GYAH’-WISHGYAH’-WISH ATAK-IAATAK-IA THETHE TURTLETURTLE SPEAKSSPEAKS

© VOLUME 16, ISSUE 4 website: www.wyandotte-nation.org NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atak-ia Board of Directors Billy Friend Chief Norman Hildebrand, Jr. Second Chief Ramona Reid Councilperson Vivian Fink Children’s Christmas Party Councilperson Juanita McQuistion December 8th at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Councilperson Bearskin Wellness & Fitness Gym Eric Lofland Councilperson Ages 0-12 Gyah’-wish Atak-ia is published quarterly for tribal members by the Wyandotte Nation at its headquarters in New Wyandotte Nation Supplemental Wyandotte, . Inquiries may be addressed to: Healthcare Benefit The Wyandotte Nation 64700 E Hwy 60 Submitted By: Chief Billy Friend administer this new benefit plan on Wyandotte, OK 74370 (918) 678-2297 or We are pleased to announce an ex- behalf of the Nation. (800) 256-2539 citing new benefit for every Wyan- Every adult Tribal Citizen (18 and fax (918) 678-2944 dotte Tribal Citizen. The Wyandotte over) will be eligible for up to (C) Copyright 2011. All information, Nation Supplemental Healthcare $1,000.00 and adult Tribal Citizens photographs, and other materials are copyrighted, and may not be reproduced Benefit will take effect on January 1, who have Wyandotte Nation de- without prior written consent of the 2013. This new benefit is one that pendents (under 18) will be eligible Wyandotte Nation. has long been envisioned by our for up to $2,000.00 maximum per Board of Directors and now due to family. With your Supplemental Contents..... the hard work of our Tribal staff and Healthcare Benefit account, you can Letter from the Chiefs ...... 2 all of our dedicated employees this pay out-of-pocket or be reimbursed Holiday Events ...... 3 vision will now become a reality. for medical expenses such as pre- Gathering of Traditions ...... 4 Our mission here is to “improve the scriptions and dental or vision ex- Honored Person ...... 5 quality of life for every Tribal Citi- penses, as well as medical Member News ...... 5-6 zen” and this new benefit will help deductibles or co-insurance which Casino News ...... 7 fulfill a part of that mission in pro- are not covered by other healthcare Tribal Department Reports .. 8-14 viding funds toward each Citizen’s benefits. In the next few weeks you OK-VDRS Report ...... 15-17 healthcare needs. We have teamed will be receiving information in the Culture Days ...... 20-21 up with FMH CoreSource out of mail about this plan from our third Pow-Wow Pictures ...... 22-23 Overland Park, Kansas and they will (continued on page 6) Services Provided ...... 24 NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 2 The Chief Says......

sons to be thankful. that something had to be done to im- It has not been that many years ago prove our futures. At that time we that the Wyandotte Nation was op- developed what was believed to be erating only a few essential pro- an effective plan with the best grams and services for the chance of success. This plan was put Wyandotte people. None of those into action immediately. programs or services was funded at It was determined in the mid 1990s an appropriate level. The total fund- that the best avenue for success ing was not adequate when com- rested in Tribal Self-Determination pared to the needs of our Wyandotte and Tribal economic development. people. Our Nation, like most oth- The Wyandotte strategy was to cre- ers in that time, relied heavily on ate Tribal businesses that took ad- federal funding. Those funds were vantage of the talents we had to never guaranteed and for many offer, and build those businesses into Kweh, years those resources did not im- success stories. We believed that if I hope this quarters Turtle Talk finds prove enough to cover inflation. we “planned our work and worked you and your family doing well and As Wyandotte’s, we were chal- our plan” we would meet with suc- enjoying the fall season. This time lenged to come up with proposals to cess. We continue on that course of year finds us preparing for the grow our Tribe, reach a level of self- today. Thanksgiving holiday and we as sufficiency and most importantly, Did we encounter some bumps and Wyandotte People have many rea- serve Wyandotte people. It was clear (continued on page 18) From Norman Hildebrand, Jr. -Second Chief when somebody mentions Wyan- thrilled to have Grand Chief Ted dotte Nation Pow-Wow the weather Roll and Second Chief Clyde Pid- seems to change for the better. We geon, their spouses and a small del- had a storm that knocked out the egation from the Anderdon Wyandot power on Friday night and we had to visit our facilities and join us in cel- cancel everything that evening. On ebrating the centennial of Dr. Mar- Saturday and Sunday we were ius Barbeau’s visit to Oklahoma. I blessed with good weather and large want to thank Lloyd Divine, Sallie crowds. Andrews, the Culture Committee Culture Days was another big suc- and everyone that contributed their cess with special interests, language, time and knowledge in making the history and the Marius Barbeau ex- exhibit a huge success. I want to es- hibit from that will be at the pecially thank Dr. Swan and his Sam Noble Museum in Norman, staff, Sam Noble Museum of Natu- Kweh OK. through November 25, 2012. ral History and the University of I hope everyone is well and antici- We took two chartered buses and a Oklahoma as without them this pating the brilliant colors of fall, that van of Wyandotte Nation members, would not have happened. is if we get enough rain. Wyandot of Kansas and Anderdon Once again we had a large crowd at We had another hot summer but Wyandot of Michigan. We were (continued on page 18) thankfully not as bad as last year, but NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 3

Holiday List of Events

November 9 Preschool Thanksgiving Dinner

November 12 Veterans Day (Offices Closed)

November 15 Title VI Thanksgiving Dinner

November 22 & 23 Thanksgiving Holidays (Offices Closed)

December 8 Children’s Christmas Party

December 13 Title VI Christmas Dinner

December 14 Staff Christmas Party (Offices Closed)

December 24 & 25 Christmas Holidays (Offices Closed)

December 31 & Jan 1 New Year’s Holiday (Offices Closed)

January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Offices Closed) NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 4 The Gathering of Traditions Exhibit at Sam Noble

Closing on November 25 casins, jewelry, bows and arrows, and Sallie Cotter Andrews. These Go Soon To See It drum and drumstick, clothing, belt stories, which are on our website, By Sallie Cotter Andrews and more you will find a unique are now a permanent part of our There is a “once in a lifetime expe- door opening to understanding our collection and will never be for- rience” available right now that history. Don’t miss this opportu- gotten. Tizhameh. Get going to will end on November 25. Don’t nity to view this exhibit that will Norman, OK, soon!! Your admis- miss it. Plan a trip and go to Nor- end shortly. Even if you were at sion is free. Confirm their hours of man, OK, before November 25 to the grand opening on September 6, operation at www.snomnh.ou.edu . see the “Gathering of Traditions” please go back again when the at- exhibit at the Sam Noble Okla- mosphere is more quiet and you homa Museum of Natural History. can take a closer look. You proba- You will see before your eyes an bly won’t see these artifacts again. extraordinary collection of 50 The Nation owes a great deal of Wyandotte and Seneca-Cayuga ar- thanks to Chief Billy Friend, Sec- tifacts and photographs that are all ond Chief Norman Hildebrand and over 100 years old. The artifacts the Wyandotte Nation Board of have been stored in the Canadian Directors for their complete sup- Museum of Civilization for these port of this project which demon- many years and will soon go back strates their commitment to to Canada. If you go see them, the educating our people about our his- experience will change the way tory. I would also like to thank the you think about our history and writers and researchers who helped will deeply touch your spirit. compile the individual biographies Most of the artifacts were used in that were gathered for the exhibit. the daily lives of our people, a The writers and researchers are: Chief Billy Friend addresses guests and point of uniqueness about this ex- Barbara Conrad Aston, Paul Bar- dignitaries including representatives of hibit that was noted by the ethnol- ton, John Charloe, Katie Chinn, the Canadian Embassy, the CEO of the ogists and curators of the Sam David Culver, Lloyd Divine, Deb- Canadian Museum of Civilization and Noble Museum. The items were bie Dry, Patty Burnside Garrison, The University of Oklahoma President both useful and artistically beauti- Judith (Hap) Jolitz, Marty Curtin David Boren at the opening ceremonies for "A Gathering of Traditions - A Cen- ful, demonstrating that life was LeBenne, Marcella Monroe, Bev- tennial Celebration of Dr. Charles Mar- hard but that our peoples’ spirit still erlee Pettit, Earlene Angel Roskob, ius Barbeau in Oklahoma" at the Sam maintained a sense of beauty. As Ashley Simmons, Richard Zane Noble Museum on September 6, 2012, you look at the dolls, baby moc- Smith, Jeremy Turner, Holly Zane in Norman, OK. Chief Friend with Jean Moon of Upper Sandusky, after Chief had spoke at the Roll #3249 Old Mission Church in Upper Sandusky on October 14. Each edition of the tribal Jean has been a long time newsletter will include a Roll friend of the tribe and helps Number. The lucky tribal mem- arrange all of the tours of the area when we take our ber will receive a tribal t-shirt summer interns or others to mailed to them. Contact Kim Ohio. García at 918-678-2297 ext. 217 to claim your prize. NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 5 2012 Pow-Wow Honored Person - Brenda House

originally hired as a cook for the ner and took our baths before tuck- Elder Service program (also known ing us in at night, and then she had as Title VI). She was later pro- to look forward to getting up and moted to Head Cook and pro- doing it all over again the next day. gressed her career by becoming the She always made herself available Director of the Title VI program. for the elders and staff at any time Since becoming the director of the they needed her day or night. On Title VI program she has joined many occasions she spent the night many committees to help improve on the phone with an elder or staff the Elder Services programs. member supporting their needs Brenda spent many countless whether work related or personal. nights bringing her work home. Over the years with the Wyandotte She would do paper work and re- Nation and Elder Services Program Brenda has worked for Wyandotte ports as well as make sure that all of she has taken the elders on Nation since July of 1987. She was us kids did our homework, ate din- (contiued on page 19) Member News Independent Legal Shield Associates

Glenn & Kim and you are covered in all states but Alaska. Schiffbauer My wife, Kim, and I became associates after our LegalShield Dear Wyandotte attorneys helped us with a major mortgage issue for our fam- Tribal members. ily. And, we can help protect you & your family as well— While I live far traffic tickets, wills, contracts, bankruptcy, divorce, real estate from you, I keep child support issues and much, much more. For just $17 per you close to my month you, too, can receive the legal guidance and protec- heart. I was born tion that LegalShield offers our 1.4 million families across and grew up in Es- the country. panola, New Mex- We will be there the week of November 25th and would be ico. It was not until honored to meet with you and your family. We can help you 1979 that I learned worry less & live more. of my heritage. If you have a current legal situation, we can help immedi- And, finally in 2009 ately. Just contact us immediately & we can help. Kim is I had the resources also certified in LegalShield Group Benefits and Small Busi- to make the journey ness Legal Plans as well as Identity Theft Shield—credit re- there for our Cul- ports, monitoring and ID restoration. tural Days. LegalShield membership is to attorney & court fees that Glenn Schiffbauer health insurance is to doctors & hospital bills. But the anal- 505-501-0222 ogy ends here since as LegalShield members, you will never [email protected] see a raise in your monthly fees, no co-pays, no hidden fees and your membership rates NEVER go up. Plus, our legal Kim Schiffbauer and identity theft plans are month-to-month so no long-terms 505-501-1808 contracts. LegalShield has an experienced, full-service law [email protected] firm in Oklahoma already chosen for you and your family, NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 6 Member News Myonza Parkerton Myonza was born on July 17, 1913, in Wyandotte, Ok. to Kenneth and Katherine Walker. She was named after her Wyandotte Indian great-grandmother. She passed away on Saturday, July 14, 2012, three days before her 99th birthday. Myonza was the oldest of four children. The family moved to the Los Angeles area in 1929. She was a graduate of Polytechnic High School in Long Beach and Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. She met Howard Parkerton when they were students at Otis Art Institute. They married on November 5, 1938. Their daughter Kathryn was born in 1945. My- onza, Howard and their daughter moved to Fresno in 1953, where Howard owned and operated Picker Parts, an agricultural parts company. Myonza was an active member of the Fresno Cotton Wives and the Fig Garden Women's Club, where she was well known for her floral arrangements. Myonza loved to travel with Howard. She went to Europe, Japan, and Latin America. After Howard passed away in 1978, she traveled with her family to Hawaii, Alaska and through the Panama Canal. She was preceded in death by Howard, her beloved husband; sisters, Mary Lilien and Betty Smith; and brother Kenny Walker. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Splivalo and her husband Mike; grandsons, Michael Green and his wife Julie, and Christopher Green and his wife Witt-Yi; and three great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Myonza's Life was held at the family home on Sunday, August 19, 2012, at 11:00 am. Eli Brumbaugh Health Benefit

Friends (continued from page 1) The Wyandotte tribe works very hard for scholarship money for our party administrator FMH CoreSource ex- young people. I know this will sound like the ravings of a proud par- plaining the details of this new plan. In ent, which I am. Yet, I want the tribal members to know what their December you will be receiving your scholarship money is doing. My son Eli Brumbaugh is a senior at the “Benny Card” which is a Mastercard that Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, Mo. Eli has received a num- you can begin using on January 1, 2013. ber of scholarships and has maintained them from his freshman year. We hope this new program will be a great Besides the Wyandotte Nation Scholarship, he has received the AIGA benefit to all of our Tribal Citizens and World Studio Scholarship, American Advertising Federation Scholar- their families across the . It ship, and the KCAI merit based annual scholarship. is our hope that this is just one of many Eli has also received a number of awards. Some of which may not be new benefits that we will be able to offer listed because he doesn’t always tell me when he receives one. The in the future. Armin Hofmann award, Folly Theater Jazz poster contest, Shigeo Fukuda Design Lecture poster, KCAI School of Design Award, and the A8 2012 Design Award from AIGA. Voted best CD cover 2009 by Please send your the Houston Press. Also contributing artist Canon Pixma 9000 MKII MeMber news to: commercial contest winner. TurTle Talk Eli has worked very hard, and has earned his awards on his own. We 64700 e Hwy 60 are very proud of him and grateful for the scholarship from the Wyan- wyandoTTe, ok 74370 dotte Nation. or fax to Thank you, Hal & Janice Brumbaugh (918) 678-2944 NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 7 Casino News By: Wacy Humble By: Wacy Humble The Lucky Turtle Casino is Twin Bridges Restaurant and getting a makeover! As many Lounge is winding down from of you may know, the Lucky the summer, and preparing for Turtle renovations are well the busy holiday season! under way, and things are The summer months were a looking good. Upon completion of the renovations, the huge success for Chef Bowen and his team as they continue Lucky Turtle Casino will have new paint, new carpet, higher to satisfy customers with delicious lunch and dinner dining! ceilings, enhanced lighting, flat screen TV’s, and a variety With that said, the holiday season is just around the corner of new games. Guests and employees alike are very excited and there is no better place to partake in a Thanksgiving meal to experience the new feel and look! than Twin Bridges Restaurant. Chef Bowen will be serving Despite the renovation projects, the Lucky Turtle has still up a scrumptious plateful of your turkey day favorites in- been moving along strong with monthly promotions. In Sep- cluding turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, tember, we had an excellent turnout for the 2nd Annual LTC and an artisan roll all made from scratch! Plus, top it off with TV Giveaway, where ten lucky winners took home a flat a delicious slice of house-made pumpkin pie. This is sure to screen TV! In the month of October, guests have been col- be a Thanksgiving feast you don’t want to miss! lecting Halloween themed Lucky Turtle T-shirts every Fri- Stay tuned for many new additions to the already delicious day, but that’s not all, the exciting promotions continue in Twin Bridges Restaurant menu in the near future. November when we will kick off Lucky’s 4-Wheelin’ Fiasco! Football season is in full swing, and so is Twin Bridges Guests will be able to earn entries by playing their favorite Lounge. The lounge is the place to be to enjoy amazing food games for a chance to win a brand new 2013 Honda Foreman and unbelievable drink specials! The Game Day Specials are 500 4x4 ATV in December; the perfect Christmas gift! sure to fulfill anyone’s game day needs; ranging from Big As always we greatly appreciate all of the valued guests and Game Buckets, Football Beer Towers, and delicious chips team members at Lucky Turtle Casino, and look forward to and salsa during televised pro and college football games. the future with many exciting things to come. Twin Bridges Restaurant and Lounge continues to strive to be one of the premier dining experiences in the area, ex- ceeding in food and customer service. By Casey Ellett Another fiscal year is By Casey Ellett in the books, and we 7th Street Casino is turning up the heat, are proud to announce and the Kansas City market is loving it! that Wyandotte Na- 7th Street Casino recently introduced sev- tion Casino’s 2012 fiscal year was the biggest play year we eral new promotions including Happy have ever had. Thanks to a strong September, we were able Hour, Luck be a Lady (ladies night), Boys to break our coin-in record set in 2010. We fully attribute Night Out (men’s night), the Ghouls and the success of the year to our outstanding team members and Goblins Slot Tournament (Halloween promotion), and Let’s strong management that put us in a position to have a great Talk Turkey Hot Seats for November. Thus far, guests have year, and have a great time getting there. truly enjoyed the new promotions, and their response rates Now that the 2012 fiscal year is over, we are ready to jump have proved it. head first into 2013 with some great promotions. Starting in 7th Street Casino is also proud to announce that we have just November, guest will be able to earn entries for a 2013 acquired five new billboard locations, along with some out- Dodge Challenger R/T giveaway scheduled for December. standing TV and radio advertisements, and we hope to have Add in a New Year’s Eve with over $17,000 in prizes, and the new 7th Street website launched soon! you get an action-packed November and December that is It truly is an exciting time to be at 7th Street with so many sure to catch the attention of the four state area. It doesn’t new projects on the way. We will continue our mission to end there either; just wait for January to see some real sur- make 7th Street Casino the premier gaming location in the prises. Kansas City area. As always we would like to say “thank you” to all parties who help make Wyandotte Nation Casino feel more like a privilege to be here, rather than a job. Let’s get ready for an exciting 2013! NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 8 Tribal Department Reports Wyandotte Nation Environmental time and space at the booth. This year the 15th through the 17th at Tulsa, OK. Department we were happy to have the Eastern One of the many cool parts of our job is Throughout the summer months we Shawnee, Seneca Cayuga, Modoc, and when we are able to assist the Educa- have had the pleasure of having Mr. Tribes, along with LEAD tion Department with field trips. Thurs- Brett Richardson as an intern. Brett has Agency share booth space with us. day, October 18th was no exception, as been very helpful in assisting in recy- Each sharing program information and Christen and Kathleen accompanied cling activities and our Water 106 Grant providing handouts to the public. We them to the “Right Choices” pumpkin during our Bio-assessments performed also had a craft table set up and several patch. on Mason Springs Valley and Roark children of all ages stopped by to make Upcoming events include the Tri-State Creeks. Brett will continue his intern- their own personalized bug box. ship with us for the upcoming year and is enrolled at Missouri Southern State University in the Environmental Health Program. August picked up where July left off, with our department continuing to per- form water monitoring and recycling duties on a regular schedule. On August 6 – 8th, Christen Lee and Kathleen Welch traveled to Tulsa for ITEC (Inter Trustee Council Meeting on November Tribal Environmental Conference). This Our department moved quickly into 14th and 15th, to be held at Kansas City, conference allows Tribes throughout September and continued to stay busy MO. Christen and Kathleen will be at- Oklahoma and EPA Region 6 employ- with water monitoring and recycling ac- tending this meeting along with other ees to give presentations, and allow tivities. Jessica Stoerger attended the N.E. Oklahoma Tribes, State and Fed- them to highlight the work and activi- Recycling on the Rock Conference in eral Agencies for discussions and up- ties performed within their departments Little Rock, AR on September 14th and dates on related NRD issues within the for the fiscal year. 15th. Towards the end of the month was tri-state area. On August 11th Christen Lee and Jes- the 14th Annual Tar Creek Conference, December 10th – 14th Christen Lee will sica Stoerger set up a booth at the Shoal held on the 26th and 27th. On the morn- be attending the Tribal Summit at Dal- Creek Water Festival. This event was ing of the 26th, Kathleen Welch assisted las, TX. held at Wildcat Glades near Joplin, MO, Tim Kent (Quapaw Tribe) in giving a Our department continues to offer free on shoal Creek. Many adults and chil- tour of Tar Creek, to the West Central private water well tests and septic sys- dren stopped by to learn about water is- University of Ada, OK. The afternoon tem assessments for tribal and non- sues in the environment. of the 26th and all day on the 27th, var- tribal citizens within the Grand Lake ious speakers gave presentations on Watershed area. For more information health effects taking place in the Tar you may call our department at 918- Creek Superfund site and surrounding 678-2297. Ottawa County. October brought in some cooler Contact Information: weather and many outreach activities. Christen Lee (Env. Director) During the first week we had booths at EXT. 241 two health fairs, the first being at our Kathleen Welch (Env. Assistant) Tribal Title VI Program, and the other Ext. 235 at the NE Tribal Health Fair held at the Janice Wilson (Env. Water Tech) The week of August 20 -24th, Christen Christian Church, in Miami, OK. Ext. 245 traveled to Coos Bay, Oregon for a Christen Lee and Brett Richardson Jessica Stoerger (Env. Education Tech) Tribal Lands Forum. Also during this (MSSU Intern) set up a craft booth at Ext. 252 week our department had a booth at the the Bearskin Health Fair on Saturday, Ottawa County Free Fair. For the past October 13th. Christen Lee and Kath- four 4 years we have invited area tribes leen Welch attended the National Non- and Environmental Agencies to share Point Source Monitoring Workshop on NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 9 Tribal Department Reports ELDER SERVICES Miami, OK. We will have speakers, and history, during this weekend on sa- It was so good to see everyone at the games and goodies. Lunch will also be cred ground we are all one people. In Cultural Days, Annual Meeting and provided. All Caregivers are invited to the coming year let us pass on to our Pow-Wow. attend. children the beauty, teachings, stories I would like to thank all of those in- The Caregiver Support Group meets the and songs of the Nation. Visit the volved in the selection of choosing me first Thursday of each month in the Ed- Wyandotte Nation Library, the internet, as the 2012 Honored Person. I had no ucation/Environmental conference the Tribe’s website, or public library in clue that it was me until Chief Friend room at 10:30 am. It is open to all Care- your region. There is much to share. announced my name at the Annual givers. Please contact Brenda for infor- Until we meet again, Aho. Meeting. Of all of the other awards that mation. If you missed the Annual Meeting, I have received over the last 25 years, We wish you all a very Happy, Healthy Family Services would like to recap our this is definitely the most cherished Holiday Season! new, existing, and expanded social serv- honor that I have ever received. I am As always it is a pleasure serving the ice programs. We hope our Citizens truly blessed to be a part of this won- Wyandotte Nation Tribal Citizens. will take advantage of these programs. derful family! Please feel free to come by and visit us The Mission Statement of the Wyan- Thank you again, anytime. dotte Nation Family Services Depart- Brenda House Brenda House, Elder Services Director ment is to provide services to ext. 227 Wyandotte Tribal Families in a manner Once again, the Wyandotte Nation and Kandi Smith, Food Service Team Su- that will preserve, promote, and secure Eastern partnered with pervisor ext. 228 the family unit. the Oklahoma Lions Service Founda- Leesa Hibbard, Lynda Wilson, Seth Programs Administered by Family tion, Grand Gateway Area Agency on Higginbotham, Amanda Hamilton Food Services: (All programs require Appli- Aging, NEO Vo-tech Nursing Program, Service Team Members ext. 228 cations) Hearing Life, and the St. Jude Mobile Berle Blevins, Experience Works Pro- Burial Assistance: Nationwide Pro- Mammogram Unit to provide free gram ext. 228 gram: Benefit: $1,500.00 health screenings and Medicare Part D Menu, ext. 226 New Enrollee Benefit: Nationwide information. We also partnered with the Program: $100.00 Gift Card and Baby Quapaw Tribe, Eastern Shawnee Tribe, Family Services blanket with the Tribal logo by Ottawa Tribe and Good Shepherd Hos- Since the August edition of the “The enrolling your infant before its first pice and held our second annual “Pic- Turtle Speaks”, the Wyandotte Nation birthday. nic in the Park.” We didn’t get to have it held the September 8th Annual Meeting Winter Senior Citizens Energy Assis- in the park because of rain but Kelly as well as the Nation’s much celebrated tance Program: No income guidelines and the gang from Bearskin Healthcare 23rd Pow-Wow. There was a large apply: Benefit $100.00: Begins & Wellness Center, graciously let us turnout for both the Annual Meeting October 1, 2012 through March 31, move it to the gym. We had a great time and the Pow-Wow. Although there was 2013. Radius 200 miles: 62+ age playing games, eating hot dogs and a rain out on Friday night, Saturday af- Elders Assistance: No income guide- hamburgers and listening to Duke ternoon proved to be perfect. There lines apply: Benefit $250.00: Begins Mason sing his wonderful Elvis songs! were 90 contest dancers this year and a October 1, 2012-September 30, 2013. We are already gearing up for the holi- large spectator crowd for Saturday This benefit is for senior citizens 62+ days. Our traditional Thanksgiving Din- night. Every year, after the Pow-Wow, age: Radius 200 miles. ner will be Thursday, November 15 and my spirit is renewed. I feel the sacred Winter Liheap: Contingent upon Fed- our Christmas Dinner will be Thursday, spirit within every man and every eral Funding. Income guidelines apply: December 13. These will be sit down woman and how we, as Indian people, If funded Oklahoma residents will re- dinners with staff from other depart- are linked to the Great Spirit. In today’s ceive a postcard from the Wyandotte ments assisting with serving the elders. technological world, we lose our con- Nation in December. nection to anything of sacred value that Children’s Winter Clothing: No in- CAREGIVER can provide balance in the daily world come guidelines apply: 200 mile ra- The Northeast Oklahoma Caregiver we live in. As soon as the drum begins, dius: $100.00 per school age child, Coalition will have a Caregiver Christ- and the dancers enter the arena, the en- effective December 1, 2012, ending mas Banquet Dec 6, from 9:00 am to ergy of our ancestors is with us. Al- March 1, 2013. 2:00 pm at the First Christian Church in though our visitors come from all Children’s extracurricular Activities: Indian Nations, with their own culture (continued on next page) NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 10 Tribal Department Reports (continued from previous page) homes. If you live outside of Okla- start being mailed the first part of De- No income guidelines apply; 200 mile homa, we encourage you to contact cember to every adult Citizen that we radius: $100.00 per school age child, your local State Social Services De- have current mailing addresses, so it is effective October 1, 2012. partment to inquire about becoming a vital for everyone to keep their infor- Junior/Senior High school Assistance Tribal Foster Parent! mation current with us. Program: No income guidelines apply: The application process includes, but is At the Annual Meeting held September 200 mile radius: $250.00 per school not limited to: background checks, a 8, 2012, there were 173 new Tribal Cit- year: effective October 1.2012 home assessment, financial assessment, izens added to the Roll. You can find a School Supply Program: No income and letters of recommendation. Ap- list of those individuals in this edition guidelines apply: 200 mile radius: proved Foster Parents must complete 27 of the newsletter. $100.00 per school age child per school hours of pre-service OKPRIDE training The deadline for Citizenship applica- year: August 1st through September which includes sessions on how to nur- tions to be received in the Enrollment 30th. ture traumatized children. Each year Office for acceptance at next year’s An- Child Passenger Safety Seats: No in- following, 12 hours of additional train- nual Meeting is August 15, 2013. An come guidelines apply: Infant seats ing must be completed, some of which ORIGINAL state certified birth certifi- must be picked up at the Tribal head- can be completed online. All training is cate must be included with each appli- quarters: Sizes include newborn free of charge. Foster Parents are not cation and the application must be through booster. paid a salary, but receive a reimburse- signed. If an application is received by Promoting Safe & Stable Families: ment to help meet the needs of the fos- a child’s first birthday then they will re- The “PSSF” program is a State and ter children in their care. ceive a $100.00 Walmart gift card and a Federally funded program that provides This may seem like a large amount of blanket with the Tribal symbol. Please family preservation and support serv- commitment, but the positive rewards remember that the Wyandotte Nation ices designed to prevent the breakup of of being a Foster Parent far outweigh Constitution does not allow for dual Indian families. This program may be the negatives! enrollment. If the applicant is enrolled able to assist at risk families with need For more information, please contact with another federally recognized tribe based social services, referrals, and Tara Gragg at ext. 255 or Kate Randall then their application will be denied emergency assistance. at ext. 224. based on that status, unless the applica- Indian Child Welfare: The 1978 In- News From the Enrollment Depart- tion is accompanied by relinquishment dian Child Welfare Acts mandates the ment: documentation from the other tribe. Tribe be notified in the event a Wyan- The Enrollment staff has been busy is- Tribal Tags: Available in the entire dotte Child is involved in State Court suing new Citizenship ID’s. The new State of Oklahoma: Proceedings to ensure placement pref- ID’s have the capability to have the Cit- erences are met as well as reunification izen’s photo and signature for those 18 Tribal Heritage efforts to keep families together. and over, if desired. The photo ID’s Kweh, Kweh ! It has been a fantastic Seeking Foster Parents have been approved for use as identifi- year for the Wyandotte’s and the Cul- Do you like to help others better them- cation for employment purposes by the tural side! The exhibit was such an selves? Social Security Administration, as well amazing and exciting time for each of Do you have love to offer a child in as, other identification purposes. Please us. To be able to see the everyday things need? feel free to stop by the office if you are our ancestors used and just to be close Do you have a comfortable income? in the area to have your picture and sig- to something they touched or made is Have you ever considered becoming a nature taken for your new ID. If you something we all seem to long for . I Foster Parent? are not able to come to the office you was with some families who were able Wyandotte Nation Family Services is can call or email to request an applica- to see things made by their family looking for generous people in Okla- tion, which can be sent back to the En- member, it was so wonderful. They homa to open their homes to Native rollment Department along with a could not take their eyes off the piece American children in the foster care passport type photo to receive your ID. that connected them. system. There is a growing need for If you know of an adult Wyandotte Na- The Sam Nobel Museum was a delight Native American foster homes. How- tion citizen who is not receiving a to work with on the project, Dr. Daniel ever, applicants must also be willing to newsletter please encourage them to Swan seemed to jump thru hoops to foster non-native children. The Wyan- call the office and update their informa- make it happen for the Wyandotte and dotte Nation has a Tribal/State agree- tion with the Enrollment Department. Seneca Cayuga people. He and his team ment with the state of Oklahoma that The new Wyandotte Nation Supple- did a wonderful job in every aspect . allows us to use each other’s foster mental Health Benefit information will (continued on next page) NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 11 Tribal Department Reports (continued from previous page) The Community Center will be the next growing and the children are really en- Thank you Dr. Swan. We also want to project under construction. This will be joying the new enrichment opportuni- thank the Chiefs and the Board Mem- located in the new housing area. The ties that the staff has been bers for the commitment and support in center will have a saferoom, a kitchen, implementing. They have made fall getting it all together. Without their ded- a computer room and a game room, as placemats for elder centers, snack and ication to it nothing would happen. well as the housing offices. We are cooking projects and they are currently Wyandotte Nation 23rd Annual Pow- looking forward to this center, and feel working on some Christmas gifts for Wow went off like the wind! 50 mph it will be a great asset to the community. parents. winds came blowing thru just before If you would like more information on Library: start time! Thankfully no one was hurt our housing program, please contact our The library will be receiving some new at the grounds, thanks to Carolyn office. Federal income guidelines are shelving soon to hold the ever expand- Nesvold ( committee member) who was followed. ing collection of materials for our pa- at the grounds and got everyone to the If you live in the Indian Health Service trons. We are proud to announce that the restrooms. Thank you Carolyn. Unfor- Area, which includes nine counties in library was featured in the Seneca paper tunately we had to cancel the Pow-Wow Oklahoma, and are in need of water or to promote our Tribal services as the on Friday evening. The Committee had sanitation services, please contact us for community of Seneca may soon be anticipated some bad weather, but the an application. without a local library. In the very near place for backup was out of power also. We look forward to serving you. future we will be automating our inven- Saturday proved to be beautiful! The Kathy DeWeese-Housing Director tory for easier material look up and crowning of our two new Princesses Valari Richards-Housing Specialist check out process. If you have a book was amazing! We first would like to Paul Paquin-Project Coordinator you are trying to locate, please ask thank Cortney Glass Chavez for the Levi Griffin-Project Coordinator Leeanna or Elnora to assist you. outstanding job she has done represent- Don Graham-Residential Maintenance Child Care & Development Fund Pro- ing the Wyandotte Nation, attending Technician gram: many pow-wows, school functions, and The Child Care program is very busy in anywhere else she was asked to attend. Education Department the fall providing training to our local Thank you Cortney! Our new Princess Preschool: providers to better prepare them to care is Emilee Wills, and Jr. Princess Veron- Preschool classes for the 2012-2013 for our Native American children. Our ica Burnside. These two young ladies school year began on August 15 with annual report will be due soon and that are awesome! They work so well to- seventy two children beginning their will reveal all of the services that have gether and have become fast friends. To school year with our program. Since been provided and guide the department watch them do the Lord’s Prayer in that time, we have added six children to best utilize the dollar to care for the amazing sync is breath taking. We are brining our enrollment to seventy eight. children. If you have questions about very proud of both ladies! That leaves two openings for children this program please feel free to call or The children’s Christmas Party will be to join. If you are interested in our Pre- email the office. held Saturday, December 8th 10a.m.- school program please request an appli- Tribal Scholarships: 12p.m. at the Bearskin Fitness center. cation soon as we can only Scholarships for the fall semester have Santa will be located in the gym. All accommodate 80 students at this time. been completed and in a few weeks tribal members ages newborn- 12 years Wyandotte Nation Preschool students those grades and the schedules for the of age are invited to come see Santa and were recently recognized at the Wyan- next semester will be due for spring receive a gift. As always refreshments dotte Nation night at the Wyandotte 2013. A reminder to all current scholar- will be served. Bears Football Game. We wish to thank ship recipients and those who are inter- the Wyandotte Public Schools Admin- ested in applying…deadline for spring Sherri L. Clemons istration for the opportunity to attend a semester is February 15 and the fall cut- Tribal Heritage Director game and root for our local Bears. off date is October 1. Wyandotte Nation We attended several fall outings, a Students who will graduate high school safety program at the Wyandotte Fire in spring 2013 can request an applica- HOUSING DEPARTMENT Station and are preparing for Hal- tion after January 1, 2013. Our newest senior duplex is complete loween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and we welcome our newest senior res- The students are truly blessed to be a The workforce meetings with Kansas idents. The project was completed on part of the Wyandotte Nation Preschool. and Missouri are proving to beneficial schedule and the residents were able to Before and After School Program: as all agencies work together to meet move in the first week of July. The before and after school program is (continued on next page) NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 12 Tribal Department Reports

(continued from previous page) shots to the first 100 participants. Eastern Shawnee Children and Family the needs of eligible Native American While these screenings did not replace a Services, Encompass Home Health, Ot- students in our service area. Current full physical exam, they provided valu- tawa County Health Department, WIA recipients need to submit their able information between exams, pre- Amedisys Home Health, Inter-Tribal documentation for further funding at the venting potential problems or leading to Council WIC, Osborn Drugs, Hearing close of the semester. early diagnosis and treatment of exist- Life, Brown-Winters Funeral Home, In- If you are interested in any of the pro- ing conditions. Over 317 individuals tegris Home Health, Legacy Hospice, grams that are housed in the Education registered for the event. Good Shepherd Hospice, Wyandotte Department, please call our offices or In addition to the free health screenings, Nation Environmental Department, Es- send an email and we will do our very the event featured more than 20 infor- tate Planning, Scentsy, Acupuncture, best to help you with answers and serv- mational booths, which provide an op- MAH Industries, LLC, Grand Gateway ices. portunity for the community to visit AAA / Pelivan Transit, Compassionate Submitted by: with a variety of area health and well- Care, Eastern Shawnee Tribal Police Tammy R. Charles ness professionals, fitness class demon- Department. Education Director strations, one mile fun run and a Stomp Children who attended the event were out Meth 5K, sponsored by the Eastern treated to pumpkin painting, hayrides, Bearskin Healthcare & Wellness Shawnee and Wyandotte Nation puppet show, face painting, crafts spon- Center Methamphetamine and Suicide Preven- sored by the Wyandotte Nation Envi- The 11th Annual Bearskin Health Fest tion Initiatives and live music featuring ronmental Team, inflatable bounce was held on October 13, 2012 at the “Workman Bluegrass Band”. house and a mechanical bucking di- Bearskin Healthcare & Wellness Cen- Vendors participating in the event in- nosaur. ter. Free preventative health screenings clude: Wyandotte Nation Police De- Overall the event was a huge success. were the major attraction. Among the partment, A Natural Health and The Bearskin staff members did an ex- health screenings offered at the event Wellness Center, Lions Club, Industrial ceptional job. We are proud of the were cholesterol screenings, blood glu- Physical Therapy, Inc., SleepWell, The teamwork displayed in promoting and cose checks, blood pressure readings, Gabriel Project, Legal Aid Services of hosting such a wonderful community body fat analysis, as well as free flu Oklahoma, Sacred Rose Healthcare, event! NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 13 Tribal Department Reports Human Resources Cummings, Bentley Joseph Howerter, Faybian Michael We have recently added a Human Re- Disdier, Tensley Grace Huerta, Nikola Isaiah source Module and a web based time Dunaway, Chloe Brynn Hunter, Holly Marie keeping system to assist in payroll and Dunaway, Connor Brooks Hutson, Duncan Robert the record keeping system. This will Dunaway, Crew Hudson Hutson, Kennedy Elaine allow employees the ability to access Edwards, Elyana Danae Jackson, Adam Lee their personal information and make Elliott, Jamie Calvin Jackson, James Dean any changes on-line. In addition, it al- Eng, Isaac Ray James, Autumn Faithlynn lows employees to print payroll infor- Epperson, Jaren Maverick Johnson, Airika Kaitlyn mation and copies of their W-2’s. We Espy, Tucker Jackson Johnson, Kodi Degan are very excited about these new sys- Estes, Jack Riley Johnson, Kohl Rae Robert tems and the options that are available Estes, Joshua David Johnson, Tami Louise to employees. Estes, Kathleen Elizabeth Johnston, Carter Lee Estes, Ryan Jeffrey Knight IV, William Frederick Ranson Wyandotte Nation 2012 Tribal Role Farmer, Addison Leigh Knight, Meghan Rachelle Additions: Farmer, Brylee Nicole Knight, Mija Payton Abbott, Raylan Michael Farmer, Dylan Michael Knight, Monica Gabrielle Adam, Margarett Doreen Franklin III, William Robert Koch, Amity Jade Adams, Shea Nizhoni Franklin, Christopher Dean Koenings, Kearis Lynda Armstrong, Domonick Geln Alexander Franklin, Garnett Lee Koenings, Phoenix Amy Armstrong, Lydia Claire Franklin, William Albert Kromka, Amy Michelle Austin, Jeanette Peggy Sue Franks-Filley, Noah Dante Kromka, Jennifer Brooks Badley, William Jordan Frey, Bret Newton Lawson, Koda Cross Barcenas, Gracen Isabella Daniele Funk, Soren Chase Lewis, Krista Rose Barrett, Jeremiah Matthew Ganzer, Amanda Kay Lingenfelter, Alexa Anne Barrett, Phillip Elijah Ganzer, Jacob Edward Lingle, Paige Rainbow Ann-Marie Bauer, Moki Onawah Genzler, Morgan Marie , Mikah Jo Bearskin, Amberly Renae Glover, Zachary Tyler Long, Deryck James Bearskin, Kailey Ann Goddard, Joshua Robert Lyman, Jared Lane Bettes, Jacob Ryan Goddard, Michaela Brooke Machala, Emily Marie Bettes, Liam Joel Goodrich, Mikel Edward Macklin, Zeth Lee Andrew Bettes, Lucas Jacob Grant, Alexander James Macy, Christopher Michael Bettes, Mac James Green, Kaitlynn Michelle McAlister II, Thomas Cedric Boland, Sophie Marie Green, Kiley Nicole McAlister, Jada Nichelle Bond, Jaxon James Greene, Lindsay Dawn McCord, Bryson Maverick Lee Bond, Jaxton Hunter Gulley, Eunice Ferne McDaniel, Ella Jo Dicie Bott, Destiny Joy Gwatney, Kelsea Danielle Nance, Nicholas Sean Bowman, Cage Anthony Hamilton, Evieanna Loraine Nickerson, Benjamin Fox Quinn Bowman, Cash David Hampton Jr., Justin William Romero O`Banion, Skyelar Rose Bradley, Rian William Hampton, Jazzlyn Christine Ortiz, Anthony Angelo Bryson, Caelyn Nicole Harney, Alley Kathleen Ortiz, Mario Alexander Bui, Kaiya Ly Harris, Dean Allen Ortiz, Nicholas Shorty Burger, Fiona Starr Harris, Hunter Norman Pratt, Charles Devon Chesley, Logan Matthew Heikkila, Chad Gene Pryor, Noah Wayne Clapp, Abygail Renay Heikkila, Tasha May Rea, Kara Eileen Cochran, Carol Ann Heikkila, Tina Dawn Riley, Gracie Lynn Cochran, Julie Jean Heim, James Douglas Ritter, Calvin Andrew Collinsworth, Kace Todd Heim, Shelby Ann Ritter, Calvin Arthur Cooper, Nevaeh Grace Hildebrand, Grace Elizabeth Ritter, Douglas Andrew Cotney, Joseph Lee Hildebrand, Kristen Nicole Ritter, Jennifer Rebecca Cox, April Denise Hildebrand, Matthew Taylor Ritter, Justin Andrew Cox, Eric Michael Hogan, Elsie Claire Taylor Roy, Dena Jean Coyle, Alyssa Michelle Howard, Lyla Grace (continued on next page) NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 14 Tribal Department Reports (continued from previous page) Shockey, Koy Thomas Villeneuve, Brenda Lee Rozo, Jackson Enrique Smith, Jett Lee Villeneuve, Rhonda Renee Rupert, Kinzley Rebecca Azhlee Smith, Nathanael David Villeneuve, Sharon Ann Russell, Brayden Michael Spencer, Jennifer Rae Wallis, Mckenzie Lynn Sako, John Michael Steele, Deanna Kay Washburn, Landyn Anthony Lee Sako, Samuel Robert Strack, Daniel Michael Gage Weaver, Collin Michael Sapp, Aiden Edward Sullivan, Deanna Lynn Weaver, Emma Marie Sapp, Kerryn Anne Taylor, Owen Gregory West, Kailey Sarah Scott, Edan Cloud Turley, Jordan Anthony Wright, Brittany Nicole Scott, Killian Ryan Vaughn, Ashley Marie Zane, Connor Ash Sherry III, James Kevin Vaughn, Jessica Renee

Stomp out Meth 5K Results

The Wyandotte Nation and Eastern Shawnee Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiatives hosted their first 5k on October 13th, 2012. The Stomp out Meth 5k was a great success. There was a total of 126 participants reg- ister for the 5k/fun walk. We want to congratulate all the runners/walkers who participated in the Stomp out Meth 5k. We want to say thank you to the Wyandotte Nation Police Department for helping with the traffic and a big thank you to everyone who came out and supported our community event. 5K RUN AGE GROUP RESULTS

MALE AGE GROUP: 1 - 14 Place Name Age City/state Guntime Pace Bib#

1 Coy Vowels 13 Wyandotte OK 22:15.00 7:10 112 2 Caleb Garcia 13 Joplin MO 35:26.65 11:25 37 3 Halie Thomas 13 Neosho MO 41:35.95 13:24 109 4 Gavin Kihenia 9 Wyandotte OK 42:05.30 13:33 66

FEMALE AGE GROUP: 1 - 14 Place Name Age City/state Guntime Pace Bib#

1 Anna Smith 11 Miami OK 26:09.90 8:26 104 2 Tamra Renova 11 Wagnor OK 33:29.50 10:47 94 3 Ally Bartley 9 Wyandotte OK 36:26.45 11:44 5 4 Emma Burns 13 Wyandotte OK 45:50.35 14:46 21

Overall Male Winners: Left to right Overall Female Winners: Left to right Mason Pittman, Coy Vowels, Robert Berry Angie Douthit, Miriam Graham, Anna Smith NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 15 NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 16 NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 17 NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 18 The Chief Says . . . (continued from page 2) come is the result of a number of life for every Wyandotte citizen”. detours along the way? Yes. That is bright, industrious, hard-working I believe we are just beginning to see to be expected when developing people dedicated to delivering out- what we can do if we remain com- new businesses and opportunities. standing business achievements and mitted and dedicated to our vision. As we made our way through twists great futures for all Wyandotte’s cit- We have accomplished so much to- and turns of venture, we gained izens. gether and there are great things valuable experience. We soon were We have come a long way these last ahead for our Nation. I have had the on a straight and narrow path that 25 years. Every Wyandotte citizen privilege of being a part of these has brought us to where we are today has many opportunities from achievements for the past 14 years, 8 today. which to choose. These opportuni- years as an employee and 6 years as Resources produced by our Tribal ties extend from education, jobs, both Second Chief and Chief. I businesses are introduced to all the housing, health care and so much deeply appreciate your faith in me as various programs, services, outreach more. This year for the first time we your leader. The trust you have and opportunities Wyandotte people are able to offer a healthcare benefit placed in me is both humbling and can access today. Many of these re- that will be available for every inspiring! I look forward to serving sources have been dedicated to the Wyandotte citizen to access regard- you for years to come. revitalization and preservation of less of the where they may reside. Tizameh, our Wyandotte culture, language and Wyandotte’s today are benefitting tribal heritage, with the ultimate goal from our commercial success in a Chief Friend of building a Tribal Culture Center multitude of ways. The goal, as al- in the very near future. This out- ways, is to “improve the quality of

2nd Chief continued . . .

(continued from page 2) weeks. making life better for the citizens of annual meeting where they voted in Progress of our new projects are the Wyandotte Nation. 173 new members. moving right along. We will have It is my extreme pleasure to serve Welcome to all the new members of more parking at the Bearskin Well- you as Second Chief of the Wyan- the Wyandotte Nation. We also sur- ness Center, the building will be dotte Nation. prised Brenda House as our Hon- going up soon for the recycling cen- ored Person of 2012. She is Director ter and early next year we can break Tizameh of our Title VI and Elder Services ground on our new community cen- Norman Hildebrand, Jr. Programs and does a wonderful job. ter. The face of the Wyandotte Na- Second Chief The Holidays are fast approaching tion is ever changing, but always so be sure and read everything in our changing for the betterment of its “The weak can never forgive. For- Turtle Talk for the various activities citizens. This is due to the fact that giveness is the attribute of the that will be going on here at the Leadership and Department Heads strong.” Mahatma Gandhi Wyandotte Nation the next several have one goal in mind and that is wyandottewyandotte nationnation TagTag officeoffice Please call dana or Tara at (800) 256-2539 ext. 219 and ext. 255 respectively for appointments. Handicapped Plates available NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 19 Honored Person - Brenda House continued. . .

(continued from page 5) cards. My day is not complete if I can’t come here to numerous trips and events, such as Bells Amusement see everyone. She cares about her workers too. Every- Park in Tulsa, OK., The Wildlife Safari and Zoo in one is so friendly because of their boss. Gentry, Ar., and even a trip to Nashville, TN to see the We Love Brenda House! Sue Jones amazing home of Elvis Presley at Graceland. During these trips she was able to build an even stronger bond I am one of the Elders that have known Brenda since with the elders, which is so strong I consider them my she started. She has always been a friend and helpful additional grandparents. to each one. She has gone out of her way on many oc- She has received multiple awards for her continued casions to satisfy every person. support as an Elder Services Director. She is a proud Brenda has taken us on trips over the years and has member of the Oklahoma Indian Council, Grand been a mother hen to all of us. On one trip I recall she Gateway Area Agency on Aging and NICOA (National took us to Branson, each person had time to do as they Indian Council on Aging) just to mention a few. She wished - my husband decided to take a helicopter ride, has also been recognized as Title VI director of the when he got back she was interested enough to talk to year. him and find out all about it. Brenda has been such an asset to the Title VI Program She is a very caring and helpful friend! Evelyn Byrd and Wyandotte Nation. She has just celebrated her 25th year of employment with them. And even though In the twenty plus years that we have known Brenda, she is not a tribal member and doesn’t even have an she has demonstrated these traits: Indian card, she has been taken under the wing of the Ø Makes us seniors feel welcome every time that we Wyandotte Nation and considered part of the family. visit the nutrition center. Ø Has a pleasant smile for everyone. Except for her family, Brenda has always put ‘her eld- Ø Is full of life, laughter, and stories. ers’ first and foremost. She has always gone above and Ø Looks for ways to keep us seniors happy. beyond her duty to see that they were treated fairly Ø Cares about us and takes time to visit always. and that their needs were met to the best of her abil- Ø Is generous and kind to us all. ity. She was a great boss and is a greater friend. She Ø Is never too busy to take care of “Her” seniors. treats everyone with respect and always sets a good ex- Ø Goes the extra mile to arrange trips and events, ample. Whether at business meetings, conferences or for example: A senior night at the center at work in the Center, Brenda is always a model rep- commemorating the 1950’s with a cake walk, resentative of the Wyandotte Nation. Although she has dances, games, root beer floats, etc. been unable to prove her Native heritage, she is ac- Ø Lends a helping hand whether emotional or cepted and respected by many people of various physical, like helping with our trays, etc. Tribes across the country. Janice Wilson Ø Has a kind heart and is unselfish. Ø Is forgiving when we become too loud with our I have been coming to Wyandotte Center since I re- card games and allows us the time to finish that last tired in 2000. It has become my home away from game. home. Brenda House is a very special person for the We thank you Brenda for being there for us seniors. Elders. She cares about everyone. She treats every- Pete and Roberta Baker one like we are all family, which we are. She loves each and every one. The food is excellent. If anyone is ill she calls to check on them and sends NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 20 Culture Days a Fabulous Success Picture Left: Deryl Wayne Wright, Cathy Wright and Pat Taffner learn loom bead- ing techniques in Kim Garcia’s class.

Picure Right: Marilyn Young learns how to Fingerweave in the clas taught by Hap Jolitz and Judy Manthe.

Linda Sioui from Wendake, Canada, explains her research in cultural Holly Zane works with Dr. Craig Ko- identity during the History session of Cultural Days 2012. pris in the Advanced Language class.

Left Photo: Sallie Andrews Judith Kukowski

Right Photo: Bruce Pearson Craig Kopris NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 21 Cultural Days

The Wyandotte Nation Culture Days 2012 brought 148 Wen- dat people together in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, from 18 states and Canada! The largest group (following Oklahoma, Mis- souri and Kansas) was the delegation from the Wyandot of An- derdon Nation from Michigan and Canada. Juanita McQuistion, seated on the right, welcomed the group which included: Marty Curtin LaBenne (seated next to Juanita), and (back row l-r) Grand Chief Ted Roll, Brenda Roll, Catherine Tammaro, Marge Repella, Judith Kukowski, Second Chief Clyde Pidgeon and John Kukowski. Also attending from Michigan and not in this picture were Nancy Chinn (Wyan- dotte Nation) and Vic Lupu, and Chantal Gros Louis Humphreys (Wendat of Wendake Nation) and Dave Humphreys.

Culture Days 2012 gave 19 members of the Longhouse Women e-group the chance to meet in person! Organized over a decade ago by Beverlee Pettit (Wyandotte Nation) as an ed- ucational group, the Longhouse Women has over 50 members from Wendat of Wendake, Wyandot of Anderdon Nation, Wyandot Nation of Kansas and the Wyandotte Nation. For in- formation about membership, please email wyandotte- [email protected]. In this photo are (front row l-r) Rhonda Klindworth, Marty Curtin LaBenne, Judith Kukowski and Catherine Tammaro; (middle row l-r) Sandy Myszka, Katie Chinn, Linda Sioui, Earlene Roskob and Sallie Andrews; (back row l-r) Hap Jolitz, Chantal Gros Louis Humphreys, Nancy Chinn and Judy Manthe. Not in the photo but at Culture Days were Juanita McQuistion, Barbara Aston, Patty Garrison, Holly and Kristen Zane and Julie West.

Cultural Committee Cultural Dinner NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 22

2012 Pow-Wow Pictures NOVEMBER 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 23

2012 Pow-Wow Pictures AUGUST 2012 Gyah’-wish Atakia Page 24 Services Provided to Tribal Members

Services Program Contacts Phone numbers ext. email

Clinic kelly walker (918)-678-3259 4459 [email protected] dental - Vision amanda Johnston (918)-678-3221 4457 [email protected]

Clinic (for appointments) linda Coatney (918)-678-3228 4428 [email protected]

Clinic (for appointments) elaine Fidler (918)-678-3230 4430 [email protected]

Pharmacy (Call in only) Brian workman (918)-678-2282 4424 [email protected]

Fitness Center Sharon Bartley (918)-678-2070 4431 [email protected]

Contract Health Bridget Burleson (918)-678-3227 4427 [email protected] diabetes Clinic donna Spaulding (918)-678-3258 4458 [email protected] nutrition Brenda House (918)-678-2297 227 [email protected]

Caregiver Services Brenda House (918)-678-2297 227 [email protected] enrollment / Tags dana Butterfield (918)-678-2297 219 [email protected]

Tribal Social worker Tara Gragg (918)-678-2297 255 [email protected]

Housing Programs kathy deweese (918)-678-2297 239 [email protected]

Student Housing assistance kathy deweese (918)-678-2297 239 [email protected]

Housing Improvements kathy deweese (918)-678-2297 239 [email protected] well Septic Construction kathy deweese (918)-678-2297 239 [email protected]

School Supplies kate randall (918)-678-2297 224 [email protected]

Car Seats kate randall (918)-678-2297 224 [email protected] emergency assistance kate randall (918)-678-2297 224 [email protected]

Scholarships Tammy Charles (918)-678-2297 230 [email protected]

Job Training Tammy Charles (918)-678-2297 230 [email protected]

Preschool Tammy Charles (918)-678-2297 230 [email protected] library Tammy Charles (918)-678-2297 230 [email protected] adult education Tammy Charles (918)-678-2297 230 [email protected]

Childcare Tammy Charles (918)-678-2297 230 [email protected] environmental Christen lee (918)-678-2297 241 [email protected]

Human resources deana Howard (918)-678-2297 220 [email protected]

Historical Sherri Clemons (918)-678-2297 224 [email protected]

Planning/development ron kaiser (918) 678-2297 225 [email protected] duty Phone (918) 325-0025 [email protected]