Feb. 15, 2018 -Volume 14, Issue 4www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-newsFollow us on Twitter #CATribalTribune

By Latoya LonelodgeStaff Reporter

Every day more than 115 Americans die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids, including prescrip-tion pain relievers, heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious nation-al crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention esti-mates that the total “econom-ic burden” of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost produc-tivity, addiction treatment and criminal justice involve-ment. With soaring numbers of the drug epidemic, find-ing resources and spreading knowledge to communities is at an all time high.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-vention, in 2016 there were more than 63,000 deadly overdoses of the drug in the nation. CNN reported a ma-jority the drug overdoses of 42,249 people involved opi-oids, a number higher than the 41,070 people who die from breast cancer annually.

On Jan. 29 the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office

of Justice Services (OJS), Indian Police Academy (IPA) and Division of Drug Enforcement (DDE) held an opioid and heroin aware-ness community outreach meeting at the Concho Com-munity Center in Concho, Okla. The meeting focused on identification factors and effects of drug abuse, causes of overdose and combating opioids and heroin within the communities.

Community members, tribal employees and law enforcement staff were all invited to the meeting.

“What we wanted to do is have community awareness, not only for law enforcement and administration but also for the communities, getting the communities involved. They’re the first line, we wouldn’t be law enforce-ment without the communi-ty’s help. We just want to get awareness out there to them and hopefully it will better prepare them for the epidem-ic,” Anthony LeadingFox, BIA special agent said.

Over the years, heroin abuse and dependence have increased, as well as

death rates relating to her-oin overdose. According to statistics, between 2002 and 2013 the rate of heroin-re-lated overdose deaths nearly quadrupled. Heroin use has more than doubled among young adults, ages 18-25, in the past decade and 45 percent of people who used heroin were also addicted to prescription opioid painkill-ers.

Heroin is defined as a highly addictive illegal opi-oid drug that can lead to overdose, respiratory depres-

Bringing opioid and heroin abuse awareness to communities

Anthony LeadingFox, BIA special agent, led discussions of the opioid/heroin epidemic bringing awareness to com-munitities through a community outreach. (Photo / Latoya Lonelodge)

By Holly Stewart

On Feb. 7 in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of the American Indian in-troduced the artists whose concepts will go forward to the second stage of the com-petition to design the Nation-al Native American Veterans Memorial. Before describing their proposals, the finalists said a few words about the ideas and experiences that led each of them to take part in the project.

James Dinh cited his family’s experience of dis-placement from their home in Vietnam after the war. His design reflects Dinh’s belief that a memorial should be a space, rather than an object, and that remembering is a communal act, as well as a personal one.

Both Daniel SaSuWeh Jones (Ponca Tribe of In-dians of Oklahoma) and Enoch Kelly Haney (Semi-nole Nation of Oklahoma), who worked together on

a design, have deep roots in their people’s culture. A for-mer principal chief, Haney grew up at a time when the large majority of his nation still spoke Mvskoke. Jones, a former tribal chairman, is taking part in a project to preserve traditional stories in Ponca by re-establishing the songs associated with them and creating bronze statues of their characters.

As a boy, Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes) saw the respect his people gave to those who fought for their nation. A U.S. Marine from 1962 to 1965, he was one of the first Native American soldiers to serve in Vietnam. Decades later the Southern Cheyenne Chiefs Lodge made him a Cheyenne Peace Chief.

Stefanie Rocknak, a sculptor, professor of philos-ophy, and student of Ameri-can history, believes that a national memorial to the ser-vice and sacrifice of Native

Finalists present their design concepts for the National Native American Veterans Memorial

Finalists in the design competition for National Native American Veterans Memorial to be built on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. From left to right: Leroy Transfield (Māori: Ngai Tahu/Ngati Toa), Daniel SaSuWeh Jones (Ponca), Stefanie Rocknak, Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne & Arapaho), James Dinh; not shown: Enoch Kelly Haney (Seminole). (Photo / Travis Helms, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian)Design concepts / next page

Opioid awareness / pg. 4

Tsistsistas & HinonoeiPAGE 2 Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune

Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief405-422-7446 / rmstephens@c-a-tribes.org

Design conceptscontinued from pg. 1

“Gut It & Cut It”Deer skinning & field dressing demon-stration hosted by the Cheyenne & Arap-aho Culture & Heritage Program.Learn the skill of skinning and harvesting deer meat

6-8 p.m. Feb. 23Concho Community

CenterConcho, Okla.

NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

ALLOWEDFor more in-

formation call 405-422-7433 or

405-422-7522

American veterans and their families is long overdue. She hopes the memorial will give visitors a sense of awe and reverence.

Leroy Transfield (Māori: Ngai Tahu/Ngati Toa) envisions the memorial as both a single sculptural form and a place that will present stories of bravery, sacrifice, and other in-clusive themes in ways that will resonate meaningfully with different visitors in different ways.

Cheyenne and Arapaho member Harvey Pratt’s design is entitled, Warrior’s Circel of Honor.

“The Sacred Circle represents heaven, earth, and the path-way followed by honor-bound Native People. Wind Spirits can pass through the stainless steel Sacred Circle. Water, fire and the drum are the central design elements within the cir-cle. Water represents purity, prayer, cleansing, and reflection, running over smooth river rocks in a red granite basin. Fire symbolizes strength, courage, endurance, and comfort. The bronze and granite drum is the heartbeat of memorial and connects all the elements.

“The outer wall is comprised of four sections with the five military seals on each section. It provides an outer perime-ter and allows private meditation space on interior benches. Legacy Footprints of different colors on top of the outer wall represent warriors of the past, present, and future: white (be-ginning), red (power of the Creator), yellow (Mother Earth), black (ancestors). The Warriors Traditional Red Road, made of red brick pavers surrounding the outer wall, represents the way of life leading to harmony. The memorial would be located north of the museum’s Welcome Plaza.”

The Competition Recognizing the importance of giving “all Americans

the opportunity to learn of the proud and courageous tradi-tion of service by Native Americans in the Armed Forces of the United States,” Congress commissioned the museum to build a National Native American Veterans Memorial. The museum, together with the National Congress of American Indians and other Native American organizations, formed an advisory committee composed of tribal leaders and Native veterans from across the country who have assisted with out-reach to Native American communities and veterans. From 2015 until the summer of 2017, the advisory committee and

the museum conducted 35 community consultations to seek input and support for the memorial. These events brought together tribal leaders, Native veterans and community members from throughout the United States and resulted in a shared vision and set of design principles for the memorial.

The first phase of the design competition received 120 completed entries from across the world. The authors of each entry remained anonymous throughout the selection process and were not revealed to the museum’s jury of Native and non-Native artists, designers, and scholars until after the conclusion of the jury session. The jury unanimously select-ed the five finalists.

These five entries will undergo further development throughout the second stage of the competition to a level that fully explains their spatial, material, and symbolic qualities and how they respond to the vision and design principles for the memorial. The final design concepts will be shown at the museum in Washington and New York from May 19 through June 3. The competition jury will judge the final de-sign concepts and announce a winner July 4. The memorial is slated to open on the grounds of the museum in Washing-ton in 2020.

Holly Stewart is a writer and editor on the staff of the National Museum of the American Indian.

Harvey Pratt’s design concept for the National Native American Veterans Memorial is entitled Warrior’s Circle of Honor. (Courtsey photo)

Cheyenne and Arapaho seniors who will be eligi-ble to graduate in May can apply for a $100 graduation assistance, to be paid to the vendor/company address and applied toward senior expenses, after submitting the following four docu-ments:

1. a letter from the school registrar or counselor stating the senior has enough credit hours and will be eligible to graduate with his/her class in May.

2. a CDIB (certificate of degree of Indian Blood) from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Enroll-ment Office, not a copy of your tribal i.d. card (if you do not have a copy of your CDIB you may call our en-rollment office at 405-422-7600) to request one to be to our office. You may also request them to send one to you. There is no charge for CDIBs.

3. a copy of the order form or invoice with a bal-ance due, and be sure the company or vendor address is clearly listed. The pay-ment will be mailed directly to the vendor or company in

approximately two weeks after we have received the request. The assistance is no more than $100. If there is a balance due, that will be the parent’s responsibility.

4. a completed Education Gaming application. The gaming application can also be copied from our website www.c-a-tribes.org/educa-tion . Simply google Chey-enne and Arapaho Tribes then click on programs, click on Department of Ed-ucation then click on Higher Education. The form can also be mailed or faxed.

You may fax the items to 405-422-8211 and be sure to mail the originals to PO Box 167, Concho, OK 73022 ATTENTION: Higher Ed-ucation.

If you cannot mail the items, ask your counselor or advisor at your school to as-sist you in mailing the four documents to our office. You may contact our office at the numbers listed above. Once documents have been-received, your name will also be placed on our list of graduates to be invited to our graduation banquet in May.

High school seniorgraduation assistance

Available for Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Students

(CONCHO-OK) The annual Cheyenne and Arapa-ho Graduation Banquet will be held on May 3, 2018 at The Frisco Center, 101 South 4th Street in Clinton, Okla. The graduation banquet will be held in honor of 2018 high school graduates and college graduates who have graduated during: December 2017, May 2018 or at end of Summer 2018.

The keynote speaker, master of ceremonies and honored education will be announced at a later date. A buffet meal will be served.

Graduates are asked to be there before 5:30 so a single photo and a group photo can be taken. An invi-tation to the banquet will be mailed to eligible gradu-ates by April 15. Graduates are invited to bring two guests and two tickets will be in each invitation en-velope.

Graduates, be sure our office has received verifica-tion from your school that you are eligible to graduate this year. If you do not receive an invitation to the graduation banquet after April 15, and you believe you have met all requirements for graduation, contact your school counselor again. Request them to send to our office a letter verifying you are on schedule to graduate. Thereafter, send the letter of verification to our office at Higher Education, PO Box 167, Concho, OK 73022.

High School graduates who are enrolled tribal members will be invited after we have received a completed Gaming application, a copy of their CDIB (tribal enrollment verification); and a letter from the school counselor verifying eligibility to graduate. High School graduates will receive a $150 check at the banquet unless they cannot attend, then a check will be mailed to the address listed on the Gaming ap-plication. College graduates will receive an incentive award check after our office has received their final transcript with the degree conferred.

If anyone is aware of a high school graduate re-ceiving the honor of Valedictorian or Salutatorian of their respective school, please inform our office. If graduate students are receiving outstanding awards, please inform our office.

Tribal members if you have family members or friends that will have a graduate this May, please pro-vide this information to them so they may send the necessary documents to our office. Some tribal mem-bers may live out of state or they may not know about our banquet, please ask them to contact our office at 405-422-7646; 405-422-7439 and 405-422-7560.

For additional information or questions please email emwilson@c-a-tribes.org; wwhiteman@c-a-tribes.org or hprairiechief@c-a-tribes.org.

Cheyenne and Arapaho Higher Education graduation banquet set for May 3

PAGE 3Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune

Cheyenne and ArapahoT r i b a l T r i b u n e Latoya Lonelodge, Reporter/Advertising Sales

405-422-7608 / llonelodge@c-a-tribes.orgP. O. Box 38, Concho, OK 73022 Fax: 405-422-8204

2010-2017 NATIVE AMERICAN JOURNALIST ASSOCIATION MEDIA AWARD WINNER & 2012-2017 AWARD WINNER OF THE OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

DISCLAIMER: Letters to the editor, opinions and commentaries do not reflect the views of the Tribune unless specified. Correspondence must be signed and include a return address and telephone number for ver-ification, otherwise it will not be published. The Tribune reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Submission of a letter does not guarantee its publication. Photographs, news stories or other materials in this publication may not be reprinted without prior permission. Printed by Lindsay Web Press, Lindsay, Okla.

Oklahoma Press Association member Native American Journalist Association member

Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief405-422-7446 / rmstephens@c-a-tribes.org

Society of Professional Journalists members

VOTE PRIMARY ELECTION FEB. 20

CHEYENNE DISTRICT 3LEGISLATOR

Polling Site:Clinton Community Center -

Clinton, Okla.Site open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

CANDIDATES:Darrell Flyingman

Adrian PrairieChiefRonald RedShin

Jerry RomannoseMary J. White

In accordance with the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes’ Constitution, pursuant to Article V. Sec. 3 (b) Special Meetings of the Tribal Council may be called by five members of the Legislature. On February 9th, 2018 a resolution was submitted from the Legislative Office to call a special Tribal Council meeting. The resolution was sponsored by A3 Legislator Patrick Spottedwolf and C2 Legislator George Woods.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided and the Tribes shall provide bus transportation for members of the Tribes to attend the special Tribal Council meeting.

The special Tribal Council meeting is being held on Saturday, March 24th, 2018, at 10:00 am. The special Tribal Council meeting shall be held at the Clinton Community Building, Clinton, Okla. The agenda of

the special Tribal Council meeting is listed below. The purpose of this meeting shall be to vote on the following resolu-

tions:

1. To remove Jennifer Plummer, Tribal Council Coordinator 2. Appoint an Acting Coordinator to fulfill the remaining term, until

the October 6, 2018 Annual Meeting

Any resolution is available to the public.Office of the Tribal Council, P.O. Box 38, Concho, OK 73022Jennifer Plummer, Tribal Council Coordinator, 405-246-8175Office phone: 405-422-7430

PUBLIC NOTICE & AGENDATO: ALL CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHO

TRIBAL MEMBERS(18 YEARS AND OLDER ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2018)

Special Tribal Council Meeting10 a.m., Saturday March 24

Clinton Community Center – Clinton, Okla.

By Latoya LonelodgeStaff Reporter

The first special session of the Seventh Legislature was called to order at 2:03 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2018 in Con-cho, Okla.

The agenda included eight items to be decided:

A resolution to approve contracts with Joseph Eve for Casino Audit.

A resolution to approve a change order to amend the engagement letter with RSM US LLP

A resolution to approve FY 2018 funding for the Food Distribution program.

A resolution to approve the Governor to sign joint funding agreement for BIA water management program.

A resolution to appropri-ate $200,000.00 from Tax

revenues for Westfahl con-struction contract for the Tribal Justice Center for ad-ditional fees incurred during re-design of building.

A resolution for the Gov-ernor to sign contracts and any other documents needed to construct the Fonda Com-munity Hall.

Vetoed resolution #6L-RS-2017-12-005 “A reso-lution to commit Tax Com-mission funds to construct additional floor space at the El Reno IHS Clinic.”

Vetoed resolution #6L-RS-2017-12-012 “A reso-lution to certify compliance for those enrolled under Article IV-Section 1(c) of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes constitution adopted in 2006.”

Legislators present at roll call were, Burl Buf-

falomeat-C1, George Woods-C2, Byron Byrd-C4, Billie Sutton-A1, Kendrick Sleeper-A2, Patrick Spot-tedwolf-A3 and Winslow Sankey-A4 was present via phone speaker.

Item one, a resolution to approve contracts with Jo-seph Eve for casino audit, passed with a vote of 6 for and 1 abstaining. The Na-tional Indian Gaming Com-mission (NIGC) requires that for each fiscal year of the gaming operations a tribe shall engage an independent certified public accountant to provide an annual audit.

Item two, a resolution to approve a change order to amend the engagement letter with RSM US LLP, an Iowa limited liability partnership, passed unanimously. On Jan. 8, 2018 RSM US LLP sub-

mitted a Change Order No. 1 that amends the engagement letter dated Sept. 22, 2017 between the C&A tribes and RSM US LLP. The resolu-tion stated, “C&A leadership had identified the need for continued staff augmentation to assist the accounting func-tion for the four standalone casinos and two Travel Cen-ter locations owned by the C&A tribes.” RSM US LLP is a limited liability partner-ship and the U.S. member firm of RSM International, a global network of indepen-dent audit, tax and consult-ing firms.

Item three, a resolution to approve FY 2018 funding for the Food Distribution pro-gram passed unanimously.

Item four, a resolution to approve the Governor to sign

January special session of Seventh Legislature

Special session / pg. 4

PAGE 4 Tsistsistas & HinonoeiCheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune

BRIEFS AT A GLANCENational Reservation

Economic Summit (RES)March 5-8, 2018 in Las

Vegas, Nev. For more infor-mation or to register visit www.ncaied.org.

Tribal Interior Budget Council

March 20-22, 2018 at the Washington Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. For more information or to register visit www.ncai.org.

Native Trade Confer-

enceMarch 23-24, 2018 at the

Casino del Sol Resort and University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law in Tuscon, Ariz. For more in-formation or to register visit www.ncai.org.

Introduction to Tribal Grants Management

March 29-30, 2018 at the Tropicana in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information or to register visit www.falmouth-

institute.com. Federal Bar Association

Indian Law ConferenceApril 5-6, 2018 at the

Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz. For more information or to register visit www.fedbar.org.

The 2018 National John-son O’Malley Association Conference

April 9-11, 2018 at the River Spirit Casino Resort

in Tulsa, Okla. For more in-formation or to register visit www.njoma.com.

The 36th annual Pro-tecting Our Children Na-tional American Indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect

April 15-18, 2018 in Achorage, Alaska. For more information or to register email training@nicwa.org.

The 36th annual

NAFOA ConferenceApril 22-24, 2018 at the

Roosevelt Hotel in New Or-leans, LA. For more informa-tion contact Dunne Hurley at 202-579-3372 or to register visit www.nafoa.org.

Robert Rules of Order April 23-25, 2018 in Albu-querque, N.M. For more in-formation or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com.

Tribal Cultural and His-

toric PreservationApril 24-25, 2018 in Las

Vegas, Nev. For more infor-mation or to register visit www.falmouthinstitute.com.

The National UNITY Conference - Finding Well-ness & Healing Within Our Cultures

July 6-10, 2018 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colo. For more information or to register visit www.unityinc.org.

E a t i n ghealthy

for DIABETES Tara Conway, MS, RD, LD, CDEC&A Diabetes Wellness Program

sion, coma or death. It ap-pears as a white or brownish powder or a black and sticky substance, known as black tar heroin.

“Today we covered opi-oids and prescription meds, the tendency that prescrip-tion meds lead into heroin use and the different stages of paraphernalia used, signs to look out for, possible us-ers within the household, just some of the equipment that’s used and some helpful links to be able to go to for more information on the epidem-ic and we also talked about the drug take-back, it’s an important event we hold two times a year where individu-als can bring their prescrip-tion meds, old or the one’s they’re not using anymore and turn them in,” Leading-Fox said.

The use of prescription drug medicine in Indian country was also highlighted as a concern as more cases of prescription abuse have lead to drug addictions.

The BIA DDE partici-pates in the drug take-back event that will be held twice

this year by the Drug Enforcement A d m i n i s t r a t i o n (DEA), in April and October, to remove unwanted prescrip-tion drugs safely. There will be a drop off location in which old and ex-pired prescription pills can be dis-posed of.

Information giv-en at the meeting highlighted identifying the signs and ef-fects of drug abuse.

Short term effects of opi-ate use include alternately alert and drowsy state, dry mouth, warm flushing of the skin, slowed breathing and muscular weakness. Long terms effects of Opiate use include addiction, depen-dence, pneumonia, infection of heart lining and valves, collapsed veins, decreased function and signs of abscess on the body.

In conducting the meet-ing, the hope is that aware-ness and knowledge will spread to other communities as well.

“I’m hoping to see that the communities are coming together and putting a stop to the epidemic. That we are able to close it off, we know the starting point, it tends to start with prescription meds. We have a set schedule of where we’re going to go throughout the United States and Indian Country,” Lead-ingFox said.

For more information on drug take-back events vis-it www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/take-back/.

For further informa-tion about drugs and drug abuse visit www.justthink-twice.com and wwww.getsmartaboutdrugs.com.

Fruits and vegetables, I am always saying eat five fruits and vegetables a day. Fruits and vegetables are very good for your health as they contain nutrients that help with disease pre-vention. Studies suggest that dietary factors may influence risk for cancer and many other diseases. The National Institute of Health states that one-third of cervical cancer deaths are associated with wrong dietary practices. There is not one element or partic-ular food to prevent cancer, it is advisable to structure your diet with a variety of foods.

Chili peppers and jala-penos in the diet is recom-mended to neutralize nitro-samines. Sodium nitrate is a substance used in highly processed meats and at

high temperatures form a toxic compound called nitrosamines. Most nitro-samines are carcinogenic (cancer) and are found in processed meats like sau-sages, salami, pepperoni, hotdogs, bacon, preformed ham and manufactured meat in the supermarkets.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage contain anti-oxidants (lutein and zea-xanthin) which help in the prevention of many dis-ease as well as foods with polyphenols and flavonoids such as green tea, olive oil, red grapes, black raspber-ries, red wine, dark choc-olate, walnuts, grapefruit, tomatoes, red beans and green peppers, peanuts and pomegranates.

Foods that are high in antioxidants are advised

such as blueberries, squash, bell pepper, cherries, salm-on and fatty fish. Tilapia is the type of fish that every-one is serving in their kitch-ens and restaurants. Talapia is cheap to raise, therefore a less expensive alternative to the pricier types of fish and may not be as healthy as what has been marketed. Farmed tilapia has less fat than red meat and chicken, but contains a high amount of arachidonic acid which has been linked to Alzhei-mer’s Disease and inflam-mation. Eating tilapia once a week may be okay, but remember to eat a variety of fish a couple of times a week that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Carrots contain be-ta-carotene which is also helpful for preventing can-cer. Other vitamin A- rich

foods include squash, eggs, liver, tuna and fortified dairy products. Vitamin B-folate rich foods have antioxidant that attack free radicals that contribute to a variety of diseases. Broc-coli, cauliflower, cabbage, collard greens and avoca-dos. Folate lowers the lev-els of homocysteine in the body which is a contributor to inflammation and certain types of cancer growth.

Fruits and vegetables are 60 calories per serving and contain fiber, which helps in lowering of cho-lesterol. So remember to eat five fruits and vegeta-bles a day for good health.

For more information and tips on eating contact Tara Conway at 405-422-7685, 405-208-0787 or email tconway@c-a-tribes.org.

Eat a Variety of Foods Prevention of Cancer

Opioid awarenesscontinued from pg. 1

Do you watch Finding Your Roots or Who Do You Think You Are?

Do you tell your chil-dren stories of your parents? Your grandparents? The great-grandparents? Did any of those stories include Carlisle Indian Industrial School (CIS)?

Have you wished to know more of their story at that much-talked-about school?

Barbara Landis, Carlisle Indian School Archives and Library Specialist for the Cumberland County His-torical Society, is part of the team visiting communities in Oklahoma who had sig-nificant numbers of children

sent to Carlisle to conduct workshops introducing CIS-related digitized docu-ments housed at the Nation-al Archives.

“Cheyenne and Arapaho students were in the first class at Carlisle in 1879,” she said. “We are excited to present this free workshop to introduce all the infor-mation we have about these students and others who fol-lowed. We want to hear your stories!”

Tentative date set for a workshop in Concho, Okla., is 9 a.m. - noon, March 13, location to be announced.

Stay tuned for more in-formation about this work-shop.

Caption for photo from Oklahoma Historical Society: Schools - Indian - Carlisle - “Cheyennes: 1. Frank Engler, 2. Oscar B. Bear, 3. Carl Natches, 4. Richard Davis, 5. Dun-ning Riggs, 6. Abe Dumner, 7. Harrey Whiteshield, 8. Calvin R. Wolf, 9. Clarence Wolf Face; 1. Julia Bent, 2. Rhoda Red Wolf, 3. Laura Standing Elk.” (Photo by J. N. Choate, Carl-isle Barracks, PA, c. 1880.)

Workshop coming to Concho

joint funding agreement for BIA Water Management program passed unanimously. The tribes submitted a proposal to fund research and consultation for the Water Resource Management Planning and Pre-Development program within the tribal service area. The resolution allows the Joint Funding Agreement and any other doc-uments needed to complete the BIA water management planning and Pre-Development program that will ben-efit the tribes.

Item five, a resolution to appropriate $200,000.00 from Tax revenues for Westfahl construction contract for the Tribal Justice Center for additional fees incurred during re-design of building passed with a vote of 6 for and 1 abstaining.

Item six, a resolution for the Governor to sign con-tracts and any other documents needed to construct the Fonda Community Hall passed unanimously. The Sixth Legislature passed resolution #6L-RS-2016-03-008 to initiate the construction of the Fonda Community Hall and the funding would come from tax revenues. Com-munity Development Department (CDD) will imple-

ment the construction of a 6,000-square-foot pre-engi-neered metal building to become the community hall in Fonda, Okla.

Item seven, vetoed resolution #6L-RS-2017-12-005 “A resolution to commit Tax Commission funds to con-struct additional floor space at the El Reno IHS Clinic,” passed unanimously.

Item eight, vetoed resolution #6L-RS-2017-12-012 “A resolution to certify compliance for those enrolled under Article IV-Section 1(c) of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes constitution adopted in 2006,” passed unanimously. The Sixth Legislature passed resolutions #6L-2017-12-005 and #6L-RS-2017-12-012, on Dec. 12, 2017 the resolutions were vetoed by Governor Eddie Hamilton. On Jan. 30, 2018 Governor Reggie Wassana called a special session of the legislature and added res-olutions #6L-2017-12-005 and #6L-RS-2017-12-005 to be re-considered.

The special session ad-journed at 2:12 p.m.

Special sessioncontinued from pg. 3

PAGE 5Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune

Cheyenne & Arapaho ETA Hiring Event

11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Feb. 21, 2018 at the Roman Nose State Park Lodge, P20 Road in Watonga, Okla. Lunch will be provided. For more infor-mation call 405-422-7494.

Cheyenne & Arapaho Youth Council Meeting and Activities

5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018 at the Clinton R.E.Sp.E.C.T. Gym in Clin-ton, Okla. For tribal youth grades 7-12 and college

freshmen and sophomores. Applications required for all members. Must call for transportation, 405-422-7570 or 405-422-7585.

Graduation Hon-or Dance for Ethan A. Wilson, El Reno High School and Madison P. Wilson, Yukon High School

Feb. 24, 2018 at the Con-cho Community Center in Concho, Okla. Gourd danc-ing begins at 3 p.m., supper at 5 p.m., with dance to fol-

low.MC Burl Buffalomeat,

HS Roger Davis, HMD Mike Pearson, HLD Lena Nells, HLGD Violet Roman Nose, HLBD Shane Yellow Eagle II, AD Dale Akeen, Host RedMoon Gourd Clan, Hon-ored Eldeer Victor Whitebird Orange.

For more information contact Yvonne (Vonnie) Wilson at 405-623-0572.

Oklahoma City Prin-cesses Honor Powwow

Feb. 24, 2018 at the West-

moore Community Church, 12609 S. Western Avenue in Oklahoma City. Gourd danc-ing begins at 2 p.m., supper at 5 p.m., Grand Entry at 7 p.m.

MC R.G. Harris, HS Jason Goodblanket, HMD Court-ney Yarholar, HLD Alexis Tanyan, HLB Reignen Yel-lowfish, HGD Bo Beard, AD Randy Frazier, Color Guard AST Veteran’s Association.

For contest inquiries email okcprincesses@gmail.com. For vendor contact call Neil Colbert at 405-664-

5202 or Pat Nimsey at 405-760-3414 (leave message.)

CHR Health Fair10 a.m. - 2 p.m. March 1,

2018 at the Concho Commu-nity Center in Concho, Okla.

Sleep distorder presenta-tion by John Morton, Cana-dian County Health Dept., and presentation by the EMS. Lunch provided by the CHR Program, door prizes donat-ed by C2 Legislator George Woods, A2 Legislator Kend-ricks Sleeper and health pro-grams.

For more information call 405-422-7670.

Veteran’s Luncheon hosted by the Office of Veteran Affairs

11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Thurs-day, March 15, 2018 at the Clinton Community Center in Clinton, Okla. Lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m.

To post your next event in our Powwows/Dances/Events Calendar, email rm-stephens@c-a-tribes.org or call 405-422-7446.

Calendar

Happy birthday beautiful! from auntie Jo

Feb. 9Happy Birthday Rylee

Drew Ortega #32! We are proud of you and your

accomplishments. We love you with all our hearts.

Love, your family

A poem about loveBy Nicholas Faulkner

As the sun shines from the moon and its light shows.It’s like the beauty I see in

your eyes and thesame they behold.

From your heart it sings and in your eyes it glows.

In the songs of birds and a flower’s bloom is

how nature adornsWhen you speak you’re right

when we meet. I see the heaven’s form.

In your love alone my heaven exists, you’re the only angel it

needs in its midstI need no one else but your self for me to be complete.

Baby girl Raelynn Ramos was born on Jan. 22 at 6:41pm. She weighed 8lb 5oz and was 20 inches long. We are

beyond blessed to have her in our lives!

Lost generationsBy Nicholas Faulkner

There’s no teepee I call homeIn between many camps I now roam

My elders wisdom has been taught and shownThe person who learned it is a slave to his own.

How can he teach me anything hisknowledge in his own downfall

Pleasure, desires, passions and pains, there is no good measure when they have your heart and reigns.

A cycle has spiraled this is the knowledge it gives, how can I learn when it’s kids teaching kids

Selfish pride a tribe of one. We are last at what cost delusion has won.

Virtue, character, principles and God, earnest and eager disciplines and devoted.

The four I must seek and the four that must hold it. I must learn to live this, know it and show it.

If my roots reach deep, I can reach my peak and my mind will have harmony and peace.

My mind is settled, my heart set right, my self renewed.Genuine and sincere, what one was for in now near

This path of duty in walked by few.Benevolent, kind, reverent and true

There I must show in all I say and doImagine a tribe governed by the.

We would never be forgotten always missed, even in a thousand years it would still exist.

LoveBy Nicholas Faulkner

In my heart you’re with meApart from you I can’t be what is

yours is yours to keepDon’t ever feel sad or alone, within

our love we are honeTwo halves at first, now we’re whole.Our paths did cross and our souls

and the love we haveour hearts hold.

Nothing can breakwhat we’ve grown

It’s a mountain on its ownIf you feel the way I do, we can’t

be apartWhen our love is true.

We own the world through our grace. All should know

it’s our place.If am yours you are mine

Always until the end of time.

Richard HaagDec. 22, 1940Feb. 7, 2018

Wake services were held Feb. 9, 2018 at the Lawson Funeral Home and Chapel.

Funeral services were held Feb. 10 at the same ven-ue.

Interment followed at Canonment Cemetery in Canton, Okla.

Frederic Gale HamiltonSept. 14, 1981Feb. 8, 2018

Funeral services were held Feb. 9, 2018 at the Frontline Ministries Church in Kingfisher, Okla.

Interment followed at Kingfisher City Cemetery.

Johnny Adam WebsterSept. 2, 1988Jan. 24, 2018

An all-night wake service was held Jan. 28, 2018 at the Clinton Community Build-ing in Clinton, Okla.

Funeral services were held Jan. 29 at the same ven-ue.

Interment followed at the Down Woman Cemetery.

John David White Eagle Sr.

March 26, 1942Jan. 31, 2018

An all-night wake service was held Feb. 4, 2018 at the Hammon Community Build-ing in Hammon, Okla.

Funeral services were held Feb. 5 at the Hammon High School Auditorium.

Interment followed at the Hammon Mennonite Ceme-tery.

Robert Roy Woods SrApril 20, 1944Feb. 3, 2018

An all-night wake service was held Feb. 6, 2018 at the Concho Community Build-ing in Concho, Okla.

Funeral services were held Feb. 7 at the same ven-ue.

Interment followed at Concho Indian Cemetery.

Suzanne Florence Wil-son was born Dec. 30, 1930 in Birney, Mont., to Ernest and Mary (Standing Elk) Hardground and passed away Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, at home in Weatherford, Okla., surrounded by family at the age of 87 years and 1 month. Suzanne was raised in Bir-ney, Mont., where she attend-ed school at St. Labre and in Hammon, Okla., where she graduated from Hammon High School. She made her home in Denver, Colo., in 1954 when she moved there on a relocation program. Su-zanne was instrumental in laying down the groundwork for Denver Indian Health, where she interviewed heads of households and assisted Indian families new to city life. Suzanne is a lifetime member of the White Buf-falo Council and served on the Mayor’s Indian Advi-sory Board and the DMNH Native American Resource

Group. Suzanne’s hobbies are reading mysteries and watching documentaries about the foreign people and cultures of foreign countries. She most treasured pastime in researching beadwork. Her beadwork is displayed in many museums, including the Denver Museum of Nat-ural History and Smithso-nian National Museum of the American Indian. She will be remembered as a mother who loved her family and loved and honored life.Suzanne is survived by two sons, Mar-vin Frank Wilson and his companion Irma Brown of Clinton, Okla., and Roger L. Wilson and companion Helen Interpreter of Denver, Colo., two daughters, Ruth Ann Gardipe of Thornton, Colo., and Patricia Sue Wil-son of Weatherford, Okla., one brother, Horace Howl-ingwater and wife Stacey of El Reno, Okla., one sister, Josephine Walkingnight of Hammon, Okla., and twelve grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and thirteen great-great-grand-children. She was preced-ed in death by her parents; brothers, Roy, Jess, George and Jerome Howlingwater, and Francis and Tommy Hardground; sisters, Katie Medicinebull, Eula Howl-ingwater, and Dorothy Good-blanket; and granddaughter, Dana Wilson.

PAGE 6 Tsistsistas & HinonoeiCheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune

Employment: Submit a tribal application, resume, diploma(s), transcripts, valid copy of Oklahoma state driver’s license and a copy of CDIB (if applidable) to Personnel Department, PO Box 38, Concho, OK 73022 or email atisdale@c-a-tribes.org.

EMPLOYMENT LEGAL NOTICES

ATTENTIONHigh School Juniors

and SeniorsIf you are wanting to

take any upcoming ACT tests, please contact High-er Education for assistance with payments. You will need to create an account on ACT.org and complete your profile before pay-ment will be made for the test.

Please send in gam-ing appication along with CDIB.

Contact Emily Chavez at 405-422-7436, em-wilson@c-a-tribes.org or Hannah Prairie Chief, 405-422-7646, hprairiech-ief@c-a-tribes.org.

Qualifications:Minimum High School

diploma or GED/ or busi-ness office work experience equivalent of two years. Working knowledge of com-puter software programs such as Microsoft Office Tools experience; knowledge of computer systems and/or communications systems. Excellent verbal and writ-ten communication skills. Ability to build relationships through strong interpersonal skills. Cheyenne and Arapa-ho preference will be given.

SALARY: Negotiable

Office ManagerC-2/A-2 Legislative Office/

ConchoClosing: Until Filled

Qualifications:Enrolled C&A tribal

member preferrred, other tribes considered depend-ing on qualifications. High school diploma or equivalen-cy required. At least 18 years of age. Valid Oklahoma driv-er’s license.

SALARY: Negotiable

ReceptionistA-2 Office/ Concho

Closing: Until Filled

Qualifications:Enrolled C&A tribal

member preferrred, other tribes considered depend-ing on qualifications. High school diploma or equivalen-cy required. At least 18 years of age. Valid Oklahoma driv-er’s license.

SALARY: Negotiable

C-2 Office Receptionist/ Concho

Closing: Until Filled

Qualifications:Prefer Bachelor’s Degree

in Social Work or related field preferred; or an equiv-alent combination of educa-tion and experience. Require one year of experience in professional related expe-rience. Knowledge and an understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978. Ability to work flexible hours and willing to work other than normal working hours including weekends, holidays and after 5:00 p.m. Must understand and strive to implement the program’s goals, objectives, rules and regulations. Must have basic knowledge of early child-hood education and child welfare casework and child abuse and neglect indica-tors. Possess communication skills, written and oral, to re-late to Indian and Non-Indian communities, other agencies and the general public. Abili-ty to maintain a high level of confidentiality on all client matters and other matters protected by the Privacy Act as well as other confidenti-ality regulations OSBI and criminal background check required and be adjudicated appropriately. Must possess a current Oklahoma Driver’s License to operate a govern-ment owned vehicle. Prefer knowledge of Cheyenne and Arapaho/ Native American cultures and values. Ability to work with difficult clien-tele. Must complete OKDHS Criminal History Review. Must complete Supplemen-tal Application.

SALARY: Negotiable

Foster Care WorkerSocial Services Program/

ConchoClosing: Until Filled

Qualifications:Completion of Master’s

Degree of Social Work and demonstrated basic profes-sional competence in the techniques, methods, theory and practice of social work. Must possess a working knowledge and understand-ing gained through graduate and study and supervised work of case work, group work and/or community or-ganization practice and the skill to apply these factors to department clientele. Knowl-dge of various laws related to the administration of the de-partment programs including but not limited to the Indian Child Welfare Act, HIPPA, recommendations for actions that can have significance on clients. Ability to prioritize, manage and complete multi-ple tasks and responsibilities wherein time management and delegation skills must be solid. Knowledge of trib-al and community resources in order to refer clients to most appropriate source of assistance. Possess commu-nication skills, written and oral, to relate to Indian and Non-Indian communities, other agencies and the gener-al public. Ability to maintain a high level of confidential on all client matters and oth-er matters protected by the Privacy Act as well as other confidentiality regulations. OSBI and criminal back-ground check required and be adjudicated appropriately. Must possess a current Okla-homa Driver’s License to operate a government owned vehicle. Prefer knowledge of Cheyenne and Arapaho/Na-tive American cultures and values. Ability to work with difficult clientele with vari-ous social problems and/or needs.

SALARY: Negotiable

Executive DirectorSocial Services/

ConchoClosing: Until Filled

VETERAN’S LUNCHEON

OVA will be hosting a veteran’s luncheon on Thursday, March 15th,

2018 at the Clinton Com-munity Center. TIME: 1130hrs-

1400hrs.1130 Opening Prayer

1135 Opening Re-marks, Russell Willey,

OVA Director1145 Carissa Dobrinski, Tribal VA HUDVASH

1155 Michael Gard-ner, VA Native American

Nurse Navigator1205 Billy Grimes, VA

Readjustment Counselor, Native American Combat

Veterans Group. 1215 Serve Lunch

1300 Open Discussions, VA Service Connected Claims, David Dupuis, Okla. Dept. of Veterans

Affairs. 1350 Closing remarks,

Russell Willey

IMPORTANT NOTICE

All Food Distribution clients that receive Social Security benefits must submit a copy of their 2018 Award

Letter by March 1, 2018.In accordance with USDA policies, our program must

have updated income verification for households on file. If you do not receive your award letter, please contact

the local Social Security Administration office at 877-840-7881.

The Election Commis-sion met on Thursday, Feb. 8. Klint Cowan, Election Commission attorney and all commissioners were present except A1 Commissioner Stephanie Meat.

First item on the agen-da was declaration of A-1 commissioner seat vacancy. C3 Commissioner Ramo-na Welch had a resolution from former Gov. Janice Boswell’s administration for the appointment of A1 Com-missioner Stephanie Meat. There was also a resolution from 2014 from former Gov. Eddie Hamilton’s adminis-tration for Meat’s appoint-ment. Discussion was held that Meat’s term had expired

and Hamilton sought nom-inations for her position in 2016. It was discussed that several people submitted their names for A1 commis-sioner’s seat during the 2016 nominations, however no one was ever contacted or told the position was already filled. No recommendations were ever made to the Elec-tion Commission for a new A1 commissioner.

The Election commission proceeded to make a motion to declare A1 election com-missioner seat vacant and a date of April 2 was voted on to begin the nomination process for those interested in the position of A1 election commissioner. This will go

to a Special Election. There was also a vote to suspend the pay of current A1 Com-missioner Meat and a letter informing her of the Election Commission’s decision sent to her. Meat will have an op-portunity to have a hearing with the other Election Com-missioners.

Item two on the agenda was discussion of the budget. The Election Commission will have to submit a mid-year budget modification, as they will be over budget due to the elections.

Item three on the agenda was the upcoming training that Ink Impressions will be doing with the Election Com-mission. They will be train-

ing the Election Commission on their ballot process for the upcoming special election. The expected date for the training is Feb. 15.

Item four was approval of the minutes from previous meeting.

Item five on the agen-da was new/old business. Discussion took place on the payment to True Ballot for the past election. They are owed approximately $105,000. Also discussed was the past due amount owed to Ink Impressions from former Gov. Janice Boswell’s administration, it was never paid and current-ly Ink Impressions is owed $38,000.

Election Commission Public Hearing highlights

PAGE 7Tsistsistas & Hinonoei Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune

Born in Clinton, Okla and raised in Seiling, Okla., charming and bright-eyed Rylee Ortega, 18, hopes to remain a state champion and defend her 2x State Title in her final chapter of playing high school basketball.

“It was an amazing mo-ment, something we thought we’d never come to do. We worked hard to get in, it was awesome to know we won back-to-back,” Ortega said.

Standing at 5’8, Ortega plays post for the Seiling High School basketball team.

When did you first begin playing and how?

I first began in 5th grade and it was a requirement in 5th and 6th grade in elemen-tary to play.

What is it about the sport that you love the best?

I love how my team can come together and we’re just a family basically. The com-munity comes together and helps us all.

What has been your big-gest accomplishment in the sport so far?

Winning state back-to-back and coming together.

What is your biggest ac-complishment in the class-room so far?

Staying motivated to keep my grades up so I can play.

What is your GPA (if known)?

3.2What goals have you

set for yourself in sports, school?

I’m really good on de-fense so our whole motto is defense wins championships so defending what we want to win better. Defense is what we work towards, just working hard on the court in practice and working togeth-er. I tend to keep my grades up so I can play.

What actions are you tak-

ing to reach these goals?We all stay after practice

when practice has ended, we stay and work on our shoot-ing. School wise, ask more questions so I can know what’s being talked about in class and do extra homework for bonus.

What has been the most exciting game you have played in?

When we were playing against Okarche on our state game. We all came together, it was a huge moment for us, we really wanted to win. It was tough because we were ahead and then they’d get ahead of us, we were neck and neck so we had to de-fend. At halftime we had to talk about how our defense needed to step up.

What is the best advice you have ever been given and who gave you that advice?

The best advice I’ve got-ten is we need to work to-gether as a team, no drama and our coach always told us defense wins championships, which means a lot to us, we defend what we want so we can have a great outcome. My coach told me that.

Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?

Defense wins champion-ships

Who or what inspires you the most?

God motivates me, He pushes me and helps me through everything. When-ever we were behind at our state game against Okarche, I prayed on the court and told him if He would help us get through this and help us de-fend what we want.

What does your routine workout consist of to stay fit for your sport? How often?

I do a lot of running and a lot of drills for shooting. I

workout about three times a week.

What are one or two things in your training, that you feel are keys to you being successful in your sport?

Running is a key so we can get up and down the court and shooting.

What is your favorite meal before or after a game?

It would have to be a fri-to-chili-pie.

Who has had the biggest impact on your life?

My coaches.What are some of your

hobbies (what do you like to do when not playing sports)?

Hanging with my friends and being around my family.

What kinds of music do you enjoy listening to?

I listen to what’s being played now and R&B 2000’s.

What is one thing about you that no one else knows?

I’m a family person.Were you ever bullied in

school? What steps do you feel should be taken to pro-tect those being bullied in schools today?

No. But if my sister was bullied I would say keep your head up, don’t let them get to you, don’t give up what you love, don’t give up what you’ve accomplished and if you need anybody to talk to you can talk to me. I will understand.

How do you combat drug & alcohol use by peer pres-sure?

My family smokes a lot so I just go play basketball, I stay outside or go shoot. I use basketball as my excuse, if I can’t run then I can’t play.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Have more Native Amer-ican events go on and have a national Native American holiday for all the Native

Americans to come together. What would be a dream

come true for you in your life?

Playing in the WNBA. Who is your favorite ath-

lete of all time?Either Jude or Shoni

Schimmel. Which team is your favor-

ite team?The Lakers.What are your immediate

plans after graduating high school?

I am going to college, so far I’m going to Southwest-ern State University (SWO-SU), I’m undecided on what I want to be.

What would be your ad-vice to younger kids coming up behind you?

Staying young as possible and enjoy life pretty much.

Rylee’s parents are Tam-my Ortega and Cornelio Or-tega. Her grandparents are Rowena Buffalomeat and Burl Buffalomeat. Rylee’s siblings are Erica Ortega, 17, Adrian Ortega, 8 and Cory Bates, 21.

Rylee Ortega, Seiling High SchoolInterview by Latoya Lonelodge

At 32 years of age, Will Hamilton, 6’, 170 lbs., currently has a three win streak with his last fight on Jan. 6, 2018 in the Primal Fight League. He is slated to fight in the upcom-ing MMA Promotion Primal Fight League, Hostile Takeover taking place April 28 at the legendary U.S. Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The announcement for Hostile Take-over comes fresh off Primal Fight League’s immensely successful January event Red, White & Bruised. Located at Farmer’s Pub-lic Market in Oklahoma City, Red,White & Bruised was a night of non-stop MMA ex-citement. With a venue that was packed to the brim and absolutely electric with the energy of the fans, this fierce fight night was a testa-ment to the professionalism, dedication, and enthusiasm that Primal Fight League pours into each of its events, creating one-of-a-kind entertainment that is in a class all its own.

In addition to meticulously crafting a match card that created a dozen spectacular bouts throughout the evening, Primal Fight League added countless elements to Red, White & Bruised in order to enhance the fan and fighter experience, including: seasoned ring announcers and commentators, profes-sional live streaming, professional audio & visual programming, charitable tie-ins, curat-ed food from popular, local establishments, and an interactive fan experience from the show’s sponsor, The Oklahoma Marines.

Primal Fight League will bring all this and more to their upcoming Hostile Take-over event in Colorado Springs. Danny O’Connor, Co-Owner and President of Pri-mal Fight League, had this to say about the event

“We’re excited and honored to present the first hometown event for Primal Fight

League. The enthusiasm for our events in Oklahoma City has been incredible, and we cannot wait to share this excitement with the fighters and fans of Colorado. And to have the opportunity to do all this in such an iconic venue is a special privilege.”

Founded in 1978, the United States Olym-pic Training Facility in Colorado Springs be-gan with modest roots. Located on the shut-tered Ent Air Force Base – once the home of the United States’ Cold War Strategic Re-sponse Teams – The United States Olympic Committee initially repurposed the base’s existing structures upon moving in, pushing aside Soviet-era maps and missile schemat-ics to make room for training schedules and athlete rosters. 40 years later, this 35-acre complex has been completely renovated into one of the most advanced athletic facilities in the world.

“With our mission to serve fans and fight-ers above all else, it only made sense to host our inaugural Colorado event in the legend-ary Olympic facility,” said Priscilla O’Con-nor, Co-Owner and Director of Marketing and Business Development for Primal Fight League. “We’re striving to make Hostile Takeover the most impressive MMA event Colorado has ever seen, and we know that this venue will greatly enhance the perfor-mance of our fighters and the experience of our fans.”

Tickets for Primal Fight League’s Hos-tile Takeover are currently on sale at www.primalfightstore.com. General Admission tickets for this event are $30. There are also reserved seating options starting at $45, and VIP table seats for $75.

For more information about Primal Fight League and Hostile Takeover, visit www.pri-malfightleague.com.

Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal member Will Hamilton ranked #1 in the Oklahoma Amateur Welterweight division

PAGE 8 Tsistsistas & HinonoeiCheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune

By Rosemary StephensEditor-in-Chief

For senior Jacob McQuown it’s a dream come true. To continue with his football ca-reer on a scholarship to Northwestern Oklaho-ma State University.

The 6’1 offensive guard was one of El Reno High School se-niors who recently earned a spot on the 2017 All-District 5A-1 team.

“I am really ner-vous, but overall I am really happy because it’s the next step in my life. I am really look-ing forward to going to Northwestern and continue with my foot-ball career,” McQuown said. “I chose North-western over SWOSU because their football program is really nice, I really liked it, it’s a really nice school and it’s where I wanted to be.”

McQuown, a three-year starter blocked for an offense which rolled up 2,004 yards and threw for 1,729 for a total of 3,732 yards.

“Jacob was domi-

nant and was one of the best offensive linemen in the state,” El Reno High School football coach Chuck Atchison said.

McQuown said it’s all a process, starting with academics and all the way to the football field, “Academics for sure matters. That’s what comes first is school. Without school I wouldn’t be able to even play football, and ultimately that’s what matters the most. Hon-estly it’s all a process, grinding everyday, playing your heart out, laying it all out on the field. That’s why I am here right now because I played my heart out and grinded it out ev-ery day.”

With the full sup-port of his family, McQuown also gives credit to coach Atchi-son for how far he has come.

“Coach Atchison, he has been an amaz-ing mentor and coach, he has molded me into the man I am right now because without him I wouldn’t even have

the opportunity to go to this school. I knew going into this I had a good support group, but he has been there the whole time, helping me because he actually reached out to these coaches, recruited for me and sent my films out to these coaches. Simply an amazing guy,” McQuown said.

McQuown is the son of Paula Levi and Da-vid McQuown, and the grandson of Jerry Levi.

From high school to college

... taking that next step

Jacob McQuown, senior at El Reno High School in El Reno, Okla., signs a committment scholarship to play football for Northwestern Oklahoma State University. (Photos / Rosemary Stephens)

Jacob McQuown’s parents, David McQuown and Paula Levi watch on as Jacob sign’s his letter of committment to Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Jacob will be attending on a football scholarship playing offensive guard on NWOSU football team 2018-2019.