Volume 5, Issue 1 • January 2009 The Official Newspaper of the Osage Nation ON Health Program to provide monetary health aid to Osage citizens —Page 3 Nation Purchases Land in Tulsa Chiefs Series —Page 4 Principal Chief Sylvester Tinker —Page 16 Address Service Requested Service Address PERMIT 1578 PERMIT PAWHUSKA, OK 74056 OK PAWHUSKA, TULSA, OK TULSA, PAID P.O. BOX 779 BOX P.O. U.S. POSTAGE U.S. OSAGE NATION OSAGE PRST STANDARD PRST 2 January 2009 Osage News • osagetribe.com 2008 Was A Great Year! ON Principal Chief Jim R. Gray the United States for misman- reservation have never been The Holiday season and the pass- agement of the Osage mineral extinguished or disestablished; ing of another year are times when estate with the U.S. Court of we give thanks for all that has been Federal Claims ruling that Additional notable accomplish- positive in our lives. I would like to the Osage Nation owns the ments include the following by cat- take this opportunity look back at Osage Mineral Estate and the egory: 2008 and also let you know what funds in the Osage tribal trust we, in my Administration, are look- account until those funds are Economic Development ing forward to in 2009. distributed to Osage headright 1. Established the Osage, LLC— Despite some very public growing holders which is significant Board fully operational hiring pains, the Osage Nation has made because this preserves the CEO now great strides as a government. Osage trust system that has 2. OMDE casino construction With the hard work, positive out- been in place since 1906, and, debt-free in 2008, highest ever look, and dedication of tribal lead- have been successful in federal earnings, new CEO on board; ers and a capable administration, district court in Washington, majority of other Osage enter- we have continued to build on the D.C. as the court has granted prises running in the black for strong foundation laid in 2006 and the Osage Nation’s motion the first time in history 2007. to intervene in the Cobell v. 3. Osage Financial Investments Principal Chief Jim Gray The Osage Nation continued to Kempthorne lawsuit to partici- Safeguarded through national move forward in our nation-build- pate in matters related to the financial crisis; completed royalties to headright owners ing efforts by increasing govern- Osage trust funds; first-ever Osage Nation Eco- by both raising the royalty mental capacity, exercising and • The Osage Nation Tax Com- nomic Impact Study (proving a rate to a higher percentage, defending sovereign rights, pro- mission and Chief’s Office $222 million positive economic and by reintroducing lease moting and protecting natural re- have also progressed on our impact in 2007). auctions as a method to in- sources and pursuing social and litigation against the state of crease competition amongst economic development opportuni- Oklahoma Tax Commissioners For the first time, we can quanti- producers in order to receive ties for the benefit of the Osage as the state was unsuccessful fy the economy of the Osage Nation, more money for mineral people. Two significant lawsuits in their attempt to appeal to and we can show how and where leases; demonstrate our commitment to the Supreme Court to have the it is strong, and where it needs • The Osage Nation Trust Team sovereignty and mineral rights pro- suit dismissed on procedural more attention. Our Economic Im- (including the Minerals Coun- tection in 2008 and action taken by grounds and now, after seven pact Study, released in 2008 but cil, Members of Congress and looking back at 2007, showed the the Minerals Council demonstrates the Chief’s Office) overseeing years, it will be heard based positive change in management: upon the merits of the case in Osage Nation had a $222 million our trust case has continued positive impact on the economy of • The Osage Nation Minerals to prosecute its claims against which we steadfastly assert Council successfully increased the boundaries of the Osage Oklahoma, making the Osage Na- tion tied for the fourth largest posi- tive economic impact among tribes “To have a free press, to inform our Osage citizens of the activities of our Nation, in Oklahoma. is essential to a lasting democracy for our people.” And while the economy of the –Jim Gray, June 8, 2008 United States overall is in troubled Osage Nation Principal Chief waters, that crisis has been slow to reach Oklahoma, and slower yet to reach the Osage Nation. Con- sequently, the Nation’s financial Communications Officer Communications investments have been protected Paula Stabler Audio / Visual / Web through a conservative invest- 627 Grandview Dawn Haney ment strategy coupled with hold- Communications Coordinator Pawhuska, OK 74056 Shannon Shaw (918) 287-5668 Communications Support www.osagetribe.com Chalene Toehay See CHIEF GRAY —Continued on Page 10 Osage News • osagetribe.com January 2009 3 A Message from John D. Red Eagle Ki-he-kah O-wah-ta —Assistant Principal Chief of Osage Nation ment security firms, and major paying for your prescription drugs. the Health Board, and we have corporations. But wait — we also On the other hand, it was unfortu- the will to go forward. Creating a saw a change of consciousness, the nate Chief Gray vetoed this bill. healthcare benefit plan for you is election of the first African Ameri- the right thing to do. The Osage can president of the United States, ONCA 08-46 Nation is taking the initiative to President Barack Obama. A major difference of opinion ap- address the healthcare needs for The fabric of our tribe remains peared with ONCA 08-46, a bill Osages across the United States. strong, and this was shown when referred to as a health benefit bill. natural disasters touched many So I ask you — what is a health Pawhuska Osage Osages across the United States. benefit? Although ONCA 08-46 Osage members faced forest fires Health Clinic is a start to providing a health As we approach building the in California, ice storms in Oklaho- benefit, the answer is that a true Osage Health Authority, expand- ma, and the disastrous hurricane healthcare benefit is supplemental ing the Pawhuska Osage Health Ike in Texas. Through the personal insurance with long-term coverage Clinic was a great start. We are be- assistance of fellow Osages, the that covers emergency care, doctor ginning a feasibility study to show Osage Emergency Management visits, hospitalization, labs, spe- that the Osage Nation is capable of Program, and the Temporary As- cial care for women and children; managing its own clinic. sistance for Needy Families orga- a diabetics’ program; a prescrip- The feasibility study is impor- nization (TANF), not only did our tion drug program; dental care, tant and will provide us with the Nation provide emergency care Vol. 3, Issue #1; January 2009 negotiating methods we need while and help to fellow tribal members and more. My vision is to create Major contributor: but also people in need. the Osage Nation Health Author- working with the Indian Health John D. Red Eagle ity. This will be a comprehensive Service (IHS) regarding the man- Writer and editor: health service delivery system be- agement of the clinic. IHS is a Cherri M. Riding In News in the Osage ginning with restructuring the cur- federally funded program that is Health Arena rent Osage health programs and required to operate under govern- On this dawning of the New Much was accomplished dur- creating an Osage Nation Health ment rules and regulations. These Year 2009, I hope each and every ing 2008 in the Health arena. Division, which Congress passed rules limit the service delivery and one of you enjoyed a happy Christ- The Osage Health and Wellness in the last March Hun-kah Session money distribution regarding the mas, and I pray that His glory will Board was launched consisting as bill ONCA 07-08. be with you throughout the year. of experts in the health field: Ron We have the ideas and infra- See ASSISTANT CHIEF Shaw, M.D., Cecelia Tallchief, Tim Entering a New Year forces us to structure, we have the experts on —Continued on Page 14 think back on everything that has Tallchief, and Paul Stabler. They taken place on a personal, busi- add value to the Osage Health and ness, and government level and to Wellness Board bringing over 100 reflect upon our reactions and be- years experience and knowledge in haviors. the medical field. Their experience Clinical/Medical Service Program First and foremost, I want to pay ranges from Indian Health Servic- tribute to all the Osage men and es, the State Health Department, to give monetary aid to Osages women serving in the armed forc- nursing, family medicine, elder es. I want you to know I am proud care, and emergency care services. By Tammy Bright, Public Health Nurse of you. Your dedication, bravery, Progress continued throughout Osage Nation Health Programs are excited to announce the addition and strength will help secure this 2008. On June 2008, the Health of our new program, Clinical/Medical Service Program, under the direc- country’s future, and you have my Board completed its charter, and tion of Marie Rumsey, R.N. The Clinical/Medical Service Program will deepest gratitude and respect. September ushered in the first provide all Osage tribal members, regardless of age or residence, with The year 2008 was a year filled smoke-free day on the Osage Cam- monetary assistance for medical-related needs (i.e. eyeglasses, dental, with unbelievable events. We saw pus. Additionally, ONCA 07-52 au- hearing aides, co-pays, medications, and other special medical equip- terrorist attacks with the latest thorized the Executive Branch to ment).