Nemîshâtênemo êhthâkîwiyâni (2024)

SAC and FOX NEWS

Nemîshâtênemo êhthâkîwiyâni

Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 46 • No. 8 • August 2024

Groundbreaking Marks Construction of New Maintenance Dept. Facility

by Mike Brown

Sac and Fox Nation elected

officials were joined by members of the Nation’s Maintenance

Dept., along with representatives of Studio 45 Architects of

Tulsa, representative of general

contractor A & K Construction

of Edmond, Okla. and others as

they kicked off construction of a

new 31,000 sq. ft. Maintenance

$6.5 Million Project With Shop and Office Space

Dept. facility with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 25.

Project Manager and Inspector Cecil Bernard said the $6.5

million facility will include

28,000 sq. ft. of shop and equipment storage space, along with

3,000 sq. ft. of office space. The

construction is projected for

completion in 15-18 months.

The facility is to be situated on a

6-acre tract of land located east

of Black Hawk Health Center.

Bernard, who has served as

manager and inspector for several Sac and Fox Nation devel-

Sac and Fox Nation Principal Chief Randle Carter, Second Chief Audrey

Rose Lee, Secretary Lana Butler, Treasurer Carla Wallace, Committee

Member Robert Williamson, Maintenance Dept. Director Greg Morris, Interim Tribal Administrator Jacklyn King and Purchasing and Procurement

opment projects, noted the new

facility will include a FEMA approved tornado shelter, with security fencing and gates. “The

tract of land and facility design

will allow for expansion for the

next 20 years,” said Bernard.

He also noted a paved bou-

levard will soon be constructed to extend northward from

the Black Hawk Health Center

parking lot to connect with E.

926 Rd., east of the Sac and Fox

Nation Justice Center.

A fire heavily damaged the

Nation’s Maintenance Dept. facility in January 2022. The old

building received some repairs,

and is being used for storage.

Dept. Director Vickie Benham are pictured during the June 25 groundbreaking ceremony along with representatives of A & K Construction, Studio 45 Architects and Project Manager and Inspector Cecil Bernard.

(Photo by Mike Brown)

Chief Carter Issues ‘Strong Objection’ to Skull Creek Remedial Plan

July 16, 2024

(Following is a letter from Chief

Randle Carter to: Bray Fisher,

Federal On-Scene Coordinator,

U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency Region 6 1201 Elm

Street, Suite 500, Dallas, Texas

75270

Re: Skull Creek Pipeline Spill

Comments of the Sac and Fox

Nation-Remedial Action Plan

Proposed by Holly Energy Partners-Operating, L.P., and Osage

Pipeline Company, LLC

Dear Ms. Fisher:

On behalf of the Sac and Fox

Nation, I am submitting the following comments on the “Remedial Action Plan” prepared

for Holly Energy Partners-Operating, L.P., and Osage Pipeline Company, LLC (collectively referred to herein as “Holly”),

by TRC Environmental Corporation.

The proposed remedial plan

relates to the release of over

7,000 barrels of crude oil from

the Osage Pipeline, which is

owned and operated by Holly,

beginning on July 8, 2022. This

pipeline spill has resulted in a

Notice to All

Sac and Fox Tribal

Members

The Sac and Fox Nation has

made hard copies of Chicago

Blackhawks Foundation’s recently conducted ‘Market Assessment and Tribal Economic

Development and Research’ for

the Nation available at the following locations:

• The Shawnee Multi-Purpose Center located at 215 N.

Harrison Street, Shawnee, Okla.

74801;

• The Administration Building located at 920963 S. Hwy 99

Stroud, Okla. 74079; and,

• The Black Hawk Health

Center located at 356110 E. 930

Rd, Stroud, Okla. 74079

Following Holly Energy Partners Pipeline Spill

major environmental disaster

within the Nation’s Indian country.

Pursuant to the Consent Decree entered by United States

District Judge Bernard Jones on

March 26, 2024, in United States

v. Holly Energy Partners-Operating, L.P, No. 24-cv-00107-J

(W.D. Okla. (Doc. 9), Holly was

required to prepare and submit

to the United States Environmental Protection Agency draft

and final remedial action work

plans and remedial action reports. (Doc. 9, 1 13.) Additionally, Holly was required to afford the Sac and Fox Nation 30

days to review and comment on

the remediation plans. (Doc. 9,

113.)

The Nation received a copy of

the draft Remedial Action Plan

(“RAP”) proposed by Holly on

June 17, 2024. The Nation is

therefore providing comments

within the time period established by the Court.

Summary

For the reasons set forth in

more detail herein, the Sac and

Fox Nation lodges its strong

objection to the draft remedial

plan proposed by Holly. As the

Nation stated in its comments

on the Consent Decree, Holly

has failed to properly address

and implement measures to ad-

equately protect the Nation’s

cultural and natural resources

throughout its post-release activities at the site.

The proposed RAP again fails

to acknowledge and incorporate even the most basic, necessary, and appropriate protective

measures. In a repeat of its past

experiences, the Nation, whose

lands contain numerous pipelines, is again confronted with

a pipeline spill and a pipeline

owner and operator that does

not want to acknowledge and

assume responsibility for the

adverse effects on tribal culture

and natural resources.

While the Nation acknowledges that the EPA’ s jurisdiction over pipeline operators has

limits, the tribe has so far been

unable to engage Holly in any

meaningful way on the issues

it has raised resulting from the

Osage Pipeline spill. The EPA,

along with other federal agencies, have trust responsibilities to the Nation to ensure not

merely that the Indian lands at

issue are cleaned up, but also

that cultural and natural resources are protected, including in accordance with the federal laws

establishing specific obligations

with respect to those areas.

At this stage, and based on the

draft RAP, the Nation is not in

a position to provide more than

very general comments on the

RAP. It is neither feasible nor

reasonable for the Nation to be

expected to provide meaningful comments on the RAP in its

current form, because it fails to

address many of the key issues

critical to the Nation. Based

on the experience of two years

of frustrating attempts to work

with Holly, it appears that these

issues may not be addressed unless the EPA and the other federal agencies involved provide

assistance to the Nation.

The Nation requests further

consultation with the EPA on

remediation of the spill site, as

well as the opportunity to pro-

vide comments on any further

remediation plans.

Comments

The basic approach set forth

in the remediation plan would

involve removing

contaminated soils-both from

the channel of Skull Creek and

from the stream banks. This

plan would involve the removal

of substantial amounts of soil,

estimated at some 78,000 cubic

feet or 3,000 cubic yards. (RAP

§ 3.3.) At the same time, Holly

has made no provision in the

plan for even the most basic and

necessary measures to protect

buried cultural materials discovered in the soil removal, and

even lacks reasonable measures

for identifying such materials,

including procedures for visual examination and sifting and

screening, when necessary.

It is noteworthy that Holly

has also made no provisions in

the plan for a resumption of the

tribal monitor program, which

was conducted briefly in 2022,

but with little or no cooperation

by Holly and its contractors.

The monitoring program lapsed

when Holly made demands for

its renewal that the Nation found

unacceptable.

1.Cultural

Protection

During Ground-Disturbing

Activities

For all proposed ground disturbing activities-including sed(Continued on Page 14)

Kimberly Warrior and Greg Morris

Receive Seniors of the Year Honors

The Sac and Fox Nation Activity Committee announced Kimberly Warrior as ‘Senior Woman of the Year,’ and Gregg Morris as ‘Senior Man of the Year’ during 59th Annual Sac and

Fox Nation ‘Traditional Night’ activities in Jim Thorpe Memorial Park. See more photos inside.

(Photo by Mike Brown)

Page 2 - Sac and Fox News - August 2024

Sac and Fox News Working Together to Reach and Support Our Elders

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 September issue is:

Tuesday, August 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

abuse.

by Amy Filko

Collaboration with other Tribal departTribal Victim Services Training and Techments is key to meeting elder needs. Ofnical Assistance Program

ten programs can cover some, but not all,

Office for Victims of Crime

Elders can become silent victims often of victim and survivor needs so braiding

unseen and overlooked. As the wisdom services and funding sources expands the

keepers and pillars of Tribal communi- available support. Partnering with other

ties, victim services can be a healing touch programs in your Tribal community can

point for elders experiencing abuse, ne- increase connection to elders.

“We all want to help this individual get

glect, or financial exploitation.

For those looking to incorporate more the best that they can have,” Mindy says.

support for elders into their programs, Everyone collaborates along the way foMindy Eicher, who works with the Sac cusing on the elder’s needs whether those

and Fox Nation, recommends making per- are accessing state programs, doctors,

sonal visits to find out what kinds of sup- behavioral health, and federally fundport the elders want and need. “One-on- ed support programs. Mindy explains,

one contact is a big deal for many elders,” “sometimes they can’t do it [be a voice

for themselves] …make sure you’re a

she says.

For nearly five years, Mindy has been voice for the person that you are standing

bringing needed assistance to Tribal el- up for.”

Working together with other Tribders in and around Sac and Fox Nation

in Oklahoma through an Office for Vic- al departments strengthens the support

tims of Crime (OVC) grant. As part of available to elders. For example, Mindy

a multi-agency team, she works closely partners with victim services to provide

with Tribal departments including law en- rides and work with elders in filling out

forcement, Tribal court, human services, paperwork. For those services a victim

and health care to identify and stop elder

service provider is unable to cover with

their funding, community partners can

fill in the gaps.

Mindy Eicher

Behavioral Health Services Dept. to

BIA Opens

Observe ‘Be Kind to Humankind Week’

Indigenous Tech,

August, the month where we send the increase lifespans, well-being, and can

Connectivity Division children

off to school and a warm re- help with loneliness.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary

for Indian Affairs on April 22, 2024 announced the opening of the Division of

Indigenous Connectivity and Technology

within the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The

new division will assist federally recognized Tribal nations with managing and

expanding new technological and wireless services on their lands and advance

their sovereignty over the digital resources and assets on those lands.

“The new Indigenous Connectivity and

Technology division will modernize the

way Tribal nations engage in technological opportunities and give them a long

overdue seat at the national connectivity

policy development table,” said Assistant

Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “The Biden-Harris administration

is committed to closing the digital divide

on Tribal lands and supporting Tribes in

managing technology and resources on

their lands.”

The Indigenous Connectivity and

Technology division will assist Tribes

and Tribal entities in developing or expanding broadband infrastructure and

exploring new electromagnetic spectrum

leasing opportunities. It also will promote interagency coordination and national policy development; provide technical assistance for the establishment of

(Continued on Page 8)

Letter to

Sac and Fox

Business Committee

To the Sac and Fox Business Committee:

I am requesting full disclosure to Governing Council of actions by the Sac and

Fox Business Committees. Current Business Committee, please address these

items by presentation or by printed handouts at the August Governing Council

meeting. The subjects are, the Cattle

business, the Trophy business, the Tanger

trust contact, the self-appointed Business

Committee salary increase.

Cattle and Trophy businesses: 1. What

were their business plans that would benefit the Sac and Fox Nation? 2. Who initiated the funding of these businesses? 3.

What are the annual profit and lost statements for each business, for each year?

4. What is each businesses’ total loss as

of July 2024? 5. What was the Business

Committee’s annual business analysis of

each business (short-falls, projections)?

5. Which Business Committee member

had oversight of each business?

Tanger trust contract: 1. What is the

current status? What is the future plan?

Has this contract been changed? How

much has been paid on this contract?

How much is left to be paid on this contract? What will be the total cost of this

contract?

Business Committee salaries: 1. Who

approved the salary increases? 2. What

Sac and Fox Nation’s document addresses this salary increase? Why did the Business Committee not come to Governing

Council for approval?

Although these issues may have been

created and passed forward from past

Business Committees, they are Sac and

Fox Nation policy and financial issues

that need to be fully explained with assurance that there are plans for near future closure of these issues and accountability for past business practices.

John Nelson

minder summer will be over soon. And,

the week of August 25th is also the observance of ‘Be Kind to Humankind Week.’

‘Be Kind’ is a week for reflection and

kind thoughts for others whether through

actions, thoughts, or simply a greeting to

feel connected in our community. We all

can do small parts to show consideration,

gentleness, positive affirmations, and

thoughtfulness towards ourselves and

others.

Kindness makes us happy and research

has proven being kind gives us more of

an optimistic viewpoint, kindness can

What can anyone do to show a little

kindness for August 25th? Lend a hand

with a task, call a friend or family member to check in, bring a treat to someone,

give a compliment, support a cause, drive

with kindness, and express gratitude for

others.

Little actions are contagious and kindness helps us be better humans while allowing us an opportunity to put others

first which helps us feel good. BHS encourages everyone to do something kind

and hopefully we all can become contagiously kind.

Happy August Birthday Elders!

Beckman, Gale Charlene

Blaisdale, Senecah Damian

Blanchard, Larry Dean

Brown, Charles David

Brown, Tammy Jo

Bruno, Monica Gean

Carter, Lois Ann

Clark, Carmon Roy

Coker, Walter Larry

Conallis, Tommy Jay

Couteau, Donna Lynn

Croley, Frankie Ben

Donahoo, Paula Ann

Duffy, Danita Louise

Duran, Sandra Kay

Eldredge, Earl Lee

Escobedo, Tina Louise

Forget, Mary Philoemena

Franklin, Arthur Ray

Franklin, Keith Edward Jr.

Franklin, Kelly Ann

Gallaway, Arletta Mae

Gibbs, Mary Toche

Gokey, Franklin Charles Jr.

Gregory, David Gene

Gregory, James Kevin

Griffith, Ellen S

Gunter, Gloria Elaine

Gutierrez, Daniel

Haney, Brenda Colleen

Hanger, Shari Lynn

Harjo, Lisa Ann

Harris, Randy Gene

Henthorn, Matt Alex

Horse, Alva Mae

Ingham, Karen L

James, Ronald E

Johnson, Marilyn

Johnson, Melanie Rene

Jones, Donald Richard Jr.

Jones, Jacqueline Ann

Kern, Sherry Lee

Kilgore, Anna

Kimble, Beverly Sue

Kowena, Kimberly Kay

Lasley, Shalah Kay

Lippi, Cora Jeanne

Mack, Cara Lorene

Manydeeds, Mary Jo

Marez, Debra Gail

Masters, William Raymond

McClung, Terri Mack

Megehee, Rita A

Miller, Kenneth Edmund Jr.

Monday, Richard Lee

Monday, Robert L

Morgan, Ricky Martin

Morris, Bessie Leatrice

Morris, Grover Keith

Morris, Russell Thomas

Mutter, Mary J

Nordyke, David Keith

Nullake , Georgia Faye

Nullake, Stella M

O’Brien, Johnny R

Patten-Zerby, Nancy Louise

Pennington, Cheryl Ann

Pequano, Danielle Leigh

Pittman, Tanja Annette

Rhoads, Elizabeth Kay

Rivas, Emma

Roubidoux, Cynthia

Roubidoux, Gwendolyn F.

Roubidoux, James Howard Jr.

Saunders, Russell E Sr.

Schexnider, Herbert Lee Jr.

Simmons, Judy F

Simpson, Kimberly Ann

Smith, Brian Tug

Smock, Sherry Leann

Snow, Jerry Whistler

Snow, Shelley Dawn

Sorensen, Kellie Ann

Stephens, Gregory Paul

Stroebel, George F

Sugar, Michael Anthony

Thompson, Terri Ann

Thurman, Marilyn Rose

Tiger, Jack Allen

Topping, Sandra Ann

Troy, Carl Scott

Tyner-Dawson, Eugenia

Vanderploeg, Karen Sue

Wakolee, David Boyd

Walker, Elmer Benson

Walker, Henry Bentley Jr.

Walker, Herbert Daniel

Wallace, Carl Edward

Wallace, Joseph Ray

West, Olinda Jean

White, Janet Gail

Whitebead, Denice Lynn

Wolf, Joyce Ann

Page 3 - Sac and Fox News - August 2024

Sac and Fox Art Exhibition: Tatakwi 2024, Curator: Tony Tiger

Featured Sac and Fox Artists

Pictured are Sac and Fox artists whose work was featured during the month

of July in the Sac and Fox Nation Cultural Center. Pictured front row from left

are artists: Sylvia Brown, Marilyn Spoon, Jacklyn King, Katie Thompson and

Tony Tiger. Back row: August Walker, Allen Tsoodle, Zack Morris and Nick

Blanchard.

(All Photos by Mike Brown)

Sac and Fox artist Tony Tiger speaks at a July 12 reception hosted by the Sac

and Fox National Public Library in the Sac and Fox Nation Cultural Center.

Tiger is curator of ‘Tatakwi 2024,’ a Sac and Fox art and cultural exhibition

opened during business hours in the Cultural Center during the annual powwow and throughout the month of July.

Sac and Fox Maintenance Dept.

Personnel Take Part in Groundbreaking

Maintenance Dept. Director Greg Morris and staff are shown with Sac and

Fox Nation officials, contractors and architects as they took part in the June

25 groundbreaking ceremony conducted to begin the construction of a $6.5

million facility that will include 28,000 sq. ft. of shop and equipment storage

space, along with 3,000 sq. ft. of office space. The previous Maintenance

facility was heavily damaged in a Jan. 2022 fire

(Photo by Mike Brown)

A Message From the Sac and Fox

Office of Environmental Services

A Moisture Problem

Submitted by

Daniel Red Thunder Wind

Mold is a fungus that is a natural part

of our environment. They are considered “natures garbage disposal” in the

sense that mold digests and recycles almost any organic material. Mold exists

in both indoor and outdoor environments

growing best in warm, damp, and humid

conditions, that can spread and reproduce by making spores. Spores can survive in harsh environmental conditions

that do not support normal mold growth.

Mold growth indoors does have the

potential to become a health issue to

sensitive individuals. They can produce

allergens, irritants, and in some cases,

potentially toxic substances. Mold can

cause allergic reactions in sensitive persons if inhaled or touched, like those of

seasonal allergies, symptoms include

sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, headaches, difficulty breathing. They can

also irritate, eyes, skin, nose, throat, and

lungs of both allergic and non-allergic

people. These symptoms are similar of

many issues so it best to consult your

primary care physician for any concerns.

It is impossible to get rid of all mold

and mold spores, as there are thousands

of different kinds. The best way to maintain or prevent mold growth is through

moisture control. Mold is just the result

of a problem. The problem is water. If

you discover mold, it is important that

you not only clean up the mold but to

find out why the mold is growing there.

Is there a leaky faucet or pipe? Air conditioner drainpipe leaking or clogged?

Roof leaking? Foundation crack? Condensation around windows? Wet basement? Or is it just a spill that was not

cleaned up? All of these things can lead

to mold growth. Some types of problems may not be evident. In that case an

HVAC technician, contractor or another

professional may need to be called to investigate the source of the water.

Other ways to help prevent mold

growth are by reducing humidity in the

indoor air by reducing temperature or

turning on ventilation fans in the bath-

room or kitchen. One can also use de-humidifiers as needed. Humidity meters can

be obtained to measure moisture in building materials for better identification of

potential “hot spots” in the home. These

are available at local hardware stores and

are relatively inexpensive. The goal is

40%-60% relative humidity indoors.

Once mold is discovered and the issue

corrected, clean up begins. In most cases

clean up may be as simple as scrubbing

the surface with soap and water. However, you can also use bleach and water

solution for cleanup. If the problem is

relatively small it may be easier to just

dispose and replace the items affected,

such as ceiling tiles or small household

items. Mold can grow in the empty

spaces of these materials or under sinks.

Larger projects may need to be cleaned

by professionals such as disposing and

replacing wall material.

Safety measures should be used to limit exposure to mold. A mask may be used

to prevent inhalation exposure to mold

or mold spores. N-95 respirators can be

used and are available at local hardware

stores. Be sure to use gloves when handling contaminated surfaces, whether it

is for cleaning or disposal. Household

rubber gloves should do just fine. Wear

goggles so spores do not irritate your

eyes. After cleaning be sure to revisit the

area to make sure the problem was fixed

or hasn’t returned. Cleaning up the result

will not correct the problem.

Another aspect of mold is testing. If

you can see it or smell it, it’s there. Testing can be done either by professionals or

by using home kits available at hardware

stores but if there is a water problem then

there is no need to really test. The problem needs to be corrected. If the problem is not evident then call a professional

with experience in mold sampling to do

the testing.

To recap some of the main points on

Mold: Clean up spills/leaks immediately,

fix the water/moisture problem, ventilate

and re-inspect. If you have any questions

or comments, please call the Office of

Environmental Services at 918-968-3526

ext. 2091.

Robin Tiger is pictured admiring the reception food table prepared by Cultural

Center and Sac and Fox library staff to open ‘A Sac and Fox Art and Cultural

Exhibition: Tatakwi 2024.’

Letter to Tribal Members

July 19, 2024

Aho, to all my relations! SFN 2024

Pow-Wow has ended and now its time to

get back to business.

Smart business is what will lead us

to a better tomorrow. How do we get

there? By completely changing how we

do business today. The Governing Body

has allowed [mostly unbeknownst to us]

changes to occur in many of our laws,

rules, and regulations which in turn has

caused a tailspin when it comes to individual tribal members or the Governing

Body as a whole to correct the wrong.

This past-year I took a back seat from

active involvement w/in internal tribal

affairs to see [and prove] what changes

‘leadership’ will make without the additional squeaky wheel. Unfortunately, I’m

not pleased with the results. It’s difficult

to take care of personal and professional

affairs thinking our leadership has everyone’s back and is actively taking care of

our people [ALL PEOPLE].

We have two upcoming meetings

where decisions are made that impact not

just the remainder of the year but ‘next

year’ and years to come. We must all

carve out a little time from our personal

and professional lives to take care of our

tribes’ future. Never sit back and assume

‘everyone’ or ‘someone’ is doing as they

should.

Below are topics that MUST be addressed [not just raised] during the upcoming Annual General Counsel and

RAP meetings:

• ELDERS PROGRAM: Internal tribal-program, separate from Title-VI.

• TITLE VI for elders:Federal grant program that is separate from the ‘Elders

Program’.

• SELF GOVERNANCE: What is official understanding of self-governance by

our leadership and how do we utilize it

Business Committee Meeting

Minutes are

accessible on the Website

sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov

for-our-benefit?

• SELF DETERMINATION: Same statement as above.

• TRUST PROPERTY: Provide up-todate budget report and official status of

the Tanger Property

• RAP: We must remember, our gaming

revenue remains distinct from our internal RAP programs. Interchangeable use

of names purposefully confuses tribal

members.

• OES: Provide a status of personnel and

a detailed report for previous 3 yrs. of

programs and awarded grants.

• TRANSPORTSATION: Complete budget and program status [9 million dollar

project]

• MAINTENANCE BUILDING: Provide current budget and plans for the new

building?

• SKULL CREEK: Why is the tribe involved if land owners oppose?

• LAND AND CATTLE: open comments

• REALTY: open comments

Respectfully,

Toni McEntire

Page 4 - Sac and Fox News - August 2024

Sac and Fox Nation Education Department News

Hello! Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Members!

We hope everyone enjoyed the 59th

Sac and Fox Nation Annual Pow Wow,

held from July 11 through 14, 2024. On

July 11th, the Education Department organized a ‘Fun Day’ specifically for students from Pre-K through 12th grade.

This event is tailored for students aged

4 through 18 years old, and occasionally,

19-year-old senior students.

During this year’s Fun Day, each student who attended in person received a

beach towel. We understand that some

adults were disappointed they did not

receive a towel, so we wanted to clarify

that the Fun Day activities and giveaways

are exclusively for the students within

the specified age group. We appreciate

everyone’s understanding and support in

Pictured at the July 13 Ice Cream Social at the Sac and Fox Nation Leaning

Center are Chicago Blackhawk Foundation staff members and scholarship

winners and family. Back Row from left: Edwina Butler-Wolfe, Sac and Fox

Nation Education Director, Justin Morris, Sac and Fox Nation Education Specialist, Jose De La Torre, Blackhawk Staff, Annie Davis-Korelc, Blackhawk

Staff, Principal Chief Randle Carter. Sac and Fox Nation. Front Row: Secretary Lana Butler, Sac and Fox Nation, Kimberly Wood, Jim Thorpe Scholarship Winner 2024, Erica Cline, Blackhawk Leadership Scholarship Winner

2024.

(Photo Provided)

by Edwina Butler-Wolfe

making this a special day for our young

learners.

This year we made plans for the swimming pool to be reserved, two water

slides, two bouncy houses and an obstacle course (inflatable). We arranged for

a snow cone stand to be onsite, we purchased two hundred snow cones for the

students, which went quickly.

Winners for Inflatable Obstacle

Course:

There was no participation in the male

16 to18 year old category. Each winner

was awarded with a Jim Thorpe Jersey.

I would like to thank the following individuals that came out to help by volunteering to make this event a success:

Liz Crawford, Josh Gibson, Ashley

Brokeshoulder, Anna Franklin, Kelsey

Byrd, Lt. Governor Diane Ponkilla, of

the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, Lifeguards

at the Sac and Fox Nation Swimming

Pool, Secretary Lana Butler and Treasurer Carla Wallace cooked the hot dogs,

Vicki Wilson, Sena Yesslith and Roland

Kernell sacked the lunches, Maintenance

Department, Black Hawk Health Center

Community Health Department: Aislinn

Munson and Ashley Allen. They provided on site first aid to anyone with an injury. We appreciate all the extra help that

the volunteers provided!!!!

I would like to thank the staff of the

Sac and Fox Nation Education Department for all their support and help to

make sure everyone had a safe and fun

day: Tonia George, Olivia Stacy, and

Justin Morris. A special thanks to Justin

for all his hard work in making sure the

vendors were taking care of and setting

up the inflatables, early Friday morning.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to

have such a dedicated staff to work with

here at the Sac and Fox Nation Education

Department. We start planning for this

event at the beginning of the year. We

hope that everyone had an enjoyable day.

On Saturday July 13, the Education

Department and the Chicago Blackhawks

Foundation staff planned an ice cream

social with all the Blackhawk and Jim

Thorpe Scholarship Winners. We currently have nine students that have been

awarded scholarship funding as of 2022.

The RAP Clothing/School Supply Assistance has been busy with applications.

This year is taking a little longer to mail

out the VISA cards, due to a new system

that we are setting up with the bank. Everyone will need to be patient with this

process, VISA cards will be mailed out

as soon as we receive RAP Application.

If you do not send in a copy of your

child Sac and Fox enrollment card or do

not complete the application, then you

will have a delay. We will not be calling

you for a signature, a copy of your child

enrollment card, or if you fail to have

school sign and stamp application.

If your school does not have a stamp

of seal, then you need to have school verify on their school letterhead. With any

questions you have about RAP Clothing/

School Supply, please contact Olivia Stacy at 918 968-3526, extension 5001.

Thank you,

Edwina Butler-Wolfe

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

Page 5 - Sac and Fox News - August 2024

Sac and Fox Nation’s Black Hawk Health Center Health Fair Highlights

Sac and Fox Nation Community Health Director Angel Thornton, center,

and staff member Aislinn Munson were among the healthcare professionals

joining forces with Southern Plains Tribal Health Board to offer free health

screenings for those ages 13 and above.

(All Photos by Mike Brown)

Pictured are representatives of the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System’s

Dementia Caregiver Support and Services program. Dozens of healthcare

organizations from across the state hosted booths at the health fair.

Black Hawk Health Center staff members Rachell Seward and Lori Gregory

are shown from left with commemorative t-shirts given to those attending the

health fair.

Representatives of the Oklahoma U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Outreach

Program were on hand to provide informational support to military veterans

and their families.

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

Health fair attendees from near and far are shown in line to enter the annual

health fair held in the Community Bldg. Shown in the background is the Our

Blood Institute (OBI) mobile unit that was on-site for the convenience of blood

donors.

Page 6 - Sac and Fox News - August 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.

August Comic

Page 7 - Sac and Fox News - August 2024

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

(Continued on Page 8)

August Word Search

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

Page 8 - Sac and Fox News - July 2024

NOTICE TO VETERANS!

Men & Women, especially WWI, WWII & Korean War

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

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

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

(Continued from Page 7)

Connectivity and Tech Division

(Continued from Page 2)

wireless, digital and technological projects on Tribal lands; and facilitate public-private partnerships with Tribes to

advance Tribal self-governance in this

domain.

The division will focus on the Department of the Interior’s Tribal priorities for

the National Spectrum Strategy Implementation Plan and continue coordination of an inter-agency agreement signed

in 2022 by Interior, the Federal Communications Commission, and the U.S.

Department of Commerce’s National

Telecommunication and Information

Administration to promote the deploy-

ment, coordination and development of

broadband and other wireless communications services on Tribal lands.

It also will facilitate new partnerships

between Tribes and the tech industry to

advance Tribal self-governance over

finite spectrum resources, electric vehicles, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and other new technological

opportunities and digital services while

expanding opportunities for Indigenous

participation in data science, coding, and

software engineering. The new division

is led by Danae Wilson, a member of the

Nez Perce Tribe.

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.

Business Committee Meeting

Minutes are

accessible on the Website

sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov

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

NOTICE

Assistant Cook – Human Services #2024-19 (Part-time, Stroud)

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)

Shift Manager – Juvenile Detention Center #2024-22 (Stroud)

RAP Specialist I & II # 2024-28 (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

Operations Coordinator (JDC) #2024-50

Accounts Payable Technician #2024-53

Payroll Technician #2024-54

Registered/Licensed Dietitian #2024-57 (Stroud)

IT Assistant #2024-58 (Stroud)

Physical Therapist III

Dental Hygienist 32024-60 (Stroud)

Dental Assistant (Two Positions) #2024-61 (Stroud)

Dental Receptionist #2024-62 (Stroud)

Police Officer #2024-64 (Stroud)

NAGPRA Coordinator #2024-65 Stroud)

John Carrington, HR Director

hrdirector@sacandfox.com

Page 9 - Sac and Fox News - August 2024

2024 Wa-Tha-Huk 5K Run & Fun Walk Highlights

The Sac and Fox Nation Food Distribution Proram on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) volunteers hosted the annual ‘WaTha-Huk 5K Run and Fun Walk’ on July 11 in Jim Thorpe

Memorial Park. In the top photo, participants in the 5K run

are shown at the starting line. In the above photo, FDPIR

staff members J.J. Wilson and Tomi Calderon and others are

shown registering families for the two events. In the side

photo are Female 5K Run Winner Gabi Morris, of Stroud,

Okla., who posted a time of 27:57.30; and, the overall and

Male Division 5K Run Winner Trey Turner of Red Rock, Okla.

who posted a time of 17:47.20 in the event. In the photo below, a large group of participants in the Fun Walk are shown

as they begin the course through the powwow grounds.

(All Photos by Mike Brown)

Page 10 - Sac and Fox News - August 2024

August 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.

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

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

are accessible on the Website

sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov

Page 11 - Sac and Fox News - August 2024

2024 Sac and Fox Nation Powwow Highlights

Sac and Fox Nation Veterans Honor Guard member Arlo Griggs, right, leads Grand Entry during ‘Traditional Night’ activities in Jim Thorpe Memorial Park.

Sac and Fox Nation Committee Member Robert Williamson welcomed everyone to the 59th Annual Sac and Fox Powwow in Traditional Night opening

ceremonies.

2024-2025 Sac and Fox Nation royalty introduced during Traditional Night

activities shown above from left are: Little Miss Sac and Fox Nation Galilea

Walker-Pizano, Jr. Miss Sac and Fox Nation Amira Walker-Pizano and Miss

Sac and Fox Nation Jocelyn Megehee.

Pictured in the upper photo at right are members of the Host Northern Drum

‘Walking Buffalo Singers’ of Saskatchewan, Canada.

In the photo at right, lady dancers are pictured during Traditional Night Grand

Entry.

All Photos by Mike Brown

Masters of Ceremonies for the 59th Annual Sac and Fox Nation Powwow

shown from left are: R. G. Harris and Cortney Yarholar.

Page 12 - Sac and Fox News - August 2024

Sac and Fox Education Dept. ‘Fun Day’ Activities Snapshots

Volunteers assisting the Sac and Fox Nation Eduction Dept. are shown serving hotdog, chips and cookies sack lunches to dozens of children during the

department’s annual ‘Fun Day’ festivities.

(All Photos by Mike Brown)

Sac and Fox Nation Secretary Lana Butler, right, and Treasurer Carla Wallace assisted the Education Dept. July 12 by grilling hundreds of hotdogs for

children during ‘Fun Day’ festivities.

Families taking part in ‘Fun Day’ activities were treated to snow cones to help

stay cool during the July temperatures.

Families are shown enjoying ‘Fun Day’ in the swimming pool pavilion.

Turtle Race Highlights

Kids were treated a free swim and the Sac and Fox Nation Pool during the

Education Dept.’s ‘Fun Day’ festivities.

Saturday morning turtle races were coordinated by Sac and Fox IT Director

Boyd Cummings. Cash prizes were awarded in age divisions.

(All Photos by Mike Brown)

A water slide was among several inflatables enjoyed by kids during the ‘Fun

Day’ activities.

An obstacle course was also among the ‘Fun Day’ inflatables.

Page 13 - Sac and Fox News - August 2024

2024 Sac and Fox Nation Powwow Highlights

Sac and Fox tribal member and U. S. Army M1 Abrams Crewman Bryce Bailey, left, leads Saturday Grand Entry in Jim Thorpe Memorial Park.

Members of the Meskwaki Nation’s Robert Morgan Post 701 joined the Sac

and Fox Nation Honor Guard in 8 a.m. flag-raising ceremonies in Jim Thorpe

Memorial Park. Deceased U. S. military veterans and their families honored

during the four-day Powwow were: Lee Bass Jr., Edgar Arthur Pratt, Thomas

Morris Jr. and Francis Grant Sr.

(All Photos by Mike Brown)

Members of the Edgar Arthur Pratt Family are pictured with members of the

Meskwaki Nation and Sac and Fox Nation veterans organizations following a

morning flag-raising ceremony conducted in Jim Thorpe Memorial Park.

Dozens of various vendors were on hand for the 2024 Sac and Fox Nation

Powwow.

Inter-tribal dancing following Traditional Night Grand Entry.

Sac and Fox Nation Powwow Committee Chairman Mason Williamson, left,

was among the singers taking part in the 8 a.m. flag-raising ceremonies conducted each day of the Powwow. They are shown here Friday morning as the

late U. S. Army veteran Edgar Arthur Pratt was remembered.

Sixteen four-member teams competed in the Sac and Fox Nation Golf Tournament held at Stroud Municipal Golf Course.

(Photo by Mike Brown)

Co-winner golf team members with a score of 58 in the scramble tournament

were Anthony Ramirez, Amanda Ramirez, Ben Little and Greg Dunleavy.

(Photos courtesy of Stroud Golf Pro Josh Martin)

Co-winner golf team members with a score of 58 in the scramble were Ben

Johnson, Brad Mugett, Tom Skaggs and Kevin Walls.

Page 14 - Sac and Fox News - August 2024

Nation’s Response to Proposed ‘Remedial Action Plan’

(Continued From Page 1)

iment and soil removal on the creek embankments and channels, the construction

of roads, around bridges, and elsewhere­

Holly must provide a proposed plan that

specifically addresses how the excavations will be made, the type of machinery

that will be used, and the methodology

for the removal of the soils, and include

maps showing the specific areas where

the soils will be removed and the depths

to which soil will be removed.

From the broad descriptions in the

RAP, the Nation cannot determine whether Holly or its contractors plan to “gouge”

out portions of the embankments or excavate them in a controlled, stratigraphic

manner. Further, it is not clear whether

the machinery to be used in the excavations may cause extensive damage to the

integrity of the embankment or channel.

Until the Nation receives a proposed remediation plan that contains reasonable

detail on these and other points, it cannot

provide meaningful comments.

The areas around Skull Creek and the

damaged lands are considered culturally

sensitive areas for a number of reasons.

Among others, the Sac and Fox people

in the old days buried their dead along

stream beds-including during the time

period following an epidemic in the vicinity of Skull Creek-in part to permit the

waters to cleanse them.

In fact, during the limited tribal monitoring program in 2022, many cultural

and archaeological materials were found,

which increases the Nation’s interest in

ensuring that the remediation work proceeds protectively. It is essential that the

proposed RAP be revised to incorporate

necessary measures to protect the inadvertent discovery and handling of cultural materials and human remains, and

to set forth such measures in reasonable

detail.

The RAP also points to the likely need

for additional cultural surveys. In general, any removal of soils associated with

temporary bridges, any “additional access roads and or modifications to the

existing access roads,” and any areas of

ground-disturbing activities outside the

original project area which was previously surveyed for cultural resources would

need to be surveyed for cultural resources. Construction in these areas will need

to be observed by the tribal monitors.

Further, concerning the sand that will

be used as fill from the Cimarron River,

as discussed in Appendix “C,” the plan

fails to address whether the mining operations have complied with the terms

and conditions of any of the NWPs, and

specifically, the conditions related to the

protection of historic properties. There

is also no explanation as to whether the

sand will have been examined and determined to be free of any cultural materials.

In other words, the EPA needs to ensure that the sand-mining operation on

the Cimarron River has been surveyed

previously for historic properties in accordance with 36 C.F.R. Part 800 (protection of historic properties), Section

106 of the National Historic Preservation

Act, and the Archaeological Resources

Protection Act, and that such compliance

can be verified with paperwork/documentation provided to the Nation, the

State of Oklahoma, and the United States

Army Corps of Engineers.

2. Tribal Involvement and Monitoring

Among the measures that can help ensure appropriate cultural protection are

oversight and involvement by the Nation,

including through a reasonable tribal

monitor program during ground-disturbing activities. Following the 2022 spill,

the Nation was involved in frustrating

negotiations with Holly for months to try

to implement a monitor program.

Although an agreement ultimately was

reached, the program was implemented

too late, and after Holly and its contractors had already engaged in extensive

remedial construction-and likely in the

destruction of cultural material. The program was short-lived, and the Nation has

been unable to arrive at any acceptable,

agreed arrangement for its resumption

during the planned construction activities

at the site.

The importance of a tribal monitor

program is to have trained tribal members look for cultural and natural resources the importance of which others may

not recognize or understand.

It is not unusual even for archaeologists and environmental professionals to

fail to understand the importance of certain items. Several sections of the RAP

outline proposed remediation work that

the Nation believes should appropriately

be observed by tribal monitors, including, but not limited to those in:

• Section 3.2, Targeted Bank Removal

areas

• Section 3.3, In-Channel and Bank Removal

• Section 4.1.2, Temporary Access Roads

• Section 4.2.1, Sediment and Soil Removal

Remediation activities are conducted

by crews whose jobs are to remove soilnot watch for cultural materials. If there

are no tribal monitors present, it means

no one is watching for and protecting the

Nation’s culture and natural resources,

on tribal lands.

In the Nation’s view, the basic outlines

of a tribal monitor program for the Skull

Creek remediation project should include

the following:

• The monitors should be engaged by, and

work under the supervision of, the Nation’s cultural office. Holly criticized the

payment system used in the previous program, and at times sought to restrict the

monitors’ work. Based on its experience

with the previous failed program, the Nation has a strong preference for Holly to

provide funding to the Nation so that the

Nation is in a position to supervise and

compensate the monitors directly and in

its discretion.

• Based on the Nation’s experience, up

to three monitors likely will be necessary

at any given time. In view of the extent

of the proposed ground-disturbing activities there may be times when all three

monitors are needed. The Nation further

seeks having the flexibility to use one of

the positions to support the program, including for scheduling, paperwork, and

general oversight.

• The Nation is willing to agree to share

data collected by the tribal monitors, but

at its discretion, and it must be clear that

the monitors do not work for and report

to Holly. Among the reasons the previous monitoring program failed was that

Holly’s contractors became angry when

the monitors observed oil sheen on Skull

Creek, and brought this fact to the attention of federal regulators. To be clear, the

tribal monitors were and are needed because of Holly’s lack of monitoring the

safety of its own pipelines. Holly cannot

dictate the monitors’ activities and control the Nation’s use of the information

they obtain, including the monitors’ communications with other governmental

agencies.

• Similarly, and aside from safety precautions, Holly cannot dictate the areas

in which the tribal monitors can work, or

impose unreasonable access restrictions.

• Finally, as the EPA is aware, the Na-

Elders August Meal Planner

tion is not a wealthy tribe, and the response activities to date concerning the

Osage Pipeline spill have strained tribal

resources. Holly should fund the tribal

monitoring program. Ageing pipelines

such as the Osage Pipeline criss-cross

the Nation’s jurisdiction. It is important

to the tribal leadership that when pipelines fail the operators must be held responsible.

During the previous monitoring program, Holly’s representatives made clear

to the Nation’s cultural staff that they

did not believe the tribal monitors were

performing a worthwhile service, and the

criticisms ultimately became personal.

Holly also made clear it was not willing to fund the reasonable costs of an

effective monitoring program. It seems

unlikely at this stage that the Nation will

be able to convince Holly that the tribal

monitoring program has merit, and it also

seems unlikely that the parties will be

able to reach a new agreement quickly.

The Nation strongly prefers an approach under which the Nation, the EPA,

and the other federal agencies overseeing

the remediation reach agreement on standards for the program, subject to identifying available funding.

3. Request for Consultation

Finally, the inadequate remediation

proposal under consideration points

to the need for immediate government-to-government consultation between the Nation and the federal agencies with jurisdiction and responsibilities

over the clean-up. As the “EPA Policy on

Consultation with Indian Tribes” makes

clear, “[ c ]onsultation is a process to

ensure meaningful and timely input by

Tribal officials prior to EPA taking actions or implementing decisions that may

affect Tribes.”

The Nation hereby requests that the

EPA engage in formal consultation pursuant to its policy concerning the Skull

Creek remediation, as soon as reasonably

possible, and prior to the finalization of

any remediation plans.

As Principal Chief, I will serve as the

point of contact for the Nation with the

EPA concerning the consultation process.

After I hear from you, we can discuss the

other federal agencies that may be interested in, or that we may want to invite to

participate in, these discussions.

In the view of our leadership team,

Holly has been, in a word, hostile toward

the Nation. The Nation’s experience to

date has been that Holly does not place

value on the Nation’s cultural resources,

and views the Skull Creek trust land as

simply rural land that does not warrant

any special care and attention. The draft

RAP Holly has proposed is unacceptable

to the Nation. The EPA has the responsibility to consider the Nation’s comments,

and also to engage in a meaningful way

with our tribe to address the proposed remediation.

The Nation’s Business Committee and

I will appreciate your prompt consideration and response to the Nation’s comments.

Sincerely,

Randle Carter, Principal Chief

Sac and Fox Nation

Wakole Siblings Gather for Powwow

Eight of the ten children of Walter and Reba Wakole gathered to enjoy the

2024 Sac and Fox Nation Powwow in Jim Thorpe Memorial Park. Wakole

siblings pictured top row are: Byron, Steven and Roderick. Middle row: Debra and Sally. Front row; Shirley, Pamela and Georgia. Their paternal grandparents are Jackson and Esther Wakole.

(Photo provided)

Letter to Editor

July 19, 2024

Greetings Tribal Members,

As we look forward to the upcoming

election, let’s revisit the 2023 election

and identify areas for improvement. We

want to learn from the past and avoid discrepancies in the forthcoming election.

The election-season kicks off on January 1st. I urge everyone to stay engaged

with the election information, especially

after the various concerns raised during

the2023-election.

Election Concerns: Ordinance - •

Many sections read No-Rule. • Some

No-Rule definitions conflict with the

Constitution or other Tribal-laws.

Rule changes: • Rules were inconsistent. • Rules were updated and approved

by the Secretary after the election period

opened. Address list: • The Secretary

supplied a dated membership address list.

Website: •The-website displayed confusing information and outdated forms.

Election count: • The Election Committee “Committee” allowed outside

drinks, food, and electronic devices, contrary to the established regulations. • The

Committee permitted for themselves: individual breaks, smoking breaks, electronic devices, and cellphone calls during

the count. Tally watchers were NOT

awarded the same luxury.

Also, • Advertising within 100 feet of

polling stations was permitted by certain candidates. • Tally-watchers were

asked to leave before absentee ballots

were counted. • Tally watchers were

allowed to attend beyond the specified

notification date. • The Committee acknowledged their obligation to adhere to

the Election-Ordinance but stated Rules

“they (the-Committee) can’t make people follow them.”

Also, • Email usage for absentee-ballot-requests WERE permitted for some.

• Instances of voter suppression through

absentee ballots not being mailed to all

requestors. • The committee prolonged

the counting process past midnight to

claim a two day stipend. • Committee/

Employees performed election duties

during regular work hours. • Transportation of ballot boxes are-not-witnessed by

more-than-one person.

I t should be the position of the Committee to follow the laws and rules of the

electoral process. To conduct themselves

to the highest standard and to protect the

electoral values for the future of the Sacand Fox Nation.

Contested Situations: Multiple contests were initiated. • An address list with

outdated addresses. • Primary Election.

• Run-off Election. • General Election.

Contests are managed and judged solely

by the Election Committee, whom have

the authority to accept or reject contests

and with prejudice. The Committee ultimately overruled all contested matters.

In Conclusion: Referring to Resolution

SF-06-204, which applies to all individuals involved in tribal-related activities,

emphasizes the importance of conducting oneself in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, maintaining

the highest moral and ethical standards of

responsibility, accountability, and integrity. This directive encourages individuals to avoid any interests or associations

that could influence or appear to interfere

with independent judgment in the best interests of the Tribe.

These points underscore the significance of the upcoming election and

highlight the need to update our Election

Ordinance. As tribal members, we have

the authority to reform the governance of

boards, committees, and commissions.

Let’s work together to establish a transparent and reputable election process

without any questionable activities.

Kind regards,

Lavonda Youngman