LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

AARP HONORS

Two UKB members

are honored by

AARP Oklahoma.

ANI GIDUWAGI, 7

LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

AND AT WWW.UKB-NSN.GOV.

GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS

Gaming case against UKB nixed

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

A federal judge dismisses a

compact lawsuit against the

United Keetoowah Band.

BY LANI HANSEN

Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – It was in August 2020 when

two Oklahoma tribes filed a federal lawsuit against

them over the legality of gaming compacts they

signed with the governor. Recently, a U.S. district

judge dismissed this lawsuit filed against the United

Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and the Kialegee

Tribal Town.

U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly granted the

motions for dismissal of the suit filed by Cherokee

Nation, the Choctaw Nation, the Chickasaw Nation and

the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. The lawsuit was over

the Class III gaming compacts signed with Gov. Kevin

Stitt.

According to Cherokee Phoenix, the Cherokee Nation

Office of the Attorney General has announced no plans

to appeal the decision.

UKB Attorney General Klint Cowan commented,

“The Cherokee Nation and other plaintiff tribes clearly

lacked standing to bring this case against UKB. We have

been pointing that out since the case was filed. We are

pleased that the judge has agreed with us and dismissed

SEE CASE, PAGE 2

BREAKING GROUND

Shown is the former UKB Casino, which once stood by the

Tahlequah Walmart. ARCHIVE

UKB names

Holland its

U.S. House

delegate

Tribal member Victoria “Tori”

Holland strives to represent

the Cherokee people as the

congressional delegate.

BY STAFF REPORTS

Office of Child Care administrators, United Keetowah Band administration officials and district epresentatives, along

with MASKA representatives, break ground on the UKB’s new Early Childhood Development Center on Nov. 28 in Stilwell.

PHOTOS BY LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS

A new United Keetoowah Band Child Care Center in Stilwell

is expected to be completed by the end of summer.

BY LANI HANSEN

Reporter

STILWELL – On Nov. 28, the Office of Child Care

administrators, UKB tribal administration and district

representatives, along with MASKA representatives,

came together in celebration of a groundbreaking

ceremony for the new child care center in Stilwell.

Currently, UKB Office of Child Care has one center

in Tahlequah at the UKB Complex, the Henry Lee

Doublehead Child Development Center. The Henry

Lee, which was established in June 2006, brings

in children from 6 weeks to 4 years of age. It is a

mission-minded center providing quality, worry-free,

educational child care for community children.

After one consultation with local, tribal and federal

partners, it was decided that a new child care center

would be beneficial for families in the Stilwell area.

Christie Kirk, director of UKB Child Care Programs,

announced that the UKB Office of Child Care would

break ground on its new child care facility in Stilwell.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the

previous UKB Stilwell sub-office at 83531 S. 4700

Road

UKB tribal administration and employees joined in

the ceremony to celebrate.

“It was a historical day for us,” Assistant Chief Jeff

Wacoche said. “It’s a much-needed service in the

Stilwell area. We’ve been looking to expand for a

while, Christie and the Army Corps of Engineers have

a great partnership.”

When Frankie Still, Flint District representative,

came on Council, he said it was one of his plans to

bring in a child care center for the area. The whole

process of building one in Stilwell took about two

years, said Wacoche.

Construction of the new child care facility is

targeted for completion at the end of summer 2023.

The facility will be approximately 7,500 square feet,

with four classrooms, a resource room, office spaces

with a conference/training room and a modern

kitchen. The intent of the UKB Office of Child Care is

to construct a facility that will serve 58 children and

their families at maximum capacity.

TAHLEQUAH – It’s been 237

years since the Treaty of Hopewell

was signed by the Cherokee

people with the United States

government promising the Cherokee

a delegate seat in the U.S. House

of Representatives. The positioned

guaranteed in that treaty, and

Victoria “Tori”

reaffirmed in the 1835 Treaty

Holland

of Hopewell, grants the historic

Cherokee Nation a non-voting

delegate seat. As a successor-in-interest to both treaties,

the United Keetoowah Band has put forward an

accomplished tribal lawyer and UKB member, Victoria

“Tori” Holland.

Born and raised in Tahlequah, Holland grew up in

the heart of the Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation. While

attending Northeastern State University she began

working for the UKB. It was there she discovered her

passion for helping tribes. After graduating with her

bachelor’s degree, she began working for the UKB full

time in various departments.

While employed with the UKB, the UKB was fighting

to maintain a significant revenue source – its casino –

which was entwined in a legal dispute. This legal battle

is what inspired Holland to go to law school so she

could help not only her tribe, but other tribes similarly

situated. She graduated from the University College of

Law with her juris doctorate and certifications in Native

SEE DELEGATE, PAGE 2

UKB Christmas Arts & Crafts Sale deemed successful

A raffle raises funds for the tribe’s Tradition Keepers group.

BY MARILYN CRAIG

UKB Museum Marketing Coordinator

TAHLEQUAH – The UKB Museum Christmas Arts

& Crafts Sale featuring the Tradition Keepers drew a

steady stream of more than 100 visitors during the

day with peak times being between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

on Dec. 10. Tradition Keepers participating in the sale

were Marcella Foreman, Tanisa Foreman, Joan Foreman,

Matt Girty, Carrie Grayson, Charlotte Wolfe and Sharon

Benoit. Other tribal artisans also had booths at the sale.

Art sold varied from smaller items such as jewelry

and coasters, Christmas decorations, baskets, flutes,

canes, aprons, moccasins, beadwork, head bands and

earrings. Also sold were ribbon shirts and skirts, and

stone sculptures.

The smell of cinnamon and pumpkin bread filled the

air and guests enjoyed complimentary refreshments,

which also included hand-painted Christmas cookies,

apple cider and coffee. Children in attendance also got

to make a Christmas ornament, refrigerator magnet or

pinch pot.

“We appreciate the support of our tribal members,

employees and people in the community,” said Museum

Assistant Director Barbara Girty Foster. “We also

appreciate Lou Kelly and Lakes Country Radio, who did

a live remote today. We had numerous people come in

and say they heard it on the radio.”

The Tradition Keepers donated 21 items that they

gave away in raffle drawings at the end of the day. You

did not have to be present to win. Tickets were $1 each.

Lucky winners walked away with items valued between

$20 and $200. Items were given away separately, and

winners were contacted that evening.

Museum Director Ernestine Berry said she was

pleased with the sale and happy that all exhibitors sold

merchandise. “It was good first attempt. We will be

looking forward to the second annual UKB Museum

Christmas Arts & Crafts sale next year. However, we

still have many beautiful hand-crafted items for sale

in our gift shop and we are constantly adding new

merchandise.”

The UKB John Hair Cultural Center and Museum is

open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30

p.m. For more information regarding Keetoowah art and

artisans, call 918-871-2866.

UKB Tradition Keepers Marcella and Joan Foreman sell their

beadwork, baskets and moccasins during the UKB Museum

Christmas Arts and Crafts Sale. COURTESY

2

JANUARY 2023

Assistant Chief

Jeff Wacoche

jwacoche@

ukb-nsn.gov

Secretary

Joyce

Fourkiller

jfourkiller@

ukb-nsn.gov

Treasurer

Sonja Gourd

sgourd@

ukb-nsn.gov

Canadian Dist.

Eddie Sacks

918-822-1957

COUNCIL•ᏗᏂᎳᏫᎩ

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

Hoping for progress with feds in 2023

Gi du wa, go wh la, Keetoowah Paper,

Happy New Year everyone. I hope your

Christmas and New Year was filled with

activities and good visits with family and

friends.

It was a grand year in 2022 as

Assistant Secretary of Interior Bryan

Newland visited the United Keetoowah

Band’s grounds early in the year. We

look forward to working with the folks

from the Interior in remedying our lack

of education and other self-governance

funds. The initial meeting led to other

important meetings, including our search

for additional funding for our Lighthorse

operations, courts and public safety.

Expansions in all areas had to happen

due to the scope of the McGirt ruling.

The McGirt decision is important to the

UKB as it rules that no tribal reservation

was diminished, as Congress can create

reservations and only Congress the

remove reservations. The McGirt decision

along with the 76-acre social program

parcel being placed in trust adds key

elements in our application for the 2.63acre gaming parcel. We are working on

placing other land parcels in trust as well.

Our 2.63-acre casino parcel land in

trust was rescinded and we have since

reapplied. In doing so, the solicitor

general of the Bureau of Indian Affairs

is reviewing our position. We are

successors-in-interest to the historic

Cherokee Nation. We forwarded historical

Chief’s

Corner

JOE BUNCH

Principal Chief

jbunch@ukb-nsn.gov

information of the Keetoowahs on Nov.

11 and are waiting on the outcome.

This process is in addition to former BIA

Assistant Secretary Larry Echo Hawk

citing the UKB as a successor-in-interest

of the historical Cherokee Nation. The

former assistant secretary, a few days

after issuing his opinion and after

fierce pleading/lobbying, rescinded his

successor-in-interest’s determination. We

pray for the opinion to be in UKB favor.

We also welcomed the secretary of

Indian Health Service, Rosland Tso, to the

UKB Grounds for a meeting on Dec. 21.

Our meeting focused on our need for our

own Indian health center and providers.

We have heard numerous times that our

tribal members were turned down at the

local IHS-funded hospital and clinics. In

the past, we had the regional director on

our grounds, but not the national director.

During our recent Tri-Council meeting,

the UKB supported and sponsored her

nomination as IHS secretary.

Our trip to Washington, D.C., was

to introduce our House Representative

Delegate Torrie Holland, attorney for

the UKB administration, UKB prosecutor,

former Miss Keetoowah, tribal member

and prosecutor for other tribes In

Oklahoma. The House of Representatives

delegate seat stems from 1785, 1835

and 1866 treaties that allow Cherokees

to have a non-voting seat in the House

of Representatives. We believe this

was meant for all federally recognized

Cherokees tribes since we were together

during the writing of treaties. We also

believe Congress should do this right

by either placing the Eastern Band of

Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Nation of

Oklahoma and the UKB delegate in the

House of representatives or place no

delegate at all. The historic Cherokee

Nation ceased to exist after the last Dawes

enrollee walked on. The successor-ininterest are the three federally recognized

Cherokee tribes. Together they make up

the historical Cherokee Nation. We each

have separate and distinct cultures and

histories. One tribe does not speak for the

other tribes.

We have a lot to be thankful for. We

have a lot going on. We look forward

in visiting in the new year about our

progress. If you have any questions,

please contact your tribal representative

or call any of the officers. Wa do and God

bless the United Keetoowah Band in the

new year.

DELEGATE: The UKB wants equal treatment.

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

FROM PAGE 1

American law and peacemaking.

Upon graduation and passing the bar

exam, she began working at Devol and

Associates. In her time with the firm, she

has worked on all things tribal. Through

the firm, Holland has served as a deputy

attorney general for several tribes in

Oklahoma, regularly reviews gaming

contracts, gaming regulations, drafts

tribal codes, represents tribes in contract

negotiations and provides as general

counsel. Holland understands the needs

of the UKB, and she understands the wide

variety and nuance that are the tribes

within the borders of the United States.

Since the UKB’s appointment of

Holland several years ago, the tribe

has been advocating to the House of

Representatives to seat her. But not

without facing a challenging road. The

UKB has proposed a delegate to Congress,

so has the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma

– both with equal claim to a delegate seat.

All three present-day tribes of the

Cherokee people share the same treaty

and have equal right to a Congressional

delegate. The UKB is asking Congress

to respect the original treaty from 1785

and treat all three tribes of the Cherokee

people the same, as siblings.

The tribe advocates that if Congress

seats the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma’s

proposed delegate, it must also seat the

UKB’s proposed delegate. If it doesn’t

United Keetoowah Band tribal member and nominated U.S. House delegate Victoria “Tori”

Holland has always put others before herself. COURTESY

seat the UKB’s delegate, it shouldn’t seat

anyone.

“The UKB is a successor-in-interest to all

the Cherokee tribes, just like the Cherokee

Nation of Oklahoma and the Eastern Band

of Cherokee,” said Holland, who the UKB

has named as its Congressional delegate.

“Therefore, any treaty promise made to

the Cherokee people should be given

equally to all Cherokee tribes. Therefore,

if Congress seats one delegate, it should

seat all Cherokee delegates.”

This many years later, it’s time for

Congress to finally keep its promise, to the

whole Cherokee people, made more than

200 years ago, tribal officials said. They

added that the tribe asks Congress to do it

the right way, to do it fairly, by seating the

whole of the Cherokee’s delegates, or not

to seat anyone.

Officials said there is interest on Capitol

Hill to advance the debate, and the tribe

is engaged on several levels to ensure

that members of Congress in Washington,

D.C., hear the voice of the UKB people.

Officials added that they want Congress to

understand that if the Cherokee Nation of

Oklahoma’s proposed delegate is seated,

so must Holland be seated. It’s time for

Congress to keep its promise, they said.

CASE: Four tribes have no standing to challenge.

FROM PAGE 1

Illinois Dist.

Peggy Girty

918-457-7067

Saline Dist.

Charles Smoke

918-457-7071

the UKB from the case.”

Kelly ruled four Oklahoma tribes,

United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee

Indians, Kialegee Tribal Town, Comanche

Nation and Otoe-Missouria Nations that

filed the lawsuit had no standing to

challenge gaming compacts approved

between the tribes and Stitt.

On another note, the plaintiff tribes

claimed those compacts were illegal

and they did not follow the Oklahoma

compacting legal process. In two separate

rulings the Oklahoma Supreme Court

backed those claims.

However, the U.S. Department of

Interior approved the compacts through

“inaction,” a provision that permits

gaming deals to take effect without the

secretary of Interior taking any action on

the issue for 45 days and publication in

the Federal Register. Under the gaming

compacts new aspects permitted sports

THE UNITED KEETOOWAH BAND’S OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED

JAN. 2 FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY &

JAN. 16 FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS

Sequoyah Dist.

Junior Catron

918-315-0970

Tahlequah Dist.

Alvin Hicks

918-931-1462

betting for the Comanche and OtoeMissouria tribes.

In the ruling, Kelly said the four tribes

did not have standing to challenge the

compacts involving the UKB and Kialegee

because they do not operate casinos.

“I’m glad that the UKB has been

dismissed from this suit,” UKB Attorney

General Victoria Proctor added. “We will

continue to explore gaming activities

and other economic development

opportunities for the tribe.”

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

Editorial statements of the Giduwa Cherokee News,

guest columns and letters to the editor reflect the

opinions of the writer and not necessarily those of the

Giduwa Cherokee News editor, staff or tribal administration of the United Keetoowah Band.

All editorials and letters must be 650 words or less

and will become the property of the Giduwa

Cherokee News. Editorials must be signed and

include an address and telephone number. Send all

inquires to: Giduwa Cherokee News, P.O. Box 746,

Tahlequah, OK 74465. The Giduwa Cherokee News is

the only official publication of the United Keetoowah

Band. It operates a Giduwa Cherokee News

Facebook page, as well as the tribe’s YouTube and

Instagram accounts,@UKBMedia. Any other

publications or online pages are not an official source

of news and are not endorsed by the editor, tribe or

tribal administration. For advertising rates and media

inquiries, including permissions to reprint stories within

this publication, email lhansen@ukb-nsn.gov.

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

NEWS•ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ

JANUARY 2023

3

CHRISTMAS PARADING AROUND TOWNS

Echota Behavioral Health participated in the Tahlequah Christmas Parade. PHOTOS BY LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS

UKB Cooweescoowee District Rep. Cliff Wofford and Miss Keetoowah attend the Tulsa

Christmas Parade. This was the first time the UKB was represented in the parade.

UKB Chief Joe Bunch, righ, and Assistant Chief Jeff Wacoche, second from right, appear in a

UKB float in the Tahlequah Christmas Parade.

UKB Tribal Lighthorse was able to send one of its officers to the Tulsa Christmas Parade to help

represent the tribe.

To feed or not to feed birds in cold weather

“For cold weather, I suggest black

oil sunflower, white proso millet,

cracked corn, niger seed, raw

peanuts and suet cakes or kibbles

to ensure the nutritional benefits of

feeders.”

Providing food in feeders helps

keep birds’ caloric-intake high,

supporting them during bouts

of brutally cold weather.

NEWSUSA – It’s an age-old question – to feed or not

to feed birds in fall and winter. Some people believe

that feeding wild birds can cause more harm than good,

like preventing timely migrations, or causing birds

to depend on feeders rather than foraging food. The

truth is these are myths and feeding birds is beneficial

to their well-being. Birds migrate regardless of seed in

feeders. It’s estimated that wild birds only get 25% of

food from feeders, the rest is naturally sourced, so full

feeders don’t keep birds from migrating. Instead, several

triggers urge birds to migrate such a changes in nesting

locations as trees lose leaves, less natural foods, insect

decline, winds, temperature drop and day length. As

days grow shorter, many birds get internally restless and

head south, taking advantage of plentiful natural foods,

and stocked feeders to fuel their flight.

During cold weather, resident birds that don’t migrate

need extra calories to stay warm as they burn energy

keeping body temperatures up when temperatures

drop. As natural resources decline, resident birds

expend much energy searching for food. Providing

supplemental food at feeders helps keep birds’ caloricintake high, supporting them during bouts of brutally

cold weather.

In wintry weather, birds can use up to 75% of their fat

stores per night. Studies show birds with regular access

to feeders are healthier, have better feather growth,

disease resistance and more successful reproduction.

The right bird feed and feeders attract a variety of

resident and migrating birds to backyards.

Birding expert, Elaine Cole, owner of Cole’s Wild Bird

Products Co., offers timely advice on continuing to feed

birds throughout cold weather and keeping birds safe

and healthy.

“Not all bird feed is created equal. Cole’s takes

exceptional care to select only the top 1 to 2% of the

highest-quality seeds birds like, with no filler seed

ever used. Our ‘Harvest Fresh Lock’ packaging protects

Elaine Cole, owner of Cole’s Wild

Bird Products

Birds migrate regardless of seed in feeders. It’s estimated

that wild birds only get 25% of food from feeders. NEWSUSA

nutritional content and doesn’t allow seed to spoil or

dry out like other bird feed. No dangerous pesticides,

chemicals or mineral oils are ever used, keeping seed

safe and as close to natural as possible,” Cole said. “For

cold weather, I suggest black oil sunflower, white proso

millet, cracked corn, niger seed, raw peanuts and suet

cakes or kibbles to ensure the nutritional benefits of

feeders. Offering top-quality feed means less waste and

an increase in birds at feeders.”

“Providing a variety of feed and feeder types increases

the diversity of avian visitors,” she added. “A tube feeder

is a ‘must-have,’ these all-purpose feeders keep seed

dry and accommodate a wide variety of birds feeding

from multiple ports. Specialty wire-mesh tube feeders,

designed for birds that cling, can easily dispense tiny,

oil-rich niger seeds, protein-packed dried mealworms

and other specialty feed.”

For an easy-to-use, one-size-fits-most feeder, select

a bowl style with a protective dome that can be raised

and lowered to thwart large birds and squirrels while

protecting seed from inclement weather. Easy to hang

and fill, bowl feeders accommodate any seed, nuts, suet

and even chopped fruit.

Invest in larger feeders which hold more seed such as

the Tubezilla,” Cole said.

“Frigid weather makes energy conservation critical.

Birds can’t afford to waste time waiting for food if

feeders are empty. Large capacity feeders decrease

the frequency of empty feeders, while increasing the

number of bird visits. And they’ll save you some frigid

trips outside to refill feeders,” she said.

More tips include:

• It’s essential to clean any residue before adding

fresh seed. Because some feeders can be difficult to

scrub, this step is too often ignored.

• It’s difficult to find essential, unfrozen water in

winter. The fix? A birdbath with an electric heater that’s

continuously full and clean.

• Allow leaves to remain under trees and shrubbery

which attract birds with shelter, insects and fallen seeds.

• Protect birds from cats or hawks by hanging feeders

in sheltered spots.

• Providing shelter is as simple as stacking branches

and brush. Also, instead of dragging Christmas trees

to the curb, put them in a corner of the backyard for

protection from wind and predators.

To learn more, visit https://coleswildbird.com.

4

JANUARY 2023

OBITUARIES

Sally Mae Budder

Sally Mae Budder, 72, of Salina,

passed from this life on Thursday,

December 1, 2022, in Tahlequah. She

was born on November 15, 1950, in

Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to John and

Lucy (O’Field) Budder. She took any

opportunity she could to play cornhole

and dominoes. She enjoyed watching

tv, especially when it came to her

soaps and Wheel of Fortune. She

Wesley Thomas Bunch

Wesley Thomas Bunch was born

on March 31, 1972 to Thompson and

Judy Bunch in Greenfield, Indiana. He

departed this life on November 19,

2022 surrounded by those who loved

him most at the age of 50 years, 7

months, and 19 days.

Wesley loved life and lived it to

the fullest. He had a huge heart and

would help anyone in need. He loved

Virginia Carnell

Virginia Carnell, the daughter of

Richard and Alline (Steen) Snell,

was born June 11, 1934, in Butler,

Oklahoma, and she departed this life

on November 22, 2022, in Siloam

Springs, Arkansas at the age of 88

years.

Virginia graduated from Chilocco

Indian School in 1952 and married the

love of her life, Kenneth Carnell, on

November 11, 1955.

Timothy Fountain

Timothy “Bub” Fountain, started

his journey in life on January 24th,

1987 in Tahlequah, OK. He was the

son of Timothy “Tim” Wayne and

Dianna Kay (Brown) Fountain. Bub

was a graduate of Tahlequah High

School and continued his education at

Northeastern State University.

At a very young age, Bub developed

a passion for football and played up

through high school. His family was

always his biggest fans and loved

watching their #62 play. Bub was very

passionate in many aspects of his life.

The past eleven years, Bub worked as

a distribution associate for Cherokee

Nation and made great friendships

along the way.

When he wasn’t working, he was

Gregory Allen Holcomb

On Thursday, November 10th, 2022,

Gregory “Dusty” Allen Holcomb, loving

husband and father of two daughters,

passed away at the age of 68.

Greg was born on October 13th,

1954 in Tulsa, OK to Calvin Holcomb

and Gee-ga-lee-lee ‘Chick’ O’Field

Detlefsen. On June 15th, 1985 he

married Marilyn Allen and together

they raised two daughters, Casey and

Nicole.

Greg was an avid sports fan. He

grew up playing backyard football

with his siblings and cousins after

Thanksgiving dinner and he played for

his Grove High School Ridgerunners.

He also loved coaching both soccer

and softball. He loved coaching

COMMUNITY•ᎾᎥ ᏄᎾᏓᎸ

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

was well known for always making

everyone feel wanted and welcome.

More than anything, she loved her

family and anytime she could cook

for them to have them together and

watching her grandkids’ ballgames.

She leaves behind many wonderful

memories for all to cherish and will be

dearly missed by all who knew and

loved her.

Funeral services for Sally were held

on December 8, 2022, at Euwasha

Baptist Church with

Reverend Richard

Budder officiating.

Burial will follow

at the Euwasha

Cemetery with

Josh Stopp, Isaiah

Cochran, Kris Wolfe,

Derrick Budder,

Malachi Stopp, and John Matlock

serving as casket bearers. Honorary

casket bearers will be Lakota Cochran,

Deuce Panther, Xavier Nofire, and

Nevin Nofire. A visitation was held

December 7, 2022, in the Shipman’s

Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements

were under the direction of Shipman’s

Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.

She is survived by her daughter,

Jacqueline Nofire of Salina; son, Daniel

Nofire and wife Alice of Kenwood;

brother, Richard Budder and wife

Sharon of Kenwood; sisters, Patsy

Beaver of Locust Grove, Betty Panther

of Kenwood, and Lillie Staller of

Kenwood; 7 grandchildren; and 7 great

grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her

parents, John and Lucy Budder;

husband, Jackson Nofire; brother,

Johnnie Lee Budder; and sister,

Virginia Budder.

spending time

with his friends

and family. He was

always laughing,

smiling, and joking

with everyone.

He loved to play

pranks on people.

After getting his

GED, Wesley attended the Bill Willis

Skill center in Tahlequah where he

learned to operate heavy equipment.

He spent many years as a semi-truck

driver, wood splitter, and welder. In his

down time he enjoyed grilling, fishing,

hunting, making wood crafts, going to

the casino, and riding horses. Wesley

was an amazing son, brother, father,

and poppy. Wesley was preceded

in death by his father Thompson

Bunch of Stilwell, Oklahoma, paternal

grandparents Thomas and Betsy

Bunch of Stilwell, OK, maternal

grandparents Ray and Eulah Wright of

Greenfield, Indiana.

Those left to cherish Wesley’s

memory are his mother, Judy Bunch,

his 2 children, Kasey Maxwell and

husband Josh, Colton Bunch, two

sisters, Teresa Bunch, Betsy Rumler

and husband Kevin, girlfriend Leisa

Blossom, two nephews Paul Rumler

and wife Taylor, Clayton Rumler, two

grandchildren Carleigh and Carter

Maxwell. He is also leaving behind

many other relatives and friends.

Together they raised their family on a

farm in Rocky Comfort, Missouri before

moving to Grove, Oklahoma in 1973.

Virginia was a proud Cherokee artist

who spent much of her time making

Cherokee baskets and silversmithing.

She enjoyed playing bingo, going to

stomp dances, and traveling.

She was a great cook and was

known for her chicken and dumplings.

Above all, she loved spending time

with her family.

Virginia touched many lives over the

years and will be

missed by all who

knew and loved her.

She was

preceded in death

by her parents, her

husband Kenneth

Carnell, her daughter

Jeannie Dingle and

her brothers Tom Snell and Ronnie

Bushyhead.

She is survived by a loving family

which includes her children Greg

Carnell and wife Tammy of Oaks, Ricky

Carnell of Oaks and Jamie Gilman and

husband Ronnie of Leach; her siblings

Jerry Drake and wife Carol of Grove,

Betty Gray and husband Lee of Jay,

Carolyn Osment and late husband

Jeff of Jay, Steve Snell of Butler and

Sherman Snell and wife Nancy of

Grove; 7 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren.

Several nieces, nephews, friends and

other relatives also survive her.

often found playing

Pokemon with his

buddies, listening to

an array of music, or

spending time with

his dogs.

A hidden passion

that he developed

recently was

cooking and bringing enough for lunch

for his Dad on Monday mornings. Bub

owned every album of Garth Brooks

and absolutely loved Elvis.

He always looked forward to football

season so he could cheer on his

favorite teams, the Raiders and OU!

Above careers, games, and sports

teams, the thing he cherished most of

all was his family.

To him, it was about living a simple

life and focusing on what made him

happy while bringing joy to others

along the way. Bub was the best big

brother to Brandon and Daviante.

He liked to pick and joke around,

but wanted the best for them and

was always there when they needed

him. He was a Christian by faith and

member of the Keys Church of God.

His love for Jesus was evident through

the way he loved others.

On November 21st, 2022, he would

close his eyes on this earth, to open

them in the presence of his Savior. Bub

passed from this life at the age of 35

years, 9 months and 28 days.

Those who have passed before

are his maternal grandparents, Dick

and Dorsie Brown, and paternal

grandparents, Clell Fountain and Sarah

Adair. His memory lives on through

his parents, Tim and Dianna Fountain,

and brother Daviante of the home.

Brother Brandon Conrad and wife

Bradie of Tahlequah, OK. Those also

left to remember him are his nephews

and niece, Kazden Conrad and Cade

Conrad, as well as, Khalil Parsons,

many family, friends and his fur babies,

Izzy, Fenway and Melo.

Funeral services for Bub were

November 29th at Reed-Culver Chapel

with Pastor Aaron Phillips officiating.

He was laid to rest at Tahlequah City

Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers for

Bub include Brandon Conrad, Charley

Lamons, John Lamons, Mitch Sellers,

Willie Fritts, Kajaun Marshal, Kyle

Lucas and Kajaun Marshall.

Honorary pallbearers are Daviante

Keys, Jerry Lenard, Leon Wright, Greg

Wood, Cooter Brown, Johnny Brown

and Dusty Rhodes

softball to his girls and was a longtime

coach of the Oklahoma Firebirds with

his daughter, Casey. Greg would catch

every Grove Ridgerunner football game

that he could and listened to any that

he couldn’t. He was also a long time

Sooner fan and bled crimson and

cream in the good times and the bad.

Greg loved listening to the oldies.

The Eagles, Chicago, Boston, Bad

Company, and ELO were some of his

favorites. He taught his daughters to

love the oldies from the very beginning.

He also loved to pop quiz his girls on

the band name and year of his songs

on the radio.

Greg was what one would call a

prankster. He loved to drive with his

brother, Robbie, and slam on the

brakes when Robbie had a drink in

his hand to make

it spill all over him.

Then make Robbie

clean up his car.

He also taught his

daughters to sneak

into the bathroom

when Marilyn was

showering and pour

an ice cold glass of water on his poor

unsuspecting wife. He also loved to

go outside to make his feet as cold

as possible and hop under the covers

with Marilyn and put his feet on her

when she was all warm in bed.

Greg said that he felt blessed

because he had a great wife, that his

daughters were happy and that they

found love, and he found out that he

was going to be a grandpa.

Greg always said his biggest regret

in life was selling his 1955 Chevy.

Greg was preceded in death by his

father, Calvin Holcomb, his mother,

Gee-ga-lee-lee ‘Chick’ O’Field

Defletsen, and his sister, Kelly Quinton

Barnes.

Greg is survived by his wife, Marilyn

Holcomb and his daughters, Casey

McIntosh and her wife, Lace McIntosh,

and Nicole Nwosu and her husband,

Anayo Nwosu, and his unborn

grandson, Sage. He was also survived

by his siblings, Floyd ‘Rusty’ Holcomb,

Beth Phillips, Robbie Quinton, Jamey

Husong, and Quahnah Quinton, and

nieces, nephews, cousins, and so

many other friends and family.

Services were at Nichols-Stephens

Funeral Home on November 16th.

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.

Jan. 2

UKB Tribal

Offices Closed

New Year’s

Holiday

Jan. 3

Vegetable Soup

Ham/Cheese Sandwich

Crackers

Fruit Cup

Jan. 4

Baked Chicken

Rice Pilaf

Broccoli Cuts

Hot Roll, Fruit Cup

Jan. 5

BBQ Pork on Bun

Potato Salad

3 Bean Salad

Fruit Cup

Jan. 6

Biscuits & Gravy

Scrambled Eggs

Bacon/Sausage

Hashbrowns, Fruit Cup

Jan. 9

Goulash

Italian Green Beans

Garlic Toast

Fruit Cup

Jan. 10

Soft Hambgurger Tacos

Refried Beans

Spanish Rice

Fruit Cup

Jan. 11

Roast Beef w/Gravy

Potato & Baby Carrots

Salad, Bread

Fruit Cup

Jan. 12

Brown Beans

Fried Potatoes

Spinach

Cornbread, Fruit Cup

Jan. 13

Chicken Wings

Macaroni Salad

Broccoli/Cauliflower

Fruit Dessert

Jan. 16

UKB Tribal

Offices Closed

Martin Luther

King Jr. Holiday

Jan. 17

Bologna Sandwich

Potato Salad

Baked Beans

Fruit Cup

Jan. 18

Homemade Meatloaf

Mashed Potatoes

Broccoli Cuts

Bread, Fruit Cup

Jan. 19

Chicken & Dumplings

Green Beans

Carrots, Roll

Fruit Cup

Jan. 20

Chili w/Fixings

Hominy

Crackers

Fruit Salad

Jan. 23

Chicken Strips

Steak Fries

Pork & Beans

Hot Roll, Fruit Cup

Jan. 24

Stuff Peppers

Rice Pilaf

Tomato Zucchini

Roll, Fruit Cup

Jan. 25

Lasagna

Italian Green Beans

Salad, Garlic Roll

Fruit Cup

Jan. 26

Hamburger w/Fixings

French Fries

Cake

Ice Cream

Jan. 27

Kitchen Closed

Cleaning Day

Jan. 30

Veggie-Hamburger Stew

Hominy

Cornbread

Fruit Cup

Jan. 31

Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce

Green Beans

Garlic Toast

Fruit Cup

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

Visit ukb-nsn.gov/membership for Enrollment documents and a FAQ

section about UKB membership. Find forms for Membership

Applicaitions, CDIB Instructions, Update Your Information and UKB

Relinquishment.

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.

HEALTH•ᎠᏰᎸ ᏄᏍᏛ EDUCATION•ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

JANUARY 2023

5

Campaign combats underage drinking

Underage drinking levels are

at historic lows, and one way

to continue this is to prevent

teens’ access to alcohol.

NEWSUSA – Underage drinking levels are at

historic lows, and one way to continue this trend is to

prevent teens’ access to alcohol. The We Don’t Serve

Teens campaign, developed in 2006, is a communitylevel collaboration of alcohol suppliers, retailers and

distributors working with parents and prevention

groups to curb underage drinking.

Participating groups and organizations are voicing

their commitment to the campaign and its message that

debuts a refreshed look and feel that is digitally modern,

culturally inclusive and demographically diverse.

The We Don’t Serve Teens campaign takes a united

stance throughout communities nationwide: “Don’t

serve alcohol to teens. It’s unsafe. It’s illegal. It’s

irresponsible.” Partners are encouraged to post messages

against underage drinking in stores and restaurants,

engage with the campaign online, hear messages on

the radio and even include information on food and

beverage delivery receipts. The materials will also serve

as a reminder for families to have conversations at

home about expectations, values and practice saying NO

to underage drinking.

The We Don’t Serve Teens campaign, first developed in 2006,

is a community-level collaboration of alcohol suppliers,

retailers and distributors working with parents and

prevention groups to curb underage drinking. NEWSUSA

“Underage drinking has declined dramatically but

remains a safety issue for teens that is often overlooked,

disregarded, or takes a backseat to more pressing

10 health resolutions

doctors encourage

concerns,” said Chris Swonger, president and CEO

of Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and

Responsibility.org. “The We Don’t Serve Teens campaign

brings a critical mass of public and private entities

together to spotlight underage drinking prevention. We

have made a lot of progress over the years and fewer

teens are drinking alcohol. By working together, we

hope to make even more progress on this important

issue.”

In 1991, 80% of American teens had consumed

alcohol at least once in their lifetime, but today, more

than three out of five teens (64%) have never consumed

alcohol. Although this trend is positive, challenges to

ending underage drinking remain.

The availability of alcohol to those under the legal

drinking age remains high with eight out of 10 highschool seniors reporting that it is easy for them to access

alcohol.

“No retailer wants to sell alcohol to someone who

is underage,” said John Bodnovich, executive director

of American Beverage Licensees. “Retailers are on the

front lines in communities across the country – we

are proud to once again lead the effort to prevent

underage drinking. We look forward to working with

community partners as well as industry partners to keep

alcohol out of teens’ hands and stop underage drinking.

Responsibility starts with us.”

Visit WeDontServeTeens.org for information or to

participate in the campaign.

Want to get started today? Here are the 10

resolutions the AMA recommends top your list.

STATEPOINT – The New Year

represents a fresh start and is the perfect

time to invest in your health. However,

you may be unsure what resolutions will

have the biggest impact. Doctors say that

the easy, tangible actions you take are

some of the most important.

“Many people kick off the start of

each new year with big-picture health

resolutions,” Jack Resneck Jr., American

Medical Association president, said. “The

good news is that small, positive health

choices made right now can have longlasting effects.”

Want to get started today? Here are the

10 resolutions the AMA recommends top

your list this year:

1. Exercise is essential for physical and

mental health, so get moving. A good

rule of thumb is at least 150 minutes a

week of moderate-intensity activity, or

75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity

activity.

2. Vaccination is the best protection

against serious illnesses. To protect

yourself and your family, get up to date

on your vaccines, including the annual

flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine

for everyone 6 months and older.

Your doctor can let you know if you’re

due for a COVID booster. If you have

questions, speak with your physician

and review trusted resources, including

getvaccineanswers.org.

3. Get screened. Estimates based

on statistical models show that since

April 2020, millions of screenings for

breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer

diagnoses may have been missed due to

pandemic-related care disruptions. Check

in with your physician. If you’re due

for preventive care, tests or screenings,

make an appointment. These measures

are designed to keep you healthy and

help your doctor spot certain conditions

before they become more serious.

4. High blood pressure, also known

as hypertension, can increase your

risk of heart attack or stroke, and it

affects millions of Americans. Visit

ManageYourBP.org to understand what

your blood pressure numbers mean

and what you can do to get your blood

pressure under control.

5. One in 3 American adults has

prediabetes, a condition that can lead

to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged.

However, there are steps you can take

that can help delay or even prevent the

onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn your

risk by taking a simple two-minute selfscreening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.

org. This resource also features helpful

lifestyle tips that can help you reverse

prediabetes.

6. Whenever possible, drink water

instead of sugar-sweetened beverages

and replace processed foods – especially

those with added sodium and sugar –

with nutritious, whole foods, including

fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts,

herbs and spices.

7. If consuming alcohol, drink only in

moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines

for Americans defines that as up to one

drink per day for women and two drinks

per day for men.

8. Speak with your doctor or health

care professional about quitting tobacco

and nicotine use. Declare your home and

car smokefree to eliminate secondhand

smoke exposure.

9. Follow your doctor’s instructions

when taking prescription drugs –

especially opioids. Always store and

dispose of these medications safely to

prevent misuse. Whenever prescribed

The New Year represents a fresh start and is the perfect time to invest in your health.

STATEPOINT MEDIA

antibiotics, take them exactly as directed.

Not taking the full course can lead to

antibiotic resistance, a serious public

health problem, and will not make you

“Many people kick off the start of each new year with

big-picture health resolutions. The good news is that

small, positive health choices made right now can have

long-lasting effects.”

Jack Resneck Jr.,

American Medical Association president

feel better if you have a virus, such as a

cold or flu.

10. Invest in your mental health

by managing stress, getting sufficient

sleep, exercising and seeking help from

a mental health professional when you

need it.

If you don’t have health insurance,

the AMA encourages you to sign up

for coverage at healthcare.gov, which

has affordable options. The enrollment

deadline for 2023 coverage is Jan. 15.

Find health resources at ama-assn.org.

For a healthy 2023 and beyond, invest in

your wellness with these resolutions.

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

6

JANUARY 2023

SERVICES•ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ BUSINESS•ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ

Students take advantage of the computer lab access. COURTESY PHOTOS

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

Students who utilize the TRIO program goes to Dallas Zoo.

TRIO works to aid low-income pupils

BY LANI HANSEN

Reporter

TAHLEQUAH – A United Keetoowah Band member

Lena Deere, continues to oversee the Northeastern

State University TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)

by helping first generational low-income students with

their education.

“In 1998, I was looking for an internship and heard

about TRIO SSS and was hired on as the secretary,”

Deere said. “It started out as a four-year cycle grant

and I came on near the end, when Connie Wright who

started TRIO at NSU rewrote the grant and it was

approved I was hired on full-time beginning as the

secretary. I’ve been with SSS since 1999.”

Throughout the years, she had worked her way up

after graduating in 2008 with her bachelor’s degree

in Psychology from NSU where she was promoted

to coordinator of SSS. She then went on to get her

master’s degree in Education from the University of

Arkansas when Wright had retired and named her

director in 2014. Deere had been the first in her family

to graduate high school and receive two degrees in

higher education.

“It’s been satisfying, I don’t really

see it as a job because I enjoy talking

to the students as much as I can,”

Deere said.

Within the program, Deere works

alongside student coordinator Jade

Hansen.

Lena Deere

“When she came on, I knew she

had some TRIO experience, so I was

really excited that she knows the ins and outs of this

program,” Deere said.

TRIO SSS has been serving 175 NSU students since

1993, and they are only on the Tahlequah campus.

Deere said they mainly focus on freshman and

sophomore students helping them with workshops,

course selections, exposure to cultural events and

anything that will keep them involved in school.

NSU TRIO currently has four program serving their

students including SSS, Educational Talent Search,

Upward Bound and Educational Opportunity Centers.

The purpose of SSS is designed to increase the

academic performance, retention and graduation rates

Lighthorse adds reserve officer

Those who become reserves

agree to serve the people of

the tribe without pay.

powers when on active duty. Dreadfulwater said some

of the people may not have that power.

To qualify as a member of the Keetoowah Lighthorse

reserve, a person must be at least 21 years of age,

in good physical and mental condition, an enrolled

BY LANI HANSEN

member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee

Reporter

Indians in Oklahoma or some relation to a member,

good moral character and never convicted of a felony

TAHLEQUAH – The United Keetoowah Band Tribal

or crime.

Lighthorse received grant funding through the U.S.

A background check must be approved by the

Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance

Lighthorse director and they must be able to complete

Solicitation utilizing it to bring in some extra set of

CLEET or any basic reserve police academy.

hands out in the field.

After taking the oath of office, each member of

According to UKB Tribal Lighthorse Director Charlie

the Keetoowah Lighthorse Reserve may be issued

Dreadfulwater, the term “Keetoowah Lighthorse

a commission card containing the individuals

Reserve” is found in the Tribal Police Code under

photograph, name, rank, badge number, a statement

Support Division. Those who become reserves agree

of authorization to carry firearms, signatures of the

to serve the people of the tribe without pay. They

Lighthorse director and the commander, a nameplate

also show good moral character in order to provide

and may be issued a uniform.

additional security forces in time of need.

Each year it is required by the Lighthorse director

“As we’re growing it’s always nice to have the extra

for members of the Reserve to attend police training.

sets of hands to help,” he said. “With the Corporate

It is the main commission for the reserve officer

Board doing a lot more events, the Echota RV Park

to continue showing good behavior, as they are

having music events these are where we could use the

representing Keetoowah Tribal Lighthorse.

Reserves since they are volunteering their time.”

Currently there are two members of the Keetoowah

Because Dreadfulwater is the director of Lighthorse

Lighthorse Reserve and Dreadfulwater plans on

it is stated in the Tribal Police Code, that he will be in

growing the division. Cooweescoowee District Rep.

overall command of the Keetoowah Lighthorse Reserve Clifford Wofford and Cody Standiford. UKB Attorney

and could call on any of them to be on active duty at

General Victoria Holland nominated Wofford to serve

any time for additional security forces. He oversees

as the first reserve officer.

rotating active duty calls on them so that duties are

“It’s exciting we are building up our Lighthorse

distributed between the

Department and Council

units evenly.

member Wofford had met

It is stated that any of the

the requirements, and

reserves, who has current

was appointed as the first

firearms qualification and

Keetoowah Lighthorse

successfully passed the

Reserve,” Holland said.

Lightorse Director Charlie

Basic Police Training course

For more information, call

are allowed police arrest

918-207-9955.

Dreadfulwater

“As long as they pass the

background tests, but they have

limited power as a police officer.”

of the 175 underrepresented students attending NSU.

They also provide a support system for students who are

low-income, first-generation and/or have a disability

empowering them to surpass their academic goals.

SSS provides services such as networking, financial

literacy, computer lab access, tutoring, academic

coaching, Peer mentoring program, assistance in

filing FAFSA, information regarding scholarships and

assistance in applying for graduate school.

For TRIO SSS eligibility criteria the student must

be U.S. citizen and enrolled at NSU-Tahlequah. The

student must meet at least one or more qualifications

such as first-generation, meet specific U.S. Department

of Education income guidelines, have a documented

disability and be registered with the ADA office and

demonstrate academic need.

“I understand what many of our students go through

when they go to college,” Deere said. “They must figure

things out on their own, especially as first-generation

students. The SSS staff is dedicated to helping students

be successful in obtaining their bachelor’s degree at

NSU.”

For information about TRIO SSS call, 918-444-3035.

Seniors saving nearly

$2K with Medicare

Advantage plans

NEWSUSA – Medicare’s open enrollment period

ended on Dec. 7, and an estimated 31.8 million seniors

and Americans with disabilities were expected to choose

a Medicare Advantage plan for health coverage in the

coming year, according to federal government data.

What is Medicare Advantage? For Medicare-eligible

beneficiaries, it is a coverage option within the Medicare

program in which plans are offered by Medicareapproved private companies in partnership with the

federal government.

Beneficiaries who choose a Medicare Advantage Plan

still have Medicare, but their care is covered by their

health plan of choice rather than by traditional Fee-forService Medicare.

Since 2006, the number of seniors picking Medicare

Advantage has more than doubled and today 48% of

Medicare beneficiaries choose a Medicare Advantage

plan – a percentage that is expected to continue

growing. A big reason may be the substantial cost

savings Medicare Advantage beneficiaries enjoy.

Medicare Advantage premiums continue to fall, and

average premiums for 2023 are down nearly 8% from

2022. Research finds that seniors who choose Medicare

Advantage save nearly $2,000 on average per year

compared to traditional Medicare.

Beyond Medicare Advantage’s ability to save seniors

money, nearly every Medicare Advantage plan covers

extra “supplemental” benefits not included in traditional

Medicare such as dental and vision care, in-home health

and wellness services, nutrition and meal delivery

services and other valuable resources.

Notably, polling finds that Medicare Advantage

beneficiaries have a 94% satisfaction rate with their

plans, while 95% report that they are satisfied with their

provider network.

UKB HOUSING DEPARTMENT

Homeowner Assistance

Fund (HAF Program)

The United Keetoowah Band Housing Department is providing funding assistance for the

following delinquent homeowner expenses:

· Mortgage Assistance

· Property Taxes

· Homeowner Insurance

· Homeowner Utility Expenses (Must have checked with Human Services Program for

LIHEAP availability first.)

The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program was developed by the Department of the

Treasury to assist homeowners who are experiencing financial hardships associated with

the Coronavirus Pandemic after January 21, 2020.

For questions, please call Housing at 918-871-2773

ANI GIDUWAGI•ᎠᏂ ᎩᏚᏩᎩ

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

JANUARY 2023

7

Jones crowned

Bell Princess

for 2022-23

BY LANI HANSEN

Reporter

AARP OK Native American Elder Honoree Norman “Hominy” Littledave, second from right, stands with supporters after being

honored in November in Oklahoma City. COURTESY

AARP OK honors 2 UKB members

BY LANI HANSEN

Reporter

OKLAHOMA CITY – The 14th annual AARP

Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors event

recognized 40 Native American elders from Oklahoma

tribal nations including two UKB members Norman

“Hominy” Littledave and Frankie Still.

According to the AARP website, this ceremony is to

recognize Native American elders who have positively

impacted their respective communities, families, tribal

nations and nation. This honor celebrates a lifetime

of service by distinguished Native American elders

who exhibit a love of family, dedication to culture and

respect for all people.

Honorees for this event are nominated by someone

who sees the impact they have on their community.

“I didn’t know you had to be nominated,” Littledave

said. “What surprised me is that Becky Dreadfulwater

is the one who nominated me. It wasn’t about a month

later, I got a call from AARP and they said I have been

nominated and one of the honorees.”

Each recipient had to present a short bio for the

program. For his it states that Littledave is full-blooded

and a fluent Cherokee speaker. After graduating from

Salina High School, Commander (Cmdr.) Littledave

proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and fought in

the Vietnam War. It also states he enjoys working

closely with elders and veterans and has served as

commander for the United Keetoowah Band honor

guard for the past 12 years.

Littledave is also an active member of the 29 Eleven

Assemblies of God Church in Tahlequah.

“I told Becky I just wanted to thank her for

nominating me,” Littledave said.

Still, the other UKB honoree is the UKB’s Flint

District tribal representative. According to his

AARP bio, Still is a hands-on

representative who strives to help

his constituents. It also states he is

a staunch advocate for UKB tribal

members and the many services

provided by the tribe.

It also states that Still is active

in environmental and historical

Frankie Still

preservation, supporting tribal

efforts to preserve its history,

culture and environment.

The bio also states his service to tribal members

assists them in reaching personal goals, as well

as providing necessities such as wood donated

through the Historic Preservation and Environmental

department’s conservation agency partnerships.

It also states that Still’s support helps elders and

those in need to maintain comfortable living spaces.

“His work with these programs not only provides

resources to tribal members, but also assists in

preserving and protecting natural resources the tribe

holds sacred,” the bio states.

It added that Still is always available to help and

works tirelessly to support others, sometimes paying

for bills and food out of his own pocket. It also states

he serves as a district court advocate for families.

The AARP event has recognized more than 593

elders from all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribes since 2009.

Among those UKB has had 17 past recipients,

including the two who were recently chosen.

The AARP in November held its ceremony in The

Hall of The People, a floor-to-ceiling windows area

which overlooked the First Americans Museum

Mound. The mound pays tribute to the Oklahoma

tribes that descended from Moundbuilder cultures.

Congratulations to both on being recognized at the

AARP OK Native American Elder Honors ceremony.

TAHLEQUAH – The word “proud” might be an

understatement for United Keetoowah Band member

Reba Vann, as two of her granddaughters brought home

crowns in the past year.

Angel Jones, a sophomore at

Sequoyah High School and one of

Vann’s granddaughters, has never

competed in any type of royalty

competition until this past year. But

in August she was crowned the Bell

Powwow Princess 2022-23. She

competed against four other teenage

girls for the title, as they were

required to raise funds for the Bell

Angel Jones

Powwow.

“Before announcing the winner at the powwow, they

told me I had broken a record of fundraising,” Jones

said when learning about winning the title. “I was proud

of myself.”

As the Bell Powwow Princess,

Jones has been attending powwows,

parades and even visiting schools.

Currently, she is learning to dance

cloth so she can represent more at

powwows.

Aside from her title, she is involved

in the SHS Honoring Our People’s

Julisa Silva

Existence Club and basketball team.

As for her grandmother, Vann said

she’s proud of Jones.

“I’m so proud of her. She never did anything like this

before, and so it surprised me when she wanted to run

for Bell Powwow Princess. We worked hard doing sales

and raising money,” Vann said.

With Jones representing as the Bell Powwow Princess,

another one of Vann’s granddaughters was recently

named the SHS Homecoming Basketball Sweetheart.

Julisa Silva, a SHS senior, plays guard for the Lady

Indians. Silva said she hopes the team makes it to Class

3A state playoffs this year since she will be graduating

in May.

“I was very excited to get this year’s Basketball

Sweetheart in homecoming,” Silva said.

When she isn’t playing basketball, Silva maintains

activity in the HOPE Club, Fellowship Christian

Athletes/Fellowship Christian Students and Youth

Group. After high school, she said she plans on going to

college but is yet undecided where to attend.

As their grandmother, Vann said she is proud of both

girls in their achievements.

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United Keetoowah Band employees Alaina Belmonte and Brenda Gonzales make cornhusk

dolls during the tribe’s December Lunch and Learn. MARILYN CRAIG/JOHN HAIR CULTURAL

CENTER AND MUSEUM

UKB workers make cornhusk

dolls at Lunch and Learn

BY MARILYN CRAIG

UKB Museum Public Relations

Coordinator

TAHLEQUAH – Eleven employees

registered for the December Lunch and

Learn, a program presented by the UKB

John Hair Cultural Center and Museum

for employees. The craft they learned

was how to make cornhusk dolls.

Not only has this practice of making

dolls out of cornhusks been a part of

Keetoowah and Cherokee culture for

many centuries, but it has also been

practiced by many Indigenous peoples

and was something the European culture

started making after contact. Doing a

search online gave scores of tutorials on

how to make the dolls.

Cornhusk dolls do not have faces, and

there are several traditional explanations

for this. One legend is that the Spirit of

Corn, one of the Three Sisters, made

a doll out of her husks to entertain

children. The doll had a beautiful face

and began to spend less time with

children and more time contemplating

her own loveliness. As a result of her

vanity, the doll’s face was taken away.

Making the dolls is a generational

activity in some Keetoowah families.

“My granny made corn husk dolls

when I was growing up. Doing these

traditional crafts is who we are. It is what

we do. I love to do these cultural crafts.

It keeps me in touch with my roots,” said

Brenda Gonzales.

Elaina Belmonte said that she had

liked arts and crafts in school, but she

wanted to learn more about traditional

Keetoowah crafts. “I wanted to go back

and learn about our traditional culture.

It was my first time making a corn husk

doll and I liked it. We enrolled in every

class because we want to learn about all

these crafts,” she said. E

The Lunch and Learn program was

developed and presented by UKB

Assistant Museum Director Barbara Girty

Foster.

“I want more of our employees to be

involved in what we do in the museum.

Everyone is busy in their own jobs, and

they don’t know what we do here. These

classes give them the opportunity to learn

more about the culture of the people they

serve in their own departments. I want

them to tell their families, friends and

community members about our programs

and our museum. Cultural preservation is

something we can all participate in.”

The next employee Lunch and Learn

is set for Jan. 18 and the class will

be making clay pinch pots. For more

information, call Barbara Girty Foster at

918-871-2794.

17310 S. Muskogee Ave. x Suite B x Tahlequah

M-F: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. x Sat: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. x Sun: Closed

www.cczallthingswestern.page x 918-414-5233

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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.

www.hartfuneralhome.net

918-456-8823

8

JANUARY 2023

CULTURE•ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ

Matt Girty’s art set in stone

ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ

He began sculpting stone

after a friend challenged

him to carve an eagle

claw pipe.

UKB member and stone

sculptor Matt Girty stands

by some of his carvings.

COURTESY

BY MARILYN CRAIG

UKB Museum Public Relations Coordinator

WAUHILLA – Keetoowah Tradition Keeper and stone

sculptor Matt Girty is a committed man. A devoted

father, a staunch UKB member, dedicated to his culture

and art, with an unswerving desire to teach others and

preserve the art of stone sculpting.

Girty is a father of five, with three grown, and he is

still raising daughter Skylar Girty, 9, and Matthew Girty,

Jr., 12. They make their home in the Goingsnake District

in the Wauhilla community while the children attend

school at Marietta.

Girty was born in Dallas and raised in Hickory, North

Carolina. As a teenager, he said he went to the house

of a Native friend who show him things he had made –

walking sticks and stickball sticks – his art.

“I didn’t have anything I had made, and I got inspired

to create my own art,” Girty said. “I started drawing.

Then when I was 22 years old with my first child and

getting established in life, a friend of mine who was a

carver showed me an eagle claw pipe he had carved. He

told me if you can see the lines to draw, you could see

the lines to carve. And he told me to take the pipe and

make one just like it. It took me about six months. That

is how I learned that I could carve. My family friend

gave me that.”

Since then, Girty has created countless pieces and

participated in sales, art shows and events. He shares

the mission of the UKB Tradition Keepers to practice,

promote and carry forward to the next generation the

skills of the Indigenous arts and crafts, the history and

language of the Keetoowah people through educating

and mentoring all interested persons, especially youth.

In addition to loving his family and art, Girty is

committed to and takes a lot of pride in the UKB. And

he wants to focus his efforts with his tribe.

“In the beginning, we were all Kituwah, living in the

Southeast. When the Europeans began encroaching,

some of those people willingly migrated west to

preserve their traditional way of life with their own

people. These people became the Keetoowah tribe. Then

there were the people that were forced to migrate on

the ‘Trail of Tears.’ These people became the Cherokee

Nation of Oklahoma. And some hid in the mountains

and stayed in their homeland, and these people became

the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians,” said Girty. “One

of the skills we almost lost in the migration was stone

carving. Our stone carvers used soapstone, which was

native in the homeland.

Girty still gets his soapstone from North Carolina. An

award-winning artist, Girty has works in the John Hair

Cultural Center and Museum in Tahlequah, One Feather

Books and Gifts in Tahlequah and the Gilcrease Museum

in Tulsa. He has taught classes for the museum, the

Chickasaw Nation, the Cherokee Heritage Center and

the Cherokee Arts Center, and he currently has three

apprentices he’s been working with since summer.

“I’ve been wanting to pass this on for a long time.

Now that I’m accomplished, I felt it was time to pass the

torch and knowledge of this art medium. Stone carving

has been utilized by our ancestors from prehistoric

times to today,” said Girty. “I have had many jobs in life.

I was a machine operator at a cardboard box factory,

and I did a lot of construction jobs. I had to quit all that

and focus my attention on carving full time.”

His work is in demand, and he turns out pieces for

shows and sales. Customers commission him to do

works that he generates in his studio in Wauhilla. And

then there is the work he does in nature.

About three years ago, a colleague and a Cherokee

Nation National Living Treasure and stone sarver, Eddie

Morrison, contacted Girty. What resulted from that

phone call turned into an opportunity of a lifetime.

“Many sculptors share materials, resources, and

clients, which is how I got referred to Steve, by Eddie

Morrison, a very accomplished sculptor, Girty said.

One of the founders of Rich-Heape Films, Steve Heape

wanted to commission a stone sculptor to do some work

at his Tenkiller Lake home.

The first carving Girty did for Heape was a Cherokee

Star, carved on huge sandstone rock at the entrance of

the property. On the back is a carving of three feathers.

There are also carvings of three deer, a rabbit, fish,

snake and a spider, among others. There are four

rocks hollowed out to form bird baths. Each one has

a sunburst. One of the most impressive pieces is his

bear sculpture. It is approximately 14 feet long and 4

feet high. Girty said he works on two or three things at

a time, and he has worked on the bear for more than

two years. And Girty said there is still much more to

do. There is a light sketch of a lizard on a rock nearby,

which he will begin to carve, and there are dozens more

rocks on which to create.

“I want to say wado to Steve for giving me this canvas

to create my art and for his enthusiasm of my work.

This project is a source of learning, inspiration and

hope. It has been financially and artistically the most

rewarding project of my life,” said Girty.

“I don’t do many shows lately. I do one or two a year

just to let everyone know I am still working. I just did

the UKB Christmas Arts and Crafts Show featuring the

UKB Tradition Keepers,” he said.

Girty will be at Mvskoke Art Market in April and

is working on commissions. He said he does not feel

like he’s carved his best work yet and is challenged

to continue. His legacy will be not only through his

children and art, but also with those Keetoowah artists

he is teaching who will be able to make a living with

this skill and teach others as they go. Like many set in

stone, Girty’s legacy and art will live forever.

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