Follow us on Twitter #CATribalTribune CheyenneandArapaho-nsn.gov Oct. 1, 2020 -Vol. 16, Issue 19 Thermal temperature camera donations go to 16 school districts Rosemary Stephens The Cheyenne and ty school districts. Wassana agreed. Arapaho Tribes, in part- Ordinarily those dona- “It is an honor the nership with Lucky Star tions would go towards Cheyenne and Arapaho Casinos, donate thermal backpacks, pencils, Tribes are able to donate temperature cameras paper and the ‘normal’ these thermal cameras to 16 school districts in list of school supplies where all children will Western Oklahoma. students would need for benefit,” Gov. Wassana Every year Lucky the coming school year. said. Calumet Public Schools Star Casino host a But this year is not an After totaling the school supply do- ‘ordinary’ school year funds from the dona- nation drive at as students and school tion drive that was held each of their districts face the chal- from July 20 – Aug. 9, locations to lenges of in person class 2020, the tribes’ were benefit sur- during the coronavirus able to purchase 40 con- rounding pandemic. Because of tact-free thermal tem- com- the pandemic, Andy perature cameras from

Lucky Star Casino in collaboration with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes donate hands free thermal termperature devices to 16 school districts in Western Oklahoma. (Photosmu / Rachel- Smith)Rednose, Chief Oper- eConnect Global out of ni- ating Officer of Lucky Las Vegas, Nev. Star Casino thought The cameras scan donating thermal tem- everyone entering the Clinton Public Schools perature cameras to school buildings and the school districts display their body tem- would be more ben- perature. In addition eficial than back- the cameras will send packs and paper. an alert of any elevated Cheyenne and temperatures immedi- Cheyenne Arapaho ately. Each camera cost Tribes approximately $3,600. and Gov. Throughout the month Reg- of September, camer- Arapaho gie as were delivered to El Tribes Reno, Kingfisher, Cal- umet, Geary, Watonga, Receive El Reno Public Schools Canton, Seiling, Wood- Technology ward, Clinton, Weath- erford, Arapaho, Improvement Thomas, Cordell, Elk City, Ham- Grant mon and Dar- lington Public Schools.

Darlington Public School

CONCHO, OK) The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes receive a $17,000 First Nations Development Institute grant to provide a wireless broad- band network that allows Internet access to the majority of tribal members. This grant assists the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes to design and create a wireless broadband network serving Western Oklahoma and will allow the tribes to provide 2.5 GHz wireless Internet access to tribal members. According to Ty Todd, former CEO of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Business De- velopment Corporation, providing wireless technology to the Tribes is much needed Elk City Public Schools and creates additional opportunities for the Tribes. “The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes are very concerned with the current access to the Internet in our tribal service areas, slow speeds, high cost and availability have created a digital divide,” Todd said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how critical access to the Internet is. With this grant, we’re able TECHNOLOGY GRANT / pg.11 PAGE 2 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne and Arapaho Business Brian Foster, former Development Corporation Launches CEO of Lucky Star Hammerstone Construction Group Casinos heads to (CONCHO, OK) The Cheyenne Hammerstone Construction will Hammerstone Construction federal prison for and Arapaho Business Develop- contribute to an array of projects plans to launch an electrical division ment Corporation announces the through its primary company as this fall specializing in commercial, unpaid taxes launch of Hammerstone Construc- well as its numerous subsidiary residential, new construction, reno- tion Group, its newest subsidiary companies that will specialize in vation, retrofitting fixtures and elec- company. This new construction specific trades. trical code compliance upgrades. company is based in Concho, Okla- Hammerstone Construction in- “We plan to outfit a skilled crew homa and provides general con- tends to enrich and empower the of Cheyenne and Arapaho electri- tracting, construction management, communities of the Cheyenne and cians, providing a career that will excavation, trenching, civil and site Arapaho Tribes and the state of benefit them and their families as work services, site clearing, and Oklahoma through its services. The well as a rewarding employment other commercial construction ser- company plans to promote econom- pathway for the next generation of vices. ic development, creating jobs in lo- Tribal members,” Spotted Horse “We will bring high-quality cal communities and contributing said. construction services and crafts- its expertise to important construc- About Hammerstone Con- manship to a number of essential tion projects. struction Group projects in local communities and “We are a growing provider of Hammerstone Construction Former Lucky Star Casino CEO Brian Foster walks across the region,” Kyle Spotted jobs to Tribal members and contin- Group provides general contract- through the newly opened Canton Lucky Star Casino loca- Horse, president of Hammerstone ue to focus on projects that help to ing and construction management tion in May 2013. Foster was recently sentenced to federal Construction, said. galvanize our people and the wid- services to the Cheyenne and Arap- prison for not filing federal income tax returns for calendar years 2012 and 2013. (Photo / Rosemary Stephens) Hammerstone Construction er Oklahoma community,” Spotted aho Tribes and across the state of leads the following current proj- Horse said. “As the COVID-19 Oklahoma. Our specialties include (OKLAHOMA CITY) During his sentencing, ects: Concho Streets and Sidewalk pandemic ramped up and the casi- electrical, excavation, trenching, The former CEO of Lucky Judge Mitchell expressed her Improvements, Concho, Oklahoma, nos closed, I knew that those of us site clearing, civil and site work. Star Casinos, Brian Foster concern over Foster direct- Lucky Star Casino-Concho Admin- in the construction industry would Hammerstone Construction is ded- was sentenced to one year ing former subordinates un- istration Building-Parking Lot and continue working. Hammerstone icated to providing the utmost qual- and one day in federal prison der him while CEO of Lucky for not filing federal income Star Casino to not withhold Lucky Star Casino Hotel/Casino could be a revenue generator the ity, craftsmanship, and dependabil- tax returns for calendar years federal taxes from the almost Watonga-Parking Lot and the Wa- Tribes will depend on in the future. ity on every project. Hammerstone 2012 and 2013. During this $2.4 million in earnings Fos- tonga Emergency Response Cen- We’re ready to take on that chal- Construction is located in Concho, time Foster was the CEO ter earned during 2012 and ter’s Building Pad Project. lenge.” Oklahoma. and director of gaming for 2013 as CEO of Lucky Star. the Cheyenne and Arapaho Judge Mitchell made Tribes’ casino enterprises, mention of Foster’s past ar- Tribal Council Coordinator Candidates Lucky Star Casinos. rests for DUIs, his history of TCC candidates will be voted on at the annual Tribal Council meeting, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 in Concho, Okla. Foster was also ordered to a gambling addiction and in- pay over $1 million in resti- dulging in the use of alcohol. Otse’veo’o’e (Standing family and I show a love College. I have also received tution to the Internal Reve- Foster will report to feder- Woman) Wilma Big Med- for our people, culture and awards from Business Pro- nue Service beginning upon al prison on Oct. 26, 2020 to icine, I am enrolled in the ceremonial ways. When our fessional of America. I would his release. serve one year and one day. southern Cheyenne and family lived in California we bring leadership, academic, Federal authorities first He was ordered to complete Arapaho Tribes. made it a point of returning technological skills, humility filed charges against Fos- a financial responsibility pro- My mother is Merle Big for our yearly ceremonies and unbiased service to the ter Oct. 8, 2019 in the U.S. gram and upon his release he Medicine Lopez and I grew and spending time with our Office of the Tribal Council. District Court of the Western will be subject to a super- up in California during my grandparents, Joe and Caro- I would very much ap- District of Oklahoma un- vised release of one year, pay teen-age years before mov- lyn Antelope, as well as also preciate your vote for the der case number MJ00552- restitution to the IRS in the ing back home to Watonga other elders within the Chey- position of the Tribal Coun- SM-1. amount $1,047.241 and is and El Reno, Okla. enne and Arapahoe commu- cil Coordinator. If elected, I At his sentence hearing not to enter into any loans or I have four children John- nities. would make my office open under Magistrate Judge Su- credit agreements nor liqui- nie Lopez, Jean, William and I earned my medical bill- and accessible to all tribal zanne Mitchell, Foster’s at- date any assets. He was also Wilma Big Medicine Merlin Fletcher. ing and coding certification members. torney Peter Scimeca plead- ordered by Judge Mitchell to Hello, my name is First and foremost, my at Redlands Community ed for the judge to take into enter a program for mental consideration Foster’s per- health and gambling addic- sonal difficulties involving tion and will be prohibited Michelle Bigfoot traditional values. I believe from Southwestern Oklaho- I am asking for your vote in the Tribes’ being self-suf- ma State University. Prior to his son’s addiction and Fos- from engaging in any gam- on Oct. 3 for Tribal Council ficient and in our Tribal Sov- SWOSU I attended Redlands ter’s willingness to “make bling activities while on his Coordinator. I am the in- ereignty. Community College where things right.” one year probation. cumbent candidate for the If elected, I will continue I studied Farm and Ranch upcoming election for the to promote the importance of Management. Tribal Council Coordinator educating our tribal members I have worked as a spe- to be held at the annual Trib- on the Constitution, Supreme cial project coordinator for al Council Meeting on Oct. Court cases and understand- Cheyenne District 1 in 2016. 3, 2020. ing the processes of our Trib- I worked as the Administra- I have strived to increase al government in order to tive Assistant II-Legislative/ tribal members’ knowledge moved forward and making Special Projects Manager of tribal government opera- amendments to areas of the from January 2018 until be- tions and the foundation of Constitution that needs to be ing elected as Tribal Council ciate your vote on Saturday, our Tribal Constitution. I ad- clarified and enhanced. Coordinator in 2019. Oct. 3, 2020. Remember: vocate for protection of our I am currently pursuing I look forward to con- Wear Your Mask and Social natural resources, promote a Bachelor of Arts degree tinuing to serve our Tribal Distance and let’s move our our languages, culture and in Interdisciplinary Studies members and would appre- tribe forward.

ma-Cortez High School in College in July 2014. family is very important to 2000. I have a Class A Com- me, numerous relatives to In Seiling I worked mercial Driver’s license as thank for having NAC meet- through Cheyenne and Arap- source of income. I started ings to help me along my ahoe Summer Youth Work out driving over the road journey in life and able to Program with Rita Black as with Navajo Express for ex- achieve all the accomplish- my supervisor. My job duties perience, then moved on to ments through prayer and were to clean the high school the oil field as a tanker driv- ceremonies. and assist delivering food to er for Oil Patch Group, and My grandfather on my the tribal elders in the com- I have kept a clean motor mother’s side Vincent munity of Seiling, Canton, vehicle record and always Yazzie, who was my role and surrounding areas. In comply with DOT safety model because he traveled 2007 I graduated with a cer- regulations. the world through the con- tificate in accounting from My grandparents taught tinental railroad sending San Juan Basin Technical me many values in life, to be money home to his family. College in Mancos, Colo. In responsible and to have dis- My chaii Vincent Yazzie did 2010 I moved home to Cor- cipline. My father was Win- not speak a word of English Jewel Turtle tez to caretake for my moth- ston Turtle Sr., deceased, he only Dineh but knew how I, Jewel Turtle, am run- er and grandmother, (Edith served in the Marine Corp. to speak Spanish and some ning for Tribal Council Co- Yazzie, 110 years old). I and went to the Korean War. Asian. I am thankful for my ordinator for the Cheyenne obtained my Commercial My mother is Mary Turtle strong faith in Church, tradi- and Arapaho Tribes of Okla- Driver’s license endorsed 77, she is an entrepreneur, tions and strong woman and homa. with triple trailer, double silversmithing and other arts men role models in my life. I I was born in New Mex- trailer, tanker, and hazmat at and crafts are her known am doing my best to preserve ico and raised in Oklahoma Southwest Colorado Com- skills. My grandfather Ralph my native history by teach- and Colorado countryside. munity College in Mancos, Turtle on my father’s side, ing my daughter and encour- Growing up, I lived in Sad- Colo., and Associate Degree I am grateful for making aging our youth to succeed in dle Mountain, Okla., Cortez of General Studies at South- prayers he made for our fam- education and have faith in a Colo., and Seiling Okla. I west Colorado Community ily and for our people. My higher power for guidance. graduated from Montezu- TCC CANDIDATES / next page ANNUAL TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING 10 A.M. SATURDAY OCT. 3, 2020 R.E.Sp.E.C.T. GYMNASIUM - CONCHO, OK Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 3 CDC’s Halloween Guidelines Warn Against Typical Trick-Or-Treating By Laura Wamsley

In a year that’s been plenty scary, this much is clear: Pan- so long as the route is one-way, people wear masks ap- demic Halloween will be different than regular Halloween. propriately and stay 6 feet apart. But there’s a caveat: Many traditional ways of celebrating are now considerably “If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is ad- more frightful than usual, because now they bring the risk of vised.” spreading the coronavirus. What about apple picking and pumpkin patches? Accordingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Risks can be reduced if people use hand sanitizer before Prevention has issued new guideliness on how to cele- touching pumpkins or apples, wear masks and maintain brate Halloween safely. No big surprise: Classic door- social distance. to-door trick-or-treating and crowded, boozy costume Also on the moderate-risk list: an outdoor scary mov- parties are not recommended. ie night with local friends who are socially distanced. The CDC’s guidelines group Halloween activities into Again: The more screaming there is, the more space is lower-risk, moderate-risk and higher-risk buckets. needed for safe social distancing. The higher-risk category includes both door-to-door If you want to be really safe? Then you need to plan trick-or-treating and events where kids get treats from for either virtual activities or ones that you do largely the trunks of cars in a big parking lot. with your own household. Also no-nos: indoor haunted houses where people The CDC’s lower-risk activities include carving pumpkins will be crowded and screaming, which could send in- with your household, or outdoors with friends while social- fectious particles flying. Going on hayrides with people ly distanced. It also suggests a Halloween scavenger hunt: who aren’t in your household or fall festivals in rural looking for witches, spiderwebs and black cats outside hous- areas also carry a risk of spreading the virus that caus- es while walking around — or a scavenger hunt for treats in es COVID-19. And using alcohol and drugs “can cloud your own home. [judgment] and increase risky behaviors,” the CDC And what about masks? A costume mask is no substitute warns — though that’s equally true in any season. for a cloth mask, according to the agency, but don’t double How to get your thrills instead? up with one over the other because that can make it hard to The agency says this way of trick-or-treating poses a breathe. Instead, consider a Halloween-themed cloth mask, moderate risk (compared with the higher risk of the tra- the CDC suggests. ditional style): Kids could pick up individually wrapped A costume mask can protect against spreading the gift bags at the end of a driveway or yard while still pre- coronavirus if it’s like a regular cloth mask: two or more serving social distance. layers of breathable fabric covering the nose and mouth, You could also organize a small outdoor costume pa- without gaps around the face. rade where everyone is 6 feet apart. An outdoor costume And remember this, friendly neighbors: If you think you party would also be considered moderate risk, if people might have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone wear masks and stay 6 feet away from each other. who does, don’t attend in-person Halloween activities, and Haunted houses are out, and haunted forests are in. certainly don’t hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. The CDC says an open-air scare-fest is moderately risky, Message From Your District Legislator: Arapaho District 2-Kendricks Sleeper Cheyenne District 3-Darrell Flyingman TCC CANDIDATES islative working sessions and hasn’t been worked for six continued from pg. 2 public hearings leading up years, and makes a person to our constitutionally man- wonder why. dated, monthly Regular Ses- I understand the other Dis- sions. From time to time the tricts have the same problem, Governor has called Special “land laying around collect- Sessions when necessary. ing dust.” The legislators in- Our branches of Government terviewed a young man from have been working together Hammon several weeks ago. and collectively have a good He is well qualified to run a working relationship. large farm system, which is The Covid-19 (Corona- why we recommended him virus) has made it necessary to be hired, but at present, he to utilize technology such as has not been processed for Hello Family, Friends, Zoom, Youtube, and other Oct. 3, 2020 is our annual employment. media platforms to reduce In my opinion, the tribe and Relatives, Tribal Council meeting. We Jennifer (Plummer) with the Tribal Council and physically being present at has some executive and First and foremost, I have four ladies competing Wilkinson outside our Tribe. I am cur- our meetings. Some peo- program directors “collect- would like to send my con- for the position of Tribal Hello! My name is Jen- rently running for a Dem- ple would rather show up in ing dust.” One would think, dolences to all of those that Council Coordinator. Vote nifer Wilkinson and I am ocratic State Senate seat. have lost loved ones and person instead of using such with the down-time brought for the best qualified candi- running for Tribal Council With my State Senate seat have been affected in some technology. We are doing our on by COVID-19, leaders date. Coordinator. I served as being heavily Republican way due to the Covid-19 best to stay safe and protect We have lost several trib- would have the time to im- Tribal Council Coordina- and also my county I do (Coronavirus). Our prayers others and ourselves during al members this month to prove their operations, make tor from October 2015 to not anticipate a win but I are with all of you as we con- this pandemic and hope you Covid-19. We must be very improvements, evaluate their tinue to move forward mak- are as well. We have recently careful and take the neces- workers and make changes December 2018. My par- can say I tried. In the long ing choices and decisions livestreamed Public Hear- sary precautions. for the best. Our people need ents are George and Deb- run I hope I have been an that will be beneficial to our ings and Regular Sessions. In Construction has started to learn how to think outside bie Plummer. My paternal inspiration to young Na- future generations. My main the future, we will be provid- on the11 projects scheduled the box. grandmother was the late tive Women and girls. I am concern is to address every- ing accessible platforms such throughout the Districts. The I do believe Reggie is do- Grace Surveyor Plummer also involved in national one and let you all know that as Zoom, Youtube, and other projects are slated for com- ing the best he can with the (Cheyenne) of Fonda and grassroots organizations you are in our prayers and media outlets to provide in- pletion by Dec. 31, 2020. help he has. I do believe he my maternal grandmother for Native Americans and that we are thinking of you in formation to the public. Jobs will be available for needs to hire a Chief of Staff, was the late Ann Addison attended the Native Ameri- all that we do. Every Wednesday we job seekers. Job fairs will someone who has the experi- Reed (Arapaho) of Canton. can Presidential Forum last For those that may not have a Covid-19 (Corona- be scheduled throughout the ence and leadership skills to In 1996 I graduated from year. Motivating our peo- know me my name is Ken- virus) update meeting. Sta- Districts. supervise the Executive Di- Woodward High School ple to vote and be involved tistics are given about the rectors. Reggie has so much dricks Sleeper. My paternal As Legislator for Chey- and in 2000 I graduated has been a passion for me. rising numbers of positive to do, he doesn’t have time grandparents are the late enne District 3, I am very from Southwestern Okla- In order to be involved you Stanley Sleeper and Pearl and negative cases as well as to hear complaints, settle dis- concerned about approxi- homa State University have to be informed. Tallbull-Sleeper. My mater- deaths and recoveries. These mately 1,500 acres of prime putes between employees, he with a degree in Business A goal I have if elect- nal grandparents are the late numbers are mostly from our crop land in Colony. The needs his time to handle our Marketing. I also have ed is to start working on Gerald Nimsey and Rose- local communities. State and land has not been worked Tribes’ big “stuff.” amending the constitution. mary Hunt-Nimsey. My par- national statistics are also in many years, instead, it This month Cheyenne an Associates in Insur- ents are Angelo Sleeper, Sr. provided from the Covid-19 has been overrun by wild District 3 spent several days ance Claims, Associates in This Annual Tribal Coun- and Susan Nimsey-Sleeper. I Task Force. We share these weeds, stickers, sunflowers, mailing out voter registration Claims Services cil Meeting I submitted 2 live in El Reno with my wife statistics as much as possible and trees that are starting to forms for constituents to up- My career prior to trib- amendments to the consti- Sierra Shadaram and my to our social media pages. grow. date their mailing addresses. al politics was in insurance tution for mail out ballots children Kaylianne, D’An- Legislators have set up social A pivot irrigation system Our office also attended and catastrophe response. on all Tribal Council Res- gelo, Rosemary, Yasmina, media pages to provide such was purchased about five or the thermal camera dona- For the past 5 years I have olutions. I also submitted Sienna, and Samiya. I am the information and much more six years ago to water a crop tions for the public schools in been heavily involved in a resolution to amend the Arapaho District 2 Legislator to our respective constitu- that was not planted. This Clinton and Weatherford. We our tribal politics and will Tribal Council Policy and and Speaker of the 8th Legis- ents. year, finally, someone decid- also did some homebound continue to be involved. Procedures. Change has to lature of our beautiful Chey- Our tribe recently re- ed to drill a water well. The elders visits and delivered One of my objectives when start somewhere, but you ceived 63 million dollars of PPE supplies to the elders. enne and Arapaho Tribe. system was tested last week, I was previously elected, have to elect leaders who the eight billion dollars that We provided lunch and PPE During these trying times plenty of water, but no plant- was to inform the Tribal will advocate for change. was distributed to all tribes kits to the Independent Liv- we are currently continuing ed crop to water. The land Council and to push for I am asking for your vote to conduct business as usual. from the United States fed- ing Center. change in our government. as Tribal Council Coordi- We continue to conduct leg- eral treasury department in- I have proven leadership nator. CONT’D. - MESSAGE FROM YOUR DISTRICT LEGISLATOR / 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 Alison Black named new MESSAGE FROM YOUR continuedDISTRICT from pg. 3 LEGISLATOR Indian Education Coordinator Arapaho District 2-Kendricks Sleeper cluding preparing, respond- the funds are available. ing, and preventing to the As I mentioned earlier, for Stillwater Public Schools Covid-19 (Coronarivus). we are doing our best with (STILLWATER, OK) General Studies from North- We have appropriated all our tribal members’ best in- Alison Black, was recent- ern Oklahoma College and three payments to the trib- terest in mind. We know how ly named Stillwater Public a BS in Applied Sociology al government. A one-time tough it is during this global School’s new Indian Edu- from Oklahoma State Uni- disbursement was given out pandemic with family, work, cation Coordinator. The dis- versity. In spring 2018 she to the tribal members. Emer- school, and everything else. trict’s Title VI program serves completed her master’s de- gency Response Center proj- This is everyone’s first time over 700 tribal students be- gree in Curriculum Studies ects are being funded. These dealing with a sickness like tween nine schools with rep- and Leadership (M.Ed.) at emergency response centers this and we all have to adapt resentation of approximately Oklahoma State Universi- will convert into community along with it. The mental, 70 Tribal Nations. She leaves ty. The rigorous program is centers once this pandem- physical, and spiritual health Frontier Public Schools as ranked in the top ten of cur- ic is over and done with. of our people is what we pray the Director of Indian Edu- riculum studies programs in These structures will be for. Pray for us and we will cation and teacher of Native the nation. While there she around for our tribal mem- keep you in prayer as well. American Studies. During joined Alpha Pi Omega the bers in the communities to If you need to contact me her tenure, she developed nation’s oldest Native Amer- use for a long time to come my phone number is 405- and implemented their first ican sorority. She is begin- and more importantly they 464-2657. Our legislative of- Native American Studies ning a Phd program in Social will be available in the very fices are closed to the public, class and successfully navi- Foundations in Education as near future, if necessary, but you may be able to set up gated a partnership with the a non-degree seeking stu- as staging centers to help a meeting by contacting your Otoe-Missouria tribe to bring dent. those directly affected by legislator or their staff. Some a high school Jiwere-Nutachi Currently, she is the Pres- the Covid-19 (Coronavirus). office phones are set up to language class. In 2016, she ident-Elect for the Oklahoma Other funds were placed into roll over to our secretary’s accompanied students on a Council for Indian Education programs, such as HOPE, work cell phones where they trip to Standing Rock as apart and will assume the presi- to supplement and provide can relay us your message if of community service for dent position in December help to those tribal members we are not available at that Frontier Inter-Tribal Youth 2020. Alison has served on that have tested positive or time. I would even be willing Council and Otoe-Missouria the board since 2016, found- have family members in the to make a home visit while Tribe Youth ASCEND Ini- ing the advocacy committee. household that have tested practicing social distancing tiative. Through this partner- Her commitment to Native positive. Please take advan- if absolutely necessary. Take ship, students traveled exten- students extends into other tage of these programs while care and stay safe. Ho’hou. sively for events and cultural service capacities as well as and serves on the Board of opment (NCAIED). exchange, including to Kaui, she sits on the national Col- Directors for the Oklaho- She resides in Red Rock, Cheyenne District 3-Darrell Flyingman Hawaii. lege Board’s Native Ameri- ma Chapter of the Ameri- Okla., with her husband Weatherford Public Schools received bottled water dona- Black is an enrolled mem- can Student Advocacy Insti- can Civil Liberties Union James and two of their four tions from our office as well. ber of the Cheyenne and tute’s advisory board. Also, (ACLU). She was recently children. James is the Youth Clean up of Colony cemetery has been an ongoing project Arapaho Tribes of Oklaho- as an Oklahoma Education elected to serve a second Director for the Otoe-Mis- our office has been engaged with. and will continue to do., ma. Her mother is the late Association member, she term, making her only one souria Tribe and between the and our office also attended the sentencing hearing of former Freda Roman Nose Primeaux serves as the vice-chair of of two Indigenous women to married couple they have a Lucky Star CEO Brian Foster. who was the daughter of Fred the Native American Caucus serve on the board. Her so- total of seven college de- Roman Nose and Blanche for the organization. In 2016 cial justice work has also led grees, something she takes Red Shin. Her Cheyenne she became a Native student her to help plan the Reclaim- great pride in. Their son Ja- name is, “Standing” after mentor for Northern Oklaho- ing Native Truth’s Oklahoma len, attends Northern Okla- Roman Nose’s wife who sur- ma College and a member of campaign event, “Illumina- homa College and her oldest vived the Sand Creek Massa- their Cultural Engagement tive”, a summit to change daughter Shelby, plays bas- cre. She is also a descendent Center’s advisory board. She the national narrative about ketball for Northern Okla- of the Osage Nation (Gray serves alongside many other Native Americans. One of homa College in Enid, Okla. Horse district), Ponca Tribe, Native educators, including the issues Alison has openly While their younger children and Prairie Band Potawatomi her uncle Quinton Roman advocated for is the end of Madison and Jude are at- people through her late fa- Nose on the Oklahoma Na- Native mascot use. In 2019 tending school virtually as a ther, Burgess “Charlie” tive Task Force. she was selected as 40 Under sophomore and a first grader, Primeaux. Black is also passionate 40 by the National Center for respectively. Black has earned an AS in about social justice issues American Enterprise Devel- Battling COVID-19

Rosemary Stephens me go in so they could Editor-in-Chief examine me,” Sleeper said. When Cheyenne and Sleeper was sent to Arapaho tribal citizen the hospital for x-rays Henry Sleeper contract- of his lungs, which ed COVID-19 he thought came back showing he he only had a bad case of had pneumonia. He was hay fever. sent to St. Anthony’s “My wife and I had Hospital and admitted, went for a ride on our for what he called a motorcycle and when we tough seven days. went to bed and I awoke “They put me on the next morning I didn’t oxygen, an inhaler and feel good. My body antibiotics. I called ached, my breathing was my brother Kendricks shallow and it hurt when Sleeper and asked if he I tried to take a deep could have someone to breath,” Sleeper said. have a sweat and pray He stayed in bed and from my family and slept most of the day and me,” Sleeper said. through the night. The The day after the next day he forced him- sweat was held, Sleep- self to get out of bed to er said the doctor came go to a doctor’s appoint- into his room and said ment his wife had made he was going to get to for him. go home. Though he “I didn’t want to get was glad to hear those When Henry Sleeper started not to feel well, he thought he out of bed, but I thought I words, the next two had a bad case of hay fever. It turned out to be COVID-19. had better because I was months would be chal- (Photo / Rosemary Stephens) afraid this was serious,” lenging for him. ous. It’s real and can be and scientists strongly Sleeper said. “I couldn’t do any- deadly, so take care of recommend the wear- When they arrived at thing without getting yourselves and your fam- ing of facial masks to the Indian Health Clin- winded and I had to stay ilies.” help curb the spread of ic his wife called inside away from my kids be- As of Sept. 28 Okla- the coronavirus causing to check in but said his cause I didn’t want them homa Dept. of Health COVID-19. They also chart was inactive and to get infected. I’m good Website showed 85,194 stress social distanc- Sleeper did not think to now and I’m back work new positive cases of ing and regular, routine grab his ID. But when and doing duties as Presi- COVID-19 and 1,007 hand-washing/sanitizing the nurse came outside to dent of the Oklahoma In- deaths. Throughout the practices. the car and saw how sick dian Bikers and back on U.S. there are, as of Sept. For more information Sleeper was they decided our motorcycle,” Sleeper 28, over 7,115,000 pos- on Oklahoma COVID-19 to give him a COVID-19 said. “I want to say to all itive cumulative cases information visit www. test immediately. of our tribal members and over 204,750 deaths. coronavirus.health. “It came back posi- to take this virus seri- Medical professionals ok.gov. tive, that’s when they had Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 5 Native American voters could help swing the 2020 presidential election By Elizabeth Myong Native American issues are in sharper fo- while the American Indian and Alaskan Na- and did not attend the forum. require at least a 10% investment in commu- cus in the 2020 presidential election cycle, tive population experienced 35% growth. Native Americans tend to vote in numbers nities where 20% or more of the population particularly as Democratic contenders put Iron Hawk said a new “awakening” of more favorable to Democrats. In 2012, Pres- has lived under the poverty line for 30 years. more emphasis on policy proposals. political activism in Native American com- ident Barack Obama won nearly 70% of the Brian Howard, a member of the Gila River The Native American electorate could munities is prompting candidates to respond. indigenous vote. Indian Community in Arizona, said these are end up being pivotal in seven major swing Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former secretary Traci Morris, director of the American steps in the right direction, but more needs states: Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Neva- of Housing and Urban Development Julian Indian Policy Institute and a member of the to be done to afford the 573 tribal nations da, North Carolina, Colorado and Wisconsin, Castro have released detailed Native Amer- Chickasaw nation in Oklahoma, said Native agency in terms of how they’ll implement the according to data from Four Directions. ican policy proposals. Sen. Bernie Sanders American issues are “surfacing” now due to funding plan. “We can make a difference,” said Renee and Marianne Williamson have devoted sec- increased congressional representation, an “The self-determination concept needs to Lenore Fasthorse Iron Hawk, a member of tions of their websites to Native American active Native American press, and younger be built into it [the plan],” said Howard, a the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Da- issues. Native Americans who are raising awareness policy analyst at Arizona State University’s kota. “There are swing states that will make Key issues include insufficient funding on social media platforms like Twitter. American Indian Policy Institute. “They need a difference. We can and have mobilized our of federal programs, violence against Native Guaranteed funding to implement these programs into their com- vote when it matters.” American women, the lack of political repre- Warren has proposed removing feder- munities in the way they best see fit.” The Native American population is 6.8 sentation and education reform. al programs for Native Americans from the Insufficient funding has been an issue that million, according to U.S. Census Bureau The inaugural Native American Presiden- standard appropriations process and placing has affected Native American communities information from 2018. While that is rela- tial Forum in August signaled a new interest them under required funding instead. for centuries. The U.S. Civil Rights Com- tively small compared with the U.S. popula- in indigenous policies this election cycle. For- Sanders has suggested implementing 10- mission in a 2018 report called the federal tion, which is nearly 330 million, the Native mer Vice President Joe Biden, the Democrat- 20-30 legislation that would help address Na- government’s funding of tribal communities American population has more than doubled ic frontrunner, and President Donald Trump tive American disparities in employment, ed- “grossly inadequate.” the growth rate of the United States. From have not released Native American policy ucation and health care. The 2009 plan would 2000 to 2016, the U.S. population grew 14% proposals NATIVE VOTE / pg. 10 Do You

Vote?By LaRenda Morgan Why should we register to know our elders and ances- vote in state and presidential tors in the past paved a path elections? for us to move forward to- For many years before day. We must stay in tune I held the Governmen- with our spirit and our inner tal Affairs position for the voices, and learn to speak Cheyenne and Arapaho out against inequality, injus- Tribes, I set up voter regis- tice, or any other issue you tration booths with a group feel needs to be addressed or of friends, who I asked to changed. That goes for every volunteer. We would set up area of our lives, within our at various Tribal Nations families, within our commu- during program events and nities, within our tribe and powwows. I also set up in that extends to our state and Cheyenne Arapaho country federal government as well. at various dances, events and We know who our trib- powwows. I began doing this al leaders are and our tribal to help tribal members get representatives but do you registered because I realized know who represents you how important our votes are. at the state capitol or who One of the many things your congressman/woman in Gov. Reggie Wassana and I Washington D.C is? Are you have in common politically aware of their voting record? is the desire to get our trib- Do they support Federal In- al members active and vot- dian Policy? Do they repre- ing outside tribal elections. sent YOU? As a tribal member who has Lawmakers in Washing- previously ran for a state of- ton and in this state are elect- fice in 2016, I became aware ed to do a job and represent that the representation of all of us. I remember during tribal citizens in that politi- a past U.S Government shut- cal arena is very low. I was down, the Indian Health Ser- the first tribal member to vice funding was cut further. run for Oklahoma House of That made me very angry. Representatives. I could not The U. S Government has a beat my opponent who was treaty obligation to uphold a Caucasian male who was their responsibility to fed- a former Olympic bob sled- eral Indian tribes by provid- der and school teacher. What ing services such as Indian I learned in that experience Health Services. Funding and process is that there are for Indian Health Service many other minorities trying fluctuates at about 47 to 59 to get elected to positions of percent! It should be at 100 leadership to represent and percent. During the Bush make changes that will ulti- Administration, I learned mately bring about changes about the IHS appropriations and better circumstances for because my job was elim- their people. There are few inated due to federal bud- Native candidates to repre- get cuts and services were sent us. lacking at our IHS clinic. When I ran in 2016, there So whose responsibility is it were issues in the Oklahoma to make sure we are getting Department of Human Ser- this funding? Congress. Who vices (OKDHS) regarding is YOUR representative placement of Native foster in Congress and have they children through contracted fought for our healthcare? foster care placement agen- Our healthcare right now cies. I advocated for changes is more vital than ever. Our for years prior to filing for healthcare services and the office, when I felt there was state of our health can mean no other alternative, I filed life and death in this fragile for Oklahoma State House time of pandemic. Covid-19 Representative. It may not has caused the death of nu- have been the right path be- merous tribal members. We cause it was such a radical need lawmakers who will move however it opened fund our services. doors for me to speak to During the last govern- lawmakers who could make ment shutdown, there was those changes. one major advocate for In- Using our voice as Chey- dian Health Service funding enne Arapaho people is and that was Oklahoma Con- important to the continued gressman Markwayne Mul- existence of our tribe. We DO YOU VOTE / pg. 9 PAGE 6 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Beadwork hobby evolves into small business venture entitled BlackwolfBeadz The girls on Instagram ing. wolf’s business has been whose work she admired “I’m obsessed with it and from word of mouth and be- have now all become I don’t go one day without fore the pandemic hit Black- close friends and help her beading. Not only is this wolf had made plans to have with anything she needs medicine for our people, this booths at various powwows assistance with. is how I portray it and I have this season and other events, “The help me if I’m been told, you are putting but like many things, the unsure of what material to medicine, good vibes into the pandemic changed all of that. buy and they are from all pieces to the people who are “The coronavirus has put different tribes across the buying from you, so if you a damper on some of my country, so I’ve picked up are in a bad head space you plans I had for being at dif- things from each of them. shouldn’t bead,” Blackwolf ferent powwows and events, The beading community said. “It’s also good medi- but next year I am hoping has really been nice to me cine towards me, it brings to have a full collection to and helpful all along the me happiness and brings do some different shows,” way,” Blackwolf said. me happiness that anybody Blackwolf said. BlackwolfBeadz would even want anything Blackwolf is employed evolved from her posting that I have made. It’s pretty with the Tribal Child Support a few items online show- awesome to me that is has office for Modoc Nation as a ing people what she had gotten as big as it is.” case manager, legal assistant made saying, “Look ev- Recently Blackwolf was and process server. She was erybody, look at what I contacted by CeCe Mead- born in Clinton, Okla., to Te- made, this is crazy I did ows, found and CEO of Pra- resa and Donald Blackwolf. Krista Blackwolf this.” And that’s where it dos Beauty requesting orders She was raised in California, began. to be sold on her Indigenous Clinton and McLoud before Krista Blackwolf, Chey- “It started with one Beauty Website. moving to El Reno approx- enne and Arapaho, took up person, and I know exactly “I bought some pieces imately four years ago. She beading in 2018 as a hob- who that was and she said from her and we are so hap- has four children ages 12, 10 by. Little did she know two well when you start selling py and excited to have her and two 6 year olds and in years later her hobby would them let me know. I was like, beadwork featured on our a relationship of nine years become BlackwolfBeadz ‘oh well okay what do you Website. I thought it would with Brandon Whiteman. with her creations being sold want,’ and she told me and be important for exposure “I didn’t realize my hob- throughout the U.S. and Can- that weekend I did it and she and growth that we highlight by would evolve into this, ada and even in Japan. And loved it,” Blackwolf said. her work on our Website for but I have always loved now about to be featured on Since that one piece, all to love and buy,” Mead- beadwork,” Blackwolf said. the Website of Prados Beau- Blackwolf’s creations have ows said. “My main support system is ty, a nationally known Indig- been sold pieces to individu- Meadows stated she loved God, my boyfriend Brandon enous beauty website based als in 16 states, Canada and the colors and patterns of Whiteman, our four children, out of New Mexico. across the ocean in Japan. Blackwolf’s work and the af- Brandon’s mother Janna Blackwolf is a self taught “I recently had an order fordability of her pieces. Presley, my father, my friend beader whose love of the art for a wedding where the “I feel like a lot of art- Falisha Deloera and all of of beading goes back many bride asked me to make eight ists put high prices on their my immediate and extend- years. She followed a hand- pieces for her bridesmaids work and they miss out on ed family, friends and cus- ful of girls on Instagram to wear so my work was in opportunities for exposure tomers. None of this would who are beaders and one day someone’s wedding in Texas. because people can’t afford be possible without any of as she was looking at their It’s crazy to me. Honestly I to buy their pieces. Support- them. They have all been pieces she thought to herself, didn’t realize how much it’s ing artists has always been apart of this whole process ‘Man I can do that.’ So off to grown until I sat back and something I do, so when the and I’m beyond grateful for Hobby Lobby she went pur- looked at all the places my pandemic hit and I saw her each and every single one of chasing main simple color work has been sold,” Black- selling her earrings, I thought them. beads, beading needles and wolf said. I could help get her more cli- Follow BlackwolfBeadz as Blackwolf said, “The rest Although Blackwolf ents by using my platform. on Facebook or on Instagram is history.” didn’t see a pandemic com- I love my BlackwolfBeadz @blackwolfbeadz, or email “I began practicing and ing in the future, when the earrings and I think anyone [email protected] watching how to videos on coronavirus hit, her quaran- who buys from her will too,” YouTube and everything I tine hours were spent doing Meadows said. have learned along the way,” what she loves most … bead- Blackwolf said her ideas Blackwolf said. come from just seeing the different color transitions in nature and random things she looks at. From seeing how a flower transitions from dark to light, a leaf and even a blade of grass. “I just see all of that. It’s funny because I have to step out of my comfort zone sometimes and pick colors other than what I like and use different color schemes. Once I get a main color in my head, then I have transi- tional colors I use and some- times I will draw something out, but mainly it just comes to me while I am working on the piece. It turns into some- thing way bigger than what I saw in my head,” Blackwolf said. The majority of Black-

The time to help your tribal community is now.

The 2020 Census is still happening. It takes only a few minutes to complete, and your responses are strictly confidential.

If you live in a rural area, a census worker may visit your home to deliver a questionnaire. Please respond as soon as you receive it. If you don’t receive a questionnaire, you can still respond online or by phone.

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2020CENSUS.GOV D-HP-AI-EN-483 Paid Advertising Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 7 Saving Lives Through Medical Training at Lucky Star Casino nothing was obstructing be prepared. know that we helped save Latoya Lonelodge Staff Reporter his airway, that was when I “If you didn’t have the their life,” Powell said. grabbed the AED, we pulled training, you wouldn’t know In knowing he helped (CONCHO, OK) Within his shirt up and Heather what to expect when they’re save someone’s life, Powell any given moment, a per- hooked him up,” Powell said. laying there, and you would said the reason he works in son’s life could immediately Once the AED was panic, the training helps you security is to help people. become at risk in an emer- hooked up and they cleared stay calm and do what’s “I get the opportunity to gency. Whether they’re at people away from the em- needed to be done,” Pritchett help people everyday and home or at work, within sec- ployee on the ground, Powell said. I’m the kind of person that onds, nearby personnel could said it gave a shock. Since the incident, the when I help people, it makes be that person’s only hope in “When it shocks, you casino had learned the em- me feel good, it always has. seeing another day. Or con- know it because it lifts the ployee had suffered from a That’s why I love doing it, to sequently, not receiving the person off the ground almost. stroke that ended up lead- help people and not neces- adequate medical attention Then we continued CPR … ing to a heart attack, and has sarily to keep people safe but they need to help save their Heather started doing com- since been in recovery in the to be there when they need life. pressions on them. I was go- hospital. you and have the experience At Lucky Star Casino in ing to do breaths while she “Having the AED helps a and training to deal with that Concho, Okla., the Security did compressions, that’s how lot and between me, Heather situation,” Powell said. Department commends their we trained when there’s more and Sidney, you’re looking at For training Lucky Star long history of mandatory than one person so while she over 30 years of experience,” Casino security, Pratt said Security Manager Cory Powell has worked at Lucky Star trainings required for securi- was doing that, I was listen- Powell said. they’ve taken a lot of infor- Casino for 11 years, having received years of extensive med- ty guards and being prepared ing for them to breathe to see And with years of experi- mation and training styles ical training. for emergencies that could if we could get a response, ence and training among se- from different instructors occur. For Lucky Star Casino we continued doing that until curity at Lucky Star Casino, over the years. Security, being prepared for paramedics arrived,” Powell Powell said he feels comfort- “We combined it all into any and all emergencies is said. able being in those types of one set type of training that’s essential. While performing com- situations. more based on casino se- On Aug. 24, a medi- pressions in the 10 minutes “We actually have CPR curity rather than outside cal emergency occurred at it took for paramedics to ar- instructors that work on site security and security in the Lucky Star Casino involving rive, Pritchett said it seemed in the Security Department, non-gaming industry. What a long time employee who like forever. we have four people on site we’ve done is grinded it all needed immediate medical With 14 years of experi- that are able to give CPR and together and made it more attention. ence as a security guard at we make sure we give that applicable for our guards,” Upon assessing the scene Lucky Star Casino, Pritchett and we keep everybody up Pratt said with fellow security person- said she felt proud in know- to date on it, keeping every- With CPR, AED and nel, Lucky Star Casino Se- ing she helped save a fellow body familiar with the AED, different types of First Aid curity Director Sidney Pratt employee’s life. and people that’s never seen training, Pratt said they’ve said he knew immediately “I’ve had quite a bit of it, anybody can use an AED, recently put together what that it was a serious medical training, I’ve had CPR, you don’t have to be certified they call a Mini Academy. episode. CLEET, the Heimlich, and to use that,” Powell said. “That’s what we send all “We knew we had to start we go through medical class- As serious as it gets when our guards through and it’s to life saving techniques to try es, then there’s concerts, someone is in need of med- get them better suited for to get them in a better state handhelds and metal detect- ical attention, Powell said it what they’re going to deal before the EMT’s arrived on ing,” Pritchett said. hits home a little more when with out there on the casino the scene,” Pratt said. Pritchett said her training it’s someone you recognize. floors, because we see every- With Heather Pritchett, has helped her not only stay “That’s somebody we all thing under the sun at all six security guard, and Cory away from dangerous situa- talk to on a daily basis and of our locations,” Pratt said. Powell, security manager, tions but also know when to that we’re all really good Since the incident oc- present, they acted quickly spot them. friends with, and when it was curred, Pratt said they have Security Guard Heather Pritchett has received and began performing CPR. “I know what to look all said and done, it was just been receiving updates on several trainings in response to emergency situations “You could tell the em- for when helping others,” the waiting part making sure the employee’s recovery in while working at Lucky Star Casino for 14 years. ployee was having trouble Pritchett said. he was going to be okay. But the hospital. breathing, they were on their While working security in once we got the ‘hey he’s in “One of the very first up- updates on the employee and cies situations. back and at first I couldn’t the gaming industry, Pritch- ICU but he’s okay,’ we felt dates we’ve gotten was due they’re going to make some- “We’ve dealt with medi- recognize who it was be- ett said she’s seen it all when better about it,” Powell said. to the immediate response what of a full recovery. cal emergencies for way lon- cause of how different they it comes to emergencies. Once paramedics had ar- and training of all involved, “Of course, rehabilitation ger than before I ever came looked, the color of their skin “They happen sporadi- rived to the scene, Powell the life saving procedures and those sorts of things are here and the importance of was completely different,” cally, out of the blue, but it’s said they applauded them for acted upon during the emer- going to be in their future it is you never know when Powell said. quite often, especially since their life saving techniques gency more than likely led but we’re really proud of our someone’s going to have a While checking the em- we’ve come out of quaran- before leaving with the em- to the employee’s life be- guys and how they handled medical episode and we want ployee’s airway first, Pow- tine,” Pritchett said. ployee. ing saved. So we’re pretty the situation,” Pratt said. to have our guys trained and ell said he was on the phone And for emergencies that “They said we did a good proud of our guys and the While working security have the knowledge to be calling 9-1-1. occur out of the blue, Pritch- job grabbing the AED and way we train,” Pratt said. in the gaming industry, Pratt able to take care of someone “I made sure he wasn’t ett said it’s important to putting it on him and doing Pratt said they’ve been said they see everything in a time of need,” Pratt said. chocking on anything and know proper training and to CPR, so that was good to receiving better and better when it comes to emergen-

Thank you I want to take this opportunity to thank Gray and Ted Nibbs, C-3 Legislator Darrell all of our family and friends who had a hand Flyingman, Gov. Reggie Wassana, Dr. Henri- in expressing their condolences and prayers etta Mann, Pastor Mona Bearshield, Pastor during the passing of my beloved daughter Ramus Hicks, Pastor Tom Meely and all of Felicia M. Yellow Eyes on Aug. 13, 2020. my nieces and nephews. It seems it lessens the hurt when your A special appreciation to her Clan brothers loved one goes to the other side. Believing of the Kit Fox Society, Merlin White Horse, in Maheo and it was His will be done, but He Max Watan Jr., Chester Whiteman and the will never leave us. He sends the Comforter, Dog Soldier Society. Honorary Kit Fox clan the Holy Sprit. sisters, Renecia Harris YB, Carmen Sankey, I want to thank my sister Mary ‘Tweet’ Angie Glenn and Justine Jessepe. Love you Whiteskunk for being with me at the hospital, all! my stepson Tommy Koons, her cousins, the Nea-ese, Carol White Whiteskunk and Little Raven sisters, my sister Rose Jessepe, family Jodi Jessepe, my niece, our family chef, who Daughter of Mary (Elk River) and Jones did a great job, sister Jo Ann Swallow, my sis Ed Whiteskunk Linda Fanman Jensen, my brothers, Rayford PAGE 8 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei OBITUARIES OBITUARIES David Keith Adachi Gregory Brian Bacon David Keith Adachi was He died Sept. 23, 2020, Gregory Brian Bacon was mulgee, Okla. born in El Reno on Jan. 16, at Ascension Via Christi St. born on May 7, 1965 in Dal- Survivors include his 1992. Raised in El Reno, Francis in Wichita, Kansas. las, Texas to Elmer and Linda siblings, Richard Bacon of he moved to Wichita in Surviving are his parents, (Morton) Bacon. He passed Okmulgee, Barbara Bacon 2006. He was a carpenter Russell Adachi and Don- away Sept. 21 in Oklahoma Deerinwater of Okmulgee, and brick mason gradu- na Youngbull of the home, City at the age of 55. Dennis Bacon of Okmulgee, ating the Job Corps and a siblings, Donald Adachi, Greg graduated from Ok- Debra Bacon Maldonado member of The Church of Micah Adachi, Alisa Adachi mulgee High School in 1983. and husband Job of Littleton, Jesus Christ of Latter-day and Andrea Adachi all of He attended Bacone College Colo., Brenda Gee and hus- Saints. He enjoyed many Wichita, Stephanie Curley in Muskogee, Okla. Greg band Randy of Okmulgee, interests in his life including and Melissa Curley, both of knew everyone and everyone and Jo Ellen Bacon Lucky of fishing. He also loved cars El Reno, Okla., and nephew Sept. 27 at the Huber Ben- knew him. He was one of Carrollton, Texas, as well as Church in Oklmulgee, Okla. and working on them, at- Julian Adachi. son Funeral Chapel in El eight children and was very many nieces, nephews, other Funeral service was held tending rock and roll con- His grandparents, Harold Reno, Okla. Funeral service close with his family. They relatives and many friends. Sept. 26 at the First Bap- certs, playing basketball and Adachi, Geralding Bearbow was held Sept. 28, with Rev. affectionately called him Lit- He was preceded in death tist Church in Geary, Okla., video games, and walking Adachi, John Tyler Young- Gerald Panana officiating, tle E. He was a very honest by his parents, Elmer and with Pastor Job Maldonado, his dog. A lover of animals, bull and Lucille Youngbull followed by an interment and personable man who had Linda (Morton) Bacon, his Pastor Randy Thorman, Bri- he was an advocate of ani- preceded him in death. at the Concho Indian Cem- close relationships with his brother Timothy Bacon, and an Chico McGert and Mark mal rescue. A wake service was held etery. family, friends and his class- his brother in law Joe Lucky. Daniels officiating, followed mates. He was a member of A wake service was held by an interment at the Mor- Belvin Baptist church in Ok- Sept. 25 at the Belvin Baptist ton Family Cemetery. Alfred Wilson Franklin else that caught his eye. He Vann and one sister Delaine Adrian Brian Goodbear was always in the company Bird. of his best buddies, his feline Those left to cherish his plant his roots in Billings, Luna Briana Goodbear, his friend Jasper and his canine memory include his children, Mont. where he landed his Godmother Katie Young, his companion Heinz. Derrick Franklin of Hugh, job as a delivery driver for grandparents, Lillian Carol His family meant the Okla., Julian Franklin of Slumberland. Adrian was a Richey, Jesse Lerma, and world to him, and he loved Tahlequah, Melanie Frank- hardworking, loving family Nancy Lerma and Alexander any chance to gather togeth- lin of Florida, and Stormy man who provided and cared Goodbear, as well as many er and celebrate the day or Riley also of Tahlequah. He for his beloved Violetta and other relatives and friends. share a meal. He loved to leaves one sister Karen Bal- their daughter, Luna Bri- He was preceded in death get together with his friends lard, and husband Gerald of ana. Adrian was a Northern by his father Ural L. Richey Alfred Wilson Franklin to hand out, tell tall tales Tahlequah, and he lives on in Cheyenne man who took Jr., his brother Damon L. Jr., or the “Alfalfantor” as his and bless them with some of his three grandchildren, Ga- pride in being a Dog Soldier Richey, his sister Lyrik nieces teased him, was born his humor. His sense of hu- briel Franklin, Christopher Adrian Brian Goodbear Society member, as well as Stashia Anrita Goodbear, his on Dec. 10, 1963 in Clare- mor was always well timed Franklin and Adam Frank- was born March 1, 1994 at an AIM member. He made a grandparents, Ural L. Richey more, Okla. He was the son and witty. He was loving, lin. His nieces and nephew Hillcrest Hospital in Okla- promise to complete his vow Sr., Leonard F. Goodbear Jr., of Alfred Wilson and Betty stubborn if thought himself include Sara Moreno of Tah- homa City. He passed away in the Cheyenne Sundance. Johnny Joe Lerma, Ronald Sue (Fodder) Franklin Sr. right, and always there for lequah, Jimmi Buckhorn of Sept. 5, 2020 at the age of 26. He accomplished this on the Scott, Zella M. Addison-Pe- He grew up with two broth- those who asked for his help. Tahlequah, Bethany Romero Adrian resided with his Concho ceremonial grounds. kah, Mary Ann Whitewolf, ers and two sisters, William, He was the best son, broth- and husband Alejandro of parents, Michelle Richey Adrian was a loving son, Magoo Shoulderblade, Dora Hal, Delaine, and Karen. He er, father, husband, uncle, Tahlequah, Brian Bird and and the late Ural Lee Richey brother, father, and friend. Lerma, his aunt Eugenia attended school at Tahle- and cousin, ready when you wife Chyla of Tahlequah, Jr. in El Reno, Okla. He He made an impact on those Janelle Gibson, and his cous- quah High School and then needed him and always with and Amanda Eubanks and graduated with the El Reno who had the pleasure of in Reileigh N. Shourek. decided on a career work- that big smile and that curly husband Troy of Stilwell. High School class of 2012. crossing paths with him. He An all night wake ser- ing in farm implements and dark hair. His wife Dorothy His great nieces and neph- After graduation, he stud- was loved dearly by those vice was held Sept. 13 at retail sales. He loved people Riley passed in 2018. Alfred ews include Helen Jones, ied at Talking Leaves Job closest to him and he will be the Tri-County Building in and was easy going and fun kept the house clean and the Eric Moreno, Talia More- Corp in Tahlequah, Okla., sorely missed. Geary, Okla. to talk to. When he wasn’t yard mowed, and kept track no, Elisha Buckhorn, Tailor where he received his certi- Survivors include his Funeral service was held working, there was nothing of his children, grandchil- Buckhorn, Lilianna Romero, fications in phlebotomy and mother Michelle Richey, Sept. 14 at the First Baptist Alfred liked better than mu- dren, nieces and nephews RyanLee Romero, Rayden as a certified clinical med- his siblings, Kristian, Linda, Church in Geary, Okla., of- sic, especially the Beatles. until his health failed him. Romero, and he also leaves ical assistant. After school, Carmelita, Keonte, Uriah, ficiated by Rev. Waylon Up- He played guitar, bass and The Lord called this kind two great-great nieces, Ada- Adrian ventured into many Mallory, Shanelle, Lilli- chego, followed by a burial drums, classic rock of any and loving man home from lyn Fountain and Karmen opportunities thanks to his ana, Liani, and Clifford, his at the Sunset Cemetery. kind. Alfred was never one to his many labors on Sept. 23, Moreno, as well as many vast interests. He decided to family, Violetta Fowler and miss a chance to go to Rock- 2020 in Tahlequah, Okla., cousins and a host of friends lahoma and enjoy an entire with his loved ones by his and loved ones too numerous weekend of music with his side. He was 56 years old. to mention. Kyle Batiste Harrison wife Dorothy. He was a foot- He is preceded in death Funeral service was held Kyle Batiste Harrison made all state in Cross Coun- ball enthusiast and couldn’t by his grandparents, William Sept 28 at the Reed-Culver was born Sept. 25, 1976 try running and track. He wait to watch the OU Soon- and Florence Fodder and Funeral Chapel in Tahle- to Marcus and Marcille was a major fan of the Okla- ers or the Pittsburgh Steel- Nelson and Frances Frank- quah, Okla., officiated by Cleo (Yellow Cloud) Harri- homa University Football. ers play. He was an avid lin, his mother and father, Pastor Bill Pettit, followed son in Weatherford, Okla., He is preceded in death collector of any number of Alfred Franklin and Betty by an interment at the Swim- and passed away Sept. 18, by his parents, and step- things, CDs, books, army Fodder-Hair, two brothers, mer Cemetery. 2020 in Oklahoma City. son Mathew Little Elk. soldiers, cars and anything William Franklin and Hal Kyle was raised in Clinton He is survived by his wife and Enid, Okla., and at- Lana Marie Little Elk-Har- tended most of his school- rison, of the home, children, Donna Grace Hawk ing in Clinton. He attended Dakota Paul Harrison, Dil- Donna Grace Hawk was daughter Laura Bentley of Tulsa Welding School and lon Michael Harrison, Miah He is also survived by four born Feb. 11, 1956, at Ingle- Lawton, son William H. has worked in Oklaho- Suazo, Emillie Harrison, grandchildren, Athena Re- wood, Calif. and raised in El West Jr. of Oklahoma City, ma, Texas, New Mexico, Ashlynn Harrison, Chey- nee, Lilyana Star Doyah and Reno. She passed away on brothers, Bobby Hawk of Kansas and North Dakota. enne Harrison and Ava Har- Coty Ty “Chubba” Doyah. Sept. 15 at the VA Medical Oklahoma City and Billy He married Lana Marie rison, three step-children, A wake service was held Center in Oklahoma City. Hawk of Enid, sisters, Ju- Little Elk on June 6, 2019 Kylie Flores, of Clinton, Sept. 21 at the Kiesau Lee After her graduation from lia Rodriguez of Oklaho- in Concho, Okla. He has Dawn Little Elk, of Calu- Funeral Chapel in Clinton, Ft. Sill Indian School, she ma City and Virginia Lynn been a resident of Calu- met and Raechelle Bearsh- Okla. The family held a joined the Army and while Hawk and Norma J. Hawk met for the past two years. ield, of Calumet, four sisters, graveside service on Sept. 22 stationed in Germany, she both of Norman, Okla., and He was an avid outdoors per- Michelle Rios, of Clinton, at the Clinton Indian Ceme- met her husband William H. two grandchildren, Soumaya son and loved to go camping Millie Factor, of Enid, tery officiated by Rev. - Ger West Sr. During her time in Grace West and Henry Lewis ters, Christine “Tina” Hawk, and fishing. He loved sports Rhonda Galvan, of Califor- ald Panana. the Army she was a mechan- Bentley. May Hawk-Wilson and De- and while in high school, he nia and Mollie Harrison. ic. She was a member of the Family preceding her in nise Hawk-Walker. Indian Methodist Church and death include her parents, The family held a private enjoyed reading and listen- James Sr. and Edna (Starr) graveside service on Sept. 19 Richard ‘Rick’ Charles Pricer Jr. ing to music. Hawk, brothers, John Hawk at the Concho Indian Ceme- Survivors include a and James Hawk Jr., and sis- tery.

known for his faith in God Pricer and wife Alissa, Crys- Deborah Ramona Prairie-Chief and marrying couples that al- tal Payne, his father Dick ways lasted. At one time he Pricer, his sister Suzi Har- Kodaseet ministered a Jesus House for man, his beloved grandchil- and passed away Sept. 9, She is survived by two sons, the homeless, hosted a radio dren, Brenna, Kate, Aiden, 2020 in her Clinton home. Keegan Kodaseet, Clinton show in Oklahoma City, and Ella, Ryan, Lila, and Henry, Debra was raised in Clinton and Cale Kaline, of Okla- went on missions to South who referred to him as Pops. and graduated from Clin- homa City and a daughter America to build churches. He was preceded in death ton High School in 1976. Quannah Kaline, of Clin- Richard “Rick” Charles He was also an avid golfer, by his mother Flo Pricer, and She attended Dartmouth ton. She is also survived by Pricer, Jr. was born on Oct. 6, member of the OKC Metro brother Ron. College in Hanover, New six grandchildren. 1950 to Dick and Flo Pricer. Seniors and Toastmasters. Funeral services were Hampshire. She worked as A wake service was held He left this earth to be with He was loved by all who held Sept. 24 at the Gate a Deputy Court Clerk for the Sept. 17 at the Kiesau Lee Jesus, Sept 21, 2020. knew him and will be missed Church in Oklahoma City, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for a Funeral Chapel in Clinton, Rick was a successful greatly. Our loss is Heaven’s followed by an interment at Deborah Ramona (Prai- short time. Deborah enjoyed Okla. Graveside services business owner of Audio & gain. the Resurrection Cemetery. rie Chief) Kodaseet was reading, watching mov- were held Sept. 18 at the Alarm with his son Matt. He is survived by his wife born May 5, 1956 to Rob- ies and listening to music. Clinton Indian Cemetery, He was an ordained minister Nancy, two children Matt ert and June (Beard) Prai- She was preceded in death by with Rev. Gerald Panana of- rie Chief in Clinton, Okla., her husband and her parents. ficiating.

OBITUARIES CONTINUED ON PG. 11 Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 9

continuedDO fromYOU pg. 5 VOTE

lin. Congressman Mullin is a who in 2020 stepped out of Republican U.S House Rep- the box on his bill HB3345 resentative who represents Ida’s Law which was created Oklahoma District 2 from to form a Tribal Liaison in Muskogee, Claremore and the Oklahoma State Bureau Happy 13th Birthday Mikah McAlester areas. He is also of Investigation to specifi- Lily Little Bird Oct 10! Love a Cherokee Nation Citizen. cally address Native missing Happy Birthday to my all your family & friends, God Mullin has been a longtime and murdered cold cases. Sept 24 twin sister Farah Lynn Bless You! advocate for our healthcare. That bill was created because Happy Birthday to Charley, from your twin I asked myself, what has of one of our tribal members, Mia Contreras sister Sarah Kristen Happy Birthday Henry my representative done and Ida Beard who went missing Love you always!! Charley!!! Oct.03 Sept. 18, Love Sarah, all did they support the effort in 2015 and is still miss- your friends & family, Max of Mullin to keep funding ing. Our tribe has numerous & baby. God bless you & and services open during cold cases of tribal members many more. the shutdown for our Indi- who were victims of horrific an people? Unfortunately, crimes or have gone miss- my representative in Con- ing. Due to the courage and gress did not! Our babies, compassion of Rep. Dollens our grandmas, our husbands to listen and work with Gov. and wives, sisters, brothers Wassana’s administration, Keith and Loralee Magpie need to have the best health- we created the first legisla- are the proud new parents care Indian Health Service tion in the State of Oklahoma of Nokomis Ellaree Magpie can provide. We suffer from of its kind. Because of Dol- born on Aug. 24, 2020 at health disparities such as lens’ commitment to support 11:23 a.m. at the GPRMC in diabetes, heart disease etc. Natives and his determina- Elk City, Okla. because of our genetic make- tion to address this sensitive She weighed in at 8 lbs., up. Which goes back to gov- issue, other state lawmakers 4 oz. and was 20.5 inches ernment displacement and followed suit. long. uproot of our way of living, Rep. Harold Wright from Nokomis’s maternal foods, culture etc. Our Indi- Weatherford, Okla., support- grandparents are Kerry and an Health Service healthcare ed and co-sponsored the bill. Karen Archer of Hammon, is not welfare for our people Rep. Wright is familiar with Okla. Her paternal and receiving these services our tribe and our commu- grandmother is the late or any funding to tribes from nity and that relationship is Elizabeth Magpie. the Government is not a important because when it’s Nokomis was welcomed government handout. In my time to support our cause, we home by her four big sisters, opinion it’s a commitment need people in office who can Harlee, Lexee, Bree and and obligation that the U.S make that vote on the House Kerree. Government made with our of Representatives floor in ancestors. The U.S Govern- support of tribes. Unfortu- ment took our land from us nately, due to the world pan- and created these treaties. demic the bill didn’t make it The Indian Health Services all the way through because that has been cut to around the Oklahoma Legislative 50 percent is not acceptable. session was cut short. The This is another reason legislation is scheduled to be VOTING is so important. resubmitted again in 2021. Although each of us Voting for supporters of our chooses to be Democrat or tribes is IMPORTANT re- Republican or an Indepen- gardless of what side of the dent, I’ve learned we really aisle they are on. need to look at whom we are Why does YOUR vote electing into office. What are matter? their views on Indian Policy Voting is your contribu- and Indian Health Services? tion to society. Voting affects I don’t believe it’s wrong to change. Vote for our ances- ask these questions of candi- tors who were not allowed dates. We absolutely cannot to. This is our country and vote for someone who does every one of our votes mat- not support Indian Policy ters! and Treaty Responsibility. If you have not registered How do our state repre- to vote, there is still time to sentatives serve us? They make your vote count in the create law that affects our upcoming U.S Presidential communities. Some exam- Election on Nov. 3, 2020. ples of legislation I’ve seen You have until Oct. 9, passed were bills concerning 2020 to register to vote in railroad crossings. One small local, state and federal elec- town had one crossing on tions. Once you have regis- their main road, which was a tered, look at information of highway. The problem with who will be on your ballot. having one crossing in such Is someone running for city a small area was that emer- council? Who’s running for gency services could not your state senator or con- reach the other side while the gressman/woman or U.S train was stopped. The train House Rep? Finally who will stopped there frequently for you choose for President? more than 10 minutes. The As the Cheyenne Arapa- legislation created fined the ho Tribes Governmental Af- railroad for trains stopping fairs Officer and representing at crossings blocking traffic Gov. Wassana’s administra- for more than 10 minutes. tion, we encourage all tribal They work for the communi- members to exercise your ties they serve and nothing is constitutional right as U.S too trivial or too difficult to Citizens to VOTE. change legislatively. Don’t If you have any questions think state for federal law- you may contact my office makers can’t help our tribes. by emailing lmorgan@chey- One such example is Rep. enneandarapaho-nsn.gov or Mickey Dollens from Okla- calling 405-422-7929. homa City House District 93 PAGE 10 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei NATIVE VOTE continued from pg. 5 Weary “Since 2003, funding for against American Indian the federal bureaucracy,” he adequately repaired. COVID Native American programs women. said. “Annual funding for re- Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief has mostly remained flat, and “It’s not a soundbite fix,” Though Trump has main- pair and construction of I don’t know about any- close friend or family mem- in the few cases where there she said. “It sounds great, tained department-level pol- Bureau of Indian Education one else, but I have become ber will contract the virus have been increases, they but there’s a whole host of icy advisor roles, Howard schools consistently falls COVID-19 weary … in my and weary of wondering if have barely kept up with other issues that need to be said several have not been short of the need,” according mind, in my heart and in my their odds of recovering are inflation or have actually re- dealt with. It’s different on filled and these positions do to a report by the National spirit. Day after day seeing high or low. Because I don’t sulted in decreased spending every tribe. A multipronged not ensure that the concerns Congress of American In- the new reported cases con- believe even the doctors power,” the report said. approach is what would be of tribal nations will reach dians. The report said 60 of tinuing to rise, not only in know for sure why one per- “Indian programs have needed.” the highest levels of the gov- 183 BIE schools were classi- Oklahoma, but across the son recovers and one person always been listed under Rates of domestic vio- ernment. fied as being in “poor” con- U.S., and the thousands of doesn’t, or why one person discretionary funding,” said lence against Native Amer- Gregory D. Smithers, pro- dition in 2009. people who have suddenly becomes critically ill and the Howard. “Because tribal ican women are 10 times fessor of Native American Gabriel Sanchez, execu- and tragically died as a result other shows no symptoms at programs are under discre- higher than the rest of the history at Virginia Common- tive director of the Univer- of COVID-19 brings tears to all. tionary funding under the United States, according to wealth University, said while sity of New Mexico Center my eyes. When I see num- I am weary of watching federal government, they are the Indian Law Resource the Trump administration for Social Policy, said a re- bers such as 201,000 thou- the disregard for human life always the first to get cut.” Center. More than 4 in 5 “has channeled the worst newed commitment to Pres- sand people dead, it’s hard by the refusal of so many to Violence against Native American Indian and Alaska aspects of this history and ent Lyndon B. Johnson’s to wrap my brain around that not wear a mask. Weary of American women Native women have experi- proven an utter disaster for 1964 Headstart Program is many families who have had those who will not practice Warren, Sanders, Castro enced violence and Native Indian Country,” the presi- needed. He said the program to say goodbye much too physical distancing or refuse and Williamson have all sup- American women are three dent’s lack of engagement is successful because of its early to their beloved family to not hold a large gathering. ported the reauthorization of times more likely to be slain presents an opportunity for adaptability, allowing Native members, and in some cases, Weary of wondering if my the Violence Against Wom- than white women. the Democratic candidates to American communities to not even get to do that prop- grandchildren will contract en Act, which allows tribal “For native women, sincerely partner with tribal retain their tribal languages erly. These are real people, the virus while sitting in a communities to prosecute we’ve basically been an in- leaders. and incorporate cultural tra- real families mourning their classroom or in a basketball non-tribal perpetrators — a visible population in the In September, Kimberly ditions into the curricula. loved ones deaths due to gym or on a football field. population responsible for United States,” Lenore said. Teehee became the Cherokee While more than 60% of COVID-19. I am weary of the rhetoric, 96% of violent sexual crimes Increased representation Nation’s first delegate to the high school students in the I think the impact of the heard daily of those who say, against Native American Warren, Castro, and Wil- U.S. House. Her nomination U.S. attend college, only17% deaths hit me when people “IT IS MY RIGHT TO NOT women. liamson stated that they followed the historic 2018 of American Indian students I consider beloved family, WEAR A MASK.” Warren also proposed the would reinstitute the annual midterm election of Reps. go on to complete degrees in suddenly and without warn- Is it? Is it your right to nationwide Missing Indige- White House Tribal Nations Deb Haaland, D-N.M., and higher education, according ing were gone because of place your fellow human be- nous Woman Alert System, Conference and White House Sharice Davids, D-Kan., who to the Partnership with Na- COVID-19. Nick and Em- ings in death’s way just be- modeled after the Amber Council for Indigenous Peo- are the first Native American tive Americans. ily Ramirez were not my cause you don’t like to wear Alert System. The system ple, which were first estab- women to serve in Congress. Castro said he would in- mom and dad by blood, but a mask or social distance? was presented as a bipartisan lished by former president Still, Haaland said more vest in universal pre-K, trib- make no mistake, they were I don’t know the answers, bill by former Sens. Heidi Barack Obama. needs to be done to increase al school infrastructure and my mom and dad within my I don’t know what goes on Heitkamp, D-N.D., and the Howard said reimple- the number of indigenous commit $3 billion to “mi- heart and spirit. in someone else’s mind be- late John McCain, R-Ariz., menting the annual confer- representatives, even if it is nority-serving institutions” There have been several cause I am not a mind reader. in 2018. ence and Cabinet-level poli- as simple as convincing fel- like the Tribal Colleges and individuals who have passed I only know, when Nick and Morris said the policy cy advisor role would create low Native Americans that Universities. recently from COVID-19 I Emily were laying in those proposals are “commend- direct access to the White “they can get involved and Warren promised to in- cared deeply about and have caskets and the lid closed, able” but not comprehensive House. run for office”. vest in the education of known for many years … but the pain and ache within my enough. She said candidates “It (the Cabinet-level pol- Education Native American children when the news came that first heart was almost unbearable. need to attack the issue from icy advisor) creates a chain of Howard said candidates “from birth through college” Nick was diagnosed with And I sat and wondered, how many angles — such as in- communication that ensures should commit to improv- with universal child care, the COVID-19, and then Emi- many will have to die before sufficient data tracking, ju- issues and recommendations ing school infrastructure. He revamping of school curricu- ly, my heart constricted and we as a country come togeth- risdictional issues, a lack of that are being discussed by said some Native American lum and universal free public left me breathless. So many er as one, decide life above funding — that contribute tribal leadership [aren’t] be- schools are more than a cen- college. prayers said on bended knee, all else means more than a to the epidemic of violence ing lost in the vastness of tury old and have not been and then the phone calls … few peoples’ perceived right Emily passed and six short to not wear a mask. OKLAHOMA days later Nick followed her. So please, wear a mask, Nick and Emily would the experts say it does help have celebrated their 60th stop the spread and we can wedding anniversary in nine collectively, together, help months … the thought of one save thousands of lives by without the other was foreign simply that one act of kind- to everyone who knew them ness … wearing a mask. and loved them. And to Nick and Emi- When I say I am COVID ly’s family … may you find weary … I am saying I am peace in knowing Nick and weary of the senseless deaths Emily are together. of so many, the fear of not May God Bless You and knowing if and when another Keep You Safe Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune PAGE 11 continuedTECHNOLOGY from pg. 1 GRANT OBITUARIES to plan and develop a wireless broad- Today, the Cheyenne and Arapa- Emily Ann Ramirez band network to remove barriers and ho are federally recognized as one eliminate the digital divide that many tribe and known as the Cheyenne in our community face.” and Arapaho Tribes. While the Tribes of Indian Affairs in 1964 at ert Bushyhead and Charles The network is slated to provide function as one Nation, each tribe still the Concho Indian School. “Henry” Bushyhead. In 1986, she entered into She is survived by her roughly 80 percent coverage to the maintains its culture, traditions, cus- an entirely different career children and their spous- tribal population within five years. toms, social dances, ceremonies and as a realty specialist for the es, Veleah Snow, Jerrie and The First Nations Development In- languages. Department of the Interior, Trey Oglesby, Anita and stitute grant is part of the Building Note: This story was updated from which gave her the oppor- Tony Greenwalt, Victor and Digital Technology Capacity in Na- it’s original version to reflect Ty Todd tunity to live and work in Carla Ramirez, and Freddy New Mexico, Colorado and Ramirez all of El Reno, 14 tive American Communities Project as the former CEO of the Cheyenne Kansas. Her last position grandchildren, Patrick, Cas- Emily Ann Ramirez was made possible through support from and Arapaho Business Development was with the Indian Gaming sie, Daniel, Antonio, Aubree, born in Kingfisher, Okla., Management Staff Office in Dagan, Molly, Nicki, Josh, the Comcast Communications Tech- Corporation. Todd was voted out of on Jan. 4, 1938, one of five Washington D.C. After 31 Meagan, Nicolas, Reming- nology Fund. the CEO position by the board on children and the only daugh- years of service, she retired, ton, Donovan, and Jeter; and About The Cheyenne and Arapaho Sept. 22, 2020. ter of Fred Henry and Dulcie and Emily was blessed to be eight great-grandchildren. (Whitebird) Bushyhead. She Tribes able to spend time with her A Rosary was held for died Sept. 15, 2020, at Nor- children and grandchildren, both Emily and Nick on man Regional Heathplex. with an occasional road trip Sept. 24 at the Huber Benson On June 5, 1961, Emily fit in. She was a member of Funeral Chapel in El Reno, married Joe “Nick” Ramirez Sacred Heart Church, where Okla. A Mass of Christian Promoting Mask Jr. Through their years to- she volunteered in the parish Burial was held Sept. 25 gether, they brought five as church secretary. She was at Sacred Heart Catholic children into their lives, who a dedicated member of the Church in El Reno, Okla., provided more love and en- Wearing During the Catholic Daughters of the followed by an interment at tertainment than two parents Americas and Altar Society. the El Reno Cemetery. could ever ask for. She was also very involved Emily graduated from El COVID-19 Pandemic in the NARFE organization, Reno High School in 1956. in which she was present- Use of face masks and identifies best practic- After graduation, she at- evidence from clinical ed a Distinguished Member tended nursing school at St. cloth face coverings has es for mask design and and laboratory studies award for 20 years of mem- Anthony’s Hospital in Okla- been shown to reduce use. The playbook also that shows masks reduce bership. homa City. After a stint as a transmission of SARS- provides tools for public the spray of droplets She was preceded in nurse assistant at Park View death by her parents and her CoV-2, the virus that health officials and lead- when worn over the nose Hospital, she started a fed- brothers, Jerome Bushyhead, causes COVID-19. Along ers to take a data-and re- and mouth. COVID-19 eral service career in plant Victor Bushyhead, Rob- with washing hands and search-driven approach spreads mainly among management with the Bureau practicing physical dis- to promoting mask-wear- people who are in close tancing, wearing a mask ing, including conduct- contact with one anoth- is one of three key mea- ing formative research, er (within about 6 feet), sures that people can considering masking so the use of masks is take to decrease their mandates, running fo- particularly important own risk of contracting cused media campaigns, in settings where people Joe Nick Ramirez Jr. COVID-19 and decrease and engaging with com- are close to each other or when the railroad shut down, Sept.15, 2020. the chance that they may munities. where social distancing he returned to barbering. In He was also preceded infect someone else. Pro- Masks are recom- is difficult to maintain. 1979, he rented a small bar- in death by his parents and moting mask use is one mended as a simple bar- CDC’s recommendations bershop in Okarche, but in siblings, Florence Vasquez, of the key interventions rier to help prevent re- for masks will be updat- 1983 he fulfilled a lifelong Secundino “Sam” Ramirez, governments, commu- spiratory droplets from ed as new scientific evi- dream of having his own Rita Ramirez, Thomas shop in his hometown when Ramirez, and Amalia “Mol- nities, businesses, and traveling into the air and dence becomes available. Joe ‘Nick’ Ramirez Jr. he opened Nick’s Barber ly” Ramirez. other organizations can onto other people when The Center for Dis- was born Dec. 6, 1935 in El Shop. He was a lifelong res- Nick is survived by their implement to control the person wearing the ease Control (CDC) Reno, one of eight children ident of the community, res- children and their spous- COVID-19. mask coughs, sneezes, recommends that you of Jose Ramirez and Feli- cuing many stray dogs along es, Veleah Snow, Jerrie and The Mask Guidance talks, or raises their voice. wear masks in public set- ciana Ramirez. He passed the way, going to every ga- Trey Oglesby, Anita and Playbook - Prevent Ep- This is called source con- tings around people who from this world on Sept. 21 rage sale in town, climbing Tony Greenwalt, Victor and at St. Anthony Hospital in idemics, an initiative of trol. This recommen- don’t live in your house- and trimming trees between Carla Ramirez, and Freddy Oklahoma City. coffee breaks, and having Ramirez all of El Reno; sis- Resolve to Save Lives dation is based on what hold and when you can’t He was the son of a barber more “treasure” than a man ters, Beatrice Rocha of Tope- playbook synthesizes we know about the role stay 6 feet away from and, after losing his mother needs in his backyard. As ka, Kansas and Marie Piazza global evidence on how respiratory droplets play others. Masks help stop at a very young age; he em- one who found it difficult to of Gloversville, New York; masks prevent virus in the spread of the virus the spread of COVID-19 barked on a colorful career sit for very long, he painted 14 grandchildren, Patrick, transmission and slow that causes COVID-19, to others. as a shoeshine boy, selling in his garage and surprised Cassie, Daniel, Antonio, community spread, and paired with emerging newspapers outside local everyone when he returned Aubree, Dagan, Molly, Nic- barbershops, which further to school, eventually receiv- ki, Josh, Meagan, Nicolas, sparked his desire to barber ing a Bachelor’s Degree in Remington, Donovan, and like his father. He went to Art at Southwestern Okla- Jeter; and 8 great-grandchil- barber school and had high homa State University in the dren. hopes of gaining employ- late 70s. Nick served in the A Rosary was held for ment as a barber; however, U.S. Army and was a mem- both Emily and Nick on those were very different ber of Sacred Heart Church, Sept. 24 at the Huber Benson times for a young Mexican Disabled American Veterans, Funeral Chapel in El Reno, male, and he began devel- Veterans of Foreign Wars, Okla. A Mass of Christian oping a bit of an “attitude” the American Legion and for Burial was held Sept. 25 as he rented a little space in 41 years was “a friend of Bill at Sacred Heart Catholic Union City and started cut- W.” Church, followed by an in- ting hair. As the income was On June 5, 1961, Nick terment at the El Reno Cem- slow, he began working for married Emily Ann Bushy- etery. the Rock Island Railroad as head. His beloved Emily his children were born, but preceded him in death on

Brenda Kay Wunderlich-McPherson

Brenda Kay Wunder- marriage. They were bless- lich-McPherson age 61 ed with a son Manuel and passed away on September the couple later divorced. 23, 2020 at Shawnee Gar- Brenda was proud of her ac- dens Healthcare and Reha- complishments as a nurse, bilitation in Shawnee, Kan- her caring heart made her sas. a natural care giver. She Brenda Kay McPher- worked many years at the son was born in Wellington, Robert J Dole VA Medi- Kansas on Feb. 24, 1959 to cal Center. Brenda enjoyed George and Lydia (Haury) playing cards, shooting pool, dren, Leif, Jazmin and Trys- McPherson. She was raised being around her family, and tan Hernandez in Longton and attended lo- talking on the phone with She was preceded in death cal schools graduating from her family and friends. Bren- by her parents, and her sister Elk Valley High School. da was a strong person who Carma Edmondson. She passed away Sept. 23 at never backed down from Funeral services were Shawnee Gardens Health- anything, she never gave up. held Sept. 20 at the Howard care and Rehabilitation in Brenda’s memories live United Methodist Church in Shawnee, Kansas. on with her son Manuel Her- Howard, Kansas, with Pas- Brenda continued her ed- nandez and his wife Chris- tor Susan Galvan officiating. ucation in Wichita where she tina, her sisters; Georgia An interment was held at the earned her nursing license. Crowell, Judy Wilson and Longton Cemetery. Brenda met John Hernandez LaVita Diem and her hus- and the couple was united in band Joey, and grandchil- PAGE 12 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune Tsistsistas & Hinonoei October, Domestic Violence Awareness sheds light on victim-survivors Calls for an end to violence inflicted on Indigenous peoples StrongHearts Native Helpline Every October during Domestic Violence ner violence. Of the phone calls, 5,010 were Awareness Month (DVAM), advocates and received in 2019 — a 396.04% increase from communities across Indian Country and the 2018. United States rally together to honor survi- This year during the Covid-19 pandemic, vors of domestic violence and support abuse conversations focused on domestic violence prevention. have attracted international media and pub- In 2020, StrongHearts Native Helpline lic attention. Alarming increases in domes- once again calls on advocates, tribal lead- tic violence have been documented world- ers, reservation and urban Indian community wide, due to victims and their abusers being members, service providers and Native orga- trapped in close quarters while sheltering in nizations to support the movement to prevent place during quarantines. In August, in an ef- and end domestic violence, which dispropor- fort to help Natives affected by all forms of tionately affects millions of Natives every violence during this uncertain and dangerous year. time, StrongHearts added sexual violence Violence against Indigenous peoples be- advocacy to its existing domestic and dating gan with European contact and has continued violence outreach services. to this day, adding up to more than 500 years “We must continue to heighten public of abuse. Domestic violence, which contin- awareness of the issues of violence in Indian ues as a tool of colonization, represents a lack Country,” says StrongHearts Native Helpline of respect for Native peoples. Director Lori Jump (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe Native women and men in the United of Chippewa Indians). “StrongHearts Native States experience domestic violence at alarm- Helpline urges all individuals not only during ing rates, with more than four in five Natives October but throughout the year to believe having experienced some form of violence in survivors, speak out and take action against their lifetime and more than half experienc- abuse, and to share supportive resources with ing physical violence by an intimate partner their loved ones and communities in a con- in the past year. centrated effort to put an end to domestic vi- Domestic violence has many faces: physi- olence forever.” cal, sexual, emotional, cultural, financial and StrongHearts Native Helpline is a safe, digital. It doesn’t discriminate and includes anonymous and confidential domestic, dat- violence against children, elders, LGBTQ2S ing and sexual violence helpline that offers individuals. There is also a strong connection culturally-appropriate support and advocacy between domestic violence and thousands of for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Missing and Murdered Indigenous women. If you or someone you love is experiencing Native nations in the Lower 48 and Alaska domestic, dating or sexual violence or if you Native Villages continually go underfunded have questions about your behavior, help is for life saving domestic violence services. available. For one-on-one advocacy, click Now in its fourth year of operation, Strong- on the Chat Now icon at https://www.strong- Hearts has received more than 9,103 phone heartshelpline.org/ or call 1-844-7NATIVE calls and online chats requesting critical- (762-8483). Advocates are available daily ly-needed support to deal with intimate part- from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT.