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

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

September 25, 2026 Walk & Talk

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

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

Effective Monday July 27, 2019 AST Revert back to Phase !

Due to an increase in community spread, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe has determined that it is in the best interest of our employees and tribal members to revert back to Phase 1 of the AST Recovery Plan. Effective, Monday, July 27, the Tribal Complex will be open to essential staff and the Executive Committee ONLY. You may continue to conduct business via phone, e-mail, and postal service. We will update you on our plans for reopening when more information is available.  

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. 

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