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May 1, 2020 -Vol. 16, Issue 9
CheyenneandArapaho-nsn.gov
Sharing Information Through Telephone Town Hall Series Rosemary Stephens Editor-in-Chief
During this time of Social Distancing and Distance Learning, thousands of individuals are getting crash courses on holding meetings and sharing information via cyber space. From Zoom to teleconferencing to Facebook Live events, the ability to conduct business in a virtual setting has been another unprecedented factor of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and Clinton Service Unit (CSU) came together to host a series of Telephone Town Hall live meetings to address the impact of the coronavirus across tribal communities, and give people the opportunity to ask questions. The CSU and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes have been working collaboratively to provide ongoing patient care and information to tribal citizens. “This is our first experience such as this,” Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Gov. Reggie Wassana said. “We are working as hard as we can, as diligently as we can, and trying to be as safe as we can. I appreciate the partnership with CSU and the daily interactions through conference calls to discuss how we can continue to help our tribal members.” Gov. Wassana said the executive branch is basing most of their decisions on the numbers provid-
our patients.” On the first telephone town hall meeting Dr. Darrelle Cox, a medical anthropologist at the University of Oklahoma who has worked with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes for a number of years on health related research, discussed the effects COVID-19 has had on the state of Oklahoma. “When reviewing mobility, there is a strong predictor of the more mobile a community is there is an increase of COVID-19 outbreaks,”
ed by the Oklahoma State Dept. of Health and encouraged everyone to keep social distancing guidelines in place in spite of Oklahoma opening some non-essential businesses. Quinton Romannose, member of the Tribal Health Board, impressed upon listeners the importance of sharing and acquiring of information, stating the CSU and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes meet daily to communicate and share how they can best serve the tribal community. “It’s important to know information and where it’s coming from, as
this situation is such an unknown for everyone,” Romannose said. Experts were invited to share information about COVID-19 and how community members may protect themselves. Dr. Joe P. Bryan, infectious disease specialist and consultant for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, spoke on what they have learned from the past, where they are now, and what they can learn for the future. “Respiratory tract infections are the number one infectious disease killer of humans worldwide. There are a number of infectious diseases
we worry about, including influenza (flu) and now COVID-19. There is a vaccine for influenza and this vaccine helps people avoid going to the intensive care unit. We are working to develop a vaccine for COVID-19,” Dr. Bryan said. “Stay calm as we keep working through this. There are a number of clinical trials currently taking place. We will know more in the near future. This has been a challenging time, but I am proud of the efforts of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and the Indian Health Services have provided in meeting the needs of
Dr. Cox said. “The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal area looks to be doing very well at sheltering in place, staying home, and reducing travel.” Dr. Sarah Hartnett, CSU clinical director, reviewed the ongoing services CSU is providing during this national emergency. “CSU has increased telemedicine visits and the number of departments providing their services through telemedicine has increased as well. This means we can provide care to those with chronic needs at home. This does not replace face-to-face visits, as we are currently encouraging our patients to continue to shelter in place,” Dr. Harnett said. Dr. Harnett emphasized the wearing of face coverings while in public spaces due to the emerging information of asymptomatic TOWN HALL / pg. 8
Coronavirus Testing Needs to Triple Before the U.S. Can Safely Reopen, Experts Say
Otoe-Missouria Tribal Chairman John Shotton (left) and Comanche Nation Chairman William Nelson Sr. gave statements during Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s press conference announcing the signing of their new Tribal-State compacts.
Oklahoma Governor Makes Surprise Public Announcement on Tribal Gaming Compacts during Health Pandemic
Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief
(OKLAHOMA CITY) While most state governors focus on the coronavirus COVID-19 affecting their individual states and citizens, Oklahoma’s governor, Kevin Stitt’s attention seems to be more about tribal gaming compacts. During the unprecedented health pandemic, Gov. Stitt went public, on a live broadcast hours after signing Gaming Compacts with Comanche Nation and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe. Which came as news to the other 37 tribes in Oklahoma. The state and the tribes have been locked in a dispute for months over whether the existing gaming compact expired on Jan. 1, 2020, with Gov. Stitt insisting the current compact expired, while the tribes maintain their belief the compact
automatically renewed for another 15 years. The case is currently scheduled to be heard in federal court after three of the largest tribes in Oklahoma brought suit against Stitt in December 2019. The case was set to be mediated in March, until the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States. The presiding federal judge, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy DeGuisti postponed the hearing over the status of tribal gaming compacts and placed a gag order on all parties involved. Stitt is seeking higher exclusivity fee rates from the tribes to continue operating Class III gaming in Oklahoma. The tribes pay the state between 4% and 10% in exclusivity fees currently. In 2018 tribes paid the state of Oklahoma over GAMING COMPACT / pg. 7
(AP) As some governors consider easing social distancing restrictions, new estimates by researchers at Harvard University suggest that the United States cannot safely reopen unless it conducts more than three times the number of coronavirus tests it is currently administering over the next month. An average of 146,000 people per day have been tested for the coronavirus nationally so far this month, according to the COVID Tracking Project, which on Friday, April 24, reported 3.6 million total tests across the country. To reopen the United States by mid-May, the number of daily tests performed between now and then should be 500,000 to 700,000, according to the Harvard estimates. That level of testing is necessary to identify the majority of people who are infected and isolate them from people who are healthy, according to the researchers. About 20 percent of those tested so far were positive for the virus, a rate that the
researchers say is too high. “If you have a very high positive rate, it means that there are probably a good number of people out there who have the disease who you haven’t tested,” said Ashish Jha, the director of the Harvard Global Health Institute. “You want to drive the positive rate down, because the fundamental element of keeping our economy open is making sure you’re identifying as many infected people as possible and isolating them.” The researchers said that expanded testing could reduce the rate to 10 percent, which is the maximum rate recommended by the World Health Organization. In Germany, that number is seven percent, and in South Korea, it is closer to three percent. There is variation in the rate of testing and positive results among states, but most need to administer more tests to get to the level the researchers suggest a minimum of about 152 tests per 100,000 people each day. TESTING / pg. 7
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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About COVID-19 What is COVID-19? COVID-19 is the new respiratory disease spreading around the world and it is caused by a coronavirus. COVID-19 is short for “coronavirus disease 2019.” The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People are most contagious when they are the sickest, however studies have shown two to three days prior to symptoms being present a person can still pass the virus on to others. There is currently no vaccine or cure for COVID-19 but researchers are working to find one. What are COVID-19’s symptoms? The most common symptoms are very similar to other viruses: fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, chills and sore throat. Common symptoms of COVID-19 are changing as more is learned about the disease. For the most up-todate symptom list, visit the CDC’s website. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure and range from mild to severe illness. Who is at high risk for COVID-19? Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19, but some people are at a higher risk of serious illness. Generally speaking, adults aged 65 and older and people of any age who have underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. COVID-19 Testing Current guidance on who should be tested and what to expect from test results. Who should be tested? Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Most mild symptoms can be treated at home. If you think you have symptoms, contact your physician or go to a drive-thru
testing site. How do I get tested? Your doctor or state or local health department will decide if you should be tested. State and local health departments have received tests from the CDC. Individual doctors are coordinating testing through public health labs. They are also getting tests developed by commercial manufacturers. Different providers, states, and local health departments may have different testing recommendations. Testing is limited-availability across the country and is currently being prioritized for healthcare workers, emergency medical service providers, police, and other essential workers. If you or someone you know has COVID-19 symptoms and needs to get tested, call your doctor. They will tell you what to do next. What can I expect from test results? Testing can identify if you have the virus that causes COVID-19. No treatment is specifically approved for COVID-19. But test results can help you and your doctor decide what to do next. If you test positive and have mild symptoms, your doctor may advise you to care for yourself at home. If you test positive and have severe symptoms, your doctor will tell you what to do. A negative test means you were probably not infected at the time of testing. However, it is possible that you were tested early into your infection and that you could test positive later. You could also be exposed at any time and develop the illness. What can I do while waiting for results? The turnaround time for testing varies between testing sites. While waiting for test results, seek emergency care right away if you develop emergency warning signs, which include: severe, con-
stant chest pain or pressure; extreme difficulty breathing; severe, constant lightheadedness; or serious disorientation or unresponsiveness. Have your medical provider’s contact information on hand. If your symptoms worsen, call your doctor and tell them your symptoms. They will tell you what to do next. When should I see a doctor? Knowing when to see a doctor can keep medical care available for those who need it most. Most mild symptoms can be treated at home. If you have mild symptoms, call your doctor before going into their office. Many physicians’ offices are doing virtual visits. They will tell you what to do based on your location. Testing is limited-availability across the country and is currently being prioritized for healthcare workers, emergency medical service providers, police, and other essential workers, so please consult your doctor for availability in your local area. If you develop emergency warning signs, call 911. Main emergency warning signs include: severe, constant chest pain or pressure; extreme difficulty breathing; severe, constant lightheadedness; or serious disorientation or unresponsiveness. What You Can Do Information about social distancing, isolating from others, and more. Washing Your Hands Washing your hands is the best way to help you stay healthy. Here’s how to do it. Wet your hands with clean, running water. Turn off the tap and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together. Get the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds. Sing “Happy Birthday” twice while washing to gauge your timing. Rinse your hands under clean, running water. Air dry or use a clean towel. No soap or water? Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Apply the gel to the palm of one hand. Rub your hands together over all of your hands’ surfaces and fingers until your hands are dry. Avoid touching your face and eyes. Social Distancing The main way COVID-19 spreads is between people. Social distancing helps to stop the spread. Avoid physical contact with other people. Stay at least 6 feet away from people when outside your home. Do not invite guests over to your house. Avoid large groups. Stay home if you’re sick. Isolate Yourself from Others If you have confirmed or possible COVID-19 or have symptoms, isolate yourself in your home to protect others. Stay home. Monitor your symptoms and if they get worse, contact your doctor immediately. Do your best to stay away from your other household members, including pets. Designate a room for your use only. Ideally use your own bathroom, too. Wash your hands frequently. COVID-19 / pg. 4
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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Native owned laboratory announces COVID-19 testing
Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief
antibody testing and phase two testing being molecular tests, which will show if a person has the virus. “The first phase is going to include an antibody type of test, so when you think about when a virus enters the body we have antibodies that will build up and attack the virus,” Littlepage said. There has been a shortage of testing options, not only in Oklahoma, but also across the country. It is predicted there are thousands of people in Oklahoma who may have had COVID-19 and just didn’t know it because they were either a) asymptomatic, or b) couldn’t get access to the test. “We will have antibody testing so we will know if a person was previously infected and if someone has had the virus and has developed some level of immunity to it,” Littlepage said. The data from antibody testing will help to provide context on who has developed Cory Littlepage, Tribal Diagnostics CEO, was named some immunity and protecone of 43 recipients of The Journal Record’s Health Care tion from COVID-19, which in turn will be data that can be Heroes Award on March 6 in Oklahoma City. used in deciding when a per(OKLAHOMA CITY) Tribal Diagnosson can safely return to work. tics, a Native owned and operated laboraAs governors across the country are contory based out of Oklahoma City begins sidering easing social distancing restrictions COVID-19 testing. As CEO Cory Littlepage, and looking to reopen businesses, researchers a citizen of Chickasaw Nation, puts it, “we at Harvard University are suggesting states have a unique opportunity to provide testing may not reopen safely unless they conduct solutions during this pandemic and I am real- more than three times the number of coronaly proud that the Tribal Diagnostics team is virus tests currently being administered over rising up to the challenge.” the next month. Tribal Diagnostics rolled out COVID-19 According to the COVID Tracking Projtesting in two phases, with phase one being ect, an average of 146,000 people per day
have been tested for the coronavirus nationally as of April 17. To reopen the economy in the United States by mid-May, Harvard researchers say the number of daily tests should be somewhere between 500,000 to 700,000 tests per day. There is a variation in the rate of testing and positive results among individual states, however Harvard researchers say most states need to administer more tests to get to a minimum of approximately 152 tests per 100,000 people per day. Tribal Diagnostics will have the ability to conduct 100 antibody tests per hour with a 24-hour result turn around time. “Depending on how many hours we work in a day, we can scale up testing pretty quickly Littlepage said. Littlepage acknowledged there is a lot the scientific Tribal Diagnostics lab technicians are ready to start testcommunity does not know ing for COVID-19. about COVID-19 and are learning each day, and mak“That’s what is being done now in the ing the antibody tests available will provide drive-thru testing sites with the nasal swab more data to use towards getting out vacci- test, so we will be able to test about 200 specnations, different immunities and how it im- imens per day and we are anticipating phase pacts different patient populations. two to begin in early May,” Littlepage said. “I don’t want to sit here and say I have Tribal Diagnostics will be coordinating all the answers, but if we could start getting with tribes and health boards across Oklamore and more samples to run additional homa, and across the country to offer their tests we will start getting closer to those an- facility as a hub for the nasal specimens to be swers, than the world becomes a better place delivered to their facility in Oklahoma City and in Oklahoma, and Indian Country,” Lit- for testing. tlepage said. “Even though our headquarters are in Phase two testing will be molecular test- Oklahoma City, we support providers and ing, meaning testing for those who actually have the virus now. TRIBAL DIAGNOSTICS / pg. 5
Public Notice to Acquire Land Into Trust - Case Number 21375
Cheyenne and Arapaho
Latoya Lonelodge, Reporter/Advertising Sales Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief T r i b a l T r i b u n e 405-422-7608 / llonelodge@cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov 405-422-7446 / rmstephens@cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov 1600 E. Hwy 66, Suite 8, El Reno OK / P. O. Box 38, Concho, OK 73022 Fax: 405-422-8204 Society of Professional Journalists members
Oklahoma Press Association member
Native American Journalists Association member
DISCLAIMER: Letters to the editor, opinions and commentaries do not reflect the views of the Tribal Tribune unless specified. Correspondence must be signed and include a return address and telephone number for verification, otherwise it will not be published. The Tribal Tribune reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Submission of a letter does not guarantee its publication. Photographs, news stories or other materials in this publication may not be reprinted without prior permission. Printed by Lindsay Web Press, Lindsay, Okla. 2010-2019 NATIVE AMERICAN JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION MEDIA AWARD WINNER & 2012-2017 AWARD WINNER OF THE OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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COVID-19 continued from pg. 2 If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Discard the tissue and immediately wash your hands. Avoid sharing personal items such as dishes, towels, and bedding with other people in your house. Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces often. Wash laundry frequently. Have a household member or friend run errands for you like picking up groceries or prescriptions. Wear a mask if you have to be around other people. If you can’t find a mask, create one from a garment like a scarf. If you can’t wear a mask because of difficulty breathing, make sure caregivers wear one around you. You can leave your house to receive medical care, but don’t take the bus, subway, or taxi. Symptom Monitoring Observe your COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days if you suspect you have the disease, have been around someone who has tested positive for it, or you’ve been diagnosed. First, seek emergency care right away if you develop emergency warning signs, which include: severe, constant chest pain or pressure; extreme difficulty breathing; severe, constant lightheadedness; or serious disorientation or unresponsiveness. Have your medical provider’s contact information on hand. Keep a log of your symptoms, including your temperature. If your symptoms worsen, call your doctor immediately to update them and they will tell you what to do next. Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces Commonly used surfaces should be regularly cleaned and disinfected. It’s always a good idea to routinely clean and disinfect
frequently touched surfaces like tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, and sinks. But if you have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, be vigilant about doing this daily. First, clean dirty surfaces with soap and water. Cleaning will remove dirt and lower the number of germs—but it will not kill germs. Next, disinfect surfaces to kill germs. Disinfecting after cleaning can further lower the risk of spreading an infection. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Or dilute your household bleach with 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Wear dedicated gloves for COVID-19 related cleaning and disinfecting or use disposable gloves and discard them after each use. Support Yourself Tips for keeping yourself physically and mentally healthy. Care For Your Body Eat well-balanced meals. This means lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein—and a limited amount of sugar, salt, and red meat. Stay hydrated. Drink water with every meal, in between each meal, and when you work out. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Walking counts. Many gyms and fitness companies are offering free online classes with no equipment necessary. Make sure to sleep. Try to get seven to nine hours if possible. Don’t drink too much caffeine. It can lead to anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and headaches. You might need to see your doctor for a reason other than COVID-19. Call, video chat, or email your provider first.
Look After Your Mental Health Practice mindfulness, which can help you stay calm. Various meditation apps are offering free services and specific COVID-19 programming. It’s important to unplug. Take short timeouts during the day to recharge. Schedule longer breaks for fun or relaxing activities. Stimulate your brain. Do something that excites you. Read a book, do a puzzle, or paint a picture. Exercise, stretch, or take walks outside. Movement can raise your level of endorphins, the chemicals that promote a positive mindset. Start a gratitude journal. Take time to acknowledge the little things that make you happy. Talk to people you trust about how you are feeling. Sharing your thoughts and concerns with others can help you feel less alone. Your physical and mental health are connected. Don’t forget to care for your body. Shop Wisely Only go to grocery stores and pharmacies for necessary items. Limit your number of outings to reduce exposure. Keep purchases to only what you need to be sure there’s enough for everyone else. People who are at higher risk of severe illness, such as those aged 65 or older or individuals with an underlying medical condition, should try to get food and medications delivered. If delivery is not possible, check local stores to see if they have special shopping hours for high risk customers. Wear gloves or wipe down your cart or basket before using it. You want to prepare, not hoard. Buy two weeks’ worth of groceries at a time. There is no threat of a food shortCOVID-19 / pg. 5
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Changing the Face of Health Care
Indian Health Service: Clinton Service Unit
The delivery of health care and services provided is constantly changing. This statement is truer than ever as Clinton Service Unit (CSU) adapts and develops innovative services to meet health care demands during the COVID-19 national emergency. “Our facilities are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of our patients and staff during this pandemic,” said Capt. Joe Bryant, CSU chief executive officer. “We are open for patient care, but are optimizing the delivery of our services and adapting to new ways of working. We are daily collaborating with community and tribal leaders to be as prepared as we possibly can be.” CSU providers are transitioning to providing telemedicine services for the majority of patient visits. With telemedicine, you meet your provider over the phone or video chat, instead of in-person at the clinic. “It’s a visit with your provider from the safety of your home,” said Dr. Sarah Hartnett, CSU clinical director. “You discuss your symptoms and medical history with your provider, who works with you to come up with a plan of care. If you need medications, the provider can order them for you and alert the pharmacy to mail them to you or have them ready for pick-up. Sometimes your provider will decide that you need to be seen in person, but the telemedicine visit helps us plan this visit to be as efficient and safe as possible. ” Behavioral Health, Physical Therapy, and many other clinic services can take place over telemedicine and FaceTime. “The services CSU offers through telemedicine visits are increasing rapidly,” said Dr. Hartnett. “Telemedicine helps flatten the curve by allowing us to treat patients outside
of the clinic, which encourages social distancing.” Staff has been conducting wellness calls by reaching out to elderly patients and ensure they are informed of the services available. “We want our elders to know we are here to care for their needs,” said CAPT Bryant. “In doing so, CSU has identify follow-up care needed in some of our patients and have been able to schedule a telemedicine visit to address their concern.” Clinton Indian Health Center (CIHC) expanded services to include drive-thru COVID-19 testing. Monday to Friday, between the hours of noon to 2 p.m., patients may drive-up to the facility to receive testing. Patients arriving for testing will be directed to drive through a series of stations to register and answer screening questions. If the screening guidelines are met, they will be evaluated by a provider in the testing area and undergo COVID-19 testing from the comfort of their vehicle. CSU continues to deliver new technologies. Patients are now able to receive COVID-19 testing results in a matter of minutes through use of the Abbott ID NOW COVID-19. This machine received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to deliver the fastest point-of-care test available. A positive result is available in as little as five minutes and a negative result is available in 13 minutes. “I’m so appreciative of the care I received at CIHC,” said a patient treated at the facility. “I have private insurance, but I choose to receive health care services here [CIHC]. The staff are respectful, detail oriented and provided the information my family needed to assist in my recovery.”
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
TRIBAL DIAGNOSTICS continued from pg. 3 tribes in Seattle, Michigan, Maine and Washington, D.C., and that’s the good thing about modern logistics, the specimens can get to us the next morning and we can conduct high volume tests on our equipment,” Littlepage said. According to a press release, which states, “Tribal Diagnostics’ services are available to serve all healthcare providers, they are working hard to ensure Tribally-operated hospitals and clinics are receiving focused care and analysis as the American Indian demographic is a vulnerable population according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Tribal Diagnostics is proud to use our experience during these challenging and unprecedented times. We have now conducted over one million laboratory tests and feel uniquely positioned to join the fight to control the COVID-19 outbreak across the country and especially within our Tribal communities, by doing what we do best … providing comprehensive lab analysis as quickly as possible,” Littlepage stated in a press release. Tribal Diagnostics first opened their doors in 2015 with a focus on targeting substance abuse tests, specifically opioids. They have evolved over the past few years into a full service laboratory offering hundreds of different tests related to diabetes, heart disease, infectious diseases such as Hepatitis C and HIV, and other disease states. Their headquarters are based out of Oklahoma City, however they have employees in 10 different states with 30% of their employees being Native
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
Message From Your District Legislator
Editor’s Note: “Message From Your District Legislator” is a new column being published in the first issue of every month. Legislators have been invited to submit an article for this column. Those who submit articles will appear under this column monthly.
Cheyenne District 3: Darrell Flyingman
American. “Although we are unique because we are tribally owned and operated, we understand the delivery system of IHS, electronic health records and the importance of data and reports for advocating federal funding, so I anticipate us being a valuable partner to tribal communities because we can help tribes with their data as it relates to COVID-19,” Littlepage said. Tribal Diagnostics will be reporting daily how many tests they run, the positives, the negatives and what their capacity is and what equipment they have to the Oklahoma State Dept. of Health. Littlepage said everyone is competing for the same resources with the nasal swabs and other materials and feels it is important to be transparent and proactive with the state in letting them know Tribal Diagnostics have the testing. With all of the data and experts emphasizing the
need for more testing in order to open the states’ economies back up, having another avenue of antibody testing through Tribal Diagnostics will play an important role in Oklahoma’s path to opening up businesses again. “To begin to get back a semblance of our lives, I believe you have to talk about it … we’re humans, and I think you have to have a plan for reopening the economy,” Littlepage said when asked his opinion on reopening Oklahoma’s economy. “You have to help people get back to some sort of life, and you have to take care of safety first, but not to talk about how we can start getting back the economy would be negligent, in my personal opinion.” To learn more about Tribal Diagnostics visit www.tribaldiagnostics. com or follow on Facebook at www.facebook. com/TribalDiagnostics or on Twitter at www.twitter. com/Triballab.
COVID-19 continued from pg. 4 age. The same goes for toilet paper. Stock up on long-lasting foods, like dry, canned, or frozen foods. You can still purchase fresh produce, meat, and dairy. Just eat those items first or freeze them so they don’t spoil. Gather essential over-thecounter supplies like tissues, a fever reducer, and cough medicine. Buy extra household items like soap, toiletries, and laundry detergent. Strategies for Work If you’re able to work from home, maintain a schedule and stick to it. Avoid working in bed or on the couch. If possible, create a separate workspace. Take walks (while maintaining a social distance) to make up for the steps you usually take to get to and from work. If you have children at home, communicate your child-care issues to your supervisor. If you aren’t working from home, follow the proper steps for hand-washing, cleaning and disinfecting, and symptom-monitoring. If you live with someone who goes into work, ensure they properly wash their hands immediately upon returning home. Disinfect anything they touched before they washed their hands. If you’re out of work be-
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cause of coronavirus, know your options for unemployment and take advantage of local community programs. Call your mortgage, student loan, utility, and credit card providers and let them know your situation. Unemployment Help Create a Household Emergency Plan Have two weeks’ worth of food in case a household member needs to isolate from others. Create an emergency contact list. This should include email addresses and phone numbers for family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, and the local public health department. If possible, those who are sick should have their own bedroom and bathroom. Choose the rooms in advance and prepare them with overthe-counter medications and extra household supplies. Join your neighborhood’s social media page to get access to neighbors, information, and resources. If you live alone and are recovering at home, stay in frequent contact with friends, family, and medical providers. If you are worried about losing your job, research options for unemployment and other forms of assistance in advance.
What To Do If You Get Sick Stay home. Monitor your symptoms. If they get worse, contact your doctor immediately. Do your best to stay away from your other household members, including pets. Designate a room for your use only. Ideally use your own bathroom, too. Wash your hands frequently. If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Discard the tissue and immediately wash your hands. Avoid sharing personal items such as dishes, towels, and bedding with other people in your house. Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces often. Wash laundry frequently. Have a household member or friend run errands for you like picking up groceries or prescriptions. Wear a mask if you have to be around other people. If you can’t find a mask, create one from a garment like a scarf or handkerchief. If you can’t wear a mask because of difficulty breathing, make sure caregivers wear one around you. You can leave your house to receive medical care, but don’t take the bus, subway, or taxi.
I want to thank Rosemary for giving the Legislature a venue to report their activities for the past month. The past month of April 2020 has been very busy for the Executive Office and the Legislature office. Keeping our tribe safe is a daily commitment for the leadership and workers. The COVID-19 Food Delivery Program is designed for the elders to ensure food is available to feed the elders and grandchildren. Many grandparents have taken on the responsibility to raise their grandchildren, which I believe is a gracious act which has been handed down by generations. I will never forget the love and kindness my grandparents gave to my sister and I. The Food Delivery Program takes many people and departments to make this program work. The program starts: with the governor and his staff, they purchase the food and make necessary arrangements to receive the food. The Legislative office (Corrine Morton) makes sure she has enough workers to fill the boxes with food and get ready to be delivered to our elders. Lastly, the legislators pick up the food boxes and make delivery to the elders in their districts. The problem I have when making deliveries is many of our elders have post office boxes listed for their address. Please provide a physical address to my office to be used for food deliveries. The Cheyenne District
3 legialtive office delivered food boxes on March 27, March 28, April 1, April 2 and April 18. We also made and distributed veggie snack packs on April 11, April 14 and April 15. During April I also started to clean up the Colony Powwow grounds. Grass was cut and weed eating done. There was also a few elders that needed their lawns mowed and I assisted with that. I submitted three Resolutions for the April Legislative Regular Session to be made into law, (1) A Resolution to support Oklahoma House Bill (HB) 3345 “Ida’s Law. Ida’s Law outlines the creation of the Office of Liaison under the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for Missing and Murdered persons. The Office of Liaison will consist of a missing person’s specialist with significant experience working alongside tribal communities. the resolution was approved by the Legislature with 8 yes, 0 no. (2) A Resolution to Improve the Governor’s Executive Directors’ Nomination Process for Confirmations. The Resolution reads as follows: The Governor shall include in the employee’s packet for employment. (1) a complete application for employment, (2) shall include all applications submitted for this position, (3) a certified copy of a college transcript, (4) a certified copy of a degree from a four year college, (5) the packet for employment must
include three references, (6) results from a drug and alcohol test must be included, (7) a cleared background check, (8) a complete job description for the position being filled, (9) all confirmations shall be posted on the 30 day Legislative Agenda, and (10) confirmations not posted on the 30 day Legislative Agenda will be tabled until the next Legislative Regular Session. This resolution was disapproved by the Legislature with a vote of 7 no and 1 yes. This resolution will be resubmitted. (3) A Bill requesting Monthly Financial Information and all Donations. A monthly financial report shall be provided to the Legislative by the 25th of each month, to include monies from all Tribal Casinos, Tax Commission, and any other sources of income to the tribe. The resolution was approved by the Legislature with a vote of 8 yes and 0 no. To reach Cheyenne District 3 Legislator Darrell Flyingman call 405-422-7588 or email dflyingman@cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov.
District Legislators Contact Information: Cheyenne District 1: Bruce Whiteman, 4057750, bwhiteman@cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov Cheyenne District 2: George Woods, 405-7415, geowoods@cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov Cheyenne District 3: Darrell Flyingman, 405422-7588, dflyingman@ cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.
gov Cheyenne District 4: Byron Byrd, 405-422-7616, bybyrd@cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov Arapaho District 1: Billie Sutton, 405-4227405, bsutton@cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov Arapaho District 2: Kendricks Sleeper, Speaker,
405-422-7919, ksleeper@ cheyenneandarapaho-nsn. gov Arapaho District 3: Travis Ruiz, 405-422-7599, truiz@cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov Arapaho District 4: Rector Candy, 405-4227916, rcandy@cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov
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Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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Mask Making 101
As experts encourage the wearing of facial masks - demand is high for facemasks Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter
Now more than ever, seamstresses are being called to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic to use their skills and talent for a new cutting edge trend in modern day fashion … facial masks. The moment COVID-19 became widespread and caused a shortage in medical supplies worldwide, many seamstresses and first time sewers found themselves in a position not only to help during this time of mask shortages but also sharing their sewing experience to others. Seamstresses, both experienced and first timers, all around the world took it upon themselves to create masks of their own design to donate and sell for the cause. Now in high demand, facemasks have been proven to lessen the chance of spreading or contracting the novel coronavirus COVID-19. And with many cities mandating facial masks to be worn in public, there will be an increase in demand in coming months. For Nan Blassingame and Corrine Morton, both citizens of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, they found themselves in the middle of the pandemic learning and teaching the art of mask making with fellow community members. Known particularly for their participation in fashion shows and their unique work in Native fashion design, Blassingame and Morton’s sewing skills were put to the ultimate test in learning and teaching how to make masks during an unprecedented health
pandemic. Blassingame said making masks felt more mandatory. She said she knew masks were being asked for early on in quarantine, but she just couldn’t bring herself to make them at first. “I don’t know if I was in denial that there was a shortage of masks or what the deal was but I couldn’t make them and I was talking to other designers about this and we were talking about the different types of sewing,” Blassingame said. “This isn’t like the fun type of sewing, they’re making prom dresses and I’m making jingle dresses, it felt kind of mandatory that we have to make masks so it kind of gave me a little more anxiety to even do it in the beginning.” Although she was a little late in participating in mask making, Blassingame said her inspiration came from a friend. “She made a head wrap with a matching mask and I’m like, ‘oh I should make them,’ a mask to match my hat that I already have and I didn’t know it was going to blow up,” Blassingame said. Blassingame said since sharing a picture of her wearing a matching mask and hat combo she made, it has been shared over 200 times on Facebook. “I mentioned this certain type of mask was easier to make compared to the one that you make with the pleats in and I felt like it sits on the face a lot better. Everyone asked me to share a video so they could see, so I finally got around to it a few days later. I shared the video and right after I finished my mask I posted the picture and it’s been shared so
OBITUARIES
Robert James Meely
Mona Red Bufffalo Moutassam Mona Red Buffalo Moutassam was born Nov. 7, 1944. She died at the age of 75 on April 12, 2020. Mona moved to Albuquerque when she was 18 years old to attend Nazarene Indian School. She was an administrative assistant throughout the years in Albuquerque. She was kind, loving, and generous. She was so beautiful. She lived her life for the Lord. She had a lot of nephews, nieces and cousins, too many to name, and made many, many friends in Albuquerque.Mona spent her whole
adult life here until she went to her Lord on Easter Sunday surrounded by her two sisters Betty Lou and Maxine and some of her other family members from Oklahoma. Mona loved to take pictures and go to the Santa Fe Indian Market every year. She also loved to serve her Lord and Savior. Mona is preceded in death by her papa Ben Red Buffalo Jr and Vida Roman Nose, and two brothers, Bennie Red Buffalo III, and Ronald Red Buffalo. She is survived by her two sisters, Betty Lou White of Arapa-
ho, Okla., and Maxine Fern Condulle of Oklahoma City, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. A private family service was held and live streamed on April 17, 2020.
Margaret Nell Pawnee
Margaret Nell Pawnee was born on Feb.17, 1934, in Concho, Okla. Margaret died April 24, 2020, at PostAcute Rehabilitation Center in El Reno, Okla. She was a homemaker and lived most of her life in Calumet. She was a member of the Native American Church. A traditional woman, she went through the Northern Arapaho Sundance a number of years. Margaret was known and respected by the Northern Arapaho people and was one of the first Fancy War dancers, and enjoyed
beadwork, bingo and going to the casino. Survivors include two sons, Thomas Blackowl of El Reno and Albert Pawnee of Calumet, daughter Paula Conklin of Oklahoma City, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her husband Freeman Pawne, parents, John and Susie Blackowl, daughters, Wilma Hamilton, and baby, Edna Marie Noear, brothers, Walter Blackowl and Clarence “Scorp” Blackowl and
a sister Edna Wahweah, preceded her in death. Private services for Margaret Nell Pawnee will be Wednesday at the Concho Cemetery with Rev. Gerald Panana officiating.
Malaina Sue Tallbear
Malaina Sue Tallbear was born July 28, 1977, in Oklahoma City. She lived most of her life in El Reno, Okla., and was previously employed by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. She died on April 17, 2020 at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Malaina is survived by her children, Elijah Joseph Tallbear and Lylah Christine Tallbear both of El Reno,
brothers, Deforest Tallbear Jr. of El Reno and Mitchell Tallbear of Lawton, Okla., and sisters, Margaret Miles and Anissa White, both of El Reno. Her father Deforest Earl Tallbear, mother Debra Lynn White, and grandparents, Floyd and Rose Tallbear and George and Margaret White, preceded her in death. A private graveside service was held at the El Reno
many times,” Blassingame said. Residing in Cedar Park, Texas, witnessing a shortage in medical masks supply was only the beginning as Blassingame said there were also shortages in materials for making masks in the area. “Now there’s a shortage in elastic to even make masks, we’re having to put tape or make our own strings to tie it on with so I guess they really are in high demand because of all the shortage in material, I seen a Wal-Mart in San Antonio and their aisles of fabric were completely empty, like everyone bought out all the fabric,” Blassingame said. While Blassingame is more familiar in sewing regalia and clothing items for fashion, she had to teach herself a few tricks with mask making. “A lot of people were posting videos on how they Nan Blassingame fashion designer and a citizen of the made them on YouTube, so I Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, models her floral hat and watched one on how to make mask combo she created. the pleated mask but I didn’t mandatory, Blassingame said it was different like it, so from watching that video I just kind of figured out how to make from her usual items of sewing. “I put aside all my other sewing to make the curved over the nose mask,” Blassingame masks but I can make a lot of them at a time, said. Feeling more like making masks was MASKS / pg. 9
Robert James Meely, ‘Lil Rocc’ was born Dec. 4, 1979 in Oklahoma City. He lived most of his life in El Reno and worked for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ maintenance department in Concho, Okla. He died on April 12, 2020. He is survived by his mother Terri Fletcher of El Reno, father Gana Nicholson of El Reno, children, Robert James Meely Jr. and Hayley Gabriel Meely both
William Pratt III
William Pratt III, or Billy to his family and friends was born on March 7, 1967 in Chicago, IL, the son of William and Harriett Irene (Cooley-St. Clair) Pratt Jr. He was part of a family that had two brothers, William and Eldon and three sisters, Daisy, Chauncina and Diana. He attended school and then decided on a job working with people that needed his help and became a nursing assistant. Billy was his own man and lived his life the way he liked. He loved his family most of all and was totally devoted to all of them and raising them. As a child growing up in Chicago, he loved time spent with his grandfather in the park. There they would tour the park in the wagon. Once the family relocated back to Tahlequah, Billy spent a great deal of time with his grandfather, camping, fishing, and swimming. He also learned to play tennis, a game he really enjoyed. He was schooled and very talented in Native craftwork such as beading and clay sculpting. Billy loved to spend time in the kitchen and was an accomplished cook. He like cooking for his family and making delicious
of Jenks, Okla., brothers, Daniel Meely of Oklahoma City and Anthony Meely of El Reno, sister, Marissa Fletcher of El Reno, grandparents, Jerrie White Buffalo of El Reno, and Charles and Barbara Nicholson of Oklahoma City, half-brothers, Dominic, Gana and another half brother also named Gana, Noah, Abdul, Malachi, Brian and Taylor and half-sisters, Cortnie and Jessica.
meals for them to share. In the yard and garden, he could raise anything he set his mind to, and had the green thumb. Evening were spent watching educational TV, he thirsted after knowledge and was always wanting to learn more. He had the ability to make you laugh and had the best sense of humor. He was happiest when surrounded by the nieces and nephews and family he called his own. His life was brief, and he passed from this life on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at the age of 53 years. He will be greatly missed. Billy is preceded in death by his father, William Sr. and his grandparents, Hugh and daisy McKenna and William and Pauline (Meat) Pratt. Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Harriet Irene (Cooley) St Clair- Pratt Giacometti of Tahlequah, OK, and his brothers and sisters, William St Clair of Tahlequah, Eldon St. Clair and wife Gina of Skiatook, Daisy Nell and husband James of Park Hill, OK, Chauncina Blackfox of Tulsa, OK, and Diana Orr and husband Clint of Locust Grove, OK. He leaves his nieces and nephews that he
Paula Kathryn Goodbear Cemetery with Rev. Jim White officiating.
Paula Kathryn Goodbear was born Aug. 3, 1951. She passed from this life on April 13, 2020 A private family service was held in Tulsa, Okla.
A private family service was held at the Concho Cemetery in Concho, Okla.
cherished and adored, Jeffery St Clair, Jerrad St Clair, Cody St Clair, Cammi St Clair-Capps, Meko St Clair, Sophia St Clair, Phillip Daw Jr., Paul Daw, Lee Nells, Lena Nells, Lance Nells, Elijah Nells, Brittney Nells, Irene Pratt, Stephanie Blackfox, Chauncina Blackfox, Reese Blackfox, Nina Blackfox, Lewis Blackfox, Brandon Grass, Cassey Gutierrez, and Ariel Bighorse. His great nieces and nephews include Janean Pratt, Latina Rogers, Josey Rogers, Katelynn Pickup, Kaiden Pickup, all of whom he helped to raise, as well as many cousins friends and a host of friends and loved ones. A private graveside service was held at the Tahlequah City Cemetery in Tahlequah, Okla.
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GAMING COMPACT continued from pg. 1
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Diabetes Wellness Program
Beginning Tuesday, April 28 Current service will be providing buffalo meat during COVID-19 health pandemic (Please NOTE: Shoes / Glasses services will resume at a later date.) Hours of Operations will be 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, by appoiintment only. Call Tara Conway at 405-422-7685 or toll free at 800-247-4612 ext. 27685 for appointment. “We will be following CDC Social Dis-
tancing Guidelines. No one will be allowed into the building. Clients will need to fill and sign paperwork outside of building to receive buffalo meat. Call upon your arrival and your paperwork will be available.” Thank you.
TESTING continued from pg. 1 In most states, people who had severe symptoms, worked in health facilities or were otherwise hospitalized were given priority for testing. The goal of the testing level recommended by the researchers would be to test nearly everyone who has mild or severe flulike symptoms, and an average of 10 contacts for each person who tests positive for the virus. A shortage of test kits and technical flaws in the United States significantly delayed more widespread testing of the virus, letting it spread undetected for weeks. With more than 988,000 cases as of April 27, the country has the highest number of known cases in the world. Health experts said that if the U.S. had tested earlier and more, the outbreak would have been better contained. Caitlin Rivers, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said that since that did not happen and the virus spread rapidly, it has made sense to prioritize testing for those in hospitals in recent weeks.
“It does make sense, given constraints, to focus on people with severe illness, because you need that information to guide their care,” Dr. Rivers said. In mid-May, however, when the researchers estimate infections will have subsided somewhat and states are looking to reopen their economies, Dr. Jha believes vastly expanded testing will be crucial. “I want to be able to identify everybody who is even mildly symptomatic,” he said. “So when I wake up one morning and have a sore throat and a fever, I should be able to go get tested. And then I want to be able to test all of my contacts if I turn out to be positive, so that I can do the test, trace and isolate strategy that’s so critical to allowing us to open up and stay open.” New Jersey currently has the highest positive rate among all states — about half of the coronavirus tests that it has conducted so far have come back positive. That suggests that many of the people in the state who have the coronavirus have
not been tested. The state’s testing progress has been hindered by setbacks, including long lines at testing facilities and a shortage of health care workers and testing swabs. Christopher Neuwirth, an assistant commissioner at New Jersey’s Health Department, said the state’s lag in testing could also indicate that fewer people are trying to get tested. “In the days and weeks up until testing was available, there was a huge pentup demand,” Mr. Neuwirth said. After that, he said, the public became more aware of the criteria for testing. “People really paid attention and really heard the messaging that you have to be symptomatic.” That messaging will have to be reversed, Dr. Jha said, once testing is expanded. “We need to switch from saying to people, ‘if you have mild symptoms, if you’re not feeling super sick, don’t come and stay at home,’ to ‘if you have any symptoms, you need to come in to get tested right away,’ ” he said.
$139 million in exclusivity fees. After Stitt’s public broadcast showing tribal leaders of both Comanche Nation and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe signing their new compacts, Oklahoma’s Attorney General Mike Hunter released a statement hours afterwards, stating, in part, “The agreements signed today, are not authorized by the state Tribal Gaming Act. The governor has the authority to negotiate compacts with the tribes on behalf of the state. However, only gaming activities authorized by the act may be the subject of a tribal gaming compact. Sports betting is not a prescribed ‘covered game’ under the act.” President of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association swiftly responded to Stitt’s announcement by saying, “Gov. Stitt does not have the authority to do what he claims to have done today. Without the engagement of the Oklahoma Legislature, he has entered agreements based on a claim of unilateral state authority to legalize sports books, to revamp the Oklahoma Lottery, and to authorize new gaming facilities in Norman and Stillwater, among other places. That’s simply not the law.” “I expect tribal and state officials are now reviewing the documents he released … and trying to understand what exactly it is Gov. Stitt is trying to do. But at the end of the day, I suspect his actions have not helped matters for anyone,” Morgan stated in a press release. And it seems members of the Oklahoma Legislature agree with the Oklahoma attorney general’s assessment the compacts are not authorized. In a letter addressed to Gov. Stitt, on letterhead of House District 22 Representative Charles McCall, it states, in part, “during a meeting with you yesterday when we learned of this for the first time (moments before your public announcement), we were not provided with key details or the documents themselves. Now that we have been able to review the documents and details within them,
PAGE 7
we are better prepared to provide you the feedback you may have been seeking yesterday via this letter … we agree with the assessment of Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter.” Many tribal leaders were also quick to respond to the news ‘bomb’ dropped by Stitt, talking to television news crews and using Social Media to release statements. Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Gov. Reggie Wassana was one of the first tribal leaders to respond. His full statement read, “Today we learned two Tribal Nations have chosen to enter into Gaming Compacts with the state of Oklahoma. Reiterating Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association’s statement, ‘respecting the sovereignty of each Tribe to take what actions it believes it must on behalf of their citizens, and although we stood together for a common cause, our individual Tribal environments dictate what is best for each individual Tribe.” “We take seriously the inner workings of the Gaming Compact. We should all view this compact as our treaties and leave no room for error as we have in the past. The state has not shown our Sovereign Tribal Nations kindness in the past, and many tribal citizens still harbor resentment. When we were unemployed and hungry we were stepped over. Now the shoe is on the other foot, with Tribal Nations employing thousands of Oklahoma citizens throughout the state … providing non-Tribal citizens and Tribal citizens with the means to buy food and provide shelter for their families. It is a new time, a new era and a new philosophy for tribes. My hope is whatever lies ahead, that we are treated with respect, treated fairly and we can both sit at the table knowing we can have a mutual agreement benefitting both the Tribes and the state of Oklahoma and our futures are everlasting.” It would appear there will now be two challenges in court in the near future.
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Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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TOWN HALL Northern Arapaho Clinic Conducts Over 20 Percent Of individuals who may not be exhibiting any symptoms, but are still contagious COVID-19 Testing In Wyoming and spreading the virus.
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
continued from pg. 1
By Savannah Maher
COVID-19 testing resources remain limited around Wyoming and the country. But one clinic that’s operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe has emerged as a leader in the state when it comes to testing. Wind River Family and Community Healthcare (WRFCH,) which is funded by the federal Indian Health Service and run by the tribe under a self-determination contract, has tested around 1,400 people. That’s more than 20 percent of the 6,328 tests that have been conducted in Wyoming by Thursday, April 16. The Wyoming Department of Health Laboratory is currently only processing tests from individuals that fall within the department’s priority categories, including those over the age of 65 and other high-risk patients who are showing symptoms. Dr. Paul Ebbert, Chief Medical Officer of WRFCH, said the clinic is testing through a private lab. Since early April, it has offered drive-through testing at its Ethete and Arapahoe locations to any member of a federally recognized tribe who wants one. “The reason we’re able to do this is because early on, we decided that we wanted to do mass testing so we ordered the supplies we needed to do that,” Ebbert said. According to the clinic’s CEO Richard Brannan, WRFCH’s team began drafting a preparedness plan and ordering supplies in late February. The clinic has
also tested several non-Native tribal employees and first responders who work on the Wind River Reservation. During a press briefing last week, Fremont County Public Health Officer Dr. Brian Gee said that private tests could yield more false-negative results than those being processed by the state. “The downside would be the potential accuracy of [private tests,]” Gee said. “So just to have a test, it seems good, but also we have to figure out what that test really means.” But according to Ebbert, WRFCH’s is taking a calculated risk. “We also do not know what the false negative rate of the state test is,” Ebbert said. “We have done our research, we suspect that the way we’re testing is a little bit less sensitive than the state test is, although we do not know. Nobody knows.” And he feels the clinic’s more aggressive approach is paying off. “We have found three or four asymptomatic cases that would not have been found otherwise. And by doing that, we are able to quarantine those people and do contact tracing “ Ebbert
said, adding that the Northern Arapaho Tribe is offering quarantine housing to those who test positive at its Wind River Hotel. “And a couple of those people were in situations where they could have been super-spreaders, where they either worked in a local store or were going from house to house because of their housing situation,” Ebbert said. The not-for-profit clinic has received some federal relief funding through the CARES Act, which set aside more than $1 billion for the Indian Health Service network. But Ebbert said WRFCH is footing the bill for private testing, and isn’t seeing much revenue since paring down its regular operations to combat COVID-19. “We hope that we’re going to be okay [financially], but we honestly don’t know,” Ebbert said. “[LabCorp] has given us what I feel is a reasonable price for the tests, but it could add up to a lot of money.” Ebbert said the clinic and the tribe made a decision to invest in widespread testing, which they hope will protect tribal citizens and save money down the road.
We are so proud of you MaKayla. Love you and we know you will go far in life. Love that you always stayed true to yourself Love Mommy and Family
registrations from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Diabetes Wellness Program is providing buffalo CSU is also conducting drive-thru meat curbside pick up by appointment COVID-19 testing at the Clinton Indi- only by calling 405-422-7685, from 10 an Health Center from noon – 2 p.m. a.m. – 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and ThursMonday through Friday. Individuals, days. The Elder Care Program recently who have symptoms of COVID-19, mailed out elder food checks for May have been exposed to someone who and are currently taking applications has COVID-19 in the past 14 days or by mail at PO Box 133, Concho, OK an order from their primary care pro- 73022. vider can be tested. Other programs available for assisSeveral Cheyenne and Arapaho tance include the Burial Program to Tribes’ department leaders shared up- assist with funeral expenses and the dated information on their departments Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP), curand initiatives that has been put into rently closed to in-house dining, howplace and continue to be utilized to as- ever continuing to deliver to elders, sist as many tribal citizens as possible. with additional meals being provided As of April 24 there have been 600 on Friday to ensure elders have food care packages distributed to tribal cit- over the weekend. This increase in izens and plans to deliver an addition- meals is due to the ENP receiving two al 300 care packages. The tribes’ have grants. The grants will also enable ENP butchered 10 buffalo and distributed to provide grocery baskets with cleanmeat to their citizens and tribal offic- ing supplies and masks. es providing essential services to the The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes tribes’ members have remained opera- Health Board secretary, Summer Klinetional on a limited basis. kole is heading up ‘Project Mask’ to The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ help produce masks for tribal citizens. H.O.P.E. Program’s COVID-19 re“We have nine sewing machines we sponse has sent out approximately received from Culture & Heritage, and 1,000 food cards totaling over $85 five tribal members have agreed to rethousand. ceive the machines and sew masks,” “We have assisted with rent and Klinkole said. “We still need to recruit utilities with disbursements totaling four more and are looking to obtain approximately $27 thousand in assis- material for the masks.” tance, and are now completely caught For more information or to volunteer up and processing applications daily contact Klinekole by calling 405-421as they come in, with food cards being 3750 or email sklinekole@cheyennemailed out one day behind that,” Judy andarapaho-nsn.gov. Holsapple, H.O.P.E. Program director Time was set aside during each Town said. Hall to allow community members to Although the H.O.P.E. Program is address questions and concerns related closed to the public, individuals can to the coronavirus pandemic. still apply online by visiting chey“The most important thing we can do enneandarapaho-nsn.gov/project/ now is to protect ourselves,” Dr. Bryan covid-19-food-assistance-application. said. “Follow proper social distancing Other programs offering essential and hygiene care, wash your hands freservices include Food Distribution, quently, stay home, and take care of the with both their Clinton and Watonga elderly and your family.” stores offering curb side pick up for The next Telephone Town Hall meettheir clients from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on ing will be announced via Social Media Mondays and Fridays. The tribes’ tag or contact Summer Klinekole for more office is open for tag renewals/new details.
Happy Birthday
Meet JaKody Zeke Littleman
Chirstopher Tahchawwickah and Jimmy Tahchawwickah May 4 You are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and do right! Love and miss you. Brothers ‘til the casket drops
Born April 22, weighing in at 7 lbs., 10 oz. and is 19 inches long. Grandmother Tina Stevens sends a thank you to all their family and friends for their prayers. Mother Jericah Littleman is doing well.
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MASKS continued from pg. 6
I was showing them in my video how I just continually add the next mask and add the next lining without having to cut the thread off in-between, creating a little chain of masks,” Blassingame said. Blassingame said she began making masks for herself and then for friends who were essential workers in the Austin, Texas area. With other clothing and regalia orders to fulfill, Blassingame said sewing and selling masks has been done in her down time as she works from home and helps homeschool her son. “I’ve had about 60 people message me about getting hats and matching masks, but the problem is finding the interface and I’m going to have to go to the Wal-Mart’s and see if there’s the interfacing for the hats because they are reversible, they’re two sided, you can slip it inside out and wear the other side, but it takes a lot of the interfaces to give it a strong hold,” Blassingame said. Having made over 30 masks so far, Blassingame said since masks are small, they are quick, easy and very beginner friendly to make. “I just cut them out in stacks, cut all the lining and match them together, one mask gets a lining, I’ve been cutting them out in bulks like that so that I can just sit and sew them,” Blassingame said. With several hat and mask set requests like her colorful flower print, Blassingame said she had just enough of left over material to make her mask match her hat that she made five years ago. “I just randomly come across things and maybe we were going to the beach or something and I wanted a bucket hat, but I extended it a little to make it more full. I bought the pattern off of Etsy but then it was kind of small so I had to modify it to make it fit. I made that hat maybe five years ago and I’m just surprised that it’s going viral now,” Blssingame said. Taking her fashion and designer skills from the powwow arena to making masks in an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Blassingame decided to go a step further by entering an online exhibition and Native American mask-making contest to be featured in the First American Art Magazine (FAAM). “I saw it right after I posted the hat and mask that they were having a contest to submit masks that you’ve made … it’s three prizes for the mask, so I’ll be submitting the mask and hat,” Blassingame said. According to the FAAM website, first place winner will receive a one half-page ad in FAAM plus $100 cash, second place receives a one quarter-page ad plus $75 cash and third place will receive a three-month web ad on the FAAM website plus $50 cash.
While overwhelmed with the excitement of how much her mask and hat combo had gained attention, Blassingame said the pandemic needs to also be taken seriously during this time. “I think it’ll be pretty seeing people in their hats at powwows and such, especially when they’re at outdoor powwows, I think that would be cool, I know they’ll last longer but I’m just glad it inspired everybody,” Blassingame said. For Morton, who works for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Legislative Branch, she said she began making masks mainly for family and co-workers. “My daughter works in the medical field and was short on supplies, she was worried about coming home to her family and my grandkids. I wanted to do something for her and my family to help keep them safe. We still have to work and my co-workers had requested some for themselves and their families, that’s when I offered to teach them how to make their own,” Morton said. Morton said she’s had requests for masks from family members, co-workers and businesses. She said mask making could take a little time with the process in drafting, tracing and cutting the patterns and materials. “After that it is smooth sailing to sew each piece together. My daughter and I have been up working like crazy, but with trial and error I came up with a pattern that works best for us to sew. Depending on the request or order, we have been making a couple of different styles of masks, sizes and with or without the filter pocket and nose guard. It’s a lot but I like to take my time and make sure I do a good job so that it will last and get the most use out of it,” Morton said. Morton said she has been offering tutorial classes, showing others how to make masks of their own. “I wanted to offer a class to my co-workers because I just didn’t have the time to fill everyone’s request. We are still working for our tribe, providing food boxes to our tribal members and have been busy. I’d rather teach them than to do it for them and let them know the process and have the knowledge of what goes into the basics of sewing,” Morton said. Morton said she’s made approximately 50-75 masks and has had seven people attend her classes so far. “I have a lot more requests and orders, it’s just having the time to fill them all. I don’t charge, I just ask to donate to the cause because supplies are always needed,” Morton said. Morton said while she only began making masks to help out family and fellow co-workers, she wants to thank the Tribes for all that they do for tribal members during the COVID-19 crisis. “I love to create and sew, if I can help out at this time then my efforts are worth it … a huge thank you to my co-workers
American Academy of Arts & Sciences announces their newest members (CAMBRDIGE, MA) The American Academy of Arts & Sciences was founded in 1780 by John Adams, John Hancock, and others who believed the new republic should honor exceptionally accomplished individuals and engage them in advancing the public good. Two hundred and forty years later, the Academy continues to dedicate itself to recognizing excellence and relying on expertise, both of which seem more important than ever. The Academy announced its newest members with the election of 276 artists, scholars, scientists, and leaders in the public, non-profit, and private sectors, including Edgar Heap of Birds, a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. “The members of the class of 2020 have excelled in laboratories and lecture halls, they have amazed on concert stages and in surgical suites, and they have led in board rooms and courtrooms,” said Academy President David W. Oxtoby. “With today’s election announcement, these new members are united by a place in history and by an opportunity to shape the future through the Academy’s work to advance the public good.” New members of the Academy include Singer, songwriter, and activist Joan C. Baez, Immunologist Yasmine Belkaid, University President Ana Mari Cauce, Bioethi-
Edgar Heap of Birds is named one of American Academy of Arts & Sciences newest members.
cist R. Alta Charo, Native American scholar and artist Edgar Heap of Birds, Technology and knowledge strategist Charles J. Henry, Experimental petrologist Marc M. Hirschmann, Lawyer and former Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., Performer and professor E. Patrick Johnson, Anthropologist of human health Clark S. Larsen, Independent filmmaker Richard S. Linklater, Author Ann Patchett Poet and playwright Claudia Rankine CEO and electrical engineer Lisa T. Su. “We congratulate these
incoming members of the Academy for excelling in a broad array of fields; we want to celebrate them and learn from them,” said Nancy C. Andrews, Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Academy. “When Academy members come together, bringing their expertise and insights to our work, they help develop new insights and potential solutions for some of the most complex challenges we face.” The Academy’s projects and publications are focused on the arts and humanities, democracy and justice, education, global affairs, and science.
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Corrine Morton, a local seamstress, and a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, sews masks for Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Gov. Reggie Wassana and Lt. Gov. Gib Miles. Aron, Calleigh, Hannah and Sara Lee, I appreciate their interest in letting me teach them and all their hard work that they do for tribal members,” Morton said. For mask orders from Nan Blassingame contact nanggame@gmail.com, and for mask orders or questions regarding future mask tutorials email Corrine Morton, comorton@ cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov.
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Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Oklahoma artists get creative during quarantine As an artist, Elizabeth Sate Day can’t help but create. Even a pandemic won’t change that. “I think in some ways, this time is a blessing in disguise,” said Sate Day, a Kiowa Apache ledger artist. “You really get to settle down and focus on your work or spend time with family.” Artists across the region are out of work and facing exhibit cancelations, but many are finding new ways to get creative while staying home. “This is my bread and butter, my income,” said Sate Day, “but when people are losing jobs and can’t pay for your work, it’s tricky.” For Sate Day, the last couple weeks have been a good time to develop her artistic weaknesses. “I really struggle to paint on canvas .... and I’m awful at painting animals,” she said. “But it’s a good time to practice getting out of your comfort zone. If you mess up, no one is here to judge you.” Last fall, Sate Day nabbed the grand prize in the Creative Native national art contest, hosted by the Center for Native American Youth and the National Congress of American Indians. She won a cash prize and traveled to Washington, D.C. in November to see her winning piece, titled “Sisterhood,” placed on display at the Center for Native American Youth. Now, Sate Day paints from her home in Stephens County, a space she shares with her mother and grandparents. The artist said she’s using the extra time to learn more about her family’s history, which is inspiring her work. “I like going through old family photos and using their poses for references,” she said. When she’s not painting, Sate Day is learning the Kiowa language and taking long walks, studying plants and foraging for soap
nuts, morel mushrooms and wild onions. Sate Day is also staying connected with her followers. On Monday evening, the artist hosted her second live art lesson via her Instagram profile, @standing_bear.studios. “I’m still new at livestreaming, but I’m getting the hang of it,” Sate Day said. “The first one went well, I was just showing people how I start my paintings, I was talking to them and trying to slip some tribal history in there.” Toni Hopper, communications and exhibits director at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center (CTAC), has managed to remain in contact with quite a few artists during the COVID-19 crisis. “This is not stopping them from creating art,” she said. “I’m hearing about artists who are using (their work) as a way to cope, because there’s a lot of uncertainty with everything going on.” Oklahoma City-based artist Brent Learned was scheduled to open an exhibit April 4 at CTAC in Duncan, but that has been postponed. The Cheyenne-Arapaho artist has shown his work around the world, from Australia to Russia, and has pieces on display in the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion. Since the health crisis started, Learned has had three other exhibits canceled, in Durant, Okla., Lawrence, Kansas and Chicago. “I was also supposed to go down to the Santa Fe Indian Art Market, but that was just canceled and it’s in August,” he said. “That shows you how far out shows are being canceled.” Despite the cancelations, Learned said he is staying busy. “I have a pretty good-sized community of people who like what I do, so it hasn’t affected my commission work,” he said.
By Hannah Maginot
Brent Learned, Cheyenne and Arapaho, has had three art exhibits canceled due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. He continues to create art pieces promoting social distancing, staying home and washing hands as public service pieces. Last month, in response to the crisis, Learned created a series of public service announcement paintings depicting native people washing their hands, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing. It was therapeutic for Learned, though he said there were some emotional moments while creating the paintings. “It reminded me of when I was working on my series on the Sand Creek Massacre,” he Artist Elizabeth Sate Day, Kiowa and Apache, poses with said. her paintbrushes in her home in Stephens County. Sate Day Learned is also utilizing is hosting live painting lessons via Instagram for her followsocial media to keep in touch ers during the COVID-19 heath crisis. with his followers. He recently asked them to send him reaches out to fellow artists and his native painting suggestions. He received quite a few community for encouragement. Ultimately, requests — from Bigfoot to the Tiger King focusing on his work keeps Learned ground— and is working his way through bringing ed, something he encouraged all artists to do. them to life. Learned shares his work on his “We’re living in unprecedented times,” Instagram profile, @brentlearned. Learned said. “This is a time to use your On days he feels discouraged, Learned imagination and let it go and start creating.”