# LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aunited_keetoowah_cherokee%3A25d74afdfb235f56 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text LEGAL AID LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND AT WWW.UKB-NSN.GOV. The Oklahoma Indian Legal Services visits the UKB complex. NEWS, 5 GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎪᏪᎵ Official News Publication of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma September 2023 TIME TO CELEBRATE United Keetoowah Band Chief Joe Bunch makes his address to the crowd at the 2023 Keetoowah Celebration in Tahlequah. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS The 73rd annual Keetoowah Celebration will be Oct. 5-7, 2023. BY LANI HANSEN Senior Reporter T AHLEQUAH – The United Keetoowah Band will celebrate its 73rd Annual Keetoowah Celebration on the first weekend of October. This year the theme is “In the beginning…We were all Kituwah.” The celebration falls on the first weekend of October, to honor when the tribe officially voted to have its constitution and by-laws ratified, which happened Oct. 3, 1950. “The theme was voted on by the celebration committee, who have been coming together in preparation since February,” Celebration Coordinator Michelle Downing said. “The meaning of this theme is saying we’re all Kituwah, and that we have been, even before Cherokee Nation became who they are.” Chief Joe Bunch said the theme relates to our creation as a tribe. He stated, “Two years ago at the Kituwah Mound, I heard the phrase ‘anigiduwagi’ meaning we’re all Kituwah, the Creator gave us our name and we are all still here today.” Downing who also serves as the Executive Administrative Assistant for the UKB four officers, took on the role as coordinator of the Celebration for 2023. This was her first year to step up in planning for the event, after helping with last year alongside Barbara Girty-Foster. The celebration is a time for friends and families to come together to share memories, laugh and get rekindled with traditional games and arts and crafts. It is also a time for Chief Bunch to come and share what the tribe has been and will be doing for the people, during the Chief’s Address. This year in collaboration of the Celebration, the tribe will be having the Jr. Miss and Miss Keetoowah pageant. According to the UKB website, this pageant includes a variety of activities including presenting a platform and a talent showcase. Once chosen, for two years each young lady serves as a goodwill ambassador for the UKB to promote the culture, traditions and heritage of the Keetoowah people. The pageant is also a time where current Miss Keetoowah 2021-2023, Kitana Foreman will say her farewells and pass down the reign. The pageant will take place on September 29th, at 6 p.m. at The Venue with UKB Delegate Tori Holland as the Emcee for the night. Official crowning ceremony will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7th. “We do invite everyone to come out and support these young ladies, they will be representatives of the tribe as they go out and attend different functions,” Chief Bunch said. The Keetoowah Celebration will continue with a two-day golf tournament on Oct. 5-6, Seniors, 2-Man Scramble and 4-Man Scramble. The chili supper and stompdance will take place on Oct. 6. On Saturday, Oct. 7, will be all the activities such as the car show, kids fishing derby, Chief’s Address, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, traditional games, traditional meal, volleyball, turtle races, cornhole and entertainment. “We have Blaine Bailey and his band coming to play for us this year, and ‘Saved by Grace’ a local gospel group,” Downing said. Everyone at the United Keetoowah Band is excited to see everyone this year. The dates are Oct. 5-7, 2023. For more information, contact Michelle Downing at 918-871-2753. Cornhole was a popular activity at last year’s celebration, and the UKB is bringing it back this year. LANI HANSEN/ GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS Participants take part in the 2022 cornstalk shoot, which will happen again this year. LANI HANSEN/ GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS UKB Traditional Keepers set up at a past celebration. The annual event is in its 73rd year in 2023. ARCHIVE PHOTO A musical group entertains the crowd during a past UKB Celebration. This year’s event is set for Oct. 5-7. ARCHIVE PHOTO 2 SEPTEMBER 2023 Assistant Chief Jeff Wacoche jwacoche@ ukb-nsn.gov Secretary Joyce Fourkiller jfourkiller@ ukb-nsn.gov Treasurer Sonja Gourd sgourd@ ukb-nsn.gov Canadian Dist. Eddie Sacks 918-822-1957 Cooweescoowee Dist. Clifford Wofford 918-822-1953 COUNCIL•ᏗᏂᎳᏫᎩ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ Revisiting gaming after 10 years Chief’s Corner Si yo, ni ga da Summer arrived with the temperature souring over 100 degrees! It has been hot, so I am not leaving the air conditioning. Be on the lookout for the little ones on the roads as school has started. Waiting on the cooler evening to watch high school football. Boy I can’t believe I survived the 2-a-day football practices in high school and 3 a day practice at college. The officers visited the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association meeting at the Cox Building in Tulsa, it was good to reconnect with Gaming, new developments in gaming laws, new games and machines, and the industry, we are looking forward to the day we have gaming again. On September 1, 2023 will mark 10 years since our forced closure of our casino, which shut down our economic opportunities and attacking our tribal sovereignty. We are addressing this inequity through the Department of Interior. Our government-to-government JOE BUNCH Principal Chief jbunch@ukb-nsn.gov consultations are ongoing, we met with our Oklahoma congressional delegates, staffers for the congressional representative Josh Brakeen, came to our complex for a visit and to keeping us informed of the opportunities through up coming legislature. We are building a trust relationship with congress to improve the quality of life for our tribal members, through health care, adult education, funding for higher education and other programs. We had a unsuspected visit from the Eastern Band of Cherokee, they gave a one-time donation of 25,000.00 to our youth school supplies. We had Seaker of the Council Richard French and Deputy Speaker Albert Rose here aiding us with the donation and making presentations. We thank, the Speaker and Council of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for their generous donation. October 7, 2023 is our 73rd celebration, our staff are preparing for a fun and safe celebration. there will food, children’s games, state of the state address, gospel singing, and more, my favorite is eating traditional food. What you will see is friends, department services, vendors, kids laughing, archery, horseshoes, demonstration stomp dance and more. I hope to see you at the 73rd Celebration. We are finalizing requests for bid for the title 6 center, council, court building and the child care expansion is almost complete and we look forward to the Stilwell Child Care Center completion soon. We welcome the opportunity to visit, if you have any question, please contact your District Representative and if not please call me or any officer at 918-8712800. God bless the United Keetoowah, pray for the officers, and district representatives. CATCHING UP AROUND THE UKB Delaware Dist. Elmer Panther 918-226-1668 Flint Dist. Frankie Still 918-507-1822 Goingsnake Dist. Willie Christie 918-822-3803 The United Keetoowah Band Tribal Court held its first Supreme Court case meeting on July 14. Wado to UKB Supreme Court Justices, from left, Kimberly Anthony, Brian Berry and Shelly Harrison. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS Illinois Dist. Peggy Girty 918-457-7067 Saline Dist. Charles Smoke 918-457-7071 Nurses came to Oklahoma via a Florida Atlantic University program. The visitation was started by Dr. John Lowe but is now overseen by Dr. Melessa Kelley. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS Sequoyah Dist. Junior Catron 918-315-0970 Tahlequah Dist. Alvin Hicks 918-931-1462 Giduwa Cherokee News P.O. Box 746 Tahlequah, OK 74465 The Giduwa Cherokee News is mailed free to Keetoowah registered voters, governments, other offices and upon request, to other citizens. Mail subscription requests and address changes to Giduwa Cherokee News, P.O. Box 746, Tahlequah, OK 74465. MANAGING EDITOR Rita Courtwright SENIOR REPORTER Lani Hansen LAYOUT AND DESIGN Travis Snell MARKETING SPECIALIST Shayley Fourkiller A UKB Tradition Keeper teaches a Florida nurses how to weave a basket. The nurses came to Oklahoma with Florida Atlantic University. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS Editorial statements of the Giduwa Cherokee News, guest columns and letters to the editor reflect the opinions of the writer and not necessarily those of the Giduwa Cherokee News editor, staff or tribal administration of the United Keetoowah Band. All editorials and letters must be 650 words or less and will become the property of the Giduwa Cherokee News. Editorials must be signed and include an address and telephone number. Send all inquires to: Giduwa Cherokee News, P.O. Box 746, Tahlequah, OK 74465. The Giduwa Cherokee News is the only official publication of the United Keetoowah Band. It operates a Giduwa Cherokee News Facebook page, as well as the tribe’s YouTube and Instagram accounts,@UKBMedia. Any other publications or online pages are not an official source of news and are not endorsed by the editor, tribe or tribal administration. For advertising rates and media inquiries, including permissions to reprint stories within this publication, email lhansen@ukb-nsn.gov. NEWS•ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ SEPTEMBER 2023 3 UKB musician’s music on HULU show Blaine Bailey’s music is featured in Season 3 of Reservation Dogs. BY LANI HANSEN Senior Reporter TAHLEQUAH – While chasing his dream in music, United Keetoowah Band member Blaine Bailey was recently noticed by FX’s Reservation Dogs music production team. Reservation Dogs is a series that airs on FX and HULU and centers around four young Indigenous teens living in a rural Oklahoma town. It is a half-hour comedy written by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi. The series released its first episode in August 2021 and recently premiered season three. According to Harjo’s social media, this is the last season for the show. When Bailey was notified by the music production, he sent them a few songs to choose from. He was excited about being recognized from them. His song ‘Cigarettes and Roses’ was chosen for a scene in episode one. “There’s a bus scene on the episode, and my song talks about leaving Nashville and coming home to Oklahoma,” Bailey said. “I think it was a pretty good fit for that scene.” United Keetoowah Band member Blaine Bailey’S music was used on Reservation Dogs. COURTESY Last year Blaine Bailey performed in front of the audience at the UKB Celebration. The artist recently had his original music used by a popular TV show on the streaming sermive HULU. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS Bailey has been in the music industry for a while, releasing his first official album ‘Lost City’ back in 2021. After season three, episode one of Reservation Dogs premiered, his song caught the attention of watchers and his numbers in listeners have more than doubled. Meanwhile, a week before Reservation Dogs came on Bailey dropped another single called ‘Home Again.’ His new song is just the beginning for his new album ‘Home.’ Bailey said he must release three singles before the album officially comes out. “The first single is my favorite one, because I lived that song,” Bailey said. “The song talks about leaving home when you’re young and then coming back to your family. People seem to like this song; it has helped me with attraction.” While he finalizes his plans on releasing his new album, Bailey continues to play shows at different venues. With Diamond Stone Music Festival on September 7-9 at Diamondhead Resort, Bailey and his band will play on Friday the 8th. With everything going on for Bailey and his music he is thankful for the Reservation Dogs music production for reaching out to him. He has watched the show since the first season and had dreamed of hearing his music on at least one episode. Blaine Bailey’s music can be found on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music. Be sure to follow him on Facebook at Blaine Bailey Music, where he keeps his fans updated on the latest. SYEP 2023 NEWSLETTER June 5th - July 28 2023 ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT The SYEP highlight for our Environmental Department was when Otoe-Missouri Environmental Services had the summer youth for their Environmental Youth Day! Taking part in the Colors of the Clans run the night before. Our summer youth had a really good time and look forward to comeback! MEDIA DEPARTMENT Our Media Departments SYEP highlight was their "Cherokee Word of the Week". Every Thursday our summer youth would come up with a word in Cherokee somewhat related to summer! You can find the CWOTW on our Instagram @ukbmedia! SYEP HIGHLIGHT Out of all the Departments one of the main SYEP highlights were about our Cultural Fridays, where our summer youth got together every Friday and learned various things about their cultures and even had lessons on the Cherokee language! Every lesson was different and everyone was included making every week indulging. MUSEUM DEPARTMENT One of the many different SYEP highlights for the Museum Department along with Graphic design, language program, ect was their trip to the First Americans Museum in OKC on June 28th! They were given different ideas for the Gift Shop display here at our Museum, and had a great time! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PROVIDED DOOR PRIZES, ALL ORGANIZERS, SUPERVISORS AND ANY ONE ELSE WHO HELPED THE SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM! 4 SEPTEMBER 2023 OBITUARIES Miles “Brandon” Gifford Miles “Brandon” Gifford was born on March 23rd, 1984 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Miles Albert and Sharon Lee (Champlain) Gifford. He was raised in the Park Hill Community and attended Keys Elementary School. He has one sister, Sarah who often called him her doney boy growing up. The family moved to the Lost City Community when Brandon was 9. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding his 4-wheeler, playing baseball, riding horses, and coon hunting with his dad. He couldn’t wait to spend time at his grandparents’ home, especially at the holiday, playing with the cousins and getting into mischief. In 2001, he began dating the love of his life and his best friend, Katey Lynn Kelley, a relationship that lasted until his passing. He joined the Army National Guard during his senior year of high school. Following his graduation from Hulbert in 2002, he attended basic Alex Samuel McCoy Alex Samuel McCoy was born on November 15th, 1995 in Tulsa, OK, the first son of two that day to Billy Ray and Christa Ann (Petersen) McCoy Sr. He had a twin brother, Billy McCoy Jr born minutes later. These two boys joined three brothers, Matthew, John and Mark. Alex grew up in the Tahlequah Community and attended school here. He loved playing sports, especially football in school. There was nothing better than a day spent hanging out with his friends and playing video games. Alex listened to music of almost every genre. He was quiet and thoughtful, and kept to himself. He liked time spent with the family he loved, and the view from his front room window was enough. He worked at the Cherokee Nation Casino Leon Washington Leon Washington was born December 6, 1952, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Emma Jane Washington. He was raised in the Cherokee County area by his grandparents Watt and Jennie Washington of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Leon remained and lived his life in Cherokee County. Leon met the love of his life Norma McCoy and they were joined in union on December 8, 2000. He lived the remainder of his life with Norma in Cookson, Oklahoma where COMMUNITY•ᎾᎥ ᏄᎾᏓᎸ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri with his classmate Chad Keener. He then went on to complete his Advanced Individual Training in Carpentry and Masonry at Gulf Port, Mississippi. He dedicated the next 6 years into the Army and served one tour in Iraqi Freedom with classmates Chad Keener and Michael Clinton. He was deployed for a second tour in 2007 in which he returned home early with an honorable discharge in 2008. He returned to make a home with Katey and to raise a family of three children, Sierra Whitney, Miles Coale, and Agustus Issac. Early in his career he worked as a Lighthorse Police for the UKB. He then went on to work in his family trade of carpentry. He gained an Electrician apprenticeship at the vocational school in Muskogee, OK. He worked on cars not necessarily for fun but when needed and excelled at the trade. He loved to ride horses and mules with his children, often taking them on trail rides in the Lost City area. He liked shooting pool in leagues, and loved to teach his son the skills of this game. He often spoke of stories told by family and his own personal life experiences. There was nothing better than hunting deer or hogs, fishing at the creek, or doing a little noodling. He was a great friend and would do anyth ing in his power to help them whenever he could, no matter the time or place, anything that was needed. He passed from this life on the evening of August 8th, 2023 following a sudden illness. Brandon was 39 years old and will never be forgotten. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Isaac and Ruby (Shade) Gifford and Robert and Shirley (Johnson) Champlain. He joins his Aunt Georgia Mae Bowlin, and two uncles, Daniel Gifford and Marion “Bub” Gifford. Those left to his memory include his loving wife, Katey Gifford of the home in Hulbert, OK; their three children, Sierra Whitney Gifford, Miles Coale Gifford and Agustus Issac Gifford, all of the family home; his father and mother, Miles Albert and Sharon Lee Gifford of Hulbert; one sister, Sarah Guinn and husband of Hulbert, OK; two sister in laws, Sarah Arndt and husband of Hulbert and Mary Harper and husband of Canton, NY; five aunts, seven uncles, many nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention. Funeral services for Miles “Brandon” Gifford were Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Hulbert High School Gymnasium with Pastor Sam Keener officiating. His family hosted a visitation on Monday, August 14, 2023, at Reed-Culver Chapel. He was laid to rest at Keener Cemetery with his family. Pallbearers for Brandon included JD Smith, Mikey Longan, Chad Keener, Sammy Brave, Billy Wayne Wacoche, Tyler Forrest, Shane Griffith, and Brandon “Bub” Adair. Honorary Pallbearers included Clay Gifford, Logan Hubbard, Cory Jo Smith, Michael Gourd, Kyle Ray, and Bo Luna. in Ft. Gibson as a Security Guard, a job he enjoyed. When he wasn’t working, he spent a lot of time with his girlfriend, Lauren. They both worked at the casino, and loved chilling out at the house and drinking a couple of cold beers. His Dad had passed from life in May, and this loss was keenly felt by Alex. He missed his dad so much. Alex passed from this life on July 24th, 2023 in Tahlequah, OK. He was 27 years old and leaves an empty chair that will never be filled. Alex is preceded in death by his grandparents, Alex and Rachel (Bearpaw) McCoy, his great grandparents, Levi and Ida (Chunstudy) Hooper, his dad, Billy McCoy Sr., his uncle, Clarence McCoy, and his good friend, Austin Trapp. Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Christa McCoy of the home in Tahlequah, OK, and his brothers, twin Billy McCoy Jr of Muskogee, OK, Matthew Cook and wife Deanna of Bristow, OK, John Cook and wife Amy of Ft. Gibson, OK, and Mark McCoy and wife Amanda of Ft. Gibson, OK. He leaves his four adored nieces, Eden, Avery, Randi and Zoie Cook. He will be forever loved by his aunts and uncles, Brenda McCoy of Muskogee, Rick McCoy and companion Maxine of Sallisaw, OK, Ronnie McCoy of Ft. Gibson, OK, Jackie McCoy of Muskogee, OK, Tommy McCoy and wife Teresa of Muskogee, OK, Chris Petersen of Lost City, OK, and Allene Allison of Lost City, OK. He also leaves his co-workers and especially his loved companion, Lauren, as well as many friends and a host of loved ones too numerous to mention. Funeral services for Alex Samuel McCoy were Monday, July 31, 2023, at Reed-Culver Funeral Home with Pastor Drew Dinnel officiating. He was laid to rest at Bolin Cemetery next to his grandfather, Alex McCoy. Pallbearers for Alex included his twin brother, Billy McCoy Jr., Mark McCoy, Matthew Cook, John Cook, Will Park, Brent Carey, Michael Stockton, Jacob Stockton, and Cody Yancy. His honorary pallbearers included Rick McCoy, Dakota Moreland, Connor Cook, Hayden Houle, Kevin Town, Clyde Byrd II, Chance Stockton, Nathan Farrar, and Noah Manus. they enjoyed gardening, taking care of their chickens and spending time with their family. Leon Gave his life to the Lord on April 29, 2012, and was baptized in the Illinois River on June 3, 2012. Leon was a member of the United Keetowah Band of the Cherokee Indians of Oklahoma where he had a deep love for his heritage. Throughout his life he served in many capacities, he was a tow truck driver, diesel mechanic, and the best shade tree mechanic around, if something needed to be fixed he was the man for the job. Leon was a tree trimmer but only from the ground as he refused to get in the bucket truck. Leon is preceded in death by his grandparents Watt and Jennie Washington, his mom Emma Jane Washington, brother Jimmy Washington, daughter Shelby “Missy” Washington all of Tahlequah. He is survived by his wife Norma Washington of the home. Brothers Curtis Washington and wife Jeanette of Hulbert, Oklahoma, Leo Washington of Durant, Oklahoma. Children Christopher Fourkiller and wife Julie of Cookson, Oklahoma, William Washinton and wife Erica of Parkhill, Oklahoma, Kimberly Fourkiller and husband Wesley Davis of Cookson, Oklahoma. Nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren Leon lived a long happy life and will be greatly missed by many. The Washington family hosted a Memorial Service, August 17, 2023, at Dry Creek Community Building. BURIAL ASSISTANCE The United Keetoowah Band wants to be a source of comfort during a family’s most difficult time. The UKB’s Burial Assistane program can assist members with up to $3,000 for funeral services or cremation costs. Please call 918-871-2800 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for a list of approved funeral homes we partner with and income guidelines for this program. www.ukb-nsn.gov/human-services info@ukb-nsn.gov 918-871-2800 LUNCH MENU We have moved to a temporary building while our dining room is repaired. Park in the drive-thru so meals can be brought to you. Protect yourself by wearing a mask, staying 6 feet away from others, washing your hands and staying home if feeling sick. Meal service is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Meals are free to Keetoowahs 55 and older, as well as their spouses. Members of The United Keetoowah Band’s Title VI Lunch Menu for September 2023 in the Jim Proctor Community Center at 18419 W. Keetoowah Circle in Tahlequah, other tribes and their spouses must show their CDIB cards and contribute to the cost of a meal. Guest meals are $5, while meals for children 0-17 are $3. Oklahoma. For information, call 918-871-2800. September 1 Kitchen Closed  Staff Development September 4 Kitchen Closed Labory Day September 5 Ham/Cheese Sandwich Potato Soup 3 Bean Salad Pickle, Fruit Cup September 6 Meatloaf Mashed Potato Broccoli Cuts Biscuit, Apple Cobbler September 7 Chicken & Dumplings Sweet Peas Garden Salad Hot Roll, Applesauce September 8 Cooks’  Choice September 11 Goulash Broccoli/Cauliflower Garlic Toast Jell-o Cup September 12 Meat/Cheese Nachos Mexican Rice Refried Beans Pineapple Cake September 13 Pigs in a Blanket Broccoli Rice Casserole Potato Chips Pudding Cup September 14 White Beans, Fry Bread Hominy Spinach Jell-o Cup September 15 Fish & Chips Coleslaw Hushpuppies Fruit Cup September 18 Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce Italian Green Beans Ceasar Salad Garlic Toast, Fruit Cup September 19 Chicken Fajitas Mexican Rice Mexican Corn Jell-o Cup September 20 Pepperoni Pizza Garden Salad Fruit Cup September 21 Chili w/Beans Corn Salad, Crackers Peaches & Cream Cup September 22 Reubin Sandwich Potato Chips Salad, Pickle Cookie, Fresh Fruit September 25 Hamburger Stew Yellow Hominy Saltine Crackers Fruit Cup September 26 Chicken Strips Mashed Potato Green Beans Bread September 27 Chef Salad Potato Salad Crackers Fresh Fruit September 28 Hamburger on Bun w/ Fixings French Fries Ice Cream Sandwich September 29 Kitchen Closed Cleaning Day NEWS•ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ SEPTEMBER 2023 5 UKB Back to School Bash proves a success The UKB Education Center and HLDCDC host the yearly event for returning students. BY SHAYLEY FOURKILLER Marketing Specialist An Oklahoma Indian Legal Services specialist helps a woman with legal questions on Aug. 4, the day OILS visited the United Keetoowah Band Tribal Court Office. PHOTOS BY SHAYLEY FOURKILLER/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS OILS visits UKB court Oklahoma Indian Legal Services host a wills clinic and answers legal questions at the UKB Tribal Court Office. BY SHAYLEY FOURKILLER Marketing Specialist TAHLEQUAH – On August 4, Oklahoma Indian Legal Services (OILS), visited the United Keetoowah Band Tribal Court Office to offer answers to legal questions, as well as conduct a Will’s Clinic. OILS is a firm covering various legal services from Indian Child Welfare Act, Natural Resources, Housing, Sovereignty, Natural Disaster and Individual Rights. OILS is a nonprofit legal aid office that provides services to low-income Native Americans living in Oklahoma. The attorneys and staff at OILS represent Native American people in civil cases that are connected to their Native status. OILS’s clients are members of federally recognized tribes who are facing problems that are related to that status. At the Will’s Clinic, OILS was able to draft participants a ‘Last Will and Testament’ to ensure that their estate is properly handled AFTER THEIR PASSING. The OILS staff also brought their new van, ‘The Native Navigator’, which served as a mobile office. “The mobile office will be able to provide more assistance throughout Indian Country,” said Stephanie Hudson, Executive Director of OILS. OILS will be coming back to Tahlequah to offer their services on October 7 for the 73rd UKB Celebration. Applications for services are taken over the phone Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. To apply, one must be a resident of Oklahoma, be a member of a federally recognized tribe and fall within OILS’ low-income eligibility guidelines. OILS cannot assist individuals who are incarcerated or represent applicants with criminal charges in state district court or federal court. When calling OILS, you will be asked to leave a message. Please leave a name, phone number with area code and a description of the legal assistance request. Applicants must have a voicemail set up in order to receive a call back. Call toll free 1-800-658-1497. Dial 118 for will preparation, 116 for family situations and 103 for all other situations. If you are a current client and need to speak with your attorney, call 405-9436457. For more information, visit oilsonline.org. Shown is the Oklahoma Indian Legal Services’ mobile office called the Native Navigator. It visited the United Keetoowah Band Complex on Aug. 4 to assist UKB members. For legal advice, call toll free 1-800-658-1497 or visit oilsonline. org for more information. COURTESY GRAPHIC Shown is the inside of the Oklahoma Indian Legal Services’ mobile office, the Native Navigator. OILS provides legal help to low-income Native Americans in the state. TAHLEQUAH – The annual UKB Back to School Bash was held on Saturday, August 5 at The Venue. This joint effort was between the Henry Lee Doublehead CDC and Education Center, serving approximately 250 UKB students. According to Kim Gourd, CCDF Manager, “The Backto-School bash was such a fun event. We had a good turnout and it’s always fun when we get to see the kiddos faces as they get ready to go back to school.” The UKB CCDF Program served students 4-years old to 12-years old. They saw quite a few 4-year-olds get ready to start big school and saw the excitement on their faces to get a backpack of school supplies. “Many kids wanted to put the backpack on right away and one of the parents took a picture as we handed the backpack to the child- for scrapbook purposes,” Gourd said. And then they had those students that this was the last year that they would be on the 4- to 12-year-old list; many of their parents thanked the staff for helping them through the years. According to Gourd, they also rented a water slide inflatable and served cotton candy to the kids enjoyment. Gourd said, they were happy to also have a couple of Henry Lee Doublehead CDC alumni parents give free haircuts to any student wanting a fresh look for back-toschool. Haircuts were provided by Chloe Patrick, Season Callaway, Anthony Kingfisher, Emily Hullinger, and Teegan Fourkiller. “Thank you to all of the hairstylist who came out again to help with this event; we are truly grateful for their willingness to offer their services and were glad to see them come back,” she said. “We would also like to thank the Tahlequah Fire Department for cooking hot dogs so that everyone was able to eat while they waited for haircuts or visited the many booths set up and for dessert that was prepared by Katie’s Creations,” she added. “We enjoyed partnering with the Education Department, Keetoowah Strong & UKB Housing Dept., Echota Behavioral Health, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in making this a successful event.” “No matter if the child was Keetoowah or not, they did not leave empty handed,” said Jacqueline WatsonBaker, Assistant Director of the Education Center. UKB Education Center also partnered with Felts Shoes to give each exclusive school aged UKB member in attendance a $100 voucher to spend on shoes or apparel in Felts. The Housing Department gave out personal hygiene kits and Echota Behavioral Health gave out drug prevention supplies. Echota also sponsored cultural activities which included storytelling, gourd masks, bow making, and rivercane bracelets. The many amenities of the Back to School Bash were a huge hit to all in attendance. “Many kids wanted to put the backpack on right away and one of the parents took a picture as we handed the backpack to the childfor scrapbook purposes.” Kim Gourd, CCDF manager 6 SEPTEMBER 2023 SERVICES•ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ BUSINESS•ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ The first Elder Committee in 2007 were, from left, John Hair, Barbara Girty, Dora Grayson and Lois Fuller. The next UKB Elder Committee meeting is set for Sept. 18, 2023. COURTESY UKB Elder Committee continues to meet, inviting all Keetoowah Elders BY LANI HANSEN Senior Reporter TAHLEQUAH – The United Keetoowah Band Elder Committee continues to meet bi-monthly; the next meeting is scheduled for September 18, 2023. It was in 2007, when former Chief George Wickliffe brought to Council the request of establishing an Elder Committee. The committee would advise and inform Chief and Council about elder issues and concerns. Making up the original committee was former Chief John Hair as the Committee Chair, along with Dora Grayson, Barbara Girty and Lois Fuller. According to the committee’s secretary, Barbara Girty-Foster, members received small stipends to help with gas for elders to make it to the monthly meeting. Before the casino closed in 2013, the tribe paid for elders to go on field trips representing the UKB at various events. Since the closure, activities and stipends ended with many elders unable to attend. Meetings continued voluntarily, except during COVID, and the committee agreed on hosting fundraisers of selling t-shirts and raffles at Celebration. “We wanted to still provide handmade condolence cards with a small monetary gift to families after losing a loved one,” Foster said. “One day we would like to be able to offer the family a UKB Flag and headstone to honor our passing elder.” The Elder Committee currently meets bi-monthly, with Pete Kingfisher as Chairman. Kingfisher joined the committee meetings 10 years ago under Hair, he said the meetings were on Saturday’s back then. Serving alongside Kingfisher is Mary Girty as the Treasurer and Lois Fuller as Vice Chair. “It’s usually just us four in the meetings, and Chief Joe Bunch comes most of the time,” Kingfisher said. “I’d like to see this as a one-on-one with Chief when he’s in attendance.” The committee has seen a decrease in numbers of attendance since COVID and are hoping to rebuild, not only seeing elders in the meeting but young people too. Kingfisher said they changed their meetings to Monday evenings because people are busy on Saturday’s now. If you would like to help with fundraising or just attend the meeting, committee meets on the 3rd Mondays at 5:30 p.m. every other month (odd months) at the John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum. It is open to all Keetoowah Elders. The next meeting is scheduled on September 18, 2023. For more information on the Elders Committee meeting, contact Barbara Girty-Foster at 918-871-2794. “We wanted to still provide handmade condolence cards with a small monetary gift to families after losing a loved one. One day we would like to be able to offer the family a UKB Flag and headstone to honor our passing elder.” Barbara Foster-Girty, UKB Elder Committee member UKB Tribal Lighthorse Police An officer is always on-call if you are ever in need of emergency assistance or assistance with a civil or criminal matter. Call 918-207-9955 Phone: 918-871-2773 PO Box 60, Park Hill, OK 74451 18300 W. Keetoowah Circle, Tahlequah, OK 74464 2023 UKB HOUSING PROGRAMS v Repair/Rehab/Includes Emergency Repair v College Student Housing Assistance - To Assist Eligible UKB Members with the necessary home Repairs and Rehab for them to have decent, safe, and sanitary homes. - Will Assist Income-Eligible, full-time students who are attending an accredited College within the United States. This Program is active during the Fall and Springtime. v Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance - To Assist Eligible Tribal Members with down-payment and closing costs in an amount of $10,000 per household. v Lease-Purchase Homeownership Program - To Assist Eligible UKB Tribal Members in becoming first time Homeowners. v Storm Shelters - To Assist Eligible UKB Members with a storm shelter to be installed on their property for security and safety. v Rental/Mortgage Assistance - Will Assist Income-Eligible Tribal Members who reside within the Jurisdictional area of the Tribe. Participants must establish that they are renting a suitable affordable housing unit or that they are delinquent in the payment of a mortgage. v Elder Cottage Program v To Assist Elderly Tribal Members who are precariously housed but who meet the minimum income guidelines and the selection criteria set forth in the program operating policy. v Weatherization Program (Wood Stove/AC) - To Assist Elderly & Disabled with a window unit air conditioner or wood stove and/or weatherization materials as necessary to control the climates of dwelling units and to prevent infiltration of the elements. v Coosa Wattee Income Based Homes - Assisting UKB Tribal Members with income-based housing in our Coosa Wattee neighborhood. v Goingsnake Elder Apartments - Assisting our UKB Elders with a small community in Stilwell. All are one-bedroom apartments and fully furnished. This Program is also income based. ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ CULTURE•ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ SEPTEMBER 2023 7 73rd annual Keetoowah Celebration seeks vendors Arts and crafts and food vendor spaces are available for the annual UKB holiday. “Getting Back to Basics” class participants prepare dill pickles on Aug. 12 in Tahlequah. PHOTOS BY MARILYN CRAIG/UKB MUSEUM ‘Getting Back to Basics’ finishes canning series BY MARILYN CRAIG UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator TAHLEQUAH - The canning portion of the “Getting Back to Basics” series ended Saturday, August 12 with a session on canning pickles. Participants learned how to can bread and butter and dill pickles and were able to take two quarts of dills and 2 pints of bread and butter pickles home with them. The class was taught by a tribal elder, Betty Holcomb. “I enjoyed every minute of the canning series. The most important tip I learned was the importance of sterilizing the jars and lids and using the right equipment. I would recommend anyone to take this class and to keep this tradition going. It’s been very enjoyable,” said Norma Jimerson. Cucumbers are sliced to make bread and butter pickles as part of the UKB Museum’s “Back to Basics” canning series held Aug. 12 in Tahlequah. The group started with 25 pounds of pickling cucumbers, pickling spices, pickling salt, dill, sugar, and white vinegar. Destini Goins, said she and her teenage daughter took the class for personal interest, self-sufficiency, and to expand knowledge. Her favorite class was canning strawberry preserves. “It’s not as hard as I made it out to be. Wonderful experience! We loved Betty! She has so much to teach, it could be a continuous class,” said Goins. “I have already recommended this and future classes to my family and friends.” The next series in the ‘Getting Back to Basics’ series is the Quilting series. The classes will be held on September 9, October 14, and November 11. For more information, call Barbara Girty Foster, at 918-871-2866. BY MARILYN CRAIG UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator TAHLEQUAH – Booth spaces are still available for arts and crafts and food vendors for the 73rd Annual Keetoowah Celebration. Vendors will be able to be open from 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday, October 7. All booth sizes are 10 x 20. Arts and Crafts booths are $25 or $50 with electric. Food vendors are $50 with electric. Mail-in payments should be paid by check or money order only. Checks should be made payable to: United Keetoowah Band. Mail to John Hair Cultural Center and Museum, 18280 West Keetoowah Circle, Tahlequah, OK 74464. To pay in person, come to the John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum, and pay with cash, VISA, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Applications are accepted on a first paid basis. Booth locations will be assigned when payment is received. No Vendors are being sought for the upcoming 73rd annual UKB Celebration slated for Oct. 5-7 in Tahlequah. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS refunds will be issued after registration is closed on September 22, 2023. For more information, contact vendor coordinator, Barbara Girty Foster at 918871-2794. UKB Museum announces new YouTube channel UKB officials urge citizens to subscribe to the online channel. BY MARILYN CRAIG UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator TAHLEQUAH-The John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum is asking the public to join their new Keetoowah Museum YouTube channel. There have been thirty-five videos posted in the first few weeks since the launch of the channel. “When you see a video you like, please hit the like button for us,” said JHCCM Director Ernestine Berry. “And if you love it, go ahead, and share it on your Facebook page, in an e-mail, or in a text.” The most recently added video is a video from UKB’s Ethnobiologist Roger Cain, talking about a Historic Preservation project on rivercane. His video currently has the most views on the channel. “We have so many culturally talented and knowledgeable people in this tribe, there is so much potential to grow this channel with more programs, classes and entertainment,” said Berry. If you have suggestions on future programs, would like to take a class or if you have a question about Keetoowah history or culture, call the museum at 918-781-2866. 8 SEPTEMBER 2023 ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aunited_keetoowah_cherokee%3A25d74afdfb235f56. Public record. Not legal advice.