success in his first
Tribal code
Ask Donna
What actually matters in this document.
Text
MUTTON
BUSTER
A 5-year-old sees
success in his first
year riding sheep.
ANI GIDUWAGI, 9
LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
AND AT WWW.UKB-NSN.GOV.
GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎪᏪᎵ Official News Publication of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma November 2022
UKB recognizes vets Hicks, Hansen
Leroy Hicks served in the Air Force while
Howard Hansen served in the Army.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH – With Veterans Day
being recognized on Nov. 11, the United
Keetoowah Band wanted to honor those
who have served and those who are
currently serving in the U.S. military,
including veterans Leroy Hicks of the Air
Force and Howard Hansen of the Army.
UKB Assistant Chief Jeff Wacoche said
the Native American community serves
in the U.S. Armed Forces at a higher rate
per capita than any other ethnic group
and that Native Americans have been
defending and fighting for the country
since 1492.
Hicks, of the Tenkiller Lake area, has
a wife, two daughters, a stepson and
stepdaughter.
He served in the
Air Force from 196976. Hicks served
in Vietnam in the
beginning before
taking a short “reenlistment” in 1972.
When he enlisted,
Hicks went from basic Howard Hansen
training to advanced
individual training (AIT) with the Army
Corps of Engineers in Virginia before
being assigned to North Africa.
“I remember we had been working
NATIVE NIGHT
12 hours a day and
7 days a week, on
Sept. 1, Labor Day
weekend; they said we
could get the day off,”
Hicks said. “Come that
Labor Day, they were
banging on our door
telling us to get up to
Leroy Hicks
go work and we told
them it’s a holiday. They said you must
go work now. Come to find out that’s the
SEE VETS, PAGE 3
Education Dept.
offers free health
care training to
UKB members
Beginning Nov. 7, take the
course to become a licensed
medical administrative
assistant.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
The Tulsa Oilers host the Wichita Thunder during Native American Heritage Night this past season. This season the Oilers
will hold Native American Heritage Night on Nov. 19. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
The Tulsa Oilers hockey team will again host its Native
American Heritage Night on Nov. 19.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
TULSA – Native American Heritage Month
begins on November 1 and UKB is ready for some
ice hockey. The UKB Department of Education
is proud to be a part of the Tulsa Oilers Native
Ameri-can Heritage Night on Saturday Nov. 19.
The Tulsa Oilers are a professional ice hockey
team based in Tulsa and they play in the East
Coast Hockey League. Their partnership with UKB
started in 2021, when some people with the Oilers
reached out to UKB Education Director Dr. Leslie
Hannah asking him if UKB could be the coordinating tribe for their Native American Heritage
Night.
“I have connection with the Oilers, some people
who work there,” Dr. Hannah said. “Last year they
asked if we could get singers, dancers, art displays
and other things. I was able to contact some
people to bring a small drum group and dancers
who represent different tribal nations and styles of
dances. They performed before the game started.
Between breaks Assistant Chief Jeff Wacoche
would say a few words letting the crowd know
who we are.”
A couple of UKB departments set up tables and
gave out departmental information.
Last year along with the singers and dancers,
Miss Oil Capital 2022 Haylee Chiariello
(Cherokee) had the honor in dropping the first
puck for the game. At halftime the crowd was
entertained by Native duo artists Mike Bone who
put a positive spin to hiphop music.
This year Dr. Hannah hopes to expand on a few
things for Native American Heritage Night.
“Last year people asked if we had jewelry or
anything we were selling, so I hope to bring in
some of our artists out for this year,” Dr. Hannah
said.
Dr. Hannah highly encourages everyone to
come out and support the Tulsa Oilers as they
celebrate Native American Heritage Night. This is
not a night just to recognize UKB, but all tribes in
Okla-homa, as November is recognized for Native
American Heritage Month.
First puck drops at 7:05 p.m. where the Oilers
will face off against the Rapid City Rush at the
BOK Center. For ticket information contact the
UKB Department of Education at 918-871-2828.
TAHLEQUAH – In late September a Medical
Administrative Assistant class took place in the
classroom of the UKB Education building. Since it was
the first time hosting a class like this, the Education
Department had seven students participate and at the
end of the course each had graduated with a National
Certification in Medical Administrative Assistance.
Congratulations to the seven students who graduated
from the first class. They are Krystal Zarate, Kendra
Mitchell, Janet Delgado, Tishina Mead, Angela Brannon,
Sunni Steeley and Richard Roy.
“Over half of those students, already had a job
interview the Monday following their graduation from
the class,” UKB Education Specialist Jacqueline WatsonBaker said.
According to Wings Health Care Training, the
class prepares students for entry level administrative
positions in health care facilities. Duties will include
admitting and discharging patients, scheduling visits,
electronic billing procedures, verifying insurance
information and collecting payments at the time of
service.
Students who complete the class will have
opportunities to work in Vision Clinics, Dental Offices,
Chiropractic Centers, Urgent Care, Blood Donation
Centers, Medical Equipment Companies, Medical
Labs, Pediatric Offices, Nursing Homes, Retirement
Communities and Hospitals. The class offers resumé
building and interview skills. Students participate in
mock interviews and job searches online.
Students who enroll in the class will have access to
iPads offered by the UKB Education Department, for use
of school work.
UKB Education Department has partnered with Wings
Health Care Training in order to host this class. Wings
is based out of Broken Arrow, and they offer classes that
will get your career started in the health field.
SEE LMAA 3
River cane saved by UKB Environmental Dept.
The Environmental Department uses tribal land known as the
“120” for the river cane’s new home.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
TAHLEQUAH – When the UKB Tribal Historic
Preservation and Environmental Department heard
about a home of river cane being wiped out by
construction for a new bridge, they did not hesitate to
transplant the precious bamboo to a new site.
In October, the Environmental Department took a trip
to Bayou Manard or Manard Creek where the river cane
was pulled from.
This area is where the Keetoowah people first settled
after being kicked out of Arkansas Territory, said UKB
tribal ethnobotanist Roger Cain.
Cain said, “River cane is one of three indigenous
bamboos to North America. It’s the largest one of
Arundinaria gigantea, the largest bamboo in North
America. It can grow up to 50 feet tall according to
historical counts.”
The new site of the river cane is out on tribal land
known as the “120”. This land was formerly known
as the walnut growth on 120 acres, and the tribe
purchased it where plans are to bring a herd of buffalo
and livestock.
“The river cane we dug up will probably grow up to
30 feet at least,” Cain said.
He said in the past, river cane has been used for
livestock but now it provides habitat for over a dozen
endangered species such as moths, butterflies and birds.
River cane is an evergreen, so it stays green year-round.
“It’s an important ecosystem that is turning out to
be a great carbon scene as well, as it traps 90% of
phosphorus and nitrogen runoff,” Cain stated about the
river cane.
River cane was also used for Keetoowah people to
build their homes, it was used as exterior wall.
Cain said it will be used to feed the buffalo if the tribe
purchases and places them at the “120,” and some of
the river cane will be used for cultural related activities.
The transplant took two days for the department.
The United Keetoowah Band Environmental Department
replants river cane on tribal land known as the “120.”
LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
They used leaves from the taller river canes to provide
mulch for the younger and smaller ones.
“We still use river cane which connects us to our
SEE CANE PAGE 2
2
NOVEMBER 2022
Assistant Chief
Jeff Wacoche
jwacoche@
ukb-nsn.gov
Secretary
Joyce
Fourkiller
jfourkiller@
ukb-nsn.gov
Treasurer
Sonja Gourd
sgourd@
ukb-nsn.gov
Canadian Dist.
Eddie Sacks
918-822-1957
Coeweescoowee
Dist.
Clifford
Wofford
918-822-1953
Delaware Dist.
Caleb
GrimmettSmith
918-791-8107
Flint Dist.
Frankie Still
918-507-1822
Goingsnake Dist.
Willie Christie
918-822-3803
Illinois Dist.
Peggy Girty
918-457-7067
COUNCIL•ᏗᏂᎳᏫᎩ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
Keetoowah Celebration proves a success
Si yo, ni ga da.
I hope you had a chance to join us
this year at the 72nd annual United
Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
Celebration. I want to thank the Council,
staff, and you, the tribal members, for this
year’s celebration success. It’s been three
years since our last celebration, you know
virtual celebrations are not the same as
going live, some can Zoom, while some
have no reception in their areas at all.
Many know us as United Keetoowah
Band of Cherokee Indians, but literature,
government documents, historians and
anthropologist distinguish us as the fullblood Cherokee tribe. Additionally, we
have been called the Old Settlers from the
1817 treaty where the old settlers move
from the Southeastern United States to
modern day Arkansas. We became known
as the Western Cherokee from the 1828
treaty where we moved from Arkansas to
Indian Territory or what is now known as
Oklahoma.
Today, in order to be a Keetoowah Band
member, you must not be a member of
another tribe and have a certified degree
of Indian blood greater than one-quarter
or more.
The past two years have seen our
accomplishments grow and land mass
expand. The signing of our deed for the
76 acres land in trust here on the Keetoowah Grounds was completed, it was
a momentous occasion, an accumulation
of 72 years’ work for our land in trust to
be taken by the Department of Interior
and placed into trust for the United Keetoowah’s.
The signing of Indian Health Service
638 Contract for Behavioral Health Programs, has provided reoccurring funds for
the operations of Keetoowah Cherokee
Treatment Service and the Echota Behavioral Health Programs.
We purchased Kenwood grocery store,
our community centers in Little Kansas
and Vian are complete, and now we are
just waiting on the community center in
Sallisaw.
We have completed a housing project,
Coosa Wattee, which consisted of 10
Chief’s
Corner
JOE BUNCH
Principal Chief
jbunch@ukb-nsn.gov
rental homes built near the intersection
of West and Bean streets in Tahlequah.
There are four 2-bedroom, four 3-three
bedroom and two 4-bedrooms.
We completed the purchase and renovation of the Goingsnake Elders Housing
62+, single-bedroom, apartment complex. These fully furnished apartments include three handicapped apartments with
seven additional apartments available to
rent. We also provided tribal members
three replacement homes in Jay along
with building a new 3-bedroom home on
Ross Mountain in Stilwell.
We learned a new way of doing business due to COVID. We offered curbside
services for all our programs, and we are
serving on average 80-125 emails per
day since the start of COVID via drive
through. We also made the decision to
shut down our childcare center on a few
occasions due to rising COVID numbers.
The Council selected former Miss Keetoowah Victoria Holland, who serves as
the Council attorney and court prosecutor,
to serve as the Keetoowah delegate to the
House of Representatives.
We are waiting on the Interior to accept
our 2.63 acres of land in trust for the UKB
to game again.
Work is set to begin on the Jim Proctor Nutrition Center. Currently we are
redoing the parking lots on both sides of
the building. During the pandemic and
heavy rains, we noticed a large amount
of water coming through the walls, and
upon review of the walls it was noticed
that the wall studs were decomposing, so
work must be done.
We are now negotiating work for the
rehabilitation of the building. Additionally, we are waiting for approval of an
expansion, the expansion will take place
in Stilwell. There is also a need to expand
these services in other districts.
Our government-to-IHS relations have
never been better as we continue a dialogue to expand our services from behavioral health to general practice, and for
this to work we need your help.
If you have been denied service from
any of the IHS providers because you are
Keetoowah, please write it down and send
this information to us. We need to know
your name, type of service denied, date,
time of service and location.
Our Child Development Center was
voted the Best of the Best in Tahlequah.
This marks the fourth year in a row for
the CDC.
Our courts and Lighthorse have been
approved for a $1.6 million dollar grant
to expand public safety services to include
courts and Lighthorse coverage.
Our Education Department has 30
students attending college and universities, 20 students attending vocational
technology, and 46 kids in a college
saving program that sets aside dollars for
incidentals at the start of their schools.
We are offering medical billing classes
and GED classes.
This is a snapshot of what’s happening
in and around the Keetoowah Reservation.
“We shall never give up Keetoowah
until all of us join hands and fall to the
ground. And if anything arises to destroy
Keetoowah, we shall all flock together to
head it off with all our power” Keetoowah
Constitution and Bylaws, 1914.
Finally, this year the elder $75 Christmas and child Christmas $40 cards will
not be given. In their place, the UKB
Council approved a December stipend for
exclusive Keetoowah members.
The sign-up will run for seven weeks so
there should be no excuses because you
didn’t sign up. Adults will receive $1,000
and children will receive $250 to be
mailed out on Dec. 9.
My door is always open and please keep
our Council, officers, and our tribal members in your prayers and do da go hv i.
CANE: The River Cane Gather is set for April 3-6.
FROM PAGE 1
ancestors through basket making and other
things,” Cain mentioned.
Another upcoming project for the
environmental department will take place
at Mulberry River, where they will be
cleaning the area so the river cane out
there will have access to the river.
In the spring UKB Tribal Historic
Preservation and Environmental
Department will be cohosting a River Cane
Gathering with the US Forest Service.
The gathering is set to bring in federal
agencies and artisan representation from
tribes that still use river cane.
The reps will provide discussion from
indigenous perspectives for conservation
and use. The River Cane Gathering is April
3-6 at the Tahlequah Armory Building.
For information about the River Cane
Gathering, call Cain at 918-871-2765 or
email rcain@ukb-nsn.gov, or Michelle
Baumflek at 828-257-4887 or email at
michelle.baumflek@usda.gov.
“We still use river cane
which connects us to our
ancestors through basket
making and other things.”
UKB ethnobotanist
Roger Cain shows
fellow employees
where the roots to
bring up the river
cane. PHOTOS BY
LANI HANSEN/
GIDUWA CHEROKEE
NEWS
Kdeem Hamilton
lends a hand in
digging up river
cane. The UKB
Environmental
Department
relocated river cane
after a bridge’s
construction
affected its previous
location.
Roger Cain, UKB tribal
ethnobotanist
Saline Dist.
Charles Smoke
918-457-7071
THE UNITED KEETOOWAH BAND’S OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON
NOV. 7 FOR UKB ELECTION DAY, NOV. 11 FOR VETERANS
DAY & NOV. 24-25 FOR THANKSGIVING.
GET OUT AND VOTE IN THE UKB & STATE ELECTIONS!
GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Sequoyah Dist.
Junior Catron
918-315-0970
Tahlequah Dist.
Alvin Hicks
918-931-1462
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.
NEWS•ᏗᏕᏃᏣᎸᏍᎩ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
NOVEMBER 2022
LMAA: Call 918-871-2742 or
email jwatson@ukb-nsn.gov to
enroll. Next class is Nov. 7.
FROM PAGE 1
“When we reached out to Wings to see
we had sent them an email saying, ‘Hey
here is what we would like to do, is this
something you guys could get involved
with?’ Then they came and toured the
building and talked to us, and right there
we formed the partnership,” Watson said.
The first Medical Administrative
Assistance class was held in September,
it was a 2-week class with Wings Health
Care Training Executive Director Andrea
Long. She taught the students everything
they needed to know. Because this was
a successful class, Watson said Long and
the Education Department is excited to
host another one.
The next class will start on Nov. 7
and run for two weeks again, Monday
through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. It is free to Keetoowah members
who are seeking a career in this field, and
it is open to non-members for a fee.
Wings Health Care Training offers
other classes, Watson said once the
interest of the Medical Admin. Assistant
class dies down, they plan on moving
forward to bring a dental assistance class
and more to the UKB.
“The students were appreciative that
they didn’t have to drive to Tulsa. We had
two who were just from our community,
and they were happy about having
the class right here in town,” Watson
commented.
The deadline for the next available
class is Nov. 3. For more information or
to enroll contact Jacqueline Watson at
918-871-2742 or email jwatson@ukbnsn.gov.
3
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Students from the Certified Medical Administrative Assistance class gather for a class photo.
COURTESY
VETS: Nov. 11 is Tahlequah’s
Veterans Day Parade.
FROM PAGE 1
year and day that Muammar Gaddafi of
North Africa took martial law.”
After being forced to leave North
Africa, Hicks said they were sent to an air
base but was put on lockdown for almost
a year. In 1970, he was sent to Germany
because he did not fulfill his full-time
duties.
From 1971-73 he went back to
America and was stationed in Kansas
City, Missouri. After his re-enlistment he
was stationed to Tinker Air Force Base in
Oklahoma City.
After retiring from active duty, he
worked for the federal government for
37 years. After leaving it, he worked for
KI BOIS Area Transit System or KATS for
four years and is now working part-time
as a driver for UKB Tribal Transit.
Howard “Mickey” Hansen, who was a
full-blood Cherokee and fluent speaker
from Jay, passed on Sept. 18. He is
survived by his daughter Sheena, son
Howard Jr. and life partner Marcia.
He attended Jay Public Schools before
enlisting in the Army and serving in an
artillery unit. Hansen served in Vietnam
from 1969-71 and was honorably
discharged with “Commendation”
badges. Later he retired from the Army
Reserves and became active in the
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8380 in
Grove and served as its commander for a
time.
During his life, Hansen worked and
retired as a supervisor of an Oklahoma
Department of Transportation bridge
crew. He helped build the new Sailboat
Bridge in Grove in the early 2000s.
If you are a UKB veteran or are actively
serving, the UKB will take part in the
Tahlequah Veterans Day Parade with a
float at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. If you have
any questions concerning the parade, call
Michelle Downing at 918-871-2753.
“It has been about three years due to
Covid since we have done something
to recognize the veterans,” Wacoche
said. “We wanted to make sure we were
safe and not have large gatherings.
So we thought this year would be a
good opportunity to participate in the
veterans parade and have a get together
afterwards.”
UKB Tribal Enrollment
18300 W. Keetoowah Circle Tahlequah, OK 74464
Open Monday-Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As with other federally recognized tribes throughout
the United States, the United Keetoowah Band has its
own unique process to determine membership.
Vist https://www.ukb-nsn.gov/membership for
Enrollment documents and a brief Frequently Asked
Questions section of the most common questions
about membership into the UKB. 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, please contact the UKB
Enrollment Office Registrar Amanda Stopp at
918-871-2797.
Questions concerning Keetoowah history, cultural
practices, clothing, language or ceremonies are better
suited for our John Hair Cultural Center and Museum.
Please visit their page at https://www.ukb-nsn.gov/
john-hair-cultural-center-museum or call
918-871-2866.
UKB Lighthorse Tribal Police
An officer is always on-call if you are ever
in need of emergency assistance or
assistance with a civil or criminal matter.
Call 918-207-9955
4
NOVEMBER 2022
OBITUARIES
Florene Batt
Florene Batt, 77, passed away
peacefully in her sleep early Monday
morning September 12, 2022.
Florene was born February 2, 1945,
in Tahlequah, OK to Agnes Christie and
Richard Batt.
Florene and Charlie Cain had three
children, Roger Cain, Kathy Cain-Baird,
and Kristi Witt Cain Kinkade; She is
survived by six grandchildren, Elissa Lyons, Ursula Cain, Rhea Cursio,
Howard Mick Hansen Sr.
Howard Mick Hansen Sr., Full Blood
Cherokee and Fluent Speaker was
born September 9, 1949 and transitioned September 18, 2022.
Howard was preceded in death by
his parents, Jess 1985 and Linda Lou
1993; brother Ellis Jody Jones 2004;
mother & wife of his 2 children, Marcella Diane 2018.
He is survived by his daughter Sheena of Miami OK; son Howard, Jr. of Dry
Creek; Siblings Nancy of Shawnee,
Joe Lynn Scott
Joe Lynn Scott was born May 16,
1959, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Lacy
Scott and Linda (Sam) Scott Jones and
departed this life on Sept. 22, 2022, at
home in Stilwell, Oklahoma at the age
of 63 years, 4 months, and 6 days.
Joe enjoyed fishing, watching OU
sports, and NASCAR racing, puzzles,
wood carving, painting, and sculpting.
Lois Mae Tagg
Lois Mae Tagg, 72, went home with
our savior Sunday, September 18,
2022 in Tulsa, OK. She was born at
home in Kenwood, Oklahoma on July
11, 1950 to Jim Tagg and Rosie Lee
Proctor-Tagg.
Lois worked at Northwest Arkansas
Poultry for several years then became
a stay at home mom and a homemaker. She liked to go to yard sales
and enjoyed crocheting blankets. Lois
Jackie Ray Tidwell
Jackie Ray Tidwell of Catoosa, Oklahoma passed away on September 17,
2022, at his home surrounded by his
loving family.
Jack was born on December 20,
1941, the son of Millard Seed Tidwell
and Josephine (Cornsilk) Tidwell in
Stilwell, OK.
Jackie enjoyed life and he loved his
family. He loved working on and restoring old cars. He and his brother Roy
were both considered two of the best
shade tree mechanics and auto body
painters in their younger days.
COMMUNITY•ᎾᎥ ᏄᎾᏓᎸ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
Reuben Cain, Nicholas Kinkade, and
Trace Kinkade; nine great grandchildren, Ethan Lyons, Jakob Lyons,
Austin Lyons, Auni Drake, John Drake,
Matt Drake, Loreleigh Cain, McKenzie Edmondson, Luna Edmondson,
Sofia Edmondson, and Isabella Edmondson; Seven Sisters—Laura Batt
(deceased), Janice Batt (deceased),
Tammy Batt McGuire, Maggie Batt,
Merry Loman, Ernie Pumpkin, Maxine
Wilson (deceased) and Eleven Brothers—Carl Ross (deceased), Junior Batt
(deceased), Charlie Batt, Jeff Batt
(deceased), Mark
Batt, Jerrie Batt
(deceased), Johnny
Batt (deceased), Larry Batt (deceased),
David Pumpkin, Tom
Pumpkin, and Gary
Smith.
Florene was proud of her Cherokee
ancestry and heritage. She began her
early life attending Sequoyah Training/
Boarding School at the tender age of
five, speaking only her native language
of Cherokee.
In 1979, Florene graduated from
Northeastern State University with a
master’s degree in school counseling
and administration.
Educating Cherokees was always a
mission of hers and was the impetus
behind her return to Sequoyah High
School and a twenty-year career counseling k-12 students all across northeastern Oklahoma before retiring.
Anyone who knew Florene, knew
that she was proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren who will
miss her greatly and will continue to tell
the next generations about their fullblood Cherokee grandma who taught
them all they know about being proud
to be Cherokee.
OK, Carole Jean of
Jay, OK, Al of Austin,
TX, Jerry and Woody
both of Dry Creek;
Howard loved dearly
all of his grandchildren as well as his
special life partner
Marcia to whom all
of family Hansen acknowledge her love
and devotion to our dearly departed
loved one, Howard. A big hug and
thank you Marcie.
Howard attended Jay Public
Schools. He served in the U.S. Army in
an Artillery Unit, courageously served
in Vietnam from 1969-71 and was honorably discharged with “Commendation” badges, later Howard retired from
the ARMY RESERVES and became
active in the V.F.W. Post 8380, Grove
OK, and served as commander.
Howard retired as a Supervisor from
the Oklahoma Dept. of Transportation,
bridge crew. Howard was a proud
team member that erected the “NEW
SAILBOAT BRIDGE” in Grove, OK.
Howard will be and IS greatly missed
by his numerous nephews and nieces
and extended family. He truly enjoyed
his grandchildren as he did retirement.
Howard grew closer to his Lord these
past 2 years and was witnessed to be
born again in Christ.
Howard this is not a goodbye but til
we meet again. DO NA do Go hv i.
Howard’s Celebration Of Life Graveside Service was Sept. 28 at Dry Creek
Cemetery, Colcord, OK with Rev.
Woody Hansen and Mr. Jerry Hansen
officiating. Howard’s burial was at Dry
Creek Cemetery with Military Honors.
He was a great artist and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his
parents: Lacy Scott and Linda (Sam)
Scott Jones; 3 infant siblings; sister:
Retha Jean (Scott) Harjo; brothers:
Richard Daugherty, Sr., and Vernon
Alvin Scott; son: Joe Lynn Scott, Jr.;
and best friend: Randy Glass.
Joe is survived by his wife: Mary
Canoe-Scott of the
home; sons: John
Beaver Scott and
Mychal Edward (Fanci) Scott all of Tahlequah; daughters:
Lynda “Lyndee” Scott
of Stilwell, Oklahoma,
and Joleen Dalawna
Scott of the home;
stepsons: Michael (Martina) Littledeer
of Stilwell, and Robin (Regina) Killer of
Westville, Oklahoma; stepdaughter:
Lora Littledeer of Stilwell; brother: Rick
(Dena) Scott of Stilwell; sisters: Shirley
Roberts, and Donna (Ralph) Wolf all of
Stilwell. He leaves behind 5 grandchildren: Avin, Zaylon, Gydeon, Dayzha,
and Liya; and 12 step-grandchildren.
Many nephews, nieces, family, and
friends also survive him.
loved attending
church but most
importantly spending time with family.
She will be dearly
missed by family
and friends.
Lois was preceded
in death by both of
her parents, Rosie Lee and Jim Tagg;
her brothers, Marvin Tagg and Jimmy
Tagg; her sisters, Elizabeth Tagg and
Marlene Jones; her daughter, Melissa
Holcomb; two half-sisters, Joann and
Joanna.
She is survived by her children, Jim
Charles Ratledge of Jay, OK, Patricia Lackey and husband Vick of Jay,
Carl Ratledge of Mountain Home, AR,
and Bobby Joe Ratledge of Jay; 12
grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren;
her sisters, Doris Stopp of Kansas,
OK, Rachel Tagg of Urbana, IL, Mary
Tagg of Jay, and Kelly Martínez of Jay;
brother-in-law, Bobby Jones of Oaks,
OK; many nieces, nephews, cousins
and extended family.
Lois’s Wake Service was held
September 23 and was followed by
her family visitation to greet friends at
Grandma’s Residence at Tagg Flatts.
Lois’s Funeral Service was September 24 at Euwasha Baptist Church,
Kenwood, OK with Rev. Richard Budder officiating. Followed by her funeral
procession to Euwasha Cemetery,
Kenwood, OK. Lois’s burial will be at
Euwasha Cemetery.
He was just a genuine guy who loved
OU and Dallas Cowboys football, getting together with friends and family,
cooking especially his famous spaghetti that everyone loved, and watching his favorite shows on TV such as
old westerns, but most of all he loved
being around his children.
Some of the best memories they
had, were packing up the car with
an ice chest and bologna and driving around with his children making
memories. He even taught them how
to drive.
He saw the world in the most beautiful way and always wanted to make
the best out of life.
He will be missed by
everyone he leaves
behind.
He was preceded
in death, by his parents; his first wife,
Edgarita Tidwell;
his oldest daughter,
baby girl Tidwell; and siblings, William
Tidwell, Bobby Tidwell, Roy Tidwell,
Eric Tidwell, Jess Tidwell, and Farris
Tidwell.
He is survived by his family, which
includes his current wife, Linda
Ross-Tidwell; children, Jo Ann Tidwell,
Kay Aguilar and husband Alejo; Jeannie Tidwell, Jackie Tidwell, Nathaniel
Tidwell and wife Margaret, Brandon
Tidwell, and stepdaughter, Lawanda
Duck; siblings, Estell and Alice Tidwell,
Carl Moreland, Mary Tidwell, Harvey
Moreland and Betty Mabry; grandchildren, Rainy Galaviz, Noor Hammami,
Tiana Bernal, Tony Aguilar, Kennedy
Aguilar, Alejandra Aguilar, Eric Cruz,
Uriah Bluebird, Rosa Chiarez, Gabriella
Chiarez, Carmen Belmares, Geronimo
Tidwell, Nikia Tidwell, Madison Tidwell, Tallon Tidwell, Payton Tidwell,
and Cleo Jame Tidwell; as well as 19
great-grandchildren.
LUNCH MENU
The United Keetoowah Band’s Title VI Lunch Menu for November 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.
Nov. 1
Loaded Baked Potato
w/fixings
Broccoli Salad
Bread Stick, Dessert
Nov. 2
Beans w/Ham
Mac & Tomatoes
Salad, Cornbread
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Nov. 3
Ham/Cheese Sandwich
Pasta Salad
Potato Chips
Fruit Cup
Nov. 4
Wild Wings w/Sauce
Zucchini Sticks
Salad
Fruit Cup
Nov. 7
UKB Offices Closed
UKB Election Day
Nov. 8
Chicken Fajitas
Spanish Rice
Mexican Corn
Tortilla Chips, Fruit Cup
Nov. 9
Lasagna
Broccoli Rice Casserole
Salad, Garlic Toast
Fruit Cup
Nov. 10
UKB Nutrition
Center Closed
Nov. 11
UKB Offices Closed
Veterans Day
Nov. 14
Sloppy Joe on Bun
Baked Beans, Pickle
Potato Chips
Fruit Cup
Nov. 15
Elders’ Thanksgiving
Dinner
Nov. 16
Goulash
Broccoli Cuts, Corn
Garlic Toast
Fruit Cup
Nov. 17
Chicken & Dumplings
Green Beans
Corn
Hot Roll, Dessert
Nov. 18
UKB Nutrition
Center Closed
Employee Thanksgiving
Dinner
Nov. 21
Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce
Italian Green Beans
Garlic Toast
Dessert
Nov. 22
Chicken Fried Steak
Potatoes/Gravy
Broccoli Cuts
Bread, Fruit Cup
Nov. 23
Chicken Noodle Soup
Zucchini Sticks
Salad, Crackers
Fruit Cup
Nov. 24
UKB Offices Closed
Thanksgiving
Nov. 25
UKB Offices Closed
Thanksgiving
Nov. 28
Veggie Hamburger Stew
Hominy
Cornbread
Dessert
Nov. 29
Chicken Strips
Potatoes/Gravy
Green Beans
Bread, Fruit Cup
Nov. 30
Hamburger w/fixings
French Fries
Cake
Ice Cream
RECIPES
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Melted Berries
(Diabetic friendly)
3 cups of mixed berries (strawberries,
blueberries, blackberries and raspberries)
1 tsp of Splenda
1 tbsp of maple syrup
1/4 tsp of ground cardamom
4 tsp of balsamic vinegar
1 Angel food cake, cut into eight slices
Vegetable oil spray
Line a medium bowl with a large piece
of aluminum foil, pressing the foil into
the sides of the bowl well. Add the
berries, Splenda, syrup, cardamom
and balsamic vinegar over all. Wrap
the foil, forming a package and twist
the top so the liquid doesn’t escape.
Preheat the grill over the medium-high
heat and place the berry package on
the grill. Grill for 5-6 minutes, turning
and shaking the package occasionally.
Spray the cakes slices lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and add
To submit a recipe, email it to travissnell75@gmail.com or mail it to Giduwa
Cherokee News, P.O. Box 746, Tahlequah, OK 74465.
the cake slices to the grill to mark.
Grill gently for 2-3 minutes, place on
a serving dish and pour the melted
berries over the cake. If desired, serve
the sugar-free whipped cream or lowor no-fat Greek yogurt.
Sensational Chicken Burgers
1/2 lbs. of ground chicken breast
1/2 lbs. of ground chicken (mixed light
and dark)
1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes
(chopped, not in oil)
1/4 cup of chopped onion
1/4 cup of fresh basil (chopped)
1/4 cup of fresh flat Italian parsley
(chopped)
4 cloves of minced garlic
1/2 tsp of fine sea salt
1/2 tsp of black pepper (freshly
cracked)
Mix all the ingredients and form 4
patties. Grill 3-4 minutes on each side
and serve with guacamole.
HEALTH•ᎠᏰᎸ ᏄᏍᏛ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
NOVEMBER 2022
5
Protection from preventable diseases
Because some areas
and populations are
under-vaccinated, the
risk of contracting
vaccine-preventable
diseases is increased.
STATEPOINT – Both in the United
States and globally, childhood and
adult vaccination rates have seen what
community health experts are calling a
“concerning decline” since the start of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Now is the time to ensure that you
and your children are up to date on all
recommended vaccines to best protect
you and your family from preventable
diseases.
“Vaccines are among the greatest
medical breakthroughs in the history of
medicine. Millions of lives have been
saved and severe outcomes from various
diseases have been prevented because of
vaccines. At this moment, in part because
of people missing routine immunizations
during the COVID-19 pandemic and in
part because of misinformation around
vaccines, our vaccination numbers have
declined, which has impacted certain
populations who are more susceptible
to preventable diseases. I urge you to
check with your physician, schedule that
preventive screening, and make sure
you and your children are up to date on
your vaccines,” said Jack Resneck Jr.,
M.D., president of the American Medical
Association.
According to Resneck, here are three
Both in the United States and globally, childhood and adult vaccination rates have seen what
community health experts are calling a “concerning decline” since the start of the COVID-19
pandemic. STATEPOINT MEDIA
“At this moment, in part because of people missing
routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic
and in part because of misinformation around vaccines,
our vaccination numbers have declined, which has
impacted certain populations who are more susceptible
to preventable diseases.”
Jack Resneck Jr., American Medical Assoc. president
steps to take to get back on track:
1. Schedule routine visits with your
and your child’s physicians for important
preventive care, including recommended
health screenings and vaccines based on
age and health status.
Behavioral health
tips for older adults
On Sept. 27, U.S.
Department of Health
and Human Services
Secretary Xavier
Becerra formally
swears in Roselyn
Tso as Indian Health
Service director. Tso is
a citizen of the Navajo
Nation and previously
served as the IHS
Navajo Area director.
INDIAN HEALTH
SERVICE
HHS names Roselyn
Tso as IHS director
Roselyn Tso is a citizen of the Navajo Nation
and previously served as the Indian Health
Service’s Navajo Area director.
BY STAFF REPORTS
Babies and young children are
especially susceptible to vaccinepreventable diseases, and right now,
tens of thousands of children in the U.S.
are not up to date on their vaccination
against extremely contagious diseases,
such as measles and whooping cough.
2. You should also make sure that
you and your children are up to date
on COVID-19 vaccines. Experts have
cautioned about a possible surge this fall
and winter. With new Omicron-specific
bivalent boosters available for people
12 and older, the time for additional
protection from severe outcomes from
COVID-19 is now. Additionally, all
children aged 6 months and up are
eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and
physicians highly recommend getting
vaccinated as early as possible.
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and
a flu vaccine at the same time if you are
eligible, and the timing coincides. For
more information on COVID-19 vaccines,
visit: getvaccineanswers.org.
3. Understand that even countries
once declared polio-free or measles-free
are not risk-free, particularly for the
unvaccinated. An adult in New York was
recently partially paralyzed by polio,
and the virus has been found in area
wastewater samples, leading to the
declaration of a disaster in the state to
help support localities in responding to
the outbreak.
Because some areas and populations
are under-vaccinated, the risk of
contracting vaccine-preventable diseases
is increased.
“Unfortunately, if we don’t get our
vaccine coverage rates back to where
they were before the pandemic began,
we run the risk of seeing outbreaks of
vaccine-preventable diseases that we
thought we’d long ago overcome,” said
Resneck. “To protect yourself and your
family from current and future outbreaks,
get up to date on vaccinations now.”
Area is the largest IHS area with 4,000
employees and a budget of nearly $1
billion.
“It is my honor and privilege to
serve as the next leader of the Indian
Health Service,” Tso said. “Throughout
the confirmation process, I took time
to reflect on the many challenges the
agency has faced, including the ongoing
challenge to combat the COVID-19
pandemic, which has plagued Indian
Country over the past couple of years.
While the IHS has made great strides to
improve health care services, there are
areas we must review and improve on.
WASHINGTON – On Sept. 27, U.S.
Department of Health and Human
Services Secretary Xavier Becerra
formally swore in Roselyn Tso as director
of the Indian Health Service. Director
Tso is a citizen of the Navajo Nation
and previously served as the IHS Navajo
Area director. She has served in various
leadership roles at IHS for nearly four
decades.
“Roselyn brings decades of experience
and expertise to the director role” said
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Roselyn
will work tirelessly to
ensure that American
Indians and Alaska
Natives are provided
with the high-quality
culturally appropriate
care they deserve. I look
forward to working with
Roselyn to continue
delivering on IHS’s
Xavier Becerra, Health and Human
mission to raise the
physical, mental, social, Services secretary
and spiritual health of
American Indians and Alaska Natives
I am committed to working with our
to the highest level. The Biden-Harris
tribal and urban Indian organization
Administration’s commitment to Indian
partners, and our partners across the
Country has been evident since Day 1.
federal government, to continue raising
Today marks another step forward in
the health status of American Indians and
ensuring that the federal government
Alaska Natives to the highest level.”
and HHS live up to our government-toTso began her career with the IHS
government responsibilities.”
in 1984. She has served in roles in the
As director, Tso will lead a nationwide
IHS Portland Area, both at the service
health care delivery system that is
unit level as the administrative officer
responsible for providing preventive,
for the Yakama Service Unit, and at the
curative, and community health care
area level as the planning and statistical
to approximately 2.7 million American
officer, equal employment officer and
Indians and Alaska Natives in hospitals,
special assistant to the area director.
clinics, and other settings throughout the In 2005, she became the director for
United States. Prior to her new role, she
the Portland Area’s Office of Tribal and
served as the director of the IHS Navajo
Service Unit Operations, where she was
Area – a role she had held since 2019
responsible for the implementation of the
– where she led a federal, tribal, and
Indian Self-Determination and Education
urban Indian health care delivery system
Act and working directly with tribes.
for over 244,000 American Indians and
After that role, she served as the director
Alaska Natives throughout Arizona,
of the Office of Direct Service and
New Mexico, and Utah. The IHS Navajo
Contracting Tribes at IHS headquarters.
“Roselyn will work tirelessly to
ensure that American Indians and
Alaska Natives are provided with the
high-quality culturally appropriate
care they deserve.”
STATEPOINT – Older adults
experiencing a behavioral health issue
such as anxiety or depression may be
embarrassed and think they simply
need to “pull themselves up by their
bootstraps,” but helping them seek help
can empower them to live their best
lives, according to experts.
“Everyone is different, but there
are tools for better health, including
therapy, medication and self-care,” said
Dr. Lindsay Evans-Mitchell, medical
director for behavioral health for Cigna
Medicare Advantage.
Behavioral health disorders affect
one in five adults over 55. Older men
have the highest suicide rate of any age
group or gender. Among men who are
75 and older, the suicide rate is 40.2 per
100,000 – almost triple the overall rate.
The most common behavioral health
disorder in older adults is dementia,
and its incidence is growing as the
Baby Boomer generation ages. Experts
project that more than nine million
Americans 65 years or older will have
dementia by 2030. Anxiety disorders
and mood disorders are also common
among older people.
Dealing with a behavioral health
issue? These self-care tips can help:
1. Find a Provider. “Cognitive
disorders, such as dementia and
mood disorders, often look the same,”
Evans-Mitchell said. “Only a trained
professional can make an accurate
diagnosis.” For help finding a provider,
reach contact a primary care physician
or health plan, such as Medicare or
Medicare Advantage. Also consider
virtual therapy. It’s easy to schedule
and offers the convenience of seeing a
therapist without leaving home.
2. Nurture Yourself. Good nutrition
feeds the body and mind. If you have
questions about nutrition for older
adults, consult your physician or a
registered dietitian. Additionally, drink
water throughout the day. “Dehydration
can worsen cognitive issues,” EvansMitchell said.
3. Sleep Well. Like all adults, older
people need seven to nine hours
of sleep nightly. Dr. Evans-Mitchell
noted that older people’s tendency to
go to bed early, wake up early, and
nap throughout the day can disrupt
healthy sleep cycles and limit rapid eye
movement (REM) sleep, potentially
contributing to behavioral health issues.
4. Exercise. Even moderate exercise
can improve mental and physical
health. The Physical Activity Guidelines
for Americans describes benefits such
as improvements in brain health, better
cognitive function and reduced risk of
anxiety and mood disorders. People
who exercise tend to sleep better.
Having trouble getting started? Some
Medicare Advantage plans include a
fitness benefit, which can pay for a gym
membership or provide at-home tools.
5. Head Outside. Being outside has
numerous benefits, including vitamin
D absorption needed for cognitive
health. Additionally, research has shown
that chemicals released from trees can
stimulate brain functions. Don’t forget
the sunscreen though, as skin cancer is
most common in people older than 65.
6. Buddy Up. Papa, available through
some Cigna Medicare Advantage plans,
connects older adults and their families
with “Papa Pals” for companionship
and support. “Papa Pals” can provide
transportation, help with everyday tasks
-- or simply be a friend, doing activities
like watching movies or playing games.
7. Parent a Pet. Caring for pets
generates positive emotions and can
reduce anxiety. Just petting a dog
has been shown to lower levels of
the stress hormone cortisol, and pets
provide a bond that can elevate two
feel-good brain chemicals: oxytocin and
dopamine. Dogs also encourage people
to exercise outdoors.
“Behavioral health issues can be
complex and confusing to navigate,
but taking positive actions can be
empowering,” Evans-Mitchell said. “It’s
never too late to make a new start.”
Older adults
experiencing
a behavioral
health issue such
as anxiety or
depression may
be embarrassed
and think they
simply need to “pull
themselves up by
their bootstraps,”
but helping them
seek help can
empower them
to live their best
lives, according
to experts.
STATEPOINT MEDIA
6
NOVEMBER 2022
EDUCATION•ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
Student debt relief plan explained
This plan includes loan
forgiveness of up to
$20,000. You’ll have
until Dec. 31, 2023 to
apply.
BY STAFF REPORTS
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden,
Vice President Kamal Harris and the
U.S. Department of Education have
announced a three-part plan to help
working and middle-class federal student
loan borrowers transition back to regular
payment as pandemic-related aid expires.
This plan includes loan forgiveness
of up to $20,000. Many borrowers and
families may be asking themselves “what
do I have to do to claim this relief?”
There will be more details announced in
the coming weeks. To be notified when
the process has opened, sign up at the
https://www.ed.gov/subscriptions. You’ll
have until Dec. 31, 2023 to apply.
1. Final extension of the student loan
repayment pause
Due to the economic challenges
created by the pandemic, the BidenHarris Administration has extended the
student loan repayment pause several
times. Because of this, no one with a
federally held loan has had to pay a
single dollar in loan payments since
Biden took office. To ensure a smooth
transition to repayment and prevent
unnecessary defaults, the Biden-Harris
Administration will extend the pause a
final time through Dec. 31 with payments
resuming in January 2023.
Borrowers will not have to anything
to extend the student loan pause as the
extended pause will occur automatically.
2. Providing targeted debt relief to lowand middle-income families
To smooth the transition back to
repayment and help borrowers at
highest risk of delinquencies or default
once payments resume, the Education
Department will provide up to $20,000
in debt relief to Pell Grant recipients with
loans held by the Education Department
and up to $10,000 in debt relief to nonPell Grant recipients. Borrowers are
eligible for this relief if their individual
income is less than $125,000 or
$250,000 for households. Get details
at https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-
On Aug. 24, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a Student Debt Relief Plan
that includes one-time student loan debt relief targeted to low- and middle-income families.
STUDENTAID.GOV
announcement/one-time-cancellation.
Also, borrowers who are employed
by nonprofits, the military, or federal,
state, tribal, or local government may be
eligible to have all of their student loans
forgiven through the Public Service Loan
Forgiveness program. This is because of
time-limited changes that waive certain
eligibility criteria in the PSLF program.
For information on eligibility and
requirements, go to PSLF.gov.
Am eligible for debt relief?
· To be eligible, your annual income
must have fallen below $125,000 (for
individuals) or $250,000 (for married
couples or heads of households)
· If you received a Pell Grant and meet
the income threshold, you will be eligible
for up to $20,000 in debt relief.
· If you did not receive a Pell Grant in
college and meet the income threshold,
you will be eligible for up to $10,000 in
debt relief.
What does the “up to” in “up to
$20,000” or “up to $10,000” mean?
Borrowers are advised to apply by midNovember to receive relief before the payment
pause expires on Dec. 31. The Department of
Education will continue to process applications
as they are received, even after the pause
expires on Dec. 31.
Ensuring every child in U.S.
accesses healthy school meals
Amid soaring food prices, rising rates of
inflation and food insecurity, families are having
a harder time accessing nutritious foods.
STATEPOINT – Starting in early 2020,
every child in the United States became
eligible for school meals at no cost,
regardless of family income level – no
forms, no questions asked. That policy,
along with other interventions, including
increased Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women,
Infants, Children (WIC) Program
benefits, kept millions of children and
families from going hungry during the
pandemic. But support for school meals
ended this September, putting healthy
school meals increasingly out of reach
for children who rely on them for nearly
half their daily calories and a consistent
source of good nutrition.
Amid soaring food prices, rising rates
of nutrition and food insecurity, and
families having a harder time accessing
nutritious foods in their communities,
advocates at the American Heart
Association say that Congress’s failure to
extend healthy school meals is already
having profound consequences.
For more than two years, the country
has seen food insecurity rates stay
relatively stagnant. Pandemic-era
assistance helped ensure that already
high rates of families struggling to feed
their kids did not worsen. However,
with these policies ending and food
costs skyrocketing, early data from
2022 suggest that food insecurity is
quickly on the rise. Food insecurity
disproportionately affects households
with children (14.8%), Hispanic
households (17%), Black households
(21%) and households living at or below
the federal poverty line (35%). This crisis
also comes at a time when households
across America are facing delayed health
care, barriers to affordable housing and
a general financial squeeze caused by
rising prices on consumer goods.
“Providing healthy school meals for
students at no charge is a recipe for
success that reduces food insecurity,
improves children’s diets and academic
performance, generates critical revenue
for schools and decreases stigma,”
· Your relief is capped at the amount of
your outstanding debt.
· For example: If you are eligible for
$20,000 in debt relief, but have a balance
of $15,000 remaining, you will only
receive $15,000 in relief.
What do I need to do to receive relief?
· Nearly 8 million borrowers may be
eligible to receive relief without applying
– unless they choose to opt out – because
relevant income data is already available
to the Education Department.
· For borrowers whose income data the
Education Department doesn’t have, the
administration was expected to launch a
simple application in October. Borrowers
won’t need to upload any documentation
or have an FSA ID to submit their
application.
· Most borrowers who apply can expect
relief within six weeks.
· It is encouraged that everyone who is
eligible to file the application, but there
are 8 million people for whom there are
data and who will get the relief without
said Nancy Brown, American Heart
Association CEO, “Action by the federal
government is long overdue. It is a
necessity for families and schools to feed
children the healthy meals they need for
success.”
Children who eat well perform better
in school. However, access to food is
just part of the issue. The American
Heart Association points out that with
pre-pandemic numbers of more than
15 million school breakfasts and 30
million school lunches served every day,
what children put on their plates has a
significant impact on their overall health
and well-being.
“Federal programs including SNAP
and the Summer Food Service program
have been integral to addressing hunger,
but many policies focus on improving
access to sufficient quantities of food,”
said Brown. “While this goal is critically
important, especially in mitigating the
effects of poverty, we must modernize
these policies and programs to also focus
on food quality, so people have access to
enough nutritious food.”
There are opportunities for the federal
government to change course and ensure
that every child across the country has
access to free, nutritious foods at school.
The White House recently released a
national strategy to end nutrition and
food insecurity and mitigate the effects
of diet-related chronic diseases in the
United States by 2030, making the
recommendation for healthy school
meals for all and strong nutrition
standards. Additionally, a key committee
in the House of Representatives has
passed a child nutrition reauthorization
bill that would protect and strengthen
nutrition standards for school meals and
help millions of children gain access
to healthy school meals, among other
updates to child nutrition programs.
Advocates at the American Heart
Association say the Senate now needs
to do its part to give children the best
chance to succeed. To learn more, visit
https://act.yourethecure.org/tqmwpbx.
applying unless they choose to opt out.
· Borrowers are advised to apply by
mid-November to receive relief before
the payment pause expires on Dec. 31.
· The Department of Education will
continue to process applications as they
are received, even after the pause expires
on Dec. 31.
What is the Public Service Loan
Forgiveness Program?
· The Public Service Loan Forgiveness
program forgives the remaining balance
on your federal student loans after 120
payments working full-time for federal,
state, tribal, or local government; the
military; or a qualifying non-profit.
· Temporary changes, ending on Oct.
31, provide flexibility that makes it
easier than ever to receive forgiveness
by allowing borrowers to receive credit
for past periods of repayment that would
otherwise not qualify for PSLF.
· Enrollments on or after Nov. 1 will
not be eligible for this treatment. Visit
PSLF.gov to learn more and apply.
3. Make the student loan system more
manageable for current and future
borrowers.
Income-based repayment plans have
existed within the U.S. Department of
Education. However, the administration
is proposing to create an income-driven
repayment plan that will substantially
reduce future monthly payments for
lower- and middle-income borrowers.
The rule would:
· Require borrowers to pay no more
than 5% of their discretionary income
monthly on undergraduate loans. This is
down from the 10% available under the
recent income-driven repayment plan.
· Raise the amount of income that is
considered non-discretionary income and
therefore is protected from repayment,
guaranteeing that no borrower earning
under 225% of the federal poverty level
– about the annual equivalent of a $15
minimum wage for a single borrower –
will have to make a monthly payment.
· Forgive loan balances after 10 years
of payments, instead of 20 years, for
borrowers with loan balances of $12,000
or less.
· Cover the borrower’s unpaid monthly
interest, so that unlike other existing
income-driven repayment plans, no
borrower’s loan balance will grow as long
as they make their monthly payments –
even when that monthly payment is $0
because their income is low.
YARD
SALE
The Education Department will hold a
yard sale on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the
Education Building in Tahlequah to
raise funds to take students to a
conference in Albuquerque, N.M.
Come shop for furniture, small
appliances, tools, clothing, toys,
cameras and ‘willy-nilly’ stuff.
Donations to the yard sale are also
appreciated OR you can purchase an
all-day sale space for $25. Either way
we raise funds to help defray
conference costs for students.
Concessions will be available.
For information, call Dr. Leslie D.
Hannah at 918- 871-2828 or
918-822-4423.
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
SERVICES•ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ
NOVEMBER 2022
7
How technology can
help you age in place
New technologies have the potential to help
solve problems created by older adults.
Family organizing expert Jessica Litman, also known as “The Organized Mama,” is on a
mission to help families declutter and stay organized. She’s sharing her pro tips for getting
your home in shape for this busy time of year. STATEPOINT MEDIA
Tips to organize
your home for fall
Clearing cabinet clutter and prepping the
pantry are two ways to structure your home.
STATEPOINT – From the walk-in closet you are shopping in your pantry instead
to the kitchen pantry, catch-all spots
of hunting for things.”
make all the difference in daily routines –
Out with the Old. Before pulling out
but only if they’re kept neat and tidy.
your fall wardrobe, declutter the piles
Family organizing expert Jessica
of “stuff” from the closet. This will
Litman, also known as “The Organized
make your space seem bigger and more
Mama,” is on a mission to help families
organized.
declutter and stay organized.
“Remove clothes from this past
She’s sharing her pro tips for getting
season,” Litman said. “Look through each
your home in shape for this busy time of
garment. If you didn’t wear it, donate,
the year.
toss or sell it.”
Clear Away Cabinet Clutter. ‘Tis the
Now that there is more room, hang
season for autumn chili, stew and other
an over-the-door shoe rack for rain
comfort foods. That means it’s also time
boots and work shoes and use a closet
to put your essential slow cookers and
organizer to store accessories, such as
pans where you can reach them, so food
belts, purses and scarves.
prep will be hassle-free.
Litman also recommends dry cleaning
“When the weather starts to cool, I
winter jackets now so they’re ready to
swap out summer cookware for winter
wear when cold weather comes.
bakeware,” said Litman. “I put the
Find Balance in the Bathroom.
grilling items in the back
of the cabinet and pull
the turkey roaster and
baking dishes to the
front.”
For added storage,
Litman recommends
using a shelf rack or
vertical organizer to
keep cutting boards and
pie pans neatly upright
Jessica Litman, organizing expert
and easily accessible.
Prep the Pantry. Create
a system that gives grab-and-go snacks
Whether it’s the primary bath or the kids’
and cooking necessities a home. This will washroom, make the most of your space
help keep the kitchen tidy in the midst of by organizing everything into different
busy work and school schedules.
categories, like towels and haircare.
“Do a pantry cleanout,” Litman said.
Once everything is grouped, you can
“Remove everything from the area and
decide what will be kept where based
wipe down the shelves. Take the canned
on the available areas. Use a tray on the
goods you didn’t eat and donate them to
counter and bins in pullout drawers.
a local food bank.”
Litman said to wipe and line surfaces,
Use a combination of shelf liner and
especially under the sink before putting
new containers to restore order to the
essentials away.
space. Measure the shelves, cut the liner
Antimicrobial agents inhibit mold and
to length and then lay it flat.
mildew growth to protect the liner and
The shelf liner is durable, waterproof
will catch makeup smudges and water
and designed to keep surfaces dry while
spills to give the area an extra clean
making them easy to wipe clean. Use the
feeling.
measurements to get an idea of what size
She also recommends waiting until
bins will best fit the area.
after the organizing process to buy bins
Store crackers, cereal, oats and pasta
and caddies, so you know exactly what
in clear containers with labels, and put
you need.
spices and seasonings in a slim organizer.
Once these organizing projects are
“Set up items similarly to grocery store
complete, your home will be ready for
shelves by placing like items together,”
all the fun fall festivities and family
Litman said. “When you do this, it’s like
gatherings.
“When the weather starts to cool,
I swap out summer cookware for
winter bakeware. I put the grilling
items in the back of the cabinet and
pull the turkey roaster and baking
dishes to the front.”
STATEPOINT – By 2030, almost a
quarter of the American population
will be over the age of 65, up from
16% in 2020, creating a situation that’s
going to drive greater demand and
greater pressure on the care industry. In
addition to a larger workforce and more
financial resources, new technologies
also have the potential to help solve
the problems created by this seismic
demographic shift.
According to experts, Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
(ML) are already among the key
components of new technologies
providing improved quality of life for
those who want to continue living
independently at home.
“While AI and ML have transformed
other industries, adaptation has been
slow in the care industry, but we’re
working to change that,” said ChiaLin Simmons, CEO of LogicMark,
which manufactures personal
emergency response systems (PERS),
health communications devices and
remote care and activity monitoring
technologies to create a Connected Care
Platform, and recently incorporated
two-way voice communication
technology into its medical alert
pendant.
To help you live safely and
comfortably in your home in the
years to come, Simmons offers a
few strategies for using the newest
technology to your advantage:
• PERS allow you to call for help in
an emergency by pushing a button.
Wearable pendants – along with
water-resistant wall-mounted devices
and mobile solutions – can keep you
protected in every room of your home
by helping you instantly connect with
loved ones and emergency personnel.
Those offered by LogicMark use AI and
ML for pattern recognition and fall
detection, for an added layer of security.
• Automatic pill dispensers can help
ensure you never miss a dose or take
too much medication. Depending on
your needs, you may need to look for a
solution offering both visual and audio
notifications, or one suited for those
with limited dexterity.
• Motion-sensing lighting can make
nocturnal trips to the bathroom –
common in one’s golden years – much
safer, helping to reduce the risk of
dangerous trips and falls. Many lighting
options plug directly into outlets, while
others are battery-operated and can be
installed anywhere. Be sure to include
these fixtures in bedrooms, hallways
and bathrooms.
“True independence must be
accompanied by peace of mind for
you, your family and your caregivers,”
said Simmons. “By adopting new
technologies, you can help create a
virtual safety net, enabling you to
stay at home while living in a safe
environment and providing piece of
mind to your loved ones.”
Take time for tire safety
Checking the condition of your tires is easy
and important for your safety on the road.
NEWSUSA – This year, Cooper Tires
is encouraging drivers to mark the first
of every month as a tire check safety
moment, to make a habit of checking
tires, especially as seasons change.
“Just as we regularly take a moment
to check our smoke detector batteries
when we change our clocks in the fall
and spring, we need to designate a
moment to check tire safety as well,”
said Jessica Egerton, Director of Brand
Development at Cooper Tire & Rubber
Company.
Checking the condition of your tires
is easy and important for your safety on
the road. Your tires are the only parts of
your vehicle to come into contact with,
and keep you connected to, the road.
The recommended tread depth is
more than two-thirty-seconds (or a
sixteenth) of an inch deep. Do your tires
meet this minimum, or are they too
worn? Would you know if they are?
An easy and quick way to tell is
to stick a penny into the tread with
Lincoln’s head facing down. If the tread
covers the top of his head, you’re good
to go. If not, time to replace the tire.
Ensuring your tires have the proper
tread depth can help maintain traction
on the road, keep control of the car, and
prevent hydroplaning or sliding.
Don’t be under-pressured, either.
Tires not inflated to the recommended
level of pressure can lead to tire failure,
uneven wear and cause your car to use
more gas.
Try this 10-minute safety check:
· Check the tread. Use the U.S.
penny/Lincoln’s head method.
· Check the pressure. Look on the
vehicle doorjamb, glove compartment,
fuel door or owner’s manual to find the
recommended pressure for your tires.
Press a tire gauge on the valve stem.
Too low? Add air. Too high? Push down
on the metal stem in the center of the
valve to release air. When you reach the
recommended pressure, replace that
valve cap. Also, don’t check pressure
right after driving. Wait at least three
hours until the tires are cool.
· Check your look. Inspect your
tires for cuts, bulges, cracks, splits or
punctures. When in doubt, ask a tire
professional for an inspection.
“Just as we regularly take a moment to check our
smoke detector batteries when we change our clocks
in the fall and spring, we need to designate a moment
to check tire safety as well.”
Jessica Egerton, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company’s
brand development director
WOOD RECYCLING PROGRAM
The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians’ Wood Recycling Program offers a FREE
and safe alternative for the removal of downed timber on your property. Tribal membership
is NOT required. The timber will be ricked and donated as firewood for UKB elders and
tribal members unable to harvest their own firewood for the winter season.
The Wood Recycling Program will under certain circumstances cut intrusive or unwanted
trees down, but a special assessment and waiver will be required. For information or if
interested in donating/need timber removed, contact the Office of Environmental Services.
918-871-2825 or 918-871-2800 · oes@ukb-nsn.gov · www.ukb-nsn.gov
8
NOVEMBER 2022
BUSINESS•ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
Keep utility bills
down as home
heating costs rise
If your home loan application is denied, don’t panic. There are ways to build your eligibility so that next time, your mortgage
application is more likely to be approved. STATEPOINT MEDIA
What to do if your mortgage
application is rejected
STATEPOINT – If you dream of homeownership,
having your mortgage application denied can be
devastating. If this does happen to you, it’s important
to remember that you’re not alone. Thirteen percent of
all purchase mortgage applications – a total of nearly
650,000 – were denied in 2020, according to federal
government data.
Before reapplying for a loan, first understand the
reasons your loan was denied. The lender is required
to disclose that information to you within 30 days of
its decision. You can also call your lender for further
explanation. Having this knowledge will help you
work toward building your eligibility for a mortgage.
In some instances, the situation involves a
quick fix, such as providing missing or incomplete
documentation. However, if the reasons cited for your
application denial involve down payment cost, a low
credit score, an adverse credit history or a high debtto-income ratio, here are six steps you can take toward
recovery:
1. Consult a housing counselor. Consider speaking to
a community-based credit counselor or a Housing and
Urban Development-certified housing counselor. They
can help you create a plan to increase your savings,
decrease your debt, improve your credit, access down
payment assistance or take advantage of first-time
homebuyer programs.
2. Improve your credit. In a 2022 Freddie Mac
survey of consumers denied a mortgage application
in the past four years, three in five cited debt or
credit issues as reasons given for their initial denial.
If this describes you, take time to improve your credit
profile before applying for another loan. Good credit
demonstrates responsible money management and
gives you more purchasing power, opening doors to
better loan terms and products. Visit creditsmart.
freddiemac.com to access Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart
suite of free financial education resources that can
help you understand the fundamentals of credit and
prepare you for homeownership.
3. Pay down debt. In the application process, lenders
will look at your recurring monthly debts, such as car
payments, student loans and credit card loans. By
lowering or paying down monthly debts, you can build
a positive credit history and lower your debt-to-income
ratio. Not sure where to start? Tackle your debt with
the highest interest rate first.
4. Obtain gift funds. If you’re short on money for
your down payment, you may be able to use gift funds
from a family member to decrease the amount you
need to borrow.
5. Find a co-signer. A co-signer applies for the loan
with you, agreeing to take responsibility for the loan
should you default. The co-signer’s credit, income and
debts will be evaluated to make sure they can assume
payments if necessary. In addition to ensuring your cosigner has good credit, you should make sure they are
aware of this responsibility and have sufficient income
to cover the payment.
6. Look for a lower-cost home. Remember, you
should only borrow an amount you feel comfortable
repaying. You may need to look for a lower-cost home
than you’re financially prepared to purchase and
maintain.
For information and additional resources, visit
myhome.freddiemac.com.
If your home loan application is denied, don’t panic.
There are ways to build your eligibility so that next
time, your mortgage application is more likely to be
approved.
How to avoid some of these
common financial errors
Finding a certified financial
planner can help you avoid
financial pitfalls.
NEWSUSA – Deciding to select and partner with
a financial planner to bring all the pieces of your
financial life together is a big step for you and your
future. But before you meet with your certified
financial planner for the first time, you should
familiarize yourself with the financial planning
process, gather key information, have an idea about
your goals and prepare a list of questions.
“You should also have an idea of what your CFP
professional is likely to discuss at the meeting,” said
Elaine King, CFP. “This preparation is very important,
but unfortunately, often forgotten by many new clients
when meeting their financial planner for the first time.”
“I have found that when some clients first meet me,
they spend a lot of time over-explaining or justifying
their prior financial decisions,” said Charles Weeks,
CFP. “In this case, don’t worry. Your CFP professional is
not here to judge you – only to help you.”
Below are some common financial mistakes that
many clients make before they meet with a financial
planner. “If any of these sound familiar to you, you
may want to address them before meeting with your
CFP professional the first time,” Weeks added.
· Insurance issues. Many people don’t know what
their insurance policies cover and don’t cover. “At a
minimum, you need to make sure you carry enough
underlying liability insurance to protect your assets
and income if you are involved in an accident or
lawsuit,” Weeks said.
· Insufficient emergency funds. Weeks said he
rarely sees clients with the recommended “emergency
fund,” three to six months’ worth of nondiscretionary
expenses. It should be kept in a cash or cash
equivalent, so it maintains its expected value and can
be readily available when needed.
· Cash-hoarding concerns. Some cash is good but
Deciding to select and partner with a financial planner to
bring all the pieces of your financial life together is a big
step for you and your future. But before you meet with your
certified financial planner for the first time, you should
familiarize yourself with the financial planning process.
COURTESY
hoarding too much cash can be detrimental. Inflation
will reduce the purchasing power of cash over time.
· Debt-management doubts. “Know the difference
between good and bad debt,” Weeks said. Good
debt is debt we hold on appreciating assets such as a
mortgage or a business loan. Bad debt is debt owed
on depreciating assets, such as high-interest-rate
consumer debts. Bad debts should be prioritized and
paid as quickly as possible.
· Estate-planning procrastination. Your loved
ones need a blueprint on dealing with the financial
consequences of your passing. “By leaving family
members unprepared, you leave them vulnerable to
financial hardship on top of the emotional hardship
they already bear,” said Weeks.
If you are guilty of any of these pitfalls, explain them
to your CFP, and he or she will help develop a sound
financial plan. Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for information
on how to find a CFP, common financial missteps and
how to make the most of that first meeting.
“Your CFP professional is not here to judge you – only to help you.”
Charles Weeks, certified financial planner
NEWSUSA – Winter 2022 promises the perfect storm
for soaring home heating bills. The convergence of
surging energy prices, plummeting temperatures and
escalating demand means optimal energy-efficiency is
more challenging and critical than ever.
Rising global energy prices hit home with forecasts
indicating households could see their bills increase
up to 54%, according to the U.S. Energy Information
Administration. Further, forecasters including the
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and the
Farmer’s Almanac predict a colder-than-normal season.
Rounding out this trifecta, the COVID-19 pandemic has
led to the rise of remote work which is set to accelerate
and become a more permanent fixture, industry
observers say. The good news is that families can
prevent a utility-bill blitz by following simple tips.
· Ease Into Electric: According to Columbia
University’s Earth Institute, electric systems are a
solution to decarbonize home climate control. Among
the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products,
electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered
by companies including Fujitsu General America, can
save as much as 25% on energy bills. Plus, they are
effective with temperatures as low as -15 degrees
Fahrenheit.
· Get “Smart” About Climate Control: When it comes
to smart home temperature control, there are Smart
HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC
systems have built-in Internet capability and can be
controlled without additional equipment. Smart Home
Thermostats create “smart” systems by enabling remote
temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected
device or voice-operated home automation system.
· Voice Your Preference: Most HVAC manufacturers
offer apps that enable systems to be controlled
from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control
capability uses digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa
or Google Home, to verbally dictate temperatures.
Easily controlling the temperature lets homeowners to
be more comfortable and improve energy savings.
· Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone: Many live in
homes designed for bigger families but have yet to
downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of your
home regularly, consider upgrading to a zoned ducted,
or ductless, system. That allows you to save energy
heating and cooling spaces where you and your family
don’t spend much time. This will multiply savings as
you’re not only needing less cooling, but you also gain
from a more efficient system in the spaces you do use.
· Try Low-tech Fixes: Take advantage of the sun’s
energy to heat your home by opening your south-facing
curtains at sunrise to make best use of “passive solar
gain.” Force down warm air. Denser, cooler air stays
closer to the ground, and warmer air rises. So, force it
downwards with a low-speed fan. Insulate and fill the
gaps. Warmed air leaking out around poorly sealed
window frames, power sockets, recessed light fittings,
and other gaps is a big source of heat loss in homes.
Thick curtains help to insulate glass at windows.
If your utility bill is spiking as temperatures dip, a
ductless heating and cooling system is a worthwhile
investment. Visit www.constantcomfort.com.
How young workers can
optimize employee benefits
NEWSUSA – Young adults new to the workforce
have a lot to think about. But when it comes to
compensation, there are ways to make your salary and
benefits work for you. Taking advantage of saving and
investing opportunities now will pay off later.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to save
for retirement is through an employer-sponsored plan.
Many employers offer a 401(k), which allows you to
invest part of each paycheck directly into the plan.
That helps make saving automatic, and pre-tax 401(k)
contributions reduce your taxable income.
Make a Match
Some employers will match a percentage of what
you contribute to your 401(k) up to a certain limit.
The amount of the match varies, and some employers
may not offer this option. But if you have this option,
contribute enough to take advantage of the match. For
example, an employer may match 100% of what you
contribute to your plan up to 3% of your salary, then
50% of the next 2%. If your annual salary is $60,000
and you are able to contribute a total of 5% ($3,000) to
your 401(k), the company match in this example adds
another $2,400 to your retirement fund.
Health Insurance Helpers
Make the most of your employer-sponsored health
insurance by learning details and choosing a plan that
best meets your needs. You may have choices between
a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, which
usually costs less per month but may limit the network
of health care providers you can visit, or a preferred
provider organization (PPO), which usually costs more
but may allow more flexibility for the provider network.
Either way, invest in your health by scheduling regular
checkups: Most plans will cover preventive/wellness
visits at 100% or with a minimal copayment.
Consider Additional Insurance
Some employers provide life insurance benefits.
Additional life insurance, while less important if you
are young and single, may be worth considering if you
have family members to support. Also, don’t discount
disability insurance, which can provide needed income
if you are ill or disabled and can’t work.
Make sure to learn about other benefits that can boost
your finances, such as tuition reimbursement, health
savings accounts or employee stock purchase plans.
Although you may feel comfortable making decisions
about employee benefits on your own, a certified
financial planner professional may be helpful as a
sounding board for your ideas and to discuss how
current benefits decisions fit into your larger financial
planning picture. Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org to find a CFP.
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
ANI GIDUWAGI• ᎠᏂ ᎩᏚᏩᎩ
NOVEMBER 2022
9
McConnell shows no fear busting mutton
United Keetoowah Band
member Desmond McConnell
prepares for a ride during a
mutton busting contest at the
Skiatook Rodeo. Desmond’s
father, Damien McConnell,
assists him out of the chute.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLI
CHEWEY
Desmond holds his second-place trophy and belt buckle at
the Turley Rodeo.
Desmond McConnell rides
a sheep in the 12th annual
Reagor Rodeo. The 5-year-old
has taken two second-place
awards but wants to win
competitions next year.
Keetoowah citizen Desmond McConnell wins
two second-place awards in his first season of
mutton busting.
BY LANI HANSEN
Reporter
CLAREMORE – A young boy who is
only in pre-kindergarten shows no fear as
he takes on mutton busting for the first
time, ending the season with at least two
second-place awards.
Desmond McConnell is the son of
Kelli Chewey and Damien McConnell.
He is the grandson of William and Jane
Chewey. He attends school at Claremont
Elementary in Claremore where he
enjoys making Mr. Potato Head and
playing with his friends.
According to his mother, this was his
first year competing in mutton busting.
Mutton busting is an event held at rodeos
much like bull riding or bronco riding.
For smaller children, mutton busting is
where they ride sheep. McConnell said
he loves to ride on the sheep.
“There has been a couple of times
where he got second place,” she said.
For his first event, his mother said they
just put him in competition at the last
minute to see if he would do any good.
He rode in his first mutton busting at
Southwest City on June 4. Not too long
after his first competition, his parents
took him to ride in Okmulgee at Creek
Fest. Throughout the rest of the summer,
he had gone to ride in Turley and several
events in Skiatook.
“He placed second in Turley and
Skiatook,” Chewey said. “He got a belt
buckle for placing second and a trophy in
Turley.”
With no training at all, Chewey said
after his first competition he did well.
“We don’t have any type of practice
arena,” she said. “We just sign him up
and he goes. Usually, his dad will be in
the chutes with him to help put him on
the sheep.”
Chewey said during one of his rides
Desmond had a sheep step on him, but
he just got up as if it did not hurt him.
“He’s a tough kid,” Chewey said. “He
was born with a bilateral cleft lip and
palate, so he’s been through lots of
surgeries, but he is tough. His first year
after being born we had to take a couple
of trips to Shreveport and we’re thankful
the tribe helped us out.”
Desmond enjoys mutton busting, so
his mom plans on keeping him going for
next season. He hopes to be good enough
to win first place next year, that is his big
plan.
10
NOVEMBER 2022
CULTURE•ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
Berry speaks to OU students UKB museum sets
upcoming events
BY MARILYN CRAIG
UKB Museum Public Relations Coordinator
NORMAN – John Hair Cultural Center Museum
Director Ernestine Berry was a guest lecturer on Sept.
19 for students focusing on Indigenous Studies at the
University of Oklahoma.
Berry spoke to students at a luncheon and at a
dinner that same evening. In the afternoon, she
recorded a podcast with Dr. Farina King, associate
professor and the Horizon Award Chair of Ecology and
Culture at OU. King introduced Berry and the United
Keetoowah Band.
“Ernestine holds a master’s degree from OU
in museum studies, a master’s in education
administration from Northeastern State University,
and has an art degree from the University of Tulsa,”
King said. “She wears many hats. She is an artist, an
educator, a public speaker, an intellectual speaker and
a historian. She is a community leader and is out there
getting involved with her tribal nation.”
Ernestine began her presentation talking about how
the UKB in Oklahoma got its name. She clarified that
the word “Cherokee” is not a word in the Keetoowah
language but a name that was given by others. The
Keetoowah referred to themselves as “Ani du wa gi.”
But, since government treaties were written with
Keetoowah ancestors as Cherokees, the name had to
continue on officially.
She discussed theCherokee Old Settlers and their
motivation to move west to the Arkansas Territory to
get away from the Europeans and mixed cultures. This
was in 1817, before the Trail of Tears, which in 183839 brought the remaining Cherokees.
“Our ancestors sacrificed a lot to get us here. It took
them 14 years under the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act
and the Indian Reorganization Act to get approval in
1950,” said Berry.
Berry talked about the trend in tribes seeking
to have their own museums, their own archives,
beginning to tell their own stories and said it was
something admirable for them to do, and it was
something that each tribe needs to do.
“So many documents and archival items have
been lost over the years to our tribes and to our
people because there was no place to keep them,”
she said. “That’s what had happened with the United
Keetoowah Band. We had no place to keep our papers,
our important papers, that we really needed to keep.
So, we went out to different places and got copies of
some of those things. It is very important that we, as
native people tell our own story, in our own voice, in
the way that we know it should be told, and that’s
what we do at the John Hair Museum.”
Berry said at one time, tribal secretaries would keep
records at their homes. Since some of these people
were elderly and upon their death their children or
grandchildren did not know what to do with those
records, some were lost. She said they went to various
places, homes, museums and libraries. She was at the
The John Hair Cultural Center
and Museum will host an
Indigenous Athletes display
and the UKB Traditions
Keepers Show & Sale.
BY MARILYN CRAIG
UKB Museum Public Relations Coordinator
John Hair Cultural Center Museum Director Ernestine Berry
speaks to University of Oklahoma students about preserving
Indigenous heritage. MARILYN CRAIG/UKB MUSUEM
Five Civilized Tribes Museum and was visiting the
archivist there and looked over and saw a box labeled
“Keetoowah.”
“When we opened it, we discovered the original
membership cards of the tribe,” Berry said. “We were
able to get those back, thankfully. We are still on the
hunt for more documents. One thing we were able to
get back, was our 1859 Constitution, which addresses
the Civil War and was written to prevent Keetoowah
from fighting each other. They did not want to fight,
but if they had to, they wanted to fight with the North.
They did not want to side with the South. They knew
how the South treated people. At the end of the war,
the Keetoowah were awarded a flag for their service to
the country and we have that flag in our museum.”
Berry also highlighted the current language program
and projects that are ongoing.
“We have a group of language teachers developing
lesson plans with the goal to teach children and to
do this teaching in each community and at home
with the hopes of perpetuating future generations of
speakers. This project was funded by the Institute of
Museum and Library Services, a federal agency. We
also recorded 12 Keetoowah speakers and got them
on film. We are in the process of translating them
and putting in English sub-titles. This project was
funded by the American Rescue plan, through the
Administration for Native Americans,” she said.
Berry finished the presentation talking about the
traditional arts, crafts and games and the preservation
of that through classes at the museum and in outreach
programs.
She addressed student’s questions including one
about the Cherokee syllabary and let them know that
Sequoyah was Keetoowah and was an Old Settler in
Arkansas.
If you would like to book a presentation about
UKB history or a cultural presentation for your
organization, call the JHCCM at 918-871-2819.
UKB RedPony Film
Academy shows value
Students learn about
storytelling from in
front of and behind the
camera.
BY MARILYN CRAIG
UKB Museum Public Relations
Coordinator
TAHLEQUAH – Eleven students
interested in learning about the film
industry and making documentary films
attended the RedPony Film Academy,
hosted by the United Keetoowah Band’s
John Hair Cultural Center and Museum.
The group of mostly Keetoowah tribal
members, along with members of other
tribes, participated in the four-day
learning camp from Sept. 28 to Oct 1.
“We learned about camera work and
what it takes to set everything up to look
good on TV or the big screen. There is just
so much that goes on behind the camera
and what it takes to get everything ready
to shoot,” UKB tribal member Marcus
Thompson said. “I was surprised that they
let us use their high dollar equipment
after the first day and meeting the actors
they had on Zoom sessions.”
The class was presented by RedPony
Films, which is based in Arizona. Its
owner is film industry professional Dr.
Eddie Webb, a UKB tribal member, who
designed, coordinated and presented the
firsthand learning experience. He was
joined by filmmakers Keegan Choffat
and Paul Hickey. The curriculum covered
using Cannon Camera equipment, setting
lights and sound levels and filming,
interview techniques and more. Ninety
percent of the footage was captured at
the Keetoowah Celebration. The group
focused on interviews of tribal members,
especially elders and Tradition Keepers.
“Working with Ernestine Berry,
Barbara Foster and the UKB leadership
to organize a RedPony Film Academy for
our tribal citizens was a blessing that I
hope will continue. I have been teaching
research documentaries production for
several years, but to come home and to
feel the acceptance, the language, and
the love of our UKB nation is the pinnacle
RedPony Film Academy students interview
2022 UKB Tradition Keeper Char Wolfe,
who was recognized for traditional crafts.
MARILYN CRAIG/UKB MUSEUM
of why,” said Webb. “Paul Hickey, Keegan
Choffat and I are committed to bring
our filmmaking academies to Indigenous
nations.”
Academy attendees were excited by the
opportunity to tell stories and show how
they wanted them seen on film.
“I think the biggest thing that surprised
me about the class was that there are
so many opportunities when it comes to
the film industry. We are so accustomed
to knowing the people that are in front
of the camera, but not exposed to the
behind-the-scenes process that takes
place when it comes to film production,”
Trista Vaughn, UKB tribal member, said.
Conference participants were David
Barnoski, Olivia Briggs, Kelsey Nicolette
Cooper, Christopher Coursey, Marilyn
Craig, Aubrey Mouse, Samuel O’Field,
Thompson, Amadeus Thorne, Vaughn
and Tiana Watie.
“For me, this experience has ignited
my passion to pursue working in the film
industry. Dr. Webb and his associates,
Keegan and Paul, have made an impact
in my life within the brief time they were
here to just go for it,” Vaughn said. “I am
so glad I got this experience and I want
to pursue a career in the film industry
with producing or script writing.”
Webb had a message for the students
who attended the academy. “Your energy
and work ethic has been all-inspiring,
and if the Creator makes a way, we will
be back for a production and a postproduction academy.”
TAHLEQUAH – Here are some of the upcoming events
for the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians’
John Hair Cultural Center and Museum at 18280 W.
Keetoowah Circle.
Indigenous Athletes
Currently on display in the Keetoowah museum
through Nov. 28, Indigenous Athletes reflects the
success of a variety of Natives, who are Keetoowah and
other tribal nations. This sports exhibit is the personal
property of James McIntosh, UKB Cherokee. The display
is a portion of 40 years of research of Native Americans
and their contributions in sports history.
“Native Americans have a very close kinship with
sports and cultural games. And all have their unique
sporting events and traditional games. Native
Americans have been participating in organized sports
before Oklahoma became a state,” said McIntosh.
UKB Tradition Keepers Show & Sale
The JHCCM will host the
UKB Tradition Keepers Show
& Sale. The show opens on
Dec. 2 and will run through
Dec. 16. Tradition Keepers
are outstanding individuals
dedicated to continuing the
Keetoowah Cherokee culture
through practicing a variety of
ancient skills and traditions.
They must be unselfish with their craft and willing to
share their knowledge with other members and the
public. During December, many items will be for sale
and multiple artists will demonstrate throughout the
run of the show.
The JHCCM is the central holding place for all history
and cultural objects for the UKB. Visitors will find
permanent and temporary exhibits within the building,
as well as a gift shop with authentic, handmade
Keetoowah items. The 1949 Keetoowah Base Roll is
also on display for visitors to the museum who wish to
trace their family names. The JHCCM is managed by
Director Ernestine Berry. For museum inquiries related
to exhibits, cultural items or the gift shop, call 918-8712866.
To keep up on the latest happenings at the JHCCM
follow it on Facebook, visit www.ukb-nsn.gov or call
918-871-2819.
CULTURE•ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
United Keetoowah Band Chief Joe Bunch speaks during the 72nd annual Keetoowah Celebration, which was held Sept. 29 to
Oct. 1 in Tahlequah. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Winners crowned at
Celebration events
BY STAFF REPORTS
TAHLEQUAH – Following is the
list of results from each competition at the 72nd annual Keetoowah
Celebration.
Car Show
Original Cars
1900-1959
1st Place: Jerry Kelly
1960-1973
1st Place: Bert Hoover
2nd Place: Tom Johnson
1974-1999
1st Place: Richard Ingram
2000-Present
1st Place: Mike and Phyllis Baker
2nd Place: Bob Hickman
Modified Cars
1960-1973
1st Place: Norman Cobb
2nd Place: Dwayne Fain
1974-1999
1st Place: Chad Jones
2000-Present
1st Place: Charles Moncooyea
2nd Place: Keneth Blossom
Original Trucks
1960-1979
1st Place: Patricia Cobb
2nd Place: Walter Dill
1980-1999
1st Place: Derek Hawk
2nd Place: Seneca McIntosh
2000-Present
1st Place: Curtis Fourkiller
2nd Place: Sharon Phillips
Modified Trucks
1900-1959
1st Place: Breanna Ingram
2nd Place: Brent Roberts
1980-1999
1st Place: Tyler Evans
2nd Place: Joshua Bluebird
Special Interest
1st Place: Michael Hawk
2nd Place: Charles Greenwood
Rat Rod
1st Place: Billy Whitekiller
Jeep
1st Place: Jami Murphy
Hoods are popped on these cars during the Keetoowah Celebration’s Car Show. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
2nd Place: Darren Ketcher
Indian Car: Kenneth Hawk
Chief’s Choice: Todd Downing
Princess Choice:Bob Hickman
Best of Show: Curtis Lamb
Cornhole Tournament
1st Place: Kaleb and Cameron Kingfisher
2nd Place: Delbert Foreman and
Seth Fore
3rd Place: Gage Foreman and Ty
Drywater
4th Place: Matthew Creekkiller and
Jacob Foreman
5th Place: Sheldon Davis and Trey
Drywater
Horseshoes
Women’s 1st Place: Lindsey Bark
Women’s 2nd Place: Hillary Cochran
Men’s 1st Place: Mitchell Smith
Men’s 2nd Place: Billy Vann
Volleyball Tournament
1st Place: The Native Mob
Congratulations to all the winners
and wado to all participants of the
Keetoowah Celebration events.
Assistant Chief Jeff Wacoche poses with other golfers during
the Golf Tournament. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Michelle Downing and Charlotte Wolfe show off their plaques for being named the UKB’s 2022
Tradition Keepers. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Members of the winning volleyball team , The Native Mob,
flash some cash for their efforts. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA
CHEROKEE NEWS
NOVEMBER 2022
11
Cameron and Kaleb Kingfisher show off their prize money
for winning the Cornhole competition. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA
CHEROKEE NEWS
Seneca McIntosh, left, and Hominy Littledave of the
Keetoowah Honor Guard enjoy the 72nd annual Celebration.
LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
A truck sits with its hood popped during the Celebration’s Car
Show. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Miss Keetoowah Kitana Foreman visits with the public during the Keetoowah Celebration. LANI
HANSEN/GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
The Blaine Bailey Band performs at the Celebration. From left
are Bailey, Jace walker and Richard Wood. LANI HANSEN/
GIDUWA CHEROKEE NEWS
Young anglers try their luck during the annual Keetoowah
Celebration’s Kids Fishing Derby. LANI HANSEN/GIDUWA
CHEROKEE NEWS
WADO TO ALL THOSE WHO HELPED MAKE THE 72ND ANNUAL KEETOOWAH CELEBRATION POSSIBLE
12
ON SALE NOW!
NOVEMBER 2022
ᎩᏚᏩ ᏣᎳᎩ
The UKB Media Department’s Yansa (Buffalo) T-shirts
are still available for $20. Limited sizes and quantity are
available. Visit the UKB Services Building and ask for Media.
Cash only, please.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.