COKV TVLVME
The official publication of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
April 2008 Edition
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On Wednesday, April 2, Seminole Nation Principal Chief Kelly Haney, along with National Indian Gaming Commission officials Philip N. Hogan, chairman, and Norm DesRosiers, commissioner, signed an agreement to modify the current payment schedule for the remaining $8.9 million balance of the Civil Fine Assessment levied against the tribe.
Under the terms of the original agreement, to which the Seminole Nation has strictly adhered since December of 2003, a fine in the amount of 20% of the tribe’s net gaming revenue must be paid to the United States Treasury on a quarterly basis. These quarterly payments are to be made until the original $11,376,000 fine amount is satisfied. [Read More] |
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 On Monday, March 31, members of the community and Seminole Nation employees congregated inside the halls of the tribal complex, anticipating the initial voyage of the Seminole Nation Public Transit System’s first bus.
Then the bus pulled into the parking lot; the manifestation of several months of dedication and steadfast planning by the Transportation Department.
Officials posed for a photograph outside, as passengers boarded eagerly. Each noted the luxurious interior of the bus as they settled into its plush, high-backed seats. [Read More] |
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 Greetings to all tribal members. Hope you’re enjoying the springtime weather.
April 10-11, I attended the United States Department of Health and Human Services Region VI 2008 Tribal Consultation Session in Dallas, Texas. The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma is one of sixty-five tribes in Region VI.
Portions of the consultation session dealt with follow-up issues discussed at the National HHS meeting held in Washington, D.C. in March. According to the health agencies, those meetings have brought continued progress. [Read More] |
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Tim Harjo, Wm. Williams, Keith Miller, Cheri Hardeman [Read More] |
B. J. Gore, Kerry Ann Larney, Geoffrey Little, Tori LeeAnne Long, Chris Little, Jared Ray Alexander, Kyle Yarge, Ryan Ray Cloud, Tabitha Jo Harjo [Read More] |
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 Students from Shawnee High School, in their first year of competition, won first place at the Oklahoma American Indian Challenge Bowl. The event was held on March 26, 2008 at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center in Shawnee. Thirteen teams from across the state participated in the competition. Shawnee fielded two.
Team B, “The Royal Tribe,” encountered hardship early when they lost to Sand Springs High School in two tie-breaker rounds. They went on to defeat Colbert High School, but ultimately fell to Norman North. Students competing for Team B included Tyler Langley, Tracy Carter, Thomas Tiger, Mekko Jones and Kelsie Fixico. [Read More] |
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 Staff Sergeant Robert Whitekiller’s military service has taken him to several foreign countries: Italy, South Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan. His heart, though, has never left Seminole County.
Whitekiller was deployed with the 173rd airborne brigade in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I and Operation Enduring Freedom VI. He led missions as squad leader, platoon sergeant and combat engineer liaison.
Often, the arid, windswept conditions of his surroundings would begrime his uniform. Catching his own reflection, Whitekiller would reminisce about the dirty-legged stomp dances and dirty-faced all Indian softball tournaments that he treasured as a child. [Read More] |
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 Cara and Chelsea Douthitt of Bixby, Oklahoma, are to be commended for their achievements for the 2007-2008 school year.
Cara and Chelsea are the daughters of Richard and Pat Douthitt. Their grandparents are Perry and Polly Palmer of Tulsa, and the late Bryan and Marie Douthitt. They are the great-granddaughters of the late Alec and Nora Cully, and the great-nieces of Jane McKane of Yeager, and Amy Owings of Sasakwa.The Douthitt sisters are Seminole tribal members of the Mekusukey band and the Wind clan.
Chelsea is a 5th grader at the Bixby North 5th and 6th Grade Center, where she was a valuable asset to the school academic team this year. She participated in the Whitey Ford basketball league, and was also 1 of only 25 students selected for the school swing choir. [Read More] |
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 The Seminole Nation Domestic Violence Program was established in November 2007 to help tribal members and their families in breaking the cycle of violence. The program assists victims by providing essential services in the areas of victim advocacy, court advocacy, crisis intervention, referral assistance, shelter placement assistance, supervised visitations, safe exchange, housing assistance, utility assistance and transitional living.
Each Monday, the Domestic Violence Program will have an advocate at the Seminole Nation Housing Authority Residence Center to offer educational classes that focus on the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault. Members of the community are encouraged to attend and learn how to help a friend or family member that may be involved in an abusive relationship. It is through education, that the SNDV Program is able to empower victims and their loved ones to break the generational cycle of violence that impacts so many families. [Read More] |
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April is sexual assault awareness month and according to Amnesty International, native women are 2.5 times more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to be victims of sexual assault.
Another interesting government statistic is that the perpetrators are more likely to be non-natives. At least 86% of reported rapes or other sexual assaults against native women are committed by non-Indian men who are rarely prosecuted, according to Amnesty’s “Maze of Injustice: The Failure to Protect Indigenous Women from Sexual Violence in the USA” report. This amounts to revictimization in the worst form – no justice for the victim. [Read More] |
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The Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association, Inc. is excited to announce two important events: the launch of its official website and a two-day conference to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act.
To enhance its mission, the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association recently launched a website designed to provide information and resources, as well as support and direction to tribes, agencies and individuals concerned with protecting the best interests of American Indian children and families. OICWA, a non-profit organization incorporated by the State of Oklahoma in 1984, represents the Indian Child Welfare programs in Oklahoma and advocates for the protection of Indian children and their families. [Read More] |
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 Two tribal members received Seminole Middle School Student of the Month honors for March. Eighth graders Leslie Hill and Damien Hobia were recognized by the Lions Club for their special achievement.
Leslie Hill is the daughter of Mickey and Joan Hill. Among her many scholastic accomplishments, Hill has earned a spot on both the Principal’s Honor Roll and Superintendent’s Honor Roll. She is also a member of Who’s Who Among Students, and a recipient of the President’s Award and perfect attendance honors.
Hill enjoys sports, outdoor activities, and her involvement with the New Creations Youth Group. She also likes to sing, draw, cook and spend time with her friends and family. [Read More] |
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 Leann Norman, a 17-year-old Junior at Holdenville High School, was selected to attend the American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State Program this summer.
Girls State is a youth citizenship program for young women of high moral character, possessing an interest in politics and government, strong leadership abilities and a heightened scholastic aptitude. Participants in Girls State study local, county and state governmental processes by establishing their very own governments and administering them according to the laws of their states. [Read More] |
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Traditionally, the Mvskoke people consider humility an integral aspect of tribal culture. In fact, it is one of three principles which have been espoused in both family traditions and cultural teachings.
Eyasketv (meekness, mild mannered), Vnokeckv (love, affection) and Kvncvpkv (humility, lowliness) are considered the three most important qualities of character. These principles were the underlying foundations of a civilized society even before the European exposure.
It is, therefore, conceivable that the conversion of the Tribal Nations to Christianity was advanced because of the commonality with the New Testament principles of Jesus Christ.
When two or more people meet, it is customary to extend one’s hand to the other for a handshake. Handshaking is a gesture of both a respectful salute, and evidence of submission – open hands hold no weapons. [Read More] |
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In partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Seminole County, the Seminole Nation awarded a contract to Cummins Construction Company, Inc. for modifications on Maud Farm Road totaling $3,685,603.25.
“Cummins is a very reputable company that has been in the paving business since 1955,” said Seminole Nation Transportation Director Chris Cutler. “They have asphalt plants all over Oklahoma making them one of the biggest asphalt producers in the state. They have received many paving awards for their quality work and are looking forward to the job.”
Six subcontractors are assisting the construction efforts, performing the essential tasks of traffic control, placing sod, moving dirt, building fence, erecting signs and striping the road. [Read More] |
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The Seminole Nation Flute Circle gathering has seen a recent resurgence. Jerry Haney, a member of the flute circle, has discussed many possibilities for the program’s expansion. [Read More] |
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Shirley Ann Rains, Frances Pauline Harjo, Robert W. Stewart, Willis Woodrow Wilson [Read More]
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The Oklahoma Wildfire 8 & under softball team took first place in the USSSA Qualifier in Seminole, with 63 runs scored and 23 runs allowed. They are 10-0. [Read More] |
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