GYAH’-WISHGYAH’-WISH ATAK-IAATAK-IA Presorted Standard POSTAGE PAID THE TURTLE SPEAKS PERMIT NO. 4 THE TURTLE SPEAKS Wyandotte, OK 74370

© VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2 May 2008

Gyah’-wish Atak-ia Public Notice Board of Directors Leaford Bearskin The Election Committee of the at the ’s annual meeting on Chief Wyandotte Nation has determined Saturday, September 6, 2008. Billy Friend that there are no open posts Elective posts will be available the Second Chief Ramona Reid for elective office within the following year, 2009. Councilperson government of the Wyandotte Vivian Fink Nation for 2008. Therefore, it is not Donna Mercer, Chairman Councilperson necessary to hold an annual election Election Committee Chairman Norman Hildebrand Councilperson Juanita McQuistion Councilperson Gyah’-wish Atak-ia is published Wyandotte Clans quarterly for tribal members by the Wyandotte Clans the DNA of Life final adoption could have been in a quiet Wyandotte Nation at its headquarters in Lloyd Divine ceremony by simply being presented Wyandotte, . Inquiries may be to the clan chief by one of the addressed to: The Wyandotte Nation At the young age of eight years a party councilwomen; or it may have been 64700 E Hwy 60 of Wyandot and Seneca captured Robert observed with much celebration if the Wyandotte, OK 74370 Armstrong in 1783, four miles upriver clan council thought it necessary. (918) 678-2297 or from Fort Pitt on the Allegheny River. Robert was fortunate and his adoption (800) 256-2539 Another young adult with Robert didn’t purposeful, he could not have known it at fax (918) 678-2944 fair as well. He was killed because the time but he was destined to be a (C) Copyright 2008. All information, Robert’s abduction was most likely for cornerstone of the tribe, as other young photographs, and other materials are the sole purpose of replenishing a loss adopted white boys were with last names copyrighted, and may not be reproduced suffered by someone within the tribe and such as Zane and Brown. Robert was without prior written consent of the hence the young boy was chosen. adopted into the Wyandot during one of Wyandotte Nation. Ultimately kept and taken by the Wyandot the greatest times of influence for the to , Robert’s name was changed to tribe in the Ohio Valley. It too was a time Contents..... O-no-ran-do-Roh, and adopted into the of great change and the adoption of Letter from the Chiefs ...... 2 Big Turtle clan. His adoption was blind whites into the tribe both in Ohio Letter by Chief ...... 3 to the fact that he was white, and and served to enhance and immediately he benefited from a society strengthen; but in later years through Wyandotte Clans ...... 4,5,&7 and social structure that accepted him intermarriages, and not formal adoptions, Member News ...... 6 with perfect harmony into a system that the tribe was weakened. Weakened from Tribal Department Reports .. 8-11 was as old as time. His being placed into the sole perspective that the timeless Education Department ...... 12-13 the Big Turtle clan came through his knowledge held by the clans and their Calendar of Events ...... 13 adopted mother; any child born or, as in inherent dependency on clan, family and Publications ...... 14 Robert’s case, adopted, was assured tribe; was ultimately lost to stories Pictures ...... 15 placement into the mother’s clan by the preserved in books and journals. clan chief at the Green Corn Feast. His (continued on page 4) Services Provided ...... 16 Page 2 Gyah’-wish Atakia MAY 2008 The Chief Says...... Spring has sprung again. blessed with good people. Green grass, flowers, new Our teamwork and working leaves, and spring breezes are together are responsible for our everywhere. Even the spring success. I encourage all to atmosphere fills all our days extend our efforts to all our and nights with anticipation of endeavors to better our good things to come. services to our people. Our Wyandotte casinos, our City casino, and our Economic Development programs are being infused with spring-like responses to our efforts to provide better services to our people. Chief Leaford Bearskin The Wyandotte Nation is truly From Billy Friend - Second Chief

question asked is “How is Chief believes and has Chief Bearskin?” and then the confidence in us and he individual goes on to say what appreciates what we do. respect that they have for him. Whenever a new employee For the past 10 years that I comes on board, a part of the have been here, I have learned a orientation process is that they great deal from Chief. Most of are taken in and introduced to what I have learned has not been Chief Bearskin. The first thing so much from the things he has he tells the individual is that we Kweh, said, but from observing his operate by the 4 letter word actions each and everyday and “CARE”. We care about one I pray that this month’s letter how he interacts with people. another and the ones we serve finds all doing well and From a young child to a and that everybody that walks enjoying the springtime Wyandotte Elder, what I have through our doors is a VIP. weather. learned is that the reason people Chief often says that his first I want to say again what an love Chief is because Chief career in the military he did out honor and privilege it is for me loves people. I read once that of service for his country. His to serve you as Second Chief good leaders inspire their people second career in civil service he and to work with Chief Bearskin to have confidence in them. did out of need to provide for his each day. The Wyandotte Great leaders inspire their family, but when he began his Nation has been blessed for the followers to have confidence in third career, as Chief of our past 25 years to have a man of themselves. It’s wonderful Nation, he did and continues to such stature. When I travel when people believe in their do out of love for the Wyandotte across the country and represent leader. It’s more wonderful people. Most people are our Nation at meetings, the when the leader believes in the unaware that Chief never took a Wyandottes are well recognized people. Anytime that we gather salary from the tribe for the first because of Chief’s proven here as a staff and Chief is in 21 years and never asked for leadership over the years. When attendance, there is one thing one. After much arm twisting I introduce myself, the first we all leave the meeting with - (continued on next page) MAY 2008 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 3 Letter by Chief Written by Chief Leaford Bearskin God. were also very proud. in July 1960 just prior to his retire- One time an enemy from across Today there is no war – but ment from the Air the Big Water made war on our neither is their peace- for our Force. friends and our Great White Father people or the white man. spoke again and said, “We must All Indians are still proud. Some I AM AN INDIAN help our friends. Stop farming for still need care, some still need I am Kwa-hoo-sha-ha-ki (Flying a while and be warriors again.” food, some still need clothing, and Eagle). I am an Indian. I am This they did. When this Big War many still need education. We proud. I am an American Indian was over, my people again farmed, do not ask for charity – only and I am both thankful and proud. kept house, and learned the ways assistance, justice, and Many, many moons ago my of the white man. They did this for understanding. people hunted and fished and lived twenty summers and winters, We have pride and we have in the forests and by the streams which was a long time. Some of dignity. around two great bodies of water, our men and women learned to I am Kwa-hoo-sha-ha-ki. I am an since named Lake Erie and Lake love the white people and married Indian. I am proud. I am a citizen Huron by the white man. My them. The white man’s medicine of the best country in the world. I people were peaceful and happy seemed to be good. Some of our am proud of that too. and made war on only those who people grew big, some did not. trespassed or threatened. Our But, all of them tried hard – and Leaford Bearskin warriors were fierce and they were proud. Lt. Colonel, USAF (Ret.) courageous. When the white man Again an enemy from across the Member of the Wyandotte Nation came, they fought hard and well, Big Water trespassed against our July 1960 but the white man was too good friends and our great country. powerful and too many. My people Once again the Great White Father moved west toward the setting sun. spoke and said, “We need warriors 2nd Chief Again, the white man came. to fight for our good friends and Again, we moved – south this our great country.” And, once (continued from page 2) time. When there was no place else again, my people quit being and persuasion, we convinced to move to, the white man’s Big farmers, quit being school him in 2004 to accept a salary. Chief said, “Go here to this place” teachers, quit being storekeepers, There is no way that we could – so they did. He said to farm and quit being ministers, and quit ever repay him for what he has plant gardens and build houses. being statesmen. They took up the done for the tribe over the past These things were new and strange white man’s war paint and years. to my people. They were hunters tomahawk. I, myself, fought our Chief often says that there are and fishermen and warriors. The enemy over the great waters of the over 400 federally recognized Great White Father spoke to my Pacific. I fought with the white people and said, “Farm, plant, go man’s tools – airplanes, bombs, tribes in the United States but the to school, learn the white man’s and machine guns. Our white Wyandotte Nation is number one. ways” – so they did. Always they man’s medicine was strong and the I would say that there are over were poor, many times they were enemy was defeated. Many of our 400 chiefs in the country but cold and hungry, often sickness warriors went to this fight. Some Chief Leaford Bearskin is number came and the medicine men could became heroes, even in the eyes of one. We are truly blessed to have not cure because the sickness was the white man. They fought hard him as our Chief. from the white man and Indian and they fought well. There were medicine was not good. They some who did not return. They always were proud. Our warriors went to the Happy Hunting Billy Friend became farmers and our women Ground from Pearl Harbor, 2nd Chief learned to sew and cook and keep Bataan, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, house. Our children went to the Anzio, Normandy, and many other white man’s school and church and faraway places. Their friends and learned about his ways and his relatives were very sad – but they Page 4 Gyah’-wish Atakia MAY 2008 Wyandotte Clans (continued) (continued from page 1) size of the clan. All business pertaining to other clans were arranged in a circular The following information comes from the internal affairs of the clans was heard order around in their proper place; with such sources, as no one alive today has by the clan council. An appeal was the except the Wolf clan, which could be intimate, first-hand knowledge of the allowed from the clan council to the in the center on the turtle's back, or at the ancient clan system and its structure. At tribal council; but these events would turtle's head which was most usually the the turn of the last century, two have been rare as the authority of the clan case. The sachem sat in the center or in gentlemen, William Elsey Connelley anciently superseded that of the tribe in front of the door entering the council (1855-1930), and Charles Marius respect to each clan member’s affairs. chamber, which would have been at the Barbeau (1883-1969), were instrumental The women of the clan council oversaw turtle’s head. In ancient times all villages in preserving oral traditions and knowl- the clan affairs and chose the clan chief, were built in this order as on the shell of edge of the clans from Kansas Wyandot which to some degree was hereditary. The the Big Turtle, and when on the move and the Oklahoma Wyandotte tribal council was composed of the clan they traveled in procession following the respectively. Today their work among chiefs, the hereditary sachem, and other same arrangement. others, are the only insights we hold and men of the tribe as the sachem, with Clans were separated into two divisions. cherish that gives us knowledge of a consent of the tribal council so chose. In The first consisted of the Bear, Deer, system that was invisibly pure, totally determining an issue whether clan or trib- Snake and Hawk. The second contained encompassing and as natural as life itself. al, the vote was by clans, and not by indi- the Big Turtle, , Mud Turtle, The clans were life, the preservation of a viduals. In matters of importance, which Beaver, Porcupine, Striped Turtle and pure genetic heritage for the tribe, but an most cases always were, they required a Highland Turtle. The mediator of the ancient culture could not have known unanimous vote among the clans to carry tribe was the Wolf, which stood between they were for that purpose and much out a judgment. the divisions, and bore a cousin relation more. The twelve clans and the names they to each. All the clans of each division The births of the clans are hidden in called themselves are as follows: bore the relation of brothers or sisters to obscurity and are of pagan religious 1. Big Turtle; the people or the clan, one another, and the clans of one division origin as we can interpret them today. We which bears up the Great Island (earth). bore the relation of cousins to those of the have learned about them from the 2. Little Turtle; the people or the clan, other division. Marriage was arranged Wyandot folklore as recorded by which keeps the heavens. according to this relationship. A man of Connelley and Barbeau. The ancient 3. Mud Turtle; the people or the clan, the first division could only marry a Wyandot believed that they had which digs through the earth. woman from the second division, and descended from the animals, for which 4. Wolf; the people or the clan, which vice versa. As the system began to their clans were named. The animals are smells a bone. crumble and clans became extinct, not the same animals of today as they 5. Bear; the people or the clan of the marriage ultimately applied only to the were deities, zoological gods and creators claws. clans and not the divisions, a man was of the universe. The Big Turtle made the 6. Beaver; the people or the clan of the permitted to marry a woman of any clan Great Island, and is supposed to bear it on house builders. but his own. If a man of the Big Turtle his back to this day. The Little Turtle 7. Deer; the people or the clan of the clan married a woman of the Porcupine made the sun, moon, and many of the horns. clan, all of his children were Porcupine, stars. The Mud Turtle made a hole 8. Porcupine; the people or the clan of the because the clans always follows the through the Great Island for the sun to quill. woman and never the man. Distribution pass through as well as the future home of 9. Striped Turtle; the people or the clan, of property was the same; the son could every Wyandot after their death. In this which carries the colors. inherit nothing from his father, because land of the afterlife the clans, traditions, 10. Highland Turtle; the people or the they were always of different clans. A language and government of the Wyandot clan, which carried the house. man’s property descended to his nearest is preserved in its purity by the Little 11. Snake; the people or the clan, which relation through his mother, usually the People, a race of pygmies created to carries the trail. eldest nephew. assist the Wyandot. 12. Hawk; the people or the clan of the The woman was always the head of the We’re also told that the Wyandot were feather. Wyandot family but parents were not anciently divided into twelve clans. Each The clans are listed in what was called permitted to name their children as the clan had its own government, consisting the Order of Precedence and clan gave them their names. Names were of a clan council presided over by a clan Encampment. The oldest clan and clan given once a year at the Green Corn Feast chief. The clan councils were composed held with the highest esteem was the Big by the clan chief. If a child was born the of at least five persons, one man and four Turtle. When in council, the clan chiefs of week following the Green Corn Feast, he women, but they might contain any the Big Turtle sat on what would be the or she had to wait a year before receiving number of women depending upon the right fore-leg of the Big Turtle and the (continued on next page) MAY 2008 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 5 Wyandotte Clans (continued) (continued from previous page) 1801; they had a son and named him , when the Wyandotte their name. All Wyandot names have George. We’re unaware as to what clan were reinstated as a Federally their roots in the clan system. The basic his wife belonged to, so George’s clan is Recognized Tribe, there were essence of the Wyandot social and a mystery, but too it’s incidental. George, approximately 200 living there at the political system was not the family or the in turn, married Ska’ Mehn-Dah-teh time. How can a people exist and individual, but the clan. The child (Elizabeth) the daughter of Mononcue in continue to live under a clan system that belonged to its clan first, and then to its 1831, she was of the Porcupine clan. obviously has been decimated because of parents. George and Elizabeth, note the use of the lack of people to support its The formation of clan names demanded English names, even though they had continuation? They can’t. Seeing the that they originate from some part of the been given clan names they carried and crisis at hand and trying to hold on to animal from which the clan was supposed used their English names instead of their what was already in place tribal leaders to be descended. Or they might reflect Wyandot, which diminished their true enacted policy to stabilize tribal some element in which the animal lived. identity within the clans. This was government with what clan identities Regardless, a proper name was always a occurring more frequently early in the were already in place. This was an distinctive badge of the clan bestowing it nineteenth century. They had six children. inherent, yet futile attempt to prolong the and immediately identified to which clan The Third, born in 1838, was Eliza and inevitable demise of the clans and you were a member. Every clan had its she too would have been Porcupine. Eliza Wyandotte culture in whole. By the end unwritten list of names, and this list was married John Bland, a white man from of the following generation everything its exclusive property. Barbeau makes Kentucky. She and John lived on the far but the memories of what once was, was reference to a list that he made in western line of what was once the all but lost. 1911-1912 while in Oklahoma of many Wyandot Reservation in Kansas. They John Bland, Jr. would have been a proper clan names that could be recalled too had six children, the fifth and eldest Porcupine following the progression from the memory of a few elders. That son they named John Bland, Jr. in 1867 as from his mother Eliza Armstrong Bland. list is supposedly locked away in the they were moving to Oklahoma for John married a white woman named Lula Canadian Museum of Civilization in inclusion on their rolls. This move Armsby; being white she had no clan. Ottawa. purposefully separated them from the What has now happened? Since clans are When a name was given to a child or an Absentee Wyandot that accepted U.S. inherited through the mother, where one adoptee the councilwomen stood by the citizenship in Kansas, which included now doesn’t exist the clan lineage is clan chief, and gave him the name of each many of Eliza’s immediate family broken for future Bland generations, child, he in turn announced the name of members. starting with John and Lula’s children. the child to their parents. When death left Now we can find the two prime Clans couldn’t have been reinstated even any clan name unused, the next child examples of what weakened the clan for some of their grandchildren if one of born into the clan, if of the same sex of system to the point that it was ultimately their four children had remarried into the name, was given the unused name. If set aside and abandoned. another Wyandotte family, that still had no children were born, an adopted The first is; to our knowledge John, Jr. their clan identity intact. John and Lula individual was given the name. This was never received a Wyandot name. Being had all girls. Time and unfortunate an unchangeable law, and there was only born to a white father living on what was probability had finally caught up with the one exception. When a child was born once Wyandot land in Kansas, tribe. In this case two negatives doesn’t due to an extraordinary or odd event, or immediately being moved as an infant; make a positive. with some distinguishing mark, or without the presence and support of the Following my generational stream no there was an adoptee under the same clans the opportunity was never one has remarried into another Wyandotte circumstances, the councilwomen presented. After the Treaty of 1855 when family with clan knowledge, and from developed a name that better represented the majority of Wyandot accepted John, Jr. we are now four generations the individual. These special names died citizenship with allotment and ultimate removed. This situation is the primary with their owners, and were never passed sell of the land, a state of confusion, reason the clan system failed, because along. unsettlement, disorganization, loss of once it materialized it wasn’t just As began marrying identity and purpose along with the need localized families that felt its effects it whites with greater frequency two to just survive prevailed. A short twelve was tribal. The ancient Wyandotte clan fundamental things happened that years earlier the same happened to the system wasn’t flawed, because when in a challenged the existence and need for the tribe when leaving Ohio. Twice in such a pristine, innocent and untarnished state it clans. I will illustrate them again using short amount of time is devastating to any worked perfectly. A clan system like the Robert Armstrong from which my family tribe and their inherent culture including Wyandotte once had had no tolerance or descended. clans. exceptions for deviation. Official Robert married a full-blood Wyandot in Most people don’t realize that in 1867 (continued on page 7) Page 6 Gyah’-wish Atakia MAY 2008 Member News Internship “Oklahoma” Internship Programs Summer 2008 On March 28, 2008, the Wyandotte Public Schools put on the musical Wyandotte Tribal Corporation (WTC) production “Oklahoma”. The cast is the economic arm of the Wyandotte was made up of students from the Nation and under its umbrella has elementary school up to the high several entities including Wyandotte school, as well as several teachers. Casino, Wyandotte Net Tel and There were several Wyandotte Tribal Wyandotte Services among others. Members in the cast including Cindy These companies provide financial Betts who is also an employee at the resources for programs that benefit Wyandotte Nation Preschool. Cindy tribal members. Some of which are: played the major role of Aunt Eller. Turtle Tots Preschool, Seniors Program, the Bearskin Health Care and Wellness Center and housing. Memorial This year WTC is pleased to announce a program for summer internships for The Wyandotte Nation will host a tribal members currently enrolled in Memorial Day Service 10a.m., American Indian a program of study at a college or Monday, May 26, 2008 in the Bland university who have completed their Cemetery. They will be honoring sophomore year. Positions will be Irvin P. Long, Former Chief of the Report limited due to financial constraints and Wyandotte Nation 1883-1886. Mr. handled on a first serve basis. Long fought in the Mexican War. Falmouth Institute, a highly For those students who have With the help from family and respected consulting firm in Indian graduated high school and will be friends, a military stone has been Country, puts out a monthly attending college in the fall, they placed on his grave. The public is magazine with issues concerning may apply for a position with the Indian Country. They recently made corporation and will be considered if welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information and their magazine digital. This allows there are available funds. them to distribute their magazine There will be positions available in directions, contact Tribal for free to tribal members and tribal casino operations, accounting, Headquarters, 1-678-2297. information technology and human governments. Members can sign-up resources. for a free subscription by going to Students interested learning more or www.americanindianreport.com. applying for one of these positions Once there you will be directed to should contact: enter your e-mail address. When the David Zacharias issue is ready each month, you will Director of Human Resources receive an e-mail with a link to the Wyandotte Tribal Corporation Roll # 1908 web site where the issue is stored. 918-678-3030 X-25 E-mail: [email protected] Each edition of the tribal newsletter will include a Roll Job Hotline PLEASE SEND YOUR Number. The lucky tribal MEMBER NEWS TO: 1-877-WYN-DOTT TURTLE TALK member will receive a tribal (1-877-996-3688) 64700 E HWY 60 t-shirt mailed to them. Contact Announcements WYANDOTTE, OK 74370 Kim García at 918-678-2297 ext. OR FAX TO Only (918) 678-2944 217 to claim your prize. MAY 2008 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 7 Wyandotte Clans (continued) (continued from page5) heritage. Many families today don’t even and cracking its code without a viable adoption at the clan and tribal level was know to which clan their ancestors once living example would be impossible, and their solution to potential deviation, that belonged. An official tribal list wasn’t an insult to the thousands upon thousands unbeknown to the ancient mothers, would kept of who belonged to what clan. Those of lives as lived by its unspoken, be set aside for “licensed” marriage who are fortunate to know their clan what unpublished code. It would be like taking among people from external cultures. do they do? Just pick it up and continue DNA from an alligator (white culture) Today we’re faced with a persistent and on from where it was lost almost 150 and putting it into a turtle (Wyandotte very perplexing request, “…let’s reinstate years ago? Some may not be as far culture), we would be creating something the clans.” The big question is how? removed but time isn’t the issue, it’s the that didn’t exist prior, and the What has happened to my family’s clan fact that it’s been broken. If reinstated consequences could be immediate or not heritage is not unique, as just about all what do we have clans or clubs? Clans felt for generations. But it would be Wyandotte families have a broken clan were as DNA to the ancient Wyandotte inevitably felt. Page 8 Gyah’-wish Atakia MAY 2008 Tribal Department Reports

Wyandotte Nation Environmental Wyandotte Schools. It was a great Department success and we hope to do it again next Jan. thru Mar. 2008 year.

January found us doing our routine monthly monitoring. We also brought our weather station back on line after resolving problems created by the Dec. ice storm. Janice and Kathy attended a book signing at the LEAD agency office. The book is a documentary on Our department will do free Bacteria Tar Creek that several tribes and other Tests on private wells for Wyandotte entities were involved in producing. Nation Tribal Members and is seeking Janice attended a TECO meeting in 10 Tribal Members on a private well Stroud, OK on the 15th. With Christen On March 11, Kathy and Janice flew system to do testing for heavy metals. on maternity leave, Kathy has been to Dallas to attend an EPA RTOC working diligently with EPA project conference. March 17-19 Janice For more information you may contact officers on our Quality Assurance attended an EPA Training in Edmond, our department at 918-678-2297. Project Plan(QAPP) for the Water 106 OK. She learned how to enter our water Christen Lee, Environmental Director grant. data into EPA’s STORET database. Our (x241) In February, Janice, Kathy, and Earl outdoor classroom (Gazebo) has Kathleen Welch, Environmental attended the Environmental Education arrived and with warm weather coming Assistant (x235) Expo at NSU in Broken Arrow. We soon we will utilize it. It is a great asset Janice Wilson, Environmental came away with several new ideas to to our environmental education Technician (x245) use in our environmental education program. Earl Salisbury, Education and Water program and Earl scored us some Tech ( x252) worms for a worm bed we were planning. Kathy has completed and sent Title VI in the QAPP for our Water 106 grant and it has been approved. Many thanks ELDER SERVICES go out to her for her hard work. Kathy The Administration on Aging (AoA) is and Janice attended a Tri State Mining convening a Training and Technical Area Trustee Council meeting on Feb. Assistance Forum at the tribally-owned 19-21 in Pittsburg, KS. We were glad to Mystic Lake Casino-Hotel in see Christen return from maternity Shakopee, a suburb of Minneapolis, leave. Minnesota on April 28-May 1, 2008. March found us planning for our Keep In cooperation with the Bearskin During the Forum, AoA also plans America/Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Fitness Center and Health Clinic, we major activities to celebrate the 30th activities. We opened with an will have a community garden. It will anniversary of the Title VI program. Environmental Festival at the City of be located just south of the Fitness Congress passed and President Carter Wyandotte’s Community Building. Center and planting day is May 6. signed Title VI legislation in 1978. Exhibitors from the Eastern Everyone is welcome to come plant They will recognize the significant Tribe, NRCS, Red Cedar Recycling, some veggies and when they produce, contributions that the program has Service Recycling, Joplin Recycling, gather them for personal use. made to improve the lives of older LEAD Agency, OSU Extension As always, we stay very busy doing Indians over the past 30 years. Office,(Miami), Grand Lake Water our part to keep Mother Earth and the Kelly Walker, from the Bearskin Watch, and of course the Wyandotte Environment safe and clean for future Fitness Center gave a presentation to Nation Environmental Department generations. the Elders called Heartfelt For Life, participated. We had 493 attendees Don’t forget our Recycling Trailers April 8. Participants viewed a DVD including most of the classes from located at the Turtle Stop Parking lot and the Tribal Complex parking lot. (continued on next page) MAY 2008 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 9 Department Reports (cont.)

(continued from previous page) Receiving care has to be (55) years of which will interface with our about exercises to keep their heart age or older, have a CDIB card or trib- Accounting Department software. This healthy. They were given a copy of the al card. Grandparents (55) years or will make the reports needed for DVD, juice, water, exercise bands, and older who are primary caregivers of auditors easily accessible to our informational pamphlets. grandchildren (18) years of age or Accounting Director. This feature, Our Easter/Music Party was held under. along with state-of-the-art bar code March 20, 2008. We had an Easter Egg As always, we invite you to come and technology, will also aid in tracking and Hunt, Easter Bonnet Contest, Men’s visit us anytime. reconciling our fixed assets from Leg Contest, and lots of fun. We would Brenda House, Director, Elder acquisition through disposal, like to thank the preschool children for Services ext. 227 complying with government GASB hiding the eggs for us. Dari Ann Hunnicutt, Caregiver 34/35 requirements. We will now be Specialist ext 253 able to scan invoices and insert photos Kandi Smith, Head Cook Ext. 228 of equipment, vehicles, etc., for a more Alexandra Boyd, Food Service Team complete inventory listing. Ext. 228 We have disposed of a number of Pam Deaton, Food Service Team Ext. excess property assets, and with 228 proceeds, purchased a dump truck and a Menu: Ext. 226 leaf blower, that will allow for improved maintenance. As a result of the ice storm disaster in Planning/Development December, we have applied for assistants from FEMA to cover the cost Our Mother’s Day dinner will be held Springtime is an exciting time with of debris removal and extra security Thursday, May 8, and our Father’s Day floods, tornados, and ice storms. To during power outage. The cost was dinner will be held June 12, during the mitigate this, we have submitted a almost $10,000. noon hour. Hazard Mitigation Plan Grant On March 31st, an extremely strong application, the purpose of which is to wind or tornado, passed through the CAREGEVER assist the Tribe in developing protocols Tribal area and tracked up a branch of The Northeast Oklahoma Caregiver for lessening damage or the potential of sycamore creek, just south of the Coalition, which consists of the damage for Tribal facilities and Tribal Tribe’s new PowWow ground. The Wyandotte Nation, Tribe, members in and near the historic picture below shows the damage to the Miami Tribe, and Grand Gateway Area jurisdiction. trees in the creek area. Agency on Aging have developed a Work at the PowWow grounds is new Support Group. The group will continuing with overhead lighting meet at the Miami Senior Citizens installed. Next step is the well house, Center, 2104 Denver Harnar Dr., construction of a speaker stand, and Miami, OK. At 10:30 a.m. the 3rd adding additional compaction rock Thursday of each month. It was to parking and vending areas. developed for all Caregivers. If you or Maintenance has completed site work someone you know is a caregiver in the for the environmental gazebo, and area and needs support please call assisted in finishing site work and 1-800-256-2539 ext. 253 or 227. parking for Net Tel employees. With Our other Support Groups: Caregiver the addition of larger mowing Group meets the 1st Thursday of the equipment, we have increased the In conjunction with the Housing month at 10:30 a.m. at the Wyandotte acreage that is mowed verses hayed. Department we have finalized a plan Tribal Complex. Grandparents Group In conjunction with Accounting, we for housing locations, which allows for meets the 1st Friday of the month at have implemented a new inventory data electric, telephone, water and sewer 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist base that will allow for improved line installation, which is the next step Church on Leisure Rd, in Grove, OK. reporting and auditing requirements. A in this progress. Also with the Housing new inventory management system will Department, we are finalizing the Eligibility: Caregiver or person be implemented beginning in April, (continued on next page) Page 10 Gyah’-wish Atakia MAY 2008 Department Reports (cont.) (continued from previous page) Dana Butterfield, Family Services mail or online at the Nation’s website: policies and procedures for financing Assistant at www.wyandotte-nation.org under the requirements. Shortly by summer, we 918-678-2297 Extension 219 or 224 following: “Community” heading, then hope, the housing units will be under 64790 East Highway 60 click on “Family Services”. Scroll construction. Wyandotte, OK 74370 down to the “Membership Application We have completed preliminary plans Process”. Please note: Membership for the access road to the site of the new ANNOUNCEMENT: NEW SOCIAL applications and Original State water tower, which is east of the SERVICE PROGRAMS: Certified Birth Certificates must be housing complex. The next step is • Membership Incentive Program for mailed to the Enrollment Department. finalizing plans, obtaining approval Infants: Once membership eligibility is from regulatory agencies, and then • Burial Assistance Program determined, the Enrollment Department bidding out the project which should be • School Supply Voucher and Radius will contact you with instructions to up for bid in August. Increases: apply for your child’s gift card and Submitted a grant application to the blanket. Administration for Native Americans. Effective March 4, 2008 Chief This application would enable the Bearskin, 2nd Chief Friend and the Nationwide $500.00 Burial Assistance Tribe, if it is funded, to implement a Board of Directors approved the Program & Guidelines: Needs Assessment Survey which would implementation of a new Social Applications may be requested from be distributed to all Tribal households. Services Committee to address the this office or may be downloaded at the This will also allow an update to the immediate and future social service Nation’s website under: “Members computer program that the Tribal roll is needs of its tribal members. The Only” Section at: currently on. Committee is comprised of tribal www.wyandotte-nation.org. The burial Also submitted a Library grant member employees, Kim Garcia, guidelines/requirements to be application to assist in acquiring Accounting Director, Dana Butterfield, submitted are as follows: additional materials for the Tribe’s Family Services, and Debbie Dry, • A completed Burial Assistance Library. Planning Development Specialist. Application signed by a family member Submitted a grant application to the Additional Committee Members or authorized representative of the Oklahoma Tribal Heritage Grant include the Nation’s Planning Director deceased must be sent to the tribal Program, and received notice that it Ron Kaiser, Family Services Director headquarters within 60 days after the was funded for the amount requested Kate Randall and 2nd Chief Billy date of death. ($9,994). This project is to inventory Friend. The programs will be • Attach a copy of the death certificate Tribal records, under supervision of an administered by the Family Services with the application. elder to inventory, record on data base, Department. • Attach the itemized funeral bill from photocopy originals and preserve in the funeral home. (Note: The $500.00 archival boxes. A big Thank You to Pat Nationwide New Membership payment will be made directly to the Garrison, who told us about the grant Incentives for Infant Enrollment: funeral home. opportunity. This program initiative is being School Supply Vouchers increase for As a new capital improvement project, offered to encourage parents to enroll tribal members residing within a 200 a fitness center/ gymnasium complex their child before his/her first birthday. mile radius: expansion, is being considered for Every enrollment application received The Fall 2008 school supply vouchers submission as the Tribe’s next Indian for children under the age of one will will be increased to $50.00 per child for Community Development Block Grant receive a $50.00 gift card and a tribal students age preschool through application. Local surveys to keepsake baby blanket with the the 12th grade that reside within a 200 determine need and usage are being Wyandotte Nation’s Tribal Logo. If mile radius of the tribal headquarters. distributed at the Fitness Center. you already have your child’s enroll- School supply application instructions Congratulations to Erin and Sean, on ment application on file, the enrollment will be posted in the next edition of the the birth of their new baby girl. department will contact you by June 1, Turtle Speaks. (Sydney) 2008 for instructions on how to apply for your child’s gift card and blanket. If Other News: Youth Programs: Family Services News: you have not yet enrolled your infant, With the onset of spring, the earth is Kate Randall, Director enrollment applications are available by (continued on next page) MAY 2008 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 11 Department Reports (cont.)

(continued from previous page) 2008. Family Service staff administers received a grant for rehabilitation of awakening with beautiful spring colors LIHEAP, tribal tags, tribal membership homes owned by tribal members. brought on by plentiful April showers issues, enrollment, school supply Sixteen homes have been rehabilitated. here in Northeastern Oklahoma. Our vouchers, winter school clothing, burial The IHS-121 Program is a program first spring event was the “Week of the assistance, requests for certificate of awarded by Indian Health Service to Young Child” held April 7th through degree of Indian Blood cards, infant car the Tribe to assist members with water April 11th. The Ottawa County Tribes seats, Indian Child Welfare, and and sewage problems. The program once again hosted the events that Promoting Safe and Stable Family allows for assistance in hooking to rural included a fun festival, a Basketball programs. If you have any questions water, installing a complete septic and Show and a petting zoo. Our “Turtle regarding these programs or program drain field system, drilling wells and Tots” attended all events as evidenced guidelines, please contact the Family connecting to city sewer lines. You by the photos included. Soon school Services Department Staff. must be a tribal member and live will be out and plans are currently within the borders of the Indian Health underway for the June 2008 afternoon HOUSING DEPARTMENT Service area. If you have need of any youth camp. The youth camp The Wyandotte Nation Housing of the above mentioned services or encompasses the Tribe’s health, cultur- Department began in December of question whether you live within the al, educational and environmental 1996. Over the past twelve years, the service area, please give us a call. departments and is held at the Bearskin department has shown substantial The infrastructure and road work is Healthcare and Fitness Center. Also growth. The Housing Department Staff nearly completed for a new apartment this summer, the Ottawa County Tribes consists of Reba Guilford, Housing complex. There will also be a separate will again host a three day summer Director, Kathy DeWeese, Housing complex for our senior citizens. These youth camp during the week of July Specialist, and Paul Paquin and Brian will be located behind the tribal offices. 21st. Call for details!! Adkins, Project Coordinators. Hopefully, construction will begin NAHASDA is the present program soon. Family Services Program News: under which the Housing Department We would like to express that we are The Oklahoma LIHEAP (Low Income operates. This program allows the extremely proud of the progress the Home Energy Assistance Program) Tribe some flexibility as to various Housing Department has experienced. served 38 Tribal Families during the housing services offered. Under this We abide by all Federal Rules and winter of 2007. Eligible families program the Tribe will provide limited Regulations, and operate as fairly as received $100.00 for heating assistance homeownership, rental, and possible to all tribal members. Please that was paid directly to the service rehabilitation services. There are now do not hesitate to contact us with any provider. The Nation will reapply for fifty families that have been serviced questions you may have. the Federal Grant during the fall of with homes. In 2006, the department

WyandotteWyandotte NationNation TagTag OfficeOffice Please call Dana or Kate at (800) 256-2539 ext. 219 and ext. 224 respectively for appointments. Page 12 Gyah’-wish Atakia MAY 2008 Education Department Preschool: The New Year brought many events for the pre-school students with Valentine and Easter parties, Week of the Young Child events, preparations for Pre-school Pow-Wow and end of year events including graduation. The students will also attend the spring play at MSSU in Joplin. The children attended a fun day at the Miami Civic Center, a basketball program at the Coleman and a petting zoo at the NEO Equine Center during the week of the young child. Class parties were well attended and the students have Richard Zane Smith working with them to prepare for the Pow-Wow. The Preschool Pow-Wow was held on Tuesday, April 15th at the Wyandotte Public School Gymnasium. Grand entry was led by the Wyandotte Nation Honor Guard who was followed by Chief Bearskin, Second Chief Billy Friend and Tribal Princess Laura Guilford. The children participated in the alligator dance as well as dancing to an original song that was written by Richard Zane Smith for our students. Many of the guests participated in a round dance, which is a social dance that all ages enjoy. Following the round dance, Paul Barton led the group in a bean dance, which is a ceremonial dance for the Seneca Cayuga Tribe. Graduation ceremonies will be held on Thursday, May 22. Preschool will dismiss for summer break on May 23rd.

Before and After School Program: The new education center has been a wonderful addition to the before and after school program. We allow the children to play basketball in the gym while waiting for our bus to take them to school in the morning. The center has an individual room for the after school program to utilize. In this room they have computers with games and learning software, two video game stations and puzzles and board games. The gymnasium is used for basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, ping pong and kickball as well as just open space to run. This gym is very beneficial to the children who are playing basketball in the Wyandotte league. This newly formed group has teams of students from second through fifth grade in both boys and girls. They travel to nearby towns such as Quapaw, Fairland and Commerce. We have two boys on a team that are unbeaten for the season, they are also tribal members, and they are Austin Winkler and Aaron Arment. Sam Quick is on the team also and he is a past program participant. Other children who attend after school program and play are Haylee Floyd, Taryn Gray, Kayla McClendon, Lacy East and Coy Vowels.

Summer Program: Applications are being accepted for the Wyandotte Nation Summer Program. The program will begin on May 27th. Many trips and activities are being planned and the new education center will be a great asset for the program. We will host a Vacation Bible School on site during the month of July with the Bauman family from Texas. Swimming lessons at the Seneca pool are always enjoyable and educational. Other outings will include day visits to Sycamore Valley, local library programs and others.

Library: The Wyandotte Tribal Library is open from 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday. New books and videos are being added regularly. We always welcome requests for titles.

Child Care & Development Fund Program: This is a busy time for the CCDF Program as we are getting ready for a twenty hour directors training workshop as well as the provider appreciation banquet. The Child Care program national conference will be held in Portland, Oregon on May 12-15. The Child Care program continues to serve a large number of clients in our service area. We utilize licensed child care home and centers to provide services for our Native American children. We offer assistance based on income to all federally recognized tribes. Participants must reside within a 100-mile radius of the tribal headquarters.

Application Requirements: Copies of:  CDIB or membership card  Social Security Card for every member of the household  Birth Certificate and shot record for child/children attending day care  Verification of present employment  Proof of residence  Class schedule if attending education classes  Divorce decree, if applicable

Tribal Scholarships: The deadline for new applicants on the higher education program is May 1, 2008. Scholarships are now awarded in the amount of $1,000.00 per semester for up to eight semesters. Housing assistance grants are available for those students who live in the four-state area which includes, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and . To receive housing assistance you must reside in the MAY 2008 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 13 Education Department (continued) dorm or be renting an apartment or house Newton, Jasper, Dade and McDonald eligible for more. The program will fund for the current semester that you are county in Missouri or Crawford and four or five hours of work per day. These attending college. Proof of rent must be counties in Kansas. If you are individuals must meet certain criteria provided. If you meet the criteria and are interested in applying, contact Arthur at including age 55 and over, low income not receiving assistance, please contact ext 234. guidelines, and must not have worked in Ms. Carla Culver at Ext. 230. Arthur is currently overseeing the the last 7 days. Interested persons are free Tribe’s participation in a program that to contact Mr. Anderson for more infor- Workforce Investment Act (WIA): serves senior adults. We are partnering mation. The WIA program is still accepting with The National Indian Council on clients for program services that will fund Aging as they fund senior adults in work Submitted by: Carla Culver either technical or collegiate settings. You placements. We currently have three must reside in Barry, Barton, Lawrence, individuals on site and the Tribe may be Wyandotte Nation Calendar of Events

May 1 Deadline for scholarship applications May 6 Planting of the Community Garden – Fitness Center 10 a.m. May 8 Mothers’ Day Dinner at Title 6 May 9 Employee Appreciation – Offices Closed May 17 Fourth Anniversary for Lucky Turtle Casino - Cake Cutting at 4 p.m. with Chief and 2nd Chief May 22 Preschool Graduation May 26 Memorial Day – Offices Closed May 27 First day of summer program

June 12 Fathers’ Day Dinner at Title 6

July 4 Independence Day – Offices Closed

Sep 1 Labor Day – Offices Closed Sep 3-5 Cultural Days Sep 5-7 Wyandotte Nation Pow-Wow Sep 6 Annual Meeting Sep 26 Native American Day – Offices Closed

Oct 13 Columbus Day – Offices Closed

Nov 11 Veterans’ Day – Offices Closed Nov 27-28 Thanksgiving Holiday – Offices Closed

Dec 24-25 Christmas Holiday – Offices Closed

Dec 31-Jan 1 New Year’s Holiday – Offices Closed Page 14 Gyah’-wish Atakia MAY 2008

Family Tree Charts We have copies of the following family tree charts for $3.50 each plus $3.00 per order for postage and handling charge.

•Armstrong Family Tree •Long Family Tree •Silas Armstrong Family Tree #1 •Pipe Mudeater Family Tree •Silas Armstrong Family Tree #2 •Robitaille Family Tree •Brown Family Tree •Walker Family Tree •Clark Northrup Family Tree •Ebenezer O. Zane Family Tree •Conley Family Tree •Hannah Zane Family Tree •Garrett Family Tree •Zane Family Tree •Ladd Family Tree

Contact Sherri Clemons at the Historical Preservation Office to order: (800) 236-2539 or (918) 678-2297 ext. 244

Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma Publications - Price List

1. “Our Great Chiefs” $5.00 2. “Wyandotte Mission” The Early Years 1871-1900 $3.00 3. “The Wyandotte Exploring Expedition”, of 1839 $2.00 4. “Schools among the Minor Tribes in Indian Territory” $3.00 5. “Oklahoma’s Forgotten Indians” $3.00 6. “Remedies, Cures, Plantings, Signs” $5.00 7. “A Historical Note on Prairie City, Indian Territory” $1.00 8. “A Brief Interpretation of the of the Wyandotte Indians” $3.00 9. “Burial Ceremonies of the Huron’s” $5.00 10. “Chief Splitlog and the Cayuga Mission Church” $3.00 11. “Jeremiah Hubbard, Hoosier Schoolmaster & Friends Missionary Among The Indians” $3.00 12. “Wyandotte Government - A Short Study of Tribal Society” $3.00 13. “Mon-Dah-Min and the Redman’s Uses of Corn as food” $5.00 14. “Excerpts from the Great State of Kansas” $2.00 15. “Tales of the Bark Lodges” (upon request) $5.00 16. “Traditional Stories of the Wyandotte Indians” $1.00 17. “Wyandot Folk Lore”, (upon request) $5.00 18. “Thomas Mosley Jr. & the Last Years of the Wyandot Sub Agency” $5.00 19. “History of the Seneca Indian School” $1.00 20. “One Hundred Years of Oklahoma Verse” $1.00 21. “Tarhe” $5.00 22. “On the Back of the Turtle”, by Lloyd Divine $5.00 23. “Ohio” by Dr. Robert E. Smith $7.00

“Heritage of the Wyandot and the Armstrong Story” $9.00 “Treaties of the Wyandotte Indians” $10.00 “Map of the Original Wyandotte Allotments” $5.00

NOTE: When ordering by mail send an extra $3.00 per item except for the items marked $1.00. Thank You MAY 2008 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 15 Petting Zoo

Left to Right: Trent Myers, Tanner Nesvold, Left to Right: Grace Goins & Kirsten Bruegel Left to Right: Gavin Kihenia, Katana Hamilton, Blake Fidler, Rylee Nesvold, Collin Gray try enjoy the bunnies. Triston Seabourn & Emma Martin ride the to pet a goat at the petting zoo. camels.

Left: Tanner Nesvold enjoys the fun day.

Right: Collin Gray & Trent Myers pet a baby kangaroo

Preschool Powwow

Grover Tanner leads the Wyandotte Nation Honor Guard at the Preschool Pow-Wow

Left: Preschool students preparing to perform at the powwow.

Right: Wyandotte tribal members Rylee Nesvold, Daxtor Baker, Mike Lawson & Katana Hamilton. Page 16 Gyah’-wish Atakia MAY 2008 Services Provided to Tribal Members

Service Program Contact Phone Number Extension

Dental Donna Krewson (918) 678-2282 257

Vision Donna Krewson (918) 678-2282 257

Clinic (for appointments) Linda Coatney or Elaine (918) 678-2282 228 or 230 Fidler Pharmacy Carolyn Nesvold (918) 678-2282 224

Fitness Center Kelly Walker (918) 678-2282 259

Contract Health Bridget Burleson (918) 678-2282 227

Diabetes Clinic Donna Krewson (918) 678-2282 257

Nutrition Brenda House (918) 678-2297 227

Caregiver Services Dari Ann Hunnicutt (918) 678-2297 253

Enrollment Dana Butterfield (918) 678-2297 219

Tags Dana Butterfield (918) 678-2297 219

Housing Programs Reba Guilford (918) 678-2297 239

Student Housing Assistance Reba Guilford (918) 678-2297 239

Housing Improvements Reba Guilford (918) 678-2297 239

Well-Septic Construction Reba Guilford (918) 678-2297 239

School Supplies Kate Randall (918) 678-2297 224

Car Seats Kate Randall (918) 678-2297 224

Emergency Assistance Kate Randall (918) 678-2297 224

Scholarships Carla Culver (918) 678-2297 230

Job Training Carla Culver (918) 678-2297 230

Pre-School Carla Culver (918) 678-2297 230

Library Carla Culver (918) 678-2297 230

Adult Education Carla Culver (918) 678-2297 230

Childcare Carla Culver (918) 678-2297 230

Environmental Christen Lee (918) 678-2297 241

Human Resources MaryAnn Hayworth (918) 678-2297 220

Turtle Trax Printing Pat Wilson (918) 678-2297 238