Tribal Burial Resource Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Oklahoma Tribal Burial Resource Guide (TBRG) has been designed to help your funeral home and the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) families with whom you work receive information on burial benefits. Information on available tribal burial assistance programs and services is important to families seeking financial assistance, culturally relevant information, and related resources while they are in the process of laying a loved one to rest.

Tribal burial assistance programs help offset the impact and cost of the final disposition process. These services, and include, but are not limited to the following:

» Burial cost assistance

» Funeral costs assistance

» Food programs

Oklahoma is rich in Native culture. There are 39 federally recognized tribes, each with its own distinct traditions, foods, dances, and spiritual practices. It is essential for professionals to understand how to provide culturally appropriate services to the AI/AN community and their clients. Information on available tribal burial assistance programs and services is important to families seeking financial assistance, culturally relevant information, and related resources while they are in the process of laying a loved one to rest.

Note: These services vary by tribe. It is recommended tribal affiliation be identified and assistance verified with the respective tribe.

Funeral Service and Public Health

The funeral service role is crucial to assuring that the race of the descendant is properly recorded. In Oklahoma, the AI/AN population is racially misclassified upon death 20-40 percent of the time.

Funeral Service and Public Health

The funeral service industry plays a vital role in public health. The state’s health department collects the information recorded on death certificates and then sends it to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The information contributes to state and national health statistics. This includes the entry for race. The funeral service role is crucial to ensuring that the race of the decedent is properly recorded. In Oklahoma, the AI/ AN population is racially misclassified upon death 20-40 percent of the time. Accurate reporting of race enables public health agencies and organizations to identify and address potential issues affecting a population.

Accurate recording of a decedent’s race helps public health professionals:

» Monitor mortality trends: identify differences in life expectancy and causes of death among different racial groups

» Guide public health research supports studies on chronic disease, maternal health, and injury prevention, for example

» Inform policy and funding decisions: helps professionals identify where to allocate resources

Tips for ascertaining a descendant’s race:

» Ask, don’t assume-obtain race information directly from the next of kin or informant.

» Always verbally ask about race and tribal affiliation.

» Collect racial information yourself.

» Remember, any family you serve could have members who identify as AI/AN, regardless of their appearance, where they live, and the tribal status of other family members.

» Use open, respectful language. For example: “The death certificate asks about race. How would your loved one have identified themself?”

» Have answers prepared for common questions, such as “Why do you need to know this?” ahead of time. Prepare for occasional discomfort from family members.

» Learn how to manage your own discomfort.

For more tips and information on Racial Misclassification, please visit: getcountedright.org

https://ncuih.org/wp-content/uploads/Racial-Misclassification-on-Death-Certificates-For-Funeral-Directors. pdf

TRIBAL JURISDICTIONS IN OKLAHOMA

How to Use

This resource guide includes the names, numbers, website links, and other relevant contact information for tribes offering assistance. This provides a simple way to share information about the available support for the AI/AN families you serve.

» This guide is comprised of tribes in Oklahoma that have an active burial assistance program, listed alphabetically to make it easier to navigate. After determining the tribal affiliation(s) of the family with whom you are working, search for the corresponding tribe in the document.

» Visit the website or contact the tribe about available assistance and resources for families.

» Begin the applications to initiate any tribal benefits that are available for the family and to offset the costs associated with funeralrelated services.

» Double-check the eligibility criteria of the client and their loved ones.

Disclaimer: The Southern Plains Tribal Health Board has made efforts to supply current and accurate information. However, no guarantee is made regarding the content of this publication, especially as information might be altered by forces beyond the control of the SPTHB.

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TIP: Do not hesitate to ask if your clients are of AI/AN descent, as there may be many available benefits that can help them through the final disposition process.

Oklahoma Tribal Burial Resource Programs

AST Social Services Department

2025 S Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 (405) 275-4030

awilson@astribe.com https://www.astribe.com/social-services

Absentee Shawnee tribal members are eligible to receive financial assistance for costs incurred in connection with the funeral and/or burial services of the named deceased. Adoption and other singular traditional ceremonies from other tribes will not be recognized for payment.

17675 S. Muskogee Ave. Tahlequah, OK 74464 (918) 453-5422

Human_services@cherokee.org

Cherokee Nation

This program is designed to relieve or totally eliminate the financial hardship associated with traditional funeral costs for indigent, impoverished, or low-income families with little or no resources. The program shall make available two (2) burial assistance options for eligible families to select from. Eligible families must select one of the funeral homes that have an active contract with the Cherokee Nation.

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma

Caddo Nation Enrollment/Burial Department PO Box 487 Binger, OK 73009 (405) 345-9861

enrollment@mycaddonation.com

Burial Assistance (mycaddonation.com)

The Caddo Nation of Oklahoma requires the burial assistance application to be completed by the person responsible for the burial arrangements of the decedent and then submitted to the burial assistance program. Burial benefits are up to $2,000 for Tribal citizens.

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Burial Program Department

100 Red Moon Circle PO Box 134 Concho, OK 73022 (405) 422-7601 cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov

The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Burial Program offers financial assistance for meals and transportation, funeral services, and headstones. The burial staff is also available to help with services and guidance through the application process. For more information or assistance with the application process in the event of a tribal member’s death, contact the Burial Program Coordinator.

Area offices can be found in the following cities: https://www.chickasaw.net/Services/CommunityServices/Burial-Assistance-Program

231 Seabrook Road, PO Box 1548 Ada, OK 74820 (580) 436-7256

949 Locust, Ardmore, OK 73401 (580) 226-4821

1819 West Plato Road Duncan, OK 73533 (580) 470-2131

20118 S. Indian Meridian Road, Pauls Valley, OK 73075 (405) 207-9883

1430 Hardcastle Boulevard, Purcell, OK 73080 (405) 527-4973

4970 West Highway 7, PO Box 538, Sulphur, OK 73086 (580) 622-2888

815 East 6th Street PO Box 192, Tishomingo, OK 73460 (580) 371-9512

4001 North Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 731055206(405) 767-8971

Chickasaw Burial Assistance Programs

The Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma offers two burial assistance programs designed to relieve or eliminate the financial hardship associated with traditional funeral costs for low-income families. PO Box 1210, Durant, OK 74702 (800) 522-6170

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Burial Program (choctawnation.com)

Choctaw Nation tribal members are eligible for a burial assistance program that will pay a specific portion of costs directly to the funeral home. The Choctaw Nation staff will work directly with the funeral home to help lessen the burden during the difficult time.

Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Oklahoma

1601 S. Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee, OK 74801 (405) 275-3121

Citizen Potawatomi Nation - People of the Place of the Fire

Enrolled members of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation may be eligible to receive a burial insurance payment to assist with the cost of funeral services. The amount will be determined by the tribal roll office.

2701 SW J Ave., Lawton, OK 73505 (580) 351-0045

Social Services | Comanche Nation

Comanche Nation tribal members are eligible to enroll in a burial assistance program that pays directly to the funeral home. These payments are for charges related to professional services, the casket or other receptacle, and the outer burial container.

335588 E 750 Rd Perkins, OK 74059 (405) 547-2402

socialservices@iowanation.org

Iowanation.org/native-services/social-services

This program provides funds to assist with the burial expenses of deceased indigent Indians whose estates do not have sufficient resources to meet funeral expenses. There must be written confirmation by the deceased’s enrolled tribe that they will not being assisting with burial.

PO Box 825 Anadarko, OK 73005 (405) 247-2448

Service Programs | Delaware Nation

Delaware Nation provides burial assistance for enrolled tribal citizens or those minors eligible to be enrolled (and not enrolled in any other tribe) up to $10,000. Eligibility must be determined by the enrollment department. Payment will be made directly to the funeral home selected. Assistance is for burial expenses and/or marker or monument.

Health Services & Benefits

10170 S. 705 Rd., Wyandotte, OK 74370 (918) 238-5151

Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Health Services & Benefits

The Eastern Shawnee burial benefits are available up to $10,000 for eligible tribal members, unborn children eligible for membership, or children that would be eligible for membership who meet the requirements.

PO Box 50 Kaw City, OK 74641 (580) 269-1186

https://www.kawnation.gov/burial-assistanceapplication/

The Kaw Nation has established a burial and headstone assistance program for eligible members. The maximum amount paid for burial assistance is $5,000. Assistance for headstone services is up to $1,000.

PO Box 332 Wetumka, OK 74883 (405) 452-3413

https://kialegeetribal.yourwebsitespace.com

Kialegee Tribal Town funeral assistance program provides up to $200 to help with the cost of the burial process. The deceased must be an enrolled member with Kialegee Tribal Town at the time of the death or a family member of a deceased tribal member.

PO Box 70 McLoud, OK 74851 (405) 964-4227

kickapootribeofoklahoma.com/social-services

Any individual or family may apply for Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma Financial Assistance and Social Services by completing the application process with the assistance of the Social Services worker and providing the following required information: proof of tribal membership, proof of residency, and proof of income and resources. Failing to provide this information may result in denial of Financial Assistance and Social Services.

Area offices can be found in the following cities: Okmulgee location: PO Box 580 Okmulgee, OK 74447 (918) 549-2880

Jenks location: 1000 Riverwalk Terrace STE 240, Jenks, OK 74037 (918) 549-2484

Wetumka location: 333 S Washita Wetumka, OK 74883

https://www.muscogeenation.com/departmentof-community-and-human-services/socialservices/tribal-burial-and-support-programs/

208 Hardee Street West, Anadarko, OK 73005 (405) 648-0417

https://www.kiowatribe.org/department/socialservices

The burial program offers financial support to enrolled tribal members for funeral and burial expenses following their passing. The program aims to assist families in managing the financial challenges associated with end-oflife arrangements. All funds disbursed will be directed specifically to the funeral home and headstone provider. Additionally, a check for floral and meal assistance will be issued to the designated responsible party/individual.

Tribal burial and burial support programs (Food for Funeral and Grave House Assistance) are for Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizens only*. For members of other tribes within the MCN Jurisdiction, BIA Burial Assistance is available.

The Osage Nation

627 Grandview Ave., Pawhuska, OK 74056 (918) 287-5662

constituentservices@osagenationnsn.gov

https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/services

The Osage Nation has established a burial assistance program that provides financial assistance upon the death of a member of the Osage Nation, regardless of residence. Each enrolled member is eligible for up to eight thousand ($8,000) to assist with the burial expenses.

3410 P Street Miami, OK 74354 (918) 541-1324

https://www.miamination.com/death-benefits/

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma provides financial assistance to tribal members in the amount of $3,500 as a death benefit. Claims for the death benefit must be submitted within twelve months of the date of death on the death certificate.

PO Box 110 Miami, OK 74355 (918) 540-1536

https://www.ottawatribe.gov/death-benefits

The Ottawa Tribe is committed to supporting its members in times of loss by offering death benefits. These benefits provide financial assistance and resources to help ease the burden of funeral expenses and provide a measure of support to the grieving families within the tribe.

101 White Eagle Drive, Ponca City, OK 74601 (580) 749-7243

https://www.ponca-nsn.gov/

The Ponca Tribe has established a burial assistance program for eligible members. The maximum amount paid for burial assistance will be determined by the board.

361 Clinic Road PO Box 470 Pawnee, OK 74058 (918) 762-2273

https://pawneenation.org/burial-services/

The Pawnee Nation has established a burial assistance program for eligible members. The maximum amount paid for burial assistance is $2,000, which will be payable to the funeral home, and $500 for any immediate needs.

PO Box 1527 Miami, OK 74355 (918) 540-2535 Ext. 9232

https://peoriatribe.com/burial/

Peoria Tribe Burial Assistance Death Benefits are $10,000 per citizen. Burial Assistance Applications must be completed and returned with an original of the death certificate no later than 180 days from the date of death. The deceased must be an enrolled citizen of the Peoria Tribe.

PO Box 765 Quapaw, OK 74363 (918) 238-3106

https://www.quapawtribe.com/160/

The Quapaw Nation’s benefit will be paid directly to the funeral home to offset any funeral service expenses. In the unfortunate event of an infant’s death, please contact the Quapaw Nation Social Services Committee. Burial Assistance -$3,000 | End of Life - $10,000 Infant Death - Contact Social Services for more information.

920963 S. Highway 99, Stroud, OK 74079 (918) 968-3526 Ext. 2010/2011

https://www.sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov/ departments/human-services/

Burial Assistance provides funds to assist with the burial expenses of deceased indigent Native Americans whose estates do not have sufficient resources to meet funeral expenses. Application must be made on behalf of the deceased, who is enrolled in a Federally Recognized Tribe and resided in the Sac and Fox Nation jurisdictional boundaries. The application must be filled out by the party that is responsible for the funeral home expenses.

PO Box 453220, Grove, OK 74345 (918) 786-6025

benefits@sctribe.com https://sctribe.com/benefits/bereavement

The Seneca-Cayuga Nation has established a burial assistance fund that is available to enrolled citizens. The amount of assistance will be determined by the tribe. The claim must be filed within six months of death and must be accompanied by a tribal membership card, a funeral home invoice, and an obituary.

PO Box 189 Miami, OK 74355 (918) 542-2441 Ext. 129

https://shawnee-nsn.gov/burial/

The Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma has established a burial and headstone assistance program for eligible members. The maximum amount paid for burial assistance $5,000.

Tonkawa Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

1 Rush Buffalo Rd Tonkawa, OK 74653 (800) 628-2561

https://tonkawatribe.com/forms/

The Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma’s Burial Assistance program is designed to help defray the costs for tribal members as they lay their loved ones to rest. The maximum amount of burial assistance is $4,500. The maximum amount for traditional services is $500.

8 Turtle Drive, Wyandotte, OK 74370 (918) 678-6319

https://wyandotte-nation.org/services/

The Wyandotte Nation offers up to $3,500 in financial assistance toward the burial expenses of a tribal citizen. The application must be submitted within 90 days of the death. A death certificate and an itemized funeral bill are required.

Oklahoma Tribal Programs

Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town (AQTT)

101 E Broadway Wetumka, OK 74883 (405) 452-3987

https://www.alabama-quassarte.com/

» Children and Family Services Indian Child Welfareassists families in crisis.

» Housing and Transportation Housing Assistanceassists with utility bills or deposits and rent.

» Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)- This program provides assistance with heating and cooling utility bills.

» Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program (PSSF)- This program provides utility bill assistance for families with children.

Apache Tribe of Oklahoma

PO Box 1330 Anadarko, OK 73005 (405) 247-9857

https://apachetribe.org/apache-tribe-ofoklahoma-burial-program/

» The Apache Tribe of Oklahoma Burial AssistanceProvides financial assistance for funeral services and meals. The Burial Assistance provides up to $6,000 for tribal members’ funeral costs. The payment is issued directly to the funeral home after

» For more information or assistance with the application process in the event of a tribal member’s death, contact the Supportive Services Director.

Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma 5100 Tuxedo Boulevard Bartlesville, OK 74006 (405) 247-2448

Delaware Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

» Burial assistance for Delaware tribal members- The family may apply for up to $750. The funds may be applied to expenses as is most beneficial to the family (i.e., funeral services, meals, wake, grave marker, etc.).

» Aging/Elder Services Division on Aging- The Division on Aging program, provides nutrition and health education, along with supportive services for elders.

» Children and Family Services- The Children and Family Services provides assistance with clothing, food, utilities, health care, education, childcare, burial, and community services through a block grant program.

» Educational Assistance- The Educational Assistance includes school supply vouchers, education assistance, athletic application assistance, academic achievement awards, and driver’s education assistance.

» Higher Education Programs- The Higher Education programs include a Pell ineligible incentive program, college financial assistance program, Lenape wise program, Lenape wik-wam program, adult vocational program, and trust fund higher education scholarship.

Vocational Rehabilitation needs include counseling, guidance services, assistive devices, mental restoration, physical restoration, evaluations, and vocational training.

» Health Services Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDIP)- This program assists with diabetic supplies, eyeglasses, therapeutic shoes, and dentures.

» Housing and Transportation Assistance- Assists those with housing and homebuyer education needs, along with transportation.

Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma 43187 US Hwy 281 Apache, OK 73006 (580) 588-2298

https://fortsillapache-nsn.gov/

delivery of medications to any tribal member living within the service area. Call for eligibility requirements.

» Housing and Transportation- Housing Assistance with tribe-built homes.

Modoc Nation

515 G St, SE Miami, OK 74354 (918) 542-1190

https://modocnation.com/

» Children and Family Services- Childcare and Development Program.

» Family Preservation Services- School-related services for K–12 students, including $500 for clothing twice a year, special education, tutoring services, and classroom materials.

» Aging/Elder Services Senior Services- Provides meals and general assistance to elders.

» Children and Family Services Caregiver Assistance- Provides education and support services for individuals who are taking care of their loved ones.

» Childcare Assistance- Provides day care assistance for eligible tribal members.

» Clothing Stipend- Provides assistance with clothing for children and for children ages 18 and younger.

» Family Violence Prevention Program- Provides assistance for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.

» Indian Child Welfare- Provides assistance with children and families who are involved in the tribal or state child welfare system.

» Social Services- General assistance and energy assistance. Call for eligibility requirements.

» Education and Employment- Education assistance for higher education and vocational education.

» Job Placement and Training- Assistance with job training and placement. Call for eligibility requirements.

» Health Services- A community health representative (CHR) provides transportation to hospitals and medical appointments along with all required documents (completed application, funeral home W-9, and final invoice) have been submitted.

» Vocational Rehabilitation- The Vocational Rehabilitation programs assist Native Americans with disabilities in finding employment and educational opportunities.

» Education and Employment- This program includes services, that tend to special needs services, tutors, equipment, learning services, and help with employment.

» Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids- This program provides assistance of $250 per fiscal year per Modoc tribal member.

Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, Oklahoma 8151 Highway 177 Red Rock, OK 74651 (580) 723-4466

https://www.omtribe.org/

» Tribal Assistance Program- The Tribal Assistance Program is designed to help enrolled members of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe with any unmet needs, up to a maximum allowance of $250.

The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma PO Box 1498 Wewoka, OK 74884 (405) 257-7200

https://www.sno-nsn.gov/

» Aging/Elder Services Older Americans Program.

» Children and Family Services.

» Domestic Violence- Offering services to both Native and non-Native victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or dating violence.

Oklahoma Tribal Programs (cont)

» Family Services- Offers assistance to low-income households or tribal households experiencing temporary hardship by utilizing both federal and tribal funds.

» Food Distribution- Federal program that provides commodity foods to low-income households, including the elderly, those living on Indian reservations, and Native American families residing in designated areas near reservations and in Oklahoma.

Thlopthlocco Tribal Town

PO Box 188 Okemah, OK 74859 (918) 560-6198

https://tttown.org/family-service.html

» Elder Program- Assists individuals aged 65 or older with needs. Call for requirements and eligibility criteria.

» Burial Assistance Program- Assists individuals with burial costs. Call for requirements and eligibility criteria.

» Childcare Development Funds- Assists with childcare costs. Call for requirements and eligibility criteria.

» Indian Child Welfare- Assists families during emergencies regarding an current Indian child’s welfare court case, family stabilization, or acute medical expenses.

» Legal Rights Fund- Assists individuals with legal costs. Call for requirements an eligibility criteria.

» Safe and Stable Families Program- During emergencies, this program helps families obtain family stabilization and offers assistance with costs related to acute medical expenses. Assistance is given on a case-by-case basis.

» Education and Employment Support Program- Assists children from kindergarten through 12th grade with school clothing and supplies, and assists high school seniors with related costs.

» Higher Education Program- Assistance for full-time and part-time higher education.

» Housing and Transportation Tribal Utility AssistanceAssists individuals with utilities and transportation needs.

» Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)- Assists individuals with heating and cooling costs and emergency assistance.

» CITGO Energy- Assists individuals with heating assistance.

» Motor Fuels Program- Assists individuals with medical, dental, or vision expenses.

United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma PO Box 746 Tahlequah, OK 74465 (918) 456-9200

https://www.ukb-nsn.gov/human-services

» Childcare- Provides child-related services to families in need.

» Health and Human Services- Provides utility assistance to low-income families; medical, vision, dental, emergency medical travel, burial, and medical disability assistance; and crisis intervention assistance. Priority is given to elderly tribal members aged 55 years and up.

» Indian Child Welfare

» Keetoowah Cherokee Environmental Protection Agency- Water-testing services, environmental education, and awareness seminars. Monitors local water bodies to protect the quality of the water sources.

» Tribal Victims Assistance- Counseling and advocating for victims of violent crimes. Designed to provide and promote safe and stable living conditions. Available to tribal members and their children.

» Education and Employment Assistance- Services include tuition assistance for college and technical students, high school expenses, and elementary education expenses. Financial assistance is available exclusively to tribal members. Call for eligibility details.

» Housing and Transportation- Assistance includes emergency rehab, rental assistance, mortgage assistance, and home ownership assistance.

Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Wichita, Keechi, Waco, & Tawakonie), Oklahoma

PO Box 729 Anadarko, OK 73005 (405) 247-2425

https://wichitatribe.com/tribal-funded-socialservices/

» Childcare Services- Program provides childcare assistance to families residing in Caddo, Grady, Wichita, and Comanche (Lawton only) counties. Call for program eligibility requirements.

» Juvenile Services Program (JSP)- The program provides preventative services to enrolled Wichita youth who are considered at risk of entering the juvenile justice system and who have not yet exceeded 18 years of age.

» Promoting Safe and Stable Families- Provides at-risk families, with various types of services, such as referrals for counseling and assistance in crises situations.

» Social Services Programs- We assist with family violence, including aggravated and simple assault, sexual assault, adults who were sexually abused or assaulted as children, child physical abuse or neglect, domestic intimate partner (IP) and/or family violence, elder abuse or neglect, sex trafficking, and stalking/harassment.

» Tribal Victim’s Assistance Program- Assists tribal victims of domestic violence, survivors of homicide, elder abuse, and gang violence, victims of drug and alcohol abuse, child abuse, burglary, and needs-based services. Available to tribes within the service area: Kiowa, Apache, Comanche, Delaware, Wichita, Caddo, and Ft. Sill Apache.

» Health Services- Assistance with eyeglasses, prescriptions, and operation maintenance (plumbing and water testing).

» Mental Health and Chemical Dependency- Chemical dependency services are provided by the program counselor, and mental health services are provided by referral to a qualified mental health professional.

» Family Violence Prevention- Assists families and individuals with establishing a safe environment by providing assistance with shelter, relocation, transportation, and essential items. Referrals provided for individual counseling and/or legal counseling to obtain emotional and mental support. Program cannot discriminate against non-tribal members.