SAC and FOX NEWS Nemîshâtênemo êhthâkîwiyâni
Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 40 • No. 12 • December 2018
Ribbon Cutting Highlights Grand Opening of CTSA Head Start Facility by Mike Brown Sac and Fox Nation Principal Chief Kay Rhoads, Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe of the Absentee-Shawnee Tribe and David Pacheco Jr., who serves as chairman of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma and other tribal representatives were among
2,700 sq. ft. Facility Includes 2 Classrooms, Safe Rooms, Playground to Serve 40 Children those attending the Nov. 7 grand opening celebration of the Central Tribes of the Shawnee Area (CTSA) Head Start Yellow
Tribal officials representing the Sac and Fox Nation, Absentee-Shawnee Tribe and Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, Central Tribes of the Shawnee Area (CTSA) representatives and guests are pictured gathered Nov. 7 for the ceremonial
Earth Learning Center. CTSA Executive Director Sherry Marsh, Yellow Earth Learning Center Director Andrea Wom-
ack and other CTSA representatives were also in attendance. The 2,700 sq. ft., handicapped-accessible facility is lo-
ribbon-cutting and grand opening held for the new Stroud CTSA Head Start Yellow Earth Learning Center. Lunch was served at the center following the ribbon-cutting. (Photo by Mike Brown)
cated on the Sac and Fox Nation campus south of Stroud. It is situated east of Hwy. 99, across the street from the Sac and Fox Learning Center and gymnasium, and includes two classrooms, a kitchen, two safe rooms, fenced playground, paved drive-through and parking lot and other features. Following a ceremonial ribbon-cutting conducted by Chief Rhoads, Gov. Butler-Wolfe welcomed those in attendance. “This facility is a well-needed operation for children, and it helps the community with employment opportunities,” said the governor. Chief Rhoads added, “Congratulations to everyone involved with this project. It has taken a long time, but everything has been done to ensure the safety of children.” Chief Rhoads also noted the Sac and Fox Education Dept., Sauk Language Dept. and other departments on the Sac and Fox Nation campus are involved in supporting the Head Start center. Center Director Andrea Womack said the new educational facility is designed to serve up to 40 children. “Currently, we have nine children enrolled in Early Head Start, and fifteen in Head Start,” she noted. For more information pertaining to Stroud CTSA Head Start Yellow Earth Learning Center, please call the Main CTSA Office at: (405) 275-4870.
Sac and Fox Elder Norwood ‘Sonny’ Masquat Recognized at VA Honor Dance in OKC by Mike Brown Sac and Fox Nation tribal member and U. S. military veteran Norwood ‘Sonny’ Masquat was honored Nov. 16 at the 19th Annual Veterans Honor Dance held in the Oklahoma City Veterans Administration Health
ATTENTION! This is to notify any tribal member who has not received their Ramah distribution for the amount of $825.30 to submit an updated W-9 Form to the following address: Sac and Fox Nation Finance Department RE: Ramah Settlement 920963 S. Hwy. 99 Bldg. A Stroud, OK 74079 FAX: 918-968-4528
Upcoming Events
Hosted by Native American Warriors Group, Elders Council, OU Office of University Community Wing. Masquat and retired forensic artist and Native American (Cheyenne and Arapaho) artist Harvey Pratt were the honored veterans at the event, which was co-sponsored by the Oklahoma City V. A. Native American Warriors Group, Oklahoma City V.A. Native American Elders Council, the Oklahoma City V.A. American Indian Council and the OU Office of University Community. The opening ceremony and Grand Entry included a presentation by the Changing Winds Cultural Society of Oklahoma City. A meal was served to those in attendance. Honor Guards
Dec. 8
Sac and Fox Elders Winter Dance, 2 p.m. Community Bldg.
Dec. 24, 25, 26
Sac and Fox Business Offices Closed for Christmas Holidays
participating in the program included OKC VAHCA Warriors Group, Kiowa Black Leggings and the Kiowa Women’s Color Guard. Head Staff for the Veterans Honor Dance were: Master of Ceremonies Harold Marris, Head Singers Kendall Kauley and Elk River, Head Gourd Dancer Jason Spybuck, Head Lady Dancer Darlene Sankadota-Sanders, and Arena Directors V.A. Warriors Group. Norwood ‘Sonny’ Masquat is the son of Norwood and Rose Masquat. He was born in Pawnee, Okla., and is of Sac and Fox and Kickapoo descent. He
is from the Deer Clan, and his name ‘Measheko’ refers to a newborn deer who has yet to have a fully-formed nose. He joined the U. S. Army at age 17. He attended basic training at Fort Polk, La. and, moved to Fort Gordon, Ga. for advanced training. Originally assigned to Berlin Brigade in Germany, Mr. Masquat volunteered for Viet Nam where he served with the 1st Infantry Division, known as the ‘Big Red One.’ He turned age 18 in Viet Nam. When he transferred back to the United States, he served with the 5th Mechanized Infantry Division. He was discharged on
January 21, 1969. Mr. Masquat received the Viet Nam Service Award, Viet Nam Campaign, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, European Occupation Berlin, National Defense Award, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He served as the first commander of the Sac and Fox Honor Guard and Veterans’ Organization, a position that he still holds. He was chosen as ‘Man of the Year’ for the 2007 Sac and Fox Nation Powwow. “Sonny has a heart for veterans with PTSD, and helps Sac and Fox Veterans who need assistance finding resources of many kinds. He is the perfect example of a man who has spent his life in service to his country and his tribe,” said a Veterans Administration spokesman.
Sac and Fox Tribal Elder and U.S. Army Veteran Norwood ‘Sonny’ Masquat is pictured seated second from right as he was honored Nov. 16 at the 19th Annual Veterans Administration Honor Dance in Oklahoma City. Friends and family pictured with him include (seated from left): Elvis Ellis, Dennis Jennings, Curtis Wakole and Austin Grant Jr. Standing from left: Dennis Hopkins, Stella Nullake, Dee Byford, Kim Boone and Cheryl McClellan. (Photo courtesy of Kim Boone)