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GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS

November 2025

Newly crowned Miss and Jr. Miss IHS Funding Paves the Way for

Keetoowah to represent the next UKB Tribal Health System Growth

two years

with Direct Patient Care

Introducing Miss Keetoowah Grayci Spradlin and Jr. Miss Keetoowah

J’Leeanna Ramsey

2025 Miss Keetoowah Grayci Spradlin

2025 Jr. Miss Keetoowah J’Leeanna Ramsey

“J’Lee” Ramsey. I am 13 years old and

currently in the 8th grade at MaryetTAHLEQUAH, Okla- The Unitta Public School, where I am taking

ed Keetoowah Band would like to

all honors classes this year. I proudly

announce its new Miss Keetoowah

come from the Tahlequah District

Grayci Spradlin and Jr. Miss Keeand belong to the Wolf Clan. I am the

toowah J’Leeanna Ramsey to repdaughter of Jerrad and Tycilla Ramresent as young ambassadors of the

sey, the granddaughter of Rodney

tribe.

Meet the girls who will be repre- and Sandra Smith, Juanita Proctor,

Robert Ramsey III, and Darla Chansenting UKB:

My name is Grayci Spradlin, and dler, and the great-granddaughter of

I am the 2025–2027 Miss Keetoowah. Woodrow Proctor, Dianne Guthrie,

Robert and Mona Ramsey, and Linda

Over the past two years, I have had

Chandler. I have two brothers, Jaelon

the opportunity of representing as

and Jre’Sun.

the 2023–2025 Jr. Miss Keetoowah,

Alongside my studies, I am inand I’m excited to continue this jourvolved

in the Service and Leadership

ney as Miss Keetoowah.

Club

and

Gifted and Talented proI am 18 years old and live in the

grams.

I

participate

in many sports,

Tahlequah District. I’m currently a

senior at Tahlequah High School and including softball—where my team

was the ORES State Runner-Up in

also attend ICTC on the Tahlequah

2025—cross country, where we were

campus, where I’m working toward

ORES State Runner-Up in both 2024

getting my CMA and certification in

and 2025, basketball, track, and

Phlebotomy. My parents are JB and

Krissy Spradlin, and I’m the youngest archery, in which I helped my team

win the ORES State Championship

of three children.

for the past two years. Outside of

As Miss Keetoowah, I hope to

advocate for the importance of Indian school, I also play travel softball for

Vision Elite 14U and AAU basketball

Child Welfare (ICW) and help give

for B2B.

back to my community by helping

It is an honor to represent my

organize events for Native children

family,

my school, my community,

currently in the system.

and

my

tribe!

Jr. Miss Keetoowah J’Leeanna

LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter

On September 16, 2025, Chief

Jeff Wacoche marked a momentous

milestone for the Tribe by signing a

historic agreement with the Indian

Health Service. The agreement expands the UKB Tribal Health System

beyond its well-established Behavioral Health and Purchased & Referred

Care programs to include direct

patient care under the Hospitals and

Health Clinics Program.

“This agreement is historic as

it secures funding and line authority from the Indian Health Service

to operate the UKB Tribal Health

System beyond our fantastic Behavioral Health and Contract Health

programs,” said Chief Wacoche.

“We’ve worked for years to secure

this agreement, and we continue to

plan strategically and execute for our

Keetoowah People. This agreement

was the next critical step in that

endeavor.”

Previously, the Purchased & Referred Care program served only enrolled UKB Members. Under the new

Hospitals and Health Clinics funding,

the UKB Tribal Health System can

now provide services to any Native

person enrolled in a federally recognized Tribe, significantly broadening

access to care across the Oklahoma

Cherokee Reservation.

“This agreement gives us the

ability to grow our capacity and

strengthen access to care across the

Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation,”

Chief Wacoche added. “We have providers on staff in Behavioral Health

who will help us phase in clinical

services, and this expansion will also

create new jobs and economic opportunities. We ask our members to be

patient as we move forward together

on our own terms. We’ll share additional information as it becomes

available.”

Healthcare has long been a

cornerstone of Tribal sovereignty. By

expanding its ability to deliver direct

patient care, the UKB reinforces its

right to self-determination while

ensuring that Keetoowahs and Native

people across the reservation can

access the services they need to live

healthier, stronger lives.

Chief Wacoche expressed gratitude to the IHS leadership, saying,

“I thank Secretary Kennedy and the

entire leadership team at IHS for

their focus on the health needs of the

UKB and the Oklahoma Cherokee

Reservation. I am proud to work with

colleagues committed to advancing

accessible high-quality health care for

Indian country.”

UKB-administered health programs have already demonstrated

significant success. Echota Behavioral

Health is widely recognized in the

Tulsa and Cherokee communities

as a leading provider, consistently

ranked for quality care. Since its

launch on January 1, 2025, the UKB’s

Purchased and Referred Care program has served over 1,000 patients,

underscoring both the demand for

expanded services and the Tribe’s

growing capacity to meet the health

needs of its people.

With this historic agreement, the

UKB Tribal Health System takes a

confident step forward, building on a

strong foundation and looking ahead

to a future where high-quality healthcare is accessible to more Native people across the Oklahoma Cherokee

Reservation.

ORES Division-3 State Champions: Kenwood Lady Indians

Kenwood softball makes incredible return to the ORES to claim their first state title.

team and the community got behind Keetoowah Band is proud to have

and when to be serious, they had a

LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter

two state champs Willow Billey and

them. They had a great season.”

goal

set

and

had

their

eyes

on

that

KENWOOD, Okla- Returning

Les Mouse.

After

winning

the

state

championgoal.”

after their second season, the Kenships,

the

team

was

happy

but

happiThe state champions team had

wood Lady Indians Softball Team

er to go home as State Champ Bianka

a

record

of 24-1, losing against the

has claimed their first title for the

O’Field stated.

Zion

Lady

Hornets

in

the

Kenwood

Oklahoma Rural Elementary Schools

State Champ Ceegyn Sapp added,

Festival.

(ORES) Division 3 state champion“I

want

to thank our fans for support“The

one

loss

was

definitely

an

ship.

ing

us,

if

we ever messed up, they

eye

opener

for

us,”

Foreman

said.

“A

“We went into the state tournawould

encourage

us to get back up

couple

weeks

later

we

played

them

ment as one,” Head Coach Doo Foreand

cheer

us

on.

It

was great seeagain

beating

them

one

game,

then

man said. “I always praise the Lord

ing

them

stay

with

us

since the first

they

beat

us.

But

other

than

that,

before the game and after, whether

game.”

they had fun playing ball.”

we make good plays or bad plays,

Kenwood Public School is repreThe

record

this

year

did

not

win or lose. We always put God first.”

sented

by multiple tribes, the United

compare

to

last

year,

the

team

went

Chief Wacoche and Saline District

The Kenwood Lady Indians State

undefeated

all

season

until

the

state

Rep

Smoke with the ORES Div. 3 State

Champions Softball Team is coached

championships.

The

coaches

knew

Champs, the Kenwood Lady Indians.

by Doo Foreman and Stephanie

from this, that all eyes were on KenCampbell. This was their first year

wood.

as softball coaches for Kenwood.

Going into the state championThis year Kenwood Public School

ship games, Kenwood had a total of

celebrates its 100th year, under the

six games in one day. Their first game

leadership of Superintendent Jerod

Phillips. The state title is a monumen- started at 10 a.m. and the finals were

played at 10 p.m.

tal achievement in school history, in

“It was well worth it at the end,

just the second season of softball.

and

we had a great fan base” both

“I loved watching these girls grow

coaches

said.

in the game from the beginning to

Chief Jeff Wacoche and Saline District

In

that

fan base was Mr. Phillips

the end,” Assistant Coach Campbell

Rep Charles Smoke with UKB State

ORES Div. 3 State Champs, the Kenwood

as he stated, “we’re all proud of the

stated. “They knew when to laugh

Champs Les Mouse and Willow Billey.

Lady Indians.

GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS

Assistant Chief

Amos Ketcher

aketcher@

ukb-nsn.gov

918-457-9645

Secretary

Caleb

Grimmett-Smith

csmith@

ukb-nsn.gov

Treasurer

Sonja Gourd

sgourd@

ukb-nsn.gov

Wado to everyone who made this

year’s Celebration such a success.

I am so proud we were able to celebrate 75 years since constitutional

ratification and celebrating Keetoowah history since time immemorial. Each year, I leave the weekend

reminded of the strength and unity of

our Keetoowah People. The energy,

the stories, and the pride in who we

are – all of it fills my heart. None of

it happens without months of work

from our staff and the many volunteers who give their time to make the

weekend run smoothly. From administration staff, John Hair Cultural

Center team members, Lighthorse,

vendors, and countless volunteers

who helped – thank you. You made

us proud.

Our work to defend and protect

Keetoowah rights continues – in

Washington, D.C., and at every level

of government. We remain steadfast

November Edition

Chief's

Corner

JEFF WACOCHE

Principal Chief

jwacoche@ukb-nsn.gov

in ensuring that the United Keetoowah Band is treated with the respect and recognition our sovereignty

deserves. Whether it’s advocating for

fair treatment in legislation, protecting our land and economic rights, or

securing needed health care funding,

we will not stop standing up for the

future of our people.

A recent highlight was finalizing

our new agreement with the Indian

Health Service for Hospitals and

Health Clinics funding. This marks

a historic step forward for the UKB

Health System – expanding care

beyond Behavioral Health and Con-

NOVEMBER 2025

tract Health to direct patient care. It’s

the result of years of advocacy, and

it will mean better services for more

Keetoowah families. We’ve proven

time and again that when we move

with integrity and purpose, progress

follows.

And finally, I want to take a

moment to recognize Blaine Bailey, whose music continues to make

our Keetoowah People proud. Many

of you have seen him perform, and

we’re proud of his participation on

The Road – a new CBS series executive-produced by Blake Shelton.

Blaine’s songs are grounded in Keetoowah life and values, and his new

album Indian Country carries that

spirit even further. He’s showing the

world what it means to be Keetoowah

– rooted in tradition, driven by purpose, and always finding strength in

where we come from.

Chief Jeff Wacoche

Cooweescoowee

Dist.

Clifford

Wofford

918-822-1953

Delaware Dist.

Tishaleta

Smith-Guevara

918-718-4366

tguevara@

ukb-nsn.gov

Flint Dist.

Frankie Still

918-507-1822

Goingsnake Dist.

Willie Christie

918-822-3803

LUNCH SERVED MONDAY - THURSDAY 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, ALL MEALS MUST BE PICKED UP BY 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

BREAKFAST SERVED FRIDAY 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, ALL MEALS MUST BE PICKED UP BY 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

$1.00 FOR EACH TO GO MEAL...ALL MEALS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE*

NOVEMBER 2025 UKB TITLE VI - JIM PROCTOR ELDER NUTRITION CENTER MENU

UKB 55+, SPOUSES = FREE, CDIB 55+ & SPOUSE MUST CONRIBUTE TO COST OF MEAL $1.00 EACH MEAL, GUEST $5.00/Child 0-12 $3.00

November 2025

Illinois Dist.

Janelle Adair

918-457-7067

Sun

“As a Nation, we remember and celebrate Veterans Day, to honor the military

Veterans”

Mon

2 Daylight Savings Ends 3 Jellyfish Day

Goulash

Mixed Vegetables

Garlic Toast

Fruit

9 Art Museum Day

Saline Dist.

Charles Smoke

918-457-7071

Tue

We d

Jim Proctor Elder Inclement Weather Policy “Red Chrysanthemun”

Community Center If weather is bad there

will be no home

918-871-2747

delivered meals due to

918-871-2860

safety of our driver.

16 Nat. Button Day

23 Stir-up Sunday

Thu

Fri

“Yellow Topaz”

“Full Beaver Moon” 1

Sat

UKB Regular

Council Meeting

10 AM

UKB Justice Center

ALL SAINTS DAY

4 Election Day

Homemade Chili

Hominy

Cornbread

Pineapple Cake

5 Bonfire Night

Baked Potato Soup

6 Dog Film Festival 7 Hug A Bear Day

Chicken Dumpling Biscuits/Gravy

Ham/Cheese Sandwich Green Beans

Bacon, Eggs

Crackers

Corn Casserole

Hash Browns

Fresh Fruit

Fruit Salad

Juice, Fruit

10 Veterans Appreciation 11 Veterans Day

BBQ Pulled Pork on

Bun, Baked Beans

Potato Salad

Pickle, Pumpkin Pie

T6 Closed

17 Take A Hike Day 18 Mickey Mouse

Spaghetti w/Meat

Steak Fajitas

Sauce

Corn on Cob

Italian Green Beans, Sweet Potato

Garlic Roll, Dessert Fresh Pineapple

12 Soup for the Soul

Meatloaf, Mashed

Potatoes/Gravy

Carrots, Hot Roll

8 Talk Money Day

13 Sadie Hawkins Day 14 Nat. Pickle Day 15 Am. Recycles Day

Brown Beans

TITLE VI CLOSED

Fried Potatoes

EMPLOYEE

Cornbread

THANKSGIVING

Pumpkin Walnut Cake Fruit Salad

19 Have a Bad Day

Turkey N Dressing

Mashed Potatoes w/

Gravy, Green Beans

Roll, Pumpkin Pie

20 Use Lee Stuff Day 21 World Hello Day 22 Go for a Ride

November Birthday

CLOSED

Cheeseburgers

KITCHEN

French Fries

CLEANING

Cake/Ice Cream

DAY

24 Nat. Fairy Bread

25 Gazpacho Soup 26 National Cake Day 27 THANKSGIVING 28 BLACK FRIDAY 29 Chocolates Day

When Tahlequah

Chicken Wings/Dip Baked Potato

Schools Are Closed –

Cucumber/Tomato w/Fixings, Salad,

We May Be Closed

Commodity Cheese Salad, Tater Kegs Broccoli/Cauliflower

Due to Weather

Cornbread, Melons Fresh Fruit

C

r

a

c

k

e

r

s

,

F

r

u

i

t

30

Blue Beanie

Please wear a mask, stay home if you feel sick! Thank you, Title VI Staff - 2% Milk, bread and fruit served daily

“Full Beaver Moon” on the November 5th - It’s also the start of cold and flu season, so stay warm with a cozy fire!

“November is American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the tradition and languages in our communities”

This month brings blustery days with chilly nights! Enjoy your family on Thanksgiving with turkey, fall foods and pumpkin pie!

Chrysanthemum represents cheerfulness, a red one conveys “I love you”, white symbolizes truth or pure love, a yellow one indicates slight love!

“If trees show buds in November, the winter will last until May” “Ice in November brings mud in December”

“Barred Owls calling late in the fall signal a rough winter” “Flowers in bloom late in Autumn indicate a bad winter”

PLEASE CHECK ON Hamburger Stew

YOUR ELDER’S

Hominy

Sequoyah Dist.

Donald Adair

918-931-0941

UKB Tribal Enrollment

18300 W. Keetoowah Circle Tahlequah, OK 74464 Open Monday-Friday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tahlequah Dist.

Sammy Allen

918-931-0177

As with other federally recognized tribes, the United Keetoowah Band has its unique process to determine membership. Visit ukb-nsn.gov/membership for Enrollment

documents and a brief FAQ section of the most common

questions about UKB membership. Find forms for Membership Applicaitions, CDIB Instructions, Update Your Information and UKB Relinquishment.

For additional questions, or if you are a member who has

lost your en-rollment card, call the UKB Enrollment Office

Registrar Amanda Stopp at 918-871-2797. Questions concerning history, cultural practices, cloth-ing, language or

ceremonies are better suited for our John Hair Cultural Center and Museum. Visit ukb-nsn.gov/john-hair-cultural-center-muse-um or call 918-871-2866.

NOVEMBER 2025

Celebration Quilt Show Successful

GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS

Marilyn Craig, Museum Marketing Coordinator

TAHLEQUAH - The John Hair Cultural Center

and Keetoowah Museum staff held their first quilt

show during the 75th Annual Keetoowah Celebration. It was a successful event, with a steady

stream of visitors and there was a lot of interest

cultivated by having the show.

To enter the show, you had to be an exclusive

Keetoowah member, and each entry cost $5. Contestants could enter up to two entries in each of

the four categories: Mini Quilt –small scale quilts

under twenty-four” x 24”, Contemporary /Art

Quilt, Collaborative/Community Quilt, and Traditional Quilt. $1,325 was available in cash prizes,

which paid $100 for first place, $75 for second and

$50 for third. The Best of Show Award was $200,

and the People’s Choice winner earned $225.

In the Mini Quilt category, Never Give Up

Keetoowah won first place. The techniques used

include paper pieced and embroidery. “This quilt

was inspired by the sacred fire. “To me the fire represents survival, identity, and the unbroken spirit

of our people. This quilt honors that flame: a living

presence that cannot be extinguished, reminding

us of who we are, where we come from, and the

strength we carry forward as Keetoowah people,”

said winner Toni Workman.

In the Contemporary/Art Quilt category,

Rainbow Chroma took the top prize for $100. and

won Best of Show, with an additional $200 cash

prize for that win. Toni Workman made the quilt,

and she said, “I was extremely intrigued by this

circle quilt pattern. It took me about a year to start

it because I was so intimidated. I made it for my

daughter, who likes all things rainbow.”

Second place went to Double Bear Claw. Quiltmaker Lena Deere said, “I picked the bear claw because I believe in the strength of the bear.” Third

place in the Contemporary/Art Quilt category was

Butterfly Quilt by Betty Holcomb. “It’s a good way

to preserve vintage hankies our elders used back

in the 50s and 60s. This quilt was hand-pieced and

appliqued by hand and hand quilted,” said Holcomb.

“The Butterfly Quilt was the most popular with

our visitors at the show. People had the opportunity to vote for their favorite quilt, and Betty Holcomb is one of our featured Keetoowah quilters.

I was happy to see so many people show up in

support for her,” said Kyndal Aimerson, museum

assistant and show organizer.

Vanelope’s Blankie was the winning entry for

the Collaborative Quilt. Tribal member Toni Workman, along with her six-year-old daughter, Hannah

Workman created the quilt. The Collaborative/

Community Quilt is a quilt created by two or more

individuals, other family members, or community

groups. It emphasizes collective effort and intergenerational work.

The quilt story is, “A quilt that Hannah and I

(her mother) made for her favorite stuffed rabbit.

Betty Holcomb stands beside her “Butterfly Quilt.” This

quilt was hand pieced, appliqued and hand quilted. This

quilt won the “People’s Choice” award for the show.

Hannah Workman, 6, stands beside her Collaboration

Quilt, that she made with her mom, which won 1st place

in that category.

Toni Workman stands beside her Rainbow Chroma,

which won first in the Contemporary /Art Quilt category

and “Best in Show.”

This is Hannah’s first quilt project. She selected her

fabrics and the block layout and did all the piecing

herself. We both worked on the quilting and binding together. She is six years old,” said Workman.

In the Traditional Quilt category, quilts titled

Hannah’s Fairytales and Sister’s Star, won first

and second respectively. Toni Workman made

both quilts. The story on Hannah’s Fairytales is “I

worked on this quilt for two and a half years. We

tried to find fabrics for all of Hannah’s favorite

princesses. The books are paper-pieced, and the

rest of the quilt is my design. I had a goal to meet

a certain size for it to fit her big girl bed,” said

Toni. “On Sister’s Star, it is a traditional Lonestar

pattern. It will have two sister quilts eventually

made with the same fabrics in different places that

I will give to by sisters, hence Sister’s Star,” Workman said.

Museum staff served cookies and lemonade,

tea, and coffee to the visitors. At the end of the

day, the winner of the beautiful floral star quilt raffle was announced, as Dalton Thompson, a current

student at NSU.

When asked about future quilt shows, Kyndal

Toni Workman won two more prizes in the Mini Quilt

category. Never Give Up Keetoowah (on right) won first

place, and Purple Melody won second place.

Lena Deere stands beside her quilt Double Bear Claw,

which won 2nd place in the Contemporary/Art Quilt

category.

Aimerson said, “Yes, there will be a second show.

We started this event to gather attention for our

Keetoowah quiltmakers. Next year we have more

Keetoowah’s who plan to participate, and we can

establish it as an annual event.”

UKB Title VI Program attends National Tribal Health Conference

LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla- The staff of the United

Keetoowah Band Title VI program attended the

National Tribal Health Conference at Chandler,

Arizona in September.

Title VI Director Rebecca Dreadfulwater said

they received a Public Health Grant for the program which allowed them to attend this conference. She was able to take her staff Roman Jay

Ridge, Ronald Holden and Tara O’Field.

The event was held at the Wild Horse Pass

Event Center. The event theme was “Culture is

Medicine, Community is Healing.” The focus was

Indian Health Service, Honoring our Roots, Medicare, Cancer, Public Health, Mental Health and

Healthy Heart.

“There was a lot of sessions, I attended the

ones that interested me, and the others went to

sessions that interested them,” Dreadfulwater said.

The sessions that Becky and her staff went to

that was offered were National Tribal Behavioral

Health Listening Session, The Power of Partnership: Disaster Preparedness Plans and Indigenous

Food Security, Indian Health Service, Special

Diabetes Program, Honoring Our Roots, Creating

Pathways for Indigenous Students in Precision

Medicine, Healthy Nation, Nourishing Traditions

and many others.

“One session I did go to was behavior health

for dementia, because we’ve had cases in the past

with some of our elders,” Dreadfulwater said.

Included at the event attendees had cultural

night, exhibit night, cultural celebrations, free

health screenings and an elder lounge. Dreadfulwater said the conference was exciting and that

she was ready to start her public education program at Title VI.

“We have two treadmills, a weight scale, blood

pressure kits and we will start a walking program

whether it’s to the wellness center or around the

circle,” Dreadfulwater said. “I hope this gets our elders involved, because that is something the grant

wanted us to do.”

Title VI Staff pictured L-R: Roman Jay Ridge, Ronald

Holden, Rebecca Dreadfulwater and Tara O’Field

The theme of the conference was, “Culture is Medicine,

Community is Healing”

Keetoowah Museum Briefs

Got Keetoowah Arts and Crafts?

Attention T-shirt Collectors!

The Keetoowah Museum Gift Shop continues to buy handmade items

from Keetoowah tribal members. The shop has so many beautiful earrings,

art prints and graphics, ribbon skirts, hats, wood carvings, miscellaneous

beaded items, bracelets, dream catchers, walking sticks and canes, slate

paintings, stickball sticks and balls, blowguns and darts, flutes, copper and

leather gorgets, corn husk dolls, craft kits, and quilts. Right now, the gift shop

would like to buy men’s and boy’s ribbon shirts in all sizes, as well as children’s and toddler’s clothing, aprons, rattles, shackles, moccasins, pipes, bolo

ties, and baskets.

The Keetoowah Museum gift shop is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and

Saturday by appointment. For more information, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. If you would like to sell your arts and crafts to the gift

shop, artisans and artists need to set an appointment for Tuesday or Wednesday to meet with museum director Ernestine Berry. To make an appointment

call 918-871-2866.

We have sold two-thirds of our 75th Keetoowah Celebration T-shirts, so

get yours now! The shirts are black and are $25 for sizes medium, large and

XL, and $27 for 2XL and 3XL. We have a limited number of 75th Celebration

tumblers that would make great stocking stuffers. We still have Keetoowah

by Blood and It’s a Good Day to Be Keetoowah shirts for sale. We also have

Blaine Bailey shirts, caps, albums, and stickers available in the gift shop.

Save the Date!

The Keetoowah Christmas Arts and Crafts Show is set for Saturday, December 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the museum. Cookies, punch, and

coffee will be served, and chili will be available to purchase.

The Tradition Keepers will be selling chances on a raffle of their

donated items. The winners will be drawn at the end of the day at the Keetoowah Christmas Arts and Crafts Show. Look for updated information about

the raffle on the TK and museum Facebook pages and on the tribe’s website.

GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS

NOVEMBER 2025

UKB Education Department received a “My Little Library” grant

LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter

Twelve stands filled with age-appropriate books are placed around the UKB jurisdiction.

find them will be at the field offices in Vian, Stilwell, Kenwood and places in

the UKB jurisdiction.

TAHLEQUAH, Okla- The United Keetoowah Band Education Department

“We decided to do a literacy challenge for students who can read the

has been awarded a “My Little Library” grant. This is a grant of age-approprimost books and write a short little report of maybe one to three paragraphs

ate books and Little Library Bookstands.

to turn in, then they’ll get points,” Hannah said. “Towards the end of the se“I learned about this grant through some colleagues at San Jose State

mester,

we will add up the points to give boxes of prizes to the students with

University,” Education Director Dr. Leslie Hannah said. “They encouraged

me to apply for it. The grant allowed us to get up to twelve stands and so we the most points.”

The challenge started in October, Dr. Hannah hopes to tally points at each

did.”

area

participating in this by Thanksgiving or before the fall semester ends.

Twelve stands were delivered to the education center plus cases of books

“I

am just trying to encourage students to read and get something out

to fill them. These twelve stands can be found at the Henry Lee Doublehead

Childcare Development Center in Tahlequah and Bell Schools. Other places to of it,” Hannah said. “If this works out then I hope to continue in the spring

semester.”

Education Director Dr. Leslie Hannah and

Intake Specialist Amber Dry loaded up one

Little Library Bookstand.

Students from Bell Schools were excited to receive one of the Little Library Bookstands.

Children from Henry Lee Doublehead Childcare Development Center pick out their

first books.

Native American Youth Face Type II Diabetes Rates Up to 64

Times Higher Than Non-Native Peers

ELYSE WILD, Native News Online

TAHLEQUAH, Okla- Native American youth have Type II diabetes at a

rate up to 64 times their non-Native peers. That's according to a systematic

review published last week in Diabetologia, a peer-reviewed medical journal

on diabetes.

The review extracted data from 49 studies conducted between 1978 and

2019 on the prevalence of type II diabetes in the Aboriginal, First Nation and

American Indian/Alaska Native populations. It included data from at least 15

distinct Native American studies across multiple regions, including the Great

Plains, Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, Northern Plains Indians, and various

Indian Health Service reservations.

Youth from the Akimel O'odham & Tohono O'odham and Gila River Indian Communities showed the highest prevalence of Type II diabetes at 6.4%

Young Native women bear the highest burden of the disease, with AI/AN

female youth having diabetes at rates 77% higher than their male counterparts.

Native youth also experience worse outcomes with diabetes, suffering

higher mortality rates compared to non-Indigenous youth, even with similar

Native youth also experience worse outcomes with diabetes, with a mortality rates

age at diagnosis and disease duration, pointing to gaps in healthcare accessicompared to non-Indigenous youth, (photo/Canva Pro)

bility.

The review noted that a handful of the studies included used data from

Diabetes in AI/AN youth has only worsened in the past four decades.

the Indian Health Service records, which may have resulted in the prevalence

Across Native communities included in the review, the disease has risen 3-8

of the disease being underestimated due to barriers in access to care.

times since 1980.

NOVEMBER 2025

GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS

RECAP: 75TH Annual Keetoowah Celebration “Inherently Sovereign”

LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter

Winners of the activities which took place at the celebration.

TAHLEQUAH, Okla- The 75th Annual Keetoowah Celebration was a success, and the United Keetoowah Band appreciates everyone who came out and

participated in the activities offered.

Congratulations to all our winners

this year at the celebration.

Cornhole

1st Place: Cameron Kingfisher/Kaleb

Kingfisher

2ND Place: Buzzy Scott/David Walker

Volleyball

1st Place: Native Mob

2nd Place: Can You Dig It

Marbles

1st Place: Jerad Davis/Jerrod Fields

2nd Place: Phil King/Aaron Kingfisher

3rd Place: Leon Mouse/Elijah Snell

4th Place: Elmer Panther/Camiden

Tanner

Chief Jeff Wacoche presents his state of the nation address.

Outgoing Miss Keetoowah Delia Smith and Tribal Council

2025 Miss Keetoowah Grayci Spradlin and Jr. Miss Keetoowah

J’Leeanna Ramsey

Inherently Sovereign was this year’s theme, thank you to our

Echota Behavioral Health on presenting this display.

Chief Wacoche participated in the 4man golf tournament

Echota Behavioral Health brings turtle races for kids

Truck show winner

Saved By Grace was the entertainment for the years celebration.

Turtle Race

1st Place: “K-Pop” - Lakya B.

2nd Place: “Big Betty” - Livia M.

3rd Place: “Zoey” - Lyric M.

4th Place: “Biggie Smalls” - Harmony

W.

5th Place: “Mystery” - Gabe D.

6th Place: “Roomie” - Kandice B.

Horseshoes

1st Place: Kyle Bark/Derrick Campos

Stickball

1st Place: Sun Chiefs

2nd Place: Sour Patch Kids

Car/Bike/Truck Show

Chief’s Choice/People’s Choice/Best of

Show

Jan Ingram

Princesses Choice

Derek Hawk

Best of Show Motorcycle

Forrest Smoke

Best of Street Motorcycle

Sam Radcliff

Modified Cars

1974-1999

1st Place: Richard Ingram

1900-1959

1st Place: Caylan Godwin

2nd Place: Henry Sapp

Original Car

2000-present

​1st Place: Derek Hawk

​2nd Place: Kenneth Blossom

Modified Truck

1900-1959

​1st Place: Jan Ingram

1974-1999

​1st Place: David Bluebird

Original Truck

2000-present

​1st Place: Curtis Fourkiller

​2nd Place: Jordan Reed

UKB Proudly Celebrates Blaine Bailey’s Musical Journey

The United Keetoowah Band proudly celebrates the success of singer, songwriter, and UKB

Member Blaine Bailey on his debut appearance

on The Road, a new show executive-produced by

country music star Blake Shelton. The UKB congratulates Blaine on this exciting milestone and

looks forward to seeing what the future holds for

him and his music.

Bailey’s music is deeply rooted in Keetoowah

culture. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing

with Keetoowah elders just outside Tahlequah,

Oklahoma, he captures the spirit of what it means

to be Keetoowah and shares it with the world.

In 2021, Bailey released the album Lost City, a

tribute to his birthplace and Keetoowah upbring-

ing. His 2024 album, Home, blends storytelling

with a blues-driven sound, exploring themes of

introspection, self-discovery, and the search for a

sense of place.

As a proud Member of the United Keetoowah

Band, Blaine continues to represent his people on

a national stage, serving as a source of inspiration

for future generations of Keetoowah youth.

Blaine’s music, including his newest album

Indian Country, continues to showcase his artistry and Keetoowah roots. The UKB celebrates his

accomplishments and his time on The Road and

looks forward to seeing what the future holds for

Blaine and his music.

ASSOCIATION ON AMERICAN INDIAN AFFAIRS WELCOMES NEW COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

Trista will support the Association’s Become an Ally Program, helping to expand public understanding

of Native Nations and their diverse

cultures through strategic storytelling

and digital engagement. Through

various media channels, she will help

foster allyship, inspire dialogue, and

encourage collective action on issues

impacting Native Country.

Trista brings years of experience

in digital engagement, journalism,

and community outreach. She previously served as the Digital Engagement Manager for the American Indian

Science and Engineering Society

Native Country, (Thursday, Octo(AISES),

where she developed camber 16, 2025) – The Association on

paigns

highlighting

Native excellence

American Indian Affairs, the oldest

in

STEM

and

helped

elevate national

national Native nonprofit, proudly

initiatives

that

empower

Indigenous

welcomes Trista Vaughn, a citizen of

students

and

professionals.

Trista also

the United Keetoowah Band of Cheroserves

as

the

Community

Engagekee Indians in Oklahoma, as the new

ment and Cultural Coordinator for

Communications Associate.

Crosswinds News and Talking Circle,

a Native-owned media platform dedicated to amplifying Native stories,

perspectives, and sovereignty.

“I’ve always believed that storytelling is one of our strongest tools

for connection and healing,” said

Trista. “Joining the Association allows

me to continue that work uplifting

our communities, preserving our

cultures, and ensuring our people’s

stories are told with accuracy, integrity, and heart.”

A proud citizen of the United

Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

and descendant of the Hualapai and

Chickasaw Nations, Trista was born

and raised in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

She holds a B.A. in Media Studies

(Public Relations) and an M.A. in

Communication from Northeastern

State University.

“Trista’s creativity, professional-

ism, and commitment to community-driven storytelling are a perfect

fit for our mission,” said Shannon

O’Loughlin, citizen of the Choctaw

Nation of Oklahoma and Chief Executive and Attorney for the Association. “Her work will uplift the power

of our voices to protect sovereignty,

preserve culture, and inspire the next

generation of leaders. We’re excited

to welcome her voice and vision to

the team.”

Trista joins the team with a deep

passion for amplifying Native voices and creating space for authentic

storytelling across Native Country.

Trista’s role will focus on elevating

the Association’s communication

strategies, expanding outreach to

Native Nations and allies, and ensuring that every story the organization

shares continues to center Native

knowledge, values, and sovereignty.

GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS

NOVEMBER 2025

Marking a new chapter: EBCI holds Inauguration for Dinilawigi

(Tribal Council) and School Board

SCOTT MCKIE B.P., One Feather Asst.

Editor

CHEROKEE, N.C. – Working

together and unity were two of

the themes as the Eastern Band

of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) held

an inauguration for the 2025-27

Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) and two

members of the Cherokee School

Board. The event was held at the

Charles George Memorial Arena in

Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of

Monday, Oct. 6.

Shawn Crowe, an EBCI tribal

member, emceed the event and noted, “The Eastern Band of Cherokee

have been here for thousands and

thousands of years, and our culture

and our history is as strong as any

Indian tribe in this country. When

I’m asked to stand at these events, I

am honored, I am privileged because I am Cherokee. I am a part of

the people.”

He added, “We always talk

about change in every election –

‘we need change, we need change’.

Most people are afraid of change.

But, you talk about the big companies that stay the same, they will

always fail because they stay the

same. You have to change. Change

is inevitable. We have to embrace

it.”

The following took the Oath of

Office from Cherokee Chief Supreme Court Justice Bradley Letts as

the 76th EBCI Dinilawigi: Kolanvyi

(Big Cove) Rep. Lavita Hill, Kolanvyi Rep. Venita K. Wolfe, Tsisqwohi

(Birdtown) Rep. Jim Owle, Tsisqwohi Rep. Boyd Owle, Aniwodihi

(Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper,

Aniwodihi Rep. Shannon Swimmer,

Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi (Snowbird/

Cherokee County) Rep. Adam Wachacha, Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi Rep.

Michael Smoker, Wayohi (Wolftown) Rep. Bo Crowe, Wayohi Rep.

Mike Parker, Elawodi (Yellowhill)

Rep. Shennelle Feather, and Elawodi

Rep. David Wolfe.

Crowe spoke of the four women

elected to this Dinilawigi. “We went

for a couple years where we had no

females on our Tribal Council. Well,

today that changes…that is a great

thing because in our history of the

Beloved Women and the women

of our tribe, they had a say in war

council. They had a say in the councils that met. And, what’s the one

thing that women can do that men

can never do is bring life into this

world. That’s why the women were

so honored and remembered in our

Cherokee people. So, it’s a good

thing that we have some females

now on our Tribal Council.

Our women have a voice as well

and as strong as the men.”

Two women also took their Oath

of Office for the Cherokee School

Board including Melanie Lambert,

Tsisqwohi School Board representative, and Roberta “Berdie” Toineeta,

Wayohi School Board representative.

EBCI Ugvwiyuhi (Principal

Chief) Michell Hicks said he is

looking forward to working with

the newly sworn-in leaders. “Today

really does mark a new chapter with

the Eastern Band. As we inaugurate our new Council members and

welcome our new School Board

members, we renew our commitment to serve our people, to serve

and protect people, to serve with accountability, and truly to serve with

a purpose – a purpose of making

sure that community always comes

first, that our people always come

first. As we make those calls, as we

make those decisions, we have to

keep that in mind.”

He went on to say, “We know

the challenges before us are real

– from protecting our sovereignty

and strengthening our economy, to

ensuring our children have the best

education possible, to caring for our

elders and preserving our culture.”

Speaking directly to the Dinilawigi representatives, Ugvwiyuhi Hicks

commented, “I look forward to

working with you. May we always

be mindful of the trust our people

have placed in us, the trust they’ve

placed in you to do the right thing

at any given moment. I want to

assure you, it’s not going to be easy.

The task we have ahead with our

fiscal resources, protecting who we

are, the daily lives of our people, it’s

not easy. You’re going to have long

days. You’re going to have difficult

days. You’re going to have a lot of

travel in front of you because we

can’t fight the battle here. We have

to go to Raleigh. We have to go to

D.C. We can’t do it in Cherokee,

North Carolina. That’s not the way

it works anymore.”

In speaking to the School Board

representatives, he said, “You have

the responsibility to help guide our

young people…helping them build

the skills and pride and strength

they’ll need to become the next

generation of leaders. Today is a

commitment to lead with wisdom,

to listen with respect, and to act in

courage. Together, we will continue

to strengthen the foundation that

we have because that’s all we’re

given. And, it’s our responsibility

to build from that foundation to

protect our tribe and protect what

makes us Tsalagi, and ensure that

our people thrive in the future.”

Taline Ugvwiyu (Vice Chief)

Alan B. Ensley commented, “I’ve

been involved in Tribal Council for

a number of years and it’s a great

honor to be here and to know

you’re here representing your communities. It’s going to be hard for

the sitting Council to move forward

with the times that we’re in right

now. But, I want to say that it really

flatters me to be just a small part

of the 76th Tribal Council of this

tribe.”

He served many years as the

Elawodi representative and noted,

“I want to congratulate you. It’s

a wonderful experience to sit on

Tribal Council and I hope everybody

here realizes the struggles and fights

that you have representing your

communities. Regardless of your

own views on any subject matter,

you’ve got to represent what your

community asks of you to give.”

Taline Ugvwiyu Ensley ended

with, “I look forward to working

with all of you.”

Monday’s event was opened

with the posting of the colors by

the Steve Youngdeer American

Legion Post 143 Color Guard. That

was followed by an opening prayer

by Matthew Tooni, an EBCI tribal

member and Cherokee second language learner.

During the program, the Aniyvwiyahi Dancers performed the

Cherokee Corn Dance and the Cherokee Ant Dance, and the Dadiwonisi

language program performed two

songs in the Cherokee language.

The closing prayer was offered

by Scott Chekelelee, an EBCI tribal

member.

Following the Inauguration, the

Dinilawigi went to the Cherokee

Tribal Council House, and Taline

Ugvwiyuhi opened the first meeting. Rep. Jim Owle was selected as

the Dinilawigi Chairman and Rep.

David Wolfe was selected as the

Dinilawigi Vice Chairman. The following positions were also selected:

Indian Clerk – EBCI Beloved Woman Myrtle Driver Johnson, English

Clerk – Michelle Thompson, Interpreter – Sally Arch, and Doorman –

Bobby Taylor.

The 76th Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was sworn

into office on the morning of Monday, Oct. 6 at the Charles George Memorial Arena in

Cherokee, N.C. The Dinilawigi representatives are shown outside of the Cherokee Tribal

Council House after their first meeting following the inauguration. Shown, left to right,

back row – Wayohi (Wolftown) Rep. Bo Crowe, Wayohi Rep. Mike Parker; fourth row – Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper, Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi (Snowbird/Cherokee Co.)

Rep. Michael Smoker; third row – Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Rep. Jim Owle (who was selected

as the Dinilawigi chairman), Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi Rep. Adam Wachacha; second row –

Elawodi (Yellowhill) Rep. Shennelle Feather, Tsisqwohi Rep. Boyd Owle, Elawodi Rep. David

Wolfe (who was selected as the Dinilawigi vice chairman); front row – Kolanvyi (Big Cove)

Rep. Lavita Hill, Kolanvyi Rep. Venita Wolfe, and Aniwodihi Rep. Shannon Swimmer. (SCOTT

MCKIE B.P./One Feather photo)

Taking the Oath of Office for the Cherokee School Board were Melanie Lambert, Tsisqwohi

School Board representative, and Roberta “Berdie” Toineeta, Wayohi School Board representative.

Uweluga Swimmer, an EBCI tribal member, does the Cherokee Ant Dance with the Aniyvwiyahi Dancers during Monday’s event.

Cooweescoowee District Rep Cliff W. Wofford with EBCI Chief Michell Hicks and Mississippi

Band of Choctaw Indians Chief Cyrus Ben at Eastern Band of Cherokee’s Inauguration.

NOVEMBER 2025

GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS

BEAD

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RAFFLE

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stickball

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CHILI

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KEETOOWAH CHRISTMAS

ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

Saturday, December 13 • 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

JOHN HAIR CULTURAL CENTER &

KEETOOWAH MUSEUM

18280 W. KEETOOWAH CIRCLE, TAHLEQUAH, OK 74464

MORE INFORMATION: 918-871-2866 • www.ukb-nsn.gov/john-hair-cultural-center-museum

GIDUWAH CHEROKEE NEWS

NOVEMBER 2025