2026 Election Candidates
In accordance with the Peoria Election Ordinance Article XIII - Section 4 -In the race for Grievance Committee there are five (5) candidates and for Chief there are three (3) candidates. One candidate for Grievance Committee and one candidate for Chief must receive no less than 50.1% of the total vote in order to be declared the winner. Failure to do so will result in a run-off election between the two (2) who have received the most votes for Grievance Committee, and the two (2) who have received the most votes for Chief.
In the event of a Run-Off Election, more information will be announced at General Council.
CHIEF CANDIDATE Sammy Beets
Aya, Wah-peh-yah,
My name is Sammy Beets, and I am honored to announce that I have filed to be listed among the candidates for Chief of the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma.
I was raised in Sand Springs, OK and the Native community of Northeast Oklahoma. I Have been married for 38 years to the same wonderful woman. I raised 3 children and have 8 grandchildren.
My qualifications begin with serving as a Shift Supervisor for Central States Food Processors, 3 years, Joplin MO. Health and Safety atAble Body Corp., Pittsburg, KS, for 2 years.Along with being the wastewater treatment plant operator, hazardous waste coordinator and Emergency Spill Cleanup team. During that time, I reported to Management, the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA).
For the past 25 years, I have dedicated my career to serving 10 Tribes and their Tribal Members through my work with the Bureau of IndianAffairs, MiamiAgency (BIA). My work with the BIAhas allowed me to advocate for Tribal and individual landowners in the negotiations of agricultural, residential, and business leases, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with federal and Tribal regulations I have negotiated, drafted and coordinated Rights-of-Ways, worked closely with federal agencies, and assisted Native people in navigating complex land and property issues. I have collaborated with the EPA, USGS, BLM, Remediation and Environmental Contractors, and Tribal members to protect Native trust lands and support the cleanup of the Tar Creek area. In that effort, I have negotiated and coordinated chat sales, drafted contracts, and calculated payments going to the trust/restricted ownership. My
purposehasalwaysbeenthesame:toprotectNativelands,supportNativefamilies, andensurethatourtrustassetsaremanagedwithintegrityandfairness
IamrunningforChiefbecauseIbelieveourTribedeservesleadershipthatispresent, approachable,accountable,andexperiencedintheissuesthatmattermosttous:
Protectingourlandandsovereignty
MakingsureeveryTribalmemberhasavoice
Strengtheningofourprogramsandservices
Supportingoureldersandfamilies
Expandingopportunitiesforour'youth
Ensuringtransparencyandcommunication
Ibelieveinleadershipthatlistensandunderstandsthedetails.Leadershipthatis forwardthinkingandunderstandshowtoadvocateforourpeopleateverylevel.We muststartplanningforthefuture.
Ibelieve,thatwhenwebeginplanning,westartbyaskingourselves,"Howwouldthe TribalMembershipwanttoproceed"and"HowdoesthisbetterthelivesofEACH IndividualTribalMember?"AllissuesmustbeposedtotheTribalMembersfortheir considerationofhowitaffectsthem.
ThebottomlineisthatTheAssetsofthePeoriaTribeofIndiansofOklahomaarenot solelytheAssetsofthePeoriaTribeofIndiansofOklahoma,buttheAssetsofthe TribalMembersofthePeoriaTribeofIndiansofOklahoma.Wehavegrownaspeople. WeUnderstandEconomiesandMarketsandifthereissomeamonguswhodon’t,it's ourjobasaTribetoeducatethem.NottreatthemasaWardtobeprotected.
MygoalistorunthePeoriaTribeasastrongChiefalongwithastrongBC,asthe HeadsofLeadershipandtheTribalMemberstreatedmoreasshareholdersintheir assets.TheHeadsofourEnterprisesareaccountabletotheBCandtherefore accountabletothePeople.ShareholderreportsshouldgoouttoallTribalMembers,to betterunderstandwhereourbusinessesaregoingandtogathersuggestionsfor improvementsfromthemembers.ByallowingtheMembershiptohavethis information,itwillallowusmoreunderstandingofday-to-dayoperationsandtobetter understandwhoamongtheelectedofficialsandheadsoftheseenterpriseshavethe tribalmembership'sbestinterestsatheart.NotsolelythebestinterestofthePeoria TribeofIndiansofOklahoma.
After all, if there are no Tribal Members the Tribe ceases to exist. Therefore, it's safe to say, that our identity, culture, and sovereignty live through our people and that protecting and empowering our citizens protects the Tribe itself."
I am asking for your support. Not just for me, but for a vision of a Tribe that is stronger, more united and more prepared for the future.ATribe where transparency is the norm, where communication is open, and where every member feels connected to the decisions that shape our future I believe deeply in where we can go together
Thank you for your time, your trust, and your consideration. I look forward to visiting with each of you, hearing your concerns, discussing plans for economic development and working together to build the future our people deserve.
CHIEF CANDIDATE Rosanna Dobbs
To the Honorable Members of our Tribal Council and the Beloved People of our Nation, With deep respect and a renewed sense of purpose, I humbly announce my candidacy for reelection as Chief of our tribe. Serving our people has been the greatest honor of my life, and I remain committed to the responsibilities, culture, and future of our community. Over my brief term of nine months, we have worked together to strengthen our unity, protect our sovereignty, and uplift the well being of every family. We have made meaningful progress in preserving our heritage, connecting with our history and homelands, expanding opportunities for our youth, and improving support for our citizens who are elder and disabled. These achievements belong to all of us, guided by the wisdom of our ancestors and the resilience of our people.
Despite many obstacles we have made significant progress through several major projects. The Food Distribution Center has advanced to its next phase, with new coolers installed and operational, storing our buffalo meat and providing for our Peoria Fresh program. The greenhouse is preparing for its first planting season this spring, expanding our capacity for sustainable food production with an added economic impact. Our second childcare facility, Rockdale Academy, is on track to open on February 23, 2026, strengthening support for working families. The RV Park and clubhouse are scheduled for completion this summer, adding both recreational and economic value to our lands. In addition, the Quick Trip contract has expanded our lease holdings, with development projected to be completed by this time in 2027. Over the past nine months, we have also dedicated substantial effort to identifying and planning future economic development opportunities that will benefit our tribe for generations. The Peoria Tribe has an exciting and thriving future ahead.
Yet I must also acknowledge the challenges we have faced. In this last year, internal disagreements and the spread of misinformation have too often distracted us from the work that truly matters. Political reasoning rooted in division has slowed important initiatives and created uncertainty where clarity is needed. These struggles have not weakened my commitment; instead, they have strengthened my resolve to lead with transparency, fairness, and a steady hand.
Nine months can spark momentum, but it can’t unwind years of accumulated issues, habits, or harm. Real change, especially in a community or tribe, takes time, consistency, and a willingness from everyone involved to shift patterns that didn’t form overnight.
Visible progress can happen quickly. New leadership, new policies, new energy. Deep repair, trust, culture, accountability, healing, all move at a slower, more human pace. If anything, nine months is the foundation, not the finish line.
If entrusted with 4 more years, I will continue to confront external and internal challenges directly. I will work to restore trust, encourage open dialogue, and ensure that decisions are made based on truth, respect, and the long term well being of our tribe. Our progress cannot be held back by rumors or political division. We deserve leadership that keeps us focused on our shared goals and the future we are building for our children.
My commitment remains simple: to serve our people with honesty, humility, and unwavering dedication. I believe deeply in the strength of our community and in the power of unity to overcome any obstacle placed before us.
I ask for your support, your voice, and your trust as we continue this journey together. May we walk forward with unity and peace guided by the prayers of our ancestors and the hope we carry for generations yet to come.
Please reach out with any questions you may have. I am always glad to have a conversation.
With respect and gratitude,
Rosanna Dobbs Candidate for Re‑Election as Chief
CHIEF CANDIDATE
Charla EchoHawk
Aya,PeoriaCitizensandRelatives,
MynameisCharlaKayEchoHawk(Osah-wahWa-bae-goon)andIamhonoredtoannounce mycandidacyforChiefofthePeoriaTribe.Thisdecisioncomesaftermuchprayerand thoughtfulsupportfromourcommunityandtriballeaders.IshareitbecauseIfirmlybelieveour Tribedeservesleadershipthatisopen,accountable,responsiveandrespectfultoPeoriacitizens withinourreservationandacrossthecountry.
OriginallyfromQuapaw,Oklahoma,IgrewuponandaroundourPeoriareservationwithinthe inter-tribalcommunityofeighttribes.MyPeoriadescendancycomesfromtheSkyefamily.I amthegreat-granddaughterofAmosSkye,granddaughterofHelenSkyeKinder,anddaughter ofLeAnneKinderReeves.Mylateuncles Terry,Steve,andKennethKinder alsoleftlasting traditionallegaciesandlifewayswithinourtribalcommunities.Iamdeeplyproudofmyfamily andtheircontributionstothePeoriaTribeandbroaderAmericanIndiancommunityoverthe decades.
Iwasbornin1971,duringourTribe’sterminationeraandhadjustfinishedkindergartenin1976 whentheadvocacy,legislationandhearingsbegan,byChiefRodneyArnetteandChiefLouis Meyers.TheirtirelesseffortsonbehalfofallPeorias,ledtoourTribetobeofficiallyreinstated in1978–oursovereigntyonceagainrecognizedbytheUnitedStatesCongress.Duringmy youth,IwatchedourTriberecoverfromthedevastatingeffectsoftermination shapedby steadfastleadership,respectedtribaleldersandwithlittleresources.Evenbackthen,Peorias understoodthatournewtribalconstitutionwouldfairlyanddemocraticallyprovideforevery Peoriacitizen,includingprotectionofourtribalsovereigntyandreservationboundaries.
WhilegrowingupinNortheastOklahoma(NEOK),Iwasraisedgoingtoculturaleventssuch asstompdances,powwowsandwasachampionshipdancerinSouthernBuckskin.Iwasalso thePeoriaTribe’sfirst(andonly)PeoriaTribalPrincesswhereIrepresentedourTribeby dancingatinter-tribaleventsacrossmultiplestates.Iamalifelongparticipantincultural activitieswiththe9tribesinNEOKandhaverelationshipsbuiltonsupportandmutualrespect.
In1989,andwitha$500scholarshipfromthePeoriaTribe,Iattendedandgraduatedfromthe UniversityofOklahomawithadegreeinNativeAmericanStudies-emphasisTribalGovernment andPolicyDevelopment.Upongraduation,IreturnedhomeandworkedfortheTribeasthefirst RepatriationCoordinatorandEnrollment/TitleVIDirector.Later,ItaughtcoursesinNative AmericanHistoryandTribalGovernmentatNortheasternOklahomaA&MCollege.Fromthere,
IreturnedtotheUniversityofOklahomatoworkinfederallyfundedadministrativeresearch, overseeingprotectedtribalorganizationsandNativepopulationsamongsovereigngovernments. Aftereightyearsinstategovernment,IservedforelevenyearsasaLegalAdministratorforthe largestlawfirminOklahoma.In2021,myremainingfamilybroughtmebacktoour reservation,whereIalsoservedastheDirectorofCulturalPreservationforourNationuntilJuly oflastyear.WhiletheCulturalPreservationDirector,Iprovideddirectoversightforthe followinginitiatives:
Fundingoversightandlaunchoffirst-everpeewaalialanguagerevitalizationprogram ImplementationandcompletionofPeoriaIndianCemeteryrestorationproject-PhaseI ManagementandoversightofPeoriaTribe’sfederaldesignatedstatusasaTribalHistoric PreservationOffice(THPO) Managedfor3½yearsthePaintedHides-ReclaimingStoriesprojectwiththeUniversityof IllinoisandMuseeduQuaiBranlyinParis,France
CoordinatedandbuiltrelationshipswithFiveMoonsBalletFestivalshowcasingprima ballerinaandtribalcitizen,MoscelyneLarkin–collaboratedwithBalletRussearchivesfor thesinglelargestcollectionfromaPeoriacitizen Initiatedthefirst-evertribalarchiveswheretribalcitizensmaydonatefamilycollectionsto thePeoriaTribe
LocatedandnegotiatedthetransferofownershipofthelargestPeorianon-funeraryartifacts collectioneverownedbytheTribe
NegotiatedareducedannualmembershipfeewithFirstAmericansMuseum(FAM)forthe PeoriaTribeandallOklahomaTribeswithpopulationssmallerthan5,000
InadditiontoCulturalResourceManagement,myeducationandexperiencehavepreparedme forthefinancialandtime-sensitivechallengescurrentlyfacingourTribe.Sincereturninghome in2021,ithasbecomeclearthatthevaluesandfoundationscarefullylaidbypreviousPeoria leadersareatrisk.FollowingtheCOVID-19pandemic,asurgeoffederalfundingcoincided withadramaticincreaseinalmostentirelynon-Peoriatribalgovernmentstaff.TheTribefaced nearly100newgrantsinalldirectionsand100newemployees,withoutsufficientbudget oversightorclearobjectivesfromtribaladministration.ItismyhopetobringPeoriapeople backtoourTribetoworkandserveincritical,organizationalpositions.
Manyofourcitizenshaveexpressedconcernsaboutlimitedtransparency,closeddecisionmaking,andunclearcommunicationfromtriballeadership.Importantdecisionsaffectingour land,resources,finances,andfutureshouldneverbemadewithouttheknowledgeand involvementofthePeoriapeople.Ourcitizensdeservehonesty,accesstoinformation,and leadershipthatdoesnotoperatebehindcloseddoors.
Wecannotcontinueplacingunqualifiedindividualsinpositionsofleadershipormanagement. EverypersonservingourTribeshouldunderstandsovereigntyandrecognizethatweareallin servicetoeveryPeoriacitizen,notjustafew.
BeforethemostrecentChiefelectionlastSpring,Iwasaskedbybothcandidates,“Whatdoyou wantfromyourChief?”Ianswered:
1.LeadershipthatmanagestheTribeasatransparentdemocracy.
2.StopourTribefrombeingchronicallyindebtanddivisive.
3.Cleargovernmentinfrastructure.Whomanageswhat?
Inthelastfiveyears,multipleprojectsandtribalinitiativeshavebeenaddedwithoutBusiness Committeeapproval,manyofwhichremainunfinishedorstalledduetounmetdeadlines,poor management,fundingissuesorhighstaffturnover.Rarelyaretheseinitiativesbroughtbefore tribalcitizensforopendiscussion,eveninthe(now)multipleBusinessCommitteemeetings realityheldeachmonth.Peoriacitizensareleftsaying,“Themoreweknow,thelesswe understand.”
Theover-producedversionsofourTribe,repetitivelyshowntoPeoriacitizens(websites, newsletters,etc.),isnotanaccuratereflectionofwhatistrulyoccurringindailytribal operations.ThesameistrueforhowourcurrentChiefisoperatingwithinourgovernmentunder ourTribalConstitution.IfelectedChief,Iwillworktorestoretrustandtransparencyintribal governmentbycommittingto:
Transparentleadership,includingclearcommunicationabouttribalfinances,budgets, expenditures,contracts,tribalenterprisesandmajordecisions.
RegularreportingtothePeoriapeople,socitizensareinformedbeforedecisionsare made,notafter.
Opendialogueandcitizenengagement,ensuringvoicesareheardandrespected,even whenopinionsdiffer.
Strongprotectionoftribalsovereignty,exercisedresponsiblyandalwaysinthebest interestofthePeoriapeople.
Ethicalgovernanceandaccountability,withleadershipheldtothesamestandardsasthe Peoriacitizenstheyserve.
Governmentoperationalstability,includingprogrammanagementandpersonnel oversightalignedwithcost-benefitanalysis.
Focusedrecruitmentandretentionofqualifiedtribalstaff,ensuringallemployees understandtheirroleinservingPeoriacitizensandwhatsovereigntytrulymeans.
Assessmentofdepartments,programs,andservicesforperformance,efficiency,and opportunitiesforeconomicdevelopmentinfrastructure.
Identificationofcoreservicesandefficiencyopportunitiestoensurecontinuityfor Peoriacitizens.
Constitutionallyconsistentgovernance,respectingourtraditionalvaluesandthevoicesof tribalelders,honoredVeteransandspiritualleaders.
Greateropennessincouncilactions,withtimelycommunicationaboutagendas, decisions,andthereasoningbehindmajorpolicies.
Fairandtransparentelectionprocesses,reinforcingconfidenceinourTribe’sfuture. Enforcementoftribalenrollmentprocesses,reinforcingtheFederalPrivacyAct (1974)andstrengtheningtheconfidentialityofallcitizenenrollmentrecords.
Constitutionalamendments,toensureleadersmeethigherstandardsforqualificationsand experiencebeforetakingoffice.
Reinstallationofguardrailsestablishedbypreviousleaders,rootedinourTribal Constitution,toensuresustainabilityandaccountability.
IamrunningforChieftohelpguideusforwardbyrememberingwhowehavealwaysbeen. Groundedintheteachingsofourlivingtribaleldersandrelativeswhohavegoneonbeforeus–clarity,honesty,respectandfairness–Ibelieveleadershipisaresponsibilitytolistenandserve. Wheneverycitizen’svoiceishonored,ourNationgrowsstronger.Together,wecancontinue buildingagovernmentthathonorsourculturalvaluesandmeetstheexpectationsofmodern tribalgovernance.
IrespectfullyaskforyoursupportandyourvoteintheupcomingelectiononMarch7,2026. Pleasedonothesitatetocontactmedirectlyat405-921-4480shouldyouhavequestionsabout myqualifications,myworkwiththeTribeortodiscussanytribalissueinmoredetail.
Mihšineewe!(thankyouverymuch!)
CharlaK.EchoHawk CandidateforChief PeoriaTribe
Grievance Committee Candidate James Beets
Candidate Statement – Grievance Committee
I am seeking a seat on the Grievance Committee to dedicate my professional experience to the service of our Tribal members. My goal is to help ensure that our governance remains a source of support, transparency, and accountability for every individual in our community.
My career is built on a foundation of service and responsibility. I dedicated ten years to the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a Wildland Firefighter, a role that required
disciplined decision-making, teamwork, and integrity under pressure. Since first beginning work at our casino in 2016, I have held leadership roles across gaming and hospitality, including serving as a host for premier clientele at Downstream
Casino and managing high-end establishments in Kansas City and Overland Park. I returned to our casino in 2024 and currently serve as a Table Games Supervisor, where fairness, consistency, and clear communication are essential
Beyond my professional career, I founded and operated Rock’N Rolled Ice Cream, which earned nearly 800 five-star Google reviews in its first year of operation. This success reflects my commitment to ethical leadership, consistency, and treating people with respect I am running for the Grievance Committee to listen carefully, act responsibly, and help ensure that every Tribal member is treated fairly and with dignity
Mary Lembcke Davey Grievance Committee Candidate
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
My name is Mary Davey. I am a candidate for the Grievance Committee. I have served as a member of the committee for several years. Service to our tribe is important to me as a way of supporting our tribe and giving back to those who have given so much to us.
The Grievance Committee is charged with deciding constitutional interpretations, determining grievances submitted by members of the tribe and insuring that individual rights of members of the tribe are not violated To me this is a solemn responsibility that requires an open mind, willingness to research and document all petitions appropriately submitted. I have been a part of such determinations and feel that I bring experience and ability to be objective to the process.
I am a parent of four children and grandparent of five My family history includes my mother, Mary McNaughton Lembcke, who served on the history committee, my grandfather, Willis McNaughton, who served as Chief. We are part of the Peery/McNaughton family.
I would appreciate your vote so that I may continue to serve the tribe.
Thank you.
Grievance Committee Candidate
Patrick Morris Grievance Committee Candidate Patrick Morris
MynameisPatrickMorris,andaftermuchthoughtandreflection,Iamhonoredtodeclaremy candidacyfortheGrievanceCommitteeofthePeoriaTribeintheupcomingelectionon Saturday,March7,2026.
IamalifelongresidentofFairland,Oklahoma,inOttawaCounty.Ihavebeenmarriedtomy wonderfulwifefor28years,andtogetherwehavebeenblessedwithfivechildren.Iwasraised, andcontinuetolive,inacommunitythatishometoninefederallyrecognizedtribescommunitiesrichinNativeAmericanpriđe,culture,andtradition.Theimpactofthesetribeson ourarea--throughprograms,services,employment,andeconomicopportunity--issignificant andvisibleeverysingleday.
IbeganmyhighereducationattheUniversityofOttawa,studyingElementaryEducationfor threeyearsbeforeansweringthecalltoserveourcountry.IproudlyservedintheUnitedStates Militaryfor6yearsand5months.Aftermymilitaryservice,IwenttoworkfortheUnited StatesPostalService,whereIwasemployedfor24yearsandamnowenjoyingretirement.In addition,Ihaveservedasafirefighterfor28yearsandasanEMTfor11years,dedicatingmuch ofmylifetopublicserviceandthesafetyandwell-beingofothers.
Oneofthethingsthatweighsheaviestonmyheartistheleadership,strength,andpotential withinourNativeyouth.IamdeeplycommittedtohelpingourTribalchildrenexploretheir options,connectwithourculture,andgrowintoconfidentcarriersofourwayoflife.Iam activelyinvolvedinyouthandcommunityactivities,includingourannualOttawaCountyFair eachAugust,whereIamproudtosupportourchildrenandourTribalpresence.
AsaparentandaTribalmember,Iwanttoseeusmoveforwardtogetherasateam--strong, united,andgrowing.Iwantourelders,relatives,andyouthtoalwaysknowthattheybelong, thattheirvoicesmatter,andthattheywillneverbeleftoutorforgotten.
ServingontheGrievanceCommitteewouldgivemetheopportunitytofinallyservemyown Tribeinaformalcapacityandtousemyexperience,workethic,anddedicationtohelpmove thePeoriaTribeforward.TheGrievanceCommitteeplaysavitalroleinensuringfairness, accountability,andrespectwithinourTribalgovernment.Ibelieveinlisteningcarefully,acting withintegrity,andtreatingallTribalmemberswithdignity.
Itisoursharedresponsibilitynotonlytopreserveourpast,butalsotoprotectandcareforour presentinawaythatstrengthensourfuture.Iamcommittedtohonesty,transparency,and fairnessinallmattersbroughtbeforetheGrievanceCommittee.
Itisaprivilegetohavethisopportunity,andIrespectfullyaskforyoursupportandyourvote forGrievanceCommitteeonSaturday,March7,2026.Yourvoiceandyourvotematter.
GrievanceCommitteeCandidate
PatrickMorris
#PeoriaProud
Sarah Randolph Grievance Committee Candidate
Hello, Peoria Family!
My name is Sarah Randolph and I am running for grievance committee. I have lived and grown up in the Miami area for most of my life and have a deep commitment to serving our community. I currently am employed by our tribe as a preschool teacher at Woodland Academy and have committed myself to our next generation youth for a little over 2 years in the classroom. I come from the Hedges line and have strong bonds with my family. I believe I could do good in this position due to my dedication to help work towards upholding our Peoria constitution to better our tribe and assist in holding people accountable. Thank you for reading and please consider casting your vote for me!
Grievance Committee Candidate Dakota S. Sixkiller
To my relatives and fellow tribal members,
My name is Dakota Sixkiller, and I am writing to announce my candidacy for the open position on the Grievance Committee. I am seeking this opportunity because I care about our community, the needs of our members, and the future of our tribe. My two children and I live in Glenpool, OK, and we cherish being a part of the Peoria tribe. I have grown up in the tribe, and I try to stay involved in our culture and community. I attend pow wows and tribal functions, and I am a gourd dancer I believe the Grievance Committee plays an important role in ensuring that voices are heard and that matters are handled thoughtfully and responsibly. I am eager to learn and to serve in a tribal capacity.
If given this opportunity, I will do my best to practice good stewardship in my role and be as helpful as I can be to the members of our tribe.
Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to serve our tribe
Nee’we and Wado.
Sincerely,
Dakota S. Sixkiller, M. ED., NCC, LPC
Peoria Tribe 2026
