Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Native American tribe with a rich cultural heritage and a commitment to enhancing the well-being of its members. With a population of approximately 5,334 citizens as of 2023, the tribe operates across Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. It offers a comprehensive range of services to support its community.

Cultural and Community Engagement

Central to the tribe's cultural identity is the annual Northern Ponca Powwow, held on the second weekend of August. This event serves as a vibrant celebration of Ponca culture, featuring traditional dances, music, and communal gatherings.

The powwow grounds also host a museum and an educational trail, where visitors can explore statues depicting traditional Ponca stories and a recreation of a traditional earth lodge. A notable feature is the statue of Chief Standing Bear, commemorating his pivotal role in the tribe's history.

Health Services

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is dedicated to providing holistic, culturally sensitive health services to its members and other eligible individuals. Ponca Health Services operates three primary care clinics:

• Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center: Located at 2602 J Street, Omaha, NE 68107, this center offers a range of medical services.
• Ponca Hills Health and Wellness Center: Situated at 1800 Syracuse Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701, this facility provides comprehensive health care services.
• Lincoln Health and Wellness Center: Found at 1600 Windhoek Drive, Lincoln, NE 68512, this center offers medical, dental, and behavioral health services.

These clinics deliver services such as adolescent health care, diabetes education, elder care, family planning, lead screening, lab services, newborn and well-child clinics, outpatient medical care, transportation, public health nursing, mental health services, social services, substance abuse counseling, and youth services.

Human Services

The tribe's Department of Social Services is committed to providing quality and culturally appropriate social work services to Ponca members and their families.

Emphasis is placed on families, children, youth, and elders. Services include Ponca Emergency Assistance, Indian Child Welfare Act compliance, case management, and Project Venture, a youth development program designed specifically for Native American youth.

Housing and Community Development

The Northern Ponca Housing Authority focuses on providing affordable housing, fostering homeownership, and building self-sufficient communities for members of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and other eligible Native Americans.

Their services include:

• Low-income housing
• Down payment assistance
• Tenant homeownership programs
• Home improvement assistance
• Residential opportunities for self-sufficiency programs

Office Locations

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska operates offices in several locations:

• Niobrara, NE: Tribal Headquarters at 2523 Woodbine Street, PO BOX 288, Niobrara, NE 68760
• Norfolk, NE: Ponca Hills at 1800 Syracuse Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701
• Omaha, NE: Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center at 2602 J Street, Omaha, NE 68107
• Lincoln, NE: Lincoln Health and Wellness Center at 1600 Windhoek Drive, Lincoln, NE 68512
• Sioux City, IA: Office at 125 6th Street, Sioux City, IA 51103
• Omaha, NE, USA: Additional offices in Omaha, NE

These offices serve as hubs for the tribe's various programs and services, ensuring accessibility and support for community members across the region.