A number of projects which began in 2010 have been completed during this 2011 fiscal year:

•         The Peoria Housing Authority’s “Green Housing” project was completed and 28 new

rental housing units made available.

•         The Tribal Transit Program administered by Grand Gateway now provides free transportation services locally for Native Americans who present their tribal membership card.

•         Funding was received and construction of the Northeast Tribal Health System’s new facility is underway.

•         The Humphrey Property, which adjoins the Peoria Tribal Cemetery, is now in trust.

•         The roads project fronting the Peoria Pow-wow Grounds is progressing.

•         Frank Hecksher joined the tribal office staff as NAGPRA/Special Project Manager and will be fulfilling the requirements of the NAGPRA grant as well as overseeing the continuing restoration of the Peoria Schoolhouse.

The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma is not “standing still”; we are continuing to grow while remaining financially sound.

With the location of the new Northeast Tribal Health System being on Peoria Tribal land fronting Highway 69A, discussions have taken place with the State of Oklahoma Highways Department and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority regarding safety issues at the entrance/exit of the new health clinic, as well as the bridge over the turnpike leading to the Pow-wow Grounds.  Although no agreements have been reached, we feel these discussions have been beneficial in bringing road safety issues within our tribal jurisdictional area to the forefront for future road improvement considerations.

The Peoria Tribal Environmental Department continues to receive grant funding for various programs including the fish hatchery, water resources, air, and wildlife.  They were recently recognized by the EPA Region 6 with their Environmental Excellence Award for water program accomplishments.  The Department recently announced a joint project with Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College to create a wetlands retention pond along Tar Creek.

Following discussions at the 2010 meeting of the Peoria Council, the Education Committee recommended additional scholarship program benefits for students working towards their Master’s Degree.  Their recommendation of providing scholarships of $3,000 for fulltime students and $1,500 for part-time students was approved by the Peoria Tribal Business Committee.

Frank Hecksher was added to the tribal office staff under the NAGPRA grant and is working with the Repatriation Committee to address NAGPRA issues.

The Election Committee was asked to review the Election Ordinance for revisions.  Members of the Election Committee attended a workshop relating to Election Ordinances and Absentee Balloting.  The Committee has met several times to discuss the current Election Ordinance.  Their review is continuing and upon completion will submit recommendations to the Business Committee for consideration.

Buffalo Run Casino continues to be a tremendous asset for the Peoria Tribe.  In November the Peoria Gaming Center was closed after access improvements were made into Joe’s Outback at Buffalo Run Casino.  This change will provide a similar atmosphere for those customers with reduced overhead costs to casino operations.  Buffalo Run Casino continues to bring outstanding events to Miami which benefit, not only the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, but our whole community and surrounding area.  The Peoria Showplace is becoming a favorite location for many special events within the community. 

Buffalo Run Hotel continues to receive acclaim for its facilities and guest service.  It has proven to be a wise and profitable investment for the Tribe.

In December, the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma purchased approximately 142 acres of land within its tribal jurisdictional area.  Use of this land, formerly the Miami Golf and Country Club, has not yet been determined.  With the closing of this golf facility by the previous owner, improvements to the facilities at Peoria Ridge Golf Course are under consideration.

Two elder tribal members who gave of themselves to all members of the Peoria Tribe died during this past year.  Mary Lembcke co-authored the Peoria Tribal History book and Alice Burgess designed the emblem used as our tribal seal.  They will both be missed.

Chief