Volume 21 Issue 3 (fall 2022) eehiši iiyaayankwi
where we are going
IAya,write
this letter to our Peoria citizens with a full heart and a continued sense of national pride. Three years ago, an idea was presented and discussed, “When will we make the revitalization of our language a priority?” The idea had a tremendous amount of interest yet was longing for the matching support to generate the momentum necessary to bring a cultural project of this caliber to life. This dream of Peoria Language revitalization became a vision for a new cultural program. Soon it was no longer about the “if” we take the next steps to restore our language, and more about the “when” and “who” could help us make this dream a reality for tribal citizens.
Be Chiefwell,Harper
To any of our citizens traveling through Miami soon, please don’t hesitate to stop and visit our Tribal Headquarters and say Aya! (I am learning as well!)
From the Desk of Chief Harper
We are thankful to have found the perfect combination of passion and cultural knowledge at the right time. Last year, Charla EchoHawk and Tosan Wess Farless began a planning and development strategy to introduce and implement our new Peoria Language Curriculum. This same week that I write this letter, our Cultural Preservation Department hosted both a virtual and in-person language class which fulfilled our mandate to revitalize and reintroduce our Peewaaliaataweenki (Peoria Language)! This course will be continuous for the next 10 weeks and will result in the first inaugural group of tribal citizens who will speak, read and write our Peoria Language. I would like to extend my sincerest “mihši neewe” (thank you very much) to both Charla and Wess for an exceptional job launching this program. Congratulations to all our first-course students of all ages and from all over the country. I know that as Peoria Proud as I am of this amazing accomplishment, our relatives that have gone on before us are even more proud to see their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren speaking our language once again.
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Table of Contents: Peoria Powwow Photos 6 Back 2 School - Peoria Proud 8 Christmas Party 10 Peoria Proud - Graduates 12 Program Updates 14 Address Update 20 Natural Resources 22 Financial Summary 28 Eldercare Application 30 4 @thepeoriatribe PEORIATRIBE.COM@PEORIATRIBE
The Peoria Tribal Burial Assistance Benefit
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The Peoria Tribal Burial Assistance Benefit is $10,000 per citizen.
Betty Louise Glass Lydia Ann Johnson RobertLembckeMcNaughton
Jon Edward Mitchell
All Burial Assistance Applications must be completed and returned with an original certified death certificate no later than 180 days from the date of death. All deceased must be enrolled members of the Peoria Tribe. Payment will be made directly to the funeral home. Please visit with the funeral home concerning this policy. This application is available online at peoriatribe. com/forms or by contacting the Tribal Programs Manager, Donna Harp via email at dharp@peoriatribe.com or by telephone at 918-540-2535 or 1-800-259-9987.
Ada Mae McKinney
25th annual peor
7 ia tribe powwow
Ashton - Grade 7 Emmaly - Grade 1 Jackson - Grade 6 Ryder - Grade 1 Lucas - Grade 4Jacob - Grade 3 Back 2 School - Fall 2022
Submitted by Jenny Rampey
PEORIA PROUD Brody Blalock Oklahoma ASA Archery ChampionState 10
Peoria Artist: Kiyah Sisco
Peoria Artist: Mary Martin
Peoria Artist: JohnBallardDavid
visit peoriatradingpost.com!
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Peoria Artist: Sonja Weeks
PEORIA graduates
Kylie Marshall graduated from Winnetonka High School in May. She was proud to represent the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma during her graduationMaryMaryceremony.NodineNodinegraduated
with distinction from Broken Arrow High School this spring. Mary will be attending Oklahoma State University this fall to study Environmental Science - Natural LoveResources.always from her parents, Steve and Melissa Nodine, and all her family.
Olivia will be attending University of Oregon this fall.
Graduate of Wilsonville High School, Wilsonville, Oregon Class of 2022
Olivia Skye Osieczanek
Kylie Marshall
RachelRachelUniversity.Blancartehasgraduatedfrom
Kennedi Pogue
California State University, Long Beach. She has been pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies (Elementary Education) and a Multiple Subject Credential. She will be student teaching in the Fall.
Thank you to the Peoria Tribe and the Education Committee for your support.
Sophia Grace Westphal
Sophia graduated from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY with a BA degree in Political Science and English in 2021. She is attending Boston Law College. This summer she is working for the Boston DA’s office as an intern.
Kennedi Pogue, daughter of Jason Pogue from Miami, graduated from Stillwater, Oklahoma in May 2022. Kennedi was selected as one of the valedictorians of her class, with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was a member of the three-time Oklahoma high school academic state championship cheer team, and served as team captain her senior year. Kennedi is planning to pursue a degree in Business Administration and was recently selected as a member the cheerleading team at Oklahoma State
4th of july celebration at buffalo run
T-6 Flybys featuring a microjet over the warm summer sunset while the live band performed, children played, and families enjoyed!
Route 66 Heritage Fest 17
Peoria Language Update
šaaye aawiki leepwaamikonki! (It is time to go to school!) On this day, August 18th, our first 10-week Peoria language course begins! Peewaaliaataweenki (Peoria Language) teacher, Tosan Wesley Farless will be guiding students through a 10-week introductory Peoria language course. Visit peoriatribe.com/plc for the most up-to-date information regarding Peoria language!
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Woodland Academy Field Trip to Peoria Aquatic Facility
Woodland Academy School Age group visited the Peoria Tribe Aquatic Facility for a fun day of fishing, learning about mussels, and exploring!
NEW!! Update your address online: Sign up to receive the Newsletter electronically by filling out this paper or online form! Visit peoriatribe.com for more information. 20
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To paraphrase a farmer: the drought makes us think. It makes us better stewards.
“It is so dry the trees are bribing the dogs.” ~ Charles Martin
In the last month, this region has seen the drought continue. We are finally seeing a slight reprieve from the heat and have had a few rain showers to settle the dust. The last shower even added a hue of green back to the landscape. The Natural Resource Department crew has been working relentlessly trying to protect some of the Tribe’s sensitive assets; its natural resources. We value the land and water resources we have and try, even in good years, to manage those resources in such a way that when hard times hit, we are prepared, and we don’t cause damage to those resources. For example, what this looks like, for the ranch, in a good or bad year is the use of rotational grazing, allowing fields to recover and stand for a season. For the Environmental group, it looks like, water and air quality monitoring and prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk. The past work has paid off thus far. We will continue to plan for the future and try to conserve when and where we can. Thus, the drought makes us think. We will use this time to review what we can and must do differently in the future.
NATURAL RESOURCES
By: Erin Barnes
“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” ~ Benjamin Frankin
By the time late summer comes around, most female mussels will have already found host fish for their larvae; however, the Rabbitsfoot mussel—a federally endangered species local to this region—are late host-finders. So, in July and early August, these mussels will crawl up the riverbanks to the edges of our gravel bars in search of their host fish (believed to be golden shiners). Rabbitsfoot are easily recognized by their rectangular shape and bright orange foot. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find them and potentially save their lives as they occasionally get trapped on the gravel bars when an unexpected drought hits.
By: Regina Sapp
The best time to go looking for freshwater mussels is in late summer when the rains have dried up, and the water levels are at their lowest and have reached their slowest flow. Freshwater mussels can be found in both the Spring and the Neosho River, using snorkels or feeling along the bottom of the riverbed with your hands and feet. There are a wide variety of freshwater mussels located in our region of Oklahoma, including Bleufer, Neosho Mucket, Fatmucket, Paper Pondshell, Pocketbook, Yellow Sandshell, Monkeyface, Three-Horned Wartyback, Mapleleaf, among many others. If you happen to stumble across a freshwater mussel while out floating with your family, a fast and fun way to identify them can be found in A Guide to Missouri’s Freshwater Mussels which can be accessed through the attached QR code. Although this guide is for Missouri mussels, many species can be found throughout both states.
MUSSEL LAB
Freshwater mussels have an interesting lifecycle. Like caterpillars to butterflies, they too have a larval stage (known as glochidia), but unlike caterpillars, these larvae are parasitic and must attach to a host fish before they can metamorphose into juvenile mussels. Glochidia are kept inside their mother’s gills until a host fish comes along and either eats the mussel or attacks it. Then, the larvae are spit out into the fish’s mouth, where they attach to their gills and metamorphose into mussels after 2-3 weeks.
Didyouknow?
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The dog days of summer are upon us at the Peoria Tribe Ranch with the blistering heat and drought. The first cutting of hay is finished with a total of 1023 bales; if it doesn’t rain soon, there may not be a second cutting of hay. Early in the summer, the ranch crew wet baled rye grain to produce more hay for the cattle. Last fall, we planted rye grain in various pastures and hay fields to gain additional grazing over the winter and to gain more hay once spring arrived.
Due to the long stretch of excessive heat and the drought we are currently in, one of the Tribe’s fields that are leased for corn production “failed.” When the corn does not produce enough mass or ears, it is considered a failed crop. When this happens, if caught early enough, it can still be a valuable product for local ranchers, especially in a droughty year. We were able to turn this unfortunate event into an opportunity for the ranch. We cut, wet baled, and silage wrapped the corn. This is a very viable option that will help with the hay shortage. Special balers were used with pre-cutters that chop the corn as it goes into the baler, making for a better-quality feed. There was more actual corn on the stalks than anticipated, which means this will be a highvalue product to feed the cattle!
PEORIA TRIBE RANCH
Bailing the hay wet (60-65% moisture) and then wrapping the bales in a silage film preserves the hay. By wrapping the wet hay in silage film (similar to vacuum sealing food), oxygen trapped inside is depleted quickly. Then no more oxygen can contact the hay, thus preserving it for the upcoming winter.
By: Trey Siegrist
• Work with a healthcare provider to identify your asthma triggers and develop an asthma action plan to reduce triggers in your home
• Keep your home clean. Remove clutter from counters, sinks, tables, and floors. Clean dishes, crumbs, and spills immediately, and store food in airtight containers.
By: La Shell Thomas
• If mold is a problem in your home, clean it up and eliminate sources of moisture.
• Maintain low indoor humidity (between 30-50%). Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers available at hardware stores.
Mold:
• Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold.
Dust Mites:
Pesticides and Chemicals:
• Use dust-proof covers on pillows and mattresses. Wash bedding in hot water and dry completely once a week
• Reduce household dust by often dusting with a damp cloth and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter
AIRMANAGINGQUALITYASHTMA
Didyouknow? Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, and indoor allergens and irritants play a significant role in triggering asthma attacks. Reducing exposure to things like secondhand smoke, dust mites, and furry pets may be an effective method for controlling asthma.
• Pesticides are not only toxic to pests—they can affect people too! Always follow label directions.
• Choose stuffed toys for children that can be washed. Wash in hot water and dry thoroughly.
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Financial Information and Summary Total: $2,266,242.25 28 Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Tribal Trust Funds Summary 114 Acres at Wyandotte 11,733.10$ Peoria Descendandts 12,434.05$ Education (transfer) 854.84$ Education 320,685.01$ Economic Development 306,224.53$ Land Acquisition 306,198.33$ Burial 104,887.72$ Tribal Gov. 1,097,828.00$ Legal 105,396.67$ Total 2,266,242.25$12,434.05$11,733.10$$854.84 $306,198.33$306,224.53$320,685.01 $104,887.72 $1,097,828.00 $105,396.67 $- $200,000.00 $400,000.00 $600,000.00 $800,000.00 $1,000,000.00 $1,200,000.00 114 Acres at Wyandotte Peoria EconomicEducationDescendandts(transfer)EducationDevelopmentLandAcquisitionBurialTribalGov.Legal Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Tribal Trust Funds Summary
CCDF - CRRSA 1,891,339.00 1,778,703.74 112,635.26 Title VI Cargiver Support Program 65,060.00 65,060.00 0.00 Child Care and Development Fund 2,955,090.00 2,844,122.25 110,967.75 Nutrition Services Incentive Program 13,133.00 13,133.00 0.00 Community Health Representative Contract 362,852.00 193,013.97 169,838.03 Dickson Mounds Museum 100,000.00 0.00 100,000.00
DOJ - OVC 524,289.00 345,792.32 178,496.68 Title IV B 10,434.00 0.00 10,434.00
Account Title-20 All FY 20 Open Programs
ANA Language Grant 82,609.00 69,776.71 12,832.29 DOJ - OVC 231,092.00 0.00 231,092.00
CurrentBudget
Legal Fees / Activity 2627 750,000.00 235,454.71 514,545.29
Unaudited Summary Expenditure Budget Report
Promoting Safe & Stable Families 15,360.00 1,497.76 13,862.24 Building Lease 85,412.00 69,576.59 15,835.41
Economic Development / Activity 2614 250,000.00 73,851.40 176,148.60
Cemetery Special Revenue Fund 25,754.00 2,869.14 22,884.86
Tribal Youth Development-Aquaculture 47,564.00 28,385.51 19,178.49 Promoting Safe & Stable Families 15,714.00 0.00 15,714.00
Covid Treasury 24,200,014.86 8,563,200.00 15,636,814.86 Language Media Production & Website Developer 50,000.00 9,090.00 40,910.00
Aid to Tribal Government Contract 257,997.00 0.00 257,997.00 Maternal Mortality Review 7,500.00 169.99 7,330.01
CCDF Construction 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 0.00 Fish Hatchery Maintenance 241,500.00 0.00 241,500.00
Tribal Transportation CRRSAA 112,659.19 106,942.68 5,716.51 Library Grant 7,000.00 7,000.00 0.00
Pow Wow 63,733.00 49,609.67 14,123.33
Tribal Fish Hatchery 140,619.00 27,860.09 112,758.91
Education / Activity 2612 490,000.00 38,582.25 451,417.75
Invasive Species 71,500.00 35,005.27 36,494.73 DOJ - OVC 231,094.00 1,749.79 229,344.21 Fish Hatchery Maintenance 291,050.00 18,298.85 272,751.15 Opioid, Stimulant, & Substance Abuse Site-Bas 600,000.00 38,039.09 561,960.91
Tribal Government / Activity 2621 3,028,920.00 550,830.88 2,478,089.12
Fish Hatchery Maintenance 105,000.00 105,000.00 0.00 Invasive Species 80,244.00 0.00 80,244.00
Higher Education Grant 190,104.00 62,251.00 127,853.00 Title VI Elderly Feeding Grant 144,100.00 144,100.00 0.00
Tribal Tags Program 84,924.00 23,934.95 60,989.05 Gaming Commission 535,000.00 99,685.11 435,314.89
Burial / Activity 2617 290,000.00 95,073.72 194,926.28
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Aid to Tribal Government Contract 263,781.00 218,270.07 45,510.93 Aid to Tribal Government Contract 231,213.00 241.94 230,971.06
ASARCO Settlement 126,563.26 81,298.51 45,264.75 Tribal Properties 1,388,532.00 123,388.87 1,265,143.13
ICDBG - Cares Imminent Threat 900,000.00 900,000.00 0.00 Trading Post 52,384.00 2,163.51 50,220.49
Unaudited Summary Expenditure Budget Report
ATG ARPA Funds 2,199,732.00 1,016,500.00 1,183,232.00 Expanding The Public Health Workforce 80,000.00 80,000.00 0.00
Land Acquisition / Activity 2615 100,000.00 0.00 100,000.00
Indian Reservation Roads 2% Planning Funds 7,765.90 6,691.85 1,074.05 ICDBG Food Distribution Center 1,035,000.00 0.00 1,035,000.00 HIP ARPA 148,156.00 0.00 148,156.00 OLHCHH - Healthy Homes Grant 1,718,725.01 0.00 1,718,725.01
Opiod Overdose Prevention Project 60,000.00 0.00 60,000.00 PPG EPA 400,868.00 151,724.16 249,143.84
National Park Service Grant 497,262.00 0.00 497,262.00 Indian Child Welfare Grant 88,983.00 22,301.58 66,681.42 Title IV B 10,229.00 5,401.19 4,827.81 Title VI Elderly Feeding Grant 146,760.00 122,415.20 24,344.80
Family 1st PSSF 21,672.00 12,385.14 9,286.86 Endangered Species 94,000.00 0.00 94,000.00
Opiod Overdose Prevention Project 60,000.00 49,802.52 10,197.48 Noxious Weeds 20,422.00 0.00 20,422.00
Herd Development Grant Program 22,645.00 0.00 22,645.00 Child Care and Development Fund 2,681,692.00 101,832.26 2,579,859.74
Energy & Mineral Development Program 73,218.00 24,406.00 48,812.00 Tribal Youth Development-Aquaculture 47,564.00 0.00 47,564.00
YTD Actual Variance Account Title-22 All FY 22 Open Programs Current Budget YTD Actual Variance
Account Title-21 All FY 21 Open Current YTD Actual Variance Community Health Representative Contract 168,363.00 0.00 168,363.00
Children's Christmas Special Revenue Fund 91,515.00 413.56 91,101.44
Elder Care/Disability Program 500,000.00 194,081.23 305,918.77
PPG EPA 365,192.00 327,791.03 37,400.97 Department of Commerce 500,271.00 45,823.30 454,447.70
ATG Covid 19 Cares Act 1,136,615.75 330,611.61 806,004.14 Capital Projects - Treasury 167,504.00 0.00 167,504.00
Covid Treasury 7,700,000.00 3,205,607.75 4,494,392.25 Indian Child Welfare Grant 105,193.00 93,324.26 11,868.74
Historic Preservation Grant 497,262.00 24,478.02 472,783.98 Nutrition Services Incentive Program 13,145.00 13,145.00 0.00
PSSF Supporting Foster Youth 3,758.00 0.00 3,758.00 Cattle Farm Operating 604,401.00 251,154.44 353,246.56
TOR Grant - Opioid Response 305,272.00 59,337.26 245,934.74 Indirect Cost Pool 1,290,000.00 298,010.94 991,989.06 Child Abuse Prevention Grant 205,705.00 76,134.94 129,570.06 Cultural Preservation-Education 408,587.00 54,485.91 354,101.09
Summary Budget Comparison from 7/1/2022 through 7/31/2022
Endangered Species 88,000.00 16,695.46 71,304.54 Account Title-23 All FY 23 Open Programs Current Budget YTD Actual Variance
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The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma has established a program to aid the elderly and disabled population that could benefit from an additional funding source to supplement their households, and/or disability needs, without restricting or interfering with other government programs.
Eligibility:
• Eligibility for both programs cease upon tribal citizen’s death. Peoria denied benefits will be reviewed by a 3 person Review Committee comprised of the Chief and 2 accounting staff members. Individuals will not be permitted to receive benefits as both “elderly” and “disabled.” Applicants may only utilize one program.
• Individual must be a current enrolled living citizen of the Peoria Tribe, 65 years or older, evidenced by a Photo ID.
• Minors or other disabled individuals already receiving Disability Social Security or SSI benefits payable to a representative payee, will be eligible for tribal reimbursement program
• Minors not receiving SSI benefits must have documentation of state or federal Determination of Disability to receive reimbursement.
The Elder Care and Disability Reimbursement Program (ECDRP) will make available up to $2,500 per fiscal year (April 1st- March 31st) for eligible tribal citizens. Each eligible tribal citizen is limited to 3 requests for services per fiscal year, not to exceed maximum total of $2,500.
• ORIGINAL RECEIPT(S), not copies, must be sent to the tribal office, and be dated within the fiscal year of the application date. All receipts must come from the vendor or service provider, contain the vendor’s contact information, and a detailed summary of product(s) and services.
• An approved application signed by applicant or legal representative must be on file. A new application is to be submitted each Fiscal year.
• Eligible adult tribal citizen must provide an award letter or benefit statement from the Social Security Administration (dated within last 90 days), to receive disability benefits. All Payments will be made to the representative payee as designated on Disability or SSI records.
Insurance and Taxes: • Life Insurance • Home Owner’s Insurance • Automotive Insurance • Healthcare Insurance • Personal Content Insurance for renters • Property Tax Note: ALL insurance/proof of ownership of property must be in the name of the eligible tribal citizen to qualify for payment. Utilities: • Electric • Natural gas • Propane • Water • Rent/Mortgage • Trash services • Telephone services Note: ALL utilities must be in the name of the eligible tribal citizen to qualify for payment. Health Care Expenses: • Prescription eye glasses • Dentures • Medical Alert Service • Prescription medication • Health care deductibles • Physician prescribed ambulatory product (wheelchair, cane, walker) • Hearing aids • Miscellaneous items prescribed by a Note:physicianALLprescriptions and deductibles must be in the name of the eligible tribal citizen to qualify for payment You may also review the policies and procedures on peoriatribe.com/eldercare or contact the office to receive a copy. If you have any questions feel free to contact Tribal Programs at 918-540-2535 at the
Tribal office. All
Elder Care and Disability Reimbursement Program
Application for Elder Care & Disability Reimbursement Program PO Box 1527, Miami, OK 74355 918-540-2535 Tribal Citizen Name:_________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________CityStateZipCode Phone Number: _____ (Only 3 applications will be accepted per tribal citizen per fiscal year) Tribal Roll #:________ Birth date: ____/____/_______ (Attach copy of membership card) Program Applying for: (check one) Elder Care: ______ Disability: _____ Total of attached receipts: $_______________ MUST BE ATTACHED: (check list below) Copy of Tribal Membership Card Copy of Photo I.D. Original Receipts of Purchases for items or services (stated in guidelines) Disability applicants will also need: Award Letter, Benefit Statement or Determination of Disability documentation. Date: ___________ Signture:_________________________________ DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE/OFFICE USE ONLY Date Received: __________ Membership confirmed: _______ Reimbursement Requisition ____ Check mailed______ 31
What’s Next? + RSVP for the Christmas Party (pg.10) + RSVP for FREE Flu Shot - October 14! (pg.27) + Update you address (pg. 21)