Iowa Press Releases


 

 

    
  IOWA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA SUPPORTS HOPE BEAR PROJECT  

  PERKINS, Oklahoma, September 20, 2001-Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma and News 9 and the Daily Oklahoman will deliver the second shipment of teddy bears from Oklahoma City to New York City. The teddy bears will be delivered to children in pediatric hospitals.

The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma like many others across the country felt a need to assist with the volunteer efforts of the terrorist attack last Tuesday. Inspired by a Tribal member, the Tribe contacted Channel 9 News to donate a truck and trailer and volunteered 2 drivers to transport the teddy bears.

BKJ Trucking Company is one of the four divisions of BKJ Solutions which is owned and operated by the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. It is the only tribally-owned trucking company in the United States. Recently, BKJ Solutions received the recognition as Tribal Business of the Year by the Oklahoma Native American Business Development Center.

"I wondered if there was a way that the Tribe could help so I asked our Tribal Leadership if our trucking company could haul the teddy bears, said "Renee Prince, Tribal Member. "I'm so excited that we could do something to show our support!"

On September 22, 2001, Saturday at 1:00 p.m. volunteers will be loading the teddy bears at 7401 N. Kelley Avenue in Oklahoma City.


    
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  IOWA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENINGS
FOR TRIBAL HEADQUARTERS AND NATURE CENTER		  

  PERKINS, Oklahoma, October 31, 2001-The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma led by Chairman Lawrence Murray and the Business Committee, today announced the grand openings of the Tribal Headquarters building and the Wetlands Nature Center on November 1, 2001 beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the Tribal Complex in Perkins, Oklahoma.

The Tribal Headquarters will house the elected officials, the Bah Kho Je Housing Authority and the Tribal Administrator. 100% tribal funds were used for the construction costs. There has been rapid expansion of the Tribal Complex. By the end of the year, the construction will be completed for the Public Safety Building and planning is underway for the construction of 6 elder duplexes and a Tribal Daycare Center in 2002.

The Tribe will have an official signing ceremony for a mentor protégé agreement with CH2MHILL and BKJ Solutions' Construction Services Division which is owned and operated by the Iowas. The mentor program is designed to create a business plan and provide advice to avoid common pitfalls in the development of a construction management company. Valuable experience and strategic business alliances will competitively position BKJ Solutions in the construction industry.

The Office of Environmental Services completed the design of the Wetlands Nature Center which was funded by an Environmental Protection Agency grant. "The purpose of the 2 year project is to illustrate the environmental function and values of the wetlands, including traditional plants used by the Iowas and other tribes.", said Arleen Godoy, Wetlands Specialist and tribal employee. Recently the Iowa Tribe's efforts were recognized by the EPA for establishing a wetlands education center and outdoor demonstration center with native plants and animals.


    
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  IOWA TRIBE LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE  

  PERKINS, Oklahoma, April 10, 2002-Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma led by Chairman Lawrence Murray and the Business Committee, today announced the launch their new website at www.iowanation.org.

The website was designed with three specific viewers; tribal members, tribal administration and the general public. There is a strong emphasis for the website to be interactive and user friendly.

Tribal members can download tribal assistance programs, enrollment, and realty forms. Viewers can email questions and comments directly to the departments. "We want to provide better service for our tribal members", said Chairman Murray. In a recent survey, "Over 60% of the adult tribal members surveyed responded they had intenet access. This will be another vehicle to increase our relationship with tribal members", said Michelle Garcia, Director of Tribal Development. "The Tribe's site also promotes BKJ Solutions which is the Iowa's tribally owned company. We hope to attract new business and increase revenue.", said Garcia.

The themes of the tribal government, BJK Solutions and the Tribal Enterprises have unique homepages. It is not only a website to view information about the Iowa's history, government, culture, business, and programs and services but a business tool which serves many users needs. The Tribe worked collaboratively with INBOX, Inc., a Stillwater based web consulting company.


    
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  INSTALLATION OF NEW OFFICERS - IOWA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA  

 
PERKINS, Oklahoma, July 10, 2002

Last week the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma conducted its regular meeting in the month of July. 3 newly elected officials were sworn in by Chairman Murray to conduct business on behalf of the Iowa people. On June 1, 2002, the Iowa council held their tribal elections at the Bah-Kho-Je Chena building.

The newly elected officials are as follows: Ken McClellan, Vice Chairman, Christie Modlin, Tribal Secretary and Mae Sine, Council person. All reside in or near the City of Perkins. They join the existing Business Committee members who are Lawrence Murray, Chairman, who has served for 19 years and Victor Roubidoux, Tribal Treasurer serving for 12 years.

"I congratulate the new officers, it is with great anticipation we continue to work together to transact business for the tribal government.", said Chairman Murray. "It is an exciting time for the Iowas. We face many opportunities and challenges. More than ever leadership is required for the advancement and security of the Tribe." said Victor Roubidoux, Tribal Treasurer.

On June 26, 1935 under the Thomas-Rogers Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act, the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma was approved to govern themselves by its Constitution and Bylaws pursuant to that Act, which was led by Jack Lincoln, first Tribal Chairman for the Iowas.

   
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  FRIEND OF THE TRIBE  

 
PERKINS, Oklahoma, September 6, 2002

Chris McCutchen, long time member of the Perkins community, received an award of appreciation and gratitude from the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. The award honored his assistance, friendship, and gracious contribution of time, effort, and humanitarian services

In 2001, Mr. McCutchen, owner of Goober Drilling and partner of Special Energy of Stillwater assisted the Tribe in establishing their fire department. Mr. McCutchen stated that he viewed his assistance as, "Just being a good neighbor." Mr. McCutchen knew that the fire department would be mutually beneficial to the Tribe and local landowners.

In 2002, Mr. McCutchen came to the rescue again when a tractor rollover threatened the life of a Tribal elder. He dispatched one of his winch trucks, which was used to lift the tractor off.

Partnerships and collaborations such as this strengthen our community and make Perkins a great place to live!


    
   
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  BKJ TRUCKING HONORED BY INDIAN CHAMBER  

 
PERKINS, Oklahoma, September 18, 2002

The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma held a special memorial luncheon on September 11, the anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center, to honor the American Indians in the Oklahoma community that made a significant difference in the lives of their fellow Americans.

Special guests included First Responders such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, counselors, emergency medical personnel, and K9 search and rescue workers from various Tribes and Nations. Included in the recognition and receiving certificates of appreciation at the luncheon were David Dial, Operations Manager for BKJ Trucking and Renee Prince, Agricultural Specialist of the Iowa Tribe for their collaborative efforts in Project Hope Bear. Renee Prince, of the Iowa Tribe, contacted News Channel 9 to volunteer a truck, trailer, and two drivers from the Iowa Tribe's BKJ Trucking Company to deliver a shipment of teddy bears to New York that had been collected by Channel 9 and the Daily Oklahoman.

Project Hope Bear was one of three inspiring stories from America featured in a short film titled "I Help New York" produced by The Greater New York Hospital Association. The video won an award and may be checked out or viewed at the Iowa Tribal Library.

For more information on BKJ Trucking, the only tribally owned trucking company in the United States, visit the Tribe's website at www.iowanation.org or call 1-866-547-1091.


    
   
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  IOWA TRIBE RESTRUCTURES IN RESPONSE TO BUSINESS GROWTH  

 
PERKINS, Oklahoma, September 23, 2002

The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma has restructured its organization to meet the growth in its business and services. The Tribe recently completed its 20-year Strategic Plan and this reorganization complements those goals. The Strategic Plan and the corresponding reorganization positions the Tribe to better respond to business needs, implement new services, and more effectively serve its Tribal community.

The new organizational structure streamlines the Tribal operations function and establishes a separate entity to manage a Tribal corporation, called BKJ Solutions. The major elements of the first part of the reorganization efforts include the creation of four key divisions: Tribal Operations, Tribal Business, Tribal Economic Development Authority, and Bah-Kho-Je Housing Authority. Additionally, a Planning and Public Information Office was established.

This action has also resulted in the creation of two new staff positions, Chief of Staff and Executive Director for Tribal Operations. Various departments and programs will realign under these two positions. This reorganization step effectively narrows the supervisory span and greatly increases the efficiency and productivity for the 200 employees. Tribal Treasurer, Victor Roubidoux, and Business Committee spokesman, stated, "This reorganization makes the government side more streamlined and provides for a more efficient allocation of resources. The change in the business side will help to develop a management structure that will make us more competitive, especially in BKJ Solutions and in pursuing governmental contracting."

The second part of the reorganization creates a distinct business structure for BKJ Solutions and the other Tribal enterprises apart from Tribal operations and governmental functions. This will allow BKJ Solutions to respond more effectively to business opportunities.

BKJ Solutions, the business branch of the Tribe, has four divisions: BKJ Trucking, BKJ Energy, BKJ Environmental, and BKJ Construction. BKJ Trucking Company works with a wide variety of customers hauling dry and frozen products coast to coast. BKJ Trucking was named "Tribal Business of the Year 2001" by the Oklahoma Native American Business Development Center. BKJ Energy is at the forefront of the energy market and actively engages in intertribal energy commerce and tribal industry transactions. Archaeological & Environmental Services is another division that sprang from internal Tribal expertise and is proactively exploring federal contracting opportunities. A final division, BKJ Construction, focuses on small construction projects and remodels. In addition, the Iowa Tribe also operates the Cimarron Casino in Perkins, the Bah-Kho-Je Art Gallery in Guthrie and other retail outlets in the towns of Carney and Coyle.

This reorganization is consistent with recommendations from several studies and input from Tribal members, along with vision of its elected leadership. This new structure recognizes growth, new challenges, responsibilities, and will provide for a more effective Tribal government. Additionally, it seeks to improve community services, collaborations, and partnerships.

For more information on BKJ Solutions or for business opportunities visit the Tribe's website at www.iowanation.org or contact Jim Wheeler, Chief of Staff, at 1-888-336-4692.

   
   
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  U.S. CONGRESSMAN WES WATKINS VISITS IOWA TRIBAL COMPLEX  

 
PERKINS, Oklahoma, October 31, 2002

U.S. Congressman Wes Watkins met with Iowa tribal elected officials today. Congressman Watkins, who is leaving Congress at the end of this congressional term has been making his rounds of his Congressional Farewell Meetings.

Congressman Watkins had the opportunity to visit with the Business Committee. They discussed the Tribe's economic development goals and future business development plans regarding nature resources and energy.

The Iowa Tribe and the Congressman have much in common with their commitment and concern for job development in Oklahoma. "What is good for Tribes is good for the State of Oklahoma", says Tribal Treasurer, Victor Roubidoux. "We not only provide jobs for American Indians, we employ non Indians which support the adjacent communities."

Congressman Watkins has served ten terms representing the Third District and has had a distinguish record of service. Most notably he served on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma extends best wishes to the Congressman and his family and welcomes him back home!

    
   
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  IOWA INDIAN TRIBE OPENS ART GALLERY IN PERKINS  

 
PERKINS, Oklahoma, April 19, 2003

The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma will be hosting a Grand Opening Celebration of its new Bah-Kho-Je Art Gallery in Perkins, OK, this Saturday, April 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Bah-Kho-Je Gallery features Indian art, pottery, jewelry, shawls, moccasins and beadwork, as well as an extensive line of Pendleton merchandise. The Gallery also does custom framing.

The Grand Opening festivities will include giveaways, drawings for Native American artwork from the Gallery, and traditional Native American food. Entertainment includes a Native American Magician and Native American dancers will perform at various times throughout the day.

One of the Gallery's featured artists, Gina Gray, will be at the Gallery during the Grand Opening to discuss her work.

The Bah-Kho-Je Art Gallery is located at the intersection of Highway 33 and Highway 177 in Perkins. Regular store hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For further store information, contact Bob Murray, Gallery Manager at 547-2757.

   
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  IOWA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA HOSTS COBELL V. NORTON CASE MEETING  

 
PERKINS, Oklahoma, October 20, 2003

Elouise Cobell, lead plaintiff for the Cobell v. Norton case and Keith Harper, attorney for the Native American Rights Fund will be meeting with Iowa tribal members, individual account holders and Tribal leadership in the state of Oklahoma on Ocober 31, 2003 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the Bah Kho Je Chena building near the pow wow grounds on Hwy 177.

The purpose of this meeting is to update Indian Country on the conclusion of the most recent trial of the multi-billion dollar class-action lawsuit. The plaintiff class is comprised of 500,000 individual Indians who are suing the United States for the governments' failure to properly manage these individual Indians' trust funds. On September 25, 2003, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ordered the Interior Department to conduct a full accounting of all individual Indian assets held in trust since 1887 -- some $13.9 billion, exclusive of interests.

"The meeting is critical so that we can learn from our clients -- the beneficiary class -- their thoughts, ideas and concerns about the case to guide us as we enter the final phase of this litigation," said Harper. "Also," he added "we want to inform them of the groundbreaking developments in this case." Similar meetings have been conducted in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Arizona, and in the Northwest. Another meeting is scheduled on November 1, 2003 in eastern Oklahoma.

To learn more about the Cobell v. Nortan case, click on the website link: www.indiantrust.com. For more information about the meeting, please contact the Iowa Tribal Complex at 405-547-2402, ext. 255. Directions for the meeting are on the Iowa Tribe's website at www.iowanation.org/Maps.


    
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