Shawnee language learners of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Shawnee Language Immersion Program for the 2026 Language Fair, Dinner and Stomp Dance on Saturday, July 25 in Miami, OK. Citizens of all three Shawnee nations are eligible to participate. Over $6,000 in prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in each category—see below for project requirements and important deadlines.
Entry Requirements & Contest Categories
All final entries must primarily consist of written and spoken Shawnee, a written or spoken English translation, and accompanying image(s). Shawnee text must be written using either the Shawnee Tribe orthography or bibabebo. Project drafts should be submitted with both the written Shawnee and written English. Final projects must use visuals to accompany the Shawnee and be submitted as a JPG or PDF. Examples of project types are as follows: comic strip, poster, zine, video, slideshow, children’s book. Final presentations should be submitted as a video format no more than four minutes in length—assistance creating the final video presentation will be available for any contestants who need it.
| Category | Written Length |
| Kindergarten – Grade 2 | 1-3 words or phrases |
| Grades 3 – 5 | 4-10 sentences |
| Grades 6 – 8 | 6-16 sentences |
| Grades 9 – 12 | 10-20 sentences |
| Adult Students – SLIP Levels 1–3 | 10-20 sentences |
| Adult Students – SLIP mayaani, miina, waapiko, m’skoci’faki | 10-20 sentences |
| Adult CLPs, Apprentices, Masters | 10-20 sentences |
Deadline Overview
Ready to register now? Email shawneelanguage@shawnee-tribe.com with your full name, tribal ID, category, and project concept.
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 […]
Mark McDowell, Treasurer and Keni Hood, Business Council Seat 7 have filed seeking re-election to their respective offices. The filing period for candidates has passed, with no additional candidates declaring their intention to run for office. Therefore, in accordance with Title 6, Sec. 6.20.080 of the Shawnee Election Act, both unopposed candidates are hereby deemed […]
YOUR CAN COULD BE BACK ON THE SHELF IN JUST 60 DAYS! You enjoy your beverage and recycle your aluminum can. Recycling trucks collect the cans and take them to a facility to be sorted. The cans are cleaned and shredded into small pieces. The aluminum pieces are melted down and rolled into large sheets. […]
The Shawnee Tribe’s Environmental Department recently hosted a hands-on learning experience focused on water systems, runoff, and watershed education in the Miami community. During the event, students participated in the installation of a rain barrel system while learning how rainfall moves through local watersheds and contributes to flooding.