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.
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.
WEEMEYAKWE (WHERE WE COME FROM) By A. Gwynn Henderson and David Pollack “Two heads are better than one,” the old saying goes. With twice the brainpower and two times the life experiences to draw from, we are twice as likely to solve a puzzle, make sense of an enigma, or figure out a mystery. The […]
We are looking forward to celebrating the following grads at the 2026 Honor Banquet on Saturday, June 27. Presley Glass, WestMoore High School Haiden Fetters, Wagoner High School Sage Hood, Vinita High School Ash (Ayva) Valadez, Vallivue High School Valarie Stewart, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center Delanie “Lanie” Springer, University of Missouri Christopher Thomsen, The […]
This Lunch & Learn social/emotional wellbeing series is to teach safe and healthy relationship skills. This class is for anyone looking to build healthier, safer, and stronger relationships—especially those who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, codependency, attachment issues, or challenges in marriage and relationships. It is also helpful for anyone wanting to improve communication, […]
There’s only one Earth — and it’s up to all of us to help take care of it. Why Recycling Matters: ♻️ Reduces Landfill WasteItems that can be recycled take up unnecessary space in landfills. Recycling keeps usable materials in circulation instead of buried in the ground. 🌳 Conserves Natural ResourcesRecycling paper saves trees. Recycling aluminum saves […]
May is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the high rates of violence experienced by Native American and Alaska Native communities. MMIP highlights the urgent need to address the number of Indigenous people who go missing or are murdered each year. Native communities face higher rates of […]
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and support for survivors. Sexual violence can happen anywhere, in any community, and affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, including Native American communities, who are disproportionately impacted. Sexual violence means any unwanted sexual contact or behavior without consent. This can include rape, […]