LITTLE AXE, Okla. (AP) – The Absentee Shawnee Tribe is building a 76,000-square-foot medical clinic near Little Axe that's scheduled to open next March.

The tribe's clinic is being designed by the American Indian-owned architectural firm of James Childers of Fort Smith, Ark. The Oklahoman reports the clinic will include a combination of natural stone, brick and glass. Landscaping around the clinic will incorporate native grasses and trees.

Tim Tall Chief, the executive director of the Shawnee-based tribe's health services, says the clinic will include 24 examination rooms, 16 dental chairs, a physical therapy department, a behavioral science division, a diabetic wellness unit, optometrists, a pharmacy and a fitness center.

The clinic will serve members of all federally recognized tribes. Tall Chief says the tribe hopes to eventually open the clinic to the general public.

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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com