Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

About The Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Facts About the Absentee Shawnee Tribe:

  • The Shawnee were originally part of the Algonquin-speaking tribes.
  • The name “Shawnee” means “southerner.”
  • Historically known for their resistance against European encroachment.
  • Tecumseh, a notable Shawnee leader, played a significant role in Native American history.
  • The Absentee Shawnee were one of the three federally recognized Shawnee tribes.

Click to Learn More About the Absentee Shawnee

Read about the storied heritage of the Absentee Shawnee, including its cultural influence and historical journey to Oklahoma, through resources at the Oklahoma Historical Society.

The Absentee Shawnee's Original Lands

Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois

Absentee Shawnee Resources

Behavioral Health Center:

Shawnee Clinic Behavioral Health Services

Dr. Nael
snael@astribe.com
405-878-4716
2029 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.,
Shawnee, OK 74801

Housing Authority:

Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority

Sherry Drywater
s.drywater@ashousingauthority.com
405-273-1050
107 N. Kimberly Avenue,
Shawnee, OK 74801

Education and Training:

Absentee Shawnee 477 Department

Briana Ponkilla,
briana.ponkilla@astribe.com
405-275-4030 x 3507
2025 S Gordon Cooper Dr.,
Shawnee, OK 74801

Childcare Center:

Building Blocks Child Development Center II

Barbra Pope, Director
405-878-0633
2025 S Gordon Cooper Dr.,
Shawnee, OK 74801

Law Enforcement:

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Police

Brad Gaylord, Chief
405-275-3200
2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.,
Shawnee, OK 74801

Medical Clinics:

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System Shawnee Clinic

Chris Larkin,
MBA, FACHE, CHC
405-878-5850
2029 S. Gordon Cooper Drive,
Shawnee, OK 74801

Absentee Shawnee Jurisdiction and Geography

Absentee Shawnee Geographical Identity:

Northeast

Oklahoma Jurisdiction by County:

  • Cleveland
  • Pottawatomie

Absentee Shawnee Tourism and Celebrations

Contact the Absentee Shawnee

Address:

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive,
Shawnee, OK 74801

Phone:

Email:

Website:

Absentee Shawnee Politics

Governor:

John Raymond Johnson

Term of Office:

4 Years

Elections Held:

Every 4 years

Term Begins in:

Varies

Congressional District:

Tribal Verification Required

Decision Making Bodies:

Executive Committee

Economy Authority Governed by:

Tribal Verification Required

Health Board Governed by:

Tribal Verification Required

House Board Governed by:

Tribal Verification Required

Audited Federal Grant Awards:

Tribal Verification Required

Absentee Shawnee Cultural Facts

Number of Members:

4661

General Council Held:

Annually

Public Legislative Meetings Held:

Monthly

Registered Voters:

Tribal Verification Required

Percentage of Voters in Last Highest Leader Election:

Tribal Verification Required%

Active Clans:

Tribal Verification Required

Traditionally Matriarchal:

Yes

Language Status:

Tribal Verification Required

Absentee Shawnee Social Services and Programs

Absentee Shawnee Economy, Budget, and Employment

The Absentee Shawnee Budget

The Absentee Shawnee Economy

The Absentee Shawnee Employees

Absentee Shawnee Law, Compacts, and Contracts

Absentee Shawnee Law and Order

The Absentee Shawnee Compacts and Agreements

The Absentee Shawnee Contracts and Programs