NEWSLETTER MARCH 2017
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TRIBAL COUNCIL
The following actions were taken during the Tribal Council Meetings of February 1, February 13, and February 27: Approved ACITC Resolution #2017-03 – 2017 One Stop Budget Approved ACITC Resolution #2017- 04 – 2017 Reservation Smoke Shop Budget Approved ACITC Resolution #2017-05 – 2017 Humble Smoke Shop Budget Approved ACITC Resolution #2017-06 – 2017 Leggett Smoke Shop Budget Approved ACITC Resolution #2017-07 – 2017 Washateria Budget Approved ACITC Resolution #2017-08 – 2017 Lake Management Budget Approved ACITC Resolution #2017-10 – Victims of Crime Act Grant Application Approved ACITC Resolution #2017-11 – EPA General Assistance Gant Application Tabled ACITC Resolution #2017-12 – Revisions to ACT Holdings, LLC Operating Agreement Swearing-in two (2) New Members to Tribal Enrollment Committee – Delvin Johnson and Valerie Robinson Met with the Tribal Enrollment Committee Received A-C Day Update Received reports from Head Start of Monthly activities, financials and request for waiver over In-kind Accepted Enrollment Applications for eight (8) new Tribal Members Tabled request from Solid Waste Received Reports from Oil and Gas Approved a Political Contribution to Senator Heidi Heitkamp Approved a Political Contribution to Congressman Brian Babin Approved contribution to the Woodville Lions Club Rodeo Approved contribution to the Big Sandy Buyers Committee Approved contribution to the USET Scholarship Fund
Received information regarding the Health Warrior Challenge Received presentation by Mark Echo Hawk – Health Clinic / Economic Development Proposal
February 15, 2017 was a beautiful day to see our Tribal Members and friends in Austin, Texas for Alabama-Coushatta Day. The Tribal Chiefs and Tribal Council and would like to thank the Committee Members for making this a successful day in Austin. A lot of planning, telephones calls, and meetings were held to make this a very great day. We also would like to recognize our Veterans Honor Guard, Dancers, and the Drummers to show the citizens of Texas our cultural and beautiful dances. Thank you State Senator Robert Nichols and State Representative James White for submitting and reading Resolutions in making February 15, Alabama-Coushatta Day. It was a great honor to receive the Texas flag from Rep. White, who had sent the flag that was flown over the State Capital on February 15, 2017.
Tribal Council with Senator Robert Nichols, Representative James White, and Representative Ernest Bailes at Alabama-Coushatta Day at the State Capitol. 2
TRIBAL COUNCIL (CONTINUED) On Wednesday, February 22nd the Tribe held a Phase III West-Side Sewer Project Completion Ceremony. This project has been in the building process since 2008, but has been a long term goal to connect most homes to a community sewer collection system. Many have seen the project in motion for many years which included 29 sewer manholes, 2 sewage pump stations which connected 59 homes to the community sewage system. This project was a joint effort by the Tribe, USDA Rural Development, Indian Health Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Much credit goes to Tribal Public Works, Tribal Maintenance, Tribal Administration, Finance Department, Tribal EPA, Procurement, and the Chief Kina Health Clinic for seeing this project through to completion. Representative from IHS, and USDA were in attendance at the closeout ceremony.
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TRIBAL ELDERS
SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM Is looking for qualified individuals for job opportunities
To qualify individuals must be 55 years or older
20 hours a week
Minimum wage Any individual interested, please contact Lance Battise at (936) 563-1160
ATTENTION: YOUNG LADIES (AGES 6-13 YEARS) The Alabama-Coushatta Chief Kina Health Clinic is sponsoring the 23rd Annual Junior Tribal Princess Contest. You must be an enrolled member of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe. If interested, you must register by 4:00PM, Friday, March 31, 2017. The contest allows you to raise money and counts as A PENNY A VOTE. The contestant that receives the most votes will be crowned as Junior Tribal Princess. The contest officially begins on April 1st and ends on April 28th. All monies must be turned in by 4:00PM on April 28, 2017. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS. Your term as Junior Tribal Princess will be remembered for a lifetime. In addition, you will represent the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe in special functions and powwows, both on the reservation and in other cities. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Talk with your parent. If you or your parents have any questions, please contact Chief Kina Health Clinic @ (936) 563-2058. We look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, Junior Tribal Princess Committee Teresa McKinney, Violene Beene, Myra Battise, Arika Williams, Monica Williams 4
40th ANNUAL FIRE SCHOOL TRAINING
On Saturday, February 25 the AC Indian Nations Volunteer Fire Department participated in the 40th Annual Fire Training School held in Livingston. This fire training school is attending by fire departments throughout the region, and is one of the best hands on learning institutes in the State. This year the ACINVFD had four new members take the Firefighter Training Course: Tawhnee Battise Christian Thompson Chris Steinhardt Noah Wilkerson The ACINVFD also had members participate in various areas of fire training: Herbert Johnson Jr.—CAFS Foam Training Reggie Sylestine—Vehicle Rescue Amon Sylestine—Pump Operations Willo Sylestine—Pump Operations The ACINVFD responds to fire incidents throughout the area and all of the members participate in trainings year round to keep their skills up to date. Our firefighters respond whenever there is an emergency and our Tribe is thankful to have a dedicated group of individuals protecting our people. Photo Credit to Herbert Johnson Jr. and Ricky Taylor. 5
TRIBAL VETERANS ASSOCIATION February 15, 2017 the Veteran’s Association Color Guard was honored to present colors at the Alabama-Coushatta Day at the Texas State Capital. Thank you to U. S. Army Veterans: Stewart Poncho, Floyd Poncho, Roland Poncho, Donnis Battise & U. S. Air Force Veterans Donald Obe and Cecilia Flores for presenting colors for the event.
On Saturday, February 25, 2017 a Veterans Association meeting was held in the Emergency Management Training Room. Thank you to all who attended and shared a covered dish with the group. The meeting was attended twelve US Military Veterans. Veterans Associations Officers elections were conducted and the results are as follows for a term of one year: Cecilia Flores--Commander Floyd Poncho--Vice-Commander Roland Poncho--Secretary Arnold Battise--Parliamentarian/Legal Advisor Stewart Poncho--Equipment Manager
Other topics included: Location for a Veterans Association Building was decided upon the Veterans Pavilion left of the current ticket office near the Veterans monument. Type of building is still pending. Definitive agreement the veterans group will stay a Tribal Veterans Association. Veterans Association By-Laws will include specific membership requirements, such as,Members must be an Honorably Discharged Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans vest-what style and color. Tentatively, colors will match the service color of the branch of service the veteran served. Weapons: the M-16 A-2 was the weapon that will be ordered for Honor Guard presentations. Pending pricing and availability. Style of flags to be purchased: without fringed borders Veterans Day Pow-wow will be Saturday, November 11, 2017. Veterans Association will request that the Alabama-Coushatta Pow-wow Committee assist with hosting and planning. Fundraiser: Golf Tournament on March 18, 2017 at Wildwood Golf Course. Announcements will be distributed soon. Charitable organization status 501C-3 or 501 C-1 Working on Veteran Administration & Tribal Memorandum of Understanding to be presented to Tribal Council for VA home loans which includes home buying and repairs. Any questions please contact Cecilia Flores @ (936)239-8848 or Floyd Poncho (936) 329-0808 or Roland Poncho @ (936) 707-7592 NEXT MEETING WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER 6
Back Then E-Hoo-Cha-Kit-Ta BoSoo. Aha, March Winds. I remember that the month of March was known as windy month. I don’t think that has changed too much. It gets pretty windy no matter when. When I was in grade school, our teacher told us to make kites. We would have a kite flying contest. A winner would receive a prize. Each kite would have a state’s name. Mine was named Massachusetts. We had the contest. Unbelievably, I won the kite flying contest. The prize was a box kite. We assembled the box kite and flew it during recess. You know how kids are. Each wanted to fly it too. Before long, my prize kite was in pieces. I took it home after school, and told my mom, I won a kite flying contest at school, and showed my prize to her, broken pieces of box kite. There was no commercial electricity on the reservation back then. A good size generator, which was housed near what used to be a hospital, provided electricity for all the buildings in the village area. Back then, coal oil was used for lamps, wood was the primary fuel for cooking and heating. Clothes were washed in tubs using rubboards, Mother nature provided the drying system, i.e., by wind and solar energy. Before electricity became available, one Alabama-Coushatta tribal member made history. Once of my uncles acquired a radio. Understandably, he was quite happy with it. Of course, my father was impressed also. So, he went and bought one for our house. Remember, there was no commercial electricity back then. The radio needed batteries to operate. To set up, you get 2 poles, about 18 feet long, take about a 25ft. copper wire and tie one end to the top of one pole, and the other end to the top of the second pole. Take another wire and tie it to the wire between the2 poles. Set the poles up a few feet from the house. Take the loose wire and thread it through the window sill into the house and connect it to the radio. Wow! Was that progress? We could listen to the radio station in Houston, Dallas, Beaumont. Oh, don’t forget Clint or Del Rio, Texas stations. Clint and Del Rio stations advertised all kinds of merchandise you could order — cheap. Jewelry, household goods, medicine, tools etc. Remember, HADICOL for iron tired blood? A man had roaches in his house. He heard Clint, TX advertising roach killer. So, he ordered one. Soon he received his order, 2 pieces of boards, about 3 1/2” x 5”. All you had to do was put a roach between them and slam. Who can say that is not a good roach killer. My father ordered a 4 power telescope. He received a card board tube with 4 pieces of glass inside it. Live and learn. Remember those days? I think most of the people listened to gospel on the radio, it was very popular back then. Our favorite radio program was the Grand Ole Opry WSM on Saturday night. Because radio batteries lasted about 300 hours, it was very limited to what we could listen to. Electricity changed every thing. Alabama-Coushatta Tribe had a hospital. It had all the amenities. That is, a nurse’s quarters, 4-room hospital, a doctor’s office, a dentist’s office, nurse’s station, a waiting room. A Dr. Flowers medicine, Dr. Norwood, dental, provided services at the hospital one day per week. Miss Denette, was the nurse. Miss Denette had a lot of work taking care of the sick and a lot of preventive care of the young. Some treatments required an over night stay at the hospital. We would arrive at the hospital carrying our quilt, and slept on the floor wrapped in our quilt in the hospital waiting room. Back then, that is the way I remembered. Cho-La
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ACT HOLDINGS, LLC ACT Holdings has been actively looking at prospects that may be financially viable for the company. One potential project in particular was a grant opportunity to provide broadband access on the Reservation. Broadband is the infrastructure that allows the high-speed transmission of data; it is commonly referred to as the speed in which someone can access the internet and surf through multiple webpages. In addition to the internet, broadband can also transmit data such as phone service, data backup services, cable TV services, and a host of other applications. We had planned to distribute surveys to tribal departments and homes for feedback on use of internet but unfortunately because of time constraints only got them to the departments. We received a good number of completed surveys, and we would like to thank those who took the time to complete and submit the survey. As of “press time”, it appears that we will delay pursuit of this opportunity due to deadlines for the grant submittal. We will continue to work on gathering data on our side so that we will be ready when the next funding opportunity for this project comes around. Ochana Industries continues to progress in the federal market. At the end of February, we received an opportunity to serve as a sub-contractor for a major government prime contractor. Ochana will be responsible for procuring specific goods for the prime contractor and management to deliver these goods. Successful work on this contract could lead to additional opportunities with this prime contractor. Last month we shared a little information on federal contracting in general. Here are a few more facts about federal contracting: The US Government is the largest company in the world, however, less than 5% of businesses in the US do business with the US Government; the federal government signs over 11 million contracts a year; about 95% of federal contracts are awarded to small and medium-sized companies. As always, Tribal members are encouraged to come by or call the ACT Holdings office to discuss our endeavors and any Tribal economic development concerns. Bryan Small
Whitney Williams
CEO
Receptionist
936-563-1381
936-563-1380
Bryan.small@actholdings.net
info@actholdings.net
“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw 10
Chief Kina Health Clinic Clinic schedule: Billy Collins: Clinic walk-ins are 8:30 – 10:00 am Scheduled Appointments are 10:30 am – 3:30 pm (No appointments will be scheduled after 3:30 pm) Dr. Jeffery Luna: Scheduled appointments only will be on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 – 5:30 pm Podiatry: 3rd Thursday of every month Diabetes Clinic: 3rd Tuesday of every month Dental: every Monday 8 am – 3:45 pm Pharmacy: 8:00 am – 12 pm and 1 pm - 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday Please be aware of refills on All your prescriptions. Any prescriptions called in to be filled with no remaining refill will require a minimum 24 hour time period. Refills must be authorized by Physician. *Due to increase of workload, refills must be reported to front desk clerk, not Pharmacy.
Note from PRC staff: If you have received anything from your insurance regarding E.O.B., doctor visits and/or hospital invoices, please send or bring by the clinic ASAP. This will help in the claims process for 2017.
Come join us on Friday, March 17, 2017 Chief Kina Health Clinic’s Fun Run and Walk 4-6 p.m. at Lake Tombigbee. Run happy, grumpy, speedy, slow, a little, or run a lot. 11
Just Run…….
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CONGRATULATIONS On March 1 Koral Sylestine participated in the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association Region IV in Edna, Texas. Koral placed 2nd which qualifies her to compete in the State Meet at the Extraco Events Center in Waco, TX on March 18. Koral is a sophomore at Woodville High School and this will be her second year competing in the State Meet. Her teammate Lesli Miranda also qualified for the State Meet. Congratulations Koral, Lesli and the Woodville Lady Eagles, and Good Luck at State.
GOOD FRIDAY YARD SALE
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CONGRATULATIONS We would like to congratulate Baylee Battise for her accomplishments. Baylee entered the Protégé Art contest held by the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. This contest is open to senior students from eight counties which include Chambers, Hardin, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Jasper, Orange, and Tyler counties. There were 81 entries and 19 were selected as finalist. At the reception, on February 21st, Baylee’s art sculpture “Doth Slay the Word” was Advance to state selected for 1st place earning her a gift card for art supplies and a scholarship to Lamar University. On Saturday February 25th, she also entered two pieces into the Texas Art Education Association (THEA) Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE) regional meet held at the Stark Museum in Orange. The judging consisted of two parts, one the art piece itself and the other interview questions. They are then scored and placed in a rating of 1-4 with 4 being the best rating. She received a 3 on one piece and a 4 on the other piece which would advance her to the state competition in San Antonio in April. Congratulations to Baylee. WE are very proud of you and good luck at State! Dad, Mom, Landon, Ember, Yasmine, Olivia and the rest of the family
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"Doth Slay The Word" first place protégé art contest
Aiden Sylestine
March 7
Susan Rosilez
March 12
Deborah Sylestine
March 16
Debrina Sylestine
March 16
Happy Birthday to Joseph Williams on March 9 And Happy Birthday to Roy Williams on March 18. May you have many more Blessed birthdays!
Happy Birthday to all and God Bless with many more!
Love, Your family
We want to wish a Happy 14th Birthday to Charley Ray-Ann Battise on March 4 and a Happy 19th Birthday to Crailee Ida-Willeen Battise on March 7!!! Hope you both have a wonderful day!! We love you!!! Mom, Man, and Maeleeyah
Sean Williams will turn 14 on March 9th. March 10 Happy 13th birthday Turquoise Love Keashawna, brothers & mom
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Alabama-Coushatta
FACTS: No Application Fee
No cost for Genetic Testing as long as our agency is providing services for the custodial parent, non-custodial parent or legal guardian of the child. Past-Due Child Support can be requested.
Child Support payments can be modified according to the noncustodial parent(s) pay rate.
TRIBAL CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT
Our agency may initiate an action to obtain an order to require an unemployed obligor to find employment through job search programs or job-training programs.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s Child Support Enforcement office strives to ensure that all Native American children receive the proper support from both parents. The AlabamaCoushatta Child Support Enforcement extends its services to any child residing within the boundaries of the Tribe’s jurisdiction to establish, modify, locate and enforce child support orders.
The mission of the Alabama-Coushatta Child Support Enforcement Program is to preserve, protect and strengthen the family unit thereby providing a solid foundation for our children in order that they may be insured a successful future.
“Strengthening
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our Circle”
If you have any questions/concerns, would like to know more about our services, or fill out a child support application, you can come by our office or contact us at: 936-563-1332 or by email: battise.lori@actribe.org or williams.shawna@actribe.org Fax: 936-563-1334
Who is eligible for assistance? Any parent or person with custody of a child who needs help establishing a child support order or to collect support payments can apply for services. An unmarried father can apply for services to establish paternity-a legal relationship with his child. A non-custodial parent whose case is not in the Child Support Enforcement program or any other agency can apply for services and make payments through the program to ensure an accurate record of payments. My child and I are Native American, but the noncustodial parent is not. How can I pursue child support? You may apply for services with our TribalChild Support Program. Our program is required by law or regulation to accept all applications. If the non-custodial parent is Native American and living on the reservation, but my child and I are not, how do I pursue child support? Since our agency is a IV-D child support program, you can apply for services thru our tribal agency.
Child Support applications may be picked up in our office located below the Cultural Center.
My ex-husband is not a Native American, but he works on the Reservation. Will his employer withhold income from his check to make the child support payment? Once you apply for child support services with our Tribal IV-D agency, court will be scheduled. On court day, the Tribal Judge decides on the income withholding order (IWO) to be processed. Once the IWO is processed, our program sends the IWO to the non-custodial parent’s (NCP) employer. By law, the NCP’s employer has to comply with the IWO.
Our office is open Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Child Support Enforcement Program accepts all applications for service from both the custodial, non-custodial parent or legal guardian as required by 45 CFR 309.65(a)(2).
“Strengthening
571 State Park Road 56 Livingston, Texas 77351 936-563-1332 23
our Circle”
HERITAGE PARAPROFESSIONAL TRAINING HOSTED BY: THE JENA BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS TRIBAL CENTER 1052 CHANAHA HINA STREET TROUT, LA
MARCH 20-22, 2017 8:00 AM-5:00 PM DAILY Survey equipment will be provided. Please dress accordingly for classroom and field activities.
INSTRUCTORS: DANIEL CAIN, M.S, RPA HERITAGE PROGRAM MANAGER, MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST
VELICIA BERGSTROM, ARCHAEOLOGIST HERITAGE PROGRAM MANAGER, KISATCHIE NATIONAL FOREST
JOHN MAYER, ZONE ARCHAEOLOGIST KISATCHIE NATIONAL FOREST-CATAHOULA DISTRICT
ALINA J. SHIVELY, TRIBAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER JENA BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS HOPE JONES, ADVANCED HRT JENA BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS ACCOMODATIONS: TOWNSMEN INN 1730 OAK ST. JENA, LA 71342 (318) 992-4171
RSVP TO: ashively@jenachoctaw.org or (318) 992-1205 by March 6. 2017. 24
Youth Preparedness Council Call for Applications Now Open! Are you a student in 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade who is interested in making a difference and transforming the resilience and preparedness of your community? The application period for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Youth Preparedness Council is now open, and we want you to apply
Applications are due March 31, 2017. Apply online today! The FEMA Youth Preparedness Council was formed in 2012 to bring together youth leaders from across the country who are highly interested and engaged in advocating youth preparedness and making a difference in their communities. The Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities, and their potential to expand their impact as national advocates for youth preparedness. FEMA Seeks Applicants for Youth Preparedness Council FEMA is seeking applicants for its Youth Preparedness Council. Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, efforts in making a difference in their communities, and potential to expand their impact as national advocates for preparedness. Students in 8th through 11th grade are eligible to apply. The Youth Preparedness Council offers an opportunity for youth leaders to serve on a distinguished national council and participate in the Youth Preparedness Council Summit in Washington, D.C. During their two-year term, the leaders will complete both a local and nationallevel project and share their ideas regarding youth disaster preparedness with the leadership of FEMA and national organizations. Youth interested in applying to the Council must submit a completed application form, two letters of recommendation, and academic records. Information about completing and submitting the application and attachments can be found in the application instructions. All applications and supporting materials must be received no later than March 31, 2017, 11:59 p.m. PST to be eligible. New members will be announced in May 2017. To access the application materials, read about the current members, and for more general information, visit www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council. IF ANY STUDENTS ARE INTERESTED, CONTACT WILLO SYLESTINE, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR at (936) 563-1346.
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Mold and Health Basic Mold Cleanup
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
How do molds affect people? Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. The above does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional, your state or local health department, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mold website. 27
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:
FRIDAY, MARCH 31 BY 5 PM Email your news to: bullock.car los@actr ibe.or g or abbey.emma@actr ibe.or g Call if you have questions: (936) 563-1120 or (936) 563-1131 Drop your news off in the Communications/Media Relations Inbox or Stop by the Communications/Media Relations Office (located in the Cultur al Center ) Please submit all information, news, announcements, etc. by the designated time so we can see you in our next issue! *******
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe 571 State Park Road 56 Livingston, Texas 77351
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