Nemîshâtênemo êhthâkîwiyâni

SAC and FOX NEWS

Nemîshâtênemo êhthâkîwiyâni

Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 46 • No. 11 • November 2024

SFN Elders Advisory Board

Hosts Annual Conference, Games

The Sac and Fox Nation Elders Advisory Board hosted the

2024 Elders Conference and

Games Sept. 26 in the Sac and

Fox Community Building.

The annual day-long event

featured guest speakers with

relevant messages for seniors,

including: ‘Brain Health and

Aging’ from Gayla Temple and

Atheda Fletcher of the Absentee

Shawnee Tribe; Kendra Jump,

representative of Oklahoma In(Continued on Page 3)

These ladies are sporting commemorative t-shirts worn during

the Sac and Fox Nation Elders Advisory Board’s 2024 Elders

Conference Conference and Games.(All Photos by Mike Brown)

SFN, Centranet and Nokia Announce

High-Speed Fiber Internet Milestone

Centranet and Sac and Fox

Nation representatives were

in attendance Oct. 10 when it

was formally announced that

Centranet, a subsidiary of Central Rural Electric Cooperative

headquartered in Stillwater,

Okla., has become the first company to demonstrate a 50 Gbps

fiber internet connection for a

tribal nation in Oklahoma.

The live commercial trial,

using Nokia’s ‘Lightspan’ fiber

solution, allowed Centranet to

connect a pilot member of the

Sac and Fox Nation to one of

the fastest residential internet

speeds available globally. This

marks a significant milestone

for the company and its ability

to close the digital divide for

rural and Indigenous communities.

The groundbreaking connection was unveiled at the ‘Future

of Rural Broadband Showcase’

in Oklahoma City, underscoring

the company’s commitment to

delivering world-class broadband technology to historically

unserved tribal and rural regions.

This is the first live commercial trial of 50G PON (passive

optical network) technology in

a tribal nation, demonstrating

how Nokia’s fiber access platform can be used to provide

future-proof broadband access

to communities of all sizes

and densities. This technology

At ‘Future of

Rural Broadband

Showcase’

showcases the scalability of ‘Fiber to the Home’ technology and

emphasizes the innovation that

rural electric cooperatives bring

to rural America.

Using Nokia’s Lightspan

MF fiber solution, Centranet

can provide current subscribers

with multi-gigabit speeds today, along with future 50G PON

services needed for online education, remote work, telehealth

and digital services essential in

the modern era.

The $35.8 million project is

funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under its

Tribal Broadband Connectivity

Program. Sac and Fox Nation

(Continued on Page 2)

Sac and Fox officials are pictured with State Rep. John Talley

of District 33 (center). Tribal representatives shown from left

are: IT Director Boyd Cummings, Secretary Lana Butler, Second Chief Audrey Rose Lee, Principal Chief Randle Carter,

Tribal Administrator Jacklyn King and Comptroller Cheri Deer.

(Photo Provided)

Shawnee High School Honors Native Heritage,

Unveils Mural During ‘Jim Thorpe Night’ Festivities

Hoops contests were conducted at the basketball courts as

attendees enjoyed the comfortable fall weather.

Horse shoes tournaments were a ringer in men’s and women’s divisions.

Corn-hole contests were popular during the annual conference. See more photos on Page 3.

The Sac and Fox Nation was among area tribes recognized and honored during ‘Jim Thorpe

Night’ festivities hosted Sept. 27 at Jim Thorpe Stadium by Shawnee High School. The special

pre-game program was conducted prior to the Shawnee Wolves vs Tulsa East Central Cardinals football game. A mural by Native artist Nicholas Blanchard, featuring the late world-famous athlete Jim Thorpe, was unveiled for the event. Blanchard is pictured at the mural,

along with Sac and Fox Nation Secretary Lana Butler

and Sac and Fox Nation Education Dept. Director Edwina Butler-Wolfe, who were

among those in attendance.

The Sac and Fox Nation

sponsored special commemorative jerseys for the Shawnee Wolves team to wear for

the game. Second Chief Audrey Rose Lee and Secretary

Lana Butler are shown with

players wearing the jerseys

featuring the name ‘Jim Thorpe’ on the back, and the Sac

and Fox Nation seal on the

front. Halftime festivities included a special performance

by the ‘Wolf Spirit Dancers.’

The Wolves team capped the

night with a 28-7 victory over

the visiting Cardinals.

Page 2 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

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 December issue is:

Wednesday, November 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

Obituaries

Keith Edward Franklin, Jr.

Sac and Fox Tribal Member, Keith Edward Franklin, Jr. (known by family as

“Eddie) passed away on August 9, 2024,

at age 61 from medical complications.

Eddie was born at Forbes Air Force Base,

Topeka, Kansas on August 31, 1962.

He is survived by his father, Keith Edward Franklin, Sr. of Albuquerque, New

Mexico and his mother, Marilyn Ann

Curry of San Antonio, Texas; sisters, Traci Hoch (Mike) of Fremont, Wisconsin,

Autumn Dimas (Adam) of Albuquerque,

New Mexico, Amber Nowell (Dan) of

Tallahassee, Florida; brothers, Britt D

Franklin of Albuquerque, New Mexico

and Todd A Franklin of San Antonio,

Texas. Eddie has numerous nieces/great

nieces and nephews/great nephews.

Eddie was a born athlete. He was an

avid football and baseball player as well

as a boxer throughout his youth. As a

quarterback he won three Texas State

Championships while at Randolph Air

Force Base, where his father was stationed. Eddie enjoyed fishing, skateboarding, and playing his harmonica. He

was a talented artist and a collector of

arrowheads.

Eddie was diagnosed with schizophrenia at an early age. He was in the constant care of the San Antonio State Hospital with a very caring staff and fellow

patients who became his extended family. Eddie was loved and will be missed

by all.

High-Speed Fiber Internet Service

(Continued From Page 1)

and Centranet broke ground on the first

of four projects under this program on

August 9, 2024. All projects are expected

to be complete by 2026.

Sac and Fox Nation Principal Chief

Randle Carter commented, “We pursued

this grant to enhance the availability and

the viability for our tribal members to

access fiber optic opportunities, not just

now, but in the future.”

Sac and Fox Nation Information Technology Director Boyd Cummings added,

“Fiber has made a real difference in how

we operate as a tribe. Being able to do

home healthcare has been impossible up

until now. We are hoping fiber internet in

our rural areas will make a difference for

our tribal members here in central Oklahoma.”

“At Centranet, we are deeply committed to investing in the future the communities we serve,” said Mark Prather, President of Fiber and Technology.

“Centranet has deployed 3,300 miles of

fiber in north-central Oklahoma in the

past three years.

“Bringing high-speed broadband to

the Sac and Fox Nation, as well as other

tribes and under-served areas has been a

priority for us. This project is about more

than just technology, it’s about ensuring that everyone in our community has

the tools and opportunities they need to

thrive in today’s digital world.”

Mark Klimek, Vice President, North

American Business Center at Nokia said:

“Our fiber platform supports a full range

DOI Officials Revisit

Legacy of Federal

Boarding Schools

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland,

Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife

and Parks Shannon Estenoz, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs

Kathryn Isom-Clause traveled to Carlisle, Pennsylvania Oct. 2 as part of the

Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. Launched in June 2021 by Secretary

Haaland, the Federal Indian Boarding

School Initiative is the first comprehensive effort by the federal government

to recognize the troubled legacy of past

federal Indian boarding school policies

with the goal of addressing their intergenerational impact and shedding light

on past and present trauma in Indigenous

communities.

In operation from 1879 through 1918,

Carlisle Indian Industrial School was the

first off reservation boarding school in

the continental United States. Over four

decades, approximately 7,800 Native

American children attended the school,

far from their families, homes and communities. The school was a model for the

federal government’s boarding school

policies aimed at stripping Indigenous

children of their languages, religions and

cultures.

The former campus of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School is located within

the U.S. Army Carlisle Barracks, one of

the nation’s oldest military installations.

Secretary Haaland, Assistant Secretary

Estenoz, and Deputy Assistant Secretary

Isom-Clause joined Army leaders to tour

the sites currently within the Carlisle Indian Industrial School National Historic

Landmark, first designated by the Secretary of the Interior in 1961 and updated

in 1985.

The leaders also paid their respects

at the Carlisle Barracks Post Cemetery,

which is operated by the Office of Army

Cemeteries, and contains the marked

burial sites of many of the estimated 187

American Indian and Alaska Native children who died while attending Carlisle

Indian Industrial School. The Army is

continuing its work to honor the requests

(Continued on Page 4)

of PON technologies, allowing them to

be mixed and matched on the same platform to deliver ultra-fast, reliable internet services over a single fiber.

“This is critical for those who want

to future-proof their fiber network and

gain the flexibility to address evolving

network demands. By partnering with

Centranet, we are ensuring that every

community, especially those who have

been under-served for far too long, can

access the opportunities that cutting-edge

technology provides, now and for generations to come.”

Keith Edward Franklin, 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!

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 November Birthday Elders!

Ashbaugh, Jenell

Ashley, Laveta Aldean

Biswell, Twanna Charlene

Bonifield, Gloria C

Breger, Julie Marlene

Britt, Phyllis Faye

Buckley, Viola Renee

Butler, John Patrick

Butler, Larry Robert Jr.

Castro, Regina Kaye

Cobb, Connie Sue

Colbert, Delores

Couteau, Mark Everett

Crane, Charles Logan Jr.

Crane, Cheryl Lee

Della Calce, Paul Joseph

Duncan, Rosita Lee

Failes, Eric Alan John

Fixico, Lisa Ann

Floyd, Tony Ray

Fossett, Catherine Christine

Franklin, Douglas Lowell

Garcia, Jimmie Lee

Gibbs, Douglas Edward

Grass, Tyrone Maurice

Griggs, Michael James

Griggs, Perry Lynn

Hancock, Georgia Lee

Harmon, Betty L.

Hart, Marian Elizabeth

Hawkins, Toni Lynn

Hines, Brian Dwayne

Hocker, Robin Ray

James, Larry G

Jeske, Janet

Kahbeah, Lawrence Oliver Jr.

Leblanc, Raye Ann

Lippi, Vittorio

Little, Sharon Elaine

Longshore, John Earl

Mack, Anita Louise

Manatowa, Joel Lynn

Masquat, Leslie Dion

Masquat, Tommy Leon

McClellan, Colbert R

McClellan, Henry Buck Sr.

McConnell, Houston Charles Jr.

McCoy, Gayla Louise

McCreless, Dale Wayne

McElroy, Deborah Sue

Meek, Robert Nelson

Miles, Jeff Daniel

Morris, Linda Joyce

Murdock, Cheryl Leah

Nullake, April Theresia

Oszman, Sharon Gail

Patterson, Martin Vincent

Ponder, Patricia Guinn

Ponkilla, Brenda Gail

Redd, Melinda E

Rice, Archie Hector

Rice, Eva-Kay

Rolette, Ellis Gayle

Rolette, Mary Georgie

Rothrock- Williams, Barbara Jean

Roubidoux, David Leon

Roubidoux, Mary Katharine

Samuels, Kimberly Ann

Segura, Delfina Marie

Skeels, Nancy Jo Charlene

Snodgrass, Nelda Joyce

Tiger, Tony Alexander

Villarreal, Helen Marie

Wakolee, Karin Kae

Walker, Catherine Joy

Ward, Margaret Lucille

Ward, Mary F.

Warrior, Kimberly Ann

Williams, Paula Kaye

Williams, Rhonda Kay

Williamson, Robert E

Wolf, John William

Wood, Freeland

Wood, Jennifer Lynn

Woodall, Bobby Ray

Zentner, Luana

Page 3 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

Elders Conference and Games

(Continued from Page 1)

dian Legal Services; Clint Yates of the

Social Security Administration; ‘Medicare Made Clear’ from Travis Branch of

Guthrie; and, ‘Mending the Future’ from

Karen Hamilton, Director of the Sac and

Fox Nation Indian Child Welfare Dept.

Sauk Language Director Katie Thompson led a Sauk Panel Discussion during

the afternoon program.

Tribal elders in attendance enjoyed

healthy snacks, basketball shoot, horseshoes, indoor chair volleyball, Velcro

archery and corn-hole games during the

annual event.

Black Hawk Health Center Exercise Specialist Anthony Ramirez, left, offers

instructions on Velcro archery equipment during the Elders Conference.

(Photo by Mike Brown)

Attorney Kendra Jump, who serves with Oklahoma Indian Legal Services,

speaks at the Sept. 26 SFN Elders Conference.

(Photo by Mike Brown)

Teams competed in chair volleyball contests during the annual conference.

(Photo provided)

Elders attending the conference took part in horseshoes tournaments conducted in women’s and men’s divisions.

(Photo by Mike Brown)

Impromptu archery battles erupted during the Annual Elders Advisory Board

Elders Conference and Games held in the Community Bldg. (Photo Provided)

Rescheduled for: November 2, 2024

A tribal elder sharpens his archery skills during the 2024 Sac and Fox Elders

Advisory Board Conference and Games.

(Photo Provided)

Page 4 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

Sac and Fox Nation Education Department News

Hello! Sac and Fox Tribal Members

Hope everyone is doing well! The Education Department funded 450 Sac and

Fox Nation Students with RAP Clothing/

School Supply VISA Card. Once the

VISA Card were received through the

mail, the parents notified the Education

Department, and we informed the bank

to load funds to the card.

Each card was added $400.00 dollars,

($300.00 dollars used for clothing and

$100.00 dollars for school supplies). Parents and Guardians please make a note

that you have until December 31, 2024,

to use all funds on the VISA Cards. After

the 31st of December funds will be depleted from the card. Please do not throw

away or destroy VISA Card, we will reload for next school year.

This year, we were finally set up with

the VISA Card system through the Citizen Bank of Ada with the merchandise

codes. The Education Department and

the bank were monitoring all misused

purchases. Unfortunately, we had a lot of

misuse of purchases on the VISA Cards.

We will be mailing out letters first of next

year, informing parents that their child/

children will not be eligible for next year

2025/2026 school year for RAP Clothing/School Supply assistance.

RAP CLOTHING/SCHOOL SUPPLY

GUIDELINE: APPLICANTS WHO

ABUSE A GRANT AWARD BY MAKING PURCHASING OF ITEMS FOR

OTHER PURPOSES OR FOR PERSONS OTHER THAN THE AWARDEE

WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL

YEAR.

PARENTS AND LEGAL GUARDIANS SHOULD NOTE THAT FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH GRANT REQUIREMENTS AND/OR ABUSE OF

AN AWARD FOR ONE CHILD PLACES FUTURE FUNDING FOR ALL OF

THEIR QUALIFIED CHILDREN.

Guidelines were approved by the Business Committee on February 1, 2016.

We will be accepting the Blackhawk

Leadership and Jim Thorpe Athletic

Scholarship Award Essays starting De-

Letter to Editor

Oct. 1,, 2024

Dear Editor,

My name is Pamela Sage, and I am

writing to request your help in sharing

an exciting opportunity for two local students, Dasen Barnett and Thomas Sage,

as they prepare for an educational STEM

tour to Japan. Both students have deep

ties to the Sac and Fox Nation, and we

are reaching out to the community for

support to make this dream a reality.

Dasen Barnett, a freshman at Stroud

High School, is the son of Raiven Franklin (Sac & Fox tribal member) and Jacob

Barnett. Thomas Sage, a sophomore at

Norman High School, is the son of Pamela Sage (Sac & Fox tribal member) and

Luke Sage. These two young men have

been selected to participate in a tour that

will expose them to Japan’s cutting-edge

advancements in robotics, engineering,

and technology.

Japan is home to many of the world’s

leading organizations in these fields.

From superconducting magnetic trains

to Hybrid Assistive Limb technology,

Dasen and Thomas will see firsthand

how innovation is shaping the future of

cities and human mobility. This trip will

provide them with invaluable knowledge

that they plan to bring back to their communities, inspiring future Native STEM

leaders.

However, they need the support of the

community to help cover the $15,000

cost for both students to participate in

this unique experience. Donations can be

made directly to their GoFundMe page

at https://gofund.me/e75b247b, and we

invite everyone to follow their Facebook

page, “Empowering Native Innovators:

STEM Adventures Await in Japan,”

for updates and upcoming fundraising

events.

Support will help these young men

take a major step toward fulfilling their

educational goals and inspiring the next

generation of Native innovators.

Those wanting to help can also feel

free to contact me at 602-580-2951 or

pamelasage3@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Pamela Sage

cember 1, 2024, through February 1,

2025. You can print a copy of applications

on the Sac and Fox Nation website. Click

on the Education Department. SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS ARE ONLY FOR

MALE AND FEMALE SENIOR HIGH

SCHOOL STUDENTS THAT WILL BE

GRADUATING IN MAY 2025!!

DEADLINE DATE FOR HIGHER

EDUCATION STUDENTS (COLLEGE) FOR SPRING SEMESTER

2025, YOU HAVE UNTIL FRIDAY,

JANUARY 17, 2025, TO COMPLETE

THE RAP AND DOI HIGHER EDUCATION APPLICATION. WE WILL NOT

BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS AFTER THE DEADLINE DATE.

The Education Department will be

planning an event for Christmas for the

Sac and Fox Nation Pre-K through 12th

grade students ONLY!! Your child must

be an enrolled tribal member on the Sac

and Fox Nation Roll and will have to

show their Sac and Fox Nation Enrollment Card. Update will be on the Sac

and Fox Nation website for details of the

Christmas Event.

List of activities and events that the

Sac and Fox Nation Education Department attended:

• September 18

TEDNA monthly meeting (Tribal Education Departments National Assembly)

12:00 pm.

• September 23

Prague Public School Native American Student Resource Night. 6:00 -8:00

pm. Tonia George, Sac and Fox Nation,

STEP Grant Staff helped organize. With

Prague Title VI, they served Indian Tacos. We set up a booth for JOM sign up.

• September 25

Zoom Meeting Oklahoma STEP Grant

3:00 pm.

• September 25

Every Student Succeed Act Consultation with Los Angeles Unified 5:00 pm

7:00pm School District, consultation was

a ZOOM Meeting.

• September 27

Unveiling mural painting of Jim Thor-

by Edwina Butler-Wolfe

pe at the Jim Thorpe Football Stadium,

6:00 pm at Shawnee High School.

October 8-11

National Indian Education Association

(NIEA) Conference, Palm Spring, CA.

• October 9

Tribal Fest at Seminole State College.

• October 10

Westmoore High School College Fair.

• October 15

NASA (Native American Student Association) Games at Cushing HighSchool

Football Field.

The Sac and Fox Nation Education Department helps with events at the NASA

Games at Cushing High School Football

Stadium. Justin Morris, Education Specialist and Olivia Stacy, Office Assistant,

coordinated the Run and Yell Event.

Participants would take a big breath and

start running fast while screaming until

they ran out of breath. The spot where

they had to draw their next breath will be

marked.

Robin Meely, ACE Specialist and

Tonia George, OK STEP Grant Staff,

coordinated AXE THROWING COMPETITION, one team per school, four

participants per team, must have one female participant per team. Each player

will get one designated marked distance,

each player gets two rounds of tosses

(3 throws per round). Points are based

on the closeness to the proximity of the

bull’s eye, each player earned individual

points will be counted toward team total

points, team with the most points in the

end will be declared the winner.

Public Schools that attended the

NASA Games: Cleveland School, Perkins School, Chandler School, Medford

School, Pawnee School, Cushing School,

Hominy School. End of the day First

Place winners: Cushing School; Second

Place, Pawnee School; and, Third Place,

Cleveland School.

If you have any questions or concerns,

please contact our office. 918 968-3526,

extension 2043 or 2046.

Edwina Butler-Wolfe

Education Director

DOI Revisits Legacy of Boarding Schools

(Continued From Page 2)

of family members and Tribes to “disinter” the human remains of children located in the cemetery – Secretary Haaland

was last at Carlisle to attend a disinterment ceremony in 2021 at the invitation

of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Secretary Haaland, Assistant Secretary

Estenoz, and Deputy Assistant Secretary

Isom-Clause also spent time at Dickinson

College today, including a round-table

discussion at the Center for the Futures

of Native Peoples and tour of the College’s extensive Archives, to learn about

its historical role with the Carlisle Indian Industrial School and current work

to educate students about its legacy. The

College’s Carlisle Indian School Digital

Resource Center is an online repository

of digitized records about the boarding

school that includes research material

from the National Archives and other repositories.

As part of the Federal Indian Boarding

School Initiative, Secretary Haaland, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan

Newland and Department leaders traveled to 12 communities across the country to provide American Indian, Alaska

Native and Native Hawaiian survivors

the opportunity to share with the federal

government their experiences in federal

Indian boarding schools for the first time,

including the horrors they experienced

and the intergenerational trauma that ensued.

As part of the Department’s work to

acknowledge the legacy of these assimilation policies, in April 2024, the Department held Tribal consultation sessions to

receive feedback on what role the National Park Service might play in interpreting and preserving the history of the

federal Indian boarding school era.

Business Committee Meeting

Minutes are

accessible on the Website

sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov

Page 5 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

Kristi Richardson Named New

Elders Title VI Coordinator

The Sac and Fox Nation is pleased to

introduce Kristi Richardson as the new

coordinator for the Title VI Elders Program and Elderly Nutrition Center in

Stroud, Okla.

Kristi brings several years of experience working in advocacy and program

management, having previously served

as the Victim Advocate Coordinator. She

joined the Sac and Fox Nation in 2021

and has been committed to ensuring the

well-being of the community.

In her new role, Kristi is excited to

help the Title VI Elders Program reach

its full potential, enhancing services and

programs for tribal elders. She looks forward to building connections with the

community and serving the Nation’s elders with dedication and care.

Kristi Richardson

Sec. Butler Serving as President of

Native American Finance Officers Assoc.

Sac and Fox Nation Secretary Lana Butler was elected president of the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) in April of this year. She

is pictured here with Rodney Butler, longtime chairman of the Mashantucket

Pequot Tribal Nation, at the NAFOA Fall Conference held Sept. 22-24 in San

Diego, Calif.

(Photo Provided)

Letter to Tribal Members

Oct. 18, 2024

Greetings Tribal Members,

May this letter find you and your family blessed with all your needs met. It’s

time for us to decide on approving financial prosperity for our Nation and

reviewing the Revenue-Allocation-Plan

(RAP) figures is crucial.

As we review the Fiscal Year 2024

Gaming Revenue figures provided by the

Treasurer, we need to address three main

concerns:

1. Do the figures accurately reflect the

total four quarterly transfers from casino

management to the Tribe?

2. Are the figures itemized to show total gaming-revenue and accrued interest?

3. Does the 65% per capita figure include accrued interest? If not, members

will not receive their full payment. The

RAP requires all gaming-revenue to be

deposited in an interest-bearing account,

with the interest added to the per capita

payments.

Additionally, the Business- Committee (BC) approved Resolution SF-24124, raising the Surcharge Gaming Tax

from 6% to 8% of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Approving any changes to

gaming dollars such as this requires ap-

proval from the Governing Body and the

Department of the Interior, as it impacts

our RAP agreement.

The RAP specifies that all enrolled

tribal members receive a 65% per-capita-payment. Since the inception of the

RAP agreement, the DOI has reduced the

maximum per-capita percentage from

65% to 50%. If these changes occur, we

risk losing the 65% per capita; the revised per capita will be reduced by 15%

plus the extra 2% the BC is currently acquiring. Our total-loss will be 17% per

person and the interest dollars.

Following the approval of Resolution

SF-24-124, the BC is now receiving the

extra 2%. To further explain, GGR differs from gaming-revenue dollars that

are transferred quarterly. GGR dollars

are before taxes, salaries, bills, etc and

gaming-revenue are the dollars after all

taxes, salaries, bills, etc. have been paid.

If it is concluded that all dollars are not

accountable, by voting to agree with the

figure provided by the Treasurer you are

agreeing to the misrepresented amount.

Let us voice our concerns and demand

accountability. Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,

Lavonda Youngman

Page 6 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

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.

November Comic

Page 7 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

November Word Search

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

are accessible on the Website

sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov

Page 8 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

(Continued on Page 9)

Page 9 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

(Continued from Page 8)

SFN Veterans Honor Guard Princess

Quincie Barse-Presson Attends

2024 Comanche Nation Fair & Parade

Sac and Fox Veterans Honor Guard Princess Quincie Barse-Presson, center,

recently attended the 2024 Comanche Nation Fair in Lawton, Okla. During

the festivities, Quincie had the opportunity to meet actor Mo Brings Plenty

(Yellowstone) and actress Amber Midthunder (Prey). She also participated in

the parade with Miss Sac and Fox Nation Jocelyn Megehee and, Jr. Miss Sac

and Fox Nation, Amira Walker-Pizano.

(Photos Provided)

Black Hawk Health Center

Is Open and We Are Seeing Patients!

Call to Schedule an Appointment

918/968-9531

Lab access at 8 a.m. daily

Veterans Honor Guard Princess Quincie Barse-Presson ready for the Comanche Nation Fair Parade.

Princess Quincie and actress Amber

Midthunder.

Princess Quincie and actor Mo Brings

Plenty.

Page 10 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

November 2024

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)

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.

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

are accessible on the Website

sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov

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

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.

Page 11 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

Page 12 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

920963 S. Hwy. 99, Building A • Stroud, OK 74079 • (918) 968-1141 • FAX (918) 968-1142

Executive Assistant (Gaming)

#2023-43 (Shawnee)

Compliance Officer (Gaming)

Environmental Technician

Transportation Coordinator

Surveillance Observer (Gaming)

Resident Advisor(s) *NEW SALARIES*

Behavioral Health Licensed Therapist

(BHHC, Stroud) #2023-37

Policy Analyst, #2024-05 (Stroud)

Temporary ARPA Realty Clerk, #2024-16 (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

Registered Nurse (JDC) #2024-49

Accounts Payable Technician #2024-53

Payroll Technician #2024-54

Registered/Licensed Dietitian #2024-57 (Stroud)

NAGPRA Coordinator #2024-65 Stroud)

Custodian I (#2024-67)

Historical Researcher #2024-68 (Stroud)

Appointment Clerk, I #2024-70 (Stroud)

CHS Specially Clerk #2024-71 (Stroud)

Enrollment Assistant #2024-73

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 13 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

SFN Maintenance Dept. Assists Police

With Shooting Range Improvements

A Message From

Police Chief Andrew Selfridge

We at the Sac and Fox Nation Police

Dept. would like to extend a heartfelt

thanks to the Sac and Fox Nation Maintenance Department for the assistance in

backstop berm repairs and extensions, as

well as assisting in the building of a 100

yard shooting lane for longer distance rifle marksmanship.

The dirt movers and heavy equipment

ensured rapid completion of a years-long

project idea. We would like to thank

Greg Morris and all SFN Maintenance

employees for their hard work on this

project. It is very much appreciated!

Black Hawk Casino Hosts Classic Car Show

Black Hawk Casino, under the leadership of General Manager and Chief Financial Officer Anitra Stiles, hosted a ‘Classic Car Show’ Sept. 28 in Shawnee, Okla. The event included: free t-shirts for the first 50 registrants, food

trucks, free swag, live music and $6,000 in cash prizes.

(Photo Provided)

New Year Underway For

The SFN Elders Advisory Committee

The Sac and Fox Nation Elders Advisory Committee held its first meeting

and pot luck luncheon of the new 2025

year on Oct. 9, 2024 at the Multi-Purpose

Building in Shawnee, Okla.

We alternate meeting locations between the Truman A. Carter Center (Elders and Veterans Bldg.) in Stroud, and

the Multi-Purpose Bldg. in Shawnee.

Requirements are attendance of at least

half our meetings and to work our taco

sales, which are also alternated between

the two locations. Requirements also include a 12-pack of soda, dessert and at

least one of the taco ingredients (lettuce,

tomatoes, cheese, etc.) for taco sales and,

other events such as concessions during

the Powwow and lunches that we may

host.

Membership is open to Sac and Fox

tribal members and spouses ages 55 and

older, and also any other tribal elders

who reside in our jurisdiction.

This past year, we had up to 35 members attend some of the meetings. We

enjoyed a cooking segment, health fair

at the Kickapoo Nation, luncheons for

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, cultural

trip, a Medicare Advantage presentation,

Christmas decoration get-together, sewing, crafting and an annual Elders Conference and Games.

We try to carpool if we receive enough

notice to arrange a ride. Our officers are:

Treasurer Clarissa Littlehead, Secretary

Nancy Nullake, Vice Chair - Marlene Ellis, Committee Member Elizabeth Wolftongue and Chair Melissa Denny.

November 2024

SFN Elders Title VI Menu

We are excited to share the November menu for the Title VI Elders Program! We warmly invite all elders to join us for a delicious, home-cooked meal

prepared with care by our talented head cook, Kim. It’s a wonderful opportuMargo Gray, a representative of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma nity to enjoy great food and connect with friends. Elders will be served from

(UINO) was on hand to register new voters Oct. 1 at Black Hawk Health Cen- 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Employees are welcome to stop by from 12:45 PM until

ter. Pictured with her is Principal Chief Randle Carter.

(Photo Provided) the food is gone for just $7. We look forward to sharing a meal and making

memories together. Come join us!

Warrior Up to Vote!

*Menu Subject to Change*

Page 14 - Sac and Fox News - November 2024

Thank You to Everyone Who Attended the Sac and Fox Housing Sac and Fox Housing Authority Staff Members Wore T-Shirts in

Authority Wellness Workshop!

Observation of Domestic Violence Month

PUBLIC NOTICE