May 13, 2021

MEMORANDUM FROM CHIEF BARNES REGARDING TRIBE’S CARES LAWSUIT

MEMORANDUM


TO:  Shawnee Citizens & Employees

FROM:  The Office of Chief Benjamin J. Barnes

RE:  CARES Funding Lawsuit


Hato sawanoleniki. It has been a long year getting here, but the Shawnee Tribe’s lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Treasury is finally coming to an end—not because we are receiving full justice in our case, but we’ve come to an agreement because of timing. We are to receive less than half of the amount outlined in our claims, but we feel that we are better off making the most of this offer, given the short time we have to make use of these funds.

Because of our lawsuit and our success at the D.C. Court of Appeals, the Treasury Department decided to reallocate some of the remaining CARES Act funds using certified tribal enrollment data, which finally acknowledges that the Shawnee Tribe has over 3,000 tribal members and not ZERO.

The Shawnee Tribe Business Council unanimously agreed to accept the funding reallocated to the Shawnee Tribe, which will resolve the claims brought by the Tribe in this litigation. We expect to receive those funds sometime this week.

On the surface, it may look as though the Shawnee Tribe has “won.” But the reality is this:

  1. Shawnee people have been unable to access their fair share of coronavirus relief funding for an entire year.
  2. Our government only has until December 31, 2021, to utilize all CARES funding.

In principle, my office would prefer to continue fighting this suit for our Tribe, but to do so would continue to prolong our people’s long-overdue relief from the pandemic.

The Business Council will be working quickly to deliver a transparent plan for the funding the Tribe receives, and Shawnee citizens can expect more information soon. Thank you for allowing us to serve you. Niyaawe.


To view or download a PDF of this memorandum, tap or click here.

Back

More News

Mar 2, 2026

WRAP UP: TEMPORARY EMERGENCY FOOD BENEFIT ASSISTANCE

On October 22, 2025, the Shawnee Tribe was notified that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would pause operations during the month of November due to a protracted government shutdown. In response, the Shawnee Tribe developed the Temporary Emergency Food Benefit Assistance Program, which was established by October 29, 2025, to support Shawnee Tribe families […]

Read More
Feb 26, 2026

CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT: MAG WALLS 105TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

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 […]

Read More
Feb 24, 2026

CHIEF RON SPARKMAN SHAWNEE TRIBE COUNCIL CHAMBERS

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, […]

Read More
Feb 23, 2026

CALL FOR PROJECTS: 2026 SHAWNEE LANGUAGE FAIR

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 […]

Read More
Feb 5, 2026

RECYCLING SPOTLIGHT: HOW TO RECYCLE CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

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 […]

Read More
Feb 5, 2026

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: JENEAN PERRYMAN

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 […]

Read More
Feb 5, 2026

FEBRUARY IS DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

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 […]

Read More
Feb 5, 2026

THE OKLAHOMAN GUEST COLUMNIST CHIEF BARNES: OKLAHOMA TRIBES ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

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 […]

Read More
See All News