Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 48 • No. 1 • January 2026
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Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 48 • No. 1 • January 2026
38th Sovereignty Symposium Set
For June 15,16 at OKANA Resort
Deep discussions on important issues affecting Native
American tribes will highlight
the 38th Sovereignty Symposium, which is currently accepting panel presentation proposals
and entries for its annual writing
and student poster competitions.
The Oklahoma City University School of Law is hosting
the annual event, scheduled for
June 15 and 16 at the OKANA
Resort in Oklahoma City. The
symposium serves as a prestigious, scholarly setting for the
consideration of legal and policy issues facing tribal communities and acts as a platform for the
celebration of tribal sovereignty
in all its forms—legal, cultural
and economic.
Guidelines and submission
forms are available online at
thesovereigntysymposium.com.
Panel presentation proposals
The symposium invites legal
experts, policymakers, tribal
leaders and academics to submit proposals for panel presentations by Jan. 31, 2026. Panel
session proposals may be submitted for individual presentations or complete panels. Interactive and innovative session
formats are highly encouraged.
Discussion topics may cover
the entire landscape of Indian
Country, from self-determination and jurisdictional challenges to economic development,
health care policy and the future
of tribal communities.
Proposals must include a session title, an abstract, names and
biographical information for all
presenters, presentation format,
audio/visual requirements, and
contact information for all participants.
(Continued on Page 2)
BHHC Entry Named ‘Most Magical
Float’ in Stroud Christmas Parade
The Black Hawk Health Center’s Christmas entry was named
‘Most Magical Float’ in the 2025 Stroud Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade held Dec. 6 in downtown Stroud.
Shown in the photo below are many of the Black Hawk Health
Center staff members who took part in the float project and
parade, along with Chief Audrey Rose Lee, Secretary Shawna Spoon and Second Chief Lorena Wood. Staff members
are shown in the middle photo tossing candy and other items
to youngsters along the Main St. parade route. The back of
the SFN float is shown in the bottom photo. See more inside.
(All Photos by Mike Brown)
Jerri McClelland-Waldrup Installed
As Treasurer of the Sac and Fox Nation
The SFN Business Committee, in accordance with the Constitution of the Sac and Fox Nation, Article VII-Vacancies, on Nov. 27, 2025, announced the decision to appoint Jerri McClelland-Waldrup to the vacant Treasurer position. The position was vacant due to the passing of
Eugenia Tyner-Dawson on Oct. 28, 2025. McClelland-Waldrup was installed into office as SFN
Treasurer on Dec. 1 2025
at the SFN Courthouse by
Special District Judge Greg
Bigler, shown above. Holding the Holy Bible for the ceremony was Taylor McClellan. Looking on is Jr. Miss
SFN Princess Zoli Gibson.
Shown from left in the side
photo are: SFN Business
Committee Member Robert
Williamson, Principal Chief
Audrey Rose Lee, Secretary
Lorena Wood, Treasurer Jerri McClelland-Waldrup and Jr.
Miss SFN Princess Zoli Gibson. (Photos by Mike Brown)
Campaign Launched for ‘THORPE’ Funding
Verily Storyworks has officially
launched a crowdfunding campaign as the first project in its
“Stock Market for Stories,” pioneering a marketplace that turns
true stories into public investments. By merging storytelling
with fan-powered ownership,
Verily is redefining how intellectual property (IP) is sourced,
developed and shared, feeding
an overwhelming demand for
entertainment content.
Through Republic, a leading
investment platform, access to
invest in ‘THORPE’ publicly
launched on November 5. The
initial investment round will be
limited to $850,000, with early
investors reserving their participation in the project and gaining
access to exclusive perks and
special rewards, with additional
details available on the official
deal page.
“We’re not just producing
entertainment — we’re creating a movement that lets fans
empower stories they believe
in, co-own creative works that
shape culture, and share in their
financial success,” said Barry
Capece, CEO of Verily. “There
are so many great stories out
there that need to be told, and
Verily is built for that. We’re a
modern-day storyteller for true
stories, and we believe everyone
deserves the opportunity to join
us and have a stake in the stories
they’re drawn to.”
Verily sources real stories
from around the world and
develops them into production-ready IP packages for film
and television entertainment. In
the process, Verily invites au-
diences to join in and become
“capital ambassadors” to each
project by backing the stories
they want to see brought to life.
THORPE marks the official debut campaign of Verily’s
groundbreaking model. The
epic, multi-season original series centers on the emotional,
action-driven historical drama
of Native American super athlete Jim Thorpe, widely regarded as the greatest athlete of all
time. Notably, this is the only
project about Thorpe fully supported and endorsed by his family.
Graced with unparalleled
athletic ability and a warrior
spirit, Thorpe was cast into a
prejudiced world unprepared to
accept such a champion. In the
face of oppression, greed and
personal tribulation, he made the
world see greatness. Spanning
five decades — from the late
1800s to the 1950s — the series
captures his rise from humble
beginnings to international fame
as an Olympic gold medalist
and professional athlete in football, baseball and basketball.
Set during one of America’s most transformative eras,
THORPE weaves a sweeping
narrative featuring historical figures such as Pop Warner, Dwight
Eisenhower, Teddy Roosevelt,
Grantland Rice, George Halas
and John McGraw, among many
others. With tones that echo to(Continued on Page 3)
Page 2 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
Sac and Fox News
The Sac & Fox News is the monthly
publication of the Sac & Fox Nation,
located on SH 99, six miles south of
Stroud, OK.
Mailing address:
Sac and Fox Nation
Administration Building
920963 S Hwy 99 Bldg A
Stroud, OK 74079
Phone: 918-968-3526
Fax: 918-968-4837
The Sac & Fox News is the official
publication of the Sac and Fox
Nation. Our mission is to meet all
tribal members information needs
concerning the Nation.
The Sac & Fox News is mailed free,
one per address, to enrolled Sac and
Fox tribal members. Paid subscriptions
are available for $12.00 annually.
Editorial statements, guest columns,
and letters to the editor published in
this newspaper contain the opinions
of the writers. These opinions do not
necessarily reflect the opinions of
the Sac and Fox News staff or any
elected official or department of tribal
government or administration.
The Sac and Fox News reserves the
right to refuse publication of letters to
the editor. All editorials and letters to
the editor become the property of the
Sac and Fox News.
Submissions for publication must
be signed by the author and include
an address and contact phone number.
They are limited to 300 words. The
staff will not edit editorials or letters
to the editor to fit the 300-word limit.
Deadline for the February edition is:
Tuesday, January 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:
Audrey Rose Lee
Telephone (918) 968-3526
Ext. 1008
chief@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
principalchief@sacandfox.com
Second Chief:
Lorena Wood
Telephone (918) 968-3526
Ext. 1004
secondchief@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
secondchief@sacandfox.com
Secretary:
Shawna Spoon
Telephone (918) 968-3526
Ext. 1007
secretary@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Treasurer:
Jerri McClelland-Waldrup
Telephone (918) 968-3526
Ext. 1006
treasurer@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Committee Member:
Robert Williamson
Telephone (918) 968-3526
Ext. 1005
cmember@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Senior 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 Web @
sacandfoxnation.com
Obituaries
Ellen Milagros Ortega
July 3, 1960 - November 16, 2025
Ellen Milagros Ortega was born July
3, 1960 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, to
Dora Coker Ortega (later Young) and
Pablo Ortega. Her strong spirit carried
her through this life until November 16,
2025. A member of the Sac and Fox Nation, she was also a descendant of the
Seminole and Muscogee Creek Nations.
Known to her family as Cricket, she
grew up in Seminole, Shawnee, Moore,
and Puerto Rico and graduated in 1978
from Cupeyville School in San Juan,
Puerto Rico. She lived all of her adult
life in Norman, Oklahoma.
After working at Griffin Memorial
Hospital as a mental health aid from 1981
through 1988, she returned to school to
complete her education, earning a bache-
lor’s degree in history from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1992.
When she returned to the workforce after graduation, she briefly worked for the
Community Counseling Homeless project in Oklahoma City before being hired
by the Oklahoma Department of Human
Services as a family support specialist.
She then transferred to DHS’s child welfare services and worked as a supervisor
of child welfare case workers for almost
twenty years. Her expertise and dedication to her work were well-known.
Ellen pursued her graduate education
while working full-time. She earned a
Master of Public Administration degree
in 1997 and a Master of Social Work degree in 2006, both from the University of
Oklahoma.
Michael Steven Trammell
Michael Steven Trammell was born on
June 14, 1952, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Albert and Patricia (McKosato)
Trammell. He passed away on November 19, 2025, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at
the age of 73. Michael was a proud member of the Fox Clan of the Sac and Fox
Nation
Michael attended the Institute of
American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New
Mexico, after which he made his home
in New York City where he spent most
of his adult life. He worked as a theatre
lighting technician. He loved being part
of the creative energy of the city and
took great pride in his work behind the
scenes.
Michael enjoyed learning about and
working with computers during the early
years of the blossoming technology. In
2020, he returned to Oklahoma where he
spent the final years of his life closer to
family and home.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Charles McKosato and Winona Exendine-McKosato; his
sister, Marceline Trammell-Jones; and
his brother, Stanley Trammell.
Michael is survived by his brother,
Frederick Trammell; his sister, Marilyn
Drobenaire; and, a host of extended family members and friends who will hold
his memory close.
Sovereignty
Symposium
(Continued From Page 1)
Writing and poster competitions
The symposium hosts academic competitions with monetary awards. All submissions for writing and poster competitions are due by March 27, 2026.
• Hargrave Prize for Writings by Past
or Present Symposium Faculty: This
prize awards $1,500, $1,000 and $750
for the best three original and previously
unpublished papers. The winning entries
will be published in the 2026 symposium
book. The prize is named for former
Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Rudolph Hargrave, who served on the court
for more than 30 years including a stint
as chief justice.
• Doolin Prize for Students: Open to
any student enrolled in college at any
level (undergraduate or graduate), the
Doolin Prize offers first, second and
third prizes of $1,000, $750, and $500.
The winning entry will be published in
the symposium book. The prize is named
in honor of former Oklahoma Supreme
Court Chief Justice John B. Doolin who
first initiated the conversation about creating the Sovereignty Symposium.
• Hager Prize: $1,000 will be awarded
for the best writing, by either a student or
symposium faculty member, on the Indian Child Welfare Act or any legal issue
concerning Native American children.
The winning entry will also be published
in the symposium book. The prize is
named for C. Steven Hager, who worked
as senior staff attorney at the Oklahoma
Indian Legal Services for many years.
• Blue Clark Student Poster Competition: This competition is open to undergraduate and graduate college students.
Students must submit an abstract (250–
300 words) in a PDF attachment along
with the submission form. The competition is named in memory of the longtime OCU Law professor and dedicated
member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation
who started American Indian studies programs at several universities.
A traditional tribal wake service was
held Nov. 21, 2025 and a burial service
was held Nov. 22, 2025, at the McKosato Family Home. Burial followed at the
McKosato Family Cemetery.
Michael Steven Trammell
An intelligent and energetic person,
she enjoyed gardening, reading, crafting,
and staying up to date on the news and
current events. She also loved animals,
and over the years, she and her husband
provided a loving home to several dogs.
Ellen is survived by her husband of
more than 40 years, Robert Keller, whom
she met while working at Griffin Memorial Hospital, and by their dogs, Hope,
Bella and London. She is also survived
by her sister, Lina Ortega (and partner
Troy Shackelford), aunts Mary F. McCormick and Iris Garcia, and her cousins,
brothers- and sisters-in-law, and nieces
and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepmother Karen Cook, and her
nephews Steven Ortega, Peter Roberts,
Cory Parker, Scott Allen and niece Tonja
Keller.
Taken from us too soon, her kindness,
intelligence, and perceptive advice will
be greatly missed by her loved ones.
A celebration of Ellen’s life was held
on December 7, 2025 at The Depot, 200
S. Jones Avenue, Norman, Okla.
Ellen Milagros Ortega
Happy January Birthday Elders!
Avans, Gregory Scott
Barnes, Lana Ledean
Bean, Paula Kaye
Bear, Jackie Lucille
Big Man, Sharyl Ann
Blanchard, Eddie Lee
Brown, La Donna Renee
Brown, Thaddeus
Bruehl, Sandra D`ann
Butler, David Keith
Callan, Pamela Ruth
Carter, Cheryl Ann
Coyle, Cheree
Crane, Cynthia Ina
Croley, John Bill
Cummins, John Leroy
Dawson, Ty Austin
Deere, Leroy Charles
Duncan, Lana Jo
Eason, John Stevenson
Ellis, Quinton Jay
Eversole, Anna Marie
Fixico, Donald Lee
Fleming, Janis Gail
Floyd, Brenda Sue
Franklin, Gaylon Randall Jr.
Franklin, Keith Edward Sr.
Gibbs, James Richard
Gorton, Donna Diane
Grant, Gloria Jean
Grass, Jeffrey Wayne
Hamblin, Andrew Maurice
Hamilton, Delphine Elaine
Harjoe, Mary Christine
Hawzipta, Rosa D
Helfer, Jacqueline
Heuston, Karolyn Kaye
Holland, Charles Arthur
Hooley, Anita Lynn
Irons, Barry Dean
James, Carla K
Kahrahrah, Dolores Lurlene
Kaseca, Harold James
Kincade, Linus Neil
Littlehead, Carol Rose
Logan, Glenn Mitchell
Longshore, Bobby Duane
Longshore, Pamela Ann
Lopez, Ronald Dean
Manatowa, Dee Ann
Marceleno, Andrew F
Marez, Arthur
McClellan, Benjamin Charles Jr.
McCormick, Mary Frances
McCoy, Donald Vincent
McKinney, Toni Colline
McLaughlin, Roberta Lynn
Megehee, Mark Kent
Morris, Gregory Lynn
Morris, Samuel F Jr.
Morton, Glenn K
Myers, Johanna
Nelson, Emil V
Nelson, Forest C
Patterson, Valarie F
Patton, Sandra Kay
Pennock, David Nelson IV
Poitras, Kerry Christopher
Quintana, Rosita Virginia
Retherford, Simon Carter
Rhodes, Sarah
Rice, Annette Hunter
Riley, Dino Ray
Roan, Christina Louise
Rogers, Thelma Dolores
Ryan, Charles Larry
Schexnider, David Eric
Spoon, Marilyn Jean
Staley, Rose Marie
Stroebel, Jeffrey Spencer
Tamminga, Cathy Lynn
Taylor, William Phillips Jr.
Terry, Arnold Ray
Thurman, George L
Tiger, Cheryl Elaine
Troy, Edward Scott
Tyner, Robert Lewis
Vandervort, Sherri Arlene
Walker, Leonard Wayne Sr.
Walton, Lyle Gene
Warrior, Thomas Morris
Wilson, Alphues Christjohn Sr.
Wolf, Wanda Marie
Wood, Tammy Dian
Page 3 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
OMRF Discovery Could Prevent Two Types of Blindness
A discovery from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation could prevent
vision loss in babies born prematurely
and in people with diabetes.
The new findings by Courtney Griffin, Ph.D., and Eric Ma, Ph.D., hold the
potential for developing drugs to prevent
or treat diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), both of which
damage the retina and can lead to blindness.
“Our vision is so fundamental to how
we interact with the world,” said Griffin,
who holds the Scott Zarrow Chair in Biomedical Research at OMRF. “Anything
we can do to prevent these diseases from
progressing to the point of vision loss
would be a game-changer.”
Griffin, a cardiovascular biologist and
OMRF’s vice president of research, performed experiments to better understand
what causes these eye disorders. Of the
two conditions, diabetic retinopathy is
far more common. In America, it affects
more than a quarter of people with type 1
or type 2 diabetes – about 10 million people in all. By comparison, ROP affects
about 14,000 preterm U.S. newborns per
year.
Griffin’s lab identified a crucial hallmark of the two disorders through separate experiments involving mice and human eyes donated through an eye bank.
“Both conditions begin with the retinal blood vessels breaking down, which
leads to the formation of abnormal new
blood vessels,” said Ma, a postdoctoral researcher in Griffin’s lab who performed much of the work on the project.
“Our study found that the breakdown
of healthy blood vessels is preceded by
the disappearance of two important proteins.”
Griffin and Ma suspected that if the
absence of these proteins led to the disorders, then adding one might provide a
remedy. They proved this theory by using
a mouse model genetically engineered to
produce extra amounts of one of the proteins, known as ERG.
“This extra ERG stopped blood vessel loss and the formation of abnormal
vessels, which ultimately improved the
‘THORPE”
Campaign Launched
(Continued from Page 1)
day’s most celebrated period dramas,
THORPE promises a cinematic journey
of heart, heroism and humanity — spotlighting a Native American icon whose
legacy shaped the course of sports and
culture.
“Our family is proud to see grandpa’s
story told authentically, with the respect
and care it deserves. This project honors
his life and legacy in a way that we know
would make him proud,” said John Thorpe, grandson of Jim Thorpe.
“Jim Thorpe was the world’s first real-life superhero,” added Capece. “His
story is one of dignity, resilience and triumph. It’s the perfect project to lead Verily’s mission, turning truth into legacy.”
Access to invest in THORPE is now
open on Republic. Fans can learn more
about THORPE and participate in the
investment campaign at Republic.com/
Thorpe.
vision problems,” Griffin said. The prevention or remedy for either condition
could be a new drug that adds ERG or
one that prevents the protein’s degradation, Ma said.
Griffin and Ma now plan to test com-
pounds that could stop ERG from breaking down. “If we can develop an intervention, we can protect the retina in the
early stages,” Griffin said. “The potential
for such a life-changing outcome is what
drives our research.”
Meskwaki Nation Police Chief’s Son
Killed in ISIS Terrorist Attack in Syria
Iowa National Guardsman Nate Howard
Iowa news outlets reported that Nate
Howard, Iowa National Guardsman and
son of Meskwaki Nation Police Chief
Jeffrey Bunn, was one of two guardsmen
killed Dec. 13 in the widely-reported
ISIS terrorist attack in Syria. A civilian
interpreter was also killed and, three other guardsmen were injured in the attack.
KCCI Channel 8 in Des Moines,
Iowa reported that Police Chief Bunn
confirmed his son’s death on the department’s Web page. “My wife and I had
that visit from Army Commanders you
never want to have. Our son Nate was
one of the soldiers that paid the ultimate
sacrifice for all of us, to keep us all safer.
He loved what he was doing and would
be the first in and last out, no one left
behind. Please pray for our soldiers all
around this cruel world. We will see you
again son, until then, we have it from
here,” Chief Bunn wrote.
In a Dec. 13 news conference, Iowa
Gov. Kim Reynolds said she had been
in contact with families of the two slain
soldiers. The soldiers were attacked
while conducting an engagement as part
of their assigned mission in the ongoing
counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism efforts in the Syria region.
Iowa National Guardsman
Nate Howard
Page 4 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
Sac and Fox Nation Education Department News
Hello Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Members,
Hope everyone had an enjoyable time
with family during the holidays. We
would like to share with you some of the
events that we did and what is coming
down the pathway:
Deadline Notice:
Higher Education Students deadline
for 2026 Spring Semester is January 16,
2026, you must complete all RAP and
DOI applications, that you will be submitting. You will need to submit your official transcript for fall semester grades
and your class schedule along with RAP
and DOI apps.
High school Sac and Fox Nation senior deadline for the Blackhawk and Jim
Thorpe Scholarships are due February 1,
2026, which falls on a Sunday, we will
accept if submitted on Monday, February 2, 2026, applications must be post
mark on and before February 2, 2026.
Post mark after February 2, will not be
accepted.
We have made final plans for the High
School Sac and Fox Nation Senior Banquet. Tuesday April 7, 2026, at 6:00 pm at
January 2026
SFN Elders Title VI Menu
the Grand Casino, McLoud, Oklahoma.
Student will be allowed to only bring two
adult guests. Please RSVP before March
24, 2026, so that we can get a count of
how many will be attending. You can call
918 968-3526, Justin Morris at extension
2043 or Edwina Butler-Wolfe at 2046.
Saturday, December 13, 2025, the
Education Department staff handed out
the Sac and Fox Nation sweat shirt and
backpack of school supplies to student’s
Pre-K through 12th grade. We would like
to thank the former Sac and Fox Nation
Secretary Lana Butler for her time as a
volunteer. We appreciate her time and
support!!
If your student was unable to receive
their sweat shirt on December 13, 2025,
you can come by the Education Department Office January 5, 2026 through
February 6, 2026, to pick up your student
sweat shirt and backpack of school supplies. Please bring student Sac and Fox
Nation enrollment card when picking up
items.
Edwina Butler-Wolfe
Director of Education
405 328-0402 cell number
by Edwina Butler-Wolfe
Dexlen Lee, Jr., a Kindergarten student at North Rock Creek School, is
pictured holding his SFN sweatshirt
gift.
(Photo Provided)
Nutrition 101: What is Your Big Why?
by Andrea Beck, MS, RD/LD
Registered Dietitian
Black Hawk Health Center
Happy 2026! It will take me about 3-4
months to get used to writing that year
down! As you are thinking about the year
to come and what you want this year to
bring, I challenge you to think big.
I am not an anti-New Year’s Resolution kind of person. I just want you to
really think about it and make it meaningful. Not just another resolution that
is focused around a number on the scale.
Something much bigger than that.
Sit back and think about your why.
Your BIG why. Why do you want to
lose weight? Why do you want to get
healthier? Why do you want to be stronger? Why do you want to quit smoking?
Why? Think about something big that
would be able to keep you motivated all
year long.
We are all motivated at the beginning
of something new, but we need it to keep
going when life gets challenging. Find
that motivation and put it as many places
as possible to remind you. Maybe it is
a scripture or quote. Maybe it is a picture of a place you want to visit or of a
loved one that inspires you. Maybe it is
a picture of a child that you want to live
for and be able to run around with and be
around for.
Place that inspiring picture or quote or
word or scripture on your bathroom mirror, refrigerator, computer, in your car,
in your purse, etc. The goal is that your
resolution is so life-changing and your
motivation is so big that you won’t want
to give up!
If I can help in anyway, please reach
out to your provider to get a referral sent
over. I am located at the Black Hawk
Health Clinic and currently seeing patients 2 days per week.
Whatever your goal is for 2025, I
would love to join you on your health
journey.
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
Page 5 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
920963 S. Hwy. 99, Building A • Stroud, OK 74079 • (918) 968-1141 • FAX (918) 968-1142
Compliance Officer (Gaming Commission,
Shawnee) 2 positions available
Transportation Coordinator – Updated
Resident Advisor(s)
Behavioral Health Licensed Therapist (BHHC,
Stroud) #2023-37
Policy Analyst, #2024-05 (Stroud)
Cashier – Finance (Stroud) #2024-30
Registered/Licensed Dietitian #2024-57 (Stroud)
Historical Researcher #2024-68 (Stroud)
Family Practice Physician #2025-10 (Stroud)
Environmental Director, #2025-43 (Stroud)
Behavioral Health Clinical Manager, #2025-46
Assistant Cook, #2025-61 (Stroud)
Distribution Clerk B, #2025-64(Shawnee)
Telephone Operator, #2025-65 (Stroud, BHHC)
Delivery Driver (Part-Time) #2025-69 (Stroud)
Operations Coordinator, JDC, #2026-03 (Stroud)
Tax Clerk #2026-05 (Stroud)
Medical Director #2026-06 (Stroud)
CHS Specialty Clerk #2026-07 (Stroud)
Senior Administrative Assistant #2026-10
(Stroud)
Landscape/Laborer, #2026-16 (Stroud)
Nurse Practitioner, #2026-17 (Stroud)
John Carrington, HR Director
hrdirector@sacandfox.com
^
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 at
‘Read Our Newspaper’
on the Sac and Fox Nation
Website
XX
X
X
SAC AND FOX NATION
920883 S. HIGHWAY 99 BLDG. “A”
STROUD, OKLAHOMA, 74079
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Page 6 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
SAUK LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
PHILOSOPHY
Indians are born speaking our languages. For some of
us, they lie dormant within our bodies. They are looking
for a way out. God gave us these beautiful languages. All
of us hold them in a sacred manner within. There is no
such thing as an Indian person who cannot speak Indian.
Our language programs find these languages within
our bodies. They bring them out through our mouths and
deliver them to their rightful resting places within our
hearts.
January Comic
January Word Search
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
are accessible at ‘Read Our Newspaper’
on the Sac and Fox Nation Website
Page 7 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
Black Hawk Health Center Float
Receives Stroud Chamber Award
Stroud Chamber of Commerce representative Adam Chace presents the
‘Most Magical Float’ award from the Dec. 6 Stroud Christmas Parade to Black
Hawk Health Center’s Community Health Dept. representative Amy Lynch
and other Black Hawk staff members.
(Photos Provided)
Obituaries
Valentine Anthony Wayne Perez
Valentine “Valen” Anthony Wayne Perez, 28, of Wichita, Kan., went to be with
his Creator, God, on Sunday, November
30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his
family and close friends. He was a proud
member of the Sac and Fox Nation.
Valen was born on July 5, 1997, to
Rafael and April Perez, and was the
youngest of six siblings. He was a kind
and gentle soul whose greatest joy came
from being with his family, especially
his daughter, Aaliyana. He was a loving
shisha(uncle) to his nieces Nevaeh, Catalina, Elise, Nayeli, and Zendaya, and to
his nephews Emilian, Brandon, Emilio,
Angelo, Rafael Jr., Elias, Isaiah, and Santana.
Valen was a tile setter who worked
alongside his father and brother. He was
multi-talented and could do framing, drywall, and interior painting. He loved the
outdoors, camping, fishing, and cooking
for his family. He was very artistic and
often gifted his loved ones his paintings
and handmade crafts. He also loved the
Dallas Cowboys.
Valen was known for his compassion
and his ability to have a conversation
with anyone from all walks of life. His
smile and his heart will be deeply missed
by all who knew him.
Valen is survived by his daughter,
Aaliyana Perez; his parents, Rafael and
April Perez; his brother, Rafael Perez; his
sisters, Desiree Mejia, Amanda Mejia,
and Reighna Perez; his grandparents, Rafael and Maria Perez; five nieces; eight
nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his brother,
Emilio Mejia; his grandparents, Charlotte
Blacksmith and Larry Wayne Brown; his
uncles, Johnny Ladd Edwards and Sergio
Perez; and his godmother, Teresa Perez.
A service was held December 5, 2025
at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, Kan. A
graveside service was held at Greenwood
Cemetery in Wichita, Kan.
Valen Perez
Delores Colbert
Pictured is the Black Hawk Health Center’s award-winning float entry from the
2025 Stroud Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.
SFN Departments, Programs,
Volunteers Teamwork Helps
Make ‘Storybook Christmas’
by Black Hawk Health Clinic
Staff Member Jessica Buchanan
The BHHC would like to share information from our participation in the
Stroud Chamber Parade December 6th!
The Black Hawk Health Center and
each of the various departments and programs, including the Pathways to Community Living (PCL) Grant, Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) Grant,
and the 988 Tribal Response Grant partnered together to create a float entry for
the parade Saturday night.
The theme was, “Storybook Christmas” and, BHHC created a winter scene
for “Frosty the Snowman.” At the parade, we had 18 employees and volunteers! It was great to see the teamwork,
to create something to be proud of, and
to exhibit community! Sac and Fox Trib-
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
al Members, Employees, and our partner
Melanie Johnson with the Association of
American Indian Physicians (AAIP), and
her family joined us for the parade.
We had many people participate in
meetings, planning, decorating, purchasing/donating, building the float, walking
and tossing candy and goodies in the parade, all the way down to the clean-up
Monday morning!
Big shout out and thank you to the following Sac and Fox Nation Departments/
Committees: Activity Committee (snow
and decorations), USDA (wreath), and
Maintenance (trailer and “hill”)! Last,
but certainly not least, we would like to
thank Second Chief Lorena Wood and
the Business Committee for the generous
donation which allowed us to purchase
additional items needed for the float and
parade!
On a much more serious note, we
shared vital information on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline with the community of Stroud! Many items were tossed
out during the parade. We really did a
great job!
Items Shared at Parade
• 85 Backpacks filled with items from
Community Health;
• 200 Candy bags with 988 info inside;
•190
Shirts
from
Behavioral
Health/988;
• 100 Orchard Valley Nut mix from
SDPI;
• 103 toothbrushes from Dental inside
103 bags from BHHC;
• And a whopping 23.5 lbs. of loose
candy!
Delores Butler Kernell Colbert, 73,
passed away peacefully on December
14, 2025, at her home in El Reno, Okla.
She was born on November 20, 1952, in
Shawnee, Okla., to Roland and Beverly
Jean (Longhorn) Butler.
Delores was raised in the Shawnee
area and graduated from Earlsboro High
School with the class of 1971. After
graduation she stayed in the Shawnee
area until 1999 when she made her home
in El Reno.
Delores loved sewing, ribbon appliqué designing and spending time with
her grandson, Noah. She was an enrolled
member of the Sac and Fox Nation of
Oklahoma and the descendancy of the
Absentee Shawnee Tribe.
Delores was preceded in death by her
parents, Roland and Beverly Butler; son,
Gregory Kernell; sister, Pam Rolette;
and husbands, Cecil Kernell and Don
Colbert.
Delores is survived by her son, Roland Kernell of Oklahoma City; grandson, Noah Kernell of Tahlequah; granddaughter, Courtney Flickinger; six
sisters: Gwen Switch of Moore, Janet
Jeske of Shawnee, Fredith Blanchard of
Little Axe, Lana Butler of Shawnee, Vicki Wilson of Shawnee, and Edwina Butler-Wolf of Shawnee; and many extended
family members and friends.
A memorial service was held on December 22, 2025, at AE Funeral Services
Chapel, Shawnee, Okla. with Chaplain
Victor Cope officiating.
Delores Colbert
Arthur Elbert Mastel
Arthur Elbert Mastel, age 84, passed
away Dec. 3, 2025. Arthur was born
Feb. 17, 1941 in Victor, Calif. to Robert
and Eva Mastel. His family moved to
Humboldt County in 1954. He attended school at Hydesville Elementary and
Fortuna High. He was drafted June of
1966, serving in Vietnam until 1968.
Art worked for the Six Rivers and
Trinity National Forests, Hoopa Forestry, and Hoopa Wildland Fire Dept. He
was a member of VFW Post 9561 in
Willow Creek and American Legion Post
0415 in Hoopa. He was of Karuk, Shasta and Dutch heritage from the Happy
Camp and Quartz Valley areas. He was
an enrolled member of the Karuk Tribe.
Art is survived by his wife Elizabeth
Manatowa-Mastel; daughters, Lisa DeGrenier (Gary) and Kim Mastel; sons, Arthur Mastel (Lily), Jacob Manatowa and
Ben Manatowa; adopted brothers Gary
and Baron Risling, sister-in-law Rebecca
French, brothers-in-law Phillip French
and Phillip Manatowa; eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and
many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held in
Washougal, WA at his daughter Lisa’s
home on May 25, 2026.
Page 8 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
January
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
If at least 1 in your household
has a CDIB, you reside within
our 5 tribe Service Area, & you
meet USDA Income Guidelines…
YOU MAY QUALIFY!!!
CALL TODAY!!! 1-800-256-3398
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
HOME DELIVERIES ARE FOR
HOMEBOUND AND/OR DISABLED
ELDERS. CALL OUR
STROUD OFFICE
TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY.
This institution is
an equal opportunity provider.
Page 9 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
SFN Housing Authority Brings Holiday Cheer!
The Housing Authority of the Sac and Fox Nation’s
Tribal Elder tenants were visited by Santa, one of his
elves and the Grinch handing out Wal-Mart gift cards
from the Housing Authority for Christmas.
The Executive Director of the Housing Authority of
the Sac and Fox Nation, Mr. James Lamey, enjoyed
meeting the Sac and Fox Elder tenants and gifting
them with a Wal-Mart gift card from the Housing Authority for Thanksgiving.
Page 10 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
RAP Department Application Forms
RAP Department Application Forms
Page 11 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
RAP Department Application Forms
RAP Department Application Forms
Page 12 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
RAP Department Application Forms
RAP Department Application Forms
Page 13 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
RAP Department Application Forms
RAP Department Application Forms
Page 14 - Sac and Fox News - January 2026
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.