The Newsletter of Kaw Nation
Kaw City, Oklahoma, Headquarters
Vol. 6, No. 4 Winter 2012
Updates online at www.kawnation.com Astronaut’s visit gives Braman a lift
Sam Gemar, retired space your teeth, and how do you shuttle astronaut, took time keep your food from flying from his busy schedule to say around?” hello to these lucky students “Were you scared?” at the Braman (Okla.) School And for the more serious District. questions, “How much G- The students force did you assembled in the experience on gymnasium as Sam Gemar was a takeoff?” Charles D. keynote speaker at You could see “Sam” Gemar the ceremony the excitement spoke with them honoring the not only in the about his time as reopening of kids’ faces, but an astronaut. Hennessy- also in Sam’s He allowed Cunningham Post face as they the students to 259 in Braman. gathered around ask him ques- Details, 10-11. for autographs tions, and they and posed for started with the photos. obvious ones: It’s not every day you get “How do you sleep in the opportunity to meet an space?” astronaut who has logged “In space everything floats more than 580 hours in because of the gravitational space aboard three shuttle force. So, how do you brush missions.
From the Chair, 2 Domestic violence awareness march, 4 Youth suicide awareness, 6 New home for post, 10-11 Environmental news, 14 Students learn Kanza history, 17 Holiday greetings to all our citizens Holiday greetings to all Kaw Nation mas upon us, let us not forget those citizens: individuals who are in the military still We would like to extend a personal fighting the ultimate sacrifice for our invitation to tribal citizens and their country. Please keep them in your families to attend the annual Christmas minds and in your prayers. Dinner and Party. This special event I’ve enjoyed hearing from tribal fami- will be held Sunday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. lies throughout the country this past
at the Johnnie Ray McCauley Commu- year. Please remember that my door is
nity Center, 3201 E. River Road in always open to share your concerns,
Newkirk, Okla. ask questions, request help and to
Kaw tribal citizens are welcome to share your family news and achieve- attend this celebration, so bring ments with us. I invite you to call the your family and join us for Kaw Nation Headquarters anytime at food, fun and fellowship. our toll-free number, 1-866-404-5297. Drawings for gifts will start We want to hear from you. promptly at 10 a.m., so don't Omán yin ka Òmo n yé Wáspe Olín —
miss out. Come early and Dwell peacefully another year. get your photo taken with Santa Claus. Guy Munroe With the spirit of Christ- Chair, Kaw Nation
GUY MUNROE
A note from the editor
My journey will soon end at the nist for the Bleacher Report and Kaw Nation. At this time, I want to sports and news writer for the introduce the new communications Blackwell Journal-Tribune. We are assistant for the Kaw very pleased to have Tom join our Nation IT department. team. His name is Tom I want to extend a Firme, and he will also special thank you to be taking over my posi- those who have helped tion as editor of the me understand the Kanza News. Kanza cultural and tradi- Tom graduated from tions over these past Valparaiso University in years. Valparaiso, Ind., with a I’m not great at saying In the fall 2012 issue of Kanza News, page 10, we failed to prop- Bachelor of Arts in goodbyes, so I will just erly identify the two soldiers pictured with Skyler Mathews. They political science. say, “Happy trails to you are Jared Bain and Elliott Jackson, both of whom served in Af- Some of his past work includes until we meet again!” ghanistan. Kanza News apologizes for the omission and thank all being a freelance correspondent for Regards, our men and women who serve to protect our country. The News-Dispatch, a featured colum- Jennie M. Baker
Kanza News The Kanza News is mailed and readers’ letters reflect the are shown. All editorials and free to Kaw Nation Tribal opinions of the writer and not letters will become the P.O. Box 50 Kaw City, OK 74641 citizens ages 16 and older. We necessarily those of the Kanza property of the Kanza News. Office 580-269-2552 also mail the Kanza News to News editor, staff or tribal Editorials must be signed Fax 580-269-1161 universities, libraries, administration of the Kaw and include address and www.kawnation.com Oklahoma government officials Nation. telephone number. Please send and others, upon request. Reprint permission is all inquiries to Kanza News, Jennie Baker, Editor Editorial statements of the granted with credit to the Kaw P.O. Box 50, Kaw City, OK [email protected] Kanza News, guest columns Nation unless other copyrights 74641.
2 KANZA NEWS Winter 2012 AARP honors tribal elders KEDA hires
new deputy
director
Kaw Enterprise Development Authority recently hired Michael Popolow as the new
deputy director.
Michael, who is from Philadelphia and
currently resides in Ponca City, comes to us with a long list of credentials. He hold master’s degrees in accounting and man- agement from Keller Graduate School, Fort Washington, Pa., campus. He also holds dual bachelor’s degrees in management Guy Munroe, center, Kaw Nation Chair, was honored with a plaque and medallion at the AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors in Oklahoma City. Photo provided. and information systems from Widener University in Chester, Pa. OKLAHOMA CITY — Recipients of ually at the event. AARP provided tribal He has an extensive background in gam- the fourth annual AARP Oklahoma media with a professional photograph of ing, entertainment and management. His Indian Elder Honors were recognized tribal members as well as a press release list of expertise in- Oct. 2 at the National Cowboy and following the event. A full list of hono- cludes management, Western Heritage Museum. rees came from more than two dozen marketing, casino The keynote address was given by tribes and nations across Oklahoma. marketing, project management, train- Joan Ruff, a member of the AARP Na- Established in 2009, the AARP ing, development, tional Board of Directors, who lives in Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors brings logistics and customer Mission Woods, Kan. A complimentary together tribal leaders from all 39 feder- service. buffet dinner was served followed by a ally recognized Oklahoma tribes and Mike is an extro- performance by the Oklahoma Fancy nations to celebrate the contributions of vert and a longtime Popolow Dancers. This was an “invitation-only” elders to their tribes, communities, state leader. event open to the media. and nation. “While growing up, I was always encour- Honorees were awarded a commemo- Kaw Nation Chairman Guy Munroe aged to be outgoing,” he said. “I have rative medallion and recognized individ- was honored with a plaque. been involved in sports all my life, so I really enjoy great teamwork and competi- tiveness. “My first true leadership role came in my teens, when I became a lifeguard in- structor and worked my way up to aquatics NOTICE TO ALL director. This gave me the ability to build and oversee programs for aquatic educa- tion. It also gave me the flexibility to work TRIBAL CITIZENS with, as well as teach, mentally handi- capped children the enjoyment and thera- peutic nature of swimming.” QUARTERLY GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING He has been involved with various com- munity services, such as Care, CSC and Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013 • 10 a.m. to noon Meals on Wheels. Mike has held a great love for community action since being in Community Building Boy Scouts. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Kaw Nation Powwow Grounds Mike is located at the KEDA House on Highway 77. Lunch will be served for those in attendance “I am very excited to have this opportu- nity and look forward to being a valued Visit www.kawnation.com for future notices asset of the Kaw Nation Enterprises,” he said. “Please feel free to stop by anytime Questions? Contact Elaine Huch, Council Secretary, 580-269-2552 because my door is always open.”
Winter 2012 KANZA NEWS 3
Six area tribal domestic
violence programs held a march in unity for the awareness against domes- tic violence and with great support from the public. More than 190 were in attendance at Standing
Bear Park Complex. Remarks and prayers were given by individuals with a unity march around the Standing Bear Park complex. In the above photo, purple bal- loons were released into the sky at the conclusion of the ceremony. The color purple is sym- bolic for courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending domestic violence. “It was very uplifting to see so many people come together to raise awareness of domestic violence, honor survivors and re- member victims,” said Amanda McReynolds Doran, executive director
and program coordinator
for Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma. “The crime of domestic violence has af- fected the lives of so many, and this event gave
us all a place and time to
come together and pray for healing, march in soli- darity, and leave with new hope. “It was especially won- derful to see law enforce- ment officers, advocates, tribal leaders, children, men and women from six
different nations come together and marched in unity.” A representative of each of the tribes participating in the domestic violence awareness march laid a
Left, Rima Bellmard, project director and advocate for the wreath at the base of their Kaw Nation, holds the purple wreath she designed to lay at tribal seal at the Standing the Kaw Nation’s seal at the sculpture. Above, Bellmard after Bear sculpture. placing the wreath at the Kaw seal.
4 KANZA NEWS Winter 2012 From left, Ada Mehojah, advocate, Otoe-Missouria tribe; Amanda Doran, director and program coordinator, Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma Inc.; Rima Bellmard-Mathews, project director and advocate, Kaw Nation; Chelsea Baldwin, advocate, Pawnee Nation; Brightpath Reynolds, advocate, and LaVina Spotted Bear Clark, DV Shel- ter, Osage Nation; Rebecca Monhatwa, advocate, and Dawn N. Clark-Rowe, director, Tonkawa Tribe; and Janett Reyna, advocate, Ponca Nation.
Domestic Violence First Response Red Heels Domestic Violence Walk
Kaw Nation Domestic Violence Program pre- sented “Domestic Violence First Response: Small Town Confidentiality and Safety Two men from Kaw Nation Response” Oct. 24 with carried and walked with the Pam Moore, INJ director. Kaw Nation Domestic Violence This community aware- Program banner Oct. 13. ness workshop discussed Skyler Mathews, Kaw Na- the issue of domestic vio- tion employee and Kaw Na- lence in small communi- tion tribal member; David ties. It also presented the Parker, Kaw Nation tribal use of the tribal program and effective responses for residents and member; and Rima Bellmard- tribal office staff in the Kaw Nation service area. Mathews, program project This presentation was selected in order to help strengthen the coordinator; represented the only tribal domestic violence program community by increasing knowledge about safety responses against that showed up to walk in the rain in support of the Ponca City do- domestic violence. mestic violence area shelter.
Six nations walk together against domestic violence
The Kaw Nation Domestic Violence Program participated in a Domestic Violence Shawl Walk with the five area tribes Oct. 26. The Shawl Walk featured wreaths created by each tribe and placed at each tribe’s monu- ment in honor of those who have passed away from domestic violence. The Kaw Nation impact speech was deliv- ered by project coordinator and advocate Rima Bellmard-Mathews. A balloon release followed, signifying that “we are their voice.” The opening prayer was given by Doug Ea- gle, Ponca tribe, in the Ponca language. The event closed with a prayer given by Kaw mem- ber Kira Mathews, recited in the Kaw lan- guage. Participants received a T-shirt at the registration.
Winter 2012 KANZA NEWS 5
T O Y O U R H E A L T H
‘Our
Creatista photo
children are
self-
destructing’
By STEPHANIE WOODARD
“IT FEELS LIKE WARTIME,” says Diane Garreau, a funds, but that is simply not they won’t live that long any- true for more than a few.” way, which in their minds ex- child welfare official on the Cheyenne River Sioux The suicide risk factors for cuses self-destructive behavior, Reservation, in South Dakota, speaking of the Native youth are well known. like drinking — or suicide.” youth suicide epidemic sweeping Indian country. Many Native kids face extreme Suicide figures vary from poverty, hunger, alcoholism, community to community, “I’ll see one of our youngsters one day, then find substance abuse and domestic with the most troubling num- out a couple of days later she’s gone. Our children violence. Diabetes rates are bers in the Northern Plains, sky-high and untreated mental Alaska and parts of the South- are self-destructing.” illnesses such as depression are west. In Alaska, the suicide common. Unemployment tops rate for young Native males is Native teens and twenty- (CNAY), which promotes In- 80 percent on some reserva- about nine times that of all somethings are killing them- dian child health, with a focus tions, so there are few jobs — young males in the United selves at an alarming pace. For on suicide prevention. He even part-time ones. Bullying States, while Native females those 15 to 24, the rate is 3.5 claims the IHS, which serves and peer pressure pile on more kill themselves 19 times as times that of other Americans the nation’s 566 federally rec- trauma. often as all females their age, and rising, according to the ognized tribes, is chronically Native youngsters are partic- according to the Alaska Native Indian Health Service (IHS). underfunded. ularly affected by community- Tribal Health Consortium. Tribes have declared states “We need more mental- wide grief stemming from the After a cluster of suicides in of emergency and set up crisis health funding and services to loss of land, language and 2001, the White Mountain intervention teams. The federal save the lives of our youngest more, researchers reported in Apache Tribe wanted to de- government included 10 tribes First Americans,” Dorgan says. 2011. As many as 20 percent velop a prevention program. or tribal organizations in a “Tribes and nonprofits may get of adolescents thought daily They mandated reporting of recent round of 23 youth sui- two- or three-year grants to about certain sorrows — even all suicides and attempts on cide prevention grants; most address an issue that cannot more frequently than adults in their Arizona reservation and will receive nearly $500,000 possibly be resolved in that some cases, the researchers discovered that between 2001 per year for three years. That amount of time. We fund pro- found. and 2006, their youth ended brings to 43 the number of grams, then let them fall off a “Our kids hurt so much, their lives at 13 times the na- indigenous groups that have cliff. they have to shut down the tional rate. received this funding. “The perception may be that pain,” says Garreau, who is The trauma behind the num- That’s good, but hardly tribes have a lot of gaming Lakota. “Many have decided bers is excruciating. enough, says former North “When my son died by sui- Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan, cide at the age of 23, I didn’t Stephanie Woodard wrote this story, the first in a series on who chaired the Senate Com- even know how to think,” says preventing Native youth suicide, with the support of the mittee on Indian Affairs for Barbara Jean Franks, who is Fund for Investigative Journalism and the California four years. Endowment Health Journalism Fellowships, a program of Tlingit and was living in Ju- Since leaving the Senate, he USC’s Annenberg School of Journalism. The series is being neau, Alaska, at the time. “I has founded the Center for co-published with 100Reporters.com. couldn’t imagine that hope Native American Youth existed.”
6 KANZA NEWS Winter 2012 The tragedies ripple through Josie Raphaelito, school student when she entire communities. Reserva- who grew up on learned that connectedness is tions are essentially small the Ramah Navajo vital. At the age of 5, she lost towns, and tribal members are reservation, helps an uncle to suicide and in suc- often related, whether closely CNAY reach young ceeding years, several friends or distantly, says Garreau. people. Photo by and a boyfriend. “People are overwhelmed. Joseph Zummo “I finally realized it wasn’t Sometimes they’ll say, ‘I just something affecting just me,” can’t go to another funeral.’” she says. “It was a lot bigger.” Because suicide is so com- In 2011, she founded mon in some Native commu- Hope4Alaska, one of many nities, it has become an accept- small grassroots suicide pre- able solution for times when vention groups in Indian coun- burdens build up, says Alex try. Through Hope4Alaska, Crosby, medical epidemiologist Baldwin worked with student with the Centers for Disease governments to travel to Control and Prevention’s in- schools in Alaska Native vil- jury-prevention center. “If peo- lages, tell her story and find ple run into trouble — a rela- out what other teens thought tionship problem, a legal prob- would help. lem — this compounds the “We had youth-elder discus- underlying risk factors, and Martus calls it genocide. young men who are dying by sions, and the kids said they one of the options is suicide.” “They set us up to kill our- suicide. felt useless. They wanted to “It crosses your mind,” says selves. The point of all the “I’d say more than 90 per- better their communities but Jake Martus, whose mother is policies was, ‘Take them out.’” cent of girls here go through saw no way to make a contri- Cahuilla and Tongva and In some communities, sui- their traditional coming-of-age bution. The elders were
whose Yupik-Athabaskan fa- cide is so ordinary that boys ceremony,” he says. touched, and the kids felt ther was born in a tiny, remote may dare one another to try it, In contrast, little is done for they’d connected with them in village on the Yukon River. says Ira Vandever, a Navajo young males. In large part, he an important way,” recalls “I’ve never acted on suicidal chef in western New Mexico. says, that’s because traditional Baldwin, who just started her thoughts, but they’ve been He works with Music Is Medi- male activities like hunting freshman year at the Univer- there my entire life. It’s sad, cine Inc., a local group that have diminished, so rituals re- sity of California, San Diego. it’s shocking, but in our com- brings guitars, drums and les- lated to them have dropped off To make sure Cheyenne
munities it’s also somehow sons from rock and traditional as well. Though Ramah Navajo River’s children feel part of a normal.” musicians to Native youngsters. men and boys can obtain con- community that values them, Martus, who is 26 and a Speaking after dinner at his ventional therapy, they also Diane Garreau’s sister, Julie, patient advocate at the Alaska restaurant, La Tinaja, he said, need ceremonies, Thomas says. runs the Cheyenne River Youth Native Epidemiology Center, “Around here, some who have According to Crosby, tradi- Project, a busy after-school says suicide is so frequent died by suicide weren’t de- tion is one source of all- facility offering fun, meaning- among his people, he has to pressed. They were just re- important protective factors ful activities. Kids listen to ask, “Is it in our blood?” sponding to a dare.” that counter the risk factors — elder storytellers, play basket- He inherited this terrible According to Alvin Rafelito, even the deeply embedded ball and tend a 2-acre organic legacy from his father, who Ramah Navajo and director of ones that afflict tribes. For garden. They get healthy meals died by suicide when he was his community’s health and indigenous people, the protec- and homework help. They taken to jail for drunk driving. human services department, tive factors are distinctive and study in a library, go online in Behind his dad’s alcoholism some of those boys misunder- powerful, says researchers. an Internet café, stage fashion were overwhelming memories stand the warrior tradition These include family and clan shows and organize local beau- of sexual abuse by his vil- that is integral to Native male relationships, reverence for tification projects. In 2011, a lage’s Catholic priest, Martus identity. elders and a deeply held spiri- youth leadership group visited says. “We have a prayer that de- tual life. Supporting these cul- the White House. A similar story is reported scribes a warrior as someone turally-based positives makes “Every thing we do — from throughout Indian country, who goes the distance spiritu- Native kids feel valued and serious to seemingly frivolous and lawsuits against the Cath- ally for his people. Nowadays, able to seek help, U.S. and — is about letting our kids olic Church have detailed sex- that ideal has been reduced to Canadian scientists conclude know we care,” says Julie ual, physical and emotional fighting and violence. In teach- in study after study. Garreau. abuse by clerics in parishes ing kids to be modern warriors, Bottom line, it’s about con- “You could define many and staff at the notoriously we have to convey the term’s nectedness, Crosby says. “How things — a school camping
violent boarding schools Na- full, traditional meaning.” strong is the person’s social trip, a traditional dance group
tive children were forced to Tradition is key, says Ander- network? In the case of adoles- — as suicide prevention,” says
attend until the 1970s. son Thomas, Ramah Navajo cents, how connected are they Zuni Pueblo’s Superintendent
The lasting effect of the and director of the commu- to family, to adults at school, of Schools Hayes Lewis, co- abuse and the loss of land and nity’s behavioral health pro- to positive peers?” creator in the late 1980s of the culture is often called historical gram. He points out that on Alaska Native Tessa Bald- Zuni Life Skills Development trauma. his reservation, it’s typically win was a 17-year-old high Curriculum, one of the first
Winter 2012 KANZA NEWS 7 suicide prevention programs This past July, CNAY hosted law enforcement on their res- designed for Native Americans. 50 representatives from the ervation, among other things. The school-based lesson White House, Congressional Meanwhile, CNAY director series includes coping skills offices, federal agencies, the Erin Bailey was quick to hand like stress management, as well National Congress of Ameri- students her business card, as role-playing for dealing with can Indians, Native Americans exhorting them, “Call me! E- suicide threats. It was created in Philanthropy, Northwest mail me!”
in response to rising youth Area Foundation, Casey Fam- Later, Bailey explained, “We
suicide rates at Zuni — 13 ily Programs and more. can make connections to in- deaths between 1980 and In the interactive session ternships, explain ways to pay 1987, according to a paper that followed, the attendees for college. And we enjoy bal- Lewis co-wrote in 2008. described their Native youth ancing positive things that can After the curriculum was put programs and began the search happen today with our long- Finding help into place in 1991, youth sui- for new ways to collaborate on term goals.” cide stopped almost immedi- Indian country issues. Agencies, nonprofits, foun- 1-800-273-TALK is a free, ately, according to Lewis’ co- In addressing the meeting, dations and others can partner confidential 24/7 hotline for author, Stanford University Dorgan said, “We will never with tribes in the effort to pro- anyone who is in crisis about education professor Teresa know the names of those we tect Native children. Ulti- any issue and wants to talk to LaFromboise. save, but we will make a differ- mately, though, it’s up to the a trained counselor. You can Fifteen years later, the ence.” communities, says Lewis. also call if you know someone pueblo’s schools shelved the Personal diplomacy is cen- “We adults have to practice in crisis and want advice program. Suicides crept back, tral to CNAY’s efforts. Dorgan our core cultural values of about what to do. and the shocked community travels to reservations to learn compassion, respect, coopera- asked Lewis to reassume the first-hand what people, includ- tion and concern for our chil- SAMHSA, the U.S. Substance post of school superintendent ing kids, are thinking and do- dren,” says Lewis. “We have Abuse and Mental Health and re-establish the curricu- ing; he also lets them know to talk to youngsters about Services Administration, ad- lum. Over the past two aca- how CNAY can help. He and relationships, clans, societies ministers youth suicide pre- demic years, he’s done just his staff recently traveled to — all the connections they’re a vention funds provided by the that, he says. New Mexico to tour two Na- part of.” Garrett Lee Smith Memorial When the Zuni school sys- vajo communities and San “We have to tell our kids Act, named for a senator’s son tem ended its program, the Felipe and Zuni pueblos. how wonderful they are,” adds who killed himself in 2003. officials there didn’t realize One stop was Pine Hill, Julie Garreau. “We have to The agency hopes that by “how fragile the peace was,” N.M., the capital of the give them safe places to learn going forward more tribes will Lewis testified to the Senate Ramah Navajo reservation, and have fun and reassure apply for them, says Richard Committee on Indian Affairs where CNAY staffer Josie them that they can have a pro- McKeon, chief of SAMHSA’s in 2009, telling then-Sen. Raphaelito grew up. Speaking ductive life with healthy rela- suicide-prevention branch. Dorgan and other committee to an enthusiastic group of tionships.” members, “Suicide prevention teens in the school gymna- Franks recently participated SAMHSA offers technical assis- and intervention require con- sium, Raphaelito, now 25, with grieving family members tance on grant-writing and stant vigilance.” reminisced about playing in a memorial walk. The more through its Native Aspi- Numerous federal agencies sports there as one of the group circled a lake in one rations program, and foundations provide grants Ramah Navajo Warriors. direction to honor those they NativeAspirations.org, and and services to programs try- “I love being back!” she had lost, and the other direc- publishes a prevention guide, ing to maintain that vigilance. exclaimed. She introduced tion to express support for “To Live to See the Great Day Yet many of the programs Dorgan, saying, “This is your those who remain. That Dawns,” available online. struggle to keep their doors chance to tell him what con- “Prevention includes ac- The agency also maintains a open. That’s because the cerns you and what makes you knowledging the bereaved and registry of evidence-based funders lack the coordination proud.” helping them talk about what (scientifically tested) suicide needed in a time of shrinking After Dorgan’s homily — happened,” Franks says. prevention practices. budgets, says Dorgan. about growing up on the Rafelito is hopeful. He is “They are doing extraordi- North Dakota prairie, life in standing in a Ramah Navajo For Indian Health Service re- nary work, but in isolation,” the Senate, starting CNAY and community garden, sur- sources, go to www.ihs.gov, he says. “When I left the Sen- more — he stayed around to rounded by ripening squashes, click on “Go to medical ate, I wanted to tear down the chat and listen to kids’ plans corn and other heirloom crops. programs,” then “Behav- silos among these organiza- for the future. He then toured He notes that today’s Native ioral health,” then “Sui- tions and figure out how we tribal offices to see their many people and their traditions cide prevention.” could address Native children’s innovative projects — tradi- endure, despite centuries of issues in a sustained and sus- tional gardening for health, depredations and violence. Two nonprofits, the One Sky tainable way.” fitness and heart-healthy pro- “Look at our history,” he Center and the Northwest In early 2011, Dorgan grams and more. He talked to says. “It has been survival of Portland Area Indian founded CNAY with $1 million the tribal dentist about budget the fittest. We’re the smartest Health Board, offer much in leftover campaign funds and shortfalls he’s facing. He met and the toughest anyone can helpful information. housed it in the D.C. offices of with student council members, be. Our message to our kids the Aspen Institute think tank. who said they wanted more should be, ‘We’re okay.’”
8 KANZA NEWS Winter 2012
H O N O R S a n d A C H I E V E M E N T S
Legion post honored for keeping Braman beautiful
Braman American Legion
Post 259 won the 2012 Envi-
ronmental Excellence Award for a nonprofit organization with a population less than 15,000. Marv Sandbek accepted the award at the 22nd an-
nual awards celebration spon-
sored by Keep Oklahoma
Beautiful held Nov. 1 at the
National Cowboy and West-
ern Heritage Museum in
Oklahoma City.
Keep Oklahoma Beautiful is a state affiliate of Keep
America Beautiful, nonprofit
organizations working to-
gether to improve communi- Jason Murray, Tribal Council Barton, Braman mayor; Jerry ties through litter prevention, member; Gary Bretch, Le- Johnston, KEDA board mem-
waste reduction and beautifi- gionnaire; Rusty Partee, adju- ber; Don Kirkpatrick, legion- The American
cation. Keep America Beauti- tant; Dan Leidy, chaplain; naire; and Randy McRae, Legion Hennessy-
ful combines education with Marv Sandbek, commander; Legionnaire. Not pictured are Cunningham Post hands-on stewardship to ad- Dale DeWitt, majority leader, Jeff Washko, KEDA execu-
259 recently dress the needs of communi- Oklahoma House of Repre- tive director; and Brian Wall, celebrated its ties on a local level. sentatives; Matt Miller, KEDA board member.
Attending the dinner and Braman City Council mem- Congratulations to Post 259 reopening in
showing support for Post 259 ber; front row, Bob Goble, for a well-deserved recogni- Braman, Okla. Story
are, back row, from left, Braman City Council mem- tion of all the time and effort and photos, 10-11. Skyler Mathews, Kaw Nation ber; Elaine Huch, Tribal spent in making Braman a
Environmental Department; Council secretary; Mike better community.
Post earns award for beautification programs
Braman American Legion with a certificate commend-
Post 259 earned praise for its ing the legionnaires for their
effort beautifying the town as contributions. it won a Keep Oklahoma The post maintains a 2.2-
Beautiful environmental mile stretch of U.S. Highway award on Nov. 1. 177 from one mile south of
The post has conducted Braman to the Kanza Travel
adopt-a-highway program, a Plaza. Legionnaires perform
building restoration effort four scheduled trash collec-
and a metal recycling pro- tions along the highway each
gram. year, but some of them
Post 259 beat the Okmul- gather in between to keep the From left, Ken Bellmard, State Sen. A.J. Griffin, Jason Murray and gee Chamber of Commerce highway clean. Skyler Mathews. for the award in the category A few buildings have been
for non-profit organizations put back in good condition Authority. Also, the post de- two “trash-off” days, the post
in cities with fewer than through the work of legion- molished a house and turned has collected 16 tons of
15,000 residents. naires. That includes the post it into a greenspace. metal. Numerous people
On Nov. 8, State Sen. A.J. home, which is owned by The post has conducted a brought recyclables and scrap Griffin presented Post 259 Kaw Enterprise Development metal recycling program. In metal.
Winter 2012 KANZA NEWS 9 The Post 259 dedication ceremonies began with the presentation of the colors by the Color Guard.
Kaw Nation Chairman Guy Munroe is presented with the American
flag flown the day of the Post 259 commemoration ceremony. Marv
Sandbek, Post 259 Commander, gave this flag to the soldiers above,
who in turn presented it to Chairman Munroe.
A tribute and remembrance for prisoners of war and warriors missing in
action were recited by Post 259 Commander Marv Sandbek, left, as post member Rusty Partee lights a candle at the POW-MIA table.
Garold Dewitt, left, Braman area “Friend of the Legion,” re- Above, Ponca Tribe Sing-
ceives a special merit plaque for outstanding volunteer service ers Douglas Eagle Sr.,
to Hennessy-Cunningham Post 259 from Post Adjutant Rusty Dewey Crain and Willkie Partee during the recent Post Home Dedication Ceremony in D. Eagle Sr. sang at the Braman, Okla. DeWitt donated time, equipment and material to opening and closing assist the Braman American Legion Post with its Keep ceremonies. Left, and Oklahoma Beautiful and Great American Cleanup efforts. Along Indian taco lunch was with the commemorative plaque, DeWitt received a $100 gift furnished by Pam Shaw card from The Rusty Barrel Supper Club in Ponca City. Thank and Southwind Casino. you, Garold.
10 KANZA NEWS Winter 2012
Legion post gets new Charles D. ‘Sam’ Gemar Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.) NASA astronaut home in Braman Director of flight test operations, Bombardier, Inc. What a glorious day it was to “There is much work to do Charles D. “Sam” Gemar was 48, and STS-62. His first mission, see 108 individuals from all for our veterans and their fami- born in 1955 in Yankton, S.D., but STS-38, was a five-day Department walks of life fill the Hennessy- lies. Our shared commitment to considers home to be Scotland, S.D. of Defense mission. Cunningham Post 259 in Bra- them is our pledge and our He enlisted in the U.S. Army and On his second mission, STS-48, later attended West Point Military man, Okla. promise. On behalf of all Post he was part of a five-man crew that Academy, where he received a Bach- successfully deployed the Upper At- Marv Sandbek, commander 259 Legionnaires, and our La- elor of Science in engineering in mosphere Research Satellite, de- of Post 259 in Braman, spoke dies Auxiliary, thank you for 1979. signed to study the Earth’s upper at- to a crowd of 108 individuals joining us today as we celebrate Col. Gemar was a distinguished mosphere on a global scale, thus about a “vision” he had. You — with pride in our past and graduate of his class in providing scientists with could tell by the expression on faith in our future.” undergraduate pilot their first complete data his face he was in total “awe” Dedication ceremonies began training and fixed-wing set on the upper atmo- of the standing room only with call to the colors and post- and multi-engine pilot sphere’s chemistry, winds crowd in attendance. ing of the colors; posting of the training. During his ca- and energy inputs. “Today’s events commemo- Warrior Staff and Eagle Staff, reer with the Army, he His last mission, rate and celebrate a three-year Kaw Nation; Flag Song and was a recipient of the De- flown on Space Shuttle journey,” Sandbek said, “an ad- Warrior Song, Ponca Nation fense Superior Service Columbia, STS-62, con- venture mixed with success and Singers; PAW-MIA commemo- Medal, Defense Meritori- ducted 60 experiments failure, as well as joy and frus- ration; Pledge of Allegiance; ous Service Medal, Army in the areas of tration. and the chaplain’s prayer, Dan Commendation Medal, Army microgravity science and technology. “In August of 2010, a group Leidy, Post 259. Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Of special note during this mission, of seven military veterans gath- The program had some very Medal, two National Defense Service the shuttle’s orbital altitude was ered at the Braman Town Hall impressive keynote speakers: Medals and the National Intelli- lowered to 105 nautical miles, the to consider reopening the re- Major Gen. Rita Aragon, Sec- gence Medal of Achievement. lowest ever flown by a shuttle. cently-closed Hennessy- retary of Veterans Affairs for Selected by NASA in June 1985, Sam retired from NASA in 1994 Cunningham Post 259, the State of Okla- Astronaut Gemar has flown three and moved to Wichita, Kan., where a Legion post that had homa; and NASA As- times, logging more than 580 hours he is the director of test flight oper- served the community tronaut Charles D. in space. He flew on STS-38, STS- ations for Bombardier Inc. since 1922. This cadre “Sam” Gemar, Lt. Col- of veterans accepted onel, U.S. Army (Ret.), LaRita A. Aragon the challenge of dis- now director of test trict and department flight operations for Major General, Oklahoma Air National Guard (Ret.) Secretary of Veterans Affairs, State of Oklahoma American Legion rep- Bombardier Inc. in resentatives and em- Wichita, Kan. LaRita A. “Rita” Aragon is a re- female to hold the rank of brigadier Sandbek barked on an adven- Sandbek ended the tired U.S. Air National Guard major general in the history of the U.S. Air ture to revitalize and program with this mes- general now serving as the fourth National Guard as the commander energize the post. sage: “We are delighted that Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Af- and assistant adjutant general for “In three years, Post 259 has you could join with us today as fairs. She is the first woman to hold the Oklahoma Air National Guard in grown from three to nearly 50 we celebrate the beginning of a the position of VA secretary. In that March 2003. Gen. Aragon retired Legionnaires. Additionally, a new and exciting adventure in position, she serves as Gov. Mary from the military in 2006. new Ladies Auxiliary Unit was service to veterans and their Fallin’s chief advisor on matters re- Gen. Aragon has also served as commissioned in July 2011. families. lated to the policies and an elementary school Our ladies serve area veterans “Legionnaires abide by four operations of the Okla- teacher and an elemen- and families in many ways and principles of service called the homa Department of Vet- tary school principal. are a treasured component of ‘four pillars.’ When you think erans Affairs. She was named an our veterans advocacy effort. of the work that we do, please Rita Aragon earned Oklahoma City Chamber Thank you, ladies. consider Americanism, national her Bachelor of Science of Commerce Excellent “Our ‘new’ post home would defense, children and youth, in education from Cen- Educator of the Year in not have become a reality with- and veterans rehabilitation as tral State College in 1990 and an Oklahoma out the generous support and the core values for everything Edmond, Okla., in 1970 City Principal of the Year shared vision of our Kaw Na- we do. and a master’s degree in in 1992.
tion friends and those citizens “You will find that all who guidance and counseling from Cen- Gen. Aragon also serves on the
of the Braman area who gave serve as Legionnaires hold tral State in 1979. boards of the Red Cross chapter in so willingly of their time, talent close the creed ‘Still Serving Gen. Aragon enlisted in the central Oklahoma, the Oklahoma and energy. We celebrate today America.’ And, as our new ded- Oklahoma Air National Guard on Commission on the Status of because of you, and we look to- ication plaque on the front of Sept. 9, 1979. She received her com- Women, and the Girls Scouts of ward tomorrow with confi- the building reminds us, we do mission through the Academy of Mil- Western Oklahoma. In 2009, she dence and purpose through a this work in honor of those itary Science at Knoxville, Tenn., in was inducted in the Oklahoma defined mission and a robust who gave some, and those who October 1981. She became the first Women’s Hall of Fame. support system. gave all.”
Winter 2012 KANZA NEWS 11 Kaw Nation Grants and Contracts Get your eagle Department, from left, Peggy Suter, eyes ready Dusti Fansler and Berna- dette Hicks. The 24th annual Ultimate Eagle Watch Not pictured is is set for Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at beauti- Amanda ful Kaw Lake in Kaw City, Okla. Wamego Mark this date and come early. The Buffalohead. event saw more than 636 in attendance last year. Bring your camera and binoculars for this must-see event. Ryan VanZant with the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center always Grants and Contracts looks ahead draws a large crowd with his live eagle. Guided tours will also be available to spot to new grants for 2013 projects eagles in flight. Several other programs will This past year has been a blessing This year the tribe was fortunate to be available for you and your family. and honor to be the director of Grants receive several brand new grants in A free Native American luncheon in- and Contracts for the Kaw Nation. addition to the continuation of many cluding corn soup, fry bread and grape Many great things have happened long running programs. One of our dumplings will be served at the Kaw Na- with our department. most interesting awards is a new Insti- tion Community Center just west of Wash- One great achievement was becom- tute of Library & Museum Services unga Bay. Meat pies will also be for sale. ing a Certified Grant Writer through grant which will create a traveling
Transportation will be provided by Kaw the American Grant Writers Associa- exhibit of the Kaw Nation Timeline.
City Community Center and Kaw Nation tion. Currently there are fewer than This project will take the timeline Tribal Headquarters, departing at 11:15 500 Certified Grant Writers across the across Oklahoma and into Kansas a m. and 12:15 p m. Come early and come U.S., so this is something that we have and Missouri to teach others about the hungry. worked very hard to achieve and are important history of the Kaw. More information will be available on- very proud of. In becoming certified, If you haven’t visited the Kanza line prior to the Ultimate Eagle Watch at we had to go through extensive train- Museum in a while, you will enjoy www.kawnation.com or through the Kaw ing and testing and in the process seeing the timeline that was built with Lake Association at www.kawlake.com, learned a great deal about both federal a previous IMLS grant and gave us 1-877-671-6985, 580-761-1615 or 918-688- agencies and foundation grants. the background for the new current 9518. This year we have begun submitting grant. In case of ice or snow, call ahead before more foundation grants. As federal Some of our other new grants in- heading for the eagle watch. dollars lessen, they become more com- clude the expansion of the Kanza The Ultimate Eagle Watch is presented petitive, with more and more tribes Travel Plaza, a tribal management becoming federally recognized. We grant for electronic health records at by the Kaw Lake Association, Kaw Na- are attempting to find funding in new the Kanza Clinic, and a tribal court tion, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife areas and bring new programs to the improvement grant. As we look to the Conservation, U.S. Army Corps of Engi- Kaw Nation. future, we will be submitting brand neers, Sutton Avian Research Foundation We recently hired a new grant new grants in the next year for our and Ponca City Energy. writer, Dusti Fansler. Dusti comes to police department, library, the clinic us from Safe Homes in Winfield, Kan. and the environmental department, Dusti is a Southwestern graduate. just to name a few. Dusti has recently been collaborat- I would like to thank all of the tribal ing with the Kanza Clinic to develop a members who have answered all our new Consolidated Youth Domestic surveys and mailings. You have no
Violence Program that addresses tribal idea how valuable your feedback is to
children and youth experiencing do- us as we apply for funding opportuni- mestic abuse, dating violence and sex- ties. It is because of you that we are ual assault. This proposal was submit- able to be successful in many of our ted in October, and we are hopeful to applications. have a new program that addresses I hope all of you have an exciting youth stalking and violence in the year, and I look forward to continuing spring. to work with you to ensure that the Ryan VanZant of the Sutton Avian We feel that Dusti is an excellent tribe is well funded in its programs Research Center addition to the department and are and ventures. with Bensar looking forward to the proposals she Bernadette Hicks will submit in the future. Grants and Contracts Director
12 KANZA NEWS Winter 2012
F A C E S a n d P L A C E S
‘What God left
in that tree’
Furniture maker turns Oklahoma
soil and trees into art
By CRAIG DAY He uses hardwoods, found here KOTV News On 6 in Oklahoma. “We’ve got 36 different kinds of
SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — Our oak trees, we’ve got walnut, we’ve
area is full of talented artists and got hackberry, we’ve got syca- Right, Robert one has combined Native Ameri- more, we’ve got bois d’arc, we’ve “Woody’ can craftsmanship with frontier got horse chestnut — you name it, Baldwin turn- style and flair. we’ve got it,” Baldwin said. ing some old He makes furniture and artwork Baldwin said one of the great church doors using Oklahoma trees, soil and things about those trees is that each from Trinity creativity. one has its own unique beauty. Episcopal Church into a Robert “Woody” Baldwin is lov- “That’s the fun part, finding table. ingly patiently, turning some old out what God left in that tree,” church doors from Trinity Episco- he said. pal Church into a table. Baldwin also uses his He’s re-purposing what talent to create Native was going to be scrapped American artwork, even into something useful — using Oklahoma soils to something beautiful. paint his designs. It’s a unique project, Raised on reservations but not nearly as unique across the U.S. in the as what Baldwin usually 1950s and ‘60s — his does with wood. dad was a federal Indian
“This is really what I Baldwin agent — Baldwin devel-
live to do,” Baldwin said. oped a love for Native
For more than 30 years, Bald- American artistry at a young age.
win has been making what he And with each passing year of calls Native American-crafted, his woodworking, his appreciation Above are frontier-style furniture. for natural beauty grows. some of Robert “To me, this is cowboy furni- “It’s actually more beautiful, the “Woody” ture. If you were a cowboy, living less you do,” Baldwin said. Baldwin’s wood out on a ranch and you were Many of his pieces are now works. Baldwin building yourself a sod house, this scattered across many Western also creates is the kind of stuff you would states, and some have found their Native American artwork, using have had in your cabin,” Baldwin way to Ireland, France and Oklahoma soils said. Canada. to paint his He said it all started with a de- “If I couldn't do this, I don’t designs. Pho- sire to build his own furniture. It know what I’d do,” Baldwin said. tography by became a passion, and now it’s an “I might as well fold up.” Todd Ruffin, occupation for the Osage and For more information contact KOTV News Kaw artist and designer. Robert Baldwin at 918-282-2058. On 6.
Video of this story www.newson6.com/story/19527935/oklahoma-furniture-maker-creates-art-fromoklahoma-soil
Winter 2012 KANZA NEWS 13
KAW NATION ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT
Skyler Mathews, Kristofer Russell, Dejene Alemayehu, Ph.D., and Justin Bush
Food handling and safety training held
In October, Kaw Nation Environ- perature; preventing cross- The training will help ensure mental Department hosted food contamination; cleaning and sani- that all food served by the Kaw handling training at SouthWind tizing; and job-specific guidelines. Nation is safe to eat. Casino in Newkirk, Okla. The training focused on a vari- ety of different issues that deal with handling food. Food handling employees from SouthWind Casino, Woodridge Market and Kanza Travel Plaza in Braman, Okla., attended the train- ing and received a certificate in food handling.
The training followed the Serv- Safe Food Handler Guide, which fo- cuses on areas such as: why food safety is important; good personal Kaw Nation hygiene; controlling time and tem- wind turbine
at Braman Air quality monitoring station installed The Kaw Nation will be constructing a 20-kilowatt Pollutants such as particulate The EPA says exposure to these various plants south of the Kanza wind turbine near the matter, ground level ozone, car- pollutants is associated with Travel Plaza. Kanza Travel Plaza in bon monoxide, sulfur oxides, ni- numerous effects on human The first data submission to the Braman, Okla. trogen oxides and lead — called health — including increased EPA will be in January 2013. The wind turbine will the six common air pollutants — respiratory symptoms, hospital-
are found all over the U.S. They ization for heart and lung dis- help provide electricity to the Travel Plaza, which will can harm your health and the eases and even premature death lower the cost of Kaw Na- environment and cause property [www.epa.gov/air/urbanair]. tion’s utility bills. The wind damage. In order to estimate the con- turbine will also offset According to the U.S. Environ- centration of these pollutants, emissions from various mental Protection Agency, the KNED has installed an air quality power plants and refineries particle pollutants and ground- monitor that measures the partic- by using green energy. level ozone are the most wide- ulate materials that come from spread health threats. vehicle exhaust and smoke from
14 KANZA NEWS Winter 2012 Tornado siren replaced thru Injury Prevention funds The Injury Prevention Pro- With the purchase of the port for the purchase, while the gram had some funds carried new siren, the tribal housing City of Newkirk agreed to pro- over from last year’s grant fund- and surrounding tribal mem- vide the installation and main- ing cycle, in which the Injury bers will receive the advanced tenance of the siren in the Prevention Program sought to warning needed in the event of tribal housing. utilize the funds in continuing tornados and have the opportu- The total cost of the siren promoting weather safety. nity to seek shelter or safety. was $6,500. Now the commu- With the approval of Injury The collaboration among the nity will be able to react to Prevention Program grant man- Kaw Nation Injury Prevention nature’s agenda and seek ager Nancy Bill, the Injury Program, Kaw Nation Emer- safety in a timely manner. Prevention Program was able gency Management, Newkirk If you would like more addi- to purchase a new tornado Fire Department and the City tional information about siren that would replace the of Newkirk, they were all able weather safety, contact Injury gram also gives out free broken siren in the tribal hous- to develop a plan in replacing Prevention Program coordina- weather radios to CDIB card- ing area. The tornado siren was the siren. This is where the tor Tabatha Harris at carrying members of the Kaw purchased from Storm Sirens Injury Prevention Program was [email protected]. Nation, Ponca Tribe and Inc. in Norman, Okla. able to provide the finical sup- The Injury Prevention Pro- Tonkawa Tribe.
Recycle Moore gets KBO top award
MOORE, Okla. — Keep Kaw Member Brian Wall, Oklahoma Beautiful recog- right, and co-workers from nized Recycle Moore with the Trifecta Communications top honor at their annual Envi- were honored with the Best of the Best Award at the ronmental Excellence Awards Keep Oklahoma Beautiful recently. Environmental Excellence The “Take Us To Your Lit- Awards. More information ter” campaign received the Out- about Recycle Moore at standing Achievement Award www.recyclemoore.org. from among all 2012 entries, as Jesse Henry brought his well as the Environmental Ex- ØCommunicator Award, Recycle Moore campaign in- grilling mastery to two intense cellence Award for Govern- Award of Excellence, Inte- cluded reusable tote bags, rub- barbecue competitions in ment Programs with popula- grated Marketing Campaign ber wristbands, plus a website October. tions greater than 30,000. ØDavey Award, Integrated with informational videos, Henry’s Movin’ the Chains The campaign, produced by Campaign, Green/Eco- educational tools and details team placed 67th out of 87 at the Jack Daniels World Invita- Trifecta Communications, en- Friendly about what materials the recy- courages citizens to bring ØInternational Association cle center accepts. tional Oct. 27 in Lynchburg, Tenn. Henry said he and his recyclables to the Moore Recy- of Business Communicators- “We are very happy and cle facility to help visitors from Bronze Quill, Silver Quill, proud of the results of the Recy- companions on the grill had another planet. These out-of- Social Responsibility cle Moore campaign,” said hoped for a better place, but this-world visitors, called ØPRNews Non-Profit Trifecta president and CEO hope to do better in their Mooretians, need the materials Awards, National Finalist, Brent Wheelbarger. “It’s incred- second attempt next year. to fuel their ship and return Green/PR Marketing ible to see the momentum Movin’ the Chains stood out home safely. ØPublic Relations Society achieved when you marry a at the American Royal competi- The recognition from KBO of America, OKC, Honorable great idea to a great client like tion Oct. 4-7 in Kansas City, Mo. is the latest in a long line of Mention, Public Service Cam- the City of Moore. Especially The team placed 50th in brisket accolades and achievements paign. when that client is willing to try and 74th in chicken. Overall, received by the innovative Trifecta created the cam- something a little different than the team placed 226th. campaign. paign’s 1950s-style science fic- the norm.” To qualify for the competi- Other awards include: tion approach after reviewing Moore’s recycle center has tions, the team earned a grand
ØADDY Award, Public recycle campaigns produced by been in operation since Febru- championship at a barbecue
competition in Coos Bay, Ore. Service Out-of-Home and Inte- other municipalities. To boost ary 2010. Recent renovations grated Campaign residential awareness of the to the center were accom- Henry honed his craft while ØAmerican Marketing Asso- campaign, Trifecta wrapped plished primarily through a tailgating at football games. ciation OKC Award of Excel- Moore’s iconic water tower federal Energy Efficiency and He came up with new recipes lence, Cause Marketing along Interstate 35 with a 130- Conservation Block Grant. as time went on and tested ØAPEX Award, Grand foot-long banner using the cam- The grant also helped to fund some at the annual Kaw Na- Award, Campaigns/Programs/ paign’s sci-fi slogan and art. the campaign to promote envi- tion Powwow. Plans Other components of the ronmentally friendly practices.
Winter 2012 KANZA NEWS 15 KEDA
SouthWind Casino marks 28 years of bingo
By REX L. SOULE on. At the time, the capacity
of the hall was 700. The ca-
“Bingo!” This is the one pacity is currently 600. word that has echoed through Bingo players are a very the walls of Kaw SouthWind loyal bunch. According to Casino and Bingo the last 28 Hudson and Marci Sullivan, years. bingo supervisor, there are This December, SouthWind regular customers who have Bingo will celebrate its 28th been playing since Kaw year. SouthWind has opened. The tradition of bingo in “We have guests that have northcentral Oklahoma begins been playing here since the with Kaw SouthWind Casino beginning,” Sullivan said. “We and Bingo. As the longest run- know them, their children and ning bingo and casino in the even their grandchildren.” area, Kaw SouthWind has a “They come in regularly, very loyal customer base and and whether they win or not, Bingo employees will celebrate their 28th anniversary Dec. 28-30. an employee base that has they thank us and wish us a Standing are, from left, Jeff Fowler, Marci Sullivan, Carolyn Fee, Claude Clark, Terry Estes, Kitty Clark, Janette Walton and Rochelle Medlin. been in place for years. good evening when they Rick Hudson, bingo man- leave,” Hudson said. Front row are, from left, Kellie Johnson, Brian Roe, Debbie Estes and Sherry Breeden. ager, Terry Estes and Brian The bingo schedule has been Roe have been employed for in place since around 1986, resonates throughout the hall. ously, the guest was devastated. over 20 years. Their dedication according to Hudson. Regular According to Hudson and “Because we are out in ‘the to customers is a testament to guests can probably set their Sullivan, the largest payout in boondocks,’ we are special,” the success of bingo through- clocks by the bingo schedule. bingo has been a $72,000 jack- Hudson says. “It’s our staff and out the years. “It’s an honest game,” Hud- pot, which is incredible. In an- service that keep people com- It all started in 1984. The son says. “It has integrity and is other instance, a guest had the ing back. We have many guests bingo hall opened in a Morton fair and professional. That’s opportunity to win $50,000, but that are considered family.” building that, to say the least, why guests keep coming back.” she was playing too many cards Kaw SouthWind Casino and had a little “open-air” feel to A testament to the loyalty of and was unable to check her Bingo thanks all of its guests it. Hudson remembers when it the customers is that many of cards in time to bingo. Obvi- for their continued patronage. rained, there would be puddles the staff currently on hand in the hall, people would have played bingo at SouthWind Questions or comments for the casino? to move because of drips from before they became employees. 580-362-2578, ext. 413 • [email protected] the ceiling, but the games went That connection with guests Like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SouthWindCasino
Kaw Nation Solutions set up as building, lighting supplier
Kaw Nation Solutions LLC ing (multiple styles), siding, is a 100-percent Kaw Nation decking, guttering and win- tribally owned and operated dows. business developed in Ponca KNS also provides a wide
City, Okla. array of tools and accessories KNS has its office in the to complete construction jobs.
“Log Cabin,” 4075 N. High- KNS will be supplying prod- way 77 Access Road. ucts of superior quality and KNS was established by the value. Kaw Nation Enterprise Devel- KNS will also sell efficient opment Authority to become a solar hybrid lighting units for supplier to federal, state, tribal parking lots or any outside and local governments as well area. This unit utilizes both as to commercial companies. wind and solar power to pro- tion tribal member Ken Shaw as KNS administrative This Kaw Nation-owned busi- vide a green energy efficient Bellmard, with Ken Luttrell assistant. ness is a supplier of exterior lighting. KNS is staffed by handling the lighting and Contact us at 580-765-8000 building products such as roof- COO/manager and Kaw Na- sales functions and with Dee for more information.
16 KANZA NEWS Winter 2012 K A N Z A M U S E U M
The Smoky Hill Museum is a regional history museum telling the story of Salina, Kan., the sur- Left, the Smoky Hill rounding Smoky Hill region and Museum Kansas itself. enjoyed a Numerous downtown businesses full house for the Kaw and cultural organizations take part in Art Rush, offering special Nation pre- sentation. presentations, programs and exhib- its after “normal” work hours. The Below, Crys- tal Douglas, presentations are offered for free to Nona Miller everyone. and Erin Nona Miller, educational coordi- Blackshere nator for the Smoky Hill Museum, Pouppirt. invited Erin Blackshere Pouppirt, tribal member, and Crystal Doug- las, forensic anthropologist and Kaw Nation representative, to speak about the history of the Kansa or Kaw Nation times in Kansas and their culture.
Handouts were given, along with
door prizes. As you can tell by the photo, it was a full house.
Check your
mailbox soon
for your 2013
calendar
Lakewood Middle School students assembled to hear Crystal Douglas speak about the Kaw Indians and anthropology.
Nona Miller, Smoky Hills Museum educational coor-
dinator, arranged for Crys- The Kanza Museum 2013
tal Douglas, Kanza Mu- calendars will be mailed seum director, to speak with to tribal citizens this 250 Lakewood Middle season, one per household. School seventh-grade stu- dents about anthropology, Tribal citizens who haven’t archeology and the Kaw received their calendars by Indians. the end of the year should Following the presenta- contact Crystal Douglas, tion, the floor was opened for questions, and they had Kanza Museum director, at some interesting ones. They Museum director Crystal Douglas explains to Lakewood students 580-269-2552 ext. 235. especially wanted to know the ground penetration unit she uses to locate human remains. about the human remains.
Winter 2012 KANZA NEWS 17 Enrichment Center children
travel to pumpkin patch
Joshua Reamy During fall break, the D.O.D. 09.07.2005 Kaw Nation School Age Enrichment Center school age program traveled to
Thomasine Forshee Burns, Kan., to Walters D.O.D. 07.04.2012 Pumpkin Patch. The day started with a hay ride through the fields Veanna Deckard of pumpkins. The children D.O.D. 12.08.2011 were excited to see all the different kinds of pump- kins growing. Each child was allowed to adventure
through the fields to find their “perfect” pumpkin, cut straight off the vine. Next the children were
able to play on the many attractions that Walters offers. There was the giant jumping pillow, tree house play area, mining farm,
corral and stockade, barn and petting zoo, and lastly the underground slides of Boo Mountain. Our little
animal lovers were espe- cially excited to play with a baby goat. Overall, it was a fun and exciting day for every-
one. Robert Moses recently graduated from his fourth year in journeyman plumb- ing and was voted Student of the Year for 2012 by the Family ChristmaChristmas card contest faculty of PHCC-GLAA, the Plumbing Heating Cooling Kaw Nation Child Care Contractors Association of Development Fund is holding a the Greater Los Angeles Family Christmas Card contest. Area. Robert also passed the One lucky CCDF family will win a California state test and grand prize of a Wii console. received his journeyman plumber license. To get your family’s name in the Robert says it was quite drawing, send us a Christmas an honor to be named Stu- card with your family’s picture
dent of the Year. on it or included. We will put all “None of this could have happened if the Kaw Christmas cards in a box and Tribe had not made this draw out the winner.
possible for me,” he said, Drawing will be held Dec. 20. “and for that I am forever indebted.” For more information, Robert is the grandson call 580-362-4114. of Patsy Bellmard Moses.
18 KANZA NEWS Winter 2012 W E ’ R E L O O K I N G F O R Y O U The Kaw Nation Enrollment Office needs your help in locating the correct address for these individuals. If you know the location of one or more of these individuals, contact Freda Lane at 580-269-2137. You may also e-mail her at [email protected].
Allen, Anthony Andrew Cooper, Joy Dawn Hubler, Mandy Brook Murray, Jennifer Jean Shoup, Kasey Danielle Allen, Robert Anthony Cox, Cherokey Cheyenne Hughes, Johnee D. Murray, Lacy Dawn Shouse, Donald Wayne Andrea, Tholan Eugene Cox, Helen Permelia Ingram, Keeley Lynne Norrick, Roy Gene Shouse, Jerald Eugene Arand, April Dawn Crane, Nathan David Jack, Adrianne L. O’Day, Lonnie B. Skellenger, Janet Lorene Austin, Douglas Wayne Crawford, Noelani Jankey, Seth Ray O’Doniell, Jason Reid Smith, Christopher Harry M. Badgett, Jennifer Lynn Crounse, Eldora Rose Jeffrey, Jennifer Leigh O’Doniell, Phillis Jean Smith, Louann Baird, Ashley Dawn Davis, Kaila Cheyenne Johnson, Megan Marie Owens, Bobbie Jo Smith, Melanie Ann Baker, George Leon Deckard, Veanna Jo Jones, Angela Rene Owens, Cathy Sue Smith, Morgan Dee Baldwin, Heidi Susan Delano, Mary K. Jones, Briana Eileen Owens, Clifford Jack Smith, Samantha Nicole
Baldwin, Phillip Caleb Dengerink, Kristina Leigh Keister, Amber Nicole Owens, John Robert Sneed, Anna Mae Ballard, Mathew Charles Dennison, Jennifer A.N. Kekahbah, Anthony Pappan, Carter Francis Snelding, Richard Russell Barker, Ryan Lee Dougless, Eric P. Kekahbah, Lauren Paige Pappan, Gail Faye Sorrell, Chris Allan Belair, Cody Ray Doyle, Joseph Kekahbah, Warren Pappan, Jason Lee Sparks, Michael Heath Belair, Kelsey Marie Doyle, William Michael Sr. Kennedy, Kevin Pappan, Jimmy Don Spomer, Stacy R. Bellmard, Larry Lee Jr. Eads, Curtis Zachary King, Holly Pappan, Lea Spotted Bear, Robert F. Bellmard, Joshua Paul Eads, John Edward Jr. Klima, Kameron Rae Pappan, Michael Springer, Stevie Joe Bellmard, Rollo James Elliott, Tina Dawn Krejci, Mary Pappan, Otis Eugene Stalsworth, Suzanne Benbrook, Joshua Kyle Ellison, Jacob Nelson Krohn, Keith Robert Pappan, Travis Kaw Stalsworth, Terussa Irene Bender, Nicholas Ellison, Kirby Dawn Kropp, Marcelyn Marie Pappin, Susan Ann Standerfer, Kyle Dean Blatt, Carissa Michelle Emmett, Joshua Tyler LaSarge, Rebecca Kay Parker, Ambria Lauren Steinhauer, Janet L. Bourke, Patrick A. Emmett, Perry Lee LaSarge, Vivian Danette Parker, Ashlee Breann Stiger, Marjorie Joy Boyd, Rebecca Jane Emmons, Nathaniel Bacon Ladd, Aubrey Kay Parker, Dennison Stiger, Matthew Eugene Brewer, Tyler Carson Ewing, Elizabeth Marie Lavers, Solomon Sham Parker, Stephen Wayne Sumner, William L. Brookey, Melissa Donna Factor, Michelle Lin Layton, Candyce Loe Paxton, Jesse Samuel Taylor, Charles Scott Brown, Bradley Forrest Fife, Herman David LeClair, Kyshia Janell Pease, Katrina Lynn Taylor, David Brown, Sharon Finch, Angela Mae Leith, Jason Pease, Trey Wayne Taylor, Patrick Allen Brown, Wayne Lee Jr. Focke, Charlotte June Leonard, Rebecca Louise Pepper, Daniel S. Thompson, Cassaundra Anastacia Buffalohead, Gerri Helen Focke, Michael Wayne Lepore, Braden Reid Perez, Elena M. Thompson, Christine Marie Buffalohead, John William Focke, Steven Lane Lessert, Jarrett Dean Perry, Emmett Thompson, Cindy Lue Buhrle, Belinda R. Fulcher, Bonnie Jean Lessert, Lindsey Jo Phillips, Amanda Sue Thompson, Crystal Lynette Burnett, Jessica Garcia, Javier Salas Lessert, Todd Michael Phillips, Brian Edmund Thompson, Harold Bussey, Chara Lee Gates, Michele Leven, Angela Marie Phillips, Linda Irene Thompson, Kennanlee Michelle Bussey, Susan Irene Gentry, Lindsey Chantel Littlewalker, Richard Allen Pickering, Derrick Wade Thompson, Kim Iran Byers, Christopher Michael Gepner, Joshua Bruce Lopez, Brandon Duane Pickering, Stacy Guy Thompson, Kristen Denise Byers, Lindsay Elizabeth Goodson, Rylee Lovell, Brent Douglas Piguet, Debra Sue Thompson, Russell Everett Campbell, Dennis J.B. Goodson, William Floyd Lowry, Kyle Don Pipestem, Pamela Francesca Thompson, Samantha Josephine Campbell, Jeffrey Dan Gottman, Eric Eugene Lumsden, Joseph Pontious, Alycia Marie Thompson, Steven Lee Campbell, Keesa Devonne Gottman, Melissa Violet Lynes, Jessica Lee Preston, Alan Patrick Tipton, Daniel Wayne Campbell, Skyler Denice Graham, Amber Dyan Lynes, Zachary Marshall Preston, Christopher Eugene Jr. Tipton, Michael Thomas Carcopa, Jake Alan Graham, Jeremy Shane Mansir, David Preston, Keith Earl Tomlin, Kimberly Dawn Carcopa, Laura Lee Graham, Keri Dawn Mansir, Taylor C. Price, Carrie Lynn Ulrich, Max Wayne Carcopa, Sophia Wylea Graham, Stacey De Ann Maple, Mark Allen Pringle, Jess Pappan Van Duzor, Hannah Louise Carlson, Rachel Ann Graham, Taylor Lynn Mares, Jill Davis Ratzlaff, Barbara Mae Vernon, Melissa Marie Carman, Rachael Gray, Nathan Richard Martin, Ciara Cali Reheard, Kristin Villa-Baeza, Robert J. Case, Tommy Lee Sr. Grossman, Kimberly A. Martin, Mary Ellen Reyna, Gerardo Rodriquer Jr. Wanko, Christyn N Case, Trina Lynn Hall, Marcella Jean Martin, Tanner Luke Riggle, Ashley James Ward, Tylar Joseph Chambers, Brandy L. Hall, Melissa Ann Mason, Ronald Joseph Riley, Damin Dennis Weathers, Allegra Dianne Chambers, Dennis R. Hamilton, Craig Marcus Mayo, Tracy Renee Riley, Martha Raelynn Weber, Bryce Robert Chedester, Leah Allene Hampton, Marion Ewing McCormac, Buddy Leon Romero, Christian David Weber, Kyra Chedester, Shelley Lea Hanson, Debra Lynn McCormac, Jack Charles Romero, Phillip Anthony Wegner, Jack Wade Childress, Laura May Hanson, Michael Lee McCray, Brandi Lea Rosas, Zachery Ebon Whitney, Jenna L. Christian, Juanita L. Hardy, Brandon William McInvale, Robert R. III Rote, Lori Janell Wilkerson, Sharon Marie Cloud, Dustin Eugene Hardy, Meagan Elizabeth Means, Julie Ann Rote, Zachary Sterling Williams, Chelsey Elizabeth Cobb, Sally Kay Harper, Gina Mehojah, Jesse Rowton, Laura Katherine Williams, Donald Eugene Coble, Johnny Lee Harris, Larry Don Merideth, Faith Madison Rubeo, Damon James Williams, Ellen Maria Colclasure, Chelesa Clairese Hazen, Kevin Michael Merrell, Lahoma Michele Schmeidler, Rachel Ann Williams, Katy Lee Ann
Colclasure, Joe Mitchell Healey, Kecia Jean Merritt, Rachel Lynn Scott, Marissa Lane Williamson, Justin Dean Cole, Tracy Edwin Healey, Madeline Elizabeth Meskimen, Lawrence Arthur Secondine, Jesse Lee Williamson, Kelly Colon, Kayla Elise Healey, Meghan Michael, Darby Jolene Sewell, Benjamin Ray Wilson, Charla Adele Confer, Jinny Herrera, Dennis Channing Miller, Nancy Ann Sewell, Glenn Hall Wink, Tamara Kay
Convers, Elizabeth A. Hill, Eric Allen Molina, Angelena F. Shaffer, Jarrod T. Wise, Rhonda Lynn Conway, Cynthia L. Hobson, Shana Lee Molina, Daniel R. Shaffer, Jason Lee Wise, Vernon Lee Conway, Kristen Elaine Hock, Chelsea Lane Moon, Jennifer Sheeder, Matthew Damon Witty, David Freemon Cook, Etta Louise Horton, Brian Allen Moon, Kennetha Sheeder, Michelle Davon Witty, Jacob Joseph Cooper, Jeanne Lynn Horton, Daniel Brent Munroe, Misty Jo Shelley, Kevin James Wright, Mary Beth Houser, Jesse Cole Murray, Daniel Ernest Shelley, Vernon Keith
Winter 2012 KANZA NEWS 19 698 Grandview Drive PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID P.O. Box 50 PERMIT NO. 49 Kaw City, OK 74641 STIGLER, OK 74462 580-269-2552 1-866-404-5297 www.kawnation.com
Kaw Nation Annual Christmas Dinner and Party Sunday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. Johnnie Ray McCauley Community Center 3201 E. River Road in Newkirk, Okla.
Kaw tribal members are welcome to attend this celebration, so bring your family and join us for food, fun and fellowship. GUY MUNROE Kaw Nation Chair