MIAMI, OK – The Sam Noble Museum announced the Shawnee youth winners of the 2022 Virtual Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair (ONAYLF). The Shawnee Tribe’s Language Immersion Program had three winning entries to the ONAYLF this spring, including two taking first place in the Spoken Language category and a third-place winner in the Film and Video category.
“We cannot express how proud we are of our students who participated in the Sam Noble Language Fair,” said Joel Barnes, Director of the Shawnee Tribe Language Immersion Program. “Their success only encourages us to do more and continue to build on the success of our participants.”
The ONAYLF videos were published on the group’s Youtube page.
Pre-K-2nd Grade Division –
First Place, Cecily Blanchard (Absentee Shawnee Tribe) & Kaya Stand (Shawnee Tribe)
Cecily is in kindergarten, and she is the daughter of Eric and Jessica Blanchard of Norman, OK and great-niece of George Blanchard. Kaya is a first grader and the daughter of Trenton and Kaci Stand of Quapaw, OK.
6th-8th Grade Division –
First Place, Mya Blanchard (Absentee Shawnee Tribe) & Gage Stand (Shawnee Tribe)
Although only in fourth grade, Mya competed alongside Gage Stand (sixth grade) in the 6th – 8th Grade Division. Mya is also the daughter of Eric and Jessica Blanchard and the great-niece of George Blanchard. Gage is son to Trenton and Kaci Stand and Jacque Cabrera of Quapaw, OK
9th-12th Grade Division –
Third Place, Eloisa Roach (Shawnee Tribe)
Eloisa is a 10th grader from Iowa City, IA and the daughter of Steve and Silvia Roach. Steve Roach is a Community Language Program instructor with the Shawnee Tribe Language Immersion Program.
“The team at the Shawnee Language Immersion Department in piloting this brand-new program has been doing amazing work,” said Chief Ben Barnes. “Work that has been reflected within these children.”
WATCH the 2022 Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair.
EXPLORE the ONAYLF Information & results.
About the Shawnee Tribe
The Shawnee Tribe is a sovereign nation of more than 3,700 citizens living across North America and abroad. Tribal headquarters are located in Miami, Oklahoma, and Shawnee Chief Benjamin J. Barnes was elected in 2019. In January 2020, Chief Barnes issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for the Shawnee language. The Shawnee Tribe Business Council adopted resolution R-01-06-20-K, which officially declared the years 2021-2030 as the Decade of the Shawnee Language and pledged tribal resources flow toward a comprehensive plan to create fluent speakers from the youngest Shawnees and deploy language curriculum to all Shawnee people. For more information, visit shawnee-nsn.gov.
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.
The Shawnee Tribe’s Behavioral Health Program is providing information in January for Stalking Awareness Month. Stalking is a serious and often misunderstood form of victimization. It involves a pattern of behaviors that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or experience significant emotional distress. Stalking is not rare, and it is not […]
Tire recycling (or rubber recycling) is the process of collecting worn-out tires and reprocessing them into useful materials instead of letting them take up space in landfills. Because tires are durable and don’t break down easily, recycling them protects the environment, reduces fire risks, and eliminates potential mosquito-breeding sites in improperly disposed tire piles. Common […]
For many people, the holiday season brings connection, celebration, and routine changes. But for survivors of domestic violence or past trauma, this time of year can also bring unexpected emotional challenges. Increased stress, family expectations, and sensory triggers can intensify anxiety, depression, and symptoms of PTSD. Holiday environments can activate the brain’s trauma pathways. Sensory […]