CHICKASHA, OK — On Saturday, July 18th, Delaware Nation hosted the annual Fiscal Year 2020 General Council Meeting at the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Despite the Pandemic, Delaware Nation was able to follow all CDC requirements, provide face coverings, host a virtual meeting for those who could not attend and accomplished milestones for obtaining a bright future for our great Nation.

A delicious barbecue lunch was catered by Van’s Pig Stand from 12:00pm – 1:00pm and blessed by Leonard Kionute. Princesses, Lori Donise Kionute (2020-2021) and Angel Aphrodite Kionute (2017-2018 & 2018 – 2019) provided the elders their meals first. The meeting begin at 1:00pm with an opening prayer by Richard Molina. Next was the approval of citizenship applications presented by Evelyn Kionute, then the approval for November, 16, 2019 Special General Council meeting minutes read by Ann Brower. Cultural Preservation director, Sonnie Allen, crown and introduced our incoming princess, Lori Donise Kionute and welcomed her by ceremony as the 2020-2021 Delaware Nation Princess. Outgoing 2019-2020 Princess, Jerria Lynn Sadongei, was unable to attend the meeting. Jerria was honored for her amazing job as an ambassador for Delaware Nation. These weren’t the only princesses honored at the meeting! Dona K. Walker and Gwen Kopepassah Subia were honored as Delaware Nation Royalty. Gwen was present however, unfortunately, Dona was unable to attend the meeting. A special family recognition of Kionute Family Royalty brought generations of princesses in the Kionute family together for a beautiful display of tradition and culture. Dareth Williams was also present and provided great American Indian Expo stories from her reign.

Terry Williams honored Sergeant Robin Harry of the United States Army (1967-1969) during a veteran’s appreciation ceremony. A plaque was awarded to Sergeant Harry and received by his son, Robin E. Harry. After a brief open discussion, cake was served and financials were discussed by comptroller Kyle Dover followed by Delaware Nation Economic Development reports from Frank Keechi and Jerry Kennedy from DNI. Public comments were discussed then finally, the meeting was adjourned at 4:01pm. President Dotson administered $20 free play Gold River Casino gift cards and raffle prizes. Delaware Nation would like to thank Delaware Nation Industries for sponsoring the meeting, Van’s Pig Stand, our tribal employees and the citizens, who make this great Nation.

More photos available at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/delawarenation/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2701194290163527