He’ “Hello”, `Osomi “yes” it’s been a nulëmëlànte “hot” kichi nipën “Summer,” as we wish for sukëlanhe “rain.” Agent Summit 2023 was uplifting, reuniting with our great friends and making new acquaintances. We are always so proud of the great support from our Chief, Brad KillsCrow, including his attendance at this event.

I first want to start by telling you about the trip to our Delaware Tribe Ranch that myself and Becky Bridendolph, our reinsurance coordinator, took in mid-June. Sedan, Kansas is about 25 miles from our office in Caney, Kansas. What a diverse and fantastic 4,000 acres! The tribe is actively operating The Delaware Tribe Ranch as a cattle ranch under the supervision of tribal members Tom and Homer Scott, brothers and longtime active members of our tribe. Both brothers have been career cattlemen. Tom gave us a three-hour tour, during which he pointed out the abundant opportunities this land provides and discussed the tribe’s plans for the ranch. We could have spent all day on ATVs. Chief KillsCrow has spoken of all the additional uses the tribe has for this property such as having the facilities for tribal activities. A new 6,000 sq ft big house is being completed for youth and elder retreats. Most importantly, beef will be provided for our food pantry at our Bartlesville headquarters. I could go on.

I also want to announce the Delaware Tribe of Indians Veterans Memorial was dedicated on Thursday, May 25, 2023. The Tribal Domicile is proud to have provided assistance to make this happen.

We are happy to respond to requests for funding projects for the benefit of the tribe whenever Chief KillsCrow and the Tribal Council turn to us. Our administration has many projects and undertakings, from Elder Housing and our food pantry to social issues like ICWA, the Indian Child Welfare Act. The Domicile is always happy to serve. Our tribe is doing many good things for the betterment of our people.

Now, we look forward to the 2023 F&I Reinsurance and Product Conference in November. I wanted to acknowledge this great event now because I may not have another newsletter until after we return. This learning conference gives all participants time to catch up and discuss current business concerns. I’m sure most of our Insurance Managers are aware our Domicile is experiencing significant growth, and of all the behind-the-scenes effort associated with that growth. I keep seeing comments like Amazing! Fantastic! Great! when our insurance managers thank Elaine and Rhonda, of Tribal Support Services, for their spectacular work and incredible response time. I’m not exaggerating. Our newest Domicile employee, reinsurance coordinator Becky Bridendolph, perfectly provides their backup support here in our Caney, Kansas office.

So, we will continue the kind of timely response that has been established for all of you in this industry. The Domicile team will look forward to seeing you in Tempe. As always, go to tribaldomicile.com. Hope you have had a great kichi nipën, “Summer.” Lenape Reserve can be found at delawaretribe.org.

Wanishi,

Allan R. Barnes
Domicile Commissioner
Delaware Tribe of Indians
abarnes@delawaretribe.org