# Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 48 • No. 1 • January 2026 > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Asac_fox_oklahoma%3Afd91c1f809aa7093 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 48 • No. 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 X X X 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 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Asac_fox_oklahoma%3Afd91c1f809aa7093. Public record. Not legal advice.