PR SRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO 49

STIGLER, OK 74462STIGLER PRINTING

Gigging for CrawdadsLarry Shade gigs for crawdads and shares his knowledge about the crustaceans. CULTURE, 16

IHP ApprovedThe tribe requests $28.6 million for its fiscal year 2016 Indian Housing Plan. COUNCIL, 6

Gaming Compact FeesAccording to state documents, Oklahoma tribes have paid more than $979.6 million in state compact fee payments since 2005. MONEY, 12

CHEROKEE PHOENIX187 Years of Cherokee JournalismSeptember 2015 • cherokeephoenix.org

CHEROKEE PHOENIX

BY JAMI MURPHYReporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – An inauguration ceremony for the principal and deputy chiefs, as well as eight newly and re-elected Tribal Councilors of the Cherokee Nation was held Aug. 14 at Sequoyah High School’s The Place Where They Play.

Hundreds of people witnessed CN Supreme Court Justice John Garrett give the oaths of office to Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, as well as Tribal Councilors Rex Jordan (Dist. 1), David Walkingstick (Dist. 3), Bryan Warner (Dist. 6), Shawn Crittenden (Dist. 8), Dick Lay (Dist. 12), Buel Anglen (Dist. 13), Keith Austin (Dist. 14) and Wanda Hatfield (At-Large).

In his inauguration speech, Baker

said four years ago he was honored to serve the Cherokee people.

“With the strong support and wise counsel of Deputy Chief Crittenden, a passionate and committed staff and the help of my family, friends and thousands of like-minded Cherokees, we began the process of changing the Cherokee government in a meaningful way – by changing the lives of Cherokee people,” Baker said. “As long as we work together as one people; as long as we keep God, family and community at the center of our efforts; as long as we believe in and invest in our Cherokee people, there is no limit on what we can accomplish for our children, our elders and all those who will come after us.”

Deputy Chief Crittenden said in his address that working for the Cherokee people was something he

has done most of his adult life. “Service is who I am and who I

stand for. It’s in my heart to serve my God, to serve my family, to

serve my country and to serve my people. It always has been. I can tell you what we’ve done has been unprecedented in the history of the Cherokee Nation,” he said. “Making the right decisions for the right reasons will benefit us all as we go forward. True leadership is making historic opportunities possible for our people.”

Some of the first-term accomplishments Deputy Chief Crittenden and Baker spoke of included the new and renovated health facilities, the expanded tag sales across Oklahoma, the compact with the state allowing citizens the right to hunt and fish anywhere in

Oklahoma and the resurrection of the tribe’s housing authority to build safe and affordable housing for CN citizens.

The Tribal Councilors did not speak during the inauguration, but did make comments at the Aug. 17 Rules Committee meeting.

Jordan said it is an honor to represent Dist. 1.

“It’s a privilege to sit here at this table with the knowledge that is here,” he added.

Walkingstick said was humbled by his re-election.

“The strengths we have in our business area and administration and all the council members that got elected and council members that are on here now – you guys have so many strengths and so

‘No limit on what we can accomplish’The principal chief, deputy chief and eight Tribal Councilors take their oaths of office on Aug. 14.

SECOND-TERM AGENDA

See INAUGURATION, 2

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – After coasting to victory in the race for principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, Bill John Baker said he hopes to strengthen the changes he made during his first four years in office, including increasing access to health care and creating more jobs.

The Cherokees operate the largest tribally owned health care system in the nation, and Baker poured more than $100 million from casino profits into health clinic expansion and renovations during his first term. Baker credits his attention to health benefits for his decisive win on June 27, when he defeated Chad Smith, Will Fourkiller and Charlie Soap to avoid a runoff after picking up 52 percent of the vote.

“Four years ago, everybody agreed that health care was at a crisis point and was the most important thing the Cherokee leader could do for the Cherokee people,” Baker told The Associated Press. “I think Cherokees were tired of the ... campaigning process of the past, and I think they were ready to hear the good news, and they could see it all around them.”

Still, he and the tribe face major problems. Poverty is rampant across the tribe’s vast and largely rural 14-county jurisdiction in northeastern Oklahoma, and travel to health care clinics remains difficult in some areas. Hundreds of families rely on food stamps.

American Indians also have long had lower life expectancy rates than other races in the U.S.

As principal chief, Baker leads a tribe of 320,000 people, a workforce of 9,000 and controls a budget approaching $1 billion. He also oversees the tribe’s lucrative casino operations and negotiates tribal agreements, also known as compacts, with state leaders and others.

With the tribe’s health and casino businesses expanding, Baker said he hopes to use the financial benefit to put more Cherokees on the tribe’s payroll. The tribe’s renewed effort of having citizens building homes for fellow Cherokees will also

put more tribal citizens to work in laborer and construction positions, Baker said.

Smith, who ran the tribe for a dozen years before Baker defeated him in 2011, disputed the notion that Cherokee health care has improved. Smith said Baker is trying to cement a political legacy rather than focus on difficulties still plaguing the system, such as recruiting and keeping doctors and staff to

Principal Chief Bill John Baker gives his inauguration speech on Aug. 14 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice John Garrett shakes the hand of Principal Chief Bill John Baker on Aug. 14 during the tribe’s inauguration of elected officials at Sequoyah High School’s The Place Where They Play in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

Baker to focus on health care, jobs creation

Principal Chief Bill John Baker pours more than $100 million from casino profits into health clinic expansion and renovations in his first term.

See SECOND TERM, 3

BY JAMI MURPHYReporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – On Aug. 10, six Tribal Councilors, who either termed out or gave up their seat, were honored with plaques during their last day of meetings.

Former Tribal Council Speaker Tina Glory Jordan thanked her constituents for entrusting her as their representative.

“I believe we’ve made the situation a little better for them. I’m very proud of what we did for the Head Start Program,” she said. “I love the fact that we’ve given out more scholarships this year than we’ve ever given out before. And if you can educate a young person that’s really all they ever want from the tribe because they’re go on, they’ll be productive and they’ll take care of their

CN files lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson

6 Tribal Councilors say their goodbyes

Tribal Council Speaker Tina Glory Jordan receives a plaque and gavel from Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden on Aug. 10 at the Tribal Complex in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Each of the six outgoing Tribal Councilors received plaques. JAMI MURPHY/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

Each outgoing legislator is given a plaque as thanks for their service to the Cherokee people.

BY TESINA JACKSON Reporter

MUSKOGEE, Okla. – Cherokee Nation officials have filed a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. claiming the companies misbranded the drug Risperdal and failed to disclose risks posed to elderly patients.

According to drugs.com, Risperdal is an antipsychotic medicine and is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder and manic depression. Risperdal is also used in autistic children to treat symptoms of irritability.

Initially filed by the tribe in April in Sequoyah County, where the drug was distributed at the Redbird Smith Health Center in Sallisaw, the suit was moved in July to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee.

“We filed a notice to have this lawsuit removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma because we believe that court is the appropriate forum for this litigation,” Robyn Reed Frenze, Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. Product

Communications director, stated in an email. “We are prepared to vigorously defend ourselves against these claims. Since the early 1990s, RISPERDAL(r) has and continues to improve the lives of countless people throughout the world who suffer from debilitating mental illnesses.”

According to court documents, the CN claims the companies admitted to selling the “misbranded” drug for unapproved uses more than a decade ago, during the time the tribe purchased it.

The tribe also claims that from 1999 through 2005, the companies sold Risperdal for uses that were not approved as safe and effective and between March 3, 2002 and Dec. 31, 2003, the CN purchased the drug after the defendants expressed that the drug was not misbranded.

The suit also claims negligence, breach of warranty, unjust enrichment and violation of the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act on the part of the companies.

Court documents state the tribe “is entitled to restitution to the extent of the increased revenue received by defendants from Risperdal prescriptions that were purchased or reimbursed by the Cherokee Nation and which resulted from the sale of misbranded Risperdal.”

The tribe is asking for a judgment of $75,000 for “attorney fees, civil penalties and all other relief this court deems just and

The tribe claims the company sold a drug for unapproved uses when the the tribe bought it.

See OUTGOING, 3 See DRUG, 3

SCAN CODE WITH SMART-PHONE TO SEE VIDEO

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much diversity that we all come from different backgrounds and I’m 100 percent confident that our tribe can move forward,” he said.

Warner said his being a Tribal Councilor is an all-inclusive effort. “It also includes everyone else’s citizens that are here. Because what’s good inside my district should be good for all of us. This collaboration that this group undertakes with our citizens and amongst ourselves will be key and vital…to us forging ahead.”

Shawn Crittenden said he told voters in Dist. 8 that his job was to represent them. “Be their voice, something comes up, that’s what they voted me in there for is to speak for them and to work for them.”

Lay said it chokes him up a little bit to realize he’s serving his people. “We’re just now starting to see some of the services up north that some of you in Tahlequah have been used to for 30 years,” he said. “And the chief doesn’t know what I’m going to ask for

next so he better be ready.”Anglen said he’s humbled Dist. 13 citizens elected

him back to Tribal Council.“I feel like I can work with everybody in this

room,” he said. “We have the staff that we have that keeps a watch on everything. I’m glad to be back.”

Austin said he was humbled and honored to serve the Cherokee people. “It’s really a wonderful thing to watch how life unfolds and you find yourself in places where you never expected, but here we are. I am truly honored.”

Hatfield said she’s looking forward to working with fellow At-Large Councilor Jack Baker as well as the entire council. She added that she’s learned that At-Large citizens want to feel included in the tribal government. “They have needs just like you and I do. They want to communicate, they want to be closer to us no matter what we have to do that. They want a connection.”

Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice John Garrett shakes hands with Tribal Councilor Keith Austin (Dist. 14) while Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, far left, looks on along with Tribal Councilors Rex Jordan (Dist. 1) and Dick Lay (Dist. 12) on Aug. 14 at the tribe’s inauguration ceremony in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

BY JAMI MURPHYReporter

NEWKIRK, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation, with the approval of five other tribes, has leased more than 8,000 acres to Weatherby Energy for oil and gas exploration at the former Chilocco Indian School in Kay County.

CN Real Estate Services Director Ginger Reeves said meetings were held between the CN and Kaw, Pawnee, Ponca, Otoe-Missiouria and Tonkawa tribes in 2009.

“Public Law 99-283 in the Federal Register grants Cherokee Nation the authority to lease the trust acres,” she said. “The leases are recorded at the Kay County Clerk’s Office in Newkirk, Oklahoma.”

According to CN Resolution 134-09, Reeves said then Principal Chief Chad Smith and the Tribal Council approved a resolution to lease the property.

“Regarding the referenced lease, the six Chilocco tribes’ trust lease was approved April 4, 2011, and has until April 4, 2016, to drill and produce or expire. Samson Resources Company, the current lessee, is in the process of assigning the lease to a Texas group

(MPG Energy Inc., a subsidiary of Weatherby Energy.) Real Estate Services is processing that assignment approval through the BIA,” she said.

Weatherby Energy has received Bureau of Indian Affairs approval for this assignment, officials said. The Cherokee Phoenix attempted to contact Weatherby Energy but did not receive a response as of publication.

The Chilocco acres are trust and fee lands and the lease covers both.

“The fee land lease will expire Nov. 5, 2015, unless they drill and produce. This fee lease was also recently assigned by Samson to the Texas group. Real Estate Services is processing the assignment for Cherokee Nation approval,” Reeves said. “Both leases were five-year leases and are filed in Cherokee Nation Title Plant. There is also a smaller acreage lease on fee lands at Chilocco with another oil company, which was in place before the lease started.”

When the previous leases ended in the early 1990s, Reeves said it covered 320 acres and leased for $11,520 over a three-year term. She said it lasted longer because of oil and gas being produced in “paying quantities” from the property.

Officials said the CN receives $8,736.30 on trust property annually plus $6,985.23 on fee property for a total of $15,721.53. A total of 8,152.61 acres are under lease with more than 5,000 acres being trust land and more than 2,300 acres in fee.

Petroleum company has lease rights at Chilocco

The Cherokee Nation leases more than 8,000 acres to Weatherby Energy.

September 2015 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 3 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd NEws • dgZEksf

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OUtGOINGfrom front page

work in rural clinics.“The deal about health care is really a red herring.” Smith

said. “We designed things to deliver services; he designed things to be political monuments.”

Taylor Keen, a former CN Tribal Council At-Large and professor in the Heider College of Business at Creighton University, said the tribe has benefited in both the Smith and Baker eras.

“Smith ... was lot about corporate development and growth – growing casinos and businesses – and that was a very important step,” Keen said. “Now that we’ve grown bigger, now it’s time for access for everyday Cherokees.”

Tribal citizen Farrell Prater, a Baker supporter, said she was optimistic about the tribe’s future.

“I was always told in the first years, the leader took and did what he saw was the need of people of the Nation; the second term was that he made sure that it was in place and in force for the betterment of the people, and got it in place for (the next leaders),” she said.

families.”She said she loves that the tribe is building houses again and

receiving one is a life-changing event. “We’ll never be able to build enough houses, but we’re getting

there. As you have people that you satisfy on the program, you have five more that are coming on to the program. But I love the fact that we’re building houses again,” Jordan said.

Tribal Councilor Cara Cowan Watts said she hopes she left the tribe a little better with her service during the past 12 years.

“I know I am a better person for having served and am thankful for the experience,” she said. “I will continue to pray for the Cherokee Nation and our government and business staff who work diligently throughout the year to serve our Nation. My thoughts and prayers are with them as they make decisions for the Nation.”

She added that she would continue her community service by working with Native students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and scholarships.

Tribal Councilor Janelle Fulbright said one of the best things she’s seen happen within the CN during her eight years on council was the construction of the new Redbird Smith Clinic and dialysis center in Sallisaw.

“And I just consider it a privilege to serve, a privilege and an honor, and I’ve greatly enjoyed my eight years. “The newly elected council members, I have great confidence in them that they will carry on and be very responsive to the needs of our people,” she said.

Tribal Councilor Lee Keener said he was humbled and honored to represent the Cherokee people.

“It’s been an awesome experience. One of the best experiences of my life. I’ve learned a lot. I wish every Cherokee citizen could experience being on council so they could understand their government and what goes on,” he said. “I hope that I’ve done it to the best of my ability as far as voting, and it’s been a very good education for me and I’ll have it with me for the rest of my life.”

Tribal Councilor Jodie Fishinghawk said she wanted to thank Adair, Delaware and Ottawa counties for the privilege to serve. “Thank you to the great employees we have over hear at the Nation.”

Tribal Councilor Julia Coates said it has been an honor to serve on the behalf of the At-Large people. “I’ve said it at so many community meetings. It takes a lot of effort for the At-Large folks to remain involved and to remain connected, and it’s very gratifying to see how very many of them do continue to make that effort. I’ve tried to advocate as strongly as I possible could on your behalf. And I appreciate the trust and honor that you have given me in these eight years and I hope I have fulfilled your trust in me.”

BY STACIE GUTHRIEReporter

BRIGGS, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation’s Community and Cultural Outreach has found a way to help CN citizens and local community members learn more about the Cherokee culture with its Cultural Enlightenment Series.

The series is held the second Tuesday of each month, and in July it took place at the TRI Community Association W.E.B. Building (Welling, Eldon and Briggs) in Briggs. Those attending watched participants play Cherokee marbles, weave baskets and perform other family and culture-friendly activities.

CCO Director Rob Daugherty said this is just one of the many communities his department reaches out to within the tribe’s 14-county jurisdiction.

“This is one of the buildings that we helped start fund along with other departments of the Cherokee Nation,” he said. “In our jurisdiction area we have several of these building and we work with approximately 38 community buildings that we have. We work with way more communities than that, but this is one of them.”

Daugherty, who watched the marble games, said he’s glad the community has taken up the sport.

“We’re real proud of this organization here in that they started doing this marbles. (They) picked up one of the old games, and now Cherokee Nation’s coming out here and hosting tournaments,” he said. “The good thing about this game is it doesn’t matter how old you are. It doesn’t matte what size you are. It doesn’t matter what level of skill. This is a game that you’re pretty well even starting out. It looks like it’s a games of just haphazardly movements, but there’s a strategy to this game. They’re playing teams, and you can tell among themselves they’re talking where to move, who to hit, where to sit and so forth.”

Daugherty said it is also important to use the Cherokee language in the Cultural Enlightenment Series.

“Language is really big in my department, so one of the things that I have suggested is no matter what you do incorporate Cherokee language in there,” he said.

John Sellers, TRI Community W.E.B. Association president, said he was glad to have the CN come to the building to show community members Cherokee culture.

“We attend classes about once a month at the (Cherokee) Nation’s complex and they saw our facilities and they were talking about the old traditional marble games, and we’ve DrUG

from front pageequitable.”

“The crux of our case is that unbeknownst to us, this drug is a bad drug,” CN Attorney General Todd Hembree said. “We prescribed it through our clinics to our citizens. We now know it’s a bad drug and we don’t do it anymore, but as a result of it damaging our citizens, we incur the extra costs of having to take care of those citizens. Money that we otherwise would not have spent if it had not been for this bad drug.”

Currently, no hearing has been scheduled. In 2013, Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals

Inc. reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the U.S. Justice Department over the marketing of the antipsychotic drug for failing to warn that it could cause gynecomastia, which is abnormal development of breasts in males. According to the reports, lawsuits continue to be filed against the two companies.

The Cherokee Phoenix attempted to get a comment from Johnson & Johnson but was unsuccessful.

BRIGGS, ᎣᎦᎵᎰᎹ.– ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏰᎵ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎠᎴ ᏄᏍᏛ ᎤᎾᏕᏅ ᎤᎾᏙᏯᏅᎯᏛ ᎤᏂᏩᏛᎲ ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏗ ᏧᏂᏍᏕᎸᏗ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏰᎵ ᎠᏁᎳ ᎠᎴ ᎾᎥ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎠᏁᎳ ᎤᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ ᎤᎪᏛ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᏂᏣᎳᎩ ᏄᏍᏛ ᎤᎾᏕᏅ ᎾᎿ ᏄᎾᏛᏁᎵᏙᎸ ᏓᏁᏲᎲᏍᎬ ᏄᎵᏍᏔᏅᏒᎢ.

ᎾᎿ ᏄᎵᏍᏔᏅᏒᎢ ᎤᏂᏍᏆᎸᎡᎰ ᏔᎵᏁᎢᎦ ᏔᎵᏁᎢᎦ ᎾᎿ ᏏᏅᏓ ᏂᏕᎵᏍᏔᏂᏒ, ᎠᎴ ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᎠᎴ ᎾᎿ ᏒᎵᏍᏔᏅ ᎾᏍᎩ TRI ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏧᎾᎵᎪᎯ W.E.B. ᎠᏓᏁᎸ (Welling, Eldon and Briggs) ᎾᎿ Briggs. ᏓᎾᏁᎶᎲᏍᎬ ᏗᎦᏓᏲᏍᏗ, ᏔᎷᏣ ᏓᏅᏍᎬᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ ᎠᏂᏐᎢ ᏏᏓᏁᎸ ᎠᎴ ᏳᎾᏛᏗ-ᎤᏓᏅᏘ ᎠᎾᏛᏁᎲᎢ.

CCO ᏧᏓᏘᎾᎢ Rob Daugherty ᎤᏛᏅ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏌᏊ ᎢᏳᏓᎴ ᎾᎿ ᎤᎪᏓ ᎨᏒ ᏗᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏓᏁᏙᎲ ᏧᏂᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎯ ᎾᎿ ᏓᏘᏂᏙᎰᎢ ᎾᎿ ᏂᎦᏚ ᏗᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏚᏙᏢᏒᎢ.

“ᎯᎠ ᎾᎿ ᏌᏊ ᎠᏓᏁᎸ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎣᏥᏍᏕᎸᎲ ᎣᎦᎴᏅᎲ ᎣᏥᏟᏏᏍᎬ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏗᏐᎢ ᏚᏙᏢᏒ ᎾᎿ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏰᎵ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬ. “ᎾᏍᎩ ᏓᏟᎶᎥ ᎢᎬᎾᏕᎾ ᎢᎸᏍᎩ ᏓᏓᏁᎸ ᎾᎿ ᎣᏤᏙᎰ ᏙᎩᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎰ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏦᏍᎪ ᏧᏁᎳ ᏗᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏓᏓᏁᎸ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏙᎩᎲᎢ. ᎤᎪᏓ ᏗᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏙᎩᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎰ, ᎠᏎᏃ ᎯᎠ ᏌᏊᎢ.”

Daugherty, ᏚᎦᏙᏍᏛ ᏓᏂᏓᏲᎯᎲ, ᎠᏗᏍᎬ ᎠᎵᎮᎵᎪ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏚᏙᏢᏒ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎰ ᏓᎾᏁᎶᎲᏍᎪ.

“ᎢᎦ ᎣᏣᎵᎮᎵᎪ ᎯᎠ ᎣᎦᏓᏡ Ꭼ ᎠᎭᏂ ᎤᎾᎴᏅᎲᎢ ᏓᎾᏁᎶᎲᏍᎬ ᏗᎦᏓᏲᏍᏗ. ᎤᏂᎩᏒ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏌᏊ ᎪᎯᎦ ᏧᎾᏁᎶᏅ, ᎠᎴ ᏃᏊ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏰᎵ ᎪᎯ ᏥᎩ ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎤᏂᏍᏆᎸᎡᎰᎢ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ.

“ᏃᏌᏂᏱ ᎯᎠ ᏗᎾᏁᎶᎲᏍᎩ Ꮭ ᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᏱᎩ ᎯᎳ ᎢᏣᏕᏘᏴᏓ ᎨᏒᎢ. Ꮭ ᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᏱᎩ ᎯᎳ ᎯᎭᏔ ᏱᎩ. Ꮭ ᎠᎱᏍᏗ ᏱᎩ ᎯᏌᏑᏓ ᏱᎩ. ᎯᎠ ᏗᏁᎶᏗ ᏂᎦᎵᏍᏗᏊ ᎢᏴ ᏗᏣᏁᎶᏗ. ᎯᎠ ᏓᎾᏁᎶᎲᏍᎬ ᎤᏬᎸᏗ ᏗᏁᎶᏗ, ᎠᏎᏃ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏗᎧᎾᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᏗᏍᏓᏩᏛᏍᏙᏗ ᎯᎠ ᏗᏁᎶᏗᎢ. ᏧᎾᎵᎪᎯ ᎨᏐ, ᎠᎴ ᏧᎾᎵᎪᎯ ᏓᎾᏟᏃᎮᏍᎪ ᎾᎿ ᎤᏂᎲᏍᏗᎢ, ᎤᏩᏅᏍᏗ, ᎤᎵᏍᏛᎷᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏂᎩᏍᏗᎢ.”

Daugherty ᎠᏗᏍᎬ ᎤᎵᏍᎨᏓ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎦᏬᏂᎯᏍᏗ ᎠᏅᏗᏍᎪ ᎾᎿ ᏄᎾᏛᏁᎸᏍᏔᏅ ᏧᏂᎶᏒ ᎦᏬᏂᎯᏍᏗ ᎠᏅᏗᏍᎪᎢ.

“ᎦᏬᏂᎯᏍᏗ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏔᎾ ᎤᎵᏍᎨᏓ ᎤᎾᏙᏢᎯ,ᏌᏊ ᎢᏳᏓᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᎩᏁᏍᏔᏅ ᎢᏳᏍᏗ ᏅᏛᏁᎲ ᎦᏬᏂᎯᏍᏗ ᎢᏛᏗᏍᎨᏍᏗ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ.

John Sellers, TRI ᏍᎦᏚᎩ W.E.B Association ᎤᎬᏫᏳᎯ ᎠᏗᏍᎬ ᎠᎵᎮᎵᎬ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏰᎵ ᎠᏂᎷᎬ ᏧᎾᏓᏁᎸ ᏧᏂᎪᏩᏛᏗ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎠᏁᎳ ᏣᎳᎩ ᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ.

“ᎣᏤᏙᎰ ᏙᏣᏕᎶᏆᏍᎪ ᏌᏊ ᎢᏳᏩᎪᏗ ᏏᏅᏓ ᎨᏒ ᎾᎿ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏰᎵ ᎤᎾᏓᏁᎸ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏂᎪᎲ ᎣᏥᏯᎥ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏂᏃᎮᏍᎬ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏪᏔ ᏗᎦᏓᏲᏍᏗ ᏓᎾᏁᎶᎲᏍᎬ, ᎠᎴ ᎣᏣᏓᏛᏛᎲᏍᎬ ᏧᏂᏍᏓᏩᏛᏍᏙᏗ ᏚᏂᎲᎢ, ᏄᏍᏛ ᏯᏛᏗᎢ. ᎾᏍᎩ ᎢᏳᏍᏗ ᎠᏁᏙᎰ ᎪᎨᏲᎲᏍᎪ ᎠᎴ ᎯᎠ ᏄᏂᏪᏒ, ᎾᏍᎩ, ᏏᏅᏓ ᎢᏳᏓᎵ ᏗᏠᎯᏍᏗ ᎨᏒ ᏙᏓᏲᏣᏠᏏ ᎠᎭᏂ ᎠᎴ ᏂᏓᏲᏣᏛᏁᎵ,”’ ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ. “ᏃᏊ, ᎾᎯᏳ ᎩᎶ ᏛᎤᎵᏃᎮᏟ ᎠᎴ ᎠᎨᏯ ᎤᏚᎵᏍᎬ ᏔᎷᏣ ᏗᎪᏢᏗ ᏧᏕᏲᏗ, ᏕᎯᏯᏐᏙᏯ ᎠᏆᏛᏅᎢ.”

Sellers ᎠᏗᏍᎬ ᎢᎦ ᎠᎵᎮᎵᎬ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏰᎵ ᏂᎦᏓ ᎯᎠ ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎤᏙᏢᏒᎢ.

“Ꮭ ᎡᎵ ᎢᎦ ᏱᎦᏥᏃᎮᎵ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎾᏛᏁᎲ ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏰᎵ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ. “ᏝᏃ ᏱᎾᎦᏲᏣᏛᎦ ᎯᎠ ᏥᏃᏣᏛᏁ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏄᏙᏢᏒᎾ ᏱᎩ.”

ᎤᎪᏛ ᎠᏕᎶᎰᎯᏍᏗ ᏲᏚᎵ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎯᎠ ᏄᎵᏍᏔᏂᏙᎸ Enlightenment Series, visit www.facebook.com/CNCCO.

Cherokee Nation citizens Stacy Holcomb and her son, Preston, weave baskets during the Cherokee Nation Community and Cultural Outreach’s Cultural Enlightenment Series at the TRI Community Association W.E.B. Building in Briggs, Oklahoma. PHOTOS BY STACIE GUTHRIE/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

CCO brings Cultural Enlightenment Series to Briggs community

Principal Chief Bill John Baker, right, plays a game of Cherokee marbles at the TRI Community Association W.E.B. Building in Briggs, Oklahoma.

been asking questions about the rules, how you do it. So they come out here to show us and they said, ‘hey, we’ll just have our regular monthly meeting out here and do that,’” he said. “Then, at the same time we got a call and said they had a lady that wanted to do the basket weaving and I said, ‘bring her on.’”

Sellers said he is thankful to the CN for all it has done for the community.

“I can’t say enough for Cherokee Nation,” he said. “I mean we couldn’t do what we’re doing if it wasn’t for them.”

For more information about the Cultural Enlightenment Series, visit www.facebook.com/CNCCO.

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4 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • September 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd 2015NEws • dgZEksf

BY TESINA JACKSON Reporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – At its June 16 meeting, the Cherokee Phoenix Editorial Board approved a memorandum of understanding that sets the terms for the tribe’s administration to purchase subscriptions for Cherokee Nation citizens.

“This is for the Citizens Access To Transparency Program, and it’s an initiative from Chief Baker where the administration will purchase a one-year subscription for a large number of new households ,and we are going to be selling these subscriptions at a discounted rate,” Executive Editor Bryan Pollard said.

According to the MOU, the Phoenix will grant a complimentary one-year subscription to 82,504 registered Cherokee households, less the amount of households already subscribed, beginning in August. The number of new subscriptions after current subscribers were removed was nearly 74,000. Phoenix officials redacted the compensation amount, citing proprietary information.

“The Cherokee Phoenix was the first Native American newspaper founded back in 1828 and is still printing today. Their legacy of providing fair and balanced information is something we want all of our citizens to take advantage of,” Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “But it’s also a way to maintain current data on our citizens so we can provide them with direct, reliable information about tribal services and programs. The Cherokee Nation has long been a leader in transparency in government, and this is one more way we are providing that transparency.”

A third-party mail house selected by the Cherokee Phoenix and approved by the administration will facilitate the subscription mailings, the MOU states.

It also states that “to protect the integrity and confidentiality of Cherokee citizenship information, all household mailing list information made available pursuant to this MOU shall be transmitted directly to the appropriate mail house by the CN secretary of state under a properly executed non-disclosure agreement.”

In other business, the board approved the Phoenix’s social media policies as a starting point for the new organization’s employees to become more active online and to develop a more dynamic relationship with the online audience.

“The organization has been using social media now for probably about four or five years, but it’s really just been a one-way street,” Pollard said. “Whatever we post to our website we just also post it to social media and that’s really about as far as we go. And the reason that we don’t go any further is because I didn’t want us to get too involved without having a set of policies in place to regulate how we behave online or on social media.”

The policies address interacting with users, value added comments, sourcing, posting with caution, avoiding conflicts of interests, live tweeting, re-tweeting and deleting tweets.

“These are a good start,” Pollard said. “It sets some pretty firm parameters for what we’re going to do and what we’re not going to do.”

SEATTLE (AP) – Federal officials on Aug. 19 launched a program that will allow tribes access to national criminal databases and fix a system that allowed a man to buy a gun that was later used by his son to kill four classmates and himself at a Washington high school.

Raymond Fryberg was the subject of a 2001 domestic violence restraining order issued by a Tulalip Tribal Court, which should have kept him from buying a firearm, but the restraining order was never sent to the federal criminal database used to check criminal histories during firearm purchases because of a breakdown between tribes and outside authorities.

Fryberg’s 15-year-old son, Jaylen, shot the students and himself on Oct. 24, 2014, at Marysville-Pilchuck High School north of Seattle.

The Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information, or TAP, will allow federally recognized tribes to enter criminal records into and pull information out of national databases overseen by the Criminal

Justice Information Services Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The program was announced during a conference by the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Justice officials said the mass shooting by Jaylen Fryberg at Marysville-Pilchuck High School last October drove home the importance of getting an effective system in place for all tribes.

“Empowering tribal law enforcement with information strengthens public safety and is a key element in our ongoing strategy to build safe and healthy communities in Indian Country,” Deputy Attorney General Sally Quillian Yates said. “The Tribal Access Program is a step forward to providing tribes the access they need to protect their communities, keep guns from falling into the wrong hands, assist victims, and prevent domestic and sexual violence.”

Michelle Demmert, a Tulalip Tribal attorney who was at the conference in Oklahoma said

they’ve spent years working with federal officials to identify gaps in the criminal database system and this announcement seems to say “the Department of Justice and the Office of Tribal Justice has heard the tribe’s voice.”

“The TAP program will reinforce the Tulalip Tribes commitment to using available tools to protect its community,” Demmert told The Associated Press in an email.

Brian Cladoosby, president of the National Congress of American Indians, said the plan “responds to a long-standing public safety concern in Indian Country.”

“Today’s announcement is an encouraging step, and we hope that the new DOJ Tribal Access Program will lead to real change and meaningful solutions,” he said in an email. “The safety of our communities depends on it.”

In addition to letting tribes submit data, it will also allow them to conduct background checks when a tribe needs to place a child with a foster parent in an emergency

situation – another area tribes have long-sought to have fixed.

Taking that a step further, the Bureau of Indian Affairs announced at the conference that it and the Office of Justice Services have created another new program that will give tribal social service agencies 24-hour access to criminal history records to ensure the safe placement of children in foster care.

Demmert praised that move, saying the Tulalip Tribe “is encouraged that our ability to protect our most vulnerable population – children – in times of crisis will be assisted with this work around issue to access name-based criminal history records when children need to be placed out of the home.”

Francesca Hillary, spokeswoman for the Tulalip Tribes, has said tribes have been asking for a system to access the national databases for years. Justice officials said they’ve been working with tribes to resolve the roadblocks that kept a system from working effectively.

The FBI oversees a justice information services system in all 50 states. The system includes the National Crime Information Center, used by law enforcement to get data on stolen property, wanted people, sex offenders; and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, used by Federal Firearms Licensees during gun purchases.

To date, the systems have been available to federal, state and local law enforcement but not to all tribes.

The new TAP program will support and train tribes as they connect with the system.

Once established, they’ll be able to use the databases in the same way as outside law enforcement.

Raymond Fryberg has been charged in federal court with six counts of illegally buying 10 guns during a period when he was prohibited from having firearms. On Aug. 19, his trial was moved from Aug. 31 to Sept. 21, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

BY WILL CHAVEZSenior Reporter

OOLOGAH, Okla. – It was called the “crash heard around the world,” the plane crash that killed Will Rogers, the “Cherokee Kid,” and aviator Wiley Post. The crash occurred 80 years ago on Aug. 15 as Rogers and Post, flying in Post’s plane, took off from Point Barrow, Alaska. Headlines in newspapers all over the world carried the story of that tragic day that is commemorated every year during the “Will Rogers & Wiley Post Fly-In” at the ranch where Rogers was born.

Rogers was the great-great uncle of Herb McSpadden, of Claremore, who attended the Aug. 15 fly-in. He said it’s important to his family that people honor his uncle and that the ranch is still a place that people celebrate Rogers’ life.

He said Rogers’ pride in his Cherokee heritage brought pride to the Cherokee people, and they still honor him for how he made them feel with his words and actions.

“It’s neat that we still celebrate not only him but his life and his values,” he said. “It’s important to remember our heritage, where we came from, and Will Rogers might not be a family member

for everybody, but he’s an Oklahoman. He’s a Cherokee, and we celebrate his values and we can pass on that legacy to our own kids.”

Tad Jones, Will Rogers Memorial Museums executive director, said this year’s fly-in had the largest number of planes since the event began 27 years ago. Nearly 130 planes landed on the airstrip adjacent to the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch Museum.

“Will Rogers is everything to this community, and having an event like this really brings people from all over that come in on their planes or drive in to see this,” he said. “We officially opened up at 7:30, but people started showing up at 6:30 to get a good seat.”

Al Hailey of Kimberling City, Missouri, flew his experimental two-seat, “low and slow” plane to the event. He said this year he wanted to take part in honoring Rogers and Post for their contributions to aviation.

“I go to fly-ins within a reasonable reach. This is a famous one. It’s a good day, and I came out to have some fun,” Hailey said. “Mr. Rogers and Mr. Post were a couple of famous people, and Wiley was one of the most famous aviators of his era. I think it’s good to keep those people in mind and celebrate them at events like this.”

Airports across the country have been invited to join in a special Moment of Remembrance at 10 a.m. on Aug. 15 to honor those who have lost their lives in a small aircraft accident. At that same time, a short program at the birthplace ranch airstrip paid tribute to the lives of Rogers and Post.

During the fly-in, visitors had close-up access to the planes and pilots and the opportunity to watch planes land and take off. Other activities included stories told by a Cherokee storyteller, music, a classic and antique car show and tours of the birthplace home.

Rebecca Giger, of Claremore, attended the fly-in for the first time with her son. She said her son appreciated the planes landing and taking off from the grass field.

“It’s a great opportunity to give your kid an educational experience. It’s a community gathering and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Will Rogers and Wiley Post’s lives and give the kids a fun time as well,” Giger said. “It’s a fun, family event. Definitely, we’re going to be back next year.”

Feds give tribes access to criminal databases

The administration and Cherokee Phoenix partner on complimentary one-year subscriptions to nearly 74,000 registered households.

Editorial Board approves free-

subscription memo

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Spectators at the annual “Will Rogers & Wiley Post Fly-In” in Oologah, Oklahoma, watch a small plane land on a grass airstrip next to the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch Museum. The 80th anniversary of the plane crash that killed Will Rogers and Wiley Post was commemorated on Aug. 15. WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

‘Fly-In’ commemorates Rogers, Post’s fatal plane crash

Obama unveils high-speed Internet help for low-income homesDURANT, Okla. (AP) – Calling the

Internet a 21st century necessity, President Barack Obama in July unveiled a program to bring faster Internet connections to more low-income households, particularly to help students living in public and assisted housing stay ahead in school.

Under ConnectHome, the public, private and nonprofit sectors have pledged to work together to provide high-speed connections and digital devices to more families at lower cost.

More than 90 percent of households headed by a college graduate have Internet access, Obama said. But fewer than half of low-income households have similar access.

In this day and age, Obama said the “digital divide” puts these individuals at a disadvantage by limiting their educational and economic opportunities because the Internet is increasingly needed to find a job, finish homework or keep in touch with family and friends.

“In this digital age, when you can apply for a job, take a course, pay your bills ... with a

tap of your phone, the Internet is not a luxury. It’s a necessity,” Obama said in Durant, on the first day of a two-day visit to the state.

“You cannot connect with today’s economy without having access to the Internet,” he said.

ConnectHome is similar to ConnectEd, a federal program that Obama said is on track to wire 99 percent of K-12 classrooms and libraries with high-speed Internet by the end of 2017.

ConnectHome will begin in 27 cities and the Choctaw Nation, which is headquartered in Durant. With about 200,000 citizens spread across much of southeastern Oklahoma, the Choctaw Nation is the nation’s third-largest Native American tribe.

The Choctaw Nation was also among the administration’s first “Promise Zones,” a designation that makes it eligible for tax incentives and grants to help fight poverty.

The only federal money expected to be spent on ConnectHome is a $50,000 Agriculture Department grant to the Choctaw Nation, officials said.

The 27 cities the U.S. Department of

Housing and Urban Development selected for ConnectHome are: Albany, Georgia; Atlanta; Baltimore; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Boston; Camden, New Jersey; Cleveland; Denver; Durham, North Carolina; Fresno, California; Kansas City, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; Los Angeles; Macon, Georgia; Memphis, Tennessee; Meriden, Connecticut; Nashville, Tennessee; New Orleans; New York; Newark, New Jersey; Philadelphia; Rockford, Illinois; San Antonio; Seattle; Springfield, Massachusetts; Tampa, Florida; and the District of Columbia.

Obama was spending the night in Oklahoma and on July 16 continuing a weeklong focus on making the criminal justice system fairer.

He planned to meet Thursday with law enforcement officials and inmates during a historic tour of the El Reno Federal Correctional Institution, a medium-security facility west of Oklahoma City that holds about 1,300 male offenders. “I will be the first sitting president to visit a federal prison,” Obama said in a speech Tuesday to the NAACP meeting in Philadelphia.

President Barack Obama speaks about his plan to bring high-speed Internet to low-income homes to a crowd on July 15 in Durant, Oklahoma. Under ConnectHome, the public, private and nonprofit sectors have pledged to work together to provide high-speed connections and digital devices to more families at lower cost. LISA SNELL/NATIVE TIMES

September 2015 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 5 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd

September 2015Volume 39, No. 9

The Cherokee Phoenix is published monthly by the Cherokee Nation, PO Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465.Application to mail at Periodicals post-age rates is pending at Tahlequah, OK 74464.POSTMASTER: Send address changes toCherokee Phoenix, PO Box 948, Tahle-quah, OK 74465

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OPINION • Zlsz

Cherokee National Holiday opportunity for reunion, celebration

CHIeF’S perSpeCtIVe

BY BILL JOHN BAKERPrincipal Chief

Osiyo. This Labor Day weekend, we are planning for another record crowd at the Cherokee National Holiday in Tahlequah. More than 100,000 visitors are again expected to visit the Cherokee capital city for the 63rd installment of our annual homecoming. We look forward to hosting you, your family and friends for the celebration of Cherokee history, heritage and hospitality.

The first Cherokee National Holiday was held in 1953 to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. Every year we gather to honor that event, reaffirm our tribal pride, and reconnect with our fellow Cherokees. As always, a vast array of entertainment and cultural and athletic events are being planned for participants.

This year’s “reunion” theme is one that resonates with all of us. This holiday celebration is a time set aside for family, friends and fellowship. Our reunion will be made up of everything from intimate family gatherings, large-scale activities and cultural ceremonies. This year’s reunion theme is also a reference to the bison herd

that has returned to Cherokee Nation soil for the first time in 40 years. Bison are part of our pre-removal history and culture, and they are symbols of our great country. They represent freedom, strength and resiliency – some of the very same traits we identify in ourselves as Cherokee people.

As we come together this year, we celebrate the accomplishments of our tribal government, our people and our bright future. The progress we have made just since our last Cherokee National Holiday is amazing, and I am confident we will build on that momentum in the coming year.

Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden and I are humbled and honored to be serving the Cherokee people for another four years. Recently, we took the oath of office for our respective roles. Our administration operates with a simple goal: make the lives of Cherokee citizens better today, tomorrow and for the next seven generations.

I believe our future is brighter than ever. Putting the people first and emphasizing the things that make healthy and strong families are critical for our long-term success. We have more Cherokee Nation citizens working for the tribe and our businesses than ever before. More Cherokees have received academic scholarships than at any time in our history, and we have built more homes for Cherokees in the past year than we did in the 10 years prior.

That’s why when I look around the 14 counties of the Cherokee Nation, I realize that we are truly blessed, and we look forward to sharing that bounty with all of our guests during the Labor Day weekend. We assure you that Cherokee National Holiday has something of interest for everyone. From traditional foods, music and storytelling to competitive traditional games, like Cherokee marbles and stickball, there is an abundance of culture sharing. History enthusiasts can explore our local tribal museums, which highlight different aspects of Cherokee history and heritage. Additionally, a car show is planned, as well as a fishing derby for kids and a softball tournament for men and women. Of course, one of the biggest attractions every year is the celebrated intertribal powwow, recognized as one of the biggest and best in the United States.

Cherokee National Holiday will be held Sept. 4-6 and is guaranteed to be a festive celebration that covers the spectrum of Cherokee life– from our traditional roots to our progressive values of family and community. It’s an opportunity to make memories you and your family can cherish for a lifetime.

We hope to see all of you there. Wado.

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6 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • September 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd 2015COuNCIl • d/wWf

BY STACIE GUTHRIEReporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – At the Aug. 10 meeting, Tribal Councilors approved the Cherokee Nation’s fiscal year 2016 Indian Housing Plan that asks the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for money for housing programs.

According to the IHP, the tribe is requesting $28.6 million to disperse to housing programs such as overcrowded households, college student housing and housing rehabilitation.

In an earlier committee meeting, Community Services Executive Director Ron Qualls said the FY 2016 funding is almost identical to FY 2015. Qualls added that it is important to realize “the funding that is being budgeted for the upcoming 2016 fiscal year is the 2015 (FY) funds.”

“I can’t recall exactly when the 2015 funds came in. I believe it might have been January or February of last year. That’s the reason that we always prepare the Indian Housing Plan on the previous year’s funds,” he said. “We’re coming up on 2016 fiscal year, and the 2016 funds are, as far as I can say, nowhere in sight. It’s the way the federal government works as far as the budget goes. We just don’t know when the budget will be approved, so we always work on prior year’s funds. That way we have the funds.”

Qualls said in prior years funds have been received three to five months late.

Tribal Councilor Harley Buzzard said he would like to see more funding for Project-Based College Housing Assistance. The fund is currently at $601,865.

“College is really important to our young kids. The more we can get in college, the better off we’re going to be in the long term,” he said. “If we can increase that up to $800, $900,000 next year, I think I’d help us all. I’d like to see the college fund increased, if at all possible. I realize that something else will

have to take a hit if we do increase this. I just think college education is going to be the key for our kids to be successful.”

Tribal Councilor David Thornton asked if money was a problem when it came to building homes under the Homeownership Replacement Home Program.

“We put $1.4 million in replacement homes and we build about 15 a year, from what I understand,” he said. “Is there any reason we can’t build more than 15 except for money?”

David Pruitt, Housing Services/Rehabilitation director, said there isn’t enough money.

“I know a couple, three years back we took discretionary funding and added it to that program,” Thornton said. “When we do the budget we need to go through and check on that and see if we can’t help some of these people that need replacement homes because their homes are so deteriorated and in bad shape that they can’t live in it. We have to tear the things down and replace them. There’s several of them out there in my district, Cherokee County and Adair County that need replaced.”

Tribal Council Speaker Tina Glory Jordan said the program needs more funding because it serves the neediest people.

“If we take money and put it there by just moving it around in this NAHASDA (Native American Housing Assistance and Self

Determination Act of 1996) budget, it is going to take funding away from another program that also truly believes, and we believe, is serving the neediest of our people,” she said. “It’s a balancing act.”

She said if a program needs more money than another, its budget can be amended.

“This was something that was hard for me to learn eight years ago. I wanted to make all those changes right then, but then I learned that you could, on a monthly basis, amend your Indian Housing Plan as you saw it fit for your people,” she said.

Tribal Councilors also approved a grant submission to the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. According to the resolution, the CN has been an SDPI grant recipient since the program’s inception in 1997.

Since then, the CN “has utilized SDPI funding to provide a wide range of services, staffing, equipment and supplies for the prevention and treatment of diabetes for the past 18 years,” according to the resolution.

It also states that numerous CN citizens and patients at CN health facilities have benefited from the program.

“This grant program has been a blessing to the Cherokee Nation and allowed our health care system to provide critical services to thousands of diabetic citizens,” Tribal Councilor Janelle Fullbright

said. “With the continuation of funding, our diabetes program will continue to reduce the number of diabetes patients in the Cherokee Nation and educate our citizens on diabetes prevention.”

Legislators also approved a resolution accepting trust land status for five acres near the Oaks Mission School (Rocky Ford) in northern Cherokee County.

Councilors also unanimously authorized the tribe’s Information Technology Department to donate surplus office equipment to Moffett Police Department in Sequoyah County.

In other news, Tribal Councilors Glory Jordan, Fullbright, Jodie Fishinghawk, Cara Cowan Watts, Lee Keener and Julia Coates were each given time to say a few words about their time serving on the legislative branch.

Cowan Watts, who served from 2003-11, said she was honored to have been able to represent the tribe and its citizens, especially those in Rogers and Tulsa counties.

“At times even when it was a challenge it was truly a blessing, and I’ll always look at this part of my life as something that was successful,” she said. “I want to say particularly that I appreciate the staff of our government and businesses who quietly serve the Cherokee Nation, our people, often without fanfare

each day. You are noticed, not just by elected leadership, but by our constituents and those that you serve with such passion. I’ll miss my colleagues who graciously served with me, consistently extended their hand in friendship and respect. You will be missed in my daily work life as I return to my engineering career. I pray for all levels of leadership throughout the Cherokee Nation and wish our tribe and community much success as we move forward.”

Watts served as the deputy speaker of the Tribal Council and co-chair of the Executive and Finance Committee from 2007-11.

Fishinghawk, who served for two consecutive terms, said she would like to thank all the employees who work for the tribe, among others. “I’d like to thank Adair County, and I guess Delaware and Ottawa county at one time, for allowing me the privilege to serve you all.”

Beginning in 2011, she served as of the Executive Finance Committee chairwoman until the end of her term.

On Aug. 14, Tribal Councilors Rex Jordan (Dist. 1), David Walkingstick (Dist. 3), Bryan Warner (Dist. 6), Shawn Crittenden (Dist. 8), Dick Lay (Dist. 12), Buel Anglen (Dist. 13), Keith Austin (Dist. 14) and Wanda Claphan Hatfield (At-Large) were sworn into office.

2016 IHP approved, legislators say farewell

Tribal Councilor Cara Cowan Watts during the Aug. 10 Tribal Council meeting expresses her thanks to the Cherokee Nation citizens she served and CN employees who help keep the Nation running. Watts said “I’ll always look at this part of my life as something that was successful.” Watts served as a Tribal Councilor from 2003-11. PHOTOS BY STACIE GUTHRIE/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

The tribe requests $28.6 million for its fiscal year 2016 Indian Housing Plan.

During the Aug. 10 Tribal Council meeting, Tribal Councilor Jodie Fishinghawk says it was a privilege to serve the Cherokee Nation citizens she helped during her two consecutive terms.

BY WILL CHAVEZSenior Reporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – During an Aug. 17 Rules Committee meeting, Tribal Councilors chose new chairs and co-chairs for their six standing committees.

The new committee leaders follow the election of eight Tribal Councilors in June and July. Five of those eight legislators are new to the Tribal Council.

Dist. 2 Tribal Councilor and former Principal Chief Joe Byrd was elected as speaker of the 17-member body. Byrd also serves as chairman of the Rules Committee.

Dist. 5 Tribal Councilor David Thornton was initially chosen as deputy speaker, but he withdrew his name. Dist. 11 Tribal Councilor Victoria Vazquez was then chosen.

Dist. 7 Tribal Councilor Frankie Hargis was chosen as the body’s secretary. She was also chosen as co-chairwoman of the Rules Committee, and is the new chairwoman of the Health Committee. New Dist. 6 Tribal Councilor Bryan Warner was chosen as co-chairman of the Health Committee.

Dist. 3 Tribal Councilor David Walkingstick will serve as chairman of the Education Committee, and Dist. 4 Tribal Councilor Don Garvin will serve as co-chairman.

Dist. 15 Tribal Councilor Janees Taylor was chosen to chair the Executive & Finance

Committee, while Dist. 14 Councilor Keith Austin was chosen as co-chairman. Dist. 12 Tribal Councilor Dick Lay will continue as chairman of the Community Services Committee, and Dist. 10 Tribal Councilor Harley Buzzard will serve as co-chairman.

Dist. 9 Tribal Councilor Curtis Snell also will continue to chair the Resources Committee, and new Dist. 1 Tribal Councilor Rex Jordan will co-chair that committee.

Councilors also serve as advisory members on the Cherokee Nation Businesses board of directors. Current members include Byrd, Hargis, Snell and Thornton. Vazquez, Jordan, Austin and new At-Large Tribal Councilor Wanda Hatfield were added as advisory board members during the Aug. 17 meeting.

Warner then nominated former Dist. 6 Tribal Councilor Janelle Fullbright to serve on the CNB board.

Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr. said Fullbright would make the board “even stronger than it is.”

Fullbright said she believed she was well-qualified for the position because she served on the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission for nine years and attended many gaming seminars and workshops regarding tribal gaming. She also served on the Tribal Council for eight years with her second term ending on Aug. 14. Fullbright was unanimously confirmed to the CNB board.

Councilors select new committee chairs, co-chairs

BY TESINA JACKSON Reporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Tribal Councilors on July 30 confirmed nominations to the Cherokee Phoenix Editorial and the Cherokee Nation Comprehensive Care Agency boards.

Cherokee Nation citizen Lauren Jones joined the Editorial Board with a vote of 15-1 with Tribal Councilor Cara Cowan Watts voting against her. Tribal Councilor Jodie Fishinghawk absent.

According to Jones’ resume, she is the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma public relations senior supervisor. Her duties include writing, editing, proofing and coordinating design and production for targeted communication pieces in the health care industry.

The Tribal Council also unanimously approved Luka E. Madison’s nomination as a governing board member of the CN Comprehensive Care Agency, or PACE.

“I’m excited to serve the Cherokee Nation

on the board for the all inclusive care of the elderly, and I look forward to contributing to leadership through governance,” she said.

According to Madison’s resume, she is the nursing supervisor at Northeastern Health System in Tahlequah, and in 2012 she received a master’s degree in nursing. Madison also serves on the Northeastern Oklahoma Health Centers board of directors.

Tribal Councilors also amended the tribe’s comprehensive operating budget for fiscal year 2015 by increasing it by $1.3 million for a total of $646.8 million. According to the act, the tribe received $312,689 in grants and made a modification request of $1,072,399. The modification request includes an increase in the General Fund of $682,566, an increase in the Motor Fuel Tax budget of $300,000 and an increase in the Department of Interior-Self Governance budget of $89,833.

Legislators also amended the tribe’s comprehensive capital budget by increasing it by $3.7 million in the Capital Projects budget for a total of $128.9 million.

Board nominations, budgets approved

September 2015 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 7 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd COmmuNITy • nv 0nck

Community MeetingsSept. 1Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization6 p.m., George Hoos at 918-402-4667tulsacherokees@gmail.comMuldrow Cherokee Community Organization, MCCO Building, 6 p.m.Call Pat Swaim at 918-427-5440Vian Peace Center, 604 W. Schley5:30 p.m.

Sept. 3Greasy Fellowship Community Organization,Greasy Community Building, 7 p.m.Washington County Cherokee, Association, 300 E. Angus Ave., Dewey7 p.m., Ann Sheldon 918-333-5632

Sept. 7Belfonte, 6:30 p.m.Sallie Sevenstar at 918-427-4237Eucha Indian Fellowship, Eucha Community Building, 8 p.m.Marble City Community Organization, MCCO Building, 7 p.m.Lost City Community Organization6 p.m.Native American Association of Ketchum280 East Gregory, Ketchum, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 8No-We-Ta Cherokee CommunityCherokee Nation Nutrition Site6:30 p.m.Carol Sonenberg at 918-273-5536Victory Cherokee Organization1025 N. 12th St. Collinsville, 7 p.m.Ed Phillips 918-371-6688victorycherokee@att.net

Sept. 10 Lyons Switch, 7 p.m.Call Karen Fourkiller at 918-696-2354Native American Fellowship Inc.215 Oklahoma St., South Coffeyville 6:00 p.m., Bill Davis 913-563-9329Okay Senior Citizens, Inc. Okay Senior Building, 3701 E. 75th Street, 7 p.m.Adair County Resource Center

110 S. 2nd St., Stilwell, 6:30 p.m.Stilwell Public Library Friends Society5 N. 6th St., Stilwell, 5 p.m.

Sept. 13 Rogers County Cherokee Association2 p.m., Beverly Cowan at beverlycowan@sbcglobal.net

Sept. 14Marble City Pantry, 7 p.m.Clifton Pettit at 918-775-5975Brent Community Association 461914 Hwy. 141, Gans, 6 p.m.918-774-0655, brentcomm@live.com

Sept. 15 Central Oklahoma Cherokee Alliance Oklahoma City, BancFirst Community Room, 4500 W. Memorial Road, 6 p.m.Franklin Muskrat Jr. 405-842-6417Oak Hill/Piney, 7 p.m.Dude Feather at 918-235-2811Rocky Mountain Cherokee Community Organization, 7 p.m.Vicki McLemore 918-696-4965Fairfield Community Organization, Inc. 6:30 p.m.Call Jeff Simpson 918-605-0839

Sept. 21 Neighborhood Association of CheweyChewy Community Building, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 Fairfield, 7 p.m.Jeff Simpson at 918-696-7959Dry Creek, 7 p.m.Shawna Ballou 918-457-5023

Sept. 24 Tri-County (W.E.B.) AssociationJ.R.’s Country Auction, 6 p.m.Orchard Road Community Outreach (Stilwell), Turning Point Office, 6 p.m.

Sept. 28Christie, 7 p.m.Shelia Rector at 918-778-3423

Community CalendarMondays, Wednesdays and ThursdaysMarble City Nutrition Center711 N. MainMarble City, Okla. 918-775-2158The Marble City Nutrition Center serves hot meals at the Marble City Community Center at 11:30 a.m.

Third Tuesday of even numbered monthsMayflower UCC ChurchOklahoma City 405-408-0763The Central Oklahoma Cherokee Alliance meets at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every even numbered month at the Mayflower Church.

First Friday of every monthConcho Community BuildingConcho, Okla. 405-422-7622

Year RoundWill Rogers Memorial MuseumClaremore, Okla. 918-341-0719

Fourth Thursday of each monthAmerican Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma – Eastern Chapter monthly luncheon at Bacone CollegeMuskogee, Okla. 918-230-3759The lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. at Benjamin Wacoche Hall. Please RSVP one week ahead of time.

Second Saturday of each monthCherokee Basket Weavers Association at the Unitarian Universalist CongregationTahlequah, Okla. 918-456-7787Monthly meetings are at 6 p.m.

Second Tuesday of each monthCherokee Artists Association at 202 E. 5th Street, Tahlequah, Okla. 918-458-0008www.cherokeeartistsassociation.orgThe CAA meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month.

Every Friday of each monthDance at Tahlequah Senior Citizens Center230 E. 1st St. in Tahlequah, Okla.For seniors 50 and over, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.Admission is $2.50, includes pot luck dinner

Every Tuesday of each monthDance at Hat Box Dance Hall540 S. 4th St. in Muskogee, Okla.For seniors 50 and over, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.Admission is $2.50, includes pot luck dinner

To have an event or meeting listed, fax information to 918-458-6136 attention: Community Calendar. The deadline for submissions is the 10th of each month.

Linda Sue England – 68Ft. Gibson. Homemaker.Died August 8, 2015.

In loving Memory of Billie Jean Reese (Wa Le La)1943-2014

On August 14, 2014 you left this world and your loving family. You crossed over into the spirit world to be with past loved ones. Our journey together has been my reward! Be patient until we meet with you again in our forever home.“E lv hi yu tsi ge sd sdi do na da go hv I”

Wa Do for giving us your never failing unconditional love.Love Forever,Geauwana, Troy and Tonya

In Memoriam

CHEROKEEPHOENIX.ORG

8 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • September 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd 2015HEAlTH • aBk 0sr

Beloved nurse practitioner Vickie Love, who served patients for more than 22 years at Cherokee Nation clinics in Stilwell, retires in July. BY WILL CHAVEZSenior Reporter

STILWELL, Okla. – When a health professional is beloved or highly regarded it is difficult to see them retire. Such was the case with nurse practitioner Vickie Love, who recently retired from the Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center.

Her assistant nurse, Victorian Scott, said Love’s patients have been consistently bringing her gifts when they learned of her retirement. Patients brought everything from a picture frame to candy, Scott said.

“The way she works with patients, she shows people how you should treat them. She’ll drop what she’s doing to see a patient,” Scott, a licensed practical nurse who has worked with Love for 18 months, said.

Scott said she was reluctant to work in women’s health when she got to the health center, but now it’s a “passion” of hers after working with Love.

“She’s kind-hearted. When she’s doing her exams, she puts herself in that female’s position, so she’ll talk them through it,” she said. “She’s been a great teacher. I’ve learned so much from her.” Scott said.

Love, 58, has been serving the Cherokee people as a nurse practitioner at WPMHC for more than 22 years.

“I love my job. I love doing this,” she said. Love said she would miss the staff members

who are like her family.“I think maybe it’s because we were in this

clinic and it’s so small. Every department is right here, so you interact with everybody, and we’re here with the same group of people all day, so you’ve got to make the best of it. You’ve got to live with people,” she said. “It’s a good place to work, and it makes me sad they can’t get physicians to come here. They don’t know how good it is here. It does take a special doc to come in here because not everybody can take care of Native people.”

She and her husband Chuck, who recently retired from W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah, live in Pettit Bay southeast of Tahlequah. The couple recently purchased a recreational vehicle and was set to take their first trip in it at the end of July to visit their daughter Socia, who is in her last year of residency in Seattle.

“She’s going to make me a grandma, so to help her in her last year of residency, we’re

going to go up and help take care of baby so she doesn’t miss any time,” she said.

Love grew up in Wichita, Kansas, but her Cherokee mother is from Eucha and her Muscogee (Creek) father is from Bristow.

“Every weekend and every summer we were in Oklahoma, so Oklahoma is second-nature,” she said.

She began her career in 1985 at Hastings Hospital as a nurse and a med surgeon in the intensive care unit. Later, she signed up through the Indian Health Service Area Office to attend school to be a nurse practitioner.

“I didn’t even know what a nurse practitioner was then, and there were no nurse practitioner colleges in Oklahoma at all. It was a new concept. I knew to make rank (in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps) you had to have a master’s, and that was going to be a master’s program, so I signed up for it,” she said.

She won a scholarship to attend nurse practitioner school at the University of Texas in Arlington and began her studies in 1989 and graduated in 1991. The IHS scholarship included a two-year payback period for students to pay back the IHS school loan.

“I was always hoping I could go to school and come back here to Hastings. I didn’t get Hastings. I got sent out to Clinton, and I cried all the way,” she said. “I tell you, it was one of the best experiences I could have had. Back here they didn’t know what to do with us because it (nurse practitioner) was a new concept. When I got out there they were kind of feeling it out, too, but I was treated like I was a nurse practitioner out there. There was

great group of doctors, and I learned so much from them.”

She said when she went to Clinton, then-Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller was upset Love did not get posted at Hastings. She said Mankiller called the area office to get her posted in Tahlequah, but it was too late. She said the chief asked her to tell her when her payback was complete. When it was complete two years later, Mankiller advocated for Love to be posted near home. She was posted at the Nation’s Stilwell Clinic, which back then was in a trailer near the Stilwell City Hospital.

In 1994, a new CN clinic opened in Stilwell named after Mankiller, and Love began a 21-year relationship with patients and staff there. She served with five different principal chiefs, and after beginning her career as an ensign, Love retired as a captain in the USPHS.

She said during the past 22 years one thing was consistent in her job and that was the time she spent with patients. She said she might have known more about some of her patients than their families because she took that extra time with them when they came in for treatment.

“I like spending time with my patients and not being on that time constraint, so what I’ve always done with my time is that I spend that time with them, and then after 5 o’clock I chart (update patient charts), and I could be here 8 o’clock or 9 o’clock at night trying to finish,” she said. “I don’t know how I would do with their new concept. I’m hearing there are 10-minute visits. It might be a good time for me to get out because that would be difficult for me.”

Retiring nurse practitioner put her patients first

Retiring nurse practitioner Vickie Love, right, spends time with some of her staff during a retirement breakfast on July 16. Kim Sellers, Jill Eubanks, center, and Heather Thurman took part in the breakfast at the Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center in Stilwell, Oklahoma. WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

BY EMILY JARRETTDietetic Intern

It can be tricky when cooking for one (or even two) to make the most of your ingredients and to minimize dishes — particularly when many recipes focus on making a meal for a family and serve four to six people. But just because you have a smaller household doesn’t mean you should abandon the kitchen for takeout.

One of the first steps to triumphing in the kitchen is becoming friends with your freezer. Making frozen/healthy meals available at all times will ensure you from leaving home and spending money on empty calorie foods. You may be surprised when you having more money in your account from eliminating the costs of eating out! Cook meals once, eat twice.

Some examples of meals are chili, pasta dishes with extra vegetables, homemade pizza with whole grain crust and extra vegetables, soups and yogurt.

If you are not able to go food shopping a few days a week, embrace the frozen produce to keep the nutrients and limit spoilage. Meal planning and preparation may seem like a waste of time at first, but after creating the habit your wallet will grow and your waistline will shrink.

Here is a recipe to try from The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics @ eatright.org. Scrumptious StrataIngredients2 whole eggs¼ cup reduced-fat milk1 slice whole-wheat bread, torn into small pieces¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded¼ cup diced onions (frozen is easiest)¼ cup diced bell peppers (frozen is easiest)1 pinch each of garlic, oregano and crushed red pepperSalt and pepper, to tasteDirections: Spray an oven-safe glass dish with non-stick cooking spray and preheat oven or toaster oven to 350°F.In a small mixing bowl, beat eggs and milk. Add veggies, cheese and bread and toss to coat. Pour into prepared dish and bake for about 25 minutes, or until top is browned and knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooking tips for 1 or 2

DIetItIAN’SCOrNer

The federal agency fails to compensate employees for their travel time and for off-the-clock employment.

BY STAFF REPORTS

WASHINGTON – To settle a complaint filed in 2008 by the Laborer’s International Union of North America, Indian Health Service has agreed to pay $80 million for allegedly forcing employees overtime without pay.

The 2008 complaint was filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by LIUNA on behalf of 10,000 IHS employees at clinics and hospitals in Indian Country. The IHS agency operates under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In a May letter written to tribal leaders, IHS acting director Robert G. McSwain stated that it’s important that IHS employees are properly

compensated. “We believe that settling these claims now

is right, the appropriate step, and the most fiscally responsible action,” he said. “This settlement allows us to avoid future litigation costs and the possibility of future awards totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. It will allow us to continue to focus our attentions going forward on the important task of serving Indian Country health needs.”

In the original complaint, LIUNA claimed IHS did not allow its employees the right to option for overtime pay instead of compensatory time off, failed to compensate employees for their travel time and for off the clock employment.

“This is a great victory for Indian Health Service employees,” said Terry O’Sullivan, LIUNA general president. “It took many years of hard work for the union to recover millions of dollars and achieve a fair solution for the mostly Native American workforce who has labored long and tirelessly to provide health services to Native people.”

Indian Health Service to pay $80M in settlement

September 2015 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 9 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd sERvICEs • nnrpH

The Cherokee Nation Native Plant site’s Black Willow tree is destroyed during a storm. BY STACIE GUTHRIEReporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. –The Cherokee Nation’s Seed Bank garden and Native Plant site at the Tribal Complex had its 60-foot-tall Black Willow tree “centerpiece” destroyed during a recent storm that swept through Cherokee County.

CN cultural biologist Feather Smith-Trevino said the tree was standing when she left from work on July 30.

“By the time we came in Friday morning, we had a massive black willow tree that had been blown over,” she said. “Half of it was laying on the east side of the creek and the other half had fallen to the other side of the creek.”

The tree had a diameter of approximately 5 feet and one side fell on top of river cane, a wild potato bed and a Cypress tree, while the other side of the tree fell on top of a possum grape arbor, tobacco and a Chinkapin tree.

“The primary thing is that it’s really going to affect is the shade that we had over here,” she said. “Just on the other side of the creek, you kind of have to get into the river cane to see it, but we have a pen that’s got cutleaf coneflower, jewelweed, some ginger’s growing in it and

those are all plants that really like shade. Now they’re actually almost fully exposed to the sunlight, and so we’re not sure if that’s going to possibly kill off a few of those plants or if we’re going to have to move that pen eventually.”

Smith-Trevino said she and her crew were not sure what they would do with the exposed plants.

“We’re kind of waiting to see what happens. There’s always a chance that the river cane could end up providing enough shade. Maybe the river cane will also get tall enough that it might really help out,” she said. “I think this year it (the pen) will probably stay where it’s at. Depending on what happens this year, we’ll determine next year if it needs to be moved.”

Smith-Trevino said although the Black Willow tree would not provide shade for the gardens anymore it would be put to good use for the Cherokee Heritage Center’s Diligwa Village in Park Hill.

She said CHC officials were able to gather four truckloads of the tree’s wood that would be used at the village as extra shade for its arbors.

“When this willow tree came down, I called them, told them what had happened and they actually did take out four truckloads, which took a big portion of our pile down,” she said. “They went and rented a wood chipper, and we have sent most of the smaller pieces of wood through the wood chipper, which is going to create mulch and we’ll be able to put that into the river cane, which will help out with grass. It will help with spending less time maintaining that. As far as the rest of it, we’re going to keep some firewood.”

Smith-Trevino said the tree falling on the sites would not cause too much damage to the seed bank, but what caused the most damage was the contestant rain that the area received in previous months.

“The tree itself shouldn’t affect the seed bank too much. One of the things that we passed out last year was jewelweed and cutleaf coneflower. It may affect those,” she said. “As far as the rest of it, what’s going to affect the seed bank this year is just all of the rain that we got. We’ve had so much rain and so much flooding that we’ve had a tough time with a lot of our plants out here this year.”

BY STACIE GUTHRIEReporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – On Aug. 11, Cherokee Nation departments and local entities gathered at the Cherokee County Community Building for the second annual Child Support Awareness Month event presented by CN Child Support Services.

Child Support Services Director Kara Whitworth said the reason her department celebrates the event in August is because the month is nationally known as Child Support Awareness Month.

“We actually just wanted to bring awareness to how child support impacts our children and families. If a child has the ability to receive regular support from both parents, then it can lead to better outcomes for the children involved,” she said. “This event is a time to refocus on the best interest of the child by spending time together and hopefully learning more about child support, as well as additional programs that families can utilize to assist as they strive towards supporting their children.”

Whitworth said the program began in 2007 and currently serves approximately 1,700 cases.

“…we have the potential of reaching close to 4,000 people in a given year’s time,” she said. “This caseload has generally only fluctuated by up to 100 cases more or less in the last five years.”

Whitworth said her department has collected more than $20 million in child support funds since 2010.

“The average yearly collections distributed to either directly to the custodial party or to

another state or tribal child support agency for distribution actually averages out to be about $4.1 million annually,” she said.

She said fiscal year 2015 is on track to meet the approximately $4.1 million mark received for the year.

She said when it comes to start receiving child support funds it depends on if the non-custodial party, or obligor, has regular earnings so her department “can attach an income assignment or can obtain payment from them directly.”

“Our goal is to try and get payments coming in on a regular basis on each of our 1,700-plus cases,” she said. “Internally, if it is a case in which paternity testing needs to be done and paternity established, the goal for the order to be created is typically 120 days of case being assigned to the case manager. That involves getting all of the background information, preparing the legal docs. If paternity has already been established but a child support obligation amount order needs to be established, the goal is to attempt to complete those orders within 90 days of case assignment to a case manager.”

She said if the order is established then her office reviews and monitors the case to see if there is consistent child support for the case.

“Then, that case gets assigned to a case manager within three days of receiving all the application requirements,” she said. “Times can fluctuate, and it’s based upon receiving the necessary information and ensuring proper service to all the parties.”

Whitworth said if the non-custodial parent is not paying child support funds, her department will work with them to see how they can get them to ensure the funds are paid.

“Our job is to monitor and enforce the existing child support order. So if the order is not being followed, then we have certain enforcement remedies we attempt to try and assist the non-paying parent to get back on track,” she said. “The most common enforcement tool we use is generating income assignments. This action is great for those clients who receive regular paychecks. It ensures payments on a regular basis and also allows the obligor to not have to worry about sending in a payment every month. It will automatically get deducted from their paycheck.”

For more information, call 918-453-5444 or 1-886-247-5346.

Tree destroys plants, shade at Seed Bank garden

Cherokee Nation cultural biologist Feather Smith-Trevino stacks wood that came from a Black Willow tree that was the CN Seed Bank garden and Native Plant site’s “centerpiece.” The tree fell during a recent storm that swept through Cherokee County. STACIE GUTHRIE/ CHEROKEE PHOENIX

Cherokee Nation Child Support Services Director Kara Whitworth welcomes visitors to the second annual Child Support Awareness Month event in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. STACIE GUTHRIE/ CHEROKEE PHOENIX

BY WILL CHAVEZSenior Reporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation’s Career Services has been awarded $6.5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to invest in the tribe’s job training programs.

The Labor Department recently announced it is awarding $138 million to be split among 27 states. The CN is the only tribe in the country to receive part of the funding.

The grant is funded through the Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant Program. It will help Cherokee citizens, and non-Cherokees, who through no fault of their own lost a job or cannot find long-term employment, get the skills they need for jobs in high demand locally or which have shortages of workers. The grant is an addition to the $3.7 million Career Services received in 2014 to assist dislocated workers.

“The Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant will be providing enhanced career services to dislocated workers. This includes career coaching; short-term pre-vocational services; assessments; career planning; job coaching and matching services; training and work-based training, including on-the-job training, pre-apprenticeship training; supportive services; vocational skills training; and work experience,” Brenda Fitzgerald, CN Vocational Rehabilitation Program director, said.

She said, as with the initial grant, the Tulsa Career Services Office will have a priority for funding before, as well as the Pryor Career Services Office.

“In planning for this grant application, we met with our current partners and identified additional partners needed to accomplish the goals of the program. We identified the industry sectors with the most future need for skilled workers and the area’s largest employers. Three industries emerged: healthcare, tourism/hospitality and manufacturing,” she said.

Three memorandums of understanding have been secured in those three sectors, Fitzgerald said. One is with CN Health Services – which operates seven full-service clinics, a hospital, an Emergency Medical Service ambulance and training – and partners with the Indian Health Service in the operation of an additional hospital. They also partner with other rural health agencies throughout the

tribe’s 14-county jurisdictional area.A MOU has been secured with Cherokee

Nation Businesses for tourism/hospitality jobs. CNB is the largest employer in the eastern region of the state employing more than 4,000 people. Its businesses include restaurants, gift shops, arts and crafts galleries, museums, hotels, casinos, convenience stores and concert venues.

For manufacturing, Career Services has partnered with Mid-America Industrial Authority in Pryor, which operates the Mid-America Industrial Park, the largest industrial park in Oklahoma and home to more than 80 companies. Career Services has already partnered with Mid-America on projects and opened a field office within the park to better facilitate services, Fitzgerald said.

Also, Career Services was one of the lead recruiters for the recently opened Macy’s fulfillment center in Owasso. The tribe opened a new Career Services office in Tulsa in 2014 to help fulfill jobs in metro Tulsa. Its main office is in Tahlequah, but there are 10 Career Services field offices around the jurisdiction with one opening soon in Oklahoma City.

Seeing a need for welders, the CN also initiated a welding apprenticeship-training program earlier this year to help CN citizens train and receive a Fast Track Welding Certification. A mobile welding lab served as a classroom on CN property so that Cherokees could find and fill jobs. The program worked closely with the Ironworkers Union in Tulsa and Pryor.

Fitzgerald said Career Services is 100 percent on target for total number of participants enrolled in the Job Driven National Emergency Grant.

“Of those who have completed training, we have an entered employment rate of 82.5 percent,” she said.

Also, 5,547 individuals were placed in a Career Services program, 703 individuals received a nationally recognized certification, credential or degree, 183 individuals received a GED and 156 individuals received a Career Readiness Certificate.

Also, Career Services was third in the state, behind Oklahoma City and Tulsa, for Career Readiness Certificate testing. More than 8,500 individuals visit Career Services offices for assistance each month, Fitzgerald said.

For more information about Career Services call 918-453-5555.

Career Services gets Labor Department jobs grant

CN celebrates Child Support Awareness Month

10 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • September 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd 2015EduCATION • #n[]Qsd

BY BRITTNEY BENNETTIntern

OKLAHOMA CITY – United Keetoowah Band citizen Victoria S. Proctor has been selected as one of three 2015 Minority Scholars Program Scholarship recipients for $10,000, according to a release by the Oklahoma-based law firm Crowe & Dunlevy.

Proctor is a first-year student at the University of Oklahoma College of Law and plans to use the scholarship for tuition, books and living expenses.

“I’m really blessed to have received the scholarship,” Proctor said. “Going to law school is a big financial burden and this helps alleviate that.”

The program provides assistance for minority students in an effort to diversify the profession and is awarded based on academic achievement, need and commitment to the law, according to the organization. The award is dispersed in $2,000 per semester increments as long as the recipient remains in good academic standing.

To be considered for the award, Proctor underwent a competitive application and interview process with members of the firm.

“The Minority Scholars Program is a reflection of our long-standing commitment to supporting diversity in the legal profession and encouraging the development of the next generation of legal professionals,” Jimmy K. Goodman, director and Diversity Committee co-chairman, said. “We believe it’s important that the composition of the legal profession mirror the diversity of the communities they serve, and we believe every aspiring minority law student deserves the resources needed to achieve their dreams.”

Proctor was partly inspired to go to law school after working within the UKB as an administrative assistant for the Corporate Advisory Board and witnessed a lack of Native American attorneys working for her tribe. She credits UKB mentors Tim Brown and Bryan Shade for giving her advice about studying and applying for law school.

The OU College of Law was Proctor’s first choice, largely because of the Native American Law Program. As part of the program, students can access the Center

for the Study of American Indian Law and Policy, which provides counsel to tribal, state and national policymakers and a forum for the interdisciplinary discussion and resolution of problems facing Native American communities.

Proctor spent her time this past summer working for two firms and is working for the Chickasaw Nation as part of the general counsel.

She has also been active in multiple organizations, including Organization for the Advancement of Women in Law, Kiwanis International and serving as vice-president for the Native American Law Student Association. She was crowned Miss Keetoowah from 2009-10 and graduated magna cum laude in mass communications from Northeastern State University.

Proctor will graduate with a juris doctor degree from OU in 2017 and encourages all Native Americans to pursue their education.

“In order to make a difference and to make a change, I think education is a key component of doing that,” she said. “If it’s something that’s important to you, then you need to do what it takes to succeed.”

ᎣᎦᎳᎰᎹ ᎦᏚᎲᎢ- ᎠᏂᎩᏚᏩᎩ ᎨᎳ Victoria S. Proctor ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᎦᏑᏰᏗ ᏦᎢᏃ ᎾᏂᎥᎢ 2015 Minority Scholars Program ᎾᏍᎩ $10,000, ᏧᎩᏓ ᎾᏃ

ᎣᎦᎳᎰᎹ - ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗ Crowe & Dunlevy.

Proctor Z ᎢᎬᏱᎢ ᎠᎴᏂᏍᎬᎢ ᏓᏕᎶᏆᏍᎬᎢ ᎥᎿᎾᏂ ᏩᎬᎸᎳᏗᏴᎢ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗᎢ ᏄᏍᏛᎢ ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᏙᏛᏕᎶᏆᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏚᏭᎪᏛ ᎤᏙᏗᎢ ᏄᏍᏛᎢ ᎤᏂᏯᏙᎮᎸᎢ ᏧᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ, ᏗᎪᏪᎵ ᎠᎴ ᏪᎲᎢ ᎤᏈᏴᎯᏓᏍᏗ ᏓᎵᎬᏩᏢᏍᎬᎢ.

“ ᎢᏙᏳᏃ ᎦᎵᎮᎵᎦ ᏣᎩᏁᏒᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᏕᎳ ᏗᏎᏍᏗ ᎠᏈᏱᏍᎩ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ Proctor. “ ᏱᏛᏕᎶᏆᎡᎬᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏗᎵᎬᏩᏢᏍᎩ ᎠᎴ ᎯᎠ ᎠᎵᏍᏕᎵᏍᎩ ᎤᏓᏌᎧᎯᎨ ᎨᎰᎢ ᏳᎾᏓᏍᏕᎸᎯ.”

ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎤᏙᏢᏒᎢ ᎠᎵᏍᎪᏗᎭ ᏰᎵ ᎬᏩᏂᏍᏕᎸᎡᏗᎢ ᏗᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎩ ᎤᎾᏟᏂᎬᏁᏗᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏂᏁᏉᏤᏗᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏧᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᏥᏯᏙᎮᎸᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏄᏍᏛ ᏚᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎸᎢ, ᎤᏂᎬᏤᎲᎢ, ᎠᎴ ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᎠᎲᎢ ᎠᏚᏓᎸᏍᎬᎢ, ᎾᏍᎩ ᏂᎬᏅ ᎤᏙᏢᏒᎢ. ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏄᏍᏛᎢ ᏓᏥᏁᎸᎢ $2,000 ᏳᏓᎵ ᏓᏥᏁᎮᏍᏗ ᎧᏁᏉᎩᏃ ᎨᏎᏍᏗ ᎢᏳᏃ ᎣᏍᏓ ᏄᏛᎿᏗᏎᏍᏗ ᏓᏕᎶᏆᏍᎬᎢ.

ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏧᏄᎪᏙᏗᎢ ᎤᎾᏓᏁᏗᎢ, Proctor Ꮓ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏗᎪᏪᎵ ᏚᎧᎵᏏᏌᏅᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏙᏢᏒᎢ ᎠᏁᎳ ᎤᎾᎵᏃᏠᎮᏔᏅᎢ.

“ᎾᏃ Minority Scholars Program ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏠᏱ ᏂᎦᎵᏍᏗᎭ ᎣᎦᏤᎵᎢ ᎠᏚᏓᎸᏗᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏂᎫᏍᏓᎢ ᎤᏁᏉᎢᏍᏗᎢ ᎥᎿ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗᎢ ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎧᏅᏫᏍᏗᏍᎩ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏃᏟᏍᏗᎢ ᏔᎵᏁ ᏥᏛᎾᎢ ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗ

ᎠᎲᎢ ᎤᎾᏚᎵᏍᎩ ᎤᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗᎢ,” Jimmy K. G o o d m a n , Ꮔ Ꭼ Ꮻ Ᏻ Ꮜ Ꮥ Ꭹ ᎠᎴ ᎧᏁᏉᎢᏍᏗ ᎧᎻᏗ- ᏧᏓᏘᎿᎢ, Ꭲ Ꭷ Ꮓ Ꮅ Ꮝ Ꭼ Ꭲ . “ ᎾᏍᎩ Ꭳ Ꭺ Ꭿ Ᏻ Ꮠ Ꮓ ᎤᎵᏍᎨᏓ ᎨᏒ Ꮎ ᏗᎦᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᎠᎲᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏠᏱ ᏧᏁᏉᏍᏗᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎥᎿ ᏗᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏓᏂᏍᏕᎵᏍᎬᎢ, ᎠᎴ ᎣᎪᎯᏳᏐᎢ ᎤᏚᎩ ᎬᏗ ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᎠᎲᎢ ᎠᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎩ ᎤᏂᎷᏤᏗᎢ ᏧᎬᏩᎶᏗ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏰᎵᎢ ᎤᏂᏍᏕᎸᎡᏗᎢ ᎤᏂᏩᏛᏗᎢ ᏄᏍᏛ ᎤᎾᏚᎵᏍᎬᎢ.”

Proctor Z ᏄᏍᏔᏂᏙᎸᎢ ᎤᎷᏤᎸᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎢᏳᏛᏁᏗᎢ ᏧᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎥᎿ ᏥᏚᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎲᎢ UKB ᏄᎬᏫᏳᏒᎢ ᎠᎵᏍᏕᎸᎯᏙᎯ ᏥᎨᏒᎢ ᎥᎿ Corporate Advisory Board ᎾᎯᏳᏃ ᎤᏕᎶᎰᏒᎢ ᎠᏂᎦᏲᏢᎢ ᏅᏁᎯᏯᎢ ᏗᏅᏘᏲᎯᎯ ᏚᏂᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎲᎢ ᏓᏂᏍᎵᏍᎬᎢ ᎠᏂᏍᏓᏢᎢ. ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏕᎦᎸᏉᏗᏍᎬᎢ UKB ᎬᏪᏲᎲᏍᎩ Tim Brown ᎠᎴ Bryan Shade ᎠᏂᏍᏕᎵᏍᎬᎢ ᎠᏂᏃᎯᏎᎲᎢ ᏧᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎪᏪᎵ ᏧᎧᎵᏏᏐᏗ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏰᎵᎢ ᏗᎬᏩᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ.

ᎾᏍᎩᏃ OU ᎦᎸᎳᏗ ᏗᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᎠᎲᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎢᎬᏱᎢ ᎤᏑᎨᏒᎢ Proctor, ᏂᏗᎦᎵᏍᏙᏗᎭ ᏅᏁᎯᏯᎢ ᎠᎹᏰᏟ ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᎠᎲᎢ ᏗᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗᎢ ᎤᏙᏢᏒᎢ. ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎠᏠᏯᏍᏛᎢ ᎥᎿ ᎤᏙᏢᏒᎢ, ᏗᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎩᏃ ᏯᏂᏴᎲ ᎠᏰᎵ ᎤᏙᏢᏒᎢ ᎤᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗᎢ ᎠᎹᏰᏟ

ᏴᏫᏯᏍᏛᎢ ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᏚᎲᎢ ᎠᎴ ᏗᏍᏓᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᏯᎾᏕᎶᏆ, ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏓᎵᏍᎪᏟᏗᎭ ᏗᏅᏘᏲᎯᎯ ᎥᎿ ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏔᏍᏛᎢ, ᏍᎦᏚᎩ, ᎢᎬᎾᏕᎾ ᏗᏍᏓᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᏗᏃᏢᏍᎩ ᎠᎴ ᏧᎾᏠᎯᏍᏗᎢ ᏌᏊ ᎢᏳᎾᎵᏍᏙᏗᎢ ᎧᏃᎮᏗᎢ ᎠᎴ ᏧᏄᎪᏙᏗᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏚᎾᏓᎴᏤᎲᎢ ᏅᏁᎯᏯᎢ ᎠᎹᏰᏟ ᏚᏙᏢᏒᎢ ᏗᏍᎦᏚᎩ.

Proctor Z ᎤᏍᏆᏕᏃ ᎯᎠ ᏥᏛᎦᎶᎯ ᎪᎩ ᏚᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎲᎢ ᏓᏍᏕᎵᏍᎬᎢ ᏚᏙᏢᏒᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎾᏊ ᏥᎩ ᏚᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎭ ᏥᎧᏌ ᎠᏰᎵ ᏗᏂᎳᏫᎩ ᏓᏍᏕᎵᎭ.

ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᏊ ᎤᏪᎵᏛᎢ ᎯᎸᏎᎩ ᏂᏚᏓᎴ ᏚᏙᏢᏩᏗᏒᎢ, ᎾᏍᎩᏊ Ꮎ ᎤᏂᏁᏉᏤᏗᎢ ᎠᏂᎨᏯ ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᎠᎲᎢ ᏓᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎬᎢ, Kiwanis International ᎠᎴ ᏚᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎳ ᏔᎵᏁ -ᎠᏓᎴᏁᎯ ᎥᎿᎾᏂ ᏅᏁᎯᏯᎢ ᎠᎹᏰᏟ ᏗᎧᎿᏩᏛᏍᏗ ᎠᎲᎢ ᏗᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎩ ᎤᏙᏢᏒᎢ. ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᎵᏍᏚᎶᎢ ᎤᏁᏎᎢ Miss Keetoowah ᏄᎵᏍᏔᏁᎢ 2009 -10 ᏱᎪᎯᏓ ᎠᎴ ᏚᏍᏆᏛᎢ magna cum laude in mass communications ᎥᎿ ᎤᏴᏢᎢ ᎧᎸᎬᎢ ᎦᎸᎳᏗ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗᎢ.

Proctor Z ᏓᏍᏆᏗᏍᎨᏍᏗ ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎤᎾᎡᏍᏗ juries doctor degree ᎥᎿᎾᏂ ᎣᏳ ᎾᎯᏳᎢ ᏥᎨᏎᏍᏗ 2017 ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏓᏍᏗᏰᏗᎭ ᏂᎦᏓ ᏅᏁᎯᏯᎢ ᎠᎹᏰᏟ ᎠᏁᎯ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗᎢ.

“ ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏄᏓᎴᎢ ᏱᎬᏩᎵᏍᏙᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏓᏁᏟᏴᏍᏗᎢ, ᏂᎨᎵᏍᎬᏃ ᎠᏎᎢ ᎢᏯᏛᏁᏗ ᎾᏍᎩ ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ. “ᎢᏳᏃ ᎤᎵᏍᎨᏓ ᏱᎩ ᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᏱᏣᎷᏤᎭ, ᎾᏍᎩ ᏣᏟᏂᎬᏁᏗᏗ ᎩᎳ ᏱᎬᏩᎵᏍᏙᏗ.”

UKB citizen awarded $10K law scholarship

United Keetoowah Band citizen Victoria S. Proctor, second from left, is the recipient of a $10,000 Minority Scholars Program Scholarship, one of only three students selected for the honor. COURTESY

SCAN CODE WITH SMART-PHONE TO HEAR TRANSLATION

September 2015 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 11 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd

12 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • September 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd 2015mONEy • a[w

BY TESINA JACKSON Reporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission Director Jamie Hummingbird said on July 24 that all Oklahoma gaming tribes are expected to reach the $1 billion mark in August for compact gaming exclusivity fees paid to the state.

“Reaching the $1 billion mark is a major milestone for Indian gaming in Oklahoma,” Hummingbird. “This clearly shows that the Cherokee Nation and the other compacted Oklahoma tribes have clearly not only met, but exceeded our obligations that the State of Oklahoma has received $125 million, on average, each year for the past five years from gaming. This is $50 million more than the anticipated $75 million that was expected annually under the compact. That is a tremendous success by any measure.”

According to tribal gaming compacts, compacted tribes pay monthly fees to the state for the exclusive right to operate compacted gaming.

According to state documents,

Oklahoma tribes have paid $979,661,302 in state compact fee payments since 2005.

According to a CNGC report, from 2005 to 2015 the CN has paid $159.9 million to Oklahoma in accordance with its gaming compact. The report states that approximately $111.7 million of the tribe’s fees went to state coffers, while more than $8 million went to Fair Meadows, a Tulsa horse racing track, and more than $31 million went to the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission.

According to the Nation’s compact, “payments of such fees shall be made to the Treasurer of the State of Oklahoma. Nothing herein shall require the allocation of such fees to particular state purposes, including, but not limited to, the actual costs of performing the state’s regulatory responsibilities hereunder.”

According to the State-Tribal Gaming Act, 12 percent of all fees received by the state pursuant to tribal gaming compacts will be deposited in the state’s General Revenue Fund, and 88 percent of those fees will be deposited in the Education Reform Revolving Fund. Provided, the first $20,833.33 of all fees received each month by the state will be transferred to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for the treatment of compulsive gambling disorder and educational programs related to such disorder.

According to the CNGC report, 2007 is the highest amount in fees the Nation has paid with more than $17 million.

The year with the lowest fees paid was 2005 at $4.9 million.

According to the CN compact, 4 percent of the first $10 million of the annual adjusted gross revenues, or AGR, from Class III electronic games goes to the state. On the next $10 million of AGR, the state gets 5 percent and 6 percent over $20 million. For non-house banked card games, the state gets 10 percent of the monthly net income. The CN compact expires on Jan. 1, 2020.

Class III gaming authorized by the Oklahoma-tribal gaming compacts consists of electronic amusement games, electronic bonanza-style bingo games, electronic instant bingo and non-house banked card games. Tribal Class I and II gaming do not require compacts.

According to the CNGC report, the 10 Cherokee Nation Entertainment casinos have more than 7,000 electronic compact and Class II games. The report also states that CNE has approximately 83 card/table games.

By paying these fees, the CN and the other 33 tribes that are compacted with the state have exclusive rights to operate Class III gaming.

In November 2004, Oklahoma voters passed a state question that allowed tribes to enter into Class III-style gaming compacts with the state. According to federal law, tribes wanting to enter Class III gaming must compact with the government of the state in which it is located.

BY WILL CHAVEZSenior Reporter

CATOOSA, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation Businesses board of directors approved funding for a new Cherokee Outpost convenience store in Tahlequah during its July 29 meeting.

The new 5,200-square foot, $4.2 million store will take the place of the current one at the Tribal Complex. CNB is leasing land from the Cherokee Nation for $1 a year to increase the store’s size.

Cherokee Nation Entertainment Chief Operating Officer Mark Fulton said the store would have 16 gas pump stations and two natural gas stations, additional cooler space, more “amenity-type offerings,” such as those seen at QuikTrip stores, and a kitchen that would serve fried chicken. Also, the store’s design would complement the design of the refurbished Tribal Complex, which is slated to be done next summer.

Fulton also said the Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland in Sequoyah County hired more than 200 people before it officially opened in July. More than 80 percent of those hired are Cherokee, and he said he is “proud of that.” The number of employees at that facility went from 283 to 550, he said.

He said his group is “proceeding actively” to get the hotel ready for its opening in December. The banquet room on the first floor of the hotel is complete and has already hosted an event, he said.

Fulton thanked the board for approving the demolition of the old Cherokee Casino Roland, which sits in front of the new casino. The demolition will provide more parking and make it easier to access the new casino and parking garage.

A three-phase, $6.9 million renovation of Hard Rock Hotel’s front desk has started, Fulton added, and should be complete in late October or early November.

CNB Executive Vice President Charles Garrett provided an update for the Cherokee Springs Plaza development in Tahlequah and the proposed outlet mall adjacent to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Catoosa.

He said a $5 million dollar contract has been awarded to a company called Ground Zero to work on the infrastructure at the Cherokee Springs Plaza site that consists of erosion control, wastewater and accommodations for utilities and drainage. Ground Zero is a Tribal Employment Rights Office contractor, which means the company is Native American-owned and has Native employees.

Garrett said the completion of Phase 1 would take six months and includes a construction entrance from Willis Road and two entrances from Muskogee Avenue.

“The leasing activity at Cherokee Springs Plaza is strong. We now have two executed leases. We are working on a LOI (letter of intent) with a national company,” he said. “We’ve been contacted by a number of local retailers in Tahlequah, so we’re looking into a multi-tenant building that we can offer those tenants.

Garrett said he has been working with architects and designers on the “The District,” which would be an entertainment area that would connect the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel to a proposed outlet mall.

He said the project “continues to evolve,” and he is coordinating with the developer and Fulton to determine what would be offered in “The District.” He said it’s unclear whether CNE’s proposed outlet mall would be the outlet mall for the Tulsa market. Another company has also proposed building an outlet mall in Tulsa.

“It’s really hard to tell. We’ve been working with our developer in attracting national tenants to that project. We’ll continue working with them. That’s the name of the game right now, it’s to get those retailers excited and signed up. Their commitment will ultimately drive the decision,” Garrett said.

Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism Director Molly Jarvis said final work is being completed on the exterior Cherokee Courthouse in Tahlequah and it should be ready for the Cherokee National Holiday during Labor Day weekend.

She said that CNCT is also preparing for the 10th annual Cherokee Art Market, which was slated for Oct. 11-12 at the Hard Rock Hotel. Artist are selected for the juried show by a committee “to make sure we maintain the highest quality,” Jarvis said.

CNB Senior Director of Finance David Weyl said June was a good month for CNB. The company had a net income of $8.3 million and $75 million in revenue.

“The revenue was better than what we had budgeted by one and a half million, but we fell short of our target net income by a little over a million dollars,” Weyl said.

Weyl’s said CNE’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) was $15 million, which was consistent with their budget. CNE operates the tribe’s casinos.

CNE’s revenue was $1.5 million above its budget in June, and its operating budget was also at $1.5 million above budget, which had to do with the opening with a new casino in Roland and other unbudgeted expenses. Weyl said the casino opened two months sooner than had been budgeted.

Cherokee Nation Industries, based in Stilwell, came in below its budget target by a half million dollars in June, Weyl said, due to a contract delay with the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A recent report states that Oklahoma Indian gaming revenue increased more than $60 million in 2013, but the amount of tribal fees paid to the state has decreased by more than $3.1 million.

The Oklahoman reports the 2015 Casino City’s Indian Gaming Industry Report recently released revealed the revenue disparity and notes that it may be due to the change in types of gaming machines found in Indian casinos.

Oklahoma tribes are required to pay the state exclusivity fees based on the amount of revenue they generate from operating Class III games like slot machines or roulette. The report noted the number of Class II games, which tribes do not have to pay state

fees for, has increased from 34 percent in 2008 to 42 percent in 2013, while the percentage of Class III games has declined from 66 percent to 58 percent.

“This trend toward more Class II machines in recent years is interesting and its starting point (2009) coincides with the withdrawal of restrictive Class II gaming machine regulations that were originally proposed by the NIGC (National Indian Gaming Commission) in May 2006 and ultimately withdrawn in September 2008,” the report by economist Alan Meister noted.

Mesiter said not having to pay exclusivity fees may be just one factor in the economic considerations that tribes make when changing from Class III to Class II games.

Choctaw Nation spokeswoman Judy Allen said her tribe likes to offer a variety of games to its customers so there has always been a mix of Class II and Class III games in their casinos.

According to a recent Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission report, the tribe’s 10 gaming sites, including the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino smoke shop, have 6,731 gaming machines with 2,756 or 40.94 percent being Class II. The other 59.06 percent or 3,975 machines are Class III games.

The report said revenue reached nearly $3.8 billion in 2013, but the state’s fee revenue dropped from $127.8 million in 2012 to $124.7 million in 2013, providing less money for education and mental health services.

CNB board passes funds for new

Cherokee Outpost

OK tribes approach $1B in state fees

Guests enjoy drinks as well as sports on large, high-definition television screens in the Replay media bar inside the Cherokee Nation’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Catoosa, Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation and 33 other compacted gaming tribes in the state have are nearing $1 billion in compact gaming exclusivity fees paid to the state. WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

According to state documents, Oklahoma tribes have paid more than $979.6 million in state compact fees since 2005.

OK Indian gaming revenues rise while state fees fall

September 2015 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 13 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd PEOPlE • xW

BY WILL CHAVEZSenior Reporter

BRUSHY, Okla. – Breanna Potter is fulfilling her dream of improving her community and surrounding Sequoyah County communities by using a $10,000 “Dreamstarter” grant she received earlier this year.

She and Cindy Lattimore, Indian Capital Technology Center counselor, met with students from the county the last week of July at the Brushy Community Center.

Potter, of Akins, said the youth group is called the Brushy Dream Team and focuses on training youths to be leaders in their communities.

“We’re really big on trying to train our kids to be able to go out into the world and be leaders, whether that means to go out and move away and make a difference in other Native communities or whether it means to stay here and be community leaders or whether they decide to be a teacher or lawyer or they want to serve as mayor one day or maybe even serve on our Tribal Council,” Potter said.

She said she has already seen the program make a difference in the youths involved because they have become more outgoing or opened up more to their instructors.

Morgan Robinson, 14, a 10th grader from Vian, was one of the students from Vian, Brushy and Akins who participated in the weeklong program.

“Today we are learning about our personalities and more about ourselves and finding out about what we want to do for our careers, which I already know,” Robinson said. “I want to go into marine zoology, and on the sidelines I want to be a photographer and work in graphic designs.”

She said students also learned about applying for financial aid for college, preparing for the ACT test, taking college preparatory courses and gained leadership skills.

“I got a lot of information that I’m glad to have,” she said. “I know more about what to look forward to, and I’ve gotten a head start I guess.”

Along with learning leadership skills, the youths were given the opportunity to create a diabetes prevention program, Potter said. An entire day was devoted to wellness, she said, where the students learned about the negative effects of alcohol,

especially in Native communities, and learned more about diabetes and the prevention methods that are available.

Potter said “a good number” of the participating students either have relatives or friends who have diabetes.

“Sequoyah County has almost twice the national average for diabetics, and the majority of those are Type II (diabetics). We have 1,300 (diabetic patients) that get served at Redbird Health Center every year,” she said.

In April, Potter was invited to Washington, D.C., to meet with other “Dreamstarter” youths and attend the “Dreamstarter” Academy, where the grant recipients learned how to run their projects.

“It’s a lot of responsibility. Some of the youth involved in the program are as young as 14. They want to make sure we are well prepared,” she said.

In July, she returned to Washington for a Tribal Youth Gathering hosted by the White House.

This is the first class of American Indian youths to receive “Dreamstarter” grants for projects that help them bring their dreams to life. Each of the 10 “Dreamstarter” recipients, who are all American Indian youths under age 30, are working with a community nonprofit on a project to increase wellness that is also supported by Running Strong for American Indian Youth.

She said that in her

“Dreamstarter” application she explained that her “dream” or project was for her community group, the Brushy Cherokee Action A s s o c i a t i o n . Her application also explained how she wanted to use the funding and provided a detailed timeline and budget for how the money would be spent.

Potter, 21, is a senior at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah majoring in special education with an emphasis in mild to moderate disabilities. She said her goal after graduating in May 2016 is to work in a high-Native population and teach in a junior high or high school.

For more information about this year’s “Dreamstarters” or to learn how to help jumpstart dreams for Native youth, visit http://indianyouth.org/2015Dreamstarters.

ᏧᎾᏍᏓᎶᎦ, ᎣᎦᎵᎰᎹ. – Brenna Potter ᎠᎧᎵᎢᎯ ᎤᏓᏅᏖᎸ ᎪᏢᎯᏐᏗ ᏓᏤᎸ ᎢᏳᎵᏍᏙᏗ ᎠᏁᎲ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎠᎴ ᎬᏩᏕᏯᏗ ᏂᎬ ᏍᏏᏉᏲ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏕᎬᏗᏍᎬ ᏍᎪᎯ ᏯᎦᏴᎵ ᎤᎾᎵᏍᎪᎸᏔᏅ “Dreamstarter” ᏚᎩᏒ ᎠᎬᏱᎯᎨᏍᏗ ᎯᎠ ᏧᏕᏘᏴᏌᏓ.

ᎾᏍᎩᎾ ᎠᎴ Cindy Lattimore, ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯ ᎤᏍᎪᎵᏴ Technology ᎠᏰᏟ ᏗᏟᏃᎮᏗᏍᎩ, ᏚᏟᏃᎮᏔᏁ ᏗᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎩ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏂᏓᏳᏂᎩᏓ ᎾᎿ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏒᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᏗ ᏥᎨᏒ ᎦᏰᏉᏂ ᎧᎸ ᎾᎿ ᏧᎾᏍᏓᎶᎦ

ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎠᏰᏟ.Potter, Atkins ᎡᎯ, ᎠᏗᏍᎬ

ᎩᎳ ᏗᎾᏛᏍᎩ ᎤᎾᏓᏡᎦ ᏚᎾᏙᎥ ᏧᎾᏍᏓᎶᎦ ᎠᏍᎩᏣᏒ ᎤᎾᏓᏡᎦ ᎠᎴ ᎠᎾᏓᏅᏖ ᏧᏂᏏᎾᎲᏍᏙᏗ ᎩᎳ ᏗᎾᏛᏍᎩ ᏗᎾᏓᏘᏂᏙᎯ ᎢᏳᎾᎵᏍᏙᏗ ᎾᎿ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ.

“ᎢᎦ ᎣᏣᏟᏂᎬᏁ ᏦᏥᏏᎾᎲᏍᏙᏗ ᏗᏂᏲᏟ ᎡᎵᏊ ᎬᏩᎾᏂᎩᏍᏗ ᎡᎶᎯ ᏫᏚᏳᎪᏛ ᎠᎴ ᏗᎾᏓᏘᏂᏙᎯ ᎢᏳᎾᎵᏍᏙᏗᎢ, ᎢᏳᏃ ᎤᎾᏂᎩᏍᏗ ᏱᎩ ᎤᎾᏓᏅᏍᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏣᏘᏂ ᏧᏁᏲᏗ ᏐᎢ ᎠᏁᎯᏯ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏚᏙᏢᏒ ᎠᎴ ᎠᎭᏂ ᏯᏁᎭᏭ ᎠᎴ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏗᎾᏓᏘᏂᏙᎯ ᏱᎩ ᎢᏳᏍᏗᏊ ᎤᎾᏚᎵᏍᎬ ᎢᏳᎾᎵᏍᏙᏗ ᏗᎾᏕᏲᎲᏍᎩ ᎠᎴ ᏗᎾᏘᏲᎯᎯ ᎠᎴ ᏳᎾᏚᎵ ᎦᏚᎲ mayor ᏳᎾᎵᏍᏙᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏂᎳᏍᏓᏢ ᏗᏂᎳᏫᎦ ᏱᎩ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬ Potter.

ᎠᏗᏍᎬᏃ ᎦᏳᎳ ᎤᎪᎲ ᎯᎠ ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲ ᏄᏓᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎩᎳ ᏗᎾᏛᏍᎩ ᎠᏁᎳᏗᏙᎲ ᎾᏗᎦᎵᏍᏙᏗ ᎠᏁᎳᏗᏙᎲ ᎠᏂᎦᏟᏯ ᎠᎴ ᎤᎪᏙ ᎠᏂᏬᏂᏍᎪ ᏓᎾᏟᏃᎮᏗᏍᎪ ᏗᎾᏓᏘᏂᏙᎯ.

Morgan Robinson, ᏂᎦᏚ ᎢᏳᏕᏘᏴᏓ, ᏍᎪᎯᏁ ᏗᎦᏂᏙ ᏂᏓᏳᏂᎩᏓ ᏓᏄᎪ, ᎠᎴ ᏗᏕᎶᏆᏍᎩ ᏓᏄᎪᎢ, ᏧᎾᏍᏓᎶᎦ ᎠᎴ Akins ᎾᏍᎩ ᏥᎨᎳᏗᏙᎲ ᏒᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᏗ ᎢᎪᎯᏓ ᏓᏁᏙᎲᎢ.

“ᎪᎯ ᎢᎦ ᎣᏣᏕᎶᏆ ᏄᏍᏛ ᏃᎦᏍᏛ ᎠᎴ ᎤᎪᏓ ᎣᎬᏌᏊ ᎣᏣᏕᎶᎰᏍᎪ ᎢᏳᏍᏗ ᎢᎦᏲᎦᎵᏍᏙᏗ ᎨᏒ, ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎦᏳᎳ ᎠᏆᏅᏔ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬ Robinson. “ᎠᏆᏚᎵ marine zoology, ᎠᎴ ᏐᎢ ᏗᎦᏓᏟᎶᏍᏗᏍᎩ ᎾᎿ ᏗᎬᎩᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ graphic designs ᎤᏙᏢᏒᎢ.”

ᎠᏗᏍᎬᏊ ᏗᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎩ ᎠᎾᏕᎶᏆᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎪᏪᎵ ᎤᏂᏢᏗ ᎤᏂᏔᏲᏍᏗ ᏧᎬᏩᎶᏗ ᎦᎸᎳᏗ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏙᏗ ᎤᏅᏔᏂᏓᏍᏗ, ᎠᎾᏛᏅᎢᏍᏗᏍᎬ ᎤᏂᎩᏍᏗ ACT ᎠᎦᏛᏗ ᎠᏂᎪᎵᏱᏍᎬ ᎢᎦ ᎠᏂᎦᏔᎿᎥᎢ.

ᏂᏓᏅᏁᎰ ᎦᎸᎳᏗ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ ᎠᎾᏛᏅᎢᏍᏗᏍᎪ ᎢᏳᏍᏗ ᎤᎾᎴᏅᏙᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏁᏉᏍᏗ ᏗᎬᏩᎾᏓᏘᏂᏓᏍᏗ ᎨᏒᎢ.

“ᎤᎪᏗ ᎧᏃᎮᏢᏍᎩ ᎠᎩᎭ ᎠᎴ ᎦᎵᎡᎵᎪ ᎠᎩᎲᎢ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ. “ᎠᏆᏅᏔ ᎤᎪᏛ ᎢᏳᏍᏗ ᎠᎩᎦᏖᎾᏍᏗ, ᎠᎴ ᎢᎬᏱ ᏥᏙᎦ ᎦᏳᎳ ᎨᎵᎠ.”

ᏃᎴᏍᏊ ᎦᏕᎶᏆᎠ ᏗᏆᏓᏘᏂᏓᏍᏗ ᎢᏳᏛᏗ ᎨᏒ, ᎩᎳ ᏗᎾᏛᏍᎩ ᎤᎾᏝᏅᏓᏕᎸ ᎤᏃᏢᏗ ᎧᎵᏎᏥ ᎤᏁᎯ ᎥᏳᎩ ᎠᎭᎷᎩᏍᎩ ᎤᎾᏙᏢᎯ ᎢᏳᎵᏍᏙᏗ, ᎠᏗᏍᎬ Potter. ᎤᏙᏓᏆᏓ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏃᎦᏛᏁᎸ ᎾᎿ wellness ᏣᏃᏎᎰᎢ, ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ, ᎾᏍᎩᎾ ᏗᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎩ ᎠᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎪ ᏂᎦᎵᏍᏗᏍᎬ ᎠᏓᏴᏍᏕᏍᏗᏍᎩ, ᎾᎿ ᎠᏁᎯᏯ ᏗᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏚᏙᏢᏒ, ᎠᎴ ᎠᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎪ ᎤᎪᏙ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎧᎵᏎᏥ ᎥᏳᎩ ᎠᎴ ᎠᎭᎷᎩᏍᎩ ᎠᏅᏗᏍᎬ ᎤᏂᎲᎢ.

Potter ᎠᏗᏍᎬ “ᎣᏍᏓ ᏯᏂᎢ” ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᏁᎳᏗᏙ ᏗᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎩ ᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᏧᏅᏂ ᎠᎴ ᏧᎾᎵᎢ ᎾᎿ

ᎧᎵᏎᏥ ᎥᏳᎩ ᎤᏁᎯ.“ᏏᏉᏯ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎤᏁᎭ

ᎾᎠᏂᎨᏍᏗ ᏔᎵ ᎢᏳᏩᎪᏗ ᎾᏍᎩᎾ ᎬᎾᏕᎾ ᎧᎵᏎᏥ ᎤᏁᎲᎯ, ᎠᎴ ᎤᏂᎪᏛ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏔᎵ ᎪᏪᎵ (ᎧᎵᏎᏥ) ᎨᏐᎢ. ᎯᎠ ᎾᏂᎠ ᏌᏊ ᏯᎦᏴᎵ ᏦᎢᏧᏈ (ᎧᎵᏎᏥ ᏧᏂᏢᎩ) ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᏁᏙᎰ ᎾᎿ ᏙᏧᏫ ᎠᏰᎸ ᎤᎾᏓᎪᎵᏱᏗᎢ ᎠᏰᏟ ᎤᏙᏢᏒ ᏑᏕᏘᏴᏓ ᎨᏒᎢ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ.

ᎧᏬᏂ ᏥᎧᎸ, Potter ᎠᎪᏎᎸ ᏭᏪᏓᏍᏗ ᏩᏒᏓᏃ D.C., ᏧᎾᏠᎯᏍᏗ ᎠᏂᏐᎢ “ᎠᏍᎩᏣᏒ ᎠᏂᎩᏍᏗᏍᎩ” ᎩᎳ ᏗᎾᏛᏍᎩ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏁᏙᎰ ᎾᏍᎩ “ᎠᏍᎩᏣᏒ ᎠᏂᎩᏍᏗᏍᎩ” ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ, ᎾᎿ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏙᏗ ᏧᏂᎩᏓ ᎠᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᎪ ᎤᎾᏂᎩᏍᏙᏗ ᎢᏳᏍᏗ ᎾᎾᏛᏁᎲᎢ.

“ ᎢᎦ ᎤᎪᏓ ᎠᏚᏓᎸᏗ. ᎢᎦᏓ ᎨᎳ ᏗᎾᏛᏍᎩ ᎠᏁᎳᏗᏙᎰ ᎯᎠ ᎤᏙᏢᏒ ᏂᎦᏚ ᎢᏧᎾᏕᏘᏴᏓ. ᎤᎾᏚᎵᏍᎪ ᏙᎯᏳ ᎣᏍᏓ ᎠᏛᏅᎢᏍᏔᏅ ᎢᏳᎵᏍᏙᏗᎢ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬ.

ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏥᎧᎸ, ᏭᎷᏨ ᏩᏒᏓᏃ ᎾᎿ ᎠᏂᎳᏍᏓᏢ ᎩᎳ ᏗᎾᏛᏍᎩ ᎤᎾᏓᏟᏌᎲᎢ ᎤᏂᏍᏆᎸᎡᎲᎢ ᎤᏁᎦ ᏗᏓᏁᎸᎢ.

ᎯᎠ ᎢᎬᏱ ᎪᏪᎵ ᎠᎹᎵᎧ ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯ ᎨᎳ ᏗᎾᏛᏍᎩ ᎤᏂᎩᏍᏗ “ᎠᏍᎩᏣᏒ ᎠᏂᎩᏍᏗᏍᎩ” ᏧᏂᎩᏓ ᎾᎿ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏙᏗ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏂᏍᏕᎵᏍᎩ ᎢᏳᎵᏍᏙᏗ ᎤᎾᏓᏅᏖᎸ ᎠᎾᎴᏂᏙᎲᎢ.

ᎠᏂᏏᏴᏫᎭ ᎾᎿ ᏍᎪᎯ ᎾᏂᎥ “ᎠᏍᎩᏣᏒ ᎠᏂᎩᏍᏗᏍᎩ” ᎨᎳ, ᎾᏍᎩ ᏂᎦᏓ ᎠᎹᎵᎧ ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯ ᎨᎳ ᏗᎾᏛᏍᎩ ᎭᏫᎾᏗᏢ ᏦᏍᎪᎯ ᏳᎾᏕᏘᏴᏓ, ᏚᏂᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎠᏕᎳ ᎠᏃᏢᏍᎩ ᏂᎨᏒᎾ ᏚᏂᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎲ ᎤᏛᎯᏍᏗ ᏙᎯ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏍᏕᎵᏍᎩ ᎾᎿ Running Strong for American Indian Youth.

ᎠᏗᏍᎬ ᎾᏍᎩ “ᎠᏍᎩᏣᏒ ᎠᏂᎩᏍᏗᏍᎩ” ᎠᎧᎵᏏᏐᏗ ᎤᏃᎮᎸ ᎾᏍᎩ “ᎠᏍᎩᏣᏒ” ᎠᎴ ᏯᏛᏗ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏤᎵ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎤᎾᏓᏈᎦ, ᎾᏍᎩ ᏧᎾᏍᏓᎶᎦ ᎠᏂᏣᎳᎩ Action ᎤᎾᎵᎪᏒᎢ. ᎤᏤᎵ ᎧᎵᏏᏐᏗ ᎧᏃᎮᎯ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏚᎵᏍᎬ ᎤᏩᏙᏗ ᎤᎾᎵᏍᎪᎸᏔᏅᏅ ᎠᎴ ᎤᎾᏎᎸ ᎾᎿ ᎤᏅᏙᏗ ᎠᏕᎳ ᎤᏂᎲᎢ.

Potter, ᏔᎵᏍᎪ ᏌᏊ ᎢᏳᏕᏘᏴᏓ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏗᏍᏆᏗᏍᎩ ᎾᎿ ᎦᎸᎳᏗ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ ᎤᏴᏢᎢ ᎧᎸᎬ ᎢᏗᏢ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎦᎸᎳᏗ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ ᎾᎿ ᏓᎵᏆ ᎢᏳᏍᏗ ᏓᏕᎶᏆᏍᎬ ᎤᎦᏎᏍᏛ ᎤᏤᎵᏓ ᎠᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ ᎤᏠᏯᏍᏛ ᎦᏲᏟ ᎠᎴ ᎤᎪᏛ ᏗᏂᏲᎤᏟ. ᎤᏛᏅᏃ ᎤᏚᎵᏍᎬ ᏱᏚᏍᏆᏓ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᏂᏍᎬᏘ ᏔᎵ ᏯᎦᏴᎵ ᏓᎳᏚ ᎤᏕᏘᏴᏌᏗᏒ ᎾᎿ ᏧᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᏗ ᎾᎿ ᎠᏁᎯᏯ ᎤᏂᎪᏓ ᎠᏁᎲ ᎠᎴ ᏧᏕᏲᏗ ᏌᏚᏏᏁ ᏗᏂᏂᏙ ᎠᎴ ᎦᎸᎳᏗ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗᎢ.

ᎤᎪᏛ ᎠᏕᎶᎰᎯᏍᏗ ᎯᎢᎾ ᏧᏕᏘᏴᏌᏓ “ᎠᏍᎩᏣᏒ ᎠᏂᎩᏍᏗᏍᎩ” ᎠᎴ ᎠᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ ᎤᎵᏍᏕᎸᏗ ᎤᎾᏍᎩᏣᏒ ᎾᎿ ᎠᏁᎯᏯ ᎨᎳ ᏗᎾᏛᏍᎩ, ᏗᏩᏛᎯᏓᏍᏗ http://indianyouth.org/2015Dreamstarters.

Potter gets ‘Dreamstarter’ grant for Sequoyah County youths

“Dreamstarter” grant recipient Breanna Potter of Akins, Oklahoma, speaks with Greyson Bartlett, 14, during a leadership training for youth to prepare them for their futures. The training was held the last week of July at the Brushy Community Center.WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

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Ray Kirk appears on the History Channel series that featured bladesmiths creating edged weapons.BY WILL CHAVEZSenior Reporter

KEYS, Okla. – Cherokee Nation citizen and knife maker Ray Kirk recently showcased his knife-making skills for the History Channel show “Forged in Fire” this summer.

Kirk appeared in one of the series’ four episodes titled “Forged in Fire: The Moro Kris,” which aired Aug. 10. The show featured world-class bladesmiths competing against each other to create edged weapons from history. Each weapon’s history was told during the forging process and the final weapons were assessed and tested by judges.

The show’s producers in May flew Kirk to Brooklyn, New York, to record the season’s final episode. Kirk competed against three experienced knife makers for a chance to win $10,000.

Kirk, 70, has been making blades for more than 25 years and is the owner of Raker Knives and Steel, which he operates from home in Keys. He said a friend forwarded him an email about the show thinking he would be interested in taking part.

“So, I emailed them (Forged in Fire producers) a picture of myself, a little bit about myself, and they said, ‘we’d love to have you.’ And then they sent me about a 30-page contract,” he said.

He said recording the episode was intense and took three days. For continuity reasons he wore the same outfit. He said producers had photos made of all four participants from every angle to make sure their clothing and makeup looked the same every time when recording. He said if he had known he would be wearing the same overalls for three days he wouldn’t have packed as much.

For the competition, Kirk made his signature Integral blade that he’s been making and selling for years. The knife makers were required to make at least a 9-inch blade, using materials provided by the judges, within a three-hour time limit, which was a different situation than Kirk is used to. The Brooklyn set had a large digital clock counting down as the four blacksmiths worked on their blades.

Kirk chose to use two steel ball bearings that were 1-1/2-inches in diameter. He melted them and forged welded them together to get enough steel.

He made it through the first round when

one of the knife makers was sent home. For the second round, the three competitors were asked to complete the knife they had forged in the first round. Kirk continued making his Integral-style knife with a hidden tang or handle. He covered the tang with wood taken from a baseball bat to complete the handle.

“I messed up my heat treat. I got in a hurry and wasn’t paying attention. When I quenched it (cooled it in water) I didn’t leave it in long enough and when I took it out I kept it out too long and the heat from the rest of it made it soft,” he said.

The mistake showed up when the judges tested the four blades by cutting coconuts. Kirk’s blade cut one coconut, he said, and than it was “boing.” His blade failed to cut the others.

“The edge wrinkled on it. I knew what I did,” he said. “You know it was different. You have a routine. Over the years you develop a routine so you don’t forget something. There, everything was changed. You lay awake at night thinking of all the things you could have done different.”

He said he “loved” being a part of the show and “it was fun.” He made friends with the other competitors, and “a good friend” won the competition.

Kirk began forging knives in 1989 from car springs. Today, he forges most of his knives from 52100 round bar steel. He also sells steel to other knife makers. He is a member of the Alabama Forge Council, the Knife Group Association of Oklahoma, the Kansas Custom Knifemakers Association and the Arizona Knife Collectors Association.

For more information about Raker Knives and Steel, visit www.rakerknives.com or email ray@rakerknives.com or call 918-207-8076. For information about “Forged in Fire” visit http://www.history.com/shows/forged-in-fire.

Kirk shows knife-making skills on ‘Forged in Fire’ TV series

Knife maker Ray Kirk visits with family and friends following an Aug. 10 viewing party for an episode of “Forged in Fire” in which he appeared. Kirk made it to the second round in the episode, which was recorded in May in Brooklyn, New York. WILL CHAVEZ/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

Alayna Farris and Bryan Shade are working at summer clerkships with the Native American Rights Fund and National Indian Gaming Commission, respectively.

BY BRITTNEY BENNETTIntern

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – While many college students use summer vacation to recharge, Cherokees Alayna Farris and Bryan Shade are undertaking prestigious clerkships in Boulder, Colorado, and Washington, D.C.

Cherokee Nation citizen Alayna Farris began working for the Native American Rights Fund in Boulder in June and returned in August after 10 weeks with the legal firm.

NARF specializes in protecting treaties and tribal sovereignty, as well as providing legal representation to Native American tribes and villages, organizations and individuals, according to the organization’s website.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity to work with NARF,” Farris said. “Growing up you always hear about the good work that NARF does, and how they protect sovereignty and tribal rights, so I applied. I was looking for a way I could get more experience working with Indian Country.”

Farris said she’s hit the ground running at her clerkship.

“I’m currently working on analyzing a withdrawal case that is in front of the 9th U.S. Circuit (Court of Appeals),” she said. “Most of my first week was dedicated to working that case.”

She added that preliminary research for her next project of analyzing voting rights has started. And while Farris was initially worried about the transition, she said she’s found life at NARF enjoyable.

“The culture here is great,” she said. “I don’t feel like I’m the stranger. I actually feel like I’m walking into a place I’ve been for a long time. I thought I would just be talking to my supervising attorney, Mr. (Matthew) Campbell, but every attorney has talked to us, shared their experiences and gave some really good advice.”

Farris wanted to become a lawyer after working with the CN Indian Child Welfare Office for more than four years while completing her undergraduate degree at Northeastern State University. In summer 2013, she resigned to begin pursuing a law degree at the University of Arkansas, revitalizing its Native American Law Student Association and opening herself up to possibilities.

“Indian Child Welfare is what really sparked my interest to go to law school, and there’s always a place for that in my heart,” she said. “I want to make sure that our Indian children have all the protection afforded to them by the law, but now that I’ve been exposed to other areas I didn’t know about. The door is wide open.”

Shade, a United Keetoowah Band citizen, in working for the National Indian Gaming Commission’s Office of General Counsel in Washington, D.C., where he remained through the end of July.

The NIGC is committed to the prompt and efficient regulation of the Indian gaming industry, as well as ensuring the integrity of the Indian gaming industry, according to the organization’s Office of Public Affairs.

“I’ve been interested in (NIGC) since I made the decision to go to law school,” Shade said. “I knew that this opportunity was out there. I’m sure there were a lot of applicants for the position, but I guess it was always something I knew I was going to try for.”

Entering his fourth week with NIGC, Shade said he’s settled into the organization.

“Absolutely everybody in this office has taken me under their wing. This is an amazing group of people. I think they all want to see me succeed,” he said.

His assignments included reviewing ordinance requests from tribal regulating agencies and assuring that proposed gaming facilities are on tribal lands in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. He has also compared existing and proposed gaming compacts and will soon be working with Freedom of Information Act requests.

“It sounds kind of cheesy, but every project that I’ve worked on so far has been amazing,” he said. “It was exactly what I had in mind when I imagined what an internship here would be like.”

Shade earned his master’s degree in business administration from NSU while working with the UKB and CN, where he assisted in completing negotiations with Housing and Urban Development and Indian Health Services.

“Within those negotiations, I started getting curious about what the other side of the table looked like,” he said. “I saw the hard times we were having in negotiations, and I thought that going to law school, learning to think like the people we were negotiating with, was going to get me a lot further. This opportunity (with NIGC) lets me achieve the goal of seeing the other side of the table.”

14 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • September 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd 2015PEOPlE • xW

Cherokee Nation citizen Ryan Helsley plays for the Johnson City Cardinals in the Advanced Rookie League. He is a starting pitcher in a six-man rotation.BRET JACOMET/JOHNSON CITY PRESS

Ryan Helsley

BY TESINA JACKSON Reporter

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – On June 9, Cherokee Nation citizen and pitcher Ryan Helsley was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals as the 161st overall pick in the fifth round of the Major League Baseball draft.

“It was pretty awesome, especially coming from such a small town and a small school,” Helsley said. “Just to show people that it’s possible no matter where you come from if you just work hard and keep pressing for what you want.”

A 2013 graduate of Sequoyah High School, Helsley is the second SHS player and CN citizen to be drafted in the MLB.

He is also the first player from Northeastern State University to be drafted since 2009, the first NSU player to be drafted in the first five rounds and the first NSU player to be selected by the Cardinals since the draft started in 1965.

Helsley said it was his parents who helped motivate him to practice and work hard.

“I have to give a lot of credit to them,” he said.

According to the NSU Athletic Department, Helsley made 21 starts in 26 appearances during his two years at NSU, compiling a 14-8 record and 4.06 ERA in 126.1 innings pitched. Helsley won the MIAA Freshman of the Year

award in 2014 and was named to the MIAA Second Team. In 2015, he was named to the MIAA First Team, the only underclassmen to earn the honor.

Helsley said after his freshman year in college, he became eligible for the MLB draft.

“The summer after my freshman year I was in California playing baseball and my coach out there told me that he thought I’d be eligible for the draft because I turned 21 during the summertime and fell on the deadline of the draft,” he said.

He said during the fall of his sophomore year, scouts began contacting him and by 2015 he was drafted.

Helsley plays for the Johnson City Cardinals in the Advanced Rookie League. After the Advanced Rookie League the baseball classifications are Class A, Double A, Triple A and then the Major League. However, it varies when and into which division a player advances.

The Johnson City Cardinals’ regular season begins in June and ends Sept. 1. The team plays more than 60 games.

Helsley said he is a starting pitcher with a six-day rotation and his best pitches are his curve ball, changeup and fastball, which is clocked at 98 mph.

As a Cherokee and a baseball player, Helsley said it was great to be someone that other Native Americans could possibly look up to and try to model after.

“I’m trying to be the best role model that I can be,” he said.

Mason Fine is a senior at Locust Grove High School in Locust Grove, Okla. BY JAMI MURPHYReporter

LOCUST GROVE, Okla. – OK Preps

released its Top 10 quarterbacks in Oklahoma and Cherokee Nation citizen Mason Fine, a senior, has made that list at No. 4.

According to OK Preps’ Michael Knight’s breakdown of Oklahoma high school quarterbacks, Fine’s record numbers will likely not be touched.

“Over 5,000 yards and 71 touchdowns, with only 6 interceptions in just 14 games is unheard of. He has every tool in the book. But he’s 5-feet, 10-inches (tall),” Knight said.

Knight said that Fine “could end up being one of the most polarizing recruit in this state’s history. For the simple fact that he should play major college football,” but may not because of his size even though he would “own every

passing record in the book.”Fine said everyone has opinions about

his size and whether he will be able to play Division 1 football.

“All I know is that I cannot control my height. I will focus on the things I can control to become the best quarterback I can be and show them I can play at the next level,” Fine said. “Expectations for our team this year are high. Our goal is to win at state championship, anything less than that will be a disappointment.”

Fine told the Cherokee Phoenix that it’s an honor to be chosen one of the top high school quarterbacks in the state.

“It’s a good feeling when your hard work starts to pay off and people notice your talent,” he said.

As a team, Fine said the Pirates continue to prepare for this upcoming season by lifting, running and performing different workouts to improve for the fall.

“We watch film from our spring practices and camps so we can learn from our mistakes,” he added.

Helsley drafted by St. Louis Cardinals

2 Cherokees earn prestigious clerkships

Fine No. 4 in OK Preps top 10 QBs

Alayna Farris and Bryan Shade will complete their law degrees in spring 2016. This summer they are working at clerkships with the Native American Rights Fund and National Indian Gaming Commission, respectively. COURTESY

Growing up you always hear about the good work that NARF does, and how they protect sovereignty and tribal rights, so I applied.

– Alayna Farris, Cherokee Nation citizen

CulTuRE • i=nrplcsd September 2015 • CHEROKEE PHOENIX 15 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd

BY TESINA JACKSON Reporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – For nearly 60 years, Miss Cherokee has served the Cherokee Nation as a goodwill ambassador and messenger, promoting the tribe’s government, history, language and culture. And during her one-year reign, Miss Cherokee wears her crown when representing the tribe.

According to the Cherokee Heritage Center Miss Cherokee exhibit, which was set to ended Aug. 23, the original Miss Cherokee crown was a leather strap that would have a feather in the back. Later, in the 1960s, the crown became fully beaded.

The first indication of royalty during the Cherokee National Holiday, where a new Miss Cherokee is crowned each year, was in 1955 when Phyllis Osage, a Sequoyah Vocational School student, was Queen of the Cornstalk Shoot. In 1957, the title was changed to Miss Cherokee Holiday, and Linda Burrows was the first to hold that title. The first to be crowned with the Miss Cherokee title was Ramona Collier in 1962.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, created by Cherokee artist Willard Stone, the crown was handcrafted from copper. Seven turkey feathers were incorporated into its design symbolizing the seven Cherokee clans. The Cherokee seal was also inscribed in the crown’s center with the Cherokee star, also representing the seven clans.

Turkey footprints also appear on the sides

of the crown leading toward the crown’s center design symbolizing young Cherokee maidens going toward the “golden Cherokee hills” to compete for the Miss Cherokee title, according to the exhibit.

In 1992, updated by Cherokee artist Bill Glass Sr., a pearl shell Cherokee star was

added to the front of the crown while feathers are still represented. His daughter, Geri Gayle Glass, became Miss Cherokee the same year and wore the crown.

Since 2003 there have been two crowns created by Cherokee artist Demos Glass.

“As an artist I knew the challenge because

these aren’t any kind of small feat, so I was intrigued by the idea and my grandfather (Bill Glass Sr.) had made the last one and I had seen what he had done and I studied my grandfather’s work and checked it out and that was part of my education growing up as a metalsmith,” he said.

The first crown Demos created, which was used until 2013, had sterling silver and pink mussel shell incorporated with the copper.

He said for his first crown he wanted to stay within the same design as the crown created by Stone. For the second crown, he got inspiration from early 1900s drawings of the Cherokee people at events and celebrations.

The second crown, which is used today, is all copper.

Demos said he wanted to curve the feathers and make them taller to give them a “southeast feel.”

Both crowns display the seven feathers and Cherokee star.

“I wanted to have a chance to get involved with today’s youth and make sure that my design was something that empowered the up-and-coming young lady that was going to lead our culture into the future,” he said. “I put a lot of pride into the fact that I did make something for this title, and it was something I felt whole heartedly about, give the upmost respect to this title.”

Sunday Plumb is Miss Cherokee 2014-15. Her reign will end when a new Miss Cherokee is crowned at the Cherokee National Holiday during Labor Day weekend.

Miss Cherokee crown reigns for nearly 60 years

According to the Cherokee Heritage Center Miss Cherokee exhibit, which was slated to ended Aug. 23, the original Miss Cherokee crown was a leather strap that would have a feather in the back. In the 1960s, the crown became fully beaded.TESINA JACKSON/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

The boys and girls, from ages 8 to 12, who played consisted mostly of Cherokee Nation and United Keetoowah Band citizens.BY JAMI MURPHYReporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – More than 60 children played in a stickball tournament hosted by the United Keetoowah Band on July 18 at the UKB Cultural Grounds.

UKB Cultural Director Wesley Procter said the tournament was a first for a local youth stickball league.

“I hope it makes a good impact within the 14-county jurisdiction. We have three (teams) and 20 (kids) on each team,” he said. “This is the first time ever in history, having a youth tournament here.”

The boys and girls, from ages 8 to 12, who played consisted mostly of Cherokee Nation and UKB citizens, but citizens from other tribes such as the Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole nations also played.

“We’re playing a Choctaw style of stickball. It’s kind of the sportsmanship of the game and kind of teach the kids their abilities, how to catch and throw,” Proctor said.

He said he hopes kids take away the fellowship experience with other tribal citizens and keep the stickball tradition alive for other generations.

Marcus Thompson, a CN citizen, coached the NDN Outlaws during the tournament.

“We’ve been practicing for three or four weeks, and the Keetoowah’s announced they wanted to have a stickball tournament. So I sent out fliers and stuff to try and get little kids to come out and play from ages 8 to 12,” Thompson said.

He added that he and others would like to continue with the teams, but as of publication the tournament was a one-time event.

“We’d like to continue all these teams here, you know, maybe get together that way we can continue having maybe a little youth stickball,” he said. “Someday we’d like to get ages from 13 to 17 to participate.”

Thompson also helps coach the Gadugi Warriors, formerly the Nighthawks, an adult stickball team that practices around Tahlequah. He said those interested in playing could contact the team on Facebook under Gadugi Warriors.

Gayla Mink, who is Cherokee and Creek, of Stilwell, said her son, Eagle Fisher, played for the NDN Outlaws. She said it’s important that her son learn the culture and traditions of his people.

“I think it’s important that these children learn culture and the tribe’s traditions because it’s a dying breed. Cherokees are dying out. We’re picking up other people’s cultures, and I feel that it is important that we teach our younger ones so that they can teach theirs.”

Mink said the tournament was her son’s first other than playing traditional stickball at his cultural grounds.

“It’s a new world for him out there,” she said. “He’s very excited. I encourage all parents

to bring their children out. Have them join a team or even just to practice or play. Physical fitness is very important and this is a great way to them physical fitness and about their culture.”

Proctor said he was appreciative of all

the parents and their involvement because they made this possible. Procter called the tournament a “pilot run” and hopes to gain enough interest to keep it going or at least host games each year. For more information call, 918-457-4440.

Stickball tournament brings out young Natives

Children scramble for a ball during the United Keetoowah Band’s first youth stickball tournament on July 18 at the UKB Cultural Grounds in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The tournament featured three teams: NDN Outlaws, Nighthawk Juniors and Warriors. The Nighthawk Juniors won the tournament. JAMI MURPHY/CHEROKE PHOENIX

I think it’s important that these children learn culture and the tribe’s traditions because it’s a dying breed.

– Gayla Mink, Cherokee/Creek

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16 CHEROKEE PHOENIX • September 2015 Ewf #>hAmh • jlsd 2015CulTuRE • i=nrplcsd

LOST CITY, ᎣᎦᎳᎰᎹ.- ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ ᎨᎳ Larry Shade Z ᎤᏴᏢᎢ ᏗᏜ ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᏗᎦᏚᎿᎢ ᎦᏁᎳ ᏓᏕᎶᏆᎡᎲᎢ ᎤᏙᏓ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏂᏏ ᎠᏂᏣᎳᎩ ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗᎢ, ᎾᏍᎩ ᏔᎵᏁ ᎠᏓᎴᏁᎢ ᎤᎬᏫᏳᎯ ᎢᏳᎵᏍᏔᏂᎢ Hastings Shade. ᎾᏍᎩ ᎢᏯᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗᎢ ᎤᏕᎶᏆᎥᎢ, ᎾᏍᎩ ᏭᎸᏈᏛᎢ ᏥᎩ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᏕᎦᏘᎲᎢ.

Larry Ꮓ ᏕᎦᏘᎰᎢ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᎥᎿᎾᏂ ᏂᎦᏚ ᎢᏳᏟᎶᏓ ᎠᎹᏱ ᎤᏪᏴᎢ ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎠᏂᏏᏓᏁᎸᎢ ᏥᎩ ᎤᎾᏤᎵᎪᎯ.

“ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎢᏯᏛᏁᎯ ᎨᏒᎢ ᏂᎪᎯᎸᎢ ᎣᎩᏙᏓ ᏙᎦᏛᏏᏗᏒᎢ. ᎾᏍᎩ ᏚᎸᏫᏍᏓᏁᎲᎢ, ᎠᎴ ᏱᎤᎷᏥ ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎥᏍᎩ ᎢᎬᏱᎢ ᏃᏣᏛᏁᎲᎢ. ᎢᎦ ᏱᎩ ᎣᏤᏙᎲᎢ, ᎠᏎᏃ ᏭᎪᏛᎢ ᎨᏒ ᎤᏒᎢ ᏱᎩ ᏬᏤᏙᎲᎢ, ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎠᎯᏗᏳ ᎨᏒᎢ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ. “ ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎦᎸᏉᏗ ᎢᏲᎦᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗ ᎣᎩᎭ ᏙᎩᏂᏱᏓ.”

ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ ᏭᏂᎪᏛᎢ ᏴᏫ ᏗᏌᏛᏗ ᏓᏅᏗᏍᎪᎢ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᏓᏂᏂᏍᎬᎢ, ᎠᏎᏃ ᎤᏮᏌ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏂᏏᏓᏁᎸᎢ ᎤᏅᏌ ᏧᏃᏢᏅᎢ ᏗᎦᏘᏍᏗ ᏓᏅᏗᏍᎪᎢ, ᎾᏍᎩ ᏥᎩ ᎤᏕᎶᏆᎡᎸᎢ ᎤᏙᏓ.

“ ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏗᎦᏘᏍᏗ ᏥᏕᏛᏗᎲᎢ ᎪᎯ ᎤᏒᎢ ᎡᏙᏓ ᏧᏬᏢᏅᎢ. ᎯᏍᎩ ᏍᎪᎯ ᎤᎶᏒᏍᏗ ᎢᏯᏆᏕᏘᏴᏓ ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏗᎦᏘᏍᏗ ᏥᏙᏓᏛᏔᏂ, 18 ᏁᎳᏚ ᎢᏯᏆᏕᏘᏴᏓ ᎨᏒᎢ ᎾᎯᏳ ᏥᏚᏬᏢᏅᎢ,”

ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ.Hastings Ꮓ 2010

ᏥᎨᏒᎢ ᎤᏲᎱᏎᎢ 67 ᎢᏳᏕᏘᏴᏓ ᎨᏒᎢ ᎾᎯᏳ. ᎠᏂᏣᎳᎩ Ꭲ Ᏻ Ꮎ ᏛᏁ Ꮅ Ꮣ Ꮝ Ꮧ Ꭲ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎢᏳᏍᏗ ᎠᎪᎵᎦ ᎨᏒᎢ ᎠᎴ ᏂᎬᎾᏛ ᎠᏃᏟᎩ ᎨᏒᎢ ᎠᏂᏣᎳᎩ Ꭲ Ᏻ Ꮎ ᏛᏁ Ꮅ Ꮣ Ꮝ Ꮧ Ꭲ ᎠᏍᏆᏂᎪᏗᏍᎩ ᎨᏒᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏏᎾᏏ ᎨᏒᎢ

ᎤᏬᏢᏅᏗᎢ. ᎠᎴ ᎠᏂᏣᎳᎩ ᎢᎬᎾᏕᎾ ᎠᏁᎯ ᎠᏃᏢᏅᏍᎩ ᎨᏥᎸᏉᏗᏍᎩ ᎨᎳ ᎥᎨᏒᎢ ᎾᎯᏳᏃ 1991ᏗᎬᏓᎴᏂᏍᎩ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏄᏍᏛᎢ ᎤᏬᏢᏅᏗᎢ, ᎾᏍᎩ ᏗᎦᏘᏍᏗ ᎦᎪᏢᏍᎩ ᎢᏳᏍᏗ.

ᏛᎦᏘᎲᏃ, ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ Larry ᏗᎬᏩᏂᏰᏍᏗᏃ ᏱᎦᎢ ᏓᏂᏂᏱᏍᎬᎢ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ. ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎤᏩᏌ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏂᏏᏓᏁᎸᎢ ᏱᏓᏄᎪᏓ ᏱᎦᎢ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᏗᎬᏩᏂᏂᏗ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏧᏁᎵᏍᏗᎢ ᎠᏂᎥᎢ ᎠᎴ ᏳᏁᎾ ᎥᏍᎩᏭ ᏱᎦᎢ ᏓᏂᏂᏍᎬᎢ.

“ ᏙᏥᏂᏯᏍᎬᏃ ᎠᏂᏐᎢ ᎠᏂᏏᏓᏁᎸᎢ ᏧᏂᏂᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎡᏘᏴᎢ ᏦᎩᏂᏗ, ᎥᏝᏃ ᏦᎬᏙᏗ ᏂᎨᏒᎾ ᏱᏙᏥᎾᏫᏗᎰᎢ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ. ᎾᏍᎩ ᏄᏍᏗ ᎠᏣᎳᎩ ᎢᏳᏛᏁᏗᎢ.”

ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ ᏭᎪᏛᎢ ᎠᏂᏏᏓᏁᎸᎢ “ᏳᎾᏓᏟᏌᏂ” ᎾᎯᏳ ᎤᏒᎢ ᏯᏁᎾ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᏱᏓᏂᏘᏡᎦ.

“ᎠᏇᏥᏃ ᎠᏧᏣ ᎠᎴ ᏧᎵᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏇᏥ ᎠᎨᏳᏣ, ᏲᏤᎾ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏂᏔᎯ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ. ᎠᎹᏱᏃ ᎦᏁᎲᎢ ᎣᏣᎢᏐᎢ ᏳᏴᏜ ᎠᎴᏱᎩ ᏳᎦᎾᏩ, ᎠᎴᏱᎩ ᏜᏄᏐ ᏯᏂᏯᎠ ᎠᎴ ᏱᎩ ᎢᎾᏛᎯ ᏱᎩ. ᎤᎾᏂᏙᏃ ᏂᎦᏂᏰᎬᎢ ᎥᎿᎾᏂ, ᎠᏎᏃ ᏙᎦᏛᏏ ᎥᏍᎩ ᏂᎬᏲᏣᏛᏁᎰᎢ.”

ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏥᏄᏍᏗ ᎢᏳᏛᏁᏗᎢ Shade ᎥᏝ ᎠᎯᏓ ᏱᎩ, ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ Larry, ᎠᏎᏅ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏂᎤᏍᏗ ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏂᎤᏍᏗ ᎤᎭ ᎦᎸᏉᏗᏍᎬᎢ ᎠᏂᏣᎳᎩ ᎢᏳᎾᏛᏁᏗᎢ ᎠᎴ ᏄᏍᏛᎢ ᎤᏂᏍᏓᏩᏛᏍᏗ.

“ ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎤᎪᏗ ᎠᎯᏗᏱ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎢᏯᏛᏁᏗᎢ ᏗᎦᎦᏂᏱᏗ ᎨᏒ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ,

ᎠᏎᏅ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏂᎤᏍᏗ ᏱᎦᏲᎦᏛᏁᏗ ᎨᏒᎢᏢ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ. “ ᏥᏏᎾᏏᏃ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎢᏯᏆᏛᏁᏗᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏍᏓᏯ ᏄᏓᎴᎢ ᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᎢᏯᏆᏛᏁᏗᎢ.”

Larry Ꮓ ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ ᎦᏅᏓᏗᏍᎬᏃ ᏂᏗᎦᏘᏟᏙᎲᎢ.

“ ᏂᏗᎬᏓᎴᏂᏍᎩᏃ ᎡᏙᏓ ᏁᎳᎩ ᎤᏪᎵᏍᏗᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎡᎵ ᎢᏲᎦᏕᏘᏴᏓ ᏄᎵᏍᏔᏂ ᎠᎴ ᎣᎪᏟᏍᏗᎢ ᏄᏍᏛᎢ ᎦᏛᎬᎢ ‘ᎥᏝ’ ᎠᎴ ᏞᏍᏗ ᎥᏍᎩ ᏱᏣᏛᏁᎸᎢ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ. 5 ᎯᏍᎩ ᎠᎴᏱᎩ 6 ᏑᏓᎵ ᏓᎬᏛᏂ ᎢᏲᎦᏕᏘᏴᏓ ᎨᏒᎢ … 46 ᎾᏕᏘᏯ ᏥᎨᏒᎢ.”

ᎾᏍᎩ ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ ᎢᎸᎯᏳᏃ ᏥᎨᏒᎢ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᏛᎦᏂᏱᏍᎬᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏄᏍᏕᎢ ᏗᎦᎨᎳᏍᏗ ᎨᎲᎢ ᎠᏂᏏᏓᏁᎸᎢ. ᎥᏝ ᎥᏍᎩ ᏱᏄᏍᏗ ᎪᎯᏴᏥᎩ, ᎠᏎᏃ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᎬᏔᎲᎢ ᏏᏓᏁᎸᎢ ᏧᏪᎵᏍᏗᎢ ᏏᏓᏁᎸᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎦᎸᏉᏙᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏍᏆᏂᎪᏙᏗ.

“ ᏗᎬᎩᏚᏓᏃ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏠᏱ ᏄᎾᏛᏁᎳ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏁᏲᎾ ᎡᏙᏓ. ᎠᎴ ᎡᏚᏓ, ᏕᎦᏃᏗᏍᎬᎢ ᏔᎷᎩᏍᎩ, ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᎨᏲᏅᎢ ᎡᏙᏓ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ Larry. “ Dustin’s (Larry’Z ᎤᏪᏥ) ᎣᎩᎾᎵᏲᏐᎢ ᏭᎪᏛ ᎨᏒ ᎠᎴ ᎢᎦᎵᎮᎪᎢ ᎣᎩᎾᎵᎪᎲᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏚᎩ ᎠᏋᏐᎢ ᏂᎬᏯᎢᏎᏍᏗᏊ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎠᏧᏣ. ᎥᏝᏃ ᏂᎪᎯᎸᎢ… ᏲᏤᎮᏍᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏚᎩ ᎠᏋᎭ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎢᏲᎦᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗᎢ ᏦᎩᎭ… ᏗᏂᏲᏟ ᏦᎨᏥ ᎠᎴ ᏗᏂᏲᏟ ᏓᎩᎧᎲᎢ ᎠᏂᏧᏣ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏂᎨᏳᏣ ᎠᎴ ᏧᎾᎵᎢ ᎤᏚᎩ ᎠᏋᎭ ᏂᎬᏂᎯᎵᏎᏍᏗᏊ ᎾᏅᏛᎲᎢ ᎤᏠᏱ.”

Larry Z ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ ᎩᎶ ᎢᎸᎯᏳ ᎤᏁᏟᏔᏅᎢ ᏂᎨᏒᎾ ᏱᎩ ᏧᏩᏘᏍᏗᎢ ᏳᎾᏚᎵᎠ ᏱᏛᏂᏃᎲᎵ ᎠᎲᏂ larry-shade@cherokee.org.

ᏱᎦᎵᎮᎵᎦ ᏥᏩᏛᏗᎢ. ᏗᏍᏆᏟᏍᏓᏁᎸᎢ. ᏱᎦᏯᏘᏄᎦ. ᎤᏒᏃᎢ ᏱᏁᎾ ᎠᎴ ᏱᎬᏰᏲᎲᎦ ᎢᏯᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗᎢ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ. “ ᎾᎢᎥᎢ ᎠᏂᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᎴᏱᎩ ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎨᎳ. ᎢᏳᏃ ᏳᎾᏚᎵᎠ ᎤᎾᏕᎶᎰᎯᏍᏗᎢ ᎪᎯᎩ ᏥᎨᏒ ᏄᎵᏍᏔᏅᏅᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎦᏲᏟ ᎢᏱᎦᏛᏁᎵᏓᏍᏗᎢ.”

BY JAMI MURPHYReporter

LOST CITY, Okla. – Cherokee Nation citizen Larry

Shade has lived his life in this northern Cherokee County community learning the ways of the Cherokee culture from his grandparents and father, the late Deputy Chief Hastings Shade. Among the cultural aspects he’s learned, one he truly enjoys is crawdad gigging.

Larry gigs crawdads in a section of Fourteen Mile Creek that his family owns. “It’s just something that my dad always did when we were growing up. He worked, and when he came home that was the first thing we were going to do. We’d go out in the daytime, but a lot of times we’d go out at night, which is a lot easier. It’s just a time-honored tradition that we hold true to our culture.”

He said many people who catch crawdads use traps, but he and his family use homemade gigs, something he also learned to do from his father.

“The gigs we are using tonight are all hand-forged by my dad. I’m in my 50s and the gigs that we’re going to use, I was 18 when dad made them,” he said.

Hastings died in 2010 at age 67. He was known as a Cherokee traditionalist and was widely recognized for his work in cultural preservation and as a skilled traditional artisan. He was designated a Cherokee National Treasure in 1991 for his craftsmanship, which included making gigs.

When gigging, Larry said they never catch more crawdads than they can eat. He said he and his family will determine how many crawdads they need to feed everyone and then they’ll go out and catch that amount.

“We always leave some either for the next family or next year’s crop, but we never take more than what we need,” he said. “It’s part of the Cherokee way.”

He said most of the time when he and his family “get together” they go gigging the night before.

“My son, some of his friends and my daughter, we all go out and they know how,” he said. “We go through whether the water is cold or it’s warm, whether it’s leaches or snakes. They understand there’s a few dangers out there, but it’s something that we’ve done all our lives.”

The method the Shades use to catch crawdads is not the easiest, Larry said, but it’s their tradition and it’s how he honors the Cherokee traditions and culture.

“There a lot of easier way to get crawdads, but this is a time-honored tradition for us,” he said. “I’m skilled in what I’ve done and it’s hard for me to do something else.”

Larry said he’s been gigging as long as he can remember. “Ever since dad trusted us and we were old enough to

understand what ‘no’ meant and ‘don’t do that,’” he said. “I’m going to say, 5 or 6 years old…at least 46 years.”

He said years ago catching crawdads was a way to feed one’s family. It’s not like that so much now, but the experience of providing for his family is something he said he would always honor and cherish.

“My grandparents did it and passed it on to my dad. And you know my grandfather, he forged his gigs, which he passed on to my dad,” Larry said. “Dustin’s (one of Larry’s son) with me most the time and I’m glad that he’s with me and I hope that he carries it on. We all won’t be here…too much longer and we hope the traditions that we have…we carry on to our children and even the friends of my sons and daughters. I hope that they carry on.”

Larry said if no one has ever tried gigging they are welcome to email him at larry-shade@cherokee.org.

“I more than welcome you to look me up. Give me a holler. I will definitely take you. We’ll go out one night and I’ll show you the cultural way,” he said. “I invite all Cherokees or any tribal member. If they want to come experience a little history and a little culture.”

CRAWDADS: CATCH, CLEAN AND COOK

Cherokee Nation citizens Larry, left, and Dustin Shade hunt for crawdads at night in Fourteen Mile Creek in Cherokee County. The father-son duo used homemade gigs to catch the crustaceans. PHOTOS BY JAMI MURPHY/CHEROKEE PHOENIX

Larry Shade holds a crawdad he cleaned after catching it.

SCAN CODE WITH SMART-PHONE FOR VIDEO AND AUDIO

Catching Larry Shade and his family slowly walk

through creek waters at night carrying a lamplight, a bucket and a gig. Crawdads feed at night.

The Shades catch both in shallow and deep waters. “So it just depends on where you find the crawdads. You have to go to them. They don’t come to you,” he said.

Larry said many people “bait” a hole the night before by throwing out “chum” or something for the crawdads to feed on and draw them with. “If I clean fish, sometimes I’ll throw that in the water and that’s just so the crawdad have food. I don’t go back and bait the hole. What we do is we do it the sportsman way. I don’t cheat nature,” he said.

Larry said when gigging, get close to the crawdad without scaring it, stab the crawdad with the gig in the upper portion of the body because you eat the tail and you don’t want to damage it. He said it’s also important to make sure when at night that one’s light is bright enough to shine through the water and always be aware of your surroundings.

Larry Shade ᎠᎴ ᎠᏂᏏᏓᏁᎸᎢ ᎤᎾᏙᏢᏒᎢ ᏍᎦᏃᎵ ᎠᎾᎢᏐᎢ ᎠᎹᏱ ᏗᏨᏍᏗ ᏗᎪᎯᏅᏍᏗ ᏓᏂᏰᎰᎢ, ᎠᎴ ᎤᎵᏣᏗ ᎠᎴ ᏗᎦᏘᏍᏗ. ᏥᏍᏛᏂᏃ ᎤᏒᎢ ᎠᎾᎵᏍᏓᏂᏙᎰᎢ.

ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᎠᏂShade ᎤᏅᏬᏛᎢ ᎠᎴ ᏍᏛᎩᎢ ᎠᎹᏱ ᏓᏂᏂᏱᎰᎢ. “ᎭᏢᏊ ᏗᏩᏛᏗ ᏱᎩ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ. ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏗᏁᏙᎲᎢ ᏫᏣᎷᎯᏍᏗ. ᎥᏝ ᏂᎯ ᎮᏙᎲᎢ ᏱᎬᏂᎷᎩ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ.

LarryZ ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ ᏭᏂᎪᏛᎢ ᏴᏫ “ᏓᏂᏌᏛᏍᎪᎢ” ᎾᎯᏳ ᎤᏒᎢ “chum” ᏭᎾᏕᎪᎢ ᎠᎴᏱᎩ ᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᎤᏂᎩᏍᏗ Ꮎ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᎠᎴ ᏓᏂᏌᏛᏍᎬᎢ. “ ᎠᏣᏗᏃ ᏱᏓᎩᏅᎦᎸᎯ, ᏳᏓᎵᎭ ᎥᏍᎩᎾᎾ ᏱᏩᏮᏓᎤᎦ ᎠᎹᏱ ᎠᎴ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᏂᎩᏍᏗᏭ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ. ᎥᏝ ᏱᎦᏥᏌᏛᏍᎪᎢ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ. ᎾᏍᎩ ᎪᎯᎩᏴ ᏥᎿᎾᏛᎲᎲᎢ ᏃᏣᏛᏁᎰᎢ. ᎥᏝ ᏱᏥᎶᏄᎮᏍᎪᎢ,” ᎠᏗᏍᎬᎢ.

LarryZ ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ ᏱᏛᎦᏘᎭ, ᎾᎥᏃ ᏫᎦᎷᎯᏍᏗ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᏗᏁᏙᎲᎢ ᎡᎵᎢ ᏱᎩ ᏂᏛᏍᎦᏍᏓᏁᎲᎾ ᏱᎩ, ᎾᏊᏃ ᏗᎦᏘᏍᏗ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᎦᏘᏍᏗ ᎬᏗ ᎦᏚᎢᏗᏜ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᎠᏰᎸᎢ ᏂᏗᎦᎵᏍᏙᏗᎭ ᎦᏂᏓᏛᎢ ᎦᏰᏍᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎥᏝ ᏱᏣᏚᎵᎠ ᏣᏲᏍᏙᏗᎢ. ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏱᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ ᎤᎵᏍᎨᏗᏯ ᎾᎯᏳ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᏱᏙᏲᎭ ᎠᏎᎢ ᎢᎦᎯ ᎠᏨᏍᏗ ᎠᏫᏗ ᏰᎵᏊ ᎠᎹᏱ ᎭᏫᎾ ᏫᏗᎬᏩᎸᏌᏓᏗᏍᏗᎢ ᎠᎴ ᎣᏂᏘ ᎢᏳᎵᏍᏙᏗ ᎥᎿ ᎬᏩᏕᏱᏓ ᎥᏙᎲᎢ.

Cleaning and Cooking After a good catch, Larry and his family

clean the crawdads, usually at the creek because it’s just easier.

“The way we clean ours is we take the back part of the crawdad and pull the back part up and we clean the guts and intestines (out). And then we turn the crawdad around

and we’ll find the middle fin and we’ll pull the middle fin. That way the intestinal track will come out. Most the time we’ll tear the legs off because the edible part is the front section that we cook and we’ll break up the tail part and just eat the meat in the shell.”

After cleaning, he said they soak the crawdads in hot water with about one tablespoon of salt to ensure the crustaceans are clean and preserved until they’re cooked.

If the Shades don’t cook them that night, Larry said sometimes he’ll place them in just enough water to cover each crawdad with a half teaspoon of salt in a gallon plastic bag and put them into the freezer.

When they’re ready to cook, Larry said he doesn’t add a whole lot to them, just a little season and cornmeal.

He said to lightly salt and pepper and add just enough cornmeal to coat each crawdad.

“Little salt and little pepper and then a little cornmeal and then we’ll fry it,” he said. “I know it’s kind of the unhealthy way, but it’s something that we’ve done our whole lives.”

ᎣᏍᏓᏃ ᏱᎦᎢ ᏱᏗᎦᏂᏴᎯ, LarryᏃ ᎠᎴ ᎠᏂᏏᏓᏁᎸᎢ ᏓᏂᏅᎦᎵᏍᎪᎢ Ꮎ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ, ᎥᎿᎿ ᎠᎹᏳᏟᏗ ᏂᏗᎦᎵᏍᏙᏗᎭ ᎠᎯᏗᏭ ᎨᏐᎢ.

“ ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏃᏣᏛᏁᎲᎢ ᏱᏙᎩᏅᎦᎸ ᎦᏚᎢ ᏗᏜ ᎠᎴ ᎦᏌᎾᎩᏍᏗ ᎦᎸᏓᎬᏘ ᎠᎴ ᎦᏅᎦᏟᏗ ᏱᏗᎬᏓᎡᏗ ᏚᎩᏧᎸᎢ. ᎠᎴ ᎣᏂᏗᏢ ᏗᏜ

ᎦᏂᏓᏛᎢ ᎠᏰᏟ ᎤᏥᏍᎦᏢᎢ ᏱᎬᏂᏕᏍᏗ. ᎤᎩᏧᎸᏃ ᏅᎬᏂᏕᎠ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏱᎾᏛᏁᎳ. ᏭᎪᏛᏃ ᎨᏒ ᏙᏥᎳᏕᏍᎪᎢ ᏂᏗᎦᎵᏍᏙᏗᎭ ᎠᎩᏍᏗ ᎨᎰᎢ ᎢᎬᏱᏗᏜ ᏗᏜ ᎤᏕᏅᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᏱᎬᏂᏍᏔᏂ ᎠᎴ ᏲᏥᏲᏍᏓ ᎦᏂᏓᏛᎢ ᏗᏜ ᎤᏕᏅᎢ ᎠᎴ ᏲᏥᎦ ᎭᏫᏯ ᎥᎿ ᏄᏍᏛᎢ ᎤᏯᏍᎦᏢᎢ ᎭᏫᏂ.”

ᏲᎩᏍᏆᏓ ᏙᏥᏅᎦᎵᏍᎬᎢ, ᏙᏨᏩᏢᏍᎪᎢ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᎤᏗᏞᎩ ᎠᎼᎢ ᏍᏗ ᎠᎹ ᏚᎵᏍᏔᏅᎢ ᎾᏍᎩ ᎤᎾᏓᏅᎦᏗᎢ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᎠᎴ ᎤᏂᏲᏍᏗ ᏂᎨᏒᎾ ᏫᏛᎬᏂᏍᏗᎲᎢ ᏱᎪᎯᏓ.

ᎢᏳᏃ ᎠᏂShade ᏂᏚᏅᏂᏍᏔᏅᎾ ᏱᎩ ᎾᎯᏳ ᎤᏒᎢ, LarryᏃ ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ ᏳᏓᎵᎭ ᏑᏟᎶᏓ ᏕᎦᏟᏗᎢ ᏱᏕᎦᎸᎠ ᎠᎹᏃ ᏯᏟᏍᏗ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᏕᎦᎸᎢ ᎠᏗᏙᏗᏃ ᏥᏚᏍᏗᎧ ᏯᎧᎵᏣ ᎠᎹ ᏱᏕᎫᎵᏍᏓ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ ᎠᎴ ᎦᏁᏍᏓᎳᏗᏍᎩ ᏱᏕᎦᎸᎠ.

ᎾᏊᏃ ᏳᏟᎠᎶᏝ ᏗᎬᏂᏍᏙᏗᎢ, Larry ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ ᎥᏝ ᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᏄᏓᎴᎢ ᏳᏑᏯᏃᎢ, ᎠᏑᏴᏙᏗᏊ ᏍᏗᎢ ᎠᎴ ᏌᎷᎢᏌ.

ᎢᎧᏃᎮᏍᎬᎢ ᏍᏗᏃ ᎠᎹ ᎠᎴ ᏗᏆᏲᏗ ᎠᎴ ᏍᏗᏭ ᏎᎷᎢᏌ ᏗᎦᏅᎵᏰᏗ ᏥᏍᏛᎾ.

“ ᏍᏗᏃ ᎠᎹ ᎠᎴ ᏍᏗ ᏗᏆᏲᏗ ᎠᎴ ᎿᏊ ᏍᏗ ᏎᎷᎢᏌ ᎠᎴ ᏱᏛᎬᏣᏢᎦ,” “ᎠᏊᏂᏔ ᎥᏝ ᏙᏳᎢ ᎣᏍᏓ ᏱᎩ ᏗᎬᏣᏢᏅᎢ ᏱᎩ, ᎠᏎᏅ ᎥᏍᎩᏭ ᏂᎦᏲᏣᏛᏁᎰᎢ ᏙᏦᎦᏛᏒᎢ.”

“You have to go to them. They don’t come to you.”

LARRY SHADE

BELOW: Larry Shade cooks crawdads and fried potatoes near the bank of Fourteen Mile Creek in Lost City, Oklahoma.

ABOVE: Before cooking crawdads, Larry Shade and his family soaks the cleaned crustaceans in hot water with salt. After draining them, the Shades add salt and pepper, cornmeal and then fry them in oil.

BELOW: Father and son Larry, left, and Dustin Shade clean crawdads after gigging them.