LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Tribal code
Ask Donna
What actually matters in this document.
Text
ON SALE
UKB author Kathy
G. Carey’s book
releases just in
time for the fall.
ANI GIDUWA, 10
LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
AND AT WWW.UKB-NSN.GOV.
GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Polling sites set for 2022 election
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎪᏪᎵ Official News Publication of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma October 2022
UKB Election Board releases
the list of voting sites. Voters
will find two additional ballot
questions.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH – The UKB Election Board has released
the polling sites for election day on Nov. 7, and has added two ballot questions. This year’s sites are as follows:
· Canadian District voters will need to report to Warner Senior Citizens Center located at 802 3rd Ave.
· Cooweescoowee District voters will need to report to
Emmanuel Baptist Church located at 828 E. Muskogee
Ave. in Claremore. Contact is Jim Anderson at 918-8134979.
· Delaware District voters will need to report to Jay
Senior Citizens Center located at 816 S. Main in Jay.
Contact number is 918-253-8405.
· Flint District voters will report to Stilwell Community Building located at 320 N. 6th St. in Stilwell. Contact
number is 918-696-7919 or 918-696-8111.
· Goingsnake District voters will have two voting sites.
Voters may visit Oaks City Hall located at 128 E. Sequoyah Dr. in Oaks or Maryetta Public School at 47089
E. 810 Rd. in Stilwell. Contact numbers are 918-8683370 and 918-696-2285.
· Illinois District voters will need to report to Cookson
KEETOOWAH IN FILM
Hills Center located at 32087 Hwy 82 S. in Cookson.
Contact number is 918-457-5181.
· Saline District voters will report to All Nations
Church located at 502 S. Owen Walters Blvd. in Salina.
· Sequoyah District voters will need to report to
Sallisaw Nutrition Center located at 115 W. Redwood in
Sallisaw. Contact number is 918-775-6855.
· Tahlequah District voters will report to Speedway
located at 15882 Old US Hwy 62 in Tahlequah.
Voters will find two additional ballot questions this
year when voting; question one is “Should a driver’s
license be required for candidates for Council?” and
question two is “Should a high school diploma or GED
be required for candidates for Council?”
The UKB Election Board strongly encourages those
eligible to vote to do so on Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tahlequah plans
Indigenous People’s
Day events
Northeastern State University
and the Indigenous People’s
Alliance of Oklahoma will
orchestrate the annual IPD.
BY RITA COURTWRIGHT
Media Specialist
United Keetoowah Band member Marcus Thompson, left, walks alongside two other men who were featured as
background actors for the Martin Scorsese film “Killers of the Flower Moon.” MIKE SIMONS/TULSA WORLD
UKB member Marcus Thompson shares his experience
on-set of Oklahoma-based movies and local films.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
T
AHLEQUAH – United Keetoowah Band member
Marcus Thompson steps foot into acting as it
is something he has become passionate about
leading to roles in short films and making an appearance in upcoming movies.
Thompson has lived in Tahlequah all his life, where
both his mom and dad resided too. He and his wife
have seven children. For years he was working in
carpentry, he worked for Cherokee Nation Housing
Authority for 20 years before becoming an inspector.
Thompson currently works for the United Keetoowah
Band Housing Department as an inspector, he has
been with them for two years.
During his years with Cherokee Nation, his first
opportunity to be on camera was when the tribe was
seeking stickball players for a CDC commercial with
Wes Studi.
“I got to meet Wes Studi and play a little social
stickball game with him,” Thompson said of his first
debut. “We played a traditional way of the game and
a more modern way for the commercial.”
Sometime after the stickball commercial, Thompson got another call to be in one for Cherokee Nation
ICW. They filmed the ICW commercial at the Heritage
Center. Opportunities started lining up for Thompson
after those two commercials and he has been in 18
short films and commercials.
A few of those short films or commercials he’s been
in are CDC for Cherokee Nation, Cherokee Nation
ICW, Stickball films for Cherokee Nation, “Stickball”
for Celia Xavier “Slice of Life,” “Goingsnake Massacre”-not released yet, “Chris”-not released yet, “The
River Woe”-not released yet and he recently was part
of a short drama, which has not released date.
After being a part of Cherokee Nation commercials and other short films, it was about six years
ago when he read about a casting call with Freihofer
SEE THOMPSON, PAGE 3
TAHLEQUAH – With the start of October, comes the
celebration of Indigenous People’s Day. Held the second
Monday in October, Indigenous People’s Day was established in 2016 by the Tahlequah City Council.
The Indigenous People’s Alliance of Oklahoma is partnering with Northeastern State University to host the
4th Annual Indigenous People’s Day celebration.
“We will start out the afternoon with traditional
games beginning at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Beta Field,” said
Jami Murphy, IPAO member. “We also have tentative
plans to have brief remarks from dignitaries, student
lead organizations and community leaders from Tahlequah and NSU to speak before we begin our march at
5:30 p.m.”
The march will begin at Beta Field and continue to
the Cherokee National Peace Pavilion on Water Street.
Vendors are invited to set up at no charge at the Peace
Pavilion and free food will be served.
SEE IPD PAGE 3
Native Americans march during a previous Indigenous
People’s Day parade. The holiday is celebrated on the second
Monday in October. COURTESY
UKB Della Wolfe Library receives $10K grant
BY RITA COURTWRIGHT
Media Specialist
TAHLEQUAH – UKB Education Department recently
applied for and received two grants from the Institute
of Museum and Library Sciences. The first grant was an
award of $10,000 and the second grant was an award
of $100,000.
“These had been awarded to our museum in previous
years, however this was the first year that Education
was able to apply, as the museum was already busy with
some other grants they had received,” said Jacqueline
Watson-Baker, Education specialist. “So, I applied for
the smaller grant first in the hopes of using the $10,000
for Native American literature, which would be amazing
if we got it.”
A meeting to plan the upcoming UKB Celebration was
in process when Watson-Baker was notified about the
grant’s status.
“I stopped the meeting we were having to tell everyone that we received a large grant for the library,” said
Watson-Baker. “I was so excited.”
Not only was Education awarded the original $10,000
grant in July, but it was also awarded a second grant for
an additional $100,000 in September.
“Dr. Hannah was a strong supporter of me writing for
these grants. He put full faith in me to go after them,”
said Watso-Baker.
Education Librarian Sarah Scarberry was hired on
after the department received its first grant and plans to
build the library to transform it into a welcoming space.
“We’re looking at hosting book clubs, literary circles
and many other social gatherings,” Scarberry added.
“We’re also hoping to host some remote classes as well.”
Education is already planning on several events in the
upcoming months as well as will be working on adding
new desks, chairs, and new titles to the ever-growing
collection of library materials. Education also is planning a re-dedication of its library to the Della Wolfe
Library.
The Council adopted the new name of the Della Wolfe
Library during its August meeting. Wolfe recently retired
from the UKB in June, just two months shy of her 18year work anniversary. Wolfe worked 16 of those years
within the Education Department.
“We would love for people in the community to call us
or email us with any recommendations of CD’s, books,
DVD’s and Native Centric content that they might like to
Books are shown at the UKB Della Wolfe Library, which
recently received a $10,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE
NEWS
utilize here in our library,” Watson-Baker said.
For information on the Della Wolfe Library, email
jwatson@ukb-nsn.gov or call 918-871-2796
2
OCTOBER 2022
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
It’s fall and it’s celebration time
Si yo, ni ga da.
October is the beginning of fall and it’s
our celebration time. After a two-year
absence I hope you were able to attend
our 72nd annual celebration, this year’s
theme was “Never Give Up”. The activities memorialize 72 years ago when the
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee
Indians ratified our constitution, by-laws
and corporate charter. We were federally
recognized in 1946, by Congress through
the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act.
The theme is from the booklet, Cherokee History, as you have never heard
it before, we have never given up. Seventy-two years ago, Chief John Hitcher
applied for land in trust, which was denied and in 2019 I signed the deed to the
76-acre social program parcel over to the
Department of Interior to take in trust for
the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee
Indians.
We have had obstacles in our path and
have overcome, every Chief has had a
hand in attaining our land in trust, we
have never given up. Throughout the
years we were successful in attaining a
Housing program, car tags, constructing
Chief’s
Corner
JOE BUNCH
Principal Chief
jbunch@ukb-nsn.gov
buildings, Behavioral Health service, had
casino operations and so on.
Today, our government-to-government
relations with the Department of Interior
are as strong as ever. Presently, we are
involved with a land in trust application
for our 2.63-acre casino property. We have
requested the Solicitors Office for a determination for a successor in interest in our
reservation, we know the OIWA provides
tribes with a land base. We look froward
for this clarification in our favor. Today,
we are receiving federal grants due to our
76-acre land in trust success, the federal
government trust responsibility is funding our programs, services, functions and
activities as other tribes have attained.
We look forward on expanding our pro-
UKB ELECTION INFO
grams. We continue to question the public
service area definition used in attaining
federal funds, you can rest assured, we
are continuing to press these important
issues. We are currently expanding our
court and the Lighthorse department.
Our education department has 30 kids
going to college, 20 going to vo-tech and
we have 46 signed up for the college
saving plan. The Education Department
is pursuing paths for our youth, we have
reached out to local colleges and universities to provide course work on our campus. Great Job Education Department.
When you look around the 76 acres, we
have had some construction, we roofed
the administration and nutrition building,
and we are constructing a new parking lot
for the Jim Proctor building. We will have
more in the future.
I hope your visit to the 72nd annual
celebration was enjoyable and as always,
my door is all ways open, and if you have
concerns reach out to your councilor.
In closing, I ask you to keep the UKB in
your prayers and ask the Creator to bless
the UKB and our country. Until we see
each other again.
CANDIDATE PROFILES
Canadian District
Eddie Sacks (I) *
Joseph Two Shields*
PRECINCT: Senior Citizens Center at 802 Third Ave. in Warner
Coeweescoowee
Dist.
Clifford
Wofford
918-822-1953
Delaware Dist.
Caleb
GrimmettSmith
918-791-8107
Flint Dist.
Frankie Still
918-507-1822
Goingsnake Dist.
Willie Christie
918-822-3803
Illinois Dist.
Peggy Girty
918-457-7067
Saline Dist.
Charles Smoke
918-457-7071
Sequoyah Dist.
Junior Catron
918-315-0970
Coeweescoowee District
Clifford Wofford (I) *
PRECINCT: Emmanuel Baptist Church at 828 E. Muskogee
Ave. in Claremore (918-813-4979)
Delaware District
Archie Buzzard*
Elmer Panther Jr.*
PRECINCT: Senior Citizens Center at 816 S. Main in Jay
(918-253-8405)
Flint District
Frankie Still (I) *
PRECINCT: Stilwell Community Building at 320 N. Sixth St. in
Stilwell (918-696-7919 or 918-696-8111)
Goingsnake District
Willie Christie (I) *
Sharon Benoit*
PRECINCT: Oaks City Hall at 128 E. Sequoyah Drive in Oaks
(918-868-3370)
Maryetta Public School at 47089 E. 810 Road in Stilwell
(918-696-2285)
Illinois District
Peggy Girt (I) *
PRECINCT: Cookson Hills Center at 32087 Highway 82 in
Cookson (918-457-5181)
Saline District
Charles Smoke (I) *
John Mouse
Dylan Hayes
PRECINCT: All Nations Church at 502 S. Owen Walters Blvd.
in Salina
Sequoyah District
No Candidates Filed
PRECINCT: Sallisaw Nutrition Center at 115 W. Redwood in
Sallisaw (918-775-6855)
Tahlequah District
Alvin Hicks (I) *
Teresa Hair*
PRECINCT: Speedway at 15882 Old US Highway 62 in
Tahlequah
(I) Incumbent
*Bio and picture not received by the October newspaper
deadline.
GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
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.
MEDIA SPECIALIST
Rita Courtwright
REPORTER
Lani Hansen
GRAPHICS DESIGNER
Travis Snell
Tahlequah Dist.
Alvin Hicks
918-931-1462
Name: Rev. Dylan Hayes
Name: John Wayne Mouse
District: Saline
District: Saline
Bio: Osiyo Nigaduwa, I am
Rev. Dylan Hayes, pastor
of Cedar Grove Church in
Locust Grove, Oklahoma.
I am Keetoowah by heart
and have lived in the Saline
District all my life. I have
dedicated my life to serving
God and serving people.
Bio: John has been married
to Debbie Ross Mouse for
more than 30 years. They
live in Locust Grove and
together have five children
and 12 grandchildren. He
is a graduate of Salina High
School Class of 1977. He
attended Northeastern State
University and played football, Oklahoma State University to learn about heating/
air and Bill Willis Skill Center
for heating/air.
He has worked for RAE
Corp. building chillers and
A/C units, then went into
the service department and
traveled helping with installs
and troubleshooting. He has
also worked for Tahlequah
Public Schools as HVAC
tech and electrician. In 1995
he worked for Cherokee
Nation working several jobs.
He is currently working as
an HVAC tech. John also
served three years on Keys
School Board before building a home for him and his
wife in Locust Grove.
Why are you running for
district representative?
I have decided to run for
Council because I have seen
a need in our Saline District
for a more active and more
interactive Council member. Our tribe needs honest
people to move forward with
our people in their hearts.
When elected I will gladly do
whatever I can to improve
the lives of our elders and
our people. I humbly ask all
Saline District members, who
see and want a change in
leadership and representation, come out and vote for
me Nov. 7, 2022. Wado and
God bless the Keetoowah
people.
Why are you running for
district representative?
I am running for Council because it is time for a change.
We need to help our elders
and our children; we need to
look forward into the future
and do what is best for our
tribe. Please help me by voting for John Wayne Mouse
for Saline District Rep Tribal
Council for the United Keetoowah Band Cherokees.
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.
THE UNITED KEETOOWAH BAND’S OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON
OCT. 3 FOR KEETOOWAH DAY &
OCT. 10 FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY
NEWS•ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
OCTOBER 2022
3
NSU Center for Tribal Studies hosts annual Gatheration
Gatheration connects
new and old students
with Native life on
campus.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH – In late August, Northeastern State University Center for Tribal
Studies hosted its annual “Gatheration”
for students to learn about resources on
and off campus.
According to the NSU CTS page, the
Center for Tribal Studies offers a variety
of services to enhance the academic experience of students in a supportive environment that values the traditions of American Indian cultural heritage. The Center
facilitates program development, cultural
enrichment, student support, and professional development opportunities for the
University community.
The Center serves all students but administers many programs that are specifically designed to increase the educational
attainment of American Indian populations. By nurturing educational leadership, cultural enrichment, and professional development among students, leaders
and scholars emerge, many of whom will
serve in professions benefiting tribal governments and communities.
CTS Graduate Assistant Kaleb Proctor
A student kicks a ball during a game of slip-and-slide kickball at the Northeastern State
University Center for Tribal Studies’ Gatheration event in late August. COURTESY
(UKB) said, “Gatheration was an opportunity for Native students to be exposed to
resources here at NSU. CTS provided food
and games at this event.”
Gatheration is a welcome back event
with an information fair hosted in the fall
for new students, continuing students,
faculty and staff, said NSU CTS Director
Sara Barnett (Muscogee Creek).
“This year we had about 30 people who
set up,” Barnett said. “So, it’s always a
good turn out, but I was surprised how
many we got since it was so hot.”
Some of the on-campus organizations
A resources fair was held at Gatheration, with organizations
from on and off campus. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE
NEWS
who were set-up included Alpha Pi Omega Sorority, Inc., Phi Sigma Nu Fraternity,
American Indigenous Business Leaders,
Native American Student Association,
American Indian Science and Engineering
and Sigma Nu Alpha Gamma.
Every year CTS has stickball set up for
students to play, but this year they played
slip-n-slide kickball to help cool down students while facing the heat.
“We had about 80 or so students who
signed-in and came by to visit, which is a
pretty good number,” Barnett stated.
Students had the choice of meat pies
Miss Native American NSU 2021-22 Nicollette Sarae Littlecook
addresses the crowd during Gatheration. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
or indian tacos for dinner, which was catered by Drake’s Kitchen. Drake’s Kitchen
is a local food truck and is usually set up
downtown Tahlequah on Tuesday and Friday nights.
“Some of our staff said he made good
frybread and meat pies, so we contacted him, and he gave us a price,” Barnett
mentioned about the caterer.
Students registered for drawings of
prizes that were handed out throughout
the evening. No student walked away
empty-handed; one lucky student won a
laptop from the drawing.
When asked about how the event went
CTS Student Services Coordinator Melody Proctor (UKB) replied, “It went great
seeing students get out there and having
some fun. It was good to see them get
to engage with the resources offered for
them.”
“We were just excited to continue this
tradition,” Barnett said about Gatheration.
Barnett added, “We appreciate all those
who helped set up tables, came out and
faced the heat with us and all the donors
who made donations on or off campus. We
appreciate the community partnership.”
If there is an individual who would like
to be involved with Gatheration in the fall
of 2023, Barnett said feel free to reach
out in July. Contact NSU Center for Tribal
Studies at tribalstudies@nsuok.edu or call
at 918-444-4350.
For information on the Center for Tribal
Studies, please visit https://offices.nsuok.
edu/centerfortribalstudies/AboutUs.aspx
Students enjoy cooling off by playing slip-n-slide kickball
duirng the NSU Center for Tribal Studies’ Gatheration. LANI
HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
THOMPSON: He is also an extra in “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
FROM PAGE 1
Casting when Thompson applied and started receiving
emails to be in films being shot in Oklahoma. He was a
background actor for a couple of projects filmed in Tulsa
and Oklahoma City.
“In 2018 I was a featured actor in ‘The Turkey Bowl,’”
he said. “I was on set for about 14 days and had to drive
back and forth to Oklahoma City, but to me it wasn’t
about the money it was an opportunity to be on a movie.”
Just last year in 2021, Thompson took a role as a
background actor for the upcoming movie “Killers of the
Flower Moon.” This movie is about the Osage murders
directed by Martin Scorsese with main actors Leonardo
DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone.
“When I first applied to be on the movie, it was to be
an automobile driver,” Thompson commented. “I had to
go through training, and when that was over, they said
they’d give us a call back. But when I finally got a call
back it was for a train scene in the background where
Leonardo is getting off the train.”
Thompson will be part of a few scenes with Leonardo
getting off the train. On his second day on set, he got
to backup one of the vehicles of the train station scene.
Marcus Thompson on the set for the film “Chris.” COURTESY
Another day he ran by Leonardo as Thompson was running to the front of the train.
“Being a background actor is pretty exciting, but it’s a
lot of wait time,” Thompson said.
While on set, Thompson said they were not allowed
to interact with the main actors, but he got to meet Lily
Gladstone while she was walking by one day. He also
added that he will be in a scene walking behind Robert De Niro. “Killers of the Flower Moon” is set to be
released May 2023.
Since then, Thompson was in a short film called
“Chris” and his latest film is called “The River Woe.”
Both films have Native American cast and crew.
Thompson said, “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.
Later in the film he goes to visit his mom and tells her
what is going on, she tells him to take his dads fishing
stuff.
“Since I can’t really say much more about it because
it hasn’t been released yet it reflects on a lot of Native
American issues today,” Thompson commented.
In this year alone, he has helped with four movie projects so far. Some of the movies that Thompson has been
a background actor for are “Gone with the Hunted,”
“The Last Exorcist,” “The Turkey Bowl,” “Land of Gold,”
“Adventures of ARI,” “Lone Wolf Hill” and “Tulsa King.”
His latest film, The River Woe is featured in the fourth
annual Indigenous Film Festival co-sponsored by the
Roxy Theater on Oct. 9, which is from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
as part of the Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration in
Muskogee.
IPD: IPD events are also slated in Stilwell, Muskogee and Tulsa.
FROM PAGE 1
“I take a lot of pride as a Native American and a Muscogee citizen to be a part of this day and this demonstration,” said Sara Barnett-Nsakashalo, NSU Director
for the Center for Tribal Studies. “This shows others
that we are still here, and we are thriving as Indigenous
people. We can join collectively to share our pride with
others, while connecting to others locally who are celebrating as well.”
This event is open to the public and supporters are
encouraged to bring tribal flags and dress in traditional
clothing for the march. Free food will be provided at the
Peace Pavilion by Tatted Pig BBQ following the march.
Simultaneous Indigenous Day events are scheduled in
Stilwell, Muskogee and Tulsa.
Muskogee’s celebration will begin on Oct. 9 with Native hymn singing at the Bacone Chapel from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. There is also the fourth annual Indigenous Film
“I take a lot of pride as a Native
American and Muscogee citizen to be
a part of this day and celebration.”
Sara Barnett-Nsakashalo, Director
for the Center for Tribal Studies
Native Americans march during an Indigenous People’s Day
parade. Tahlequah will host its fourth such event in October.
LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
UKB Lighthorse Tribal Police
An officer is always on-call if you are ever
in need of emergency assistance or
assistance with a civil or criminal matter.
Call 918-207-9955
Festival going on at the Roxy Theater downtown from
2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Other activities will include a march
on Oct. 10 led by the United Keetoowah Band Honor
Guard, with guest speakers including UKB Assistant
Chief Jeff Wacoche. Muskogee will wrap up events with
a gourd dance from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
To set up as a vendor, or to get more information visit
the Facebook event page, Tahlequah Indigenous People’s
Day, Indigenous People’s Alliance of Oklahoma or the
NSU Center for Tribal Studies at 918-444-4350.
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We make it personal.®
We honor you, celebrate your ways,
with your traditions and what
matters to you and your community.
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4
OCTOBER 2022
OBITUARIES
Stephen Lee Pritchett
Stephen Lee Pritchett was born on
May 11th, 1961, in Tahlequah, OK, the
son of Henry and Louella (Chewey)
Pritchett. He grew up in a household
with five brothers, Billie, Samuel, also
known as Buck, Johnny, David and
Michael. He attended school and loved
the sport of boxing. He loved listening
to his 70s Rock and listened while
carving on a stone, a skill he worked
hard at. He was a people person and
loved talking to anyone that had the
Martin Lee Proctor
Martin Lee Proctor was born on
January 29th, 1966, in Okmulgee, OK
to M.A. Proctor and Lula Mae (Deere)
Messer and stepfather, Leo Messer.
Martin grew up in a large family with
two brothers and nine sisters.
After graduated high school, he began work in manufacturing for various
factories. He was a member of the
American Legion in honor of his Father
that served in the military for many
years.
Martin was an avid book reader of all
types and topics. During his younger
Eda Mae Scraper
Eda Mae Scraper was born on April
20th, 1943, in the Barber Community, the daughter of Fogg Holmes
Sr and Hattie Terrapin. She was one
of nine children, Joe, Mike, Charley,
Willie, Fogg Jr., Leon, Dennis and Ida
Holmes. She married her life partner,
Marion Junior Scraper, on July 17th,
1961.
She was the matriarch with Junior
and their family of two sons and three
daughters, Eugene, Greg, Cheryl,
Shirlene, and Kristene. She was known
to have a large, caring heart, sharing
her Cherokee Language with all you
wanted to learn including being an
active member of the Elm Tree Baptist
Missionary Language Program.
She valued family above all else
with her boundless dedication to
each of her children, grandchildren &
Frank T. Arneecher
Frankie “Frank” T. Arneecher, 89, of
Jay, OK went home to be with his Lord
and Savior on Saturday, September
10, 2022 at his residence. He was born
on February 14, 1933 in Salina, OK to
his parents, Bud Arneecher and Lizzie
Smoke-Arneecher.
Frank enjoyed cooking at the hog
fry’s with the Shotpouch’s in his
younger years. He liked to go fishing
and visiting with his friends. Frank was
COMMUNITY•ᎾᎥ ᏄᎾᏓᎸ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
time. There were no strangers in his
world, and he was always willing to
help anyone who needed him.
The pride and joy of his life was his
son and daughter, Donnay and Chase.
Any chance he had to take them to the
Welling Bridge to go swimming was a
good day for him. There was a stubborn streak that made him give you a
run for your money if he wasn’t willing
to do what you asked.
Generally,he was quiet and thoughtful, yet loved to joke and tease his family and friends. He found a great deal of
satisfaction traveling
the area, seeing
what was new and
making new friends.
His health began to
fade and he passed
from this life on
August 25th, 2022,
in Tulsa, OK. He was
61 years old.
He is preceded in death by his
grandparents, his mother and father,
three brothers, David and Michael
Pritchett in infancy and Samuel “Buck”
Pritchett and one nephew, Jeffrey
Richie. Those left to celebrate his life
include his daughter, Donnay Leach
of Tahlequah, OK, and son, Chase
Pritchett of Stilwell, OK. He leaves his
brothers, Billie Richie of Oklahoma,
Johnny Pritchett and wife Sabrina of
Park Hill, OK. He lives on in his nieces,
Amber Owens and husband Roger
of Tahlequah, Tiffany Pritchett and
Makayla Pritchett both of Tahlequah,
and Clarissa Taylor and husband Billy
of Ponca City, OK.
He also leaves many great nieces,
great nephews, cousins and a host
of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention. Funeral services for
Stephen Lee Pritchett were held Sept.
1 at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor
James Pathkiller officiating. He was
laid to rest at Chewey Cemetery next
to his brother.
years, he was an
excellent basketball
player and continued
his love for sports,
cheering on the OU
Sooners football
team. When he
wasn’t working, he
spent time outdoors
for a game of golf or driving around in
his truck. However, his favorite place to
spend his time was at the river, kicked
back with his cold beverage and taking
in the scenery. Martin was one that
took life easy and lived it day by day.
Martin passed from this life on
August 22nd, 2022, in his hometown
of Tahlequah. He will be missed by all
who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, one brother Robert Deere, and one sister, Nancy Kay.
Those left to cherish his memory
includes his two children, daughter,
Jessie Walton of Bowling Green, OH
and son, Trevor Walton of Ohio, one
brother, Ronnie Proctor of Tulsa, OK,
and eight sisters, Roberta Pickett
and husband Gary of Okmulgee, OK,
Rachel Schexnider and husband, Carla
Schexnider and husband, both of
Cushing, OK, Dottie Proctor of Lawton,
OK, Nancy Proctor, Linda Waterdown,
Mary Hernandez, all of Tahlequah, OK,
and Brenda Proctor of Morris, OK. He
also leaves two uncles, Sammy Deere
of Okmulgee, OK and Dr. Gary Dan Davis of Tahlequah, OK along with many
nieces, nephews and a host of friends
and loved ones.
Memorial services for Martin were
held Aug. 30 at Reed-Culver Chapel
with his family sharing memories to
celebrate his life.
Fond memories and expressions of
sympathy may be shared at www.reedculver.com for the Proctor family.
great-grandchildren as they participated in various activities and sports. She
enjoyed reading scripture, tending her
beloved flowers and garden.
Those who knew her could count on
a tough game of rummy or dominoes.
If you were hungry, you could count on
her amazing food that would keep you
coming back for more; especially, her
wild onions, fry bread & grape dumplings. Of course, she was an avid fan of
the Sooners, AZ Cardinals and always
the Thunder.
Eda was known to be the foundation
to the family providing the necessary
advice to any situation whether it was
care and compassion, tough-love, or
simply acceptance.
On the morning of Sunday, August
21st, 2022, in Tahlequah, Eda began
her journey to the afterlife with her
family by her side.
She has departed to join her Moth-
er and Father,
brothers, and her
granddaughter,
Darci Lynn Scraper. She is survived
by her husband of
61 years, Marion
Junior Scraper, and
her children, Cheryl
Green and husband Charles of Stilwell,
OK, Shirlene Gonzales and husband
Herbie of Welling, Eugene Scraper and
wife Krissa of Stilwell, OK, Gregory
Scraper of Stilwell, OK, and Kristene
McCarty and husband Daniel of Tahlequah, OK, her nieces, Hattie Salama and husband Ahmed and Diane
Russell and husband Alan, and sister,
Ida Scott of Tulsa, OK. She lives on
in her 18 grandchildren, Chad Green,
Christopher Green, Chase Green, Kristi
Gonzales, Kelly Gonzales, Kayli Gonzales, LJ Scraper, TJ Scraper, Heather
Smith, Sherniec Sanders, Bryce Scraper, Shane Scraper, Kolby Scraper, Max
Scraper, Jack Scraper, Pearl Scraper,
Poppy Scraper and Marigold Scraper,
and her 8 great grandchildren, Isaiah
Green, Colton Green, Makeena Green,
Lydia Scraper, Isaac Scraper, Audri
Smith, Austin “Bub” Smith, Lankston
Smith, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins.
All were welcome to celebrate the life
of Eda Mae Scraper (Holmes). Her funeral services were Aug. 25 at Elm Tree
Baptist Church. Eda was laid to rest
in the Barber Community Cemetery.
Pallbearers for Eda Scraper included Chase Green, Christopher Green,
Larry Scraper, Luke Smith, TJ Scraper,
and Alan Russell. Her honorary pallbearers included Kelli Gonzales, Kristi
Ann Gonzales, K K Gonzales, Heather
Smith and Sherniec Sanders.
a member of the
American League
post 195 of Jay, OK.
He enjoyed watching TV with his fur
babies. Frank was a
man of strong faith
and was a member of Pine Ridge
Baptist Church of Jay, OK. He will be
dearly missed by his family and friends.
Frank is preceded in death by his
wife, Mary Ann Hastings-Arneecher;
his parents, Bud and Lizzie Arneecher;
siblings, Mary Arneecher-McDade and
husband Robert, Kenneth Carl Arneecher and wife Sue.
He is survived by his children, LuAnna Hastings, Susan Arneecher and
husband Richard Hedgpath and Linda
Arneecher all of Jay, OK; grandchildren, Milea Hedgpath, Bub Hedgpath
and Chawaila Stevenson; numerous
nieces, nephews, cousins, extended
family and friends.
Frank’s Wake Service will be held on
Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at
6:00pm followed by his family visitation
to greet friends until 8:00pm at Lawson’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 311 W. Gray St. Jay, OK 74346.
Frank’s Celebration of Life Funeral
Service was Septe 15, 2022 at Pine
Ridge Baptist Church in Jay, OK with
Rev. Chris King, Rev. DeWitt Tehee and
Rev. Richard Soldier officiating. He was
buried at Jumper Cemetery.
LUNCH MENU
The United Keetoowah Band’s Title VI Lunch Menu for October 2022 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.
Oct. 3
UKB Tribal Offices
Closed
Keetoowah Day
Oct. 4
Soft Taco w/Fixings
Spanish Rice & Beans
Sopapilla w/Honey
Fruit Cup
Oct. 5
Stuffed Peppers
Rice Pilaf
Peas & Carrots
Bread, Fruit Cup
Oct. 6
Chicken & Dumplings
Green Beans
Corn, Bread
Fruit Cup
Oct. 7
Ham/Cheese on Wheat
Potato Soup
Crackers
Fruit Cup
Oct. 10
UKB Tribal Offices
Closed
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Oct. 11
Pizza
Broccoli Salad
Pasta Salad
Fruit Cup
Oct. 12
Roast Turkey
Stuffing Gravy
Broccoli Casserole
Pumpkin Pie, Bread
Oct. 13
Brown Beans w/Ham
Potato Logs, Hominy
Cornbread
Fruit Cup
Oct. 14
Chicken Noodle Soup
Zucchini Sticks
Garden Salad
Garlic Toast, Fruit Cup
Oct. 17
Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce
Italian Green Beans
Bread Stick
Fruit Cup
Oct. 18
BBQ Brisket on Bun
Potato Salad
Baked Beans
Fruit Cup
Oct. 19
Goulash
Brussel Sprouts
Corn, Garlic Toast
Fruit Cup
Oct. 20
Homemade Chili
w/Brown Beans
Yellow Hominy
Crackers, Fruit Cup
Oct. 21
Sauerkraut & Weenies
Fried Potatoes
Hot Roll
Apple Pie
Oct. 24
Bologna on Wheat
Potato Chips
Baked Beans
Fruit Cup
Oct. 25
Chicken Strips & Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Zucchini Sticks
Bread Twist, Fruit Cup
Oct. 26
Roast Ham
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans, Roll
Pumpkin Pie
Oct. 27
Hambuger w/Fixings
Tater Tots
Cake
Ice Cream
Oct. 28
Kitchen Cleaning Day
Closed
Oct. 31
Hamburger Veg. Soup
Yellow Hominy
Cornbread
Fruit Cup
RECIPES
Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs
3/4 lbs. small (2-inch) white or red
potatoes
4 garlic cloves
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp butter
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Heat oven to 400 F. Lightly coat a large
baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, add the whole
potatoes, garlic cloves, olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper. Use your hands
to mix until the potatoes are coated
with the oil and spices.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer
in the prepared baking dish. Cover with
a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 25
minutes.Remove the lid or foil. Turn
potatoes and bake uncovered until the
potatoes are soft and slightly browned,
about 25 minutes.
Transfer to a serving bowl and mix with
butter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
To submit a recipe, email it to travissnell75@gmail.com or mail it to Giduwa
Cherokee News, P.O. Box 746, Tahlequah, OK 74465.
Chicken and Zucchini Quesadilla
8 oz. diced cooked chicken breast
1 cup diced zucchini
1 diced yellow bell pepper
1 large diced tomato
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 diced jalapeno pepper
1 tbsp diced garlic
1 lime
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp Tabasco sauce
1/2 tsp cumin
2 whole-wheat tortillas
Heat oven to 375 F. In a bowl, combine
chicken, zucchini, bell pepper, tomato,
onion, jalapeno and garlic. Cut lime in
half and squeeze juice over mixture.
Add cheese, Tabasco and cumin;
mix. Heat large nonstick saute pan to
medium heat. Lay a tortilla flat in pan
and spread half of chicken mixture on
one side. Fold tortilla to cover. Lightly
brown each side. Repeat with other
tortilla. Place on baking sheet and
bake 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese
is melted and ingredients are warm.
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
HEALTH•ᎠᏰᎸ ᏄᏍᏛ
OCTOBER 2022
5
‘Ironing Out’ facts on vitamins, supplements
Despite popularity, the
FDA doesn’t test the
effectiveness, safety or
quality of supplements
or their ingredients.
STATEPOINT – The supplement industry is booming, with more than four in
five Americans taking vitamins or supplements, according to a recent Harris Poll
on behalf of the American Osteopathic
Association. Despite their popularity,
the FDA doesn’t test the effectiveness,
safety or quality of supplements or their
ingredients.
To help you navigate this largely unregulated industry, NovaFerrum, a leading manufacturer of iron supplements
for children and adults whose products
have been clinically proven safe, effective
and well tolerated, offers the following
primer:
• Good sourcing. Where it comes from
is almost as important as what’s in it.
Manufacturers can cut corners by working with lower-quality global suppliers
or operating in places that require little
oversight. Look for products sourced and
manufactured in the United States, such
as NovaFerrum.
• There is wide variation in the
amount of active ingredients in each
supplement. Some iron supplements, for
example, contain only slightly more iron
than a glass of tap water. Make sure you
get what you’re paying for. On the other
hand, taking too high a dosage can be
What you put into your body impacts your health in myriad ways, so choosing a supplement is
essentially making a medical decision. Don’t rely on slick advertising. Always get your doctor’s
counsel. STATEPOINT MEDIA
dangerous. Know the Tolerable Upper Intake Level or UL (the maximum amount
you can ingest without negative side
effects) of each supplement you take.
• Truthful product claims. Don’t be
fooled by product claims not backed by
third parties. The “certified gluten-free”
symbol on food packaging means stringent steps were followed to prevent
gluten cross-contamination and that the
food has been independently tested by
a third party. Similarly, many products
are listed as vegan, kosher and halal, but
smart consumers know to look for those
that are vegan-verified and Etimad Halal
or Kosher certified.
• The right ingredients. While organic
is a good thing when you buy vegetables,
when it comes to products that require
a shelf-life, this might not be the best
approach. Some popular “all-natural”
supplements have been recalled due to
bacterial contamination. Without some
level of preservative, harmful bacteria
can grow in liquid supplements and
make users seriously ill.
• Trustworthy brands. The supplement
industry has experienced a number of
lawsuits and recalls for issues related to
ineffectiveness and adverse reactions. Do
At increased risk of getting
pneumococcal pneumonia?
The Indian Health
Service states the
investment for the
Special
Diabetes Program
for Indians to
provide diabetes
treatment and
prevention
services for
American Indian
and Alaska Native
communities.
INDIAN HEALTH
SERVICE
Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by
bacteria that live in the upper respiratory tract,
and it can spread to others through coughing
or close contact.
STATEPOINT – Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial
lung disease that can be contracted any
time of year.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, pneumococcal
pneumonia causes 150,000 annual hospitalizations nationwide. It can even be
life-threatening in serious cases.
To help reduce the burden of this
lung disease, the American Lung Association and Pfizer are partnering to share
important facts about pneumococcal
pneumonia for adults 65 or older and
adults 19-64 with certain underlying
health conditions.
Here’s what to know:
What is pneumococcal pneumonia?
Many people think pneumococcal pneumonia is a cold or the flu, but it’s not.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by
bacteria that live in the upper respiratory tract, and it can spread to others
through coughing or close contact.
Common symptoms include high
fever, excessive sweating, shaking chills,
coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness
of breath and chest pain. Some symptoms can appear quickly and without
warning.
Who is at risk?
While anyone can get pneumococcal
pneumonia, some people are at higher
risk of getting severely ill, including
those 19 or older with certain medical conditions such as asthma, COPD,
chronic heart disease or diabetes, and
adults who smoke cigarettes. Addition-
ally, even healthy adults 65 and older
are at increased risk because the body’s
immune system naturally weakens with
age. Visit Lung.org/pneumococcal to
take a two-minute quiz to determine if
you are at elevated risk.
How can you help prevent
pneumococcal pneumonia?
The CDC recommends pneumococcal
pneumonia vaccination for adults 19 or
older with certain underlying medical
conditions, and for adults 65 or older.
Unlike the flu shot, you don’t need
pneumococcal vaccination every year.
Your healthcare provider can help you
determine when you should be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. Infection can strike anytime,
anywhere, in any season, so now is the
time to talk to a healthcare provider
about pneumococcal vaccination.
“Low vaccination rates leave far too
many people vulnerable to pneumococcal pneumonia,” said Dr. Albert Rizzo,
chief medical officer for the American
Lung Association. “Keeping up to date
with vaccinations is important for
everyone, especially those living with
chronic health conditions such as asthma or diabetes.”
For additional information and resources, visit Lung.org/pneumococcal.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious disease you shouldn’t
ignore.
Fortunately, you can help protect
yourself by asking your doctor or pharmacist about vaccination.
“Low vaccination rates leave far too many people
vulnerable to pneumococcal pneumonia. Keeping up
to date with vaccinations is important for everyone,
especially those living with chronic health conditions
such as asthma or diabetes.”
Dr. Albert Rizzo, American Lung Association
According to the Centers for
Disease Control and
Prevention, pneumococcal
pneumonia causes 150,000
annual hospitalizations
nationwide. It can even be
life-threatening in serious
cases. STATEPOINT MEDIA
your homework.
• Don’t trust your family’s health to
a formula cooked up in a kitchen sink.
Seek scientifically proven solutions based
on years of pharmaceutical and health
care experience and recommended by
licensed medical professionals. Choose
only supplements that have voluntarily
undergone full-scale, multi-year clinical
trials to prove that they’re safe, effective
and well-tolerated.
• Look for infant and children’s products that actually taste good enough that
they’ll take them. The pediatric drops
and chewable tablets from NovaFerrum,
for example, come in flavors like chocolate and raspberry grape. Also, when
it comes to iron supplements, stick with
formulations that reduce iron-related
gastrointestinal side effects often experienced by people of all ages.
• Doctor-approved solutions. What you
put into your body impacts your health in
myriad ways, so choosing a supplement
is essentially making a medical decision.
Don’t rely on slick advertising. Always
get your doctor’s counsel.
For information on NovaFerrum, its
iron supplements or its clinical trial, visit
novaferrum.com.
“Whether you’re taking supplements
for athletic performance, to fill nutritional gaps or to boost wellness, it’s essential
to make smart choices,” said Patrick Monsivais, CEO of NovaFerrum. “The good
news is that with a little research, you
can determine which are effective and
made from high-quality ingredients, and
which are a waste of money or, worse,
potentially harmful.”
IHS invests $136M for Special
Diabetes Program for Indians
WASHINGTON – The Indian Health
Service has announced an investment of
nearly $136 million in funding for the fiscal year 2023 Special Diabetes Program
for Indians to provide diabetes treatment
and prevention services for American
Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Individual award amounts for the first
budget year are anticipated to be between $12,500 and $7.5 million.
“We are excited about this new round
of funding for Indian Country to address
diabetes-related health issues in our
American Indian and Alaska Native communities,” said Acting Director Elizabeth
Fowler. “Since its inception in 1997, the
Special Diabetes Program for Indians has
helped to dramatically increase access
to important diabetes treatment and
prevention services throughout Indian
Country. With this new round of funding,
the IHS is committed to continuing its
support for diabetes treatment and pre-
vention for IHS, tribal, and urban Indian
health programs.”
SDPI program sites have successfully
implemented evidence-based and community driven strategies to prevent and
treat diabetes within American Indian
and Alaska Native communities.
Using guidance from tribal leaders,
the SDPI has also engendered a national
diabetes network for American Indians
and Alaska Natives.
SDPI continues to be a key factor in the
improvements seen in diabetes-related
health problems in American Indian and
Alaska Native people, including reductions by at least one-half in the rates of
new cases of diabetes-related kidney
failure and eye disease.
These outcomes show remarkable
progress in the treatment and prevention
of diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native people.
Easy rinse reduces gum disease risk
NEWSUSA – We’ve all been there; that
shameful moment when your dental hygenist asks how often you floss, and you
most likely reply, “Not often enough,”
while he or she clucks disapprovingly and
shakes his or her head. Turns out they
know what they’re talking about.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention nearly half of
American adults aged 30 years and older
(47.2%) suffer from a gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is
a main threat to dental health, but maintaining a healthy mouth goes beyond the
benefits of a bright smile.
Gum disease is a chronic, inflammatory condition, and recent studies suggest
that gum disease and tooth decay may be
associated with an increased risk of other
inflammatory conditions, including heart
attacks and strokes if left untreated.
The CDC describes common warning signs of gum disease, including bad
breath, gums that are red, swollen, bleeding, or tender; pain when chewing; loose
or sensitive teeth; receding gums; change
in bite; and change in the fit of partial
dentures. Additional factors that increase
the risk of gum disease include smoking,
diabetes, stress, and poor oral hygiene.
That said, most people can improve
their dental hygiene and reduce their risk
for developing gum disease by following
a few simple steps:
• Brush your teeth twice daily with a
fluoride toothpaste. Pick a toothbrush
style that fits your mouth and feels comfortable, and you will be more likely to
use it. If your teeth are sensitive or you
want them to be whiter, look around;
there’s a toothpaste for that.
• Floss your teeth once a day. Dental
floss is available in a variety of widths
and thicknesses, although some people
prefer disposable flossers, which are
often easier for children to use.
• Oral rinses play an important role in
a dental health routine. Gum disease is
caused by bacteria, but an oral rinse formulated with bacteria-targeting ingredients can help keep gum disease at bay.
“Gum disease is more serious than people think. It starts out with just bleeding
and sensitive gums, but in its advanced
stages, it can cause tooth loss,” said Dr.
Harold Katz, TheraBreath founder.
6
OCTOBER 2022
EDUCATION•ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
College Fund
releases its
5-year plan
The American Indian College
Fund uses its strategic plan
as a guide to achieve its
mission and purpose.
BY STAFF REPORTS
According to an independent research study, 91% of people believe that scientists are critical for our future well-being, and
89% say that science brings hope for the future. STATEPOINT MEDIA
5 ways to get children
excited about STEM
Here are five ways to get kids, the next generation of scientists,
excited about science, technology, engineering and math.
STATEPOINT MEDIA – The events of the past couple
of years have shown how important scientists are to
making the world a better and safer place.
According to an independent research study, 91% of
people believe that scientists are critical for our future
well-being, and 89% say that science brings hope for the
future. Here are five ways to get kids, the next generation of scientists, excited about science, technology,
engineering and math.
1. Widen access. All kids should have access to STEM
education opportunities, at school and outside of the
classroom, whether it’s through an after-school program, science camp, competition, or at home. Fortunately, online learning tools have made it possible for
more children to access such programs. Today, there is a
wide variety of free resources available to families and
students looking to expand STEM learning outside of
the classroom. Websites like youngscientistlab.com and
3M.com/ScienceAtHome feature fun and engaging projects for grades kindergarten through eight, along with
tools for parents and teachers to guide kids through the
experiments.
2. Connect science to something your child already
loves. We often think of science in a silo, but the application of science is all around us. Connecting science
to something your child already loves can help broaden
their conception of what a future in STEM could entail.
For example, kids who play sports may be interested in
exercise science or sports medicine. Kids who love building toys may find engineering an exciting career path.
Introducing kids to science kits, experiments, and other
hands-on activities can help fast-track learning, make
the subject more fun and engaging, and demonstrate
firsthand how science fits into the activities and interests
they already love.
3. Promote gender equity in STEM education. Gender
should never affect a child’s goal to pursue STEM. Yet,
young girls often feel limited in their ability to excel in
STEM-related activities due to the gender gap in the
sciences and a lack of relatable representation. We can
help shift antiquated thinking that science is not for
girls by instilling confidence in them to challenge these
stereotypes and by exposing them to the valuable work
of women inventors, doctors, mathematicians, and
scientists, so they can start to see themselves in these
positions. Sign them up for extracurriculars like math
team and coding camp, visit math and science museums
together, and talk about the contributions of and need
for girls and women to solve real-world challenges.
4. Diversify STEM. Science is not tied to one gender,
race, ethnicity, or nationality. Young kids in minority
groups need to understand that they can be involved in
STEM careers so that our future workforces reflect our
diverse societies. Shaking up the way we approach science and technology could be one way to help do this.
Without a real-world connection, it’s too easy for kids
to feel lost or like “this” is not for them. If we expose
kids to different career landscapes in ways they can
connect to, they can better understand the importance
of learning these subjects, build self-awareness around
their unique attributes, and open them up to envision
themselves in future STEM careers.
5. Bring science to life. Hands-on projects help bring
science to life. Look for science competitions and programs that allow young minds to explore and develop
real-world experience. For example, the 3M Young
Scientist Challenge, a national science competition for
students in grades fifth through eighth created with
Discovery Education, asks students to identify a problem
and come up with a unique innovation to solve it. It
can be something they’re already passionate or curious
about. The best part is anyone can get involved; all you
need is an idea to get started.
Last year’s winner, 13-year-old Sarah Park, started
with the idea to create a treatment to help people with
mental health disorders. During the competition and a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with a 3M scientist, she went from idea to prototype developing a new
solution called Spark Care+, a personalized music therapy treatment that uses artificial intelligence, galvanic
skin response, and photoplethysmography.
Bring learning into the real world of innovating by
actively presenting STEM learning opportunities to your
budding scientist.
Learn more about this year’s competition, the chance
to win $25,000, and the title of “America’s Top Young
Scientist” at youngscientistlab.com.
As we confront 21st century challenges like climate
change and community health crises, scientists, engineers, and doctors will be the heroes on the frontlines.
For a brighter future for everybody, give your child the
resources and encouragement needed to pursue STEM.
DENVER – The American Indian College Fund, a
national nonprofit organization with a mission of
investing in Native students and tribal college education to transform lives and communities, created its
strategic plan for 2022-27.
The strategic plan was approved by the College
Fund Board of Trustees at its fourth-quarter board
meeting. The College Fund uses its strategic plan as a
guide to achieve its mission and purpose.
The organization created its strategic plan using
input from its constituencies and by analyzing information concerning promising practices that support
Indigenous students’ post-secondary success and the
capacity of tribal colleges and universities.
An internal strategic planning team and external
consultant, Deborah His Horse is Thunder, worked
with senior College Fund leadership to develop the
strategic plan.
The team engaged in a series of group exercises,
discussions, and review of reports and data that articulated the needs, priorities, demographics and challenges of Native students and the TCUs. The strategic
plan addresses the needs of its constituents and rests
solidly on the previous strategic plan, building upon
the successes, accomplishments and lessons learned
during the past five years and beyond.
It is multifaceted, with primary pillars of support
including the support of Indigenous students’ identity and well-being through post-secondary success,
increasing the capabilities and capacity of TCUs,
increasing the visibility of Indigenous students, and
amplifying their voices for prosperity and ensuring
the stability of the College Fund.
The plan serves as a structured framework from
which the College Fund will continue its critical
work over the next five years of supporting Native
students, tribal families and tribal communities. To
download the Strategic Plan, visit https://collegefund.org/about-us/press-media/ and click on Strategic Plan under Other Resources.
The American Indian College Fund created its strategic
plan using input from its constituencies and by analyzing
information concerning promising practices that support
Indigenous students’ post-secondary success and the
capacity of tribal colleges and universities. AMERICAN
INDIAN COLLEGE FUND
National Science Foundation gives HINU $20M
BY STAFF REPORTS
WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary
for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland recently announced that Haskell Indian Nations
University, a Bureau of Indian Education-operated tribal university in Lawrence, Kansas, is the recipient of a $20
million award from the National Science
Foundation for an Indigenous science
hub project.
Funded under the American Rescue
Plan Act of 2021, the award is for five
years and is the largest research award
ever granted by the NSF to a tribal college or university.
The project will create The Large Scale
CoPe: Rising Voices, Changing Coasts:
The National Indigenous and Earth Sciences Convergence Hub, a space for the
convergence of disciplines and epistemologies where Indigenous knowledge-holders from diverse coastal regions will work
with university-trained social, ecosystem
and physical Earth system scientists and
students on transformative research to
address coastal hazards in the contexts of
their communities.
“The Rising Voices, Changing Coasts
hub to be located at Haskell Indian
Nations University is a tremendous step
forward in supporting Tribal communities as they address challenges from a
rapidly changing climate,” said Assistant
Secretary Newland. “This is an exciting
and much-needed opportunity for scientists and Indigenous knowledge keepers
to collaborate on how Indigenous people
in coastal areas can build resiliency to
the dynamic forces resulting from climate
change.”
The Rising Voices, Changing Coasts
hub’s goals are to improve modeling and
prediction of coastal processes to support
decision-making by Indigenous communities, develop a framework for cross-cultural collaboration that can be adopted
in the future, train the next generation
of Indigenous researchers, and increase
the infrastructure at Haskell needed to
support future large research projects.
The hub will focus on place-based
research in four regions: Alaska (Arctic),
Louisiana (Gulf of Mexico), Hawai’i (Pacific Islands), and Puerto Rico (Caribbean
Islands).
It will combine Indigenous knowledge,
modeling capabilities, archeological
records, geographic information system
techniques, socio-economic analysis and
hazards research. Together, these data,
transdisciplinary analysis and convergent findings will enhance fundamental
understanding of the interconnected
physical, cultural, social and economic
processes that result in coastal hazards
and climate resilience opportunities,
and increase the accuracy, relevance and
usability of model predictions on multidecadal timescales.
“This is an exciting and much-needed opportunity for
scientists and Indigenous knowledge keepers to
collaborate on how Indigenous people in coastal areas
can build resiliency to the dynamic forces resulting
from climate change.”
Bryan Newland, Indian Affairs assistant secretary
The Haskell Foundation, a 501(c)(3)
non-profit serving the university, secured the project’s funding. “This award
is wonderful and critically important
today,” said Haskell Foundation Director
Aaron Hove. “It cements Haskell’s leadership role in Indigenous Climate Change
research and demonstrates what a small
institution can accomplish when it builds
relationships with internationally known
research institutions like the National
Center for Atmospheric Research, Scripps
Research Institute and large research
universities.”
“This research hub is a significant part
of the growing recognition that traditional ecological knowledges and Indigenous
knowledges should be a part of the science that is being done today regarding
global climate change,” said Dr. Daniel
R. Wildcat, Haskell faculty member and
the hub’s lead investigator. “It is a game
changer for Indigenous peoples. We have
been advocating for years that we need a
seat at the table in scientific discussions
regarding climate. I think the funding for
this hub allows Indigenous knowledge
holders to build their own table and
invite leading academic trained scientists
to take a seat.”
SERVICES•ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
OCTOBER 2022
7
Housing Department wraps first Food Distribution
The United Keetoowah Band Housing Department distributes groceries to tribal elders.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH – The United Keetoowah Band
Housing Department went to each district within
the last couple of months to distribute groceries
to UKB elders.
They received enough funding through the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securiuty
Act to buy groceries for elders ages 62 and older.
The Housing Department had the chance to set
up at each district in case elders living in the area
could not make it all the way into Tahlequah.
Locations they set up in each district were as
follow: Tahlequah at the UKB Pavilion, Flint/
Goingsnake at the UKB building near DHS in
Stilwell, Illinois in Vian, Sequoyah in Sallisaw,
Delaware was across the highway from Sam
Hider Health Center in Jay, Coowescoowee in
Claremore, Canadian in Muskogee and Saline
was behind the Keetoowah General Store in
Kenwood.
“There were about two locations we went to
that was pretty successful, but the others only
very few showed up,” UKB Housing Director Roxana Wilden commented. “I am hoping to go back
to each district for those who didn’t show, but I’m
not sure we will have time.”
If you missed your district distribution, call
UKB Housing Department at 918-871-2773.
Saline District Representative Charles Smoke, right, gathers for a photo with
members of the United Keetoowah Band Housing Department at the Saline
District Food Distribution event. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Help make Xmas
merry for Native
American children
In 2020 alone, the Marine Toys
for Tots Foundation purchased
$2.2 million in toys, books, and
other gifts for children on
reservations in 13 states.
Industry experts say you should plan ahead and secure your fuel now for the cold winter months. The good news is that,
currently, there is plenty of supply to stock up. STATEPOINT MEDIA
Plan ahead this heating season
The sticker shock Americans may experience this winter when
seeing energy bills may have many switching to pellet heating.
STATEPOINT – Between the Russian invasion of
Ukraine and sky-high oil and gas prices, a significant
pellet fuel supply shortage is likely this winter season.
Industry experts say you should plan ahead and secure
your fuel now for the cold winter months.
The good news is that, currently, there is plenty of
supply to stock up.
Tim Portz, executive director of the Pellet Fuels
Institute, said Russia is the second-largest producer of
wood pellets globally, supplying more than 2 million
tons to global markets in 2020.
But sanctions and restrictions due to the invasion of
Ukraine have required U.S. pellet producers to fill the
gap.
What’s more, the sticker shock Americans may experience this winter when reviewing their energy bills
will likely have many switching to pellet heating in
search of a better deal, and those with multiple heating options may start opting for pellets, putting extra
demand on potentially short supplies.
“Wood pellet demand fluctuates year to year, however with heating oil, natural gas, electric and propane
prices at near historic highs, we could see record sales
of pellets in 2022-2023,” said Portz. “Consumers will
need to be savvy. To ensure their annual supply is
secured, they should stock up now.”
Wood pellets are used as primary or secondary space
heat in more than 1 million homes nationwide. Pellets
are a fuel made from the waste streams generated by
the manufacturers of products such as dimensional
lumber, hardwood flooring, wood pallets and cabinetry. Although supplies are strong right now, pellet
producers are highlighting the importance of keeping
inventory moving through the system.
With the capacity to produce more than 1 million
tons of wood pellets each year, Lignetics Group, the
largest residential wood pellet manufacturing company in the United States, notes that taking advantage of
the surplus while it lasts will allow producers to run at
full throttle and build inventory before usage begins to
outpace production in the depths of winter.
Because pellets are competitively priced nationwide,
consumers who opt for this method of heating will
save hundreds of dollars over the course of a winter
season compared to heating oil or propane, and thousands of dollars compared to electric heat.
“Many have already turned to wood pellet heating
and many more are expected to do so amid the current
energy crisis,” said Brett Jordan, CEO of Lignetics
Group. “However, these consumers will need to take
their wise choice a step further by being prepared. Fueling up now on your normal pellet supply will mean
being able to take advantage of this sustainable and
cost-efficient option all winter.”
NEWSUSA – Many Native American children living
on reservations in the United States are growing up in
unimaginable poverty.
High unemployment means limited job opportunities
and no income source for their parents, so multigenerational families often live together in small, dilapidated
houses. Many of these homes lack running water and
telephones. Electricity is scarce, and utility bills often
take priority over food and rent.
The generosity of the American public has allowed
Toys for Tots to purchase and deliver gifts to Native
American children on 60 reservations. In 2020 alone,
the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation purchased $2.2
million in toys, books, and other gifts for children on
remote Reservations in 13 states across the country.
“With your help we can help bring joy and hope
to even more Native American children this holiday
season,” said Lt. Gen. Jim Laster, United States Marine
Corps (Retired), president & CEO of the Marine Toys for
Tots Foundation.
This season marks the 41st year of the Toys for Tots
Native American Program. When the Program began
in 1980, the local Reserve unit had only two pickup
trucks full of toys. Last year, local campaign coordinator, Lt. Col. Pete Tagni, USMC (Retired), and his team
distributed nearly half a million toys to Native American
children thanks to the generous donations from Toys
for Tots supporters. The impact of these donations is far
reaching and supports more than 180,000 Native American children annually.
Russ Miller, Marine Corps League National Vice Commandant, experienced the impact of the Toys for Tots
Native American Program firsthand. Growing up in a
missionary family on the Navajo Reservation, Russ still
recalls the arrival of the Toys for Tots Christmas boxes,
spilling over with toys, games, and books for the children living on the Reservation. Russ loved the opportunity to “play Santa,” distributing gifts to the children
whose families came to the mission for other essentials
such as clean drinking water and donated clothing – this
experience became an inspiration for Russ. He and his
brother went on to join the Marine Corps, and Russ is
still making a difference today as a Toys for Tots Coordinator.
The Native American Program has provided new toys,
books, and games to children living on reservations for
the last four decades. The support from the American
public will help meet the growing need again this year.
To donate, visit https://www.toysfortots.org/donate/
native_american_program.aspx.
Protecting people, property from wildfires
STATEPOINT – Today, one-third of all U.S. homes are
in what are known as wildland-urban interface (WUI)
zones, regions in or adjacent to areas prone to wildland
fires. As with many types of disasters, wildland fires are
increasing in severity and frequency. This is because of
the continuously changing climate.
However, there are things we can do now to help
protect properties, ensure the safety of residents, and
strengthen local communities.
“While forest management and traditional wildland
fire suppression activities reduce the severity of WUI
fires, unless rigorous wildland fire codes and standards
are also adopted and enforced, lives and property remain at risk,” Karl Fippinger, vice president of Fire and
Disaster Mitigation for the International Code Council,
said.
As Fippinger notes, building codes such as the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) have
been shown to be effective and should be adopted by
both communities within WUI zones, as well as areas
that may soon be in the crosshairs due to a changing
climate. The IWUIC focuses on the use of ignition-resistant building materials, screens to prevent embers from
penetrating into eaves and under foundations, creating
defensible space, and providing access to water supplies
for fire services.
The National Institute of Building Sciences found
that adopting the 2015 edition of the IWUIC in 10,000
census blocks across the country would generate $4 in
wildland fire mitigation savings for every $1 invested.
Additionally, retrofitting 2.5 million affected homes to
the 2018 IWUIC could provide a nationwide benefit-cost
ratio as high as $8:1.
Fortunately, FEMA’s new Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program prioritizes the
adoption and implementation of hazard-resistant codes
like the IWUIC.
In addition to supporting the enforcement of up-todate building codes and standards at the community
level, low-cost wildland fire prevention and mitigation
activities can provide homeowners with an additional
layer of protection and peace of mind:
• Tidying your yard: Simple landscaping can make
a big difference in the event of a wildfire, so consider
regularly removing leaves, tree limbs and low-hanging
branches from around your home, as well as clearing
any dead brush and dense vegetation. Also, store firewood and other easily flammable things at least 30 to
100 feet away from the house, sheds, or other structures.
Furthermore, consider plants with high moisture content, which are more fire-resistive and with appropriate
distance, can help create a firebreak around your home.
However, it will be important to control the height and
spread of ground covering vegetation.
• Maintaining your home: Keeping gutters, eaves
and your roof clear of leaves and other debris is vital as
these actions can help feed the flames of wildland fires.
If you’re thinking of potential renovations or remodels, consider including fire safety features on any
decks, porches, fences and other add-ons. For example,
consider building with listed and approved fire-resistant
materials. Also consider disconnecting combustible fencing from your home and other structures and replacing
As with many types of disasters, wildland fires are increasing
in severity and frequency. This is because of the continuously
changing climate. However, there are things we can do now
to help protect properties, ensure the safety of residents, and
strengthen local communities. STATEPOINT MEDIA
those connections with fire-resistant fencing materials.
If you have a deck, remember to clear debris underneath and create a defensible space around it.
“Each year, wildfires cause insurmountable damage
– resulting in mounting costs with enormous economic
and environmental impacts. However, by investing more
now to ensure our communities have the proper protections, we can mitigate the damage and support a faster
recovery in the aftermath of a disaster,” said Fippinger.
For information about building safety and disaster
preparation, visit iccsafe.org.
8
OCTOBER 2022
BUSINESS•ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
How to handle bank overdraft fees
“Removing the ability to overdraw
an account doesn’t address the fact
that many customers need to pay
bills, even during temporary cash
shortfalls.”
United States consumers pay
billions of dollars a year in
overdraft fees for covering all
types of purchases, both large
and small.
STATEPOINT – When your bank account balance is
low, life can be stressful. For example, when it’s time to
pay large expenses that can’t wait, like car loan payments or monthly rent, it’s all too easy to overdraft a
bank account.
In fact, U.S. consumers pay billions of dollars a year
in overdraft fees for covering all types of purchases,
both large and small. There is no doubt that overdraft
fees serve as a pain point for many consumers, and as
the issue of overdraft continues to be discussed and
debated, several banks have taken different approaches
in response.
Some have taken steps to address overdrafts, mostly by eliminating fees or eliminating the ability to
overdraft completely. Alternatively, PNC Bank offers a
solution that gives customers with greater control in
these circumstances. Low Cash Mode, a tool that offers
transparency and choices to help customers avoid fees
by managing low-cash moments or mistimed payments,
is a feature available in the PNC Virtual Wallet account
through the PNC Bank Mobile app.
The feature notifies you when your available balance
is near or below zero and gives you at least 24 hours
(and often more) to bring a negative balance to at least
$0 through a deposit or funds transfer before incurring
Alex Overstrom, head of Retail
Banking at PNC Bank
When it’s time to pay large expenses that can’t wait, like car
loan payments or monthly rent, it’s all too easy to overdraft a
bank account. STATEPOINT MEDIA
a fee. It also gives you the choice of whether to pay or
return certain pending checks and electronic payments
when your balance is nearing negative territory.
Value of Overdraft
The ability to choose to overdraft can help consumers
avoid bigger repercussions like credit impacts and loss
of access to banking that unpaid bills or late payments
can cause. Allowing customers to make their critical
payments – albeit for a small fee – sometimes makes a
difference that helps allow them to stay in the banking
system.
For example, if you opt to pay your rent or car payment – and avoid a penalty or a negative impact to your
credit score by simply paying an overdraft fee – then the
option to overdraft has provided a value.
“Removing the ability to overdraw an account doesn’t
address the fact that many customers need to pay bills,
even during temporary cash shortfalls,” says Alex Overstrom, head of Retail Banking at PNC Bank. “The key
is that the consumer should be making the decision to
incur or avoid fees, not just the bank.”
Control Pays Off
This level of control has demonstrated real results.
PNC reports that 64% of customers who have a negative-balance event cure their account in time to avoid
incurring a fee.
“Sometimes people just need a little more time to cover important expenses,” said Overstrom. “And in these
moments, they should have choices to make things
right.”
Tips for small
businesses to not
survive, but thrive
Approximately 50% of all
Americans are employed by
a small business and 99% of
American businesses are small
businesses.
As inflation continues to put a strain on budgets, talk of an upcoming recession has Americans worried about their finances.
STATEPOINT MEDIA
Is your wallet recession proof?
The future may be difficult to predict but preparing can help
consumers protect their financial health during a recession.
STATEPOINT – As inflation continues to put a strain
on budgets, talk of an upcoming recession has Americans worried about their finances.
Prices on everyday items continue to rise and consumers are trying to find ways to make their dollar
stretch further while safeguarding their money against
the potential challenges a recession may bring.
The future may be difficult to predict but preparing
now can help consumers protect their financial health
during a recession.
A recent Experian survey found that two in three
U.S. adults are concerned about a recession occurring
in the United States.
Consumers are most worried about the affordability of routine expenses, with 73% concerned that the
price of everyday items like gas, groceries and rent will
continue to rise to a level they can’t afford.
Meanwhile, 55% harbor supply chain concerns
and 38% are stressed about the affordability of big,
planned purchases such as a home or a car.
As recession worries grow, more Americans are
sizing up their finances to see where they stand. Only
48% are confident that they can financially handle
a recession, and two in five believe that they’ll need
to rely on credit to cover essential and unexpected
expenses over the next three months.
In fact, 27% have already increased their credit card
debt within the past three months. This trend is accompanied by additional anxieties: two in three survey
respondents are concerned to some degree that their
credit score will negatively affect their ability to access
credit in the next three months.
Being proactive is key to weathering financial
storms, yet less than half of consumers are prepared
for a recession when it comes to finances and credit.
Those who have are finding different ways to do so:
49% have cut non-essential expenses like entertainment and vacations, 45% have created a budget and
40% have paid down debt.
While these are effective actions, there are other
steps consumers can take to understand their credit
history and safeguard their credit.
Consumers should check their credit report and
credit score regularly to know exactly where they
stand in the event that they need to apply for credit,
or simply to be better informed as they prepare to pay
down their debt ahead of an economic decline.
They can get a free credit report and credit score
from Experian (Spanish-language credit reports are
also available) as well as access to free financial tools,
an auto insurance shopping service and credit card
marketplace.
Those who need help increasing their credit score
can sign up for Experian Boost. This free feature
enables consumers to add their monthly payments for
cell phone bills, utility bills, rent and video streaming
services to their credit history to potentially increase
their FICO Score instantly. To learn more, visit experian.com/boost.
“Inflation and recession fears are putting pressure on
consumer’s finances, but proactively planning for the
worst can help consumers make it through potential
challenges. Many consumers are already taking great
steps to prepare, like creating a budget and paying
down their debt, and we encourage them to utilize
other available resources and tools to help,” says Rod
Griffin, senior director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian.
“Inflation and recession fears are putting pressure on consumer’s
finances, but proactively planning for the worst can help consumers
make it through potential challenges.”
Rod Griffin, Public Education and Advocacy at Experian senior director
STATEPOINT – Small businesses are the heartbeat
of communities. They pump life into neighborhoods,
making them vibrant places to live, work and raise
families, and are key to millions of local jobs. In fact,
approximately 50% of all Americans are employed by
a small business and 99% of American businesses are
small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business
Administration.
“Small business is big business,” said Wells Fargo’s
head of Small Business Derek Ellington. “As a bank that
proudly serves over three million small business customers, we are still supporting small businesses in their
post-pandemic recovery, but we’re also seeing many
growing businesses bringing new ideas to life, and going
from surviving to thriving. Now more than ever, it’s an
important time for small businesses because they are
such a vital part of the economy.”
To further power economic growth, strengthen your
business, and deliver on the products and services the
nation depends on every day, Wells Fargo offers the following four tips to move from surviving to thriving:
1. Be flexible. If there was one glaring lesson business
owners learned from COVID-19, it was to be flexible.
Businesses had to revamp their online offerings and create a digital, ecommerce presence. Most had to change
relationships with supply chains and vendors or reduce
hiring. When it comes to business planning for the next
six, 12 or even 18 months, one thing is certain: flexibility will be key. Between staffing demands, supply chain
delays and rising interest rates and inflation, write your
plans in pencil. Most importantly, be nimble enough to
pivot, using your experiences over the past two years as
a guide.
2. Stay in the know. Stay informed of the latest developments that could impact your business. For example,
what do rising rates and growing costs of supplies and
services mean for you? A small business banker can help
you understand your options based on your particular
business and needs, and make any necessary adjustments. Keep in touch with your tax advisor, accountant,
and local chambers of commerce to stay in the know.
3. Prepare for new competition. Now that life has
regained a sense of normalcy, new business trends are
emerging fast. To prepare for new competition, stay
ahead of your competitors and drive new growth:
• Know your customers, and find and solve their pain
points
• Ensure you have competitive pricing
• Change your business model and services to stay
ahead
• Provide exceptional customer service to existing and
new customers
• Target new markets
4. Invest in growth strategically. To continue to grow,
innovate and attract the best employees, demonstrate
that you’re willing to invest in the future. However, it’s
never cheap, and you might not be able to afford needed
investments with your current revenue. Before borrowing money or taking out a loan, consider opportunities
like changing your payments or receivable collection
process, or reducing expenses. Then look into the right
lending opportunities when you are ready to accomplish
big milestones like expanding, relocating, or adding new
technologies with more capabilities. Strategic growth is
all about investing in the right areas of your business at
the right time to create an infrastructure in which you
can flourish.
For more small business tips and resources, visit
wellsfargo.com/biz. Whether you’re a seasoned business
owner or new entrepreneur, consider using these tips to
succeed and thrive in an ever-changing environment.
CULTURE•ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
OCTOBER 2022
9
Cherokee Holiday touts Turtle Island Liars’ Club
Woody Hansen, Sammy Still and the late Sequoyah Guess hold copies of the Turtle Island Liars’
Club book. Hansen and Still will tell stories at the Hastings Shade and Sequoyah Guess Storytelling event on Oct. 13 at the Tahlequah Community Center. COURTESY
Woody Hansen and Sammy Still tell stories at the One Fire Field as part of the Cherokee Talks
Series: The Art of Storytelling, at the Cherokee National Holiday during Labor Day weekend.
LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Woody Hansen and Sammy Still share the art of
storytelling during the Labor Day weekend.
This was their first year to be featured
at the Cherokee National Holiday. Many
people came out to listen and joining was
FOX 23 News. Both storytellers enjoyed
sharing their knowledge of storytelling
to the public and are grateful they were
invited out this year.
When asked about how it went Still
replied, “It went well and touched people’s hearts. Everyone seemed to enjoy it,
I know afterwards one woman came up
to me saying she was from Austin, Texas
and remembers her grandfather telling
stories like what we told and she was
glad to hear those.”
The two original members are now
looking forward to their next storytelling
event which was featured in our September issue, the annual Hastings Shade and
Sequoyah Guess Storytelling night.
As told these two legends, Shade, who
was a former deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation, and Guess, a UKB member
and Wisdom Keeper, have passed away
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH – During the 70th Cherokee National Holiday on Sept. 3, two
original members of the Turtle Island Liars’ Club Sammy Still and Woody Hansen
brought stories to share as a part of the
“Cherokee Talks” series.
As told in the September issue, the
Turtle Island Liar’s Club came about
years ago when four Cherokee storytellers got together around a campfire and
began telling stories they have heard or
have witnessed themselves. The four who
consisted of the late Hastings Shade, the
late Sequoyah Guess, Still and Hansen,
who each had their own stories to tell.
Over the years between the four they
have collaborated their stories and now
have one published book which has been
assembled by Cherokee scholar Christopher B. Teuton.
The series was a live talk and demonstrations at the One Fire Field in Tahlequah. Both Still and Hansen told stories
as their expertise. As Still told a couple
of funny Cherokee stories, Hansen told
some snake stories since he is the “Snake
Man.”
“We enjoyed our time spent doing what
our Creator has blessed our Turtle Island
Liars’ Club members to do, and that was
to perpetuate the art of storytelling to
all ages; what the program was really
about,” Hansen added. “I also believe
that Sammy and I had a very positive
response from the visiting audience and
fellow tribal members. We met people
visiting from all over.”
and the stories told must live on.
The Hastings Shade and Sequoyah
Guess Memorial Storytelling night will be
held on Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Tahlequah Community Center. A chili supper
will be served from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
with stories following afterwards. The
families of the storytellers encourage
those who can to bring crackers, cheese,
jalapenos and Fritos chips. Iced tea will
be served.
Looking forward to the upcoming storytelling night Hansen said, “I am looking
forward to getting together with everyone in fellowship and telling more ‘lies’
as Sequoyah would say.”
Come hear some funny and spooky
stories with Still, Hansen and others.
“I am looking forward to getting
together with my storyteller friends and
seeing the people who come out,” Still
said.
The Tahlequah Community Center is at
908 S. College Ave.
“We enjoyed our time spent doing what our Creator has blessed our Turtle Island Liars’ Club members to do, and
that was to perpetuate the art of storytelling to all ages; what the program was really about.”
Woody Hansen, Turtle Island Liar’s Club member
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10
OCTOBER 2022
ANI GIDUWAGI• ᎠᏂ ᎩᏚᏩᎩ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
Writer publishes 2nd Dustbunnys book
TAHLEQUAH – United Keetoowah Band member
Kathy G. Carey released her first book in 2008, from
there she decided to write a book series based on the
Dustbunnys and recently published her second book.
Carey grew up in Tahlequah. She has three grandsons
and one granddaughter.
Her first book “The Dustbunnys’ Family Album” was
reprinted in 2021. She said it is about a family of rabbits
– Mother Dustbunny, Father Dustbunny, two kids Jennifer Dustbunny and Nicholas Dustbunny and a family
dog named Dusty Pup. It is more of an introduction
book of the Dustbunnys’ family, Carey said.
“Mother and Father show the kids the family album,
and the kids try to steal the spotlight from each other,”
Carey said. “They start showing them pictures in the
album and the two kids start showing the parents little
gifts they made. But towards the end I added a space
for kids who have books to place their own picture in it,
and the space reads ‘here is a picture of our new friends,
friends can be like family.”
She thought it would be neat because in the book it
has the phrase ‘in here they even saved a place for your
picture.’
“This book is in the promotion stage right now, but it’s
getting out there in Sweden, Australia, and the United
Kingdom,” Carey said.
Her second book was published this year, and she has
been doing book signings for it. Carey said the second
is part of the Dustbunny Family series, as well as her
future books. Her second book is called “Autumn Leaves
and Dustbunnys.” She added a cat character named
“Autumn.” The kids from the first book, Jennifer and
Nicholas, help a man find his lost cat.
“I love fall, and this book has themes of fall, autumn
and Thanksgiving,” she said. “It was around autumn
time when I came up with this story and I thought I
want to write something about leaves, so that’s how
Autumn Leaves and Dustbunnys got its name.”
The book comes in hardback or softback, she said.
With two published books, looking back Carey said it
has been on her mind remembering back to her childhood years that she wanted to write a book.
“I just fell into it, because I was a stay-at-home mom
raising my only son,” Carey said. “I just started thinking
one day I am just going to start writing and so I came
up with different characters before I started on writing a
storyline.”
It was in her early 40’s when one day she was cleaning her house when she thought, “I don’t want to have
any dustbunnies.” Carey said she did not finish dusting
but started writing her first book of the Dustbunnys.
“I’ve got goals but I’m happy where I am at, I have
dreams of them being made into cartoons,” she added.
The Dustbunnys series can be purchased on Walmart.
com, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and Amazon.
Kathy G. Carey’s second book “Autumn Leaves and
Dustbunnys” was released earlier this year.
Kathy G. Carey sits at her first book signing for her second
book “Autumn Leaves and Dustbunnys.”
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
United Keetoowah Band member Kathy G. Carey signs a copy
of her second book “Autumn Leaves and Dustbunnys” for a
child during a recent book signing event. COURTESY PHOTOS
Kathy G. Carey’s
first published
book is “The
Dustbunnys’
Family Album.”
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
ANI GIDUWAGI• ᎠᏂ ᎩᏚᏩᎩ
On Sept. 14, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 192 in Spavinaw, Oklahoma, was presented 75
fishing poles donated by United Keetoowah Band departments. The fishing poles were distributed to kids in need of fishing poles for the first Spavinaw Youth Fishing Derby that was held
on Sept. 17. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
OCTOBER 2022
11
Miss Keetoowah Kitana Foreman waves to the crowd at the Cherokee National Holiday Parade
during Labor Day weekend. LANI HANSEN/ GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Cherokee speaker Sammy Still sits in the Cherokee Nation’s Language Department float at the
Cherokee National Holiday over Labor Day weekend. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Chief Joe Bunch and Miss Keetoowah Kitana Foreman line up with Echota Behavioral Health
for the Cherokee National Holiday Parade. COURTESY
United Keetoowah Band Honor Guard Commander Hominy Littledave leads the guard in the
Cherokee National Holiday Powwow Grand Entry. COURTESY
Miss Keetoowah Kitana Foreman, right, participates in the Cherokee National Holiday Powwow
as part of the visiting royalty. COURTESY
Members of the UKB Housing Department help distribute food at the Saline District Food
Distribution. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Chief Joe Bunch and Assistant Chief Jeff Wacoche along with tribal employees ready for the
homecoming parade for Tahlequah Public Schools. LANI HANSEN/ GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Children representing
Echota Behavioral
Health pass out
goodies during the
Cherokee National
Holiday parade.
COURTESY
The United Keetoowah Band Honor Guard participates in the Cherokee National Holiday
Powwow Grand Entry. COURTESY
12
ON SALE NOW!
OCTOBER 2022
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
The UKB Media Department’s Yansa (Buffalo) shirts and
Keetoowah hats are just $20 through October. Limited shirt
sizes and quantity are available. Hats are also limited. See
UKB Services Building and ask for Media. Cash only.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.