The History and Culture of The Absentee Shawnee Tribe Nation of Oklahoma The Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma currently has 4,131 enrolled tribal members who meet the criteria for enrollment, minimum 1/8 absentee Shawnee Blood, set forth by the tribal Constitution. The tribe currently has 16,551.52 acres that are allotted trust land, 595.79 held in trust by the tribe and 819.53 held in fee status by the tribe. Although we are known to have lived in the Eastern United States and it has been documented that we traveled from Canada to Florida, from the Mississippi River to the East Coast before being removed to the area which we now occupy. Originally, the Shawnee Indians lived in the northeastern parts of the United States in areas now known as the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and neighboring states. Treaties in the late 1700’s and throughout the 1800’s established the Shawnee as having a large population and land holdings in the state of Ohio. Encroaching colonial settlement persuaded the Shawnees living in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to negotiate the 1825 treaty with the United States government to cede their lands in Missouri for a reservation in Kansas. However, several years before this treaty was introduced, a group of Shawnees left Missouri to begin a journey south that would lead them towards territory now known as the state of Texas which was under the control of Spain. This group of Shawnees became known as the Absentee Shawnees. The term “Absentee Shawnees” stems from a provisional clause in an 1854 treaty regarding surplus lands in the Kansas Reservation which were set aside for the “absent” Shawnees. The outcome of the TexasMexico War (1846-1848) compelled many Absentee Shawnees to leave Texas and move into Indian Territory. Although, it is estimated that the Absentee Shawnees began to settle in Oklahoma
around 1839. In the late 1800’s, the Indian Agent from the US Government brought soldiers from Fort Reno in western
has never relinquished any part of this sovereign right. Among the power to adopt and operate a form of government of their choosing, to define the conditions of tribal membership, to regulate domestic relations of members, to levy taxes, to regulate property within the jurisdiction of the Tribe, to control the conduct of membership by legislation and to administer justice. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is governed by a constitution. The current form of government evolved over the first half of the 20th century. This evolution began in 1938 when the current government was formalized under the constitution written to provide statutory authority. The constitution was ratified December 5, 1938 and was amended on August 13, 1988 and was last amended in November 2010.
Oklahoma and forced the traditional band of Absentee Shawnees located in Deep Fork River to leave. They were brought south to the area known as Hog Creek and Little River where they were to remain. The group settling here is known as the Big Jim Band. Another band stayed in Pottawatomie County near the town The tribal government is of Shawnee, Oklahoma and is known as the ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE White Turkey Band. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe OF OKLAHOMA of Oklahoma is a federally recogAbsentee Shawnee Tribe Flag nized independent Indian Tribe EMBLEM DESIGNER reorganized under the Authority Leroy White of the Oklahoma 1926 - 2009 Leroy was born and raised in Little Axe, Oklahoma Indian Welfare on the Indian allotment forced upon his family Act of 1936. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma possesses all the inherent powers of sovereignty they held prior to the Constitution of the United States. The inherent right of self-government precedes the United States Constitution, and the governing body of the Absentee Shawnee
in 1886. From birth, Shawnee language and tradition were part of his daily life. He was selected to succeed his uncle, Webster Little Jim, in 1976 as the traditional chief of the Big Jim band of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. He was a man with many interests, including
composed of two separate branches, the Judicial Branch and the Legislative/ Executive Branch. In addition, there is an independent body, the Election Commission, that’s charged with the responsibility of conducting annual election. The Legislative/Executive Branch consist of five members: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, and Representative, all of whom are elected through referendum elections. This committee has both legislative and executive powers. Each Executive Committee Member is elected to serve a two-year term. The Executive Committee meets on a monthly basis. It is the Executive Committee’s responsibility to set policy, administer government programs and execute the will of the overall tribal membership.
ABOUT THE EMBLEM
The moon in the background represents one of God’s many creations.
The two feathers symbolize two significant leaders of the Shawnee people, Tecumseh and his brother, Tenskwatawa, the Prophet.
28th Anniversary Pow Wow Friday, July 3rd & Saturday, July 4th Fireworks Show July 4th at 10pm FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO PUBLIC Head Singer - Joseph Blanchard Head Lady - Liyahna Bender Head Man - To Be Selected Emcee - Chad Tappahawickah Arena Director - Sam Howell Color Guard - Absentee Shawnee Veterans
Contests in all Men & Women adult categories 18-54 years old - $500 1st, $300 2nd, $200 3rd. Teens All Categories Boys & Girls 13-17 years old - $200 1st, $100 2nd, $75 3rd. Juniors Combined 6-12 years old - $100 1st, $75 2nd, $50 3rd. Golden Age 55 to 65 one category for Men & one category for Women - $500 1st, $300 2nd, $200 3rd.
The facial profile represents Tecumseh, a Shawnee leader revered for his strength of character and military accomplishments. Much of his adult life was dedicated to uniting all of the eastern tribes into a vast Indian confederacy for the purpose of asserting and defending their right to live in their native lands under their own laws and leaders. His dream of confederacy was not realized but unto his death his spirit was not broken.
Super Golden Age 66 & over. All Dancers Combined - $500 1st, $300 2nd, $200 3rd. Tiny Tots each night
painting. In 1974, with the encouragement of his family, Leroy, a talented but modest artist, entered the contest sponsored by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe for the design of a tribal logo. In constructing his design he made a point to include features that would have the most
The two stars denote the rank of Brigadier General held by Tecumseh in the British Army. He died in action at the Battle of Thames in 1813. Though some historical accounts question he was deserving of this status. Do your own research and see what you discover.
This is a Family event, alcohol or weapons not permitted. Thunderbird Casino is an Enterpise of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and not liable for any accidents or thefts.
meaning to the Absentee Shawnee people. Leroy won the contest and his design is presently recognized as the official emblem of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.
LI SI WI NWI The English translation is “Among the Shawnee”
Printed by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Media Department
EVENTS
Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma City 2014-2015
Taco Sale June 27th • 10am - ? Sac & Fox multi-purpose 215 N. Harrison
52nd Sac & Fox Pow Wow
Alaina Angel Reed
July 9th - July 12th
28th Anniversary Pow Wow July 3rd - July 4th Thunderbird Casino
Dancers Must Make Grand Entries at 7:00pm each night. Guard Dance 5pm Friday & 2pm on Saturday, Supper break at 5pm Saturday.
Vendors, Any Questions Call Thunderbird Marketing Dept. 405-360-9270 ext. 1201