Eastern Shawnee Tribe Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting for New Administration Building

Eastern Shawnee Tribe Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting for New Administration Building

WYANDOTTE, Okla. (June 26, 2025) —

The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma celebrated a major milestone today with the ribbon-cutting of its new Administration Building located at 10300 S. Bluejacket Road in Wyandotte, Oklahoma.

Chief Glenna J. Wallace, the first woman elected as tribal leader in 2006, led the event and delivered a keynote speech to a crowd of tribal members, elders, and community partners. “This building stands as a testament to our sovereignty, our people’s resilience, and the future we build together,” she said before cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

A traditional blessing followed, offered by an Elder, invoking peace and protection over the building and its work.

A Long Journey Home

The Eastern Shawnee people descend from 18th-century Shawnee communities in the Ohio River Valley. After centuries of displacement due to colonial encroachment and government policy, including the Indian Removal Act of 1830, they were relocated to what is now Ottawa County, Oklahoma.

By 1867, the Eastern Shawnee formally separated from the Seneca and reestablished themselves as an independent, sovereign tribe. In 1936, the tribe adopted a constitution under the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act.

Today, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe operates a robust government and economy from Wyandotte, including Indigo Sky Casino & Resort and the Outpost Casino. These enterprises contribute to an estimated $164 million in annual economic activity and provide vital support for cultural and community programs.

What This Building Means

Chief Wallace emphasized the role the building will play in consolidating departments and improving service delivery to the tribe’s 3,787 enrolled members. “Housing, health, education, social services—all these now have a centralized place of operations,” she said.


The project is part of a broader strategic initiative to strengthen governance, enhance cultural identity, and invest in the future of the tribe’s youth and elders alike.

Moving Forward

In her closing remarks, Chief Wallace announced forthcoming expansions to cultural programming, including Shawnee language preservation efforts, educational partnerships, and intergovernmental collaboration with neighboring tribes and municipalities.


With the new building open, the Eastern Shawnee continue their tradition of honoring the past while preparing future generations for leadership and community service.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Woman Hospitalized After Ottawa County Jail Detention; Investigation Underway

Image
Woman Hospitalized After Ottawa County Jail Detention; Investigation Underway By Miami News-Digest | January 29, 2025 MIAMI, Okla. – The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation after a woman sustained injuries while in custody at the Ottawa County Jail. Leah Sanko was booked into the jail on Jan. 22 following her arrest by Miami Police Department officers at Integris ER for reported combative behavior. An affidavit filed on Jan. 24 detailed felony assault charges against her. Sometime between Jan. 22 and Jan. 27, Sanko exhibited physical injuries to various parts of her body. During a virtual court hearing, a judge noted her visible injuries and ordered her to appear in person. Sanko was released from custody on Jan. 27 and was transported by a parent to Mercy Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. ...
Read more

Authorities Search for Armed Robbery Suspect in Multiple Oklahoma Cities

Image
Authorities Search for Armed Robbery Suspect in Multiple Oklahoma Cities MIAMI, Okla. — Law enforcement agencies are searching for a suspect involved in three armed robberies that occurred early Friday morning in Miami, Claremore, and Adair, Oklahoma. The suspect, described as a Black male wearing a dark blue hoodie and a ski mask, was armed with a handgun during the robberies. The crimes occurred between 12:11 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on February 2, 2025. The timeline of the robberies is as follows: 12:11 a.m. in Miami, Oklahoma 1:05 a.m. in Claremore, Oklahoma 7:30 a.m. in Adair, Oklahoma After the robbery in Claremore, authorities found the suspect’s getaway vehicle, a dark gray Jeep Cherokee with blacked-out ...
Read more

Sheriff of Ottawa County Requests OSBI Investigation into Jail Incident Involving Sanko

Image
Sheriff Requests OSBI Investigation into Jail Incident Involving Sanko By Inquisitor Miami News-Digest MIAMI, Okla. — Ottawa County Sheriff David Dean has requested an independent investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) into an incident involving an arrestee, Sanko, at the county jail. Sheriff Dean issued a press release stating that, at this time, it does not appear that Sanko was assaulted while in custody. In his statement, Sheriff Dean confirmed that an OSBI agent has been assigned to the case. He also noted that the Ottawa County District Attorney’s Office has dismissed criminal charges against Sanko, as there was no indication that Sanko could form criminal intent at the hospital. Full Statement from Sheriff Dean The matter. At this time, it does not appear that any person assaulted Sanko. I have requested the Oklahoma Bureau of ...
Read more