"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 4,760 members who live in all parts of the world as of December 31, 2025. 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
2026 Primary Election Cancelled
Announcement
Caregiver & Elder Event
Event
AST 477 Indian Youth Parent Committee Meeting
Meeting
2026 AST Veterans Association Officers
Announcement
Presidents' Day Closure
Announcement
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.
Deadline has been extended for the 2025 General Assistance Program. Deadline for applications is February 27 at 5 pm CST.
MUST be an enrolled member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma (on or before November 25th, 2025).
MUST be 18 on or before November 25th, 2025).
All AST Tribal Members ages 18 and older, enrolled as of November 25th, 2025 are eligible to receive a one (1) time payment of $100.00.
For eligibility requirements and required documents, please read the flyer in its entirety.
For questions, please call 405.275.4030 or email, 2025GAP@astribe.com
To apply, click here,https://www.astribe.com/forms/2025-General-Assistance-Program
MEDIA RELEASE
February 17, 2026
2026 PRIMARY ELECTION CANCELLED
FROM: The AST Election Commission
There were no filings for the Open Positions on the Election Commission during the Filing Period in January 2026. The Primary Election scheduled for March 17, 2026, is hereby cancelled.
Election Commissioner James C. Spybuck, Jr., met with John Johnson, Governor of the AST Executive Committee, to inform him of the AST Election Commission's decision to cancel the Primary Election for March 17, 2026. We understand this change may raise questions, and we want to assure you that the current members will continue to serve the community's interests.
The Election Commission will continue to serve with its current elected Members and appointed Alternates per ARTICLE VI-ELECTIONS, SECTION 6 Alternates, and ARTICLE VIII – VACANCIES, SECTION 2, of the Constitution. Your ongoing support and trust are appreciated as we maintain stability and service to the community.
If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with the Election Commission Office at 405.273.4030 ext. 3537 or email election.commission@astribe.com. You can also visit our Election Commission website, https://www.astribe.com/election-commission, for the latest updates on election matters.
Calling all caregivers, elders and grandparents raising grandchildren -
March 28 2026 from 10 am to 12 pm
AST Multi-Purpose Building,
Must RSVP by March 14
RSVP to Sianna Morgheim 405.827.7704 or 405.701.7190
smorgheim@astribe.com or bfelton@astribe.com
Due to safety precautions the AST Enrollment Department will be closed until July 23rd. Tribal members can contact Enrollment by email at AWebb@astribe.com or ASTwelfarefund@astribe.com.
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe and Thunderbird Entertainment want to inform our tribal members, employees and guests that on July 9, the Thunderbird Casino in Norman received confirmation that two employees tested positive for COVID-19. The employees were on site the evening of July 8; both were properly wearing mandated personal protective equipment (PPE). The employees are recovering and are currently quarantined at home.
On Thursday, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe was notified an employee was PROBABLE for COVID-19. We have not received confirmation at this time; however, out of an abundance of caution we have decided to close the Shawnee complex Thursday (July 9th) and Friday (July 10th). Our cleaning crews will start a terminal cleaning process tomorrow. All areas this individual may have visited will be deep cleaned to help prevent the spread of infection. We will keep you updated on this situation.
Over the last several days we have watched the COVID-19 numbers grow. Tuesday’s positive cases increased by 858; Wednesday’s positive cases increased by 673. In an attempt to protect citizens, communities across Oklahoma and some counties within AST boundaries have started to issue the mandatory wearing of masks – including the City of Norman. Please continue to follow CDC guidelines. We have attached a graphic as a reminder of some precautions you can take to protect you and your family.
Tribal members, COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise. As we are heading into a holiday weekend, I would like to remind you to continue to take precautions and follow CDC guidelines. Please continue to wear a mask when you can. Also, take a look at this article published by the CDC on how to help slow the spread of the virus.
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation. For the safety of our members and employees, we have decided to remain in Phase II until further notice. Restrictions remaining in place are as follows:
Continued mandatory temperature/symptom checkpoint upon entry into the complex
Shawnee Complex will be open to tribal members by appointment only.