records and all papers in my possession shall be turned over to my successor.
If elected, I also will provide oversight to the Business Committee to manage all
financial aspects for this body, including budgeting, tracking, donations, and expenditures. I will ensure adherence to legal requirements and deadlines for financial reporting. I will provide oversight of the meticulous task of recording and reporting
all financial resources. Additionally, if I am elected as your Treasurer, I will assist in
financial planning and forecasting, providing important financial reports, maintaining
budgets, and helping the Nation allocate resources effectively to maximize impact.
The goals of a Tribal Treasurer are multifaceted and crucial for the financial health
and stability of the Nation. Key objectives are fiscal management, compliance and reporting, budget review and approval, financial planning and forecasting, transparency
and accountability, and community engagement.
I have lived in the US Capital, Washington, District of Columbia, for almost thirty
years working solely in Indian affairs since I left my Chandler, OK home in March
1996. I recently retired as a US Federal Government civil servant on February 22,
2025, after serving twenty-six (26) years, and I served as a Washington, DC registered tribal lobbyist for almost three (3) years before then. I traveled home a number
of times every year to be with my late husband, Gene Rhea Dawson, who is survived
by his four sons, sister, nephew, niece, their children, and the rest of our family.
My Federal and Lobbying Work Summary in Washington, DC:
• Oct 1998 - Dec 2000 – Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health
Service Headquarters- Office of Tribal Self-Governance, Self-Governance Program
Specialist for AZ, CA and Eastern OK
• Dec 2000 – Sep 2006 – Department of Health and Human Services, Immediate
Office of the Secretary, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Senior Tribal Affairs
Policy Advisor, and Indian Health Service Deputy Director, Acting on detail.
• Sep 2006 - Mar 2018 – Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Senior
Tribal Affairs Policy Advisor to the US Assistant Attorney General
• Mar 2018 - Feb 2019 - Department of the Interior. Secretary’s Office, for the Assistant Secretary Indian Affairs, Senior Policy Advisor to the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs
• Feb 2019 - Feb 2025 - Department of the Interior, Office of Justice Services, Justice Program Policy and Not Invisible Act Coordinator for Missing, Murdered, and
Human Trafficked Indian People.
Summary of Major Federal Work:
I participated in the IHS Self-Governance Negotiated Rule-making Committee that
made the initiative permanent, as the Secretary’s Office representative, and I served
as the IHS Deputy Director Acting, overseeing a $4.6 billion budget, I oversaw all
Annual HHS Budget Consultation Sessions with Tribal leaders from 2000-2006. I
co-chaired a Federal Government online training initiative for the first White House
Tribal Executive Work Group, to develop the Office of Personnel Management training called “Working Effectively with Tribal Governments.” I updated the HHS Secretary and IHS Tribal Consultation Policies in 2005, and the HHS SAMHSA Tribal
Consultation Policy later that same year, and I helped complete the Department of
Justice’s first Tribal Consultation Policy in 2013. I led the coordination of the first-ever Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), from 2010-2017 for
$827,755, 204 cumulatively, and an average of $103,469,400 annually, in direct grant
awards to tribes. While working in the IHS Office of Tribal Self-Governance, I advocated three large Self-Governance Compacts for the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and
Choctaw Nations in OK. All Self-Governance Compacts are important to tribes, and
I advocated Self-Governance Compacts with tribes in Arizona and California too.
Summary of Major Lobbyist Work:
From April 1996 to October 1998, I worked as a registered lobbyist for SENSE,
Incorporated, a tribal grassroots lobby firm, with 100 percent tribal clients, including
the Sac and Fox Nation. I learned a great deal about how to work with the US Congress, track the Supreme Court cases and decisions, and track the White House and its
Executive Branch. I fully understand the budget formulation process, the Presidential
budget request, the congressional allocation process, hearings, and votes for passage
in both Congressional chambers, Presidential vetoes and signing of the laws, and the
Executive Branch budget execution. This firm worked with NW Tribal leaders to create the Tribally driven Self-Governance Initiative, and I served as the SENSE coordinator for the IHS construction language of the bill presented to Congressional staff
working on the bill. I also helped negotiate appropriations language for direct tribal
access to the Federal Government credit card travel program with IHS and USDA,
and helped negotiate with the General Services Administration for direct tribal access
to those same major credit card companies. I never saw a federal estimate of how this
tribal access has saved the federal or tribal government’s monies since 1998 although
it should still be significant.
Sac and Fox Nation Summary of Work History:
1984 – 1996 – Sac and Fox Nation. I served as an employee in many programs at
the Nation for twelve (12) years. I was entrusted to be the Tribal Administrator Acting
when asked, I was one of three Tribal Self-Governance Coordinators, the Community Services Director/Planner, Grants Writer, Food Distribution Program Supervisor,
Education Director, Substance and Mental Health Services Coordinator, Housing Coordinator, and my very first job was Tribal Security Officer.
Summary of Major Sac and Fox Nation Work:
I oversaw the project and construction of the first Self-Governance Bureau of Indian Affairs $15 million constructed Juvenile Detention Regional Center at the Nation’s Headquarters. We received a national architectural award for its design, and we
constructed it in approximately 3.5 years versus 7 years, which allowed us to keep
the savings created by our time efficiencies. This also permitted installing a wooden
gym basketball floor, construction of a transitional facility to house juveniles transitioning back into tribal communities, and our tribal Courthouse/Police department.
I completed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant for the
Blackhawk Health Center in 1996 that was built on the east side of the highway
at our Headquarters south of Stroud. Construction of the Social Service Multi-Purpose Center behind the Main Headquarters building, expansion of the Food Program
at Headquarters to serve the five Shawnee Tribes, oversaw the construction of the
Shawnee Multi-Purpose Center at 215 Harrison Street in Shawnee, OK, and housing
rehabilitation projects across our lands. I oversaw the construction of the newest water and sewer lagoons built for the east side of the highway at Tribal Headquarters. I
had oversight of the Sac and Fox 10-Year Plan for 1992-2002 the Governing Council
approved. I wrote grants, developed programs, created budgets, administered them,
tracked them, and kept them compliant to pass program audits of the Nation.
Major Education and Training:
• 1978 – Cushing High School, Diploma, Cushing, OK
• 1984 - Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training Certified
Peace Officer
• Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration
• I have completed 135 hours of my Business Administration Bachelor’s Degree,
and I have 45 hours remaining. I attend one class per quarter, and I have ten courses
left to finish this degree.
Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Citizens:
• I want to be transparent with you and communicate often.
• Let us reinvigorate a report to the Annual Governing Council of our Claims Investments.
• Let us provide a far more detailed Financial Report to the Annual Governing
Council.
• Let us investigate the status of the old Leadercharge accounts.
• Let us segregate the financial duties of the Nation by requiring the Comptroller to
report directly to the Tribal Administrator
• Let us ensure all the Nation’s elected officials are trustworthy and eligible for a
fidelity bond before signing checks.
• Let us institute recognition with financial incentives to the Sac and Fox Nation’s
citizens and staff who suggest innovative ideas towards creating efficiencies that can
cause savings for us.
It is an interesting financial time at this hour in US history. I am not afraid to move
forward wisely, carefully, yet boldly for and with you. I know Washington, DC, I
know Indian country, and I visited numerous tribal Nations throughout my career. I
prefer not to work alone. I am well known for my collaboration, coordination, and
consultation; wherein, I rely on many smart and professional tribal, federal, state,
local colleagues, and friends every day to make collective progress. I stood on the
shoulders of others who walked a path before I did, and I sat at the knee of others to
learn more each day. I am blessed to meet wonderful people throughout my lifetime,
many who have walked on, but I still hold them in my memory and my heart. I have
a beautiful family that supports and loves me. I am extremely fortunate. I am proud
to be your fellow Sac and Fox Nation citizen.
Before I left home in 1996, I promised a handful of the Sac and Fox Nation elders
that I would return home and do my best to give back what I learned while I was
away. I am back, and I respectfully wish to serve as your Treasurer. I humbly ask for
your vote on June 7, 2025.
Ketepi,
Eugenia Tyner-Dawson
THIS AD PAID FOR BY EUGENIA TYNER-DAWSON
Kids and Grandkids
Are G-R-E-A-T!!
We want to feature the scholastic, academic and
athletic awards or achievements of your child or
grandchild of the Sac and Fox Nation!
Send all pertinent information, such as name of
student, town, school and grade attending,
explanation of award or achievement, and names of
parents and/or grandparents, along with a current
photo of the student to:
newspaper@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
or: Sac and Fox News, 920963 S. Hwy. 99
Stroud, OK 74079
Page 14 - Sac and Fox News - May 2025
Obituaries
Cheryl Ann Barker Torres
Cheryl Ann Barker Torres, 66, of Stillwater, Okla., passed away on Saturday,
April 12, 2025, in Tulsa, Okla.
Cheryl was born in Cushing, Okla.
on January 29, 1959, and grew up in
the area. She was an only child and was
raised by her grandmother. Cheryl spent
most of her career as a licensed practical
nurse, serving others. In her free time,
Cheryl enjoyed going to garage sales
and had a hobby of collecting purses and
shoes. She was a loving wife to Alfredo
Torres, as well as, a loving mother and
grandmother.
She is preceded in death by her son,
Antonio Torres and her mother, Nadine
Barker.
Cheryl is survived by her beloved husband, Alfredo Torres of Stillwater; her
sons, Fernando Torres of Stillwater, Sam
Spang of Stroud, Okla., and Justin Torres
of Topeka, Kan.; and, seven grandkids.
Funeral services were held April 18,
2025, at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home
Chapel in Cushing, Okla. Interment followed in Euchee Valley Memorial Park.
Cheryl Ann Barker Torres
Congratulations, Poster Contest Winners!
Shaw Signs Letter of Intent to Play
Football at Northeastern Okla. A & M
Dace Shaw, a senior running back and
defensive safety on the 2024 Shawnee
High School Wolves football team, has
signed a letter of intent to play football
for the Northeastern Oklahoma A & M
College Golden Norsemen this fall. He
will be graduating from SHS on May 18.
Shaw was one of the top defensive
backs in his division. The 6’1” athlete
drew Golden Norsemen coaches’ attention during a NEO A & M football camp.
“Dace Shaw had a complete performance
from start to finish,” said a member of the
coaching staff.
“He caught our eye during the testing
portion, as he tested incredibly well in all
four stations. Not only did he have that
top-end speed in the 40-yard-dash, he
also showed explosiveness in the broad
jump and agility in the shuttle run drills.
He was right there with some of the best
running backs in the state in terms of
standing out in drills.” the coach added.
During the 2024 fall season, Shaw received five ‘Player of the Game’ awards
from MaxPreps.
Dace is the son of SFN tribal member
Danielle Riley, and the grandson of Dino
Riley and the late Mary B. Walker, both
of the Sauk and Fox Nation.
Pictured are Dace Shaw and his
grandfather, SFN tribal member Dino
Riley.
(Photo Provided)
Letter to Tribal Members
April 15, 2025
Greetings Tribal Members,
Thank you for taking the time to review the material submitted monthly. We
must confront these matters promptly as
they arise rather than allowing them to
linger unresolved.
As the Governing-Body of this Great
Sac and Fox Nation, we are responsible
for uniting and addressing the various issues affecting our tribe. Open-communication and collaboration are essential as
we navigate these challenges.
At a Petitioned Council, the Governing-Body requested an audit and a late
Council meeting quarterly financial
meetings to ensure transparency and accountability in our financial practices.
Unfortunately, these requests have not
been honored. Recently, the Treasurer
presented a few points she claimed came
from the requested audit.
The Treasurer provided no documented support for her claims. This lack of
documentation raises significant concerns regarding the validity-of-the-audit and the transparency of the financial
information provided. Without access to
this information, verifying whether an
audit was conducted or establishing the
origins of the data read is impossible.
Tribal members, I want to remind you
of a critical point. During the 2024 Special Council RAP, the Business Committee distributed resolutions and budget
documents that contained blanks rather
than financial figures. Receiving documents in this format is equivalent to
handing out a blank check—this poses
serious risks and lacks proper oversight.
In my experience within the private sector, such incomplete financial reports
would trigger an immediate audit due to
the evident lack of accountability.
Furthermore, I would like to highlight
a significant change in our communication practices over the years. Previously, there was no need to request council
packets; they were automatically mailed
to my home, ensuring everyone was informed and engaged. We need to reinstate
this policy to promote greater transparency and keep all Tribal members fully informed of essential council activities and
decisions.
Respectfully submitted,
Lavonda Youngman
Housing Authority of the Sac and Fox Nation Executive Director Cora Thomas congratulates Kalani Rogers and Paxton Jones on being the winners of
the HASFN Amerind Safety Poster Contest. Their artwork advances to the
regional level competition. “Best of luck, and thank you for representing HASFN,” said Thomas.
(Photo Provided)
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
are accessible on the Website
sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Current Opening: Election Board
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.