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Nov. 15, 2017 -Volume 13, Issue 22
Cheyenne & Arapaho Supreme Court files temporary injunction postponing tribes' General Election (CONCHO-OK) The General Election of the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes, for now, is on hold according to a temporary injunction filed by the Cheyenne & Arapaho Supreme Court today, Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. One day before the General Election was to take place for top two candidates in the Governor/Lt. Governor race, Election Commissioners race and Legislative District race. On Oct. 19, 2017 current Governor Eddie Hamilton (petitioner), in his capacity as Governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes and as a candidate for Governor in the 2017 tribal elections, filed a complaint for injunctive relief against the C&A Election Commission citing unlawful actions by the Election Commission (respondent) in the 2017 Primary Election. The first court appearance, Oct. 30, ended with the Supreme Court ordering all subpoe-
nas to be served and evidentiary documents be filed by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, with the case to be heard on Friday, Nov. 3. On Friday, Nov. 3, in a closed courtroom setting, the case was postponed until Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. Today, after a delay in the 10 a.m. scheduled start time, attorneys from both sides were given the opportunity to present opening statements. Representing the petitioner are attorneys William Norman and Michael McMahan, Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP. Attorney for the respondent is Klint Cowan, Fellers Snider. McMahan and Norman presented opening statements utilizing a power point presentation depicting photos of Facebook messages, photos of General election / pg. 4
Cheyenne & Arapaho Veterans Day Celebration
FREE RIDES Above: Harvey Pratt (l) and Russell Willey debut the new Office of Veteran Affairs logo designed by Pratt. Right: Lena Nells, U.S. Army speaks to the audience.
Albert Grey Eagle performs a song on the flute, followed by a poetry reading by Mathison Hamilton, accompanied by his son playing the flute in the background. (Photos / Rosemary Stephens)
Honoring and celebrating Veterans has long been a tradition with the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. On Thursday, Nov. 9 the Office of Veteran Affairs, along with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Color Guard hosted this year’s celebration beginning at the Concho Community Center. Albert Grey Eagle performed songs on his flute with Mathison Hamilton reading poetry accompanied by his son, also playing a
flute. Speakers included Lena Nells, U.S. Army and Harvey Pratt, U.S. Marine Corps. CATV-47 presented a slideshow of photos of Veterans provided by the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune. Following a meal, a community walk began from the community center ending at the Cheyenne & Arapaho Veterans Memorial Wall in Concho, Okla.
In observance “Native American Month” the Tribal Transit Program will be offering FREE rides for the month of November on our Fixed-routes only effective Tuesday, November 7, 2017. All passengers will need to present their CDIB to the driver in order to verify. Any questions, please call (580) 331-2600.
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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Grand opening of water treatment plant affirms pure, clean drinking water By Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter
Water is undoubtedly an essential key to life as the earth is made up of 70 percent of water. Communities, tribal and non-tribal, can agree that pure and clean water is the basis of living a healthy life. On Nov. 1, the grand opening of the Cheyenne and Arapaho (C&A) tribes Water Treatment Plant (WTP) was held in Concho, Okla. Just a year earlier, a groundbreaking ceremony on the WTP was held and has since grown into a fully operational water system and faIndian Health Service officals, water plant operators, speakers, Cheyenne & Arapaho Gov. cility. The WTP works to reEddie Hamilton and Lt. Gov. Cornell Sankey watch as Addison Cloud cuts the red ribbon move hard water and provide signifying the grand opening of the Cheyenne & Arapaho Water Treatment Plant. (Photo / safe, clean, drinking water for Latoya Lonelodge) the Concho area, including Lucky Star Casino and the harmony and every thing else. Nothing exists or lives without Travel Center. water, it’s extremely important for us. It’s a natural resource “I haven’t been in this building since we’ve done the for the tribe,” Harvey Pratt said. ground breaking ceremony and I’m just amazed at what all Pratt said that the WTP would encourage children to see has been done, what it’s going to do for our campus and our that their families are trying to help them as tribal people and tribal members, there’s going to be many people to thank, would open opportunities for growth. Indian Health Services (IHS), the workers here, it’s just been “I think we have to recognize the fact that water is a lot of amazing about what has come to provision with this project, I things to us, we have to understand what water is for us as a feel that it could really mean something as far as helping our people, that it comes from the mountains, from the streams people, I know that coming from the Cheyenne side of the and turns into lakes, oceans, ponds, puddles, it’s all different ceremonies, how important water is to our people and I feel but it’s water. Just like human beings, we’re all different but that this is a job that can really do wonders for us and put us we’re human beings. Water is important for us, we see our back into a condition where we’re helping our people out,” children, we see this plant happening and it creates jobs, it’s Cheyenne and Arapaho Gov. Eddie Hamilton said. going to show that we’re diversified, we’re not going to rely The topic of the grand opening was the importance of wa- on casinos, we have to do other things to develop, it’s growth ter to communities, a topic that many of the speakers agreed of the tribe, we’re moving forward and the quality of this on. project is going to be really exciting for us to see,” Pratt said. “The creator created two types of water, surface water and deep water. These things were made to be in balance with Water plant / pg. 4
What Led to the Sand Creek Massacre? Check Out This Timeline
This year marks the 152nd anniversary since the Sand Creek Massacre, a tragic and unnecessary event of Nov. 29, 1864 forever changed Indian relations with the U.S. government. What was the climate like in the years leading up to what happened at Sand Creek? Read this timeline to get a better picture. 1858—Gold Discovered in Colorado Gold is found in the Platte River, causing a gold rush that would bring as many as 100,000 people—miners and those catering to such activities. Denver would be established on November 22 of this year. All of this added to strained relations between white settlers and prospectors encroaching on Cheyenne and Arapaho lands previously agreed in the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie and with these guarantees confirmed in the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. Pressure was put on governmental leaders to do something about the Indians hindering this progress. February 28, 1861—Establishment of the Colorado Territory After the gold rush into the region, Congress passes an act creating the Colorado Territory, which remains essentially the same as the state today. The act was signed on this date by President James Buchanan. September 1861—The Treaty of Fort Wise This treaty was the answer to calls to do something about the “progress-hindering” Indians in Colorado. Signed by 10 chiefs of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people, it greatly reduced the hunting territory previously agreed upon in the Treaty of Fort Laramie, and created a triangular-shaped reservation between the Sand Creek and Arkansas River. The treaty included an agreement to change from a hunting to an agricultural economy for the people. Many problems arose from the treaty. While the Native people understood
it as an agreement specific to the band’s signing, the whites believed it to include all of the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples, expecting them to give up buffalo hunting and to move within the reservation boundaries. That did not happen, frustrating the plans of Colorado Territory Gov. John Evans and increasing frictions between the two cultures. The Sand Creek Massacre occurred within this would-be reservation boundary. May 16, 1864—The Murder of Chief Lean Bear Reduction of buffalo herds, imported diseases like smallpox and the encroachment of white settlements made life extremely difficult for the Plains people in the Colorado and Kansas territories in the early 1860s. These conditions contributed to cattle raiding and to increased conflicts between soldiers and Native peoples. In April, an encounter between Cheyenne Dog Soldiers and troops ended with two troopers killed and four dog soldiers wounded. One tragedy connected to these tensions resulted in the unprovoked murder of Cheyenne Chief Lean Bear. A column of soldiers approached the chief’s Smoky Hill River camp. He and a large group of men rode out to meet the soldiers. With another man, Star, Chief Lean Bear further approached the soldiers to greet them. He displayed the peace medal and document he had received from President Lincoln during negotiations a year earlier to assure them of his intent. The troop commander took no notice of these items and ordered his men to shoot the two Cheyenne men. “Then the troops shot Lean Bear to pieces as he lay on his back on the ground,” George Bent, Sand Creek survivor born to a Cheyenne mother and white father, would report later. Cheyenne Chief White Antelope told the Colorado Territory governor that this mur-
der ignited the beginning of hostilities in 1864. June 11, 1864—Murder of the Hungates Throughout the summer of 1864 tensions and clashes between Native and non-Native people occurred. When the Hungates, a white family on a ranch located about 30 miles southeast of Denver, were found brutally murdered, it was alleged that an Arapaho raiding party was to blame. The 4-year-old and infant girls were almost beheaded and the parents stabbed and scalped. Any motive for the murders remained unknown. The bodies were brought to Denver and put on public display, sparking many settlers from rural areas to move into town for protection and causing increased panic about a massive attack from local tribes. Gov. Evans would point to this as evidence of a “war” being launched. June 27, 1864—Evans’ “Proclamation to Friendly Indians of the Plains” In this proclamation, Col-
orado Territory Gov. John Evans warns “friendly Indians” not to mingle with those causing hostilities and to identify themselves by gathering at places like Fort Lyon, where provisions and safety would be provided. The sad truth is that believing this promise—and others like it—is what caused the encampment at Sand Creek and the people being set up for slaughter. August 10, 1864—Evans’ Telegraph to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs Gov. Evans sends a frantic telegraph stating his certainty that the Plains tribes have combined for war against the whites. “It will be the largest Indian war this country ever had, extending from Texas to the British lines, involving nearly all the wild tribes of the Plains. Please bring all the force of your department to bear in favor of speedy re-enforcement of our troops, and get me authority to raise a regiment of 100-days’ mounted men.” Timeline / pg. 4
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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Family, friends, teachers and tribe question why 14-year-old teen fatally shot by officer
By Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief
eyewitnesses say it was a cell phone, not a knife. in Indian Country know first hand. Jason was home sick that day according to his Just ask Wilbur and Melissa Goodblanket. mother, and staying at his grandparent’s house, Their 18 year old son was shot to death in the liv“There is no reason you can justify shooting a ing room of their Clinton home on Dec. 21, 2013 by 14-year-old boy,” Gautheir told reporters. She said Custer County Sheriff deputies. The deputies have she did not know why Jason had been outside. yet to be charged with a crime, as the state of OklaJason’s grandfather, Alan Pero, said Jason was homa deemed the shooting “justified.” someone who, “never had one mean bone in his Melissa and Wilbur continue to tell their story body.” He is also described as a ‘big teddy bear’ and hoping each time to initate change to prevent an‘everybody loved him.’ other child, another teen, from being shot and killed Bad River Band Chairman Robert Blanchard by officers overreacting to situations, nor having stated he had not heard directly from the sheriff’s proper training on how to deescalate someone who officials about why Jason was shot. Blanchard ques- is having a mental episode. tioned why the deputy had to take the teen’s life. Until the conversations begin within State legAshland County Sheriff’s office provides law en- islatures around the country, change will not take forcement services on the reservation along with the place. Until that happens, until change is iniated within police departments across the country there tribal police department. “This is a tragedy that should not have happened. will be more sad stories of innocent teenagers being There’s other way to do things than to pull out a gun shot and killed due to the lack of police training. and shoot him,” Blanchard stated. The superintendent of the School District of Ashland, Keith Hilts, said students were struggling with their classmate’s death. Jason and Hilts were involved in the school band and was a member of the drumming group. Sadly, this is not the first Native American teen to be shot and killed in Indian Country. And even sadder to say, it probably won’t be the last because changes in the way police officers Wilbur and Melissa Goodblanket look on at the memorbilia of their 18 year old son Mah-Hi-Vist handle difficult situations Goodblanket, who was shot and killed on Dec. 21, 2013 in the living room of their Clinton home by have not changed. It’s a Custer County Sheriff deputies. The Goodblankets continue to seek justice in the death of their son and to strive to iniate changes shoot first, ask questions later mentality that many within police department procedures. (Photo taken February 2014)
Twitter photo of Jason Pero killed on Nov. 8, 2017
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, on the reservation of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Wisconsin 14 year old Jason Pero was shot to death by an Ashland County Sheriff deputy. Holly Gauthier, Jason’s mother, questions why the teen, who family and friends describe as loving and kind, was gunned down. Gautheir said she believes her son was murdered. At approximately 11:40 a.m., Ashland County Sheriff dispatchers received a call about a male subject walking down the street armed with a knife. The Wisconsin Dept. of Justice released a statement stating a knife was recovered at the scene, however,
New Caddo Springs Walking Trail exhibits education and historic scenery
By Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter
Years ago, piles of trash and dumpsters filled the grounds of Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal land. Over time and with a little bit of help, the same location where much of history is held, is being put to great use by preservation. When the seasons change and with the weather cooler, preserving culture and history is just one way of introducing a new walking trail on tribal land. On Oct. 27, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) held their grand opening of the Caddo Springs Walking Trail in Concho, Okla. The project was funded by a Cultural Resource Grant given by the Multicultural Initiative for Community Advancement (MICA) Group in 2015. The grant was written by Damon Dunbar and Kimberly Goodbear, who then passed it on to THPO to takeover on the project in early 2016. “I was working for Procurement Grants and Contracts (PG&C) at the time when this grant came across me and we went ahead and wrote it for the first phase, which was $15,000, we ended up getting that assessed on the old bridge down here, some of the elders thought it could be incorporated into it, we thought about the safety factors, we wanted to make sure everything was safe, that it was able to walk on, we got some studies done on it and when you go across it you can tell it’s
really structurally sound,” Damon Dunbar, Community Development director said. Dunbar said he remembers the time when there was the site of dumpsters and dump piles located where the newly established walking trail now flourishes. “My first goal was to get all this trash cleaned up and with the assistance of the Tax Commission, we got all of it cleaned up and all those trees taken care of. We quit all that dumping and preserved our land, this is all of our land. This is a recreational area and now we have a beautiful trail here for our kids and elders and whoever wants to get down here and walk and I believe it’s going to be a success story from here on out,” Dunbar said. The opening of the walking trail exhibited all the benefits of engaging with nature and the scenery. The vision that Dunbar and Goodbear initially had for the walking trail project was brought to light for everybody to also enjoy. “I was grateful enough to work with Damon on this grant to make this vision possible and come to light for everybody, I’ve been out here for nine years, I still come out here when I want to unwind and enjoy nature and what you guys have all been given out here and I love it out here. Sometimes I just sit on the bridge, dangle my feet, look at the creek, enjoy it and pray sometimes. I hope the kids enjoy it out here and the elders get to reminisce about either growing up out here
Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief 405-422-7446 / rmstephens@c-a-tribes.org Society of Professional Journalists members
or things they know they can pass on to the young ones and teach,” Kimberly Goodbear, Planning and Development tech writer said. The trail has various routes with scenery of sumac plants, flowerbeds and rest stops along the paths. Two trails, named Whitetail and Sumac, are the primary trails routed in the walking trail full of education, stories and history. “We’ve been given very specific definitions and rules and deliverables that they had basically promised in the grant. In the grant they promised raised flower beds in the trail and there’s a story behind the historic photos that we’re going to be telling and putting up, there’s languages, community input, so that’s when we worked with our youth, Child Development and through the fall break camp outs, that’s when we worked with Health Education to do the 50 Million Step Challenge, we partner with them on the Bigfoot Hustle because they wanted to walk the trail and so every chance we get to partner with other programs that’s what we do. It all ties together and it all comes together in a community
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
effort and this is what you see happening out here today, everybody coming together and everybody’s efforts coming together,” Virginia Richey, THPO officer said. The walking trail, mapped out is about 1.2 miles with extra small trails routed along the paths, making the trail more of a lengthy scenery walk. “This trail has really come a long way because the trail has always been here but it’s always been a dirt path, rabbit trail, hunting trail, whatever you want to call it. But it’s all been cleaned up, there was a bunch of extra mulch, but they found out it was too big and if you put it all out there on the trail there was a risk of injury, so we had to get rid of a lot of that,” Max Bear, THPO director said. With renovations, planning, constructing and partnering with other programs, the walking trail is now open for all to come and exhibit the various features routed along the trail. For more information on the Caddo Springs Walking Trail, contact Tribal Historic Preservation Office, 405-422-7484.
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
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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Legal Aid Program makes legal representation available to enrolled Cheyenne & Arapaho citizens By Rosemary Stephens Editor-in-Chief
Maneuvering through the ins and outs of a courtroom can be daunting. Especially for those who lack the money to hire proper legal counsel. That’s where the Cheyenne and Arapaho Legal Aid Program (LAP) steps in. In late 2015, the Fifth Legislature adopted an act establishing the program specifically to assist Cheyenne and Arapaho citizens, free of charge, with legal representation, primarily involving misdemeanor cases and felony cases if the statutory range of punishment includes a term of imprisonment of 10 years or less. The program began taking cases in January 2016. “Two advantages of the program are the fact that many courts will not provide a public defender for criminal defendants if bond has been posted for them. They are determined to be able to afford legal counsel if they can afford to post a bond. If criminal defendants come to court and fail to hire private counsel, they may eventually be ordered back into custody and a public defender would then be appointed for them, and the other big advantage … it’s a free service to tribal members,” Kim Anthony, attorney said. The program has allowed many tribal members to stay out of jail, keep their families together, keep their homes, and
their jobs while their cases were pending while being led by legal counsel through the maze of a complicated court system in many counties throughout Oklahoma. “As of October we have 57 open cases in different counties, and we have closed a total of 190 cases to date,” Anthony said. Those cases range from public intoxication, shoplifting, truancy, driving without a license to assault and battery, drug possession, DUI, DWI, APC and probation/parole violations in several different counties including Oklahoma County, Canadian, Beckham, Caddo, Blaine, Cleveland, Custer, Dewey, Kingfisher, Roger Mills, Washita and Woodward. “We can be reached at any time by calling 405-422-7664 or 7663 where they can leave a message and we will return the call and we have applications outside of our office or they can email me at kanthony@c-a-tribes.org and I can send them over an application. As soon as someone is arrested they need to go ahead and call us. There may be some things we can do, and there might not be, but I will certainly check into it immediately and see, and let them know up front if we can take the case or not or see if we can get a bond reduction for them,” Anthony said. The program operates under gaming funds with the program being overseen by the Supreme Court. Anthony has practiced family law, civil and criminal cas-
es since 2008. She graduated with a law degree from Oklahoma City University (OCU) in 2006 and took the bar in 2008, receiving her license to practice in April 2008. “I practice in tribal courts and state court. I started out working for another attorney for a couple of years and from there I opened my own practice for about five years, and then came on board with the Legal Aid Program,” Anthony said. “We’ve been able to help a lot of people to stay out of jail, out of prison, and I think people just get really confused with the system and how it works. We’re here to answer questions and lead them through the complicated process. If people come by with family law questions, even though we don’t take those cases, I still try to answer their questions to try and assist them as much as possible.” Anthony said she has seen a lot of attorneys who are hesitant about practicing in tribal courts for the simple reason they are not versed in the law and order codes of different tribal court systems. “When people come to tribal court we already have people there to help them. In tribal court, I think, it’s more about let’s fix the root of the problem. Then they will look at punishment if they don’t follow through, but the focus is let’s see what we can do to prevent this from happening in the future. I see the tribal court being
very patient with people and they try to be understanding versus state courts where they have so many cases going on they don’t have time to sit down and take into account cultural situations that make people think differently than what they are used to,” Anthony said. “They don’t look at people’s backgrounds, financial situations, and you do see some of the same type of punishments for cases such as a DUI, but what you see here in tribal court is tribal services being utilized at no cost to the tribal members. I have been making progress in some state courts to allow tribal members to utilize the services here at the tribes rather than having to go through a $160 program through state court.” The Legal Aid Program is 100 percent free to tribal members for legal counsel, but fines and/or fees associated with programs clients may be ordered to complete are paid for by the client, however, as stated on the program’s brochure, “Money does not have to be barrier between you and legal services.” The Cheyenne and Arapaho Legal Aid Program is one of the few free legal counsel programs offered by tribes throughout the state of Oklahoma. For assistance with legal counsel or more information call 405-422-7664 or 405-422-7663, or email kanthony@c-a-tribes.org.
Water plant continued from pg. 2
General election continued from pg. 1
Hearing words of knowledge and the importance of water also brought high spirits from the tribal youth. “It’s very sacred, it means a lot to us and everything that has been going on at Standing Rock, it just breaks my heart that they take water for granted, water is really sacred to us, we don’t get enough water and it has to be purified and we’re living on the largest pure aquifer in the United States, only 3 percent of the water is fresh, the rest is contaminated. Water means a It was almost a year to the day from breaking ground at the site of the Cheyenne and Arapaho lot to our youth, we drink water for Water Plant, to the red ribbon grand opening on Nov. 1, 2017. our ceremonies, we stay hydrated IHS acting area director said. Projects were grants from IHS, U.S. and before we go in, we thank the The IHS confirmed the water in the Geological Survey (USGS) and the creator for the water,” Addison Cloud, Concho area is pure, clean and safe to C&A Tax Commission. 11th grade student from Riverside Indian drink. RomanNose, who has worked with School said. “It makes me very proud to be standthe WTP project over the years, knows The WTP was a project that ining where the old filters were. I was the important role that water plays in volved community input and teamwork probably about 20 feet higher walking tribal communities. between the tribes and Indian Health across some questionable grates doing “The tribes and IHS developed a Services and Office of Environmental my sanitary survey out here and knew long-range plan in 2013 to ensure the Health (IHS/OEH) to successfully comthat it was going to change, knew that tribes would have safe drinking water plete the project. the tribe wanted to better themselves, to on the Concho reserve,” RomanNose “It is because of the tribe’s leaderbetter their people, to better their water said. ship and because of the tribes fiscal and The Concho Water Improvement operational responsibility and the work and to have that come into a full circle today, it’s just really outstanding, I apProject was divided into three phases: that they did that this project was sucPhase I was to replace the transit main preciate you for having me as part of cessful. They are committed to showing water line from the old water wells to this, I know that this is in good hands, that the Concho Community has clean the Concho Water Plant. Phase II was I know that it’s a very happy day but to water, the staff also told me that it was to replace the old water filter system me it’s also a sad day because you don’t an honor that they had to work alongside and renovate the old Bureau of Indian need me anymore. You’re done here the tribal officials and provide technical Affairs (BIA) water plant metal buildand that makes me very proud,” Comsupport when needed, they honored to ing to house a new Ion and filter system mander Monica Murie, IHS Supervisor assist the tribes vision and leadership to improve the water Quality. Phase III Environmental Engineer said. to make the project happen. The C&A was to replace and upgrade the existing Many individuals were involved in tribes have invested in to one of the bawater lines on the Concho reserve, inthe WTP project since its initial incepsic ingredients that people need to make stall water meters at all tribal and user tion. According to Melvin RomanNose, sure they live their life healthy and with integrity,” Captain Travis Watts, OKC- Community Development project spe- facilities and install a new water well on cialist, the Concho Water Improvement the Concho reserve.
alleged ballots posted by individual tribal members, as well as signed affidavits from tribal members. During their opening statements, Cowan objected several times to the use of copies of Facebook messages, arguing that individuals who had posted the comments were not present to be cross-examined and therefore all such photos/ messages were heresay and should not be allowed into evidence. The point was made the petitioner's attorneys were not introducing as evidence, merely using for oral statements. Cowan reserved the right to present statements at a later date. The attorneys for petitioner called three witnesses to the stand, Governor Eddie Hamilton, and two observers from the elec-
tion tabulation count. The petitioner's attorneys than concluded stating that were resting their case. After a break, attorney for respondent, Cowan called his first of nine witnesses, John Siebel of TrueBallot. His testimony ended at approximately 3 p.m., at which time another break was called by the sitting justices. After reconvening, Justice John Ghostbear announced his inability to "see at night and his long drive back to Tulsa," therefore ending the day's hearing with postponing the hearing, yet again, to Nov. 15, 2017. A temporary injunction postponing the scheduled Nov. 7, 2017 General Election was filed until court resumes at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017.
Code Jan. 16-17, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com.
Jan. 17-18, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nev. The Fair Labor Standards Act and Family & Medical Leave Act are the two post popular topics in employment law. For more information visit www.falmouthinstitute.com.
Indirect Cost Basics for Tribal Organizations Dec. 11-12, 2017 at the Tropicana in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com. Native American Leadership Forum Dec. 11-12, 2017 at the Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.10times.com/native-american-leadership-fo-
BRIEFS AT A GLANCE
rum-west.
institute.com.
Indian Country Supervision and Management Conference Dec. 12-14, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com.
Budgeting for Tribal Office Managers and Administrative Professionals Dec. 14-15, 2017 at the Tropicana in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com.
Indian Country’s Grant Management Summit Dec. 13-14, 2017 at the Tropicana in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.falmouth-
Introduction to Case Management in Indian Country Dec. 14-15, 2017 at the Tropicana in Las Vegas, Nev.
For more information or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com. Tribal Consultations, Bylaws and Ordinances-Developing and Rewriting Your Documents Jan. 16-17, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com. Leveraging ICWA and Developing Your Tribe’s Own Child Protection
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
Audit Preparation for Tribes and Tribal Organizations Jan. 25-26, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com.
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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From addiction, to God, to recovery
By Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief
Being locked in a dark, vicious cycle of addiction with no light of hope can easily be labeled as living in hell on earth. For those who have never experienced this hell, they won’t understand this story. For those who have lived it or currently living in the darkness of addiction … they will understand exactly Greg Fletcher’s story. His story is the light of hope for others. Fletcher was born in Weatherford, Okla., graduating from Geary High School in 2002. At a young age his mother and father divorced, with Fletcher mainly being raised by his mother, who took him to live in Oklahoma City and then on to Wewoka, where he would spend almost 10 years. “I played football and basketball in Wewoka 3A school and I got a lot of playing time, stuff like that. I wasn’t using drugs or did any drinking during my high school years. I was good being Greg, although alcohol was a big part of my family addiction, it was always around my mother and father,” Fletcher said. “I love my father as much as I love my mother, I don’t down either one of them and when they divorced they just went separate ways. You know families, they sometimes take sides … I don’t. I wish families were different and would not choose their mother over their father or vice versa, I love them both and always have.” Living in Wewoka, Fletcher wasn’t around his father or his father’s side of the family until his cousins from Geary found him in Wewoka, then that changed. His father, grandpa and cousins started coming to a few football games and he started a revolving door relocation going back and forth from Geary to Wewoka. “I was just undecided back then because all of a sudden I was around my dad and his family again that I hadn’t seen in a long time and I just kept going back and forth,” Fletcher said. He always stayed in the sports arena loving football, basketball, baseball, and after graduating from Geary High School he had a real love for coaching. “I didn’t go to college for coaching or anything like that, but this coach I had, Dickie Smith, he took me under his wing, did everything he could for me, he was an awesome man. He got me into being a lay coach, so I helped with football, basketball, baseball, and I also coached prep baseball during the summer. I had this fifth and sixth grade basketball thing I helped get into the school system and a teacher had to be on the sidelines because I was only a lay coach, but those kids were awesome,” Fletcher said. “The kids I had they came from knowing nothing basically, people doubted them, but they worked hard. I was really involved in the Geary community.” In addition to coaching Fletcher was acting as a mentor through the tribes’ Tribal Youth Program (TYP) and was mentoring kids in the Geary school system.
“Eddie Hamilton was over it back then as the TYP coordinator and we did all kinds of things with the kids. We had fundraisers to take all the kids to White Water, Frontier City, the zoo and there were a lot of kids involved. Yes at one time I was a big part of the Geary community, all still not using drugs, but it was about this time I started drinking, just a little, and from that little bit it started to be more and more,” Fletcher said. During this time Fletcher had married, had two sons, and the marriage was splitting up, which Fletcher said he felt he was the main part of all that split. It was at this time he left his love of coaching and being with kids to start work in the oilfields. A move that would begin his journey into the dark world of methamphetamine addiction. “My first time using meth I started off snorting it, which led to smoking, then further. I’m not saying the oilfield is a bad place, because it’s not. It’s gotten better over the years and my last year in 2013 it was a whole lot more professional. Just because I got around some bad people who were using drugs while working in the oilfield doesn’t make the oilfield a Recovery of hope / pg. 7
Timeline continued from pg. 2 August 11, 1864—Evans’ Proclamation to Colorado Citizens Gov. Evans authorizes citizens to pursue “hostile Indians,” encouraging them “to kill and destroy, as enemies of the country, wherever they may be found, all such hostile Indians.” Those who joined up would be given arms, paid and could keep any property taken from the Indians. August 13, 1864—Evans’ Proclamation Authorizing a 100-days Regiment After finally receiving a funding authorization from Washington, Gov. Evans and Col. John Chivington begin recruiting from unemployed men in Denver and nearby mining towns to “pursue, kill, and destroy all hostile Indians that infest the Plains.” September 4, 1864— Chief Ochinee Brings Black Kettle Letter to Fort Lyon Neva, Chief Left Hand’s brother, tried earlier to bring a letter indicating interest in peace to Fort Lyon, but was run off by armed soldiers. In September, Cheyenne Chief Ochinee, also called One Eye, agreed to try bringing the letter. He, his wife, and a man named Eagle Head ran into a patrol under Lt. George Hawkins, and although under orders to kill Indians on sight, he instead brought the three to Fort Lyon to speak with Maj. Edward “Ned” Wynkoop. Ochinee persuaded Wynkoop to meet with leaders at Smoky Hill River, and after that council Wynkoop agreed to bring some of the leaders to meet with Chivington and Evans. September 28, 1864—
Camp Weld Conference Black Kettle, White Antelope and Neva meet with Col. Chivington and Gov. Evans. Evans says he cannot negotiate peace; it’s up to the military. Chivington is dismissive and cryptic about the offer of peace, leaving the chiefs confused about his intentions. Maj. Wynkoop escorts the chiefs back to Fort Lyon and encourages them to bring their people near the fort for safety until further word is heard on their offer of peace. November 2, 1864—Maj. Wynkoop Removed Maj. Scott Anthony arrives at Fort Lyon with a letter indicating that he is to take over command of the First Colorado Cavalry and that Wynkoop is to travel to the regional headquarters in Kansas. After Wynkoop leaves, Anthony orders the Arapaho people who had been awaiting word near Fort Lyon to join the Cheyenne people already at Sand Creek. November 14, 1864— Third Colorado Cavalry on the Move Col. John Chivington orders the regiment of hundred-days men to move from Denver to Fort Lyon. From there, he leads them to Sand Creek. November 28, 1864— Troops Leave Some 700 troops leave Fort Lyon and ride through the night to reach the site of the village about 30 miles from the fort. November 29, 1864— The Sand Creek Massacre The 700 troops of the First and Third Colorado Cavalries descend upon the peace-
Randy Hawk bows his head on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver, Colo., during the 150th memorial of the Sand Creek Massacre. In 2015 Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper issued a formal apology to family of the victims of the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, the first in apolog to ever be issued. (Photo / Rosemary Stephens)
ful encampment of about 600 mainly Cheyenne and Arapaho people. As many as 200 die there—many mutilated by the soldiers. Among the chiefs killed were Standingin-the-Water, Ochinee and War Bonnet, White Antelope, Tall Bear, Bear Robe, Little Robe, Spotted Crow, Big Man, Bear Man and Old Yellow Wolf. Afterward, the camp is burned. December 14, 1864— Truth Told Captain Silas Soule writes a letter to Maj. Ned Wynkoop vividly detailing the truth of the massacre. His letter and a December 19 letter from
Lt. Joseph Cramer would launch the Congressional investigation and ultimate condemnation of the attack. The letters were found in Denver in 2000. January 1865—Chivington Resigns Command of the First Colorado Cavalry After the resignation of Col. John Chivington, Col. Thomas Moonlight takes command of the unit and orders an investigation of the massacre. January-May 1865—The Investigations Almost simultaneously, investigations of the Sand Creek attack are conduct-
ed in Washington and at Denver and Fort Lyon. The Joint Committee on the Conduct of the Civil War issues a report determining that the attack was a massacre. (Transcripts of testimonies by John Smith, a white interpreter nearly killed at Sand Creek and by John Chivington can be found at PBS.org. April 23, 1865—Soule Shot Capt. Silas Soule was shot dead near his home in Denver. August 1, 1865—Gov. John Evans Resigns A congressional committee had already recommend-
ed his removal because of his role in the events leading up to the massacre. Even today, his roll is being considered. October 14, 1865—Reparations Promised The Little Arkansas Treaty, signed by representatives of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people, included an apology for the Sand Creek Massacre and provisions for land to be given to those who had lost relatives in the massacre. Sand Creek survivor descendants say they are still awaiting these reparations, which were never given. A class action lawsuit was filed in 2013.
Interview/Photo by Latoya Lonelodge
Born in Weatherford, Okla. and raised in Thomas, Okla., Braden Kester, 18, knows a thing or two about tackling on the football field. Standing at 6’4, Braden plays left tackle for the varsity football team at Thomas High School. When did you first begin playing and how? I first started in peewee football, my dad wanted me to play sports so I tried it and I liked it. What is it about the sport that you love the best? Tackling the ball carrier. What has been your biggest accomplishment in the sport so far? Just being with my friends, we’re brothers now, we’re just like a huge family having fun. What is your biggest accomplishment in the classroom so far? Getting good grades. What is your GPA (if known)? 2.8 What goals have you set for yourself in sports, school? Being more physical in football. For school, to pass grades until graduation. What actions are you taking to reach these goals? Just getting better in foot-
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ball and keep getting A’s and B’s in school. What has been the most exciting game you have played in? When we played against Hooker High School that was my best game, that was the time I actually started in high school. I was a sophomore at the time. What is the best advice you have ever been given and who gave you that advice? No, I can’t say that I do. Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? I tell myself, go hard or go home, during football games. Who or what inspires you the most? My dad because he’s been a great dad throughout my life and he’s helped me become a man. What does your routine workout consist of to stay fit for your sport? How often? In practice every day, we work on getting the ball off to others and blocking people, making sure the defensive doesn’t get to our quarterback. But I workout outside of practice, I mostly do bench press and leg press. What are one or two things
Braden Kester, Thomas High School in your training, that you feel are keys to you being successful in your sport? Stamina, I’m working on running and becoming quicker with the ball to get it to the ball carrier. What is your favorite meal before or after a game? Pizza Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My girlfriend, she helps me with mostly everything in life and she showed me a good path to go. What are some of your hobbies (what do you like to do when not playing sports)? Bowling and fishing What kinds of music do you enjoy listening to? Hip-hop and Rap. What is one thing about you that no one else knows? Pretty much everyone knows everything about me. But people probably don’t know I like the Power Rangers movie, it’s awesome. Were you ever bullied in school? What steps do you feel should be taken to protect those being bullied in schools today? No, but if anyone’s being bullied, make sure you tell a friend or a teacher first and
see what they can do to help you. Tell your family members and they’ll help you out too. How do you combat drug & alcohol use by peer pressure? Just walk away from it, don’t think about, don’t look at it and don’t do it at all. Stay away from people that do that and find better friends if you have friends that do that. What would be a dream come true for you in your life? Becoming a professional ball player. Who is your favorite athlete of all time? Russell Westbrook, he’s good at what he does and he’s awesome on the court. Which team is your favorite team? The Oklahoma City Thunder What are your immediate plans after graduating high school? I’m thinking of attending Tabor College in Kansas for track and field, maybe. I’d consider University of Central Oklahoma too. What would be your advice to younger kids coming up behind you? Get ready because it’s go-
ing to be a ride your whole life, you just got to get ready for it. Braden’s parents are Courtney Renee Rivera and Leonard Dee Kester. He has
one sibling, Breylen Kester, 19. His grandparents are Barbra Kester and Gary Kester, who Braden knows generally as “papa Gary.”
Darlington Football team wins its way into ORES championship
By Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter
In the world of sports, the game of football is entertaining and one of the most popular types of sports there is. Bringing the excitement and energy associated with football to small rural schools can be just as exhilarating and eye-catching. On Oct. 30 the Darlington Chief’s football team defeated their way into the semi-finals of the Organization of Rural Elementary Schools (ORES) Division III football tournament against the Jennings’ Bluejays at Oakdale Public Schools in Edmond, Okla. With the Bluejay’s undefeated game streak for the season, the Chief’s had a rough start on defense as the Bluejay’s scored the first touch down of the game in the second quarter, making their mark 0-8 in the game. As the second quarter progressed, the Chief’s confidence during the game strengthened. With a minute left in the second quarter, quarterback, Evan Roman Nose, makes a throw to wide receiver, Wakiyan Cuny, scoring the Chief’s their first touchdown, leaving the score 6-8 right before the half time buzzer. “The first half was pretty intense, we weren’t matching physically, they were more physical than us and a lot bigger than us. Second half our passing game started getting going and that opened up everything because they were just being so aggressive and our passing game opened up a lot for our offense. Our defense also tightened up second half, they only gave up one touch down both half’s but we had a lot of
stops behind the line and screening in the second half so our defense played really good,” Reggie Island, offensive coach said. Opportunities, offensive wise, opened in the third quarter as all eyes watched Roman Nose make an attempt to look for open players but quickly took the initiative to make a 45-yard run with the ball down field before being tackled to the ground. Regaining composure from the 15-yard line, Roman Nose ran the ball fiercely around opposing tacklers and scored the Chief’s another touchdown. Near the end zone, the Chiefs attempted to score conversion points as Ethan Richards, running back, swiftly carried the ball around tacklers for a touchdown, earning the Chief’s an additional two points. With the score 14-8, the Chiefs had to toughen up defensive wise to maintain the winning lead. Three minutes into the third quarter, the Bluejay’s scored their second touchdown, also making their play’s conversion points, leading the score 14-16. As the game continued, the adrenaline also heightened. During an offensive play, player Jerid Sandoval, wide receiver, got hurt and was taken out of the game temporarily. The game continued on as the Chief’s football passes were put to the test. Roman Nose threw the ball down field to Richards, who didn’t make the catch. In an offensive play for redemption, Richards successfully caught the ball for a touch down, and put the Chiefs in the lead by 20-16. Inching their way down the field to the
end zone, the Chiefs offensive plays progressed to the 10-yard line for a play. Time progressed quickly in the third quarter, leaving little time to think. With a minute left, Sandoval, back on the field after a hasty recovery, made a touchdown for the Chiefs. With the clock still running and 30 seconds left in the third quarter with the Chiefs on defense, Sandoval retrieved a fumble from the 40-yard line and ran the ball successfully into the end zone for another touchdown. The Chiefs moved quickly to score their conversion points from the 5-yard line as Roman Nose raced the ball into the end zone. The third quarter ends with 3616 with the Chiefs in the lead. After making an impressive recovery in the third quarter, Sandoval continued to run the ball downfield past tacklers in an offensive play for another touchdown. The chiefs maintained the lead with a score of 44-16. While maintaining defensive plays and restraining the Bluejays from scoring, the Chiefs were efficient in keeping up with time and finished the last quarter with their winning score. The Chiefs advanced to the championship finals of the ORES Divison III football championship. Overlooking the Chiefs with strength and height, the undefeated season of the Bluejays was undoubtedly a competitive match. Throughout the season, Island said him and fellow coach Parry Roman Nose, defensive coach, talked about the team’s potential since Darlington’s
The Darlington Chiefs: Top Row: Marlon Whitlow, James Reveles, coach Reggie Island, Caleb Hulbutta, Jerid Sandoval, coach Parry RomanNose, Evan RomanNose and Logan Sandoval. Bottom Row: Josiah Reveles, Elijah Garcia, Hunter Navanick, Jacob Long, Ethan Richards, Wakiyan Cuny, Carter RomanNose and William Elledge Jr. (Photos / Latoya Lonelodge)
first season of football last year. “We didn’t exactly know what to expect because we don’t play a lot of ORES schools, I was talking to a few coaches about Jennings, they said that they were big and they were the best team they’d ever seen. One of the parents on the Jennings team said that this team hadn’t been beat since fourth grade, so that was a big accomplishment for us and when we called our scouting report, that’s when everybody made it seem like they were unbeatable. We just played really good the second half,” Island said. The Chiefs initially had a tough start to the season, losing the first three games but made a comeback with five winning streaks, marking five wins and three losses for the regular season. On Nov. 4, the Chiefs placed State Runner-Up in the ORES Division III football championship against the Rocky Mountain Rockets, 30-36.
Above: Number 4, Evan RomanNose, quarterback, drives his way through tacklers. Below: Wakiyan Cuny, wide receiver, makes the first touch down of the game.
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Spirit Aligned Leadership Program announces its first circle Legacy Leaders The Spirit Aligned Leadership Program is pleased to announce the selection of its first circle of eight Legacy Leaders The eight Indigenous women Elders are acknowledged and celebrated for being vessels of their traditional ways and for leading in sustaining and creating legacies of strength and resilience for their own people, for all Native peoples and for all of humanity. We honor their gift of ancestral knowledge that they have so courageously and unassumingly spent a lifetime nurturing. The Legacy Leaders selected interweave indigenous knowledge, at times with western science, and embody integrity at its highest form. Katsi Cook, director, shares: “We feel that the life knowledge of traditional Native women, particularly those who have stepped out courageously to create healthy paths for their generations, deserved to be celebrated. Our purpose as the Spirit Aligned Leadership Program now begins to unfold through the eyes of a circle of women brought together to think and act on how to heal, strengthen and restore the balance of Indigenous communities.” The Spirit Aligned Leadership Program is an ongoing creation; the inaugural Legacy Leader circle is invited to reimagine their relationship with themselves, their peers and what’s possible. The cultural knowledge, experience and sharing of wisdom of these connected knowers will set the path for future circles of Legacy Leadership. Their legacies will be shared in self-determined ways for the sake of those worlds that they hold up. The Inaugural Circle is empowered to interact and impact Indigenous cultural expression, Violence against girls, women and the earth, Leadership of Indigenous girls and women, Healing from historic trauma and oppression and Indigenous education. With over 100 applications from across the United States and Canada, we are honored to introduce the following Elders selected to our Inaugural Circle: Barbara Poley, Hopi Tribe, Arizona
Henrietta Mann, Cheyenne, Oklahoma Jan Kahehti:io Longboat, Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario Lenora Naranjo Morse, Kha po Tewa, New Mexico Loretta Afraid of Bear Cook, Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe, South Dakota Louise Wakerakatse:te Herne, Mohawks of Akwesasne, New York Sarah Agnes James, Neetsa’ii Gwich’in, Alaska Yvonne Annette DuPuis Peterson, Chehalis, Washington Dr. Henrietta Mann, Southern Cheyenne, has brilliantly and energetically bridged Western educational settings with traditional, spiritual ways of being. She extends the roots of who she is and where she comes from no matter where she is in the world, creating loving and encouraging spaces of strength for people around her. Henri points out, in her reflection on elders’ Spirit Aligned Leadership, “we still possess our abilities to lead, to love humankind, to yet carry out our peoples’ wealth of traditional knowledge, to have a respect for all life, to maintain a compassionate view of the world, and to be concerned about the desecration of Mother Earth, all of which did not stop at the door to the spare bedroom or forgotten wings of the assisted care facility.” Dr. Henri relates to White Buffalo Woman and is strong in Sun Dance – she served as the spiritual compass during the formation of NMAI, as she did as a professor in Montana and centering work in the academy, in government, in tribal affairs. She views her legacy as a giveaway to the next generation. NoVo Foundation inspired. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors sponsored. The Spirit Aligned Leadership program has its origins and continuity in the many thoughtful conversations among these organizations and a broad range of Indigenous Elder women.... “so that what lives deep within our Indigenous girls and women and Mother Earth can connect and come forth now in these extremely critical times.”
Photo Gallery Exhibit Now at Redlands Community College
Recovery of hope continued from pg. 5 bad place to work,” Fletcher said. He went straight from alcohol to meth. Stating he jut decided one day to try it and from that moment said all he wanted was more. “It was like no other feeling and yes I just wanted more and more. I bounced from 2004 to now. I have bounced back and forth from using meth and the crazy thing is a lot of people didn’t even know I was using it at first. It consumed me, my life, and it was more and more and more,” Fletcher said. Fletcher would remarry in 2007, hiding his drug use from his new wife and every one else in his life. But after awhile Fletcher’s new wife would become suspicious and it was getting harder to hide that side of his life. “About 2009 we moved to the city with my mother and it was then that I introduced my wife to the drug. It’s one of the worse things I have ever done to somebody. Right now I regret it nearly everyday. I started shooting up when we got to the city. I graduated to the needle after getting around more of the wrong kind of people that I always sought after. At the time I thought it was one of the best experiences I had ever had, but I know now it’s been the worst experience of my life,” Fletcher said. With both Fletcher and his wife using everything from there went down fast and hard. “We have been evicted from our homes, we hid it from everyone and of course eventually got careless and didn’t care and not even a year later we ended up moving to Calumet with my wife’s dad. They all knew we were using by then. We ended up moving into my wife’s grandmother’s farmhouse and of course we took all of that for granted severely. We used our kids as a crutch for our habits. My wife was always wanting to stop and was against it and it was me who always pushed it, always wanted to do more. I did whatever I had to do to get the money for the drug,” he said. Fletcher began working backing in the oilfields in 2010 and by 2012 he said he was making a little over $100,000 per year, “And I have nothing to show for all of that money. It all went into the drug … I have nothing.” And as Fletcher’s addiction grew worse, his resolve to not quit no matter what
grew stronger. His wife went to rehab, thinking Fletcher would stop, but he knew he wanted no part of rehab or quitting. “There is so much that has happened in such a short amount of time, it’s just crazy,” Fletcher said. His wife, fed up with his addiction, finally took their kids and left and Fletcher said it was the hardest thing he had to watch as they loaded up to leave, but not even that made him want to quit using meth. “For some reason God put this guy in my life, and to this day he won’t leave, but God put him into my life and I ended up getting saved, right before the whole bottom fell out. I thought I was going to be okay, but I went off again … I just gave up,” Fletcher said. “No one was stopping me, my kids, my wife, my family, I said to hell with it all. I was using so much I didn’t know lie from truth.” And then the night came he went to jail and his life slowly began to change. “I got pulled over and I am like trying to run from the police, I got a 50 sack of dope on me, syringes and I jump out of the truck and start running. I was so high I didn’t even know what I was doing. Somebody smart would have thrown the drugs out, but I was so high I didn’t even care. I thought I was tased but I wasn’t, I was so high my legs just went numb and I hit the ground. I went to jail the day before my son’s birthday,” Fletcher said. “I used to say all the time I didn’t believe in God and I regret that to this day because I know there is a God. I was put in jail for a reason because of the people I met in there who were all about God.” Despite getting saved right before Fletcher was to go to jail, he said he didn’t really know how God worked or if he did really believe. But he knew when he was sent to jail he was there for a reason and for him his spiritual healing was to begin in jail. “Everything happens for a reason. Right now I am in a spiritual war because I am trying to live a Christian life now and I’ve never been on that side. That old life, the life I am comfortable with keeps trying to get me back and I promise you I am not crazy when I tell you I am in a spiritual war right now. When they tell you that Jesus is on
one side of your shoulder and the devil is on the other side, I promise you it’s true because I know what they are talking about now,” Fletcher said. Fletcher spent 33 days in jail, with two guys who talked to him the whole time about God. He said he was glad he stayed in jail because he knew he was supposed to be there, he knew he was safe from the drugs. “During my drug run I would do anything to get my drugs, I would take, lie, just to get high. That’s how bad it got and when I got out of jail, I was so scared to get out. I didn’t know what was in store for me and in there I was safe, safe from the drugs. I was scared I was going to fall back right where I was. I get out, as soon as I get out a week later I end up relapsing. I went and found the guy I got saved from. I start going to church and they were talking about baptism and becoming a member of the church, so I end up getting baptized and I am now a member of Highlands Baptist Church,” Fletcher said. Fletcher said he is amazed of all the people God is putting into his life right now. From the people at Highland Baptist Church, El Reno schools, to the family counseling program called Pathways. He is amazed that he landed a job with King Electric, who the owner has shown him such caring and everyone who only want his happiness and his health. “I have never had people like this in my life before. I have never had unconditional love like these people are giving me, and I have never been up against what I am up against now trying to be a Christian, to live by the principles of the Bible. It has been one of the hardest things in this world someone like me can do. In this Christian life there are people who care about you so much and I have never had that. These people hug me all the time, they tell me they love me. I ask myself sometimes, because of the drug life I had, I sometimes question them, like, why do
you care about me so much?” Fletcher said. He has a shimmer of hope in his life today, though his journey of recovery is just beginning, Fletcher holds on tight to the light he sees at what has been a very dark and lonely road he has been intent on traveling. Since his release from jail, Fletcher said he has relapsed twice, both about two months ago, but the last relapse just wasn’t the same. “It was like what are you doing, didn’t even feel the same. What’s keeping me straight is God and all those people at Highlands Baptist Church, all the people God continues to put into my life everyday. It just blows me away. I was always trying to live two different lives and I just can’t do that, you just can’t be a Christian and live two lives. I pray every day, my older kids have suffered so much. I lost their trust, their respect for me. I want other families to see, to touch other families to tell them you can change your life, it’s hard, I know, but you can change your life and your family’s life,” Fletcher said. He shared that being a part of the church and being a part of God’s life has humbled him. He used to fight back, everyone, and now that’s not in him. His life is slowly changing, and he knows that with each passing day he grows stronger in God’s love. He knows he will have to walk the walk making living amends each and every day to his children, his family and also to himself. “With this Christian life I turn away and walk away and say let God handle it. That’s so different for me. Some people might call me a coward nowadays but the Lord is teaching me to walk away from things and let Him handle it and God is handling it. It’s crazy. All I want to say is try to find God. I say try because it is so hard to live that spiritual life, but it’s so awesome and right now God is changing my life and my family’s life.”
Lester Harragarra’s Photos are on display in the Redlands Community College Gallery, 1300 South Country Club Drive in El Reno, Okla., now through mid-December. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (will be closed the week of Thanksgiving.) For more information contact Larry Clements at 405-422-6242.
Footprints at Concho Indian School
Concho Indian School Footbridge Built in 1880, used until 1950s. A route to the school, still standing present day. The historic footbridge is a route on the new Caddo Springs Walking Trail. A 2017 preservation project of the C&A Tribes THPO Program and Partners. Want to leave your own footprint? The Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) is seeking stories specifically related to the historic footbridge located in Concho Oklahoma, and near the old Concho Indian School. Stories will be displayed in a preservation project for the new Caddo Springs Walking Trail. Participants: Please share stories & pictures of you, (or) Oral history of a family member Stories should be one page or less; sharing your name, a short story, memory and/or photo of you or family member utilizing the pedestrian footbridge. Participation is voluntary and greatly appreciated Permissions: Information will be publicly shared
Receipt of information automatically grants THPO permission to use submitted information and images for the “Footprints at Concho” preservation project; a small pamphlet sharing participant’s stories. Submission: Submissions will be accepted Electronically or US Postal Service until Friday Dec. 1, 2017 Email information to Kathy Turtle, THPO Assistant at kturtle@c-a-tribes. org. This is the preferred method of receiving your information. US Postal Service mail to Cheyenne Arapaho Tribes C/O THPO PO BOX 167, Concho Okla. 73022; please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like photos returned. For more information or questions contact THPO at: 405-422-7482.
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Memorial Dance for Amy Gould Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 at the Canton Gym in Canton, Okla. Painting Ceremony begins at 3 p.m., supper at 5 p.m. with dance to follow. MC Burl Buffalomeat, HS Asa Littlebird, HMD Dwight White Buffalo, HLD Mary Hope Hadley-Smith, HLBD William Whitlow II, HLGD Amerie Sam and
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LeeAnn Pratt, AD Marlo ElkShoulder, Honored Eder Viola Hatch. Sponsored by the family. For more information call 918-840-6624.
The 18th annual Veterans Honor Dance 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 at the Oklahoma City VA Health Wing (Gym). Opening ceremony and
Grand Entrance at noon, Gourd dance from 12:30-5 p.m., meal served 2:30-3:30 p.m. Christmas Craft Fair 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 8, 2017 at the Concho Community Center, 200 Wolf Robe Circle in Concho, Okla. Vendor booths available for $50, includes table/ chairs. For more information call 405-422-7531.
CABA elects leaders
Pictured l-r: Kyle Gipp-CABA moderator, Emmit McKenzie-CABA Youth Leader, Sherry Kenrick-CABA Women’s leader, Mel Kenrick-CABA Men’s leader. “On October 22, 2017 the Cheyenne and Arapaho Baptist Association elected their new leaders. Kyle Gipp is the Moderator and is also the interim pastor at Weatherford Indian Baptist Church. Emmit McKenzie is the CABA youth leader and will begin a new church in the Watonga area. Mel and Sherry Kenrick are the CABA Men’s and Women’s leader but are also the Sunday school teachers at Chief Cornerstone Baptist Church in Geary, Okla. “We are pleased to have them and expect great work to happen among our Cheyenne and Arapaho people,” Jay Mule said. Learn more by visiting www.Cheyenneandarapahobaptistassociation.org.
Breast Cancer Awareness Powwow and Health Fair
A powwow and health fair on Cancer Awareness is planned for Dec. 9, 2017 at the Clinton Community Center. The Health Education Program is working with several organizations, Dept. of Health Programs, other tribal programs and Clinton Service Unit Public Health Nursing to provide this powwow. “When we had this powwow in the past, we learned that this event is more than the average activity. Among cancer survivors from our community, we’ve seen a lot of raw emotion. Cancer is not the patient’s disease only. Family members are affected,
too. It is common to focus on prevention only. As a result, this powwow is for both cancer prevention and cancer survivors plus family members,” Deborah Ellis, Health Education said For more information, please call the Health Education Program at 405-4227676.
Lucky Star Casino donates to Boys & Girls Clubs in Darlington, Hammon and Geary Lucky Star Casino and fellow casino patrons together raised $120,175 for the Darlington Boys & Girls Club. Lucky Star held a fundraiser promotion for casino patrons to donate $5 and receive $10 in free play to benefit the youth of Boys & Girls Club. Part of the money raised will also be donated to the Hammon and Geary Boys & Girls Clubs.
Pictured standing l-r: Lucky Star Senior Assistant General Manager Tracer Hamilton, Cheyenne & Arapaho Gov. Eddie Hamilton, Darlington Boys & Girls Club Director Pam Silk, Lucky Star General Manager Mannix Barnes and (sitting)Darlington Boys & Girls Club students. (Photo / Latoya Lonelodge)
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
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“Happy 1st Birthday Steele! I love you” Codi
You were taken from us far too soon, and some days we still don't understand it. The thing that comforts me most is knowing that you are up in Heaven and no longer in pain. Also, Happy birthday up in Heaven to Daddy, Kenneth G. Gould. He came for you on his birthday just like you kept telling us in the days before you left.
“Happy 13th Maddie! I love you!” Codi Happy Heavenly Birthday! Nov. 21st Mom, Nana, Gil, aunty, old lady. We love you and miss you! From Dad, kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids and great-grandkids
PFC David E. Cross Jr. US Army 31st Infantry Regiment Anti Tank Company World War 2 Survived Bataan Death March, died in Japan. POW/KIA Son of David E. Cross Sr. And Minnie Thunderbull Cross (Gold Star Mother)
Whose That? Can you name anyone in this photo? If so please email rmstephens@c-a-tribes.org. (Photo submitted by James Friday)
Glynis Alyene Johnson Dec. 10, 1967 Nov. 2, 2017
Head Lice: What is it? How to be rid of it
Wake services for Glynis Alyene Johnson were held Nov. 6 at the Huber Benson Funeral Home in El Reno, Okla. Funeral services were held Nov. 7 at the same venue, followed by an Interment at the Concho Indian Cemetery.
Submitted by the Clinton Service Unit
Head lice are a parasitic insect found on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes of people. While head lice are not known to spread disease, they feed on human blood several times a day and live close to the scalp. Head lice are found worldwide. In the United States, head lice are most common among pre-school aged children attending day care, elementary kids, and household members of those who have lice. Head-to-head contact with a person who has head lice is the most common way to obtain it. This head-to-head contact is common amongst kids who play at school, sporting activities, on the playground, slumber parties, and at camp. Although uncommon, head lice can be spread by sharing clothing or belongings. This may happen when lice crawl, or nits attach to shed hair and hatch. Lice may get on shared cloth-
ing or belongings, such as hats, scarves, coats, combs, hair ribbons, towels, and stuffed animals. It may also be picked up when a person lies on a bed, couch, pillow or carpet that has been in recent contact with an infected person. Treatment for head lice is recommended for persons diagnosed with an active infestation. All household members and other close contacts should be checked and treated if they are infested as well. Treatment requires the use of an overthe-counter or prescription medication. A fine-tooth comb should be used to remove any dead or live lice in the hair. If live lice are found after treatment, patients are encouraged to speak with their health care provider before retreating. To avoid re-infestation of head lice, take the following steps: 1. Machine wash and dry
clothing, bed linens, and other items the infested person wore or used during the two days before treatment. All of these items must be washed in the hot water (103˚F) laundry cycle and dried in the high heat cycle. Clothing and items that are not washable may be dry cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for two-weeks. 2. Soak combs and brushes in hot water (at least 130˚F) for 5 to 10 minutes. 3. Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or laid. While the risk of getting infested by head lice that has fallen onto a rug or furniture is very small, head lice can survive less than one to two days after they have fell off of a person. Once the nits fall off the head, it cannot hatch and usually die within a week if they are not kept at the same temperature as the temperature found close to the human scalp.
Preventing Opioid Misuse Submitted by Clinton Service Unit
The United States is in the midst of an opioid abuse epidemic. More than 2.4 million Americans currently struggle with opioid addiction. In 2015, more than 33,000 people died from drug overdoses involving opioids, and raw data for the first three quarters of 2016 indicate the drug overdose death rate is still increasing. President Trump recently announced his intention to use all appropriate authorities to respond to the crisis. In all likelihood, most of us know someone affected by opioid addiction; perhaps some of us may see the struggle within our own family. It is important to understand that addiction is a medical condition that can often be prevented or treated. There are things we can do to make an important difference. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on Opioid Basics and how to
prevent overdose. For those concerned about a teen, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has targeted information available designed for teens and patents. Additional information on substance abuse and addiction is available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Oftentimes, addiction may begin with the misuse of prescription medications, and nearly half of all opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid. Everyone can assist in fighting the opioid epidemic by asking their doctor and dentist about alternatives to opioids for pain management. Doctors and pharmacists may be able to offer a smaller quaintly of pills at first, then provide more at a later date if the pain persists. Patients are encouraged to only use pain medications for only as long as the pain warrants and to never share medications with others. Be sure to safeguard all prescription medication while taking it and safely
William Gene Hammitt March 14, 2007 Oct. 29, 2017 An all night wake service was held Nov. 3 for William Gene Hammitt at the family residence. Funeral services were held Nov. 4 at the Boxwell Brothers Funeral Chapel in Amarillo, Texas.
destroy or dispose of unused quantities of medication. If you or a loved one finds themselves with an opioid addiction, please seek help. For those who work within the Federal government, each Federal Executive Branch agency has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP services are free, voluntary, and confidential. Serviced include employee education, supervisory training, and short term counseling to help address personal or workplace issues stemming from substance abuse. When short-term counseling is not enough, EAP can provide referrals for ongoing care. Federal employees may find their local EAP Administrator by contacting their local Human Resource office and/or searching the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Work-Life Contact Tool located at: https://www. opm.gov/CCLContact/. Federal employees and families can also access mental health services and addiction treatment through their
Elizabeth Marie Magpie April 29, 1963 Nov. 5, 2017 A Wake service was held for Elizabeth Marie Magpie on Nov. 10 at the Clinton Community Center in Clinton, Okla. Funeral services were held Nov. 11 at the same venue, followed by an Interment at the Clinton City Cemetery.
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program insurance plans. FEHB insurance plans cover in-patient and outpatient mental health care along with substance abuse treatment. Specific plan information can be found in Section 5E Mental health and substance misuse disorder benefits of FEHB plan brochures found on your insurance portal or OPM’s Healthcare & Insurance Plan Information webpage. For those who are not covered by EAP or FEHB insurance, SAMHSA provided information on where to find help and treatment at: http://dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/directory.aspx. Everyone can make an impact. We are facing the worst drug epidemic in American history. Now more than ever, action is needed to take care of ourselves, support each other, and save lives. Educate yourself, prevent prescription drugs from being misused, and know how to get treatment if someone you love is struggling.
In Loving Memory Of Amy Gould 12/12/84 - 11/10/15 Missing You We’re missing you a little more, Each time we hear your name, We’ve cried so many tears, Yet our hearts broken just the same, We miss our times together, Things in common we could share, But nothing fills the emptiness, Now you’re no longer there. We’ve so many precious memories, To last our whole life through, Each one of them reminders, Of how much we’re missing you. Love your family, Aiyana, Isaac, Zaina, Ayden, Wasose, Perry, Amanda & Mom
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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 The C&A Tribal offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 in observance of Veteran’s Day. The offices will reopen on Monday, Nov. 13 at 8 a.m.
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
Public Notices
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Transportation Program announces that a complete draft of the FY2018 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) has been developed and is available for review. A copy of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes FY2018 Long Range Transportation Plan can be obtained at the Tribal Transportation Program Office located at 250 White Rabbit Road, Concho, Oklahoma or Tribal Transit Program Office located at 10318 N. 2274 Road, Building 5, Clinton, Oklahoma. Any comments regarding the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes FY2018 Long Range Transportation Plan can be submitted in writing to the Tribal Transportation Program at P.O. Box 137, Concho, Oklahoma 73022. The deadline established for the comment period is December 15, 2017 therefore all comments should be received or post-dated for December 15, 2017. Should you have questions regarding any portions of the Long Range Transportation Plan, please contact Mr. Samuel Riffel, Transportation Planner, at (405)-422-7682.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Transportation Program announces that a complete draft of the FY2018-2021 Tribal Transportation Improvement Program (TTIP) has been developed and is available for review. A copy of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes FY2018-2021 Tribal Transportation Improvement Program can be obtained at the Tribal Transportation Program Office located at 250 White Rabbit Road, Concho, Oklahoma or Tribal Transit Program Office located at 10318 N. 2274 Road, Building 5, Clinton, Oklahoma. Any comments regarding the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes FY2018-2021 Tribal Transportation Improvement Program can be submitted in writing to the Tribal Transportation Program at P.O. Box 137, Concho, Oklahoma 73022. The deadline established for the comment period is December 15, 2017 therefore all comments should be received or post-dated for December 15, 2017. Should you have questions regarding any portions of the FY2018-2021 Tribal Transportation Improvement Program, please contact Mr. Samuel Riffel, Transportation Planner, at (405)-422-7682.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Transportation Program announces that a complete draft of the FY2018 Transportation Safety Plan (TSP) has been developed and is available for review. A copy of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes FY2018 Transportation Safety Plan can be obtained at the Tribal Transportation Program Office located at 250 White Rabbit Road, Concho, Oklahoma or Tribal Transit Program Office located at 10318 N. 2274 Road, Building 5, Clinton, Oklahoma. Any comments regarding the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes FY2018 Transportation Safety Plan can be submitted in writing to the Tribal Transportation Program at P.O. Box 137, Concho, Oklahoma 73022. The deadline established for the comment period is December 15, 2017 therefore all comments should be received or post-dated for December 15, 2017. Should you have questions regarding any portions of the FY2018 Transportation Safety Plan, please contact Mr. Samuel Riffel, Transportation Planner, at (405)-422-7682.
LEGAL NOTICES
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
PAGE 11
Wallace Avans U.S Army
Tsistsistas & Hinonoei
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune
PAGE 12
Joe Big Medicine U.S. Army
Joan Candy Fire U.S. Army
Wyatt Scott Candy U.S. Marine Corps
Ariel George Curtis Jr. U.S. Air Force
Scott Curtis U.S. Army
Chief David Fanman Sr. U.S. Army
Irvin Eugene ‘Toby’ Goodblanket U.S. Army
Leroy Goodblanket U.S. Army
Tennyson Goodblanket U.S. Army
Garland Gould Sr. U.S. Marine Corps
Dale Hamilton Sr. U.S. Army
Jennifer Hart U.S. Army
Jordan Elk River Heimer U.S. Marine Corps
Misty Hicks Hixon U.S. Army
Charles Kendricks Jones U.S. Navy
Rory King U.S. Navy
Mary Lou Lonebear U.S. Army
Tommy Lonelodge U.S. Army
Irene Martin U.S. Navy
Edwin Pewo U.S. Army
Victor Ramirez U.S. Army
Sean Reed U.S. Marine Corps
Elgin V. Rhoads U.S. Army
Melvin Roman Nose U.S. Air Force
Cliff Mousetrail Russell U.S. Marine Corps
Carmen Sweezy U.S. Army
Funston Whiteman U.S. Marine Corps
Sampson Woods U.S. Army
Lavern Woolworth U.S. Army