Nemîshâtênemo êhthâkîwiyâni (2025)

SAC and FOX NEWS

Nemîshâtênemo êhthâkîwiyâni

Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 47 • No. 2 • February 2025

Employee Awards Announced

At Christmas Luncheon

SFN Enters OTA Agreement for

Sole Purpose of Collecting Tolls

Melissa Moore, center, a Maintenance Dept. staff member,

was named ‘2024 SFN Employee of the Year’ following a

nomination process conducted by the Employee Committee.

Committee representatives shown at left and right are Kelsey

Byrd and Ashley Phillips.

(All Photos by Mike Brown)

The Sac and Fox Nation is

pleased to announce it approved

an agreement with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority on

Friday, December 20, 2024, to

share motor vehicle ownership

and registration information for

the sole purpose of collecting

tolls.

“As a Nation whose reservation encompasses a portion of

Oklahoma’s original turnpike

corridor, we know well how

important this infrastructure is

to daily life and commerce for

both the Sac and Fox Nation

and Oklahomans. In signing this

agreement, we hope to be a model to other tribal nations in how

to mutually resolve the issue of

electronic toll collection that replaced cash tolls this year,” Sac

and Fox Nation Principal Chief

Randle Carter said.

Only Sac and Fox Nation motor vehicle registration information necessary for OTA to collect turnpike toll charges will be

shared with the understanding

that the Authority may not share

the Nation’s data with any third

party. Additionally, the Sac and

Fox Nation and OTA agree that

toll charges assessed through

the Authority’s PlatePay toll

collection program since May

15, 2023, and going forward are

the responsibility of a vehicle’s

registered owner, except where

the Nation is the registered owner of a vehicle. Furthermore, the

OTA will bear any costs related

to implementing the agreement

and the costs of regularly shar-

Principal Chief Randle Carter, right, presented the annual

Chief’s Award to Sac and Fox Nation Police Chief Andy Selfridge at the Dec. 24 Christmas luncheon.

To Share MV

Ownership &

Registration Info

ing the Nation’s vehicle registration data. This three-year

agreement becomes effective

December 23, 2024.

OTA Executive Director Joe

Echelle thanked Principal Chief

Carter and the Sac and Fox Nation for their efforts in forging

a relationship built on mutual

understanding of each other’s

concerns and issues. The OTA

converted all 12 of its turnpike

corridors to cashless tolling

within four years due to the significant safety factors faced by

both motorists and employees at

cash toll booths, he said.

“Decades ago, Oklahoma

leaders chose to diversify how

the state pays for highway infrastructure. They chose two funding models by using motor fuel

tax to support the tax-appropriated state highway system and

tolls to support a direct-user,

pay-as-you-go funding model

(Continued on Page 3)

Pictured from left after signing an agreement for the collection of turnpike tolls are: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Executive Director Joe Echelle, Sac and Fox Nation Principal

Chief Randle Carter and Sac and Fox Nation Secretary Lana

Butler.

(Photo by Mike Brown)

Rep. Cole Re-Affirms Commitment to Solving

Missing, Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis

by Kevin Eagleson

Gaylord News

There are 86 missing Indigenous persons in Oklahoma,

according to data from the National Missing and Unidentified

Persons Systems.

At a recent House Committee

on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment

and Related Agencies hearing,

Appropriations Chairman Rep.

Tom Cole (R-Moore) reaffirmed

his commitment to ensuring the

federal government is working

to provide resources and services to combat the issue.

“Because of the extreme lack

of resources, statutory roadblocks and several other barriSecond Chief Audrey Rose Lee, right, presented the annu- ers, this crisis won’t be solved

al Second Chief’s Award to Maintenance Dept. staff member without the work and partnerConnie Rhodd.

ship of leaders of the federal,

state, tribal and

local law enforcement,” Cole

said.

“To put it into perspective

I use the phrase: ‘Fishermen

know where to fish, hunters

know where to hunt, predators

know where to prey.’ We can’t

give predators a place to prey

anywhere, but especially in Indian Country.

“I have been, and will remain

committed to ensuring the federal government provides the

services and resources needed

to protect Native Americans

throughout Indian Country,” he

said.

According to data from the

National Missing and Unidentified Persons Systems, there are

at least 875 missing Indigenous

persons cases across the nation.

Oklahoma has the third-highest

amount of cases behind AlasSFN Secretary Lana Butler presented the annual Secretary’s ka, which has 329 and Arizona

Award to Finance Dept. staff member David Bear.

which has 92.

The subcommittee’s ranking

member, Rep. Chellie Pingree

(D-Minnesota), said the Bureau

of Indian Affairs estimates there

are 4,200 missing and murdered

cases that have gone unsolved.

According to the 2016/2017

Report on Sexual Violence by

the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention, over 43.7% of

Indigenous women are raped in

their lifetime.

During the subcommittee

hearing, Cole mentioned the

need for increasing data collection, record keeping and reporting to understand the issue

properly. He also reiterated the

need for collaboration between

law enforcement agencies at all

levels.

“It will require sufficient

awareness and resources to

solve this crisis once and for

all,” said Cole, who is a citizen

of the Chickasaw Nation and

one of four Native Americans in

the House. He stated his support

for two bills that were signed

into law in 2020 that aimed to

increase data collection on missing and murdered Indigenous

people.

It requires the Department of

Interior to designate an individual in the Bureau of Indian Affairs to coordinate efforts.

The law also requires the

Department of Justice and the

Department of Interior to establish a joint commission on

crime against Indigenous people

and crime on Indigenous land.

They must also provide written

recommendations for combating such crimes and for identifying, reporting and responding

to instances of missing persons,

murder and human trafficking.

Savanna’s Act, or S.227,

sponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), directs the

Department of Justice to review,

revise and develop law enforcement and just procedures to

address missing or murdered

Indigenous people. The bill requires the Department of Justice

to provide training on how to

record victims in federal databases, develop and implement

a strategy to educate the public

on databases, conduct outreach,

develop regional guidelines on

responding to such cases and

report statistics on missing or

murdered Indigenous people.

The bill also authorizes the

Department of Justice to provide grants to develop and implement policies and protocols

for missing and murdered Indigenous persons cases and to

compile and report data relating

to the cases.

The fiscal year 2025 House

Interior Appropriations bill,

which has passed the House

Appropriations Committee but

has not reached the floor of the

House, provides an increase in

funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The bill provides

an increase in $191 million for

Bureau of Indian Affairs Public

Safety and Justice programs, including $141 million for Criminal Investigations and Police

Services.

The bill, if passed, will also

bring the total amount of funding for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Initiative to $30 million because of an

additional $13.5 million in fiscal

year 2025.

“These steps are just the beginning. Beyond the interior

bill, I vow to continue to do all

(Continued on Page 4.)

Page 2 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

Sac and Fox News

The Sac & Fox News is the monthly

publication of the Sac & Fox Nation,

located on SH 99, six miles south of

Stroud, OK.

Mailing address:

Sac and Fox Nation

Administration Building

920963 S Hwy 99 Bldg A

Stroud, OK 74079

Phone: 918-968-3526

Fax: 918-968-4837

The Sac & Fox News is the official

publication of the Sac and Fox

Nation. Our mission is to meet all

tribal members information needs

concerning the Nation.

The Sac & Fox News is mailed free,

one per address, to enrolled Sac and

Fox tribal members. Paid subscriptions

are available for $12.00 annually.

Editorial statements, guest columns,

and letters to the editor published in

this newspaper contain the opinions

of the writers. These opinions do not

necessarily reflect the opinions of

the Sac and Fox News staff or any

elected official or department of tribal

government or administration.

The Sac and Fox News reserves the

right to refuse publication of letters to

the editor. All editorials and letters to

the editor become the property of the

Sac and Fox News.

Submissions for publication must

be signed by the author and include

an address and contact phone number.

They are limited to 300 words. The

staff will not edit editorials or letters

to the editor to fit the 300-word limit.

Deadline for the March edition is:

Thursday, Feb. 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

Wallace ‘Bud’ Buster McClellan, Jr.

Wallace “Bud” Buster McClellan Jr.,

of Prague, Okla. passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025 in Oklahoma City,

at the age of 87. Bud was a member of

the Sac and Fox Nation Thunder Clan

of which he served as leader for sever-

Turnpike Toll

Agreement

(Continued From Page 1)

for turnpikes. This meant that through the

instrumentality of the OTA, bonds could

be issued to pay for key corridor projects

faster than what other funding sources

would otherwise allow. Only those who

use turnpikes pay to support those roads

and the Authority receives no tax funding,” Echelle said. “We genuinely appreciate the partnership we’ve built with the

Sac and Fox Nation and want to reassure

those with Sac and Fox license plates that

we are ready to work with them to quickly resolve any outstanding tolls.”

Motorists may look up tolls online at

www.platepay.com by entering their license plate number and the name of the

issuer of their vehicle registration. Payment may be made at that website as well

as having the online option of transferring PlatePay tolls to the lower PIKEPASS toll rate. OTA Customer Service

is available to answer questions about

travel and invoices at 1-800-PIKEPASS

(1-800-745-3727).

“It was important to the Sac and Fox

Nation to protect its citizens personal information and ensure that we only share

what is necessary for the OTA to collect

tolls to operate and maintain the turnpike

system. We feel this agreement achieves

that objective and we’re pleased to partner with the OTA as it modernizes and

reinvests in the state’s infrastructure used

by our citizens and Oklahomans alike,”

Chief Carter said.

Updated Self-Governance Regulations

Announced at 2024

Tribal Summit

In remarks at the recent 2024 White

House Tribal Nations Summit, Assistant

Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland announced the publication of updated regulations that implement the Tribal

Self-Governance program.

The Self-Governance program allows

Tribes to assume responsibility for administering programs and services that

would otherwise be provided by the federal government to best meet the needs

of their communities. Examples of programs that can be assumed include, but

are not limited to, social services and law

enforcement.

“For the past half century, the policy of

Tribal self-determination and self-governance has been an unqualified success,”

said Assistant Secretary Newland. “We

worked closely with Tribal leaders to

develop regulations to take the next step

in ensuring that Tribes, not federal agencies, are positioned to meet the needs of

their people.”

Among the changes, the new regulations require greater transparency in consultation on matters related to self-governance and set a more favorable standard

for Tribal management of investments.

The regulations apply to programs operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and

by other bureaus and offices throughout

the Department of the Interior.

The revised regulations were developed in consultation with Tribes in response to the Practical Reforms & Other

Goals to Reinforce the Effectiveness of

Self Governance & Self Determination for Indian Tribes Act, known as the

PROGRESS Act. When she served in the

House of Representatives, Secretary of

the Interior Deb Haaland led passage of

the PROGRESS Act to uphold the government-to-government relationship and

fulfill the trust responsibility that the federal government has with Tribal Nations.

As directed by the PROGRESS Act,

the updated regulations are the product

of negotiated rule-making, a consensus-based process in which representatives of a federal agency and those who

will be affected by the regulations negotiate the terms of a proposed administrative rule. Additionally, Interior held a

series of Tribal consultation sessions to

received input from Tribes.

al years. Bud’s Indian Name was Ma Ka

Ta Mi She Ka Kak, which means “Black

Hawk.” Bud was born on April 1, 1937

in Pawnee, Okla. He was the son of Wallace Buster and Lenna Mae (Rushing)

McClellan.

In 1954, Bud, enlisted in the United

States Army, where he honorably served

his country for several years. Following his time in the US Army, Bud went

to work in the microwave engineering

industry before deciding to go back to

school. Bud felt that he wanted to get

into education, so he obtained his Master of Education Degree from Stanford

University. For many years, he dedicated

his life to teaching. He taught at San Jose

High School before eventually retiring

and moving back to Prague, Oklahoma

in 1983.

In his free time, Bud enjoyed car racing. He was very involved in the Sport

Car Club of America. He played many

roles in the organization, including flag

man, fire crew and many other support

roles for the organization. Upon returning to Oklahoma, Bud became very active in the Sac and Fox Veterans Group.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Merlin McClellan and

one sister, Landis Marileen McClellan.

Those left to cherish his memory are

his son, Kevin McClellan and his wife,

Nancy; his daughter, Kerri McClellan;

three grandchildren, Kyle McClellan,

Jack McClellan and Ian McClellan; one

brother, Colbert R. McClellan; one sister,

Marsha McClellan and a host of family

and friends.

A traditional Sac and Fox funeral service was held Jan. 16, 2025 in the Sac

and Fox Nation Community Bldg.

Wallace ‘Bud’ McClellan, 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 February Birthday Elders!

Ablin, Billy D

Alvarado, Terence John

Armstrong, Alphuea Colleen

Aswell, Charlotte Kay

Baldwin, Valerie Jean

Barada, Howard Ray

Buchmelter, Allace Brennan

Carter, Letha Kay

Charboneau, Cozzett Elizabeth

Christensen, Mary Jacquelyn

Clark, Cheryl Kay

Cline, Rickey Jerrald

Cloud, Harold

Conallis, Carl Edward

Conallis, James Cory

Conallis, Vance Darin

Delaware, Ted Ray

Dowd, James Leon

Ebbe, Vickie Jo

Ellis, Stephen Bryan

Files, Billie Louise

Fish, Kari Lea

Ford, Tommie Ann

Franklin, Britt Dudley

Garcia, David Arlen Jr.

Gibbs, Earvin Deon

Grant, Curtis

Grant, Vera Mae

Grass, Richmond Wayne

Gregory, Orvena June

Gutierrez, Robert Jose

Hammett, Mary Elizabeth

Hennrich, Sigrid N.

Henthorn, Carletta

Hovsepian, Nicholas John

Jackson, Lowetta Lynn

Jennings, Mary Melissa

Jones, Curtis Dawson

Judy, Gregg Scott

Larney, Deborah Lynn

Lloyd, Sharon Marie

Lopez, Genaro Henry Jr.

Maddux-Tannehill, Angela Jean

Manatowa, Arlan Eugene

Mann, Carla Jo

Masquas, Minnie Rochelle

Masquat, Robin Lynn

McAllister, Sherri Lynn

McCoy, Joseph Louis

Mische’, Johnelle

Murphy, Johnnie Kay

Nelson, Robert Warren

Norman, Gary Don

Payne, Steven Edward

Ponkilla, Jeffery Alan Sr.

Quintana, Juliana Ann

Riley, Franklin Keith

Roane, Samuel Houston Jr.

Robbins, Sherry Lyn

Rogers, Linda Kay

Rowe, Craig

Setien, Anna Marie

Sousa, Debra Jean

Stahnke, Kimberlee Rene

Staton, Dawn Sherri

Stephens, Mark Gregory

Steward, Alice Gay

Strouss, Barbara Lee

Wakole, Georgia Ann

Wakole, Sally Ann

Wakolee, Frankie Dale

Wakolee, Marlene Ann

Wakolee, Roderick James

Wakolee, Rowena Elaine

Walker, David Louis

Walker, Kathy Eileen

Washington, Cecelia Lois

West, Freda Lavern

Wheeler, Muriel Renee

Whistler, Nancy Ann

White, Robert Lucien

Whittaker Butler, Sylvia A

Wilson, Eugene Floyd

Page 3 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

OTA Agreement

(Continued From Page 1)

for turnpikes. This meant that through the

instrumentality of the OTA, bonds could

be issued to pay for key corridor projects

faster than what other funding sources

would otherwise allow. Only those who

use turnpikes pay to support those roads

and the Authority receives no tax funding,” Echelle said. “We genuinely appreciate the partnership we’ve built with the

Sac and Fox Nation and want to reassure

those with Sac and Fox license plates that

we are ready to work with them to quickly resolve any outstanding tolls.”

Motorists may look up tolls online at

www.platepay.com by entering their license plate number and the name of the

issuer of their vehicle registration. Payment may be made at that website as well

as having the online option of transferring PlatePay tolls to the lower PIKEPASS toll rate. OTA Customer Service

is available to answer questions about

travel and invoices at 1-800-PIKEPASS

(1-800-745-3727).

“It was important to the Sac and Fox

Nation to protect its citizens personal information and ensure that we only share

what is necessary for the OTA to collect

tolls to operate and maintain the turnpike

system. We feel this agreement achieves

that objective and we’re pleased to partner with the OTA as it modernizes and

reinvests in the state’s infrastructure used

by our citizens and Oklahomans alike,”

Chief Carter said. (See complete agreement on Page 13.)

Maintenance Dept. Staff Members Receive ‘Treasurer’s Awards’

At Dec. 24 Christmas Luncheon

SFN Treasurer’s Awards announced at the Dec. 24

Christmas luncheon included members of the SFN Maintenance Dept. Pictured from left are: Second Chief Audrey Rose Lee, Maintenance Dept. staff members Aric

York, Ronnie Fielding, Brandon Barrett, Steve Logan,

SFN Secretary Lana Butler, Maintenance Dept. Director

Greg Morris and staff member Henry Hunter.

(Photo by Mike Brown)

Additional documentation required for Tribal Emergency Home Repair (TEHR) program:

1.) Proof of ownership

2.) Copy of utility bill or proof of residency

3.) Copy of tribal ID

4.) Three (3) estimates for requested repair(s). Contractors must be insured.

Page 4 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

Sac and Fox Nation Education Department News

Hello Sac and Fox Nation Tribal

Members!

The Sac and Fox Nation Education

Department hoped that everyone had

a wonderful holiday with their Family.

With the start of the New Year, we would

like to share with parents’/grandparents’/

legal guardians of Senate Bill #429 which

pertains to “Graduation Ceremonies”.

We would like to cite the law that

passed of SB 429: SUBJECT: GRADUATION CEREMONIES:

SECTION 1. NEW LAW - a NEW

SECTION OF LAW TO BE CODIFIED

IN THE Oklahoma Statutes as Section

24-160 of Title 70

A. 1. A student enrolled in a public

school district, a public charter school,

or a technology center school may wear

tribal regalia during the school’s official

graduation ceremonies, whether held at a

public or private location.

2. Nothing in this subsection shall limit or alter the authority of school personnel to regulate student behavior pursuant

to the school Safety and Bullying Prevention Act.

B. A student enrolled in an institution

within the Oklahoma State System of

Rep. Tom Cole

(Continued from Page 1)

that I can to support all the federal agencies that are working to address this crisis,” Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Chairman

Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) said.

(Gaylord News is a reporting project

of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord

College of Journalism and Mass Communication.)

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

are accessible on the Website

sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov

Higher Education may wear tribal regalia

during the institution’s official graduation ceremonies, whether held at a public

or private location.

C. A school district board of education, a governing board of a charter

school, a governing board of a technology center school, or the board of regents

of an institution within The Oklahoma

State System of Higher Education may

adopt a policy pursuant to the provisions of this section, which may specify

the characteristics of any garment, jewelry, other adornment, or object that the

school or institution finds will endanger

the safety of a student or others or interfere with graduation ceremonies if worn

by a student.

D. For the purposes of this section,

“tribal regalia” means traditional garments, jewelry, other adornment such

as an eagle feather, an eagle plume, a

beaded cap, a stole, or similar objects of

cultural and religious significance worn

by members of a federally recognized Indian tribe or the tribe of another country.

Tribal regalia does not include any firearm or other weapon. Tribal regalia does

not include any object that is otherwise

prohibited by federal law, except in compliance with an appropriate federal permit.

SECTION 2. THIS ACT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2023.

SECTION 3. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the

public peace, health, or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and

be in full force from and after its passage

and approval.

We hope this helps clarify for parents/

grandparents/guardians when graduation

ceremonies get closer. Please reach out to

our office if there are any problems with

a school not exercising SB 429. The Sac

and Fox Nation Education Department

will support the law of SB 429.

To All Sac and Fox Tribal Members,

The Blackhawk Advisory Board members’ terms are coming to

an end, and the Nation is looking to fill those seats. If you are interested in serving please fill out the Interest to Serve Form and

either drop it by the Tribal Secretary’s office or you can email it to:

secretary@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov. Katepi!

The Education Department is currently attending Every Student Success Act

Consultations at various public schools.

We have finalized the target date for

the Sac and Nation High School Senior

Banquet, Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the

Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd,

Shawnee, Okla. Banquet is only for Sac

and Fox Nation high school seniors only

that will be graduating May 2025, RSVP

is required by Friday, April 11, 2025.

by Edwina Butler-Wolfe

We will be announcing the winners of

the Blackhawk Leadership Scholarship

and the Jim Thorpe Athletic Scholarship

Award in the March edition of the Sac

and Fox News.

If you have any questions or concerns,

please contact Justin Morris, Education

Specialist, or me at 918 968-3526, extension 2046 or Justin at 2043 extension.

Edwina Butler-Wolfe

Director of Education

Page 5 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

Partnership to Memorialize Stories, Impact of Indian Boarding Schools

The Department of the Interior on Dec.

9 announced new agreements with the

U.S. Library of Congress and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American

History as part of the Department’s Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative.

The new agreements will preserve the

survivor stories disclosed initiative’s oral

history project, and inform the public on

histories relating to the federal Indian

boarding school system and its impacts

on Indigenous children and their communities.

The announcement follows President

Biden’s visit to the Gila River Indian

Community with Secretary Deb Haaland, where he formally apologized to

Native communities on behalf of the

U.S. government for the atrocities committed against them through the Federal

Indian Boarding School system.

“We are here because our ancestors

persevered. Their stories – our stories –

are everywhere – in the air we breathe

and the land we walk on. We tell those

stories because Native American history is American history,” said Secretary

Deb Haaland. “For decades, this terrible chapter was hidden from our history books, but now, our Administration’s

work and these partnerships will ensure

that no one will ever forget.”

“As we have learned over the past

three years, these institutions are not just

part of our past. Their legacy reaches us

today and is reflected in the wounds people continue to experience in communities across the United States,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan

Newland. “Ensuring this history is told is

just the beginning of a long effort to heal

our nation.”

As part of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, the Department

launched an oral history project to document and make accessible to the public

the experiences of generations of Indigenous then-children who attended the

federal Indian boarding school system.

The National Native American Boarding

School Healing Coalition is currently interviewing survivors for this collection

of first-person narratives.

The agreement with the Library of

Congress will establish and preserve a

collection of theses oral histories relating

to federal Indian boarding schools, with

the goal of ensuring stories and experi-

ences that survivors share can be heard

and learned from by current and future

generations.

“The Library of Congress is honored

to be entrusted with the stewardship of

these important, albeit painful, oral histories,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “Placing them in the care of

our American Folklife Center will ensure

that this collection of stories remains

available as a resource, lesson and reminder for posterity.”

The agreement with the National Museum of American History will seek to

showcase aspects of the federal Indian

boarding school system by working with

tribal communities to develop far-reaching educational resources, online, traveling and long-term exhibitions that will

share the history and legacy of the federal Indian boarding school system with

the world.

The museum envisions that audiences

will be able to learn, share and debate

about this long-hidden chapter in the nation’s history to help make sense of the

contemporary world, including the impacts of the boarding school system on

Indian Country and the Native Hawaiian

Community and its role in the country’s

development.

“Through this collaboration with the

Department of the Interior, the National

Museum of American History is committed to sharing the stories of children

who endured this boarding school system, illuminating both the profound loss

of families and culture and resilience experienced by Indigenous communities,”

said the museum’s Elizabeth MacMillan

Director Anthea M. Hartig. “By engaging audiences with this difficult period

that is part of our shared history, we aim

to foster understanding, dialogue and re-

flection on its lasting impact on Indian

Country and the nation.”

This first-time national preservation

and exhibition work is made possible

through investments of $13.6 million by

the National Endowment for the Humanities, Mellon Foundation, W.K. Kellogg

Foundation, Bush Foundation, Kresge

Foundation, Northwest Area Foundation

and Rasmuson Foundation.

The Federal Indian Boarding School

Initiative was launched in June 2021 by

Secretary Haaland Early in 2024, the

Department released the second and final volume of the investigative report

called for as part of the initiative, led by

Assistant Secretary Newland. One of the

report’s key recommendations was to

“tell the story of federal Indian boarding

schools to the American people and global community.”

Security Staff Receive ‘Business Committee Member Award’

Sac and Fox Business Committee Member Robert Williamson, left, presented annual ‘Business Committee

Member Awards’ to SFN Security Staff Members shown

from left: Eddie Moore, Shayne Crawford, Charlotte

Valero, Police Chief Andy Selfridge, Jamey Noble and

Paul Doremus.

(Photo by Mike Brown)

RAP Department Application Forms

Page 6 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

SAUK LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

PHILOSOPHY

Indians are born speaking our languages. For some of

us, they lie dormant within our bodies. They are looking

for a way out. God gave us these beautiful languages. All

of us hold them in a sacred manner within. There is no

such thing as an Indian person who cannot speak Indian.

Our language programs find these languages within

our bodies. They bring them out through our mouths and

deliver them to their rightful resting places within our

hearts.

February Comic

Page 7 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

Special Diabetes Program Partners With

Chef Jason Champagne for

Culinary Experience of the Year

SFN Special Diabetes Programs Manager Leah Carver and Chef Jason

Champagne, who is owner of Native Chef LLC, are pictured while partnering for ‘Merry Feastmas,’ on Dec. 20 in the SFN Community Building. The

culinary event featured a diabetes prevention activity with healthy twists on

popular seasonal dishes. The free event with cooking demonstrations was attended by tribal members and Black Hawk Health Center diabetes programs

staff.

(Photo by Mike Brown)

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

(Continued on Page 14)

February Word Search

Page 8 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

February 2025

SAC AND FOX NATION

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

PROGRAM

STROUD WAREHOUSE

918-968-3030 • 1-800-256-3398

SHAWNEE OFFICE

405-395-0063 • 1-886-622-2310

ALL FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS

ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! THANK YOU!!

HOURS (Monday-Friday)

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!!

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

are accessible on the Website

sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov

We want to feature the scholastic, academic and

athletic awards or achievements of your child or

grandchild of the Sac and Fox Nation!

Send all pertinent information, such as name of

student, town, school and grade attending,

explanation of award or achievement, and names of

parents and/or grandparents, along with a current

photo of the student to:

newspaper@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov

or: Sac and Fox News, 920963 S. Hwy. 99

Stroud, OK 74079

Page 9 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

Sac and Fox Nation 2025 Election Dates to Remember

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

Page 10 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

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

Compliance Officer (Gaming)

Transportation Coordinator

Resident Advisor(s) *NEW SALARIES*

Behavioral Health Licensed Therapist (BHHC, Stroud)

Policy Analyst, #2024-05 (Stroud)

Cashier – Finance (Stroud) #2024-30

Outreach Specialist (Stroud) #2024-32

Realty Specialist II #2024-34 (Stroud)

Self-Governance Specialist #2024-35 (Stroud)

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #2024-042

Registered Nurse (JDC) #2024-49

Payroll Technician #2024-54

Registered/Licensed Dietitian #2024-57 (Stroud)

NAGPRA Coordinator #2024-65 Stroud)

Historical Researcher #2024-68 (Stroud)

CHS Specially Clerk #2024-71 (Stroud)

Enrollment Assistant #2024-73

Pharmacist #2025-03 (Stroud)

Deputy Manager #2025-04 (Stroud)

Advocate I #2025-05 (Stroud)

Deputy Court Clerk #2025-06 (Stroud)

Community Health Manager #2025-07 (Stroud)

Exercise Specialist I #2025-09 (Stroud)

Family Practice Physician #2025-10 (Stroud)

JDC Maintenance Supervisor #2025-13 (Stroud)

Police Officer #2025-14 (Stroud)

Driver – Part-Time #2025-12 (Stroud)

Staff Accountant #1 #2025-15 (Stroud)

Maintenance Technician #2025-16 (Stroud)

Custodian I #2025-17 (Stroud)

Information Clerk #2025-18 (Stroud)

John Carrington, HR Director

hrdirector@sacandfox.com

NOTICE

A W-9 form is not needed for Per

Capita Payments unless you have a

name change, new address, you are

a newly-enrolled tribal member or, if

required, for RAP applications.

^

Sac and Fox

Nation Telephone

Extensions

Main Number:

918-968-3526

• Chief - 1008

• Second Chief - 1004

• Treasurer - 1006

• Secretary - 1007

• Committee Member - 1005

• BC Front Desk - 1009

• Tax - 1043-1045

• Accounting - 1030-1036

• Property and Procurement 1020-1039-1022

• Maintenance - 2062

• BHHC - 918-968-9531

• ICW - 1711

• Court - 2039

• Library - 2020-2021

• Language - 1075

• JUVI - 4000

• USDA - 2077 (WIC 2079)-20802081-2082

(Warehouse USDA 2089)

• Education - 2046

• IT - 2041

• Police - 2033

• Self-Governance - 1080

• Capitol Security - 1090

• Realty - 1052

• Enrollment - 1040-1041

• RAP - 2000 - 2001

• Social Services - 2010-2011

• OES - 2091-2092-2094

• Veterans - 1065

• Newspaper - 1060

• Tribal Administrator - 1010

• NAGPRA/Historic

Preservation - 1070

• ARPA - 1819

W-9 FORM MUST BE CUT ON DOTTED LINE BEFORE MAILING

^

Business Committee Meeting

Minutes are

accessible on the Website

sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov

X

X

X

SAC AND FOX NATION

920883 S. HIGHWAY 99 BLDG. “A”

STROUD, OKLAHOMA, 74079

X

X

X

Page 11 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

RAP Department Application Forms

RAP Department Application Forms

Page 12 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

RAP Department Application Form

The W-9 FORM CAN BE FOUND IN THIS EDITION ON PAGE 10

Page 13 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

(Continued on Page 14)

Page 14 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

(Continued From Page 13)

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

Business Committee Meeting Minutes

(Continued From Page 7)

Page 15 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

Nominations Open for 17th Annual AARP Oklahoma Native American Elders Honors

Nominations are open for the 17th

annual AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors, celebrating 50 Native

American elders who have positively impacted our country, state, communities

and Indian Country.

Nominations are accepted at aarp.org/

OKNativeAmericanElderHonors. The

nomination period closes on March 31.

This year’s AARP Oklahoma Native

American Elder Honors celebration will

occur on November 5.

Since 2009, the annual event, previously known as AARP Oklahoma Indian

Elder Honors, has recognized more than

700 elders from Oklahoma’s 39 tribal

nations. AARP Oklahoma state director

Sean Voskuhl said, “AARP Oklahoma

seeks to recognize elders who embody

AARP’s mission and vision and inspire

others to serve. We honor Native American elders who positively impact their

communities.” A nominee must be a citizen of an Oklahoma tribal nation aged

50-plus. Nominees are selected based

on their impactful contributions to their

community, tribal nation, and/or country

and must reflect AARP’s vision and mission. AARP’s mission is to enhance the

quality of life for all as we age. AARP’s

vision is a society where everyone lives

with dignity and purpose and fulfills their

goals and dreams.

Candidates campaigning for an elected

office, AARP staff and past honorees are

not eligible. Please note this is not a posthumous award. Honorees are selected by

AARP staff and volunteers.

February 2025

SFN Elders Title VI Menu

RAP Department Application Forms

Elders Lawn Care Services

Program Guidelines

This program is designed to

provide Lawn Care Services for

the safety and healthy daily living needs of all our eligible Sac

and Fox Nation Tribal Member

Elders and those members who

are physically disabled and cannot safely perform Lawn Care

themselves, regardless of location/residency.

• Applicant(s) must be an enrolled member of the Sac and

Fox Nation age 55 or older, or

who is physically disabled and

residing within or out of jurisdiction.

• Participants will have their

lawns cut Two (2) times per

month for 7 (seven) months,

based on available funding and

number of participants served.

• Funding for this program is

limited and each application

will be processed in the order in

which it was received. This program will fund as many Tribal Member requests as funding

will permit. However, preference may be given to emergency

situations.

• Applicants claiming a physical

disability MUST provide a physician’s statement.

Page 16 - Sac and Fox News - February 2025

Letter to Tribal Members

January 17, 2025

Dear Tribal Members,

I hope this letter finds you in a place of

warmth, nourishment, and good health.

As we enter the second month of the

year, tribal-leadership-challenges are

gaining-momentum. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the information shared

so far. For months, I’ve been discussing

not only questionable leadership practices but also grievances within our leadership.

You may wonder why this information

has been shared through the newsletter

rather than through the grievance-process. It was believed that this method of

communication would be more effective,

as the grievance-filing process can leave

individuals unaware of the underlying issues.

In the minutes from December 2023,

a motion was made to approve Ryan G.

Cannonie as the new General Attorney. In

February 2024, a resolution was passed to

authorize and approve an agreement with

R. Daniel Carter as Attorney General. In

the same meeting, a second resolution authorized and approved an agreement with

Ryan G. Cannonie as General Attorney.

Prior to these decisions, R. Daniel Carter

held the position of Attorney General.

What is the purpose of the confusion

surrounding these appointments and the

appearance of appointed dual-roles?

When inquiring about this matter, it was

explained that there were issues with R.

Daniel Carter leading to the decision to

remove him. It was reported that he did

not follow through with certain prosecutions when he deemed them politically-sensitive.

Politically sensitive/influence can be

defined as direct-relation, spouse, election candidate, etc. How many cases

have been halted or ignored due-to-political-influence under the appointment of

R. Daniel Carter? The responses to these

inquiries raise-serious-concerns about

the integrity of our tribal-leadership and

the entire judicial-system.

Therefore, I believe that directly communicating information to tribal-members serves the best interest of our tribe.

Will legitimate-grievances be addressed

fairly and justly, or will political-influence continue to dictate-the-outcomes?

Kind regards,

Lavonda Youngman

Important Announcement!

Hello Sac and Fox Tribal Members,

The Sac and Fox Nation has asked the Chicago Blackhawks, through their partnership together, to work with the Nation to support their priorities around business

planning and economic development.

To support the development of a strategic plan, the Blackhawks have engaged

DWH to assist in an inclusive, community-led planning process. Based in Michigan, DWH is a native consulting firm owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of

the Potawatomi. DWH is passionate about tribal development that empowers nation-building, financial stability, and financial independence. You may refer to www.

dwhcorp.com for more information.

Strategic planning is a process – not a single event – to achieve a common, successful direction for your future state. Led by DWH, this process will address the

strengths, challenges and realities that Tribal organizations and nations face while

working to accomplish the desired outcomes in a way that builds consensus and

alignment among tribal members. DWH will develop a strategic plan that is specific

to the priorities and needs of the Sac and Fox Nation. The plan will be intended to

make recommendations and designed to emphasize opportunities that are both more

immediate in nature, as well as guide the planning process for future opportunities

that are 5 to 10 years or more into the future.

There will be opportunities for tribal members to engage throughout this process,

in person and remotely. And this survey is a critical first step for Tribal Members

from the age of 13 years old and older to have input into the process and share your

thoughts on the functioning of Tribal Government and the design of Economic Development plans and processes. This survey will require approximately 10-15 minutes

of your time, depending on the level of input you choose to provide. The survey can

be completed and submitted a couple of different ways, by filling out the hard copy

survey which is available at the Administration Building, the Black Hawk Health

Center, and the Shawnee Muli-Purpose Center OR the survey can be done electronically by either the survey link or the QR code which is listed below.

Survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/W4bx0BcWtd

Sac and Fox Nation - Strategic Planning Survey

We ask that you please provide us with

your name and Tribal ID number (to ensure we receive feedback from only Sac

and Fox Tribal Members, and that each

Member submits only one response).

DWH will remove all identifying information from our final report to the Tribal Government, and your feedback and

participation are anonymous through this

survey process.

Please note that this survey will be

mass mailed out to Sac and Fox tribal

members ranging from 13 years old and

older. Please complete the survey and

mail back in the return envelope that will

be provided, postmarked no later than

February 28, 2025.

If you have questions about the strategic plan process, please contact (any of

the following):

DWH:

Marie Parkinson

(936) 933-8393 cell

mparkinson@dwhcorp.com

Chicago Blackhawks:

Sara Guderyahn

(312) 448.1288 cell

sguderyahn@blackhawks.com

Sac and Fox Nation:

Audrey Rose Lee - Second Chief

(918) 306-0039 cell

(918) 968-3526 ext. 1004

secondchief@sacandfox.com

Thanks for your participation!

Notice To All Sac and Fox Tribal Members

DWH has rescheduled the virtual Tribal Community Meeting to February 5, 2025

from 6PM-7:30PM, the virtual link is listed below. The Sac and Fox Nation’s Community Building and the Shawnee Multi-Purpose Center will be open to all Sac and

Fox tribal members who want to attend and participate. This meeting is to allow

tribal members to engage and share their thoughts on the functioning of Tribal Government and the design of Economic Development plans and processes. We strongly

encourage you to attend the virtual meeting and we further ask that you complete the

survey. This is for our future generations. Katepi!

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 223 861 763 123

Passcode: 9669zc6Y

Dial in by phone

+1 312-667-5051,,856852788# United States, Chicago

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 856 852 788#