Hello! My name is Jenean Perryman, and I’m so grateful to join the Shawnee Tribe as the Education Outreach and Special Projects Director. I’m honored to be part of this community and appreciate the opportunity to work alongside tribal youth, families, and our education partners.
I am a citizen of the Choctaw Nation – Halito (hello) – and while I am not a member of this Tribe, I come to this role with a deep respect for tribal sovereignty, culture, and community knowledge. I believe strongly in relationship-building and in learning from the community as we work together.
In my role, I will be developing and coordinating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programming for tribal youth from preschool through high school. This work will include hands-on learning opportunities, workshops, and collaborative programs designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence. The program will partner with the Boys & Girls Club, NEO, and other community organizations to create meaningful and accessible STEM experiences for our students.
I’ve been in education for twenty-three years, and a couple of years ago I completed a lifelong educational goal by earning my doctorate in Education, Administration, and Leadership. I’m passionate about helping young people see themselves as problem-solvers, innovators, and future leaders – especially in spaces where they have historically been underrepresented.
Please reach out to me with questions, ideas, or partnership opportunities related to our STEM programming, and be sure to watch for updates in the newsletter and on our social media. I look forward to working together to support our youth as they explore, learn, and grow. Yakoke (thank you)!
By A. Gwynn Henderson, David Pollack, and Bruce L. Manzano Ancient wild turkey bones recovered from archaeological sites in the Middle Ohio River Valley hold centuries-old stories. Like Native stories and songs passed down through many generations, these bones whisper of Indigenous hunting strategies and of how Native hunters changed those strategies when circumstances called […]
The Sid Meier’s Civilization VII: Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack is downloadable add-on content that expands the Civilization VII experience with the Tecumseh leader and Shawnee civilization. Please note that the pack is not a standalone game and requires Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, which must be purchased separately. Once purchased, the add-on can be downloaded through […]
BATTERIES: Why batteries shouldn’t end up in landfills. Key Reasons to Avoid Disposing Batteries in Landfills:
The Shawnee Tribe is accepting public comments from tribal citizens about the Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) in preparation for next fiscal year, which begins October 1. All Shawnee households residing in the state of Oklahoma are encouraged to provide comments. Submit comments here through Monday, August 27, 2026. The LIHEAP program also still has funding […]
The Shawnee Tribe is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Marina Staubus, whose artwork Whispers in the Wind earned First Place in the Painting category at the 2026 55th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Marina, a Shawnee Tribe citizen, continues a family tradition of service and dedication to the Tribe as the daughter of Mike Staubus, […]
A traditional bow-making workshop recently brought together Shawnee youth and cultural instructors to share knowledge, skills, and values that have been passed down through generations. The opportunity began when a request was made to teach Shawnee relatives the traditional craft of bow making. Having previously shared these skills with Muscogee participants, the instructors were honored […]
By David Pollack, A. Gwynn Henderson, and Edward R. Henry A people’s relationship to their homeland is dynamic. How they alter the landscape reflects their sense of place, their social relationships, and their connections to their ancestors. This is as true now as it was in the past. The North Elkhorn Creek Earthworks Around 500 […]
The Hidden Cost of Four Everyday Products When we buy a product, we usually see only the price on the shelf. What we don’t see is the environmental cost of making it. For example, it takes about 2,700 liters (713 gallons) of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt—about the same amount one person drinks […]