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Jan. 1, 2018 -Volume 14, Issue 1
Tribal Justice Center opens doors and welcomes future visitors
By Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter With the New Year underway, positive changes are stirring in Cheyenne and Arapaho (C&A) territory. On Dec. 18 the newly constructed Tribal Justice Center in Concho, Okla., opened its doors and held a pre-opening ceremony. Through the front double-doors visitors are welcomed with a large open lobby area furnished with cedar wood benches made from cedar trees that once lined the landscape, and the smell of a newly constructed building. “This is amazing. It seems like a few days ago when we
were just standing outside breaking ground, I’m really glad to see that this came to fruition for our people, for our tribe, it’s been long overdue,” Eddie Hamilton, Cheyenne and Arapaho governor said. Many gathered to witness firsthand what the future of the tribal court has in store for the New Year. The project was a group effort among various programs within the C&A tribes, who have helped since the initial start of the Tribal Justice Center. “There’s a lot of people to thank, it’s about the wants and the needs but really the need for our people to have a facility
like this that we can be proud of. There will be a lot of heartaches in here, there will be a lot of happiness in here, but it will serve our people good. That’s really what this is about, is growth and for those that haven’t taken a tour, it’s amazing and when we get the furniture in, it’ll be that much more of a good feeling coming in here,” Hamilton said. In 2010, the Planning and Development program received a grant to do a needs assessment, in which the funding agency wanted to provide money to build a prison. According to Paul Fuentes, C&A probation officer, after the Justice center / pg. 5
Inauguration Day Jan. 6 By Rosemary Stephens Editor-in-Chief
Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes’ Inauguration Day for incoming Governor Reggie Wassana, Lt. Governor Gib Miles, along with newly elected legislators and election commissioners will be held 1 p.m.. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018 at the Canton Community Center in Canton, Okla. The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes’ held their general election on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017 to elect a new governor, lieutenant governor, legislative seats and election commissioner seats. Governor/Lt. Governor candidates facing off in the general election were Reggie Wassana/Gib Miles and Dr. Funston Whiteman/ Chris Derenzo. After tallying a total of 1,952 ballots, Wassana/Miles were declared the next Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Governor and Lt. Governor. Each candidate was permitted to appoint one observer during the ballot tabulation process, and the election commission was permitted to appoint two observers. The tabulation was held in the large conference room at the main Tribal Headquarters in Concho, Okla. After the ten polling sites closed at 7 p.m., ballot boxes were transported from their respective polling sites arriving in Concho as follows: Concho arrived at 7:15 p.m. delivered by tribal security officer Stevie Goodblanket Geary arrived at 7:34 p.m. delivered by tribal security officer Elijah Sandy Kingfisher arrived at 7:35 p.m. delivered by Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) officer Brian Stark Watonga arrived at 7:46 p.m. delivered by BIA officer Chris Reed Weatherford arrived at 7:58 p.m. delivered by BIA officer Jayla Kelly Clinton arrived at 8:02 p.m. delivered by tribal security Queta Douglas Seiling arrived at 8:13 p.m. delivered by BIA officer Vince Fisher Canton arrived at 8:19 p.m. de-
livered by BIA officer Robert Smith Elk City arrived at 8:29 p.m. delivered by tribal security Amilia Nideo Hammon arrived at 8:45 p.m. delivered by Larry Stevens Upon successful delivery of all ten ballot boxes, the election commission requested the doors be shut and no one except observers, election commission members (excluding commissioner Sandra Hinshaw who recused herself from the ballot tabulation due to being a candidate in C1 election commissioner race) True Ballot staff members, election commissioner attorney Klint Cowan, tribal security officers, BIA officer Stark and three memIncoming Governor elect Reggie Wassana (l) and Lt. Governor elect Gib Miles (r) will be officially sworn in as the new Cheyenne and bers of the Carter Cen- Arapaho Tribes Governor/Lt. Governor on Saturday, Jan. 6. (Courtesy photo) ter were permitted to witness the tabulation 31 Anthony Spotted Wolf Sr. na 739 All 1,952 ballots were individualprocess. Following the polling sites tabu- ly verified and counted for a second C1 Election Commissioner A total of 1,952 ballots were lation, the absentee ballots collect- time with the final results certified 126 Sandra Hinshaw verified and counted in the general ed from the El Reno Post Office at by the election commission at 1:17 105 Frederick Blackbear election process. Below is the break 3 p.m. were unlocked and verified. a.m. Dec. 13, 2017. C3 Election Commissioner down of cumulative results per poll- There were a total of 579 absentee The winners in the 2018 General 177 Ramona Welch ing site in the governor/lt. governor ballots, with 18 ballots being dis- Election are as follows: 173 Kayty Curtis race: A4 Election Commissioner qualified due to being “duplicates” Governor/Lt. Governor Hammon/Elk City (counts as two or no signatures, leaving a total of 982 Wassana/Miles Elizabeth Birdshead (ran unoppolling sites): Whiteman 91 – Was- 561 absentee ballots. 951 Whiteman/Derenzo posed) sana 43 After the tally of absentee ballots Legislative This election year marked the Canton: Whiteman 111 – Wassa- the results stood at: A1 Legislator fourth election under the tribes’ 2006 na 96 Whiteman 951 – Wassana 982 89 Billie Sutton Constitution, with the largest turnout Seiling: Whiteman 144 - Wassana Wassana received 243 absentee 84 Diane Willis of candidates running for tribal of115 A2 Legislator ballot votes and Whiteman received fices. For the Primary Election held Clinton: Whiteman 241 – Wassa- 311 absentee ballot votes. 271 Kendricks Sleeper Oct. 3, there were nine sets of teams na 258 134 Christine Morton There were 21 people who chose running for governor/lt. governor, in Weatherford: Whiteman 273 – not to vote in the governor/lt. govC2 Legislator legislative races there were 30 canWassana 308 ernor’s race, but who exercised their 277 George Woods didates and in the election commisWatonga: Whiteman 318 – Was- right to vote in the legislative races 200 Frances Howell sioner race there were 12 candidates. sana 349 C4 Legislator and/or election commission races. Following the official swearing Kingfisher: Whiteman 344 – 102 Byron Byrd Following the results, due to in, the Election Commission will Wassana 361 many of the races’ victory margin 81 Francine Bullcoming declare Cheyenne District 3 LegislaGeary: Whiteman 372 – Wassana being so close, the election comElection Commission tive seat vacant and a special elec422 mission mandated an immediate reA3 Election Commissioner tion will be held to fill the vacancy Concho: Whiteman 640 – Wassa- count. 41 Patricia Smothers left by newly elected Gov. Wassana.
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Controversy surrounds interpretation of Constitution calling special tribal council meeting (CONCHO-OK) On Dec. 20, 2017 tribal member Louella Old Bear contacted the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Council Coordinator Jennifer Plummer via email indicating her desire to submit a petition of signatures and resolutions for a Jan. 20, 2018 special tribal council meeting. According to Old Bear, an email response from Plummer stated she was out of the office on personal leave and would not return back to the Tribal Council office until Dec. 26. Old Bear proceeded to slide the petition and resolutions under the Tribal Council office door and contacted the Tribal Court in an attempt to have the petition accepted within a 30-day mandate stated in the tribes’ 2006 Constitution. According to the Constitution, ARTICLE V-TRIBAL COUNCIL, Section 4. Procedures (c), “All decision of the Tribal Council shall be embodied in a written Resolution. All proposed Resolutions shall be submitted to the Office of The Tribal Council in accordance with the requirements of this Constitution. The Coordinator shall accept proposed Resolutions at least thirty days before Annual Meeting or Special Meeting of the Tribal Council. The Coordinator shall publish all proposed Resolutions, which are submitted at least thirty days before the meeting, and all such resolutions shall be placed on an agenda for a Tribal Council Meeting. No item shall be placed on an agenda for a Tribal Council Meeting unless such item has been submitted to the Coordinator in writing at least thirty days before the Tribal Council Meeting…” According to the language in the Constitution it states only the coordinator shall publish all proposed Resolution, which are submitted at least 30 days before the meeting. Not specifically that Resolutions must be published 30 days prior to meeting. Thereby causing ongoing confusion when being interpreted. According to a Resolution adopted at the annual Tribal Council on Oct. 4, 2008, Resolution No. 100408ATC-002 Tribal Council Rules of Order and Procedure, it states in part in paragraph 3 Posting and Publishing of Resolutions. “All proposed Resolutions shall be posted by the Office of Tribal Council 15 days prior to annual and special meetings …” and in paragraph 4, Notice, “Public Notice of all annual and special meetings of the Tribal Council shall be posted 15 days before such meetings. Specific public notices should be published in the C&A Tribal Tribune, Watonga Republican, Thomas, Elk City, Seiling, Woodward, Canton, Clinton, El Reno, Geary, Kingfisher and Weatherford newspapers,” and in paragraph 5 Introducing a Tribal Council Resolution, it states in part, “All proposed resolutions shall be formally introduced to the Office of Tribal Council with supporting documents (i.e. hard copy and/or disk format) 30 days prior to scheduled meeting …” The source of disagreement is if the petition/resolutions were indeed submitted to the Tribal Council Coordinator 30
days prior to the meeting by the act of ‘sliding documents’ under the door or by submitting to a different Branch of Government, tribal court. Also coming into play is a previous court case, CIV-2016106 Jennifer Wilkinson vs. Eddie Rollin Hamilton that has set precedence on when resolutions must be published. In this case Hamilton objected to a Tribal Council Resolution published for a Special Tribal Council meeting, stating it was void because it was not published within the required time limit (per Constitution language). The Tribal Council Resolution in question was published April 15, 2016 and the meeting was held on May 7, 2016. The Tribal Court ruled in Wilkinson’s (Plummer) favor and stated in its opinion, “As a practical matter it could prove difficult, if not impossible for the Coordinator to receive a resolution thirty (30) or thirty-one (31) days before the meeting and be able to publish the resolution thirty (30) days before the meeting if that were the Constitutional requirement. The Constitution should not be interpreted to make performance of its requirement in some instances impossible on their face. The Constitution should be interpreted so that the language is meaningful. It only makes sense that if one accepts the phrase “which are submitted at least thirty days before the meeting” is descriptive of the resolutions that are to be published. It is not establishing a required publishing date. This Court determines that there is a requirement that all the resolutions received thirty days before the meeting be published, but that the time to publish is the same as notice time for the agenda: “at least fifteen days before each Meeting.” Const. Art. V, § 3(c). The publication of the Tribal Council Resolution in question was within the time required by the Constitution.” Below is a statement released by Tribal Council Coordinator Jennifer (Wilkinson) Plummer regarding her decision to not call a Special Tribal Council meeting. Also posted below are the Resolutions in question for the Special Council meeting and Tribal Council Resolution 100408ATC-002 Rules of Order and Procedures, in its entirety.
Public Notice released by Tribal Council Coordinator:
“The Tribal Council Office of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma received a petition slid under the door on December 20th, 2017 while the Tribal Council Coordinator was out of the Office on personal leave. The Tribal Council Coordinator picked up the original petitions from the courthouse on December 26th, 2017. Enrollment concluded the signature validation on December 27th, 2017 with 189 signatures validated. Due to the thirty-day constitutional requirement of the publishing of resolutions I am unable to call a Special Tribal Council Meeting for January 20th, 2018. The resolutions and
petitions were not accepted by the Tribal Council Coordinator until December 26th, 2017 and do not meet the thirty-day constitutional requirement of receipt of the petitions. Validation of the signatures on the petition was not received back from enrollment until December 27th, 2017. This timeframe does not allow a meeting to be called constitutionally and meet the thirty-day deadline of the publishing of the resolutions. Constitution: ARTICLE V-TRIBAL COUNCIL, Section 4. Procedures (c) All decision of the Tribal Council shall be embodied in a written Resolution. All proposed Resolutions shall be submitted to the Office of The Tribal Council in accordance with the requirements of this Constitution. The Coordinator shall accept proposed Resolutions at least thirty days before Annual Meeting or Special Meeting of the Tribal Council. The Coordinator shall publish all proposed Resolutions, which are submitted at least thirty days before the meeting, and all such resolutions shall be placed on an agenda for a Tribal Council Meeting. No item shall be placed on an agenda for a Tribal Council Meeting unless such item has been submitted to the Coordinator in writing at least thirty days before the Tribal Council Meeting… Resolution No. 100408ATC-002 Tribal Council Rules of Order and Procedures – (2) Calling a Special Tribal Council Meeting. (b) Special Meetings of the Tribal Council may be called by valid petition signed by one hundred fifty members of the Council. Petition shall include purpose of Special Meeting with proposed resolutions attached in proper format as indicated by the rules of order and Procedure of the Tribal Council. Validation of petition shall be coordinator between the Office of Tribal Council and Enrollment Office… (5) Introducing a Tribal Council Resolution. All proposed resolutions shall be formally introduced to the Office of the Tribal Council with supporting documents (i.e. hard copy and/or disk format) 30 days prior to the scheduled meeting. In the future please allow time for the petitions to go thru enrollment for validation of the signatures per Tribal Council Policy and Procedures Resolution 100408ATC-002 and enough time to meet the thirty-day constitutional requirements. If a petition is received 30 days in advance and has not gone thru the validation of signatures with enrollment per the Tribal Council Policy and Procedures then a meeting will not be called by the Office of The Council. This also does not allow time for the Resolutions to publish in the Tribal Tribune. The Tribal Tribune does not publish resolutions without validation from enrollment and without meeting constitutional deadlines. Resolutions will not be published in the Tribal Tribune for a Special Tribal Council Meeting unless they are submitted by the Tribal Council Coordinator. Should you have any question regarding this meeting or the petitions please feel free to contact me at 405-246-8175 See Resolutions/Tribal Council / pg. 4
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Council coordinator files RICO civil lawsuit gaining momentum in the New Year By Rosemary Stephens Editor-in-Chief
A civil court case CIV-17-1048-F filed in the U.S. Western District Court of Oklahoma by Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Council Coordinator Jennifer Plummer, in her capacity as coordinator of the Tribal Council, and as an individual tribal member, along with tribal members Darryl Seger, Michael Bell, Wilma Blackbear and Jane Nightwalker is gaining momentum. The lawsuit is filed under the under the Act Racketeer, Influenced, Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act. The lawsuit alleges wrongdoing against other tribal citizens of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, as well as former trial judges, attorneys, former employees and others. Specifically named in the suit are former Lucky Star Casino General Manager Brian Foster, former Concho BIA law enforcement officer Mark Cody, Tom Fox, formerly of Southwest Casinos, former Attorney General Charlie Morris, attorney Kim Richey, attorney Kirk Kickingbird, attorney and tribes’ Supreme Court Justice Daniel Webber, Mary Daniel, tribes’ Supreme Court Justice John G. Ghostbear, Jennifer McBee, tribal member Robert Wilson, current Attorney General Albert Ghezzi, attorney Klint Cowan, tribal member Joyce Wood, tribal member Eddie Hamilton, tribal member Janice Boswell, tribal member Ida Hoffman, tribal member Chester Whiteman and Frederick,
Peebles & Morgan, LLP, attorneys at law, Hobbs, Straus, Dean and Walker, LLP, attorneys at law and Red Stone Construction Company. Summons to appear in court were served to the named defendants the week before Christmas. Representing the plaintiffs is the law firm of Rick Dane Moore and Associates, PLLC in Norman, Okla. “For the past eight years there has been a small group of tribal members, attorneys and other outside entities and outside individuals that have had undue influence over the leadership of the tribes. The tribal ringleaders have participated in acts of racketeering, extortion, wrongful terminations and several other acts that fall under RICO activity. This group has also had control of the tribes’ finances for the past eight years and has impeded the democratic branches of government from operating,” Plummer said. Some of the allegations include:: In 2010 Janice Boswell became Governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. In 2011 she quit paying the Legislature, the Election Commission and the court judges and staff. She then appointed her own election commissioners, her own Legislature and court judges. Her Chief of Staff was the former Speaker of the Legislature Ida Hoffman and her Executive Director of Administration was the now current Gov. Rollin Eddie Hamilton. During the Boswell administration, outsiders were
Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief 405-422-7446 / rmstephens@c-a-tribes.org Society of Professional Journalists members
appointed to key positions in the Tribal Government where they were allowed by former Gov. Boswell to sign illegal contracts on behalf of the tribes and to take over $1.2 million in tribal gaming funds. During that time it is alleged Chief of Staff Hoffman stole funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants which were designated to providing housing to tribal members. In 2013 Hamilton won the tribes’ governor’s election by one vote after several recounts. It is alleged the Election Commission received bonuses from Hoffman, former Chief of Staff under Boswell. According to the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, since Hamilton was elected he has misspent tribal funds, hasn’t enforced constitutional law or acknowledged any Tribal Council resolutions passed by the Legislature, and has entered into settlements with the U.S. Government in order to cover up thefts of tribal funds under the Boswell administration. In October 2014 at the annual Tribal Council meeting there was a new Tribal Council Coordinator elected. Two months later, by the calling of a Special Tribal Council meeting by the Fifth Legislature, the newly elected Tribal Council Coordinator was removed from office by a majority vote of tribal members, mainly employees of the tribes and under the Executive Branch. The fourth branch of government did not have representation
Cheyenne and Arapaho r i b a l T r i b u n e
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P. O. Box 38, Concho, OK 73022 Fax: 405-422-8204 Oklahoma Press Association member
for a year. In October 2015 Jennifer (Wilkinson) Plummer was elected to the position of Tribal Council Coordinator. Since Plummer has been elected she states the individuals named as defendants in the lawsuit have impeded the Tribal Concil Branch, “Gov. Hamilton has failed to recognize any Tribal Council resolutions passed at Tribal Council meetings and entered into an unconstitutional agreement to build a $2 million gym with Redstone Construction after the Tribal Council and Legislature voted the gym down.” The gym officially opened in December 2017. “Since the core group of ringleaders named in the lawsuit took over and were being influenced by attorneys and other outside parties, the numerous complaints of employees’ rights being violated, the courts and elections not working in a fair and impartial manner, extortion, fear and intimidation tactics, the only recourse left to the Tribal Council and the people of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes is a suit in federal court to stop the further loss of tribal gaming income and to restore a fair and democratic government,” Plummer said. The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes have over 12,500 (+) enrolled tribal members. The Tribal Council encompasses all tribal members 18 years and older and is considered the Fourth Branch of Government under the tribes’ 2006 Constitution.
Latoya Lonelodge, Reporter/Advertising Sales 405-422-7608 / llonelodge@c-a-tribes.org Native American Journalist Association member
DISCLAIMER: Letters to the editor, opinions and commentaries do not reflect the views of the Tribune unless specified. Correspondence must be signed and include a return address and telephone number for verification, otherwise it will not be published. The Tribune reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Submission of a letter does not guarantee its publication. Photographs, news stories or other materials in this publication may not be reprinted without prior permission. Printed by Lindsay Web Press, Lindsay, Okla. 2010-2017 NATIVE AMERICAN JOURNALIST ASSOCIATION MEDIA AWARD WINNER & 2012-2017 AWARD WINNER OF THE OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
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Resolutions/Tribal Council continued from pg. 3
Resolutions in question submitted under the door of the Tribal Council Coordinator’s office and to the Tribal Court on Dec. 20, 2017, however, not picked up by Coordinator until Dec. 26, 2017.
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Resolution 100408ATC-002 Tribal Council Rules of Order and Procedure
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Economic Development Program making long strides in advancing crop growth to ultimately food growth for tribes (COLONY-OK) The Economic Development Farm and Ranch Program brought in the official start of winter on Dec. 21 with the installation of a 160-acre irrigation system in Colony, Okla. Wheat, soybeans, alfalfa and eastern Gama grass are in the 10-year rotation plans for the Colony acreage. The crop production from Colony will go to buyers in the central United States along with International markets in Canada, China and Saudi Arabia. “We have potential contracts with buyers who require high nutrient value in the products they purchase. Our management approach for producing quality crops employs complex growing methods. We are investing in the equipment and technology to help us reach our goals of producing agriculture products that meet the customer’s expectations,” Nathan Hart, Economic Development Program director said. Economic Development examined irrigation pivot systems from major manufacturers and chose equipment produced by T-L Irrigation Company out of Hastings, Neb. Along with the decisions based on the system’s quality and efficiency, Economic Development wanted to work with an irrigation dealer with proven farming experience. These criteria led to selecting Southwest Center Pivots operated by Krehbiel Farms in Hydro, Okla. “We get to work with a fifth generation farming family who understands the diverse challenges of farming in this region of the state. We are not just purchasing a product through them, we are entering into a relationship with people who have a great insight into our needs,” Hart said. The Farm and Ranch program chose the hydrostatically driven irrigation system to eliminate the need for high voltage power. Worker safety and management technology were key factors in the purchase decision. Tribal members maintaining the system don’t need to be working around dangerously high electric voltage. With the system’s advanced technology, the irrigation can be controlled from an office computer in Concho or a mobile device out in the field. The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes own approximately 9,800 acres of agriculture land in Oklahoma. Crop production acres and prime rangeland have been leased out to other farmers during recent years. However, with leases expiring, the Farm and Ranch program will be managing over 9,000 of these acres by mid-year 2018.
The Farm and Ranch program has been building the capacity to manage the tribal lands for several years. The primary focus has been on restoring the health of the soil on tribal lands. Healthy soils make healthy vegetation, which cycles its way through the food chain working its way up to healthy foods that we consume. The focus on soil health has had early payoffs. In January 2017 the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes entered into a landmark soil health agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to establish a demonstration farm showcasing advanced soil health techniques. The agreement is the first of its kind between the NRCS and an Indian tribe. The latest in conservation technologies used to improve the lands managed by the Farm and Ranch program will be demonstrated on a 70-acre area in Concho in partnership with the USDA NRCS. The Economic Development Program co-hosted four soil health workshops throughout western Oklahoma in 2017. The state of the art irrigation system being installed in Colony is part of another landmark achievement by Economic Development. The system was paid for from the proceeds of the first bond issue in the tribes’ history. In May 2017 the Legislature of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes authorized the issuance of $1.2 million in Qualified Tax-Exempt Bond Obligations to be used for purchasing economic development equipment. Over the five-year payoff of the bonds, Economic Development will use the equipment on 20,000 acres of agriculture production. “This equipment cost keeps us in the neighborhood of a $60 per acre expense, which falls in-line with our profitability goals,” Hart said. One larger, long-term goal for the Economic Development Farm and Ranch program is to produce food products for trib-
al members, “We have skilled, knowledgeable tribal members who can manage the production of food for our own tribe. We achieve this goal with the support of our tribal membership,” Hart said.
Justice center continued from pg. 1 needs assessment was completed, the need for a prison was unnecessary. “We realized that we would benefit more from providing justice services, probation and getting people drug and alcohol counseling than we would with people in prison. We talked to them and said ‘our recent research is saying this is what we need and we don’t need a prison,’ they were fine with that and said you can apply for future grants even if it says prison, do the angle that you’re trying to reach with the people in the way that’s going to best suit your tribe,” Fuentes said. According to Fuentes, in 2012 the C&A Tax Commission put out a proposal and allowed programs to apply for funding. The tribal court within the Judicial Branch was one of the programs that received funding for the Justice Center. “The plan and the goal was to have three phases, we’re in the first of the three phases, phase two we’ll do social services, the third phase we’ll do law enforcement and the idea is that we would all work together to help people that are going through difficult times,” Fuentes said. The Justice Center has a courtroom, jury room, court clerk office, conference room, interview
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rooms, holding cell, judge’s chambers and additional office space for employees. With more space and room to accommodate the needs of providing adequate services within the tribal court, the building will also conserve energy and make use of recycling. Each room is equipped with motion senor lighting to save energy and trees recently cut down in the Concho area were recycled to cedar benches that will be used in the lobby area. “This justice facility puts you at a higher level than just about any of the other tribes in this state. I’m really honored to serve as one of the judges and it’s going to be really exciting to hold court in this building, the attitude of the people will be improved in this facility. The new law center will improve the court experience for the parties, the attorneys, the clerks, witnesses, guests, certainly the judges and the members of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe have every reason to be proud of this facility,” Michael Belanger, tribal court associate judge said. Plans were ensured in the making of the Justice Center to provide cultural emphasis on the building. From the interior to the furniture, every feature will hold significance. “With the architecture every
www.falmouthinstitute.com. Robert’s Rules of Order for the Tribal Recording Secretary Jan. 17-19, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com. FMLA and FLSA in the Tribal Workplace Jan. 17-18, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nev. The Fair Labor Standards Act and Family & Medical Leave Act are the
The front lobby sitting area includes cedar benches made from cedar trees that once lined the front of the property where the justice center now sits. (Photos / Latoya Lonelodge)
single piece of the design was very intentional, with the circular courtroom the idea was to not to be a western court system but to be a little more inclusive and to have people feel a little bit more at home and feel like they are the center of what’s going on and we’re here to provide services for them,” Fuentes said. With the courtroom as the centerpiece of the building and shimmering lights complimenting the circular design of the room, the courtroom will be the foundation where issues are brought to attention. “It’s kind of like a teepee where people can come in and talk about their issues and hopefully we can help resolve them, the doors also
open on the east from the judges bench so he can look directly out to the east, that’s very significant, just being apart of every single detail, every piece of furniture, which is being ordered now, to every piece of carpet, all the colors, all the offices, just the way they are, I’m very fortunate to be a part of that,” Fuentes said. Although the newly established Justice Center has opened its doors for public viewing, the Justice Center will not be ofGov. Eddie Hamilton acknowledges and thanks ficially open for services everyone who was a part of the process in building the Cheyenne & Arapaho Justice Center in Conuntil February 2018.
BRIEFS AT A GLANCE
two post popular topics in employment law. For more information visit www.falmouthinstitute.com. Tribal Transportation Unity Caucus Tribal Leaders and Transportation Officials Meeting Jan. 17-18, 2018 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Phoenix, Ariz. For more information or to register visit www. ncai.org.
Audit Preparation for
cho, Okla.
Tribes and Tribal Organizations Jan. 25-26, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com.
National Reservation Economic Summit (RES) March 3-8, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.ncaied.org.
Indian Law Conference April 5-6, 2018 at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz. For more information or to register visit www.fedbar.org.
Basic Bookkeeping: Federal Grants and Contracts Accounting for Tribes and Tribal Organizations Feb. 12-13, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com.
Tribal Interior Budget Council March 20-22, 2018 at the Washington Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. For more information or to register visit www.ncai.org.
The 36th annual Protecting Our Children National American indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect April 15-18, 2018 in Achorage, Alaska. For more information or to register email training@nicwa.org.
Federal Bar Association
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Working man’s game It’s been said that one of the biggest hurdles for athletes jumping from high school to the college level is understanding that your sport of choice has taken on more of a business atmosphere. With that comes the reality that to get back to the same level as in high school, oftentimes you’ve got to start from the ground floor up. Well, consider El Reno native Christian Wassana on the job. After two semesters at Redlands Community College without a scholarship, Wassana will start the 2018 portion of the Cougars schedule on scholarship. “This first semester I didn’t have the weight on my shoulders because I was not on scholarship. This semester Coach Molina (Jose) was able to put me on scholarship and I know that it will be more like a business because things are now getting paid for me. “I’m on the job now and I’ve got to do things to the best of my ability because I’m getting paid for it,” said Wassana. Wassana was an All-State pick for the Indians in 2016 and helped El Reno reach the state tournament. He was sought after by Redlands in addition to Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southern Nazarene University and United Tribes Technical College based out of North Dakota. In the end he opted to stay closer to home but not with the Cougars, instead signing with Southwestern Christian College out of Bethany. He quickly found out it was not what he had signed up for. “I had signed to play varsity but they had over-recruited and I was the smallest player and the only freshman on varsity. They told me I could play with the junior varsity team as well, but that was not what I had signed for, plus I was having to drive back and forth every day so it wasn’t the right fit,” said Wassana. Wassana left Bethany and transferred to Redlands, where he spent the 2017 spring semester red-shirted and off the court. “I should have stayed with Redlands from the jump, but everything worked out the way
it was supposed to. I’ve gotten to be back home and still be able to play, so there is no hard feelings with Southwestern Christian,” said Wassana. Wassana will have two full seasons with Redlands and scoffs at the notion people might have that he’s taken a step back in his college career. “It’s obviously another level and I enjoy everything about it. I enjoy playing at this level and I like the challenges of something new,” said Wassana. Wassana added it took him awhile to get back into the groove of playing after taking close to a year off from competitive basketball. “It wasn’t like a huge thing coming back from that year off. It took me a while to get back to having fun with playing the game and not thinking as much about things. I had to get used to that again. That has been the biggest hurdle, having to sit out with that redshirt,” said Wassana. Wassana says he doesn’t understand why more local players don’t consider the junior college route first. He is one of nine Oklahoma players on the RCC roster, but the only one from Canadian County. “Not only is it closer to home but it’s an environment to where you can get the feel of college level, from taking classes and playing basketball, before you try and jump into the big arena. It’s like taking those first steps of walking before leaping. “It’s a process to get to bigger and better things in college basketball, and people have different perspectives of junior college ball, but it’s a step to get to the higher levels. It gives you plenty of time to prepare yourself for anywhere you plan to go after junior college,” said Wassana. Wassana has also had to face some hurdles with Redlands, the first coming this season when he lost a potential starting spot due to a deep muscle bruise suffered in a preseason game in Kansas. “I got hurt at the beginning of the season and was out for about three weeks and that
By Glen Miller, El Reno Tribune
set me back some. But I’m back and playing and doing the best I can. “I was looking at starting before I got hurt so I’ve been coming off the bench a lot this first semester. But this semester I’m working toward being more of a factor for the team,” said Wassana. Another hurdle has been finding his shooting groove. Wassana has played in 12 games, making one start, and hitting 31-of-73 attempts from the floor for 42.5 percent. From the 3-point line he has made 22-of-58 attempts for 37.9 percent, a number which has improved toward the latter end of the 12-game run. He has 87 total points for a 7.3 points per game average. “Myself and two other Christian Wassana will begin the 2018 portion of the basguys are the main shooters ketball season on a scholarship with the Redlands Communiand my percentages have not ty College cougars. (Photo / Glen Miller) been to what I want them to be. Making the transition and “Having new surroundings and new being out for a while hurt me some. coaches makes you a little iffy (about shoot“I’ve been working on different ways to ing), but that’s just part of the game and I’m be like I was and it will take some time but I still working through it. It’s mind over matter will get there,” said Wassana. and I’m getting readjusted to what I can do. It Wassana currently ranks 1,059th nationalwill take time but I will get there. ly in shooting percentage and is 246th among “My fellow players and coaches have seen other National Junior College Athletic Aswhat I can do in practice with the deep threes, sociation 3-point shooters. He’s grabbed 26 long strings of made 3-pointers and great total rebounds and logged 10 assists and five passes. They have all been there but not consteals. sistent each and every game. I’m right there His college scoring numbers are someon that line of breaking out and not sitting what off his high school marks where as a seback and being a hesitant player – which is nior for the Indians he scored 543 points and not me,” said Wassana. averaged 19.4 points per game. He knocked Redlands returns to action Jan. 11 at down 63 3-pointers that season. Northern Oklahoma College of Enid. As a junior for El Reno, Wassana hit 40 Wassana and the Cougars return home 3-pointers en route to 359 points or a 15.0 Jan. 15 to host Connors State College. points per game average.
Court of Dreams
Cheyenne and Arapaho youth Rain Peyton, 15, and Sage Peyton, 17, play for Piedmont High School basketball. On Dec. 11, Piedmont played against McArthur High School at the Oklahoma City (OKC) Thunder Dome in an exhibition game called “Court of Dreams,” in which high school teams get the chance to play on the same court as the Oklahoma City Thunder. (Photos / Latoya Lonelodge)
Cheyenne and Arapaho student interns at NASA By Latoya Lonelodge Staff Reporter
In the spirit of giving... Second annual HARPER Book Donation On Dec. 19, 2017 Kelsey Condulle donated books to all the children at the Cheyenne & Arapaho Concho Headstart in memory of her daughter Harper Dianne Compton. Harper was born Sept. 10, 2015 and passed away on Sept. 17, 2015. This is the second annual book donation.
Tribal youth Charles Sleeper Jr., is currently an intern at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Sleeper just finished his first rotation as an intern working in the graphics and visualization lab. “My project for this fall was to develop a scientific workflow for data analysis for researchers there, I built a tool for researchers that could process calculations on data faster,” Sleeper said. Sleeper was asked to return for the spring rotation internship, which he gladly accepted. Sleeper is a junior at Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a major in Computer Science and minor in Finance. “I really like working at NASA and it’s an experience that changed my
life, I grew as a person and I’m just really fortunate to have this opportunity,” Sleeper said. Sleeper is a student at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) as a junior majoring in computer science with a minor in finance. “Through my school, I arranged an independent studies, I send my reports back every two weeks or so if I could, everything that I wrote down had to be verified and cleared before I could send it back to my school. I’ve been in Cleveland for the past four months being an intern there, I go back the second of January and start working on January eighth and will be there until around the end of April and if they ask me to come back for the summer, I’d gladly go back,” Sleeper said. Sleeper has been an A-B student at SWOSU as well as the president of the Native American Club on campus.
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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In Loving Memory - 2017 In Memorium Full Name Harrison Jr., Edward James Curtis Sr., Gilbert Richard Sankey, William Kacey Beaver Jr., Amos Malcolm Tiger, Matthew Wayne Thunderbull Jr., Larry Gene Tabor, Robert Perry Wahnee, Letha Gail Fletcher, Dana Ruth Red Hat Sr., Albert R White Antelope, Terrance Cyphers, Joella Plummer, Debra Ann Beheler, Marion Margaret Red Hat, Wanada Merle Holliman, Patrick Edward Armstrong, Nettie Ruth Le Flore, Patrick Jack Bearshield, Luke Bissonette, Edith J. Lime, Lavern Rexroat, Betty Joan Bent, Hilda Ann Bullcoming, Azalea Maureen Big Horse, Gary H. Poiselle, Virginia P. Sitting Bull, Franklin E. Red Hat, Luther Jacobs, Lillie Jeannette Spotted Corn, Aaron Ducky Red Hat Jr., William Island, Dorothy Faye Crotzer, Mary Kathryn Steele, Christina Louise Thunderbull Jr., Bennie Thomas Emhoolah, Patrick Alvarado, Frank Williams, David Hunter Whiteman, Betty Jean White Skunk, Josephine Schildt, Michael Neil Williams, Marlena Marie Smith, Amanda Kelly Johnson, Joseph Russell Kyrk, Willard Alvan Spotted Corn, Marguerite Sue Mann, Daniel Allen Pratt, Curtis James Tonihka, Alan Eugene West Jr., Harvey E. Wassana, Homer Delos
Birth Date 8/23/1964 4/11/1954 2/2/1985 6/16/1952 10/28/1970 3/14/1974 4/13/1945 7/29/1935 12/13/1971 9/4/1963 10/2/1954 12/26/1989 6/27/1956 12/19/1941 7/9/1954 4/14/1960 7/13/1957 3/17/1959 9/22/1958 7/13/1940 7/25/1933 9/24/1931 1/30/1951 9/20/2016 2/4/1941 1/19/1927 6/14/1936 9/18/1950 5/13/1932 11/17/1986 3/21/1949 2/15/1956 8/11/1939 11/13/1964 9/21/1942 11/15/1977 5/11/1969 12/26/1961 3/16/1957 10/1/1947 7/24/1972 5/23/1972 1/6/1982 4/17/2017 10/10/1928 7/25/1957 9/22/2004 8/27/1961 10/27/1956 1/29/1961 7/27/1978
Death Date 1/1/2017 1/5/2017 1/6/2017 1/8/2017 1/10/2017 1/21/2017 1/21/2017 1/22/2017 1/24/2017 1/26/2017 1/28/2017 2/3/2017 2/3/2017 2/4/2017 2/7/2017 2/8/2017 2/11/2017 2/11/2017 2/18/2017 2/19/2017 2/21/2017 2/23/2017 3/2/2017 3/2/2017 3/19/2017 3/27/2017 3/29/2017 3/29/2017 4/7/2017 4/9/2017 4/12/2017 4/14/2017 4/18/2017 4/23/2017 4/23/2017 4/24/2017 4/25/2017 4/25/2017 5/2/2017 5/2/2017 5/4/2017 5/10/2017 5/11/2017 5/11/2017 5/12/2017 5/12/2017 5/13/2017 5/24/2017 5/28/2017 5/29/2017 6/9/2017
E a t i n g healthy for
DIABETES
Tara Conway, MS, RD, LD, CDE C&A Diabetes Wellness Program
New Year’s Resolutions It’s the beginning of the year, we have spent the last two months enjoying the holidays. We all have probably not been as careful as we should have during these times. Now we have the New Year and are ready to make our New Year’s resolutions. Research shows most people don’t meet their New Year’s resolution goals and lose interest and motivation by the third month. This year let’s hope we can all make lifestyle changes forever. Here are some tips for staying on track: Make small changes If you haven’t exercised before, don’t try running a marathon in a week. Start out slow, 10 minutes at a time and work up to 30 minutes a day. Eat smaller portions and eat more often. Research shows keeping a food and exercise journal helps you make changes that last a lifetime. Set SMART goals Too many people set unrealistic goals and end up feeling defeated and give up. Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely (SMART). Start small then once you complete your first goal you
can add another goal and another. And before long you will be meeting your goals. Eating healthier and making smart decisions regarding food is always difficult. We love to eat. If losing weight was easy we would all weigh 100 pounds. Start slow with changes. If you are used to eating two sandwiches, eat one sandwich, if you are still hungry eat a piece of fruit, which is 60 calories compared to how many calories may be in your sandwich. If you drink more than one soda a day, cut back to one a day. If you eat mayonnaise try mustard, it has less calories. Do you have a friend that can take this journey with you? They will exercise with you, keep you motivated and will help you stay accountable regarding food choices. There are many tricks you can learn to help you make better choices and lead a healthier life. It starts with taking the first step. For more information and tips on eating healthier contact Tara Conway, Diabetes Wellness Program at 405422-7685, 405-208-0787, 1-800-2474612 ext. 27685 or email tconway@ca-tribes.org.
Guzman, Virginia F. Sankey, Corliss Noreen Curtis, Elmer Straight #160042, Neal Wayne Kaulaity, Raeven Arlene Pratt, Charles Edward Junker, Edward Anthony Youngbird, Seth Alexander Cully, Miranda Suzanne Sevenstar, Tahbyiaz Zachaury Zhavar Twins Jr., Mclain Harvey Starr Jr., Moses Gerald Robbins, Wayne Eades, Richard David Hail, Jack Allen Fanman Jr., David Jones, Kristen Renae Young Bear, Rena R Zotigh, Linda Gale Birdshead Jr., Saul Stone, Alexander Jimmy Dyer, Joseph Anthony Black Bear, Charles David Panana Jr., Gerald White Eagle, Spencer Ray Redhat, Patricia Franklin, Dayna Rhae Hoof Sr., Leroy Morris, Anita Carolyn Stepp, Leona Faye Williams, Rosanna Oxendine, Anna Joyce Hammit, William Gene Johnson, Glynis Alyene Magpie, Elizabeth Marie White Bird, Lutz Jones Anderson, Shane Tyler Sapcut, Clendon Allen McKinnis, Chiquita Ellis, Emerald Louise Yellow Hair, Martin Kelly Little Raven Jr., Ben Altizer, William Scott Hamilton, Brad William Williams, Trevor Dale Benton, Thomas Wayne Daukei, Alberta Kaye Shortman Sr., Lawrence Littlecalf, Muriel Shockley, Patricia Old Crow Rodriquez, Jerolyn Juanita Cometsevah, Raymond Fashane, Lou Shelton
9/8/1948 6/29/2017 11/28/1969 7/6/2017 8/14/1930 7/7/2017 9/21/1967 7/7/2017 7/15/1991 7/7/2017 11/8/1937 7/12/2017 12/9/1953 7/14/2017 7/9/1999 7/24/2017 7/8/1975 7/24/2017 6/2/2011 7/30/2017 6/11/1958 8/1/2017 1/17/1932 8/4/2017 11/11/1961 8/7/2017 5/7/1943 8/9/2017 11/25/1960 8/19/2017 3/31/1949 8/22/2017 6/8/1987 8/25/2017 10/23/1943 9/1/2017 11/21/1961 9/7/2017 4/19/1931 9/9/2017 3/30/1949 9/11/2017 7/16/1969 9/16/2017 7/4/1960 9/17/2017 5/29/1971 9/18/2017 3/29/1986 9/28/2017 9/2/1966 9/28/2017 11/10/1985 9/30/2017 12/13/1943 10/4/2017 10/10/1942 10/5/2017 1/2/1942 10/11/2017 1/3/1942 10/14/2017 7/14/1934 10/15/2017 3/14/2007 10/29/2017 12/10/1967 11/2/2017 4/29/1963 11/5/2017 11/11/1938 11/9/2017 7/4/1994 11/11/2017 1/15/1962 11/12/2017 5/22/1958 11/12/2017 5/16/1984 11/15/2017 1/3/1962 11/16/2017 3/11/1950 11/16/2017 7/16/1976 11/17/2017 8/7/1983 11/25/2017 8/23/1999 12/3/2017 10/31/1959 12/3/2017 10/6/1959 12/14/2017 6/18/1927 12/15/2017 12/16/1960 12/16/2017 3/31/1942 12/19/2017 4/20/1954 12/21/2017 8/29/1956 12/30/2017 1/10/1983 12/27/2017
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Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
Sculpture dedication honors Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes in Elk City
By Sheryl Ponce, Beckham County Record Contributing writer, Rosemary Stephens
The ‘Friends of the Elk City Library’ held a ceremony on Dec. 18 commemorating a new sculpture titled, Life, Death, Infinity, by local artist Randy Haggard. When the 30-year veteran librarian, Pat Sprowls, retired she left the idea that a sculpture should be placed outside the Elk City Carnage Library with money left to the library from a local benefactor. Incoming Librarian DeAun Ivester took the idea and made it happen with the help of Haggard. After months of designing and re-thinking the sculpture, Haggard came up with the one that sets outside of the library. The sculpture was dedicated by the City of Elk City dignitaries along with Cheyenne and Arapaho’s Governor Elect Reggie Wassana. “We are thankful that this emblem is a reminder, keeping alive the traditions and memories of the Cheyenne Arapaho tribes,” Wassana said. Haggard noted that the sculpture was representative and reflective of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal traditions. He researched the tribes’ customs and traditions to make it authentic to the times. Wassana continued to thank Haggard and the City of Elk City by putting up a memorial that would remind visitors of the culture of their past, keeping it alive. The sculpture was made possible with a memorial contribution of long time Sayre Schools educator, Louise Coogan. Haggard has created many sculptures from what some call ‘scrap metal’ but what he calls art. “You see that one special piece that reminds you of Local artist in Elk City Randy Haggard cuts the ribbon something else and there you go. You start welding and from the sculpture he created in honor of the Cheyenne and then you have something to show for it,” Haggard stated Arapaho tribes in front of the Elk City Carnegie Library Dec. in a 2013 article. 18, 2017. (Photo / Jennifer Plummer) He owns the H and H Electronics store in Elk City. Over the years Haggard built a shop in his back yard. Haggard started off in the old days with CB radios and branched out from there. If you can plug it in he carries He kept collecting old metal scrap, grinding it, cutting, it, with just a couple of minor exceptions he keeps by bending, and welding it until that old part was part of something completely different. the front door. “I like to make sculptures that the more you look at it In any other store Haggard’s metal sculptures might seem out of place, but the more you know Haggard, the the more you see,” he said. Haggard’s sculpture, Life, Death, Infinity can be seen more you understand what powers the spare parts and in the front of the Elk City Carnegie Library. cogs in his own complicated mind.
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Calendar
Ross Denny Memorial Men’s All Indian Basketball Tournament Jan. 12-14, 2018 at the SunUte Community Center in Ignacio, Colo. Entry fee for all teams is $300. All tourney and MVP awards will be given. For more information contact Heather at 970-880-0580 or Damon at 970-317-9054. United Indigenous Nations third annual Powwow Feb. 10, 2018 at the Watchtaker Hall in Lawton, Okla. Gourd dance at
1 p.m., supper at 5 p.m., Gourd dance 6 p.m. and Grand Entry at 7:15 p.m. Hoop Dance demonstration by Bruce Neconie. All princesses, clubs and organizations are invited to attend. MC Eugene Blackbear, HM Bruce Neconie, HL Amanda Proctor, TB Phillip Tsonetokoy, TG Briana Sittingbull, Drum Ocese Band, ADs Myron Swift and Jacob BigPond, Co-Hosts CIVA and Walters Bunch. For vendor information call 580-278-2606 or email UINations580@gmail.com.
For the 2017 Employee annual Toy-Drive, 58 families were assisted with Christmas presents for each child residing in their homes and $1,935 was raised to purchase gift cards.
First Veteran’s Christmas Dinner hosted by the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes’ Office of Veteran Affairs
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Jan 19 A very happy 2nd birthday to our baby Adam Jay Gould. Auntie Paula and uncle Dwight love you very much.
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
Happy 22nd Birthday Ashley Warledo! Love all your family!
Happy 11th and 10th birthday Cordelia and Dalena! Momma loves you and thinks about you daily! May god bless y’all with many more birthdays to come!
Happy belated Birthday Cassidy Seals I send my utmost love and respect. Keep in touch. Love Tom-tom
Happy 2nd Birthday Lexi! Love, mom, dad and sister
Patricia Ruth “Patsy” Old Crow was born March 31, 1942, in Clinton, Okla., to Denny and Lillian (Pratt) Toahty Old Crow and passed away Tuesday, Dec.19, 2017, in Norman, Okla., at the age of 75 years, 8 months and 19 days. Patsy was raised and attended school in Thomas, graduating from Thomas High School in 1960. Upon graduation, she attended Haskell University and Brigham Young University.
Alberta Kaye Fletcher Daukei was born on Oct. 6, 1959 in Clinton, Okla. to John Kendric Sr. and Wil-
Our 1st born granddaughter Clarissa Ranea Fletcher-Peters turned that wonderful year, 21 years old on Dec. 7. She’s the daughter of Stacy Fletcher. She was invited to play ball in Las Vegas and celebrated her 21st birthday there. Clarissa played two years in Dennison, Texas., on a softball scholarship, she now attends Northeastern State in Tahlequah as a junior. She’s Cherokee, Chickasaw and Cheyenne. Grandpa Mike and grandma Georgia are really proud of all her accomplishments. Happy 21st birthday, Clarissa. Love you and wish you many more coming your way. God bless and take care. I know your late uncle Patrick II is watching over you.
For my little cousin, Gabby Hicks, I send my love. Keep your head up and keep in touch. Don’t let nothing get you down. Much love, big cousin Tom-tom
In August 1964, Patsy married Edwyn Austin Marris and made their home in Altus and later moved their family to Texas. She was active in PTA, Thomas Service Club, and was a delegate for the Democrat Party. Patsy enjoyed OU football and Dallas Cowboys football, going to powwows and the Indian dances, traveling, fishing and was an avid reader. She loved volunteering with her children’s clubs and activities they were involved in and her babies were her dogs. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Patsy is survived by two sons Christopher Lee Marris and Edwyn Denny Marris both of Irving, Texas; one daughter Tricia Ann Marris and fiancée, Jack Peterson of Norman, Okla., former hus-
band Edwyn Austin Marris of their home in Norman, Okla., four brothers, Michael Toahty and wife, Crystal of Gran Haven, Michigan, Albert Old Crow of Dallas, Texas, Kendall Old Crow and wife, Sally of Edmond, Okla., and Randall Old Crow of Clinton, Okla., four sisters, Mary Lou Toahty Stevens of Weatherford, Okla., Dorothy Old Crow Jenkins of Front Royal, Virginia, Marie Montin of Ada, Okla., and Ruth Whiteskunk of Clinton, Okla., two grandchildren, Tyler Sean Boyd and wife, Carmen and Lindsay Michelle Boyd; and one great-grandson, Flint Boyd. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers George Denny Old Crow and Bobby Joe Toahty; and one sister, Anna Louise Old Crow.
ma (Yellowhair) Fletcher. She passed away on Dec. 15, 2017 in Geary, Okla. at the age of 58. Alberta attended Geary Schools and attended Talking Leaves Job Corp. Alberta worked at Geary and Canton Police Departments as a dispatcher, for the BIA, and at Cherokee Motel. Alberta enjoyed counting cars and taking care of the grandkids. She was a member of the Indian Baptist Church in Geary, Okla. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Wilma Fletcher, and her brother,
Freddie Laverne Fletcher. Survivors include her husband Arlen Daukei of Geary, Okla., her children Clarinda Fletcher of El Reno, Okla., and Stephen Fletcher and wife Latoya of El Reno, Okla., her grandchildren, Joseph Cedar Fletcher, Janette Sage Fletcher, and Taelynn. Her sibling Grant Fletcher of Yukon, Okla., Mary Fletcher of Geary, Okla., John Fletcher of El Reno, Okla., and Joe Fletcher of Geary, Okla., one special grandson Mason Beartrack, numerous nephews, nieces, as well as many other relatives and friends.
Lawrence Shortman Sr. June 18, 1927 Dec. 15, 2017 Wake services were held for Lawrence Shortman Sr., World War II Veteran on Dec. 19, 2017 at the Frenc Funerals & Cremations in Albuquerque, N.M. Funeral services were held Dec. 20 at the Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Albuquerque, N.M., followed by an Interment at the Gates of Heaven Cemetery.
We want to wish our niece/daughter Dana Ruth Fletcher a heavenly happy birthday on Dec. 13. She is forever 45 years young. Miss her a lot but we know she is in a much better place, where she suffers no more. She’s free and happy. One day we will all rejoice together. Happy birthday, Dana Rae. Miss you, uncle Mike, aunt Georgia Emhoolah and your sister Stacy Fletcher
‘Big Love’ to all my family. Love ya’ll and miss ya’ll – be safe out there! AND Most of all to my everything Amber N. Kaulaity I love you and miss you … no matter what! Happy Holidays Always and forever Francis Kaulaity
Alice Oweta Bates was born on Nov. 28, 1952 in Clinton, Okla. to Otis Sr. and Maggie (Geionety) Bates. She passed away Dec. 22, 2017 in Oklahoma City at the
Muriel Littlecalf Dec. 16, 1960 Dec. 16, 2017 Wake services were held for Muriel Littlecalf on Dec. 19, 2017 at the Concho Community Center in Concho, Okla. Funeral services were held Dec. 20 at the same venue, followed by an Interment at the Concho India Cemetery.
Fashane Lou Shelton Jan. 10, 1983 Dec. 27, 2017 An all night wake service was held for Fashane Shelton on Jan. 2, 2018 at the Geary Community Center in Geary, Okla. Funeral services were held Jan. 3 at the Concho Community Center, followed by an Interment at the Concho Indian Cemetery.
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Dec. 29 Happy 14th birthday to our babygirl Donna Lee Sage. We love you! From mom, dad, Rachel, Lee, baby LeeAnna Rosey, Regina and McKinley
We would like to wish Happy Birthday to our dad Merlyn WhiteHorse!! Thank you for everything you do for us and your grandbabies! We all love you very very much! From Your daughters and grandbabies The Little WhiteHorse crew haha
Happy 7th Birthday Jordyn! Love, mom, dad and sister
Paula and Dwight Whitebuffalo are celebrating their two-year anniversary on Jan. 7 We love each other very much! age of 65. Alice attended Central High School in Oklahoma City and attended Redlands Community College in El Reno, Okla. She lived in Lawton most of her life. She enjoyed going to church and taking care of her daughter and grandchildren. Alice was a member of the Pentecostal Church. She always carried her Bible. She was preceded in death by her parents Otis and Maggie Bates, her son Keith Ross, her brothers and sisters, Donald Twobabies Sr., Buddy Twobabies Sr., Amos Twobabies Jr., Oneta
Jerolyn Juanita Rodriquez April 20, 1954 Dec. 21, 2017 Funeral services were held for Jerolyn Juanita Rodriquez on Dec. 27, 2017 at the Kiesau Lee Chapel in Clinton, Okla., followed by an Internment at the Clinton Indian Cemetery.
Twobabies, Freddie Twobabies, Oleta Twobabies, Aline Bates Shakespeare and Otis Bates Jr. Survivors include her children April Chasenah and husband Ronald of Anadarko, Okla., Megan Bates Sorrell of Lawton, Okla., Johnny Bates of Lawton, Okla., and Priscella Ross of Oklahoma City. Her 15-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, her brother Melvin Bates and wife Angie of Geary, Okla., and her sister Helen Bates Younger of El Reno, Okla., as well as many other relatives and friends.
Raymond Charles Cometsevah Aug. 29, 1956 Dec. 24, 2017 A viewing of Raymond Charles Cometsevah was held on Dec. 30, 2017 at the Clinton Community Center in Clinton, Okla. Funeral services were also held Dec. 30 at the Clinton Community Center followed by an Interment at the Clinton City Cemetery.
OBITS
PAGE 10
EMPLOYMENT
Employment: Submit a tribal application, resume, diploma(s), transcripts, valid copy of Oklahoma state driver’s license and a copy of CDIB (if applidable) to Personnel Department, PO Box 38, Concho, OK 73022 or email atisdale@c-a-tribes.org. Headstart Transportation/ Floater F-T / Concho Closing: Until Filled
Transit Driver II (2) OnCall Status Closing: Until Filled
Qualifications: Must have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license and be willing to obtain a CDL and Bus Driver’s certificate within 90 days of hire. Must be in good physical health, which allows lifting and moving. Ability to work independently. Knowledge of Head Start is desirable. A high school diploma or GED required. Must be familiar with federal, regional, state and local tribal regulations as they apply to the specific area of program operations. Ability to manage physically active children, ages 3-5 within a weight range up to 60 pounds, including lifting, restraining, guiding, pursuing, withstanding sudden movements. SALARY: Negotiable
Qualifications: Valid Oklahoma Class D driver’s license required. Must possess or be willing to obtain CPR certification. Transit drivers must pass a pre-employment drug screening process and subject to random drug testing. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds with no physical barriers. Applicant must be able to communicate effectively to patrons and supervisors any findings or incidents. High school diploma or GED equivalent required. Cheyenne-Arapaho preference. SALARY: Negotiable
Office Clerk Enrollment Office Closing: Until Filled Qualifications: High school diploma or G.E.D. required. Previous experience required in general office procedures, filing, typing, data entry, answering phones and working with the public. Highly proficient time and stress management skills. Proficient knowledge of office administration. Knowledge of program policies and regulations a plus. Ability to relate and work with the Indian and non-Indian communities. Cheyenne-Arapaho preference. SALARY: Negotiable Surveillance Supervisor Concho Overnights Gaming Commission Closing: Until Filled Qualifications: Must pass pre-employment drug test. Must be able to qualify and maintain a Cheyenne- Arapaho Gaming License. SALARY: Negotiable Adult Education Counselor/Clinton & Canton Closing: Until Filled
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in education or related field preferred or an equivalent of combination of experience, substituting one year of experience in teaching for each year of the required education. Must possess a current Oklahoma driver’s license and have a clean driving record. Must pass OSBI background check. Must be able to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays not to exceed 29 hours/ week. Cheyenne and Arapaho preference. SALARY: Negotiable
Office Manager-FT Burial Program Department of Enrollment Closing: Until Filled
Qualifications: High school graduate or G.E.D. certification required, with a minimum of Administrative Assistant Certification or with a minimum of two years of administrative or clerical experience. Skills in greeting and working with the public are essential. Must have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license and dependable transportation. Must be willing to work other than normal working hours. Cheyenne-Arapaho tribal preference. SALARY: Negotiable Records Clerk I Records Management Closing: Jan. 5, 2018 Qualifications: High school diploma or G.E.D. certification required. Vocational training and/or college hours in office administration, records management is desirable. Knowledge of computer software, experience with database programs, phone and communications skills.Must possess a current and valid Oklahoma driver’s license and have reliable transportation. Must be willing to work over-time hours and be able to attend training both in state and out of state. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. SALARY: Negotiable
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
NOTICE OF NEW LOCATION
The Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune offices are now located at 1600 S. Hwy. 66, Suite 8 in El Reno, Okla. Please stop in and visit us. We hope to see more of you in a newly convenient location. Happy New Year!
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
LEGAL NOTICES
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Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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Tribal youth Ron Tatum signs full ride football scholarship with University of Oklahoma By Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter
A new year is also a year full of new possibilities and new recruits in the world of college football. On Dec. 20 Ron Tatum III, Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal youth, signed his football agreement with the University of Oklahoma (OU). Tatum III is a senior at Putnam City Original High School, standing at 6’5 and weighing 250 pounds. With size and strength in his favor, Tatum knew exactly where he wanted to go with college football when he committed to OU in June 2017, he will be going as a defensive end for the 2018 season. “It’s been a great day, there’s a lot of joy and relief for my family to be able to decide and know where I’m going for my next four years in football. I hope to become a better man and just make plays for my friends and family,” Tatum III said. Although Putnam City Original’s football season is over and with graduation around the corner, college football will come sooner than expected for Tatum III as he continues to train 3-4 times a week working to progress in agility and strength. “I’m happy I moved to Putnam City and I could meet the people I met, I’m just happy I can finish my senior year of high school. In college, I want to get better school wise and in football I want to be faster and quicker, I want to see how my talent grows and how I change as a person,” Tatum III said. Ranked No. 77 prospect in the class of 2018, Tatum III had incredible stats from his senior high school football season. “I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Ron the last two years, we got better each year, we had a great season this year and last year Ron had a tremendous season with several tackles, 100-plus tackles, 11 sacks and this year he had another big season, close to 100 tackles and seven or eight sacks. He will leave Putnam City High School as the all time record holder in sacks,” Preston Pearson, Putnam City High School head football coach said. Few words are exchanged between Tatum III but his passion for football can be seen on the field that has many people talking. “He’s been a great kid to coach, he’s very pleasant to be around, he doesn’t talk too much, he’s quiet, introverted, but when he plays the game of football you see his true passion in his heart, he really loves to play the game, he’s a fierce competitor and he doesn’t like to lose. We wish him all the best and it’s been a great two years of watching him play in person and now we’ll get to watch him play on TV,” Coach Pearson said.
Interview/Photo by Latoya Lonelodge
Born in Edmond, Okla., and raised in Calumet, Okla., Justin Miller, 18, returns to the court for his senior year of basketball with dreams of winning state once again. Standing at 6’2, Justin plays center forward for the Calumet Chieftains basketball team. When did you first begin playing and how? In seventh grade I played maybe in second or third grade but never really got into it, but seventh grade is when I started again and I’ve been playing ever since. What is it about the sport that you love the best? For me it’s getting up and down the floor playing, I hate sitting around and doing nothing. Just reacting quickly keeps me on my toes at any point and time.
What has been your biggest accomplishment in the sport so far? Playing my role, everybody has a role on the team and you have to figure out your role and play it to get your team to the furthest point. What is your biggest accomplishment in the classroom so far? Getting straight A’s, that was my goal this year and to keep it there. What is your GPA (if known)? 3.6 What goals have you set for yourself in sports, school? To win another state championship. School goals, just to graduate, get straight A’s and finish it off strong. What actions are you taking to reach these goals? Turning in all my work on time, making sure it’s right. With sports, shooting on my own time, improve on myself and doing it all on my own time. What has been the most exciting game you have played in? Last state championship game against Leflore because your jitters are going and it was just a fun and exciting game to be in. What is the best advice you have ever been given and who gave you that advice? For me, it was to never give up no matter how good or bad you think you are. My boss said that, he was a good player in basketball.
With incredible stats and unbeatable experience in football, there is no doubt why college scouts have wanted Tatum III since his junior year of high school, but the only motivation for Tatum’s will to play came from his family. “My mom, grandma and sister have sacrificed a lot for me to get here. OU was one of my first offers, they’ve been recruiting me for almost two years now, with them it feels like home, when I first got there it was a great place for me and my family,” Tatum III said. With OU as Tatum III’s Ron Tatum III is ranked No. 77 prospect for the 2018 class. He finished his senior year of choice of home for him and his family, he knew he football with close to 100 tackles, eight sacks and will leave Putnam City High School as the all-time record holder in sacks. (Photos / Latoya Lonelodge) would be in good hands. “I seen what I wanted to see, I heard what I wanted to hear and that’s why I chose OU,” Tatum III said. Tatum III plans to attend OU majoring in Health and Exercise Science. Regina Hamilton, Tatum III’s mother, expressed her gratitude in Tatum III’s decision to continue playing football at the college level. “I’m feeling excited, overwhelmed, I’m beyond proud, I mean words cannot even describe how proud I am of him. He’s worked very hard to get where he’s at, he’s just a humble kid with a big heart, he’s come a long way, every year he’s gotten better with his determination and him wanting to be where he’s at made him fight a little harder,” Hamilton said. Hamilton said she hopes other tribal youth can look up to Tatum III as a role model. “If you put your mind to it you can make anything happen. It’s just work, dedication and putting your mind to it that you can do it,” Hamilton said. Tatum III was also chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl presented by American Family Insurance as the nation’s premier high school All-American game. On Jan. 6, one hundred of the best players will play in the annual East Vs. West matchup at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas.
Justin Miller, Calumet High School Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? Just to never give up in anything that you’re in, never go halfway. Who or what inspires you the most? My parents because they work hard and everything that they do they were able to give me the chances that I have. What does your routine workout consist of to stay fit for your sport? How often? I’ll run a mile, sometimes two miles, I workout everyday. What are one or two things in your training, that you feel are keys to you being successful in your sport? I can jump because I’m athletic, I would also work on my shoulders, it helps with gripping the basketball and finishing in the paint when you need to. What is your favorite meal before or after a game? If I eat I like to have cholesterol so I’d eat pasta. Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My parents are my biggest impact, that’s who I really look up to. That’s who I strive to be better than in my future. What are some of your hobbies (what do you like to do when not playing sports)? I work on my truck often as I’m going into diesel technology to be a mechanic, that’s just what I love to do. I love working on vehicles all the time.
What kinds of music do you enjoy listening to? Rap and hip-hop are my most popular music I listen to. What is one thing about you that no one else knows? I never tell people that I’m adopted because I don’t want people to feel sympathy for me, I just want them to look at me as another person. I want to keep my goals high. Were you ever bullied in school? What steps do you feel should be taken to protect those being bullied in schools today? I would say earlier in school, like in fifth and sixth grade but not so much now. But my steps are never to confront a bully in front of their friends, that encourages them and they’re not going to listen to you. You have to pull them aside and tell them to quit or just walk away from it, that’s my advice. How do you combat drug & alcohol use by peer pressure? Don’t go close to, it’s simple, if it’s not there you won’t be tempted. If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? My childhood, I feel like I would be a lot better as a basketball player and as a person. What would be a dream come true for you in your life? To live my life to my fullest potential, what I mean is to have a good family that plays sports and have the
things that I want, a nice car and to never have to worry at all. Who is your favorite athlete of all time? Russell Westbrook because I like his mentality and how he likes to play. Which team is your favorite team? Oklahoma City Thunder What are your immediate plans after graduating high school? I’m going to be a diesel mechanic and I’m actually taking diesel technology at
the Canadian Valley Technology Center so I can pursue that after high school. What would be your advice to younger kids coming up behind you? Never take a day off, never say you can do something later, you’ll regret it. Justin’s parents are Desiree Walling and Bryan Walling. His grandparent’s are Roger Fees and Christy Fees. Justin’s siblings are Cash Walling, David Walling, Dylan Walling, Austin Miller and Mikel Miller.
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Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei