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> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aunited_keetoowah_cherokee%3Ad5ecbd542c7fc81e

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

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 honor you, celebrate your ways,
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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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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aunited_keetoowah_cherokee%3Ad5ecbd542c7fc81e. Public record. Not legal advice.