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HAPPY
HOLIDAYS!
LITTLE MISS
UKB member
Aiyana Ketcher is
Miss New Years
2022-23.
ANI GIDUWAGI, 9
GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Film shares Cherokee language
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎪᏪᎵ Official News Publication of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma December 2022
“Dadiwonisi” is a documentary
about Cherokee speakers and
those learning the language.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH – A documentary project called
“Dadiwonisi” (we will speak), which is under the
direction of UKB member Schon Duncan is expected to
be released in 2023.
Duncan started working on this project right before
COVID-19 hit and looks forward to showing it in local
film festivals.
Before Duncan started on this project, he worked for
Marlene Ballard, Oleta Pritchett and Clara Proctor are
Cherokee speakers featured in a film by UKB member Schon
Duncan. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program as
an intern. During his time there he was approached by
TAHLEQUAH – Every year it is
required by United Keetoowah Band
Tribal Lighthorse policy for every
police officer to complete 40 hours
of continuing education including
tasering recertification.
The Lighthorse Department, which
is managed by Director Charlie
Dreadfulwater, serves the UKB, its
properties and communities across
the 14 counties. It has three security
officers and four police officers.
“We mainly cover Cherokee County,
Adair County, and Tulsa County is
becoming a deal with the properties
up there,” Dreadfulwater commented.
On Nov. 2nd the officers completed
eight hours of training. Two of the
security officers, Mychal Scott and
Jennica Jones, went through the
tasering recertification.
Dreadfulwater said the tasering
recertification training had officers
watching a powerpoint, taking a test
and passing it with a 90% proficiency.
New officers had to get shot by a taser,
and veteran officers had to shoot a
target for recertification.
“Security officers are not required
because it’s not mandated for them,”
Dreadfulwater said. “They did attend
this last one since they were new to
the taser training. All the other officers
that are active have participated in the
taser training through other agencies
or throughout their career.”
Recently UKB Tribal Lighthorse
received a grant under the UKB Tribal
Court, which let Dreadfulwater hire on
two additional police officers.
“If they haven’t recertified
already this year on all their stuff,
they will have to catch up on their
recertifications,” Dreadfulwater stated.
The UKB Tribal Lighthorse Police
Department, can be reached by calling
918-207-9955.
Security officer Mychal Scott getting shot by the taser as his fellow colleagues hold him
down. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
SEE FILM, PAGE 3
KVNVTSI
KNOWLEDGE
Tribal Lighthorse finish
another year of training
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
a group who found interest in learning about Sequoyah
who is attributed to writing the Cherokee Syllabary.
“After speaking with these guys, they liked how I
did the interview and they let me co-direct the whole
project,” Duncan said. “This project began with
language work and turned into something bigger, now
I’m almost done with it.”
As he worked on this film, Duncan’s focus was to
show the teachers, students and staff highlighting the
first language speakers and hearing their stories.
In the film “Dadiwonisi,” Duncan has featured 1012 language speakers with three of them being from
the UKB. The film is focused on the second language
speakers and following their journey of life, which falls
back on the first language speakers.
Environmental
Services teaches
students how to
make kvnons and
kvnvtsi balls.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
T
AHLEQUAH – Kvnvtsi,
is a traditional food for
the Cherokee Indians
but many people do not know
what type of work goes into this
delicious recipe.
As a part of the UKB Environmental
Services Community Garden
Grant, they had to include an
intergenerational activity which led
them to offering a kvnon making
class.
The class began in the late spring
of 2022 gathering at the UKB
Community Garden in Stilwell. UKB
Tribal Ethnobotanist Roger Cain said
the students learned to make their
own kvnons. They were using the
stumps of cherry trees.
The kvnon making process took
longer, because they had to wait out
fire bans and then some students
got too busy to meet up.
“We wanted to get this class
going, because we live in
a modern world where
people don’t know
much what goes
into making
kvnvtsi. We are
losing knowledge
Kyndal Nuegin
demonstrates
how to use a
kvnon.
LANI HANSEN/
GIDUWA
CHEROKEE
NEWS
SEE KVNON,
PAGE 3
UKB Tribal Court receives $1.4M grant through CTAS
The federal grant funds
the Tribal Court and law
enforcement agency.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH – The United Keetoowah Band Tribal
Court recently received a $1.4 million dollar grant
under the funding opportunity entitled 2022 U.S.
Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance
Solicitation (CTAS). This grant will be utilized through
Tribal Court and Tribal Law Enforcement.
The Tribal Court is the system of courts and judges
that interpret and enforce laws, according to the UKB
Tribal Court website. It operates under a Constitution
that was adopted and ratified by the United Keetoowah
Band of Cherokee Indians on October 3,1950. The
Tribal Court was created by the United Keetoowah Band
to exercise its authority as a sovereign nation and to
meet the needs of its members.
Petitioners may come to the Tribal Court to request
legal remedies or redress grievances. The Tribal Court
protects the interests of justice and equity while
UKB Tribal Lighthorse Police officers will benefit from a
recent $1.4 million federal grant for tribal courts and law
enforcement. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
promoting the welfare and sovereignty of our Tribe and
its citizens. The District Court hears civil, criminal, and
juvenile matters, while the Supreme Court hears cases
of appeals and other matters as may be conferred by
statute.
Tribal Court Administrator Kristie Bradley said this is
the first time ever Tribal Court was awarded the CTAS
grant.
Under the CTAS grant award, $893,293 went towards
the Tribal Court to enhance the existing court by hiring
staff to model tribal justice system for impacting access
to justice for the UKB members. According to the award
letter, the Court is to designate a space to operate and
accommodate not only tribal members, but also those
who work within the justice system. The Courts’ central
role is in buttressing and legitimizing the tribal justice
system of the UKB tribe.
The second part of the grant in the amount of
$72,905 under the 2022 COPS Office Tribal Resources
Grant Program – Equipment and Training (TRGPEquipment/Training), went to the UKB Tribal
Lighthorse. The purpose of this grant is to advance the
practice of community policing in tribal jurisdictions
and meet the most serious tribal law enforcement
needs. Funding under this award program will be
utilized by the tribal jurisdiction to procure basic
equipment, technology and training to increase the
jurisdiction’s community policing capacity to prevent
and disrupt crime and violence.
UKB Tribal Lighthorse received another grant under
the 2022 COPS Office Tribal Resources Grant Program
for Hiring (TRGP-Hire), they were awarded $519,264.
The award letter stated, it is to advance the practice
of community policing in tribal jurisdictions through
SEE GRANT, PAGE 3
2
DECEMBER 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
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
COUNCIL•ᏗᏂᎳᏫᎩ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
Flu season, Xmas funds and treaty reps
Si yo, ni ga da.
Winter showed up in Keetoowah Reservation and blanketed our grounds with
snow, as we go into the Christmas holiday,
we have much to be thankful for, our
health, our families and the many blessing our creator has given us.
The flu season is here so please get your
flu shots, your health provider can provide you information about vaccinations.
A virus and germs can linger in affected
areas for some time you, so make sure
to take measures to prevent others from
becoming infected.
Many of the measure are similar to the
COVID measure; sanitize or disinfect your
areas, avoid places were germs may congregate, large crowds, and practice daily
hygiene.
On Dec. 9, the Accounting Department
will mail out the 2022 Economic Relief
fund to exclusive tribal members and
children, be sure to watch your mailbox
in the coming days for your disbursement.
This year’s disbursement will take the
place of elder stipend and children Christmas cards.
I accepted on behalf of the United
Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians an
award from the International Archives,
Museums and Libraries.
Our John Hair Museum and Cultural
Center received the distinguishing award
as one of the top 10 best tribal Muse-
Chief’s
Corner
JOE BUNCH
Principal Chief
jbunch@ukb-nsn.gov
ums. With a limited amount of funding
and great imagination, Museum Director
Ernestine Berry and staff have created a
one-of-a-kind museum, archive and cultural center. My hat off to them for their
success and we look forward to the new
displays and featured arts and crafts.
The next chance you get please come by
to look at our history, look at the restored
documents of old and those documents
that have been translated into English.
Also, while you are visiting us you can
check out the gift shop for your Christmas
needs, many of the products are produced
by our Tradition Keepers.
Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma had a
meeting with the House Rules Committee
to install their tribal delegate into the
House of Representatives, the position
will be a non-voting position.This will
make possible two representatives one
from the tribe and one from the federal
selected position.
The foundation is built on treaties from
UKB Arts and Crafts
Show on tap Dec. 10
BY MARILYN CRAIG
UKB Museum Marketing
Coordinator
TAHLEQUAH – Just in time for
Christmas shopping, the John
Hair Cultural Center and Museum
is hosting a Keetoowah Arts and
Crafts sale on Saturday Dec. 10
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Artists will be selling baskets,
beadwork, stone carvings, leather
work, ribbon skirts, textiles,
dreamcatchers and more. The sale
will include up and coming UKB
artisans and crafts makers and will
also feature some of the tribe’s
most recognized artists, the UKB
Tradition Keepers.
Since 2005, the JHCCM has
awarded the prestigious title of
Tradition Keeper to outstanding
Keetoowah members dedicated
to continuing the Keetoowah
Cherokee culture through
practicing a variety of ancient
skills and traditions. To date, 30
Keetoowah tribal members have
received this award.
“Our group made the decision
to open this show to allow new
Keetoowah artists to come in
and get experience and sell their
goods,” said Tradition Keepers
Chairman Matt Girty. “Giving a
hand up is the Keetoowah Way,
and to practice, promote and carry
forward traditional knowledge and
skills are our core objectives as a
group.”
“People love the opportunity
to buy hand crafted, one-ofa-kind gifts or pieces of art. It
is so much more personal and
meaningful than just picking up
another item ‘made in China,’” said
Marilyn Craig, museum marketing
coordinator. “Although the museum
gift shop hours are normally 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through
Friday, we have had requests
to open on Saturday to give
shoppers who work weekdays an
opportunity to browse and meet
the artists.”
A special activity for the day will
be free make-and-take crafts for
kids. Kids can make a pinch pot or
paint a mini mask as an ornament
or to give as a gift. The JHCCM is
at 18280 W. Keetoowah Circle. For
information, call 918-871-2866.
over 200 years ago, the 1785 Treaty of
Hopewell signed by the Cherokee people
that states the Cherokees will be allowed
a seat in House of Representatives.
For over 200 years this treaty provision
has been in place, and today the Cherokee
Nation of Oklahoma is wanting Congress
to install their representative. The problem is today there are three federally recognized Cherokee tribes and if you place
one representative then you need to place
all three Cherokee Representatives.
It’s been 200 years since the Cherokee People signed the 1785 Treaty of
Hopewell, taking time to do it properly
and fairly is the best method.
The assistant chief and I both sent
objections to the Rules committee; our
comments will be placed in the congressional record.
I cannot help but think the Cherokee
Nation of Oklahoma’s insistence of the
Rules Committee to place a tribal representative will somehow affect our request
of the Solicitor General’s determination
of successor in interest (exclusive jurisdiction) of the Historic Cherokee Nation.
Thank you, United Keetoowah Band
of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, be
thankful for what we have and look to
the creator for guidance, be sure to thank
your councilor for the work he/she is
doing and for the December fund coming
your way.
2022 UKB
ELECTION RESULTS
TRIBAL COUNCIL
Canadian Dist: Eddie Sacks
Cooweescoowee Dist: Clifford Wofford
Delaware Dist: Elmer Panther Jr.
Flint Dist: Frankie Still
Goingsnake Dist: Willie Christie
Illinois Dist: Peggy Girty
Saline Dist: Charles Smoke
Sequoyah Dist: Vacant
Tahlequah Dist: Alvin Hicks
BALLOT MEASURES
Measure 1: Should a driver’s license be
required for candidates for Council?
Passed: 293-195
Measure 2: Should a high school
diploma or GED be required for
candidates for Council? Passed: 307119
For more information, visit https://www.ukb-nsn.gov/
electionboard or call 918-871-2800.
THE UNITED KEETOOWAH BAND’S OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON
DEC. 23 & 26 FOR CHRISTMAS.
HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON!
UKB Tribal Enrollment
18300 W. Keetoowah Circle Tahlequah, OK 74464
Open Monday-Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saline Dist.
Charles Smoke
918-457-7071
Sequoyah Dist.
Junior Catron
918-315-0970
Tahlequah Dist.
Alvin Hicks
918-931-1462
As with other federally recognized tribes in the U.S.,
the United Keetoowah Band has its unique process to
determine membership.
Visit ukb-nsn.gov/membership for Enrollment documents and a brief FAQ section of the most common
questions about UKB membership. Find forms for
Membership Applicaitions, CDIB Instructions, Update
Your Information and UKB Relinquishment.
For additional questions or if you are a member who
has lost your enrollment card, call the UKB Enrollment
Office Registrar Amanda Stopp at 918-871-2797.
Questions concerning history, cultural practices,
clothing, language or ceremonies are better suited for
our John Hair Cultural Center and Museum. Visit
ukb-nsn.gov/john-hair-cultural-center-museum or call
918-871-2866.
GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Editorial statements of the Giduwa Cherokee News,
guest columns and letters to the editor reflect the
opinions of the writer and not necessarily those of the
Giduwa Cherokee News editor, staff or tribal administration of the United Keetoowah Band.
All editorials and letters must be 650 words or less
and will become the property of the Giduwa
Cherokee News. Editorials must be signed and
include an address and telephone number. Send all
inquires to: Giduwa Cherokee News, P.O. Box 746,
Tahlequah, OK 74465. The Giduwa Cherokee News is
the only official publication of the United Keetoowah
Band. It operates a Giduwa Cherokee News
Facebook page, as well as the tribe’s YouTube and
Instagram accounts,@UKBMedia. Any other
publications or online pages are not an official source
of news and are not endorsed by the editor, tribe or
tribal administration. For advertising rates and media
inquiries, including permissions to reprint stories within
this publication, email lhansen@ukb-nsn.gov.
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
NEWS•ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
UKB VETS
DECEMBER 2022
3
United Keetoowah Band veterans visit on Nov. 10 at the UKB Veterans Day Lunch.
LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
United Keetoowah Band veterans sit on the UKB’s float for the Nov. 11. Tahlequah Veterans Day
Parade. RITA COURTWRIGHT/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
On the Tahlequah Veterans Day Parade route, UKB veteran Mychal Scott waves to the crowd on
Nov. 11. RITA COURTWRIGHT/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Veteran Hominy Littledave speaks at a Nov. 10 luncheon with UKB Assistant Chief Jeff
Wacoche. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
KVNON: Kvnvtsi was a survival food for Cherokees of the past.
FROM PAGE 1
of making kvnons,” Cain said.
He explained much of why the bark stays on the tree
of the kvnons as it holds it together while crushing the
hickory nuts.
One student Charlotte Tehee said she felt like the
class was also meant to bring back the gathering
practices of knowing where the hickory nut trees are.
“My grandmother knew directly where to go, she had
ten places,” Tehee said.
Tehee was 9 years old when she made her first kvnvtsi
with her grandmother, and she took this class so she
could have her own kvnon. She said the kvnvtsi and
being able to have her own kvnon makes her feel closer
to her ancestors.
Kyndal Neugin a Tahlequah resident and a student at
Northeastern State University, was a beginner in kvnon
making. She heard about the class through her mom
who is an employee at the UKB.
“I spent most of my summer working on this,” as
kvnvtsi ball is formed, wrap it in plastic and freeze it.
she showed off her kvnon. “It was a lot harder than I
According to Cain, back in the old days the kvnvtsi ball
thought it would be, coming in I thought it was going
was kept in a shell. The kvnvtsi is made with rice and
to take a few days, but it took the whole summer. I
water in the modern days.
finished just in time for kvnvtsi season.”
Kvnvtsi was a survival food back in the day. In modern
Kvnvtsi season is more in the fall. After the first frost
days, people like to add sugar in it, making it more of a
is when gatherers start picking hickory nuts to make the dessert.
kvnvtsi ball.
Cain said he hopes to continue having the classes in
Now that Neugin had completed her kvnon, she was
the spring for more cultural-related topics. For more
ready to prepare her kvnvtsi ball.
information, call Cain at 918-871-2765.
She explained how to
make it, by pounding the
meat of hickory nuts until
it gets oily that way it is
easier to for it all to stick
together. As the hickory
nut meat is oily this helps
We make it personal.®
the maker to form the ball
We honor you, celebrate your ways,
better.
She said once the
with your traditions and what
FILM: Duncan wants to enter
the documentary into festivals.
FROM PAGE 1
“In the film, you get to see the second
language speakers in their home and
working on a project or sitting inside
with the fluent speaker,” Duncan said.
The film plans to feature speakers
Marlene Ballard (speaker and translator),
Oleta Pritchett (speaker), Clara Proctor
(speaker), UKB Chief Joe Bunch, UKB
Assistant Chief Jeff Wacoche, Ernestine
Berry (historian) and Duncan (activist,
teacher and co-director).
Duncan stated that Ballard, a resident
of Greasy, was helpful in translating and
assisted him with the film and she is
featured in the film multiple times.
She spoke highly of Duncan’s film
that focuses on the Cherokee language.
She said he did a good job as a second
language learner.
“I know people have a hard time
learning the language, and when I saw
him be so involved and dedicated to
what he was doing I was so glad to help
him,” Marlene spoke of Duncan’s film
project. “He knows if he needs anything
I’m always here for him.”
This film is a tool to encourage the
next generation to learn the language,
and Marlene believes Cherokee’s are at a
high risk of losing the language. Marlene
spoke of how the language is being
taught in classroom settings, but they are
not teaching the old ways. She said even
fluent speakers must go back to their
roots in sitting with a group of people
and working together. That is why this
film touches base on so many levels, it
shows clips of the fluent speakers sitting
around in a group of family or friends
speaking Cherokee.
With final edits being made, Duncan
plans to submit “Dadiwonisi” into film
festivals and after seeing it shown in a
festival setting.
You can watch the trailer at https://
blurry-pictures.com/.
GRANT: The funding will
provide two additional officers.
FROM PAGE 1
the hire or rehire of additional career
sworn law enforcement officers, tribal/
village police officers, and village public
safety officers. Funding under this award
program will be utilized by the tribal
jurisdiction to hire and rehire career
sworn law enforcement officers, tribal/
village police officers, and village public
safety officers necessary to increase
the jurisdiction’s community policing
capacity to prevent and disrupt crime
and violence.
UKB Tribal Lighthorse, which is under
the direction of Charlie Dreadfulwater,
was happy to receive this grant. With few
officers on his team and patrolling their
designated areas, people do not realize
how important and busy these officers
get.
“With this grant it will cover an
addition of two officers and their
equipment,” Charlie said about receiving
the grant. “It’s a big thing for our
department and like I said it adds two
more bodies to help out and provide
services to our people and community.”
To contact any on-call Lighthorse
officer, call 918-207-9955.
UKB Tribal Lighthorse Police
An officer is always on-call if you are ever
in need of emergency assistance or
assistance with a civil or criminal matter.
Call 918-207-9955
Traditions Honored
matters to you and your community.
www.hartfuneralhome.net
918-456-8823
4
DECEMBER 2022
OBITUARIES
Larry Scott Lyman
Larry Scott Lyman left this earth
too soon on September 30, 2022. He
was born to Lester Lyman, and Annie Cochran on December 18, 1960,
in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was a
self-employed handyman and was a
jack of all trades.
Phillip Edward O’Field Jr.
Phillip Edward O’Field Jr., 56, 56,
of Kenwood, passed from this life on
Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in Tulsa,
Oklahoma. He was born on April 18,
1966, in Claremore, Oklahoma, to
Edward O’Field and Eunice (Raper)
O’Field. He started out attending Kenwood school and went on to graduate
high school from Salina. He was a
proud Wildcat. He also attended college at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas and then went
on to work 17 years for Baker Hughes.
Throughout the years, he played
various sports and was well known for
playing football. He had a great sense
Jimmy (Henry) Sawney
Jimmy (Henry) Sawney, son of Jim
and Janis (Chulio) Sawney, was born
on June 9, 1977, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. At the age of 45, Jimmy passed
away surrounded by family on October
22, 2022.
Jimmy graduated from Central High
School in 1995. He also joined Talking
Leaves Job Corp. Where he took electrical class.
He also worked various job offers.
Sharon Jean (Swimmer)
Sawney
Sharon “Weg” Jean Sawney the
daughter of Emma Swimmer and Frank
Swimmer was born June 23, 1961, in
Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and went home
to be with the Lord on November 1,
2022, in Stilwell, Oklahoma.
On April 3, 1987, she married the
love of her life: Buzzy Sawney and to
this union 5 children were born. Sharon
loved to tend to her flower beds and
Sharon Kay Wise
Sharon Kay Wise, 65 years old,
passed away on October 10, 2022.
Sharon was born in Claremore on December 6, 1956, to Levi and Beatrice
(Adams) Leach.
She enjoyed crafting, spending time
COMMUNITY•ᎾᎥ ᏄᎾᏓᎸ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
Larry was the best father he could
ever be to his children daughters Sherri, Hailey, Heidi and son Syneka.
He always loved to be out in nature
and enjoy his long walks, if he wasn’t
taking in the fresh air, he was in a casino having the time of his life.
Still nothing could compare to
the love he had for his children and
grandchildren. The
only thing that could
come close was
his dog, Buddy. He
is survived by his
mother Annie Lyman
of Taggflats, Oklahoma, and children
Sherri O’Malley &
husband Michael O’Malley of Jenks,
Oklahoma; Hailey Lyman & boyfriend
Davonte Ramsey of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Heidi Lyman of Woodall, Okla-
homa; and Syneka Lyman & girlfriend
Summer Shell of Kansas, Oklahoma.
Grandchildren Kylee & Justin McCoy, Kayla Parnell, Michael O’Malley,
Lazarus & Lynnox Ramsey, Nohea
Creason, and Ivory Washington. Sisters
Esther Stopp, Rosella Lyman, Lucille
Snail, and brother Rodney Lyman.
Larry is Preceded in death by his father
Lester Lyman, sister Sherri Lyman,
cousin Faye Cochran, brother-in-law
Kelsey Stopp. And his most beloved
best friend Buddy.
of humor and could
give anyone in the
room a good laugh.
He was a lifetime
member of Euwasha
Baptist Church and
enjoyed attending
services, as well as
taking any opportunity he could to sing. He enjoyed being
outdoors, fishing and hunting, and
working on cars. He was well-known
for always helping those in need, being
a father figure to many, and a wonderful family man. Most of all, he loved his
family and the time he spent with them,
especially family dinners. He leaves
behind a wonderful legacy, many
memories for his friends and family to
cherish, and will be dearly missed by
those who knew and loved him.
Funeral services for Phillip were
held Nov. 1 at the Salina First Baptist
Church with Rev. Richard Budder officiating. Burial followed at the Euwasha
Cemetery in Kenwood with Dennis
Bendabout, Jeremiah Carter, Esau
McCarter, Jonathan Blackbear and
Jeremy Blackbear serving as casket
bearers.
Honorary casket bearers were Floyd
Dry, Virgil Dry, Curtis Dry, Leon Dry and
Shane Smith. A wake service was held
on Oct. 31 in the Shipman’s Funeral Home Chapel. To leave a family
message, please visit his Guestbook
at www.shipmanfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation
Service of Pryor.
He is survived by his wife, Felicia, of
the home; son, Joshua James O’Field
of Pryor; daughter, Faith Shereen
O’Field, of Kenwood; brother, Jeffrey
O’Field, of Kenwood; sisters, Loretta
Buffington of Spavinaw, Debbie O’Field
of Kenwood, and Mary Bendabout of
Kenwood; and grandchildren, Makena
Mae O’Field and Hope Arabella Martinez. He is preceded in death by his
parents, Edward and Eunice; daughter,
Nellie Nicole O’Field, sister, Rosetta
Blackbear; and grandson, Hilario Martinez IV.
He later married the love of his life,
Renee, on March 22, 1999.
He was preceded in death by his
wife, Renee Sawney, maternal grandparents: Sallie and Dan Hummingbird
and John Chulio, paternal grandparents: Eunice and Bill Chuculate, his
mother: Janis (Chulio) Sawney, sister:
Shelly Black, aunts: Josie Vann and
Betty Duncan, great uncle: Oscar Chulio and two baby nephews.
Jimmy was one of a kind. He could
liven up a room when he walked in. He
liked to tease and
joke around with
people.
Jimmy was a ball
of fun to be around.
He loved hanging
out with his friends,
playing music, fishing and he had other
hobbies that he loved to do.
Wherever he went Jimmy never met
a stranger. He lived life to the fullest
while on earth.
He leaves behind a loving family that
includes his dad, Jim Sawney, brother:
Dale and wife Tracy of Roland, Oklahoma; brother-in-law Preston Black of
Stilwell, Oklahoma; sister: Becky Chuculate of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; aunts
Virginia (Carl), Viola (Victor) and Linda
Littledeer, all of Stilwell, Oklahoma; 5
nieces, 3 nephews, 12 great nieces
and nephews and many cousins, other
relatives and friends, who are gonna
miss him very much
walk to the creek
with her daughter
and grandchildren.
She loved cruising backroads and
spending time with
family. She had
4 special nieces:
Danata Flynn, Janice
Flynn, Shalissa Ross, and Alyssa Flynn.
Weg was a devoted OU fan.
She was preceded in death by her
mother: Emma Swimmer; grandpar-
ents: Levi and Mary Ross; 1 brother:
Arnold Ross; 1 aunt: Ollie Ross; 3
uncles Albert Ross, Ronnie Ross, and
George Ross; and mother-in-law and
father-in-law: Ruby and Jodie Sawney.
Sharon is survived by a very loving family that includes her husband:
Buzzy Sawney; 3 sons: Waylon
Sawney, Clifford Sawney, and Aaron Sawney; 2 daughters: Christina
Sawney and Jodie Sawney; 10 grandchildren: Sydney, Isis, Dustin, Destinee, Makana, Maliyah, Kellen, Jessup,
Emma, and Gracie; 1 great granddaughter: Emma; her father: Frank
Swimmer; 3 brothers: Larry and wife
Nadine Ross, Donald and wife Sally
Ross, Arther and wife Adriane Ross;
1 aunt: Lillie Ross; 2 uncles: Johnny
Ross and Richard Ross. Sharon also
helped raise 4 nieces: Janice, Danata, Amanda, and Miranda; 1 nephew:
George, Jr.; and a host of nieces,
nephews, other relatives, and many
friends also survive her.
with family and going out to eat and
explore with her sister.
Survivors include her son, Neal
Bacon and wife Cassandra Summerfield, brothers: Marshall and Johnny
Leach, sisters: Barbara Parrish and
Sue Foreman, grandchildren: Dessraiee, Destinee, and Kyler Bacon, and
great grandchildren:
Aminadell and Ace
Ryder Cook-Bacon,
and Kashlyn Bacon.
She is preceded in
death by her father
Levi Leach, mother
Beatrice Lawhead,
husband Terry Wise, daughter Ivy
Bacon, and brothers: Carl, Neal, and
Charles Leach, and Jimmy Adams.
A celebration of life was held October 26, 2022, at the Worley Luginbuel
Funeral Chapel in Grove.
LUNCH MENU
The United Keetoowah Band’s Title VI Lunch Menu for December 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.
Dec. 1
Catfish w/Tartar Sauce
Potato Wedges
Coleslaw, Hush Puppies
Fruit Cup
Dec. 2
Kitchen Closed
Cleaning Day
Dec. 5
BLT w/Fixings
Macaroni Salad
Potato Chips
Fruit Cup
Dec. 6
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Mexican Rice
Tortilla Chips
Fruit Cup
Dec. 7
Pulled Pork on Bun
Baked Beans
Potato Salad
Brownie
Dec. 8
Brown Beans
Sweet Potato
Greens, Cornbread
Fruit Cup
Dec. 9
Chili Cheese Coney
Potato Salad
Fritos
Fruit Cup
Dec. 12
Goulash
Broccoli Cauliflower Cut
Garlic Toast
Fruit Cup
Dec. 13
Stuffed Peppers
Rice Pilaf
Peas & Carrots
Bread, Fruit Cup
Dec. 14
Kitchen Closed
Employee Christmas
Dec. 15
Chicken & Dumplings
Green Beans
Corn
Bread, Cupcake
Dec. 16
Chili
Fritos
Yellow Hominy
Fruit Cup
Dec. 19
Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce
Italian Green Beans
Corn
Bread Twist, Fruit Cup
Dec. 20
Philly Cheese Steak
Ruffle Chips
Macaroni Salad
Pickle, Fruit Cup
Dec. 21
Elder Christmas Dinner
Dec. 22
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon
Pancakes w/Syrup
Fruit Salad
Dec. 23
UKB Tribal
Offices Closed
Dec. 26
UKB Tribal
Offices Closed
Dec. 27
Veggie Hamburger
Stew, Hominy
Cornbread
Fruit Cup
Dec. 28
Hamburger w/Fixings
Steak Fries
Cake
Ice Cream
Dec. 29
Black-eyed Peas w/Ham
Fried Potatoes
Greens, Cornbread
Fruit Cup
Dec. 30
Kitchen Closed
Cleaning Day
RECIPES
Black Forest Cake Roll
(Diabetic Friendly)
Black Forest Cake
4 eggs
⅓ cup flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup granulated sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Cherry Cream Filling
½ cup tub-style cream cheese
1 cup frozen whipped dessert topping,
separated
⅔ cup chopped maraschino cherries
1 tbsp sugar-free hot fudge ice cream
topping, warmed
10 maraschino cherries, drained, dried
Allow eggs to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile,
grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
Line bottom of pan with parchment
paper; grease and lightly flour paper.
Set pan aside.
In a small bowl stir together flour, 1/4
cup cocoa powder, the baking soda
and salt; set aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a
large bowl beat eggs with an electric
mixer on high speed for 5 minutes.
Gradually add granulated sugar (see
Tips), beating until thick and lemon
colored. Fold in flour mixture. Spread
batter evenly into prepared pan.
Bake about 15 minutes or until top
springs back when lightly touched.
To submit a recipe, email it to travissnell75@gmail.com or mail it to Giduwa
Cherokee News, P.O. Box 746, Tahlequah, OK 74465.
Immediately loosen edges of cake from
pan and turn cake out onto a towel
sprinkled with unsweetened cocoa
powder. Slowly peel off parchment
paper. Starting from a short side, roll
up towel and cake into a spiral. Cool
on a wire rack for 1 hour. Meanwhile,
prepare Cherry Cream Filling.
In a small mixing bowl beat 1/2 cup
tub-style cream cheese with an electric
mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Add 1/2 cup frozen whipped dessert
topping, thawed; beat on low speed
until just combined.
Fold in another 1/2 cup frozen
whipped dessert topping, thawed.
Drain 2/3 cup maraschino cherries;
remove stems and pat cherries dry.
Chop cherries and fold into cream
cheese mixture.
Unroll cake; remove towel. Spread
cake with Cherry Cream Filling to within 1 inch of edges. Roll up cake and
filling into a spiral. Trim ends.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for
2 to 24 hours before serving. If desired,
just before serving, drizzle whole cake
with ice cream topping and garnish
with cherries.
If using a sugar substitute, choose
Splenda(R) Sugar Blend for Baking in
place of granulated sugar.
Follow package directions to use
product amount that’s equivalent to 3/4
cup granulated sugar.
Source: Diabetic Living Magazine
HEALTH•ᎠᏰᎸ ᏄᏍᏛ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
Have diabetes?
Pay attention to
your feet
Without precautions, even small foot
problems can lead to amputation or
be life-threatening.
Diabetes can impact the body in various ways, especially creating potentially serious complications for your feet.
STATEPOINT MEDIA
STATEPOINT – Diabetes can
impact the body in various ways,
especially creating potentially
serious complications for your feet.
“Foot care is a central component
of overall diabetes care,” Bryce
Paschold, a board-certified foot and
ankle surgeon and a fellow member
of the American College of Foot
and Ankle Surgeons, said. “Without
precautions, even small foot
problems can lead to amputation or
be life-threatening.”
To help those living with diabetes
understand potential complications
and how to avoid them, the ACFAS
shares these insights:
Potential Complications
Nerve damage that affects arms,
hands, legs and feet known as
diabetic peripheral neuropathy
not only makes you more likely to
experience numbness, burning and
loss of your protective sensation,
but losing sensation in your feet
can also make it easier to miss
common minor skin pathologies
and other foot issues while they’re
still relatively easy to treat.
With diabetes, the blood vessels
below the knee often become
narrow and restrict blood flow,
causing infections that don’t
heal. This common and serious
complication can lead to the loss of
your foot, leg or your life.
Stress fractures and sprains are
commonplace among all athletes,
but those living with diabetes who
experience neuropathy are more
likely to be unaware of foot and
ankle injuries and exacerbate them
by continuing their activities.
While relatively rare, Charcot
foot seems to be growing in
prevalence as more Americans
develop diabetes. This destruction
and erosion of the foot’s bones,
caused by nerve damage, can
trigger problems, including joint
loss, fractures, arch collapse,
deformity, ulcers, amputation and
even death. Symptoms appear
suddenly and include warm
and red skin, and swelling, but
commonly without pain.
Prevention
You can play a role in reducing
your risk for complications:
• Check for cuts, blisters,
redness, swelling and nail
problems. Use a magnifying mirror
to look at the bottom of your feet.
If you need help, have someone do
it for you. Know what is going on
with your feet on a daily basis.
• Seek care immediately if you
experience pain in your leg at night
or with little activity. It could mean
you have a blocked artery.
• Never trim calluses or corns
yourself, and don’t use over-thecounter medicated pads. See a foot
and ankle surgeon for treatment.
• To prevent injury, make sure no
needles, insulin syringes or other
sharp objects are on the floor. You
should also always wear shoes,
indoors and outdoors.
• Shake shoes free of small
objects you may not be able to
feel and ensure your socks aren’t
bunched up. Wear lighter colored
socks so you’ll notice blood or
drainage if they occur.
• Never use heating pads,
hot water bottles, ice or electric
blankets, and never put feet in
hot water without testing the
temperature. You can burn your
feet without noticing.
• Improve circulation by
wiggling toes and moving your
ankles for five minutes, two to
three times a day.
• Good diabetes management
reduces risks of developing
complications.
• Visit a foot and ankle surgeon
to see if you have lost any feeling
or circulation. Periodic exams can
help prevent complications.
“Advanced therapies for foot
wounds, such as the use of
bioengineered skin substitutes and
negative pressure wound therapy,
are saving limbs and restoring
mobility for people who suffer
from nonhealing foot ulcers,” said
Paschold. For more information,
visit FootHealthFacts.org.
The Centers for
Disease Control
and Prevention
states that
nearly 1 in 5 U.S.
adults who have
had COVID-19
experience new
or lingering
symptoms that
last three or more
months after first
contracting the
virus.
STATEPOINT
MEDIA
PTs aid with long COVID
STATEPOINT – Long COVID can affect
anyone who’s had COVID-19, even
those who’ve had mild illness or no
symptoms initially. Data from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
show that nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults who
have had COVID-19 experience new or
lingering symptoms that last three or
more months after first contracting the
virus. Physical therapists can play a role
in managing symptoms of long COVID.
Long COVID is unpredictable, and
research is evolving, however common
symptoms include extreme fatigue,
shortness of breath, racing heart,
dizziness, muscle aches and pains, brain
fog, problems completing everyday
activities and poor exercise tolerance. It’s
important to note that certain types of
physical activity may not be appropriate
for those living with long COVID.
“A highly-personalized plan of care
that includes working with a physical
therapist is important,” said Leo
Arguelles, American Physical Therapy
Association spokesman. “People with long
COVID can benefit from being monitored
during exertion and should follow
prescribed exercise dosing that helps
them gradually progress, rather than
pushing through fatigue on their own,
which could potentially set them back.”
Physical therapists are movement
experts who treat individuals with the
kinds of symptoms that people with
long COVID experience. Here are three
reasons to consider including a physical
therapist on your long COVID care team.
1. Physical therapists assess your
overall well-being. They can develop a
treatment plan to address issues such
as fatigue, respiratory function and
cardiac endurance. They can work
and communicate with your primary
care physician and refer you to other
health care providers if they feel you’d
benefit from seeing another specialist.
Physical therapists and physical therapist
assistants collaborate with each other,
and with other health professionals, to
ensure that you receive the best care.
2. Movement is essential to your
recovery and your mental health. But for
some people, long COVID includes postexertional malaise, or PEM, a worsening
of symptoms after physical or mental
activities. Your ability often may fluctuate
– an activity that’s easily tolerated one
day may exacerbate symptoms the next.
Physical therapists develop prescribed
exercise programs based on your
symptoms and how your body responds
and can monitor your symptoms, blood
pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels to
ensure your safety while doing exercises.
3. Through patient education, a
physical therapist can help find the
balance between rest and activity and
identify the right kind and amount of
movement you should get to improve
your tolerance for everyday activities.
More research is being done on long
COVID. Your therapist will review
available research findings and can adjust
your treatment as needed. To learn more
or find a therapist, visit ChoosePT.com.
DECEMBER 2022
5
Leg pain signs
to not ignore
NEWSUSA – Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is
a common condition affecting more than 12 million
people in the U.S. However, symptom recognition is
low: 50% of PAD patients have unrecognized symptoms,
often brushed off as a result of aging.
Dr. John Laird, vice president and chief medical
officer of Peripheral Vascular Health at Medtronic,
breaks down what to know about this common, but
often misunderstood, disease.
PAD occurs when blocked arteries outside the heart
limit or stop blood flow to the legs. When blood cannot
reach the legs and feet, it can cause pain while walking,
and even lead to amputation. PAD also increases risk for
a stroke or heart attack. This is the reality for more than
140,000 people in the U.S.
“PAD is a serious condition, but due to very low
awareness, people are often confused when first
diagnosed,” Laird said. “But because most people
haven’t heard of it, they may not realize it can have
devastating impacts on a person’s quality of life.”
Systemic health disparities also play a significant role
when it comes to risk for PAD, as it disproportionally
affects minority communities.
Assess Your Risk
Nearly 95% of people with PAD have at least one
other chronic disease. Smokers are at a four times
greater risk of PAD.
Common risk factors include diabetes, high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, history of heart attack
or stroke, history of smoking and age over 50.
Know PAD Signs & Symptoms
People with PAD often experience discomfort or
fatigue in the legs when walking. This can impact daily
activities. Symptoms include:
· Cramping or pain in the legs when active
· Numbness, tingly or burning in your legs and feet
· A cold foot that is pale or changes in color
· A sore or ulcer on the foot that is slow or fails to heal
When shared with a doctor early, PAD symptoms
can be more easily addressed and risk of amputation is
significantly decreased. Treatment options may include
different therapies used over time based on severity of
the artery blockage. These may include:
· Lifestyle changes, including walking
· Medication
· Endovascular treatment
· Surgical bypass
· Amputation (as a last resort)
In cases where exercise and medical management
fail, your healthcare provider may perform a procedure
to help restore blood flow by reopening narrowed
or blocked arteries. Talk to your doctor about risks
associated with these devices.
“There are many treatment options,” Laird said. “You
can successfully advocate for yourself by asking your
doctor about PAD screenings.”
6
DECEMBER 2022
EDUCATION•ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
Okla. slips on nation’s report card
BY JENNIFER PALMER
Oklahoma Watch
Students across the country lost
significant ground in reading and
math amid the coronavirus pandemic,
according to a national assessment data
– but Oklahoma students’ scores slipped
more than most.
The data offer the clearest picture yet
of academic setbacks incurred during the
COVID-19 pandemic and comes from
the National Assessment of Educational
Progress, also known as the Nation’s
Report Card. Unpredictable shifts to
virtual and distance learning, trauma
from illness and death and an ongoing
teacher shortage have made pandemicera schooling difficult.
In math, Oklahoma dropped 8 points
for fourth graders and 13 points for
eighth graders, the largest point decline
of any state. Nationwide, scores dropped
5 points for fourth grade and 8 points for
eighth grade.
In reading, Oklahoma had an eightpoint decline in fourth-grade reading and
a seven-point decline in eighth-grade
reading, compared to a three-point
average national decline in both grades.
Reading scores were declining even
before the pandemic.
State Superintendent of Public
Instruction Joy Hofmeister called the
results “deeply troubling.”
“The scores are evidence that students
suffered significant disruptions to
educational achievement as a result
of the pandemic,” she said. “A full
recovery will take considerable time and
resources, but Oklahoma students are
already turning a corner.”
In a social media post, Gov. Kevin
Stitt blamed school closures during the
pandemic for the declines.
“Liberal school unions did everything
they could to keep schools closed and
students out of the classroom. Our
children are paying the price. New
test scores show the learning loss in
Oklahoma far exceeds the national
average. Unacceptable,” he tweeted Oct.
24.
Federal officials cautioned against
making such conclusions.
“There’s nothing in this data that tells
us there’s a measurable difference in the
performance of states and districts based
solely on how long schools were closed,”
said Peggy Carr, commissioner of the
In this May 2021 file photo, Elizabeth Boomer, a freshman English teacher at Harding Charter Preparatory High School in Oklahoma City, talks
about the challenges of virtual learning during the pandemic. WHITENY BRYEN/OKLAHOMA WATCH
National Center for Education Statistics,
which manages the administration of the
NAEP assessments.
School disruptions began in March
2020 with a total shutdown at the onset
of the pandemic and peaked in January
2022 amid the Omicron surge, according
to Burbio, which tracked school closures
and instructional methods across the
country.
Oklahoma schools were open more
than about half of states, ranking in the
middle for the average time in-person for
the 2020-21 school year, Burbio’s data
show.
On the Nation’s Report Card, dramatic
declines were experienced across the
country. In eighth-grade math, scores
fell in nearly every state. In fourthgrade math, there were declines in 41
states. Reading scores also declined
in more than half of states, with none
demonstrating improvement.
Remote learning looked different
across the U.S., and “is extremely
complex,” Carr added. Also, there were
significant declines in scores everywhere,
including places where students were in
remote learning for shorter periods.
Carr said she was not surprised to see
larger declines in math, which is more
sensitive to classroom instruction and
requires skilled teachers.
One trend where Oklahoma stands
apart is enrollment in charter schools,
as the pandemic drove a massive spike
in enrollment in virtual charter schools.
For 2020-21, Oklahoma had the highest
number of new charter school students
in the country; enrollment in charters
grew by nearly 78%, according to a 2021
report by the National Alliance for Public
Charter Schools.
Epic Charter Schools, the state’s
largest, grew to nearly 60,000 students
in 2020-21 and still reported more than
38,000 students in 2021-22.
State test results released in October
showed the percentage of students
scoring proficient or better improved in
nearly every grade and subject compared
to 2021. But scores were below prepandemic achievement levels.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel
Cardona urged school leaders to double
down on recovery efforts and use federal
COVID-19 relief funds to help students
catch up.
“A once-in-a-generation virus upended
our country in so many ways – and our
students cannot be the ones who sacrifice
most in the long run. We must treat the
task of catching our children up with the
urgency this moment demands,” he said.
NAEP tests a broad sampling of
fourth and eighth-grade students at
public and private schools across the
country every two years and has since
the 1990s. The most recent testing took
place between January and March 2022.
Full NAEP results are at https://www.
nationsreportcard.gov.
CULTURE DAYS
Cave Springs
students learn
how to shoot
darts from
a blow gun
during a recent
cultural day.
PHOTOS BY
LANI HANSEN/
GIDUWA
CHEROKEE
NEWS
Bacone officials said it was critical to acknowledge the current, generational and historical
abuses of Native American children. BACONE COLLEGE
Bacone apologizes for U.S.
assimilation of Native children
BY STAFF REPORTS
MUSKOGEE – Rounding out
Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 10,
Bacone College Interim President Dr.
Nicky Kay Michael stood in front of
the audience and apologized to Native
people who were affected by the school’s
past federal assimilation policies of
Native children.
“To anyone we hurt and caused harm,
we apologize,” Michael said. “For anyone
who was violated sexually or physically,
we offer our most heartfelt apology. To
the Indian families we separated, we are
sorry.”
Bacone has had ground penetrating
radar surveys to ensure that no
additional unknown deaths and
unmarked graves are on the property,
Michael said. “If we had found any, we
would repatriate those babies to their
people.”
Michael is a citizen of the Delaware
Tribe, whose homelands are in
Pennsylvania, where the most notorious
Indian boarding school initiated the
forced assimilation of thousands of
Native American children, Carlisle. The
Delaware were one of the first tribes to
support repatriation of remains from the
children who died at Carlisle in the 19th
and 20th centuries. During the National
Congress of American Indian’s 2021 MidYear Gathering, Secretary of Interior Deb
Haaland announced the Federal Indian
Boarding School Initiative to address the
abuses caused by these schools. Federal
policies dictated Indian boarding schools
to break up the extended family and clan
units of tribal cultures and forced many
Indian children thousands of miles away
from their families and communities.
With November recognized as
Native American Heritage Month,
Bacone officials said it was critical to
acknowledge the current, generational
and historical abuses of Native children.
“We acknowledge and apologize that
Bacone College was a product of this
same process,” a Bacone statement reads.
“However, we were fortunate to have less
severe practices. As the Indian Boarding
school era declined greatly after WWII,
Bacone transitioned to a college and
was known as Indian University. Since
then Bacone has been the go-to college
for many Native people throughout
the country. In its height, Bacone had
thousands of students, a rodeo, football,
basketball, baseball and softball.
However, Bacone is internationally
recognized for the incredible American
Indian Art of our students. Today,
Bacone has a 100% American Indian
board and four chartering tribal nations:
United Keetoowah Band, Osage Nation,
Cheyenne and Arapaho, and the Kiowa
Tribe of Oklahoma, who all have
members on our Board of Trustees.”
Tradition
Keeper Char
Kingfisher-Wolf,
who attended
cultural days at
local schools,
is seen at
Chouteau
teaching
students how to
make baskets.
Chouteau
students make
baskets for
their cultural
day. Tradition
Keeper Char
Kingfisher-Wolf,
not seen, taught
the students the
art of Cherokee
basket making.
SERVICES•ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
DECEMBER 2022
7
Low-cost internet
program helps
families, veterans
The U.S. Census American
Community Survey states 81%
of U.S. homes have broadband
Internet access, but only 63%
of those with annual incomes
lower than $35,000 do.
Colder weather means it’s time to roll up your sleeves, make minor fixes and prepare your home before it’s time to hunker
down for winter. STATEPOINT MEDIA
Projects to prep home for cold
STATEPOINT – It’s fall, which means it’s time to roll
up your sleeves, make minor fixes and prepare your
home before it’s time to hunker down for winter. Here
are four easy do-it-yourself projects that will ensure
your humble abode is in tip-top shape b efore the cold
weather arrives.
Patch It Up
If you experienced storms this past season, survey
your home’s exterior for any damage. Take a walk
around the grounds and look at the siding and the
condition of the roof, including the garage and porch.
Use T-Rex Waterproof Tape to temporarily patch
small holes in vinyl siding, loose shingles or leaks
in your gutter. The tape is formulated to withstand
extreme temperatures and can stretch up to 700% of
its original length, so it can be used for any indoor or
outdoor job that requires a waterproof seal.
Making repairs will save you from expensive water
damage costs down the road and help prevent any
further issues arising during the cold weather season.
Lawn Improvement
As the leaves fall off the trees and onto the ground,
an alternative to raking is to pull out the lawn mower.
Trim the leaves into smaller pieces, which can then be
used as natural mulch around the yard and garden.
Layer the compost around perennial beds or other
plants to provide insulation and protection through
winter.
Mid-to-late fall, with the warm soil and cool air,
is also an ideal time for planting grass seed, and
fertilizing and filling in holes with the leaf compost.
This will put you on a path to a greener lawn.
Prepare the Deck
Before the first cold front approaches, make sure
to clean up the patio or deck and store outdoor
umbrellas, cushions and rugs in a safe spot in the
garage or shed. If you notice any rot or wetness on the
deck, it can be fixed by replacing the wood boards or
using a wood filler to prevent further damage.
Winterize large patio furniture and protect items
that are staying outside with a weatherproof cover. To
keep the covers in place, secure them to the bottom of
the furniture.
If there is a small tear in the fabric, mend it with
T-Rex Clear Repair Tape. The all-weather, crystal clear
tape has a waterproof backing and an aggressive
adhesive to stick to wet surfaces – plus, it applies
securely at below freezing temperatures.
Squeaky Clean Exterior
Once the patio is prepped, turn your attention to the
rest of the exterior. Debris and stains collected on the
outside of the house during summer can set over the
winter, so it’s a good idea to power wash away the dirt.
Start with the driveway, deck and windows and
then take time to wash the siding and gutters, as long
as you spray water in a direction that won’t force it
behind the siding or under shingles. This project will
help remove lingering grime, mold and mildew and
ensure the outside area is clean and ready for winter.
After checking off these projects on your fall list,
your home will be properly prepped so you can relax,
slow down and enjoy the season.
WINTER WEATHERIZATION 101
STATEPOINT – Prepping windows for cold,
gusty weather is essential no matter your home’s
age, but what exactly needs to be done? Read
on for the ultimate breakdown of how to seal
windows and protect your home from the winter
chill.
1. Test for air leaks. Any style of window
could have small air leaks that allow drafts
and moisture to enter without your knowledge.
Check your windows’ seals by lighting a match
or candle and seeing if the smoke is affected
by a breeze. The smoke trail can help pinpoint
any small cracks you should address while
weatherizing.
2. Fill the seals. Reinforcing the seal around
the entire window frame will ensure it’s ready
for cold weather. Using a product such as Duck
brand Foam Weatherstrip Seals will help form
a solid barrier around window edges, thanks to
self-adhesive foam strips that block drafts. This
can help lower utility costs by stopping leaks.
Updating these seals every few years helps keep
the window frame in the best possible shape and
maintains protection from the winter winds.
3. Restore with paint. Updating your window
with a fresh coat of primer and either paint or
stain helps keep it in great condition for a change
in season. Not only will it provide a new look, but
paint or stain also creates a tight seal around
the wood framework and acts as an additional
barrier for pinhole cracks or air leaks.
4. Insulate the frame. Winter weather can
be brutal in certain regions. Rolled Window
Insulation Kits are crystal clear and create
an additional cold-air barrier for when you
need extra protection on top of foam seals.
The window kit film comes in an easy-to-use
roll of shrink film, which means no measuring
is needed, and excess film can be cut once
applied. Once secured to indoor window frames,
the film provides an airtight seal that can be
removed once warmer weather arrives.
5. Add thermal protection. After preparing your
window for the approaching winter winds, swap
out your everyday curtains for thicker, thermal
fabric window treatments. These insulating
curtains typically have two or three layers of thick
fabric, combined with a layer of acrylic foam, to
prevent air infiltration and cold.
Precautionary steps to seal in warm air and
keep out potential drafts will help reduce energy
costs this winter – and help protect the longevity
(and comfort) of your home.
NEWSUSA – Unfortunately, many low-income
households in this country aren’t connected and they’re
missing out on the life-changing resources the internet
has to offer.
According to the U.S. Census American Community
Survey, 81% of U.S. households have broadband
Internet access, but only 63% of those with annual
incomes of less than $35,000 do.
For the past seven years, Comcast has been on a
mission to do something about this so-called “digital
divide” through its acclaimed Internet Essentials
program, which has become the largest broadband
adoption program for low-income families across the
United States.
The program has had an enormous impact on families
and their children and, since its inception, more than 6
million low-income Americans have been connected.
To put that in perspective, 6 million people is larger
than the populations of each city in America except
New York City. While the numbers can be numbing,
the individuals who have benefitted all have their own
stories to tell.
“Low-income people face problems when it comes
to accessing technology and a lot of people are left
behind,” said Pam Ogglesby, an Internet Essentials
customer. “I signed up for the program and I now see
what I was missing. I feel connected now and it’s all
because of Internet Essentials. I think this is going to
change my life drastically. I intend to use the Internet to
learn new things.”
In the beginning, Internet Essentials was offered to
low-income families with children eligible to participate
in the National School Lunch Program. Eligibility has
also been extended to low-income seniors in more
than a dozen markets, as well as to those households
receiving HUD-housing assistance, which includes
HUD’s Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and
Multifamily programs.
This year, the company is expanding eligibility again
to low-income veterans living within the Comcast
service area. About a third of the veterans in the U.S.
do not have Internet access at home, and only about
60% even own a computer, according to the U.S. Census
American Community Survey, creating a need for better
options for the veteran community. As a result, more
than 1 million veterans across Comcast’s footprint are
estimated to be eligible.
Comcast’s Internet Essentials program works with
community partners to break down the main barriers
to Internet access – lack of affordable service; lack of a
computer or other device; and lack of digital training by
providing high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month
plus tax, the option to purchase an internet-ready
computer for less than $150, and free digital literacy
training in print, in person and online.
To apply, visit www.internetessentials.com/apply, or
call 1-855-846-8376.
For the past seven years, Comcast has been on a mission to
do something about this so-called “digital divide” through its
acclaimed Internet Essentials program, which has become the
largest broadband adoption program for low-income families
across the United States. COMCAST INTERNET ESSENTIALS
WOOD RECYCLING PROGRAM
The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians’ Wood Recycling Program offers a FREE
and safe alternative for the removal of downed timber on your property. Tribal membership
is NOT required. The timber will be ricked and donated as firewood for UKB elders and
tribal members unable to harvest their own firewood for the winter season.
The Wood Recycling Program will under certain circumstances cut intrusive or unwanted
trees down, but a special assessment and waiver will be required. For information or if
interested in donating/need timber removed, contact the Office of Environmental Services.
918-871-2825 or 918-871-2800 · oes@ukb-nsn.gov · www.ukb-nsn.gov
8
DECEMBER 2022
BUSINESS•ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
Prevent scams, fraud this holiday season
STATEPOINT – Scams and fraud are
more deceiving these days, reaching
you in more ways than ever before. The
Federal Trade Commission reported 2.8
million fraud reports from consumers in
2021 alone, with reported fraud losses
increasing 70% from 2020 and more
than $5.8 million.
Scammers begin their traditional
uptick at the start of the holiday season,
and identity theft protection expert
Carrie Kerskie said being aware of what
new cyber and phone fraud trends to
look out for is your biggest defense
against unwanted fraud.
“The more that we can get this
information out there the better,” Kerskie
said. “Unfortunately when it comes to
technology, privacy and identity theft, the
same old advice that was given 10, 15
years ago is still the gospel of what you’re
supposed to do. And that is outdated.
None of it works. It’s not true, it’s not
relevant anymore.”
Scammers have expanded from
targeting consumers with only traditional
email and phone calls. The most recent
trending scams are occurring using
person-to-person payment platforms or
P2P, remote access software and even
public Wi-Fi.
Kerskie said the most desirable
accounts to criminals include bank
accounts, mobile phone accounts, credit
card accounts and Amazon accounts.
Now, with P2P payment platforms,
The Federal Trade Commission reported 2.8 million fraud reports from consumers in 2021
alone, with reported fraud losses increasing 70% from 2020 and more than $5.8 million.
STATEPOINT MEDIA
criminals can get access to your bank
account and use it to transfer money
within moments.
The latest tactic that concerns Kerskie
is using remote access software to gain
access to everything on your computer
without having to directly ask you for
things like your Social Security number,
bank account or credit card number.
While many workers use remote access
software safely from their companies’ IT
What to consider when
buying or renting a home
By giving
personalized
gifts this
holiday season,
the recipients
will feel special
knowing they
were created
and picked just
for them.
STATEPOINT
MEDIA
For those in the market to rent or buy a home,
there is a lot to think about.
Affordable gift ideas
with personal touch
Many personalized gifts don’t have to be
expensive to be remembered.
STATEPOINT – Are you struggling
to find thoughtful gifts for everyone as
you make your holiday shopping list?
Well, it’s time to get personal. By giving
a personalized gift, the recipient will
feel special knowing it was created and
picked just for them.
Here are a few customized gift ideas
that they’re sure to love that won’t break
the bank.
1. Make their holidays magical with
video greetings. Perfect for spreading
holiday cheer, SmashUps from American
Greetings are highly personalized, smileinducing, shareable videos. There are
options for everyone, like a message from
Santa that calls the recipient out by name
and location, or a customized winter
greeting delivered by a talking penguin.
SmashUps can check the box for holiday
greetings, or you can include a digital gift
card to fulfill your gift giving needs.
With a subscription, you’ll unlock
access to all of American Greetings’
digital offerings, meaning you can
send unlimited SmashUps year-round.
Subscriptions are $6.99 per month or
$29.99 per year.
2. Photo finish. Photos are a simple and
affordable way to personalize gifts. Start
by choosing your favorite pic with the
recipient and then determine how you’d
like to deliver it. Whether it’s in a unique
frame, or printed on a personal item,
such as a mug, blanket, keychain, phone
cover or even an ornament for their tree,
the recipient will know how much they
departments, criminals are also using this
software in their scams.
Criminals also try to access your
information in settings like coffee shops
or libraries using public Wi-Fi. A laptop
or smartphone using public Wi-Fi can
easily fall victim to scams. An easy fix is
to use your smartphone’s wireless data
and hotspot to help keep your personal
information secure.
Kerskie said there are ways to keep
scammers and fraud at bay ahead of the
holiday shopping season.
Prioritize Privacy: Kerskie said if it’s
easy for you, it’s easy for a criminal.
Privacy means having strong and
unique passwords with a minimum
of 12 characters, and for PINs using
random numbers and taking advantage
of extra security. Enabling multi-factor
authentication on your various apps and
accounts will also protect yourself from
potential threats.
Use Available Resources: Take
advantage of the free anti-fraud
safeguards offered by your mobile carrier.
In the case of T-Mobile’s Scam Shield,
services include enhanced caller ID, scam
ID and blocking, which flags suspicious
calls and gives customers the option of
blocking those numbers. Additionally,
customers can get a free second number
to keep their personal number personal,
or even change their primary number
completely.
Validate or Eliminate: Whatever
potential threat you come across
via email, text message, letter or
even a phone call, try to validate the
information. If you cannot confirm
the information is true or confirm the
senders’ validity, throw it away, block
the phone number or email address and
report it as spam or junk mail.
Understanding how potential cyber
threats and fraud work will help protect
you this holiday season and beyond.
mean to you each time they view it.
3. Initial thoughts. While not
everyone wants to be in pictures,
adding personalization to a gift item by
using your recipient’s name, initials or
monogram, can be a great alternative.
And with a wealth of online sites, from
boutique stores like Marley Lilly to
major retailers like Amazon offering
this service, you’ll have endless options
– at various price points – to meet your
shopping needs.
4. Eat, drink and be merry. They often
say the way to the heart is through
the stomach. So, whether it’s a foodie
friend or a family member who has it all,
making their favorite meal, treat, drink
or dessert can be the ultimate thoughtful
gift. Plus, it can provide you quality time
together as you deliver the delicious
treats to their home or host them at
yours – that is… if they’ll share!
5. Write a message by hand. In an
age where everything is digital, seeing
a loved one’s handwriting – whether
it’s scribbled by a child or printed by a
grandparent – can be a special memento
and unique way to customize a gift. Gift
ideas could be handwritten messages and
affirmations; a recipe book of your family
favorites; or your handwriting could be
inscribed onto a gift item like a keychain,
picture frame or necklace.
Just remember, it’s the thought that
counts. And luckily many personalized
gifts don’t have to be costly to be
remembered.
COVID-19 SERVICES NOTICE
Our hours of service are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
except for the UKB Tag Agency, which is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The
Community Services lobby is open again to the public with precautions. We will
allow 4 individuals in the lobby waiting area at a time for services. Individuals will
be escorted to the appropriate department for services, and social distancing will
be a priority for the duration of the visit. A temperature check will be conducted
upon entering the building and masks are now optional but encouraged. The Title
VI/Elder Nutrition WILL NOT reopen its building at this time due to the nature of
the clients they serve. The anticipated reopening is June/July.
STATEPOINT – If you’re feeling
stressed about rising rents and interest
rates, you are not alone. Most American
renters say their rents increased in
the past 12 months, and for many,
their wage gains didn’t keep pace. In
addition, mortgage rates have reached a
two-decade high.
This means that for those in the
market to rent or buy a home, there is
a lot to consider. According to Freddie
Mac, deciding whether to rent or buy
depends on your financial situation,
future plans and lifestyle. You should
also carefully assess the benefits and
financial commitments that come with
each option.
Why Buy?
If you plan to stay in your home for
at least five to seven years, buying can
make financial sense. Homeowners
may be eligible for certain tax benefits,
and increases in home equity are
important to building long-term
financial independence. Plus, for those
with a fixed-rate mortgage, stable
monthly payments provide important
predictability when creating a budget.
Another benefit to homeownership is
the freedom to make decisions about
your house that best suit your needs
without the approval of a landlord.
Why Rent?
Compared to owning, renting is
flexible and is usually low risk. Renting
can require less money up front and
provides you immunity to declining
home values. It’s also a good option if
you enjoy the ability to move relatively
quickly. Not handy? Renting is also
great if you prefer to leave home repairs
to someone else.
Next Steps
As you make your decision, here are a
few questions to ask yourself:
1. Am I ready for homeownership?
Mortgage-ready homebuyers typically
have not had a foreclosure or
bankruptcy in the past seven years and
no severe delinquencies in the past 12
months. Potential buyers are also often
required to have credit scores and debt
levels that meet certain criteria. To
learn about credit scores and managing
credit, consider using free educational
resources from Freddie Mac.
2. How much can I afford? Free
online tools can help you get a better
idea of how much you can afford based
on your personal financial situation.
3. Do I have enough saved?
Determine how much you have saved
for a security deposit or down payment.
Look into down payment assistance
programs, low down payment mortgage
programs and learn more about
budgeting for upfront rental costs.
If you’re still unsure which path is
right for you, check out My Home by
Freddie Mac, which offers financial
education resources. Compare costs
with the site’s Rent vs. Buy Calculator,
and explore the tips and tools geared to
those who are renting or buying. Visit
myhome.freddiemac.com to get started.
Whether you choose to rent or buy,
it’s important to keep an eye on your
long-term financial goals. Building good
credit and making a savings plan today
can better position you for the future.
Most American
renters say
their rents
increased in the
past 12 months,
and for many,
their wage
gains didn’t
keep pace.
In addition,
mortgage
rates have
reached a twodecade high.
STATEPOINT
MEDIA
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
ANI GIDUWAGI• ᎠᏂ ᎩᏚᏩᎩ
DECEMBER 2022
9
Ketcher crowned Miss
New Years 2022-23
Aiyana Ketcher has competed in Dream Stars
Connections pageants since she could walk, and
now she gets the opportunity to represent.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
S
United Keetoowah Band
member Aiyana Ketcher
was recently named the
2022-23 Miss New Years
of Stilwell.
PHOTOS BY LANI HANSEN/
GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
TILWELL – United Keetoowah
Band member Aiyana Ketcher has
been competing in the Dream Stars
Connections Pageants since she was 3
years old. This year she was named 202223 Miss New Years of Stilwell.
According to Dream Stars Connections
Facebook page, it is founded and directed
by Lora Gallardo of Stilwell.
This is a pageant system that holds
annual Cinco de Mayo and Christmas
pageants. They judge by onstage
interviews, personality and stage
presentation, charms and others.
Ketcher, age 8, is the granddaughter
of Connie Walker. She attends school
at Marietta Public Schools and is in the
second grade.
She competed in the Dream Stars
Connection Christmas Pageant on Nov.
12th with ten other girls. Ketcher said she
modeled her dress and that is how the
judges picked the winner.
Besides her main title she won the
Dream Star Ultimate Co-ed. She was
also awarded the Prettiest Hair, Prettiest
Evening Gown and Model Print.
According to her grandmother, for the
Miss Ultimate Coed category it was a
fundraiser for the contestant to sell Sonic
gift cards.
Walker said, “She won the biggest title
the pageant gives away, she won Miss New
Years.”
Other than pageants, Ketcher enjoys
participating in track or cross country and
her favorite subject in school is art.
Her grandmother is proud of her for
competing in this pageant and winning
this year.
“She’s come a long way, growing up
without a mom, and I’ve started her in the
pageants where it’s helped with her selfesteem. She’s come alive through these
pageants,” Walker added.
Representing her new title, Ketcher will
be seen in the Stilwell Christmas Parade
on Dec. 10 and next year in the Stilwell
Strawberry Festival Parade in May.
“She’s come a long way,
growing up without a mom,
and I’ve started her in the
pageants where it’s helped
with her self-esteem. She’s
come alive through these
pageants.”
UKB member Aiyana Ketcher holds a pageant
crown with her grandmother, Connie Walker.
Ketcher has appeared in pageants since she
was 3 years old.
United Keetoowah
Band member
Mikah Vann throws
a pitch for the
Tahlequah Tigers.
Vann helped
lead the Tigers
to the Class 5A
state tournament.
COURTESY
Apply for Spring NOW!
Vann excels at softball
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH – United Keetoowah
Band member Mikah Vann was named
District 5A-4 and 5A pitcher of the year
and 5A Large East All-State for high
school softball.
Vann, a senior out of Tahlequah High
School, is the daughter of Carrie Haney
and Rich Vann.
She has been playing softball since 8
years old and fell in love with the sport.
Vann, who is graduating in May played
on the Tahlequah Tigers softball team
all through high school as their starting
pitcher, she also played outfield.
She has received many awards and
recognitions playing since her freshman
year. Vann received first team pitcher
in districts from her freshman year to
sophomore year.
“This year I got pitcher of the year,
so that built up,” she stated. “In 2020, I
got honorable mention of Tulsa World’s
softball which is pretty big.”
Also, in 2020 she was the Hype
underclassman to watch as a sophomore,
another huge recognition as she believed.
All through high school, Vann qualified
for state each year.
Vann was also named to the National
Fastpitch Coaches Association 2022 NFCA
High School Summer/Fall All-Region
Connie Walker, Aiyana
Ketcher’s grandmother
team. Vann was named NFCA All-Region
Second Team pitcher.
The two regions comprise of high
schools from the states of Colorado,
Georgia, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and
Oklahoma, who compete in either the fall
or summer.
With high school softball season under
her belt, Vann is now looking forward
to graduation and college. She has been
touring a few colleges already but is
undecided now.
“I want to attend a two-year college
at least for my basics and to study
psychology,” Vann said. “I haven’t decided
yet on where, but I have an idea.”
Reflecting back Vann is going to miss
her girls on the team, the competitiveness
of districts and the friendships she has
made along the softball road.
Vann’s family thinks highly of
basketball, so when it came to her
playing softball, she said her mom was
the one to push her and encourage her
along the way.
“My mom didn’t know much of softball
or definitely as a pitcher, so her pushing
me or watching videos to teach me that
was a big thing,” Vann said. “I wanted
to be good at this sport and I know my
family found interest in it after a while.”
Both of her parents are proud of all her
accomplishments she achieved in high
school.
• Oklahoma’s Immersive
Learning Institution
• Over $4.5 million in tribal
scholarships awarded
• Ranked #1 among four-year
colleges conferring bachelor’s
degrees to American Indians
Visit Go2NSU.com today!
10
DECEMBER 2022
CULTURE•ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
UKB’s JHCCM earns national award
The John Hair Cultural Center
and Museum receives an
award for Culture Builds
Communities Project.
BY MARILYN CRAIG
UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator
TAHLEQUAH - The John Hair Cultural Center and
Museum has been recognized as one of the Top 10
Museums in Indian Country.
These top museums served as models for the
Culture Builds Communities Project sponsored by the
Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums
(ATALM) with funding from the Institute of Museum
and Library Services and the National Museum of the
American Indian.
The honors went to the Choctaw Nation, Chickasaw
Nation, Citizen Potawatomi, Pueblo of Pojoaque,
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux, Shawnee, Southern Ute,
Suquamish Tribe, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee
Indians and the Wyandotte Nation.
ATALM is an international nonprofit organization
that maintains a network of support for Indigenous
programs, provides culturally relevant programming
and services, encourages collaboration among tribal
and non-tribal cultural institutions, and articulates
contemporary issues related to developing and
sustaining the cultural sovereignty of Native Nations.
The ATALM mission embraces the cultural differences,
beliefs, customs, languages, and practices of all its
members. It regards the preservation of historical
documents, records, photographs, language materials
and recordings, art, artifacts and cultural items as
paramount to the cultural and political survival of tribal
peoples in the 21st century and beyond.
UKB Chief Joe Bunch and JHCCM Director Ernestine
Berry attended the annual ATALM conference held
Oct. 25-17 at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula,
California. Bunch accepted the award on behalf of the
tribe.
“For the ATALM to recognize the UKB museum as a
model museum is indeed an honor. This organization
respects the cultural integrity and practices of each
individual Native Nation. Congratulations to Ernestine
and the museum staff on this achievement,” said Bunch.
Since opening in 2011, the UKB museum has
continued to grow and increase its offerings. Some of
the assets that made the museum receive a high rating
as a model museum includes the layout and design
of museum, which includes a classroom and stage,
research library, archives, gift shop, cultural kitchen,
and two large exhibit areas.
Program development was another area of excellence,
including cultural and language classes and events.
For Berry, it has all been a labor of love.
“It is an honor and a privilege to have helped with
Tribal representatives, including UKB Chief Joe Bunch, right, receive awards for being a top 10 museum as named by the
Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums. COURTESY PHOTOS
the design of the museum. It is a very practical space
that accommodates the needs of the various activities.
Working closely with the architect and builder, I had
the opportunity to specify the kind of spaces we needed
and to see firsthand those ideas come together. I am
also gratified to have participated in the activities of the
museum with many members of our Keetoowah family.
Thanks to ATALM and Susan Feller for this exceptional
award,” said Berry.
The John Hair Cultural Center and Museum is located
at 18280 West Keetoowah Circle in Tahlequah. For more
information, call 918-871-2866, or go to the JHCCM
Facebook page or website at www.ukb-nsn.gov.
“It is an honor and a privilege to
have helped with the design of the
museum. It is a very practical space
that accommodates the needs of the
various activities. Working closely
with the architect and builder, I
had the opportunity to specify the
kind of spaces we needed and to
see firsthand those ideas come
together.”
Ernestine Berry,
John Hair Cultral Center and
Museum director
Tradition Keepers holding
Christmas Raffle until Dec. 10
All items included in the raffle have been made
and donated by individual Tradition Keepers.
BY MARILYN CRAIG
UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator
TAHLEQUAH – Members of the United
Keetoowah Band Tradition Keepers will
be selling raffle tickets through Dec.
10. Tickets are available from any UKB
Tradition Keeper or may be purchased
from the John Hair Cultural Center and
Museum Gift Shop.
Tickets are $1 and will qualify every
purchaser to have a chance to win dozens
of individual drawing prizes.
All the items included in the raffle have
been made and donated by individual
Tradition Keepers.
Items include a beaded necklace,
beaded lanyard, dream catchers, baskets,
baby moccasins, beaded headband,
soapstone carved turtle and ribbon skirts.
For an exact listing and photos of all
the prizes available, go to the John Hair
Cultural Center and Museum page on
Facebook.
“This is a great raffle because for only
a dollar, you have a chance to win 18-20
individual items. So, for all intents and
purposes, if you spend $1, each item
will only cost a nickel to try and win,”
said Ralie Grayson, museum gift shop
employee.
Proceeds for the raffle will go into the
Tradition Keepers fund for future projects
or to help the community.
One of the current endeavors they
are supporting is the UKB Indian Child
Welfare Angel Tree.
For more information, visit the John
Hair Culture Center and Museum’s
Facebook page or call the museum at 918871-2866.
ON
SALE
NOW!
The UKB Media Department is selling Yansa (Buffalo) shirts
for $20 each! Limited shirt sizes are available from S-2XL. Visit
the UKB Services Building and ask for Media for your
purchase. Cash only.
John Hair Cultral Center and Museum Director Ernestine Berry
and UKB Chief Joe Bunch receive an award for being one of
the top 10 museums recognized by the Association of Tribal
Archives, Libraries, and Museums.
Western Boutique
Specializing in the Rustic & Unique
Furniture Apparel Books Art
Gifts Christian Decor Horse Tack
Office Spaces Live Music & More!
17310 S. Muskogee Ave. Suite B Tahlequah
M-F: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun: Closed
www.cczallthingswestern.page 918-414-5233
UKB GRASSROOTS MEETING
A meeting of the United Keetoowah Band grassroots
membership is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at the
John Hair Cultural Center and Museum at 18280 W.
Keetoowah Circle in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Up for discussion will be the UKB membership status
and the problems UKB members have experienced
with the Bureau of Indian Affairs/Indian Health Service
acceptance and validation of UKB membership.
Discussion will include possible steps UKB members
can take to bring this issue to the forefront of the
federal government’s attention to find remedial
solutions. All UKB members who are interested in this
issue are invited to attend. This will be a first meeting
on this topic with plans for other meetings to follow.
Call 918-462-0764 for more information.
CULTURE•ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
DECEMBER 2022
11
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE NIGHT
United Keetoowah Band
Education Director Dr. Leslie
Hannah and UKB Transit
Specialist Holly Noe man a
UKB table on Nov. 19 during
the Tulsa Oilers’ Native
Amerian Heritage Night at
the BOK Center in Tulsa,
Oklahoma.
LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA
CHEROKEE NEWS
A mini face mask created by Lani Hansen, a reporter for the
Giduwa Cherokee News. COURTESY
JHCCM hosts
Lunch and Learn
for UKB employees
Tulsa Oilers Ice Girls bring
out players for the hometown
team on Nov. 19 at the BOK
Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Tulsa Oilers hosted
Native American Heritage
Night but lost to the Rapid
City Rush 9-1.
LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA
CHEROKEE NEWS
This is an opportunity for
employees to do a make and
take craft project during their
lunch times.
BY MARILYN CRAIG
UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator
TAHLEQUAH - The John Hair Cultural Center and
Museum has launched a new monthly cultural series for
UKB employees. Titled “Lunch and Learn”, this is an
opportunity for employees to do a make and take craft
project during their lunch times. All supplies will be
provided, and administration will provide lunch. Classes
will be held once a month and began on November 16
with a mini gourd mask decorating class. There were 10
employees that participated.
Most sessions will last about an hour from noon – 1
p.m. Due to limited space and supplies, participation
is limited to 10 employees per class. Some of the make
and take classes will include cornhusk dolls, clay pinch
pots, basket weaving, finger weaving, and stickball
balls. The summer series will include traditional games
and stone carving.
Assistant Museum Director Barbara Foster is
coordinating the series and will be a presenter for
several classes. Foster has been working with Cherokee
culture for over 30 years. “We want our employees to
be familiar with what we do at the museum. Then they
can spread the word to the public,” said Foster.
The JHCCM is located at 18280 W. Keetoowah Circle
in Tahlequah. For more information, call
918-871-2866.
Giduwa Cherokee News Reporter Lani Hansen and Media
Specialist Rita Courtwright get a photo with Native
comedians and actors Lil Mike and Funny Bone on Nov. 19
during the Tulsa Oilers’ Native American Heritage Night.
COURTESY
Forward Eddie Matsushima after scoring his seventh
goal of the season while tying the game 1-1 on Nov. 19
at the BOK Center on Native American Heritage Night.
Unfortunately for the Oilers, they lost to the Rapid City
Rush 9-1. COURTESY OF TULSA OILERS INSTAGRAM
FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU...
MERRY CHRISTMAS &
HAPPY NEW YEAR
12
DECEMBER 2022
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
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