May 6, 2024

SHAWNEE NATIONS PARTNER WITH STATE OF OHIO TO DEVELOP GREAT COUNCIL STATE PARK

Ohio’s 76th state park is just weeks away from welcoming visitors. Great Council State Park, just north of Xenia, was once known as Oldtown, one of the largest-known Shawnee settlements in the region. More than 400 families and more than 1,000 people called Oldtown home from approximately 1777 to 1780. Their stories directly intersect with those of individuals like Daniel Boone, who was held captive in Oldtown for a period. 

The Oklahoma Department of Natural Resources and Ohio History Connection have been working with the three federally recognized Shawnee Tribes to develop the property, which ODNR intends to be a connection to Ohio’s Native American and pioneer past. 

“Bringing history to life is a challenge enthusiastically accepted by ODNR staff,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Once complete, this center will offer a unique glimpse into the past, a different way for children and adults alike to learn more about the people who used to call this part of Ohio home.” 

The park will feature a 12,000-square-foot interpretive center with an architectural design based on the traditional council house form historically used by Shawnees. Inside the interpretive center, visitors will find three floors of exhibits, a theater area, a living stream, and a gallery. 

“This project gives us the unique opportunity to connect future generations with the past, while protecting the legacy of the Shawnee and inviting them to share their story,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is being planned for June. 

Watch progress at the site to date documented through a timelapse video.

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Jul 18, 2024

MEET THE CANDIDATES 2024

In the spirit of transparency and offering comprehensive election information to tribal citizens, the Shawnee Tribe Communications Department initiated the annual Meet the Candidates series in 2021. Candidates for Secretary: Jana Edwards-Johnson and Carolyn Foster (Incumbent). Candidates for Business Council Seat 3: Morris Bluejacket, Drew Dixon, Gregory Jones, and Elena Staubus. Unopposed Candidates: Roy Baldridge, incumbent candidate […]

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Jul 15, 2024

Charter Buses & Hotel Rooms Available for Five Moons Dance Festival Attendees

The Shawnee Tribe has partnered with the School of Dance at the University of Oklahoma to present the 2024 Five Moons Dance Festival, August 24-25. Free, roundtrip charter bus transportation to the festival is available from Miami, OK, and Tulsa, OK, on a first-come, first-served basis. Special-rate hotel rooms in Norman are also available. Those who commit to an […]

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Jul 9, 2024

GOLDEN MESA CASINO EXPANSION UPDATE

Construction work on the Golden Mesa Casino expansion is progressing and currently on track for completion in the summer of 2025. “Weather is always a challenge in the panhandle, but our construction team continues to push forward to meet the projected completion date,” said Shawnee Development President Chris Floyd. “The site has recovered quickly from […]

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Jun 18, 2024

Summer Solstice Will Be Celebrated at Serpent Mound June 20-23

PEEBLES, Ohio – The Shawnee Tribe and the Ohio History Connection are preparing to celebrate Summer Solstice at Serpent Mound from June 20-23. Serpent Mound, 3850 state Route 73 in Peebles, is a National Historic Landmark built by early American Indian Nations of Ohio. The effigy mound in the form of a snake with a […]

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Jun 13, 2024

Shawnee Tribe Chief Ben Barnes Shawnee Statement on Committee Vote on Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: media@shawnee-tribe.com In response to today’s vote by the House Education and Workforce Committee on the “Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2024” (H.R. 7227), Chief Ben Barnes of the federally recognized Shawnee Tribe made the following statement: “We are deeply grateful to the Committee for passing […]

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May 6, 2024

Introducing ta'saawanwaatoweeyakwe ("Where We Speak Shawnee")

Welcome to ta’saawanwaatoweeyakwe! This new blog series is dedicated to the Shawnee Language Immersion Program’s happenings and language preservation work. To kick things off, we’re highlighting SLIP’s new Master-Apprentice Program.  Log in to SLIPstream to read this post in saawanwaatoweewe [the Shawnee language]. Need to register for SLIPStream? Email a copy of your tribal ID to shawneelanguage@shawnee-tribe.com. In […]

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May 3, 2024

KIWIITAMAAKONAAKI HOKIMAAKI - MELO'KAMI 2024

Messages from the Chiefs – Spring 2024 / / Chief Barnes discusses tribal tags in Oklahoma and defeating OK SB 1907, while Chief Baldridge highlights Shawnee leader’s roles and efforts, past and present.

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May 2, 2024

ACTIVE FOR AUTISM SPECIAL OLYMPICS BENEFIT 5K RACE

On April 13, Golden Mesa Casino was the presenting sponsor of a 5K race in Guymon, OK. About 20 team members from the casino and the Shawnee Tribe Gaming Commission participated as runners and event volunteers, helping to raise nearly $6,000 to benefit local Special Olympics athletes.

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