"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
September 25, 2026 Walk & Talk
Event
Bandolier Shoulder Bag Class - CLASS IS FULL
Class
Regular Executive Committee Meeting
Meeting
97th SEMI-ANNUAL GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING
Meeting
Proposed Construction of the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Court Notice of Availability - Draft Environmental Assessment
Announcement
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
Join Journey to Heal for our Walk & Talk in association with Suicide Awareness Month.
Sept. 25 3-4 pm
AST Complex (east side of Building 1)
2025 S Gordon Cooper Drive
Shawnee, OK 74801
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
An employee COVID-19 drive-thru testing event for Tribal Complex employees ONLY will be held tomorrow Tuesday, March 30th in front of the Multi-Purpose Building.
- When: Tomorrow 1-4PM
- What: Return to Work Employee COVID Testing
- Where: AST Shawnee Tribal Complex (enter by bank and go to front of MPB) and then exit.
- Why: To ensure employees are safe to return to work and not expose other employees. If you have a positive test you will be called.
The Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, in accordance with the Constitution, Article XVI, Section 3, "Executive Committee Meetings" hereby calls and declares public notice that the SPECIAL meeting of the Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma has been scheduled for Wednesday, March
Join the Native Connections Grant for our upcoming virtual event "Building Our Future: Creating Leaders of Change" featuring Native motivational speaker, Brian Frejo! This FREE & VIRTUAL event will provide Native youth with traditional leadership values for positive decision making, wellness, resiliency, and so much more.
In honor and in memory of Absentee Shawnee tribal Lieutenant Governor, Kenneth Blanchard, and to allow team members time to honor him as well, Thunderbird Entertainment Centers will be closed on Tuesday, March 16th until 5:00 p.m.
We offer our most sincere condolences to his family and many friends. We have great appreciation for all the Lieutenant Governor has achieved and contributed.
Due to a day of mourning in honoring the life of Lieutenant Governor Kenneth Blanchard, Absentee Shawnee Tribe, the Tax Prep event for Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 will be closed and all appointments will be rescheduled.
On March 12, 2021, Lieutenant Governor Kenneth Blanchard began his journey home. The Lieutenant Governor has been a big part of the tribe and he will be deeply missed. We extend our sincerest apologies and deepest condolences to his family. Out of respect for his many years of service and dedication to the Tribe, flags have been ordered to half-staff.
Additionally, the Tribal complex/offices will be closed Tuesday March 16, 2021 for his Memorial service. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
A Resolution Duly Adopted By The Executive Committee Of The Absentee Shawnee Tribe Of Indians Of Oklahoma Hereby Establishing The Date, Time And Location For The 86Th Semi-Annual General Council Meeting Of The Absentee Shawnee Tribe Of Indians Of Oklahoma On Saturday, April 17, 2021 At 10:00A.M. At The Thunderbird Casino Pow Wow Grounds In Norman, Oklahoma.