In recognition of the harm domestic violence causes to our communities, Chief Ben Barnes designated the month of October 2024 as “Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month” through Shawnee Tribe Proclamation 2024-10-03.
“WHEREAS, the Shawnee Tribe recognizes domestic violence as a threat to tribal sovereignty and the basic human right of our citizens to thrive, and calls upon its citizens and employees to discover the strength of victim service providers such as the Shawnee Tribe Behavioral Health & Victim Services that help domestic violence victims and survivors by offering support, services, and healing; and
WHEREAS, the Shawnee Tribe encourages citizens and employees to discover the strength of compassion, empathy and understanding within themselves to uplift domestic violence victims and survivors; and to discover the strength of respectful and healthy relationships to create a legacy free from violence for the next generation…”
Read the full proclamation online in the Shawnee Tribe Municode library, here.
Throughout October, the tribe’s Behavioral Health & Victim Services Department has hosted multiple events to spread awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In addition to a free bingo night at the Community Building in Miami, OK, department staff facilitated a “Paint the Town Purple” campaign for local businesses and highlighted influential Native American women and their contributions to the history and future of Indian Country through a campaign on the tribe’s Facebook page.
Tribal employees also wore purple attire and awareness ribbons on Friday, October 18, to support the cause.
Although this month of awareness is coming to a close, information about Shawnee Tribe Victim Services and tribal resources for victims of domestic violence are always available. Visit the program page here.
by A. Gwynn Henderson and David Pollack The original mouth of the Scioto River, in what is now southern Ohio, is far from Oklahoma. So far, perhaps, it has been forgotten. But important events in Shawnee history—in the mid-1700s and thousands of years earlier—took place there. Two painted panels on Portsmouth, Ohio’s floodwall highlight its […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MIAMI, OK — The Shawnee Tribe has declared a state of emergency and released emergency funds to assist citizens who may lose access to food assistance following the federal government’s suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture notified the Tribe on October 22 that SNAP operations will […]
RSVP to the Elders’ Luncheon!
The Shawnee Tribe’s 2025 General Council & Election Weekend included a community dinner and stomp dance, as well as the annual meeting of the Shawnee Tribal Council and Business Council election. Citizens had the opportunity to meet tribal service programs & administrative staff, collect raffle prizes, and hear reports on the past twelve months of happenings of the […]
Check out this helpful information on recycling myths. 1. Myth: Everything with a recycling symbol is recyclable. Fact: The symbol shows material type, not what your local facility accepts. 2. Myth: It’s okay to guess what’s recyclable — “wishcycling” helps. Fact: Guesswork often leads to contamination; non-recyclables can spoil batches. 3. Myth: Recyclables don’t need […]
This September 30, 2025 is Orange Shirt Day.
Welcome to ta’saawanwaatoweeyakwe, the new blog series dedicated to the Shawnee Language Immersion Program’s happenings and language preservation work. From June 18-21, Shawnee Language Immersion Program apprentices, mentors, Community Language Preservationists (CLPs), and other guests gathered for their annual conference at the Emma “Mock” Donaldson Shawnee Language House. Many of the attendees live far away from […]
Miami, OK — The Shawnee Tribe is pleased to announce the launch of its Project Proposal Portal, a new digital platform designed to streamline the submission and evaluation of business ideas and partnership opportunities. This initiative supports the tribe’s commitment to economic independence, sustainability, and diversification beyond gaming-related enterprises. The portal offers a straightforward process […]