Welcome!
Vanessa Boney – Administrative Assistant
I am so happy to be here working with all of you. I am a former correctional officer and mental health tech. I have a degree in Criminal Justice. I have wanted to work with tribal citizens for a long time. This is the perfect opportunity to help my community and help this tribe grow! I look forward to meeting you if I haven’t already!
Kyle Miller-Shawnee – Community Resource Liaison
My name is Kyle Miller-Shawnee. I am a Cherokee Nation citizen honored to be married to a Shawnee tribal member – particularly as I now begin work as the Community Resource Liaison expanding access to resources for tribal citizens. I come to the Shawnee Tribe with previous work creating and directing services to a diverse group of graduate-level students at Phillips Theological Seminary and before that, to tribal youth at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. With a Master of Arts in Social Justice degree, and as a current Master of Science in Clinical Counseling student, deep listening to empower native lives and voices is a both skill and a passion for me. I am honored to serve the citizens of the Shawnee Tribe as I work alongside many others toward our shared goal of creating, expanding, and coordinating services.
Erin Paden – Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
My name is Erin Paden, and I am the new Tribal Historic Preservation Specialist. I have a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Arizona State and a Bachelor’s from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. I grew up in the Oklahoma Panhandle, 60 miles west of Guymon. I’m extremely excited to be working with the Shawnee Tribe.
Lila Roach – Summer Intern
I just finished my first year at the University of Minnesota, studying Chemistry. I have been taking Shawnee language classes with the Shawnee Tribe for two years. I like reading, cooking, and taking care of plants in my spare time.
BrookLynn Sorrell – Summer Intern
Hato! I am BrookLynn. I am a mom to an energetic six year old boy. I am a senior at Northeastern State University studying History. I hope to work in a museum one day preserving cultural artifacts. I am thankful that I was chosen for this internship and the opportunity to represent my tribe!
Chloe Tyner-White – Summer Intern
Hato! My name is Chloe Tyner-White; I am Shawnee, Absentee Shawnee, and Seneca- Cayuga. I graduated from Quapaw High School in Spring 2020 and that fall I had my first semester at Northeastern State University. I plan to graduate with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in American Indian Studies in two years. I love to go to powwows, stomp dances, and ceremonies with my family! I also like going to my Native American Church meetings and help with cooking.
Meet Magdalene “Mag” Walls, a proud Shawnee citizen born on February 25, 1921, in Ramona, Oklahoma. Her early years were spent in Ramona before her family moved to White Oak, where Mag attended grade school and met her first husband. Together, they had two wonderful children, Deloris and Jim. In 1942, Mag embarked on a […]
On Monday December 8, the new Chief Ron Sparkman Shawnee Tribe Council Chambers, located at 29 S. Main Street, held its naming, dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The newly designed interiors included the main tribal chambers, private tribal chambers, kitchen and prep space, restrooms, and a private meeting space all adorned with modern flooring, walls, lighting, […]
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 […]
Did you know that the average US Citizen throws away an average of 70 lbs. of clothing annually? The fashion industry is a major contributor to global pollution, generating about 10% of annual CO₂ emissions. Reusing, donating, or recycling clothing helps reduce its environmental impact. Clean Out Your Closet—Responsibly Finished cleaning out your closet and […]
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 […]
The Shawnee Tribe’s Behavioral Health Program is providing information in February for Dating Violence Awareness Month. This is a time dedicated to raising awareness about a serious issue that impacts people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Dating violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to gain power and control over a partner in […]
On December 24, 2025, The Oklahoman published Chief Ben Barnes’ op-ed on important priorities for the state in 2026. As Oklahoma prepares for an election year and the 250th anniversary of the United States, this is a fitting moment to reflect on who we are as a state and what kind of future we want […]
The Housing Department is moving! Housing is now located at 1525 A St NE, Miami OK 74354. Directly behind (East) of the Sonic Restaurant. * As with the previous location (at the Headquarters building) please press the button to be let inside. DOWNLOAD directions to the new location from the headquarters building.