Hi ho   ne ho wa se   we ki ni
(Hello my good friend.)
"Procession Before War Dance", Ernest Spybuck    Credit: National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution (02/5735).
Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe is primarily located in the heart of central Oklahoma with approximately 4,775 members who live in all parts of the world as of June 30, 2026. Our tribal government complex is located in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Our logo features Tecumseh, a Shawnee warrior and visionary leader, who worked to unite tribes in a common homeland where Indians could live under their own laws and leaders. He died in October 1813, in battle near the area of present day Thamesville, in Toronto, Canada. The LI-SI-WI-NWI in our logo means “Among the Shawnee”
Latest Announcements & Upcoming Events

Most Recent

97th SEMI-ANNUAL GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING

Meeting

Proposed Construction of the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Court Notice of Availability - Draft Environmental Assessment

Announcement

AST Day/Labor Day Closures

Announcement

Special Executive Committee Meeting

Meeting

JEFFREY MATTHEW PRUITT

Obituary

Important Notice for Applicants Receiving Property Tax or Homeowner’s Insurance Assistance Through the HAF Program

Important Notice for Applicants Receiving Property Tax or Homeowner’s Insurance Assistance Through the HAF Program – General Program Updates  To: HAF Applicants (Past, Present, and Future),  We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program. Per guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Period of Performance for HAF awards ends on September 30, 2026.  As a result, assistance provided through the HAF Program cannot extend beyond September 30, 2026.  While eligible applicants may still receive assistance for expenses incurred prior to that date, HAF funds cannot be used to cover any charges, premiums, installments, or obligations that occur after September 30, 2026.  We understand this change may create hardship and frustration for some applicants. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. At the time of award issuance, some applicants may have received award letters indicating approval for payment of property taxes, insurance, or other homeowner assistance expenses extending beyond September 30, 2026.   However, based on new guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, we are required to update our program requirements and can no longer honor payments for any obligations that become due after September 30, 2026, regardless of prior award communications. We regret this change and understand the impact it may have, but we must comply with current federal guidance governing HAF funding.  We want to clarify that assistance for mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance and utility bills may still be available; however, all such assistance will be prorated and limited strictly to eligible costs incurred on or before September 30, 2026.  Please be advised that all approved assistance must comply with these federal program requirements and timelines.  If you have questions regarding your eligibility or outstanding expenses, please contact our office for additional guidance.  Sincerely,  AST HAF Program Coordinator, Keesha Mason  For more information about HAF, click here https://www.astribe.com/homeowner-assistance-fund-haf

Registration open for 2026 AST Language Classes

We are so excited to announce that registration is now open for 2026 AST Language Classes. Make sure you sign up today and Ka si wi nwi to wa pa - Let's Speak Shawnee! Deadline to sign up is February 7, 2026. To sign up online, click here,  https://laserfiche.astribe.com/Forms/language-enrollment-form  Deadline to register is February 7 2026.

97th SEMI-ANNUAL GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING

97th SEMI-ANNUAL GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING OF THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026 AT 10:00 A.M. AT THUNDERBIRD ENTERPRISES INC. EVENT CENTER IN NORMAN , OK.

Proposed Construction of the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Court Notice of Availability - Draft Environmental Assessment

: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), has completed a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluating the potential environmental impacts of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma’s proposal to construct a new modular tribal court building and associated site improvements (the Proposed Action). NEPA requires that federal agencies consider the effects of a proposed action and any reasonable alternatives on the human environment. This draft EA evaluates the potential impacts that would result from the implementation of the Proposed Action as compared to the No Action alternative. The draft EA is available upon request. Please send an email request to info@clarkgroupllc.com. The draft EA will be provided in electronic format unless a hard copy is specifically requested. Project Title: Absentee Shawnee Tribal Court Project Proponent: Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Federal Agency: DOJ, BJA Project Location: Tribal trust land within the Citizen Potawatomi Nation–Absentee Shawnee Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area in Shawnee, Oklahoma, immediately west of the existing Absentee Shawnee Tribe Police Department, at approximate coordinates 35.29583, -96.92520. Purpose of the Proposed Action: If implemented, the Proposed Action would provide the Absentee Shawnee Tribe with a modern tribal court facility that improves functionality, accessibility, safety, privacy, and long-term capacity for court operations. The project would address deficiencies in the existing court facilities, including inadequate space for court staff and visitors, limited privacy for court operations, insufficient accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and inadequate capacity for current operations and future growth. Proposed Action Description: The Proposed Action involves installation of an approximately 4,500-square-foot modular tribal court building on a permanent foundation. The project would also include the construction of a parking lot and driveway, pedestrian sidewalks connecting the building to the proposed parking lot and the adjacent Absentee Shawnee Tribe Police Department parking area, and utility connections for water, sanitary sewer, electrical, and natural gas service. Construction would include minor grading and excavation, foundation installation, utility installation, parking and sidewalk construction, modular building installation, and final site restoration. The construction is anticipated to occur over approximately four to six months. Public Comments: BJA is accepting comments on this EA from September 1, 2026 through the end of the day on September 30, 2026. Comments should be submitted by email to info@clarkgroupllc.com, or mailed to The Clark Group, LLC, 137 Elm Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. Date of Posting: September 1, 2026

AST 477 & AST Language Program's Sweetheart Social/Stomp Dance

Make plans to attend AST 477 & AST Language Program's Sweetheart Social/Stomp Dance!

WHEN: February 7, 2026
WHERE: Thunderbird Casino, Norman, OK

For more info contact: Scott Miller 405.827.1557
For vendor info contact: Melinda Ferrell 405.878.4545

Delayed opening 12-4-25 due to weather

Due to incoming inclement weather,
THE AST COMPLEX will open at 10 AM, December 4 2025.

Regular Executive Committee Meeting

The Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, in accordance with the Constitution, Article XVI, Section 3, “Executive Committee Meetings” here by calls and declares public notice that the REGULAR meeting of the Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma has been scheduled for Wednesday December 17, 2025 at 10 AM at the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Complex in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Misty McGirt, Tribal Secretary
Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
Dated this 1st day of December 2025.

Closure at 12 pm December 3 2025

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe will close at 12 pm Dec. 3, 2025 for the AST Employee Christmas Party

Wanda (Little Axe) Tiger

Wanda Little Axe Tiger, born January 18, 1947, to Lillian Sloan Little Axe and John Little Axe, passed away, November 25, 2025, at 1:04 a.m., surrounded by loved ones.
She was a proud Absentee Shawnee Tribal member and traditional Shawnee woman.
Wanda lived a life grounded in her culture and her family. She attended Riverside Indian School, where she was crowned Miss Riverside. She graduated with the class of 1965 and later continued her education at Haskell Institute, where she graduated in 1967.

Thanksgiving Closure

The AST Complex will be closed Wednesday November 26 at noon
Thursday November 27 and Friday November 28-all day

Journey to Heal 2025 Winter Gathering

Join Journey to Heal for a night of crafting, snacking & togetherness.
WHEN - Tuesday, December 16 from 6-8 PM
WHERE - AST Multi-Purpose Bldg, 2029 James L Edwards Lane, Shawnee, OK
RSVP: Lacy J Carroll, ljcarroll@astribe.com or 405.275.4030 x3676

Ham or Turkey Drive-Thru Event for ALL AST Elders

Ham or Turkey Drive-Thru Event for ALL AST Elders (55 and older)!

WHEN - November 24, 2025 from 10 am - 4 pm
WHERE - Behind AST Food Pantry, 40210 Benson Park Road, Tecumseh, OK.

Please bring updated CDIB card. Supplies are limited, and distribution will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

For questions please call Alvina Barnes at 405.275.4030 x3501.

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