The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma has not escaped effects of the economic downturn experienced during the past year.  However, we have experienced some successes and remain financially sound.

Through the Stimulus Recovery Act, funds were received through the Peoria Housing Authority for developing and incorporating “green” and “energy efficient” aspects in its new rental housing project.  In a joint effort with Grand Gateway and other tribal nations, stimulus funds were received to support the area Tribal Transit Program administered by Grand Gateway.

Annual revenues from our agricultural ventures increased under the management of lessee Rendel Farms.  With the additional land purchase we converted to crop production, Rendel Farms now manages just over 1,302 acres of tribal property.

The Buffalo Run Casino and Resort, consisting of the casino, hotel and Peoria Ridge Golf Course, is now complete and new marketing packages are being developed to create a tourism destination.  The Buffalo Run Hotel has proven to be a profitable addition to the package.  Even though gaming revenues have decreased, primarily due to the economic downturn, positive comments are received from the clientele and the community on the staff and entertainment, both through gaming and special events.  The management of Buffalo Run Hotel, at the request of the Peoria Tribal Business Committee, has extended a special rate for tribal members.  If you haven’t already booked your reservation to experience their fine accommodations and service, you should give them a call or just go by for a walk-through visit.  Henry Burrows, General Manager, and his staff will give you a warm welcome.

By request of the Peoria Tribal Business Committee, the Peoria Tribal Tax Commission approved transfer of $180,000 of its revenues to the Tribal Enterprise account during the past year to fund tribal operations and programs.

In FY 2008 the Peoria Tribal Business Committee made changes in the Tribe’s investment portfolio.  This year the value of that portfolio has increased by 17%.

The Tribe has 26 active grants totaling over $3.2 million for programs ranging from continuing preservation of the Peoria Schoolhouse, library, Title VI, Child Care Development, and environmental programs including water resources, air, noxious weeds management and fish and wildlife.

Five tribal nations, in a joint effort with the Northeast Tribal Health System, applied for and received ICDBG grants totaling $4.2 million for construction of a new health facility in Miami, Oklahoma.  The Peoria Tribal Business Committee approved a 25 year lease with an option to renew for 25 years to the Northeast Tribal Health System for 25 acres of the Groeneman property as location for their facility.  The property is located along Highway 69A, north of its intersection with NE 22^nd Avenue.

The application to place the Humphrey Property, which adjoins the Peoria Tribal Cemetery, into trust was revised to delete a portion of the property which extended into the Quapaw Tribe’s jurisdictional area.  That application is still awaiting approval.

The Peoria Tribal Scholarship Program assisted 157 tribal members during the past year on either a full-time or part-time basis.  The School Supplies Reimbursement Program assisted 237 students in grades K through 12.  Our youth are most valuable to the future of our Tribe and we encourage all those who are eligible to take advantage of these programs.  The Education Committee is considering extending scholarship benefits for graduate level programs and will submit its recommendations to the Peoria Tribal Business Committee.

The annual audit reports for FY 2009 showed no findings.  Two recommendations were made regarding the employee retirement plan and personal use of tribal vehicles.  Both recommendations have been addressed by the Peoria Tribal Business Committee and the accounting office.

The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma’s Office of Child Support Enforcement to identify and clarify procedures to adjudicate, establish and enforce child support obligations for the benefit of members of the Peoria Tribe.

The Environmental Department has experienced continuing growth and is well recognized for its forward looking approach to protecting our environment.  Working closely with representatives of Region 6 and Region 7 of the Environmental Protection Agency has brought about positive results in minimizing contamination of downstream water resulting from upstream protection efforts. 

Tribal consultation with the new Presidential Administration has been a priority during President Obama’s first year in office.  Every federal agency was mandated to provide the President with a plan for tribal consultation.  Second Chief Dollarhide and I have participated in many of the consultation process sessions.