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 4,760 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

Regular Executive Committee Meeting

Meeting

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

Announcement

Memorial Day Closure

Announcement

PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Construction Management At-Risk Services Second Floor Health Clinic Finish Out

Announcement

MMIR Walk 2026

Event

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.

Regular Executive Committee Meeting

The Executive Committee of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, in accordance with the Constitution, Article XVI, Section 4, “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 June 17, 2026 at 10 AM at the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Complex in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Misty McGirt, Tribal Secretary Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Dated this 29th day of May 2026.

Memorial Day Closure

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe will be closed Monday May 25 2026 in observance of Memorial Day.

EC Meeting Update

The Executive Committee is pleased to announce the passage of a resolution approving Phase 1 of our CARES funding plan.  This resolution includes projects that are for emergency response needs with high priority projects in the areas of Healthcare, Tribal Projects, and Emergency Management. The total approved for Phase 1 is $13,815,110.

Building Blocks III Closure:

July 16, 2020, Building Blocks III in Little Axe, has closed temporarily due to an employee COVID-19 exposure. During this time the building will be professionally cleaned and sanitized. The Emergency Management team is working closely with the Building Blocks staff and they will continue to keep a close eye on the situation.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe Executive Committee UPDATE:


Today a regular Executive Committee meeting was conducted with the newly elected members. Please welcome Treasurer Joseph Blanchard, Representative Alicia Miller and Lt. Governor Kenneth Blanchard (re-elected).

Enrollment Offices Closed

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.

Thunderbird Casino Announcement

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.  

AST Closure July 10 2020

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. 

Please Continue to follow CDC guidelines

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. 

Happy 4th of July

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.

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