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, fixtures and state-of-the-art screen monitors and televisions for the audience and council.
“This is an exercise of sovereignty, where we come together as a government and have a dedicated place to manage our affairs,” said Chief Ben Barnes.
In attendance were the business council, tribal staff, citizens, Miami Mayor Bless Parker, City of Miami staff, members from the Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce, local tribal representatives from Eastern Shawnee Tribe, Wyandotte Nation, Miami Nation, Seneca Cayuga Tribe, Larry Smith the previous owner of the building, the construction team, and the guest of honor Ambassador Ron Sparkman and his family.
Ambassador Ron Sparkman gave remarks on the building’s history, his time with the Inter-Tribal Council of Miami, and what it meant to him to have the tribal council chambers named after him.
“This is just unbelievable,” said Ambassador Ron Sparkman. “I’m so proud of the leadership of Chief Barnes and the rest of this council of keeping things going forward.”
The Ribbon-Cutting followed the speeches and took place in front of the newly renovated building. Light refreshments were served, including cookies with the Shawnee Tribe’s seal and flag.
Later that evening, the business council held its first monthly meeting in the tribal chambers.
VIEW photos here.
WATCH video highlights here.
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