On October 15, the Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine and his wife, First Lady Frances “Fran” DeWine traveled to Miami, OK to visit with various Shawnee Tribal programs and leadership.
“We were honored to receive Governor DeWine and his wife at our Shawnee language house, Cultural Center, and Administrative offices,” said Chief Ben Barnes. “We hope this is one of many opportunities for our tribal leadership to build and strengthen relationships that lead to future partnerships and opportunities for our nation.”
The desire to visit the Shawnee Tribe was born from past trips both Chief Barnes and Chief Roy Baldridge made to Ohio for various historical and cultural events.
“Chief Barnes and I were able to share with the Governor the importance and deep cultural ties to our homelands in Ohio and surrounding areas, as well as key historic sites,” said Chief Baldridge.
Upon those initial talks, Governor DeWine indicated a desire to visit the Shawnee Tribe and better understand who the Shawnee are as a tribal nation. In addition to meeting with Chief Barnes and Second Chief Baldridge, the DeWines visited with staff in the Tribal Historic Preservation Department, and the Shawnee Language Immersion Program.
