He’ “Hello,” good kìshi paxhàkwèke “afternoon.” We hope by now our readers understand the significant role we play within the Tribe and, for that matter, the nationwide recognition we have established for the tribe within our industry. The minko ”seeds” that were hakihe “planted“ several years ago have grown into prominence with the expert collaboration from Rhonda Pinkerton and Elaine Higginbotham of Tribal Support Services.

That is why we were delighted to have Chief KillsCrow and Treasurer Rusty Creed Brown attend the 13th Annual Agent Summit this past April 15-18th in Las Vegas NV. Their support is invaluable and, as always, demonstrates the tribe’s continued endorsement of our efforts. Because of the many events our tribe attends, we stand out as a Native American business that operates uniquely in this industry.

As a revenue generating force for the Tribe, we are proud to contribute to tribal operations and assist when our Chief and tribal council call upon the Tribal Domicile to fund projects. This relates to many services that benefit our people. Our cultural preservation department and the veteran’s memorial have been previously mentioned, but the domicile has also supported the annual General Council meeting, the Delaware Tribe Outdoor and Indoor Pow Wows, and tribal improvements whenever called upon. These social events are important to our tribal members to advance and sustain our native culture. We were privileged to provide $25,000 for disaster relief to those tribal members who suffered damage from the severe weather and tornados widespread through our region in recent weeks. Most recently, we provided $7,500 for a water well repair at our Lawrence, Kansas sod farm.

We are excited to invite you to our newly-remodeled offices in Caney, Kansas. It has been enjoyable spending the winter months at the Bartlesville headquarters, reacquainting ourselves with the many department directors and their programs on this campus, and of course lunch with the Title VI elder nutrition program. Our next scheduled conference is the F&I Reinsurance and Product Conference (November 18th – 20th) that we have attended for many years, and in fact was originated by our Tribal Support Services teammates. This conference also gives us the opportunity to connect with our reinsurance partners that did not attend the Agent Summit. Oh, don’t misunderstand. Our lines of communication are readily open, and we are available to discuss and assist. I should mention that because of the move and transition back to our Caney offices, IT is reestablishing our phone lines. To prevent any confusion, our email addresses would be the recommended communication method for the time being.

We enjoy providing these updates and the happenings within the Tribal Domicile. As always, go to tribaldomicile.com and/or delawaretribe.org, where you can also find Teton Trade Cloth by Lenape.

Wanishi,

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

Eche tamwe! “surprise!”… Tahkokën “Fall” has come and gone and Luwàn “Winter” is even nearing an end as we look forward to Sikònke “Spring”. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I knew it would be sometime after our F&I conference before I reported what the domicile and, more importantly, what our Delaware tribe is doing for our people. What a class act the F&I Conference is every year with the information and venue it offers. The wide variety of topics certainly reflects the expertise of our speakers. Even during our reinsurance session, Rhonda Pinkerton, our compliance director and teammate of the domicile, demonstrated the know-how she has acquired through the years and her respectability in this industry. She and Elaine Higginbotham of Tribal Support Services are the best!

So, what has been going on since Becky Bridendolph, our Reinsurance Coordinator and Assistant to the Registrar, and I returned from the conference? Well, it was no surprise to us when we moved to our Bartlesville, Oklahoma headquarters for the renovation/remodel of our Caney, Kansas offices. Over the course of many years, this location has been a medical clinic and day care facility, so an update and renovation to this already nice building was due. The renovation will allow for further expansion and future additions to our domicile staff. Again, this is another fine example of the growth our Tribe is experiencing and the foresight our Chief Brad KillsCrow and the Tribal Council support. We’ve been told to expect the project to be complete at the end of March or early April. Sometime after we return from Agent Summit in April, we will be excited to extend an invitation for you to visit. Our Osage Nation neighbors have recently opened a hotel and casino that would be a wonderful place for you to stay.

Chief KillsCrow and our Tribal Council continue to improve our existing facilities at our Bartlesville campus, making plans for a new wellness center and gymnasium for the health and wellbeing of our tribal members, other Native American tribes, and the community. Even more exciting are their plans to build a new cultural building which will provide much-needed space for our library, museum, historical archives, and all the activities we organize. As always, the care of our elders and children and the preservation of our language are paramount to this administration. In addition to the food pantry and beef production, food sustainability continues to develop with the planting of an orchard. Our tribe is actively improving our campus for the betterment of our people. The Tribal Domicile is eager to assist whenever called upon 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 call on us.

Agent Summit is just around the corner, taking place at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas April 15^th through April 18^th. We will be there for the twelfth consecutive year – we look forward to seeing you there! This year, we are the reinsurance symposium giveaway sponsor and will have several items to raffle off that you won’t want to miss! We will have another blanket from our company, Teton Trade Cloth by Lenape (https://www.tetontradecloth.com/). Chief KillsCrow and a member of the Tribal Council will accompany our domicile team to show their support.

As many of you know, December and the first few months are extremely busy for us – and we thank you for that. We hope your year-end was rewarding as well. Now, we look forward to 2024, continuing the standard of service that everyone has come to expect. We wish you a great 2024 as we promise to hear your concerns and continue to adapt to the ever-changing marketplace. As always, go to www.tribaldomicile.com to stay informed, and visit our shop, Lenape Reserve, at delawaretribe.org. Have a great “Sikònke!“  

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

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

Nipenewi welepan pe’at teskawmehelat “Summer weather is going fast.” So does the time! This summer, our Chief and Tribal Council have been busy improving the opportunities for Tribal members. Many departments, committees, organizations, and the community have benefited from the funding designated by the council. Our Tribal Domicile is proud to play a role. Some recipients of the contributions include: our Veterans in the form of travel assistance for their trip to DC; our Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club; The National Indian Education Association; and Bartlesville High School Sports– pictured above. We believe investing in our youths’ physical activity is important in preventing diabetes.

On an even larger scale, the Domicile has contributed to land improvements adjacent to the new elder housing project and much-needed equipment for updating the tribe’s operations. The most exciting news is the Domicile’s major contribution to our Cultural Resources department, allowing them the opportunity to reach out to more tribal members and preserve our traditions via events such as social dances, language classes, traditional meals, and arts and crafts classes.

Our method of doing business allows us to continue to provide a prompt response to your requests. Our Tribal Support Services (TSS) team has been persevering to respond quickly, even with the increasing volume of new formations and re-domestications. Rhonda and Elaine paid a timely visit to the Delaware Tribe’s Bartlesville, OK headquarters and the Domicile’s Caney, KS headquarters. Their agenda was full on their three-day trip, starting with a meeting with our Chief Brad KillsCrow, then onto Caney to discuss technology needs and future growth. Day two started with a presentation to the Tribal Council, and afternoon meetings with the tribe’s CFO followed by a rewarding meeting with the Tribal Operations Manager. On day three, TSS attended the morning Directors’ meeting and was able to provide an update on the Domicile. Working all the while, Elaine and Rhonda made themselves available for other conversations and received excellent assistance from the Chief’s administrative assistant, Dana Murrell.

Chief KillsCrow is running unopposed in our November tribal elections. We appreciate his involvement with our Domicile, and we were glad to have had such a productive visit with TSS in Bartlesville and Caney. Our next stop will be GPW and Associate’s F&I Reinsurance and Product Conference in November. The Domicile team looks forward to seeing you. As always, go to tribaldomicile.com. Have a great Tahkoken “Fall”!

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

Wëlatènamu Nuxa kwëtikishku – Happy Father’s Day! I look back to a rewarding Agent Summit and say Wanishi. Thank you for the great conversations and interest shown in the Tribal Domicile. I hope those that attended came away with something new and useful. The Delaware Tribe has been busy since our return. Chief Brad KillsCrow announced the completion of a land acquisition, which was mentioned in my April newsletter. The Delaware Tribe of Indians purchased 4,200 acres just west of Caney near Sedan, Kansas. The initial focus will be raising cattle from the pasture to our members’ tables, however there will be an abundance of uses of the land for our Tribal members including youth activities and cultural events. To follow the progress of this endeavor, keep an eye on delawaretribe.org.

Our Veterans Memorial looks like it is nearing completion. Oh, I’m sure there will be an announcement of a dedication date. Many Delaware Veterans will be displayed and honored in this memorial. It will give countless tribal members and visitors a place to reflect. Groundbreaking for new elder housing took place in the Bartlesville, Oklahoma headquarters on May 21^st. The 57^th annual Delaware Pow Wow was held over the Memorial Day weekend and concluded on May 30^th. Other social services programs for tribal members and other Native Americans continue onsite, including the elder nutrition department’s lunch served Monday through Friday.

Continuing with the busy theme, Tribal Support Services has been working non-stop, providing their expertise to the industry. During our weekly meetings our Compliance Director, Rhonda, and our Director of Operations, Elaine, always bring open-minded opinions regarding the type of formations that fall within our model. During these discussions we always recognize our domicile is growing and developing, as is this industry. Now, I know I’m embarrassing Elaine and Rhonda but they deserve the recognition for responding and providing the assistance you deserve. Until next time, don’t forget to visit us at tribaldomicile.com.

Wanishi, Thank you

Allan R. Barnes
Domicile Commissioner
abarnes@delawaretribe.org

“Mechi lapi sikon” It is now spring again! During this first quarter, our Delaware (Lenape) tribe has been actively improving our Oklahoma headquarters in Bartlesville, OK for the benefit of our tribal community. We are growing and our Domicile is a benefactor!

At our main campus, existing premises include our Community Center, which houses our administrative offices; Elder Nutrition Center, where congregate meals (lunch) are served daily; Family and Children Services building; Lenape Early Learning Center (daycare) building; Cultural Preservation building; Wellness Center building; and elder housing duplexes. Construction of a 3,500 sq. ft. food pantry has been completed and nearing operational.

Our Tribal Domicile offices are located at our business administration building in Caney, Kansas. The Tribal Council is discussing options for further upgrading our Caney property, primarily landscaping and some interior updates.

The Veterans Memorial construction is underway, but of course weather is a factor. On a traditional note, a sweat lodge is being constructed for tribal ceremonies. Speaking of historical traditions and customs, I was surprised to see a Lenape Indian who died over 500 years ago, Sasappis, as a main character on the sitcom series of “Ghosts.” When that character identified himself as Lenape it got my attention. Then in a scene when asked what he would like, he responded he wished that his people had never been forced out of the Hudson River Valley or something to that effect. That made me wonder where the historical accuracy was coming from and I discovered our language director and historian had been consulted for this series. Interesting…

I hope you find my veering off into a little more information about our Tribe refreshing. It is “sikon,” and as we all look forward to new possibilities, our Domicile will continue to provide you the efficient e-commerce method of delivery that has long been established.
In closing, you know our website: tribaldomicile.com and if I haven’t mentioned it before our tribal website is delawaretribe.org. Please know we always welcome your calls and emails.

Wanishi Thank you

“Luwane ahpu” Winter is here… Our tribal domicile begins the New Year optimistically, expecting even better and bigger results – not only for ourselves – but for you and the industry as a whole. We are thankful for the relationships we have with our Insurance Managers and hope our responsiveness has become an asset for your staff. As we have stated all along, it is our intention to be accessible and provide fast turnaround times whilst also offering a viable, regulated alternative.

Like many of us across the country, this winter’s weather has been extreme at times. Our Tribe was able to enjoy a good day on Saturday the 29^th to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for our Veterans Memorial. Our Domicile was privileged to contribute to making this a reality for our elder veterans and all of our tribal veterans who served and are serving in the armed forces. It is our intention to continue to provide assistance to the various social service committees and their departments that need support. 

What changes are in store for 2022? We intend to remain focused on what we do best, to continue to provide you the efficient method of delivery that we have established. Also, we intend to be receptive to the challenges faced by you in the industry. We understand the occasional, not so typical requests that need discussion. We will entertain those discussions. Adaptability and innovation are vital in this ever changing marketplace. For example: I am impressed with the F&I response to underwrite Electric Vehicles.

In closing, January and February always seem to fly by and as we roll into Spring, we’ll provide you with our plans for the 2022 Agent Summit. We wish everyone to be safe during this “Luwane” season. Please visit our website:  tribaldomicile.com and know we welcome your calls and emails.

Wanishi Thank you