May 15, 2019 -Vol

Follow us on Twitter #CATribalTribune www.CheyenneAndArapahoTribes.org May 15, 2019 -Vol. 15, Issue 10 High school student fights for right to wear Native regalia and an eagle feather during commencement Latoya Lonelodge Staff Reporter items that hold significance within their individual cultures. To uphold tradition With success comes a great deal of that has been passed down from gener- pride and honor as many students are ation to generation, one Native student, anticipating and counting down the Tvli Birdshead is actively fighting for days until their high school graduation. his right to wear an eagle feather, bead- Completing a milestone such as high ed cap, and an honor cord that was pre- school is an accomplishment for stu- sented to him by his tribe, the Chicka- dents, a success story of its own, and saw Nation. one of the last memories they will have Birdshead, 18, is a senior at Latta parting ways into the next chapter of High School in Ada, Okla. Birdshead is their lives. actively involved in the Native Ameri- While students look forward to the can student life at school with clubs and big day in excitement, others are facing maintains his grades as a National Hon- challenges of their own in their fight to or Society student, and he takes great freely express themselves culturally as pride in his heritage. some Oklahoma schools continue to Birdshead said that when he went deny Native American students the right to his principal at Latta High School Courtesy photos wear regalia and eagle feathers during to request permission to wear his eagle graduation ceremonies. With Oklaho- feather, beaded cap and cord, he was Tvli Birdshead, 18, fights ma being home to 39 Native American told no. for his right to wear an eagle tribes, it leaves some baffled by these “I kind of already anticipated what feather and regalia for his up- school decisions banning the wearing of Latta would say, they said no initially, coming graduation ceremony regalia, beaded caps or eagle feathers. because you hear these stories every at Latta High School in Ada, For centuries, Native Americans year and I had anticipated their answer. Okla. Pictured with Tvli is his have praised the sacredness of specific It wasn’t that big of a shock to me but mother, Taloa Birdshead. BIRDSHEAD / pg. 8 Breaking ground on economic prosperity

The new Watonga Lucky Star Casino Hotel & Convention Center slated to open in 2020 Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief square feet and double our employment. This passage One shovel of rich red Oklahoma soil marks the begin- from Denver, from Kansas, ning of economic growth and prosperity for the Cheyenne everyone sweeps through and Arapaho Tribes. here and we hope we catch The tribes begin construction of the new Watonga Lucky some of that traffic and have Star Casino Hotel & Convention Center with the official a lot of people stay and even ground breaking held May 3, 2019 in Watonga, Okla. make this their destination to The casino expansion will include the addition of a new come out to this rural area, to five-story hotel comprised of 80 rooms, a hospitality suite, enjoy the peace and quiet and full service restaurant and a 300-person capacity conference get away from all the hustle center. Also included will be space for retail and an increased and bustle of city life.” gaming floor with accommodations for up to 400 additional Wassana shared the Wa- slot machines. tonga casino/hotel project The Watonga Lucky Star Casino was first opened under was the first of many to come, the name of ‘Feather Warrior’ in the early mid-1980s. It was “We’re not making this hap- housed in the Watonga community center and then expanded pen just because of me and into the now existing trailers. But the casino will now see an Lt. Gov. Miles, we’re making started with these trailers and they got moved out here, Marie expansion on a scale it and the community have never seen this happen because of you and the legislators. And in order Whiteman prayed over this ground and her prayers were so before. for things to progress we all have to get along, have the same strong and so good we are here today,” Buffalomeat said as Cheyenne and Arapaho Gov. Reggie Wassana addressed thoughts and the same wishes. It all happens because we get Whiteman received a loud applause from the audience. the audience expressing his thankfulness and excitement see- along, we get together, talk and reach the goals we see for the Arapaho District 1 Legislator Sutton told the audience, ing the new hotel/casino project begin. tribes.” “It’s a good opportunity, today, but not just for today, for our “I would like to welcome everyone but first of all I would Watonga lies in the Cheyenne and Arapaho District 1, people but not just for our people, but everybody here and it’s like to say thank you. We’ve talked about this project, we’ve whose legislators are Cheyenne District Burl Buffalomeat a good opportunity for Watonga, Oakwood, Canton, Hitch- heard about this project and there are some people in the com- and Arapaho District Billie Sutton. Both were in attendance, cock, Seiling, Geary … for all of us and the communities. munity who still don’t believe it, but today we finally have along with several other members of the Cheyenne and Arap- Good things happened when we work together, so let’s con- gotten to this point where we can say we are doing this (proj- aho Legislature. tinue to work together, not just our community or our govern- “I want to thank Marie Whiteman because when this all ect),” Wassana told the audience. “It’s going to be a 100,000 WATONGA GROUNDBREAKING / pg. 7 PAGE 2 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei George Hawkins Memorial Treatment Center undergoing expansion and renovations Rosemary Stephens Editor-in-Chief

The first step to recovery from alcohol/substance abuse is admitting and accepting there is a problem. The second step is reaching out for help. And that help may come in the form of attending a treatment facility, such as the George Hawkins Memorial Treatment Center. Owned by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, the George Hawkins Memorial Treatment Center (GHMTC) specializes in alcohol and substance abuse recovery. On May 1, 2019 a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the GHMTC grounds for the ren- ovation and expansion of the treatment facility. The building in Clinton, Okla., has been opened since 2002 and the new expansion and renovations is welcomed news for the staff who ded- icate their lives to helping Photos / Rosemary Stephens people find recovery from al- 1700 more square feet and it will allow our Center. As a provider in the realm of sub- school, with summers being the only time he coholism and drug addiction. meeting room to expand, have a larger kitch- stance abuse treatment, it’s very important was allowed to spend time with his family. “The expansion will add approximately en, dining area, three new counselor’s offices that we have adequate space and facilities After the ninth grade, George attended El and a wellness room for our so that our clients can achieve successful Reno High School and was a member of the clients, as well as more ren- treatment. Looking at the design of the fa- basketball team that beat Tulsa 35-5 in the ovations throughout,” Nico- cility they kept in mind practical needs for 1932 Oklahoma State finals, making it El las Barton, GHMTC director group rooms, the eating area and places our Reno High School’s fourth state basketball said. clients can feel safe,” Winnie Whitetail said. championship. Barton said each year they “I’ve been a treatment provider for almost 30 After high school George moved to Ft. bring in, on an average of years, specializing in substance abuse and I Defiance, Ariz., to work for the C.C.C. put- 75-80 clients within a year. can say that using traditional practices and ting telephone lines across the Navajo Res- “So at any one time there can our cultural ways in conjunction with the ervation. In 1936 he sent a telegraph wire to be up to eight women, eight western ways, our Native people respond to Molette Chochran of Cherokee, Chickasaw men, plus staff on site, so this Native providers, they respond to the Red and Chippewa descent, who was employed building has been through Road to Wellbriety and to our own Cheyenne at the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indian Agen- some wear and tear,” he said. and Arapaho traditions and cultures, and we cy in Concho, Okla. In his wire he asked her Under cloudy skies, guests will have a great success rate when those are to come to Arizona to marry him. Molette gathered at GHMTC for the offered to the clients.” took a leave of absence, got in her Plymouth groundbreaking. Chief Lar- One of the special guest speakers was De- Coupe, and with $20 in her pocket drove to ry Roman Nose conducted lores Hawkins-Sullivan, daughter of George Ft. Defiance to marry George. a blessing of the ground and Hawkins, whom the building was named af- A marriage that almost didn’t happen due tribal elder Margaret Behan ter in 2002. to a 1936 law in Arizona stating white people opened up the ceremony with “I am privileged to speak today on this could not marry Indians. Molette was very prayer. Following, Cheyenne very special occasion. As the only child of light complected, often being mistaken as a and Arapaho Gov. Reggie George Hawkins I believe I should tell you a white person. However, when they both pro- Wassana greeted the guests, little something about him.” duced their birth certificates the marriage was thanking everyone who About George ‘Lone Wolf’ Hawkins allowed to take place and they were wed May played a part in getting the George ‘Lone Wolf’ Hawkins was born 5, 1936 treatment center expansion/ Oct. 3, 1912 in Calumet, Okla., to Katie Molette would give birth to their only renovations in the works. In ‘White Woman Haag and Kish ‘Wolf Tooth’ child, Delores Hawkins on June 16, 1937. attendance were many elders Hawkins. Kish as a farmer, an interpreter Their family was transferred to Window who support recovery and during the Oklahoma Land Rush, and trav- Rock, Ariz., where the Bureau of Indian Af- wanted to be a part of the eled many times to Washington D.C. to speak fairs at the Navajo Tribal Area Office em- groundbreaking ceremony. on behalf of the Cheyenne Tribe. His mother ployed Molette and George. Kyle Spottedhorse carries an architectural drawing of the “As a Cheyenne elder, Katie was considered one of the top beaders In 1942, after Pearl Harbor, George volun- George Hawkins Memorial Treatment Center expansion to I’m really excited to attend in the area. teered to join the U.S. Army. He was assigned th be placed on display during groundbreaking ceremony. this groundbreaking for the The first nine years of George’s school to the 45 Infantry Division and fought in Af- George Hawkins Treatment years were spent in a government boarding GHMTC EXPANSION / pg. 6 Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes host monthly AICCO’s Leadership Native Oklahoma meeting Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief (CONCHO, OK) Building strong lead- fy, evaluate and implement ership within Native communities is a projects that are of value to goal shared by both the American Indi- Native American business- an Chamber of Commerce (AICCO) and es in Oklahoma.” the leaders of the Cheyenne and Arapaho The LNO course in- Tribes. That’s why when AICCO asked cludes seven monthly ses- Cheyenne and Arapaho Gov. Reggie Was- sions, with a graduation sana to host the May meeting, he quickly recognition ceremony held agreed. each year. This year’s cer- On May 6, with over 30 LNO partici- emony will be held Oct. pants present, Wassana welcomed them to 8, 2019 during the Gather Cheyenne and Arapaho Country. Business Summit at the As hosts of the meeting, the tribes Choctaw Casino in Du- shared information to the audience on a rant, Okla. multitude of topics including Cheyenne The AICCO is an orga- and Arapaho culture, language, the buffalo nization in which Amer- program and the new justice center. ican Indian businesses, Photo / Christopher Roman Nose According to the AICCO Website, tribal leaders and other American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO) President Bailey Walker (left) and Ex- LNO is a statewide organization encom- minority-owned business- ecutive Director of AICCO Ayla Medrano (right) presents Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Gov. Reggie Was- passing Native American citizens from ev- es can come together with sana with a Leadership Native Oklahoma binder during the May monthly meetig held at the Cheyenne and Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief ery region of Oklahoma ensuring a diverse innovative ideas that will Arapaho Tribes. 405-422-7446 / [email protected] group of leaders. promote and enhance the strong community. For this very reason, we ize that we all share in the responsibility The Website also states, “LNO is a success of all American Indian people strive daily to seek resources that provide of creating economic growth within our unique opportunity to foster cohesiveness alongside communities. returns to business owners through edu- great state.” from a group of tribal leaders and future Baily Walker, AICCO president states cational sessions and networking events Following presentations and a catered tribal leaders from different backgrounds. on the Website, “Our American Indian monthly. We are truly blessed in our native lunch provided by the tribes, the group The hours spent together will create a bond Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma un- community to have tribal leaders, business embarked on a tour of the Cheyenne and like no other organization across the state. derstands that in order to have a strong owners, educators and citizens who real- Arapaho buffalo herd in Concho, Okla. Based on respect and interaction, to identi- economic environment you must have a Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 3 Oklahoma governor signs bill combining Columbus Day with Native American Day Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief (OKLAHOMA CITY) When the news media announced tional Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous pop- Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt was poised to sign a bill declar- ulations in America proposed that Indigenous Peoples’ Day ing the second Monday in October as Native American Day, replace Columbus Day. And the fight to do just that has been hopes of thousands of Native Americans living in Oklahoma ongoing every year up to and including 2018. soared. A similar bill was vetoed last year by former Oklahoma The hopeful feeling didn’t last long. Gov. Mary Fallin, who stated, ““I believe combining a new What Gov. Stitt actually signed was Senate Bill 111 mov- Native American Day designation with the current Colum- ing Native American Day from the third Monday in October bus Day holiday could be viewed as an intentional attempt to the same day as Columbus Day, the second Monday in to diminish the long-standing support of November being October, thus combining the two together. proclaimed annually as Native American Heritage Month in ““I think moving it to Columbus Day, I don’t see any Oklahoma, and the third Monday in November as ‘Oklahoma downside to it at all,” Stitt said, according to the news agency. Native American Day.” “It just gives us one opportunity to celebrate Columbus, but The first state to rename Columbus Day with Indigenous also the Indigenous people here in America.” Peoples’ Day was South Dakota in 1990. Alaska, Minnesota, But to many Indigenous people living in Oklahoma it falls Oregon, Vermont and Hawaii have done away with celebra- short of giving honor to the many Native American tribes lo- tions of Columbus Day replacing it entirely with Indigenous cated in Oklahoma. In the minds of many Native people is Peoples’ Day. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ap- the fact the colonial takeovers of the Americas started with proved legislation in early April that replaces Columbus Day Columbus, and led to the deaths of millions of Indigenous with Indigenous Peoples Day. people and the forced assimilation of survivors. Generations Last year Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and El Reno of Native American people have protested Columbus Day. In Mayor Matt White signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 8, 1977, for example, participants at the United Nations Interna- 2018 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Oklahoma City. Eighteenth Regular Session of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Seventh Legislature June 8 The 18th Regular Session of the Session are as follows: with Custer County for Indian Res- Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Sev- Approval of the 16th Regular Ses- ervation Roads Bridge Program (IR- enth Legislature will be held 9 a.m., sion minutes – April 13th, 2019. RBP) Funding for the construction of Saturday June 8, 2019 at the Cheyenne Approval of the 18th Special Session the selected bridges as high priority re- and Arapaho Tribes Dept. of Admin- minutes – April 29th, 2019. placement and reconstruction projects. istration building conference room in A Resolution to Authorize the BIA A Resolution to support the FY Concho, Okla. The legislature holds to enter into a Cooperative Agreement 2019 solicitation of proposals for eco- their regular monthly sessions on the with Canadian County for Indian Res- nomic development feasibility study second Saturday of each month. ervation Roads Bridge Program (IR- grant application funding from the Of- The Constitution of the Cheyenne RBP) Funding for the construction of fice of Indian Energy and Economic and Arapaho Tribes requires the Leg- the selected bridges as high priority re- Development (IEED), through its Na- islature to convene in Concho for Reg- placement and reconstruction projects. tive American Business Development ular Sessions. Article VI, Section 6, A Resolution to Approve the adop- Institute (NABDI). subsection (a) reads, in part, “The Leg- tion and submission of the Cheyenne A Resolution to support the FY islature shall convene in Concho for and Arapaho Tribes Department of 2019 solicitation of proposals for eco- twelve Regular Sessions of up to two Transportation’s Indian Reserva- nomic development feasibility study consecutive days beginning on the section Roads Bridge Program (IRRBP) grant application funding from the Of- ond Saturday of each month beginning Transportation Plan (TIP). fice of Indian Energy and Economic at 9 am...” A Resolution to Authorize the BIA Development (IEED), through its Na- In addition, Article VI, Section 5, to enter into a Cooperative Agreement tive American Business Development subsection (a) of the Tribe’s Consti- with Kingfisher County for Indian Institute (NABDI). tution reads, in part, “The Legislature Reservation Roads Bridge Program A Resolution to support the FY shall have the power to make laws and (IRRBP) Funding for the construction 2019 solicitation of proposals for eco- resolutions in accordance with the of the selected bridges as high priority nomic development feasibility study Constitution which are necessary and replacement and reconstruction proj- grant application funding from the Of- proper for the good of the Tribes.” ects. fice of Indian Energy and Economic The Legislative Process requires: A Resolution to Authorize the BIA Development (IEED), through its Na- “All Bills shall be published in a Leg- to enter into a Cooperative Agreement tive American Business Development islative Calendar for at least thirty with Blaine County for Indian Res- Institute (NABDI). days prior to action on the Bill. All ervation Roads Bridge Program (IR- A Resolution to Approve a Reso- Bills shall be made the subject of a RBP) Funding for the construction of lution that the leadership of the Chey- public Legislative Hearing prior to ac- the selected bridges as high priority re- enne and Arapaho Tribes show support tion on the Bill.” Article VI, Section 7, placement and reconstruction projects. that the Capital Sand Creek Massacre sub-section (a) (ii). A Resolution to Authorize the BIA be located in the Southeast Corner of Agenda items for the 18th Regular to enter into a Cooperative Agreement the Capital Grounds. Gaming Per Cap updates and information Deadline for Change of to you, which will delay mailed to you by calling database system can fill this Address and W9 forms is your paperwork. The W9 the Enrollment Department form out on the minor’s be- July 12, 2019. requires your full name, ad- at 405-422-7600 or 1-800- half. Should guardianship/ If you have not moved dress, social security num- 247-4612 ext. 27600 or custody change, an original or do not have a name ber, signature, and date. printed off on www.chey- or certified copy of court or- change, you do not need The address placed on the enneandarapahotribes.org/ der must be submitted to the to submit a Change of Ad- W9 will be the address the project/forms/. Dept. of Enrollment verify- dress and W9. You only check will be sent to. Please The Per Capita office ing guardianship. Originals need to update your address keep in mind this address will mail your check or any and certified copies will be with the Enrollment De- should match with Enroll- letters concerning your ac- returned via certified mail. partment if these changes ment’s mailing address. count to your mailing ad- If you have any Child pertain to you since the last The Per Capita office is dress on Change of Address Support, Student Loans, per capita payment (De- not responsible for sending and W9. Once paperwork or Federal Garnishment cember 2018). a per capita check to the is processed, the Per Cap questions that need to be Please read instructions wrong address if the tribal office will review accounts addressed, please contact carefully on the Change of member has failed to sub- to determine if any past due the Per Capita Office at Address (COA) form and mit a current and correct checks are available for re- 1-800-247-4612 ext. 27725 W9. The COA form re- change of address form and issue. or 405-422-7725. All gar- quires all areas to be filled W9 to the Enrollment De- Minor Change of Ad- nishments of Child Sup- out according to instruc- partment. dress forms need to be no- port, Student Loans, and/ tions and to be notarized. Please submit all COA tarized and signed by their or Federal Garnishments If all areas are not filled out Forms and W9 forms to legal guardian. Only the le- should be submitted to the according to instructions, the Enrollment Department gal custodial parent(s) or le- Per Capita office by July the forms will be returned by deadline. Forms can be gal guardian(s) listed in our 15, 2019.

Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief Cheyenne and Arapaho Latoya Lonelodge, Reporter/Advertising Sales Tribal Tribune 405-422-7446 / [email protected] 405-422-7608 / [email protected] 1600 E. Hwy 66, Suite 8, El Reno OK / P. O. Box 38, Concho, OK 73022 Fax: 405-422-8204

Society of Professional Journalists members Oklahoma Press Association member Native American Journalist Association member DISCLAIMER: Letters to the editor, opinions and commentaries do not reflect the views of the Tribune unless specified. Correspondence must be signed and include a return address and telephone number for ver- ification, otherwise it will not be published. The Tribune reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Submission of a letter does not guarantee its publication. Photographs, news stories or other materials in this publication may not be reprinted without prior permission. Printed by Lindsay Web Press, Lindsay, Okla. 2010-2018 NATIVE AMERICAN JOURNALIST ASSOCIATION MEDIA AWARD WINNER & 2012-2017 AWARD WINNER OF THE OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST PAGE 4 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes transit program recognized at 2019 conference and expo (DURANT, OK) The Cheyenne and Arapaho Department of Transportation’s (CADOT) Tribal Transit Program was recognized on May 2, 2019 at the Oklahoma Transit Asso- ciation annual Conference and Expo 2019 in Durant, Okla., with the Tribal Transit Excellence Award by Federal Transit Administration Region 6. The CADOT TTP was nominated and received the award based on criteria such as submitting reports on time, spend- ing grant funds completely, collaborating with other transit agencies, and closing out grant contracts accordingly. The CADOT TTP strives to ensure compliance with all of FTA regulations while delivering services to tribal citizens in need of transportation. CADOT Executive Director Angela Bling said, “I would like to add that I am very proud of our Tribal Transit Program and each of the staff, from the transit drivers and dispatcher that interact with our tribal members daily, to our office staff, the administrative assistant and coordinator, in their roles to ensure adherence to all transit regulations. In 2008, I submitted transit grants to develop a plan and to purchase vehi- cles, and on December 1, 2010, Tribal Transit was restored to serve tribal members through four (4) fixed routes. As a The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Transit Program director, my goal is to research and submit grants to meet the received the Tribal Transit Excellence award during the needs and demands of our Tribal members (and not for the Oklahoma Transit Association’s annual conference in Du- accolades) but it is nice to be recognized after eight years as rant, Okla. recipients of FTA grants. I am proud to see our Tribal Transit Accepting the award is Transit Coordinator Wilma Program receive recognition for their dedication and service Tapaha (left) and Dept. of Transportation Executive Di- to tribal members and I am honored to continue to support our rector Angela Blind (right). (Submitted photo) Tribal Transit Program that provides transportation to those in need.” Due to FTA regulations, each person that utilizes transit In closing, the Tribal Transit Program would like to thank services must be assessed a fare therefore each time a trib- the current Gov. Reggie Wassana for further supporting the al citizen is transported using the Tribal Transit fixed route Dept. of Transportation’s goal to provide transportation at no and/or demand response services, the tribal citizen must use cost to tribal citizens. their discount card to ensure fares are assessed for account- In 2018, the Dept. of Transportation submitted their bud- ability. The TTP Discount Card can be issued by the transit get proposal for the Tribal Transit Program to include the al- drivers and by Dept. of Transportation staff at all three Trans- location of tribal revenues that would supplement fare cost for portation offices including the DOT Administration office in each tribal citizen. Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, the Tribal Transit El Reno, the Roads Office at Concho, and the Clinton Transit Program has been able to offer rides on its fixed route and Satellite Office. demand response services at no cost to tribal citizens. In order The Tribal Transit Program is always seeking to employ to qualify for the free ride services, or the TTP Discount Card, tribal citizens to become a part of their driving team. For tribal citizens must complete a one-page application and sub- more information on the Discount Card and/or driver posi- mit a copy of their CDIB. In exchange, each tribal citizen that tions, please contact the Tribal Transit Program at 1-800-247- applies is issued a card that is assigned a specific number. 4612, ext. 32600 or directly at 580-331-2600. Capt. Joe Bryant selected CSU Reaches Highest to serve as Chief Customer Service Mark Executive Officer for CSU The Clinton Service Unit patients are encouraged to fill (CSU) is committed to cus- out a short patient experience (CLINTON, OK) Capt. the patient centered medical tomer service and continu- survey. Their answers to key Joe Bryant is named Chief home, increasing third party ously improving our patients questions are then calculated Executive Officer (CEO) ef- revenue from $4.7 million experience. To assist in im- into scores, using a zero - 10 fective April 15, 2019 of the in 2012 to over $11.3 mil- proving this experience, CSU scale, on how likely it is they Clinton Service Unit (CSU.) lion in 2018, establishing a uses the Net Promoter Score would recommend CSU to Bryant is a member of unifying vision of “Exceed (NPS). NPS is a management friends or family members the Cherokee Nation and the Need” and net promot- tool used to measure custom- Respondents are grouped received his Doctorate of er score measurements, im- er experience and gauge the as follows: Pharmacy from Southwest- proving Purchased/Referred loyalty of a company’s cus- · Promoters (score 9-10) ern Oklahoma State Univer- Care operations, improving tomer relationships. are loyal enthusiasts who sity (SWOSU). He began his acquisition operating pro- “I am pleased to announce would keep using services Indian Health Service (IHS) cedures, and implementing during the month of March and refer others career in 2005 as a pharma- patient care services such as 2019 we reached the high- · Passives (score 7-8) are cy practice resident at WW computerized tomography est customer service mark satisfied but unenthusiastic Hastings Indian Hospital in (CT), chiropractic, massage with a net promoter score customers Tahlequah, Okla., with an therapy and nephrology ser- of 81 for the service unit,” · Detractors (score 0-6) emphasis in Pharmacy Ad- vices. CEO Capt. Joe Bryant said. are unhappy customers who ministration. Upon comple- Bryant is board certified “This is marked with a total can damage the brand by tion of his residency, Bryant in pharmacotherapy (BCPS) of approximately 700 patient negative word-of- mouth was retained at Hastings as and has been awarded mul- surveys collected throughout Subtracting the percent- a staff pharmacist serving tiple IHS director’s awards the month and after our first age of Detractors from the in multiple leadership and for his efforts. Additionally, installment of customer ser- percentage of Promoters clinical positions. In 2008, he has participated in many vice training. I appreciate our yields the NPS, which can Bryant transferred to the local, area and national staff’s efforts to provide cus- range from a low of negative IHS National Supply Ser- committees including IHS tomer service that exceeds 100 (if every customer is a vice Center (NSSC) as the National Accountability the needs.” Detractor) to a high of 100 Supervisor of the Pharmacy Dashboard, IHS National After each visit to any of (if every customer is a Pro- Support Branch. Pharmacy and Therapeutics the departments within CSU, moter). In 2012 Bryant trans- Committee (NPTC), IHS ferred to CSU where he has National Pharmacy Coun- served in multiple leader- cil (NPC), NPC Inventory ship positions including Management Subcommit- the Director of Pharmacy tee, Veterans Affairs/IHS/ Services, Ancillary Ser- Department of Defense vices Director, Administra- Federal Pharmacy Exec- tive Officer, and (A) Chief utive Steering Committee Executive Officer. He has for Pharmaceutical Procure- championed efforts to im- ment, and Food and Drug prove operations including Administration (FDA) Drug integrating pharmacists into Safety Oversight Board. BRIEFS AT A GLANCE Amending and Updat- it www.nativenationevents. June 10-11, 2019 at the June 25-27, 2019 in Las Women Aug. 6-9, 2019 at the Cox ing Tribal Enrollment Re- org. Pechanga Resort & Casino Vegas, Nev. For more infor- July 18-19, 2019 in Phoe- Convention Center in Okla- quirements in Temecula, Calif. For more mation visit www.falmouth- nix, Ariz. For more informa- homa City. For more infor- May 29-31, 2019 at the The 8th annual Native information visit www.na- institute.com. tion visit www.falmouthin- mation or to register visit Tropicana Resort in Las Ve- American Housing Confer- tivenationevents.org. stitute.com. www.diabetesinindiancoun- gas, Nev. For more informa- ence Understanding the Indi- try.com. tion visit www.falmouthin- June 10-11, 2019 at the Contracting and Pur- an Self-Determination Act: Introduction to Case stitute.com. Pechanga Resort & Casino chasing Certificate Pro- Contracting and Compact- Management in Indian The 21st annual Tax in Temecula, Calif. For more gram ing Under P.L. 93-638 Country Conference National Inter- The 13th annual Native information or to register vis- June 17-19, 2019 in Las July 16-17, 2019 in Las July 23-24, 2019 in Las tribal Tax Alliance (NITA) American Economic Devel- it www.nativenationevents. Vegas, Nev. For more infor- Vegas, Nev. For more infor- Vegas, Nev. For more infor- Aug. 13-15 2019 at the opment Conference org. mation or to register visit mation or to register visit mation or to register visit Buffalo Thunder Casino & June 10-11, 2019 at the www.falmouthinstitute.com. www.falmouthinstitute.com. www.falmouthinstitute.com. Resort in Santa Fe, N.M. For Pechanga Resort & Casino The 10th annual Native more information visit www. in Temecula, Calif. For more American Healthcare Con- Indian Country Enroll- Professional Commu- The 2019 Diabetes In In- ncai.org. information or to register vis- ference ment Summit nication Skills for Native dian Country Conference Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 5

Candidate Registration Opens May 1, 2019 / Closes June 3, 2019 In accordance with the Constitution of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and the Elec- tion Law for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, The Election Commission opens nominations for elective office to qualified candidates. Nominations opened May 1, 2019 will close on June 1, 2019. ELECTIVE SEATS OPEN

LEGISLATURE: Arapaho District 3 (No Incumbent) Arapaho District 4 (No Incumbent) Cheyenne District 1 (Incumbent Burl Buffalomeat) Cheyenne District 3 (Incumbent Ronald Redshin)

ELECTION COMMISSION: Arapaho District 1 (Incumbent Ray Mosqueda) Arapaho District 2 (Incumbent Dale Hamilton) Cheyenne District 2 (Incumbent Norma Yarbrough) Cheyenne District 4 (Incumbent Sarah Orange) QUALIFICATIONS LEGISLATOR FEES Each District Legislator shall be an enrolled member of the tribes, age 25 or older and shall possess a high school degree or its equivalent. LEGISLATIVE...... $200 No person convicted of a felony within the last ten years shall serve as ELECTION COMMISSION...... $100 a District Legislator unless pardoned. At time of filing a nomination petition, a candidate for District Leg- CHALLENGE...... $200 islator shall physically reside in such District. Each District Legislator shall reside in the District from which they are elected for the duration Fees are paid by money order or cashier’s check of their term. Each District Legislator shall be a registered voter in the made payable to the Election Commission and are District from which they are elected. A candidate for the Office of District Legislator cannot owe any mon- NON-REFUNDABLE. ey or debts to the tribes or be employed in any governmental capacity.

ELECTION COMMISSIONER REGISTRATION PACKETS Members of the Election Commission shall be elected from their re- Registration Packets can be picked up at the Election Com- spective districts to serve a term of four years. Election Commissioners mission Office in Concho or from any Commissioner after the shall possess at a minimum a high school degree or its equivalent. No person convicted of a felony shall serve as an Election Commissioner. fee has been paid. The packet must be turned in before reg- Each Candidate for elective office shall file a nomination petition. istration closes on June 1, 2019. The candidate will receive a copy of the Election Law, their districts voter listing and a listing of dates to remember once the packet is turned in. ELECTION COMMISSION The Election Commission is located in the Education Build- ing, Concho Campus, Rooms 106 and 107. Currently the of- VOTER REGISTRATION fice is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The office number is toll free 800-247- Voter Registration is open and will close on 4612 ext. 27619 or you may call or message any one of the June 15, 2019. commissioners for assistance: Tribal members who are not 18 but will be A1 Ray Mosqueda 405-306-7281 A2 Dale Hamilton 405-248-7584 before the Primary or General Election must A3 Pat Smothers 405-535-7863 have their voter registration turned in by June A4 Elizabeth Birdshead 405-464-60043 C1 Sandra Hinshaw 405-593-7944 15, 2019. C2 Norma Yarbrough 405-538-6664 C3 Ramona Welch 405-464-2716 C4 Sarah Orange 405-637-6036 PAGE 6 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Eating Metabolism Myths & Facts healthy Tara Conway, MS, RD, LD, CDE for DIABETES C&A Diabetes Wellness Program Why can one person lean muscle mass. Muscle The truth: There is lit- and instead prioritize eat like a growing teenag- is metabolically active, tle evidence to support the healthful foods, including er and not gain a pound, which means that people fact that eating after 8 p.m. whole grains, legumes, while another person’s with lean, muscular bod- causes weight gain. How- vegetables and fruits, every indulgence shows ies need more energy to ever, you may be more and fun physical activity. up on the scale? Chalk it function than people with likely to snack mindless- Don’t forget about stress up to individual differenc- a higher percentage of ly in the evenings while management and proper es in metabolism, muscle body fat. watching television. sleep. These healthy life- mass and physical activity. Our muscle mass de- Eat regular meals and style behaviors contribute Metabolism is the process creases as we age, and this snacks throughout the day to overall well-being. by which our bodies con- contributes to a slower to prevent extreme swings SAVE THE DATE!! vert what we eat into the metabolic rate. But you in hunger and fullness. If NYPD CAMP JUNE 10- energy we need to survive can counteract this pro- you’re eating later in the 14, 2019. REGISTRA- and function. It powers cess by picking up the evening, do so mindfully TION IS OPEN! FIRST everything from breathing weights to help lessen this and put away snacks when COME FIRST SERVE! to blinking. A fast metab- decline. you’re satisfied. DEADLINE AP- olism is like a hot furnace Claim: A diet of green Claim: Very low calorie PROACHING SOON! that burns through fuel(- tea and chili peppers will diets and skipping meals ONLY FOUR SPOTS calories) quickly. A slow boost metabolism. can jumpstart weight loss. LEFT. metabolism needs less The truth: No magic The truth: Creating a If you picked up an fuel to keep a body run- food will speed up metab- large calorie deficit in at- application, please return ning. olism. Some studies have tempts to lose weight can to me as soon as possi- It’s tempting to blame shown that green tea and backfire. Our bodies are ble. Please let me know weight gain on a slow hot chilies temporarily smart and programmed if you are not going so we metabolism, but there boost metabolic rates, but for survival. Severly lim- may open those spots up are ways to support me- the lift isn’t very signifi- iting calories can make for other children. Thank tabolism and maintain a cant. your body think its en- You! healthy weight. The path to a healthy tering a famine, and that For more information Claim: Our metabolism lifestyle includes a bal- it needs to do more with and tips on health and rates can’t change. anced eating pattern filled fewer calories. Your body wellness contact Tara The truth: While it’s with nutrient-rich foods, adapts to the restricted ca- Conway @ Diabetes true that genetics help not a diet doused in chili loric intake, and uses few- Wellness Program 405- determine our metabolic peppers. er calories to perform the 422-7685/1-800-247- rates, we can boost me- Claim: Eating late at same tasks. 4612 ext. 27685 or email tabolism by increasing night slows metabolism. Resist the urge to diet [email protected].

continuedGHMTC from pg. 2 EXPANSION rica, Italy, France and Germany. He was a skill, much less acquiring an educa- summer and fall of 1971 developing an To 45th Wares injured on Anzio Beach, but after recov- tion. It’s a situation where alcohol be- alcohol recovery program that incorpo- ery he joined his unit until he returned comes a way out.” rated traditional Cheyenne and Arapaho home after D-Day. George Hawkins was the program treatment approaches with non-Indi- Add Four Bears “This is where it gets hard, when my director of the Cheyenne and Arapaho an counseling/medical methods. The dad came back he worked with the ir- Tribes Alcoholism Rehabilitation Cen- study group that took part in that effort rigation department in Window Rock. ter in Bessie, Okla. from 1972 to 1974 included Albaugh, Rowlodge, Leonard He had drank alcohol with his friends and again in from 1976-1977. He was Yellow Eagle, Ed Burns, Sam Buffalo, prior to going in the military, but after executive director of the United Indian Lawrence Hart, Winifred Franklin, Vir- he came back from the war he began to Recovery Association, a member of the gil Franklin, Harvey Twins, Gus Yellow drink a lot and was also violent with my Oklahoma Association on Alcoholism Hair, Willie Fletcher and Bertha Little mother while drinking. In 1950 my par- & Drug Abuse Certification Board and Coyote. ents divorced,” Delores voice shook as was involved in upgrading the stan- Albaugh and Rowlodge then wrote she struggled to hold back tears. “I saw dards testing and qualifying certified a grant during the fall of 1971 asking my father on my high school graduation counselors in the state of Oklahoma. the IHS to fund an alcohol rehabilitation day in May 1955 and then I didn’t see In May 1982 George was selected program for the Cheyenne and Arapaho him again until 1966.” as one of the National Indian Health people that incorporated the traditional When Delores did see her dad again Board’s Honorees. treatment methods used by tribal citi- in 1966 he was sober and felt very “Between his giving back to the drug zens and modern counseling approach- strongly that Alcoholics Anonymous and alcohol abuse community, his many es. Lawrence Hart signed that appli- (AA) was a good program, but lacked trips to testify in Washington, he be- cation as chairman of the study group something for the Native alcoholic. came a loving and caring father, grand- and Albaugh was named as the princi- In a 1977 interview with the Oklaho- father, brother and uncle to his entire pal investigator for the grant with the ma City Times George spoke about the family. He used to always say, ‘I have funds going to the Clinton Service Unit Native alcoholic. “Alcoholism affects at been given this ‘bonus time’ and I in- (CSU). The request was for $49,441, but On Nov. 27, 1950 the with the right grunt. least 80 percent of the American Indian tend to use it to the fullest.’ He attended in January 1972, $27,561 was awarded Daily Oklahoma published Now Pfc. Freddie Tall population. If one member of a fami- all graduations, weddings, wrote many to see if the tribes could actually start an article entitled, “To 45th Bear isn’t the tallest bear, ly suffers from alcoholism, the entire caring letters, made many family vis- such a program. This had never been Wares, Add Four Bears. he’s really the shortest bear family is affected. So it is possible that its,” George’s daughter, Delores said. “I done before and the IHS was willing to The short satirical article of the four, standing 5’7 even close to 100 percent of our population loved my father very much and am very see if it could actually be accomplished. revolved around four Chey- when reaching for a piece of is affected by alcoholism. The study group then wrote a enne and Arapaho tribal cit- pipe. At this point most of our treatment approach, which was izens who were serving in And Cpl. Clyde Old Bear work is directed toward the reviewed by the different clans during the Korean War in isn’t so old, either, just a alcoholic,” George stated. We’re pulling people out of the (societies) of the Cheyenne and “ Company L 179th Infantry, mere 24, and barely the old- “We’re pulling people out Arapaho Tribes and the Okla- river to keep them from drowning. 45th Division. They were est of the four bears, none of the river to keep them homa State Committee of the Freddie Tall Bear, Clyde Old of whom have the same for- from drowning. What we What we need to do is go back up Native American Church. Nu- Bear Harry Big Bear and bears. need to do is go back up the the river to see what’s pushing them merous locations were looked Howard Good Bear. Rct. Harry Big Bear is river to see what’s pushing at to house the treatment pro- in.” George Hawkins They say it’s a small neither the biggest bear nor them in. Nobody becomes gram. Finally the closed ele- world and after talking with the hairiest bear, by two an alcoholic by his own vo- mentary school located in Bes- George Brian Sykes, director inches upward from his bare lition.” grateful that you have named this facili- sie, Okla., was agreed to by the town of the Cheyenne and Arapa- feet in the one case and a George went on to say during that ty after him. I know he is smiling down of Bessie and the study group. The ho Office of Veteran Affairs, bare chin for the second. 1977 interview, “That saying a small on all of us.” treatment program was started and right it seems to be true. Now it is a military se- amount of liquor makes an ‘Indian’ go History of Treatment Facility away Albaugh wrote another grant to “My erved with the four cret how good Sgt. Howard crazy is a myth. Scientists have studied In the summer of 1970 the Chey- the National Institute on Alcoholism as bears in Company L 179th In- Goodbear really is, but we the theory and have come to the conclu- enne and Arapaho Business Committee well as the IHS for continued funding. fantry, 45th Division between know he hasn’t had to bare sive evidence that Indians have no dif- asked Bernard Albaugh, a social worker The board for this grant application 1948 and 1954 but my father his hide to put on a fatigue ferent physical reaction to alcohol than at the Clinton Indian Hospital, to ana- included most of the people named wasn’t in Korea with the coat with a big “P” for pris- the public in general. That myth like the lyze the problem of alcoholism and al- above. A professional advisory board them. My dad, George Ev- oner on it, neither has he myth that Indians are lazy is about 150 cohol abuse. In response to that request was developed that included the CSU erett Sykes was in their unit had to bare his secrets to the years old. It came from the public who Albaugh developed a study group made chief of staff and the psychiatric consul- but his assignment was in chaplain. could not face the plight it put Indians up of the tribal health committee and tant to the IHS. The board also included Japan and he was in Japan at He may really be a good in. It is easier to create a myth than to tribal health staff as well as communi- Albaugh and George Hawkins. the time the four bears were bear, this Goodbear, because accept the responsibility for robbing a ty people interested in the problem of Continued funding for five years was in Korea,” Sykes said. he earned and keeps those man and his family of their home and alcoholism and its impact on tribal citi- granted in June of 1972. The program Below is the article pub- three stripes and like a nice confining them to a reservation where it zens. A system of counseling outpatient was incorporated as a non-profit on lished Nov. 27, 1950 bear bears them well. And is impossible to make a living.” programs and community education June 29, 1972 and George Hawkins was don’t get funny with his por- As the president of the National In- was developed to offer services to tribal employed in July of that same year as To 45th Wares, Add Four ridge bowl either, goldilocks, dian Board told the interviewer along citizens. the first actual director of the program. Bears honey, because he is really with social, economic and psycholog- In 1971 Art Rowlodge was hired by Hawkins stayed with the program until (CAMP POLK, LA) If taller than Tall Bear and has ical factors, he blamed an absence of the Indian Health Service (IHS) as a 1974 when he resigned to work for a you will just bear with us a the weight to go with it. spiritual principles for the high rate mental health technician to work with regional alcohol program. He returned minute, Goldilocks, honey, Old Bear is Arapaho from of alcoholism among Indians. “When Albuagh developing alcohol outreach to Bessie as director again in 1976 and we’ll see your three bears Gearv, Okla. and the other these people come into our rehabilita- programs. Rowlodge was a recover- remained until his death. and raise you one because Bears are Cheyenne from tion programs one of the first things we ing alcoholic whose recovery had been After his death there were several down hear in the pine tree Watonga, Okla. Goodbear, try to do is instill a sense of spiritualism achieved through the Native American “acting directors” who were inexperi- forest we’ve got four of ‘em Tall Bear and Big Bear, that … it’s a powerful tool. Many Indians Church and other traditional Native enced and did not follow the treatment in company L, 179th infantry. is, and they can all barely living on reservations have given up American practices. He suggested they plans adopted by the original commit- And a fine place it is for wait until they can get back hope to improving their status in life. incorporate those recovery methods into tee resulting in the facility being closed bears, too, even if they are in the brush Monday to It’s a situation where for generations the existing programs being offered. because of various infractions, some Oklahoma Indians and an- scrape some bark off trees there has been no hope of ever learning These two then spent the rest of the GHMTC EXPANSION / pg. 7 swer roll call at chow time after a holiday hibernation. Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 7

continuedWATONGA from pg. 1 GROUNDBREAKING ment, but the government of Oklahoma also. believe it started out with Reggie and I as And I wanted to say let’s give credit where a conversation on the road, in a plane or in it’s due and that’s to our Creator.” a restaurant. It tells us that all it takes is us Following both legislator’s comments, working together with the legislators, with closing speaker Cheyenne and Arapaho Lt. the people, have a dream, be honest about Gov. Gib Miles took the podium. what you’re doing, hire the right people and “It’s been said already the working rela- we can get things done … and this is proof tionship we have with the legislators and the of it. This isn’t the only dream we have, this courts, it’s made our jobs a lot easier. Reggie isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. This isn’t and I won’t take credit for this because it’s a about us … it’s about we.” work in progress for the tribe, not just Reggie One by one 40 individuals picked up a and I. Now I am looking out in this room and golden shovel, placed a hard hat upon their to think about all the people that are here and heads and on the count of three scooped the I see everybody here for a groundbreaking soil marking the beginning of a new tomor- for a hotel, a casino and a restaurant I can’t row starting today.

Left: Tribal elder Marie Photos / Rosemary Stephens Whiteman and Lucky Star Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Gov. Reggie Wassana (center) visits with tribal elder and Casino CFO Stephanie long time resident of Watonga, Okla., Floyd Blackbear and the Watonga Chamber of Com- Black dig in. merce Director Teresa France.

Above: Lucky Star Casino CEO Charlie Welbourn, Stephanie Black, Gov. Reggie Wassana and Andy Rednose. Left: Watonga Lucky Star Casino General Manager Rory Littleraven gives a little help to his grandson.

continuedGHMTC from pg. 6 EXPANSION of which ran afoul of local laws. A dormitory of the old Concho boarding school was available in Concho, Okla., so the Substance Abuse Pro- gram moved to Concho. In the 1990s, Marcus Harrison, Vera Franklin and Richard Franklin began directing the program. A decision was made to build a new treatment center facility, with Clinton, Okla., being the cho- sen site for several reasons. Land was available near the Clinton Indian Hospital and it was geographically more central to the old reservation boundaries, as well as being a rural isolated location. In February 2002 the new building in Clinton was completed being dedicated and named after George Haw- kins. Above Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Gov. Reggie Was- Marcus Harrison died in sana meets Delores Hawkins Sullivan, the daughter of May of that same year and George Hawkins, whom the treatment center was named Robert Blackwolf was cho- after in 2002. sen as director in August 2002. The overall project, from design to completion, is pro- jected to take 180 days, and by the time of the ground Photos / Rosemary Stephens breaking ceremony, the proj- Above Chief Larry Roman Nose (left) prepares to ect was at a 30 percent de- bless the ground with the assistance of Kyle Spottedhorse sign completion. at the George Hawkins Memorial Treatment Center in The Cheyenne and Arap- Clinton, Okla. aho Tax Commission provided funding for the treatment facility expansion/ renovations, with technical support from the I.H.S. area office. The Cheyenne and Arapaho Planning and De- velopment Program is working with the tribes’ Dept. of Health, as well as the George Hawkins Treatment Center staff, to work through the design process, and will assist with the coordination during construction. The architect and engi- neer firm is a Native Amer- ican owned company called Blue Star Interactive Stu- dio, out of Tulsa, Oklahoma and WarCon, also a Native American owned company located in Oklahoma City, will be the construction man- George ‘Lone Wolf’ Hawkins served in the U.S. Army, ager overseeing the project. Members of George Hawkins’ family who attended the groundbreaking in his honor. joining days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. (Courtesy From l-r: Delores Hawkins-Sullivan, Lightfoot Hawkins and Teri Kay Bryant. photo) PAGE 8 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Local university hopes to bridge cultural gap by hosting first Bridging the Cultural Gap Collaboration Day

Latoya Lonelodge Staff Reporter

Creating relationships, communicating and bringing awareness to available resources are what many of the University of Oklahoma’s research centers, collections and programs can only hope for in their efforts in reaching out to tribal nations. On April 29 the Bridging the Cultural Gap: OU Indige- nous Language, Culture and Tribal Nations Collaboration Day was held at the Sam Noble Museum in Norman, Okla. The collaboration day Photo / Latoya Lonelodge was held in an effort to bring The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe’s Language Program Director Rebecca Risenhoover tribes together and highlight introduces herself on behalf of the language program’s attendance at the collaboration day. what resources are available at the University of Oklaho- As part of the collaboration day, various public service programs. ma (OU). various programs at OU presented in- In highlighting useful resources “My role as the acting tribal liaison formation and resources available for available for tribes at OU, language officer is to be the middle person and tribes to use and take part in. Present- and culture also plays an important connection between our tribes and the ers and speakers included Christina role in bridging the gap between tribes university, one of the ways that I want- Naruszewicz and Dan Swan with the and the university. ed to bring the tribes here to help them OU Sam Noble Language and Eth- “Collaborations don’t just stop and in their efforts for their language, cul- nology Collections, Lina Ortega and end, they’re continuous and I hope that ture and historic preservation is with Dr. Todd Fuller with the OU Western this relationship continues to grow and the Sam Noble Museum,” Dr. Johnny History Collection, J.A. Pryse with the I hope that it continues to build into Poolah, OU’s acting tribal liaison offi- Carl Albert Congressional Research more things. I know our tribes need cer said. and Study, and Melanie Frye with the support and I know that we’re here Poolah said he wanted to have an Seminole National Language Program. and I know our tribes are going to be event where tribes could come and lis- In the Sam Noble Language and here, so I hope we can continue this ten to what OU has to offer. Ethnology Collections, there are ap- relationship and this partnership and “We have a Western History Col- proximately 7,500 items that are in or after today I hope that our tribe’s take lection, we have the Carl Albert Cen- about more than 300 languages, mate- advantage of what they’ve learned, the ter, we also have the Sam Noble with rials collected from tribes, individuals collections, the materials and the ser- their language and ethnology archives, and linguists include 5,165 print mate- vices that are for all for them and al- there’s a ton of resources here that we rials and 2,578 audio/video recordings, most all of it is free,” Poolah said. have. When I found out about it and all and an extensive collection of tradi- As the collaboration day closed the resources they had, I was amazed tional art and material culture from marking the first of its kind, Poolah because there’s so much that we have societies around the world. The West- hopes to see growing numbers in the here and so if I didn’t know, then a ern History Collection contains more following year. lot of our tribes don’t know either. I than 2,000 manuscript collections and “I wish there could’ve been a lit- wanted to have a day where we could a building collection of Native Liter- tle bit more representation, but that’s share everything that we have to offer ature. The Carl Albert Center’s con- okay, this is our first one and we can and have hopes that our tribes come gressional archives provide national grow and we can build and I hope word back and work with the University of resources available to historians, po- of mouth spreads about this event and Oklahoma in ways that can help their litical scientists, the media and public I hope that it continues, I hope next nations, in language and culture and interest while promoting a wider ap- year we’ll have doubled the numbers,” history,” Poolah said. preciation of the Congress through its Poolah said.

continuedBIRDSHEAD from pg. 1 we still fought and we approached the princi- shead said. the tribes each school year. pal at first. After our conversation with him And while the school stood by their policy “We do have a strong tra- my mom had a meeting with the superinten- and with Birdshead standing firm in his fight dition of Native American dent and he also said no. He said it was up to to wear his regalia, Birdshead said it became students at El Reno in our the school board members and that the next frustrating for him at school. community and so we try as meeting that could change that policy was “It’s really frustrating because people talk best we can to meet the needs, May 6,” Birdshead explained. around the school, I’m hearing other people there’s a lot of activities that Referring to the school’s handbook, Bird- use comparisons like ‘what if this other kid the Native American students shead said the school’s reasoning behind de- wanted to honor, in quotations, his ancestors get to participate in especially nying his request was that only school sanc- that were Nazis or what if they wanted to through our Indian Education tioned items could be worn at graduation. wear the swastika on their cap,’ and they’re Program, which I think is a “They didn’t really show me anything that taking it to the extreme and that makes me phenomenal program,” Li- said I couldn’t wear it and that’s where me really angry because that belief, that whole ticker said. and my mom were confused because they situation that they made up is not protected in And like other schools, Li- would say it’s against policy and it wouldn’t the American Indian Religious Freedom Act ticker said they do have poli- go with the student handbook or it’s against and that just makes me angry,” Birdshead cy for all students to follow. the dress code and the dress code isn’t stated said. However, the one and only and the policy that they talked about doesn’t In helping schools better understand the exception allowed at grad- state it either, so that’s the situation that we Native American viewpoint in honoring uation time allows Native were running into,” Birdshead said. themselves at ceremonies such as graduation, American students to wear an In wearing regalia at ceremonies such as Birdshead said education is the key. eagle feather on their cap if graduation, Birdshead said it would give him “I think we definitely need to educate bet- they choose to. a sense of pride in honoring his family and ter and get the word out about the significance “We have a policy, not where he comes from. of the eagle feathers … in the Society of In- just for Native Americans “It gives me the opportunity to acknowl- dian Psychologists is an article in response students, but it’s a policy for edge the people that I come from, to acknowl- to the recommendation of the display of Hispanic students, African edge my grandfather, my great grandmother, spiritual and cultural symbols of graduation American students, Cauca- it gives me the opportunity to acknowledge regalia for American Indian students, it just sian students, we have a grad- my spirituality, acknowledge what I believe talks about the historical aspect of assimila- uation policy that we have in in and just thanking the Creator for this op- tion, of how the school systematically forced place, which we try to hold to portunity that he’s given me and thanking Indians to forget about their language, forget a more traditional graduation him for giving me this honor,” Birdshead about their culture and spirituality and it talks ceremony where nobody is al- said. about denying us our right to wear our eagle lowed to deviate, not any cul- Tvli Birdshead (right) poses with his brother Warren With the honor of showcasing his rega- feather, it’s just going back to repeating his- tural group, and some schools Birdshead, 16 (left) and his mother Taloa Birdshead at the lia at graduation, Birdshead said he initially tory. I think by spreading articles like this and allow students to decorate Chickasaw Arts Academy. wanted to wear his eagle feather. addressing the issue with schools like earlier their caps and some schools have some of those agreements with the tribe “I didn’t know how the school would react in the year would definitely help,” Birdshead don’t allow them to. We just have that policy and we do have a full agreement that we al- to that, then the Chickasaw Nation, I think it said. for all students, at the same time, to be re- low our Native American students to do,” Li- was new this year, they issued honor cords And in educating schools, some schools spectful of our Native American students and ticker explained. for all the Chickasaw graduating seniors and are taking that proactive step to communicate their heritage and their beliefs, we do, in con- Liticker said students don’t have to ask those were sent in the mail and I got mine and coordinate with respective tribes where a junction with the tribes, we work very closely permission to wear regalia underneath their and I asked our principal if I could wear it majority of Native students are located. with them to hammer what is called the spirit gown. and he said no and the reason is because it El Reno High School Principal Pat Litick- charter where we recognize the importance “That’s their choice as far as meeting the would open the door for other organizations, er said they have a strong Native American of Native American values and culture and official dress, we tell our students you have that the school doesn’t let them wear their population, where Native Americans come what that means to those students and fam- to be dressed formal, dress shoes, ties, dress honor cords either, and so the honor cords in second category of minorities to Hispan- ilies. They wear the official feather on their shirts, all that, and for our Native students, kind of just set the tone because I wanted to ics. Home to a large majority of Cheyenne cap to recognize that, we allow them to wear if they choose, their formal official dress is wear my eagle feather initially and bead my and Arapaho tribal families, El Reno High full regalia under their gown, some of them their regalia,” Liticker said. cap and the honor cords added to that,” Bird- School makes it a priority to coordinate with wore a medallion around their necks, we do BIRDSHEAD / pg. 12 Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 9

Calendar Cheyenne and Arapaho American Legion Post 401 Meeting 31st Annual Burger Day Festival: Community Collaboration for Family Fun 6 p.m. May 16, 2019 at the Native American Church building in Concho, Okla. Covered dish at 6 p.m. with meeting to follow. Inviting all veterans to attend.

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Language & Cul- ture Program Presents Doll Making Class 5-8:30 p.m. May 16 at the Canton Community Center in Canton, Okla. For more information call 405-422-7433 or 405-422-7689.

Northern Arapaho Sundance Sponsor Dance for Grant Fletcher May 18, 2019 at the Concho Community Center in Con- cho, Okla. Supper at 5 p.m. with dance to follow. MC Alan Fletcher, HS Frank Mosqueda, HMD John Cannon, HLD Debbie AllRunner, HLBD Punkin Blackowl, HLGD Arlyen Muskett, Honored Family Dara Franklin’s Family, Honored Elder Reda Pawnee and AD Earl Plumley.

Tribal Constitution Training May 14-15, 2019 at the Clinton Community Center in

Family Clinton, Okla. 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. Presenter, Joseph Morsette. For more CHILDREN FUN information call 405-422-7755.

The 2019 State Handgame Tournament sponsored by MAGIC and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the Clinton Community Center in Clinton, Okla. Must be 18 years or older. Entry fee is $200 per team. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., meal served at noon, drawing at 12:45 p.m. and games begin at 1 p.m. First place $4,000 w/trophy, second place $2,000 w/trophy and third place $1,000 w/trophy. Championship game ONLY will be Best Guesser $100 w/plaque, Best Hider $100 w/plaque, Best Dressed Team $250 and Best Banner $100. For more information call Pete Bearshield at 580-309- Photos / Rosemary Stephens 4648 or Chee Bearshield at 580-383-0440.

PARTNERSHIPS Yvonne Wilson’s Memorial Dance May 25, 2019 at the Concho Community Center in Con- cho, Okla. Paint ceremony at 3 p.m., dinner at 5 p.m. with dance to follow. MC Stewart Candy, HS Jason Goodblanket, HMD Bruce Whiteman, HLD Edwina Whiteman, HLBD Steven Russell, HLGD Violet RomanNose, Honored Elders Walter & Doris Hamilton, Host Family Virgil & Harriette Whiteshirt, ADs Chris Eaglenest and Roy Bates, and Paint Ceremony Chester Whiteman.

A Baby Event 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. May 30, 2019 at the Clinton Communi- ty Center in Clinton, Okla. Please RSVP to Kristie Purdy at 580-331-3458. Door prizes, gifts and critical health information. Grand prize drawing at 7:30 p.m. Car seats available on a limited ba- sis. Sponsored by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Clinton Service Unit and SafeKids of Oklahoma.

Memorial Dance for Mary Belle Curtis-Lonebear June 1, 2019 at the Clinton Community Center in Clinton, Okla. Paint ceremony at 10 a.m., supper at 5 p.m. with dance Family to follow. MC Eddie Wilson, HMD Nathan Howling Crane, HLD Karen Little Coyote, HLBD Trevor Harrison, HLGD Nizhay- la French, Honored Family Max & Doreen Watan Jr. Family, Honored Flag Toby Good Blanket, Co-Host Cheyenne and Arapaho American Legion Post 401 and ADs Mary Belle’s Grandsons. For more information contact Kimberly Lonebear at 580- 275-9222.

Birthday - Honor Dance for McKenna Beth Lime Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the Custer County Fairgrounds, 1749 US Hwy. 183 in Clinton, Okla. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. with dance to follow. MC Gerald Panana, HS Creg Hart, HLD Carrie Lehi, HMD Jason Goodblanket, Honored Elder Margie Pewo, Co- Host Red Moon Gourd Clan, Honored Veteran Trevor Aqui- lar, ADs Kyle and Gary Jr. Lime & Jake Reynolds, McKen- COMMUNITY na’s brothers. For more information contact Angie Lime at 580-309-4165 or Gary Lime at 580-445-9082.

Red Earth Festival June 7-9, 2019 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. For more information visit www.RedEarth.org.

Barefoot Powwow Benefit Dance June 8, 2019 at the Watonga Community Center in Waton- ga, Okla. Gourd dance at 3 p.m., supper 5 p.m. and dance to follow. CULTURE MC Burl Buffalomeat, HS Roger Davis, HLD Holly Long Warrior, HMD Roy Dean Bullcoming, HLGD Happy Short- man, HLBD Ephraim Little Creek, Honored Family Pendle- ton/Whiteshield families and AD Cayden Brown. Vendors welcomed with a raffle donation For more information call 405-687-1165 or 405-626-1718.

Tribal Constitutional Training: A Basic Approach to Understanding the Constitution 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., June 11-12, 2019 at the Concho Commu- nity Center in Concho, Okla. For more information call 405- 422-7755 or email [email protected].

To submit an event for the Calendar Events, email [email protected] or [email protected] PAGE 10 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes honor Roy Oliver, donor of 200 bison Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter (CONCHO, OK) Oc- cupying the lands of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes in herds are the sym- bolic and majestic herd of bison. While holding a sig- nificant role among tribes, the bison, large in size, has provided endless uses, not only for the Cheyenne and Arapaho people, but, for Native Americans for generations. Photos / Latoya Lonelodge Today the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes own Roy Oliver, donor of 200 head of bison, was honored and 450 head of bison. While gifted with a Pendleton blanket and plaque by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. displaying a strong appre- Pictured l-r: Cheyenne and Arapaho Gov. Reggie Wassa- MEMORIAL DAY ciation for the bison, the na, Roy Oliver, Lena Nells, Ruben Watan and Nathan Hart. tribes searched for bison to own and in the midst of solely on the bison herd itself. locating willing sellers, one rancher, Roy “What we’re going to do is provide EVENT Cheyenne and Arapaho Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) Oliver, saw an opportunity to give. meat to tribal members, a meat process- On April 30, the Cheyenne and Arapa- ing facility, and get 9800 acres of agri- May 23, 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ho Tribes held an honoring ceremony for cultural land ready just to focus solely on Concho RESPECT GYM Oliver, thanking him for his initial dona- sustaining this bison herd, but the gov- tion that, over the years added up to 200 ernor realized that we had to properly Meal Served at 12:00 p.m. head of bison. thank Mr. Oliver and so today was a day Veterans ride free with Tribal Transit 580-331-2600 Oliver, a rancher from Norman, Okla., to go back and honor him for his con- made his first ever trip to the Cheyenne tribution to the tribe and thank him for Co-Sponsor: Dept. of Labor, Employment & Training, and Arapaho Tribes. Surprised and what he’s done for us and acknowledge Vocational Rehab shocked, Oliver was overwhelmed at the that we have a great relationship with Contact OVA 405-422-7789 number of tribal citizens who gathered this man and to keep that going and cer- to show their appreciation. tainly thank him and honor “I had no clue that there him for his contribution to was going to be anybody our tribe,” Hart said. here except Clara (Bushy- In addition to Oliver’s head) and maybe someone donation, the Cheyenne OBITUARIES who handled the bison and and Arapaho Tribes also I came to a whole crowd gained over 57 bison from Marvin Earl ‘Sambo’ Black Jr. … it was a shock to me a state auction bid from Elk Clan. He worked oper- da Sue Black of Oklahoma when I walked in but I’m Foss State Park in 2018. ating heavy equipment. In City, Myrna Ruth Black of very proud of what you “I am completely hum- his spare time he really en- El Reno, Byron Scott Black have done with the herd,” bled by this honor today, joyed drawing and painting, of El Reno, Marvina Rose Oliver said. these animals went back to hunting, and fishing. Sam- Black of Oklahoma City, While bison prove to be the people they belong to bo enjoyed traveling to the James Warden of Oklaho- a valuable source within and I’m happy that they’re Cheyenne and Arapaho cere- ma City, Janice Warden of monies and was well known Tahlequah, Okla., and Jaime the Cheyenne and Arap- here … I had more bison for being able to start a con- Limpy of Oklahoma City, aho Tribes, its uses in the than I needed, things with versation with anybody. five grandchildren, three community is vital to the Roy Oliver shares his ap- my business were doing preciation and surprise at Marvin was preceded in great grandchildren, as well health, education and cul- the number of tribal citizens well and I wanted to give death by his parents, Mar- as numerous aunties, uncles, tural upbringing of tribal in attendance in his honor. back and the Cheyenne vin and June Black, infant nieces, nephews, other rela- citizens. and Arapaho were the peo- son Marvin E. Black, III, a tives and many friends. Marvin Earl “Sambo” “Today was about hon- ple that I thought should grandchild, and a brother A traditional all night Black, Jr. passed away on Michael Lawrence Black. wake service was held May oring Mr. Roy Oliver, he was very gener- have them,” Oliver said. May 5, 2019 at St. Francis ous in donating, over the years, 200 head As tribal citizens lined up to shake Left to carry his lega- 8 at the Concho Communi- Hospital in Tulsa at the age cy are his children Kahlea ty Center in Concho, Okla. of bison to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Oliver’s hand, thanking him, Cheyenne of 66. He was born May Black of Okmulgee, Okla., Funeral services were held Tribes. The tribe first approached him to and Arapaho Tribes Gov. Reggie Wassa- 10, 1952 in Clinton, Okla., Keely Black of Okmulgee, May 9 at the same venue, purchase some animals and he sent word na shared his personal thank you, “We to Marvin and June (War- James Warden of Oklaho- followed by an Interment back to the tribe that he wasn’t going to wanted to thank Roy for all that he has den) Black. He grew up in ma City, and Earl Plumley at the Concho Indian Cem- let us purchase from him but he count- done for the tribe, his generosity and his the Seiling area, graduating of El Reno, Okla. Brothers etery under the direction of er offered and said I’ll donate to you, so heartfelt concern about how the tribe’s from Seiling High School. and sisters Marshall Keith Redinger Funeral Home. He was a member of the he donated 100 head one year and fol- will grow in the future with the buffalo Black of El Reno, Bren- lowed that up with another 100 head the herd and the number of buffalo he gave following year. We had a small group of us was beneficial to all the tribal mem- Jasper Red Hat Jr. animals out here at the time but that real- bers and it’ll help us in the future with ton, Okla., to Jasper Red Edwina. creating an even bigger herd so we hope ly was a catalyst to launching our bison Hat Sr. and Ruth Bobtail He is survived by his program and we’ve grown it since then,” with that we have good success and our Wolf and passed away Sun- sister Pauline White Tail of Nathan Hart, Department of Business heart grows larger and we definitely have day, May 5, 2019 at the age Watonga and several nieces, executive director said. the benefit of having the buffalo returned of 62. He was a resident of nephews, family and friends. Hart said there are future plans based back home.” Montana from the age of 3, A visitation was held May moving back to Watonga 9 at the Wilkinson Mortuary 31 years ago. He attended in Watonga. Funeral services schools in Lame Deer Mon- were held May 10 at the tana. Concho Community Center He was preceded in death in Concho, Okla., followed by his parents, three broth- by an Interment at the Con- ers, Tyrone, Darrell and cho Indian Cemetery under James, and three sisters, the direction of the Wilkin- Jasper Red Hat Jr. was Donna Mae, Alpha Jean and son Mortuary. born April 16, 1957 in Clin- Mary Earcel Starr ed this life on May 3, 2019 at Okla., two sisters, Paula Geary, Okla. Meat of El Reno, and Ber- Mary was raised in the niece LittleThunder of Can- Canton and Thomas commu- ton, Okla., and many nieces, nities. She attended school nephews, aunts, uncles and at Concho Boarding School. friends. Mary enjoyed cooking and Wake services were held listening to Marvin Gaye and May 6 at the Canton Native Al Green. American Gymnasium in Mary was preceded in Canton, Okla. Funeral ser- death by her parents, one vices were held May 7 at the brother Danny LittleThun- same venue with Rev. Gerald der and one sister Sharilyn Panana and Rev. Waylon Up- LittleThunder. Survivors in- chego officiating. Interment Mary Ercel Starr was clude three brothers, Michael followed in the Cantonment born Aug. 12, 1964 at Clin- Starr of El Reno, Okla., Car- Cemetery under the direction ton, Okla. to Harry Bernard Roy Oliver was gifted with a knife from Lena Nells with the Language and Culture pro- los Lime of Watonga, Okla., of Pierce Funeral Home in Starr and Frankie Lou (Med- gram while Gov. Reggie Wassana and Clara Bushyhead look on. and Kenny Lime of Geary, Canton, Okla. icine Bird) Hail. She depart- Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 11 Promoting the Life and Legacy of Wilma Mankiller in classrooms Latoya Lonelodge we wanted to bring educators Staff Reporter out so they could get a copy of the book, hear about the As wisdom spreads of past book and get it into the hands historical figures, knowledge of kids and the schools that also grows in the classrooms we serve,” Christine Denny, starting at a very young age. special projects coordinator One important figure in Na- said. tive American history is not With the goal of promot- only catching eyes by artistic ing the book across schools, Photos / Latoya Lonelodge attraction of its illustration in educators from Yukon and El Rebecca Geiger, with Clinton Service Unit, presents in- books but also planting inter- Reno Public Schools were in formation on HIV and Hepatitis for participants at the CHR est among educators. The life attendance, as well as pro- Spring Health Fair held at the Concho Community Center of Wilma Mankiller. grams within the Cheyenne in Concho, Okla. Entailing the details of and Arapaho Tribe’s Educa- Wilma Mankiller’s life when tion Department that work she was separated from her with school districts. CHR Program kicks community by the federal “There isn’t a lot of Indi- government in 1956, Wilma’s an history in classrooms, I Way Home: The Life of Wil- mean we live in Oklahoma, off spring season ma Mankiller is a children’s it’s Indian country but it’s not book published by Doreen being taught in our schools with health fair Rappaport and illustrated by about people of importance Latoya Lonelodge ca Geiger (Clinton Service Linda Kukuk. In the book, or real history. Anytime we Staff Reporter Unit), who will be speaking Mankiller, an Oklahoma have an opportunity to ed- on Hepatitis and HIV, then native and Cherokee activ- ucate our kids, and not just With seasons changing Deborah Ellis from Health ist, finds refuge in the Indi- our children but the children and colder weather dwin- Education will be present- in our community, we want an Center in San Francisco dling as spring continues to ing on Minority Health where she works to build and to grab that chance,” Denny blossom, many are transi- Disparities and that’s been uproot the Native American explained. tioning with their health by a problem the last five or community and political ac- Being a native to Okla- Photo / Latoya Lonelodge prioritizing health check- six years especially since tivists. Highlighting figures homa Choctaw ancestry and Artist and Illustrator Linda Kukuk visited the Cheyenne ups and partaking in health Trump has attempted to cut such as Mankiller in class- having grew up in the same and Arapaho Tribes to introduce the children’s book “Wil- fairs. Agencies and pro- rooms and incorporating time era as Mankiller, only ma’s Way Home The Life of Wilma Mankiller.” out a lot of Indian Health Native American books as one artist could be called grams offering health ser- Services funding and we educational tools are what upon by Disney to have “I just called on what I for the Cherokee Nation and vices are ensuring commu- have Canadian County others are striving to pro- created an accurate illustra- knew about Wilma’s life, Environmental Protection nity members are receiving Health Department, we got mote among educators. tion of Mankiller’s life that I read the words and then Agency. the resources they need by state, tribal and government On May 3 a meet and greet would be portrayed in a chil- imagined how the words can As Mankiller’s legacy getting their annual check- health services here,” Ellis with artist Linda Kukuk, Wil- dren’s book. That artist was be portrayed so that children lives on through Wilma’s ups. said. ma’s Way Home The Life of Linda Kukuk. would connect with those Way Home The Life of Wil- On April 24 the Chey- From booth to booth, Wilma Mankiller’s illustra- “It has been a wonder- pictures and the words, I also ma Mankiller, the historical enne and Arapaho Tribes pamphlets, displays and tor, was held at the Cheyenne ful experience for me be- called on my own experienc- events surrounding her life CHR program held the 2nd goodie-bag-finds were and Arapaho Tribes Dept. of cause I had never illustrated es because I grew up in the and in her ambitions to help Annual Spring Health Fair pleasing to the eye as many Education building in Con- a book before and I’ve al- same era as Wilma Mankill- her people can be shared at the Concho Community community members won- cho, Okla. ways been an artist but this er and in the same state, we across classrooms of school- Hall in Concho, Okla. dered to each table, many of While educators, teachers was a new adventure for me had some similarities that aged children. While on-site and pres- which were also employees. and public attendees gath- and I learned so much about connected us so that’s what I “I think that Wilma’s life ent, neatly lined booths “This is awareness, used,” Kukuk explained. is so inspirational because ered to listen to Kukuk’s Wilma’s life and a lot about filled the community hall we’re trying to let people Mankiller, primarily she started with absolutely story of how she came to myself as well while I was with various health agen- know we’re here for them, a known as the first female nothing but the love of her illustrate the book for Dis- illustrating the book. I had to cies and programs from lot of the employees will be Principal Chief of the Cher- family, she went through a ney, the meeting provided learn a lot of new things but tribal, state and government okee Nation, led a life of lot of hardships through her able to come here today that an opportunity to showcase I think that I’ve grown in the departments. Working dil- never get time … there’s process and I’ve learned a lot activism for Native Ameri- life and continued to keep the significance in introduc- igently to provide health stressful days that we want ing the book among youth in myself,” Kukuk said. cans and the community. As trying and doing what was resources to the community, them to come out here and classrooms. As her first time illus- chief, she focused primarily right and I think she would tribal citizens were offered see, we even got our health “We really wanted to trating a book, Kukuk said on helping her people with be an inspiration to all young services such as blood glu- benefits people here so they present the book and have it was a three-year process healthcare, education, job people to think that a poor cose testing, checking cho- Linda come out and promote before the book was finally training and worked with the young Indian girl in Okla- can check in with them to lesterol and blood pressure it. Wilma Mankiller is an published in February of this federal government towards homa could grow up to be a see what they’re lacking icon in Indian history and so year. a self-government agreement chief someday,” Kukuk said. screenings. or what they need so it’s a “The purpose is just a good thing to have today welcoming after the cold and having all different winter, we try to have a kinds of health programs End the feather ban: Government considers spring health fair just to get here,” Ellis said. everybody back on track, Ellis said he hopes peo- protecting Native American rights check out what the winter’s ple come and will realize done to them and let them the services that are avail- Dept. of the Interior publishes petition to end criminalization of know that all these services able to them. are out there for them to use “Also to see where eagle feather possession for religious worship to get ready for the rest of they’re at on their blood the year,” Clifton Ellis, with glucose, see where they’re WASHINGTON – The “After fighting in court the CHR Program said. at on their heart rate, blood Department of the Interior for almost a decade to de- And with awareness of pressure and cholester- is considering a petition to fend our centuries-old health services available, ol, those are the first three end the criminalization of religious practices, I am information and welcom- things that they check for eagle feather possession for thankful that Native Amer- ing smiles overflowed the when they go into a doc- Native American religious icans are one step closer health fair as programs and tor’s office and we’ve had exercise. The petition, to freely worshipping with agencies offered their re- people at different events, published last week, fol- eagle feathers,” said Pas- sources. one person we had to take lows a 2014 court victo- tor Robert Soto, spiritual “We got other programs to the hospital, they didn’t ry and is part of a settle- leader of the Lipan Apache here, Emergency Manage- know they were on the ment agreement in which Tribe of Texas. “It is time ment is here getting ready verge of a heart attack and the government promised for the government to rec- for the spring season, we we got there and they got to consider stronger legal ognize that feathers are a also have Diabetes Well- seen and they walked away protections for Native gift of the Creator, not the ness here offering services from that, you never know Americans like Pastor government, and Native for eye glasses and foot what’s going to happen, Robert Soto of the Lipan Americans deserve lasting checks, we have a lot of get yourself checked out, Apache Tribe of Texas, who legal protections that can’t people here, Health Educa- that’s what we’re hoping fought in court for nearly 10 be revoked at the govern- tion is here presenting their to see where you’re at, we years to defend his religious ment’s whim.” smoking displays. We have hope we can help lead you rights (watch video here). In 2006, an undercover speakers lined up for today forward to a healthier life,” Although current reg- agent from the Department too such as speaker Rebec- Ellis said. ulations allow permits for of the Interior infiltrated a power companies, airports, powwow, a sacred Native and construction projects American religious cere- to kill thousands of eagles mony involving drumming, every year, many Native dancing, and eagle feath- Americans are criminal- ers. The agent interrogated ly banned from possess- Pastor Soto, confiscated his ing even a single feather eagle feathers, and threat- for religious worship. The ened him with fines and proposed regulations, if en- prison time. Pastor Soto acted, will ensure stronger, fought back in court and in et’s help, Pastor Soto nego- tend the same treatment to lasting protections so that 2014 won a major victory in tiated a historic settlement all Native Americans. Native Americans like Pas- which the U.S. Court of Ap- agreement allowing for the The government is seek- tor Soto can use feathers peals for the Fifth Circuit return of his feathers and ing public comment on the for worship, and it will not said the federal government the right to use feathers in petition until July 1. More change the existing ban on could not justify its restric- his religious worship. Pas- information can be found harming eagles or commer- tion on the religious use of tor Soto is now asking the at www.endthefeatherban. The CHR program provided free glucose testing and cializing their feathers. eagle feathers. With Beck- federal government to ex- org. blood pressure screenings at the Spring Health Fair. PAGE 12 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei

continuedBIRDSHEAD from pg. 8 the tribe and we want to be al upbringing and expression will cease to honor our children in our way, and encour- respectful of that, we don’t arise. age them to pursue higher education, it want anybody to be offend- Gover said the issue comes from a sys- would show great honor and respect for the ed because somebody used tem designed for the children. First Peoples of this nation by allowing all a term that maybe they’ve “It was mostly designed to assimilate of our children to be honored by their fam- been using and never real- them and this is how that happens, when ily and their people through wearing their ized, ‘oh I didn’t think of it the important celebrations and milestones regalia during graduation,” Taloa said. that way,’” Liticker said. in our lives get claimed by someone else’s With addressing the Latta School Board While schools are proac- rules and the way someone else wants to on May 6, the Birdsheads had a support tively involving themselves do things and for not any good reason but system behind them supporting their en- with tribes, some educators just because they want you to conform, deavors as they have opened an investi- are also striving to praise more people should have a problem with gation with the Oklahoma State Attorney the cultural upbringing of that and I’m glad that these students and General’s office by filing the Public- Ac Native youth in the school their parents do have a problem with that,” commodation Discrimination Complaint system. With the continu- Gover said. form. They had support from the Oklaho- ing issue of denying Na- In his fight to gain the right to wear his ma ACLU, Native American Rights Funds, tive students the right to regalia freely at graduation, Birdshead’s Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, with oth- honor themselves distinct- mother, Taloa Birdshead said her son has er legal representation provided through ly among their heritage, worked very hard as a student and will be Conner & Winter’s Law Firm, the Oklaho- the topic arises frequently graduating with the highest honors. ma Chapter of AIM, along with numerous across the United States. “Tvli has been brought up knowing who supporters from the community. Founder and Interim he is, his identity is founded in his people Birdshead also received a letter of sup- Executive Director of the who are his family, Tvli has been taught port from various representatives of the Oklahoma City Sovereign that there is no separation of his spiritual- Chickasaw Nation, including Lisa Billy, Community School, Phil ity from any aspect of his life, graduation, Chickasaw Nation legislator and former Gover, had some insight to even from high school. He is a high honor Oklahoma House of Representative, Na- share over the topic. among his family, his cousin and brother tional Congress of American Indians, John “I’ve been really hard- requested to honor Tvli by beading his cap Densmore, musician and Native American ened that this issue is com- and when a person offers to bead some- activist and Representative Ruth Ann Buf- ing up more and more and thing like a graduation cap it is to honor falo of North Dakota. not just in Oklahoma, I and bestow a blessing, an eagle feather is “Tvli and I both are hoping to keep this Tvli Birdshead (right), pictured with his brother Warren think it comes up in other given to a person to signify honor, bestow moving forward for positive change and Birdshead (left), participates in various cultural and cere- states as well where there’s spiritual blessings, or to honor for personal restoring honor to our first peoples of this monial activities and is actively involved with his respective a substantial population of achievement, an eagle is considered sacred nation, Tvli and I hope this will impact the tribe, the Chickasaw Nation. Native students. Why I’m to first peoples, we are the descendants of nation to create a wave of change to bring In order to avoid lack of education of hardened about it is because the first peoples of this nation, the right to to light the need for change in legislation the tribe’s heritage and beliefs, Liticker for so long, especially in the tradition- educate our children according to our own that would uphold the rights to protect our said that the school makes sure they work al public schools systems, excluding our ways was prohibited during colonization Indigenous ways of life. We hope to have closely with the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal grant schools or BIA schools, but for and the years following,” Taloa said. laws in place that protect what’s sacred, Tribes. so long our Native kids don’t see them- Taloa explained that many schools it begins with protecting what’s sacred to “We just make sure we’re working selves reflected in their schools, like their across the nation receive Title VI fund- us, our children, who carry with them our very closely with them, that we’re very cultures, they tend to be watered down if ing and schools that apply and receive the ways of life. I’ve borrowed this quote of respectful of our Native student’s culture, not outright disrespected. The curriculum funding are required to meet the ‘unique Sitting Bull many times, Tvli tells me, but that we’re very respectful of their beliefs that schools teach in our school, and this cultural, language, and educational needs I’ll borrow it yet again, ‘Let us put our with the tribe and any time if there is doesn’t necessarily reflect their experience of American Indian and Alaska Native stu- minds together and see what life we can something where we’re kind of out of line and knowledge, but other times it’s just dents.’ make for our children,’” Taloa said. with that we make sure we’re educated on outright lies, it’s not true, you get to the “Latta High School, where my son will The May 6 School Board Meeting con- it, because I think most of the time that’s point when someone who’s on the verge graduate, is a school that receives Title VI vened at the Latta High School cafeteria where it comes from is just a lack of ed- of adulthood has the self awareness to say, funding, he has the right to wear his rega- where a majority of supporters gathered in ucation on what is the official meaning of ‘you know what this moment is about me, lia, not only to allow his family and his support of Birdshead. The board, totaling the headdress, sometimes our kids don’t it’s about my achievements and my accom- people to honor him in our way, but also to five members, passed Birdshead’s request, understand that and so it just needs to be plishments and I should have the ability hold the school accountable to their obli- allowing him to wear his eagle feather, an educational time of lets explain to them to celebrate in a culturally or appropriate gation upon receiving Title VI funding, the beaded cap and cord at the upcoming grad- really what the headdress means and the way,’” Gover said. right to honor our children in our Native uation ceremony set for May 21. importance of it to the tribes. Lets explain With the upcoming addition of the Sov- ways, even in regards to how to educate Birdshead will be attending the Institute to them what all of these things mean so ereign Community School set to officially our children was taken from Native People of American Indian Arts in Sante Fe, N.M. that we understand that when we’re us- open in the fall of 2019 in Oklahoma City, in this country long ago. Though that right in the fall where his major area of study ing this term or that term, that you under- where Native American curriculum will be was taken from us, we never forgot who will be Indigenous Liberal Studies with a stand that’s a negative term in the eyes of incorporated, the issue of denying cultur- we were as a people, we have the right to minor in Studio Art.

ATTENTION TO ALL ELDERS WHO RECEIVE MONTHLY FOOD ASSISTANCE FROM ELDER CARE Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 13 Dear Editor: The Cheyenne and Arap- sponsoring Bingo games, aho American Legion Post raffles and veteran’s gourd 401 was established approx- dances. Since Gov. Reggie imately 10 years ago under Wassana’s election as gov- the Darrell Flyingman’s ernor, he has supported our administration. The mis- efforts and our Post. He has sion of Post 401 are many, helped our Post to attend to assist veterans in every different events represent- way possible, community ing the Cheyenne and Arap- involvement and support. aho Tribe. Without his help As a veteran’s organization we would not have been we show our last respects able to attend many of these to our deceased veterans by activities. providing a proper military Charlie Welbourn, an- burial, which includes a ri- other supporter of our May 10 th Happy 3rd birthday Happy 1st Birthday Happy 28 Birthday fle salute, Taps and folding Post, has been very help- “I didn’t give you the Daralis RedShin! Alivia “Livi” Runnels Kial Eaglebird Terrell on and presentation of the flag ful in supporting our Bin- Gift of Life. th May 16th May 19th May 6 , 2019 to the family. go games. Charlie’s older Life gave me the Gift of Love your family With lots of love, your mimi Love, your family We also represent the brother Thurman was a Ang and family Yo u .” th Cheyenne and Arapaho proud Marine. As a current Happy 7 Birthday Congratulations to Emet Moshe Tribe by participating in member of Post 401 and a Ashlynn. Longhorn on his selection to various powwows, parades former Post Commander, I Happy Birthday Nellie We love you to the sun attend the United States Coast and color guard functions. would publicly like to thank Magpie and back. Guard Academy’s 2019 Academy To fond our activities, we these two mean for their May 9 sissy Bretlynn and Introduction Mission (AIM) Summer rely on personal funds, support of the Cheyenne Love from the Elk City mommy Program. donations, monetary gifts and Arapaho Post 401 and gang His acceptance letter read, in part, and now support from the our Cheyenne and Arapaho “You should take pride in your Cheyenne and Arapaho veterans. Happy Birthday Faren selection for this unique opportunity Tribe. Under the Boswell We cannot overlook the Old Crow as you were part of a highly and Hamilton administra- many supporters who at- May 29 competitive pool of applicants.” tions, the American legion tended our bingo, dances From all your sisters, Emet was also selected as the 6A State Post received no funding, and participated in our raf- nieces, nephews and Basketball Academic Champion at no support and Post 401 had fles and drawings. We say grandkids from Elk City Stillwater High School in March. to pay the tribe a rental fee thank you and we salute We love you very much of $25 per meeting to utilize you. the NAC building. Happy Birthday Darrell Flyingman Congratulations Judy M. King! We have managed to nephew Alex Gould Seeking Contact with A Proud Cheyenne Hartshorne High School support our Post 401 by May 6 Leona Whiteshield Class of 2019 Warrior Love your aunties and Please contact Reida We are so proud and love you cousins in Elk City Whiteshield at very much! Wishing you the reidawhiteshield04@ Way to go! happiest of birthdays! hotmail.com Love, dad, grandma Judy and the rest of the crew Congratulations Tvli Elijah Ne’Ayhe Birdshead, Latta High School class of 2019 Tvli has been involved in Chikasha Pehlichi Ikbi, Native Youth Community Project, and Student Council, National Honor Society, and Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society. He has competed in the Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair since 2011, where he has sang and prayed in his Choctaw language for years and is in the process of In March 2019 some of the Cheyenne and Arapaho learning prayers in Chickasaw/Cheyenne/and Arapaho as well. elders traveled to Denver, Colo., for the annual He was a recipient of The State Superintendent Art’s Excellent Denver March Powwow. While in Denver they were Award in 2018, SEASAM Juror’s Award 2019, SEASAM Best able to visit the Denver Science and History Museum. of 2D Award Youth Division 2016, 1stplace in Red Earth Youth Division 2D 2016, 1st Place Youth Poster Art in the Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair 2019. He attends Grace Christian Fellowship Church, and also participates in the Cheyenne & Arapaho Sundance Ceremony. He will be attending Institute of American Indian Arts in Sante Fe, New Mexico this fall where his major area of study will be Indigenous Liberal Studies with a minor in Studio Art. He hopes to use his art as a platform to advocate for positive change and awareness in regards to issues and laws pertaining to Indigenous people. Tvlia is from Ada, Okla., his parents are Taloa Birdshead and husband Jonathan Sharp. Tvli’s grandparents are Rev. Gary and Cheryl Weeden, the Legals Notice By Publication late Cheyenne and Arapaho Chief Joseph Birdshead and Joann Birdshead. continued pg. 14 PAGE 14 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei CLASSIFIEDS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS LEGALS To apply please submit a tribal application, resume, diploma(s), transcripts, valid copy of driver’s license and a copy of CDIB (if applicable) to the Personnel Department, PO Box 38, NOTICE BY PUBLICATION Concho, OK 73022 or call 405-422-7498 or email [email protected]. Foreman/Field Supervisor Asset Manager Road Maintenance Program Fleet Management Program Closing: Until Filled Closing: Until filled Qualifications: Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in asset management, grant manage- Completion from an accredited secretarial school and/or ment, professional or civil engineering or heavy equipment clerical course/program with a minimum of two years experi- operator’s certification preferred. However associates degree ence in clerical, secretary or receptionist work or equivalent. with minimum two year’s experience as a road maintenance Minimum education requirement is high school diploma or field supervisor and/or road construction foreman acceptable. G.E.D. certification. Must be willing and able to attend vari- High school diploma or G.E.D. certification required. Must ous training and/or certification programs as directly related have an acceptable driving record and provide a current Mo- to job duties and responsibilities. Applicant must provide a tor Vehicle Report from the Oklahoma State Dept. of Public Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) from the Oklahoma Dept. of Safety and possess a current Oklahoma driver’s license. Must Public Safety. Must possess a current Oklahoma state driver’s pass a pre-hire drug and alcohol screen/test to adhere to the license. Must pass pre-hire drug and alcohol screening. established Drug-Free Workplace Act. Cheyenne and Arapa- SALARY: Negotiable ho preference. SALARY: Negotiable Human Resource Generalist Dept. of Housing Adult Education (PT) Closing Date: Until filled 3 Counselors Canton/Watonga, Clinton and Concho Qualifications: Closing Date: Until filled Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources or related field preferred. Five or more years of progressively indepen- Qualifications: dent professional work in human resources. A combination Bachelor’s degree in education or related field preferred of education and experience may be substituted for degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, requirement. Computer skills. Prefer a professional Human substituting one year of experience in teaching for each year Resource certification. Must pass drug and alcohol testing, of required education. Must possess a current Oklahoma must pass a background check. Cheyenne and Arapaho pref- driver’s license including having a clean driving record for erence. SALARY: Negotiable insurance purposes. Ability to pass OSBI background check. Must be able to work flexible hours including weekends and The Western Plains Weatherford Genealogical Soci- holidays, not to exceed 29 hours/week. Must be willing to st travel and perform other duties as assigned by director. Chey- ety will hold their regular meeting May 20 , 7 pm, at the enne and Arapaho preference. SALARY: Negotiable Western Oklahoma Historical Center, Inc., 520 West Main in the Cedar Schoolhouse. Agenda items include: Annual election of officers (must be currently paid members), in- Houseparent surance protection of the contents of the house, newsletter. ShelterPart-time & On-Call This meeting is for all genealogists and family history Emergency Youth buffs in Custer and surrounding counties. Do you like children of all ages? Do you like attend- Contact: Elizebeth Wilson, 405-229-8495 ing outings with kiddos to show them a great time? White water? Zoo days? Frontier City? Science Museum? Educa- tional outings?? Come and join us! We are looking to hire part time/on- call workers with clean backgrounds to work as a House- parents’ for the C&A youth shelter. $12.00 hourly. Shifts are 5PM-12AM daily, 12AM-8AM daily, and 8AM-5PM weekends. Job is located in Concho,Ok. MUST HAVE DRIVERS LICENSE AND BE ABLE TO PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK. High School Diploma or GED, with preference given to post secondary training in the following related fields: Child Development, Nutrition, Culinary Arts, and Psychology. One year’s experience working in situations related to children. Must be able and willing to work al- ternating shifts on weekends, nights and holidays. Must retain a valid Oklahoma Driver’s License and have a clean driving record. Must pass criminal record check. Must have a telephone or cell phone at place of residence. Three (3) current letters of reference required. Current TB skin test or chest x-ray and pass complete physical examination.

PUBLIC NOTICE Cheyenne and Arapaho June 17, 2019. Please use Department of Transporta- caution when entering and tion (CADOT) has started exiting the Project Site in the Clinton Indian Baptist Clinton, OK and adhere to Church Parking Lot Project. construction and traffic con- The Project Scope of trol signs. CADOT advises work includes improving the public to stay out of the the existing condition of the areas cordoned off with cau- parking lot by constructing tion tape and safety cones. 16,500 square-feet concrete Questions pertaining to this parking lot and installing project can be addressed to stop signs. the CADOT at 1-800-247- The construction is ex- 4612, Extension #27432 or pected to be completed by (405)-422-7432. Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 15

Romara Jenkins, El Reno High School Interview by Latoya Lonelodge Throwing the discus or school? track runner, a nine Olympic she taught me how to pick up shot put is the most tech- My goal is to win state gold medalist, she’s the most and don’t be sad, you just got nique-heavy event in track and maybe go farther on to decorated track and field to move forward and keep and field. A thrower has to college for it. With school, woman in the sport. pushing. perfect every motion fron getting my degree in mar- What does your routine What are some of your their feet to their arms to ex- keting real estate, work to- workout consist of to stay fit hobbies (what do you like to cel. But 18 year old Romara wards that and graduate high for your sport? How often? do when not playing sports)? Jenkins has the art of throw- school. Probably running a lap I like to have fun, I go to ing pefected as she heads to What actions are you tak- around wherever we’re at the movies with my friends the Oklahoma State compe- ing to reach these goals? for practice, warm-ups, and or drive around listening to titions. Jenkins, a 5’7 senior In school I know I’m go- maybe go lift it depends on 90’s music. competes for the El Reno ing to college for sure after what the day is. We workout What kinds of music do High School Track Team. high school I’m not taking probably three days out of you enjoy listening to? She is passionate about her a year off I’m just going the week. I love to reggae, r&b, hip- sport and is an undeniable straight into school, proba- What are one or two hop and dance hall. strength in the shot put and bly a four-year school. For things in your training, that What is one thing about discus throw. sports, maybe I can place top you feel are keys to you being you that no one else knows? When did you first begin five or top three and see what successful in your sport? I’m actually shy. competing in the shot put I can work with next year be- Probably the drills that we Were you ever bullied in and discus throw? cause it’s my senior season do because you have to have school? What steps do you I started in 7th grade here and prepare for that. balance for it to do a spin or feel should be taken to pro- and I just did it because my What has been the most glide, we do a lot of drills tect those being bullied in friends told me to go it’ll be exciting meet you have com- with that to stay constant of schools today? fun and I just stuck with it peted in? what my foot does because No. You should tell the from there. At Yukon, I see all my everything works from my adult because if you’re being What is it about the sport old friends and just laughing foot up because I need lower bullied and the people around that you love the best? with them and seeing them and upper body strength de- you are bullying you and you Owning my own busi- as. If not, then to UCO. That I’m competing as a do good. pending on if I’m throwing a think they’re your friends, ness. What would be your ad- team but I’m also competing What is the best advice disc or shot and rotating real- they’re not, you should tell Who is your favorite ath- vice to younger kids coming as myself, in my own event, you have ever been given and ly good and getting around in an adult or a friend that’s lete of all time? up behind you? if I mess up it’s on me and who gave you that advice? the ring fast. close to you so they can help Allyson Felix. Just have fun with it, just it’s not like somebody else Probably my summer What is your favorite you through that. Which team is your favor- don’t get discouraged like I messing up and costing me, coach, Amy, she told me to meal before or after a meet? How do you combat drug ite team? mostly do but I’m now learn- it’s just me getting in there stop being discouraged, just Pizza & alcohol use by peer pres- OU. ing to not get discouraged when I want. go out there and have fun and Who has had the biggest sure? What are your immediate and just have fun, don’t let What has been your big- if you really want it you can impact on your life? Don’t hang around the plans after graduating high nobody tell you what you gest accomplishment in the do it. My mom, she helps me people that do it, I know school? can and can’t do. I’ve had sport so far? Do you have a saying or through everything, since mostly everybody does it Go on to college and get some tell me that I can’t do Winning regionals and motto that you live your life last year I didn’t make it past now days but just don’t get my marketing real estate de- certain things but just have qualifying for state. by? the junior Olympics, I didn’t caught up in it. gree. Maybe open up a cou- fun, that’s the main reason. What is your biggest ac- I tell myself, just try to place at all, she helped me If you could change one ple businesses, invest back Romara’s parents are complishment in the class- live life to the fullest, just do and has always been there thing in the world, what into the community, espe- Margaret Sutton and Rory room so far? what you can, a new day is a when I’m down to help me would it be? cially in the Cheyenne and Jenkins. Her sister is Shay Having As and Bs, this better day. move on and inspire me. I Racism. Arapaho because I know we Jenkins, 19, and her grand- semester I maintained a 3.5. Who or what inspires you see what she does, if she has What would be a dream got a lot of things that can parents are Jalia Madbull What goals have you the most? bad days, she always says the come true for you in your help the youth. I want to go and Lee Sutton. set for yourself in sports, Allyson Felix, she’s a next day is a better day, and life? to University of Austin, Tex- Cheyenne and Arapaho youth commits to Bacone College women’s basketball team Latoya Lonelodge “With basketball and me something I wanted out of Staff Reporter playing there’s always times my offense is a post player where I just hate it and I nev- who can pass the ball so I Very few opportuni- er want to play again or I re- liked that about her and be- ties arise giving athletes a ally love it and I always want ing a part of a winning pro- chance to catch the attention to play and I’m just glad that gram always helps, knowing of college scouts at games. I get to get my college edu- how to win, we have to let But when the El Reno High cation and continue playing our players know how to win School girl’s basketball team basketball,” Bushyhead said. and she definitely knows that made their first-ever appear- In continuing her basket- being state runner-up, so I’m ance at the Oklahoma state ball career at the college lev- very proud to have her and I playoffs, and then made el, Bushyhead already has expect big things out of her,” history by earning their spot an idea of what to expect at Davis said. as the Class 5A state run- college and knows it will not And with the upcoming ner-ups, all eyes were on be easy. Bacone basketball season, them. As family, friends and “I know it’s hard, my sis- Davis has his expectations fans witnessed and rejoiced ter played at Redlands so she set for Bushyhead. in the success of the girl’s went to college to play bas- “We’re not in athletics basketball team, some of the ketball too and it was really conference anymore, we’re players also caught the eye hard for her so I know it’s independent, so that means of some college scouts. going to be hard, but I’m just we got to win a lot of ball Surrounded by team- going to keep an open mind games to make national Photos / Latoya Lonelodge mates, friends and family and just work hard … I’m tournament so I expect her to A signing day celebration was held for two El Reno High School Basketball team stars April 6, Cheyenne and Arap- going to miss my nephews, come in and be ready to play. Kiera Davis and Charlee Bushyhead. Davis (left of trophy in blue shirt) signed with Eastern aho youth Charlee Bushy- nieces, my mom and my I’ve got an excellent fresh- Oklahoma State University and Bushyhead (right of trophy in red shirt) signed with Bacone head, 18, officially took the dad but I’m pretty sure I’ll man class with young girls, College. next step in her basketball be home every weekend,” in addition I got a bunch of career by committing to play Bushyhead said jokingly. girls that have played be- and she had to develop her than her points so that just with the Bacone College Bushyhead said she ini- fore so we’re kind of having game as far as what we need- attests to how hard she Women’s Basketball Team. tially chose Bacone because to use that mix, she’s going ed her to do for us, her first works on the floor defen- While at El Reno, Bushy- it was the only school look- to have to learn immediate- two years, her sophomore sively and offensively, she head played a total of 76 ing to recruit her, but that ly because she’s going to and junior year, she was a has a versatile game, she can games, her senior year she scored double when be thrown into the fire very very big defensive threat for shoot from outside the paint, she was 18-11 and was a she found out an old friend quickly, hopefully she can us, she had a lot of blocks, which is very nice, she’s a state-runner up. For her ca- would be joining her. adapt to that and we’ll be she did a really good job lefty and she’s a really good reer she shot 48 percent, re- “My best friend, Madison successful,” Davis said. passing and then her senior passer, she sees the floor corded 298 total rebounds, Slinkey, is going there and With the addition of year this year we asked her very well and I’m excited for 54 assists, 65 blocks and whenever I found out I’d get Bushyhead to the team, Da- to step up and be more of an her to continue her career, 266 total points. She was the the opportunity to play with vis said that he’s proud to offensive threat for us and so she’s going to do a great job 2019 Suburban Conference her again in college, then I say that out of the 17 girls that’s exactly what she did, at Bacone.” honorable mention and is said yes,” Bushyhead said. on the team right now, they she produced in every single In their bittersweet fare- a three-year member of the In her first appearance have 16 Native Americans. one of our state tournament wells, the El Reno High Oklahoma Indian Honor So- at the state tournament in “I’m part Native Ameri- games this year and obvi- School basketball team was ciety. March, Bushyhead made can as well and we just want ously Bacone College took more overwhelmed with joy “I’m blessed that I have her initial impression on Ba- to bring that historical mis- notice,” Jennifer Douglas, and excitement for Bushy- the opportunity and that peo- cone’s head women’s bas- sion back to our college,” El Reno High School’s girls’ head. ple believed in me, that I can ketball coach Juan Davis. Davis said proudly. head basketball coach said. “We’re excited for her, play at the next level and I’m “I got to see Charlee in the With the school year “They contacted me and we’re really happy for her to just overall excited,” Bushy- state tournament and I was dwindling down and high wanted to know if she was be able to do this and it’s nice head said. really proud of their team, school graduation around going anywhere, it was for all of us to come together Bacone College Wom- With the day dedicated how they got to the finals of the corner, Bushyhead will a perfect opportunity for and be able to take pictures en’s Head Basketball Coach to her success in continuing the game, it was awesome, be leaving an impressive re- Charlee to go because her and celebrate her success. Juan Davis said he had her education and college the buzzer beater shot and cord behind on the court in best friend Madison Slinkey I’m just super excited and I his eye on Charlee during basketball, Bushyhead said everything, I got to watch her high school basketball is going there as well, she’s can’t wait to see how well the state playoffs. Pictured that the day meant a lot her Charlee play and I thought career. super excited. She has more she does for the next few above is Charlee Bushyhead despite how she’s felt in the she was an excellent passer “When I got to El Reno, rebounds, 298 career re- years,” Douglas said. and Davis. past. as a post position and that’s Charlee was a sophomore bounds, which is way more PAGE 16 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei 68th annual National Soil and Range Contest returns to Cheyenne and Arapaho country Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief

(CONCHO, OK) Over 106 FFA and 4-H teams from 34 states, including Hawaii, converge in Concho, Okla., May 2, for the 68th annual National Land and Range Judging Con- test. Marking their second time to hold the national contest in Concho. The first time was held in May 2015. Qualifying teams challenged their knowledge of soil and plant science, land management and natural resources conser- vation in the fields. “The youth teams judge land both an agricultural stand- point and they have to determine the amount of top soil and subsoil and based on that they have a manual they use that we train with and know with certain soil textures they have to do certain things to that soil and they have to judge the slope of the land without any instrumentation just from a visual con- cept. All of those things, the texture of the land, the slope of the land mandates certain land management practices,” Jeff Stigler, former professor of Oklahoma State University said. “The tribes have these fields all in grass, but assuming it wasn’t and they wanted to try and produce crops on it the students would have to determine erosion control and the fer- tility of the soil. That’s what this contest is about and they all compete against each other, and though they all won’t win, they have won just by being here.” The contest is comprised of three events, land, range and home site evaluation. During the first two days of the event, teams have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Oklahoma soils and rangeland at two practice sites. The official contest on the third day takes place at a secret location Photos / Latoya Lonelodge revealed on the morning of the contest. This year’s secret lo- Over 106 FFA and 4-H teams from 34 states participate in the 68th annual National Land and Range Judging Contest cation was located at the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Con- held May 2 in Concho, Okla. cho reservation land. Alison Corwin, 16 year old from Southwest High School The OSU Department of Plant and Soil Science will in Missouri is one of the Southwest High School team mem- offer a $1,500 scholarship to the top-scoring individual in bers who was competing in the contest. the land judging contest and a $1,500 scholarship to the “My school team qualified by placing in the top five at the top-scoring individual in the homesite evaluation contest. Missouri State Convention and now we are here in Concho The student can be from either the 4-H or FFA division. competing. It’s really different than Missouri, but it’s pretty To be eligible, the individual must enroll at OSU as a cool. We mainly look at the slope of the land and texture of Plant and Soil Science Major. In addition, if the student the dirt and we would determine what land class it was based has a high school GPA of 3.5 or better and ACT of at least off the texture of the soil, the slope and the erosion, as well as 24, OSU will add an additional $1,500 to the scholarship a bunch of other factors,” Corwin said. “The slope of the land for a total of $3,000. OSU will commit that the scholar- here is a lot higher than it is in Missouri and the texture of ship is renewable for up to three more years contingent the red clay soil is a lot like Missouri’s, but there’s a lot more upon funding availability and a college GPA of 3.0 or sand in the soil here than in Missouri.” better.