LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

CREATING

UKB employees

make flat reed

baskets in a “Lunch

and Learn” session.

CULTURE, 7

LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

AND AT WWW.UKB-NSN.GOV.

GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎪᏪᎵ Official News Publication of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma April 2023

GRAND OPENING

Symposium on

the American

Indian set for

April at NSU

The 2023 event focuses on

hope for the future.

BY LANI HANSEN

Reporter

Della Wolfe waves at the grand opening of the Della Wolfe UKB Library on March 16 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Wolfe spent

16 years with the United Keetoowah Band Education Department before retiring in 2022. PHOTOS BY LANI HANSEN/

GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS

Former Education Department employee Della Wolfe

sees her vision comes to life within the department.

BY LANI HANSEN

Reporter

T

AHLEQUAH – The United Keetoowah

Band Education Department celebrated

its grand opening of the Della Wolfe UKB

Library on the evening of March 16.

Wolfe had worked with the Education

Department for 16 years before her retirement

in 2022. She was hired in 2005, outlasting five

Education directors before Dr. Leslie Hannah

came on board. Wolfe was the backbone of

the department, putting all her time towards

improving the department itself.

“She took me under her wing, showing me

how things are done, and we spoke on how

we can improve the department,” Dr. Hannah

said. “Della told me her vision of using the

classrooms which we use now and the library

which just held books in boxes.”

The library once held books that people

would see in others, and Dr. Hannah had an

idea of transitioning it to a Native centric space.

Before bringing in their librarian Sarah

Scarberry, they made some phone calls

searching for Native American books and

UKB librarian Sarah Scarberry, Education Director

Dr. Leslie Hannah and Della Wolfe stand in front of a

mural in the Della Wolfe UKB Library.

authors.

To help improve the library, Jacqueline

Watson was applying for grants, and they

received a $10,000 grant through the Institute

of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). In

total the education department received about

$90,000 in funding to utilize for the library.

“Shortly after we received the funding, Sarah

came on board as our librarian,” Dr. Hannah

said. “We needed one, because Jacqueline and I

got so busy the library renovation was a task

further down our list. She asked what my goal

was for it, and I told her I want it to be a Native

centric library.”

Sarah was able to jump right in and dedicate

her time in fixing up the library. Dr. Hannah

and Jacqueline were very pleased of the work

she did.

“Sarah really helped embody the vision that

Della wanted of the library,” Jacqueline said.

“Della wanted the students to come and find

a book that other libraries did not hold. She

also wanted it to be a safe space for Native

students.”

TAHLEQUAH – If you’re looking for something to do

in April, Northeastern State University will be hosting its

annual Symposium on the American Indian celebrating

50 years.

The symposium began in 1972, but in 2020 when

COVID shut everything down Center for Tribal Studies

Director Sara Barnett said they were unable to celebrate

making this year its 50th. The theme is Envisioning

Indigenous Futurity.

“The theme is similar to the seven generations

concept of how we think of the past, present and the

future,” Barnett explained. “The focus is on hope for the

future and where we are going as a tribal nation and

tribal citizens towards the future.”

According to the NSU Symposium website, for time

immemorial, we have looked to lessons from our past

and guidance from our elders while considering the

impact our decisions have on our future generations,

often referred to as “the seven generations” principle.

Through this theme, we seek to explore the concepts

of futurity within a variety of disciplines, including

history, cultural anthropology, leadership, Tribal

sovereignty, research, sustainability, and community

development, among others. We will celebrate

fifty years of scholarship, broadening perspectives,

community building, diversity, and culture since the

annual symposium and gatherings of Native American

knowledge-carriers began at NSU.

This year on the agenda there will be three keynote

speakers throughout the week Dr. Laura Harjo

(Muscogee Creek), Dr. Miranda Belarde-Lewis (Zuni/

Tlingit) and Dr. Doug Kiel (Oneida). A full list of other

speakers can be found on the symposium agenda

website.

Dr. Harjo currently serves as Associate Professor and

Interim Chair in the department of Native American

SEE NSU, PAGE 2

SEE WOLFE, PAGE 2

Education Director Dr. Leslie Hannah shows Della

Wolfe a plaque that will hang on the wall by the

library door.

A fancy dancer performs at the 2022 Symposium on the

American Indian’s powwow at Northeastern State University

in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. COURTESY

United Keetoowah Band IDs get new look

BY LANI HANSEN

Reporter

TAHLEQUAH – The United Keetoowah

Band Enrollment office is now issuing

tribal IDs with new features for its

members. They started the process of the

new IDs in January 2022.

The UKB Enrollment Office is where

citizens can go to apply for membership,

help with obtaining a certificate of degree

of Indian blood (CDIB) and update their

address/enrollment information and

relinquish membership.

“The new custom laminate IDs features

the tribal seal and expiration date where

the cards need to be updated every four

years,” UKB Enrollment Office Registrar

Amanda Stopp said. “As of right now to

renew the tribal IDs it’s free of charge.”

The new tribal IDs may be used at

A front view of the new laminated

identification cards for United Keetoowah

Band members. PHOTOS BY LANI HANSEN/

GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS

A back view of the new laminated

identification cards for United Keetoowah

Band members. Members may get their tribal

IDs at the Enrollment office.

various places such as the social security

office, airports for travel throughout

the US, stores and banks. Walgreens

pharmacy does not allow members to use

their tribal IDs.

Members may get their tribal IDs at

the Enrollment office; they must provide

proof of identification and exclusive UKB

members will get the new IDs same day.

“Last year the Council passed a

resolution to where members ages 16

and up can receive a tribal ID, where it

used to be for 21 and over. They used

the IDs for voting purposes,” Stopp said.

“The first ID is free for members, if a card

has been lost or stolen there is a $5 fee. If

there is an address change or if the card

is torn it’ll be replaced for free.”

To make the process easier for the

Enrollment office, members must also

have a change of address form filled out

before coming in. Forms for services can

be found online or enrollment can email

them out.

Stopp loves the new look of the

tribal IDs, because members can use it

as a regular ID. Tribal Secretary Joyce

Fourkiller and Stopp have been working

on this system for over 15 years.

To apply for membership or to update

enrollment information, www.ukb-nsn.

gov/membership. For questions about the

new IDs, call 918-871-2866.

2

APRIL 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

COUNCIL•ᏗᏂᎳᏫᎩ

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

We were here before Trail of Tears

Gi do wa go we la

I guess everybody’s March Madness

NCAA men’s brackets were in disarray on

the first night, upsets happening every

day. Instead of pulling for the Jayhawks I

had to pull for the Arkansas Razorbacks,

since they beat Kansas. Looks like spring

is around the corner and servere weather

increases during March, April and May, so

be on the lookout for inclement weather.

I attended the Indian Housing

Association meeting in Washington,

D.C., with co-Housing Directors Roxana

Wilden and Richard Vann and Tahlequah

District Rep. Alvin Hicks. We met with

tribal leaders from Idaho, Montana, New

Mexico and South Dakota. The purpose

of the meeting was to hear updates

in both policy and budget, and to ask

congressional members to award more

money for affordable and safe houses.

When the program began in the 1990s,

there was $1.8 billion set aside for Indian

housing. Today that number has dwindled

to $800 million. The need is great for

Indian housing. We also met some of

the Oklahoma delegation and spoke to

them on our various needs, our delegate

representative to the house and the need

for more monies for housing.

We have no word on the Department

of Interior, Solicitor General M-Opinion.

Chief’s

Corner

JOE BUNCH

Principal Chief

jbunch@ukb-nsn.gov

We pray the opinion comes in soon. The

M-Opinion will answer the question

regarding a successor-in-interest of the

historic Cherokee Nation. In my opinion

the question is already answered. It has

been historically documented that the Old

Settlers/Western Cherokee in 1817 moved

into northwest Arkansas and then in 1828

moved into Indian Territory.

The treaties of 1817 and 1828 also

tell you we were here, and a federal

judge can decree we had no former

reservation. That’s true our reservation

never diminished; it would take Congress

to do this.

The federal government put the Trail

of Tears Cherokees on top of us, in our

boundaries, and history describes how

once the Trail of Tears immigrants arrived,

the feuds and vengeance began because

the treaty signers were here with us.

Today, we are an Oklahoma Indian

Welfare Act federally recognized Indian

tribe, yet another Cherokee Indian tribe

claims exclusive jurisdiction. Where

did this come from when there are no

treaties, no court records, no court

decisions that relay that we do not have

a reservation as mentioned earlier?

These questions remain unanswered.

Only Congress can approve or remove an

Indian reservation.

The Council has elected to participate

in Cherokee Days at the Museum of the

American Indian, in Washington, D.C.,

and in doing so, I have cancelled the

Council meeting for April. Cherokee Days

brings the three federally recognized

Cherokee tribes together to showcase

unique handicrafts, history and share our

rich culture. Several thousand people will

come to the museum for this event, and

this will be an excellent opportunity to

showcase the United Keetoowah Band of

Cherokees!

Eggstravaganza was fun, with many

youngsters searching for the prize eggs,

thank you sponsors, employees, and kids

for making this a success.

Call me or your district representative,

if you have any questions. Bless the

United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee

Indians, I ask you to keep your leadership

and tribe in your prayers.

WOLFE: The library is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FROM PAGE 1

Cooweescoowee

Dist.

Clifford

Wofford

918-822-1953

The Della Wolfe UKB Library has

officially opened their doors to patrons.

The grand opening was a night to

remember where Wolfe was able to attend

and cut the ribbon to the library. Dr.

Hannah and Jacqueline said because of

her health they were unsure until the day

of the opening that she would attend. .

“We were really happy to see her,” Dr.

Hannah said.

The library is open from 8 a.m. to

5p.m. Monday through Friday. Registered

patrons can run books through selfcheckout.

Extended hours vary and will be posted

on the Della Wolfe UKB Library Facebook

page, as well as merchandise that will be

sold in the future. The library is at 4547

S. Whitmore Lane.

NSU: A powwow will end the event on April 15.

FROM PAGE 1

Delaware Dist.

Elmer Panther

918-226-1668

Flint Dist.

Frankie Still

918-507-1822

Goingsnake Dist.

Willie Christie

918-822-3803

Illinois Dist.

Peggy Girty

918-457-7067

Studies at the University of

Oklahoma. She has served

and currently serves on a

few editorial and advisory

boards for national journals

and presses. Dr. Harjo will

discuss her most recent book,

published in 2019, “Spiral

to the Stars: Mvskoke Tools

of Futurity”, which discusses

Indigenous futurity within the

context of kinship, space, and

time.

Dr. Belarde-Lewis’

scholarship is centered on the

discussion of how American

Indian history and art is

depicted in museums across

the country. She serves as

an assistant professor at the

University of Washington and

was named as the inaugural

Jill and Jo McKinstry Endowed

Faculty Fellow of Native

North American Indigenous

Knowledge. Dr. Belarde-Lewis

will discuss the how and why

behind the use of Tribal art

forms, symbols and materials,

placing American Indian

peoples at the center of their

own stories.

Dr. Kiel, a Native American

historian, focuses on research

Singers perform at the drum during the 2022 NSU Symposium of the

American Indian Powwow. This year’s symposium will be held at the

NSU Event Center on April 15. COURTESY

related to Indigenous

populations in the (current)

Great Lakes region, specifically

these Nations’ efforts to

rebuild in the last century.

He is an Assistant Professor

in the Department of

History and the Alice Kaplan

Institute for the Humanities

at Northwestern University,

where he is also affiliated with

the new Center for Native

UKB Tribal Enrollment | 18300 W. Keetoowah Circle Tahlequah, OK 74464 | Monday-Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit ukb-nsn.gov/membership for Enrollment documents and a FAQ section about UKB membership. Find

forms for Membership Applicaitions, CDIB Instructions,

Update Your Information and UKB Relinquishment.

Saline Dist.

Charles Smoke

918-457-7071

Tahlequah Dist.

Alvin Hicks

918-931-1462

For additional questions or if you are a member who

has lost your enrollment card, call the UKB Enrollment

Office Registrar Amanda Stopp at 918-871-2797.

THE UNITED KEETOOWAH BAND’S OFFICES

WILL BE CLOSED

APRIL 7 FOR GOOD FRIDAY

GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS

Sequoyah Dist.

Junior Catron

918-315-0970

American and Indigenous

Research (CNAIR). Dr. Kiel will

highlight the changes in tribal

governance since the 2020

landmark McGirt decision,

including efforts to establish

co-governance and recover

Indigenous lands.

Barnett said the committee

wanted to make sure the

fashion show would be

included for this year’s

symposium. The “Designing

Our Futures” Fashion Show

will be held on Wed. April 12

from 6:30pm-8pm. This event

is organized by Alissa Baker

and co-organized by Charlotte

Wolfe and Callie Chunestudy.

To conclude the 50th Annual

Symposium on the American

Indian, the public is welcomed

to attend the powwow on

April 15 at 2pm at the NSU

Event Center.

“I am hoping we get a good

crowd this year,” Barnett said.

“I encourage people who

have Facebook to like the

Symposium on the American

Indian page or check out our

website.”

Funding for this program

is provided in part by a

grant from the Oklahoma

Humanities and the

National Endowment for the

Humanities. This project was

also supported in part by the

Oklahoma Arts Council, which

receives support from the State

of Oklahoma and the National

Endowment for the Arts.

For a complete schedule

of events visit nsuok.edu/

symposium, call 918-444-4350

or email tribals-tudies@nsuok.

edu.

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

SOCIAL MEDIA AND GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN

Shayley Fourkiller

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.

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

NEWS•ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ

APRIL 2023

3

Making sense

of college costs,

financial aid

As consumers focus on filing taxes and spending returns, a new study reveals a need for increased awareness around taxefficient financial strategies. STATEPOINT MEDIA

5 strategies to include in

holistic financial plan

Research shows consumers are under-educated about tax

strategy and tax-efficient investments, revealing a disconnect

between aspirations and actions.

STATEPOINT – As consumers focus on filing taxes

and spending returns, a new study reveals a need for

increased awareness around tax-efficient financial

strategies.

Lincoln Financial Group’s Consumer Sentiment

Tracker reports that only 2% of Americans can

correctly identify financial solutions with tax

advantages, despite one in three saying they prioritize

investments that would help them pay less in taxes

either now or in the future.

“Lincoln’s research shows consumers are undereducated about tax strategy and tax-efficient

investments, revealing a disconnect between

aspirations and actions,” said David Berkowitz,

president, Lincoln Financial Network, the wealth

management arm of Lincoln Financial Group, which

provides advice and guidance through its network

of independent financial professionals. “Consulting

a financial professional and learning more about

products and solutions can grow one’s confidence in

their financial decisions.”

While not intended to be legal or tax advice,

Lincoln Financial Group recommends considering

the following five tax-efficient strategies as part of a

holistic financial plan:

1. Contribute to a workplace retirement account.

Pretax contributions to an employer-sponsored

retirement savings plan will reduce total taxable

income and allow savings to grow tax deferred. A

good rule of thumb is to save at least 10% to 15% of

your pay, but if that feels out of reach, start wherever

possible and increase contributions a little each year to

see big changes in total savings over time. Remember

to save up to the employer match, if one is offered.

2. Explore the value of lifetime income. At a time

when people are living longer and face greater risks

to their savings, an annuity can provide protected

guaranteed monthly income that can last a lifetime.

Taxes on the gains aren’t paid until the money is

withdrawn, so interest can be earned on the money

that would have otherwise been paid in taxes. Being

in a lower tax bracket during retirement means

potentially paying less in taxes overall on the same

amount of money. A financial professional can help

determine which type of annuity might best fit your

specific needs.

3. Prepare for unexpected long-term care costs.

The greatest changes to income and lifestyle may

result from an unexpected long-term health care

event. Different solutions can help provide a cushion,

and many of these benefits are income tax-free.

Understanding the various policies is the first step

in helping ensure you’ll receive needed care without

passing a financial burden on to family or loved ones.

4. Diversify a portfolio with life insurance. Adding

cash value life insurance to a larger financial plan

can help protect savings and provide an income

tax-free death benefit for your beneficiaries, as

well as tax-deferred growth opportunities. It can

also offer advantages that help meet goals at every

stage of life, including funding a child’s education

costs; strengthening retirement savings; creating

additional cash flow; and protecting wealth for future

generations. Keep in mind that if loans or withdrawals

are taken from the policy, it will reduce the value of

the death benefit and other payouts, as well as have

potential tax consequences.

5. Work with a financial professional. According

to Lincoln’s study, just 1 in 5 U.S. adults feels very

confident about making financial decisions to

minimize exposure to taxes, yet 47% say they are

more concerned about the impact of taxes on their

retirement savings due to the current market. A

financial professional can help tailor a holistic plan to

your needs, as well as provide education about various

insurance and retirement solutions.

STATEPOINT – That moment when your child receives

an acceptance letter to a coveted college is a time to

feel pride in their achievements and excited about their

future. It’s also a time to make sense of the school’s

price tag. That’s where financial award letters come into

play.

“You’ll receive an award letter from each school

your student was accepted to listing all the details of

the financial aid package,” says Angela Colatriano,

College Ave Student Loans. “This information helps you

figure out what’s covered and how much your family is

expected to pay.”

Unfortunately, if you’re like many parents, you may

not be prepared for everything you read in these award

letters.

In a recent College Ave Student Loans survey, only

30% of parents who received award letters said they

received as much aid as they expected, and 74% said

they found the expected family contribution surprisingly

high.

Colatriano also notes that because the layout of these

letters varies from school to school, it can be hard to

compare their terms.

To help you decipher your financial aid award letters

and figure out how to pay for college this fall, consider

these tips and insights:

1. Sort grants and scholarships from other aid: If

your child was awarded a federal grant or scholarships

from the college, they will be listed on your award

letter. These do not need to be repaid and are applied

directly to the school’s tuition. You can also pursue

outside scholarships. One easy one to apply for is the

College Ave $1,000 monthly scholarship sweepstakes.

Encourage your student to apply for scholarships yearround, as every little bit helps.

2. Delve into federal aid: The award letters will show

you if your student qualified for the Federal Work-Study

program. Likewise, schools will list any federal student

loans you’re eligible to receive. Don’t forget to complete

the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

each year to qualify.

3. Meet the gap: If after accounting for grants,

scholarships and federal aid there is still a gap between

school costs and what you can afford, consider how

you can reduce costs or get more funding. For example,

you may reconsider your choice of school or have your

student take on a part-time job. You might also want

to shop around for a private student loan. If you do

so, make sure you borrow only what you need. Also,

look for a lender offering favorable terms, repayment

options and interest rates. College Ave Student Loans

offers resources to help you navigate paying for college,

including a student loan calculator to show what your

monthly payments could look like. To learn more, visit

CollegeAve.com.

4. Look before you leap: Remember that most types

of financial aid come with terms and conditions.

For example, a scholarship may require a student

to maintain a certain GPA for it to be renewed the

following semester. Federal and private loans will have

interest rates and repayment terms. Before accepting

or pursuing any type of financial aid, be sure you

understand what’s involved.

5. Get assistance: When in doubt, don’t be afraid

to reach out to your school’s financial aid office for

assistance. They are a great resource to help you and

your family navigate the financial aid process.

“With so many competing financial pressures, it’s

more important than ever for college-bound families to

understand the ins and outs of their financial aid offers

and what they’re responsible to cover each year,” says

Colatriano.

4

APRIL 2023

OBITUARIES

Delores Barnes Jackson

Deloris Barnes Jackson, age 66, of

Jay, OK went home to be with her Lord

and Savior on Sunday, February 12,

2023 at her home with family by her

side. Deloris was born on September

6, 1956 to Milton Lee Barnes and

Irene Mae Scott-Barnes in Tahlequah,

Oklahoma.

Deloris graduated from Sequoyah

High School in Tahlequah, OK. She also

attended Arkansas Valley Vocational

Technical Center in Ozark, AR, NSU in

David Roastingear

David Roastingear was born on

April 2, 1971, to Corena and Harold

Roastingear in Tahlequah, OK. He

graduated from Sequoyah high school.

David was a Jack of all trades.

After leaving high school, he had

two daughters, Amber and Cory, along

with many grandchildren and greatgrandkids. David would always ask,

“what’s cooking?” or “where’s the fry

bread and beans?” At times you would

find him in his truck listening to George

Strait or Jon Pardi.

Clara Marie Whitkiller

Clara Marie Whitekiller began her

journey in life on November 4th, 1971,

the daughter of Jimmy Dale and Patsy

Louise (Crook) Whitekiller. She was

raised up in the Hulbert community with

her brothers and sister, Henry, Manda,

and Eli. Attending and graduating from

Hulbert High School. She became the

proud mother of two boys, Matthew

and James; they were her world. Clara

Marie had a way of making everyone

feel special and was a mother figure

to many of her nieces and nephews.

She was the best nannie anyone could

ask for and adored time spent with her

two precious grandbabies. She and

the family traveled to various places

across the US. A trip to Disney Land,

Utah, Montana and Yellowstone were

just a few of her most memorable trips.

When she wasn’t traveling, she enjoyed

COMMUNITY•ᎾᎥ ᏄᎾᏓᎸ

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

Tahlequah, OK and RSU in Claremore.

She was a member of Delaware

Baptist Church of Jay, OK and United

Keetoowah Band of the Cherokees

known as UKB.

Deloris worked as a Respiratory

Therapist for over 40 years from the

NICU to Long Term Care. She loved

taking care of people, loved her job and

a job well done!

Deloris loved watching children

and grandchildren playing sports and

showing animals. She married the love

of her Life Doug Jackson in Jay, OK.

They had two sons.

Deloris enjoyed a good competitive

table game. Never

a loser. She enjoyed

hanging with her

Aunt Geraldine. One

of her greatest loves

was her children

and grandchildren,

she was all about

her family and they

were one of her biggest happiness in the

World. Deloris’s last words she spoke

were, most of all belongs to Jesus

Christ, loving him and knowing him. Do

Not look for me, I am over the Rainbow.

She will be missed.

Deloris is preceded in death by her

parents Milton Lee Barnes and Irene

Mae Scott-Barnes; husband Charles

Douglas Jackson; siblings Irene,

Thomas, Ivan and Wylena Barnes.

Deloris is survived by her sons Casey

RB Jackson and Shani of Spavinaw,

OK and Charles Seth Jackson and wife

Lindsey of Zena, OK; sister Eva Handle

and husband Bill of Jay, OK; brothers

Willard Barnes and wife Carol of Watts

and Henry Barnes and wife Tina of

Jay, OK; sister-in-law Teresa Barnes

of Grove, OK; nine grandchildren Tyler,

Bubba, Trey, Garrett, Trenton, Braden,

Jagger, Charles Tate and Whitney;

and six great-grandchildren; special

daughter-in-law Crystal Jackson of the

home; host of family, nieces, nephew,

cousins, co-works and friends.

Deloris’s Celebration of Life Memorial

Service was held February 24, 2023,

at Delaware Baptist Church in Grove

with Rev. Gary Bishop and Rev. Chad

Bronson officiating.

There wouldn’t be

enough time in the

world to describe

David. He went

by many names

like Bionic man,

Olympian, Hulk,

Superman, Hero,

Brother, Uncle, Dad,

and Son, but his favorite was DODA.

David was a humble, hardworking,

supportive, giving, and loving dad. He

meant the world and more to his family.

David was preceded in death by his

wife, Jewel Roastingear, Grandson

Miciah, his parents, brother John

Roastingear, sisters Tammy and Karen

Roastingear, and brother-in-law Phillip

Mathews.

David is survived by daughters

Corena Kay Roastingear and Amber

(Roastingear) Fancher, brother James

Roastingear of Brushy, OK., sister

Corena Mathews of Nicut, OK.,

grandchildren Summer Dawn, McKaila

Nichelle, Jaydan Kade, Tatum Dean, and

great-grandchildren Novianna, Genisis,

and Mateo’ Lundy.

A viewing was held March 2, 2023,

in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel at

Forever Memories Funeral Services

in Sallisaw, OK. Funeral services

were March 3, 2023, in the Sequoyah

Memorial Chapel with “Preacher” Larry

Fancher officiating. Interment followed

at the Roastingear Family Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jaydan Fancher,

Matthew Shafer, Keith Mathews,

Gunther Cooper, Justin Harjo, and

Emerson Hobbs. Honorary Pallbearers

were Tatum Fancher, Avery Ray, Marcus

Monroe, Gabriel Scott, Jeffrey David,

Malachi E., Theron U., and Ryan T.

an afternoon at the local VFW for a few

rounds of bingo. Clara Marie was not

afraid of hard work, she could be found

tending to her gardens and flowers

beds and always liked to show off her

little lemon trees. However, if there was

one thing Clara Marie was known for, it

was her cooking! She could fix up just

about anything she put her hands to

and eager to try new recipes or master

some of her favorite restaurants dishes

and sauces. She was very close to her

dad and shared an ongoing joke of how

she taught him her ways in the kitchen.

A cook most of her life, she worked for

various places over years, most recently

being Clara’s Café in her hometown of

Hulbert. She was the go to person for all

the kid’s birthday cakes and everyone

looked forward to her popcorn balls

come holiday time. Clara Marie’s most

favorite part of cooking, was the way

it brought friends and family together

around a table

for great laughs

and memories.

A Christian by

faith, she was a

member of Freedom

Fellowship Church

and was faithful

to always lend a

helping hand to the community and her

church family. On Saturday, February

18th, 2023, this caring and giving soul

would be called home to meet her Lord

and Savior at the age of 51 years old.

She will forever be remembered by all

who knew and loved her.

She went on to join her grandparents

and her best friend and mother, Patsy

Louise Whitekiller.

Those that remain to carry on her

memory include her father, Jimmy Dale

Whitekiller and step-mom, Darlene, two

sons, Matthew Edwin Clay and James

Thomas Clay, both of Hulbert, OK and

companion, Travis Erwin, of Hulbert, OK.

She is also survived by two brothers,

Henry Whitekiller and wife Charlotte of

Hulbert, OK, Eli Peters and wife Erin

of Tahlequah, OK, one sister, Manda

Whitekiller of Hulbert, OK and brotherin-law, Jerry Erwin of Haskell, OK along

with her two grandchildren, Ezekiel and

Aleecia Clay as well as her church family

and many friends and loved ones.

Funeral services for Clara Marie

Whitekiller were February 24, 2023 at

Reed-Culver Funeral Home with word

and song by Pastor Bill Pettit and

obituary reading by Beth Pettit. She was

laid to rest in Hulbert I.O.O.F. Cemetery

beside her mother.

Serving as pallbearers were Henry

Whitekiller, James Clay, Eli Peters, Travis

Erwin, Kelton Whitekiller, Justin Erwin,

with honorary pallbearers Kia Whitekiller

and Austin Erwin.

LEGAL NOTICES

LUNCH MENU

For legal notices, please send material to rcourtwright@ukb-nsn.gov or

lhansen@ukb-nsn.gov. For more information, call Rita Courtwright at

918-871-2843 or Lani Hansen at 918-871-2788.

The United Keetoowah Band’s Title VI Lunch Menu for April 2023 in the Jim

Proctor Community Center at 18419 W. Keetoowah Circle in Tahlequah,

Oklahoma. For information, call 918-871-2800.

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

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.

April 3

Ham/Cheese Sandwich

Potato Soup

Macaroni Salad

Fruit Cup

April 4

Enchilada Casserole

Mexican Rice

Corn on the Cob

Pineappe Cake

April 5

Chicken Noodle Soup

Grilled Cheese w/Bacon

Broccoli Salad

Breadstick, Fruit Cup

April 6

Roast Beef w/Gravy

Potatoes & Carrots

Salad, Hot Roll

Fruit Cobbler

April 7

UKB Tribal

Offices Closed

Good Friday

April 10

Kitchen Closed

Staff Training

April 11

Kitchen Closed

Staff Training

April 12

Kitchen Closed

Staff Training

April 13

Kitchen Closed

Staff Training

April 14

Kitchen Closed

Staff Training

April 17

Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce

Italian Green Beans

Garlic Toast

Fruit Cup

April 18

Chimichanga

Mexican Rice

Garden Salad

Fruit Cup

April 19

Meatloaf

Mashed Potatoes

Broccoli Cuts

Breadstick, Fruit Cup

April 20

Brown Beans w/Ham

Sweet Potato

Coleslaw, Cornbread

Fruit Cup

April 21

Wings w/Sauce

Steak Fries

Carrots, Celery

Breadstick, Fruit Cup

April 24

Veggie Hamburger

Stew

Hominy

Cornbread, Fruit Cup

April 25

Chicken Strips

Mashed Potato w/Gravy

Peas & Carrots

Fruit Cup

April 26

Stuffed Bell Pepper

Rice Pilaf

Mixed Veggies

Hot Roll, Fruit Cup

April 27

Hamburger w/Fixings

French Fries

Cake

Ice Cream

April 28

Kitchen Closed

Cleaning Day

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

HEALTH•ᎠᏰᎸ ᏄᏍᏛ EDUCATION•ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ

APRIL 2023

UKB helps Cave Springs softball team

5

The UKB Education

Department aids the

Hornets with new

equipment.

BY LANI HANSEN

Reporter

STILWELL – The Cave Springs High

School softball team received a large

donation of new and used softball

equipment from Pitch in for Baseball and

Softball.

The team was all smiles when UKB

Education Director Dr. Leslie Hannah

brought in the equipment for them.

Cave Springs is a public school located

in Bunch serving grades P-3 through

12th, according to Superintendent C.D.

Thompson.

According to the Pitch in for Baseball

and Softball website, their mission is to

provide new and gently used baseball

and softball equipment to boys and girls

in the United States and around the

world who play ball.

“I was doing research one day to find

anything to help some of our schools,

and when I came across the Pitch in for

Baseball and Softball criteria, I thought

we qualify for that,” Dr. Hannah said.

“I had submitted an application for

their help, and it was reviewed, not too

long after I received an email of being

approved.”

Pitch in for Baseball and Softball

donated buckets of practice softballs,

helmets, bat bags, equipment bags and a

total of ten bats for the team to use.

When asked about the donations

received, Cave Springs seniors Annabell

Maxwell and Sadie Ritter both agreed

how the team was appreciative of the

new equipment.

“It was pretty nice, we’ve never had

new equipment so it will be good for

the new players coming in to use for the

rest of their high school career,” Maxwell

said.

The Cave Springs slowpitch softball

team is made up of 14 players. They are

coached by head coach Tom Osburn with

two assistant coaches Marc Sherrell and

Braeden Thomas.

“We appreciate any help we can

get, our bucket of balls was getting

waterlogged,” Osburn commented about

the donation. “We have three seniors

The Cave Springs Hornets softball team shows off its new equipment, which was donated by the Pitch in for Baseball and Softball organization.

PHOTOS BY LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS

UKB Education Department Director Dr. Leslie Hannah speaks to the

Cave Springs Hornets softball team.

“It was pretty nice, we’ve never had new equipment so it will be good for the new

players coming in to use for the rest of their high school career.”

Annabell Maxwell, Cave Springs seniors

who will be leaving us after this year, the

rest of them are dominant players.”

The Lady Hornets had a season opener

against the Gans Grizzlies on March 9,

coming on the field with new equipment.

Sherrell and Thomas who both coach

fastpitch, brings in the same team from

slowpitch.

“We are excited the girls will

From left are Miss

Bacone Janaya

McIntosh, Kate

Blaylock, Dara

Williams, Jessica

Olvers, Olivia

Briggs and Matt

Sheka. The group

recently attended

an eduation

conference in

Albuquerque, New

Mexico COURTESY

UKB Education takes

in culture conference

BY LANI HANSEN

Reporter

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The United

Keetoowah Band Education Department

took six students to the Southwest

Population Culture Conference in

Albuquerque, New Mexico, where each

of them had to present on a panel. The

conference took place from Feb. 22-25.

According to the Southwest Popular

Culture Association Conference

website, their mission is to promote an

innovative and nontraditional academic

movement in Humanities and Social

Sciences celebrating America’s cultural

heritages. To provide an outlet for

scholars, writers, and others interested

in popular/American culture, to share

ideas in a professional atmosphere,

and to increase awareness and improve

public perceptions of America’s cultural

traditions and diverse populations.

“For the conference we created a

panel where all six students presented,”

Education Director Dr. Hannah said.

“One of the topics was on identity

because these were mixed blood students

listening in the panel, it was the pressure

of how we feel between the white world

and Native world. The second part of

the panel was on education, and how

it’s the key for Native students to get out

of poverty and not go down the wrong

road. One wrote about education being

the key to success.”

Dr. Hannah was able to take three high

schoolers and three college students to

this conference: Kate Blaylock, Jessica

Olvers, Dara Williams, Matt Sheka, Olivia

Briggs and Janaya McIntosh. His college

Shown is equipment donated by the Pitch in for Baseball and Softball

organization to the Cave Springs Hornets softball team.

students presented on the troubles of

tribal colleges and how it is different

from a mainstream college.

“Our panel was very well received,

and our high school girls got a standing

ovation from an audience of about 30

people,” Dr. Hannah said.

Other than attending this conference,

Dr. Hannah, Jacqueline Watson and

Sarah Scarberry were able to create

memories for these students that they

will never forget. Beginning on the day

they traveled to Albuquerque, they drove

up to Newton, Kansas, and rode on the

Amtrak.

“The students met several people who

they probably will never see again,”

Dr. Hannah said. “I told them to talk to

people on the train.”

They went to Sandia Peak, which is the

highest location in central New Mexico.

Sandia Peak is a ski resort leading up

to 10,378 ft into the Sandia Mountains,

according to TripAdvisor. They had the

opportunity to have dinner at the Ten 3

restaurant on top of the mountain.

They went to Santa Fe and toured the

Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA).

Dr. Hannah took them down to Old Town

Santa Fe to let the students look around

and shop.

“I think the highlight for two of our

girls was going to Target, it was right

across the street from our hotel,” Dr.

Hannah said.

Attendee Dara Williams came from

Cave Springs, commented on how much

fun the trip was and how eager she is to

go on another.

To learn more about UKB education

trips, call 918-871-2796.

experience the new equipment in both

seasons, fastpitch starts in August,” both

coaches said.

The day Dr. Hannah was able to donate

the equipment, he had the opportunity to

speak to the team. It was an exciting day

for Dr. Hannah at Cave Springs.

“I told the players I believe students

can be taught lessons on the ballfield too,

outside of the classroom,” Dr. Hannah

said. “I told them I am not giving this

equipment because I felt sorry for them,

but that I believe in them.”

UKB Education is planning to help

more schools with getting equipment and

is hoping to become a donation center

for Pitch in for Baseball and Softball.

6

APRIL 2023

SERVICES•ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ BUSINESS•ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

6 things to

consider doing

if you can’t pay

rent this month

There’s a better way to navigate store aisles than just picking products at random and hoping for the best, one which

doesn’t involve hours of product research. STATEPOINT MEDIA

Buy wisely at grocery store

STATEPOINT – Whether you are packing school

lunches or hosting a dinner party, you want your fridge

and pantry to be stocked with the highest-quality foods

for the best value. Thankfully, there’s a better way

to navigate store aisles than just picking products at

random and hoping for the best, one which doesn’t

involve hours of product research.

Product of the Year USA, the largest consumer-voted

awards program centered around product innovation,

recently announced the winners of the 2023 Product

of the Year Awards across 36 trending categories.

Determined through a national study of 40,000

American shoppers in partnership with Kantar, a global

leader in consumer research, the winners represent the

best new products when it comes to thoughtful design,

quality and innovation.

“It’s easier than ever for today’s consumers to be

overwhelmed by choice. Far beyond retail aisles, they

now have direct-to-consumer options, grocery delivery

in the palm of their hands, and a never-ending stream

of their favorite influencers reviewing products,”

says Mike Nolan, global CEO of Product of the Year

Management. “It’s important to us to help consumers

and their families cut through the noise.”

To make your visits to the supermarket a breeze,

consider this year’s 20 food and beverage winners,

listed by category:

• Bread | ALDI-exclusive Specially Selected French

Baguette – ALDI

• Breakfast | Quaker Puffed Granola – PepsiCo

• Cheese | ALDI-exclusive Emporium Selection Feta

Block Assortment – ALDI

• Coffee Creamer | Lactose-Free Flavored Creamer

in French Vanilla and Sweet Cream – Organic Valley

• Condiment | ALDI-exclusive Burman’s Dipping

Sauces – ALDI

• Convenience Meals | Hot Pockets Deliwich –

Nestlé USA

• Entrée | Pasta-Roni Heat & Eat – PepsiCo

• Frozen Dessert | ALDI-exclusive Sundae Shoppe

Gelato – ALDI

• Keto | ALDI-exclusive Benton’s Keto Cookies –

ALDI

• Meal Replacement | Complete Nutrition Shakes –

Soylent

• Meal Solution | Bob Evans Mashed Cauliflower –

Bob Evans Farms

• Non-Chocolate | HARIBO Berry Clouds – HARIBO

of America, Inc.

• Non-Dairy | ALDI-exclusive Friendly Farms NonDairy Whipped Toppings – ALDI

• On-The-Go Snack | ALDI-exclusive Park Street Deli

Sweet Snack Selects – ALDI

• Premixed Drink | ALDI-exclusive Zarita Margaritas

– ALDI

• Salty Snack | Takis Hot Nuts Fuego – Barcel USA

• Smoothie | DOLE BOOSTED BLENDS Berry Spark

Smoothie – Dole Packaged Foods

• Snack & Appetizer | El Monterey Chili Cheese

Chimichanga – Ruiz Foods

• Soft Drink | Nitro Pepsi – PepsiCo

• Wine | ALDI-exclusive Don’t Mind If I Do

Sauvignon Blanc – ALDI

For more information about this year’s winners , visit

productoftheyearusa.com.

Want to feed your family the foods that other

shoppers have already tried and loved? Whether you’re

filling your virtual or physical cart, be sure to lean on

consumers tools that can help you make better choices.

UKB EDUCATION 2023

1/23 – 2/ 3

Certified Billing and Coding Certification

9:30 – 3:30

2/6 – 2/17

Certified Medical Admin Assistant

2–7

2/20 – 3/3

Certified Coding and Billing Certification

5:15 – 10

3/20 – 3/31

Electronic Health Records

5:15 – 10

4/3 – 4/14

Certified Medical Admin Assistant

2-7

4/17 – 4/28

Electronic Health Records

9:30 – 3:30

5/1 – 5/12

Certified Billing and Coding Certification

9:30 – 3:30

5/15 – 5/26

Electronic Health Records

2–7

5/29 – 6/9

Mental Health Tech

2–7

7/10 – 7/21

Certified Coding and Billing Certification

2–7

7/24 – 8/4

Certified Medical Admin Assistant

2–7

8/7 – 8/18

Mental Health Tech

9:30 – 3:30

8/21 – 9/1

Electronic Health Records

9:30 – 3:30

9/04– 9/15

Certified Coding and Billing Certification

2–7

9/18– 9/29

Certified Medical Admin Assistant

5 - 10

10/16 – 10/27

Mental Health Tech

2–7

10/30 – 11/10

Certified Medical Admin Assistant

2-7

11/13 – 11/29

Certified Coding and Billing Certification

9:30 – 3:30

12/4 – 12/15

Electronic Health Records

2–7

3/1/23

STATEPOINT – The average national rent surpassed

$2,000 for the first time ever in 2022, which has made

keeping up with rent payments challenging for millions

of people across the United States. In fact, a recent

Freddie Mac survey found that 70% of renters are

concerned about making their rent payments.

If you’re among those struggling to pay rent, there is

good news: many resources exist to help renters remain

in their homes. Here are six actions you can take to help

keep you in your rental:

1. If you know you will be unable to pay your

rent, contact your landlord in writing to explain your

situation. Your landlord may be able to offer you such

options as changing the date rent is due each month,

lowering rent payments or creating a repayment plan.

2. Finding a less expensive apartment may be the

right solution if you anticipate having regular trouble

paying your rent. However, with rents on the rise

everywhere, this can be a challenge. As you start your

search, remember to factor in the fees and moving

expenses you might incur. Moving within your building

or to another property managed by the same company

may be one way to avoid onboarding fees.

3. If you have the space, taking on a roommate

can significantly reduce your monthly rent and utility

expenses. Make sure to follow the terms of your lease

when adding a roommate to any apartment. This could

include having them sign a formal lease.

4. Local housing authorities and some national

organizations have short-term rent relief funds you can

apply for to help cover the cost of rent while you get

back on your feet. The Consumer Financial Protection

Bureau (CFPB) has a list of assistance programs for

renters.

5. Be aware of the eviction protections you’re eligible

for should you be unable to pay rent. The CFPB has

a list of states with protections in place that prevent

landlords from evicting renters for failure to pay rent.

6. There are many nonprofit Renter Resource

Organizations throughout the country that can assist

you if you are facing a housing-related challenge. These

entities provide services and resources to help you

maintain housing, including eviction prevention and

landlord-tenant mediation. They also can assist you

in locating alternative housing and provide financial

planning advice. Services offered may vary by provider.

To find an organization that can help you with your

situation, contact Freddie Mac’s Renter Hotline at 800404-3097.

For more information about renting, visit My Home

by Freddie Mac at myhome.freddiemac.com.

Role of a Medical Administrative Assistante

3/1/23

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant can

perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge

of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or

laboratory procedures. Duties may include

scheduling appointments, billing patients, and

compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and

correspondence.

Role of a Medical Coder and Biller

A Medical Coder & Biller can compile, process, and

maintain medical records of hospital and clinic

patients in a manner consistent with medical,

administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory

requirements of the healthcare system. They can

also classify medical and healthcare concepts,

including diagnosis, procedures, medical services,

and equipment, into the healthcare industry’s

numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.

Role of an Electronic Health Records Specialist

Electronic Health Records Specialist can compile,

process, and maintain medical records of patients in

a manner consistent with medical, administrative,

ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the

healthcare system. Electronic Health Record

Specialists also classify medical and healthcare

concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical

services, and equipment into the healthcare

industry’s numerical coding system.

Role of a Mental Health Technician

A Mental Health Technician cares for individuals with

mental or emotional conditions or disabilities,

following the instructions of physicians or other

health practitioners. A Mental Health Technician may

monitor patients’ physical and emotional well-being

and report to medical staff, or participate in

rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with

personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable

medications.

CULTURE•ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

APRIL 2023

7

‘Lunch and Learn’ offers flat reed weaving

UKB employees learn the traditional art from

Tradition Keeper Janelle Adair.

BY MARILYN CRAIG

UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator

TAHLEQUAH – The John Hair

Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum

continued its monthly “Lunch and Learn”

employee series on March 15, with a

flat reed weaving class taught by UKB

Tradition Keeper Janelle Adair.

Adair was named a Tradition Keeper

for her storytelling, but like many

tradition keepers and culture bearers,

she can teach many things about the

Keetoowah Culture.

Keetoowah weavers traditionally used

river cane and white oak to make flat

strips to weave. They made baskets and

mats. The pieces are scraped down to

make flat pieces. Some weavers dye their

materials using natural items such as

walnuts, roots, and pokeweed to give

them color and to make patterns.

Adair taught how to make a cross

pattern. Some participants chose to make

a little coaster-size mat, while others

made several crosses in a row to make a

larger piece.

Adair also talked about making a

basket and the process involved with

that. Eleven employees participated in

the class.

The next class in the series will teach

how to make a stickball ball and will be

offered on April 19.

“These classes teach the culture and

bring employees together in an informal

atmosphere. Employees have told me

how much they appreciate programs

like these, and the opportunity to learn

more about the Keetoowah culture,” said

Barbara Girty Foster, Assistant Museum

Director.

For more information on the activities

and programs of the Keetoowah museum,

go to the tribe’s website at www.ukb-nsn.

gov or visit us on Facebook at the John

Hair Cultural Center and Museum or call

918-871-2866.

“These classes teach the culture and also bring

employees together in an informal atmosphere.”

Barbara Girty Foster, assistant museum director

Flat reed instructor Janelle Adair and

employee Toni Workman show off Workman’s

weaving project.

UKB employee Michelle Downing starts

weaving a mat with flat reed during the

March 15 “Lunch and Learn” session.

Participants of the United Keetoowah Band’s March 15 “Lunch and Learn” series cut strips

to begin making flat reed mats. The flat reed weaving class was taught by Tradition Keeper

Janelle Adair. PHOTOS BY MARILYN CRAIG/JOHN HAIR CULTURAL CENTER

ON

SALE

NOW!

25

$

each

Hat or Shirt

Shirts available in sizes S-5XL.

Call UKB Media at 918-871-2788 or visit the UKB main offices to buy.

CASH ONLY. NO HOLDS.

8

APRIL 2023

CULTURE•ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ

Marcus Thompson and Chris Coursey behind the camera, while Olivia Briggs and Eddie Webb look on. PHOTOS BY MARILYN

CRAIG/JOHN HAIR CULTURAL CENTER

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

Barbara Girty Foster, Jake the dog, Chewey, Tiana Watie,

Marcus Thompson and Dr. Eddie Webb film John Chewey at

his shop.

Preserving culture through film

BY MARILYN CRAIG

UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator

TAHLEQUAH – UKB’s John Hair Cultural Center and

Keetoowah Museum continues its mission to preserve

and revitalize Keetoowah culture through employee and

cultural classes.

These classes, which are open to the public, focus

on topics such as collecting artifacts, translating documents written in the syllabary, writing news stories and

now digital preservation. Through digital preservation

the museum is committed to filming culture bearers

telling stories, making crafts, speaking the language,

and living traditional lifeways. These stories will all be

part of a Keetoowah YouTube channel.

While most college students were kicked back during

Spring Break, several former UKB Red Pony LLC film

students were working to get footage on UKB Tradition

Keepers. UKB tribal member and Red Pony owner and

film producer Eddie Webb and his associate Paul Hickey

brought make up a combination of 30-plus years of

experience making films.

There were five film students that were able to

rearrange their schedules to assist in filming. UKB

members Tiana Watie, Marcus Thompson, David

Barnoski, and Olivia Briggs, along with Chris Coursey

were all paid to assist with the filming.

“It is gratifying to have these students continuing

on their journey to become film makers,” said JHCCM

Director Barbara Girty Foster. “Film has become a

current way to preserve storytelling and language. We

were already concerned about preserving our language,

however elder COVID deaths took many of our

Keetoowah language speakers. We are more committed

than ever to revitalize our language. We need our young

people to learn it so it will continue generations in the

future.”

The film crew began day one by heading north to Jay,

Oklahoma to film Keetoowah language first speaker

John Chewey. Chewey, a U.S. Army Veteran, was drafted

into military service during the Vietnam War. John

grew up in ranch life, working with his dad on the

Flying U Ranch. Along with the everyday ranch tasks of

cow punching, fence fixing, and animal feeding, John

learned to shoe horses.

This became John’s profession, along with a boot and

saddle repair shop that he has now handed down to his

grandsons. Chewey was filmed shoeing a horse and him

“spinning a yarn.” Like many Keetoowah people, he is a

good storyteller. But do not call him a cowboy. He said

he is Indian first.

UKB tribal member Tiana Watie was another crew

member that helped out on the film.

“I have a certificate in Film and TV from Full Sail

University,” Watie said. “Growing up watching movies

and TV, I became interested in how they were made.”

While she learned a lot from the virtual course, being

there in person was even better.

“I got to feel how it is to be on set and to be handson with a lot of the equipment. Seeing how everything

works was so much fun. It really solidified my dream of

becoming a filmmaker,” said Watie.

On day two the crew headed out near Lake Tenkiller

to interview Keetoowah Tradition Keeper Matt Girty.

Girty is a stone cutter and creates carvings that are

sold in gift shops, retail stores and at craft shows. He

has been commissioned by Cherokee film maker Stan

Heape to create life size carvings of different animals

on huge sandstone boulders. The project is ongoing,

and he has already worked on this for several years.

Girty shares the mission of the UKB Tradition Keepers.

He currently has three stone cutter apprentices working

with him.

UKB tribal member Olivia Briggs said, “This

experience has helped me get my first steps into the film

industry. I’ve learned everything from setting lights and

assembling a camera to putting microphones on guests

thanks to Dr. Eddie Webb and his associates. My favorite

part has been having the opportunity to interview and

meet so many distinguished people from the United

Keetoowah Band and our community. I am so happy

to be able to share the stories of our people to a bigger

audience.”

On day three the crew filmed at the John Hair

Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum. They filmed

museum director and Tradition Keeper Ernestine Berry

talking about the history exhibit. Berry was named

a Tradition Keeper for her knowledge of Keetoowah

History. Tapping into that knowledge is a goal for

museum staff as well as the film makers.

“We want to record our history and get as much

information as possible preserved, so this is just one

the first rounds of filming the history. We are looking at

putting information at each section of the exhibit, which

will allow visitors to put on earphones and learn the

story,” said Girty Foster.

The next part of this project will be editing and

building the piece, frame by frame. While Red Pony will do a great deal of the editing, they will also

involve former film students and museum staff as well.

The next session of the Red Pony Film Academy will

be set sometime in May or June. When the project is

completed, it will be put on the Keetoowah YouTube

channel. For more information on the film academy, call

the museum at 918-871-2866.

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