Follow us on Twitter #CATribalTribune CheyenneandArapaho-nsn.gov Oct. 15, 2020 -Vol. 16, Issue 20 Annual Tribal Council meeting pulls in over 135 attendees on, two were withdrawn and five resolutions were not addressed due to losing the mandated 75-member quorum following the lunch break. The resolutions addressed were: 1. Selection of Tribal Council Coordinator. Candi- dates vying for this elected position were Wilma Big Medicine, incumbent Michelle Bigfoot, Jewel Tur- tle and Jennifer Plummer Wilkinson. After the vote, Bigfoot retained the seat of Tribal Council Coordina- tor for another year, with a vote of 89 for Bigfoot, 6 for Big Medicine, 47 for Wilkinson and 16 for Turtle. 2. FY 2021 Budget. After the vote the 2021 Bud- get was approved with a vote of 110 yes, 21 no and Rosemary Stephens 4 abstaining. Editor-in-Chief 3. A Tribal Council Resolution to Call for a Spe- (CONCHO, OK) The 2020 annual Tribal Council cial Election to Amend the Constitution for Trib- meeting of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes starts al Council resolution to be mailed out to all tribal a little different this year due to the coronavirus pan- members 18 and over to vote. After the vote this item demic sweeping across the country. was not approved with a vote of 37 yes, 54 no and 6 Instead of the usual greeting of hugs and hand abstaining. shakes, tribal members were met by members of the 4. A Tribal Council Resolution to Amend the Tribal tribal health department, clothed in PPE and armed Council Resolution 100408ATC-002 Tribal Council with thermometers for temperature checks and extra Rules of Order and Procedure. This resolution was masks for distribution prior to entering the building. withdrawn due to being contingent on the passing of On Saturday, Oct. 3, the tribes’ held their annual item number 3. council meeting inside the R.E.Sp.E.C.T. Gymnasi- 5. A Tribal Council Resolution to call for a Special Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal members were screened prior to entering the 2020 annual Tribal Council meeting um in Concho, Okla. Facial coverings were mandat- Election to amend the constitution. This resolution was also withdrawn due to being contingent on the held in Concho, Okla. on Oct. 3, 2020. (Photos via Face- ed, and social distancing was encouraged as tribal book) members filed into the gym. passing of item number 3. According to the tribes’ Constitution, an atten- 6. Policy to investigate and Seek the Return of 7. Legal analysis of the impact of the court deci- dance quorum of 75 tribal members must be met to $9,000,000.00 Paid to PokerTribes.com. The resolu- sion in McGirt v. Oklahoma on the Tribes’ reserva- call the meeting to order, and the quorum must be tion was approved with a vote of 62 yes, 3 no and tion. maintained throughout the meeting duration. At one 15 abstaining. Although a similar resolution already 8. Amendment of the Constitution to reorganize as point, there were over 135 tribal members in atten- exists on the books from a previous Tribal Council part of the Tribes’ Territory. dance. meeting. 9. Publish online Resolutions, Ordinances, Laws On the agenda for this year’s meeting were 11 res- Lunch was served after voting on item 6 and the and Audits for the Members of the Tribes. olutions to be addressed and voted on. Out of the 11 meeting ended up being adjourned a little after 1 p.m. 10. Public Access to all Boards and Commissions. resolutions, four resolutions were heard and voted due to loss of quorum. 11. Live-stream broadcast of all Legislative Ses- Agenda items not addressed included: sions. Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes governor tests positive for COVID-19 (CONCH, OK) On Mon- day, Oct. 5, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Gov. Reggie Wassana announced he tested positive for COVID-19. Gov. Wassana stated he had lunch on Thursday Oct. 1 with somebody who tested positive on Friday. Wassana chose to not attend the annual Tribal Council meeting in order to quarantine as recommended by health professionals. “Over the weekend I had a headache and minor aches,” Wassana stated in his release. By Monday he had also developed a runny nose, thus prompting him to be tested Monday evening, Oct. 5, com- ing back positive. “Currently I feel fine and I am trying to resume a normal life without going anywhere, but it’s tough trying to stay home,” Wassana wrote in the release. His symptoms, as reported on Monday were a mild head- ache, runny nose, but no fever. mulative positive cases of COVID-19, with Wassana said for now, Zoom calls and other 1,119 deaths. The state has also reported media will have to be his work environment, 11,721 total pediatric cases, with 9.776 cas- and enede with encouraging everyone to keep es for ages 5-17 years old, and 1,945 cases their masks on and staying safe. among 0-4 year olds. As of Oct. 14, Oklahoma had 101,493 cu- PAGE 2 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Project CommUNITY: Local official calls President Trump signing two bills into law ‘a win for Indian country’ By Perris Jones, KOCO5 (OKLAHOMA CITY) President part of the reason was maybe a mis- “The passage of these laws and the Donald Trump signed two bills into law understanding about the jurisdictional fact that the president signed them into that are aimed at making sure cases of boundaries between tribal and state law just gives us some relief that we’re families finding justice for missing and land.” being acknowledged and that these cas- murdered indigenous people don’t fall Morgan knows all too well what es do matter, whereas in the past they through the cracks. those families are going through. Her were overlooked and took a long time “To me, it’s a win for Indian coun- cousin, Ida, went missing in 2015 and, for them to be investigated,” Morgan try,” said Larenda Morgan, the govern- to this day, there still aren’t answers. said. ment affairs officer for the Cheyenne But she said Trump signing Savan- Morgan has also been involved in and Arapaho Tribes. na’s Act and the Not Invisible Act into efforts to address this at the state level. Morgan told KOCO 5 she’s kept a law could change that. A bill named after her cousin made it to close eye on Capitol Hill for legislation Savanna’s Act requires the Depart- the Senate floor but didn’t pass because to address a crisis among native fami- ment of Justice to develop protocols for of the coronavirus pandemic. lies. law enforcement to address the issue. Morgan told KOCO 5, however, that “The tribal members oftentimes that The Not Invisible Act directs the DOJ they plan to reintroduce the bill next go missing or go murdered in their cas- and the Department of the Interior to session. es … for some reason they haven’t gar- create a joint commission on violent (This story first appeared on KOCO5 nered the attention that they needed in crime within and against the Native news.) those cases,” Morgan said. “And I think American community. Indigenous murdered, missing acts signed

into law By Jessie Christopher Smith, Gaylord News (WASHINGTON, D.C) ic has slowed down the Companion bills designed to planned progress of her change the way law enforce- work with tribal leadership ment responds to murdered and law enforcement. or missing Indigenous wom- Native American women en have been signed into are more than twice as likely law almost symbolically by to experience violence than President Donald Trump on any other demographic, and the weekend before Indige- one out of every three Na- nous Peoples’ Day. tive women will be the vic- Combined, the two bills tim of sexual assault during will improve coordination her lifetime, according to the between agencies while de- National Congress of Amer- veloping a plan to combat ican Indians Policy Research the rising tide of missing, Center. murdered and kidnapped Savanna’s Act and Op- Oklahoma has 18 missing or murdered Indigenous wom- Native Americans, some- eration Lady Justice share en’s cases, 10th-most in the nation, according to the Urban thing that has not happened the common goal of im- Indian Health Institute. Graphic provided by the Urban Indi- before. More importantly it proving communication be- an Health Institute. brings Indigeous people into tween federal and tribal law der Act and the 2013 reau- the process. enforcement agencies by thorization of the Violence Savanna’s Act honors the updating existing criminal Against Women Act. Deer name of Savanna LaFon- databases and coordinating reiterated that the next step taine-Greywind, a citizen of data-sharing between both should be moving toward the Spirit Lake Nation tribe entities. restoring tribal jurisdiction who was found brutally mur- “Once that missing per- over all crimes committed dered in the Red River near son leaves a reservation and by all people, Native or oth- the North Dakota-Minnesota goes to an urban setting, the erwise, on reservations. border. Her unborn baby was responsibility for finding “Until we change the cut out of her womb days that person is with all law structural inequity at the before the 22-year-old moth- enforcement, but the prima- tribal level, when it comes er’s body was discovered. ry jurisdiction may rest, at to non-Indian perpetrators, The Not Invisible Act, the front end, with tribal law we’re still going to strug- co-sponsored by the four enforcement and, at the back gle,” Deer said. “I do get sitting members of Congress end, with state and local law a little impatient when it’s who are tribal members in- enforcement,” Shores said. more study and more con- cluding Tom Cole (R-Ok- “I think it could really go sultation, because we’ve had la.) and MarkWayne Mullen a long way if we continue all of that, when we really (R-Okla.), seeks to improve to expand the Tribal Access just need to fix the identified coordination between agen- Program, to give notice to problems.” cies that deal with violence members of law enforce- “We’re going to look at against Native Americans. ment in our particular [trib- the best practices for estab- The signing comes nearly al] region, so that they can lishing multidisciplinary a year after Trump signed an be able to look out when teams that will include tribal executive order that formed someone goes missing.” law enforcement and victim the Operation Lady Justice However, Sarah Deer, a advocates to address cold task force, to which sever- Muscogee (Creek) Nation cases,” Shores said. “And I al Oklahomans have been citizen and a professor at the think we’ll get into more de- named. University of Kansas, said tail in Year Two what kind of “One of the most im- that while Savanna’s Act is a a public awareness and edu- pactful testimonies that I step in the right direction she cation campaign we need for heard was from the father of is “a little skeptical” of the both impacted communities a missing person’s victim, president’s task force. in Indian Country, but also who talked about his fami- “I don’t want to ever sug- urban communities that may ly’s awful experience after gest that we shouldn’t have not think about missing and the fact,” said Trent Shores, all kinds of folks at the ta- murdered indigenous per- a key member of the Lady ble working on this,” Deer sons issues impacting their Justice committee, a citizen said. “But the task force is communities.” of the Choctaw Nation and time-limited; it’s not really The Bureau of Indian Af- the U.S. Attorney Northern changing the game. fairs has stationed seven Op- District of Oklahoma. “We’re going to develop eration Lady Justice offices “It was something that I policies, we’re going to train across the country to work think really hit on all of us, law enforcement, we’re go- with local law enforcement and it was a good reminder, ing to prepare people to enter personnel and reexamine frankly, of the seriousness of data into [the National Miss- cold cases, Buhl said. the issue that we have,” he ing and Unidentified Persons “Those investigators are said. System],” Deer said. “I’d already in place, and they Patti Buhl, a Cherokee like to see more steps pro- are looking at cases as we Nation citizen, who was se- viding action, as opposed to speak,” Buhl said. lected as the new Missing information-gathering.” Gaylord News is a report- and Murdered Indigenous Deer’s expert testimony ing project of the University Persons (MMIP) Coordina- on assault against indige- of Oklahoma Gaylord Col- tor for Oklahoma in June, nous women played crucial lege of Journalism and Mass works closely with Shores roles in the 2010 passage Communication. Paid Advertising and said that the pandem- of the Tribal Law and Or- Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 3 Dept. of Justice grants $1.2M to Elders can experience Domestic Violence help Western District of Oklahoma StrongHearts Native Helpline Native American Elders and control over their part- are usually considered an el- ner. The abuse can physically Track Sex Offenders der when they are above the harm, intimidate, prevent a (OKLAHOMA CITY) The Dept. Office) is awarding approximately “Our pursuit of justice is fueled by age of 60 to 65, although it person from acting freely, or of Justice has issued grant awards of $16 million to jurisdictions across the resourcefulness and dedication varies from tribe to tribe. force them to behave in ways $1,199,047 to develop and improve the country to develop and enhance of our national, state, local and trib- In our Native communi- they do not want. systems to register and track sex programs designed to implement the al partnerships. We are honored to ties, we are taught to respect Types of Abuse offenders in the Western District of provisions of SORNA. The SMART work alongside the dedicated mem- our elders. We honor them What can domestic vi- Oklahoma, announced U.S. Attor- Office is awarding almost $800,000 bers of law enforcement to continue at ceremony, community olence look like in elder ney Timothy J. Downing. Awarded to provide training and technical as- to uphold and protect our communi- gatherings, and pow wows. relationships? Domestic vi- by the Department’s Office of Jus- sistance to jurisdictions implement- ties from sex offenders.” Their presence is considered olence can look similar in el- tice Programs, these grants help ing SORNA standards. The U.S. “Our mission at the SMART Of- to be an honor. We depend der relationships as it does in on them for wisdom and their younger counterparts, states, U.S. territories and tribal Center for SafeSport will receive the fice is to help our state, tribal and guidance gleaned from their but some elders may be more communities register and track sex $2.3 million Keep Young Athletes territorial partners register and pro- years of experience. They vulnerable to the impacts of offenders and enable them to meet Safe grant to continue developing vide notification to the public of sex are invaluable to us. Yet, they abuse and less able to get the requirements of the Sex Offend- a comprehensive training and pre- offenders within their jurisdictions,” can still be victims of domes- support. er Registration and Notification Act vention program to prevent abuse said Kendel Ehrlich, Director of the tic violence. Physical abuse includes (SORNA). Funds also help main- in the athletic programs of the U.S. SMART Office. “We will continue Abuse can happen to inflicting physical pain or tain the Dru Sjodin National Sex Olympic & Paralympic Committee to provide both law enforcement anyone. It is not limited to a injury upon the victim like Offender Public Website. and related sports organizations. and the public with the tools they specific age, class, religion, pushing, holding or pinch- “Citizens are better protected The SMART Office will award need to better inform and protect gender or sexual orientation. ing. It can also include pro- from sexual violence when jurisdic- nearly $1 million to the Institute for their communities and themselves.” Abuse can happen in rela- hibiting one to get medical tionships where couples are help, withholding medicine, tions follow SORNA’s standards,” Intergovernmental Research to sup- The following WDOK organiza- married, living together, dat- or not allowing one time to said OJP Principal Deputy Assis- port maintenance, operations and tion and Tribes received funding: ing or have children together. heal after illness or surgery. tant Attorney General Katharine technological improvements for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Violent behavior can appear Emotional abuse includes T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Tribes-$400,000 at any time in a relationship, verbal assaults, threats of Programs is committed to giving Public Website, NSOPW.gov, which Oklahoma Department of Cor- though possessive, con- abuse, and intimidation. state, territory and tribal officials links state, territorial and tribal pub- rections-$399,047 trolling and other alarming It also includes isolation, the resources they need to register lic registry websites and allows the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of behavior often reveals itself where the abusive partner and track sex offenders and prevent public to search for registered sex Oklahoma-$400,000 as the relationship becomes will not let the victim visit known threats in one community offenders on a national scale. More information about OJP more serious. with their relatives. Isolation from posing new dangers to others.” “The grants provided by the De- and its components can be found at Domestic violence hap- can be particularly harmful pens when an intimate part- to elders as they may already OJP’s Office of Sex Offender Sen- partment of Justice are invaluable www.ojp.gov. ner uses a repetitive pattern have limited mobility or rela- tencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, in the defense against sexual pred- of abuse to maintain power ELDER ABUSE / pg. 7 Registering and Tracking (SMART ators,” said U.S. Attorney Downing. Norman Main Street Event Center calls for Native Artists Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter

(NORMAN, OK) Many businesses across the world af- fected by the COVID-19 pandemic were forced to shut down, while some businesses have begun to reopen and creative in- novative ways to bring people together in a safe environment. Like Main Street Event Center in Norman, Okla. Co-own- ers Tracey Satepauhoodle-Mikkanen, Kiowa/Caddo, and Arvo Mikkanen, Kiowa/Comanche, have made it their goal to continue the tradition of art and its many forms. For the month of October, Native American artists were called to partake in a live glass painting event that would feature an artist’s work temporarily for two weeks on the front windows of the Main Street Event Center. Following the month of October, for Native American Heritage month, the Main Street Event Center also called for Native American female DJs in Oklahoma to showcase their music on Friday or Saturday nights for the month of November. Having a passion for the arts, the Mikkanens wear many hats, and one of those hats were the reason they connected to the Main Street Event Center as DJs. Formally known as their DJ names, DJ Sapphire (Tracey) and DJ Adam (Arvo). The Mikkanens also owned a mobile music business called T-Bird Mobile Service for 20 years. “We provided music for different types of events and fre- quently we would be at the same location that’s now the Main Street Event Center and when that space became available, we moved in there,” Arvo said. Tracey said the hats that they wore as mobile DJs got them Brent Learned, a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and well known artist, is one of the first participants in a connected to Main Street through working as DJs. Tracey live glass painting event held at the Main Street Event Center in Norman, Okla. (Photos / Latoya Lonelodge) also sits on the board for the Auntie Project: Native Women of Service in Oklahoma. known him as well and I’ve DJ’ed for some of the Native Pop being able to observe first of all, as somebody who is a person In reopening the Main Street Event Center since the coro- events that he’s done,” Arvo said. who enjoys the arts, secondly a artist, where are you going navirus pandemic when businesses were forced to shut down, In knowing each other, Arvo said they’ve created at events to be able to paint now and how are you going to be able to the Mikkanens found themselves in a position to rethink so- back and forth. present yourself in a safe manner and three, our music, same cial gatherings in an unprecedented time. “I’ve done some events for him and played the music while way with our DJs,” Tracey said. “Music and the visual arts are always important, and we’re he’s painting or he’s had an exhibition, it’s kind of a trade sit- With the service industry they’re in, Tracey said it’s about dealing now with the situation with the pandemic, how do we uation here but he’s going to be painting from the inside of the getting people together and with the pandemic, that had been continue on with some sense of normalcy and be safe and it glass and it’s going to be a large play glass window, people stripped. was really Tracey’s idea. We’ve had live paints before at the can observe it from the outside on main street, we have a “We are beginning to learn here, the new norm, the new event center, a variety of people, one of our very first opening sheltered patio and we’re able to serve refreshments there and way of being able to operate in the public’s sense, make sure included a live paint,” Arvo said. have a safe environment in light of the pandemic,” Arvo said. that we’re following the ordinances of the city of Norman, all Cheyenne and Arapaho citizen and artist Brent Learned Another aspect of the event is music, Arvo said. the way down to the CDC, top to bottom, we want to apply was one of the first artists who volunteered in the live paint- “A friend of his named DJ Scratch is going to be play- those codes and be safe,” Tracey said. ing. The Mikkanens moved forward with the opportunity to ing, he’s going to be inside the event center, we’re going to Tracey said that’s the main goal, but also looking at how host the live glass painting event. broadcast the music outside so we can still continue on with they will survive and keep moving forward. To follow social distancing guidelines, Arvo said the idea focusing on music and try to do it in a safe way,” Arvo said. “This is our way as business owners to help not just our- of the event was to have an artist live paint on the glass from In creating events geared towards showcasing art in the selves but this also helps all those people that we’ve always the inside of the Main Street Event Center, with Learned as midst of a pandemic, Tracey said the pandemic had turned been able to enjoy in the type of service industry,” Tracey their first featured artist. their world upside down as artists. said. “I’ve known Brent for many years and interestingly I’ve “Our main goal is doing what we do but safety first, it took Tracey said while working for a women’s shelter, she’s always considered him a friend and vise versa, Tracey’s us a few months to figure out how we’re going to do this … LIVE PAINT / pg. 4

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 Journalists Association member DISCLAIMER: Letters to the editor, opinions and commentaries do not reflect the views of the Tribal Tribune unless specified. Correspondence must be signed and include a return address and telephone number for verification, otherwise it will not be published. The Tribal 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. 2010-2019 NATIVE AMERICAN JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION MEDIA AWARD WINNER & 2012-2017 AWARD WINNER OF THE OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST PAGE 4 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei

continuedLIVE from PAINT pg. 3

seen Native women struggle as a single Learned said the event would be his first For women wanting to parent and is a strong advocate for non-vi- time painting an actual art piece on glass. learn to DJ while juggling olence. “Usually I’ve done things in the past for work, Tracey said it’s hard. “I look at my husband and I as being a different stores when they needed just words “It’s a different exciting catalyst to push this business forward, it sup- or something in that aspect, but this will be challenging field and you ports so many people. This is the gamble. I the first time I’ll do an actual art piece that’s have to know electronics,” can’t tell you how many women I want to be going to be temporary on a piece of glass,” Tracey said. able to pull in and help them move forward Learned said. For the Native American with their arts … I’m fortunate that I have And with Learned’s idea of creating a female DJ event, Tracey said a traditional thinking husband who we have photo op for his glass artwork, Arvo said he she’s excited to see the few common bonds on, I’m fortunate enough to hopes the Main Street Event Center will be- DJs that want to take part in also understand where we are in life and be come the next destination spot. DJing. able to help with where we’re at in our busi- “If we were back 50 years, we wouldn’t “How far advanced they ness,” Tracey said. have cell phones in our pockets, comput- really are because they were As the live painting event took place ers, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, all these in the scene, one of them was and featured Learned as the opening artist, things we now know. He’s going to be cre- in the EDM scene, the Elec- Learned made the glass window his canvas ating a background for photographs and that tric Dance Music scene and and paint his art as the public watched. He will be exciting because he’s going to make that scene in Oklahoma is later unraveled his piece of artwork to be an a back drop that he hopes people will come very electronic, so you have Indian headdress wearing a mask alongside by, take a picture in front of it, and then re- to know what you’re talking a piece of art that read, ‘Rock the Vote.’ post to their social media. We’re hoping that about it,” Tracey said. Learned said his subject matter is paint- this may become a destination spot, at least With a dream in finding ing the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and for however long the painting is up,” Arvo someone who is like her that pop art. said wants to make it in DJing, “I was wanting to do a piece that people For the month of November, Tracey said Tracey said there’s elements would be able to come by and do a type of she was hoping to have musicians and artists that have to come into place. photo op in front of because it’s only going to celebrate Native American month. But the “But the biggest one is to be there a couple weeks before the next more she thought about it, she wanted to fo- your perseverance and it de- artist they have in their series comes back cus more on Native American women. pends on you, do you, last “I have seen some talent come through and redoes it,” Learned said. And while in search of Native American night I was sitting here and I thought what here when it comes to Native musicians and In agreeing to participate in the live glass female DJs, Tracey said she found three so other 60 year old woman who’s Native I hope that we get to that at some point where painting event, Learned said he’s done live far. American is trying to manipulate this music we can showcase our Native musicians too,” paintings throughout his career and usually “I can’t give names because they have not to fit together, am I just the only person who Tracey said. doesn’t come with anything prepped. been confirmed but I do have three women has this kind of interest,” Tracey said. As Native people, Arvo said one of the “I usually like to showcase my skills by who are looking to DJ,” Tracey said. Being the second largest venue for the things we all have in common, whether it’s painting images that I have in mind and have Tracey said there are also other aspects to Norman Music Festival for years, Arvo said beadwork, quillwork, painting, or music, is it formed in front of the audience so that way the DJ world, as she wants women to be able there were only a handful of DJs that partic- expression of culture. they’re captivated by what they see … as an to see that they can survive in the industry. ipated and no female Native DJs. “You look at how do we express culture? artist, I think it shows the skill and the in- “You can survive in this industry if you When Tracey reached out in search of You can talk your language, you can live in tegrity of an artist when he’s able to come know how to market yourself, you know other DJs like herself and found very few a certain place, but art transcends location, in and use his imagination to paint from and how to stay safe and stay away from the females, she said there are still young ladies transcends time, and transcends different show that on what he’s doing, no matter if drugs and alcohol, that is one of my biggest who are interested in that same kind of mu- cultures, it’s something that pulls us togeth- it’s a canvas or glass,” Learned said. focuses here is to live,” Tracey said. sic scene. er,” Arvo said. Reaching for the Stars via the Runway Tribal Youth Takes Part in Black Walnut Festival Queen’s Contest By Latoya Lonelodge, Reporter

(HUMANSVILLE, MO) “We have Hammons an impromptu final ques- Making her presence known Black Walnut Products in tion presented to them across social platforms and our community and we are on stage in formal wear local contests in and around basically the nation’s hub for in which they are again Humansville, Mo., Chey- black walnut production. In judged,” Spangler said. enne and Arapaho tribal creating this fall festival it “In holding the Queen’s youth Kylie Sittingbull, 16, includes plant tours of the Contest, Spangler said is striving for her first big production facility and they pageantry isn’t something win in the pageantry world. also have a little retail store,” that’s seen a lot around the Carrying some experi- Spangler said. area. ence from participating in Spangler said a number “When I go reaching school pageantries and pag- of organizations over the 60 out to schools for contes- eantries around the area, Sit- years have organized and ex- tants and participants, if I tingbull is most known for ecuted the festival, with the miss a school, they tend to Miss Merry Christmas and Stockton Lake Sertoma Club reach out to me, they kind Miss Humansville. Being a managing it the past several of dig for this pageant just part of those experiences, years. because there are not a lot Sittingbull said it’s given her “It is traditionally held in of opportunity,” Spangler the confidence to try for a our city park and includes a said. bigger title. variety of vendors, wheth- In taking part in the “I never really had things er it be retail vendors, craft Queen Contest for the first to do it for and when people vendors, or artisan vendors time, Sittingbull said over- started voting for me and and then there is nightly en- all it went pretty well for saying I should do it, it real- tertainment, it was tradition- her. ly gave me confidence to go ally a 4-day festival, it was “It might’ve been my During the Black Walnut Festival parade, Kylie Sittingbull waves alongside her nephew ahead and go for it,” Sitting- recently moved to a 3-day first time, I was nervous, Landon Hoevet and while her brother Justin Sittingbull-Wilber drives. (Courtesy photos) bull said. festival and we expanded to but it went really well and Having participated and some of the joining streets of better than I expected,” although Sittingbull didn’t getting a feel for the pageant- the park in order to accom- Sittingbull said. win the crown for Miss Black ry world, Sittingbull said she modate a larger number of From participating in Walnut Festival Queen, she feels they are accomplish- vendors,” Spangler said. the parade to outfit changes said she would be returning ments. With the variety of ven- throughout the contest, Sit- next year to try again. “A lot of girls don’t get dors, Spangler said there are tingbull said her biggest sup- “It makes me want to to do those types of things also civic organizations that port came from her parents. work harder for the next one and it really makes you feel are long time vendors for the “I had my mom help me that comes up and knowing self confident and it boosts festival. which was a lot of stress that I learned about it the up your energy and you get “Some of those civic or- put off as well, she helped first time, I can take all the to learn all about them,” Sit- ganizations also host their me pick out all my outfits information that I have and tingbull said. own activities that are on that I would need for my in- prepare for next year if I’m With local traditions with- the schedule throughout terviews and what I would allowed to run for next year in the area holding a well- the festival, whether it be a need to wear and my signs and put that all together and known fall festival called pedal truck and tractor pull that I needed to put up that do my best so I can actually the Black Walnut Festival in or duck calling contest, and wouldn’t stay on the car,” win,” Sittingbull said. Stockton, Mo., on Sept. 27- turtle races or an animal pet Sittingbull said. In following COVID-19 29, Sittingbull saw her op- parade,” Spangler said. One thing Sittingbull said guidelines for the communi- portunity to be a part of her Kicking off the festival, she had to prepare most for ty, county and state, Spangler first big contest. Spangler said there is a pa- was talking. said she tried to respect the be mindful of the situation,” and it really gave the girls “I really wanted to go rade held on Saturday and in “I get really nervous and guidelines by eliminating in- Spangler said. an opportunity to make the for it because it was my first conjunction with the parade I learned in my room, like if vitations for extra guests. With the Queen Contest experience about them and time and I wanted to see there is a Queen Contest that there was a crowded room, “We typically allow a carrying on despite some dif- other young women,” Span- how well I would do and it happens off site. I’d talk and learn how to guest or two to be with the ferences because of COVID, gler said. looked really fun to do at first “The queens are included express my words to them girls to help them get ready Spangler said it had actually As a junior at Humans- and I was like yeah maybe I in the parade typically fol- and see how they would feel if they needed it and then we worked out nicely. ville High School, Sitting- should go for it and try to ex- lowing their school’s march- about it and that’s what I did always feed the girls a nice “I hate that we weren’t bull said she already has press myself more to areas ing band and the queens are to prepare myself for the big- catered dinner before they do able to have them for dinner, her goals lined out as far as around where I live,” Sitting- judged on their poise, ap- gest crown of all time,” Sit- their onstage presentation, because I think that is an im- where she hopes pageantry bull said. pearance, crowd interaction tingbull said. we have traditionally invited portant piece and gives the will take her. Chairman of the Black and presentation, that’s one With 11 contestants from two people to join them so it parents and the girls some “I heard about pageant- Walnut Festival Queen portion of their score and surrounding areas that par- was more of a formal dinner, kind of buy in but we did like ries being known to be on Contest, Miranda Spangler then there is an interview ticipated in the Queen Con- but we eliminated that this that they weren’t lingering college applications and I’ve said the festival is 60 years with the panel of judges in test, Sittingbull said it was year to respect some of the all day between interviews been wanting to go to a col- strong. business attire, then there is quite the competition. And guidelines and just trying to BEAUTY CONTEST / pg. 5 Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 5

continuedBEAUTY from pg. 4 CONTEST

lege that does really good women to have a place to in Marine Biology Studies, show others what they’re that’s something I’ve always made of, as some girls are wanted to do is Marine Biol- not athletes or scholars. ogy and knowing about pag- “A number of the girls eantry and how girls know this year actually had nev- other things about it will re- er done anything remotely ally help me in some ways close to or thought about to get where I need to be and pageant and may have nev- learn about it,” Sittingbull er even worn a formal dress said. technically, so we just want And learning, Sittingbull these girls to know that there said, was what she liked best are differences and those dif- about participating. ferences can come together Smokey The Bear says, “Only YOU can stop for- “Learning to know about and they can express them- est fires.” what to do and learning selves and try new things about other people and and be confident and com- And the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Concho where they come from and fortable in reaching out and Head Start students were over the moon to meet how they do things as well,” stepping out and adapting to with Smokey The Bear in person. Sittingbull said. change,” Spangler said. As for next year, Sitting- Winners for the Black bull said she’d continue to Walnut Festival Queen Con- participate in pageantries. test were: Ms. Social Butter- “I’ll continue to do more fly Ms. El Dorado Springs, as far as COVID allows us Kraysen Leonard, from El to, but I’m hopeful about Dorado, Mo., Miss Con- next year and that I’m able geniality Ms. Bolivar, Mia to go for more, hopefully to Payne, from Bolivar, Mo., see if I will be able to win 1st Runner Up was Ms. this time and just have my Halfway, Hannah Walford parents be proud of some- from Halfway, Mo., and thing that runs in the fami- Ms. Black Walnut Festival ly,” Sittingbull said. Queen Ms. Lamar, Kara Spangler said the goal Morey from Lamar, Mo. for the Queen’s Competition every year is to allow young

To all my family and friends who have lost loved ones this year: I Heard Your Voice In The Wind Today Author Unknown I heard your voice in the wind today And turned to see your face; The warmth of the wind caressed me As I stood silently in place.

I felt your touch in the sun today As its warmth filled the sky; I closed my eyes for your October 25th Happy Birthday Charles Happy 18th Birthday embrace Happy 10th D.D. Black Dustan And my spirit soared high. From your whole entire Love your family! birthday to Aleigha family I saw your eyes in the Littlethunder! We all window pane love you very much. As I watched the falling Love, your family rain; It seemed as each raindrop fell It quietly said your name.

I held you close in my heart today Happy Birthday! It made me feel complete; Love you lots brother Mike! You may have died . . . but From your sister Denise and you are not gone family You will always be a part of me. October 28th Happy 1st birthday to As long as the sun shines . . . Micah Jo Walker! The wind blows . . . Happy Birthday Mom Love, Mommy, Daddy and The rain falls . . . From all your kids! We the entire family You will live on inside of all love you “Happy Belated 38th Birthday, me forever Oct. 30 Vanessa Starr” For that is all my heart Sept. 20, Love Ryan, Jasmine, knows. Rhian, Douglas and Myra!” PAGE 6 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei OBITUARIES OBITUARIES Margaret Jo Brown Pat Archer Clark Margaret Jo Brown of was a caring grandmother Pat Archer Clark passed Pat married Don Clark Kingfisher, Okla., was born that loved all of her family to away Oct. 5, 2020 at the July 1, 1990. They have to John and Clara Ante- be together for every holiday. Hospice House in Oklahoma spent their time traveling to lope on Nov. 10, 1944. She Margaret had a big heart and City. all 50 states and 12 countries went home to the Lord on knew no stranger. Everyone Pat was born in El Reno, including her zip lining over Sept. 23, 2020 at Kingfish- was welcomed in her home Okla, where she attend- the Costa Rico mountains. er Mercy Hospital. She was for a hot meal. She was the ed school and graduated in They loved attending as the youngest of 10 siblings. kind of person who would 1955. She attended Redlands many El Reno football and Margaret was raised and at- give her last. Community College and basketball games as possible tended school in Kingfisher Margaret was a healthcare UCO where she received and spending time with fam- where she was a member of worker for over 30 years and her bachelor’s degree in ed- ily and friends. Pat loved to the First Baptist Church. She before retiring, she worked Kingfisher and Almanita, ucation. She spent her career sew, knit, crochet, cook and and wife Ginger of El Ren, could often be found serving at Lucky Star Casino. She also of Kingfisher, her sons teaching at Hillcrest Elemen- working in her garden. daughter Anita Hock of San food in the kitchen for church spent her retirement years Roy of Enid, Kevin & Joy of tary School until she retired Pat was preceded in death Antonio, Texas, Adriann related events. In Kingfisher, going out to eat, watching Edmond, and Earl Jr of East in 2002. She received nu- by her father James K. Ar- Owens and husband Robert she met and married Earl cowboy shows and playing Moline, Ill., grandchildren, merous awards throughout cher, her mother Emma of Minco, Okla., 14 Grand- Wayne Brown, March 5, solitary. Margaret was loved great grandchildren, great- her career. Thompson Archer, son Mark children and numerous great 1970 where there are three in the community and will be great-children, nieces, and Pat was a member of Wes- Mathews and daughter Pam grandchildren. stepchildren and three chil- greatly missed. nephews. ley Methodist Church, Delta McCarther. A Memorial Service was dren born to this union. She was preceded in death Wake service was held Kappa Gamma and several She is survived by her held at Wesley Methodist In her earlier years, she by both her parents, sisters Oct. 2 at the Sanders Funeral educational clubs including husband Donald Clark of El Church on Oct. 13, 2020 un- loved dancing and hanging at and brother, and son-in-law. Chapel in Kingfisher, Okla. 25-year board member of the Reno, brother James K. Ar- der the direction of Wilson the local juke joints. She also She leaves behind a legacy Funeral service was held El Reno Public School Foun- cher Jr., and wife Nadine of Funeral Home. had a love for playing cards, of loved ones which includes Oct. 3 at the Kingfisher First dation. El Reno, son Mike Mathews bingo and crossword puz- her husband Earl Wayne, her Baptist Church, followed by zles. In her later years, she sister Naomi Pena of Texas, an interment at the Kingfish- enjoyed taking grandchildren her sister Dina Norwood, er City Cemetery. to fairs, circuses, and other her daughters Clarressa of Mary Ann Friday-Cavillo fun events. Above all, she Oklahoma City, Earlicia of Mary Ann Friday-Cavillo the Indian Methodist Church. of Oklahoma City died Sept. Mary was a generous and 30, 2020, at Integris Baptist giving person always ready Ramona Dawn Franklin Medical Center in Oklahoma to help others and feed the Ramona Dawn Frank- maintenance department. City. homeless even giving all the lin was born Sept. 8, 1967 She is a member of the Je- Mary was born Aug. 23, food in her freezer to a vet- to Jerry Gordon Frank- sus Christ of Latter Day 1952 in Watonga, Okla., the eran. Her hobby was playing lin Sr. and Inez Ann Ro- Saints Church; she en- daughter of Lester Meat and bingo. man in Clinton, Okla., joyed beading, bowling Pearl Friday-Meat. She was She is survived by her and passed away Sept. 30, and hanging with friends. raised in the Geary and Wa- children, Anthony Syrill 2020 in her Clinton home. She is preceded in death tonga areas before moving Friday, Tina Marie Ander- to Hawaii where she lived son and Aniutea Friday-An- Ramona was raised in by her parents, brother, A visitation was held Oct. many years before returning derson, companion Frank Grinchville, Utah and grad- Jerry Gordon Franklin Jr., 2 at the Huber Benson Funer- to Oklahoma. Hulstrom, brother John B. uated from Grinchville High and grandparents, Fred al Home in El Reno, Okla. A She worked at the Renais- Addison, sisters, Elsie Ruth School in 1985. She later and Hulda (Nibbs) Farley. graveside service was held attended Pharmacy School She is survived by her hus- sance Waterford Hotel and Lamebull-Ross and Violet Okla. She is also survived Oct. 3 at the Concho Indian at Southwestern Oklahoma band, of the home, three was a member of the com- Friday, 15 grandchildren and by 10 grandchildren. Cemetery. State University in Weath- sons, Thomas Lunsford, munity of faith and attended 10 great-grandchildren. A wake service was held erford, Okla. She had made Matthew Franklin, and Clif- Oct. 4 at the Kiesau Lee Fu- her home in Weatherford ton Lunsford, all of Calu- neral home in Clinton, Okla. until marrying Emerson El- met, Okla., two sisters, Ruth Angela Island Johnny A graveside service was held lis in 2019 and they made Bearshield of Elk City and Angela (Island) John- to “hop in the car” and take Oct. 5 at the Clinton Indian Clinton their home. She has Sarah Toledo of Oklahoma ny, 50, a resident of Prague, off to visit different places Cemetery, officiated by Ger- most recently worked for City, and a brother Robert Okla., passed away on Sept. whether that was by herself ald Panana. the Lucky Star Casino in the Dean Franklin of Clinton, 27, 2020 in Oklahoma City. or with her kids. More than Angela was born on Sept. anything, she was compas- 21, 1970 in Lawton, Okla., to sionate and loved taking Norman Ray Island and El- care of others, especially Danielle Raya len Rose (Cedartree) Ward. her family and children. Danielle Raya was born daughters Lindey Lonebear, Angela graduated from Angela was preceded in in Clinton, Okla., on June 26, Gabriel Standingwater, two Ardmore High School in death by her father Norman 1989 to David Raya and Lin- sons William Lonebear, 1988. After high school, she Ray Island, her great-grand- da Zotigh, and passed away Cruz Standingwater all of served our country in the mother Ella Loneman, an ers, Norman Island Jr. and Sept. 25, 2020 in Burns Flat. Hammon, her father David United States Navy for four uncle Cornelius Cedartree Stoney Island, a sister Kel- Danielle was raised in Taos, Raya of Cordell, three sisters years. Angela worked for and an aunt Bridget Ellis. ly Acosta and her husband, New Mexico, and Hammon, Leanna Cable of Weather- Tinker Air Force Base af- Those left to cherish Ange- Anthony. As well as a host Okla. She graduated Anadar- ford, Rena Raya of Oklaho- ter serving in the Navy and la’s memory are a son El- of other family members and ko High School in 2008. ma City, Mia Raya of Okla- worked as a transcription- vis Christopher Johnny and friends. Danielle worked at Taco Bell homa City, and two brothers, ist for the Oklahoma City his wife, Lorena, a daugh- The family held a private in Elk City, and loved music, Timothy Raya of El Reno, Indian Clinic for 15 years. ter Aspen Nicole Johnny, service at the Parks Brothers and driving the back roads. and White Wolf Wilber of Angela married Michael her partner of more than 15 side service was held Oct. 2, Funeral Home in Prague, She was preceded Elk City. Johnny and they were years, Michael Johnny, her with Rev. Mona Bearshield Okla. in death by her moth- An all night wake service and Rev. Bunny Whitecrow married for 15 years. mother Ellen Rose Ward and er Linda Zotigh and one was held Oct. 1 at the Elk officiating, at the Hammon Angela loved to travel and her husband, Frank, broth- brother Steven Cable. City Indian Baptist Church Indian Mennonite Cemetery. She is survived by two in Elk City, Okla. A grave- Elizabeth Scroggins Eugene Redhat Elizabeth Scroggins was our country in the U.S. Air born Oct. 2, 1959 in Clinton, Force and was honorably Funeral Services for Eu- He is a member of the Men- Okla., to Elmer Charles and discharged. gene Redhat, 87, Kingfisher nonite Church; he enjoyed Elizabeth (Lime) Surveyor. Elizabeth was preceded in resident will be held 1:00 dancing both country and She departed this life on Oct. death by her parents, brother P.M., Friday, October 2, 2020 tribal, he was an artist and 7, 2020 in Oklahoma City. Charles Surveyor Jr., sister in the First Christian Church enjoyed woodworking. Elizabeth’s early years Linda Rhoads. in Seiling, OK, officiated by He is survived by sisters, were spent in Canton prior to She is survived by her Gerald Panana. Burial will Frankie Lime, Woodward, her being adopted and mov- husband Sam Scroggins of conclude in the Cantonment Betty Williams, Lame Deer, ing to the southeast area of the home in Hugo, Okla., son Cemetery near Canton, OK Mont., Donna Gonzales, Bus- state near Broken Bow, Okla. Brandon D. ‘Junior’ Moreno under the direction of the by, Mont., Corinne Washee, She graduated high school of Houston, Texas, daughters Torres, Kenneth Freeman Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home. Lame Deer, and Anna Lou there and attended Vo-tech Devon Torres and husband Jr., Jaydis Peterson and Rio Eugene Redhat was born Black, Tahlequah, Okla., ers, Looks Behind, The Red- training in the medical field. Jacob Peterson of Oklahoma Torres, nieces and nephews July 27, 1933 to Roger two brothers, Mike Limpy, necks, Crazy Mules, Going Elizabeth worked for many City, and Caitlin Torres of Kim Jones, Micheal Jones, and Alice (Redcloud) Red- Billings, Mont., and Randal Women and Red Cloud. years as an Emergency Med- Hugo, and son Carlos Torres Keelan Jones, Kendra Jones hat in Fonda, Okla., and Redhat, Seiling, Okla. He is A private wake service ical Technician (EMT), most Jr. of Hugo, sister Norman and Khelby Jones. passed away Sept. 27, 2020 also survived by grandson was held Oct. 1 at the Kiesau recently for Choctaw Coun- Surveyor Jones of Broken A wake service was held in the Cimarron Nursing Brian Redhat -Cheyenne Lee Funeral Home in Clin- ty EMS. She loved her work Bow, Okla., brothers Jerry Oct. 15 at the Canton Com- Home in Kingfisher, Okla. Arrow Keeper, four neph- ton, Okla. A funeral service and enjoyed being able to Surveyor and wife Cordell of munity Center in Canton, Eugene was raised in the ews, Joseph Nightwalker, was held Oct. 2 at the First help others. Elizabeth en- Albuquerque, N.M. and Har- Okla. A funeral service was Fonda community area and Alfred Nightwalker, Antho- Christian Church in Seiling, joyed watching her granchil- vey DeWayne Surveyor and held Oct. 16 with Rev. Way- attended Concho Boarding ny Nightwalker, Roger Red- Okla., followed by an in- dren’s sporting events, doing wife Cheyenne of Canton, lon Upchego officiating, School. He has done farm hat and niece Lisa Redhat. terment at the Cantonment beadwork, watching docu- Okla., grandchildren Dayson followed by an interment at labor most of his adult life. His family is the Nightwalk- Cemetery. mentaries, and was a huge Williams, Deana Peterson, the Cantonment Cemetery in OU fan. Elizabeth served Jakiyas Peterson, Natayziah Canton, Okla.

Elaine Shirley Nibbs-Cowart Christopher ‘Chip’ Ray Two Babies

Elaine Shirley 10220 Systems Parkway in Christopher “Chip” Ray and of course OU. He was Nibbs-Cowart was born Dec. Sacramento, Calif., followed Two-Babies passed away on a hard worker and loved 20, 1949. She passed from by an interment at the Rose- Oct. 2, 2020. He was born spending time with his fam- this earth on Aug. 17, 2020. ville Cemetery in Roseville, March 5, 1983. ily. He will be deeply missed Funeral services were Calif., under the dirction of Chip was a jokester and by all that knew him, in his held Oct. 2, 2020 at the STC Sierra View Funeral Chapel. loved making other people memory please remember to The Well Church located at laugh. He liked rooting for work hard and party harder. the Oklahoma City Thunder Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 7 ELDER ABUSE continued from pg. 3 OBITUARIES tionships. of domestic Gaslighting is also a form violence stay, Mary Kay Sweezy of emotional abuse. This consider the Mary Kay Sweezy was there ever since. She worked can occur when the abusive following. born July 1, 1929, to Angus for a time at the Chisholm partner blames the victim Love: and Josephine (North) Blin- Restaurant, at Concho as a for their behavior in such a They have a dy west of Geary, Okla. Her housekeeper for many years way that the victim begins to long histo- Indian name given to her was and in a donut shop in Geary. question their own version of ry of loving “Bah Baad.” She was a di- She enjoyed sewing, events or reality. In this situ- their partner rect descendant of the Jabeen loved listening to Native ation, it can be very difficult and believe Family of the Sand Creek American Hymns and music for the victim to recognize the abuse will Massacre in Colorado. She as she drank her coffee and that abuse is happening. someday end. passed away Oct. 9, 2020 in worked on crossword and Spiritual and cultural Family: El Reno, Okla., at the age of word search puzzles, cook- 91. Mary won Blue Ribbon ing, riding the back roads abuse happens when the abu- They want to North, Charlotte R. Penning- first place in the Baby Con- seeing her old home places, sive partners uses hurtful ste- maintain har- ton, Nancy Rhoads, Sandra test in 1931 at the Cheyenne enjoyed telling stories of her reotypes to criticize the vic- mony within K. Todd, David F. Mehaffy, Arapaho Fair at Ft. Reno, travels as a young woman, tim, uses tribal membership the family. Edna Mae Buffalomeat Sut- Okla. She attended elemen- and taking care of her kids against them, won’t allow Normal- ton, and Margaret Heap-of- tary school first through the and grandkids. them to participate in tradi- ization: El- Birds. third grade at Broadview Survivors include Roder- tions, or restricts them from ders may feel Mary was preceded in Schools south of Carlton, ick Sweezy and wife Angela honoring their beliefs. they have death by her parents, Angus tic violence at higher rates Okla. of Greenfield, Okla., Julia Sexual abuse includes lived through and Josephine Blindy, hus- than any other ethnic group Mary was baptized at a Marie Svitak and husband grabbing and hurting the the violence their whole life band Sam Sweezy, daugh- and that elders still suffer young age at the Canton In- Enos Jr., of El Reno, Barba- sexual parts of the victim’s and there is no need or way ter Mary Jane Sweezy, two intimate partner violence. dian Mennonite Church. She ra Sweezy of Geary, Okla., body, pressuring the victim to change it now. brothers, Leroy and James Domestic violence and dat- graduated from Concho Carol Sweezy of Shawnee, for sex and becoming angry Community: They fear Blindy, and three sisters, Ma- ing violence are not Native Boarding Schools. Mary Okla., Norma Sweezy Black or violent when refused sex. having to leave the commu- rie Rouse, Marjorie Tusing, American traditions, and nei- and Sam Sweezy were mar- and husband Phillip of El Financial abuse happens nity in order to escape the and Stella Charley. ther is ever okay. ried Oct. 19, 1952 in Clinton, Reno, Frank Sweezy and Eva when an abusive partner abuse or are embarrassed An all night wake ser- StrongHearts Native Okla. They moved to Cali- Grace LeFlore of Geary, and keeps money, accounts or about what other members of vice was held Oct. 12 at Helpline is a free, cultural- fornia where Sam worked, Deborah Sweezy of Geary, financial information hidden the community would think the Tri-County building in ly-appropriate, and anon- moved to Denver, Colo., 19 grandchildren, and many from the victim. The abu- about the abuse. Geary, Okla. Graveside ser- ymous helpline for Native then to St. Louis, MO, and great and great-great-grand- sive partner may also give Manipulation and Low vices were held Oct. 13, Americans and Alaska Na- lived in Garland, Texas for children, three sisters, JoAnn an allowance to the victim Self-Esteem: They blame with Rev. Waylon Upchego tives impacted by domestic a while before moving back Soap of Stillwell, Okla., Car- or keep the victim’s social themselves for the abuse, or officiating, at the Greenfield violence and dating violence. to the Greenfield area in ol Blindy of Geary, Okla., security or per capita checks. feel hopeless. Indian Baptist Cemetery in We acknowledge and support 1969. They later moved to and Anita Campbell of They may also use gaslight- No Money/Resources: Greenfield, Okla. ing as a tactic of control here. They don’t have the resourc- all victims regardless of age, Geary in 1971 and have lived Geary, and cousins, James H. They may say things like, es to leave their situation, or gender, sexual orientation or “I’ve always controlled the feel a responsibility to finan- relationship status. If you or money.” or “You aren’t good cially support their abusive someone you love is expe- Gloria Pratt Uranga with money.”; or “You have partner. riencing domestic violence, Gloria Pratt Uranga was Tribe. Gloria enjoyed travel- everything you need, don’t Denial/Shame: Denial help is available. born Dec. 16, 1930, in Geary, ing, going to the casinos, and you?” or shame happens when a Contact StrongHearts at Okla., to James Monroe and spending time with family Digital abuse happens survivor is embarrassed and 1-844-7NATIVE or click on Julia Pratt and passed away and friends. when the abusive partner wants to protect themselves, the Chat Now icon to con- Oct. 8, 2020 at her home in Gloria is survived by her takes away phones, iPads, or their children and/or families nect one-on-one with and Wichita Falls, Texas at the sisters, Lela Marie Brill, computers in a bid to control from being associated with advocate daily from 7 a.m. age of 89 years, 9 months, Mary Lou Stevens, Patricia who the victim can contact. the stigma of abuse. to 10 p.m. CT. As a collab- and 22 days. Waysepappy, Sandra Pratt, A Stay Together Era Help is Available orative effort of the National Gloria was raised in Leah Pratt, Letha Gay- Elders can be more tra- At StrongHearts Native Domestic Violence Hotline Geary and attended school le Pratt, Julie Pratt, Alicia ditional. They came of age Helpline, we know that Na- (The Hotline) and the Na- in Geary, Weatherford, Pratt, Regina Pratt and Ger- when families stayed togeth- tive American elders are tional Indigenous Women’s Clinton, and Concho Indian aldine Brown; her brothers, fonso Uranga. er even during abuse. Some humble and it can be difficult Resource Center, after-hour School. In 1962, she married Oscar Pratt, Stephen Pratt Visitation was held Oct. elders have endured a lifetime for them to ask for help. Na- callers can connect with The Clemente Uranga in Wichita Sr., Adam Pratt, and Mike 12 at the Lockstone Funeral of domestic violence. To un- tive Americans and Alaska Hotline by choosing option Falls, where Gloria worked Toahty and numerous cous- Home in Weatherford, Okla. derstand why elder-survivors Natives experience domes- one. at the hospital and raised her ins, nieces and nephews. A graveside service was held family. She was preceded in Oct. 13 at the Greenwood She was president of the death by her parents, three Cemetery in Weatherford, Colony Pow-wow Commit- sisters, Carla, Marilyn and Okla. tee and Elder of the Year for Karen, and two sons, Stacy the Cheyenne and Arapaho Lee Riggs and Charles Al-

James Eugene Washington James Eugene Washing- death by grandparents, James ton, 40, of El Reno, former and Ruby Nightwalker and resident of Seiling, Okla., Harry and Grace Keller, passed from this life on Oct. parents, Gilbert and Darlene 8, 2020. He was born to Gil- Nightwalker, and sister She- bert and Darlene Washington lene Whiteshirt. in Los Angeles, Calif., on Left to carry his legacy Dec. 19, 1979. He grew up in are Dorcas Blackbear of the the Seiling area and attended home, children Aleilah Hill, Seiling Schools. James was a Raven Blackbear, J.J. Wash- stay at home dad, raising and ington, Charles Washington, caring for his five children and Ryan Washington; broth- er Funeral Home Chapel. Aleilah, Raven, James “J.J.”, er Gilbert Washington Jr. and A funeral service was held Charles and Ryan with the companion Angela Nelson of Oct. 12 at the First Christian help of the love of his life Seiling, Dawn Washington Church of Seiling, followed Dorcas Blackbear. The cou- of Woodward, as well as nu- by an interment at the Can- ple made their home in Seil- merous aunts, uncles, nieces, tonment Indian Mennonite ing until recently moving to nephews and friends. Cemetery. El Reno. A wake service was held James was preceded in Oct. 11, 2020 at the Reding- PAGE 8 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei ‘A Devastating Blow’: virus kills 81 citizens of Mississippi Choctaw Tribe (CHOCTAW, Miss.) For from the coronavirus, ac- underlying health conditions as never before, contributing Choctaw citizen was in mid- utive order mandating that Jason Grisham, it began cording to data tracked by such as diabetes and heart to the disproportionally high March, when a member con- everyone 2 years and old- with a fever. Then came the The New York Times. And disease have been contribut- infection and death rates tracted it while at work away er wear a mask. That same chills, lingering headaches despite making up 18% of ing factors. among Native Americans from the reservation. month, the Neshoba County and a terrifying realization the county’s residents, tribal In Arizona, Native Amer- and fueling new anger about From there, the cases be- Fair and the Choctaw Indian about what the symptoms members have accounted for icans account for 11% of the what critics say have been gan to snowball. Fair, both of which are big might mean. more than half the county’s virus-related deaths despite decades of neglect from Access to testing, ev- tourist attractions, were can- At the time, in early April, virus cases and about 64% making up 5% of the pop- Congress and successive ad- er-evolving guidance from celed. only a handful of residents of the deaths. ulation. And in Wyoming, ministrations in Washington. the Centers for Disease Con- After more than 60 in his Native American tribe “We aren’t just losing Native Americans have ac- Hospitals waited months trol and Prevention on deal- Choctaw deaths in the early in central Mississippi had family members or an aunt counted for nearly 30% of for protective equipment, ing with the virus, and short- months of the summer, the tested positive for the coro- or uncle; we are losing parts the coronavirus deaths. some of which ended up ages of workers and supplies numbers appeared to stabi- navirus. But within days, of our culture,” said Mary Across tribal nations, the being expired, and had far were early obstacles the trib- lize. One tribal member died Grisham, 40, would join a Harrison, interim health pandemic has forced the too few beds and ventila- al health care workers had to in August and another in list that has only grown stag- director for the Choctaw closures of casinos, schools tors to handle the flood of overcome. At that time, the September. geringly longer. Health Center. “We’ve lost and, in some cases, the roads COVID-19 patients. The mortality was high. So far this month, though, Soon, his wife and oldest dressmakers; we’ve lost leading to reservations, up- agency failed to tailor health “With the initial surge, two members have died af- daughter would also be sick. artists, elders who are very ending daily lives and bring- guidance to the reality of life people were frightened. ter contracting the virus, All three would survive, but fluid in our language — so ing economic devastation on impoverished reserva- They didn’t know what leaving residents rattled and the cases would continue to when you think about an to many. In eastern Missis- tions and did little to collect to expect,” said Dr. Kerry bracing for a second wave. tear through the Mississippi individual we’ve lost, these sippi, the Choctaw tribe is comprehensive data on hos- Scott, interim chief medi- Among those is Mitzi Band of Choctaw Indians are important people in our among the largest employ- pitalizations, death rates and cal officer at the Choctaw Reed, 45, who works as the unabated, eventually sick- community.” ers. It owns a popular resort testing to help tribes spot Health Center. “There were tribe’s wildlife and parks ening more than 10% of the The Choctaw are the with two casinos that em- outbreaks and respond. a high amount of our pa- director and lost her grand- tribe’s 10,000 residents and state’s only federally rec- ploys about 2,400 people, In June, as the deaths tients who were presenting mother and uncle to the killing at least 81 people. ognized tribe. Members are about half of whom are trib- began piling up across with severe symptoms, so coronavirus this summer. “We were prepared; we scattered across 35,000 rural al members. Choctaw communities, the the mortality rate was a little “It was not being able to always wore our masks out, acres in eight communities The casino-resort com- tribal chair asked the Indi- bit higher than what we were see them that really took its and we always used hand and have been among the plex, which was among the an Health Service’s critical expecting.” toll,” Reed said. “Because sanitizer because the last hardest hit in the state, like first in Indian Country to of- response team to assist the Among those deaths were my mom is up there in age, thing we wanted was for the many other tribal nations fer sports betting, closed in Choctaw Health Center. Nyron and Veronica Thom- we didn’t attend the funer- virus to be in our home,” across the United States. March because of the pan- The critical care response as. Their son, Bryce Thom- als.” said Grisham’s wife, Kend- The Navajo Nation, the demic. It has only now be- team, composed of one phy- as, had to bury his parents a In a culture in which all Grisham, 39. country’s largest reserva- gun to slowly reopen. sician, two critical care nurs- few weeks before graduat- mourning is communal, with That month, several resi- tion, has recorded at least Long before the coro- es and a respiratory thera- ing from high school. a tradition of wakes that on dents died. In May, 30 were 560 deaths, a tally larger navirus, the Indian Health pist arrived at the Choctaw “Bryce Thomas should average last two days, not killed. In June, another 33. than the coronavirus-relat- Service, the government Health Center in mid-June be celebrating his recent being able to properly grieve The toll climbed all summer. ed deaths in 13 states and a program that provides health and stayed for more than graduation from Neshoba those who have died has “It was a devastating death rate higher than every care to the 2.2 million mem- three weeks. Central High School with deeply affected tribal citi- blow to our people,” said state. bers of the nation’s tribal Since the start of the pan- his parents,” a family friend zen, Ben said. Cyrus Ben, the tribal chief, While communities of communities, was plagued demic, the 20-bed hospital wrote on a GoFundMe page “You say your good- who also had the virus. color have been dispropor- by shortages of funding and on the reservation has lost at to raise money for the teen- byes,” he said, “but it’s a Through last month, Ne- tionately affected by the supplies, a lack of doctors least four staff members to ager. “Instead he is having to wound that is never truly al- shoba County, where most virus, it appears to be espe- and nurses, too few hospital the virus. bury both of his parents due lowed to heal.” of the tribe’s residents live, cially deadly in some tribal beds, and aging facilities. Hospital officials said to the coronavirus.” This article originally had the highest death rate nations, where poverty, mul- Now the pandemic has they believed that the first In July, Ben, the Choctaw appeared in The New York per capita in Mississippi tigenerational housing and exposed those weaknesses coronavirus case involving a tribal chief, issued an exec- Times by Mark Walker.