NEO names Wyandotte Nation 2024 Award of Merit

Miami, Oklahoma — Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College will host the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Banquet during homecoming weekend on Friday, October 4, at 6 p,m, in the Calcagno Family Ballroom.

The mission of the government of the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma is to improve the quality of life for all tribal citizens. The Nation accomplishes this through providing quality governmental programs and services managed by sound decision-making and competent administration.

Considering future generations and the protection of tribal sovereignty, the Wyandotte Nation utilizes effective stewardship of human, financial, and natural resources. Concentration is focused on development of strong leadership skills throughout education, accountability, experience, and positive reinforcement.

Billy W. Friend is Chief of the federally recognized Wyandotte Nation.

Chief Friend has served the Wyandotte Nation in multiple capacities including Director of Health Services, Director of Human Resources, Chief of Staff and Second Chief. He currently serves as President of Wyandotte Gaming Enterprises and President of Wyandotte Technologies.

As Chief, he is responsible for fulfilling the mission statement and developing, revising and implementing strategic planning that directs all grants and contracts administered by the Wyandotte Nation. He works with each department and committee in executing initiatives and serves as the Tribal representative to all community service partners and other Tribal organizations.

Under Chief Friend’s leadership, the Wyandotte Nation economically has grown to over 900 employees, with gross revenues of tribal enterprises producing over $200 million dollars, helping to fund and subsidize all tribal social service programs and community improvement projects.

Many new programs have emerged for the Wyandotte people since his tenure as Chief began, including the youth summer intern program, allowing young tribal citizens to work and learn firsthand how the tribal organization operates and strives to improve the quality of life for those served, and the community at large. He established the first ever Tribal Town Hall meetings, held across the nation, as a way of connecting with the 5,000+ Wyandotte tribal citizens who live outside of Oklahoma, an effort to help them reconnect to their tribal heritage.

All alumni and friends of the college are invited to attend the banquet. Tickets are $35 and $15 (12 and under) or $280 for a table of eight. Purchase tickets at the door or online.

Sign-up link for the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Banquet: https://neo.edu/homecoming