MESSAGES FROM THE CHIEFS

As the Easter season approaches, the Shawnee Tribe is deeply engaged in events that resonate with our cultural and historical significance. Recently, the Shawnee Language team hosted an egg hunt, marking more than just a playful event for children; it was an opportunity for cultural immersion. Michelle Hood, our “Early Childhood Apprentice,” provided a Shawnee language lesson, reinforcing the importance of language preservation among the younger generation.

In a significant move towards reclaiming our ancestral lands, the Tribe has successfully acquired two of three properties within our sacred Shawnee “Homelands.” The first is property that is adjacent to a tract held by the Tribe in southern Indiana. This area, enveloped by the Hoosier National Forest, represents a profound connection to our past. The original tract was generously donated by two individuals who now serve as caretakers, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The second of the properties borders the Serpent Mound in Peebles, Ohio. It is rural as well and the adjacency to Serpent Mound helps to protect this special and sacred site for future generations. It is the Tribe’s hope that we will be able to achieve a “World Heritage Status” for the Serpent Mound in coming years.

We are also in the process of acquiring a third property, which is geographically closer than those in Ohio or Indiana. The Business Council will have a tour of these properties and discuss preservation projects with our state and federal partners when we visit Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio later this spring.

For our respected Shawnee Elders, we invite you to attend the Elders’ luncheon on May 12. We will be serving lunch from 11 AM to 2 PM. This gathering is more than a meal; it is a celebration of wisdom and community. We hope for a vibrant turnout, reminiscent of our last Elders Banquet.

Lastly, on June 27th, we will honor Shawnee graduates with an “Honor’s Banquet.” This event is a tribute to their achievements and dedication.

Chief Ben Barnes

In submitting this report, I am happy to say that our citizenship number has passed 5,000. I am excited, remembering that in the year 2001, in separation from the Cherokee Nation, we had a population of between 1,300 to 1,700. We are growing our population, economic potential and assorted programs to aid all of us in one form or another.

I believe that there are several reasons for our growth. Currently our tribe has a Business Council led by capable leader, Chief Ben Barnes and supported by councilors who ask questions and make informed decisions, understanding that we each share the responsibility to our citizens, friends and families.

We owe appreciation to those who have served on the council in the past, some of which have passed on. Many who served during a time when our tribe was incapable of providing salaries or stipends. Those people volunteered their time because they believed in the future that we are building today.

We owe appreciation to the many tribal Chiefs, Charles Bluejacket, Jonathan Blackfeather, Freddie Halfmoon, Pam Chibitty, Chris White, Don Greenfeather, James Squirrel and Ron Sparkman. There are many more that I have failed to mention and hope to produce a complete list for all to see.

Finally, I would like to say thanks to all of you, the Shawnee Tribal Council, for being engaged and holding us accountable. We, the Business Council, understand our responsibilities and work every day to ensure that our tribal interests are protected now and for future generations.

niyaawe (thank you),

Roy D. Baldridge
Second Chief