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Kiowa Tribe
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You spoke. We listened.

The Kiowa Tribe Executive Branch has put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions for its tribal members. We understand, there has been a lack of communication and our mission is to improve communication to our tribal members. This might not answer every question you have right now, but we hope to build on this document. We plan to be more transparent and responsive.

What information needs to be on my application?

To successfully submit your application, you will need to submit the application and a copy of your Kiowa Tribal ID or letter issued by the Kiowa Tribal Enrollment office. Another option accepted; you may submit a copy of your CDIB issued by the BIA as long as it indicates on the card that you are enrolled Kiowa and it includes your tribal enrollment number. You will only need to submit one form of tribal identification, both are not necessary. 

Can I pick up my check at Carnegie or Anadarko location?

No checks will be handed out. All checks will be mailed. Make sure the address on the application is correct so that you can receive a check in a timely and efficient manner. 

COVID-19 Funds/Cares Act Funds

When/How did the tribe get CARES Act money?

 Earlier this year, the previous CFO and the Executive branch started following the opportunity and applied. They reviewed all of the qualifications, completed the necessary paperwork, and received monies in May and June. 

How was the money supposed to be distributed?

According to the CARES Act, funds were to be disbursed based on need. We reviewed and followed those guidelines closely, hired an auditing firm to help us, and developed the original application form so that tribal members could request assistance for four types of assistance which were; increased food costs, with bills, elderly assistance, and distant learning needs for students. 

Why were the funds frozen and checks halted?

We received an injunction from the Legislature and the courts to stop all payments until a new budget was passed that included the CARES Act funds. 

What do I do if my check bounced?

All bounced checks are being resolved. We have worked with the bank to resolve any outstanding issues and eliminate any associated fees. See the form on the webpage www.kiowatribe.org if you need assistance for check re-issuance. 

What does the most recent court rule mean?

That the Executive Branch must carry out the new budget passed by the Legislature, Kiowa Indian Council (KIC). 

What happens next?

The Executive branch has requested further guidance from Legislature on their concerns, including whether this $1,000 would be considered a per capita payment (which is not an allowable use of the funds), preparing for possible audits, determining who qualifies for the funds, and identifying who ultimately will be responsible for paying back the funds if guidelines aren’t followed. 

How is the money being distributed now?

New applications are being received and checks will be distributed accordingly. 

Download the application

What is the process to get my money?

Download and complete an application online or call the main number to have it mailed, emailed, or faxed to you. Please include a copy of your tribal ID. You may call us at 580-951-0840 for any covid19 related questions. 

Why did the executive branch change its mind about the $1000 per capita payment?

An injunction was filed by Legislature to stop all payments from the original application process and guidelines. The Executive Branch is following court orders to disburse a payment according to Order, but we have filed another court order response to give more clarification on new guidelines and who will be responsible for paying back the money if the US Treasury guidelines are not followed. 

 

The Executive branch has communicated that there will not be enough money in the budget that was approved to meet those $1000 payments to each tribal member and asked how Legislature would like to handle the situation. The Chairman’s primary responsibility is to make sure all US Treasury guidelines are met. If they are not, the tribe will be responsible for paying back the money of which it DOES NOT have. 

Why did some people receive more money?

The tribal members that received more than $1000 were part of the original application process that was needs-based, following guidelines based on the assessment of eight core areas. Food, utilities, and distance learning, and elderly assistance were the four main areas of consideration. 

Will I have to pay back any money if I received over $1000?

No, the first application process was based on need and had guidelines that were established that assured everyone who applied had a need and was paid according to the formula. 

If I received less than $1000 how do I get the remainder?

We will be analyzing who received less than $1000 and will send out the difference to those recipients. You will not have to submit a new application. 

Will the tribe have to pay back any money from the CARES act?

Yes, if the funds distributed do not follow the US Treasury guidelines, the Kiowa Tribe will have to pay back funds. 

Did the Chairman release money to friends and family first?

No, Chairman did not favor family members or friends. There was an application process put in place based on need, and each applicant was treated without bias. 

What were the requirements on the original application and how did other tribe members receive more

The tribal members that received more than $1,000 were part of the Chairman and Executive Branch’s original application process and were based on a needs assessment that followed guidelines based on the assessment of eight core areas that met individual needs. 

How did other tribes disburse their money?

From the research we have done, they all disbursed based on needs and did not allow for per capita payment to tribal members. 

Where is all the CARES Act money going?

Recovery, Response, and Prepare. To the tribal members, administrative costs to get those funds out, and new programs to help with the care of tribal members in the act of being prepared for the next wave. 

Do members living outside the area receive funds?

Yes, all tribal members are eligible. 

Masks/COVID-19

What are the Chairman and his team doing to follow CDC guidelines?

Guidelines, rules, and procedures have been put into place as instructed. 

What are the guidelines for tribal employees for COVID testing?

We encourage all tribal members to get tested; tribal employees must test every 30 days and provide documentation of the results. Positive testing results in quarantining and other measures may take place for the departments the employee is working in. We will disinfect the area or office before employees returning to work. 

Elders Assistance

What assistance is available for elders?

Assistance for increased food costs and housing assistance from the Housing Authority, for which elders can qualify. 

What improvements will be made to elder transit needs?

Plans are in place to set up another center to help with the transit needs, including the possible purchase of additional vans. 

Members outside of OK

What rights do members have outside of Oklahoma for relief funds?

All members have the same rights, regardless of where they live. 

What rights do members have outside of OK in voting?

Same as tribal members regardless of action and as long as we have your current address. If we do not have your current address, please call us or email us with that information. 

Applications

Do I need to submit an application?

If you have not received a check, you will fill out the new application located on our website at www.kiowatribe.org 

If I have already applied, do I need to submit another one? Where do I get the application?

Yes, if you have not received a check, you will need to re-submit the new application and you can download that from our websites, www.kiowatribe.org, or call us at 580-951-0840 to have it emailed, faxed, or mailed to you. 

How long will it take once I submit my application?

We are processing them as quickly as we can. We will post updates on our website and social media on its progress. 

Who qualifies on the application? Minors?

We are waiting for confirmation from Legislature, but it appears ALL tribal members will qualify which would include minors. The issue is, the current budget passed by the Legislature does not have enough allocated funds in the budget to meet that promise. 

Is there a deadline to apply?

As long as funding is available, there is no deadline. We have to spend all monies by December 31, 2020. 

What is the contact information if I have questions about my application?

 You can call us at 580-951-0840 or email us at covid19@kiowatribe.org. 

Can I pick up my check at Carnegie or Anadarko location?

 No checks will be handed out. All checks will be mailed. 

Tax Commission

How do I get ahold of someone at tax commission?

Call the main office at 580-654-2300 or 6681 and ask for the tax commission office or email tax@kiowatribe.org. 

What are the hours of operation at the tax commission?

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday 

How do I handle expired tags?

You will need to come to the office in person; the staff will efficiently handle the issues. You will need proof of insurance for renewal. 

What do I do if I do not receive my title?

Contact or visit the tax commission office, the documents needed are provided to you by that office before you leave. 

Budget

Did the budget pass? If so, when?

Yes, the budget passed on August 22, 2020. This budget period covers the time between July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. 

How can I access information regarding the budget approval, financials, and audit reports on the tri

You can call or email us at the main office. The approved budget will be on the website under the Election Commission tab. 

Why did the budget change?

The first budget was compiled by the Executive Branch in January before COVID-19 became a risk in the U.S. When the tribe received additional CARES Act funds from the Federal Government in May and June, an injunction was filed, and the Legislature submitted a new budget to KIC for approval that contained those new funds. 

Is the budget compliant?

There are concerns that the budget does not represent accurate numbers. We are working through those questions and concerns with the Legislature. 

Who audits the budget?

Qualified auditing firms are contracted and work in collaboration with the Treasurer to ensure funds are spent according to the annual budget. 

Communication

How do I get a hold of the tribal office?

Call the main office at 580-654-2300 for general questions. 

Call 580-951-0840 for any Covid19-related questions. 

You can also email us at covid19@kiowatribe.org. 

Or fax us at 580-951-0877. Our website is www.kiowatribe.org 

What do I do if I can’t get a hold of the office?

We recommend emailing us or faxing us at 580-951-0877. Covid19-related questions can be sent to covid19@kiowatribe.org. 

Does the tribe allow for family members of the Chairman to be hired?

Tribal policy does not allow or exercise nepotism. 

In Section VII of the Kiowa Tribes HR policies and procedures: 


The Kiowa Tribe’s policies do not permit the employment of an individual in a department where one employee has direct control over making employment decisions about an immediate family member such as supervision, hiring, salary/pay, or promotion; such activity would be considered to be nepotism. Direct control is where an immediate family member is in the direct line of authority to another, no matter how far removed; due to the potential influence based on the relationship. 

How do I file a complaint?

You can email or call our office. 


Call the main office at 580-654-2300 for general concerns. Call 580-951-0840 for any covid19 funds-related questions or needs or email us at covid19@kiowatribe.org. Our fax number is 580-951-0877 and our website is www.kiowatribe.org. 

How can I get up-to-date information?

On our website or Facebook page (@TheKiowaTribe) 

Are there plans to hire a social media specialist?

We are in the process to hire a part-time person to be able to respond to post questions. 

Can I expect more video responses?

Yes, we plan to communicate often to tribal members and look forward to more videos to help with updates, any new programs, etc. Additionally, watch for our FB live streams and podcasts. 

How can I be assured the tribal leaders are following the laws?

The executive branch and all of its team members have an ethical and moral responsibility as well as attorneys that guide us. 

Is the Chairman in violation of a court order?

When Chairman took office 4 years ago, there were approximately 50 employees to run our programs and the audits for our programs were behind when he took office. Before the pandemic, the employee count was approximately 160. Chairman has managed to bring all audits up to date, so the tribe has received additional federal funding. In addition to getting 


the tribe compliant, Chairman has started many programs that have brought additional jobs and services to the tribe. 

Miscellaneous

Is the Kiowa tribe broke?

No. Thanks to the work of the Chairman and Executive branch, the tribe is in a much better cash position today compared with four years ago. 

What is the real number of tribal members?

The Enrollment office reported 14,108 when we applied for CARES Act funds. 

Where do I find the guidelines for self-employed and independent contractors?

Policies are in place with our procurement and finance offices. You can request information by contacting the main office. 

What program does the Kiowa tribe offer?

 You can review all programs the Kiowa Tribe offers at www.kiowatribe.org. 

What hospital and medical agencies are available to tribe members?

If you have medical insurance, you can go to the place of your choice. There are IHS locations in Lawton, Clinton, Carnegie, and Anadarko. 

How long do legislators stay in office?

4 years

Social Influencers

There are a lot of social media comments, questions, responses, and answers. Where do I go to get ac

Our website www.kiowatribe.org or our Facebook page The Kiowa Tribe. We update those two sources as information changes. 


If you have any questions, you can call the main office at 580-654-2300. 

You can also request a meeting with the Chairman. An appointment is recommended. 

News releases

ATTN: COVID-19 Checks Awarded Now Being Processed (pdf)

Download

Emergency Spending Plan (pdf)

Download

Legislators Threaten COVID-19 Assistance (jpeg)

Download

School Distance Learning Assistance Program (pdf)

Download

Kiowa Tribe FAQ's-9-9 2 (pdf)

Download

Emergency Plan Release (pdf)

Download

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