‘Addie, Be Brave’ Makes Debut Page 10

Volume 12, Issue 3 • March 2016 The Official Newspaper of the Osage Nation Ted Turner responds to the Osage Nation’s bid for Bluestem Ranch Benny Polacca Osage News

TV media mogul Ted Turner said he is “pleased” the purchase agreement for the Bluestem Ranch is now signed with the Osage Nation taking ownership. The Nation announced on Jan. 28 that it won the bid to pur- chase the 43,000-acre ranch from Turner who raised bison on the land. Turner wrote a Feb. 9 letter to Principal Chief Geof- frey Standing Bear acknowledging the Chief’s Jan. 21 letter as part of the land bidding process. “Directly from Ted Turner, the Nation was the high bidder and the preferred buyer,” Assistant Principal Chief Raymond Red Corn said on Jan. 28. In his letter, Turner said: “It is my sincere hope that our trans- action is the last time this land is ever sold and that the Osage Nation owns this land for future generations. I am thrilled that the Bluestem Ranch will be going back to the Osage Nation and that you intend to keep the land under undivided ownership, raise bison, and continue the conservation practices we have implemented.” Standing Bear told Turner in the bid letter the Nation seeks to preserve, protect and sustain the land, as well as use it as a home for “the bison that are sacred to us.” “I applaud your intentions, as they are the exact same as mine when I purchased the Bluestem 15 years ago,” Turner wrote. “Our team at Turner Enterprises has been raising bison for over 30 years, and we will be happy to assist the Osage Nation in any way possible as you continue the work of raising bison on the Bluestem.” In closing, Turner said: “Taylor Glover said your meeting yes- terday was very encouraging and it was clear that the Osage people are very excited to be re-acquiring this land of their See Turner See Bluestem —Continued on Page 4 —Continued on Page 1

ON Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Standing Bear v. Whitehorn case Benny Polacca Osage News

Attorneys for the Osage Nation legislative and execu- tive branches presented their arguments to the Nation’s Supreme Court on Jan. 29 in the declaratory judgment case Standing Bear v. Whitehorn. See Supreme Court —Continued on Page 4

Courtesy Photo Seven-year-old Vann Wildcat is the 2016 OKWA Novice State Champion. Vann Wildcat is 2016 OKWA TARA MADDEN/Osage News Osage tribal members participate in early voting for the Osage Nation Novice State Champion 2014 General Election. Tara Madden were all hugging him and con- championship. Last year, Lo- Osage News gratulating him and he looked gan Cass won first place. As the 2016 Congressional up at us and said ‘Thank you, Wildcat wrestles for the Seven-year-old Vann Wild- did you know that the Super Pawhuska Elk’s Lodge team cat finished his first season of Bowl is this weekend?’ We all and is coached by Bruce Cass election nears, ON Congress wrestling undefeated – and as got a kick out that.” and his dad, Darrel “Beaush- the 2016 OKWA Novice State The Oklahoma Kids Wres- ee” Wildcat. passes revised election code Champion. tling Association’s state cham- Vann has been wrestling “At first he didn’t think it pionships were held on Feb. 6 since he was four years old but Benny Polacca was a big deal when he won at the Expo Square Pavilion did not start competing until Osage News first place but the more people in Tulsa. The tournament is age five. He practices every congratulated him, then he a double elimination tourna- Monday, Tuesday and Thurs- The 2016 election season will proceed with the Osage Nation started to realize that it was ment with first-time wrestlers day from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with following a revised election code and rules and regulations for important,” said his mother from all over the state. This his teammates but continues governing the general election activities. Mary Wildcat. “After Vann’s fi- is the second year in a row See Wildcat See Election nal match at Novice State, we an Osage youth has won the —Continued on Page 4 —Continued on Page 4

Inside the Osage News Follow the Osage News Online Nation Breaks Ground on Sky Lodge Estates...... 2 Local Youth Sign Letters of Intent...... 15 • Breaking news at osagenews.org Wildfire Season Begins...... 3 Culture Column ...... 16 • facebook.com/osagenews Trial Scheduled for Missing Village Money...... 5 Classifieds / Obituaries...... 18 • twitter.com/osagenews Teen Dating Violence Seminar...... 6 Letters to the Editor...... 19 • flickr.com/osagenews 2 March 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org Nation breaks ground on Skiatook’s Sky Lodge Estates Benny Polacca Osage News

SKIATOOK, Okla. – Con- struction work is under way on the Osage Nation’s hous- ing project southwest of down- town, which is expected to take one year to build. When completed, Sky Lodge Estates will have 15 homes with three or four bedrooms, which will be rental or rent- to-own homes. The Nation’s Housing Program under the Tribal Works Department will be managing the housing and is also accepting applications for the homes. On Feb. 18, ON government officials, local government of- ficials and building/ design professionals working on the project held a groundbreaking ceremony at the subdivision site off Lenapah Avenue south of State Highway 20. Heavy machinery and construction vehicles moved dirt while the attendees gathered nearby to acknowledge the project and those working on it. Bruce Cass, director of the ON Tribal Development and CHALENE TOEHAY-TARTSAH/Osage News Land Acquisition Department, (Center) Osage Nation Principal Chief Standing Bear shakes hands with officials at the ground breaking ceremony for the Sky Lodge Estates on Feb. recognized several entities 18. that worked with the Nation on the housing project plans. delivered the opening prayer Standing Bear agreed and units,” he said of the compa- companies providing support “We know it takes a lot of ef- and said the new housing is an added: “We’re here to help nies and officials, who are paid including civil engineering and fort to program, design and opportunity for the Nation to that effort,” and said he hopes to plan, design and construct site survey work. Jenks-based plan a project like this to get to provide a safe living environ- to see similar projects be- the housing. and Native American-owned this point,” he said. ment for the people, especially sides Skiatook’s. “They’re go- The Nation worked with Maska Builders is the contrac- Vann Bighorse, Wah-Zha- children. ing to be looking over here as Native American-owned and tor working on the project con- Zhi Cultural Center director, Principal Chief Geoffrey an example, we’re going to do Pawhuska-based planning, ar- struction. everything we can to support chitectural, design firm Blue Dan Yancey, Skiatook City whatever you all are doing,” he Star Studio Inc. on the hous- Manager, said the Nation al- said. ing plans. Blue Star Studio Co- ready has a “huge partnership” The housing will be con- founder Jon Red Corn (Osage) with the city and presence structed in an undeveloped describes the homes as af- with the Nation’s nearby subdivision on 60 acres of land fordable and energy-efficient, Osage Casino Hotel property purchased by the Nation. The which will bring lower utility and funding for area road proj- homes will be built with fed- bills for the future residents. ects through the ON Roads De- eral Native American Housing Red Corn also said the homes partment. “Skiatook wouldn’t Assistance and Self Determi- will be handicap-accessible be what it is if it wasn’t for the nation Act (NAHASDA) grant and his company took into de- Osage Nation … so we appre- money awarded to the Nation. sign consideration that tradi- ciate your investment in Skia- Wayne Sims, administra- tional Osage homes in the past took,” he said. tor for HUD’s Southern Plains had large living rooms. The The ON housing program Office of Native American houses will also have covered can be reached at (918) 287- Programs, also attended the carports and storm shelters. 5310. For more information on event. “Housing’s what we’re Chad Renfro (Osage), who housing and to download ap- CHALENE TOEHAY-TARTSAH/Osage News all about in our office … We’re owns his own design firm, plications, go online to: www. certainly appreciative of those worked on the interior design osagenation-nsn.gov/what-we- The layout of the new homes that will be built at the Sky Lodge Estates folks that come and build the plans along with other area do/housing in Skiatook. Osage Nation awarded HUD grant for new Hominy Wellness Center Benny Polacca sion, which approves matching Osage News grant funds for project costs to study, design and build the The Osage Nation is receiv- wellness center. The match- ing an $800,000 federal grant ing grant funds in this bill are to build a new Hominy Well- contingent upon receipt of the ness Center, which would re- ICDBG funding. place the current fitness center Supernaw said Hominy resi- in the Industrial Park. dents, including Harry Roy The U.S. Department of Red Eagle, contacted him ask- Courtesy Photo/ON Communications Housing and Urban Develop- ing for a new fitness center The Osage Nation Fitness Center located in the Hominy Industrial Park. ment announced the $800,000 because the current facility award to the Nation with the is too small for the exercise for the community to keep funding coming from the In- workout equipment. The Third working with us to keep ex- dian Community Development ON Congress tabled a 2013 bill panding and upgrading the Block Grant program, which sponsored by Supernaw seek- Wellness Center. I would like supports a wide range of com- ing to relocate the Hominy munity development and af- fitness center due to budget to see us consider adding an 619 Kihekah • Pawhuska, OK 74056 (918) 287-5668 fordable housing activities, constraints at the time. After exercise pool in the future.” www.osagenews.org according to a news release. the bill was tabled, Supernaw Also on Feb. 18, Sims an- Wayne Sims, administra- said the Congress requested nounced the Nation was Editor tor for HUD’s Southern Plains that the Executive Branch also awarded a HUD Indian Shannon Shaw Duty Office of Native American pursue grant funds for the Housing Block Grant of $1.4 Programs, reported the grant facility. Reporter million. award during the Feb. 18 The ON Office of Self-Gov- Benny Polacca groundbreaking ceremony for ernance, Planning and Grants IHBG funds benefit low-in- the Nation’s Sky Lodge Estates Management worked to pur- come families living on Indian Features / Multimedia Reporter housing project in Skiatook. sue the ICDBG funding, which reservations or in other Ameri- Tara Madden The Skiatook project construc- was last awarded to the Na- can Indian and Alaska Native tion is also being funded with tion in 2005, according to a Editorial Assistant communities. The amount HUD grant funds. news release. Chalene Toehay-Tartsah The Nation pursued the “This is more than a fitness of each grant is based on a HUD grant money after the center,” Principal Chief Geof- formula that considers local Osage News Editorial Fourth ON Congress passed frey Standing Bear said in needs and housing units un- Board Members a $250,000 appropriation bill the release. “All of our health der management by the tribe Jerri Jean Branstetter (ONCA 15-35 sponsored by programs, including those in- Lu King or designated entity, according William “Kugee” Supernaw) volved in diabetes prevention, Teresa Trumbly Lamsam during the 2015 Huh-Kah Ses- will be involved. I would like to HUD. Osage News • osagenews.org March 2016 3

Osage County fights wild land fires Shannon Shaw Duty Osage News

Bobby Tallchief and his crew of firefighters respond- ed to a 1,500-acre wild land fire on the Bluestem Ranch on Feb. 8. It was the first of BENNY POLACCA/Osage News many wild land fires he and The Osage Nation Health Authority Board meets on Feb. 18 in Pawhuska. Seated (l to r) are: Cecelia Tallchief, his crew responded to this Margie Burkhart, Nancy Keil and Mike Moore. fire season. “We are responsible for 134,000 acres of restricted land here in the reservation. Pretty much anytime there’s mph, are creating the dan- ON health officials address a wildfire it’s either on trust gerous conditions. land, or it’s a threat to it, so “For the people who live in we respond to basically any rural areas, and the people pharmaceutical billing issue at wild land fire,” Tallchief who live on the edge of town, said. “Especially … when we it’s called wild land urban in- had 40 mph gusts.” terface, where the two meet,” Wah-Zha-Zhi Health Center Last year, they responded Tallchief said. “All of our to over 120 fires on the Osage communities, Pawhuska, told the Congress the clinic gress passed resolution ONCR Benny Polacca Reservation. Hominy, Barnsdall, Fairfax, is behind on its pharmaceu- 16-11, which states the Con- Osage News Tallchief said it’s very im- once you hit the city limits tical billing after the Nation gress authorizes the limited portant for people to be “fire you’re in the country. The Osage Nation health offi- assumed operations of the waiver of sovereign immunity wise” during this time of people living on the perim- cials say a third-party vendor Pawhuska IHS clinic on Oct. in the Nation’s contract with year. The fire season for his eters of these towns need to will be used to handle unpro- 1, 2015. When the IHS com- PBA Health for the purpose crew begins after the first be ‘fire wise.’” cessed pharmaceutical claims pact operations began, the pri- of receiving pharmaceuti- frost and doesn’t end until Tallchief shared wild land so the clinic can catch up on or billing procedures ceased, cal distribution and profes- about April 15, he said. With fire prevention tips: its billing to health insurance prompting clinic and tribal of- sional services. The Executive the vast acreage they protect companies for patient medica- ficials to seek remedies. Branch requested the reso- they rely on BIA and For- • When burning brush or tions. Stabler informed the ON lution after negotiations be- est Service crews from other leaves, watch the weather Health Authority Board of Paula Stabler, acting Wah- tween PBA Health and the tribal nations to help. forecast to make sure the billing update on Feb. 18, high winds aren’t sched- Zha-Zhi Health Center direc- Nation went nowhere regard- Firefighters from Zuni tor, said the clinic plans to which is weeks after the Ex- uled during the next two ing contract concerns shared Pueblo, the Navajo Nation pursue an outside company’s ecutive Branch requested the days. “People will burn by ON Attorney General Holli and the Flathead Reserva- services to paper-bill for the Congress approve a limited on days where there is Wells. The company would not tion helped in early Febru- pharmaceuticals. The clinic waiver of sovereign immunity ary and firefighters from no wind, not anticipating budge on removing the limited the high winds the next is behind five months on its in a contract with a Kansas Fort Apache were also in sovereign immunity waiver couple of days. Delayed pharmaceutical billing with City-based company that will Osage County, he said. The language. fires get started this way as much as $375,000 waiting act as a pharmacy benefit crews work 12-hour shifts Manon Tillman, the Na- when embers fly into their to be collected from insurance manager for the clinic to use and rotate on 14-day details. the company’s electronic bill- tion’s Health and Wellness neighbors yards or out companies for the clinic’s rev- The Osage Nation has ing services. Division Leader, said she was into the pasture,” he said. enue. three full time firefighters During its 10th Special not involved in all aspects of During the January special and two seasonal firefighters. • Don’t plant cedar trees Session, the Fourth ON Con- the IHS compact negotiations, session, ON health officials The department has two fire next to your house, with much of it being done at trucks and they are currently “They’re pretty, but the IHS Oklahoma City Area building a third. They also they go up quickly Office level. Other officials have firefighters from a pool in a fire,” he said. also attributed the issue to of Oklahoma tribal firefight- Jim Parris confirmed as poor communication during • Don’t store firewood on ers from the Creek Nation, the Jan. 27 ON Congressio- your front porch, store Seminole Nation and the away from your house. Navajo Nation Controller nal Health and Social Services Cherokee Nation, he said. Committee meeting, where “During our fire season • Be careful when planting Benny Polacca ONCR 16-11 was discussed. shrubs next to your Osage News it is their wet season, so “There was so much we didn’t they come help us. Califor- house, they may dry out. anticipate, it takes time – this Seasoned Osage accountant nia crews come help us as • Make sure all gutters is not going to happen over- and auditor Jim Parris is now well,” Tallchief said. “After and drains are clean of night,” Tillman said. serving as Controller of the we green up then we go help dead leaves and twigs. Stabler said the contract Navajo Nation after the south- Fort Apache, tribes in Or- with PBA Health starts on egon, Montana, Idaho, Ari- • Trim tree limbs hanging west tribe’s legislative branch down past eight feet. voted to confirm him earlier March 1 and will last for one zona, wherever we’re needed this year. year. The board praised Sta- during our off season.” • Make sure lawns Parris, who has served on bler, who was named acting According to the Oklaho- are mowed. two Osage Nation Limited Li- clinic director in January, for ma Forestry Services, out- ability Company boards, re- her work efforts with the new- door burning is not advised To report ARSON (inten- ceived his confirmation vote ly compacted Pawhuska clinic due to the dry, windy condi- tional unattended burning) on Jan. 27 from the Navajo renamed the Wah-Zha-Zhi tions across the state. Low and other fires call Osage Nation Council, according to Health Center. Current Health relative humidity, combined Nation Wild Land Fire Pre- a news release. Navajo Presi- Authority Board members are with very dry fuels and sus- vention at (918) 604-9055 or dent Russell Begaye appointed Courtesy Photo/Navajo Nation Margie Burkhart, Nancy Keil, tained winds at 15-20 mph, (918) 855-7996. ONPD can be Parris to the Controller post in Jim Parris Dr. Patrick Tinker, Cecelia with some gusts near 30 contacted at (918) 287-5510. December 2015 with the posi- Tallchief and Mike Moore. In the release, Parris said tion subject to council approv- he looks forward to develop- al, according to NN legislation ing an action plan for the NN requesting the confirmation. President and Vice President’s According to his resume, office and council to try and Bartlesville Osage Casino takes action Parris has over 35 years of ac- get support for making needed counting, auditing and man- changes for the Nation. agement experience focused “I’ll be doing a workload during Barnsdall water boil order on serving tribal governments, analysis and coordinate with Benny Polacca of our guests and employees is On Feb. 13, Moore an- the federal government and the Office of Management and Osage News our top priority.” nounced that the DEQ sus- practicing public account- Budget to improve contract The casino also notes: “We pended the order after the ing. He served as the Osage monitoring to prevent rever- The Bartlesville Osage Ca- are boiling all water used in turbidity levels decreased to Nation’s first Controller in sions and the loss of funds to sino complied with a manda- food preparation. We are sup- appropriate standards. 1978 and was the first Native the Nation,” Parris said. “I’d tory boil water order issued to plying guests with complimen- According to the DEQ, a boil American certified public ac- also like to use the spending the city of Barnsdall and the tary bottled water and canned countant hired in the Bureau advisory calls for affected resi- that we currently have and do casino’s doors remained open soft drinks. We are having ice of Indian Affairs in 1985. dents to “bring the water to a a better job of working more during the eight-day order. shipped in from an outside A longtime Albuquerque, rolling boil for one full minute. efficiently with the programs On Feb. 5, Barnsdall Mayor vendor. We are working close- N.M. area resident, Parris Allow the water to cool to room to utilize their resources in a Brock Moore reported on Face- ly with the Department of En- launched his own CPA business temperature before use.” The more effective manner for the book the state Department of vironmental Quality to make in 2001 and provided financial sure we are within safety DEQ also states people under Nation.” Environmental Quality “has management consulting ser- standards.” boil orders must boil water As Controller, Parris said he issued a mandatory boiling vices to tribes in several states Osage Nation Gaming “for anything you or your fam- sees opportunities to increase order for the City of Barnsdall as well as litigation support Commission Acting Director ily might ingest,” which also revenue for the Navajo Nation and rural (water) districts #5 for Indian trust cases. Parris, Elizabeth Hembree advised includes using boiled water for by revising the investment and #15 until further notice. who is also a Cherokee Nation the Commission board of the portfolio and also monitoring food preparation such as wash- citizen, served as CN Treasurer Turbidity levels were high at situation at the board’s Feb. the Nation’s investments. He ing fruit/ vegetables or wash- and CFO (1999-2000). the treatment plant.” 10 meeting where the commis- also said: “I want to do a better ing dishes. In 2012, the Third Osage The Bartlesville casino prop- sion learned the casino is part job of monitoring these invest- As for bathing, the DEQ Nation Congress confirmed erty is located 10-15 minutes of rural water district No. 5. ments and whatever I need to notes: “The risk of bathing or Parris to serve on the Osage southwest of the city in Osage During the boil order, Moore do to look at alternatives that showering in tap water is un- LLC Board of Directors. He County and receives its water reported the Oklahoma Na- may be able to get a better rate certain. People who have open served as LLC board chairman from Barnsdall, which is about tional Guard brought in a of return.” and also received confirmation 14 miles away. 2,000-gallon water tanker wounds or skin rashes should from the Fourth ON Congress President Begaye said in the In a Feb. 11 statement re- that parked behind the Ethel not use non-boiled water. Ex- to serve on the newly estab- release he welcomes the expe- leased by Osage Casino CEO Briggs library on Feb. 7 and treme caution should be used lished Tallgrass Economic De- rience Parris brings. “We know Byron Bighorse, the casino invited residents to bring their with infants and young chil- velopment LLC board during See Paris complied with the boil order, own containers to get water for dren to insure they do not in- the 2015 Tzi-Zho Session. —Continued on Page 5 noting: “the health and safety their homes. gest any non-boiled water.” 4 March 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org

including adjusting employ- torical precedents, what ac- Supreme ee compensation as the need tions, what qualities have we arises. “You can’t do that un- inherited from all generations Election Court der what happens here,” he of our government before us –from Page 1 –from Page 1 said of the six bills prohibiting and how can that inform us Prospective Osage candidates may start filing for can- Supreme Court Associ- the salary increases. He also on how we move forward? We didacy with the ON Election Office in Pawhuska starting ate Justices Elizabeth Lo- argues the Congressional ap- would much rather examine on March 15 and the deadline to file is March 31. Six Con- hah Homer, Drew Pierce and propriation power is set out in how we operated as a Nation gress seats are up for grabs in the June 6 general election. the Constitution and said “it Chief Justice Meredith Drent back in the day without a fed- Voters will also consider any proposed Constitutional doesn’t say they can tell the heard oral arguments from eral government telling us how amendment questions on the ballot. Executive Branch how to go On Feb. 24, the Fourth ON Congress unanimously the respective branches’ at- to run our businesses … What about specifically spending.” passed the revised election code (ONCA 15-76) and a reso- torneys in the case Principal historical Osage information Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear Also at issue is a bill (ONCA lution (ONCR 15-19) during the 12th special session, which and facts can you offer to us to filed against the Fourth ON 15-100) that amends the Na- made amendments to both governing documents for Osage give us information we need to Congress in November 2015 tion’s merit-based pay for per- elections. The Election Board reviewed the election code decide this incredibly complex for alleged Constitutional formance act with adding job and rules after the 2014 election and made revisions to cer- violations. descriptions for employees in issue?” tain sections based on feedback regarding the last election. Standing Bear’s lawsuit the Nation’s Human Resourc- Gill said he could not pro- The election code also received amendments from the Con- alleges four counts of Con- es Department. Standing Bear vide an example after Drent gressional governmental operations committee, which held stitutional violations that in- vetoed the bill arguing it vio- asked for one. meetings on the two items during the special session. clude Separation of Powers, lates separation of powers. Homer and Drent quizzed To run in the Congressional election, candidates must the composition and duties of Luthey acknowledged the Gill on the six government be enrolled Osages who are at least 25 years old on Elec- the Executive Branch and the Constitution includes a man- division bills, which had the tion Day and the candidates must not have any felony composition and duties of the date for a merit-based employ- language prohibiting the em- convictions on their record, according to the election code. Legislature. Standing Bear ment system, but argued the ployee raises despite keeping Those who run for Congress must also pay a $300 filing section does not state the Con- fee to the Election Office with a cashier’s check or money also cited several Congres- the money in the budgets at gress could write job descrip- order, according to the election rules/ regulations and will sional Acts passed, which he the time. Gill said the Con- tions for the HR employees. “If be subject to a background check. considered unconstitutional in gress did request budget infor- his petition. we’re going to go down the ‘who The election code also says Congress members “shall mation from the Treasurer’s Attorneys Dean Luthey and does what?’ road, where do you not hold any other office or position of profit under the office to cut the money for the Terry Mason Moore (Osage), stop? You can’t stop once you Nation during the term for which the member is elected or raises out of the six budgets, representing the Execu- take the first step,” he said. appointed. No members of the (Congress) shall hold any tive Branch, said the Nation Standing Bear objected to but the Congress did not re- other tribal office under another Indian nation during his moved to a new point in po- another bill (ONCA 15-91) ceive the information until af- or her term of office.” litical history with the 2006 passed in the 2015 Tzi-Zho ter the Tzi-Zho Session ended Constitution. Session that amends Osage in early October, which is why Changes for election code, rules considered “This Nation and its people gaming law to make the annu- the language prohibiting the Starting in the 2018 election year, the primary election have moved beyond the Tribal al gaming plan of operations a raises remained in the six bills. will be held on the first Monday in April in even-numbered Council in a unitary approach “legally binding” document. In Ultimately, the money for years when there is an election for the offices of Principal to government in favor of a his veto message of ONCA 15- the salary raises was stricken Chief and Assistant Principal Chief. The first primary elec- clearly delineated, checks and 91, Standing Bear said in his from the six budgets during tion was held in March 2014, so the April primary will be balances-driven, tripartite veto message: “For the Con- the ninth special session of one month closer to the general election, if necessary, said system of government,” said gress to try and control the Congress in December 2015. Election Supervisor Alexis Rencountre. activities of the casinos by re- Congressman James Norris said he spoke with the Elec- Luthey, who asked the court to Homer asked is “a wage stricting the business direction tion Board last year and agreed to sponsor the revised elec- consider what is really meant freeze rationally related to by “Supreme executive power of the Gaming (Enterprise) tion code and rules legislation if a proposed Congressional the subject of appropriation, is of the Osage Nation,” which is Board would be clear interfer- primary election was eliminated. The board previously dis- that not a different subject al- vested in the Principal Chief, ence of operational autonomy cussed a possible primary for the Congress seats during its together?” Gill said he argues according to the Constitution. of the gaming operations.” meetings. The election code states a primary election for Quoting the Constitution, “Where is the legal consti- they are not different because Executive Branch offices will not be held if two or fewer Luthey said: “The Principal tutional authority to make it salaries/ wages is a line item candidates file by the filing deadline, so those candidates Chief shall dutifully support legally binding now?” Luthey in a budget appropriation bill will advance to the June election ballot. the Constitution and laws asked the court. He also ques- for the Nation that is approved The Election Board initially considered adding language to the election code forbidding banished Osages from vot- of the (Nation) and shall see tioned what if the revenue by the Congress, which has the ing in the election, but later requested the language be that the laws are faithfully and expenditures are different sole authority to enact the an- removed from the bill after hearing feedback from other executed, administered and than originally projected. nual operations budget for the officials. Election Board Chairwoman Lockett said the enforced…that’s where the Loyed “Trey” Gill, Congres- Nation per the Constitution. board considered prohibiting banished people from voting friction is today.” sional legal counsel, argued Homer said one of the ques- to match Osage law since the punishment banishes those Standing Bear failed to show The lawsuit targets several tions in the case is whether subjects from properties and lands under Osage Nation violations of the Constitution legislative bills passed by the the Congress’s revisions (to jurisdiction. In past elections, the election polling places and started to reference the Congress, which Standing the laws at issue) “are working were at the Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center, Congressional constitutional principles sys- Bear vetoed and were then to micromanage the Executive Chambers and the Election Office for early voting – all overridden by Congressional tem, but Drent interjected ask- Branch … Where is the line?” owned by the Nation. vote. Luthey referenced the ing if Gill wanted the court to On the subject of the HR bill Congressman Ron Shaw proposed the banishment lan- six ON budget appropriation impose outside value systems ONCA 15-100, Homer restated guage be stricken and recalled earlier discussions includ- bills for the Nation’s six gov- and other jurisdictions onto ing questions of whether forbidding banished people from the question of “where is the ernment divisions for the 2016 the court’s business. voting is constitutional. “One of the arguments that came line?” regarding the HR staff fiscal year as an example. “You’re certainly not obli- was can these people vote by absentee ballot and still be Standing Bear objected to the gated to impose” the systems, position descriptions written able to vote, just not in-person?” Shaw recalled. bills because he deemed lan- said Gill who added the Nation into the law. Gill countered Assistant Attorney General Clint Patterson opined on guage prohibiting employee follows a three-branch govern- the language regarding the the issue during a regular board meeting on Feb. 9 and salary increases as a wage ment system, similar to the HR positions was written into said voting is a fundamental right. Norris also agreed and freeze from one branch of gov- U.S. government. the original Workforce Pay for said: “(Voting is) not a benefit, it’s a right, it cannot be tak- ernment to the employees of Pierce asked Gill if the Na- Performance Act (ONCA 10- en away unless the constitution changes.” a separate branch as uncon- tion is “a unique community” 85), which was passed in 2010. According to the Osage Constitution, qualified voters are stitutional, according to his that is not entirely compara- Gill also stated the Constitu- defined as enrolled Osages who are 18 years old and reg- executive veto messages on ble to federal or state govern- tion calls for a merit-based em- istered to vote under the tribal code. The constitution does not prohibit those who are convicted felons or currently the bills. ments. Gill said “we certainly ployment system to be in place recognize the unique circum- incarcerated from voting. Therefore, those who are in the Luthey referenced the Sepa- and the Congress is charged ration of Powers section of the stances of the Osage Nation, penal system or who are banished from the Nation’s juris- with establishing the system. Constitution and asked if one but without any legal prec- diction are allowed to vote by absentee ballot. On the gaming plan of op- can imagine being in charge edents at this point, we are left The election code also contains new guidelines for village of a government branch but to look to other jurisdictions.” eration issue, Gill said the elections, which are held biennially in the Pawhuska and being prohibited from duties Drent asked Gill what “his- Congress feels the plan of Hominy Indian villages. The Grayhorse Indian Village Com- operations was already a “le- mittee (also called a Five-Man Board) is appointed by the gally binding” document, so Principal Chief and confirmed by the Congress, said Lockett. the words were put into law For village elections, the villages or Village Committees, Wildcat because “it’s a point of clarifi- language is now in the election code regarding eligible vot- –from Page 1 cation.” Homer then asked Gill ers. In recent years, the Election Office and board assisted in the two villages elections and the practices are now writ- what purpose does the plan of to practice at home with his brothers Lesharo and Jimmy. ten in the law. The election code says the committees or Vann is in the first grade at Indian Camp Elementary school operations serve. Gill respond- villages “may seek the assistance of other government enti- in Pawhuska. ed the plan provides an op- ties to conduct their election as long as those elections are “I am very proud of Vann, he loves to wrestle. He always portunity for the owner of the not inconsistent with the (Osage constitution or law)” and wants to wrestle with his brothers at home, so when he Gaming Enterprise to approve the village committees “shall submit a list of all village vot- competes he makes it look easy,” his father said. or reject an overall strategy ers” prior to conducting village elections. Wildcat has wrestled in Barnsdall, Blackwell, Tulsa, for the gaming business opera- The revised election code and rules/ regulations were Will Rogers and Novice State and has won first place in his tions. passed then signed by Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing class in each tournament. His favorite wrestling move it the “Ultimately we are the own- Bear to take effect. For more information on the Election headlock, he said. ers of the Gaming Enterprise Office, election code and rules/ regulations for prospective Vann practices with fellow Osage youth such as Lo- candidates, visit the office website at www.osagenation- – the Chief’s office, the Osage gan, Corlin and Will Cass, and Isaac Williams and nsn.gov/what-we-do/elections Congress,” said Gill, which Trenton Reese. prompted an interjection from He also enjoys football, baseball and soccer, as well as grass dancing at powwows. Drent. es. According to the website, Vann is the son of Beaushee and Mary Wildcat; his Osage “There are actually three Turner Turner is the second largest name is Wah-Kon-Tiah and he is from the Wah-Xah-Ko-Li branches of government and –from Page 1 individual landowner in North District (Pawhuska). all three branches are stew- ancestors. I share in your ex- America with approximately 2 Maternal grandparents are Vann and Mary Bighorse of ards of the Nation and stew- citement and look forward to million acres of personal and Pawhuska; Paternal Grandparents are Darrell and Carla ards of the Nation’s resources,” closing on this sale and meet- ranch lands. Wildcat of Norman; Maternal great-grandparents are Ken- Drent said. “I want to make it ing you in person.” Standing Bear also told Turner: “We will use the lands neth and Toby Bighorse of Pawhuska and the late Andrew very clear when we talk about Glover is president and to reconnect our children and “Buddy” and Margaret Gray; Paternal great-grandparents ownership … it is the Osage CEO for Turner Enterprises, youth to nature. We can think are the late Jimmie and Eunice Wildcat and the late Carl people that own that enter- according to the company web- of no better learning environ- and Viola Tahmahkera. prise.” site. Glover has oversight of The Oklahoma Kids Wrestling Association is an orga- ment for our children than Gill responded: “I agree, I the company’s landholdings, nization that promotes the sport of wrestling to all ages, these lands…This land is per- misspoke.” financial investments and giving children the chance to preform at competitive lev- fectly centered between our A decision in this case was els. Participants perform in multiple tournaments during business interests, including traditional towns of Wa-hock- wrestling season in hopes to make it to the Novice State not announced when the Ted’s Montana Grill, which is o-li (Pawhuska), Zon-zo-lin Championship. March issue of the Osage News Turner’s 45-restaurant chain (Hominy) and Pah-su-li (Gray- went to print. featuring several bison dish- horse).” Osage News • osagenews.org March 2016 5

Trial scheduled March 2 in missing Pawhuska village money cases Osage News Three former Pawhuska Indian Village Five-Man Board members are scheduled for trial in Osage Nation Trial Court on March 2 in the cases regarding the missing Pawhuska village money. The March 2 trial dates are rescheduled from dates originally set for February, according to the court. The three cases against defendants Theodore Brunt, Joe Don Mashunkashey and Kenneth “K.C.” Bills were filed by the ON Attorney General’s office in 2014. A fourth defendant, former Five-Man Board member Frank Redcorn, accepted a plea deal from the AG’s office to pay restitution, Assistant Attorney General Jeff Jones said in December. In the four cases, then-AG Jones filed numerous counts of misusing public funds in regards to Courtesy Photo a September 2012 ON Office of Fiscal Performance and From Left: Donna Barrone, Chief Standing Bear, Snooky Wiseman, Edwina Lynn, Michelle Harding, David Webb, Review audit report that stated over $806,000 in village Angie Kekahbah, Christian Johnson, Sheryl Decker and Cameron Pratt. Students, from left: Sam Harding, Kynlie revenue is unaccounted for. Jones, Joseph Duty, and Gentry Mashunkashey. In wake of the OFPR report, the AG’s office launched an investigation to determine whether tribal charges are warranted. In 2014, AG Jones filed several counts of mis- use of public funds charges in tribal court against each of Osage Immersion students the four men. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI also in- vestigated the missing money issue in 2013, but declined to file federal charges of embezzlement. shop at Fairfax Venture Foods According to Osage law, one charge of misusing public funds is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or by a Fairfax Chief Cameron Pratt brought in This being the first year, it tiny shopping carts which they jail term not to exceed one year, or by banishment for a pe- Osage Language Immer- is not clear when there will filled with grapes, milk, and riod of 5-10 years – or any combination of the authorized sion students exercised their be programs in Fairfax and punishments. Check back to www.osagenews.org for any language skills at Venture many other items. They knew Hominy. He said he felt that updates in the case when available. Foods in Fairfax on Feb. 19. the names of dozens of items, the new Elders/Child Care as well as being able to thank The three and four year olds building in Fairfax could ac- Wanda, the produce lady, who are the vanguard of the Osage commodate the program, but Language Immersion School offered them oranges and oth- decisions about this are not in Pawhuska. As Donna Bar- er treats. his alone, but also those of rone, one of the teachers, held Principal Chief Geoffrey up various items, the young- Standing Bear said the school the Osage Congress. He said sters competed to say the word has taken over several class- teachers are in short supply, in Osage. rooms in Pawhuska. as of course, is money. Out of the closet and into

Courtesy Photo darkness: higher depression, Architectural and design students from the University of Oklahoma lis- ten to a presentation by Pawhuska Indian Village Chairwoman Paula Sta- bler during a February visit to the village. The students are working on a suicide rates remain among community planning project as part of the ongoing village master plan. LGBTQ and two-spirit youth OU students help Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton perience depression and other rassment. Almost one-fifth of Native Health News Alliance mental health issues. respondents either switched Pawhuska village As a whole, the suicide schools or dropped out al- TULSA, Okla. — Sierra rate is also four times higher together because of gender- Concha has heard it all. among LGBTTQ youth than based persecution. board with master plan Now a 20-year-old student their peers who identify as het- Additionally, according to a at Black Hills State University erosexual. The data, though 2010 study published by the Osage News in Spearfish, South Dakota, scarce, suggests an even high- American Public Health Asso- Architecture and design students from the University of Okla- Concha, who is Lakota, Taos er rate among American In- ciation, LGBTTQ youth were homa are helping village officials with an ongoing master plan Pueblo and Ojibwe, has known dian and Alaska Natives. In a more likely to meet the crite- 2008 national survey, 56 per- for the Pawhuska Indian Village. since she was 9 that she is bi- ria for post-traumatic stress sexual. cent of Native transgender and disorder. Village Chairwoman Paula Stabler met with the students in Her struggle to reconcile her gender non-conforming teen That data matches the late February when they visited Pawhuska. The students will be sexual identity, while repeat- participants had attempted experiences of Summer working on a community-planning project for the village as part edly hearing dismissive com- suicide, compared to 41 per- Welcher-Duke, the director of of the ongoing master plan, she said. ments made by her friends, cent of their non-Native trans- behavioral health at the Okla- The project includes new home design and follows a Feb. 15 family and classmates even- gender peers. homa City Indian Clinic. village community meeting where home loan professionals pre- tually led to depression at the “Unfortunately, many of The clinic, which offers indi- sented information to residents on obtaining assistance from the age of 13. them (LGBTTQ youth) feel vidual, group and family ther- Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program. “I was already struggling they’re experiencing these apy, regularly provides outside “The Pawhuska Indian Village Five-Man Board is clearing the with being happy with myself risks alone without appro- referrals to suicide prevention path for Osage families to be able to build homes, as an option, and being told that my sexu- priate support from family, hotlines and the local equal- in addition to modular homes,” Stabler said. This is a multi-part ality was merely a phase re- parents or the medical care ity center to clients. Welcher- project in planning, design, legislation, financing and construc- ally hurt,” she said. “Having system,” he said. Duke said many of the mental tion. to prove who I was multiple Bullying, victimization, dat- health issues facing the LG- Vice Chairman Ryan RedCorn is helping develop legislation to times throughout my life defi- ing violence and assault con- BTTQ youth she’s worked with be considered by the Osage Nation Congress and hopes to have nitely took a toll on me espe- tribute to the elevated rates of stem from negative cognitions, the legislation considered in the spring 2016 Hun-Kah Session. cially because I wasn’t proud depression and suicide. which are characterized by be- The village is coordinating efforts on legislation with the Execu- of my identity anyway. In a 2013 survey on school lieving negative thoughts and climate conducted by the Gay tive Branch before the session starts March 28. Other members “Even the people closest to experiences about one’s self. me told me that I wasn’t really Straight Lesbian Education of the Master Planning project for the Pawhuska Village include “If you are told early in life… bisexual and that’s what broke Network, 85 percent of LGBT Pawhuska-based Blue Star Studio Inc. and the Minnesota Hous- that you are different or wrong me the most: knowing the ones respondents nationwide were ing Partnership. or disgusting or a sinner, then I trusted the most didn’t even subject to verbal harassment ultimately what you might believe in who I was.” by their classmates within the believe in your core is exactly Paris Concha’s experience is not last year and almost two-thirds that,” she said. “You may be- –from Page 3 uncommon among youth who of participants regularly heard gin to believe that every day. identify as LGBTTQ, or gay, homophobic words used. You may even see it play out his knowledge is vital in overseeing and protecting the Navajo lesbian, bisexual, transgender, The numbers were even in your life. Nation’s finances and multi-billion dollar assets and in helping two-spirit or are questioning higher in several states with “This can leave someone build the portfolio of the Nation,” he said. their sexual preferences. large Native populations, in- feeling very lonely and afraid, Parris is an Oklahoma State University graduate and worked Dr. Lawrence D’Angelo is cluding Oklahoma, Arizona on top of all of the other nega- in federal accounting posts during the 1980s and early half of the executive director for The and North Carolina. tive cognitions they may be 1990s. Diana L. and Stephen A. Gold- A 2008 report from the Na- suffering from.” He served as director for the Office of Trust Funds Manage- berg Center for Community tional Center for Transgen- That was the case for Con- ment where he was responsible for all aspects of the BIA’s trust Pediatric Health and section der Equality featured similar cha, who regularly heard funds management program. Under this position, Parris was re- chair for the Adolescent and rates with 86 percent of trans- during her teen years that bi- sponsible for $2.3 billion in cash and investments held in trust Young Adult Medicine at Chil- gender American Indian and sexuality simply did not exist. on behalf of 2,000-plus tribal accounts for over 300 tribes, as dren’s National Health System Alaska Native students rang- Since she did not know anyone well as 300,000-plus Individual Indian Money accounts and in Washington, D.C. He noted ing in age from kindergarten Alaska Native escrow accounts held in trust by the Department that LGBTTQ youth are three through 12th grade reporting See Youth of Interior. to four times more likely to ex- some form of in-school ha- —Continued on Page 17 6 March 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org Communication is key when spotting teen dating violence

Tara Madden them against their daughter’s Osage News or son’s significant others be- cause of teen dating violence,” Over 80 percent of parents said LaVina Clark, the admin- believe their children are not istrator for the ON Domestic at risk of suffering teen dating Violence program. “If we get violence because there is a lack it out this way maybe parents of communication with their can talk to them at home.” child, said motivational speak- Rush travels throughout the er Chance Rush at a Teen Dat- United States and Canada to ing Violence awareness parent work with Native communi- workshop on Feb. 24. ties in efforts to inspire, heal, Statistics show one in three motivate, and energize. He has teens are involved in abusive a talent for using his energy relationships each year, he and humor to spread a simple said. message, “Use your personal The Osage Nation Domestic talents to lead you to great- Violence and Osage Preven- ness.” He promotes healthy tion programs hosted the par- living and lives his life alcohol ent workshop because they are and drug free, according to his TARA MADDEN/Osage News seeing more and more teens website www.chancerush.com. Parents attend the Teen Dating Violence Awareness Parent Workshop on Feb. 24 at the Osage Nation Law Build- and their parents seeking help February is teen dating ing in Pawhuska. The event was hosted by the ON Domestic Violence and ON Prevention Programs. because their teenager was be- violence awareness month ing abused by their boyfriend and the ON programs want- veer off from starting out as awesome if more people could with their children and to let or girlfriend. ed to make parents aware fantastic and puppy love to come. It would be awesome to them know they can do great “I have seen a lot of protec- of warning signs to look for verbal abuse, physical abuse, get it out more,” said Destiny things and to always reach for tive orders come through and when your teenager could be and sometimes mental abuse. Kitchel, who is a mother of two greatness. they are just getting younger in an unhealthy or abusive A victim of abuse may not rec- teen daughters. For more information on and younger, where moms relationship. ognize the signs themselves Rush stressed parents Teen Dating Violence please have had to come down and get Rush said relationships can before the situation is out of should talk with their chil- contact the ON Domestic Vio- control, this is where the par- dren, really talk with them. lence program by contacting ents can help their child. He said “with” is the key word the counseling center at (918) “I loved it, it was very good in his speech. He said it’s im- 287-5422 or the Prevention and informative. It would be portant for parents to engage program at (918) 287-5595.

BENNY POLACCA/ Osage News The new Jackpot Pizza & Deli eatery, located in the Pawhuska Osage Casino. Pawhuska Osage Casino has new pizza and deli Osage News salads. Customers may also inviting local residents and TARA MADDEN/Osage News build their own sandwiches business owners to visit the Chance Rush talks to parents about the “Four A’s” – Aww! Awake! Allow! The Jackpot Pizza & Deli and pizzas with toppings casino for the social event. Accept! Rush was the main speaker at this year’s Teen Dating Violence eatery is now open in the available at the counter. The The Pawhuska Osage Casino Awareness Parent Workshop on Feb. 24 at the Osage Nation Law Building Pawhuska Osage Casino. eatery was host to a Feb. 17 is located at the intersection in Pawhuska. The event was hosted by the ON Domestic Violence and ON Menu items include specialty Pawhuska Chamber of Com- of U.S. 60 and 15th Street on Prevention Programs. pizzas, sub sandwiches and merce Business Afterhours, the east side of town. Osage News • osagenews.org March 2016 7

BENNY POLACCA/ Osage News Osage Nation Congressional Speaker Maria Whitehorn delivers her legislative address at the start of the 12th Special Session on Feb. 23. Fourth ON Congress passes four items in 12th special session Benny Polacca Osage News

The Fourth Osage Nation Congress passed four legislative items during the 12th special session and adjourned after two days. On Feb. 24, the Congress voted 11-0 to pass three items with one absence from Congresswoman Shannon Edwards. Those items passing with unanimous votes are: • ONCA 15-76: An amended ON election code (sponsored by Congressman James Norris) which includes changes proposed by the Election Board as well as other amendments made by the Congressional governmental operations committee. • ONCA 16-25: An act to provide a supplemental appropriation to the ON governmental operations division for $111,097. Congressman William “Ku- gee” Supernaw, the bill sponsor, said the requested funding is “to take care of closing costs associated with the purchase of the Turner (Bluestem) Ranch.” • According to a fiscal analysis of the bill, the requested $111,097 will be appro- priated to the Tribal Development and Land Acquisition department’s budget. • ONCR 15-19: A resolution (Norris) to approve the ON election rules and regulations governing elections in accordance with the election code.

The Congress also voted 10-1 to pass resolution ONCR 16-13 (sponsored by Congressman RJ Walker), which seeks to ratify and affirm the Congressional ac- tions taken in the 11th special session held earlier in the month. In his executive address, Standing Bear told the Congress his office submitted the proposal to ratify the actions taken in the session, which was called as an emergency special session so the Congress could approve a waiver of sovereign immunity for the purchase agreement of the Bluestem Ranch property. Congres- See Special Session —Continued on Page 14 8 March 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage News • osagenews.org March 2016 9

illiam ON: What are the differenc- Samuel es in the In-Lon-Schka today Fletch- from when you were young? er was WF: There were a lot of el- born in ders and a lot of Osage terms Hominy,W Okla., Aug. 27, 1939 used that I don’t hear any- to William Fletcher and Myr- more. I remember at the danc- tle Barker Fletcher. He is 76 es there was a term used for Need cutlines years old. cleaning and the ladies would His maternal grand par- use a Shah-keh-pboo K’ah, ents were Samuel Barker and meaning dishtowels, to clean Kate Black Dog Barker. His with and someone would bring paternal grandparents were the pile home each day and William Fletcher and Mamie wash them and bring them Fletcher and his great-grand- back. father was Goodvoice who was ON: What District do you the last Osage Town Crier belong to, what is your Osage for Grayhorse. His maternal name and when did you start great-grandfather was Black dancing at In-Lon-Schka? Dog and he was the last he- WF: Zon-Zo-Li District and reditary Chief for the Osage my name is Tho-K’eh Kihekah. Nation. I am from the Buffalo Clan Fletcher attended the Hom- and was named by the elder iny public school district dur- Mashunkashey. ing his grade school ages and ON: What is your favorite went to Catholic Boarding thing about the In-Lon-Schka School at Cascia Hall in Tulsa and why? to graduate high school. He WF: I like participating in attended Regis University in the giveaways. I am unable to Denver, Colo., for a short peri- participate in the dances now od and then attended Benedic- but still enjoy them tine Heights College in Tulsa. ON: What is your favorite He worked at a department Osage food? store for a short time. WF: Meat gravy and Fry- Fletcher is the only child bread and corn soup and meat with William Fletcher and pies. I like to eat at Indian din- Myrtle Barker Fletcher. After ners. their divorce his father had six ON: What was the happiest more children with his second moment of your life? wife. He has three half sisters Osage WF: I have had a lot of hap- and three half brothers from py moments and experiences. that marriage. ON: What are you most Fletcher belongs to the Zon- proud of? Zo-Li District and was Drum- WF: I am proud to be a citi- keeper from the ages of 12-16. zen of the Osage Nation. Osage News: What are ON: What is your earliest some of the most important memory? WF: I remember my great Elders lessons you have learned in your life? Aunt Nettie McCarthy and Uncle Edgar. I remember him SERIES William Fletcher: I learned to listen carefully and and I was three years old, and R to ask questions if I don’t un- I remember a truck I played derstand something and if with and I could hear them TARA MADDEN / OSAGE NEWS there is still something I don’t talking Osage and I remem- understand then to research it ber his voice and what he for myself. Don’t make hasty looked like. The next memory decisions without researching is where I see him lying in a ite thing to do for fun in your WF: As a respectable Osage other plaintiffs on the case, and really thinking about it. casket with someone holding youth? citizen. Juanita West, Charles Pratt me up to see him and someone WF: I liked going to din- ON: What would you tell Betty Woody and Cora Jech. ON: What would you say taking my hand to touch him. ners with my family and see- your 20-year-old self? We worked hard and would WF: You have a lot to learn are the major values or prin- ON: Who or what did you ing other Osage children and never give up on the case. The love the most? and if you have the time I will ciples that you live by? playing with them. We would other plaintiffs have passed. WF: Honesty and truth- WF: I have always had pets educate you. We were all involved in the play up and down the creek at fulness and consideration for that I have loved until they ON: What has it been like case and we all worked tireless my Aunt Nettie’s. We wouldn’t fellow man. Listen to fellow died, I have always loved my being the lead plaintiff for the on it. see each other till the next din- human beings and have love mother and father they were case Fletcher v. United States? ON: You are a direct descen- in your life. Praise others for very good people and taught ner. WF: Fletcher comes first in dant of Black Dog, how has good deeds and acknowledge me right from wrong. ON: How would you like to the alphabet so Fletcher is on that impacted your life? their deeds. ON: What was your favor- be remembered? the case first but there were WF: I like it when I am in- troduced as his great-grand- son. People seem interested in that and show great respect for him. ON: You’re a faithful Cath- olic, how has that impacted your life? WF: Everything in my life has been positive because of it. I have my grandmother to thank for being a devout Na- tive American Catholic. She was the first Catholic in our Native family.

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Tara Madden Osage News

Spending time with grand- parents and listening to their stories is always fascinating. People like to hear about their experiences and what events helped shape their lives. Mindy Standley loved to sit with her grandmother Addie Cunningham Walker and listen to her stories. Her grandmother passed away in

2008 but her stories live on in TARA MADDEN/Osage News Standley’s children’s books. Mindy Standley, children’s book author of “Frybread for Addie” and “Addie, Be Brave.” “Addie, Be Brave,” is Stand- TARA MADDEN/Osage News ley’s second book and is a trib- course of the story she comes ute to Osage men and women to terms with his absence and who served in World War II. finds a way she can support Standley cherishes her memo- him. Standley’s books have ries with her grandmother, of Osage author been illustrated by Osage art- the two talking, laughing and ist C.R. Red Corn. He was a spending time together. Her friend of the late Addie Cun- first book was “Frybread for ningham Walker so that Addie.” publishes second makes working with him even The Cedar Chest shop in more special, she said. Pawhuska hosted a book sign- The crowd at the book sign- ing for Standley on Feb. 13. ing was lively and chatting “The Cedar Chest is very children’s book, with Standley. Store owners proud to host Mindy Standley Danette Daniels and O’Keefe and her new book. We con- provided brunch, along with sider it an honor to promote Kathryn Red Corn. The event our Osage artists anyway we Addie, Be Brave’ sold 25 copies of the book and can,” said Julie O’Keefe, Cedar orders are still coming in for Chest owner. “Another way to children’s books that are about the family. She said he was be able to resolve the conflict support our artists is to sup- the hard back, which is set to Osages.” like an older brother to their with something that draws port the Osage Foundation. I arrive next week. Standley was also inspired children and when he was de- sit on the board of the Founda- “I am thrilled with the you in,” she said. for the story by her uncle Jack ployed to Afghanistan it was tion and we helped fund Min- turnout that Danette and Ju- Her first book, “Frybread for and her grandma’s older broth- hard on her daughter. They dy’s book. Our mission is to lie have had for Mindy’s books Addie,” took four years from signing here. I wish CR could er and their letters during war corresponded with him while treasure and support our Cul- the first sentence written to ture and our Osage artists.” be here, without him the book time. Her grandmother would he was overseas. the date of publication. It took In “Addie, Be Brave” Addie wouldn’t be possible,” said take the letters out and share “I like to write about charac- her six to nine months to write is very lonesome for her broth- Debra Atterberry, Standley’s them with Standley. She was ters you can relate to. Charac- er who is away at war and the mother. “So as a mom it thrills also inspired by a young man ters you can see yourself in, or the second book. After several story begins with her receiving my heart with my friends and who played football for her people that you know and find revisions and being submitted a letter from him. Through the so many Osages interested in husband and became close to the problem in the story and to writer’s groups, the second book took three years to pub- lish from start to finish. Standley likes to sit with Osage elders to get a sense of how culture has evolved. “The large number of Osag- es who served in World War II made a huge impact on me. They were so brave and coura- geous. Our young people need to know their stories,” Stand- ley said. She loves to hear from read- ers and looks forward to read- ing to children at schools and head starts. She is the daughter of Debra Atterberry of Pawhuska and Jim Littleton of Bartlesville. Her maternal grandmother is the late Addie Cunningham Walker. Her great-grandpar- ents were Lillie Big Horse Cunningham and Henry Cun- ningham. She is from the Osage author Mindy Standley visits with readers at a book signing at The Cedar Chest shop in Pawhuska on Feb. 13. Pawhuska District. Osage News • osagenews.org March 2016 11

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FILING FOR CANDIDACY MARCH 15-31

u Filing for Candidacy forms are available on our website, or you can request them by calling or emailing. u Candidates must be an enrolled Osage Member. u Candidates must be at least 25 years of age on the date of the election. u A felony conviction cannot appear on a Candidate’s certified court record. u Proof of a separate bank account in the name of the Candidate or the Candidate’s Campaign must be provided upon filing. u Candidates must show their Osage Nation Membership Card and Government Issued Photo ID upon filing. u The filing fee is $300 and must be in the form of a Cashier’s Check or Money Order made out to Osage Nation Election Office.

OSAGE NATION ELECTION OFFICE Toll Free: (877) 560-5286 u Phone: (918) 287-5286 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (918) 287-5292 Physical Address: 608 Kihekah, Pawhuska, OK Mailing Address: P.O. Box 928, Pawhuska, OK 74056 Website: osagenation-nsn.gov/what-we-do/elections 14 March 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org

Special Session –from Page 7 sional Speaker Maria Whitehorn said she received notice of the special session 18 hours prior to the Feb. 5 session’s 10 a.m. start. As a practicing attorney representing public boards and entities in earlier years, Standing Bear said ratification actions “was a common practice when cer- tain timetables could not be met because of an emergency situation – we often would go back and ratify the prior actions. If you don’t believe it’s necessary, then so be it, it’s just good practice that the cities and towns use … we just don’t want anything to get in the way of the purchase of the ranch,” Standing Bear said. During a Congressional governmental operations committee meeting, White- horn said she believed the Congress followed its processes properly when they met in the emergency special session starting Feb. 5 and was the lone “no” vote on the resolution. “I believe that most of the times of ratification come when there’s no actions of the government body and they’re following up on what an official did and then they ratify it and I don’t see we’re in that situation,” she said. Congressman Ron Shaw said he would support the ratification in this case because it was “an extraordinary situation” and “I would not want the business transaction challenged because someone alleged that it was an unlawfully-called meeting.” Congressman William “Kugee” Supernaw, who supported the resolution, said: “If we don’t would it amount to a precedent of letting the Chief call special ses- sions that are improper?” Ratification of actions is rare in the ON Congressional history with one of the last ratification votes taking place in 2011 during the Principal Chief John Red Eagle administration. During the 2011 Hun-Kah Session, the Second ON Congress unanimously vot- ed to ratify the confirmation of then-Attorney General Jeff Jones, who was con- firmed during a special session earlier that year as the Nation’s first AG. Despite the confirmation, Chief Red Eagle’s office expressed concern over the timing and argued the confirmation should have occurred during the 24-day Hun-Kah Ses- sion versus a special session, which may last up to 10 days. Standing Bear signed the four items following the special session on Feb. 24. The Congress will next meet for the 24-day Hun-Kah Session starting on March 28. SOsage portNews • osagenews.org s March 2016 15 Haworth signs to play football and track and field at Emporia State University their educations and play col- Tara Madden legiate sports. Dyllan Beartrack Haworth Osage News is one such senior. He sat at a signing table on Feb. 3 sur- National Signing Day on rounded by family to sign with Feb. 3 is a very exciting day for Emporia State University. He those talented high school se- is from Weatherford, Okla., niors who will go on to further and has played football for the

Courtesy Photo Dyllan Haworth signed to play football and track with Emporia State University in Kansas.

Weatherford Eagles for the I got offers from Fort Hayes terfinal round of playoffs both past four years. He is excited State and SWOSU and Okla- his junior and senior years. In to begin his college career as a homa Baptist, but I feel like I track, he has qualified for state Emporia Hornet. made the right decision with in both disc and shot put every Haworth has played foot- Emporia State,” he said. ball since he was in the fourth Haworth was named Dis- year of high school. He is a two grade. He also played basket- trict 4A-1 Defensive Lineman time state runner-up in disc ball, wrestled, and ran track of the Year, the Oklahoman and two-time 3rd place state and field for the Eagles. All-State Honorable Mention, Courtesy Photo finisher in shot put. His per- “Emporia was my first offer and Class 4A All-Star. His sonal records are Disc (174’9”) Dyllan Haworth won a scholarship to play football and track at Emporia so they were my first choice. team advanced to the quar- State University in Kansas. & Shot Put (54’6”). He was also named a Wendy’s High School Heisman State Finalist. He maintained a 3.94 GPA From a Skiatook Bulldog to a Pitt State and scored a 24 on his ACT. He is on the Weatherford High School honor roll and Okla- Gorilla, Appelberg heading to Kansas homa Honor Society. He has Tara Madden been student of the month and Osage News received the award of Distin- guished Scholar and National Skiatook Bulldogs’ defen- History. He has been a district sive lineman Grant Appelberg signed a letter of intent on Na- and state and national winner tional Signing Day Feb. 3 with of Oklahoma Heritage Week Pittsburg State University in and a regional and state win- Pittsburg, Kans., to play foot- ner as well. He has taken 16 ball for the Gorillas. honors/AP classes and will “Grant is a very good line- graduate with 24 hours of col- man that is athletic as well. lege credits. Grant was a big part of the success we have had at Skia- In 2014 he placed second by took! Grant will be very suc- writing for the National His- cessful at the college level,” tory Day contest titled “Osage said Coach Vance Miller. Head Rights - A blessing or a Appelberg has been play- curse?” ing football from a very young “We are extremely proud of age, since peewee league. But it wasn’t until the third grade, Dyllan. He has worked very Courtesy Photo when they were allowed to suit hard for this goal of his and Grant Appelberg signs a letter of intent to play football at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kans. up in pads, a helmet and full- to see it materialize is a bless- on tackle, did he fall in love er offers from different col- Missouri Southern State Uni- doing something we love, is ing and an honor. Dyllan has with the game. leges such as Emporia State versity and Northeastern State [something] I will always re- a little bit of a medical issue A defensive force for the University, Northwestern University. member,” he said. that, when initially diagnosed, Bulldogs, Appelberg had oth- Oklahoma State University, He decided on PSU after a Although sports are im- we were unsure if he would campus visit and felt it was a portant to him he knows that ever be able to play any sports great fit. He said he bonded without the grades he cannot with the players and coaches, so for him to receive a college loved the facilities and the compete. He studies hard and scholarship in not one, but two atmosphere at their football carries a 3.75 GPA and scored sports is an amazing accom- games was great. a 23 on his ACT. plishment,” said his mother Appelberg also plays basket- “My dad and grandpa Gary Sharla Haworth. ball and throws the shot put are my mentors. My grandpa He will play defensive tackle in track for Skiatook. He was played football at OSU and State Champion in the shot put for the Emporia Eagles in the him and my dad always give in the 2015 season and is look- fall of 2016. He received schol- me tips on how to be better, ing forward to this year’s track arships for football and track and those are things I really season for his senior year. He from Emporia. was All-State in track and take seriously because of the When he isn’t doing school- football and a Tulsa World’s experience they have both work or playing sports he All-World offensive lineman had,” he said. in football. He got player of He plans to major in con- enjoys hanging out with his the week three times and has struction management in col- family and friends, being with had 46 tackles at defensive lege and wants to start his own his girlfriend and working out. tackle and 18 pancakes, where construction company upon He also enjoys being outside he drives the defensive line- graduating. fishing, hunting and working. man back and plants him on He is the son of Jonathon his back. Appelberg is the son of Troy Courtesy Photo “Every time we win as a and Joy Appelberg and the and Sharla Haworth and the Grant Appelberg, No. 65, carries the football for the Skiatook Bulldogs in team, and being with some grandson of Carolyn and Gary grandson of Jeannie Beartrack a game this season. of my best friends everyday Burd. from the Grayhorse District. 16 March 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage Culture Teacher Charles Red Corn Osage News

It was winter and it was cold when the Old Man entered the Lodge and placed a folded trade blanket on a well worn buffalo hide on the floor of the lodge. The air in the Lodge felt good, warmed and scented by the cedar wood that the fire builder left. The fire builder’s name is Do Tah and the Old Man appreciated him. The Old Man knows he can rely on Do Tah. Seeing the young man named Do Tah always caused the Old Man to think of the young man’s father who was a lifelong friend of the Old Man. While the evening was cold there was no wind blowing out there. “That is good,” Do tah thought. The stillness of the night allowed the man’s voice to be clearly heard Charles Red Corn when calling out the news to those who lived in the Village, and that feathers. He held the eagle feather news was that five young Osages before his young students and told are coming to the Lodge of the Old the five young boys what each of the Man whose name was Mu’n tse no feathers represented. pah, and he was a man of great It took the entire evening to cover knowledge. The purpose of their coming was to take the first steps the ten eagle feathers meanings, of their lifelong effort to learn the and the Old Man Mu’n tse no pah many teachings and wisdom found told the five young boys that the in the organization of the struc- evening was just the beginning of ture of the Clans. a lifelong learning experience that Soon the man named Do Tah would include an understanding of came through the entrance of the Wa ko’n tah, the one who created Lodge followed by the five young all things. And, it would give mean- boys. Each of the young boys car- ing to the Sun, Moon, the Stars, ried a trade blanket that was fold- the Water, the Land and the many ed to make a square pad to sit on. plants of the Earth. The Old Man repeated the name Mu’n tse no pah watched the of each of the five young boys and he welcomed them. The young five young children as they left his boys who had been told since birth lodge and he had a good feeling. It this day would come, were eager was a feeling that the People known to begin learning the history and as Wah sha she would be in good teachings of the Wah sha she, the hands. Osage People. ––––––––– They sat in a small half circle About the author: Charles H. Red with each of the young boys fac- Corn, Osage, is the author of “A Pipe for ing the Old Man called Mu’n tse February” and various other published no pah. works. Red Corn received his B.A. in Spread out in front of the five Psychology and his Masters of Educa- young boys Mu’n tse no pah had tion Administration from Penn State. ten eagle feathers laid out on the He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and buffalo hide. resides with his wife Jeri in Norman, The Old Man Mu’n tse no pah be- Okla. He is the Osage News culture col- gan by picking up one of the eagle umnist.

Nike N7 and Oklahoma State University to host Youth Movement Field Day Osage News N7 believes that when one generation Oklahoma State University will be realizes their potential, future genera- the site of the 2nd Annual Youth Move- tions can feel the impact and be much ment Event, sponsored by the Student stronger for it,” according to the re- Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Native American Students Associa- lease. “The Youth Movement Field Day tion (NASA), and Nike N7. strives to enable the 7th generation to Student’s grades 3rd-8th can par- realize their potential as athletes, stu- ticipate in a field day that incorporates both Native American culture and fit- dents, and community leaders. The day ness activities, according to a prepared is a celebration of the rich histories of release. The event will take place Oklahoma’s Native American tribes March 31 at Oklahoma State Athletics Facilities. Parents are urged to sign up and empowering youth to build new quickly as there is limited space. friendships through sport.” Event activities include: team sports, traditional Native games, guest speak- For more information or to register, ers, performers and more. please visit http://okstate.com/n7. “The goal of our event is to bring Registration ends on March 24. Spaces Native American youth together from across the state to celebrate culture are limited and will be filled on a first- and promote a healthy active lifestyle. come, first-serve basis.

Easter Bunny to visit Woodland Hills Mall Osage News The Easter Bunny will be available for visits at Woodland Hills Mall from Feb. 26 – March 26 on the lower level in the JCPenney Court. Ad- ditionally, the mall will host a Kidgits Club Easter Bunny Breakfast on Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the Food Court. The event is free for Kidgits members and children will enjoy festive fun, including arts and crafts with the Easter Bunny. COsage Newsommunity • osagenews.org March 2016 17

CHALENE TOEHAY/Osage News Wah Zha Zhe Ballet cast and crew perform on stage during the Festival of Families in Philadelphia on Sept. 26, 2015. Osage ballet to perform in New Mexico and

Courtesy Photo Oklahoma this summer Kelsey Myers, a 4th grade 4H Member of Sperry, won Grand Champion with her pig Baby Girl at the Skiatook Osage News Livestock show on Jan. 30. Kelsey is the daughter of Billy and Rebecca (Summers) Myers and the granddaugh- ter of James and Debbi Summers, all of Sperry. Kelsey will also be celebrating her 10th Birthday on March 10. This summer, Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet will be per- Congratulations and Happy Birthday Kelsey! formed in Santa Fe, N.M. and Bartlesville and fundrais- ing efforts are underway to pay for its expenses. Randy Tinker, ballet director, said performances are scheduled Aug. 6 and 7 in Santa Fe at the Lensic Per- forming Arts Center and Aug. 13 at the Bartlesville Com- munity Center. Save the Date! In an email announcing the performances, Smith said the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra will accompany the –Local Events Calendar Bartlesville live performance. MARCH erns, Arkansas River More information TBA In the meantime, fundraising efforts are underway to Valley rock art and more! cover the ballet performance expenses, including travel March 10 Bus, meals and lodg- for the cast and crew to Santa Fe. Celebrating Osage For more information on the auction and ballet, email

Sovereignty with the ing provided for 20 SEPTEMBER [email protected] or call (918) 704-4668. The ballet Youth Academy Osage constituents, 18 website is www.osageballet.com. September 5 Fun, Food, and years of age and older Hand Game Call (918) 287-5328 for Observed Holiday more information Wah-Zha-Zhe Labor Day Youth Nationwide resources Cultural Center April 30 –from Page 5 are available for LGBTTQ Offices Closed 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Osage News else interested in both gen- youth struggling with de- Pawhuska, Oklahoma Congressional Debates ders and did not want anyone pression or other mental Skiatook Osage Casinos to think differently of her, she health issues. March 11 1 p.m.-5 p.m. OCTOBER simply kept her fears and con- Osage Nation • The National Suicide Event will be catered cerns to herself. Prevention Hotline: Sovereignty Day October 10 Please submit questions “I grew up in a household 1-800-273-TALK (8255) March 12 for candidates to Observed Holiday where bisexuality wasn’t even considered a real thing,” she • The Trevor Project Sovereignty Day Powwow osagenews@osa- Osage Day said. “For as long as I can re- (24/7 confidential Osage County genation-nsn.gov member, that’s what I was crisis intervention and Offices Closed Fairgrounds told. I was mainly scared be- suicide prevention Pawhuska, Oklahoma MAY cause then I thought maybe hotline for LGBTTQ youth): 1-866-488-7386 I was lesbian, but I still had March 19 May 7 crushes on boys. It was re- Native American Arts Grayhorse War Mothers NOVEMBER • GLBT National Help ally hard to process at such a and Crafts Fair Annual Soldier Dance Center Youth Talkline: November 11 young age when the one sexu- 1-800-246-7743 Flag Raising at 1:30 p.m. Osage Event Center ality I identified with wasn’t Observed Holiday • Kids’ Help Phone 951 W. 36th St. N. More information acknowledged.” (Canada only): Tulsa, Oklahoma to be announced. Veterans Day Her reticence mirrors one 1-800-668-6868 For more information of the other factors behind May 14 Offices Closed contact (918) 378-4494 Northern California the higher rates of depres- • LGBT Youth Line Osage Spring Meeting sion among LGBTTQ youth: (Canada only): 1-800- March 25 November 24-25 the process of coming out of 268-9688 or via text More information TBA Observed Holiday Observed Holiday the closet and publicly disclos- at 647-694-4275 Good Friday May 16 ing their sexual orientation or 4th Annual Charity Thanksgiving Holiday Offices Closed gender identity. thoughts than those from fam- Golf Tournament Offices Closed “The real question (to pa- ilies who balk at the news. Tulsa Country Club tients) is are you out and if you APRIL After coming out to some For more information are, to whom?” D’Angelo said. friends and family during her April 9 contact Bill Webb at “To your family? Your school? teen years, Concha fully dis- DECEMBER Your friends? USAO Spring Powwow (214) 205-7495 closed her status as a bisexual USAO Fieldhouse “Their rate and willing- woman in December 2015 via May 30 December 23-26 ness…depends on the recep- Chickasha, Oklahoma a blog post. She is still getting Observed Holiday tion they get. It’s not unlikely feedback, both in-person and For more information Observed Holiday Memorial Day for a patient to say that they’re electronically, and most of the contact (405) 535-2943 Offices Closed Christmas Holiday out to their parents. Although comments she has received that’s a major step, it doesn’t April 12-14 Offices Closed have been supportive. Among speak to the additional steps 9th Annual Preparing the responses have been sever- JUNE that come with being out to for the 7th Generation al apologies from relatives who June 6 December 30 their friends, their school and Conference were unaware of the impact Election Day New Year’s Eve so on.” their words and dismissive at- Double Tree by Hilton, Osage Campus Warren Place, 6110 S. Congressional Election Offices Close at Noon The statistical data included in the story relies on self- Yale Ave, Tulsa, OK for six seats on Fifth identification, so the estimates might not match reality due to the stigma attached to non-heterosexual behavior in Registration is free Osage Nation Congress Have an event? Send event many communities. April 23 According to the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, an June 23-26 information to the Osage News, United Osages of Southern Pawhuska In-Lon-Schka estimated 7 percent of all 13-24-year-olds are LGBTTQ, California Spring Meeting Attn.: Shannon Shaw, 619 Ki- with half considered questioning, or unsure of how to define Carlsbad Senior Center their sexual preference. JULY hekah, Pawhuska, OK 74056; 799 Pine Ave. Additionally, few national, state or tribal health orga- July 4 nizations compile information on youth sexual orientation Carlsbad, California email [email protected], Observed Holiday and those that do don’t necessarily ask the same questions. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Independence Day or fax to (918) 287-5563. Make For more information Offices Closed sure to include event date, loca- contact (760) 802-7591 or Getting a favorable recep- titude had had on her and her tion, email and Web address (if tion from friends and family is [email protected] AUGUST mental health. applicable) and a phone number shown to lower the risk of de- “It’s taken me years to open April 25-29 August 1-6 pression and suicide attempts. up about my sexuality and I 4th Annual Heritage American Indian where someone can be contact- Among the LGBT participants still have issues with some Sites Visit Exposition ed for validation if necessary. in 2010 study published by the family members regarding my Office of Historic Caddo County Journal of Child and Adoles- blog post,” she said. “It’s not Preservation Fairgrounds Deadline for the April 2016 is- cent Psychiatry, those from easy coming out, but it’s worth it. I feel like a weight has been Blanchard Springs Cav- Anadarko, Oklahoma sue is March 18, 2016. more accepting families were half as likely to attempt sui- lifted off my shoulders and I’m cide or have regular suicidal finally able to breathe.” Obituaries March 2016 18 son Emmett. Clara created Lane was born a home for her son rooted in to Thomas Green Jr. and Mary God, teaching him the impor- Osage Green in Fairfax, Okla., tance of kindness. Each day on Nov. 14, 1929. She was 86 Clara told Emmett “you’re the years old and has lived the ma- best” and he responded to her jority of her life in Fairfax. She “no mommy, you’re the best”. is the granddaughter of Amos Clara and Emmett faithfully Osage and Eliza Osage Big- attended Life Church. heart. She has two surviving Clara is survived by her son, sisters: Dolores Goodeagle and Emmett Baird Cunningham of Beverly Brownfield and three OKC; father, Kelly Bowen & deceased siblings. wife Diana of Weleetka, OK; Lane attended school at the mother, Amy Oldfield and Sacred Heart Catholic School Clara Elizabeth Bowen Cunningham Wayne Ray Mitchell of Bur- in Fairfax until the sixth grade bank, OK; sister, Kelsey Beth and then attended Fairfax Ju- Bowen of OKC; brother, Tan- Clara Elizabeth James Walter Fields Patsy Kent nior High. She went to Haskell ner Frost Bowen of Weleetka, Institute in Lawrence, Kans., Bowen Cunningham OK, Emmett’s father, Thad Arapaho name Drum Chief by she married Marland Kent in Clara Elizabeth Bowen Cun- for high school as a sophomore Cunningham and Emmett’s his Great-Grandfather, John Newkirk, Okla. He preceded ningham, of Oklahoma City, and graduated in 1948. The brother, Thaddaeus Cunning- D. Whiteshirt. James was a her in death Oct. 2, 1983. Oklahoma passed away on Haskell Institute later became ham of OKC; grandmother, member of the Native Ameri- A homemaker, Patsy was a February 29, 2016 surrounded Haskell Indian Nations Uni- Wanda “June” McMahan of can Church and St. Joseph member of the American Le- by her family. Clara was born versity. She took a nutrition Shawnee, OK and numer- Catholic Church. He attended gion Post 198 Women’s Aux- on March 7, 1983 to Kelly Bow- ous other loving family and elementary school in Hominy, iliary, the Osage Nation, the course at Northern Oklahoma en and Amy Oldfield. Clara friends. She is preceded in OK and later received his high Klash-Kah-She Club and the College in Tonkawa, Okla. She was raised at Possum Hollar death by her grandparents, school diploma in Arkansas. Immaculate Conception Cath- worked for the North Central in Osage County. She was a Harvey Bowen, Jr., Roy Mc- James had a beautiful smile olic Church. Intertribal Health Council as member of the Osage Nation Mahan, Bill and Peggy Cline, and a beautiful voice. His She is survived by: Her a CHR Osage representative and her tribal name was “Me William Baird and Frances smile was a gift that made all mother: Christine Hamilton and retired from there after 12 Son” meaning White Sun. She Oldfield; aunt, Nancy McMa- of us feel happy. He had a gift NoEar; sister Bonnie Pratt, sis- years. attended First Lutheran Ele- han and uncles, Bill Oldfield of conversation that connect- ter Jackie Rios, brother Frank Dolly always looked forward mentary School and graduated and Lee Oldfield. ed with everyone and made Murray; sons, Thomas Goombi to the month of June to attend from Ponca City High School A Celebration of Her Life us want to hear more. James and wife, Tonya; Vincent Kent the In-Lon-Schka Dances in in 2001. Clara continued her will be held at 11:00 am Thurs- enjoyed his travels across the and Maurice Kent; daughter, the Grayhorse, Hominy and education at the University United States singing with his day March 3, 2016 at Life Virginia Hollis and husband, Pawhuska villages. She en- of Oklahoma where she re- Church located at Walker and relatives. James loved to sing John; fourteen grandchildren, ceived her Bachelor’s Degree joyed watching her children I-240 in Oklahoma City, OK. the songs of his Native people three great-grandchildren, in Psychology and her Mas- and grandchildren dance in Services will be under the di- and sang with a voice so beau- as well as other family and ter’s Degree in Social Work. competition powwows across rection of John M. Ireland & tiful that, at times, it could friends. In addition to her hus- She was a member of Zeta Tau make people cry. the United States. Some of her Son Funeral Home and Cha- band Patsy was preceded in Alpha Sorority. James participated in the favorite powwows to attend pel, Moore, Oklahoma. death by her father Lawrence As a social worker Clara Osage Elonshkah dances and were during the California In lieu of flowers per Clara’s Pierce Murray and her twin served hundreds of people enjoyed Gourd Dancing very circuit in September and the request please make donations sister Pamela Murray. working as an advocate for much. He loved his Indian Gathering of Nations Powwow to the trust fund of her son A rosary was held Feb. 9 at children in foster care, sup- ways. in Albuquerque, N.M. Dolly Emmett. Contributions can the Pawhuska Indian Village porter of hospice patients and James was an excellent was always very proud of her be made to the Clara E. Cun- Chapel. Traditional services provided court testimony as a cook. Wherever he went, he al- grandchildren and all of their ningham Trust, 227 70 Road, were held Feb. 10 at the chapel tribal expert witness. She was ways enjoyed preparing meals academic achievements. She Ponca City, OK 74604. with Herman Mongrain Look- a member of the Oklahoma for others and had a special out officiating. Mass was held was always her grandchil- State Post Adjudication Re- touch for making every dish at the Immaculate Conception dren’s No. 1 fan when it came view Board. James Walter Fields taste delicious. Catholic Church of Pawhuska. to sporting events. Clara’s first love was her James Walter Fields was James is survived by his fa- Fr. Sean Donovan officiated. She is survived by: daugh- family. Clara made her family born on June 28, 1985, in Tul- ther, John Walter Fields, his Interment was at the Pawhus- ters, Johnett “Jon Jon” a priority and brought humor sa, OK to John Walter Fields mother, Dana Whiteshirt, and ka City Cemetery. Lane and Mary Olsen; five to every family event. She was and Dana Whiteshirt. James his Godparents, David and McCartney’s Johnson Fu- grandchildren; 14 great- known for wearing her OU t- died on February 21, 2016 in Marsha Holding; his six chil- neral Home was in charge of grandchildren; and one great- shirts in a family full of OSU Stillwater, OK. dren: Kamrie Gail, Kiah James arrangements. great-granddaughter. Adopted Cowboys fans. Clara enjoyed James is a descendant of and Kinlee Star of Hominy, sons, Marvin Thurman and traveling with her mom and prominent Osage, Pawnee, OK; Kiaden John of Pawnee, Emil “Tiny” Her Many Horses. grandmother Frances and and Cheyenne-Arapaho peo- OK; Rylan Cade and Easton frequently met her dad, step- ple. He belonged to the Osage Wheeler of Arkansas. Survi- She was very proud of her mom, sister and brother for Sky Clan and was named vors also include his sister, Osage and Sac & Fox Nation family dinners. Clara’s great- Leh-Dah Tse-Kah by Clem- Samantha Nicole Fields and heritage. est accomplishment was her ent Mason. He was given the brother, Joseph Cade Fields; Dolly belonged to the Pah- his nephew Micah Johnathan Sue-Lee Club, Grayhorse War Two Babies of Pawnee, OK; Mothers, Vietnam Veterans his two grandfathers: John Association – War Mothers, A. Fields of Hominy, OK and and Southwestern Vietnam Classifieds James E. Whiteshirt of Broken Veterans Association. Arrow, OK; his grandmother, She is preceded in death by OSAGE NATION JOBS: Ap- Must have reliable transporta- Charlene Cozad, Hominy, OK; her parents; her son, Thomas plications may be downloaded tion to work sites. Must have and his great-grandfather, Joe Lane; her sister, Thoma- at www.osagetribe.com/main_ reliable telephone access for Otto Hamilton II of Pawhuska, jobsearch.aspx or obtained at sine Moore; a nephew, Terry call-ins. Previous casino expe- OK. James will be missed by a the Osage Nation Human Re- Goodeagle; a granddaughter, rience preferred. Regular Full host of family and friends. sources Department located at Danene Lane-Heisler; two in- Time. Salary: $13.30/hr. James was preceded in 621 Grandview in Pawhuska. fant siblings; and two adopted death by his grandmother, Interested applicants can also Teacher – Skiatook WELA/ sons, Eldon Johnson and Spike Lenora Matin Fields and his call (918) 287-5445 or email HR Headstart. Bachelor’s Degree Draper. uncle, Patrick Fields. at [email protected]. in Early Childhood Education Mass of Christian Burial Applications must be received in Funeral services were con- or related child development was held on Feb. 8 at the Sa- Human Resources no later than field and/or Associate’s Degree ducted by Everett Waller on 4 p.m. on the date of closing. Saturday, February 26, 2016 cred Heart Catholic Church in in Early Childhood Education or Eunice Cecelia “Dolly” Lane Fairfax. Burial followed at the Late applications will not be related child development field at the Hominy Indian Village Chapel at 9:30 A.M. The burial Grayhorse Village Cemetery accepted. required. CDA certified and ac- followed at A. J. Powell Me- Services were are under Breastfeeding Peer Coun- tively working toward a degree. Eunice Cecelia “Dolly” Lane morial Cemetery in Hominy, the direction of the Hunsa- selor – Pawhuska WIC. High At least two years of experience Eunice Cecelia “Dolly” Lane OK. Pallbearers were Arthur ker-Wooten Funeral Home. school graduate or GED required in child care atmosphere or sim- passed away on Thursday Feb. Fields IV, John Washines, Friends may leave online con- or Associate’s Degree in Health ilar preschool education institu- 4 at St. John Medical Center Christopher Sleeper, Sam in Tulsa with her family at dolences at www.hunsaker- or Social Services preferred. At tion. Regular Full Time. Salary: least 6 months of breastfeed- Mitts, Henry Lookout and Wes her side. wootenfuneralhome.com. $11.65/hr. ing experience preferred. Must Watkins. The Cedar Ceremo- be enthusiastic about breast- Data Programmer – Pawhus- ny was conducted by Michael feeding and want to help other ka Information Technolo- Fields, Maurice “Trey” Barnes mothers enjoy a positive expe- gies. Working technical and Kiowa Cozad. A tradition- rience. Must have a telephone knowledge of programming al feast followed prepared by and willing to make phone calls languages. Experience working Head Cook, Heather Little and from home. Requires traveling with enterprise applications, cooks: Alice Buffalohead, April to various WIC sites. Regular including database manage- Thornton, Addie Hudgins, Part Time. Salary: $12.94/hr. ment systems and applications. Marilyn Booth, Ann Sleeper, Dentist – Pawhuska Wah- Hands on experience working April Mitts, Belle Wilson, Re- Zha-Zhi Health Center. De- in integrated development en- gina Hill, Dale Jesse, Jeffrey gree in Dental Surgery (D.D.S) vironments, including Microsoft Kidder and Wyatt Little. or Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) CRM and SharePoint. Exten- Powell Funeral Home has from a school approved by the sive experience with Microsoft been entrusted with the ar- Council on Dental Education, operating systems. Regular Full rangements. Online condo- American Dental Association Time. Salary: $20.78/hr. lences and memories may be (ADA) or other dental school pro- left in the guestbook at Powell- vided the education and knowl- Temp Work HR Temp. If in- FuneralService.com. edge acquired was substantial terested in temp work, please equivalent to that of graduates submit an online application from an ADA approved school. at www.osagenation-nsn.gov/ Patsy Kent Regular Full Time. Salary: opportunities/job-listings/ap- Patricia A. “Patsy” Kent $128,775 - $142,700 passed away on Sunday, Feb. plication-form. Submitting your 7 in the Pawhuska Nursing Surveillance Officer – Skia- application to the temp pool Home. She was 64 years old. took Gaming Commission. will place you in the skill set Patsy was born June 12, High School Diploma or GED. category. Temporary work will 1951 in Cushing, Okla., the Must have the ability to obtain be available as needed. Regu- and maintain Gaming License daughter of Lawrence Pierce lar Temporary Time. Salary: in accordance with Tribal and Murray and Christine Ham- $13.00/hr. Federal Gaming Regulations. ilton NoEar. On Nov. 5, 1971, OOsage Newspinion • osagenews.org March 2016 19 Without Reservations

Cartoon © Santo Domingo Pueblo Cartoon Artist, Ricardo Caté Letters to the Editor Health Smart needs an audit contract should and would be appropri- ONCR 16-24 and our Chief, who signed major tenants of our Party’s platform The appointed Health Care service ate, considering the services they have the bill the same day. “This purchase is “Land acquisition for the exclusive company (Health Smart of Oklahoma) been providing. marks the largest repatriation of land use of the Osage People”. Land is good. has a problem in servicing the Osage The Osage need to know Health from our Oklahoma Reservation since They’re not making anymore of it. Account. They do not answer their Smart is reliable enough to continue it was allotted in 1906.” The Allotment Act disposed us of using them. If this is the way Health “The Bluestem Ranch is a working phones, emails and/or return calls. power and rule and it disposed us of our Smart conducts business, maybe the ranch that specializes in Bison pro- As requested, our family reapplied on land. Now we need to get our land back Osage need to look elsewhere for the duction.” It also offers hunting trips, December 28, 2015 through email/fax. and protect it from excesses of pollu- Since that date we followed up and had same type insurance services. There hunting leases and was the winner of tion and other environmental damage. to reapply (3) three times, this is unac- must be other providers with a better the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Pure water equals survival. We need to ceptable. record in handling this type of service, Management “Land Owner of the Year On January 15, 2016, while filing (2) perhaps, there could be an Osage ser- 2011” award. The most exciting possi- take care of our land and water so we new prescriptions my card was denied vice company available, or our own bility for our Nation from this purchase can be healthy and strong as a people even though my card had an expiration LLC could handle our account. Surely would be the ability to create “Osage and as a nation. date of April 2016. I am currently wait- we could handle in house. Tallgrass Beef and Bison LLC” a com- –Mary Jo Trumbly prehensive bison and cattle business ing for the refund. One would believe –Sandra Akins Pawhuska, Okla. that since they have been handling the Pawhuska, Okla. that would cover every aspect of pro- Osage account, for some years that all duction from the pasture to the table. it would take is to push some buttons Buffalo Thunder The ranch already has an estab- lished bison herd. There are a number on their computer, and wallah – it’s Lightning never strikes twice. A blue To my Osage family: of Osage families already engaged in done. white thunderbolt is blazing across the This last May-June, I had the chance raising cattle in Osage County, who Their lack of concern should be dis- Osage Nation and it is time to make our to take a vacation to visit where I was could be called on to help the start cussed and reviewed promptly. I be- move. Special thanks to the members of born (Nebraska). It was a reward for up the cattle herds on this “working lieve an audit of the (Health Smart) the Osage Congress who voted to pass ranch.” We could feature “Osage Tall- surviving a bad car accident (I broke 27 grass Beef and Bison” on the menus at bones) 10 years ago. our casinos and add the brand to our I also visited where my dad (Douglas casino advertising. Walter Duffey) was born (Elgin, Kans.). It could also be marketed through He was a great athlete and WWII Ma- our existing casino marketing depart- rine and Navy pilot. ment. We could then build a packing Now to my surprise at 61 years old, I plant to pack and ship the meat. This found out I have a living uncle only 10 is an excellent chance to create jobs for years older than me who is Darrell Bou- our people and build a business outside langer. I’m looking forward to meeting of gaming. Beef and bison prices have been high for a long time and grass fed other relatives at the Boulanger family adds a premium. I would submit that reunion this May. selling “Tallgrass” fed would create a I had the chance to meet Chief unique place for us in the market. This Standing Bear and we are the same is not a new idea. It is something we age. My daughter Elizabeth Rose and have discussed and dreamed about for Chief have the same exact birthday. years. Once again, kudos to Congress I must say we spent a little time to- and the Chief for taking this bold step. gether and he showed me a lot includ- Let us be thankful that we have been ing Fairfax, Hominy, Osage graveyard, given this great opportunity to build a the Osage Nation Museum, Fred Look- lasting non-gaming industry that will provide a brighter future for ourselves out’s land and more. and future generations of the Osage We couldn’t be in better hands. Now Nation. normally I don’t trust lawyers, but I –Jim Ryan would trust this man with my life! Very honorable, knowledgeable and down to Purchasing land is good Earth. Thanks Chief, you made my trip As founder of the Osage National- a once in a lifetime thing! ist Party, I am happy that our nation –Roger Duffey has acquired more land. One of the Salem, Ore.

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