Absentee Shawnee Tribe

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

Indigenous Peoples' Day Closure

Announcement

AST Shawnee Language Fair & Stomp Dance

Event

AST 477 Program 2026 Education & Career Fair

Event

Special Executive Committee Meeting

Meeting

September 25, 2026 Walk & Talk

Event

Indigenous Peoples' Day Closure

THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 IN OBSERVANCE OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY

AST Shawnee Language Fair & Stomp Dance

AST Shawnee Language Fair & Stomp Dance!!! WHEN - November 7, 2 pm to 11 pm WHERE - Thunderbird Event Center, 15700 E State Highway 9, Norman, OK. For questions or help with submissions, please email ASTLanguage@astribe.com

AST 477 Program 2026 Education & Career Fair

AST 477 Program 2026 Education & Career Fair Wednesday October 7 2026 10 am to 1 pm Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center, Shawnee, OK For more information, 405.878.4545 or melindaf@astribe.com

AST Day/Labor Day Closures

In honor of AST Day and Labor Day, The Absentee Shawnee Tribe will be closed Friday September 4 (AST Day) and Monday September 7 (Labor Day) 2026.

Due to a main waterline break, there is no water pressure on the AST campus at Shawnee. This impacts the entire complex, including the pharmacy and the clinic. Effective immediately, we are closing the administrative complex, the AST pharmacy and the Health Clinic until repairs can be completed. We do not believe this will have impact on Monday's operations, but we will keep you updated. Please call the pharmacy to ensure drive-thru prescription pick-up is available on Saturday.

Posted 8/21

AST COVID-19 Education Aid Program

Click here to download the COVID-19 Education Aid Program Application 2020

Campus Update

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.