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The Official Newspaper of the Osage Nation Osage the of Newspaper Official The Volume 5, Issue 12 • December 2009 December • 12 Issue 5, Volume 2 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Historic Cobell case settles for $3.42 billion The Bigheart Times mismanagement of Native Ameri- That money would come from empts Osage headrights from the can oil, gas, grazing, timber and contributions the United States settlement, meaning that it will The U.S. Department of Inte- other royalties since 1887. would make based on its success have no effect on the much larger rior and plaintiffs in a 13-year-old, The settlement also would set up with the “Trust Land Consolida- Osage trust case, which also ap- highly contested lawsuit involving a $2 billion fund to buy fraction- tion Fund.” pears to be poised for a decision or Native Americans who have Indi- ated trust or restricted land back The total cost of the settlement settlement thanks to the friendli- vidual Indian Money accounts has from individuals to reconsolidate to the federal government: $3.42 ness and willingness of the Obama reached a tentative $1.412 billion it. Much Indian land, fi rst divided billion. administration to settle claims. settlement, Secretary of the Inte- into 40- to 160-acre parcels by the Osage Chief Jim Gray said trib- To register to receive notice of rior Ken Salazar announced Tues- Dawes Act of 1887, was passed al lawyers are still studying the the settlement’s progress, IIM ac- day. along and divided into tiny, unus- settlement agreement and that, count holders and those who own “We are here today to right a able parcels, often owned by hun- while “cautiously optimistic” about trust or restricted land should visit past wrong,” Salazar said in a web- dreds or even thousands of people. it, would decide after that analy- www.cobellsettlement.com. cast press conference. As well, it would establish a sis whether it was good for Osage Editor’s Note: This story was The settlement is far less than fund, not to exceed $60 million, for shareholders, other Osages and originally published in The Big- the plaintiffs in Cobell v. United Indian scholarships to attend voca- the Nation. heart Times and is used with per- States had sought; at one point, tional schools and colleges. The settlement explicitly ex- mission. they were seeking more than $40 billion, but last year, a judge is- sued a decision saying that some 300,000 IIM account holders Health Benefi t Card applications to should collectively receive no more than $456 million – an award that caused great gasps. be mailed out the end of this month The settlement, which has to be approved by U.S. Congress by Applications will be mailed to address on fi le with Nation’s CDIB offi ce midnight Dec. 31, would lead to the issuance of a check for $1,000 Osage News process it and send the tribal mem- over of unspent funds to the next ber an encoded debit card worth to each member of the class action The health benefi t card applica- $500. suit – IIM account holders, includ- tions, which tribal offi cials hoped See HEALTH CARD UPDATE ing Osages, but does not include would arrive in mailboxes last The debit card allows payment —Continued on Page 5 Osage headright holders without month, are tentatively to be mailed for all items that the Internal Rev- IIM accounts. It does include Indi- out by the end of this month by enue Service considers tax-deduct- ans who owned land held in trust, Mutual Assurance Administrators, ible medical expenses. The debit regardless of whether they had Inc. card covers most medical expenses IIM accounts since about 1985. The negotiations with MAA de- except for abortions, which the 627 Grandview • Pawhuska, OK 74056 The checks will be issued per per- layed the contract’s completion but Osage Nation Congress declined to (918) 287-5668 son, not per account, according to MAA has since signed the contract fund. www.osagenews.org the settlement agreement. and tribal offi cials are working Some of the items on the IRS- “Today we turn the page. This with MAA to complete the applica- approved list includes eyeglasses, Interim Editor settlement is fair to the plaintiffs, Shannon Shaw tions as soon as possible, said Matt dentures, braces, wheelchairs, al- responsible for the United States, McDonald, Osage Nation Execu- coholism treatment, insulin treat- and provides a path forward for the Reporter tive Branch legal counsel. ment, surgery (except cosmetic Benny Polacca future,” said Attorney General Eric “The Nation is still on track to Holder. procedures), hearing aids, medical meet the deadline, and our offi ce Editorial Assistant After all members of the class transportation expenses, prescrip- is working very diligently to avoid tion costs, some over-the-counter Chalene Toehay are paid the $1,000 in “Stage 1” of any delays,” McDonald said. drug costs, vaccines, X-rays, home the settlement, another baseline The applications will be mailed Editorial Council repair if medically needed and oth- payment of $500 is possible, along to the address that the Nation’s Denny McAuliffe er items. Reimbursement for eli- with a pro rata share of what re- CDIB offi ce has on fi le for each mains from the $1.412 billion kitty tribal member. Once tribal mem- gible medical expenses will also be Editorial Council Tara McLain Manthey after lawyers fees and other costs bers receive their applications they available. are taken from it. Osages must spend the entire are to fi ll them out and send them Editorial Council The Cobell litigation centers on $500 by the end of the calendar back to MAA. Once MAA receives Teresa Trumbly Lamsam the Interior Department’s vast the completed application they will year, Dec. 2010—there is no carry- Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 3 Tribal employees publish articles on Nation’s Web site about dismal circumstances brought on by one-twelft h spending restriction

By Shannon Shaw Osage News Osage Nation programs being affected by the continuing resolu- tion that holds down the Nation’s spending to one-twelfth of the 2009 fi scal year levels have spoken, and it’s not good. “Right now, the staff at the Osage Nation Social Services Department are all feeling a bit like George Bailey [from It’s a Wonderful Life] because they are faced with the reality of looking at a Christmas without adequate funding to serve Osage children in tribal custody, Osage children in pre-adoptive placements, Osage children on the Family Preservation Program caseload, and Osage children iden- tifi ed as needy during child welfare investigations this past year,” said an article on the Social Services Department’s site published Dec. 4 Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News on osagetribe.com. “Another thing to remember is Employees listen to an update of the budget situation at an All Employees Meeting in the Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center Nov. 30. these kids are where they are to- State of Oklahoma does not have a we can not help them at this time,” certifi cations have to be up to date day through no fault of their own.” WIC offi ce in the county. wrote a TANF employee. “We have to make arrests. Programs such as the Women, “Now what’s to say that with all one crisis family that is homeless; “If the price of fuel (which we Infants and Children program of this mess with Congress, the they do not know what they are go- have no control) exceeds our (WIC), Temporary Assistance for funding agency and the State of ing to do for Christmas, better yet monthly 1/12th restriction (not to Needy Families program (TANF), Oklahoma agree that we can no where they are going to sleep each mention possible costly body dam- the Osage Nation Police Depart- age repairs) we could lose our fuel longer manage these funds and we night.” ment and many more have all contract with Wright Express,” lose this grant?” said Renee Harris, The Osage Nation Police Depart- published stories on how the one- WIC director, in the article. “What said the article on ONPD’s site ment is having their problems with twelfth restriction is affecting their will happen to the ability to order Dec. 4. “This could severely disrupt the one-twelfth restriction. If they departments. special formulas for special needs our ability to purchase fuel during exceed the one-twelfth restriction WIC, the only WIC offi ce in children?” the offi cer’s shift and decrease our they will no longer be able to pay Osage County, currently serves The TANF program published ability to patrol.” more than 2,700 Osages as well two anonymous letters from some for the incarceration of adult pris- The Osage Nation Congress has as non-Osage participants and the of their employees with a similar oners; they won’t be able to pur- called the one-twelfth restriction a number grows every day. WIC is situation Dec. 4. chase new equipment to replace “band-aid” and a “temporary fi x.” a federally funded program and “On a daily basis our offi ce is old or broken radios and other Both Congress and Osage Nation since they have already received fl ooded with calls from people in equipment, and they won’t be able Principal Chief Jim Gray have the grants to provide WIC servic- desperate situations asking us for to send offi cers to training in accor- See DISMAL CIRCUMSTANCES es to Osage County residents, the help and we have to tell them that dance with State law because their —Continued on Page 4 4 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org

SUPREME COURT RULING —Continued from Page 1 to sue the Osage Nation Congress minister or enforce a law because days to fi le the appeal, and having Board that will be made up of three over the constitutionality of a law they believed the law was un- done so seven days after the judg- qualifi ed journalists. The law dic- without successfully showing an constitutional, without asserting ment was made, fi led in a timely tates that the principal chief will injured party. The Supreme Court more,” according to the opinion. “It manner. The Supreme Court’s appoint a member to the board; the ruled he did not, reversed the de- would open the doors to any mem- opinion instructed the lower court congress appoints one member to cision of the lower court and gave ber of the Executive to fi le a claim to reverse the lower court’s denial the board and the two appointed instructions to the lower court to requesting an opinion on the con- of his appeal. will select the third. The board will dismiss Gray’s suit for lack of ju- stitutionality of any given law.” “I am disappointed that the Su- also have the job of appointing an risdiction. Gray alleged in his suit, fi led preme Court has chosen to adopt editor for the Osage News. The opinion, delivered by Su- July 14, 2008, ONCA 08-07 the the use of ‘standing’ and ‘case and The Supreme Court’s opinion did preme Court Justice Meredith Independent Press Act, written controversy’ doctrines. These legal not address whether or not ONCA requirements have been developed Drent, came nearly four months af- by Congresswoman Faren Ander- 08-07 was constitutional but said ter the Supreme Court met for the son and passed into law by the over many years and many cases by that the Editorial Board or a mem- fi rst time August 19. The Supreme congress after a veto override, at- federal and state courts as a means ber of the Osage News staff could Court has three justices; Drent, tempted to regulate the structure of reducing their case loads,” Gray seek recourse if they feel the news- Chief Justice Charles Lohah and and the content of the Osage News said in a statement. “It was my paper’s independence is in jeopar- Justice Jeanine Logan. and that the act would also leave hope that our court would play a dy. Gray alleged that by being forced the Osage News subject to legisla- larger initial role in resolving con- to sign the Independent Press Act tive control through its appropria- fl icts and defi ning the authority of “In the future, should such an he would be “violating his oath by tion power. The lower court ruled the branches of our newly reorga- event occur, the newspaper may executing a law he believes is un- in favor of the chief and ruled the nized constitutional government.” have the opportunity to seek re- constitutional.” Such an injury, act null and void. course,” said the opinion. “Simi- according to the opinion, is insti- Congressional Speaker Archie What does this mean for larly, there could be available tutional in nature to the offi ce of Mason fi led an appeal seven days the Osage News? recourse to address constitutional the chief and was not a personal after the judgment was made, fol- Since the lower court’s ruling defects in the Act should the news- injury. The opinion also said that lowed the court’s rules of fi ling an has been reversed, the Indepen- paper’s editorial board or staff fi nd Gray doesn’t decide what laws are appeal and fi led a Post-Judgment dent Press Act has been made into that it impairs or infringes on the constitutional, that power is vested Motion to Intervene and the mo- law and establishes an Editorial newspaper’s independence.” in the judiciary. tion was denied by the trial court “To allow the type of injury al- as untimely fi led. Mason then fi led leged by Chief Gray to be judicially an Amended Petition in Error to cognizable would be to authorize include the court’s denial of the the Principal Chief, and conceiv- motion to intervene as grounds for ably any member of the Executive appeal. According to the Supreme branch, to refuse to execute, ad- Court rendering, Mason had 30 January 11th is the deadline for DISMAL CIRCUMSTANCES —Continued from Page 3 all submissions for the blamed each other for the situation the programs are currently in. January issue of the However, an e-mail sent by Congresswoman Debra Atterberry to her fellow members of Congress had a different tone. “I listened to this morning’s short session [Dec. 4] and heard Congressman [William] Supernaw’s concerned comments regard- ing the employee Christmas bonus. He stated that the Congress has done everything we can to allow the bonuses to be paid out to the employees,” Atterberry wrote. “I disagree. We haven’t passed the budget - - we’re the problem!” Chief Gray sent out an Executive Message Dec. 4 detailing ex- actly what would be affected by the one-twelfth restriction. To Mark it on your calendars! view the report visit www.osagenews.org. Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 5 Tribal members write messages on their cars to ‘Pass the Budget!’ By Benny Polacca ecutive Branch and its government Osage News operations. While Pawhuska locals were us- Writing the messages “was done ing washable paint pens Dec. 3 to on our own time, with our own re- sources,” said Osage tribal member scribble “Go Huskies!” on their ve- Jennifer Tiger. “We’re just trying hicles and business windows, a few to be a little more vocal the best we Osage tribal members were using can. It really should be everybody the same tool to promote a differ- that should be concerned.” ent message: “Pass the Budget!” Osage Nation government op- “We’re not trying to be radical,” erations, that are functioning un- said Osage tribal member Peaches der a continuing resolution, has a McKinley, who along with others, spending restriction which limits Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News was writing messages on her car Executive Branch departments’ An Osage tribal member writes on the back of their car, “A House Divided Can Not windows. “But this has gone on Stand!” and “Stop the Hypocrisy” in response to the 2010 fi scal year budget crisis. expenses to one-twelfth of the FY long enough.” 2009 levels per month. The restric- Other messages written Dec. tion could hurt operations or proj- 3: “Osage People deserve better,” ects requiring funding surpassing “Stop the hypocrisy,” “For the peo- the one-twelfth limit. ple,” and “A House Divided Will “It just puts everyone in a huge Not Stand!” bind,” said McKinley, who was The tribal members parked their hearing of departments struggling vehicles in the southern end of the to keep running despite the spend- ALCO store parking lot at 12:30 ing limit. “We didn’t do this to em- p.m., took out several colored paint barrass anybody, this was already pens, brainstormed and wrote out there anyway.” these messages referring to the This article is a condensed ver- yet-to-be-passed 2010 fi scal year sion of the story that appeared on budget for the Osage Nation’s Ex- osagenews.org Dec. 3

HEALTH CARD UPDATE —Continued from Page 2 Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News Osage tribal member Crystal Holt writes on her car window, “A House Divided Will Not year. However, Osages can reapply for subsequent years as long Stand.” as funding is available. The Osage Nation Congress passed the $5.1 million health ben- efi t plan that will provide Osages everywhere with a $500 medi- Letters to the Editor Submissions cal debit card in the 2008 Tzi-Zho session. Applications will be accepted throughout the calendar year. If you’d like to submit a letter to the editor, mail it to the Osage To update your address with the CDIB offi ce, call (918) 287- News, Attn.: Shannon Shaw, 627 Grandview, Pawhuska, OK 74056; 5390. For more information about the $500 health benefi t card, email [email protected], or fax to (918) 287-5563. Letters must call Constituent Services at (918) 287-5662. be respectful and informative to the reader, and may be edited for grammar, clarity and space. 6 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage boxing his way to victory Ben Cottingham Jr. is currently 3-0 and looking forward to his next match

By Shannon Shaw ing at the age of 13. He was getting bad stuff earlier in his career but language at the high school and Osage News into trouble at school, his grades we’re trying to remedy that from hopes to acquire traditional Osage were falling and he was involved happening again, just keeping the clothes so that maybe someday he After the fi rst round of Ben Cot- in more than a couple of fi ghts. He positive in his life.” tingham’s fi rst boxing match, his was attending the Osage Nation Cottingham is now making his opponent wouldn’t come out in the See OSAGE BOXER Boys and Girls Club after school grades to play sports, takes Osage second. —Continued on Page 20 when Earl Gilkey visited the club At fi rst glance he seems like to give some lessons in boxing and any average Osage teenager walk- karate. ing around Pawhuska, mild-man- “Boxing takes a lot of practice, I nered, quiet and kind. Not too tall just kept showing up [to Gilkey’s and defi nitely not a hulking fi gure. class],” Cottingham said. “Boxing But one wouldn’t suspect he’s light- helped me take out my aggression ning fast, full of non-stop energy and it makes it to where I don’t and relentless in the boxing ring, want to fi ght on the streets, I can said his Boxing Coach Earl Gilkey. just take it out on the punching “He has marvelous talent, he’s bag.” improved a heck-of-a-lot from when Cottingham kept up with it for a he fi rst started,” Gilkey said. “He’s while, then quit and started back developing his punches…he’s very up again. Now he’s committed to coachable and willing to learn.” the sport and trains year round. “He has a real good future and Troubled youth we want to keep him on the right Cottingham, an 18-year-old ju- track and keep positive stuff in his nior at Pawhuska High School, life,” Gilkey said. “He’s a good kid said that he got interested in box- and he got hooked up with some

Photo by Shannon Shaw/Osage News Photo by Shannon Shaw/Osage News Ben Cottingham, 18-year-old amateur boxer. Ben Cottingham trains at Gilkey’s Gym in downtown Pawhuska. Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 7

BUDGET BATTLE: MILLIONS IN GRANTS IN JEOPARDY OF BEING LOST —Continued from Page 1 projected revenue to $25 million er, under the continuing resolution that I would recommend is that we Both motions made by Edwards are Eddy Red Eagle, Doug Revard, ONCA 10-17 there were no exemp- approve a 2010 appropriation bud- failed for lack of support. Accord- Mark Simms, William “Kugee” tions for Christmas bonuses or any get,” Jech said. ing to the resolution, Edwards Supernaw, Anthony Shackelford, other service or program. “But we can’t do that in the time is asking the Congress to set the Faren Anderson and Jerri Jean On Dec. 8, the Osage Nation Con- we need to… we may not get a bud- projected revenue at $33.1 mil- Branstetter. gressional Committee on Appro- get passed this month,” Supernaw lion with $31.3 million projected Congress members Debra At- priations questioned the Nation’s said in response to Jech. “Do we from gaming, $1.3 million from terberry, Shannon Edwards, Ray- Treasurer John Jech about the need to make another amendment the Nation’s Tax Commission and mond Red Corn, Mark Freeman employee Christmas bonuses and to 09-61 (the emergency appropria- $500,000 projected from interest and Archie Mason have made at- the legality of ONCA 10-15. Both tion bill now extended to Jan. 30)?” on cash deposits to the Nation. tempts to pass the budget or pass a government branches are holding “Its up to congress to make that Newly selected Gaming Enter- continuing resolution without the fi rm to their positions about the decision, my recommendation prise Board member Liz Homer one-twelfth restriction. situation. would be to approve the 2010 bud- has said the Nation’s projected “What is stopping you from pay- get. It makes everything easier for gaming revenue is $31 million. $20 million in grants in ing the Christmas bonuses?” Con- everyone,” Jech said. “It’s burden- jeopardy of being lost gressional attorney Loyed “Trey” some now for us to try to account Edwards introduces bill to Gill asked Jech who appeared for this one-twelfth restriction. We What is causing concern among pass 2010 health, wellness and before the committee during the basically have two sets of books.” employees is the continuing reso- morning meeting. The Executive Branch has re- community service budgets lution that was passed in late Jech said the Executive Branch’s leased a list of departments and Also on Dec. 14, Edwards intro- November with a one-twelfth interpretation of ONCA 10-15 is their grants impacted by the one- duced ONCA 10-20, which is “an spending restriction which has af- “[it] is not a valid bill.” twelfth government spending re- act to provide an appropriation to fected many programs that rely on Jech said he consulted with striction, which Jech referred to. the health and wellness and child, federal funding for services and Tosha Ballard, the Executive “Directors are out there – they senior and community services di- jobs. The resolution was designed Branch’s attorney, after receiving don’t know if they can go to Wal- visions, entities and programs and to be a “band-aid” or “temporary Mart (to purchase products for cli- departments” of the Nation’s Ex- fi x” so the Nation could keep afl oat a Dec. 1 letter from Speaker Ma- ents) because they don’t know how ecutive Branch. while Congress and Chief come to son, requesting that Jech pay out much money they have to spend,” The bill calls for approving the a compromise. the Christmas bonuses. he said. affected budgets which have the Currently, both entities are at Mason sent a letter to Jech ask- “Well it’s inconvenient for every- “blessings” of the program directors a stand-still, with Congress going ing him to “please pay the Christ- body, but that’s something we got who met with the Congressional into session for sometimes only mas bonuses immediately” because to live with,” Supernaw said before Health and Social Services Com- two days a week and only voting ONCA 10-15 is valid and would al- asking Jech again what Congress mittee last week, Edwards said. on whether or not to send letters to low the Christmas bonuses to be could do to address federal fund- The appropriations in Edwards’ Chief Gray to lower his budget to given out. ing, higher education costs and the bill would go toward the Nation’s $25 million. “The bottom line is we need a 2010 appropriation because this Christmas bonuses. burial assistance service, medical isn’t solving any problem,” Jech “I don’t know what to tell you. services, “and other things that are Christmas bonuses still not said. “Paying out the Christmas bo- We’re in the middle of December being affected by the delay in get- paid to employees, branches nuses may be nice for the employ- and [the budget] should have been ting the (budgets) bill passed,” she approved in September,” Jech said. disagree on legislation passed ees but we still have constituents, said. One hot topic in the budget im- people who are relying on services “This is a carve out of the health passe is the legality of ONCA 10-15, that are now probably not going to Congress starts its 23rd and wellness and senior and com- a continuing resolution sponsored be receiving services because this Special Session munity services budgets,” which by William “Kugee” Supernaw, one-twelfth restriction is causing Congressional members re- have been reviewed and are ready, which authorized Gray’s offi ce to problems for our departments.” turned for another Special Session Edwards said. The affected pro- pay out the employee Christmas Congressman William “Kugee” on Dec. 14 after Chief Gray issued grams are operating under the bonuses. Gray said he pocket ve- Supernaw, who asked Gill to par- another Executive Proclamation. one-twelfth spending restriction toed ONCA 10-15 while the major- ticipate in the meeting, questioned That day, Congresswoman Shan- with the other Executive Branch ity in Congress say the bill is still Jech on what Congress could do to non Edwards introduced ONCR 10- departments. alive. Gray is not recognizing it. address concerns about items such 05 which is a resolution to set the Gray was out on travel Monday Congress passed ONCA 10-17, as federal funding at risk, tribal Nation’s projected revenue amount and did not attend this Special a continuing resolution to extend scholarships, and the Christmas at $33.1 million, but motions to Session’s opening day. the Nation under a one-twelfth bonuses – “short of passing a bud- fast track the resolution onto fi rst This article is a condensed ver- spending restriction till Jan. 30, in get that’s not ready to be passed.” and second readings were unsuc- sion of multiple stories found on which Gray agreed to sign. Howev- “Like I said earlier, the solution cessful. osagenews.org. 8 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Osages on RSU cheerleading squad to compete at national level in 2010 –‘Hunter the Hillcat’ also played by Osage student, competing with other university team mascots at national level By Benny Polacca didn’t get much negativity because Osage News everyone already knew me,” he said, adding he previously played Four Osage tribal members are high school football, tennis and on this year’s Rogers State Uni- was on the wrestling team. versity (Okla.) cheerleading squad Irons asked fellow Huskie John which will compete in Daytona Parker if he would try out for the Beach, Fla. this spring for a na- squad. tional title, and bragging rights. Parker, a 19-year-old freshman, These students will start working always wanted to cheer but instead on a competition routine after the participated in other student activ- Christmas break with hopes that ities and sports while he attended their energized team spirit will PHS. Since being selected for the win high marks from the judges. squad, Parker says he’s been work- “I don’t know if it’s anything like ing on improving his moves and ‘Bring it On’,” sophomore Garrett routines like his other squad col- Irons said of the 2000 fi lm about leagues. two high school cheer squads com- “At that time, I couldn’t do a peting for a national champion- back handspring, now I can physi- ship. “It’s the fi rst time I’ll compete cally do it,” said Parker, adding and I’m pretty excited about it.” male cheerleaders do a lot of lifting Irons and three Osage cheerlead- when working with fl iers. Weight ers are among 13 RSU cheerlead- Courtesy Photo/Olivia “Libbi” Gray Osage RSU cheerleaders when they performed for their back to school bash. Back row, lifting is part of cheerleader train- ers who will perform a 2.5-minute ing for Parker, who adds he is con- routine at the National Cheerlead- L to R: Garrett Iron and John Parker. Bottom row L to R: Tori Deal, Brian Kirby and Mary Ramirez. sidering yoga exercise “to become ers Association Collegiate Cheer more fl exible.” and Dance Championship to be Kans., including the Spirit Award the squad members who performs All four cheerleaders and their held April 7-11. “Hunter the Hill- and placed high in the Game Day aerial stunts, also called a fl ier. other colleagues train with their cat,” the school mascot played by and Rally Routine divisional com- “I hope they catch me,” Deal said coach Katie Belcher who has another Osage student, will also petitions, according to the RSU when asked what goes through her worked for Claremore Public compete at the Florida event. Hillcats Web site. mind when she is a fl ier. “But I’m School’s cheer teams and was a Freshman Mary Ramirez, 18, Ramirez describes cheerlead- not really nervous, I trust every- cheerleader while at the University said the RSU squad won a silver ing as “very dangerous, opposed to body” on the squad. of Central Oklahoma, whose squad partial bid to nationals while she what other people may think of it Irons, 19, is in his third year of competed at the NCA nationals. and her cheer colleagues competed cheerleading after getting his start as a sissy sport” because of its rou- during a NCA Cheer Camp this during senior year at Pawhuska tines and stunts which could cause RSU team mascot will summer. High School. Last year, he attend- injury if not performed correctly. also compete for an NCA “I thought it was really neat,” ed Coffeyville Community College national title Freshman Tori Deal, 18, says the Hominy High School graduate in Kansas, where he also cheered Brian Kirby, a 20-year-old ju- she enjoys competition and the said of the opportunity to compete on the school’s squad before trans- nior, has worn the “Hunter the adrenaline rush of it. “I may get against larger schools “that are in- ferring to RSU’s Claremore cam- Hillcat” mascot costume for the timidating” including Texas Tech nervous right before, but then it pus. past three semesters during school and St. Mary’s universities. The goes away.” “I was supported by my family,” RSU squad won several awards at Deal, who graduated from high Irons said of his decision to pur- See CHEERLEADING SQUAD the cheer camp held in Lawrence, school in Keller, Texas, is one of sue cheerleading while at PHS. “I —Continued on Page 10 Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 9 Chief Gray appoints Elizabeth Lohah Homer to Gaming Enterprise Board Osage News Elizabeth Homer, who has been serving as an attorney for the Osage Nation Gaming Commis- sion, was appointed Nov. 24 to serve on the Gaming Enterprise Board, replacing the board’s chair- man Tom Slamans. “I didn’t excuse Slamans from the board, their appointments were ac- tually up Sept. 30,” said Osage Na- tion Principal Chief Jim Gray. “I can also carry over appointments and I have decided to carry over George Pease and Frank Oberly.” Homer’s appointment is for three years and is subject to confi rma- tion by the Osage Nation Congress in the next regular session which Liz Homer would be the Hun-Kah session in March. “I look forward to Liz [Elizabeth Homer] serving on the Board of Direc- tors of the Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise,” Gray said. “Her vast expe- rience in tribal gaming combined with her legal knowledge and business judgment will be a tremendous asset.” Homer, Osage, grew up in Hominy and is the founding partner of Homer Law, Chartered, where she is also the current managing partner in Washington, D.C. She is also the daughter of Osage Nation Supreme Court Justice Charles Lohah. According to a prepared release, Homer is a nationally recognized pre- eminent authority in regulatory compliance issues at the tribal, state, and federal levels; and has provided legal, regulatory, and business ad- vice to her numerous tribal gaming clients for numerous years. Among her many other responsibilities at Homer Law, she has pro- vided legal counsel to the Osage Gaming Commission for the past three years. Prior to accepting her interim appointment, Elizabeth will be stepping back from her regulatory oversight role with the Osage Gaming Commission, according to the release. “I am honored to be appointed by Chief Gray to serve the Osage Na- tion in this capacity,” Homer said. “It is my hope that my knowledge and experience in the gaming regulatory arena will prove to be a useful resource to the Gaming Enterprise Board, and I look forward to making a professional contribution that is benefi cial to our gaming operations.” Homer has also served as Vice Chairman of the National Indian Gam- ing Commission; she has been the Interior Department’s Director of the Offi ce of American Indian Trust. She began her legal career with the Offi ce of the District Attorney for the Second Judicial District of New Mexico; she later joined the Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Jus- tice. Her work to increase the investigation and prosecution of crimes against children in Indian Country earned her one of the division’s high-

See HOMER APPOINTED —Continued on Page 12 10 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org

CHEERLEADING SQUAD —Continued from Page 8 games and squad performances. He is the fi rst RSU team mascot to have a name and describes his role as being a “happy, go-lucky guy.” “In high school I thought it would be cool to be to be a team mascot,” Kirby said. “I like being at the games up close and personal (with the fans) and I like being with the kids.” Kirby wears a mascot head that weighs about 10 pounds which he describes as “very light” adding an important part of playing a mascot is to stay hydrated because wearing the costume is “like wearing a coat.” Like the RSU cheerleaders, Kirby competed at the NCA cheer camp this summer where he won awards including Best All-Around and Best American. He also won a bid to compete at the national championship in Florida and is one of 20 university mascots nationwide competing. “I’m not real nervous about it,” Kirby said. “I’m going to work hard for it, I’m there to have fun and that’s all that matters.”

Letters to the Editor Submissions If you’d like to submit a letter to the editor, mail it to the Osage News, Attn.: Shannon Shaw, 627 Grandview, Pawhuska, OK 74056; email [email protected], or fax to (918) 287-5563. Let- ters must be respectful and informative to the reader, and may be edited for grammar, clarity and space. Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 11 Osage-English signs make the Nation’s fi rst language more visible More bilingual signs likely to be built around the Nation’s campus

By Benny Polacca tribal campus in both English and dual language signs are being erties Department director, said Osage News Osage languages is one of a few mapped out. the sign in front of the former Su- across the reservation aimed at “Signs are everywhere and are a perintendent’s residence, and a The sign in front of the former making the tribe’s fi rst language key of identity for the Osage lan- few others recently put up around Superintendent’s residence on the more visible. Plans to add more guage,” said Rebekah HorseChief, campus, are made with temporary a recruiter and instructor for the materials so the signs can be eas- Nation’s Language Department. ily altered if a department needs to She approached the Nation’s Prop- relocate. erties Department about incorpo- “They can be changed as need- rating the language orthography ed,” Cass said. “We’re experiencing into signs on the present campus a lot of growth as everyone knows as well as the master plan for a and when (tribal departments) new campus, which is still in the need to move due to growth, it’s in- works. expensive to change,” he said. “Because the campus is the prop- HorseChief said similar efforts erty of the Osage Nation, we have by Indigenous people worldwide, the power and sovereignty to im- including other Oklahoma tribes, plement our language objectives,” helped fuel plans to make the she said, adding she’s also worked Osage language more visible so it with the Nation’s Palace Grocery can be recognized, and spoken. store on making signs to identify “I’ve seen the potential of what food and merchandise and “any- thing we can label.” See OSAGE-ENGLISH SIGNS Bruce Cass, the Nation’s Prop- —Continued on Page 12

Photo by Benny Polacca/Osage News The English/Osage sign in front of the former Superintendent’s residence on the Osage campus. 12 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org

HOMER APPOINTED —Continued from Page 9 est awards for special initiative. She also served on the Attorney General’s Task Force on Violent Crime and as the Criminal Divi- sion’s representative to the Indian Affairs Subcommittee of the Attor- ney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys. She is a member of the D.C. Bar, State Bar of New Mexico, the Unit- ed States District Court-Northern District of Oklahoma, and United States District-District of Colum- bia.

OSAGE-ENGLISH SIGNS —Continued from Page 11 our future is in New Zealand,” HorseChief said of visiting the country in 2005 and observing the Indigenous people’s language revi- talization efforts. The Maori “were Photo by Benny Polacca/Osage News where we were 20 years ago,” she The Pawhuska Skatepark is nearing completion.Here is a photo of its construction progress on Dec. 16. said. In Oklahoma, HorseChief, who is also Pawnee, said the tribe has also created roadside signs in the Pawnee language, which is some- thing she would like to see the Got Milk? We Do! WIC Clinic Schedules Osages do on the reservation. Cass said the Master Plan for If your child is under 5, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding Pawhuska ...... Monday-Friday an infant, or just had a baby, you should come see us. Just (918) 287-1040 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. an updated government campus is bring in proof of income and address, as well as identifi ca- still in the works and Osage/ Eng- tion on the child and/or mom. Skiatook ...... Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday lish signage will be taken into con- We offer foods including cheese, eggs, cereal, juice, beans, (918) 396-7352 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. sideration as that project continues and peanut butter for children and moms. For infants, we offer formula, infant cereals, and infant juices. to develop. A public meeting on Fairfax ...... Every Thursday the project will be scheduled next Need a special formula? (918) 642-3943 9 a.m.-4 p.m. month to gather feedback, he said. No problem! Just call us to see if we offer the formula you need. In most cases, we can help. We will require a doctor’s Hominy ...... Wednesday & Thursday request for most special formulas. (918) 885-4123 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Letters to the Editor Submissions Need help nursing? Breastfeeding can be tough, but with a little help you can Newkirk ...... 1st & 3rd Thursdays If you’d like to submit a be a success.We offer lots of help and support with breast- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. letter to the editor, mail it to feeding. We even have a hotline for breastfeeding questions the Osage News, Attn.: Shan- and concerns. McCord ...... 2nd Wednesday non Shaw, 627 Grandview, Come in and see one of our clerks: Abbey, Brandy, Shannon, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Pawhuska, OK 74056; email Donna, Dana, or Cheryl; our Offi ce Manager, Debbie; or our [email protected], or fax Director, Renee, at WIC and we’ll get you fi xed up. Tulsa ...... 3rd Tuesday to (918) 287-5563. Letters 4-6 p.m. School Year, 1-4 p.m. Summertime must be respectful and infor- Our main offi ce is located at 1301 Grandview in Pawhuska. mative to the reader, and may Offi ce hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Bartlesville . . 4th Thursday, 3rd Thursday on Holidays or just give us a call at (800) 460-1006 be edited for grammar, clarity to see how we can serve you! 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. and space. Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 13 Osage Johnson O’Malley program students celebrate Native American Month By Avis Ballard, to the winners. The Pawhuska JOM Coordinator JOM parents felt pleased to host The Osage Nation Johnson this event for their students and O’Malley Program (JOM) promot- happy that it went so well. ed cultural awareness across the The following weekend brought reservation as students celebrat- many visitors to the Skiatook com- ed Native American Month with munity for the 6th annual Skiatook events for their school and commu- JOM powwow. This event featured nities. The JOM parent committees an afternoon gourd dance, Indian at Pawhuska, Skiatook and Homi- taco dinner and competition danc- ny sponsored these annual events ing. The Skiatook JOM parents for their students to enjoy and take also use this event to honor their pride in their Native heritage. Na- graduating seniors with gifts and tive American students need to be proud of their culture and feel con- recognition. This annual tradition fi dent in order to succeed in all as- is important to the Skiatook JOM pects of their lives. program and attendance grows ev- Students from every school in ery year. Pawhuska fi lled the Oren Terrill The Hominy JOM committee also Fieldhouse stands to listen to the celebrated Native American month guest speaker, Litefoot, talk about by sponsoring the annual heritage his entertainment career. He is day event. The program began at Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News known as the fi rst Native American the elementary in the morning and rapper and has won several Native Motivational speaker and performer Litefoot gets the full attention of youth of the fi nished at the high school in the af- American music awards, including Pawhuska schools at the Pawhuska JOM Native American Day held on Nov. 12 at the ternoon. The students participated “Artist of the Year”. Litefoot also Oren Terrill Field house. Litefoot has starred in such fi lms as, “The Indian in the Cup- appeared in several movies and in hand games, intertribal dancing board.” television shows including: Indian and fun activities throughout the in the Cupboard (1995), Mortal day. This event usually happens in Kombat: Annihilation (1997), Song May; however, the parent commit- of Hiawatha (1997) and C.S.I: Mi- tee felt the need to celebrate Na- ami. He discussed the determina- tive American month and hosted tion he felt to succeed and how this this event for that purpose. helped him to overcome negativity The Osage JOM community within his own community. After- celebrated November as Native wards, he signed autographs and posed for photos to the delight of American month with events that the students. showcased Native American cul- Young Osage girls, dressed in ture and heritage. These special their traditional clothes, fi lled the occasions are important to the Wakon Iron to participate in the Osage students that may feel out- JOM honor dance for the crown- numbered or insignifi cant in main- ing of the new princesses. Ciera stream society. It helps them to Cheshewalla, Allison Jones and feel confi dent and proud of their Jaycie Bighorse accepted the hon- identity as Native Americans. or of serving as the new 2009-10 Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News Pawhuska JOM princesses. The Please contact Avis Ballard at 918- 287-5545 for more information Motivational speaker and performer Litefoot speaks to a crowded gym of youth from outgoing tiny tot princess, Eva the Pawhuska schools at the Pawhuska JOM Native American Day that was held at the Harden, sponsored a junior girl’s about the Osage Nation Johnson Oren Terrill Fieldhouse on Nov. 12. Litefoot has starred in such fi lms as, “The Indian in cloth contest and awarded trophies O’Malley Program. the Cupboard.” 14 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage Recipes Chicken & Dumps Recipe submitted by Paula Stabler I am not sure that chicken and army. Each cook has a specialty, dumplings would be considered but all fi ll in where needed and you a traditional Osage food or just a never say you can’t do something southern favorite, but they sure to a head cook. Each district takes are popular in our traditional great pride in their head cooks, it Osage feasts. We roll them out for is a great responsibility and one of hours. There is usually a small highest respect for a woman in the crowd watching to see your tech- In-Lon-Schka. nique, how you handle the dough, At committee dinners, we serve what makes them tender. about 350 to 400 and at funerals This was a family favorite when it has run up as high as 500. We I was growing up. I grew up in a run our own camp at our home in family of six children and pots of Pawhuska Village and there I am always head cook. stew and chicken and noodles were Photo by Shannon Shaw/Osage News always part of the winter fl avor. But, let’s get to it. I have made this dish with all yolks intact, half Women of the Pawhuska In-Lon-Schka district help roll out noodles for the committee I followed my mother’s instruc- dinner Saturday of this year’s Pawhuska dances. tions, who followed her mother’s yolks and half whites, powered eggs, all purpose fl our, self-rising instructions and neither of them less than 1/4 of an inch thick. It’s extra fl our on the noodle will thick- (when I didn’t read the front of the are Osage; but they both know best to be a little thicker than thin- en the stock. Separate the noodles package), with salt, without salt. how to roll out “noodles” as we ner here. Remember that the egg as you drop them in the pot, the But they always come out and my called them in our house. For me, whites will call the dough to rise gluten from the fl our will cause nephews don’t think it’s In-Lon- the difference between noodles and and the salt will leaven it out. them to stick if you dump them in Schka without them, even if it’s dumplings is simply the shape you by the handful. 100 degrees in the shade. • Cut into squares or long noodles. cut them, square or long. Continue to roll out and drop in At this point, letting the noodles I really have only been called Chicken and Noodles the pot until the pot is full. Add into my own as a “dump” maker in set and dry if fi ne. Unlike bread, the chicken pieces back to the pot. the past couple of years. I am from • Chicken breast and thighs the air is good for them. If you are Continue to boil (about 15 to 20 the Pawhuska District. Just since Fill a stock pot about 2/3 full in a hurry, go ahead and start put- minutes depending on the size of the retiring of Olivia Lookout, our with water, garlic salt and bay ting them in a rolling pot of stock. I the pot) until the noodles are done. past “queen of chicken and dumps leaf. Bring to full boil until chicken usually dredge them with fl our and They will plump up. Taste them to and biscuits” have I been called to is done. Remove chicken from pot, scoop up all of it at one time. The make sure they are done. service. When you work as a cook debone and place aside. on the dance committee, there is On a board or in a bowl, place a hierarchy, a place or position three cups of all purpose fl our for each cook. I have spent many • Add a dash of salt and stir in. years (and proud to do so) as a ta- ble setter, dish up organizer, table • Add 6 whole eggs and enough wait staff organizer, dish dryer whole milk to make a heavy and, well, you get the picture. batter. You should be able to stir Those that attend the danc- the batter but not to liquid. es know that the meals are our On a heavily fl oured board, pour blessings and our hospitality to out about a cup of batter. Fold fl our our visitors. I have cooked for my into the batter, folding half and grandmother’s camp (the fi rst time again half and again half until you it took me two days to make a No.2 have a dough ball. This is a light tub of meat gravy), and for Marion kneaded process, don’t wallow the Cass and Liz Ricketts, head cooks dough or add too much fl our at a on the dance committee. These time. The ball should still hold a women organize up to 30 cooks at a yellow color. time, it has become a synchronized Gently roll out the dough, no Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 15 Osage Nation Enterprises fi ve-year plan in jeopardy

By Freddie Ferrell, Osage Nation services compliment home health skilled nursing, therapy and nurse ONHPO Health Executive Director care and will provide a diversifi ed aide services. Osage Nation Enterprises re- revenue source for ONE, Inc.” What are Hospice Services? Hos- begins Osage cently approved and announced ONE, Inc. was hopeful to start pice services provide care to those their comprehensive 5 year plan the hospice initiative by year-end who have received a diagnosis and for expanded health related servic- and begin seeing patients within a prognosis that will result in the Book Club es for Osage county and surround- the fi rst quarter of 2010. Now, end of their life from a physician. ing counties. Those plans include a those plans are in question. Of No doubt most, if not all read- By June Carpenter, commitment to begin providing as course, it is with the support of the ers, has had a loved one receive Historic Preservation soon as possible hospice services Osage people that we are able to this devastating news from their Offi ce NAGPRA Assistant to the same area that is now be- continue to offer and expand medi- physician. Hospice, through the The Osage Nation His- ing provided home health services. cal health services that will help services of skilled nurses, aide ser- However, due to the lack of appro- toric Preservation Of- meet the needs of our communities. vices, chaplain services, or social priations within the Osage Nation, fi ce (ONHPO) will begin a Osage Home Health serves the programs, assists the patient and these expanded service plans may book club in January 2010 health needs of Osage Seniors. their family through this diffi cult not happen during this term of to learn about Osage his- elected Congress. What are Home Health Services? time. These services are not paid tory and culture. The fi rst Osage Nation Enterprises chair Home Health services are medical for by the patient or their family. books selected will provide Cecelia Tallchief, stated “ONE, Inc. services prescribed by your doctor They are usually paid for by in- general overviews of Osage is one of the few Osage Nation en- to be conducted in your home while surance or Medicare services and history; over time the read- tities which are self suffi cient and you recover from a recent illness occasionally by donations and by ing selections will become actually makes money. Hospice or surgery. These services include volunteer services. more specialized. The Janu- ary and February book is The Osages: Children of the Middle Waters by John Jo- seph Mathews. The January discussion will focus on Sec- tions One and Two; Sections Three through Five will be discussed in February. The fi rst book discussion is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. It will be held at Nehemiah’s Wall Coffee Shop, located at 521 Kihekah Avenue in Pawhus- ka. The Osages is currently out of print and may be dif- fi cult to fi nd if you do not have a copy. We suggest looking for it online or or- dering it from your library. The ONHPO has one copy that is available to read on- site; contact the ONHPO to schedule reading time. To RSVP or for more infor- mation, please contact the ONHPO at (918) 287-5328 or 627 Grandview, Pawhus- ka, OK 74056. 16 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org

All participants who went on the Cultural Walk stand with the original marker that marked the Osages crossing into Indian Terri- tory. Not all participants could make the walk. From L to R: Gerre Bennett, Tammy Bright (pink), Kilian Bennett, Dawn Bennett (red), Ruby Murray, Haley Evans, Weleetka, Casey Hairrell (sunglasses), Amy Dwerlkotte (beige hat), Kim Revard and her son Kyle Pepper, Larry Sellers (red), Marie Rumsey, Vann Bighorse (sunglasses), Charlie Stabler, Paula Stabler, Edmond Shaw (stocking cap), Ed Shaw, Jerry Wolfman Duff -Sellers, Susan Engles, Jay Chatham and Harrison Hudgens. Cultural Walk brings Osages together More than 30 Osages from across the country join together to participate in symbolic walk of their ancestors Men of the group help to cover the arbor with tarp

By Shannon Shaw everywhere,” said Vann Bighorse, overnight stay. The group was tak- to Louis Burns’, “A History of The Osage News Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center di- en to Crossbell Ranch, the property Osage People.” Out of the Osages rector. “The [25-year] Strategic of Katsy Mullendore, which sits in In late October, 32 Osages par- that traveled to Indian Territory, Plan called for more culture, some- the Osage reservation. ticipated in a two-day Cultural 92 percent of them were full-bloods. thing to bring people back to the The property is host to the Walk that took them through the Osages mourned their way of life very same lands their Osage ances- reservation and we had families lands some 3,150 Osages traveled when they left Kansas tors passed through 134 years ago, from Texas and Washington that through in 1875 and still has the Many factors went into the Osag- before they were forced to leave came for this walk.” original stone marker that marks Kansas. Around 30 Osages of all ages met the 96 degree west longitude line es forced removal from Kansas. “This was something that the at the Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Cen- and the 37 degrees north latitude The construction of a railroad, fer- Osage Cultural Preservation Com- ter the morning of Oct. 24, bring- line on the Kansas-Oklahoma bor- tile farm lands, plentiful buffalo, mittee wanted to do for Osages ing their camping gear for their der, where they crossed, according encroaching farmers and ranchers, Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 17

Cherokee Cheshewalla serves John Maker with some dried corn while Addie Participants in the Cultural Walk eat frybread and dried corn around the fi re Saturday Thomas cooks frybread. evening.

The group sets out on the 3.5 mile walk to the Mullendore family home. p. All Photos by Shannon Shaw / Osage News

all wanting to stake their claim, led with the United States govern- they knew settlers would not want demonstrations of sadness com- to the Osages eventual departure. ment and the Cherokee, the Osage to live and so hoped would limit en- menced,” wrote Burns. “As the Osages in the late 1860’s were fi nally reached a deal and bought croachers. Board of Indian Commissioners de- still hunting buffalo, practicing their land from the Cherokee. When the Osages left Kansas scribed it, ‘At dawn on the day af- their religion and living under According to Burns, the Osage and made the 300 mile journey, their clan system of government, chose the land around, what is they were depleted in numbers. A ter the treaty had been signed the according to Burns. But since the now known, the Indian Villages of large faction of the people had gone air was fi led with cries of the old Osages reserve was so vast, and Pawhuska, Hominy and Grayhorse for one last buffalo hunt on their people, especially the women, who the Osage so strong, they were the because a thick layer of limestone Kansas lands, according to Burns. lamented over the graves of their last tribe made to leave from Kan- lay beneath the land’s surface, “The Act of 1870, providing for sas by the United States. making it impossible to farm. They the Osage removal from Kan- See CULTURAL WALK Through years of negotiations wanted to live somewhere where sas, was barely signed before the —Continued on Page 18 18 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org

CULTURAL WALK —Continued from Page 17 children, which they were about to that marked the Osages crossing leave forever . . . .’” in 1875. They also left their old form of “I think it’s so important that we government. The Osage’s Indian remember our ancestors and what Agent, Isaac Gibson, made them they had to give up when they came change their form of government here,” said Mary Bighorse, a par- into a council with one chief, Joe ticipant on the walk. “I just want to Pawnee No-Pah-she, or Governor be respectful and remember them Joe, according to Burns. today as we do this.” After breakfast the group as- Discussion educates Cultural sembled under the arbor that the Walk participants men of the camp helped cover with tarp the night before. Vann Big- Once the small group of Osages horse led an educational discus- reached their camp site on Cross- sion about the events that led to bell Ranch, camp was set up and the Osage’s departure from Kan- a traditional meal was cooked by sas. Dr. Andrea Hunter, director of Addie Thomas and Cherokee Che- the Nation’s Historic Preservation shewalla, both Cultural Center Offi ce, talked about the Osage’s instructors. She cooked frybread origins, their societies and way of Kathleen Mecom Fogerty, Osage, gets presented with a Pendleton blanket for her and dried corn over a fi re and ev- life before the move. family’s generosity in letting Osage tribal members onto her land. ery person was served as many “This walk has to do with our helpings as they wished in the cool tribe, our identity and who we are,” October air. Fires were constructed Hunter said. “This is just the be- as the night progressed to keep the ginning, this isn’t just a one time participants warm as people told thing. We’re going to do this on a ghost stories, stories of their ances- larger scale next year and hopeful- tors, played handgame and enjoyed ly there will be more tribal mem- each other’s company. bers who come.” Once the sun rose the next morn- ing many participants rose before dawn and prayed as the sun came Participants make up. Thomas and Cheshewalla commemorative walk served breakfast to the partici- The group set out on the 3.5 pants and many took turns getting mile walk late in the morning Oct. photos with the historical marker 25. People went at their own pace

Osage elder Leonard Maker speaks about his ancestors, Chief Black Dog and his top adviser Wah-tian-kah, who had a vision of the Osage moving to their fi nal home in Indian Territory.

as the country rose, dipped and ders Leonard Maker and John curved through the countryside. Henry Mashunkashey met the The fall foliage and wild horses group at the house and later Mak- provided a surreal backdrop, and er spoke of his ancestors Black Dog the occasional clearing of trees dis- and Wah-tian-kah (pronounced played breath-taking views. Wah-tine-gah). The participants reached their Wah-tian-kah was the adviser to fi nal destination, the Mullendore Black Dog, Maker said. He had a family home, and were greeted by Kathleen Mecom Fogerty, Katsy See ULTURAL ALK A group of Osages walks ahead as they make their way to the Mullendore family home C W Mullendore’s daughter. Osage el- —Continued on Page 19 during the commemorative walk. Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 19 Editorial: Th e Trip Home By Ruby Murray One Saturday afternoon this October a small group of Osages began the trek over a rounded hillside on the Crossbell Ranch in northeast- ern Oklahoma toward their campsite at the Kansas border. I joined the event sponsored by the Osage Nation’s cultural department that invited tribal members to follow part of the 70-mile trail that brought the tribe from its home in Kansas to present day Osage reservation. The human fi gures lost in the expanse of open space made me think of our ancestors traveling the same country in 1870, each thinking his or her own thoughts on that last sad walk from home. A herd of horses appeared, running across the horizon, manes and tails fl ying, bringing me back to the present. The morning of the walk Oct. 25, Vann Bighorse and Dr. Andrea Hunter discuss the I fl ew with my husband, David Vik, from our home on an island in tribe’s history of the walk under the arbor. the Columbia River in Washington for this event. Over the years I have come back to Oklahoma to visit Morton and Rosa Lee Murray, David Ar- thur Murray and to be named by Preston Morrell and attend the dances. My ancestor, Maria James, was taken from her family in the last Cla- remore raid, lived at Dwight Mission and made her way back to the Osages at Pawhuska late in her life. My father was born near Pawhuska but moved to Denver in the 1920’s when my grandmother tried to sepa- rate her family from the alcoholism around her. I wanted to meet other Osages and walk the route Maria would have followed with her brother, Wah-zhe-pe-zhi, if she could have. I wanted to hear stories that passed down about her and other Osages who were separated from family in the chaos of the 1800’s. Being outside even for one day and night was relaxing. I watched the sky at twilight, and the stars in the morning when we prayed at dawn. The moments I felt closest to our ancestors were when we tried to get help for a participant who became ill, when we shared stories across the fi relight, and when Addie and Cherokee cooked meals over the fi re. What comes back to me now, weeks later are sounds: low voices talk- ing, Frank Redcorn telling me the difference between bluff paint and war paint; Mary Bighorse describing the ghost she had seen tending fi re one night, then later hearing ”you never spend the night outside at Gina Gray and her sister Mary Bighorse pose for a photograph with the original mark- Grayhorse;” the rhythm of the drum in the Osage handgame. er that marked the Osages crossing into Indian Territory in 1875. Sunday morning we sat on hay bales, guests on land that once be- longed to the Osage tribe. My relative, Leonard Maker, talked about Black Dog and Wiantanka’s vision for their people. Maria James spent the years she wasn’t with her tribe praying for them. I too live far from my people but feel connected. I am grateful to have had a chance to return and visit with Osages, who carry the history of my family and tribe from that brutal time into the future.

CULTURAL WALK —Continued from Page 18 vision about the Osages traveling of your belongings and making a through the land to go to Indian [300 mile] journey on foot,” Maker Territory and recognized it because said. “It wasn’t exactly the Trail of they had hunted there many times Tears, but it was diffi cult.” before. He spoke of hardships the The participants of the walk Osages faced in the move, sickness were fed a barbeque dinner by the and malnutrition among them. Mullendore family, exchanged con- “You saw how diffi cult it was tact information and made their Weleetka walks past wild horses on the Osage commemorative walk. with the road, imagine getting all journeys home. 20 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org

OSAGE BOXER —Continued from Page 6 Osage Nation Burial Assistance can participate in the In-Lon-Sch- come out in the second round, Application Process ka dances, he said. Gilkey said. His second fi ght was against a TKO 26-year-old man that was a good When Gilkey starts to talk about match for Cottingham and they Cottingham’s matches and train- went the full three rounds with ing, his voice gets excited and he Cottingham winning by decision. begins to talk rapidly in boxing His third opponent was Cotting- lingo, fi ring off names for punch ham’s same age and Cottingham combinations and describing his opponents’ startled expressions by knocked him down immediately Cottingham’s quickness. with a jab, right hook, and repeated “He’s a right hander, we try to hooks to the opponents body that start out all our matches with a jab, forced the judges to call the match • Submit an application within 30 days of time a knock out in the fi rst round. “I work out every day, I go to box- of death “He has marvelous ing Tuesday and Thursday for two • Provide CDIB or Membership Card that hours and at school I work out, lift verifi es Osage Indian Blood for deceased talent, he’s improved weights for basketball practice,” individual said Cottingham, who is now play- • Provide a copy of a death certifi cate for the a heck of a lot from ing for the high school’s basketball team. “I run every Tuesday and deceased individual Thursday, I run to Subway and • Provide a copy of an itemized Funeral Home when he fi rst started… back and on Wednesday at school statement of the deceased individual I run the track pretty much two miles, which helps build up my en- he’s developing his The application is complete when all pertinent documenta- durance and stamina.” tion is received by this offi ce; once the application is com- But Cottingham’s favorite work- punches…he’s very plete a letter of approved funds and check will be mailed to out is sparing with other boxers. the funeral home. Notice will also be sent to the applicant Gilkey said a U.S. Marine just informing them of the amount being paid to the funeral coachable and willing came back from the Iraq War and home. gave Cottingham a pretty good workout, “They were really going • Allow 10-14 working days for completed application to to learn.” at it.” be processed and a check issued. A Native American boxing as- • Reimbursements checks will only be issued to funeral –Earl Gilkey, boxing coach sociation out of Riverside Indian home and designated grocer only; individual expenses School has asked Cottingham to will not be reimbursed. and everything’s off the left jab,” attend a competition in New York Gilkey explains. “And sometimes City next year as a part of a team For more information, questions, he gets into a brawling match and of Native boxers and Gilkey will be or concerns please contact the he falls off of that and we tell him raising money for the trip, he said. Osage Nation Constituent Services Offi ce to go off the jab. Sometimes he’ll Something else Gilkey wants to throw the jab fi rst and then he’ll do for Cottingham is to get some come with a hook or a right cross sponsors to host a boxing tourna- Osage Nation Constituent Services Offi ce to the body.” ment in Pawhuska so the commu- Attention: W. Jacque Jones, Administrator Cottingham’s fi rst match was nity can watch Cottingham box. 621 Grandview • Pawhuska, OK 74056 against a 24-year-old Tulsan who started out the match stronger To fi nd out more about the fund- Phone: (918) 287-5662 than Cottingham, but he “put on raising efforts for Ben Cotting- Fax: (918) 287-5221 • Fax: (918) 699-5221 the pressure” and relentlessly ham or the dates of his upcoming Email: [email protected] threw right hooks into his face and matches, call Gilkey’s Gym at (918) body and his opponent wouldn’t 287-2663. Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 21 News in Brief Department of com/education or by calling (918) 6th Annual Honor Dance to be held need your input. Adeline Yerkes, 287-5300 at the agricultural building, fair- RN, is conducting the evaluation Education scholarship Scholarship Applications Due no grounds, Pawhuska, Okla. and will be conducting interviews later then January 31, 2010. Applications are available on- about the health services. The in- program application line at www.osagetribe.com or call Julia Lookout or Jacque Jones at terviews will be confi dential and deadline extended First annual Osage (918) 287-5555. will take 10 minutes of your time. Princess pageant Interviews will take place in Deadline for the Osage Nation Barnsdall, Fairfax, Hominy and Department of Education Scholar- announced Osage Tribe wanting Pawhuska. The interviews will be ship Program Application has been The American Indian Exposi- tribal member input conducted January 25, 26, and 27. extended to January 31, 2010. tion is presenting an Osage tribal See the January Osage News for Applications may be retrieved princess pageant to be held March on health services exact times and places. from the Department of Educa- 20, 2010, in conjunction with the The Osage Tribe is evaluating Again, we need your input. tions’ Web site www.osagetribe. Osage Nation Princess Sorority’s the health services of the tribe. We U.S. Census Bureau hiring New Sylvan tutoring assistance 2010 survey workers applications for Osage students By Cherise Lookout, Census worker testing to be held Dec. 15, Osage Nation Education Outreach Coordinator 22 and 29 in Pawhuska at Cultural Center The Osage Nation Education Department is now taking applica- tions from any Osage student in need of academic tutoring. The Osage News Osage Nation Sylvan Tutor Program is an Osage tribally funded program designed to serve Osage students across the nation. The The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking people in Osage County for short- intent of the program is to serve as many Osage students in 1st term jobs conducting the 2010 survey. -12th grades as possible that are at risk of failing required subject The bureau is looking to hire more than 40 people who would work as areas, where Sylvan tutoring centers are available. Eligible stu- numerators and go door-to-door to collect data for the survey, said Char- dents should complete the provided application. ley Hare, an assistant manager for census fi eld operations in Enid, Okla. Students receiving services through the Sylvan Tutoring Pro- Numerators will work fl exible schedules for 30-40 hours each week gram will receive funding of $200/month for one subject of tutor- during the job period, which runs from March until June, he said. The ing services, excluding the initial testing and enrollment fees of pay is around $10.25 to $12.75 per hour, Hare said. the student. Please note that applications will be processed on a Those interested in a census job are required to pass testing which fi rst come fi rst serve basis. Applications are available on the Osage will be given at the Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center, 1449 W. Main St., in Nation website www.osagetribe.com/education. If you have any Pawhuska on Dec. 15, 22 and 29. The testing will be conducted at 11 a.m. questions or would like to be mailed an application please contact and 5 p.m. on those days and lasts 30 minutes. Cherise Lookout with the Osage Nation Education Department at The test is multiple-choice and covers basic skills such as reading, (918) 287-5544 or toll free 1-800-390-6724. math, map reading and following written instructions. A practice test is available on the census bureau Web site. Student Eligibility Requirements Census workers must also pass a background check and will be fi nger- 1. A student must be a member of the Osage Nation and provide printed, Hare said. a copy of their membership card with the application. The Census Bureau will conduct three fi eld operations in Osage Coun- 2.If a student does not have an Osage membership card an Osage ty which will employ anywhere from 40 to 80 people, Hare said. CDIB card will be accepted provisionally for one semester while The numerators will conduct door-to-door operations, follow-up with they secure their Osage membership card. residents who have not responded or mailed out their forms, Hare said. 3.A student must be enrolled in the 1st through 12th grades. The workers will also visit facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals and jails. Field workers will also be reimbursed for their mileage. 4.A student must be receiving a grade of “D” or below in a re- For more information, call (866) 861- 2010 or go online to www.2010. quired subject area. census.gov. 22 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org

This is not an alphabet. The symbols represent sound only. Practice writing and pronouncing these symbols everyday. For more information, please contact the Osage Nation Language Program at (918) 287-5505 (Pawhuska), (918) 642-3185 (Fairfax), (918) 287-5583 (Hominy), (918) 287-5547 (Edmond), and (918) 287-5547 (Skiatook) or visit us on the Web at http://www.osagetribe.org/language. Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 23 Births and Celebrations Jech and Glen Jech and the maternal granddaughter of Sheryl Adams Christine Wood to graduate from OSU and the late Marvin “Butch” Moler. Christine Wood graduated Dec. 12 from OSU in Stillwater with a Bachelor in Psychology. Christine Happy second birthday to Kayleigh Ann Wood started her courses at Haskell In- Kayleigh Ann Wood will be turning 2-years-old on Dec. 31. Kayleigh is dian Nations in 2004, and gradu- the daughter of David Wood and Laura Freeman-Wood. She is the grand- ated with an Associates in Liberal daughter of Alycia Supernaw-Francis and William and Kelly Freeman. Arts in 2006. She is the fi rst in our She is the great granddaughter of John and Patricia Supernaw. Kay- family to have such an honor and leigh has three brothers: Hayden, Jacob and Jonathan. Happy birthday, we are very proud of her. Nana loves you. Christine is the daughter of Alycia Supernaw-Francis, the Happy fi ft h birthday to granddaughter of John and Pat Supernaw and the great grand- Hayden Lane Wood daughter of Lawrence “Ick” Su- Hayden Lane Wood turned pernaw and Opal Lord and Orville Christine Wood and Florence Gerhardt. 5-years-old on Nov. 30. Hayden is the son of David Wood and Laura Freeman-Wood. He is the grandson Happy second anniversary to Supernaw-Francis of Alycia Supernaw-Francis. He is David and Alycia Supernaw- the great grandson of John and Pa- Francis will be celebrating their tricia Supernaw and William and second wedding anniversary on Kelly Freeman. Hayden has two Dec. 13. Their children are David brothers: Jacob and Jonathan and Wood, Christine Wood, Kristoper one sister: Kayleigh. Happy birth- Wood, Jennifer Smith and Dylan day, Nana loves you. Francis. Their grandchildren are Hayden Lane Wood Hayden Wood, Jacob Wood, Kay- Happy second birthday leigh Wood, Jonathan Wood and Natalie Wood. Parents are John to Dalton Reed and Patricia Supernaw and David Dalton James Reed celebrated and Barbara Francis. his 2nd birthday on Oct. 24 with The family would like to say con- his family and friends. His mom grats to the couple. David and Alycia Supernaw-Francis and dad would like to say thank you to everyone who showed up. Happy fi rst birthday to Natalie Rae Wood Happy birthday Dalton, we love you. Natalie Rae Wood will be turning a year old on Dec. 27. Natalie is the daughter of Kristopher and Shawna Wood. She is the granddaughter of Alycia Supernaw-Francis and Rick and Cindy Taylor. She is the great Happy birthday to granddaughter of John and Patricia Supernaw. Happy birthday, Nana Dalton Reed loves you. Jennifer Renea Smith Jennifer Renea Smith is turning 14-years-old on Dec. 20. Jennifer is in the 8th grade at Skiatook Middle School and plays soccer for the West Happy fi rst birthday to Side Alliance Club (OPL) in Sand Springs, Okla. Her parents are Alycia Cortlynn Presleigh Jech Supernaw-Francis of Skiatook and Joe Smith of Sperry. Her grandpar- ents are John and Patricia Supernaw of Tulsa. Her great grandparents Cortlynn Presleigh Jech cele- are Lawrence “Ick” Supernaw and Opal Lord and Orville and Florena brated her 1st birthday on October Gerheardt and Bill and Betty Smith. Jennifer has three brothers: David 1, 2009. The family wishes their Wood, Kristopher Wood and Joseph Smith; three step brothers: Ronnie, little girl a very happy birthday. Christopher and Dylan; two sisters: Christine Wood and Shelby Smith. Cortlynn is the daughter of John Happy birthday, the family loves you. Jech and Melissa Moler. She is the See BIRTHS AND CELEBRATIONS paternal granddaughter of Cora Cortlynn Presleigh Jech —Continued on Page 25 24 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Obituaries Terri Gillett Ruby Logan. She attended Bur- Chetopa E. Revard He loved to hunt raccoons; he en- Theresa Gail “Terri” Gillett bank Elementary School and grad- Chetopa E. Revard, age 83, joyed ultra light airplanes, outside passed away Sunday, December 6, uated from Kaw City High School passed away Sunday, November work and telling war stories. in 1938. She was a homemaker and 2009 at her home following a cou- 15, 2009 at his residence in rural He is survived by his wife, Pat the most beautiful and loving Mom rageous battle with cancer. She Elgin, Kansas. Revard of the home in rural Se- and Grandma who enjoyed camp- was 51 years old. He was born November 10, 1926 dan, Kansas; four sons, Gary Re- ing, cooking, fi shing, bingo and her vard and wife Norma, Ron Revard Terri was born May 27, 1958 in near Bartlesville, in Osage County, family. Dorothy was preceded in and wife Retta, Tony Revard and Nebraska, the daughter of Bruce G. Oklahoma to Manuel E. and Mary death by her husband of 68 years, wife Denise and Brad Revard and and Susie D. (Bartlett) Cosby. On B. (Bockius) Revard. He was raised Francis “Tige” Hodges and is sur- wife Michelle, all of Dewey, Okla- May 30, 1999, she married Shel- by his grandparents from the age vived by her son Kenny and his homa; four step-children; Diana by Dean Gillett in Grand Prairie, of two. He attended school at the wife Darlene of Hot Springs, Ark.; Maples of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Texas. Terri worked for the Osage Buck Creek School in Bartlesville, daughter Linda Hamilton and hus- Duane Waller of Pawhuska, Okla- Nation for thirteen years, serving Oklahoma. He graduated from band Leon of Augusta; 6 grandkids; homa; Debbie and Larry Kirchner as the Director of Child Care for 12 great-grandkids; 3 great-great Bartlesville Central High School in of Sedan, Kansas; David and J. the past two years. She had also grandkids; brother, Kenneth Logan Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He served Waller of Sedan, Kansas; one half- worked a number of years for the of Houston, TX; niece Betty Gentz in the United States Navy and was brother, Charles Tayrien of Okesa, Department of Human Services. of Houston, TX. Casketbearers honorably discharged. He married Oklahoma; fi fteen grandchildren; Terri loved spending time with her will be her grand and great grand- Evelyn Sumner and they later di- twenty-nine great grandchildren, grandkids. She enjoyed the out- sons, Brad Lane, Tyler Hodges, vorced. After living together since one great-great-grandchild and doors, her fl owers, hunting, fi shing Gary and Clayton Hamilton, Matt 1967, he and Patricia (Rickman) a niece, Mary and husband Gene and sewing. She was well known Kiser, Bryan Smith, James Looper. Waller married on October 23, Threadgill of Alma, Arkansas. throughout her family and friends She was a member of the Osage 2004 in Elgin, Kansas. He worked He is preceded in death by his as an excellent cook, and was an Tribe of Indians. The viewing was in construction for Haniford Con- parents and two brothers. avid supporter and participant in Friday, Nov. 27, 2009 with family struction out of Tulsa, Oklahoma Graveside services were held at the ways of the Osage Culture. present at Hilyard-Smith Funer- until his retirement. He was a 2 p.m., Thursday, November 18, Surviving are: Her husband, al Home in Douglass. Graveside member of the Osage Indian Tribe 2009 at the Oak Grove Cemetery Shelby D. Gillett; son Bruce Cass service was Saturday, Nov. 28, in and was very proud of his heritage. in rural Elgin, Kansas with Earl and wife, Dana; daughter Dani- Grandview Cemetery, Kaw City, Okla. In lieu of fl owers, memori- He was a member of the VFW Tresner of Peru, Kansas offi ciat- elle McCartney; mother and father als may be sent to the First Baptist Post 6373 of Sedan, Kansas and ing. Military Rites were performed Susie Starr and husband, Brite; Church, P.O.Box 647, Douglass, the Scottish Rite Society, Washing- by the United States Navy Honor Bruce G. Cosby and wife, Jerry; Ks.,67039. ton County Chapter of Oklahoma. Guard. seven stepchildren Shelby, Shawn- na, Brad, Dusty, Candace, Amanda and Shelby Lynn; brothers and sis- ter Michael Cosby, Monte Cosby, Lori Upchurch, Corlin Cosby and Brite Starr; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends. Traditional services were held Thursday, December 10, at 8 a.m., followed by funeral services at 10 OSAGE HOME HEALTH a.m., all at the Wakon Iron Chapel. Interment was at the Gillett home Skilled Nursing • Home Health Aides • Social Services located East of Pawhuska. Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy McCartney’s Johnson Funeral Home of Pawhuska was in charge Providing Comprehensive In-Home Health Care Services to ALL Residents of North Central Oklahoma of arrangements. Medicare • Medicaid • Private Insurance Accepted Dorothy Hodges www.osagehomehealth.com Dorothy Mae Hodges, 88, a Dou- glass, Kans., resident for 65 years, Phone (918) 287-5645 or (866) 671-3700 Fax (918) 287-9909 died Sunday, November 22, 2009. Dorothy was born at Burbank, 128 E. 6th St. Pawhuska, Oklahoma 74056 Oklahoma in 1921 to William and Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 25

BIRTHS AND CELEBRATIONS —Continued from Page 23

Congratulations Jonathan Ryder Wood Dec. 27 and Jared Davis on Dec. 28. Have a wonderful happy birthday from friends and family. Jonathan Ryder Wood was born on Sept. 14 to David Wood and Laura Freeman-Wood. He was Happy birthday to 19 inches long and weighed 6.2 pounds. He was welcomed into this George Shannon world in Tulsa, Okla. He has two The family of George Shannon brothers: Hayden and Jacob Wood celebrated his birthday Dec. 13 in and one sister Kayleigh Wood. His Skiatook, Okla., with his wife El- grandparents are Alycia Super- nora. George is a proud husband, naw-Francis and William and Kel- father, grandfather and great ly Freeman and John and Patricia grandfather. He has danced in the Supernaw. Jonathan Ryder Wood In-Lon-Schka his entire life and loves everything Osage. We love Congrats from the family. We George Shannon love you. you very much. Happy 46th anniversary to the Supernaws Cass Family celebrates December birthdays John and Patricia Supernaw will celebrate their 46th wedding anni- Birthday wishes go out to all the Cass family members celebrating versary on Dec. 10. They were married in Pawhuska in 1963. The couple this December: Cynthia Cass Pradmore and Danielle Cass McCartney resides in Tulsa, Okla. John is the son of Lawrence “Ick” Supernaw and celebrated on Dec. 1, Sheridan Nicole Reed on Dec. 3, Jason D. Cass on Opal Lord. Patricia is the daughter of Florena Berkley and Orville Ger- Dec. 4, Michelle Pradmore, Leah Harris Bighorse, Emily Nicole Hanna hardt. The couple has two children: Michael Supernaw and Alycia Su- on Dec. 5., Renee Conley Harris on Dec. 6., Daniel N. Cass on Dec. 15, pernaw-Francis. They have fi ve grandchildren: David Wood, Christine Joyce Lyn Cass Marshall on Dec. 19 and Newton D. Cass on Dec. 28. Wood, Kristopher, Jennifer Smith and Julia Supernaw. They also have fi ve great grandchildren: Hayden Wood, Jacob Wood, Kayleigh Wood, Jonathan Wood and Natalie Wood. With love from your daughter. Congratulations Geoff rey Charles Bighorse Byron and Jennifer Bighorse of Tulsa are proud to announce the birth of their son Geoffrey Charles Bighorse, born October 20, 2009. He weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz and was 20 inches long at birth. Geoffrey has an older brother, Dylan and an older sister Courtney Bighorse. Maternal grandparents are Geof- frey and Julie Standing Bear of Geoff rey Charles Bighorse Pawhuska. Paternal Grandpar- ents are Anthony and Freda Big- horse of Tulsa. We are all very excited and thankful for the wonderful addition to the family.

Holiday wishes Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone from the Osage Nation Archives Department. Sending out extended birthday wishes Lee Burnett will be celebrating on Dec. 2, Charles Rector on Dec. 12, Rhonda Wallace on Dec. 21, Frances Williams on Dec. 23, Pam Barlow on 26 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Opinion Letters to the Editor Th anks for beading on broadcloth class I want to thank Vann Bighorse and those responsible for the beading on broadcloth class. It is inspiring that there are those that want to share their knowledge of our customs, traditions with others that hunger for knowledge and do appreciate it so much. One of the outstanding promises in these classes is there was always someone available to help each student immediately and answer our questions. I want to say a special thank you to Mary Bighorse, Jacque Jones, Dana Daylight, Dava Daylight, Robin Rulo, and Allison Jones for their patience and teachings. You have some very special people working with you including those that offer their knowledge to teach those interested in learning about our artistic cultures. You have made all this possible and helped to inspired so many people. We, the people look forward to more classes for those unable to attend these recent classes. Sandra Akins Pawhuska, OK

Offi cial 2010 candidate listing Congratulations to Lauren Leigh Bivens The Osage News will publish • Debbie Atterberry and Th eodore Christopher White an Offi cial Candidate Listing • Daniel Boone for the June 2010 Osage Nation • Randolph Crawford Lauren Leigh Bivens and Theodore Christopher White were Elections in every issue of the • Alice Goodfox Osage News leading up to the married on November 29, 2009 aboard the Carnival Conquest • Jake Hefl in election • Jenny Miller cruise ship in Galveston, TX. Lauren is a member of the Osage Candidates for Principal Chief • Raymond Red Corn Nation, daughter to Susan Shannon and Terry Bivens, and grand- • John Red Eagle • Doug Revard daughter to George Shannon and the late Mary Agnes Wagoshe • Carl “Chico” Sellers • Joseph Shunkamolah • Roy St. John • William “Kugee” Supernaw Shannon. Lauren is the Operations Manager for the national Na- • Tim Tall Chief tive American Journalists Association and graduate of the Uni- Candidates running for Osage Candidates for Assistant Nation Minerals Council: versity of Oklahoma. Theodore (Ted) is a member of the Cherokee Principal Chief: • Charles Pratt Nation and son of Michael and Kae White of Edmond, OK. Ted is • Scott Bighorse • Jewell Purcell • Cecelia Tallchief a Teacher’s Aid working on his Bachelors Degree in Elementary • Kathryn Red Corn Candidates for Osage • Myron Red Eagle Education at the University of Oklahoma. Nation Congress: • Jim T. Schooling Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 27 Opinion Understanding of the new Osage Nation government will bring us together

By Raymond Red Corn, crease. This has led to charges of and even more so the last few Osage Nation Congressman Congress “micro-managing” the months. The supposedly co-equal nation via the budget. A few summers ago I was leaning legislative and executive branches on the back of a bench during the The recent controversy over continue to debate, litigate, and Grayhorse dances when another budget extensions that limit indi- frustrate each other over control of elected offi cial joined me. Gestur- vidual programs to 1/12 of their this government. If the Congress ing to the dance, the offi cial asked annual budget per month is part of and the Executive had advisers, why things “on the hill” couldn’t the same debate. This restriction, as do each of the I-lon-schka dance operate as smoothly as our dances. insisted upon by a majority in Con- committees, would we listen to and My answer was simple: everyone gress, has wreaked havoc on some learn from our elders? If we knew participating in our June dances programs, especially those which our roles by heart, like head cooks, knows their role. see spikes in demand around the would governing be this diffi cult? Water boys, head cooks, com- holidays. When Congress reduc- It will take years, perhaps de- mittee men and women, fi retend- es specifi c individual salaries by cades, for our roles in this new, ers, drumkeepers, drumwarmers, $20,000/year and tells programs tri-partite government to be re- and others all know what to do not only how much they can spend, solved. While the courts continue and when to do it. They know their but when they can spend it, Con- to defi ne those roles through case- roles and responsibilities and how gress is clearly assuming powers of by-case decisions, Osage voters the Executive branch. to properly fulfi ll them. Raymond Red Corn will choose leaders they feel have While our In-Lon-Schka commit- The Executive branch is not with- the best understanding of their job tees have had over a century of ex- for salaries, administrative costs, out sin in this matter. Last year description. Year in and year out, perience, our new government has non-administrative costs, and ben- income from gaming was directed these two forces will shape our na- less than four years experience in efi ts when applicable. The Gover- to the nation’s holding company, tion and its leadership until the a system that represents a radical nor and the respective departments Osage LLC, bypassing the appro- branches of our government under- departure from the system that ex- have the authority to operate pro- priation process until Congress ob- stand their limitations as well as isted from 1906 to 2006. grams in ways they feel best serve jected. Also, lawsuits continue in their obligation to work with each While the roles defi ned in our the needs of citizens and the state. Osage courts over Congress’ right other, not against each other. constitution give some clear guid- The process adopted by the Osage to operate an Offi ce of Fiscal and The problems you see in this ance, we are without jurisprudence Nation Congress is infi nitely more Performance Review (similar to the young government are not incur- (court decisions) to clarify concepts detailed, and includes specifi c line U.S. Congress’ General Accounting able. Proper solutions, however, such as separation of powers be- items for equipment, copying, art- Offi ce) and to legislate a free and are entirely dependent upon an tween the legislative and executive work, attorney fees, professional independent press. involved and interested citizen- branches of our government. This fees, etc. The Properties budget, for These events along with others ry that understands how three- has resulted in a running battle example, lists each individual con- have sorely tested the patience of branch governments are supposed between those two branches that struction project. Program plans Osage citizens and Osage Nation to work and chooses its leaders ac- will continue until (a) court deci- and budget justifi cations that ac- employees these last few years, cordingly. sions settle the issue or (b) offi cials company these budgets drill even are elected that understand and deeper to specifi c purchases. respect the role of each branch of Offering this level of detail to government. the Congress has resulted in min- Letters to the Editor Submissions This confl ict between branches ute budget adjustments made by If you’d like to submit a letter to the editor, mail it to the Osage has taken several forms, but by far committees and on the fl oor. Last News, Attn.: Shannon Shaw, 627 Grandview, Pawhuska, OK 74056; the most noticeable is the budget year two individual salaries were email [email protected], or fax to (918) 287-5563. Letters must process. The Oklahoma state leg- targeted; this year fi ve have been be respectful and informative to the reader, and may be edited for islature budgets by setting lump targeted in fl oor amendments, four grammar, clarity and space. sums in a particular department with reductions and one for an in- 28 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Opinion A message from the Principal Chief

By Jim Gray, Nation in jeopardy. He strongly keep his word with Indian people Osage Nation Principal Chief recommended Congress pass the in settling these cases. As the Nation ends this calendar 2010 annual operating appropria- year and we anticipate celebrating tion, which would not only solve Cobell Settlement the upcoming Christmas holidays our Christmas bonus issue, but The Obama Administration an- with friends and family, I want to also our federal grant issues, and nounced a proposed settlement to take this opportunity to address most importantly our current crisis the Cobell v. Salazar litigation pro- the Osage people and comment on in providing services to our needi- viding $1.412 billion to Individual a few signifi cant issues impacting est citizens. Indian Monies (IIM) account hold- the Osage Nation. Join me in demanding that ers, less attorneys fees and other Congress pass the appropriations costs, and $2 billion to solve land An Appropriation needed by the Nation to meet its fractionation, all of which requires commitments and obligations to legislative approval of the settle- for Christmas? the Osage people and communi- ment by December 31, 2009. Ten days to Christmas and the ties. Further delay will not only One provision within the Settle- Osage Nation Congress has yet to cause harm to Osage people, but ment Agreement addresses the fulfi ll its duty to pass an annual also jeopardize tens of millions of Osage Headright Owners: operating 2010 appropriation for federal dollars potentially leading Osage Headright Owners. Principal Chief Jim Gray the Executive Branch. Just when to impacts on minerals develop- The members of the Histori- cal Accounting Class and the we thought we had answered all of revenues, regardless of revenues ment. Congress must pass the ap- members of Trust Administra- the Congressional majority’s objec- retained in our bank accounts. propriations bills now! tion Class do not include Osage tions they changed their demands– • Congress is now attempting again: An Historic Visit headright owners, except to to create an Executive Branch the extent individual Osage On November 5th, 2009, the larg- budget target (since this can headright owners have, or have est meeting of Indian tribes ever • First complaint, the Executive no longer be called a revenue had, (i) IIM Accounts in which assembled in U.S. history gathered Branch budgets were late, so projection). They are arbitrarily their Osage headright pay- they could not be expected to and unnecessarily attempting in Washington D.C. by special invi- ments have been deposited, (ii) complete their work on time, but to allow no growth in services tation of President Barack Obama. IIM Accounts for funds other now they’ve had the Executive although the need is rising. We were optimistic, given that than Osage Headright mon- Branch budgets for three long President Obama had included ies, or (iii) benefi cial ownership months. When fellow Osages are being tribes in the over three billion dol- interests in trust land. Noth- assailed by a weak economy, Con- lars in federal stimulus funding, ing in this Agreement releases • Then they didn’t like the total gress proposes to curtail services. doubling usual funding which has claims of individual Osage we proposed, so we cut 10%, or What does this mean to Osages benefi tted Indian communities by headright owners regarding roughly $3 Million. with real needs in dire times? allowing for repair of houses, con- their headright interests, except • Then the revenue projections What has happened to our Osage struction of Indian health and edu- to the extent monies from such should only include gaming values? cation facilities, increase in energy headright interests benefi cially revenues. The Osage Nation Treasurer, Mr. John Jech, was availability and effi ciency, and im- owned by such individual Indian have been deposited into an IIM Gaming Board, in an effort to called on by Congress to solve the provement of roads, social services Account for the benefi t of such help resolve the impasse, went employee Christmas bonus issue. and law enforcement. individual Indian. back through their Plan of Op- He reported that Christmas bo- Of course there was only one erations and identifi ed ways to nuses were caught in the 1/12th question on my mind, is the United The Cobell settlement is differ- increase dividends to the Na- spending restriction but moreover States ready to sit down with the ent than the Osage Nation’s law- tion. We should now run in the this restriction was wreaking hav- tribes and settle our trust fund suits against the United States for oc on grant compliance, potentially black by over $1Million and this lawsuits. Secretary Salazar re- mismanagement of Osage trust placing the fi nancial health of the is without all available projected spectfully stated the President will funds and assets. Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 29 Opinion A Message from John D. Red Eagle Ki-he-kah O-wah-ta —Assistant Principal Chief of Osage Nation on their budgets for FY2010. Con- deadlines that need to be met. If affected by this ongoing delay in gress set deadlines for budgets on this communication is not imple- the budget. Where does the solu- June 15, for the fi rst delivery of mented then we have a breakdown tion lie? It certainly doesn’t lie in proposed budget reviews. Unfortu- in the process which causes delays. the playground tactics of pointing nately, no budgets arrived for Con- Departments which may have fi ngers and accusations of secret gress to review. Congress then set some diffi culties should have ac- meetings. another deadline for July 15; again cess to the appropriate personnel We are now in the month of no budgets arrived for Congress to during this time to have any issues December and the 2nd Special review. Congress then set a third addressed before the Congressio- Session of the 1st Osage Nation deadline for August 15, and once nal deadline. Questions and con- Congress and could possibly have again no budgets arrived. Finally, cerns that are not acknowledged a third Special Session to try again just three days before the Septem- will again result in another break- to resolve this budget crunch. The ber 8, 2009 Tzi Zho session began down in any process. The scenari- Osage Nation Constitution clearly the budgets did arrive. In the busi- os mentioned above are what could states in Article VI, Section 23, ness world outside of Indian Gov- or could not have occurred, but “The annual budget shall not ex- ernment three months is ample there was a breakdown, otherwise ceed projected revenues.” Should time for a director, manager or ad- the budgets would have arrived on the annual expenditures exceed ministrator to prepare a proposed schedule. the incoming revenues? This can Assistant Principal Chief John D. Red Eagle budget and still manage their de- Who are the ones that suffer and will create problems in the partments. Granted, during this while these delays continue? The present and the future. By John D. Red Eagle, time period there was a change in Assistant Principal Chief Osage Nation employees have yet I will leave you with this thought. the Director of Operations position to receive their Christmas bonus. Two negatives do not equal a posi- within the Executive Branch. How- As of December 5, 2009 the This is just one example but it af- tive and leaders who have their ever, the process of preparing bud- Osage Nation Congress and the fects over 300 employees who rely people at heart are always willing gets should not have been delayed Offi ce of the Chief of the Osage Na- on this bonus to enjoy Christmas to resolve issues with actions and due to the change in personnel. tion have not come to any solution with their families. Many other not empty words and lawsuits. Playing the “he said, she said” to resolve any issues with the 2010 services and Osage people are also God bless and Merry Christmas. blame game does not resolve any budget. The Chief is daily blaming Congress for delays and Congress issues. What it does do is cause is blaming the Chief for ongoing positions to be defended result- delays. Chief Gray says that he ing in the creation of the deadlock pocket vetoed ONCA 10-15 which problem that currently exist in the holds the 1/12 restriction on the Osage Nation government. Could January 11th is the FY 2009 budget for use now and it be that the problem could possi- allows for the employee Christmas bly lie in the administrative man- deadline for all submissions bonuses to be paid. The Osage Na- agement of the daily operations tion Congress is saying that ONCA of the Osage Nation? Why were for the January issue of the 10-15 became law due to the fact these deadlines not met? All direc- that the bill was passed on Novem- tors, managers and administrators ber 12, 2009 and the 21st Special were notifi ed of these important Session of the 1st Osage Nation dates. Does the gag order from the Congress did not adjourn until No- Executive Branch create so much vember 17, 2009. fear that very important budget In this heated deadlock where deadlines cannot be met? The Ac- does the blame really lie? The 2010 counting Department of the Osage budget process began back in Feb- Nation should be responsible for Mark it on your calendars! ruary 2009 and all the programs working with the Director of Op- of the Osage Nation began to work erations in setting priorities and 30 December 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Opinion June 2010 Candidate Messages In accordance with the Osage News Election policy, the Osage News June 2010 election. To read more messages from the candidates, visit is allowing each candidate 200 words in every issue leading up to the www.osagenews.org. Carl “Chico” Sellers • Embracing the advantages and responsibilities we share in support- ing our diaspora, the network of Osage citizens abroad. Candidate for Principal Chief • Fulfi lling the traditional obligations of our Osage Nation by improv- Ha-we. My name is Carl “Chico” Sellers, of the ing citizens’ access to healthcare and a cultural education. Buffalo Bull Clan, Strike Axe Band. My vision as I believe the key to a successful Osage Nation lies in tactful diplomacy. Principal Chief of the Osage Nation is to contrib- Our nation-to-nation relationship with the Federal government must be ute to the rewarding efforts of all Osage elected strengthened to the advantage of the Osage shareholders and citizens. offi cials, employees, and tribal programs by de- I’d like to thank all of the citizens, representatives and employees who livering the determined leadership our citizens have created the current momentum I intend to build upon as Principal deserve. Chief of the Osage Nation. Beginning with strategic improvements in our –By Carl “Chico” Sellers professional communication and technical capa- bilities, I plan to oversee the implementation of the following developments for the sake of the Roy St. John Osage Nation’s growth and stability: Carl “Chico” Sellers Candidate for • Increasing the opportunities for success avail- able to our students, tribal industries and entrepreneurs Principal Chief • Institutionalizing an evaluation of annual performance, including a Many greetings and well wishes have been comprehensive forensic audit. written that express the meaning of this season better than I could ever hope to put into words. I fi nd this season to be a season of hope and prom- ise. My wish is that this season brings joy and happiness to each of you. May you fi nd a way to share this joy with others. Roy St. John Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. –By Roy St. John Merry Christmas and Cecelia Tallchief Happy New Year! Candidate for Assistant Principal Chief The Osage Nation has lost its direction toward www.osagenews.org the people we are supposed to serve. A govern- ment by the people and for the people is the one of the basic principles for which this great coun- try was founded. Today, the ability of our Osage government to clearly communicate and have compassion for our citizens is lacking. Communications between our government and our constituents must be better defi ned to allow our citizens access to information they need and want. I’m always open to hearing from constituents and look forward to developing a Cecelia Tallchief mechanism which will allow greater information fl ow. Compassion for the needs and desires of our people should set precedent Osage News • osagenews.org December 2009 31 Opinion on how we manage our government. In my opinion, the Osage Nation ex- beam for your family this Christmas and the coming year by living the ists to serve the needs of the people. It’s that simple. George Washington words of Jesus. Carver summed it up like this: “How far you go in life depends on your Resolve to be the best you can be. Give love with all of your heart and being tender with the young, compassionate with the ages, sympathetic spread the joy of Christmas to all you see! with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! in life you will have been all of these.” We all need to remember who we –By Jenny Miller are and where we come from. –By Cecelia Tallchief Raymond Red Corn Jenny Miller Candidate for Osage Nation Congress Candidate for Osage Nation Congress If you pay much attention to politics, you’ve And so it was that a child was born 2,009 years heard the term “vision” used frequently. Here? ago. Not lately. Strategic thinking has taken a back Let us not forget His birth, and let us not lose seat. That’s unfortunate, for few tribal nations ad- ourselves in the fray of this very special time. vance themselves without a vision. No tribal na- Light a candle in remembrance of our Savior Je- tion becomes successful by accident, although sus Christ, give thanks to God for his precious some may experience short-term success by gift and pray for peace on earth. It is then that windfall or luck. When tribal legislatures con- the pressures of this season will turn to calm and cern themselves with the smallest aspects of it is then that you can give your best self to your tribal governance, strategic thinking goes to the back burner. family. The gift of self, your best self, is the most Raymond Red Corn precious you’ll ever have to give. Be the radiant Jenny Miller This nation’s legislature should be focused on the future. Instead, our focus is often directed to the smallest of budgetary details, or to fi nding fault with other branches. This approach to govern- Without Reservations ing may make us appear busy, or score a political point now and then, but will it make us great? Will it diversify our business interests beyond gaming? Will it ensure the sustainability of the benefi ts we already distribute? These questions are seldom asked, much less answered. In the coming election some candidates will focus on personalities, while others focus on possibilities. I’m looking for candidates who believe, as I do, that there are no limits to what the Osage Nation can achieve with proper leadership and a common pur- pose. Let’s identify those candidates, and give them our support. –By Raymond Red Corn

Letters to the Editor Submissions If you’d like to submit a letter to the editor, mail it to the Osage News, Attn.: Shannon Shaw, 627 Grandview, Pawhuska, OK 74056; email [email protected], or fax to (918) 287-5563. Letters must be respectful and in- formative to the reader, and may be edited for grammar, clarity and space. Cartoon © Santo Domingo Pueblo Cartoon Artist, Ricardo Caté