# Children from Rogers > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aunited_keetoowah_cherokee%3A4ffcd3fe287c35d2 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text SUMMER FUN Children from Rogers County visit the UKB Museum. EDUCATION, 5 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 August 2023 NARCAN TRAINING UKB works with U.S. Forest Services for youth service Indian Youth Service Corps was exposed to historic preservation and environmental services over summer. BY LANI HANSEN Senior Reporter Echota Behavioral Health’s Tribal Opioid Response Project Director Brittany Cheater presented on Narcan Nasal Spray to 146 tribal employees. COURTESY The Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) program focuses on prevention and harm reduction. BY LANI HANSEN Senior Reporter T AHLEQUAH – The Echota Behavioral Health has started utilizing its Tribal Opioid Response grant by bringing in the Narcan (naloxone) training to the employees of the United Keetoowah Band. Project Director Brittany Cheater said the TOR program has a focus on prevention and harm reduction. They would like to educate communities on common opioid overdose signs. “This training was part of our goals out of four projects,” Cheater said. “Our main focus is to reach Keetoowah tribal members or those who work with the tribal members.” After speaking with UKB Tribal Administrator Jennifer Cole-Robinson about bringing the training to the tribal complex, Cheater said they were able to host a two-day training. The evening before meeting with employees, she met with the staff of Henry Lee Doublehead Child Development Center. “Opioid overdose or accidental death is the number one cause of death for ages 50 and under across the United Stated,” Cheater said. “Within the TOR program we have two main avenues to bring awareness. Those are prevention and harm reduction, which Narcan training falls under both.” Within the training, Cheater presented on the different type of opioid overdose signs. According to her presentation, slow breathing, cannot be woken up, coughing or choking, discoloration of lips and nails, and extremely small pupils are all signs. Other signs include dizziness and cold or clammy skin. Cheater said she distributed 146 Narcan (naloxone) Nasal Spray’s during this training with the tribe. The naloxone is an opioid antagonist, a prescription drug that can temporarily reverse opioid overdose and save lives. There are six steps to administer Narcan for someone who may have overdosed. Step 1: Lay the person on their back to receive a dose of Narcan Nasal Spray. Step 2: Remove Narcan Nasal Spray from box. Peel back the tab with the circle to open the Narcan Nasal Spray. Step 3: Hold the NARCAN Nasal Spray with your thumb on the bottom of the red plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle. Step 4: Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose. Step 5: Press the red plunger firmly to give the dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray. Step 6: Remove the NARCAN Nasal Spray from the nostril after giving the dose. After all steps have been completed, get emergency medical help right away. While waiting, move the person on their side after giving Narcan nasal spray. If they do not respond by waking up, repeat steps 2-6, if another dose is available. The Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray two-pack that the employees received, maybe requested by members at the Echota Behavioral Health Department located at 16414 W 760 Rd, Tahlequah, OK 74464. Cheater said, “We were so thankful for the turnout for the Narcan Training and look forward to bringing more education and awareness in regard to mental health to the UKB complex.” Their next step with prevention is educating the community on how to utilize Naloxone (Narcan) if they notice overdose signs. They will also be working with communities through cultural activities to bring them opportunities that strengthen their connection with others. For information on Narcan training, call 918316-7805. For services with Echota Behavioral Health, call 918-708-9009. Narcan nasal spray is a prescription drug that can temporarily reverse opioid overdose and save lives. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS TAHLEQUAH – Over the summer two groups of eight Native youths had the opportunity to travel to Illinois and Tennessee to learn more about the forestry environment. The Indian Youth Service Corps was brought up to the United Keetoowah Band Historic Preservation and the United States Forest Services in collaboration on a project where tribal youth took an active role in the costewardship process of Cherokee ancestral homelands. The first group visited the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois from June 10th through June 30th. “They were exposed to a mixture of historic preservation and environmental sciences work,” UKB Acting Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Acee Watt said. “They worked on botany and timber management. They worked with Southern Illinois University on a phase two archaeological dig, getting exposed to experience and skills.” With this trip, Watt’s said there is a possibility for an internship with Southern Illinois University. The tribal youth gained Public Land Corps (PLC) hours which will be used by the Forest Service hiring authorities to give tribal youth participants an advantage in career opportunities within the Forest Service. The initial Indian Youth Service Corps is planned for 4 years (8 trips total) with trips annually over the summers for an opportunity to earn the maximum amount (640) of PLC hours. Those who participated on the first trip were Colton Bunch, Cierra McCulley, Olivia Briggs, Tristan Vann, Daryn Smith, Jacob Sam, Xaden Carshall and Hector Falcon. After returning home, three of the participants who are UKB tribal members shared about their trip. Bunch, who is from Stilwell said it was a great opportunity as he has been wanting to get into this field of environment. Briggs, who is from Tahlequah stated, “We got to visit historical places like the Cahokia Mounds and a Trail of Tears site.” She also went on the second trip of the SEE IYSC, PAGE 2 The Indian Youth Service Corps gathers for a photo at the Hamburg Hill Trailhead in the Shawnee National Forest. COURTESY PHOTO UKB senior reporter brings home NAJA award Lani Hansen wins second place for her elder coverage story. BY RITA COURTWRIGHT Managing Editor TAHLEQUAH – The Native American Journalism Association recently announced 200 winners recognizing the best coverage of Indigenous communities as part of the 2023 National Native Media Awards. The annual competition recognizes excellence in reporting by Indigenous and non-Indigenous journalist form across the US and Canada. This year, Lani Hansen, Senior Reporter for the Giduwa Cherokee News placed second in Best Elder Coverage with her story “UKB Housing Replaces Elders Home” in the August 2022 newspaper. “To win this award solidifies my place within the journalism community,” said Lani Hansen. “It is an honor to be recognized along with all the other journalists and to be named a NAJA recipient.” Lani’s story focused on Bluejacket resident and UKB member, Mart Smith who had been given his keys to his brand new home after waiting several years for Giuduwa Cherokee News Senior Reporter Lani Hansen has won a 2023 National Native Media Award a place to call his own. This is the first NAJA award to be presented to a reporter of the Giduwa newspaper. Hansen is no stranger to journalistic awards as this is her second NAJA award to have been received since beginning her journalism career in 2019. Hansen also garnered a first place win from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) in 2020. “Upon receiving this recognition I will continue to strive to become an even better journalist,” said Hansen. According to the NAJA website, this year NAJA received more than 800 entries. 2 AUGUST 2023 Assistant Chief Jeff Wacoche jwacoche@ ukb-nsn.gov Secretary Joyce Fourkiller jfourkiller@ ukb-nsn.gov Treasurer Sonja Gourd sgourd@ ukb-nsn.gov Canadian Dist. Eddie Sacks 918-822-1957 Cooweescoowee Dist. Clifford Wofford 918-822-1953 Delaware Dist. Elmer Panther 918-226-1668 Flint Dist. Frankie Still 918-507-1822 COUNCIL•ᏗᏂᎳᏫᎩ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ Looking forward to FY 2023-24 Chief’s Corner Si yo, ni ga da I will have a short column this month, I have been on vacation. I enjoyed the Minnesota cool days and nights, and they can have the mosquitos. We are a couple of months from the FY 2024 year, we look forward to what the new year brings, possibly higher education fundings, adult education, and medical services. One item that came up during the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian hearing my plea at the Tri Council Meeting, was informing us they will be donating a one- JOE BUNCH Principal Chief jbunch@ukb-nsn.gov time opportunity of $25,000.00 for our children school supplies this year. We are working with our departments on formulating how this will be distributed, so be sure and watch for details on the web page. We are also still waiting to hear back on, Victoria Holland, to be nominated and seated on the House of Representatives as our delegate to Congress. Where did the summer go? In closing stay hydrated! I may see you at the creek! If there are any questions please call or come by, my cell number is 918-772-0666 or office is 918-871-2824. Pray of our council, our tribe and for a positive ‘M’ opinion from the Solicitor General. ISYC: A second group went to Tennesee in July. FROM PAGE 1 summer. The Cahokia Mounds, which Briggs mentioned, covers 2,200 acres and contains 70 mounds. The site of an ancient Native American city, the mounds are in Collinsville, Illinois, in the southern part of the state across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri. Smith, who is from Jay did enjoy the sightseeing the group went on. He even mentioned learning botany was his favorite experience. Smith went on the second trip to the Cherokee National Forest, hoping to gain more experience in wildland fire. The second trip which was to the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee from July 10th through August 4th, was more of environmental work. According to Watts, they went to Red Clay in Tennessee, worked on rivercane and learned work from wildland firefighters. Those who went on both trips were Bunch, Carshall, Briggs, Vann and Smith. The others who attended the second trip included Jordan Pritchett, Nathan Fox and Lexi Hannah. “I’m hoping after they complete their hours, opportunities to work in the tribal sector, forest service sector, internships and scholarships become available to these groups,” Watts said. For more program opportunities, contact UKB Office of Historic Preservation at 918-871-2852. The Indian Youth Service Corps consisted of two groups over the summer. Tthe second group that traveled to the Cherokee National Forest are from left, Nathan Fox, Jordan Pritchett, Daryn Smith, Colton Bunch, Xaden Carshall, Olivia Briggs, Lexi Hannah and Tristan Vann (LANI HANSEN/ GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS “They were exposed to a mixture of historic preservation and environmental sciences work.” Acee Watt, UKB Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Indian Youth Service Corps participants Xaden Carshall and Daryn Smith take a break from work to enjoy the scenery. Quilting leads off fall ‘Back to Basics’ Goingsnake Dist. Willie Christie 918-822-3803 Illinois Dist. Peggy Girty 918-457-7067 Saline Dist. Charles Smoke 918-457-7071 BY MARILYN CRAIG UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator TAHLEQUAH – The John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum will begin the second section of the “Getting Back to Basics” series when it begins its fall classes on Quilting for Beginners. This section will be offered monthly on three Saturdays beginning on September 9, October 10, and November 11, from 10 am to 2 pm. The final group of classes in the series will be the winter/ spring classes on Gathering and Harvesting and this session will be offered on February 10, March 9, and April 8, 2024. Assistant Keetoowah Museum director Barbara Girty Foster said, “As a result of the Cultural Preservation Assessment collected from UKB communities last year, we are offering a quilting class as part of our ‘Getting Back to Basics’ series. Tribal members had the most interest in learning more about Keetoowah Traditional Quilt frames like this one were lowered when quilting, and then raised up when not in use. Quilting will kick off the autumn “Back to Basics” sessions. MARILYN CRAIG/UKB MUSEUEM GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS Sequoyah Dist. Junior Catron 918-315-0970 Tahlequah Dist. Alvin Hicks 918-931-1462 Lifeways and quilting.” Tribal elder and culture bearer Betty Holcomb will teach the quilting classes. She will share resources for the class and part of the Giduwa Cherokee News P.O. Box 746 Tahlequah, OK 74465 The Giduwa Cherokee News is mailed free to Keetoowah registered voters, governments, other offices and upon request, to other citizens. Mail subscription requests and address changes to Giduwa Cherokee News, P.O. Box 746, Tahlequah, OK 74465. MANAGING EDITOR Rita Courtwright SENIOR REPORTER Lani Hansen LAYOUT AND DESIGN Travis Snell MARKETING SPECIALIST Shayley Fourkiller content came from a 1977 Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Services booklet. “Today quilters generally make quilts as a hobby unlike the past when people made quilts out of necessity for keeping their family warm,” said Girty Foster. “I like hosting this quilting class because it brings people together and reminds us of the ‘good ole days’ when our grandmas, aunts and neighbors would gather around a quilt frame hand stitching, telling stories and laughing, then before you knew it a quilt was finished and ready to share with someone in need,” she added. There is still space available for the “Getting Back to Basics” quilting series. The cost is $75. for all three classes. For more information, contact Girty Foster at 918871-2794. Editorial statements of the Giduwa Cherokee News, guest columns and letters to the editor reflect the opinions of the writer and not necessarily those of the Giduwa Cherokee News editor, staff or tribal administration of the United Keetoowah Band. All editorials and letters must be 650 words or less and will become the property of the Giduwa Cherokee News. Editorials must be signed and include an address and telephone number. Send all inquires to: Giduwa Cherokee News, P.O. Box 746, Tahlequah, OK 74465. The Giduwa Cherokee News is the only official publication of the United Keetoowah Band. It operates a Giduwa Cherokee News Facebook page, as well as the tribe’s YouTube and Instagram accounts,@UKBMedia. Any other publications or online pages are not an official source of news and are not endorsed by the editor, tribe or tribal administration. For advertising rates and media inquiries, including permissions to reprint stories within this publication, email lhansen@ukb-nsn.gov. NEWS•ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ AUGUST 2023 3 UKB Housing hosts 5th annual retreat BY SHAYLEY FOURKILLER Marketing Specialist TULSA – The United Keetoowah Band Housing Department held their 5th Annual Housing Retreat at the Osage Casino & Hotel. The Housing Department had prepared all year long for their two-day conference to be packed full of informational trainings. “The Housing Retreat is an opportunity for members of Council to learn what Housing consist of: policies, procedures, current and future projects, grant opportunities and to network with other agencies.” said Roxana Wilden, Housing Department Director. “It is also an opportunity for Council to present their ideas and assist in developing our Indian Housing Plan (IHP).” With various speakers from within the Housing Department and outside sources like MCT Law, Travois, AMERIND, and Chickasaw Community Bank the retreat did not have a moment to spare. MCT Law has helped the Housing Department with the legal aspects of Housings program policies and procedures. AMERIND, a company the UKB Housing Department has worked with for over 6 years, has provided low-cost homeowner’s insurance for our tribal elders who have received assistance from the Housing Department. Travois is a company that promotes housing and economic development among American Indian communities. While the UKB Housing Department has not worked with Travois, their presentation has opened doors for what Housing can do in the future. Chickasaw Community Bank is another company Housing has not worked with but offer great insight to more financing on future hopeful projects. Housing Department staff were all in attendance for the Housing Retreat for two days of learning at the Osage Casino in Tulsa. PHOTOS BY SHAYLEY FOURKILLER/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS “It is also an opportunity for Council to present their ideas and assist in developing our Indian Housing Plan.” Roxanne Wilden, Housing Department director Nancy McCause, former Housing Department director and current Housing Committee Secretary, speaks on the 2023 IHP and 2022 APR. The Housing Department staff were also available to give presentations on their respective programs with updates and information for Council to take back to their districts. Along with the Housing Department, members of the Housing Committee were also in attendance. Nancy McCause, former Housing Director, gave a presentation on the financial report of the past year. “The Housing Committee role is to assist the Housing Department with the policies and procedures and the best way to enforce them,” said Keetoowah speaker and soon to be third grader, Lyric Muskrat talks to her mom, Rylee Muskrat during a break in recording animal names for the Keetoowah Museum YouTube channel. MARILYN CRAIG/UKB MUSEUM Keetoowah Museum launches YouTube channel BY MARILYN CRAIG UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator TAHLEQUAH – The John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum will launch their brand-new YouTube Channel on August 1. Elders Oleta Pritchett and Clara Proctor are joined by Keetoowah youth eight-year-old, Lyric Muskrat, who speaks the language fluently. The content was filmed and produced by the museum in collaboration with Red Pony Film Productions. Red Pony is a company that UKB Tribal member, Dr. Eddie Webb Ed.D. MFA, founded and operates, in addition to his job in Arizona at Mesa Community College, where he is the founding director of the New Media Lab. Much of the footage was shot during the UKB Red Pony Film Academies I and II that were held in late 2022 and early 2023. “The initial YouTube content is an introduction to our Keetoowah People through the John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum,” said Ernestine Berry. “There are other stories to tell and more elders and youth to film.” One of the videos features first Keetoowah Language Speaker and Keetoowah cowboy and farrier, John Chewey. In the video, Chewey speaks first in the Keetoowah language and then repeats parts of the story in English. A second video highlights the Keetoowah Celebration and interviews attending tribal members, along with some of the UKB Tradition Keepers and tribal leaders. There is a third video featuring JHCC &Keetoowah Museum Director and Tradition Keeper, Ernestine Berry. Berry was honored as a Tradition Keeper in 2016 for her knowledge of UKB history. Berry is interviewed inside the museum history gallery. The fourth video features 2016 Keetoowah Tradition Keeper and Stone carver, Matt Girty. Matt is interviewed in his “outdoor studio” located out near Lake Tenkiller, where he creates lifesized stone sculptures and etchings. “There are Keetoowah leaders and other Keetoowah people who hold a wealth of tribal, cultural, and traditional knowledge that we can share with our Keetoowah youth and with the world,” said Berry. “Our People have traditionally used storytelling to pass our history and culture on to the next generation. YouTube is just a current way to pass these stories along and to share them with more people.” For information on the YouTube channel or to learn more about the John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum visit https://www.ukb-nsn.gov/ john-hair-cultural-center-museum. Wilden. “Their assistance in planning future projects and in finding other funding sources has been invaluable resource with their countless years of experience and expertise.” Among those attending were tribal district representatives, Clifford Wofford of Cooweescoowee District, Elmer Panther of Delaware District and Alvin Hicks of Tahlequah District. Treasurer Sonja Gourd and Secretary Joyce Fourkiller were also in attendance for the two-day retreat. For more information on Housing please call (918) 8712773. “The Housing Committee role is to assist the Housing Department with the policies and procedures and the best way to enforce them.” Roxanne Wilden, Housing Department director Missing something? OPT IN and get the Giduwa Cherokee News DELIVERED to your mailbox! Email your name, mailing address and UKB membership number to: ukboptin@gmail.com 4 AUGUST 2023 OBITUARIES Patricia Dummitt “Kay” Dummitt, age 66 of Grove, OK, went to be with her Savior on Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Joplin, MO, after a short battle with cancer. Kay was born April 13, 1957, to Isaac and Eva (Keener) Whitson in Claremore, OK. She moved to Grove in 1991 and married the love of her life, Joe Dummitt, in 1992. Wanda Lee Girty Funeral Service for Wanda Lee Girty, 86, of Vian, OK, were July 3, 2023, at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, OK. Burial followed at Redbird Smith Cemetery in Vian under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service. She was baorn on April 21, 1937 in Qualls Community, OK, to Jennie (Sequichie) Washington and William Harold Wayne Hooper Harold “Two Feathers” Wayne Hooper, age 55, of Tahlequah, OK, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023. Two Feathers was born in Tahlequah. A visitation for Two Feathers was held July 11 at Reed-Culver Funeral Home in Tahlequah. A funeral service was July 12, Reed-Culver Funeral Home. Two Feathers was laid to rest in Agent Cemetery, Moody, Oklahoma. Serving as pallbearers were Corey Hooper, Christian Hooper, Bryan Hooper, Dallas Thompson, Richard Snyder, Joseph Cloud Jr., Mark Hitchcock, Bobby Blair, Billy Blair and Colby Deerinwater. Harold Wayne Hooper, or Two Feathers, Tommy Hawkz, and several other monikers, was born on August 28, Joe Proctor Joe Proctor, born on April 23, 1956, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, sibling, uncle and friend to many, passed away at the age of 67 on June 18, 2023. Joe led a fulfilling life that revolved around his love for family, friends and the simple pleasures of life. Joe took pride in his career as a UKB transit driver and worked hard at his job for many years. He also never missed an opportunity to have fun. God was always first in his life even over his hobbies, which included going to auctions, yard sales, fishing, hunting, Tony Kay Russell Tonya Kay Russell was born May 29, 1974, in Claremore, OK, to Toney Lee and Mary Evalyn (Downing) Russell. She departed this life on June 26, 2023, in Tulsa, OK, at the age of 49 years and 28 days. Tonya grew up in the Tulsa area graduating from Will Rogers High School. She also attended Talking Leaves Job Corps and Community Care College. She attended church with her parents at Elm Prairie Baptist Church in Leach, OK. She lived for some time in Gallup, New Mexico. Tonya and Marlin Gene Harjo were AnDrah LeiMaria Weeley Scheimann AnDrah LeiMaria Weeley Scheimann, 21, was born on August 25, 2001, to Mimi Weeley in Tulsa, OK. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 30, 2023, at her home in Langley, OK surrounded by her loved ones. She is preceded in death by her grandparents Leo & Annie Weeley of Jay, OK. She is survived by her husband Jeremiah Scheimann and their fur baby Bentlee Ray of Langley; Parents, Mimi Weeley and Randall of Langley; brother, Emilio “Bubba” Villanueva, Jr. of Langley; Sister, Audriahna “Ty” Villanueva of Langley; Step-brothers, Dwight Hunter of Langley; and Ollie COMMUNITY•ᎾᎥ ᏄᎾᏓᎸ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ Kay cleaned houses and businesses as her occupation, but that was only a small part of who she was. Kay always had a smile on her face and loved to laugh. She was kindhearted with a servant’s heart and willing to help anyone in need. She was a faithful member of Bible Baptist Church and served in the children’s program or wherever she was needed. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed fishing and adored her grandkids. Kay was a hard worker and was also known for her massage abilities and therapeutic hands. Kay had a beautiful soul and a bit of a stubborn streak, and she will be missed dearly by her family, friends, and her church family. She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Debbie Lowry and Sandy Owens. Left to cherish her memory, husband, Joe Dummitt, children, Tammy Donahue (Charlie) of Wyandotte, OK, Jason Geer (Keri) of Grove, Billy Polk (Alicia) of Gravette, AR and Alicia Kirksey of Pittsburg, KS; siblings Larry Keener (Diane) and Vickie Leaf, of Eucha, OK, Jerrie Childers of Broken Arrow and Monica Whitson of Grove; 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and many loving nieces & nephews. A visitation was held at NicholsStephens Funeral on June 14, 2023. Funeral services for Kay were held June 15, 2023, at Bible Baptist Church, Grove, OK. Donations in Kay’s honor may be made to Bible Baptist Church, Grove. Washington and passed away on June 29, 2023 in Vian. She was married to John Edmond Girty Sr. Wanda was a teacher for Cherokee Nation Adult Education. Survivors are six daughters, Susan Mae Adair of Tahlequah, OK, Peggy Sue Flute and George of Vian, Brenda Lee Harvell of Gans, Linda Jane Girty of Vian, Elizabeth Jones and Donald of Sallisaw and Joan May Murphy and Gregory of Vian; one son, John Edmond Girty, Jr. of Vian; 18 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Rachel Girty of Tahlequah; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one granddaughter, Johnna Girty; three sisters, Emma Washington, Nora Washington and Lily Washington Waterdown; and one brother, Raymond Washington. Active Pallbearers were Stone Girty, Jeremiah Caves, Jacob Caves, Martin Morris, Derrick Morris, Stevie Morris, Jr., Frank Girty and Adam Fisher. Honorary Pallbearers were her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. 1967, in Tahlequah, the son of Bobby Lee and Fannie Faye (Mouse) Hooper. He grew up in a household with three brothers and one sister, Sheila, Gary Don, Bobby and Billy. He grew up in Tahlequah, where he liked sports and chasing the girls when he was young. He graduated from Sequoyah High School and then decided to attend OSU Technical College, where he took auto body and paint. He was enlisted in the United States Army and served three years. When he came home, he hitchhiked between California and Oklahoma, staying with his cousin. He built pole barns by trade, remodeling homes and building things with his hands. He adored his mother and would do anything for her. He carved beautiful walking sticks, yet he never sold one, always gave them away. He had a kind heart, and loved his children fiercely, the father of four sons and seven daughters, Robyn, Corey, Christian, Kasi, Bryan, Brittani, Sadie, Eagle Boy, Joselyn, and Bluesky. He was an accomplished cook in the biscuits and gravy department and would fix breakfast for anyone anytime. He was completely laid back, easy going, slow to anger and helpful, you needed help, he was there. He passed from this life on July 6, 2023 in Tulsa, OK, he was 55 years old and will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sampson and Leann (Dry) Mouse, and Rufus and Nanny (Handle) Hooper. He also joins his mother father, brother Gary Don Hooper, a grandchild, Jeremiah Hooper, and two nephews, Colt Hooper and Caleb Deerinwater. Those left to celebrate his life include his children, Robyn Wilson of Yukma, WA, Corey Hooper of Tahlequah, Christian Hooper of Tahlequah, Kasi Hooper of Tahlequah, Bryan Hooper of Tahlequah, Brittani Rooster of Tahlequah, Sadie Williams of Tahlequah, Eagle Boy Hooper of Tahlequah, Joselyn Hooper of Tahlequah, and Bluesky Hooper of Tahlequah. He leaves his sister, Sheila Hooper of Tulsa and his two brothers, Bobby Blair Jr and Billy Blair both of Texas. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention. gardening, watching basketball, and spending time with family. Joe enjoyed attending Harvest Time Church in Westville and loved his church family. Joe was a competitive man who always enjoyed a challenge but took the most pride in beating everyone in puttputt golf. He loved to play fast-pitch softball and horseshoes, where he made many friends who still share memories of him. Joe is survived by his wife Mary, their children, Jana (and her fiancé Daniel Napier), Brian (and wife Kaidena Hubbard), RaLena (and husband Kirk Norrid) as well as numerous siblings – Woodrow Proctor; Croley (and wife Cora) Proctor; Dennis Ray Proctor; Wilkie Springwater; Mary Fourkiller; Thelma (and husband Larry Leach); Patricia (and husband Levi Catron); Lucy (and husband Kenny Wolf). In addition to his immediate family members, Joe is also survived by grandchildren Shayley Fourkiller, Luke Hubbard, Aubrey Hubbard, Nate Hubbard, and a host of nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his parents Jim and Geneva Proctor, brother Jimmy Proctor Jr., sister Rachel Lawrence, nephew Malcolm Spottedcrow and father-in-law Lee Sellers. Joe will always be remembered as a kind and selfless individual. He was known for incredible sense of humor, and his ability to light up a room with his smile. His generosity knew no bounds, and he was a friend to all who came into his circle. married on September 3, 2010, in Tulsa. They were together for over 14 years. Tonya was hard worker that provided for her family. She was a certified nursing assistant and anesthesia Tech at Hillcrest Medical Center for many years. She also worked as a cashier at a convenience store, spent time in fast food, as well providing housekeeping and janitorial services to schools. She also had been an employee at the Hard Rock Casino where she attended to winning machines. Tonya loved and treasured time spent with her children and surrounding loved ones. She especially loved time with her #1 grandson. She enjoyed drawing and writing down how her day went. She was known for her good frybread and enjoyed cooking for others. Tonya was a spiritual person that spent a lot of time reading her Bible. She was a wonderful grandmother and a beautiful and loving mother, sister, and friend. She always spoke with her heart and soul and had a creative mind. Her grandbaby was always number 1. Tonya is survived by her husband, Marlin Harjo, of the home; 3 children: Derrick Dixon of Tulsa, Shannon Russell of Tulsa, and Tracie Russell of Tulsa; 1 grandson: Beau Russell of Tulsa; 1 brother: Joe “Mike” Russell and wife Tammy of Bixby, OK; 1 sister: Debbie Russell of Tulsa; numerous other relatives and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; 1 brother: Porter Russell; 4 sisters: Julie Russell, Jeanell Miller, Pam Russell, and Cindy Russell; 2 nieces: Courtney Denise Orange and Janet French; and 1 nephew: David Joe Russell. Funeral services were held July 11, 2023, at the Locust Grove Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Joe Christie officiated. Interment will follow at Elm Cemetery in Leach. Harn of Pehrump, NV; Mother and FatherIn-Law, Brian and Roxie Scheimann of Iola, KS; SisterIn-Laws, Molly and Katie Scheimann of Iola; best friends forever Mazzie Jordan of Tulsa, and Jenna Yarbrough of Catoosa, OK; her “adopted” little big kid Blaine Garner of Langley; step-dad, Emilio Villanueva, Sr. of Jay; and favorite cousins Letisha, Ashlee, Jasmine, and Pennie; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. AnDrah graduated from Adair High School in 2020. She met the love of her life in August 2020. AnDrah planned on going to school for business and culinary, but her diagnosis in December of 2020 of AML (blood cancer) changed all that. Through all the doctor’s visits, appointments, and hospital stays, Miah never left her side. She loved spending time with him and their fur baby Bentlee, her mama, Mimi, and her dad, Randall, siblings, little big kid Blaine, and her 2 BFFs, Mazzie and Jenna. She also loved food, whether it was cooking it, baking it, or just plain eating it. She also had a love for nature. You could find her outside playing in the grass or the woods, admiring the garden center at Walmart, or at the creek those few days she wasn’t on the road for appointments or in the hospital. Despite having cancer and knowing her time here may have been short, she always had a smile on her face and kindness for everyone she met. Her main goal in life was to be there and to help people however she could, and she was always there if you needed her. Her toxic trait, if she had one, was loving and caring for the wrong people, but she had a heart of gold, full of kindness, that of someone who had lived a thousand lifetimes, and for that she will truly be missed. AnDrah’s family visitation to greet friends was July 10, 2023, at Lawson’s Funeral Homes and Cremation Services in Jay. AnDrah’s Celebration of Life Funeral Service was held at Piney Baptist Church in Jay on July 11, 2023, with Rev. Jess Jones Jr. officiating. AnDrah’s service concluded at the church. BURIAL ASSISTANCE The United Keetoowah Band wants to be a source of comfort during a family’s most difficult time. The UKB’s Burial Assistane program can assist members with up to $3,000 for funeral services or cremation costs. Please call 918-871-2800 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for a list of approved funeral homes we partner with and income guidelines for this program. www.ukb-nsn.gov/human-services info@ukb-nsn.gov 918-871-2800 HEALTH•ᎠᏰᎸ ᏄᏍᏛ EDUCATION•ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ AUGUST 2023 5 Summer school group visits UKB Museum Outside, children were running and laughing, and talking filled the air. BY MARILYN CRAIG UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator TAHLEQUAH – Sounds of children playing, laughing, and talking filled the air at the John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum on Wednesday, June 8. The group was summer school and their teachers from Rogers County. While one group of the third through fifth graders got a tour of the museum, followed by an arrowhead hunt, the other group got to make mini gourd masks first. Kids were deep in concentration, deciding what color markers and how they would place the feathers. Every mask, just like its creator, was unique. Outside, children were guided on how to look for and find their own “arrowhead.” Once found, they would then bring it over to museum summer youth workers and get assistance in making a necklace from their treasure. “Kids love the arrowhead hunts,” said Barbara Girty Foster, Assistant Museum Director. “It’s like an Easter egg hunt, and the arrowheads are machine made, but they are beautiful and there are many different types and shades.” Before they left, in addition to their mini gourd masks and necklaces, the museum gave all participants a goody bag with a coloring book, crayons, and a water bottle or a jump rope. Keetoowah Museum Director Ernestine Berry explains the history of the Keetoowah to a group of students. PHOTOS BY MARILYN CRAIG/UKB MUSEUM MARKETING COORDINATOR Two students proudly show off their red, white, and blue masks they made during a recent trip to the John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum. UKB Summer youth workers Mia Allan and Nevaeh Thirsty help student visitors make arrowhead necklaces. UKB’s CDC voted Best Daycare in Cherokee County The UKB Henry Lee Doublehead Child Development Center is again voted the Best Daycare in Cherokee County. BY LANI HANSEN Senior Reporter TAHLEQUAH – The UKB Henry Lee Doublehead Child Development Center has won “Best Daycare” in the Best of Cherokee County competition for the fifth consecutive year. Every year the Tahlequah Daily Press opens nominations for the annual Best of Cherokee County Readers’ Choice awards. With over 150 categories, HLDCDC was one of four daycare centers nominated. They went up against A Bright Start Development Center, who they tied with last year for first place in their category. HLDCDC currently serves 47 children, ages infant through five-year-old with 15 teachers on staff. The center has been a part of the UKB tribe since 2006, providing service for both tribal and non-tribal families. HLDCDC is under the management of Director It’s snack time for children at the UKB Henry Lee Doublehead Child Development Center. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS Christie Kirk, who has been with the center for all five years of receiving this award. She was beyond happy for her staff. “After the first year of getting this award, I thought it was a fluke but then we continued winning,” Kirk said. “I’m not sure where the nomination comes from, but when it comes up every year the votes come from our Henry Lee family and the tribe.” After a few years of winning, Kirk has noticed it LUNCH MENU bringing the UKB and Henry Lee staff together. She noted winning this competition leaves a positive remark for the tribe. “In addition of winning for the fifth year in a row, we’ve celebrated with t-shirts for all those who have supported us,” Kirk said. The staff of HLDCDC continues their well driven goal of meeting the needs of each individual child, while educating and assisting the child’s family. Just this past year the center broke ground on two projects. Kirk said the HLDCDC multipurpose storm shelter expansion project is expected to be completed and open in the fall of this year. “We are hoping by celebration time, it will be finished and we plan on having an open house event,” she said. The Stilwell center for HLDCDC is expected to be completed in the winter and opened by early 2024. As the winners of “Best Daycare” out of Cherokee County, Kirk praises the works of her staff members at the center. “I’m proud of my staff and the hard work they put in everyday with the children,” Kirk added. Although there is a wait list at HLDCDC, according to Kirk, applications are always available to enroll a child. Applications can be found at https://www.ukb-nsn.gov/ henryleecdc. HLDCDC is open M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm. It’s located at 18771 W. Keetoowah Circle, Tahlequah. For information, call 918-871-2799. The United Keetoowah Band’s Title VI Lunch Menu for August 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. August 1 BBQ Smoked Sausage Potato Salad Baked Beans, Bread Pickles, Jell-O August 2 Stuffed Peppers Rice Pilaf Mixed Vegetables Hot Roll, Jell-O Cup August 3 Loaded Baked Potato Garden Salad Crackers Pudding Cup August 4 Biscuits & Gravy Scrambled Eggs Sausage, Hashbrowns Cranberry Juice August 7 Ham & Cheese on Wheat Potato Chips Pasta Salad Fruit Cup August 8 Beef Tacos Spanish Rice Refried Beans Jell-O Cup August 9 Chopped Briscuit on Bun Potato Salad Baked Beans Pudding Cup August 10 Pizza Garden Salad Fruit Cup August 11 BBQ Ribs Potato Salad Baked Beans, Texas Toast, Watermelon August 14 Goulash Broccoli Cuts Garlic Toast Pudding Cup August 15 Chicken Alfred Italian Green Beans Salad, Bread Stick Jell-O Cup August 16 Loaded Fries Three-Beans Salad Bread Pudding Cup August 17 Bean Soup Mac & Tomato Cornbread Fruit Cup August 18 Sloppy Joe on Bun Potato Salad Pickles Fruit Cup, Cookie August 21 Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce Italian Green Beans Garlic Toast Jell-O Cup August 22 BBQ Chicken Mashed Potatoes Corn on Cob, Bread Pickles, Fruit Cup August 23 Philly Steak Sandwich Potato Wedges Macaroni Salad Pickles, Jell-O Cup August 24 Bologna & Cheese Sandwich Potato Chips Pasta Salad, Fruit Cup August 25 Kitchen Closed Cleaning Day August 28 Hamburger Stew Yellow Hominy Crackers Fruit Cup August 29 Chicken Strips Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Green Beans Hot Roll, Jell-O Cup August 30 BLT on Wheat Potato Salad Macaroni Salad Pudding Cup August 31 Hamburger w/Fixings Steak Fries Birthday Cake Ice Cream M 6 AUGUST 2023 SERVICES•ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ BUSINESS•ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ UKB Housing uses Homeowner’s Assistance Fund A program for eligible UKB members impacted by financial hardships due to COVID-19. BY LANI HANSEN Senior Reporter TAHLEQUAH – After the COVID-19 pandemic impacted many tribal members, the United Keetoowah Band Housing Department utilizes the Homeowner’s Assistance Fund (HAF) to help eligible members. According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, the HAF program is part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 administered by the U.S. Treasury. The purpose of HAF is to prevent delinquency, default and foreclosures among homeowners who experienced financial hardships related to the pandemic. In order to qualify for assistance under HAF, a homeowner must have experienced the hardship after January 21, 2020. UKBHD continues to help homeowners impacted by financial hardships related to the pandemic. COURTESY Some of the eligible activities under the UKBHD HAF are delinquent property taxes, mortgage payment assistance, insurance assistance, utility and/ or internet assistance, homeowner displacement assistance and legal services related to foreclosure prevention and displacement. “One of the newest eligible activities include, repairs limited to HVAC, roofing, plumbing or electrical. And they must be able to prove hardship due to COVID-19,” Housing Specialist Jackie Cochran stated. HAF is designed to be a one-time assistance for any of the eligible activities. There are maximum assistance caps in place in order to reach as many tribal members as possible. Some of the requirements to be eligible for assistance include be an exclusive enrolled member of the UKB, a homeowner, the assistance must be for applicant’s primary residence, located within the tribe’s designated housing service and not be a duplicate HAF recipient. “As of June 30, 2023, the UKBHD has assisted 59 UKB homeowners under the HAF program since funding inception,” Cochran said. “This comes to nearly $103,000.00 of assistance thus far.” UKBHD plans to utilize the program for eligible exclusive UKB homeowners while funds last, which they are estimating to be through the end of 2025. For applications or assistance, contact Jacqueline (Jackie) Cochran at jcochran@ukb-nsn.gov or 918-871-2773. Phone: 918-871-2773 PO Box 60, Park Hill, OK 74451 18300 W. Keetoowah Circle, Tahlequah, OK 74464 2023 UKB HOUSING PROGRAMS v Repair/Rehab/Includes Emergency Repair v College Student Housing Assistance - To Assist Eligible UKB Members with the necessary home Repairs and Rehab for them to have decent, safe, and sanitary homes. - Will Assist Income-Eligible, full-time students who are attending an accredited College within the United States. This Program is active during the Fall and Springtime. v Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance The museum is still looking to purchase some rattles, shackles, moccasins, flutes, pipes, ribbon shirts, walking sticks, blowguns, darts, and stickball sticks. COURTESY Keetoowah Museum to buy art by appointment in August BY MARILYN CRAIG UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator TAHLEQUAH – The John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum has been busy this summer with a steady flow of visitors and customers to their museum and gift shop. “We are pleased with the increased sales, and we are happy to sell Keetoowah hand made items and art,” said JHCCKM Director Ernestine Berry. “We put a call out for quality, handmade items, and our members responded.” The museum has an inventory of beadwork, stickball sticks and balls, baskets, medicine bags, quilts , walking sticks, tear dresses, ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts, dolls, teddy bears, carvings, flutes, blowguns, paintings and prints that are all created by Keetoowah citizens. The museum is still looking to purchase some rattles, shackles, moccasins, flutes, pipes, ribbon shirts, walking sticks, blowguns, darts, and stickball sticks. The shop is currently low on these items, while the demand is still high. Due to increased programming and customers, the museum is changing the way they do business with members. “If you are interested in selling your merchandise to us,” said Berry, “We welcome you to come on our set dates with a scheduled appointment.” Beginning in August, the museum will only buy art or crafts by appointments on Tuesday or Wednesday. To make an appointment call 918-871-2866 or visit https://www.ukb-nsn.gov/john-haircultural-center-museum. - To Assist Eligible Tribal Members with down-payment and closing costs in an amount of $10,000 per household. v Lease-Purchase Homeownership Program - To Assist Eligible UKB Tribal Members in becoming first time Homeowners. v Storm Shelters - To Assist Eligible UKB Members with a storm shelter to be installed on their property for security and safety. v Rental/Mortgage Assistance - Will Assist Income-Eligible Tribal Members who reside within the Jurisdictional area of the Tribe. Participants must establish that they are renting a suitable affordable housing unit or that they are delinquent in the payment of a mortgage. v Elder Cottage Program v To Assist Elderly Tribal Members who are precariously housed but who meet the minimum income guidelines and the selection criteria set forth in the program operating policy. v Weatherization Program (Wood Stove/AC) - To Assist Elderly & Disabled with a window unit air conditioner or wood stove and/or weatherization materials as necessary to control the climates of dwelling units and to prevent infiltration of the elements. v Coosa Wattee Income Based Homes - Assisting UKB Tribal Members with income-based housing in our Coosa Wattee neighborhood. v Goingsnake Elder Apartments - Assisting our UKB Elders with a small community in Stilwell. All are one-bedroom apartments and fully furnished. This Program is also income based. ANI GIDUWAGI• ᎠᏂ ᎩᏚᏩᎩ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ “The River Woe” official poster, this movie was filmed in 2022. COURTESY PHOTOS Richard Vann (left) and Marcus Thompson (right) on set for the film “Eggs and Gas.” AUGUST 2023 7 Danielle Campbell with Marcus Thompson on set of “The River Woe.” Member’s film to screen at Fort Smith film festival BY LANI HANSEN Senior Reporter FORT SMITH – Out of 148 movies selected from all over the world, two local films “The River Woe” and “Eggs and Gas” will be screened at the Fort Smith International Film Festival. The films feature United Keetoowah Band members from Northeast Oklahoma. According to UKB tribal member Marcus Thompson, the International Film Festival is returning for its third year. Brandon Chase Goldsmith is the festivals founding father. The festival will be August 25th and 26th in downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas. The theme of the festival is [re]Focused, according to the Fort Smith Film website. It is celebrating a storytelling renaissance by moviemakers who suffered production obstacles posed by the global pandemic. Artists who persevered are emerging with new focus. People and groups who were on the margins or left out of narratives are entering the picture with a sharpness that reveals the details of life at a higher resolution. “It was hard to believe that my short film (Eggs and Gas) was selected, I was excited,” Thompson stated about the recognition. Two films he was part of that were selected are “The River Woe” and “Eggs and Gas.” “The River Woe” is about a Native American man who gets laid off from his job, and when he gets home finds out him and his wife have been denied government assistance. Thompson said, “We filmed ‘The River Woe’ in 2022, and it has already been in a few film festivals this past year.” This film features Thompson, Danielle Campbell, Marlene Glass Ballard and Marcus Pruitt. The second film selected for this film festival is one Thompson wrote himself, called “Eggs and Gas.” It was filmed in early 2023 after dates of shooting were pushed back multiple times. Thompson said they used commodity eggs. “The idea of this short film came to mind when I was talking to my friend about the high prices of gas and eggs,” Thompson said. “Eggs and Gas” features Thompson, David H. Ferguson and Richard Vann. This short film was Thompson’s first script to write. Unfortunately, “The River Woe” has not been released to the public to watch, but “Eggs and Gas” can be viewed on YouTube. The Fort Smith International Film Festival is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at, https:// fortsmithfilm.com/. Meet UKB Tradition Keeper Carrie Grayson Carrie Grayson has taught traditional crafts for more than a quarer century. BY MARILYN CRAIG UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator TAHLEQUAH – Boasting over 25 years of experience in teaching cultural crafts, Carrie Grayson is a proud member of the United Keetoowah Band. She was awarded the title of UKB Tradition Keeper in 2017 for her outstanding work in traditional arts and crafts. This includes basketry, cornhusk dolls, twining, cornbead necklaces and moccasin making. Growing up, Carrie was interested in arts and crafts. She was in first grade when she learned how to make baskets. She was taught by her future mother-inlaw, Charlotte Grayson. Carrie’s school, Sequoyah Elementary, was the only school offering Indian culture classes at the time. Carrie and a friend, Christie Vann, would practice singing and counting in Cherokee with each other during recess. In her early 20s, she wanted to learn more about different types of arts and crafts and had many wonderful teachers who shared their craft with her. To her, it was only right to share the knowledge she had been given to others. “Knowing these crafts and skills have given me the opportunity to travel across the United States and represent my tribe,” said Grayson. Carrie Grayson has represented UKB at the Chuck Wagon Festival at the Cowboy Hall of Fame Museum in OKC. She has been involved in a STEM Program with Seminole Nation as well as participating in Sorghum Days for the past 12 years. In March of 2023, Grayson and her fellow Tradition Keepers traveled to Washington D.C. for Cherokee Days. “I consider myself a cultural educator by choice,” said Grayson. “I love teaching children and adults. It’s rewarding to teach someone something that they would not have the opportunity to learn otherwise. I’ve had people return year after year to visit and to work on their crafts. They’ve even brought the crafts they’ve done at home for me to see.” Carrie Grayson lives in Tahlequah with her husband and fellow artist, Noel Grayson. They have two daughters to whom they are passing their skills. For inquiries about her art or classes, email her at carrievancegrayson@gmail.com. UKB Tradition Keeper Carrie Grayson works on a Cherokee craft. She’s known for basketry, cornhusk dolls, twinning and more. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS “Knowing these crafts and skills have given me the opportunity to travel across the United States and represent my tribe.” Carrie Grayson, UKB Tradition Keeper 8 AUGUST 2023 CULTURE•ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ UKB’s ‘Back to Basics’ gets corny The UKB Museum “Back to Basics” session focuses on canning corn in July. BY MARILYN CRAIG UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator TAHLEQUAH – The second session of the “Back to Basics” canning series focused on canning corn. A small group of Keetoowah women, ages 15 to 65, gathered to learn from instructor Keetoowah culture bearer Betty Holcomb. The items needed to can corn include: one bushel corn, salt, seven one-quart jars, lids, and rings, pan for sterilizing jars and lids, pan for boiling water, jar funnel, large spoon or scoop, teaspoon. The first thing they did was to get out a big flat pan and put a couple of inches of water in it. Then, put the lids and the jars in the water, neck down and turn up the heat to boil the water to sterilize them. The next step was to go outside to shuck the corn. After removing the husks and the silks, all the ladies put on gloves, and the ends and any bad places were removed. Next, they stood the corn straight up in a dishpan and cut it off the cob. After the corn was all off the cob, any large clumps of corn were broken down. Then the funnel was put on the jar, and the jar was filled to just below the mouth of the jar. If desired, you could add a teaspoon of salt. They slowly topped the corn with boiling water, leaving a bit of space. Betty cautioned everyone to make sure and wipe the inside and outside of the jar neck. Debris around the top can prevent the jar from sealing. Then, they topped it with a lid and ring, and screwed the lid on tightly. Finally, they put their first jar in the canner and filled each jar until they had all the jars filled, sealed, and covered in hot water. They put the lid on the cooker with ten pounds of pressure and let it cook for 85 minutes. If you are canning at home, your pressure cooker will have instructions on how long to pressure each veggie. Instructions may also be Googled. Some important tips include: Process time is the most notable variable to pay attention to. • The style of pack is either hot or raw, but some foods have both packing styles listed. • Jar size is either pints or quarts, but some foods have both jar sizes listed. • Head space is often 1 inch but varies for some foods. The process just described to can the corn is called “cold or raw packing.” Raw packing is the practice of filling jars tightly with freshly prepared, but unheated food. Such foods, especially fruit, will often float in the jars. The entrapped air in and around the food may also cause discoloration within 2 to 3 months of storage. Raw packing is more suitable for pickles; since pickles require minimal processing due to the extremely high acid content, and the need to retain the crispness of the raw vegetable. Hot packing is the practice of heating freshly prepared food to boiling, simmering it 2 to 5 minutes, and promptly filling jars loosely with the boiled food. Whether food has been hot-packed or raw-packed, the juice, syrup, or water to be added to the foods should also be heated to boiling before adding it to the jars. This practice helps to remove air from food tissues, shrinks food, helps keep the food from floating in the jars, increases vacuum in sealed jars, and improves shelf life. Preshrinking food also permits filling more food into each jar. The next session of the “Back to Basics” canning series will be held on Saturday, August 12 from 10 am to 2 pm. at the Speedway. The class will prepare bread and butter pickles, as well as dill pickles. For more information on the “Back to Basics” classes, call Barbara Girty Foster at 918-871-2794. Students work on the steps to remove the corn from the cob to prepare it for canning during the UKB’s “Back to Basics” class. MARILYN CRAIG/UKB MUSEUM MARKETING COORDINATOR --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aunited_keetoowah_cherokee%3A4ffcd3fe287c35d2. Public record. Not legal advice.