"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
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe is in the process of reopening the Shawnee Administrative Campus. As previously stated, the AST Recovery Plan consists of 4 phases. Phase one will begin on Monday, May 11th. Elected officials, department heads, and essential employees will return to campus to perform necessary functions. In the coming days, all other employees will be notified by their management team on expected return-to-work dates.
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe initially issued a declaration of emergency on March 18, 2020. Based on public health information and emergency management data, we have extended the declaration to May 24, 2020. AST officials are working on a four-phased approach to reopen the campus.
The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Complex will be closed to employees and visitors on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 1-3, 2020. The Executive Committee is requiring all buildings and departments to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and again please stay safe, wash your hands and take all CDC precautions.
Due to the growing concerns about COVID-19, the Tax Commission is taking necessary steps to limit
exposure to Tribal members. Due to the mandated closure, our office will be closed to the general
public from March 23 through April 3. However, the tax staff will be doing its part in helping to
alleviate any motor vehicle concerns by continuing to process through the outline procedures below:
Due to the growing concerns about COVID-19, the Tax Commission is taking necessary steps to limit
exposure to Tribal members. Due to the mandated closure, our office will be closed to the general
public from March 23 through April 3. However, the tax staff will be doing its part in helping to
alleviate any motor vehicle concerns by continuing to process through the outline procedures below: