Announcements & Events
Announcement
Tomorrow (8/28) & Saturday (8/29), the AST Executive Committee will be hosting COVID-19 Education Aid Gift Card distributions. Student eligibility includes those who are enrolled in no less than 6 credit hours per semester or enrolled in a fulltime program at a college, technical or online school.
Parents or guardians of homeschooled students, if you have any questions, please email educationaid@astribe.com or call AST Enrollment at 405.275.4030.
Applications will be available at the distribution event but please be sure to bring all required documents.
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Announcement
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
Announcement
Click here to download the COVID-19 Education Aid Program Application 2020
Announcement
***** REMINDER!! Employees must have a negative COVID test result before returning to work. Those that have not received a COVID test, the next drive-thru testing will be held at the Little Axe Clinic on Tuesday evening (8/25) from 5:30 to 7:30. You MUST be tested before you will be allowed to return to work on September 1, 2020. *****
The AST Executive Committee is pleased to announce that, to date, all of the results for our staff COVID testing have returned negative.
The next opportunity for employees to receive a test will be at the Little Axe Clinic next Tuesday (8/ 18) evening from 5:30 to 7:30.
REMEMBER...Employees are required to test and receive negative results before returning to work. Please understand this requirement is for the protection and safety of all Absentee Shawnee Tribal employees. Please continue to follow all CDC guidelines and protocols.
Announcement
Oklahoma continues to report record high COVID positives. The AST complex will remain in Phase 1 of our Recovery Plan for at least one more week. The Complex is closed to visitors and non-essential staff. Our Executive Committee will reconvene toward the end of next week to review the situation with Emergency Management. We will then make the determination as to whether to move back into Phase 2 or prolong Phase 1. As we are coming into this weekend, many will be preparing to go back to school. As you are shopping for back to school essentials, please remember to follow CDC guidelines while in retail stores. If possible, we recommend placing your orders online and utilizing curbside pick-up. Have a safe weekend.
Announcement
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.
Announcement
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.
Announcement
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.
Announcement
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).
Three resolutions were passed with one being tabled. The tabled resolution pertains to the priority list and the “draft” road map of the CARES Act spending plan. This resolution will be presented again at a Special EC meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. This will allow the newly elected members adequate time to request information, ask any questions or address any concerns they may have.
The Media department is currently closed. The Executive Committee is working together on a temporary plan to get the upcoming newsletter out in a timely manner. Due to this closure, you will find today’s EC meeting on the AST website. It will be located on the Tribal member video page.
The Emergency management team is keeping track of the COVID case numbers and providing daily updates. Unfortunately, the numbers continue to rise. Please continue to follow all CDC guidelines - wash your hands, wear your mask, and attempt to maintain 6 feet of distance between you and those outside of your household.
Announcement
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.
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.
Out of an abundance of caution, and in order to protect our employees and guests, Thunderbird Entertainment will close the Norman casino at 10pm tonight (July 9). The environmental service team will conduct a thorough cleaning of the casino. The casino is expected to reopen Saturday (July 11) at 10 am.
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe and Thunderbird Entertainment continues to follow CDC guidelines for cleaning and social distancing and encourages guests to do the same. Should you experience symptoms of COVID-19, please call the AST Health System Hotline at 405.695.1787.
Thunderbird Casino Shawnee remains open and will continue operating regular business hours.
Announcement
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.
Announcement
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.
Announcement
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.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
Announcement
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.
Vulnerable individuals should remain working remotely.
Building Blocks will remain open for employee child care only.
All business travel is prohibited.
Out of state personal travel must be reported to the Department of Public Safety and will require a self-quarantine or testing before returning to the workplace.
Supervisors are required to do temperature checks at the end of each day and immediately report to HR if someone registers with a fever of 100.4 or above.
Announcement
Due to the rise of Covid cases and out of abundance of safety for our ICW children and staff, the ICW department will be available by appointment only, effective Thursday, June 25, 2020. Temperatures will be taken upon entry and masks will be issued as needed. The ICW staff can be reached by phone, 405.395.4490, Monday-Friday; 8am -5pm.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Announcement
AST Members,
Convid-19 checks are being processed by the Finance Department on a rolling basis as we receive the applications from the Secretary’s Office. You will receive your check by mail; there are no exceptions. Please do no contact the Finance Department asking :”Where is my check?” Calling will not drive us any quicker. Your application and check is being processed as quickly as possible.
Moreover, the mailing process is underway.
Treasurer Ellis
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