Kaw Nation of Oklahoma

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About The Kaw Nation Tribe

Facts About the Kaw Nation:

  • The Kaw Nation, also known as the Kanza or Kansa, are the namesake of the state of Kansas.
  • Historically known as “People of the South Wind.”
  • The tribe operates the Kanza Museum which houses historical artifacts and exhibits.
  • Hosts an annual powwow every August to celebrate their culture.
  • The Kaw Nation was part of the larger Dhegiha Siouan-speaking tribes.

Click to Learn More About the Kaw Nation

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

Kaw Nation's Original Lands

Kansas

Kaw Nation Resources

Behavioral Health Center:

White Eagle Health Center - Behavioral Health

Jake Roberts
jake.roberts@ihs.gov
580-762-3421
580-765-2501
200 White Eagle Dr.
Ponca City, OK 74601

Housing Authority:

Kaw Housing Authority

Debbie Lewman
director@kawhousingauthority.com
580-362-6264
9 Kanza Lane
Newkirk, OK 74647

Education and Training:

Kanza Human Development Division

Amanda Wamego
edudir@kawnation.gov
580-749-5420
400 E Central
Suite 206
Ponca City, OK

Childcare Center:

Kaw Nation Child Care Development

Paula Wynn, Director
580-362-3544
96 Charles Curtis Drive
Newkirk, OK 74647

Law Enforcement:

Kaw Nation Tribal Police Department

Jim Sherron, Chief of Police
Office: 580-269-2552 x 228
Personal: 580-761-1199
698 Grandview Dr.
Kaw City, OK 74641

Medical Clinics:

Kanza Health Clinic

Joanna Potter, Director
580-362-1039
3151 E. River Road
Newkirk, OK 74647

Kaw Nation Jurisdiction and Geography

Kaw Nation Geographical Identity:

Plains

Oklahoma Jurisdiction by County:

  • Kay County
  • Noble County

Kaw Nation Tourism + Celebrations

  • Types of Amenities: History, Arts & Culture
  • Number of Hotels: 0
  • Number of RV Parks: 0
  • Number of Concert Venues: 0
  • Number of Restaurants: Tribal Verification Required
  • Family Activities: Yes
  • Medical Tourism: No
  • Museum Open to Public?: Yes
  • Visit Museum Website
  • Open Annual Celebration: Yes
  • Annual Celebration Date:
    Tribal Verification Required

Contact the Kaw Nation

Address:

698 Grandview Drive,
Kaw City, OK 74641

Phone:

580-269-2552

Email:

hrclerk@kawnation.gov

Website:

Visit the Kaw Nation Website

Socials:

Kaw Nation Politics

Chairman:

Kimberly Jenkins

Term of Office:

4 Years

Elections Held:

Every 4 years

Term Begins in:

October

Congressional District:

Tribal Verification Required

Decision Making Bodies:

Executive Council

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

Kaw Nation Cultural Facts

Number of Members:

3860

General Council Held:

Annually

Public Legislative Meetings Held:

Quarterly

Registered Voters:

Tribal Verification Required

Percentage of Voters in Last Highest Leader Election:

Tribal Verification Required%

Active Clans:

MAⁿYÍⁿKA Earth Maker TA, Deer PÁⁿKA, Ponca KAÁⁿZE Kaw WASÁBE, Blackbear WANÁⁿGHE, Ghost KE K’Iⁿ , Turtle MÍⁿK’Iⁿ, Sun Carrier ÓPHAⁿ, Elk XUYÁ Eagle HAⁿ, Night ÍBACHE, Holds the fire brand and pipes HÁⁿGA TÁⁿGA, Black Eagle CEDÓⁿGA, Buffalo bull CÍZHO WASHTÁGE, Peacmakers LO, Thunder Beings

Traditionally Matriarchal:

No

Language Status:

Endangered

The Kaw Nation Social Services and Programs

  • Offers Indian Child Welfare: Yes
  • Number of Foster Children in Program: Tribal Verification Required
  • Youth Programs Offered To: Indian youth only
  • Number of Hospitals: 0
  • Number of Clinics: 1
  • Offers Dental and Vision: Yes
  • Offers Public Transit: No
  • Offers Veterans Program: Yes
  • Number of Housing Units: 120
  • HUD’s # of Homes Needed: 305
  • Offers Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counseling To:
    All Indians in jurisdiction
  • Offers Food Distribution:
    Commodity boxes
  • Offers Childcare To:
    Tribal members, All people, including non-Indians
  • Offers Afterschool Care:
    Tribal members, All people, including non-Indians
  • Offers Healthcare To:
    All Indians in jurisdiction
  • Offers Elder Lunch and Activities (Title VI):
    All Indians in jurisdiction
  • Offers Housing to:
    All Indians in jurisdiction
  • Emergency Housing Offered:
    By Housing, By Domestic Violence Program

The Kaw Nation Economy, Budget, and Employment

The Kaw Nation Budget

  • Annual Operating Budget: Tribal Verification Required
  • Percentage of Budget Funded by Federal Grants : Tribal Verification Required
  • Percentage of Budget Funded by BIA Tribal Allocation : Tribal Verification Required
  • Percentage of Budget Funded by IHS: Tribal Verification Required
  • Percentage of Budget Funding by Gaming: Tribal Verification Required
  • Percentage of Budget Funded by Tribal Business Taxes: Tribal Verification Required

The Kaw Nation Economy

  • Banking + Lending: Tribal Verification Required
  • Energy: Tribal Verification Required
  • Farming and Ranching: Tribal Verification Required
  • Manufacturing: Tribal Verification Required
  • Oil and Gas: Tribal Verification Required
  • Services: Tribal Verification Required
  • Transportation: Tribal Verification Required
  • Utilities: Tribal Verification Required

The Kaw Nation Employees

  • Total Number of Employees: Tribal Verification Required
  • Total Number of Indian Employees: Tribal Verification Required
  • Total Number of Non-Indian Employees: Tribal Verification Required

The Kaw Nation Law, Compacts, and Contracts

The Kaw Nation Law and Order

  • Operates a Tribal Court: Yes
  • Offers Drug Court: No
  • Operates a Law Enforcement Department: Yes
  • Number of Law Enforcement Officers: 8

The Kaw Nation Compacts and Agreements

  • Compacted BIA: Yes
  • Compacted IHS: Yes
  • Per Capita Payments: No
  • Issues tribal license plates: Yes
  • Issues License Tags: Yes
  • Gaming Compact: Yes
  • Fuel Compact: No
  • Alcohol Compact: Yes
  • Tobacco Compact: Yes

The Kaw Nation Contracts and Programs

  • Federal Contractor NAICS:
    Tribal Verification Required
  • TERO: Tribal Verification Required
  • PL 102-477 Tribe: Tribal Verification Required
  • Click to View PL 102-477 Plan

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