# Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 48 • No. 4 • April 2026 > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Asac_fox_oklahoma%3A5301fd052cc824dc ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 48 • No. 4 • April 2026 Dr. Donald L. Fixico Inducted Into ‘Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame’ Sac and Fox Nation tribal member Dr. Donald L. Fixico was among four individuals inducted March 19, 2026 into the ‘Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame’ during the Oklahoma Historical Society Awards Banquet held at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. Other inductees include: David W. Levy (posthumous), Linda D. Wilson and Timothy A. Zwink. Instituted in 1993, the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame is the highest honor awarded by the Oklahoma Historical Society. This honor recognizes distinguished and longterm contributions to Oklahoma history through demonstrated excellence in the preservation, collection, interpretation and dissemination of Oklahoma history. Each inductee receives the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame medal, and their biography is published in “The Chronicles of Oklahoma.” Donald L. Fixico (Muscogee Creek, Seminole, Shawnee, Sac and Fox) is a Regents’ and Distinguished Professor of History; Distinguished Scholar of Sustainability; and Affiliate Faculty of American Indian Studies at Arizona State University. He was born in Shawnee and graduated from Muskogee Central High School. A first-generation college graduate, Fixico attended Bacone College before transferring to the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s de- gree and Ph.D. in history. He is a member of the Fox Clan on his mother’s side of the family. She was Virginia Fixico (nee Wakolee) and, his father was Rev. John Fixico (Mvskoke/ Semvnole). He is the author and editor of over twenty books on the American West and American Indian history, including recent works such as “The State of Sequoyah: Indigenous Sovereignty and the Quest for an Indian State” and “Chitto Harjo: Native Patriotism and the Medicine Way.” Dr. Fixico has received numerous awards for his teaching and scholarship, including the National Museum of the American Indian Award in History and Education in 2010. He has also mentored dozens of graduate students and has traveled widely, both nationally and internationally, to lend his expertise on Oklahoma and American Indian history. Now a Regents’ and Distinguished Professor at Arizona State University, his expertise has been utilized at the highest levels of government, including a presidential appointment to the National Advisory Committee for the National Endowment for the Humanities and an appointment to the National Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names for the U.S. Department of the Interior. David W. Levy arrived at the University of Oklahoma (OU) after receiving his Ph.D. from At Oklahoma Historical Society Awards Banquet the University of Wisconsin in 1967. He retired from OU in 2006 as the Irene and Julian Rothbaum Professor of Modern American History. Dr. Levy was best known nationally for his work on American intellectual and political history. He also became the official historian of the University of Oklahoma by publishing two volumes of “The University of Oklahoma: A History.” He also researched the Civil Rights Movement in Oklahoma and highlighted the state’s importance in national debates concerning equal access to higher education. His 2020 book “Breaking Down Barriers: George McLaurin and the Struggle to End Segregated Education” received the E. E. Dale Award for the Outstanding Book on Oklahoma History from the OHS. A valued colleague and mentor, Dr. Levy was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2006. Dr. Levy passed away on August 9, 2025. Prior to his death, he arranged for the completion of a planned third volume of his history of the University of Oklahoma. Linda D. Wilson has written, published and edited articles on Oklahoma and women’s history for thirty years. After graduating as valedictorian from Crooked Oak High School in Oklahoma City in 1966, Wilson worked at Tinker Air Force Base. She later transferred to the Veterans Administration Hospital and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. Wilson took classes at the (Continued on Page 4.) Donald L. Fixico, Ph.D. Corps of Engineers Reps Visit SFN Campus Registration is Open for June 15-16 Sovereignty Symposium in OKC Registration is now open for the 38th Sovereignty Symposium. Deep discussions on important tribal issues, a celebration of Native culture and a keynote panel of five Native American U.S. District Court judges will highlight the 38th Sovereignty Symposium to be held June 15 and 16 at OKANA resort in Oklahoma City. This year’s symposium will feature panel discussions on a variety of topics including tribal commerce and economic development, energy and natural resources, artificial intelligence, tribal health care, and reflections on 250 years of federal Indian law. A keynote panel discussion titled “Ethical Leadership: Honoring Sovereignty from the Bench” will bring together a distinguished group of Native American federal judges to discuss the intersection of judicial ethics, leadership and tribal sovereignty. Throughout both days, tribal and state leaders will join legal and policy experts in the discussions. Registration and more information, including a schedule and draft of the agenda, is available at sovereigntysymposium. com. The opening ceremony will feature an invocation by Bishop David Wilson (Choctaw) of the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church; and Gordon Yellowman, artist and peace chief of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, will do the Camp Call. Sovereignty Symposium was founded in 1988 by Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger and has been hosted by OCU Law since 2023. It provides a scholarly setting for the consideration of legal and policy issues facing tribal communities, as well as a platform for the celebration of tribal sovereignty in all its forms: legal, artistic, cultural and economic. “The Sovereignty Symposium brings together leading voices in tribal law and policy to address the most pressing legal and governance issues facing Tribal Nations today,” Emily Eleftherakis (Cherokee/Delaware Tribe), executive director of OCU’s Tribal Sovereignty Institute. “By fostering collaboration among tribal leaders, practitioners and policymakers, the event highlights the continued importance of sovereignty, self-determination and innovative legal solutionsy.” OCU Law Dean David Holt (Osage) said the symposium offers a neutral space where the state’s 39 tribes and others from around the nation can discuss common legal and policy issues while sharing innovative ideas and accomplishments. “Sovereignty Symposium now has four decades of history and credibility, and it has become one of the most important tribal gatherings on the calendar, especially when the topics center around policy or the law,” Holt said. The symposium also includes academic competitions, including a college student research project contest named in honor of longtime law professor and historian C. Blue Clark [Muscogee (Creek) Nation] and writing competitions. SFN Business Committee officials welcomed a group of visitors from the Tulsa District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Feb. 26. Col. Jessica Goffena, shown at center wearing a camo uniform, who serves as commander and district engineer, along with five other Corps of Engineers representatives, were welcomed at a meet-and-greet in the SFN Cultural Center. Discussion included a partnership to address water infrastructure issues, including the spillway at Veterans Lake. Following comments from SFN Business Committee Member Robert Williamson, and Cultural Center representative Dukon Harris, the group boarded a tribal passenger van for a tour of the campus and lake area. The visit at the Sac and Fox Nation was the first tribal visit planned across the Tulsa district by Col. Goffena, who was appointed to her post in recent months. (See more inside this edition.) (Photo by Mike Brown) SFN Officials Attend ‘Every Student Succeeds Act’ Consultation Meeting in OKC Second Chief, Lorena K. Wood, Education Director-Edwina Butler-Wolfe, and Secretary, Shawna Spoon are pictured from left while in attendance at the February 26, 2026 OKC Metro Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Tribal Consultation Meeting. (Photo Provided) Page 2 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 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. Deadline for the May edition is: Monday, April 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@sacandfox.com. Address corrections and changes are accepted by the Business Committee at the address listed below. Obituaries Timothy Lynn ‘Tahlee’ Redbird Jr. Timothy Lynn “Tahlee” Redbird Jr., 54, of Grove, Okla. passed away March 6, 2026 in Tulsa Okla. Tahlee was born on September 21, 1971 in Claremore, Okla. to Cheryl McClellan and Timothy Redbird, Sr. He was an enrolled member of the Sac and Fox Nation and was of Kiowa, Creek, Seminole, Seneca-Cayuga and Wyandotte descent. He graduated from Flandreau Indian School, Flandreau, SD and attended the Institute of American Indian Arts Santa Fe, NM. Tahlee was a member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan, the O-ho-mah Lodge Kiowa Warrior Society, American Indian Science and Engineering Society Upward Bound, Sequoyah Fellowship Member, and was a youth member of the National Indian Education Association. He was a native bead worker, artist, maker of drums, shields, staffs, feather work, leather work, and pow-wow regalia. He loved to sing and dance and, began his singing and dancing at the age of three. Tahlee became a champion dancer and Principal Chief: Audrey Rose Lee Telephone (918) 968-3526 Ext. 1004 principalchief@sacandfox.com Second Chief: Lorena Wood Telephone (918) 968-3526 Ext. 1008 secondchief@sacandfox.com Secretary: Shawna Spoon Telephone (918) 968-3526 Ext. 1007 secretary@sacandfox.com Treasurer: Jerri McClelland-Waldrup Telephone (918) 968-3526 Ext. 1006 treasurer@sacandfox.com Committee Member: Robert Williamson Telephone (918) 968-3526 Ext. 1005 cmember@sacandfox.com Senior Executive Assistant: Kelsey Byrd kelsey.byrd@sacandfox.com Business Committee Stroud, OK 74079 Executive Assistant: Niabi Hart executiveassistant1@sacandfox.com (918)968-3526 Ext. 1002 Stroud, OK 74079 Visit us on the Web @ sacandfoxnation.com and Patricia Bucktrout and father Timothy Redbird Sr., and many extended family and friends throughout the pow-wow world. He was preceded in death by his mother Cheryl McClellan, aunts Sandra McClelland, Terri Gibson maternal grandparents John J. McClellan, Clara Bell (Emarthla) McClelland, paternal grandparents Ernest Redbird Sr. and Ruth (Whitefox) Redbird, paternal aunt Rozella Parton, Avonna Redbird, Glenda Redbird, uncles William Redbird and Herbert Redbird. A prayer service was held March 9, 2026, at the SFN Community Bldg. A graveside service followed on March 10, 2026, at the Sac and Fox Cemetery. Beverly Springer Beverly Springer passed from this life on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at her home with family by her side. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home. A supper and Wake Service were held March 17, 2026 at the Phoebe Small Community Building, Perkins, Okla. On March 18, 2026 the Funeral Meal was held at the Phoebe Small Community Building and, a Graveside Service followed at the Ioway Cemetery. ra Horton, Blaine Horton, Ryker Horton, Willow Horton, Crystaleen Showecker, Zaidan Harden, Keilani Harden, and Keiahna Harden. She is preceded in death by her parents, Howard Springer and Ruth McClellan Springer; her siblings, Louis Springer, Tyrone Springer, Shirley Blenden, Grace Springer, and Monica Harden. Timothy Lynn ‘Tahlee’ Redbird Jr. 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! Managing Editor Mike Brown (918) 968-3526 Ext. 1060 newspaper@sacandfox.com Publisher: Sac and Fox Nation ~~~~~~~ Tribal Officers: 918-968-3526 or 800-259-3970 singer who traveled throughout the USA and Canada. He danced as a Fancy War Dancer, Norther Traditional Dancer and Grass Dancer. Tahlee sang and performed at various events and competitions during his career most notably at the Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Competition in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as having the opportunity to perform for Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush. In 1994, the Stoney Park Drum group, whom he sang with, were nominated for the prestigious Canadian JUNO Music Awards. Tahlee was also a part of the 1996 Super Bowl XXX pregame show at the Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Az. Over the years, Tahlee served on the head staff at many powwows in the capacity of a headman dancer, MC, Arena Director and as part of the Host Drum Group. He is survived by his daughter Wynema Redbird, grandchildren Lillyanna and Marcello Hernandez, sister Lyndee McClellan and companion Joe Jourdain Jr, aunts Pamela McClelland, Marilyn McClelland, Jerri McClelland-Waldrup Beverly Springer Beverly Yvonne Springer, born on July 19, 1949 to Howard Leroy Springer, Ioway and Ruth McClellan Springer, Sac & Fox/ Otoe. Her Ioway name is Me Hah Ge and she is of the Buffalo Clan. Beverly was a strong believer in Native American Church which her parents raised her in. She was raised in Ark City, Kansas and attended Ark City High School. When she was young, she enjoyed playing softball with her sisters and bowling in a league. Later, Beverly took care of her mother and moved back to the home place in Perkins, OK. In Perkins, she worked at the Cimarron Casino for 19 years. She was beloved by many coworkers and many friends that became family. She never met a stranger. She would give anything to help someone. Beverly enjoyed going to bingo and casino. She liked going to movies and eating popcorn. She enjoyed attending powwows and camping. She loved her family and spending time with them. She loved going on drives with family. She loved her dogs, Takoma and Bella. She loved all her siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will leave a huge hole in the heart of our family. Beverly is survived by her life-long partner, Ivan Buffalohead; her daughter, Crystal Springer; and sons, Tyrone Springer and Silas Cox; her siblings Katherine Gashwazra and Thomas Leroy Springer; her granddaughter, Sadie Littlecreek and companion Michael Knight Jr.; her nieces, Kiva Harden-Free, Taryn Harden, Monica Hudson, Kia Bellymule, Shelley Gashwazra, Ruthie Springer, and Tonja Springer; her nephews, William Harden, Howard Michael Gashwazra, Garrett Blenden, Eric Bellymule, and Justyn Hudson; her grandchildren, Xaine Cox, Skilar Showecker, Kalief Harden, Kiylista Harden, Cleveland Harden, Kynzie Kaiden Harden, Sianne Harden, Jalen Harden, Kassie Harden, Devon Harden, Xailei Harden, Elizabeth Townsley, Julian Hudson, Jasmine Hudson, Chamilla Youngbull, Luke Bellymule, Eva Bellymule, Seth Horton, Blake Horton, Cheyenne Meyer, Hunter Meyer, Shirley Grace Springer, and Sophia Springer; great-grandchildren, Kei- 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 Happy April Birthday Elders! Adkins, Galle Rae Ahkeahbo, Elizabeth Allen, Suzanne Elizabeth Andersen, Shari Lynn Barron, Shelly Ann Beall, Sean Patrick Bean, Rose Marie Berryhill, Gregory Wayne Blackburn, Tina Jean Brady, Rebecca Donnell Brown, Wanda Yvonne Bryce, Vonda Joyce Carr, Lisa Lea Ann Carter, Truman Daman Davis, Dana Katrina Decker, Colleen Lisa Ebbinga, Sharon Lee Edmonson, David Allan Ellis, Leva Marlene Frazier, Pamela Dale Gaddy, Marcia Gail Gibson, Beverly Sue Gillaspy, John William III Givens, Deborah Kay Grass, John Jr. Hamblin, Ralph Maurice Harris, Raymond Lee Harris, Ruby Irene Harshberger, Scott Eugene Hernandez, Patrick Wood Hocker, Earnest L Hocker, Ricky Wayne Hocker, Robert V Sr. Holmes, Carol Ann Huyghe, Sheila Ann Jones, Joseph Todd Keo, Dorene Katherine Keo, Rudy King, Roger Mc Carl Lasley, Charles Dewayne Lombardi, Carrie Patricia Longshore, Lisa Leaellen Manatowa, Phillip Joseph Marez, George Mitchell McCaulla, Dianna Sue McCoy, William Scott McCoy-Shognosh, Naomi Denise McIntosh, Margaret Lee Monday, Donald Chad Northrup, Alma Faye Pappan, Jeffrey Kevin Payton, Pauline Elaine Poitras, Charles A Jr. Powell, Sunnykay Pratt, Shawn David Pratt, Shelly Renae Raines, Terry Kent Reim, Debra Yvonne Rice, Harriett Oresa Rowe, Sheryl Jane Sarber, William Wayne Sr. Smith, Barbara Thomas Mc Ilvaine Stephens, Dallas James Teague, Sherry Lynn Thompson, Helen Jo Thompson, Rose Marie Tibbitts, Anthony Jerome Tiger, Channa Lynn Tiger, Robin Denise Vandever, Ruby Mae Wallace, Larry Dewayne Sr. Waller, Jimmy Kent Wano, Ronnie Eugene Wilson, Aaron Fryor Wilson, Katherine Margaret Page 3 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 Principal Chief’s Report by Audrey Rose Lee Greetings, Fellow Tribal Members, On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Business Committee had the honor of hosting Colonel Jessica Goffena the Tulsa Commander with Tulsa District United States Army Corps of Engineers. Also in attendance were Loretta Turner, Deputy District Engineer for Projects and Program Management, Michelle Barry, Tribal Liaison/Tribal Program Manager, Meredith Streeter, Hydraulic Engineer, Alexandra Peterson, Hydraulic Engineer, Cortney Hawkins, Emergency Management Specialist/Silver Jackets Program Manager and Cheryl Dillard, Project Manager/Section 408 Coordinator. Colonel Goffena and all the staff were very informative on the districts that they oversee, information on possible partnership opportunities, and services that they can assist with and/or provide for the Nation. We, the Business Committee, would like to make our tribal members aware that the Sac and Fox Nation’s Juvenile Detention Center has temporarily suspended admissions at our facility so as to enable staff to undergo federal correctional officer training and certification. We anticipate that the JDC will resume accepting juveniles sometime in the month of August. Our Juvenile Detention Center is an important facility in Indian Country, and it is the only such facility in this part of the country. While we would like to have avoided any suspension of admissions, we will be in a position to resume full services once training is completed and we will continue offering the best-quality juvenile services to Indian Country available. (Please see statement for more information). On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Nation was selected to testify before the Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies of the House Representatives American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness Days on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. But unfortunately, on Monday, March 16, 2026, due to severe wind conditions flights were canceled, Second Chief Wood and I were unable to make our trip to Washington, D.C. However, the Nation was notified that our written testimony was confirmed to be submitted into the official record. You can find the testimony on our Nation’s website at: www. sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, the Nation submitted written comments on the proposed Inter-agency Agreements and Principal Chief Audrey Rose Lee partnerships between the United States Department of Education, the Interior, and Labor. In last month’s newsletter, I notified everyone that I had the opportunity to present the Nation’s verbal testimony regarding the items addressed above. You can find the finalized written comments on our Nation’s website at: www.sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov. Dates to Remember: The Easter Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 11am at the Sac and Fox Nation’s Community Building. We wish to see you all there! The Chicago Blackhawks Foundation is hosting a “Bingo Night” for all Sac and Fox Nation elders on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 5pm-8pm. Dinner will be served at 5pm. Jim Thorpe Day is Thursday, April 16, 2026. The Nation will not have an event scheduled this year due to the Activity Committee members resigning, but next year we are hopeful that the Committee will plan a fun and exciting event to celebrate. This is an example of why the Activity Committee plays a vital role in our Tribe. A Call to All Tribal Members: The Nation would like to encourage tribal members who would like to serve on the Activity Committee to submit an interest to serve form to Secretary Spoon. At this time, all the sitting members have resigned from the Committee. The Business Committee would like to thank each and every one who previously served on the Activity Committee for their hard work, dedication, and heart for serving our people! Ketêpi! (Continued on Page 5) Treasurer’s Report by Jerri McClelland-Waldrup Good day Tribal Members, I have been attending different meetings for our nation and attending emails. Our Business Committee members have met with Black Hawk Foundation, getting to meet their personnel and our Black Hawk Foundation board members. We have had guests and tribal members attend our Business Committee meetings, which are always welcome. We have also met with our Education Department Director Edwina Butler and Stroud Public Schools’, Lynita Hixon, who works with federal documentation for federal aid regarding Native students. HI have been reading Policies and Procedures, By-Laws and Tribal Law. I volunteered in Finance with Cheri Deer, Comptroller and staff stuffing 1099’s and W-2s while getting to know them. They are a well-deserved 2025 Department of the Year. We have met with a few directors and will meet with more directors, committees and boards to understand their programs, committees and boards and their budgets. A few of us were represented by attendance at the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award in OKC. A few of us business committee members had a meeting with Lina Ortega, tribal member, Curator and Professor of Oklahoma University, regarding Sac and Fox topics of interviews and recordings. Business Committee members met with Robert Cast and Dukon Harris, both of SFN NAGPRA. We met with Colonel Jessica Goffena, of the US Army, and others from the Tulsa District USACE. We all rode on the little white bus, and Robert Williamson gave a brief background of the history of the Sac and Fox Nation with a tour of our nation. As liaison of Elders Committee, I attended their meeting and, they have plans to attend the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, NM. As liaison, along with Secretary Spoon, with our Black Hawk Health Clinic, attended their monthly staff meeting and met their guest speakers. Liaison for the Powwow Committee; Secretary’s Report by SFN Secretary Shawna Spoon Hello Tribal Members, The month of February was productive. I continued to attend committee meetings as my schedule allowed. The monthly committee meetings attended included the Gaming Commission, Sauk Business Enterprise Board (SBEB), Elders Advisory Board, Pow Wow Committee, and the Housing Board. Some of these meetings take place during the workday and others are in the evening hours. If anyone is interested in learning more about committee meeting times, please reach out. All committee meetings are open to tribal members. In February, the Business Committee had two scheduled meetings. The Regular BC meeting was set for February 3, 2026, but was canceled out of respect for a tribal member’s death. The Special BC meeting was set for February 17, 2026, and continued as planned. Throughout February, the other meetings and events I attended included the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board’s Public Health Resiliency Conference in Tulsa, Sac and Fox Nation’s Transportation Department long-range plans meeting, Sac and Fox Nation’s Title VI status meeting, OKC Metro Consortium Tribal Consultation Meeting, and a meeting with the Colonel Jessica Goffena, the Tulsa District Commander with US Army Corps of Engineers. The information from all these meetings was helpful to better understand the areas we can improve upon and/or create new partnerships. The Business Committee also continues to meet with our Nation’s department directors. This will Secretary Shawna Spoon continue until all departments have been reviewed. I also attended the Language Department’s Indian Dice Tournament event on February 21, 2026. The dice tournament had good attendance and several tribal members participating for the big win. The winners included Casey Q. Wilson-1st Place and Elizabeth Wolftongue-2nd Place. Thank you to the Language Department! As always, if anyone has a question, needs information, or has a comment, I can be reached at (918) 968-3526, extension 1007 or secretary@sacandfox.com. Please take care. Respectfully, Shawna Spoon, Secretary Second Chief’s Report by Lorena K. Wood Hello Tribal Members, First, I would like to offer my condolences to those who have lost loved ones. My heart has felt heavy with the many tribal members that have gone on the last several months. Many prayers have been said for the families. Recently, we met with Colonel Jessica Goffena with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Tulsa District staff. The group was given a tour of our reservation and discussions on how they could possibly help our nation. Thank you to our Interim NAGPRA Director and NAGPRA Coordinator Charles Harris for coordinating this meeting. The Education Director Edwina Butler-Wolfe and I attended an ESSA meeting with the Meeker School District. This was the first such meeting for the Meeker School District with an additional meeting that will be held on an upcoming date. We had a meeting with Lincoln County Commissioner Will Fine. We learned there was multi-year partnership with the Nation, the BIA and Iowa Tribe for funding to work on bridges in Lincoln County. With this partnership, the BIA had agreed to funding for the completion and/ or rehab of Lincoln County bridges. The contract expired in 2025 with only two bridges completed. This month we had several meetings about the JDC facility. Please take the time to read our statement on the JDC facility that is included in this newsletter. We met with Oklahoma City Mayor Da- Second Chief Lorena K. Wood vid Holt and Michael Byrnes, President of Team OK2028, about the recognition of Jim Thorpe at the next summer Olympics in 2028. Lastly, Chief Audrey Rose Lee was selected to speak before the House of Appropriations in Washington D.C. this past month. Unfortunately, due to the weather in Washington D.C. our flights were canceled by the airline. Our written testimony was recorded but I was disappointed it was not delivered in person. Thank you for taking the time to read my report, as always keep me in your prayers. Katepi, Lorena K. Wood Treasurer Jerri McClelland-Waldrup they are working on plans for our July celebration weekend. I made Easter baskets for the Easter Egg Hunt to be held on April 4th. I tried to join our Cultural Department in evening language classes, except meetings and funerals have interrupted my attendance. I am getting my steps for the BHHC challenge, but it is allergy season, and high winds do not help with allergies. On a personal note, my husband (enrolled Cherokee) and I live on a farm in rural Claremore. We enjoy watching the wildlife which we feed, Tom the turkey, squirrels, rabbits and deer (4-12). We raise cattle, have two donkeys, named Minnie and Pearl, and enjoy fishing. In December, I broke my right wrist and have been taking occupational therapy in Shawnee and follow up appointments with the surgeon in Tulsa. Thankfully, I am left-handed. My wrist is 65% bendable. My apologies if you call and I do not answer. I am trying to remember to change the Mitel phone availability note assignment when I am in a meeting or out of the office. Jerri McClelland-Waldrup Treasurer We want to feature the recent career, education or notable professional achievements or milestones of Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Members! Please send all pertinent information, such as name, city, town, company, milestone or award, and relevant photo, if applicable, to: newspaper@sacandfox.com or Sac and Fox News 920963 S. Hwy. 99 Stroud, OK 74079 Page 4 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 Sac and Fox Nation Education Department News Hello, Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Members! We are happy to announce the 20252026 senior high school student winners of the Blackhawk Leadership and Jim Thorpe Athletic Scholarship Awards: • JIM THORPE ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD - FEMALE CHELSEA BERRY Chelsea is a senior at Snyder High School and participates in basketball and volleyball. Her plans are to attend college and become a nurse, with the hope of bringing her knowledge back to serve the Nation. Chelsea was strongly recommended by her history teacher and coach for her demonstrated love of learning and the level of commitment necessary to succeed. Like Us on Facebook! 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 • JIM THORPE ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD - MALE TRISTAN BYNUM Tristan is a senior at Meeker High School and participates in basketball and cross country. He has played varsity basketball for four years and has been a member of the Meeker Indian Club for four years. He placed 5th in the Class 2A State Cross Country competition. Tristan’s high school counselor describes him as active in classroom discussions, showing curiosity and attentiveness. • BLACKHAWK LEADERSHIP AWARD - FEMALE LAYLA CARTER Layla is a senior at Meeker High School. She is a dedicated, high-achieving student with a 3.08 GPA. In leadership roles, she has been a member of the Meeker Indian Club for 13 years and is currently serving as president. Layla has played on the varsity softball team for four years and served as team captain for one year. Her plan is to pursue a degree in dental hygiene. • BLACKHAWK LEADERSHIP AWARD - MALE ACEA WHITESHIRT Acea is a senior at Meeker High School. He plans to attend Rose State College and major in business management and social media. Acea is an active member of the Meeker Indian Club. His counselor describes him as approachable, ‘Thank You’ to The Sac and Fox Nation! Davenport Public Schools would like to extend a sincere ‘Thank You’ to the Sac and Fox Nation for their generous donation to our basketball program. Their support in providing new uniforms, warm up jerseys, and backpacks for our student athletes in grades 5th through 12th means so much to our school and community. In a small school district like Davenport, the support of partners and neighboring communities makes a real difference. This donation helps ensure our athletes have the equipment they creative, competitive, and confident. Acea demonstrates strong character and treats his peers and teachers with respect. The scholarship winners will be recognized at the Blackhawks hockey game in Chicago on March 22, 2026. The Sac and Fox Nation Education Department is currently in the planning stages for the annual ‘Fun Day,’ which by Edwina Butler-Wolfe will be held on the Friday during the Sac and Fox Nation Pow-Wow. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. Edwina Butler-Wolfe Director of Education 405-328-0402 (cell) 918-968-3526, Ext. 2046 Okla. Historians Hall of Fame Inductees (Continued From Page 1) University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond in the evenings during this time, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting with minors in business and history. In 2000, at age 44, she returned to UCO and earned a master’s degree in history. She began working for the OHS while pursuing her master’s and was eventually hired as an associate editor for “The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.” She remains an active contributor to the encyclopedia, having written over 250 entries for the publication. She also writes for the “Biographical Dictionary of the Women Suffrage Movement in the United States.” Her 2020 article “‘An Appeal to Reason’: Women’s Suffrage in Oklahoma and Indian Territories, 1890–1907” won the Muriel H. Wright Award for outstanding article published in “The Chronicles of Oklahoma.” Timothy A. Zwink earned a Ph.D. in history from Oklahoma State Universi- ty in 1980. He would spend much of his professional career as an Oklahoma historian and administrator in higher education and for the OHS. Dr. Zwink joined the faculty at Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) in Alva after completing graduate work, where he taught courses in U.S. history and American Indian history. While at NWOSU, Dr. Zwink conducted research and developed public programs about Camp Alva, a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. He joined the OHS in 2002 after serving over a decade as vice president for academic affairs at NWOSU. As associate director of development, Dr. Zwink’s skills as a grant writer directly contributed to the OHS securing the final funding necessary to complete construction of the Oklahoma History Center. He retired from the OHS in 2016 as the agency’s deputy executive director and continues to work as an editorial consultant for books about Oklahoma history. need to represent Davenport with pride while participating in a sport they love. Athletics play an important role in helping students build teamwork, responsibility, and school spirit. The generosity of the Sac and Fox Nation not only supports our basketball program but also encourages and uplifts the young people in our community. On behalf of our students, coaches, staff, and families, Davenport Public Schools is truly grateful for this investment in our youth. Thank you for supporting our athletes and for being a valued partner in our community. April 2026 SFN Elders Title VI Menu Page 5 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 BC Member’s Report by Robert Williamson President Richard M. Nixon, requested and authorized Senate Joint Resolution 73, proclaimed April 16th as Jim Thorpe Day. Circulation as it developed near SFN headquarters. (Photo by Maintenance Dept. Staff Member Kelly Foutch Tornado Passes Over Near SFN Campus by SFN Library Staff Member Karen Rice As many of us saw from the dark skies on Friday afternoon, March 6, 2026, we had a very close call here at the Sac and Fox Nation headquarters. Just before 5 p.m., a severe storm moving through the area developed a strong circulation right near our community. The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for multiple counties and towns, and a rotation was spotted very close to home, specifically about 3 miles southeast of Stroud and moving northeast. For those of us at the headquarters or living nearby, it was a tense moment. The warning placed the circulation right along the I-44 corridor, putting our buildings, tribal homes, and our community in the potential path. Along with the threat of a tornado, the storm also dropped large hail about the size of half dollars in the Stroud area. Thankfully, we made it through. But it was a powerful reminder of how quickly spring weather can turn in Oklahoma. Stay alert out there, everyone, and make sure you have a way to receive those warnings when storms are in the area. Senate Joint Resolution 73 was passed by the 93,d Congress and signed into Public Law 93-20 on April 16th, 1973 reads as follows: ‘Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United states of America in Congress assembled, That, (1) in recognition of Jim Thorpe having been chosen the greatest athlete in the first half of the Twentieth Century by the Associated Press, (2) in appreciation for the standards of excellence set by Jim Thorpe which have taught all Americans to recognize the innate dignity of their fellow citizen, the American Indian. (3) In recognition of Jim Thorpe’s example of overcoming social and economic barriers to achieve excellence, and (4) in honor of the recognition of Jim Thorpe brought to all Americans with his triumph at the 1912 Olympics, the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation designating April 16’”, 1973, as “Jim Thorpe Day’; and calling upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate observances.’ Submitted by Committee Member Business Committee Member Robert E. Williamson Robert Williamson Project to Provide Ribbon Skirts, Shirts for Children in Foster Care by Peggy Big Eagle There’s a new project to provide ribbon skirts, shirts and vests to children in Sac and Fox Indian Child Welfare foster homes. Volunteers donated fabric, ribbon, elastic, boys’ shirts, cash, their time, and sewing skills to kick off this project in a big way on Saturday, March 14. Skirts are made from scratch, and shirts are provided to have ribbons applied. Our greatest need right now is ribbon 3/8” or wider and gently worn boys’ shirts. Outgrown skirts and shirts are also being collected. By the time the April newsletter comes out, we will have gathered again to sew and also provided supplies for people to sew at home. The children are toddlers through teenagers, so we need all sizes. Right now, we have enough fabric and maybe ribbons and elastic to let people make one skirt for us and one to keep. We will even mail you supplies if needed. We have a goal of ten skirts and ten shirts by April 15, that same amount by May 30, and again by July 4. We are not sponsored by any Sac and Fox Nation department although we get help from Maintenance, the Business Committee, the Culture Program and Black Hawk Health Center 988 program. We are not even all Native. We welcome everyone. Please join us. For shirts or skirts kits to sew at home or to join us in person contact Johnnie Murphy, 918.290.0305, or Peggy Big Eagle, 405.314.2679. Business Committee Meeting Minutes are accessible at ‘Read Our Newspaper’ on the Sac and Fox Nation Website Principal Chief’s Report (Continued from Page 3) A Call to All Veterans: Our Nation’s Veterans Honor Guard is seeking active military or retired veterans to join their committee. Our Veterans Honor Guard plays a very significant role within our tribe, and I pray that you reach out and sign up. If you are interested, please contact Thomas Franklin at (405)-269-3780. Ketêpi! To all our Thâkihichika Wêtâthêchika who are serving in the armed forces, our hearts and prayers are with you Always! With spring upon us, Food Sovereignty Gardens will be sprouting and producing, so keep an eye out for announcements. If you would like to volunteer your time, the Food Sovereignty team would greatly appreciate it! Their program can be reached at (918)-968-3526 ext. 1052. Hopefully you all signed up for the tilling, and you got your onions in the ground. Earth Day is on Wednesday, April 22nd of this month, I would like to encourage everyone to pick up plastic/trash in your neighborhoods. This is one of the best ways to be a good steward and stay connected with the land. Support the pollinators by bringing native bees and other pollinating creatures to your gardens by selecting the right plants this season with pollinator-friendly plants. Page 6 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 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. April Comic April Word Search Page 7 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 Business Committee Meeting Minutes Business Committee Meeting Minutes Page 8 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 Court Denies Kickapoo Man’s Appeal Of Conviction in Cleveland County by Emma Rowland Gaylord News The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit has denied an Oklahoma man’s challenge to his criminal convictions, rejecting his argument that the state lacked jurisdiction because he is a member of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma and that the crimes occurred on the Citizen Potawatomi Nation reservation. Thomas Roye Wahpekeche argued that if the crimes occurred within a reservation, jurisdiction would belong to the federal government under the Major Crimes Act rather than the state. This case is one of many challenges following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma. In that ruling, the court held that several reservations in eastern Oklahoma were never disestablished by Congress, meaning certain crimes involving Native Americans must be prosecuted in federal or tribal courts rather than state courts. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has since recognized that nine tribal reservations remain in Oklahoma for purposes of criminal jurisdiction, including those of the Chickasaw Nation, Cherokee Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Quapaw Nation, Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma and Wyandotte Nation. The Court also determined that some historical reservations, including those of the Kiowa Tribe and the Osage Nation, were disestablished. Wahpekeche was convicted of first-degree rape of a child younger than 14, forcible sodomy, lewd or indecent acts with a child younger than 16, rape by instrumentation and committing a lewd act in front of a minor. After a Cleveland County District Court jury convicted him in 2015, Wahpekeche was sentenced to four life terms plus 108 years and is serving his sentence at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington. He appealed his conviction not only on the grounds that these crimes took place in Indian Country, but also alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, denial of due process and violations of federal law. The court rejected all of those claims. The appeal also raised three additional jurisdiction arguments: that the crimes occurred in a dependent Indian community, that they occurred on allotted land and that the Oklahoma Enabling Act deprived the state court of jurisdiction. Allotted land refers to parcels assigned to individual Native Americans under federal allotment policy, while a dependent Indian community refers to a Native settlement that is not formally a reservation but remains under federal supervision. The court declined to address those arguments, finding Wahpekeche had failed to properly preserve them in earlier proceedings. The panel also said he did not explain how the Oklahoma Enabling Act would remove state jurisdiction. Jurisdictional disputes between state and federal courts have become common since the McGirt decision. Another case awaiting potential review by the U.S. Supreme Court could address whether the ruling applies beyond criminal law. In Stroble v. Oklahoma Tax Commission, a citizen of the Muscogee Nation argues that because she lives and works within the reservation boundaries recognized in McGirt, her income should be exempt from state taxation. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that McGirt addressed only criminal jurisdiction and did not extend to civil matters such as taxation. The case has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has not yet decided whether it will hear the dispute. (Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication.) April 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!! If at least 1 in your household has a CDIB, you reside within our 5 tribe Service Area, & you meet USDA Income Guidelines… YOU MAY QUALIFY!!! CALL TODAY!!! 1-800-256-3398 This institution is an equal opportunity provider. HOURS (Monday-Friday) Certification 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. Page 9 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 Corps of Engineers Visit SFN Chandler ‘Senior Wellness’ Event Promotes Community Connection And Mental Health Resources SFN Cultural Center staff member Dukon Harris, right, speaks about his painting depicting Chief Black Hawk while recently welcoming Tulsa District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representatives. (Photos by Mike Brown) by Samantha Pleets, BS, BHCM II, BHWC, PRSS Behavioral Health Case Manager II SFN Business Committee Member Robert Williamson speaks to Corps of Engineers representatives in the Cultural Center Conference Room. Black Hawk Health Center Behavioral Health Dept. staff members gathered in Chandler, Okla. for the recent ‘Senior Spring Wellness Event,’ which brought together several health organizations, tribal partners, and community programs to share resources and support wellness among older adults. The event saw a strong turnout, with approximately 84 individuals visiting the Sac and Fox Nation Behavioral Health booth throughout the day. Staff members provided information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, behavioral health services, and available community supports. Outreach materials, including informational notebooks and program t-shirts, were distributed to attendees, helping increase awareness of mental health resources available to the community. The event created an opportunity for meaningful conversations about mental health, prevention, and available services while strengthening partnerships between local organizations and tribal programs. Events like this continue to play an important role in promoting wellness and ensuring community members know where to turn for support when they need it. When life feels overwhelming, support is just three numbers away. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime. Page 10 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Building A • Stroud, OK 74079 • (918) 968-1141 • FAX (918) 968-1142 Compliance Officer (Gaming Commission, Shawnee) 2 positions available Transportation Coordinator – Updated Resident Advisor(s) Behavioral Health Licensed Therapist (BHHC, Policy Analyst, #2024-05 (Stroud) Cashier – Finance (Stroud) #2024-30 Registered/Licensed Dietitian #2024-57 (Stroud) Historical Researcher #2024-68 (Stroud) Family Practice Physician #2025-10 (Stroud) Environmental Director, #2025-43 (Stroud) Behavioral Health Clinical Manager, #2025-46 Assistant Cook, #2025-61 (Stroud) Distribution Clerk B, #2025-64(Shawnee) Operations Coordinator, JDC, #2026-03 (Stroud) Medical Director #2026-06 (Stroud) Nurse Practitioner, #2026-17 (Stroud) Realty Specialist #2, #2026-18 ARPA Probate Technician #1, #2026-19 CNA/CMA #2026-23 LPN (IV) #2026-24 Community Health Nurse, LPN #2026-25 Patient Navigator #2026-26 Pharmacy Clerk #2026-27 Pharmacy Tech #2026-28 OK STEP Project Support Staff Assistant, #2026 Enrollment Assistant, #2026-30 Landscaper/Laborer, #2026-31 Lifeguard, #2026-32 Certified Pool Operator Manager, #2026-33 John Carrington, HR Director hrdirector@sacandfox.com ^ Sac and Fox Nation Telephone Extensions Main Number: 918-968-3526 • Chief - 1004 • Second Chief - 1008 • 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 at ‘Read Our Newspaper’ on the Sac and Fox Nation Website XX X X SAC AND FOX NATION 920883 S. HIGHWAY 99 BLDG. “A” STROUD, OKLAHOMA, 74079 X X X Page 11 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 988 Tribal Response Grant Team Takes Part in ‘Hope Week’ The Behavioral Health 988 Tribal Response Grant team participated in Hope Week 2026 (February 9–13), a week of remembrance, connection, and hope. Community members were invited to honor loved ones on the Suicide Remembrance Wall and take part in our Day of Hope on Thursday, February 12, by adding their handprint to the Hands of Hope board, a symbol of unity, support, and healing. Together, we continue to raise awareness and remind our community that hope and help are always within reach. Zane Talton, with the Sac and Fox Nation Language Department, is pictured lending his voice to the next 988 Tribal Response Grant public service announcement (PSA) in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Department. Stay tuned for the release, and learn more about the 988 Lifeline at WeBelong988.com. (Photos Provided) Page 12 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 Business Committee Meeting Minutes Obituaries Sue Brown Sanchez Young Sue Brown Sanchez Sue Brown Sanchez July 9, 1947 – March 14, 2026 Sue Brown Sanchez, a full-blooded Sac and Fox woman, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, wife, and matriarch, walked on from this world at the age of 78. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her family, her people, and the life she built through determination and courage. Sue was born on July 9, 1947, during a challenging period in American history when many Native American families were living through the harsh realities of federal relocation policies and the social discrimination that followed Native people across the country. These were years when Native identity was often misunderstood or dismissed by the wider society. Yet through those hardships, Sue carried herself with quiet dignity, strong determination, and great pride in who she was as a Sac and Fox woman. Many of the struggles seen in Native communities today are connected to historical and intergenerational trauma. For generations, Native families experienced forced relocation, the removal of children to boarding schools, the loss of land, and laws that attempted to erase Native culture, language, and spiritual practices. These experiences disrupted families and communities and created deep emotional and psychological wounds that often carried forward from one generation to the next. Like many Native people of her generation, Sue grew up in a world shaped by those struggles. Without always realizing it, the stress and pain created by that history sometimes showed itself through difficult patterns such as alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic conflict, and other challenges that families struggled to overcome. These were not simply personal failings, but part of the larger historical systems that disrupted Native life and community balance. Even so, Native people have always shown great resilience, reclaiming culture, language, ceremony, and traditional teachings as pathways toward healing and strength for future generations. From an early age, Sue learned the value of perseverance. She grew up in a world where opportunities were not always equal and where Native families often had to work twice as hard just to stand on their own feet. Rather than allowing those challenges to define her future, Sue met them with strength and resolve. Her life became a testament to the resilience of Native women who carried their families forward through difficult times. Throughout her life, Sue worked hard in many roles that reflected her independent spirit and strong work ethic. She worked in the aircraft industry during a time when women were increasingly entering the workforce and helping support their families. Later, she became a hairdresser, a profession that suited her warm and welcoming personality. In that role, she enjoyed visiting with people, sharing laughter and stories, and creating friendships with those who sat in her chair. Many people remember the kindness she showed through simple, everyday conversations. Sue was also known for her wonderful sense of humor and her gift for storytelling. She found joy in making others laugh and had a way of sharing funny memories and everyday stories that brought people together. Known for her sharp sense of humor and outspoken personality, Sue was often the life of the party. She did not take nonsense from anyone, but she also had a deeply generous heart and would help anyone in need. She especially loved attending the Sac and Fox Pow-Wow and remained proud of the traditional Sauk ways she was raised with. In time, Sue demonstrated her independence and determination by operating her own cleaning business. Running a small business required long hours and dedication, but Sue faced those responsibilities with strength and pride. While Sue’s work ethic was remarkable, her greatest role in life was that of mother, grandmother, and family matriarch. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world. Sue also opened her home and her heart to others in need. She served as a foster parent to Amber and Cody Brady, caring for them and offering them the same kindness and support that she gave her own family. Sue lived through decades of change in this country and remained proud of her heritage and the strength of her people. Sue was preceded in death by her beloved son, Robert Nelson Meek Jr., her mother Edith Walker Brown, her father Herman Brown Sr., and her brothers Herman Brown Jr. and James Spoon. She leaves behind her loving husband of 40 years, Sylvester Sanchez. She is also survived by her sister Connie Schrader of Wichita, Kansas; her children Seneca Blaisdell, Harold A. Meek, Melanie Perez Johnson, and Sean Perez; and her grandchildren Ryan Meek, Terrence Meek, Skylar Perez, Stevi Johnson, and Shoshana Johnson. She is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, friends, and members of the Sac and Fox community. Sue Brown Sanchez lived a life that reflected the resilience of Native people and the quiet power of a mother’s love. Though she has now journeyed on to the next world, her memory will remain alive in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and all those who knew her. Her life, courage, and spirit will forever be honored and remembered. A Wake Service was held at the Sac and Fox Nation Community Building, Stroud, Oklahoma on March 18, 2026, including an Evening Service with Obituary Reading and Sharing of Stories and Memories; and, Traditional Rite – Name Return Ceremony. A Burial Service was held March 19, 2026, including a Traditional Meal served for visitors. Burial followed at Wakolee Cemetery, north of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Page 13 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 Enroll Now for the Third-Round of ‘Standing Strong: Mind, Body, Spirit’ ANNOUNCEMENT MARCH 17, 2026 SAC AND FOX NATION JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS ADMISSIONS TO PERMIT NEW FEDERAL TRAINING The Sac and Fox Nation Juvenile Detention Center is temporarily suspending client services to enable the staff to schedule and complete new federal correctional officer training and certification at the Bureau of lndian Affairs Indian Police Academy (“IPA”). Since it opened in 1996, the center has served clients from tribes, the Bureau and other federal agencies, and state agencies, and therefore has operated pursuant to dual federal and state certifications and training standards. Late last fall, the OJS (Office of Justice Services) began evaluating the center’s training processes and protocols and subsequently determined that they no longer met or exceeded the minimum federal training standards or curriculum equivalency of the basic training program of the IPA. As a result of the Nation’s recent discussions with the OJS, the center is suspending admissions on a temporary basis to permit all current staff to complete federal training at the IPA in Artesia, New Mexico. The training lasts six weeks and there are limited openings in each academy. As a result, it will take some time to complete a recertification of the center staff. Announcing the temporary suspension of admissions, Principal Chief Audrey Rose Lee emphasized that the center is not closing permanently. Full federal funding for the center and for the Nation’s detention programs is continuing, basic internal operations are being maintained, and the center is not laying off any staff. OJS has advised the Nation that as soon as the necessary number of staff have completed recertification, the center will be in a position to resume accepting admissions. In the meantime, the Bureau will assist in providing detention services at other facilities. The Sac and Fox Nation juvenile detention center is an important facility in Indian country, and it is the only such facility in this part of the country. Chief Lee said while the Nation would like to have avoided any suspension of admissions, the center will be in a position to resume full services soon and will continue offering top-quality juvenile services to Indian country. Sac and Fox Nation Business Committee by Andrea Beck, MS, RD/LD Registered Dietitian Black Hawk Health Center The Standing Strong: Mind, Body, Spirit program is excited to announce enrollment is now open for its third round of classes. Following another successful session that wrapped up in March, this 12-week program continues to empower participants to take charge of their health through education, movement, and community support. Led by Registered Dietitian Andrea Beck and Exercise Specialist James Fife, this class is designed to help individuals build sustainable, healthy habits that go beyond short-term diets. Participants will learn how to set realistic goals, understand nutrition fundamentals, improve meal planning, and incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. Each session focuses on practical, real-life strategies that support long-term success for the mind, body, and spirit. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, beginning May 5th and running through July 21st. Due to the personalized nature of the program, space is limited to the first 30 participants who enroll. In previous sessions, spots filled quickly, so early registration is strongly encouraged. Throughout the program, participants will engage in interactive lessons, cooking demonstrations, discussions on topics like gut health and mindful eating, and guidance on navigating grocery stores and dining out. The goal is to create lasting lifestyle changes while fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. If you are ready to invest in your health and be part of a program that focuses on lasting results—not quick fixes—this class is for you. The deadline for signing up is April 28th. Don’t wait—secure your spot today and take the next step toward standing strong in your health journey. Page 14 - Sac and Fox News - April 2026 From Faith to Floss: Serving Brazil One Smile at a Time (Submitted Feature Article Special to the Sac and Fox News) When Amy Lakins, a Dental Hygienist at Black Hawk Dental Clinic, boarded a plane bound for Brazil, she knew she was stepping far beyond her comfort zone. What she could not fully anticipate was how profoundly the journey would continue to shape her life. This year marked her second time serving on the mission trip—an experience she felt called to repeat after witnessing firsthand the tremendous need and life-changing impact of the work. Partnering with First Baptist Church of Prague and Amazon Basin Ministries, Amy joined a 28-member mission team traveling deep into the Amazon region with a unified purpose: to share the gospel of Jesus Christ while delivering critical medical and dental care to remote communities. Their destination lay along the Solimões River, the upper stretch of the Amazon River that winds approximately 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) through the heart of Brazil. Accessible primarily by boat, the river serves as a lifeline for countless small villages scattered along its banks. For many residents, modern medical services are not simply inconvenient, they are virtually nonexistent. The team’s floating home for the duration of the mission trip was a riverboat outfitted to carry volunteers and basic medical equipment. Life aboard the vessel was simple and, at times, challenging. Instead of private cabins and soft mattresses, Amy and her fellow missionaries slept in hammocks strung across the open deck. Nights were filled not with silence, but with the rhythmic hum of insects, the distant calls of exotic birds, and the occasional roar or splash from unseen wildlife hidden in the dense jungle canopy. Cold-water showers replaced the comforts of modern plumbing, and meals consisted largely of regional fish dishes and local staples unfamiliar to many on the team. Yet, rather than focusing on what they lacked, the group embraced the experience as part of their mission. The physical discomforts faded in comparison to the opportunity before them: to serve communities that had waited years—sometimes generations—for care. Each day, the boat would dock at a different riverside village. As word spread that medical and dental providers had arrived, families gathered with hopeful anticipation. For Amy, returning for a second year allowed her to approach the outreach with greater confidence and deeper understanding of the unique challenges these communities face. The dental outreach quickly revealed the depth of need. In one village, she encountered residents who had never seen a dentist in their lifetime. Tooth pain, infection, and untreated decay were common realities. Some individuals had endured chronic discomfort for years, lacking both the financial means and geographic access to seek professional treatment. In such isolated regions, even minor dental issues can escalate into serious health concerns. Working alongside fellow dental professionals, Amy helped provide extractions to relieve severe infections, fillings to restore damaged teeth, and cleanings to improve overall oral health. Without the sophisticated equipment of a modern clinic, the team relied on portable tools and ingenuity. Despite the limitations, their work brought immediate and tangible relief. One of the most powerful moments for Amy came when a patient, after receiving treatment for persistent pain, smiled broadly for the first time in years. Though language barriers sometimes required translation, gratitude needed no interpretation. Hugs, tears, and heartfelt expressions of thanks bridged cultural divides. Yet the mission extended beyond addressing urgent problems. Amy understood that sustainable impact required education as well as intervention. Between procedures, she demonstrated proper brushing techniques, explained the importance of regular oral hygiene, and provided basic supplies when available. For communities without consistent access to professional care, preventative education could mean the difference between prolonged suffering and improved well-being. The integration of spiritual ministry remained central to the team’s efforts. While medical and dental services opened doors, conversations about faith often followed naturally. Team members shared messages of hope, prayed with families, and offered encouragement rooted in Christian belief. For Amy, the connection between physical healing and spiritual care felt inseparable. “Serving people in such a practical way allowed us to show Christ’s love in action,” she reflected. “It wasn’t just about fixing teeth—it was about building relationships and reminding people they are seen and valued.” Life on the river fostered deep bonds among the missionaries as well. Removed from daily distractions and immersed in a shared mission, the team developed a strong sense of unity. Evenings were spent reflecting on the day’s work, sharing testimonies, and preparing for the next village. Though physically tired, they felt spiritually renewed. The experience also reshaped Amy’s perspective on her own life back home. Returning to her position at Black Hawk Dental Clinic, she carried with her a renewed gratitude for accessible healthcare and modern conveniences often taken for granted. Simple comforts—a warm shower, a comfortable bed, readily available dental tools—now felt like extraordinary blessings. More importantly, the mission reaffirmed her calling. Dentistry, she realized, is not merely a profession but a powerful avenue for service. Having now served two years on the Amazon mission trip, Amy says the experience has left a permanent mark on her heart. If given the opportunity again, she would not hesitate to return. The journey along the Solimões River demanded sacrifice—comfort, familiarity, and ease were left behind. In their place, Amy and her teammates gained something far greater: unforgettable relationships, strengthened faith, and the knowledge that their efforts brought healing and hope to communities in need. Through dedication, compassion, and unwavering faith, Amy Lakins and her fellow missionaries demonstrated that even in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, acts of kindness can echo far beyond the riverbanks—leaving a lasting impact on both those who give and those who receive. Black Hawk Health Center dental hygienist Amy Lakins provides dental care deep in the Amazon region of Brazil. (All Photos Provided) Black Hawk Health Center dental hygienist Amy Lakin is pictured with the riverboat she stayed in while on a missin trip in Brazil. Black Hawk Health Center dental hygienist Amy Lakins is shown with a happy patient while on a mission trip in Brazil. Pictured are volunteers with the 28-member team recently serving on a mission trip to the Amazon region of Brazil. --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Asac_fox_oklahoma%3A5301fd052cc824dc. Public record. Not legal advice.