National Indian Taco Championship Page 8

Volume 12, Issue 10 • October 2016 The Official Newspaper of the Osage Nation

TARA MADDEN/Osage News Members of the Fifth Osage Nation Congress gather for a portrait in the Congressional Chambers building on Sept. 9. Seated, from left: William “Kugee” Supernaw, Joe Tillman, RJ Walker, (standing) Dr. Ron Shaw, Shannon Edwards, Archie Mason, Maria Whitehorn, James Norris, Congressional Speaker Angela Pratt, John Maker, Alice Buf- falohead and Otto Hamilton. ON Congress passes

budgets, Chief Standing CHALENE TOEHAY-TARTSAH/Osage News Osage delegation delivered supplies to Sacred Stone Camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Reservation on Bear vetoes five bills Sept. 6. Benny Polacca passing on Sept. 29 were Osage News sent to Principal Chief Geof- Osage delegation accepted into Sacred frey Standing Bear’s office With less than 48 hours for review and consideration remaining in the 2016 fis- of action. Standing Bear Stone Camp on Standing Rock Reservation cal year, the Fifth Osage signed the FY 2017 budget Stone Camp at approximately Locals riding on horseback, Nation Congress passed the bills and said his office was Chalene Toehay-Tartsah with other riders greeting one remaining governmental op- reviewing the budgets and Osage News 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6. another, and children playing. erations budgets and other said he is requesting a Con- As the delegations’ vehicles It seemed like a peaceful place. spending bills. See Budget NEAR CANNONBALL, came over a small hillside Those legislative items —Continued on Page 6 N.D. – The Osage Nation del- they could see the campsites. See SACRED STONE egation arrived at the Sacred The sight was breathtaking. —Continued on Page 4 Angela Pratt elected Osage Nation Congressional Speaker Shannon Shaw Duty Osage News

The Fifth Osage Nation Congress elected Congress- woman Angela Pratt to be Con- gressional Speaker on Sept. 28. Her election follows the resignation of Congressman Archie Mason. In an 7-5 vote Pratt bested Second Speaker Otto Hamil- TARA MADDEN/Osage News ton, who will remain Second Thomas Eaves, 57, is led by ONPD to the Osage County Jail on Sept. Speaker. 22 to be released. Congresswoman Alice Buf- falohead nominated Pratt. Voting for Pratt were Congress Courtesy Photo members Buffalohead, Shan- Angela Pratt was elected as Congressional Speaker for the Fifth Osage Osage man charged with non Edwards, Mason, William Nation Congress on Sept. 28. “Kugee” Supernaw, Joseph second-degree homicide is freed She was nominated against Hamilton won by one vote, also Tillman, Maria Whitehorn Shannon Shaw Duty and Pratt. Congressman John Mason in July for Speaker after a series of tie votes. Pratt is in her third year of Osage News Maker nominated Hamilton. but lost by one vote after a se- her first term on the Congress; Voting for Hamilton were Con- ries of tie votes. She was also After what has been a federal and tribal legal quagmire, gressmen RJ Walker, James she is the fourth woman to nominated for Second Speaker hold the position of Speaker. Thomas Mongrain Eaves was released from Osage County Norris, Ron Shaw, John Maker Jail today. and Hamilton. in July against Hamilton but Her aunt Jerri Jean Brans- tetter was also Congressio- Eaves, 57, was arrested in August of last year for alleg- nal Speaker when she served edly beating to death his non-Indian girlfriend Starr Pen- on the First and Second nington, 44, at his residence on federal Indian land. The ON Congress. case was tried in April in federal court. She is currently the Chair However, after U.S. District Judge John Dowdell ruled for the Rules and Ethics and that Eaves was illegally arrested due to procedural issues and dismissed the case, the Osage Nation filed a charge of Cultural congressional com- second-degree homicide to keep him in jail. mittees. She also sits on the ON Assistant Attorney General Jeff Jones said in April Appropriations, Commerce that he hoped the U.S. attorney’s office would press new and Economic Development, charges so Eaves could be tried again. But, he said, that of- and Health and Social Servic- fice has not refiled. es congressional committees. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Jurisdiction minor in Criminal Justice. She Under the Major Crimes Act, tribes do not have jurisdiction BENNY POLACCA/Osage News served in the U.S. Army as a See Eaves Osage Nation Congressional Speaker Angela Pratt on Sept. 29 during the See Speaker —Continued on Page 6 2016 Tzi-Zho Session. —Continued on Page 6

Inside the Osage News Follow the Osage News Online Standing Rock Resolution Passed...... 2 Elder Series: Kenny Bighorse...... 9 • Breaking news at osagenews.org Speaker Mason Resigns...... 3 Energy Column...... 15 • facebook.com/osagenews Largest Earthquake in Oklahoma History...... 3 Culture Column ...... 16 • twitter.com/osagenews Congress Updates Projected Revenues...... 7 Classifieds / Obituaries...... 18 • flickr.com/osagenews 2 October 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org

Fifth ON Chief Standing Bear issued proclamation Congress passes resolution of in support of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Shannon Shaw Duty Army Corp of Engineers and support for Osage News the local pipeline ownership to look to responsible stew- Osage Nation Principal Standing Rock ardship of nature, the Tribe’s Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear Sioux Tribe issued a proclamation in sup- cultural lands, and safety for port of the Standing Rock water the community resi- Benny Polacca Sioux Tribe in its fight against dents and area wildlife need Osage News the Dakota Access Oil Pipeline on their reservation, according on Sept. 1. to a news release. He said he began working The Fifth Osage Na- “The Osage Nation sup- with Osage Casinos in send- tion Congress opened ports the people of Standing their 2016 Tzi-Zho Session ing supplies to the Standing Rock who are protecting the with a vote of support for Rock Sioux people and their families the week before and land and waters,” Standing the Standing Rock Sioux he was in full support of the Bear said. “People everywhere Tribe in North Dakota, Wahzhazhe Youth Council’s which is protesting and should think hard about the Native Oklahoma Stands with suing an energy company priorities of our society. Should Standing Rock Rally. The rally to stop a gas pipeline from the earth be used up by the hu- was held Saturday on the ON man race or should we respect being built near their res- campus from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ervation and drinking “We are also taking any the limits of the earth?” water sources. food, blankets or other dona- Items shipped to those The resolution (ONCR tions to the Standing Rock camped at Cannonball River 16-36 sponsored by Con- Sioux that may be donated at included: 720 blankets, 72 gresswoman Angela Pratt) the rally,” Standing Bear said all-weather heavy-duty flash- passed with a 9-1 vote af- in an email. lights and batteries, and 100 ter debate and discussion The Sioux at Standing Rock hand-held flashlights with on Sept. 6 and will be pre- have been seeking – for more batteries. More supplies will sented to Principal Chief than two years – meaningful Courtesy Photo Geoffrey Standing Bear for dialogue and consultation with be coming from the Nation and Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear’s Proclamation in support of the his review and action. The the U.S. Government, the U.S. Osage Casinos. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. resolution is “to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in defense of their sovereign rights.” Five Osage elders to Pratt, who filed the reso- lution on Aug. 29, said she did so as part of a nation- be honored at AARP wide effort by other Native American tribes who have Oklahoma Indian also passed resolutions or issued letters of support to the Standing Rock Sioux Elder Honors Oct. 10 Tribe, which is protesting Shannon Shaw Duty construction of the Dakota Osage News Access Pipeline in North Dakota just outside the Five Osage elders will be honored at this year’s 8th AARP tribe’s reservation bound- Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors. They are Mary Gray Bighorse, Osage News File Photo ary near the Missouri and Charles “Chuck” Hessert, Nancy Keil, Ardina Revard Moore and Medals given out to the honorees at the Indian Elders Honors in Okla- Minerals Councilwoman Kathryn Red Corn. Cannon Ball rivers. homa City. The event will be hosted on Oct. 10 in Oklahoma City at the Congressman Ron National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Doors open Nancy Keil Osage Nation Shaw, who cast the lone at 4:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. A complimentary buffet meal Councilwoman Kathryn Red Corn Osage Nation “no” vote, said he believes will be served prior to medallion presentations. An RSVP is re- Ardina Revard Moore Quapaw Tribe quired to attend the event by Oct. 5. the Nation already ex- & Osage Nation The AARP Oklahoma honors 50 Native American elders each pressed its support with Don Childs Otoe-Missouria Tribe year who are selected from a nomination process. This year more the Sept. 1 executive or- than 25 tribes will be represented at the honors. Virginia Thomas Otoe-Missouria Tribe der issued by Principal Among the honorees are traditional speakers, veterans, envi- Randall Whitehorn Otoe-Missouria Tribe Chief Geoffrey Standing ronmental activists, tribal leaders, tribal attorneys, cultural and Duane Pratt, Sr. Pawnee Nation Bear and another related spiritual leaders, physicians and storytellers. Wayne Blalock Peoria Tribe document is unneces- AARP Oklahoma has recognized 350 elders from all 39-feder- Therese Buffalohead Ponca Nation sary. Shaw also said his ally recognized tribes and nations in Oklahoma since its incep- Principal Chief Elizabeth Rhoads Sac and Fox Nation tion in 2009. It is the largest gathering of its kind in the state. “no” vote should not be Judy Crain Baggett Sac and Fox Nation Anyone interested in joining the AARP Oklahoma Inter-Trib- Darlene Henneha Seminole Nation construed as not support- al Community Group can send an email to: [email protected]. More Jane McGiesey Seminole Nation ing the Standing Rock information about AARP Oklahoma’s Native American outreach Ruthe Blalock Jones Shawnee Tribe Sioux Tribe. can be found on the AARP Oklahoma Indian Navigator website Charles Coleman Thlopthlocco Tribal Town Standing Bear’s procla- at: www.aarp.org/okindiannavigator. Walter Watts Wyandotte Nation mation stated: “The Osage To RSVP for the event call (877) 926-8300. A full list of this year’s honorees: Myles Stephenson, Sr. Wichita and Affiliated Nation through its govern- Melpherd Switch Absentee Shawnee Tribe Tribes ment and casinos should Jenifer Sloan Absentee Shawnee Tribe Jacob Littledave United Keetoowah make contributions to pre- Beverly Cowan Cherokee Nation Band of Cherokees serve the safety, health Dr. Ricky Robinson Ph.D United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees and security of the people Dr. John Edward Leadership Award Recipient: Fan Robinson Cherokee Nation who are encamped for the Rev. Dr. David Wilson Choctaw Nation purpose of peaceful ex- John Wayne Cloud Cherokee Nation Karyn Braswell Cherokee Nation pression of their objections Viola Sutton-Hatch Cheyenne and to the dangers facing the Arapaho Tribes waters and lands.” Mary Jo Green Chickasaw Nation The 9-1 vote was record- Don Hayes Chickasaw Nation ed with two absences that Dean McManus Chickasaw Nation 604 Kihekah • Pawhuska, OK 74056 day from Congress mem- Walter Phelps Choctaw Nation Linda Watson Choctaw Nation (918) 287-5668 bers Shannon Edwards Rosa Taylor Gilmore Choctaw Nation www.osagenews.org and John Maker. Sylvester Moore Choctaw Nation The Osage delegation, Beverly Hughes Citizen Potawatomi Editor which transported do- Nation Shannon Shaw Duty nated necessities to the Vice Chairman Linda Capps Citizen Potawatomi Sacred Stone Camp near Nation Senior Reporter Dr. Robbie Wahnee Comanche Nation Cannon Ball, N.D. earlier Benny Polacca Frank Osborne, Jr. Delaware Nation this week, is expected to Chief Chester (Chet) Brooks Delaware Tribe Features Reporter / Graphic Design return to Oklahoma on Howard Barnes Delaware Tribe Friday Sept. 9. Virginia Fanning Eastern Shawnee Tribe Tara Madden The Tzi-Zho Session con- Eugene Big Soldier Iowa Tribe Editorial Assistant / Photographer tinues with the Congress Cecil Wahpekeche Kickapoo Tribe Chalene Toehay-Tartsah meeting for Day 4 on Sept. Gary Kodaseet Kiowa Tribe Dr. N. Scott Momaday Kiowa Tribe 9. For more information, Frank Leonard Miami Tribe Osage News Editorial visit the Congressional Jon Mark TigerMuscogee (Creek) Nation Board Members website at: https://www. Myrtle Denney Muscogee (Creek) Nation Jerri Jean Branstetter osagenation-nsn.gov/who- Rosalee “Rose” Marshall Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lu King we-are/legislative-branch. Mary Gray-Bighorse Osage Nation Teresa Trumbly Lamsam Charles Eugene ‘Chuck’ Hessert Osage Nation Osage News • osagenews.org October 2016 3 Mason announces resignation as Congressional Speaker Benny Polacca The Congress will meet at Osage News 5 p.m. today and will consider business regarding selection of Citing family concerns and a new Speaker. obligations, Osage Nation According to the Congres- Congressional Speaker Archie sional rules, upon resignation Mason announced his resigna- or death of the Speaker during tion from the top post of the a session, the position shall be Legislative Branch. immediately nominated from In a Sept. 22 letter to his the floor and elected by secret Congressional colleagues, Ma- ballot for the remainder of son said he finds his “devotion the term. Excluding election to this Congress and our Osage years, the Speaker position is people to be demanding yet elected by the Congress at the wonderfully rewarding. How- Courtesy Photo end of each Hun-Kah Session in the spring. ever, circumstances reflect Osage Nation Congressman Archie my time shared and precious Mason “I look forward to return- considering I am the primary ing to the floor of Congress, caregiver and companion to tional position and carries a continuing my contributions my wife of 32 years who re- title most appreciated. Howev- to the committees which I sit, sides in Tulsa.” er, I have discovered that I can working within our Congres- A 10-year Congress member, no longer contribute the need- sional routines, and support- Mason was elected Speaker by ed maximum effort, which this ing the next Speaker,” Mason the Fifth ON Congress in July position requires and wish not wrote. “I further notice that I after winning re-election to to slight my professionalism to remain in legal posture and his third four-year term in the you and our Osage Nation. Af- shall follow direction from the Courtesy Photo/Ryan RedCorn next Speaker regarding (the June general election. He also ter thoughtful considerations, An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 became the largest in state his- served four one-year terms as I respectfully announce my ongoing court case involving tory and did considerable damage in Pawnee. the inaugural Speaker while resignation as Speaker of the the Congressional subpoenas serving on the First ON Con- Fifth Osage Nation Congress in ON Trial Court) and shall gress. Tzi-Zho Session effective Sept. continue in this legal position “Being Speaker is an excep- 28,” Mason wrote. until a determination is made.” Nation working with EPA after largest earthquake Longtime domestic in state history Shannon Shaw Duty Osage County. Injection wells, Osage News or wastewater disposal wells, have been scientifically linked violence coordinator claims to the earthquakes. Much attention has been In a conference call between given to the Osage Nation Dallas-based EPA Region 6 after an earthquake with a and Principal Chief Geoffrey wrongful termination magnitude of 5.8 became the Standing Bear on Sept. 8, an largest in state history. EPA representative said they Shannon Shaw Duty ment Notification (GAN) for Its epicenter, near Paw- called the owners of the wells Osage News a Victims of Crime Act nee, is only about 20 minutes but no official order twas giv- (VOCA) grant. southwest of Grayhorse. en. Some of the wells were al- The Oklahoma Corporation LaVina Clark is starting a Clark said she was work- ready shut down and an owner Commissioner (OCC) Matt new job with the Kaw Nation ing on the GAN with a Grants of five wells has asked to be Skinner erroneously told The on Tuesday as its Indian Child Management employee when exempt from the request and Associated Press the Envi- Welfare caseworker. Tillman told her she was ter- reopen his wells. minated and that her personal ronmental Protection Agency Clark had been previously Standing Bear said the Na- employed as the Osage Na- belongings were at the police (EPA) ordered the shut down tion’s domestic violence co- station. of 17 injection wells located See Earthquake ordinator for 11 years until Clark emailed the Nation’s in a 211-square-mile area in —Continued on Page 6 being terminated on July 8 Whistleblowers Hotline, but for insubordination and policy nothing came of it, she said. violations. She had received The Osage News requested comment from Kelly Corbin, many accolades over the years Osage News File Photo for her performance as the who chairs the whistleblower coordinator of the Nation’s LaVina Clark committee, but he did not re- DV program. ness statements from three spond before publication of “I was unjustly suspended of Clark’s colleagues were this article. and 10 days later terminat- presented at the grievance Clark said Tillman had ed,” Clark said in a written hearing and backed Clark’s as- planned to move the DV pro- statement to the Osage News. sertions. gram under the Community “Osage Nation policy was not The Osage News reached Health Representatives (CHR) followed on three different out to Ashlock and Tillman program. That did not happen, occasions. I have worked for for comment and received an and Olivia Gray was named the Nation for 11 years and emailed press release from the acting domestic violence coor- never had a disciplinary ac- Nation’s Attorney General’s of- dinator on Aug. 29. tion against me. I am well re- fice on Sept. 29. It read: spected within the Tribe and “The Osage Nation termi- Police Report community and my funding nated LaVina Clark’s employ- After Clark was terminated, agencies.” ment pursuant to the Osage she said she called the Coun- Courtesy Photo/Osage Nation ENR Department Clark said she loved her Nation Employee Policies seling Center to determine Location of injection wells. job, felt as if it was her call- & Procedures Manual. The when she could retrieve per- ing in life, until her supervisor Osage Nation afforded Mrs. sonal items from her office. Brooke Ashlock was hired two Clark her due process rights She said she was told Ashlock years ago. She said a combina- throughout the termination had taken those items to the tion of old grudges and abusive process, including granting her Osage Nation Police Station. behavior was displayed. Clark request for a grievance hear- That violated Human Resourc- and Ashlock worked together ing. Pursuant to Osage Na- es policy, she said. under the Red Eagle adminis- tion policies and procedures, a In the event of involuntary tration until Ashlock resigned. neutral independent hearing terminations, the ON Hu- After her termination, Clark officer presided over the griev- man Resources manual says said she went through her due ance hearing. After hearing on page 45: “Terminated em- process and the termination testimony from both parties ployees will be accompanied to was upheld. Clark said she felt and reviewing the evidence, their workstations by a repre- as if she was tag-teamed by sentative from the HR Depart- Ashlock and Manon Tillman, the hearing officer upheld Mrs. Clark’s termination.” ment while removing personal the Nation’s Health and Well- effects.” ness Division leader, who has Clark provided the Osage News with documents from Clark said she went to the also been in her post for about police station to get her be- a year. her grievance hearing that included three employee writ- longings but noticed that a Clark’s termination was up- black zip-up folder was miss- held after a grievance hearing. ten warnings from Ashlock and Tillman, witness state- ing. She said that it contained Clark said she came to the all disciplinary actions against Osage News because Ashlock ments from colleagues regard- ing Ashlock’s behavior, such her by Ashlock and Tillman, lied to Tillman and the griev- emails regarding the grants as hanging up on telephone ance officer about all incidents adjustment notification, wit- conversations, screaming at relating to her termination. ness statements and other evi- employees over the phone and The Osage News reached dence she wanted to present in special rules for Clark she did out to Counseling Center her grievance hearing. not exercise on other employ- staff members to corroborate According to an incident re- ees. According to the docu- Clark’s claims. One member port filed July 9 by ONPD Of- ments, Clark was written up declined an interview, saying ficer Rhoda Holleman, Clark for insubordination (she asked Ashlock was trying to termi- asked the ONPD to retrieve nate the member. The three Tillman why she believed other members did not re- Ashlock’s lies), and failure See Termination Courtesy Photo/ Osage Nation ENR Department spond. However, signed wit- to complete a Grants Adjust- —Continued on Page 7 Location of injection wells. 4 October 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org Sacred Stone –from Page 1 For a split second, the delega- tion thought they had taken a step back in time. The Sacred Stone Camp, the peaceful protest hub that is currently being occupied by thousands of individuals protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline that plans to run through the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s reservation, is filled with tents, shades and teepees. Women are cook- ing and taking care of their campsites, men are carrying wood, and others gather under shades and look to be shar- ing stories. People laughing throughout the camp can be heard. Security waited for the Osage delegation at the en- trance. Signs were posted on both sides of the road. Each sign with the quotes “Water is Life” and “NoDAPL.” All photos by Chalene Toehay-Tartsah With the events that have A scene of the camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Reservation that is protecting their water source from the planned Dakota Access Pipeline that occurred during the past cou- could go through their lands. The tribe claims there was not an adequate consultation when the pipe’s route was planned. ple of days, a private security firm used mace on the protes- tors and allowed their dogs to bite people, the locals wanted to make sure that everyone has checked in with the prop- er credentials as far as “me- dia” goes. The delegation was told that news stories have been turned around about the peaceful gathering that is Sa- cred Stone Camp. The Osages who came along for the trip got out of their vehicles and started looking around. They are Herman Sleeper, Julie and Alaina Mak- er, Margo Gray, Dava Daylight and Gage McKinley-Gray. A woman who was sitting in her vehicle began to look at the The Osage delegation delivered supplies to Sacred Stone Camp on the The delegation speaks to reporters from Reuters. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Reservation on Sept. 6. Osage women as they put on their Pendleton blankets. She leaned out of her vehicle and asked “Where are you from?” The Osage delegation turned to look at her and Gray said, “We’re Osage. We came from Oklahoma.” The woman shook her head softly and smiled at everyone and said, “Welcome ... thank you for coming.” With the surroundings unfa- miliar a very familiar face ap- proached their vehicles. Mary Mashunkashey, former Osage Nation Tax Commissioner, is in the Bismarck area for a Donations from across the United States have been given to help the Tribal Leadership Meeting Tribal flags line the road leading into the Sacred Stone Camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in its legal fight to protect their water sources and heard about the Osages Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Reservation that is protecting their water from the planned Dakota Access Pipeline. who were coming to the camp. source from the planned Dakota Access Pipeline that could go through The group greeted her with their lands. The tribe claims there was not an adequate consultation welcome arms. when the pipe’s route was planned. Mashunkashey notified the camp coordinators about their arrival. At that point, they were directed to move to the front so that they could be in- troduced to the crowd. As the Osages walked up in their Pendleton blankets the crowd began to get silent. Gray greeted everyone and gave a little history on the Osage and about their reason for stand- ing with Standing Rock. After introductions were made Daylight said a prayer in Osage. At one point her voice Osage delegation delivered supplies to Sacred Stone Camp on the Stand- became sad as she prayed. The ing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Reservation on Sept. 6. They drove a U-Haul from Mary Mashunkashey and Gage McKinley-Gray. Pawhuska to deliver donated items. local tribal members stood up by their chairs and put their heads down and prayed with LEFT: Osage delegation from left: Mary Mashunkashey, Gage McKin- her. ley-Gray, Julia Maker, Alaina Mak- Sleeper carried the Osage er, Margo Gray, Herman Sleeper Nation flag and held it with and Dava Daylight. The group de- pride as the Osages were livered supplies to the Standing greeted at the Sacred Stone Rock Sioux Tribe on Sept. 6. Camp. After their introductions, RIGHT: Margo Gray and Dava Day- Gray wanted to give the Osage light pose with the Osage Nation Nation flag to the camp so flag at the Sacred Stone Camp on that the nation’s flag could fly the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s with the other tribal flags on Reservation that is protecting their their poles. When the flag was water source from the planned Da- passed over, the crowd began kota Access Pipeline that could to applaud as it was held up go through their lands. The tribe in the air by Charles Walker, claims there was not an adequate a Standing Rock Sioux Tribe consultation when the pipe’s route council member. The men be- was planned. gan to yell out in war cries and the women began to lulu. the vehicle so that it could be tied the Osage delegation ning around, and saw tribes At the end of the day, the “I got choked up for a little unloaded. smiled at one another. setting up more camps. The delegation began to feel tired bit,” said Wahzhazhe Youth When the door was slid open weather felt like a cool fall eve- from their long journey to Council President Alaina Mak- they began to help Julia and ning. Gray looked around and North Dakota. But, before re- er after hearing the war cries. Alaina Maker, McKinley-Gray Camp Life said, “This is amazing. Look at tiring for the night, they want- The U-Haul was surrounded and Daylight unload the items. The Osage delegation be- all these camps.” The smell of ed to help cook. by the locals upon arrival. The The unloading process took gan to make their journey burnt wood filled the air as if For more information about Osage Nation delegation was approximately 40 minutes. around the campsites. They they were getting ready for a Sacred Stone Camp, visit: directed as to where to park After the U-Haul was emp- saw horses tied up, kids run- meal. www.sacredstonecamp.org Osage News • osagenews.org October 2016 5 Nation awaits 10th Circuit Court ruling in Wind Farm case Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton pits measuring 60 feet wide Special to Osage News and 30 feet deep. In the pro- cess, it excavated more than The briefs are all in and a 60,000 cubic yards of lime- federal appeals court will hear stone, dolemite and other min- arguments next month chal- erals, ran the smaller chunks lenging a lower court decision through a rock crusher, then to allow Osage Wind to con- returned them to the earth, duct excavation work in Osage thus prompting a debate on County without a permit from the definition of “mining.” the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Under federal statute, any At 9 a.m. on Nov. 16, an as- mining activity conducted in yet unnamed panel of judges Osage County requires a per- with the Tenth Circuit Court mit from the BIA. in Denver will consider over- Acting on behalf of the Osage Minerals Council, the turning a September 2015 rul- United States brought the ing from the Northern District litigation forward in 2014, con- of Oklahoma in which U.S. tending that the company was Osage News File Photo District Judge James Payne appraised of that requirement held that Osage Wind and its The Osage Nation awaits a court ruling from the 10th Circuit Court in Denver in its Wind Farm appeal but ignored it anyway and at parent companies, Enel Green one point, sped up construc- Power North America and mean that any time a surface erals Council’s appeal, the “The OMC could have taken tion in an effort to finish its owner digs a hole on his or her three-judge panel will consider Enel Kansas, do not need a work before a federal court many actions in lieu of waiting land that would disturb any a challenge from Enel as to mining permit to dig pits for could issue a ruling. until the last minute,” Enel at- quantity of common minerals, whether the body even has suf- wind turbine foundations. Attorneys for Enel and he or she would have to obtain ficient standing to intervene in torney Deana Bennett wrote. “Without an appeal of the Osage Wind have maintained the case. The Osage Minerals district court’s decision, the that their clients’ dig sites either a permit or a lease for “By way of example, the OMC Council’s attorneys electroni- OMC has no ability to preserve were not mining because the any digging and backfilling,” could have informed the Unit- its sovereign and statutory he wrote. “A broader reading cally filed their initial motion rock was left where they found ed States that if the United right to develop its mineral it, just in a different form. would also mean that every after 5 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2015, estate and the district court However, in his ruling, proposed construction project the last day to appeal. States did not appeal, it would, decision would deprive Osage Payne dismissed the mining in Osage County that requires In previous court filings, and have requested a decision headright owners of their valu- digging and backfilling, includ- the council’s attorneys have definition proffered by the by a date certain. able trust property,” Osage federal government and the ing building a single-family contended that the delay was Minerals Council attorney Jef- Osage Nation, calling it too home, multi-family apartment caused by uncertainty on “The OMC caused its own frey Rasmussen wrote. broad and compared the wind building, commercial building, whether the U.S. Attorney’s predicament and should not or septic tank, would be sub- Office would go to the Tenth In an effort to install foun- farm construction to a private be allowed to now blame the dations for 84 wind turbines homeowner’s do-it-yourself ject to approval by the Osage Circuit or allow Payne’s ruling across 8,400 acres near Bur- project. Nation.” to stand, a notion Enel’s attor- United States or the district bank, Okla., Osage Wind dug “A broader reading would Along with the Osage Min- neys scoffed at. court for its failures.”

ON Congress approves more ON Congress passes government budgets, spending bills Judicial, Legislative Benny Polacca from Congress mem- students they anticipate, or Osage News bers Shannon Edwards has it already started … I’ll be and some government and Maria Whitehorn. voting ‘no.’” During the Sept. 28 ses- Congressman Ron Shaw sion, the Fifth Osage Nation Edwards said the language/ noted during the budget con- division budgets Congress passed more govern- cultural resources division bill sideration process, this budget Benny Polacca ment operations budgets for contains the Nation’s new im- was reduced by $340,000 and Osage News the 2017 fiscal year and other mersion school program and most of the budget revenue budget-related bills. wanted to hear more infor- will come from tribal funds. Several 2017 fiscal year budgets for Osage Nation gov- Those passed bills and reso- mation about the school pro- Standing Bear previously ernment operations received approval from the Fifth Osage lutions will be sent to Princi- gram. The Executive Branch told Osage News the immer- Nation Congress on Sept. 27. pal Chief Geoffrey Standing launched the immersion pro- sion school with kindergarten In a session that recessed for already-scheduled Con- Bear’s office for review and gram for Osage children (ages program started Aug. 15 and gressional committee meetings and ended at 8:45 p.m., the consideration of action. Those 0-5 last year) and is now offer- there is an increase of nine Congress considered budgets following three-plus weeks of bills passing include: ing a kindergarten class start- students this year from 2015’s discussion, debate and amendments. • ONCA 16-94: The budget ing this year. inaugural class of 19. Current- The approved bills, along with other legislation awaiting for the Nation’s Language “That is a multimillion-dol- ly four kindergarten students Congressional votes, will be sent to Principal Chief Geoffrey and Cultural Resources lar investment,” Edwards said, are attending the immersion Standing Bear’s office for review and consideration of action. Division set at $4,201,585. adding, “Based on the fact school this year. He also said The approved budgets come as the 2016 fiscal year ends Congressman Ron Shaw, that I didn’t see any support at the time the kindergarten Sept. 30 and amid a lawsuit now in the ON Trial Court. current chairman of documentation for that, there class would be kept small due The Executive Branch filed a complaint regarding the Con- the Congressional ap- was no one here to discuss the to funding. gressional subpoenas demanding salary, governmental op- plan, etc., unless someone can propriations committee, • ONCA 16-107: An act to erations and education division information during the first is sponsor of all budget enlighten me how this immer- week of the Tzi-Zho Session. bills. ONCA 16-94 passed sion school works, how many See Vetoes Congressman RJ Walker said the Congressional Affairs 10-2 with “no” votes teachers there are, how many —Continued on Page 17 committee met in executive session on Sept. 23 and 27 to discuss preparing budgets for litigation costs on the Con- gressional side. According to the Trial Court, the Legislative Branch has ON Congress issues subpoenas until Oct. 11 to file a response to the complaint. At issue in the court complaint and Congressional subpoe- nas is additional budget and operations-related information for additional budget information that Congress members say is used to help make informed decisions in the budget consideration process. The informa- tion requested is supporting documentation that has tradi- from Executive Branch tionally been given to the Congress in the past that lists Benny Polacca employee salary amounts for each individual program or Osage News department, how many employees work there, the amount used for travel, professional fees for contractors, amounts The Fifth Osage Nation for supplies, space cost and other operating expenses. Congress voiced several com- In the past, directors for these programs and departments plaints during its first week of would go before Congressional committees and answer any the 2016 Tzi-Zho Session over questions Congress members had about their budgets. This concerns they do not have the year, Standing Bear’s administration did not allow directors necessary financial and gov- to attend Congressional committee meetings and instead ernment operations informa- sent appointed Executive Branch staff to answer any ques- tion to set the 2017 fiscal year tions. budgets. In a Sept. 9 email to all Osage employees, Chief of Staff Ja- In previous years, the Con- son Zaun wrote that all communications with the Congress gress received supporting were now a legal matter and any communication, including production of documents, “must now be cleared through le- documentation with informa- TARA MADDEN/Osage News tion on the ON programs and gal counsel” after Congresswoman Alice Buffalohead invited departments, which includes The Osage Nation Congressional Chambers, located on the ON Campus directors to the Governmental Operations Committee meet- their operations, the number in Pawhuska. ings to discuss their budgets. She wrote, “The Osage people of constituents served and in- formation does not allow them cials seeking various support listening in love to hear about how their Osage Nation dol- formation on employee sala- to make informed decisions documents on the education lars are being used to serve them by the very people who ries. This year, the Executive on the government operations division and information on conduct the work day in and day out.” Branch submitted government budgets. Standing Bear said his administration “sought to protect government employee posi- division budgets without those As a result, the Congress See Debates documents and several mem- has voted to issue five subpoe- See Subpoenas —Continued on Page 14 bers of Congress say that in- nas to Executive Branch offi- —Continued on Page 18 6 October 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org

early September as well. “This horse village community communities have utility in- Budget is a vote that shows my dis- building. The money will be frastructures that are 100 Eaves –from Page 1 pleasure at how this (Execu- appropriated to the Nation’s years old and those systems capital asset and improve- –from Page 1 gressional special session that tive Branch) administration would start crumbling. The has presented its budgets to us ment fund, according to rural water district covers over major crimes such as would start Oct. 25 to address and how we’ve been asked and the bill, which passed with northeastern Osage County homicide that happen on remaining funding matters. required to pass out operating a unanimous 12-0 vote. including Bowring and Whip- their reservations. Tribal The Tzi-Zho Session ended on Oct. 4 at approximately budgets for this Nation to keep poorwill, which are just south courts can prosecute ma- Shaw said he was prompted 7:30 p.m. after all approved this Nation running.” of Hulah Lake. Walker said jor crimes but can only is- to sponsor ONCA 16-106 be- Congressional legislation was Bowering residents met with sue a penalty of up to one cause the current Grayhorse sent to the Executive Branch • ONCA 16-105: An act to the Congressional Health and to three years in jail and community building is out- for consideration of action. authorize and approve Social Services Committee and dated and has a roof leak (dur- fines. Felony cases are the Standing Bear vetoed five ap- $100,000 to the capital as- said school workers must haul ing inclement weather) that jurisdiction of the federal proved bills when the October set and improvement fund boiling water to wash food and cannot be repaired and “many government. issue of the Osage News went for designing a sculpture dishes to feed the children. “I people consider it structurally Jones noted that there to press. of Osage Chief Claremore. think this is a government-to- unsound.” Shaw said the com- is no statute of limitations Before wrapping the Oct. The bill passed with an 8-4 government relationship … I’ll munity buildings in the three on murder and that the 4 session, the ON Congress vote with “no” votes from Osage districts are the focal be supporting this,” he said. U.S. Attorney’s Office can voted to override the five ve- Congress members William point for cultural activities, Whitehorn said she sup- file new charges against toes issued by Standing Bear. “Kugee” Supernaw, Maria including funerals, committee ports the bill adding she be- Those vetoed bills were: ONCA Whitehorn, Alice Buffalo- Eaves if new evidence is dinners/ meetings, handgames lieves if other governments 16-83 - An act to remove the head and Congressional discovered. If convicted in and other special events, so come to the Nation – and the safe harbor of elected officials federal court, he would go Speaker Angela Pratt. “it’s time to get a structurally Nation is able to help – for as- and employees of the Osage to federal prison. sound building.” sistance with essential needs Nation who act in reliance on According to the ON af- Buffalohead said she is not like water, then the Nation the opinions of the Attorney fidavit for Eaves’ arrest opposed to the concept of the should help. “It’s about help- General; ONCA 16-97 – An • ONCA 16-109 (Edwards): warrant, Pennington’s bill, but is disappointed in the ing another government entity act to amend Osage law to add “lack of organization in how An appropriation bill for a body had multiple bruis- with a need that they have,” uniform definitions, meanings projects like this are done,” $50,000 capital asset grant es, and the Oklahoma she said. and application to be used in which she believes is unfair to to the Osage County Ru- Chief Medical Examiner’s all legislation, budgeting and the Osage people and would ral Water District No. 20 Office said a head injury spending; ONCA 16-100 – An not support the bill. (Hulah) for facility improve- Other approved spending occurred shortly before act to repeal and replace the Supernaw said he is voting ments, water treatment bills for FY 2017 death and could not have current ON pay-for-perfor- equipment, installation “no,” noting he is not against • ONCA 16-84, which is the been caused by a fall. Its mance act with the ON mer- and maintenance costs. Claremore but believes a plan FY 2017 operations budget report also said that Pen- it-based employment system The bill comes as the water is needed on accommodat- for the ON Attorney Gener- nington had five broken act; ONCA 16-107 – An act to district is subject to a state ing future statues of notable al’s office set at $1,618,412. ribs from a previous inju- establish the ON retained rev- Department of Environ- Osages on the Pawhuska The AG’s office comprises ry and two from a recent enue fund; and ONCA 16-117 mental Quality-issued government campus because four attorneys (including – An act to change the defini- “we don’t want our campus to boil order due to a failing injury, and that bruises AG Holli Wells) and the tion of commercial property to look like this mural,” he said water treatment system covered her back, legs, new budget contains fund- limit the revenue into and the pointing at the painted wall and after E-coli was discov- arms and head. ing for one new paralegal use of this fund to ON proper- of Osages in the Congressio- ered in the water system The case was turned position, according to the ties that are under 100 acres. nal Chambers, which includes in July. ONCA 16-109 over to the FBI, and the passed with an 11-1 vote. bill. ONCA 16-84 passed In an Oct. 5 statement on other notable Osages (past ONPD assisted thereaf- unanimously on Sept. 27. the session, Standing Bear and present) including the ter. On Sept. 1, 2015, an Buffalohead, who voted “no” said: “Fifty-four bills have Tallchief ballerinas, other for- • ONCA 16-98: An $8 mil- autopsy revealed that said she believed the Water crossed my desk for signature mer Chiefs and elders. lion appropriation bill to Pennington had died from District officials should apply this session and only five of Maker said he supports the fund the ON higher educa- blunt force trauma to with the Nation’s Founda- these were vetoed. One of the legislation because: “every tion scholarship fund to the head. tion for a grant considering bills vetoed … diminishes the great country has paid respect replenish it with the tribal According to an article effect of opinions of the (ON) the Congress passed a bill she and tribute to their great lead- money coming from FY Attorney General, because the sponsored on Sept. 27 (ONCA in the Tulsa World, Eaves ers of their nation and I think 2017 funding. The scholar- 16-112 which requires non- was convicted of second- Attorney General is the Chief that’s what we should do … political donations to be ad- ship funding bill passed degree murder in 1986 for Law Enforcement Officer of We all come from great fami- ministered and awarded by unanimously on Sept. 22. the shooting death of his the Osage Nation. Making a lies, great leaders … I think the non-partisan ON Founda- father, Wilbur Eaves. He law that government officials we need to pay tribute to the and employees cannot rely tion), although the Executive Check back to www.osage- served almost 12 years in people that brought us here, upon Attorney General opin- Branch had yet to take action news.org for more budget and prison, according to the those people didn’t have any- ions is a dangerous precedent, on it at the time. Buffalohead Congressional session updates Oklahoma Department of thing, I think the least we can which is why I vetoed the bill.” also said she believes the poli- as available. Also, to view filed Corrections. do is show them some respect “Most of the other pro- tics should be taken out of legislative bills / resolutions for what they did for us.” Eaves also served 31 grams of the Osage Nation donation requests by organiza- and the Congressional calen- months in federal prison saw funding reductions from tions and individuals. dar for scheduled sessions and in 2000 after pleading the Osage Congress, with the • ONCA 16-106 (Shaw): A Congressman RJ Walker committee meetings, go online guilty for tampering with (ON) Division of Child, Fam- $1,825,000 appropriation said he is voting “yes” con- to: www.osagenation-nsn.gov/ a victim by intimida- ily and Senior Services taking bill to build a new Gray- sidering many Osage County who-we-are/legislative-branch tion, physical force and a 26.6 percent cut (in tribal threats, according to the funds) according to an Oct. 4 Tulsa World. memorandum of the Control- of injection wells is monitoring the conference call. “Up to ler at the (ON) Department Earthquake them. Currently, the EPA has this point we take the charge of Treasury,” Standing Bear Released –from Page 3 approved approximately 3,600 said in the statement. The di- through EPA and monitor the injection wells within Osage Eaves appeared before vision bill (ONCA 16-95) is set tion would be sharing all in- injection wells and provide ON Trial Court Judge County and she has two full- at $4.1 million with $3.2 mil- formation needed by the EPA those reports to the EPA … Marvin Stepson on Sept. to share with the state for an time employees whose sole job lion in federal funds and the we’ll do whatever is needed for 22 to review the dismissal remaining $894,987 to come upcoming public database. is to monitor them. the Nation or the EPA, helping motion filed by his lawyer from tribal/ other revenue “We are working with Re- “We’re working through Gene Dennison on Sept. 1. sources. The Executive Branch gion 6 EPA and BIA, but we’re our role with the EPA on this the producers out, whatever it Dennison, Osage, filed originally budgeted ONCA 16- all relying on the science,” situation,” Hayman said in may be.” paperwork in the Trial 95 with proposed spending at Standing Bear said. “All de- Court to release Eaves $1,220,000 in tribal revenue. cisions will be scientifically based.” from custody due to late Angie Malone Barnes The Osage Minerals Council speedy trial issues. Eaves Legislation Speaker and Jerome Barnes Sr. Ma- and the Bureau of Indian Af- –from Page 1 has been in jail for 163 Those remaining fiscal year ternal great-grandparents fairs do not approve leases for days without a court-ap- 2017 budgets and other bills injection wells; the EPA does Patriot Missile Crew mem- are the late Nellie Mor- and resolutions passing on pointed attorney and has and has done so since 1984. ber; she is also a member of rell Roubidoux and George Sept. 29 include: a constitutional right to a The EPA retains the federal the American Legion Post Pratt Sr., and the late Rose speedy trial, Jones said. • ONCA 16-86: The FY 2017 regulatory authority for their 198. McDougan Malone and Stepson signed the pa- budget for the Principal Class II Underground Injec- Before she was elected to Ralph Malone Sr. Her pa- perwork releasing Eaves Chief’s office for $1,787,578 tion Control Program through the Fourth Osage Nation ternal grandparents are from jail. (all budget bills sponsored the Safe Drinking Water Act Congress she worked for the late Lottie Shunka- “I don’t think it was in by Congressional Ap- of 1974. It cannot approve the Drug Enforcement Ad- molah Pratt and Charles the interest of justice; but propriations Committee state jurisdiction of the OCC ministration (DEA) and she Pratt Sr., and the late Mar- I don’t think it ever got Chairman Ron Shaw). to go into Osage County due to was the director for Finan- garet and Joe Shunkamo- its day in court,” Stepson The bill passed with an the Osage Nation’s sovereign cial Assistance programs lah. She is three-fourths said. “This has never hap- 11-1 vote with a “no” vote government status. A specific for the Nation. Osage and originally from pened to me before.” from Congresswoman set of rules for regulating un- She is married to Edward Hominy. She has served Shannon Edwards. Stepson has been a derground injection wells in Gray, the General Man- as a committee cook for Osage County has been in practicing attorney and • ONCA 16-96: The budget ager of the Skiatook Osage the Zon-Zo-Li^ District for place since 1984. judge for over 30 years bill for the ON Government Casinos, and together they several years. The EPA representative and a judge for the Osage Operations Division for have seven children and For more information $6,531,233. The vote repeat- said the Osage Nation, Bu- reside in Skiatook. Her on the Fifth Osage Na- Nation for 10 years. reau of Indian Affairs and the Dennison asked to be ed with the same 11-1 vote. parents are the late Dr. Mi- tion Congress, visit their EPA have had agreements in webpage at: https://www. released from the case chael Pratt Sr. and Patricia Edwards, who voted “no” on one form or the other since the Barnes Pratt. Her mater- osagenation-nsn.gov/who- since it had been dis- the ONCA 16-86 said she is underground injection control nal grandparents are the we-are/legislative-branch missed. also voting “no” for ONCA 16- program began. The rules also As Eaves walked out 96, in protest of the budget con- adhere to procedural arrange- of the courthouse, he was sideration process during the ments they have with the BIA asked how he felt about Tzi-Zho Session minus addi- Osage Agency, in terms of the dismissal. tional information she argues handling permits, applications How to submit a Letter to the Editor and other functions. “They are going by is needed for legislative deci- If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, please their own policy, and now sion making. Edwards said her mail it to the Osage News, Attn.: Shannon Shaw, 619 Ki- they have to live up to it,” “no” votes are due to the bud- Injection well monitoring he said. get requests submitted by the According to Jann Hay- hekah, Pawhuska, OK 74056 or send email to sshaw@ With additional report- Principal Chief’s office without man, director of the Nation’s osagetribe.org. ing by Tara Madden. support documentation to sup- Environmental and Natural port those requests and newer Resources department, the Letters must be respectful and informative to the read- updated budgets submitted in tribe’s only function in terms er, and may be edited for grammar, clarity and space. Osage News • osagenews.org October 2016 7

ON Congress updates Executive Branch salaries, financial 2017 projected revenue information at heart of latest Court complaint Benny Polacca level to $111.5M Osage News Benny Polacca The Fifth Osage Nation Congress and the Executive Osage News Branch are heading to court On Sept. 23, the Fifth Osage Nation Congress voted regarding the Congressio- unanimously to approve a revised projected revenue level in nal subpoenas issued earlier the amount of $111.5 million for the Nation’s government. this month. The projected revenue level is used during the budget pro- Principal Chief Geoffrey cess. The annual budgets cannot pass the projected revenue Standing Bear and Executive amount per the Osage Constitution. The Congress is con- Branch officials – who were is- tinuing to review the proposed budgets and other bills as the sued the subpoenas – say they Tzi-Zho Session continues. would not be able to fulfill the BENNY POLACCA/Osage News According to the ONCR 16-38 (sponsored by Congressman demands for the various addi- Osage Nation Executive Branch officials meet on Sept. 16 to go over doc- Ron Shaw), the Congress updated the 2017 fiscal year an- tional financial and operations uments at issue of Congressional subpoenas in the Chief’s office confer- nual projected revenue amount to $111.5 million from $47.3 information by the Sept. 19 ence room. million in April when they passed ONCR 16-22. Anticipated and Sept. 20 deadline dates. ary and hourly wages for the Bear also cited concerns of revenues include $47.1 million in tribal funds, $25.5 million In the Sept. 19 complaint, coming 2017 fiscal year with- in non-tribal funds and $3.1 million from the Wah-Zha-Zhi Standing Bear asked the court privacy for the employees, Health Center/ Indian Health Service multi-year funding to quash or modify the Sept. 8 out the names of individual as well as individuals receiv- agreement, which is restricted for spending on health-relat- employees. and 9 subpoenas citing undue ing benefits or participating ed expenses. burden to provide the informa- Citing the Standing Bear Other tribal funds will come from the Nation’s revenue- in ON programs. Among the tion and also argues the sub- v. Whitehorn decision by the making entities including the Gaming Enterprise, Tax Com- subpoenaed items is several poenas require testimony, but ON Supreme Court, Standing mission and bank interest earned. Non-tribal revenue will Education Division-related in- those subpoenas did not state Bear believes the decision is come from federal grants awarded to the Nation. landmark “which effectively formation including numbers The projected revenue figure also includes restricted- a subject of testimony. changes everything we do and of students on academic pro- spending items including: $30.8 million in the Nation’s per- The complaint focuses makes reliance on past prac- manent fund (restricted to spending on direct services for on the Congressional sub- bation, numbers of student in- tices constitutionally suspect.” Osages and has not been touched since inception); $2.9 mil- poenas issued to Treasurer terns and numbers of students Several Congress members lion in unobligated funds from FY 2015; and $1.9 million in Samuel Alexander, Human enrolled in the Sylvan tutoring have argued throughout the unappropriated funds from FY 2016. Resources Director Scott John- program. During the 2016 Hun-Kah Session, the Congress passed son, Director of Operations Tzi-Zho Session the additional Congressional Speaker Ar- an initial 2017 projected revenue figure in ONCR 16-22, Casey Johnson and Educa- supporting documentation is but Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear vetoed that tion Department Director needed to make informed deci- chie Mason said he had no resolution noting that figure did not include the permanent Mary Wildcat. sions on the FY 2017 budgets. comment on the complaint. fund figure as available for appropriation if an emergency The court filing comes one The current fiscal year ends Check back to www.osage- occurred requiring access for direct services. The Nation’s week after the Congress voted Sept. 30, but the Congress con- news.org for more updates on direct services for Osages include the higher education tinues to meet in committee to decline a settlement offered the budgets and remaining scholarship program, health benefit card and Medicare sup- by Standing Bear on one of the meetings to use budget infor- plement programs, and burial assistance. Tzi-Zho Session. subpoenaed items, which in- mation supplied by the Execu- The Congress also took action on the following items on To view filed legislation and cluded information regarding tive Branch, as well as past Sept. 23: Executive Branch employee year budget information. the Congressional calendar for • Congress unanimously approved resolution ONCR 16- positions and job salaries and Some information not scheduled sessions and com- 37, which gives Congressional consent and approval of the salaries calculated accord- deemed to be a burden or pri- mittee meetings, go online to: the ON Gaming Enterprise Board’s annual plan of op- ing to the most recent merit vate would be provided, Stand- www.osagenation-nsn.gov/ erations for Osage Casinos during the fiscal year 2017. market survey. Standing Bear ing Bear said on Sept. 16 as he who-we-are/legislative-branch See Revenue proposed to provide the Con- met with officials named in the The sessions and meetings —Continued on Page 14 gress with the exact amount subpoenas for updates on their are also live streamed at the of salary and hourly wage paid progress in providing the sub- now, but without the names poenaed documents. following link:www.osagena- of individual employees, as In the Executive Branch’s tion-nsn.gov/multimedia/ Tallgrass Economic well as the exact proposed sal- court complaint, Standing live-media Development LLC me she would not turn over and he apologized on behalf Termination the black zip up folder. It is at of the Nation on how she was announces new hires, –from Page 3 this time I asked Ms. Ashlock treated and she really appreci- if she was Native American. ated that, she said. The Osage the folder from the Counseling Ms. Ashlock declared to be News called Johnson to verify subsidiaries Center. Officer Holleman went Osage Indian and she wanted or deny the comment and he there and was told by a staff Benny Polacca to know why I asked. I told her emailed back that he could not member that Clark’s office was Osage News I was inquiring to determine locked and that only Ashlock comment on personnel issues. jurisdiction of the Osage Na- had the key, the report said. While Clark worked for the The Osage Nation’s Tallgrass Economic Development LLC is tion,” the report said. “Ms. Ashlock stated [to Hol- Nation, she said she helped to announcing new hires to its operations as the board restructures According to the report, leman] Ms. Clark was a termi- develop the Nation’s first SAF- its entity. Ashlock called a woman she nated employee and the black ESTAR program, which stands Tallgrass LLC also launched a new website at: www.tallgrass- said was her boss and after a zip-up folder was property of for Sexual Assault Forensic osage.com which markets the entity’s two subsidiaries named few phone calls to the woman the Osage Nation. She further Examination, Support, Train- Tallgrass Construction Services (TCS) and Tallgrass Technology the woman told Ashlock to turn stated the folder may contain ing, Access and Resources. She Solutions (TTS). The economic development entity is pursuing over the folder. Ashlock said information pertaining to cli- said she helped to design a new the two fields, according to past board presentations with the she didn’t know if anything ents that are confidential and domestic violence shelter and ON Congressional Commerce and Economic Development Com- in the folder might violate the until she looked in the folder was nominated for Advocate mittee. confidentiality of clients, HIP- she could not be sure the in- of the Year in 2013 and 2014. According to a statement from Tallgrass LLC, the following PA laws or information on fed- formation inside was personal She said she has held candle- individuals are now working for the revamped entity: eral grants. property of LaVina Clark,” ac- light vigils for sexual assault The officer said it was a • Jill Jones (Osage) will serve as the operating general cording to the report. victims, organized community civil conflict over property and manager for Tallgrass Technology Solutions, which is Ashlock told the officer that awareness events such as the the owner could not be deter- focused on government and commercial contracts that she was busy, that she did not Men’s Pancake Breakfast, mined. The officer offered to provide data storage. have time to check the folder’s Honoring Osage Sisters Day seal the folder in an evidence contents by the end of the day, Dance, Six Nations Walk and • Jones previously worked for Bartlesville-based Conoco bag and put it in ONPD’s evi- that she would be out of the Walk a Mile In Her Shoes. Phillips, CITGO and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Consult- dence locker until someone office the following week for Clark is a survivor of do- ing. She is an Oral Roberts University graduate and also could determine the owner of training and would be unable mestic violence and has used serves as chairwoman of the ON Energy Services LLC the contents inside. Ashlock to look at the folder until her her experiences to help survi- (ONES) Board. Jones told the Osage News she would return, according to the report. agreed. vors through situations with continue her post with ONES and she started her full-time The officer spoke with Chief According to the report, which she is familiar, she said. TTS position after leaving Conoco Phillips in September. Nick Williams, and he called later that day Clark went to October is Domestic Violence the police station to retrieve • Dustin K. Alphin (Cherokee Nation) is serving as director of the Nation’s director of opera- Awareness Month, and she the folder and Chief Williams architecture, engineering and construction for TCS. Accord- tions, Casey Johnson, the re- said she can’t wait to get start- and the officer looked through ing to the Tallgrass website, TCS offers services in port said. ed at the Kaw Nation. the folder’s contents and de- architectural engineering/ design; general prime contract- Their conversation was put She wrote that she has ing; pre- and post-construction services; construction man- on speakerphone, and the of- termined it was the personal worked with amazing people agement; and renovation and demolition; ficer heard “Mr. Johnson di- property of Clark. She said over the years. As for the hun- and mechanical/ HVAC systems. rect the police department she also had a stencil notebook dreds of survivors she said she to return the property to Ms. that was missing and gave has helped, she hopes that According to his LinkedIn page, Alphin earned his Clark. Chief Williams directed the officer her office door key they remember the tools she bachelor’s degree in architecture from Oklahoma State me to get the folder and place because she had not returned gave them — to see red flags University and previously served as tribal architect/ it in the box of personal items it yet. The officer went to the in potentially abusive relation- project manager for Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal of LaVina Clark that were at Counseling Center, gave the ships, set boundaries, keep Construction Services. He also held architecture in- the police department,” the re- key to an employee who went communication open and re- ternships with Tulsa-based firms including Kinslow, port said. in Clark’s office and retrieved member their worth. Keith & Todd, Beck Design and Cyntergy AEC. Officer Holleman returned the stencil notebook, which “After putting in 11 years, to the Counseling Center, the was returned to Clark. it doesn’t matter how hard • Stephanie Wykoff (Cherokee Nation) is the executive as- report said. people work,” Clark said. “I sistant for Tallgrass LLC. According to her LinkedIn page, “It was at this time I went Resolution was blessed to have a job that Wykoff has worked in support staff posts in Tulsa includ- to Brook [sic] Ashlock and ad- Clark said she does not want I loved, and working for my ing executive assistant at Utica Park Clinic and Hillcrest vised her she would need to her job back and is very sad- tribe was the topping on the Hospital South where she worked with managing officials give me the black zip up folder dened that her Osage people cake. I hope and pray that how including CEOs, CFOs and directors. per the instruction of Casey would treat her this way. On I was treated, no other Osage See Tallgrass Johnson and Chief Williams. the day she was fired, Clark will have to go through that. —Continued on Page 17 Ms. Brook [sic] Ashlock told visited Johnson in his office Policy was repeatedly broken.” 8 October 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org Ramona Horsechief and Osage Sisters win at National Indian Taco Championship Benny Polacca per humbled right now. It took merce hosted the NITC on for entertainment throughout Osage Casino, Grand Lake Osage News a whole team of sisters to win Kihekah Avenue where 40 the day before the winners Casino, Osage Nation, Qua- this title for the fourth year in vendor booths were also set up were announced. This year’s paw Tribe, Enbridge and Trib- Two contestant food booths a row!” and powwow dancing was held event sponsors included the alTV. repeated their first place wins The contestants’ dishes in the 2016 National Indian faced two rounds of voting by Taco Championship held Oct. judges who registered and paid 1 in downtown Pawhuska. a fee to sample the unmarked Ramona Horsechief (Paw- Indian taco dishes in a seclud- nee/ Cherokee) took first place ed empty business building. with a $1,500 prize for the fifth Those judges then wrote on time and food booth Osage Sis- scorecards to rate each Indi- ters (Dana Daylight, Jacque an taco and those scores were Jones and family) took the $1,000 People’s Choice Award for the fourth consecutive year. Runners-up were Francis Soxie who took second place ($1,000) and third place went to Foxtown Roland Noear ($500). Horsechief previously won first place four times with the most recent wins in 2014 and 2013 consecutively. “Amazing!” Daylight said tabulated. Ten finalists were of her reaction after the re- selected for the final judging sults were announced. Day- round, which included area ce- light, Jones and their family lebrities and politicians, which members worked one out of 20 included prior years partici- pant Paula Mashunkashey, food booths setup at the com- TARA MADDEN/Osage News petition. The booths wound State Rep. Sean Roberts, State Winners of the 2016 National Indian Taco Championship are First Place: Ramona Horsechief ($1,500), Second around the Triangle Building Rep. Steve Vaughn and Tulsa Place: Francis Soxie ($1,000), Third Place: Foxtown Roland Noear ($500). The People’s Choice Award ($1,000) where they made Indian tacos TV News on 6 Host Craig Day. goes to Osage Sisters (Dana Daylight and Jacque Jones). and Indian dogs for the hun- The People’s Choice Award dreds who attended the event. is determined by attendees Daylight pointed at the grow- who pay and sign up to be ing line after she and Jones judges and those judges (with accepted their prize check: issued badges) are eligible to people were lining up to buy buy discounted samples of the the winning booth’s Indian Indian Taco plates and after- taco plate. ward the judges are given five Jones later expressed grati- tickets that are used to insert tude on Facebook: “Thank you into the booth contestants’ con- to all who voted us People’s tainers of their choice, accord- Choice at the National Indian ing to the contest rules. The COURTESY PHOTO/Sherry Stinson TARA MADDEN/Osage News Taco Championship today! We booth contestant who receives appreciate all the patrons who the most tickets is the winner. An Indian Taco made at the National In- Dancers, contestants and communi- dian Taco Championships in downtown ty members ate Indian Tacos, bought came and waited in line for Now in its 12th year, the COURTESY PHOTO/Sherry Stinson some of our food. Man, I am su- Pawhuska Chamber of Com- Pawhuska on Oct. 1. local artists wares and danced in the powwow on Oct. 1 at the National Jackie McCann of the 2015 Indian Taco Championships in down- NITC winning stand Many town Pawhuska. Horses NDN Food prepares her frybread dough at her stand.

COURTESY PHOTO/Sherry Stinson COURTESY PHOTO/Sherry Stinson TARA MADDEN/Osage News TARA MADDEN/Osage News Jacque Jones of the Osage Sisters Dancers young and old competed Judges taste-tested samples from each booth and Singers around the drum provided the music for the Booth, and three-time winner of for prize money at the National marked their scorecards at the National Indian Taco powwow competitions on Oct. 1 at the National Indian the People’s Choice award, holds Indian Taco Championships in Championships in downtown Pawhuska. Taco Championships in downtown Pawhuska. up her frybread dough. downtown Pawhuska.

Native American girls attend workshops to learn more about Osage culture Tara Madden Osage News

The Osage Nation Pre- vention Program, the Wah- Zha-Zhi Cultural Center, Education Department and Grayhorse Five Man Board all sponsored the Strength- ening Native Girls workshop this year. The workshop, which was open to girls’ ages 9-17 in Fair- fax, Pawhuska and Hominy, ran from August to September. Instructors Rebekah HorseChief and Mary Big- All photos by Tara Madden CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Olivia horse taught the girls tradi- Two students of the Strengthening Native Girls workshop grease pans to Littlecook greases and sugars tional Osage ribbonwork, how bake meatpies on Sept. 29. to cook Osage meals, sewing Osage peaches to cook on Sept. 29. and self-empowerment. and sewed ribbonwork on the Education building on Sept. “The girls were taught what pockets. 29. They wore ttheir newly roles women had during the “We had conversations sewn aprons for the first time Instructor Rebekah HorseChief ex- In-Lon-Schka and how they about Mary’s [Bighorse] gen- to help in the kitchen. They plains to the students how to make should help the cooks when- eration and my generation and all got to help in preparing the meatpies on Sept. 29. ever they can, by helping set the generation of the class,” food by chopping vegetables, tables or offer to bake some- HorseChief said. “Those con- mixing meat for the meatpies versations’ were very interest- and preparing the peaches. thing; or just offer to help out Instructor Mary Bighorse helps and how it was important to ing, and I was impressed with “You always cook with good always acknowledge elders students knowledge of their feelings because it goes into Tabitha Duty how to grease and whenever you see one,” Big- family relations and history.” to the food,” HorseChief told sugar Osage peaches. The girls horse said. During the girls’ final work- the girls. “Because you always made their own aprons and sewed The girls were given fabric shop they cooked Osage peach- See Workshop to choose from to make aprons es and meatpies at the Hominy —Continued on Page 18 Osage ribbonwork on them. Osage News • osagenews.org October 2016 9

enneth “Kenny” Hemphill Big- horse, 81, was born in Pawhus- ka, Okla., on Aug. 24,K 1935 to Pete and Florence Bighorse. He is the grandson of Andrew and Laura McDou- gan Bighorse. He attended school in Indian Camp, then Franklin Grade School till the sixth grade, then to Pawhuska Junior High and then High School where he met his wife Toby Theresa Brown Bighorse. Courtesy Photo/Bighorse Family They have been together since their junior year in high school Kenny Bighorse and the late Dan Cass, date unknown. and have been married for 61 years. Together they have four sons: Kenny Jr., Scott, Vann and Pete. They have eight grandchildren and 23 great- grandchildren. He attended Tulsa Junior College where he took engineering classes. He worked for Land Operations for the BIA for 35 years. He sat on the 28th and 29th Osage Tribal Councils and was As- sistant Principal Chief of the 31st Osage Tribal Council. He took over as Pawhuska Drum Warmer for the Pawhuska In- TARA MADDEN/Osage News Lon-Schka District after his Courtesy Photo/Bighorse Family father passed away. He passed Kenny Bighorse at his home in Pawhuska. that responsibility to his son Kenny Bighorse with wife Toby and their four sons: Vann, Pete, Kenny Jr., Pete, who has been Drum and Scott. Year unknown. Warmer for the past 31 years for the Pawhuska District.

Osage News: What are some of the most important lessons you have learned in your life? Kenny Bighorse: To be patient, thoughtful, loyal and speak when you have some- thing important to say. Osage ON: What would you say are the major values or prin- ciples that you live by? KB: Honesty, Integrity. Don’t be a liar or thief, be on time or early. I believe in my Catholic faith.

ON: How has the Osage Na- tion evolved in your lifetime? Elders KB: The dances and work- ing for the Tribe on the hill. When working in Land Opera- SERIES tions there were eight of us, downsizing of the Bureau of R Indian Affairs. TARA MADDEN / OSAGE NEWS ON: Do you like the new government? What do you think the Osages of your youth would think about the new government? KB: There are parts of it I like and parts I don’t like. I like that we all as Osages get the right to vote. I think the Minerals Council should re- tain their independence. Some of the of the Osages would like it, some would not like it.

ON: What are the differenc- es in the In-Lon-Schka today from when you were young? Do you like the changes? KB: There used to be more fancy dancers. They used to have about 25 dancers. Now we have close to 300.

ON: What District are you from, what is your Osage name. KB: Pawhuska District, Mah-Zha-Ki-Tah,

ON: Who roached you for the In-Lon-Schka? KB: Ed Red Eagle Sr.

ON: What is your favorite thing about the In-Lon-Schka and why? KB: Camp, family reunion, Courtesy Photo/Bighorse Family Courtesy Photo/Bighorse Family family time. Kenny Bighorse, 15-16 years old. Kenny Bighorse walking into the arbor at Pawhuska In-Lon-Schka. Year unknown. ON: What is your favorite Osage food? KB: Meatpies dances and being with my wife field and watching the older ON: What was your favorite maintained it. We would mow and children. people play ball and playing thing to do for fun? the grass but then the Osage ON: Who are your heroes? with my cousins out in Indian KB: Golf and football, base- KB: Ted Brunt Sr. I really ON: What are you most Camp; and when we all moved ball, basketball – I love all leased it. liked him, he was my best proud of? to town. Fishing with Anthony. sports. friend. We worked together till KB: My four sons. They are he passed away. real good men. ON: Who or what did you ON: What was your favorite ON: How would you like to love the most? decade and why? be remembered? ON: What was the happiest ON: What is your earliest KB: My wife, we were high KB: The 60’s, when I helped moment of your life? KB: Good, faithful man, memory? school sweethearts. build the golf course with KB: Going down to our KB: Going to the softball Lawrence. We built it and humble, honest. 10 October 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org

Caroline Perrier Tabitha Duty George Shaw

Addie Young Kara Fultz Kate Peterson Through the Eyes of a Child Images from the 2016 Digital Photography Youth Camp held at the Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center and sponsored by the Osage Nation Foundation.

Penny Adair

Katie Adair

Shiann Taylor

Rorie Young Anya Brezinski Jason Duty

Grace Adair Arianna Soliano Millie Young

Noah Hoyt Bobbi Walker Osage News • osagenews.org October 2016 11 12 October 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage delegation prepares Osage food for protectors at Sacred Stone Camp Chalene Toehay-Tartsah Osage News

NEAR-CANNONBALL, N.D. – Spirits were up as the Osage delegation prepared for their second day at the Sacred Stone Camp. Energy was still high with each individual and an impression had been left on them. They felt like they need- ed to put their skills to use. They wanted to do more. After walking through the camp on the first day, they ran into Marcus Frejo, a member of the Pawnee Nation who had been sitting at the Pawnee campsite. Frejo said he had been at Sacred Stone Camp for quite some time and was pro- viding live feed videos on social media about the daily camp life and the protectors. A tee- pee was built, a tent was filled with cooking supplies, canned goods, and other Pawnee tribal members had smaller tents set up around their campsite. This made the delegation want to help the neighboring tribe. The Pawnee Nation is the Osage Nation’s neighbors to the southwest, across the All photos taken by Chalene Toehay-Tartsah Arkansas River. To see famil- iar faces from home made the The delegation cooked Osage food after they delivered supplies to the Sacred Stone Camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Reservation on Sept. 7. delegation want to help out the best way that they could, said Julia Maker. “Would you like for us to cook for your camp?” asked LEFT: Gage McKinley-Gray stirs soup over Margo Gray to the Pawnee an open fire in a teepee the delegation was campsite. And without hesita- cooking Osage food in. The delegation de- tion, they all began to smile. livered supplies to the Sacred Stone Camp Frejo said, “Sure! That would on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Reserva- be wonderful. We would love tion on Sept. 7. for you all to cook for us.” The Osage Nation delega- tion had made preparations the day before to cook at the Sacred Stone Camp. As the sun had risen early that morning the group gathered items to take to the camp so that they could prepare an evening meal. Each one had a certain tal- ent they could bring to the table. Gage McKinley-Gray had been placed in charge of fire duty, Julia and Alaina Maker said they would make frybread, Margo Gray and Dava Daylight took care of the beef and rice, and Mary Mas- hunkashey help Margo with the green beans. Everything RIGHT: Margo Gray and her great-niece Dava Daylight stir food over an was put into place and they open fire in a teepee at the Sacred Stone Camp on the Standing Rock were ready to put their skills Sioux Tribe’s Reservation on Sept. 7. to work. Going into the campsite was a little more difficult than com- ing out. It took the delegation about an hour to get into the camp, which would take about 15-20 minutes to get to the lo- cation without the barricades and police directing traffic. The rain didn’t make it any easier. Bismarck had encoun- tered some rain that lasted all morning long, which made the campsite muddy and very dif- ficult to drive in and out of. Around 3:30 p.m. the Osag- es had begun to make their journey through the camp. Although they had to walk Julia Maker, who is known for her delicious meatpies, cooks frybread Sisters Julia and Alaina Maker head to the Pawnee campsite to prepare through mud and standing wa- for the Pawnee delegation on Sept. 7 on the Standing Rock Sioux food for the Pawnee delegation on Sept. 7 on the Standing Rock Sioux ter, it didn’t stop them. Tribe’s Reservation. Tribe’s Reservation. Walking up to the Pawnee were set up and men were Daylight said. The Osage Na- never had an Osage cook for One of the members of the campsite they were greeted floating in their canoes. tion flag was flying with other me,” Frejo said with a smile. Pawnee camp stood up and with handshakes and hugs. As the food was being pre- tribal flags in the cool 60-de- The group began to giggle. “We started a fire for you all,” spoke, “We know that you all pared, Daylight took some gree weather. “Well, I’ve never cooked inside said Bosco Wade (Pawnee), have to go, but we would like to time to herself and walk to the As the sun began to set of a teepee,” Gray said. The while pointing toward the in- pray for you.” Everyone began flagpoles to look for the Osage around Sacred Stone Camp, camp was filled with laughter side of the teepee that was set to stand around a small camp- at that point. It was a nice and up at the Pawnee camp. Nation flag. She stopped and the food was placed on the fire that had been built before calm setting, Gray said. Margo Gray went inside and looked at her surroundings tables. The Pawnee camp be- nightfall. The prayer was said “This is so cool,” she said. Men gan to call in their delegation began boiling a pot of water for for the delegation and Frejo were riding horses through the to come and eat, but there the rice. Daylight had started Leaving the camp began to sing Pawnee songs for campsites and children were were others from surrounding frying up the meat that was Around 10:30 p.m. the Sa- the Osages. “We want to send playing around on a nearby camps that were invited to eat cred Stone Camp had be- later placed in the rice. you off with good feelings. We Outside the teepee, Julia tree stump. as well. come dark. As the delegation want you to have a safe jour- Maker had begun to make her Everywhere they walked A prayer was said and every- looked around, campfires lit ney back home,” he said. frybread dough. The setting they were greeted with a one began to eat their evening up the night sky as far as the was peaceful, the air was nice smile. Daylight and Gray had meal that had been prepared eye could see. At one point, The Osage delegation had and cool, and the sky was filled come upon the flagpoles. In the by the Osage delegation. the delegation commented on entered into a campsite like with clouds. Maker had a table distance you could see a small A small silence set upon the how beautiful the night sky strangers but left with friend- set up overlooking the river. group of men raising other Pawnee camp as they enjoyed was and how bright the stars ships. Something they would Across the water other teepees tribal flags. “Look there it is!” their meal. “You know? I’ve glowed. remember for a lifetime. Osage News • osagenews.org October 2016 13 Osage woman starts Serendipity Osage Nation receives Beauty College in Bartlesville $295,551 grant to combat Meth Tara Madden and suicide on reservation Osage News Osage News Since the 1960s the Bartles- The Indian Health Service announced 42 Methamphetamine ville Beauty College and the and Suicide Prevention Initiative funding awards to Tribes, Ponca City Beauty College Tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations and IHS fed- have been staples in the com- eral government programs at the White House on Sept. 29. munity, a place where thou- The Osage Nation received $295,551, just one of six tribes sands have gone to school to to receive the funding in Oklahoma. The funding is for one become licensed beauticians year, with the opportunity to apply for three additional years and barbers. of funding. Until recently, the two schools were sister schools According to statistics from the Osage Nation Prevention Pro- but Osage tribal member Re- gram, Osage County has a higher youth suicide rate than the becca Tiger-Nuttle bought the state average among youth ages 15-24. The suicide rate for youth Bartlesville Beauty College ages 15-19 double the state average. More than 1,000 Osage TARA MADDEN/Osage News this summer after it came up County public school students were surveyed by the ONPP. for sale and renamed it Seren- Staff and Students of the Serendipity Beauty College. Front row, from “The team [ONPP] discovered the average first use of ciga- left: Cindy Miller- Instructor, Rebecca Tiger-Nuttle Owner. Back row, from dipity Beauty College. The col- rettes and alcohol is the 8th grade; the average first use of left: Emily Terry, Toby Bighorse, LaTonya West, Lauren Gokey and Pete lege remains Oklahoma State Bighorse. marijuana is the 10th grad; and the average first abuse of pre- Board Certified and is no lon- scription drugs is the 11th grade. Those are very alarming sta- a brainstorming session. She vironment the prices are a ger affiliated with the Ponca tistics when the 2010 U.S. Census reports nearly a quarter of City Beauty College. said this wouldn’t be possible reasonable price, Tiger-Nuttle the Osage County Native American population is comprised of “While I was attending without the support of her said. youth under the age of 25,” according to an Osage Nation press the Beauty College in Ponca family. Tuition includes an exten- City there were people com- The Serendipity Beauty Col- sive kit that has all the up and release. ing from Bartlesville to attend lege began taking students coming Chi products, some of The ONPP has community projects lined up for the fall and the school and I decided to buy in August and they currently the most used in the profes- spring that will focus and promote family engagement. They are: have 10 students enrolled. the Bartlesville College when I sional world of beauty, she • Guarding Our Future Project heard it was available,” Tiger- Most of the current students said. It also has the fees and Nuttle said. are Osage tribal members. tuition and labs included. The • Safe Night After Prom (SNAP) events The college has one full-time She still lives in Ponca City price for the Basic Cosmetolo- Oklahoma State Board Certi- • Too Good for Drugs (Grades 3-5) with her family where she gy course is $11,500 and Mani- completed her Cosmetology li- fied instructor and one part- curist/Nail Tech is $7,550. To • Too Good for Violence (Grades 6-8) cense at the Ponca City Beau- time instructor. Cindy Miller become a Master Teacher the ty College. She said after she is the lead instructor and has cost of the course is $8,000. “Native children, youth and families face adverse experienc- finds a home in Bartlesville 24 years experience. Upon completion, the stu- es, trauma, toxic stress and adversity. However, we know that she will make the transition The school offers education and become an instructor for in the field of Basic Cosmetolo- dents will go to Oklahoma City protective factors provided through caring adults, traditional a portion of the classes, she gy, Barbering, Manicurist/Nail to become licensed. The test practices and Native language and culture help offset negative said. She is very excited to be Tech and Master Instructor. includes passing a state board outcomes and foster the long-term development of resilience,” learning right along with her The students learn about test that includes written and said IHS Principal Deputy Director Mary L. Smith. students. Theory, practice hair on man- hands on testing. Financial The ONPP Youth Center hopes to open every Friday in No- The name Serendipity nequin heads, and they also aid will be offered soon, she vember at the ONPP location at 128 East 6th Street in Pawhus- Beauty College is a name she service clients who are walk- said. Enrollment is open year ka. For more information, contact the Osage Nation Prevention and her mother picked after ins. Since it is a learning en- round. Requirements include a Program at (918) 287-5595. More than $7 million was awarded for the grant this year. The Oklahoma tribes that received the funding include:

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma $125,000 Citizen Potawatomi Nation $172,780 Delaware Tribe of Indians $55,578 Osage Nation $295,551 Pawnee Tribe of Oklahoma $300,000 Tonkawa Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma $200,759

Osage Nation receives $800,000 grant for new Fairfax fitness center Benny Polacca The announcement comes Osage News four months after the Fourth ON Congress passed an ap- The Osage Nation is re- propriation bill (ONCA 16-71 ceiving an $800,000 federal sponsored by Congressman grant to build a new Fairfax Ron Shaw) for $250,000 Fitness Center, according List of individuals 65 and older with no address to the U.S. Department of to pay the tribal matching HealthSmart does not Johnson, Ruth Ann Patterson, Donald Jean Housing and Urban Devel- costs for the ICDBG applica- have the correct address for Giles, Stubby Bruce Jefferson, Elvita Louise opment. tion. The bill passed during the following individuals. Sewell, Barbara Jean Tayrien, William Joseph In a Sept. 12 news release, a May special session. Please contact the Osage Na- Bales, Sharon Francise Trumbly, Clara Ann HUD announced more than Earlier this year, the Na- tion Membership Office if you Wells III, Gordon G Smith, Frances Olin $56 million is being awarded tion also approved plans to to 77 Native American com- know any of the following in- Kincaid, Janice Lee Park, Arthur Bob move forward in building a dividuals so they can update Trumbly, Jesse munities as part of HUD’s Baker Jr., Frank Tinker new wellness/ fitness cen- their address. You can reach Billingsley Jr., Jay Oscar Indian Community Develop- Francis, Agnes Frances ter for Hominy. During the the membership office at (918) Salinas, Audra Lois Cook, Lola Del ment Block Grant program, Hun-Kah Session, the Con- 287-5389; email at: CDIB@ Parent, Robert Arthur Brown, James William “which supports a wide gress passed ONCA 16-38, osagenation-nsn.gov ; or down- Sims, Carl Michael Revelette Jr., Joseph Charles range of community develop- ment and affordable housing load a Change of Address form Maurer, Lee Hunt Andrews, Donald Eugene which is a $150,000 appro- activities.” on their website at: https:// Cotton, Elizabeth Marie Tranum, Florence priation bill for the purchase The Nation applied for the www.osagenation-nsn.gov/ DeSilva, Julia Katherine Copenhaver Jr., Walter of real property in Hominy grant program and said it is what-we-do/cdib-membership. Lovelace, Robert Clarence Edward with the money being ap- Carter, Nelson J. using the $800,000 to con- Fenton Jr., Curtis DeLoris propriated to the capital as- Clote Jr., Thomas Anthony Templeton III, Christopher struct a new wellness center Feighan, William Mathews set and improvement fund Eaton, Deborah Sue Kenny to replace the current ON Kelley, Patsy Jo Persinger, Marty Sue McInroy, Michael Jackie Fitness Center in Fairfax. for a new Wellness Center. Cornford, Alice Maxine Sanders, Cathy A Del Orier, Richard Louis According to the project At the time, Congressman Neal, Edith Dolores Edwards, Michael Spencer Ross, Ellen Fern summary, the proposed Fair- William “Kugee” Supernaw Morgan, Maria Lee Wright, Linda Shelley Hicks, Cherry Nan fax facility “will allow for the (that bill’s sponsor) said the Willhite, Rilla Jean Saxon, Theresa Kathleen Elliott, Marcia Ann addition of program activi- money will go toward pur- Hubbell, John Saxon ties that include group floor Inglis, Mary Frances Henderson, Tommy Tinker chasing land in Hominy by Colbaugh, Charles Trigg exercises and educational Paul, Catherine Sue Brown, Janice Ann the Head Start building. Potter, David Leon Day, Thomas Michael LeStourgeon, William classes addressing healthy The current fitness center Lewis, William Russell Birkhead, Charles Edwin Lawrence lifestyle management. Not Higgins, Suzanne Burns, Barbra Carroll Simpkins, Francis Edward only will the staff be able to is located north of town in Rucker, Darrell Lee Kastl, Gary Lee Buffington, Chloe Ellen offer more choices in types of the Nation’s Industrial Park Hilderbrand, Larry Gene Schwab, Patricia Kay Perkins, Wilma Lou physical activities to a wid- and residents told Supernaw Davenport, Gene Evans Baker, Pennelope Sue Dittmer, Doris Eileen er range of ages and abili- the facility is too small for Iron, Shelley Dana Malone III, Ralph Joseph Quinton, Joseph E. ties, other existing Osage the workout equipment. Nation programs that deal Edwards III, William Lester Childers, Carmelita Ann Minear, Susan Jean For ON Fitness Cen- Martin, Geraldine with these and other health Case, William Clyde Potter, James Duane ter hours and locations, go Callahan, Dennis Eugene Sullivan, Elizabeth F Fisher, Patricia Jean issues will have a place to online to: www.osagena- Sherriff, Phillip Brian Beasley, Ramona Lee Mitchell, Marcille Payne bring their program’s activi- tion-nsn.gov/what-we-do/ Winnett, Earl Printon Martz, Joseph Leroy Nelson, Martha Jean ties and education programs Bruce, Don Carlton John, Anabel Cobb, Valentine Florence in Fairfax.” fitness-center. Carman, Herbert Scott Hoxsey, Joe Leon Wright, Loretta Mae 14 October 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org

augural run of the Nation’s disability Debates assistance program and hoped the pro- Revenue –from Page 5 gram can be reassessed and improved –from Page 7 “so what happened to the money is the names of individual employees tied what’s supposed to happen to the mon- • Congress voted unanimous to pass resolution ONCR 16-39 to give Congres- to what they receive as their salary or ey.” The disability assistance program sional consent and approval of the hourly wage.” started in June after an initial $50,000 Bluestem Ranch LLC Board’s annual plan of operation Over the years many past and pres- appropriation bill was approved in the for the 2017 fiscal year. ent employees and directors have com- spring Hun-Kah Session, but funding plained about the intense questioning was depleted within 17 business days.” from some members of Congress dur- Like the Nation’s Gaming Enterprise Board’s annual plan of operation for the Edwards said Congress was told this ing committee meetings about their Osage Casinos, the Bluestem Ranch board’s plan also contains confidential and year’s budget includes $150,000 to ad- budgets and salaries. business proprietary information. The Executive Branch filed the com- minister the disability assistance pro- plaint in ON Trial Court arguing the gram in FY 2017. • Congress voted unanimously to pass bill ONCA 16-110, which authorizes production of the subpoenaed informa- Edwards said she would like to see $100,000 to be spent on an outstanding utility bill. According to bill sponsor the disability assistance program re- tion in 11 days would be an undue bur- Congressman Ron Shaw, the utility bill will be paid from additional tribal assessed and revisited in committee den, and cited concerns of protecting program revenue and will not come from the Treasury privacy of employees and Osages who and to add more conditions, if needed. general fund. receive services as well. “Without having any checks and bal- ances in here… and for the reason I • Also, Congress voted unanimously to authorize $1,250,000 to be ap- still cannot find anybody that can tell Passed Legislation me what (employee) positions are con- propriated for debt service payment on the ON Campus Master Plan Those budgets passing with Sept. tained within this budget, I’ll be voting Loan by passing bill ONCA 16-103 during the Sept. 23 session. 28 votes will be sent to Principal Chief ‘no,’” she said. Geoffrey Standing Bear’s office for re- Congressman James Norris, a re- To view filed legislation and the Congressional calendar for scheduled sessions view and consideration of action. Those tired physician assistant, also noted bills (sponsored by Congressman Ron and committee meetings, go online to: www.osagenation-nsn.gov/who-we-are/ the same issues with the disability as- Shaw, who currently chairs the Con- legislative-branch. sistance program. Norris said he spoke gressional appropriations committee) The sessions and meetings are also live streamed at the following link: www. with an employee with the Financial include: Assistance Department, which admin- osagenation-nsn.gov/multimedia/live-media. • ONCA 16-85: Judicial Branch isters the disability assistance pro- budget for $524,086, which will gram, and was told the criteria required be funded by both tribal and a doctor’s note stating the disability. outside sources. According to Norris said “in my experience with be- a fiscal analysis, the Judicial ing disabled, generally you have to at Branch’s budget will be funded least have a physical examination, get with $411,051 in tribal revenue a doctor’s statement, Social Security and supplemented by $101,035 requires you submit this to them for in federal funds and $12,000 in evaluation,” he said, adding he still be- other revenue, which includes lieves it’s a good benefit program. court fees. The Judicial Branch budget passed unanimously 12-0. • ONCA 16-93: The budget for the Education Division set at • ONCA 16-87 is the Osage News $6,837,757 and passed unani- operations budget and the budget mously. Edwards, who chairs the is set at $535,146. The newspa- Congressional education commit- per budget, which covers staff tee, said she will ask the Treasury and office operations, newspaper Department to track numbers website maintenance and print- monthly regarding the direct ing/ mailing of the newspaper is assistance services offered by funded 100 percent by tribal funds. the Education Department. Ed- wards said the information helps Congresswoman Alice Buffalohead, the Congress to assess and gage who chairs the Congressional govern- how the money is being spent. mental operations committee, acknowl- edged the Attorney General’s office, • ONCA 16-95: The budget for the Judicial Branch and the newspaper for Nation’s Child, Family and Senior submitting the additional requested Services Division set at $4,154,438. support documentation to the Congress The budget passed 11-1 with a as part of the budget consideration pro- lone “no” vote from Edwards. cess. “It helped to shed light on their budget, provide transparency to the • ONCA 16-112 (sponsored by Buf- Osage people and I think the Osage falohead): An act to require all people really appreciate that,” she said. donations made on behalf of the Nation to be administered and • ONCA 16-88 is the Congressional/ awarded by the nonprofit Osage Legislative Branch budget set at Nation Foundation. Buffalohead $2,445,930 and is also 100 per- said political and cultural do- cent tribally funded. The budget nations made on behalf of the contains funding for Congres- Principal Chief’s office would sional member and employee be exempt from this new law. salaries, office operations, as well as operational funding for According to the Internal Revenue the Office of Fiscal Performance Service, all 501c3 nonprofit organiza- and Review (OFPR). The Con- tions are prohibited from directly or gressional budget passed 12-0. indirectly participating in any political • ONCA 16-90: The budget for the campaign activities and any violations Nation’s newly named Land, may result in denial or revocation of a Commerce and Agricultural Divi- nonprofit’s tax-exempt status, as well sion set at $8,070,729 passed 11-1 as imposed certain excise taxes. with one “no” vote from Congress- Buffalohead said she is also spon- woman Shannon Edwards. soring a companion appropriation bill (ONCA 16-121) for $100,000 to be ap- Congressman William “Kugee” Su- propriated to the ON Foundation for pernaw, who has been a sitting mem- donation use. ber of Congress since 2006, said he The Congress will continue consider- “didn’t feel good about this” and “this ation of the budgets and other legisla- is the worse session I’ve ever attended” tive items with Day 20 of the Tzi-Zho regarding the budget process without Session starting at 5 p.m. Sept. 28. additional information to consider. “We To view filed legislation and the did the best we could with what we had Congressional calendar for scheduled to work with,” Supernaw said. sessions and committee meetings, go • ONCA 16-92: The budget for the online to: www.osagenation-nsn.gov/ Nation’s Health and Wellness who-we-are/legislative-branch Division is set at $13,947,612. The The sessions and meetings are also budget vote repeated with 11-1 live streamed at the following link: with Edwards voting “no” again. www.osagenation-nsn.gov/multime- dia/live-media Edwards said she is voting “no” add- With additional reporting by Editor ing she heard complaints about the in- Shannon Shaw Duty. Osage News • osagenews.org October 2016 15 Osage Congress approves $250,000 Osage Energy for burial assistance in FY 2017 Benny Polacca Osage News I felt the earth move Rosemary Wood The Fifth Osage Nation Congress unanimously approved $250,000 for the Na- Osage News tion’s burial assistance fund for the forthcoming 2017 fiscal year on Sept. 15. The bill (ONCA 16-73 sponsored by Congresswoman Alice Buffalohead) will By Sept. 7 the United States go to Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear’s office for consideration of action. Geological Survey had upgraded According to the bill, the $250,000 in tribal funds will be spent out of 2017 fiscal the Sept. 3 earthquake near Paw- year revenue and will be placed in the Nation’s burial assistance revolving fund. nee with a 5.8 magnitude. Folks According to a Congressional fiscal analysis, the $250,000 is enough to serve were asking one another, “Where 50 Osages who apply for the assistance to pay for a deceased Osage’s funeral ar- were you when …?” or “Did you rangements at the maximum benefit level of $5,000. The analysis notes there is feel that …?” Although these sto- still funding remaining for burial assistance through September, so 75-100 pos- ries were exciting, and some even sible applicants would be served in FY 2017. humorous, we all knew the serious The Nation uses revolving funds for direct services including burial assistance, nature of such an event. scholarships and the health benefit card program so any remaining money at the The Osage Minerals Coun- end of the fiscal year does not revert back into the Treasury but will remain avail- cil (OMC) immediately began able for direct services for Osages in the new fiscal year. working with the Environmental As of July 30, the fiscal analysis notes $241,546.17 has been spent out of the Protection Agency, Oklahoma Cor- burial fund for FY 2016 and not all recipients received the full amount. poration Commission, U.S. Geo- Burial assistance services are available through the Nation’s Constituent Ser- logical Survey, and the Oklahoma vices office in Pawhuska. For more information and forms, visit the Constituent Department of Energy to address Services website at www.osagenation-nsn.gov/what-we-do/constituent-services. this new common threat. Rosemary Wood “We will do whatever is neces- It is no less true, that the large sary to protect the safety and wel- armies of giant wind turbines that ON Congress approves $5.6M for fare of the people,” said Everett Waller, OMC Chairman. Waller have been set in motion are even received a robust affirmation from newer. Each turbine with arms as health benefit plan in FY 2017 fellow council members when in long as tractor-trailers move in tan- dem, beat against air which would Osage News the Sept. 16 meeting he stated, “Safety is number one with us. We rather remain static or move across The Fifth Osage Nation Congress unanimously approved $5.6 million for the live here.” the prairie at its own pace. Resul- Nation’s health benefit card program on Sept. 27 for the 2017 fiscal year. A recent increase in earth- tant friction vibrates down the According to the bill (ONCA 16-99 sponsored by Congresswoman Shannon Ed- quakes was first noted in southern towers gathering momentum as it wards), the $5.6 million will come from the Nation’s general fund and that money Oklahoma and was attributed to goes and enters the earth to do — will be placed in the revolving fund designated for the health benefit plan fund. fracking. This increase in seismic we know not what? What affect do The bill now goes to Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear’s office for review activity tracked north, then west, the windmills have on underground and action. and now is right across the river pressure, rock formations and seis- The Nation’s health benefit plan, available to enrolled Osages, is comprised from the Osage. Now, most scien- mology? Stress accumulated along of the health benefit card program with Osages under age 65 eligible to receive tists agree “the spike in Oklaho- geologic faults might be one effect, an annual maximum $500 benefit and Osages age 65 and over are eligible for a ma’s earthquake activity has been according to the American Heritage $1,000 maximum benefit. The health benefit plan also offers to Osage elders the triggered by (saltwater) disposal Dictionary. option to participate in the Group Medicare Supplement insurance Plan F pro- wells,” according to NPR’s State “We did not start having earth- gram in lieu of the health benefit card program. Impact. According to a Nov. 30, quakes until the windmills went For more information on the Nation’s health benefit plan, go to the following 2015 article in The Oklahoman, up,” said Minerals Councilwoman site for enrollment details and forms: www.osagenation-nsn.gov/member-servic- the largest volumes of saltwater es/health-benefits-information. Kathryn Red Corn. Let’s hope re- injected into the Arbuckle forma- searchers follow scientific protocols As the Congress continues consideration of the FY 2017 budgets, the Tzi-Zho tion in 2014 were in the Alfalfa, Session will be extended past the regular 24-day duration. To request a session and not political preferences. Let’s Grant, Garfield and Woods -coun hope researchers address the effects extension, a written request must be signed by two-thirds of the Congress mem- ties. Those counties are also where of wind turbines as well as the ef- bers, according to the Osage Constitution. the number of earthquakes greater fects of saltwater injection. During the Sept. 26 session, Osage Nation Congressional Speaker Archie Ma- than 3.0-magnitude has increased Since Sept. 3, I’ve heard people son said enough Congressional member signatures are gathered to extend the in the past few years, according to reflecting that, “We know about tor- Tzi-Zho Session up to three additional days. With the added days, the Tzi-Zho the article. Session will stretch Oct. 4-6. According to a Sept. 13 Tulsa nadoes, but not earthquakes. With World article, the Oklahoma Cor- tornadoes we know what precau- poration Commission and the En- tions to take and what signs to look vironmental Protection Agency for.” It’s true, we know when to go ordered 32 wells to dispose waste- outside, how long to stand in the water into the Arbuckle, ceasing yard looking at the gathering light operations for an indefinite period and beauty, feel the electricity stand of time. The majority of the wells our hair on end; smell the ozone. (19) are in Pawnee County. Eight Okies have been trained since birth are in Noble County and five are how long to stay and when to go. in Osage County, according to Earthquakes are relatively new in the article. Oklahoma and to Oklahomans. The OMC, the EPA, OCC and The only thing I knew for sure the USGS are launching a new about earthquakes was to get into a and collaborative initiative to col- doorway. Turns out that is a myth. lect compatible data relative to the For more information on what to volume and location of saltwater do in an earthquake, visit the Cali- injection sites for scientific review fornia Conservation Department’s and analysis. This is the best way website at: http://www.conserva- possible to gain an understanding tion.ca.gov/index/Earthquakes/ of a phenomenon, which is relative- Pages/qh_earthquakes_what.aspx ly new and somewhat unknown to ––––––––– Oklahoma and Oklahomans. About the author: Rosemary Scientific inquiry requires that Wood is a former two-time Osage Trib- all relevant variables be consid- al Councilwoman and graduated from ered equally. It’s true, that hori- St. John Hospital School of Nursing in zontal drilling, along with the 1963, the University of Oklahoma in injection of large amounts of wa- 1965, and from Rutgers University in ter, has been newly introduced into 1971 with a Master of Science in Psy- the underground environment. chiatric Nursing. 16 October 2016 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage Culture At one time, Osages were like stars in the heavens Charles Red Corn Osage News

Every Tribe of Indians that I am familiar with has a story to tell and each Tribe has its own way of tell- All photos by Chalene Toehay-Tartsah ing that story. That is something Osage Nation’s Sky Lodge Estates, estimated to be finished in early 2017. to be respected. Today’s genera- tion of Osage People are fortunate to have a tribal social life and gov- ernment that grew out of ancient Construction continues on Osage teachings. Today the technology available to continue telling the story of a Sky Lodge Estates in Skiatook People is also found in music or a movie, a book or told through tele- Osage News vision. While those can be helpful, SKIATOOK, Okla. – Construction efforts continue on the Osage Nation’s Sky the key to understanding an In- Lodge Estates housing subdivision on the city’s east side and tribal officials plan dian life here on earth continues to complete the project in early 2017. to be an awareness of the values of Bruce Cass, director of the Nation’s Tribal Development and Land Acquisition the group of People involved. Department said the subdivision project is currently ahead of schedule and “at Like all People, Osages have Charles Red Corn this point, we still anticipate reaching substantial completion on Sky Lodge Es- faced important challenges over tates on Feb. 8, 2017.” the centuries. We are grateful the Osage People found a way to Cass, other tribal officials and local government officials broke ground on the that those Ancient Osages through include every individual who had a 15-home subdivision in February, which is located off Lenapah Avenue south generations of oral history left us reasonable claim to being a descen- of State Highway 20. The 15 homes are a mix of three- and four-bedroom hous- enough of a historic trail for Osag- dent of those ancient ones to share ing units and are being constructed with federal Native American Housing es of today to maintain a strong in the enormous wealth of the tribe. Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) grant money awarded to confidence in a need and desire Osages at that time were consid- the Nation. to continue being Osage, and of ered in terms of monetary value to The ON housing program can be reached at (918) 287-5310. For more informa- learning how to become more like be the wealthiest group of people in tion on housing and to download applications, go online to: www.osagenation- who we want to be. the world. nsn.gov/what-we-do/housing Those Ancient Ones combined From my point of view I think our centuries of existence and could ancient ones would have considered understand an organized society the Osage People in terms of our of Osages based on clans that are clan systems and how they worked made up of families. in our Osage society as the wealthi- It has been handed down by est group of people in the world even word of mouth that at one time before the oil was discovered on our Osages were like stars in the heav- reservation. ens. The People and their leaders Also, included in our wealth, was determined they should descend to that in well over a century ago the Earth. During that time following Osages received the gift of a Drum. the descending to Earth there was With this new cultural wealth came Osage Nation’s Sky Lodge Estates, estimated The bathroom in a three-bedroom home in the teachings and procedures asso- a period of roaming the Earth. to be finished in early 2017. Sky Lodge Estates. The People learned the skills ciated with the Drum that is called and strategies of existing on In-Lon-Shka. As most Osages know Earth. They learned of the weath- the Osages are divided into three er and the seasons of flooding and districts. Those three districts are tornados, as well as cold, icy, and called Grayhorse, Hominy and mild weather. They got to know Pawhuska, and traditional Osages the movements and habits of the are from one of those districts. animals who they called their Osages are blessed with our cul- brothers. It is a beautiful story of tural wealth and with this we are how those stars came to earth. The able to celebrate every year during People walked the earth search- the month of June with our fellow ing for the answers to their basic traditional Osages where we gather questions. It was during this pe- for four days at each of the three The kitchen and living room of a three-bed- The lighting system in the living room of a room home in Sky Lodge Estates. three-bedroom home in Sky Lodge Estates. riod when the People learned ways villages. This is a dance with roots of survival through generations of that have endured the centuries oral history and the use of our so- where traditional foods are served phisticated clan systems. and the drum provides the beat of These sophisticated clan sys- centuries old songs. The Osages cul- tems and our oral history passed tural wealth is a good thing. down from generation to genera- ––––––––– tion and helped our Osage lead- About the author: Charles H. Red ers make decisions when a new Corn, Osage, is the author of “A Pipe for found wealth was discovered on February” and various other published our Osage Reservation. During the works. Red Corn received his B.A. in Psychology and his Masters of Educa- 1890s when petroleum had become tion Administration from Penn State. a vital part of the world economy, He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and oil was discovered on the million resides with his wife Jeri in Norman, and a half acres of what we call the Okla. He is the Osage News culture Osage Reservation. The leaders of columnist. Osage Nation to share $1.6 million grant for language immersion program Osage News rector for the Osage County Interlocal Cooperative in Hominy. She said plans The Osage Nation is a sharing party also call for using grant money to “in- to a $1.6 million federal grant awarded crease technology to offer Osage lan- to the Osage County Interlocal Coop- guage instruction to the schools and the erative with the funding available to community, and to improve technology support education services, including and support social emotional learning the Osage language immersion school. in the early childhood programs, both On Sept. 19, the U.S. Department of in the schools of Pawhuska, Bowring Education’s Office of English Language and Hominy, and the Osage Nation.” How to submit a Letter to the Editor Acquisition announced $2.9 million According to a U.S. Education De- in grants under the Native American partment news release: “These grants If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, and Alaska Native Children in School represent an important opportunity to please mail it to the Osage News, Attn.: Shannon program. The $1,622,991 award is a increase support for our Native chil- five-year grant and the Osage County dren to develop capabilities in more Shaw, 619 Kihekah, Pawhuska, OK 74056 or send Interlocal Cooperative is among 10 than one language by learning English email to [email protected]. grant recipients announced by the De- and their Native language, preserve partment of Education. The coopera- their cultural heritage through lan- Letters must be respectful and informative to tive office will be the project director guage learning activities and engage the reader, and may be edited for grammar, clar- for the grant. families and communities in multi-gen- “There is funding to support the erational learning and the education of ity and space. (Osage language) immersion school,” their children,” said U.S. Secretary of said Jacque Canady, the executive di- Education John B. King Jr. COsage Newso • osagenews.orgmmunity October 2016 17

bill states the $1 million ap- payroll, implementing merit, Vetoes propriation would come out of implementing pay raises… it’s –from Page 5 the general treasury fund, but widely practiced.” Whitehorn, establish a retained rev- he preferred the money come who voted “yes” noted all three enue fund for the Nation as from the Nation’s $2 million branches pay indirect costs, an effort to save available economic development fund to fund the Human Resourc- unobligated money (Shaw). and said he would vote “no.” es Department, which holds According to the bill, the Shaw said he supports the all employee records for the retained revenue fund Bluestem Ranch board, but branches. is to be funded by tribal added he is voting “no” because revenue unexpended from he is unsure if the $1 million The bill passed 11-1 with the previous fiscal year as is needed. Shaw also noted a “no” vote from Walker, who reported by the Nation’s the board received an initial said the bill looks like intent Treasurer upon comple- budget of $2 million earlier for Congress to control the tion of the annual audit. this year, which has yet to be salary increases for employ- The bill also calls for 100 spent and board plans are still ees. Walker also noted the percent of the tribal carry- in works. money for salary increases is over funds to be deposited Congresswoman Alice Buf- for employees in all three gov- into the retained revenue falohead said she would like to Franc Ann Herard Johnson of ernment branches and ques- Congratulations! fund annually before Oct. see the economic development Eagle Lake and the late Bruce tioned whether it was proper. Dr. Hillary Johnson gradu- 31 and the deposited funds fund grow and prefers the Johnson, Sr. Osage relatives ated May 2016, with her Doc- shall also be invested in money be used for other ven- Referring to the Constitution, include the late Rosetta Tin- tor of Dental Surgery (DDS), accordance with approved tures, including the ON Util- Walker said the Congress is to ker Bowman, the late Chief from The University of Texas investment policies. ity Authority Board, which pass a budget for each branch Sylvester Tinker, the late Bud Health Science Center School pursued a feasibility study for and “not a budget that has all Herard and the late David R broadband internet service of Dentistry at Houston. Herard. The bill states the Congress three branches.” earlier this year. She added Presenting Hillary with her Hillary would like to thank shall appropriate, at its discre- the ranch board estimated • ONCA 16-116 (Edwards): diploma was her sister, Capt. the Osage Nation Higher Edu- tion, out of the retained rev- they would need $3 million in An act to appropriate Kristi Kennedy, DDS, USAF. cation Department for their enue fund for the benefit of the the beginning, and would vote $428,408 for government Hillary is the daughter of financial assistance she re- Nation and those appropria- “yes” for the bill. Bruce and Roberta Johnson, ceived while attending school. tions shall require a super ma- employee pay for perfor- Whitehorn said the addi- formerly of Eagle Lake. She is The scholarships gave her the jority of eight affirmative votes mance recognition bonuses the granddaughter of Albert opportunity to accomplish her in favor of spending retained tional $1 million may be need- based on merit. The bill and Hazel Tomchesson and dream of becoming a dentist. revenue funds. Shaw said the ed for property lease costs, passed 11-1 with Walker Nation cannot respond to fis- which stems from conversa- also voting “no” on this cal emergencies if there’s no tions between the ranch board bill. Edwards said the sufficient tribal funds avail- and Executive Branch. White- daughter of Bruce Tiger and funding will also be ap- able, which prompted him to horn said the Tallgrass Eco- Beauty the granddaughter of Judy Ti- propriated to the Human propose the bill. ONCA 16-107 nomic Development LLC will –from Page 13 ger. She is married to Samuel Resources Department to passed unanimously 12-0. also need operating money in valid ID, High School diploma Nuttle and is a mother of two. distribute to employees Serendipity Beauty College • ONCA 16-111 (sponsored FY 2017 and also wants the or GED. (under the merit-based is located at 108 S. Seneca Ave, by Congresswoman Maria economic development fund to “I love doing people’s hair employment system) for and making them feel good,” in Bartlesville. For more in- Whitehorn): A $1 mil- grow. formation call (918) 338-2055; lion appropriation bill to performance recognition said LaTonya West, a student • ONCA 16-115 (Edwards): visit their website at http://Ser- Bluestem Ranch LLC. The bonuses awarded annu- at Serendipity Beauty College. An act to appropriate endipitybeautyc.wixsite.com bill passed 10-2 with “no” ally and some funds are Tiger-Nuttle said the school $358,304 for government or like their Facebook page at votes from Congressman also available for other offers discounted prices to employee base pay adjust- https://www.facebook.com/ RJ Walker and Shaw. recognition awards includ- Osages and to veterans. ments based on a merit Serendipity-Beauty-College- Tiger-Nuttle is from the market survey conducted ing gift/ food certificates. 1771949423048696/?fref=ts Walker noted the amended Grayhorse district and is the by the Human Resources Department, which will re- Two Congressional resolu- ceive the money to pay out tions also passed with unani- the base pay adjustments mous votes on Sept. 28. to eligible employees. Save the Date! • ONCR 16-44 (Buffalo- Edwards said the money is head): A Congressional –Local Events Calendar budgeted “for a specific pur- resolution to support the 3233 Northwest November 19 pose to pay base pay increas- Nation’s submission of OCTOBER es” to government employees Expressway 10th Annual OKCPS an Economic Develop- October 10 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma who are subject to the Nation’s ment and Minerals Pro- Powwow merit-based employment sys- Observed Holiday For more information gram grant application US Grant High School tem. According to the Osage Osage Day contact (918) 403-9605 to the U.S. Department 5016 S. Penn Ave. Constitution, the Congress is Offices Closed October 29 charged with implementing a of Energy and Economic Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Otoe-Missouria merit-based employment sys- Development on behalf October 15 – January 21 Contest Powwow tem for the employees exclud- of the Osage Miner- Osage Nation Encampment Benefit ing executive staff and other als Council pursuant to Museum Presents Halloween Gourd Dance For more information Otoe-Missouria appointed positions serving at Carl Ponca: contact (405) 587-0355 Public Law 93-638. Cultural Building the will of the Principal Chief. A Retrospective • ONCR 16-45 (Buffalo- 819 Grandview Ave. 8151 Hwy 77 November 24-25 – The $358,304 figure came head): A Congressional Pawhuska, Oklahoma Red Rock, Oklahoma Observed Holiday from Human Resources Direc- 2 p.m. tor Scott Johnson who held a resolution to support Opening Reception Thanksgiving Holiday on October 15 For more information presentation with the Con- submission of a Tribal Offices Closed 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. contact (918) 636-8231 gress earlier in the Tzi-Zho Energy Development Session. Edwards said she Capacity grant application October 16 October 30 Giveswater Service Club DECEMBER supported the base pay in- to the U.S. Department UCO Fall Benefit Powwow creases. The Human Resourc- of Energy and Economic Annual Halloween December 23-26 – Nigh University Fundraiser Dance es Department conducted a Development on behalf Observed Holiday Center Ballroom Ponca Cultural Center merit market survey on the of the Osage Miner- 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Christmas Holiday employee positions to deter- als Council pursuant to For more information Offices Closed mine if the salaries need to be Public Law 93-638. contact (405) 203-6043 increased to remain competi- NOVEMBER December 30 tive with regional employers. October 16 The Congress will next meet New Year’s Eve Edwards said it’s been three Comanche Homecoming November 5 at 10 a.m. Oct. 3. For Day 24, Osage Gourd Group Dance Offices Close at Noon years since the last merit mar- Benefit Powwow but the Congress has agreed to Wakon Iron Hall ket survey was conducted to Walters Comanche December 31 extend the Tzi-Zho Session an Nation Community Center Pawhuska, Oklahoma adjust salaries and noted the 16th Annual New Year’s additional three days. Walters, Oklahoma 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. increase is needed to help pay 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eve Sobriety Powwow for recently-increased health To view filed legislation and For more information November 5 Bacone College insurance coverage, especially the Congressional calendar for Southern California contact (580) 512-1504 2412 East Shawnee Rd. those who live “paycheck to scheduled sessions and com- Osage Fall Gathering Muskogee, Oklahoma paycheck.” mittee meetings, go online to: October 22 Carlsbad Senior Center Contest Powwow Buffalohead said she would www.osagenation-nsn.gov/ 799 Pine Ave. 8th Annual Osage vote “yes,” noting “the human who-we-are/legislative-branch Carlsbad, CA 92008 For more information Nation Cultural Walk resources department – every The sessions and meetings For more information For more information contact (918) 639-7999 place I’ve ever worked at is the contact Greg Clavier are also live streamed at the contact (918) 287-5538 entity that takes care of merit (760) 802-7591 and pay raises… that’s a large following link: www.osagena- October 22 part of their job, getting these tion-nsn.gov/multimedia/ November 11 – Have an event? Send event 2016 Tribal Foster and evaluations, working with live-media Adoptive Family Observed Holiday information to the Osage News, Recruitment Fair Veterans Day Attn.: Shannon Shaw, 619 Ki- Glorietta Baptist Church Offices Closed hekah, Pawhuska, OK 74056; allgrass The Tallgrass LLC em- 7308 S. Western Ave. email [email protected], T ployees report to CEO James Oklahoma City, Oklahoma November 19 –from Page 7 or fax to (918) 287-5563. Make 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. AISA Fall Benefit Powwow Holder. The Tallgrass LLC sure to include event date, loca- Wykoff also studied ac- For more information University of Oklahoma board of directors are: Tim tion, email and Web address (if counting at Tulsa Com- contact (918) 287-5335 Tall Chief (chairman), Da- Thunderbird Casino applicable) and a phone number munity College and is a October 28-30 2 p.m. Gourd Dance, 5 where someone can be contact- co-owner/ personal train- vid Stewart (vice chairman), Haskell Alumni p.m. Supper Break ed for validation if necessary. er for CrossFit Tulsa, Raymond Hankins (Trea- Association of Oklahoma which focuses on person- 6 p.m. Gourd Dance Clos- Deadline for the November 2016 Reunion 2016 al fitness trainings for surer), Phillip Morrow and The Tower Hotel ing, 7 p.m. Grand Entry issue is October 18, 2016. groups and individuals. Jim Parris. Obituaries October 2016 18 McInroy, Zachary Rawlings, horse, OK. Ed Red Eagle, Jr. John Shaw, Wyatt Webb, Ted will be officiating. Arrange- Boles Jr. and Ed Shaw. ments are under the direction Laura was a loving wife, of Trout Funeral Home and mother, sister and aunt. She Crematory. was a very good friend to have Casketbearers will be: Mike and will be sorely missed.

Subpoenas sources Director Scott Johnson to produce documents, which –from Page 5 includes current individual tions and salaries. Principal ON employee positions and Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear job salaries in the Executive said his office is discussing the Branch; the job salaries cal- subpoenas with legal counsel culated according to the most before responding with the in- Barbara Escallier Laura Allyne (Boles) Webb formation. recent merit market survey for each individual employee posi- Nation. His Osage name was left in the guestbook at Powell- In the meantime, the budget Barbara Escallier meetings in various Congres- “Tah-E-Ne-Ka-Shin-Ka which FuneralService.com. tion in the Executive Branch After a long and fruit- sional committees are con- means “Little Male Deer”. He departments. ful life, Barbara C. Escallier tinuing throughout the 24-day attended elementary school in Edwards, currently the passed away on Aug. 22, 2016. Laura Allyne (Boles) Webb session. The Congress mem- Hominy and Mound Valley in chairwoman for the Congres- Granddaughter of two original Laura Allyne (Boles) Webb bers are turning to last year’s 1906 Osage allottees, and de- Osage County, Oklahoma and passed away on Sunday, Sep- submitted information for help sional Education Committee, scendant of the Tzi-Zho Wah- went to high school in Oak- tember 19, 2016 at her home in in discussing the budgets. said she spoke with ON Con- Shtah-Keh Clan, she was a land, California. Ponca City. She was 50 years “We’re moving forward, troller Chad Cobb on Sept. 7 proud member of the Osage Robin lived in Oakland and old. Laura was born on July we’re working with what we’ve and asked for the same salary Nation. Berkeley, California for most 27, 1966 in Lynwood, Cali- got,” said Congressman RJ information for the Education Barbara was born in Kansas of his life, though the last 10 fornia to Theodore Boles and Walker who currently chairs Division and he said he could City, Mo., and lived there until years were spent in Tulsa. He Mary Francis (Sweetwater) the Health/ Social Services she and her family relocated to was a very charitable and giv- Boles. She married her sweet- Committee. not provide it. Long Beach, Calif., when she ing person. He worked as a heart, Eric Stephen Webb, on In the event the budgets The motion to issue the sub- was a teenager. She attended caregiver and also helped the October 18, 1999 in Las Vegas, cannot be passed by Sept. 30 poena passed with a unani- both Long Beach Wilson High homeless, especially when he Nevada. They had one son, (end of the 2016 fiscal year), mous 12-0 vote. School and the University of Wyatt Stephen Webb. lived in California. He was a Congressman Ron Shaw filed Also passing with unani- Southern California in the Laura graduated from Pon- a bill (ONCA 16-101) to au- traveler and made friends, and mous votes on Sept. 9 were 1940s. She married Charles helped people across the coun- ca City High School in 1985 thorize unfunded government Rene Escallier with whom she subpoenas for the following try. He was also a collector and went on to attend North- operations to stay open and to raised her 3 children until his and loved all things, primarily ern Oklahoma College. Later, fund those operations at the information from specific ON death in 1978. Laura worked as a Surgical antiques. He was a wonderful, current year rates which were officials: She is survived by her chil- Assistant at a Maxillofacial kind person; who lived life to approved last September by dren, Donna Reyerson Keith Surgical Center in Las Vegas the Fourth ON Congress. • A separate subpoena to the fullest and will be greatly (Rich Keith), Charles Pierre for 14 years. She was also a Congresswoman Alice Buf- Johnson for salary infor- missed by his family. Escallier (Cindy Escallier) member of the Church of Jesus falohead, who chairs the mation on positions within Robin is survived by: his and Jeffrey Escallier (Viola Christ of Latter-Day Saints. governmental operations com- mother, Patricia Maker of Tul- the Education Division; Tafoya); her grandchildren, She is survived by her son, mittee, said she set her meet- documents regarding cost Monique Manning (Mike Man- sa, OK; his brother, Charles Wyatt Stephen Webb of the ing dates and times in August ning), Mark Reyerson, Venus Maker of Occidental, CA; his home, sister, Raven CallsHim and those meetings would of administrative fees and Escallier (Greg Sickafoose), nephew, Erick Maker of Tulsa, of Ponca City, OK; sister, continue. She also added gov- costs for medical insur- Kevin Reyerson, Charlie Gaul- OK and many cousins. Shannon Sweetwater of Las ernment entities not under ance; documents evidenc- ke (Brent Gaulke), Hunter Robin is preceded in death Vegas, NV; brother, Theodore the Executive Branch’s chain ing change in plan year Escallier, and Chad Escallier, by: his father, Harry Maker; Boles Jr. of Long Beach, CA; of command have submitted for health benefits to Oct. as well as her great-grandchil- his paternal grandparents, brother, Wesley Sweetwater all information requested by 1 for ON employees. dren, Liam and Piper Reyer- Ross and Marie Maker; and of Claremore, OK; mother- the Congress for their respec- son, Luna Sickafoose, Gunnar his maternal grandparents, in-law, Judy K. Mallory and tive budgets, which include • A subpoena to Education and Logan Gaulke, Remi Es- father-in-law Melvin D. Mal- Granville and Dora Stone. the Judicial Branch, Osage Department Director callier, and Kate, Kelly, and lory, both of the home; niece, News and the Attorney Gen- The funeral service was Mary Wildcat for various Easton Manning. She also held on September 5th, 2016 Tayla CallsHim of Ponca City, eral’s Office. education department leaves behind her wonderful, at the Friends Church in OK; niece, Timberly CallsHim At the start of the Tzi- documents. long-time companion and love, Hominy, Oklahoma with the of Ponca City, OK; sister-in- Zho Session Standing Bear Cameron Scott Deeds. Pastors Wayne Brown and law, GayLyn Webb of Ponca told the Congress in his ex- City, OK; and sister-in-law, • A subpoena to Director of David Nagle officiating. Pall- ecutive address and said the Terri Susan Rawlings of Del Operations Casey John- Robin Dale Maker bearers were: Charles Maker, Standing Bear v. Whitehorn City, OK. son for similar education Osage News Erick Maker, Raymond Las- lawsuit decision issued by She was preceded in death the ON Supreme Court ear- department documents. ley, Larry Maker, John Maker, Robin Dale Maker, 61 years, by her husband, Eric Stephen lier this year factored into the Everett Waller, Isaiah Lasley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed Webb, parents, grandmother, budget process. • A subpoena to Treasurer and Lance Goodfox. Burial fol- away on Saturday, Septem- Ida Bates Sweetwater and “The Executive Branch has Samuel Alexander for simi- lowed the services at the A. J. ber 3, 2016 at St John Medical grandfather, Francis Sweet- worked hard to prepare the lar education department Powell Memorial Cemetery in Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. water, Sr. budget and to operate the Ex- documents. Robin was born in Haw- Hominy. A traditional Osage Tribal ecutive Branch under the guid- thorne, California on August 2, Powell Funeral Home has Funeral Ceremony will be held ance provided by the decision Afterward, Standing Bear 1955 to Harry Leslie and Patri- been entrusted with the ar- at 9 a.m. Thursday morning, of the Osage Nation Supreme cia Louise (Stone) Maker. Rob- rangements. Online condo- September 22, 2016 at the Court in the landmark case of said he proposed a compromise in was a member of the Osage lences and memories may be Grayhorse Chapel in Gray- Standing Bear vs. Whitehorn. on the issued subpoenas for The Congress cannot make the information demanded by laws and then carry out the Congress, which was declined very laws they make. Instead, on Sept. 12. Standing Bear another separate and distinct argues the Congress receives Classifieds Branch is to carry out the laws, and no law can precondi- monthly financial information OSAGE NATION JOBS: To ment or related field preferred Head Start. Bachelor’s Degree “from the Executive Branch Apply please for a position with or actively working toward this in Early Childhood Education or tion action or try to control the the Osage Nation go to https:// degree. Child Development As- related child development field functions of any Department, which is more than adequate www.osagenation-nsn.gov/op- sociate (CDA) certification or re- an/or a combination of Associ- program, or employee of the to assist the Osage Congress portunities/job-listings/appli- lated field preferred or working ate’s Degree in Early Childhood Executive Branch,” Standing in its constitutional duties.” cation-form. You are welcome toward completion within eight Education or related child de- Bear told the Congress. The subpoena deadlines for to attach a resume and/or cover (8) months. High school diploma velopment field with 2 years of “After the Supreme Court letter in addition. Please note or GED required. At least one experience. Child Development pronounced how we should the information are Sept. 19 that all applicants tentatively year of experience in child care Associate credential and with proceed in this government I for the first subpoena issued to selected for employment with the atmosphere. Regular Full Time. college hours seeking higher de- saw it would be no easy adjust- Johnson and Sept. 20 for the Osage Nation will be required to Salary: $13.23/hr. gree. Regular Full Time. Salary: ment. And thus far, this obser- other subpoenas issued. submit to a urinalysis to screen $19.23/hr. Tribal Education Advocate – vation has been accurate. For for illegal drug use. Employment To view filed legislation and Hominy Education. Bachelor’s Dentist – Pawhuska Wah-Zha- that reason, I have been con- will be contingent upon said drug the Congressional calendar for degree in education or closely Zhi Health Center. Degree in servative in my approach to test results. OSAGE / VETER- scheduled sessions and com- AN /INDIAN PREFERENCE IS related field is required. Current Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Den- the budgeting process,” Stand- CONSIDERED. Verification of teaching certificate is preferred. tal Medicine (D.M.D.) from a ing Bear said. mittee meetings, go online to: preference must be included with At least 3 to 5 years’ experience school approved by the Council After two days of discussion, www.osagenation-nsn.gov/ application. For questions please in teaching in classroom is pre- on Dental Education, American the Congress voted to issue Dental Association (ADA) or oth- who-we-are/legislative-branch contact Taryn Crawford, Osage ferred. Must be willing to travel subpoenas for various docu- and attend parent meetings as er dental school provided the ed- The sessions and meetings Nation Employee Recruitment ments from Executive Branch needed. Must have the ability ucation and knowledge acquired are also live streamed at the Specialist, at (918) 287-5445 or officials. email tcrawford@osagenation- to teach parent/student/teacher was substantially equivalent to following link:www.osagena- workshops. Regular Full Time. that of graduates from an ADA On Sept. 8, Congresswoman nsn.gov. tion-nsn.gov/multimedia/ Salary: $22.28/hr. approved school. Current and Maria Whitehorn motioned to Certified Fitness Instructor – unrestricted License to practice issue a subpoena to Human Re- live-media Teacher Assistant – Pawhus- Pawhuska Fitness Center. As- Dentistry in the State of Okla- ka Immersion. Associate’s sociates degree preferred. Must homa. Regular Full Time. Salary: Degree in Early Childhood De- have a current Fitness Instructor $128,775 - $142,700 License or able to attain within velopment or related field pre- ninety (90) days of hire. Multiple ferred or actively working toward Temp Work HR Temp. If in- Workshop certifications in physical fitness this degree. Child Development terested in temp work, please –from Page 8 preferred. Minimum of two (2) Associate (CDA) certification or submit an online application at want there to be good feelings when people eat the food years’ experience as a physical related field required or -work https://www.osagenation-nsn. you prepare for them.” ing toward completion within gov/opportunities/job-listings/ap- fitness instructor. Must have the The girls expressed how much they enjoyed learning to ability to teach a group of cli- eight (8) months. Osage language plication-form. Submitting your ents. Regular Full Time. Salary: proficiency required and/or- ac application to the temp pool will cook and sew, and said that they would be helping out at $12.15 tively attending Osage language place you in the skill set category. home and the In-Lon-Schka camps more. class. Regular Full Time. Salary: Temporary work will be available Teacher Assistant – Skiatook “I liked the cooking part the most, and cutting up veg- $13.00/hr. as needed. Regular Temporary Head Start. Associate’s Degree etables,” said Gwen Stehno, 13, from Hominy. Time. Salary: $13.00/hr. in Early Childhood Develop- Lead Teacher – Pawhuska OOsage Newspini • osagenews.orgo n October 2016 19 Letters to Without Reservations the Editor Are we an Indian association or sovereign Nation? A tsunami of wind turbines is zeroing in on the Osage Reservation and will ir- revocably destroy our heritage. Over 500 turbines are slated to be built pending resolution of a lawsuit before the Okla- homa Supreme Court and an appeal of a lower federal court ruling that paved the way for more turbines. Wind energy industrial plants with hundreds of 400 feet tall turbines con- sume massive tracts of land. They re- quire the excavation of millions of cubic feet of rock and dirt. Over 126 square miles of the Reservation will be needed for 500 turbines and over 1 square mile of Osage minerals will be excavated from ditches at least 10 feet deep. Another 250 square miles may be targeted for wind energy industrial plants that will surround Pawhuska and Hominy. Those familiar with the Reservation know that it is home to the largest and best-preserved Flint Hill Prairie Tall- grass ecosystem remaining in the U.S. In 2004 it was designated by the Com- mission for Environmental Cooperation as the “best of what’s left” of the grass- Cartoon © Santo Domingo Pueblo Cartoon Artist, Ricardo Caté lands that were here before European contact. Massive land gobbling indus- trial wind energy plants will ruin this special place forever. We possessed our current Reservation Alexander confirmed as Treasurer, other for many hundreds of years, long before we made our last move here in 1870. We buried our dead here, we established appointees confirmed, one denied semi-permanent hunting camps along dozens of well-traveled trails, we con- Benny Polacca ducted ceremonies here, and the prairie Osage News landscape inspired our ancestor’s under- standing of creation. Where father sky Samuel Alexander is the Osage Na- Tzi-Zho meets mother earth Hun-Kah tion’s next Treasurer after the Fifth on the prairie horizon the people of the Osage Nation voted to confirm him for sky descended and united with the peo- the post on Sept. 29. ple of the earth to become one people, the Appointed by Principal Chief Geof- Wah-Zha-Zhi. Industrial wind plants frey Standing Bear, Alexander (Mus- will destroy our heritage and disconnect cogee Creek Nation) received a 12-0 us from the unspoiled landscape that in- unanimous vote during Day 21 of the fused spiritual meaning into the lives of Tzi-Zho Session after briefly visiting our ancestors. with the Congress before the floor vote. Recently our minerals were used He succeeds former Treasurer Callie without permission to build a wind farm Catcher who stepped down in April. within view of Gray Horse. Excavating During questioning, Congresswom- BENNY POLACCA/Osage News hundreds of acres of Osage minerals is an Shannon Edwards noted the ongo- Osage Nation Treasurer Samuel Alexander (far end at table) meets with an ON Congressional not inconsequential as a federal judge ing situation with the Congress not committee on July 18. Alexander, a seasoned accountant and former Muscogee (Creek) Na- recently ruled. He was also wrong when receiving all requested information for tional Councilor, was confirmed by Congress to serve as Treasurer on Sept. 29. he ruled that using our minerals was not the budgets and asked Alexander for Executive Branch and all the depart- On Sept. 30, the Congress voted for commercial purposes. When a multi- his impression on the issue. Alexander ments that fall under it, along with a down Lesa Shaw by majority vote, who million dollar company uses a natural said, “I’m just as disappointed as you summary for each other division and was appointed to the Health Authority resource it needs to build a money-gen- are in the way things have gone, I hate erating machine and doesn’t pay for it, seeing the government stressed out its programs, so essentially eight piec- Board by the Executive Branch. With that’s called pure commercial profit. like this, I’ve experienced this before in es of paper.” some members citing conflict of inter- I have spoken to our Principal Chief, my own tribe. I came up here on May During the April meeting, Edwards est concerns because Shaw is the wife Assistant Principal Chief, Speaker of the 1 and the budget process was already asked if support documentation for the of Congressman Ron Shaw, the Con- Osage Congress, Chairman of the Min- ongoing … I think most of the decisions budgets would still be kept. Zaun said gress voted with seven “no” votes, one erals Council, members Congress, Min- were made before I came here about the support documentation would go “yes,” two abstentions and two absenc- erals Council and former Osage Nation how this approach was going to occur.” to the Treasurer’s office to be on file, es that day. Attorney General. All say they oppose On the budget information issue, so the accounting clerks can track the Congresswoman Alice Buffalohead wind farms for the reasons mentioned Standing Bear referred to an April 6 funds that will be spent in each pro- told her colleagues she is not cam- above. Yet as this tragedy is unfolding Congressional Appropriations Com- gram/ department. paigning against Shaw, but said she is our leaders seem helpless. As a well-re- mittee meeting held to discuss the bud- As Treasurer, Alexander said he abstaining from the confirmation vote spected tribal member said, “The mind- geting process in wake of the Standing would like to help streamline the ac- because ethically “for myself … I do set that we are too pitiful to do anything Bear v. Whitehorn decision issued by counting process, noting the Nation not want to be in a position to vote on must stop.” the ON Supreme Court in March. That has over 150 programs “and that’s a any of your all’s spouse, child or par- If we fail to act out of fear, apathy or meeting, called by former Congress- mess frankly and it’s complicated and I ent. I took the time to call Lesa and ex- the hope that someone else will fix it, man John Jech who then chaired the think we can do better than that, make plained to her how I felt and what my then we will become just an Indian as- committee, sought to discuss future it easier on everybody.” A state-certi- opinion was on the matter and being sociation that meets in June to dance in budget plans and if there’s any changes fied public accountant, Alexander has the professional that she is, she said arenas surrounded by gigantic wind tur- to the formats. 40 years-experience in the field, man- she understood and wasn’t upset with bines. We can give up on the idea that we Chief of Staff Jason Zaun told the aged his own accounting practice in the me about it and she was not going to are the sovereign Osage Nation. appropriations committee: “The Execu- Tulsa area and graduated from North- ask me to reconsider.” –Joe Conner, tive Branch will submit to the Legisla- eastern State with a bachelor’s degree Congresswoman Shannon Edwards Fairfax, Okla. tive Branch the summary page for the in business accounting. He also served recalled in the past being asked to as an elected Muscogee (Creek) Nation vote on two matters that would benefit National Council representative and unnamed fellow Congress members’ has worked as an outside auditor for immediate family members and she several tribal and local governments. refused to and believes those events According to the Executive Branch, resulted in hurt feelings and “I don’t October 18th is the Alexander is also a U.S. Army veteran want to be put in that position. We are and served as Speaker while on the just too close a community to be asked MCN National Council. He also served to vote for spouses, immediate family deadline for all submissions for as Tax Commissioner for the tribe and members, it’s too hard.” chairman of the MCN Gaming Opera- According to her resume and biog- tions Authority Board. raphy, Lesa Shaw (Choctaw Nation) the November issue of the serves on the Shawnee City Commis- Other appointments sion and has experience working as a Also during the Tzi-Zho Session, the health field consultant and policy ana- Congress also considered and unani- lyst. She has worked in health-related mously confirmed the following indi- posts for the Sac & Fox Nation, Cher- viduals for boards/ commissions: okee Nation and Absentee Shawnee Tribe and holds a Master of Public Ad- • Susan Traci Phillips: Gaming ministration degree from the Univer- Enterprise Board sity of Oklahoma. • Carole Hutchens: Traditional The confirmation vote for Shaw Cultural Advisors Committee failed with “no” votes from Congress Mark it on your calendars! members James Norris, William “Ku- • Richard Luttrell, Franklin McKin- gee” Supernaw, Joe Tillman, Maria ley, John Henry Mashunkashey, Whitehorn, Edwards, Maker and Con- Frances Williams, Richard Perrier: gressional Speaker Angela Pratt. RJ Osage War Memorial Commission www.osagenews.org Walker cast the lone “yes” vote and 619 Kihekah • Pawhuska, OK 74056 • Nicki Revard Lorenzo: Buffalohead and Ron Shaw abstained Home Health Board from voting. Otto Hamilton and Archie Mason were absent that day. Osage model to walk runway at this year’s Fashion Week San Diego Tara Madden in New Mexico. She became Osage News aware of many more fashion events and photographers dur- Erica Pretty Eagle Moore ing that process and did her enjoys life to the fullest and is first show and photo shoot in accepting of all opportunities 2014. Ryan Young for Native that come her way. Her motto: Max Magazine discovered her you don’t know if you like it and featured her in a full-page until you try it. photo in the magazine. She Since she has decided to try has continued modeling and modeling, opportunities have doing fashion shows and photo been coming. Moore, 23, will shoots ever since. be one of the models walking “My favorite part of model- down the runway at this year’s ing is connecting and crossing Fashion Week San Diego, Fall paths with so many talented Runway Shows, which takes and inspiring people who are place in La Jolla, Calif., Sept. all striving for the best and are 29 through Oct. 2. very supportive of each other,” “This is my biggest gig and Moore said. “I love the exhila- All photos courtesy / Larry Price I am looking forward to this rating feeling I get after walk- Erica Pretty Eagle Moore will be walking the runway at the 2016 Fashion Week San Diego. experience,” she said. “I am so ing on the runway.” honored to be one of the select- Moore has modeled for Na- ed models.” tive designers and non-Native She will be modeling for last designers. She has worked year’s Top Designer of Fash- with JT Willie, Shayne Wat- ion Week San Diego, B.JASH.I son, Loren Aragon with ACO- Designer Marcie Bain. Moore NAV and Jared Yazzie with will be alongside other models OxDx; Sabrina Seaton with coming from all over the Unit- Nanabah Designs and JG ed States to feature designs Indie by Jolonzo Goldtooth; from 26 up and coming fashion Alano Edzerza and Season 11 designers. Project Runway finalist, de- Moore has always had a love signer Patricia Michaels. She for the arts, her father Ted has also worked with pho- Moore, Jr., is a well-known tographers Larry Price with and respected Indian artist. Native Max Magazine, Matt She has dabbled in photogra- Toledo, Bill Pegram, Terrance phy, Cinematic Arts and Ani- Clifford, Marco Rivera and mation. She graduated from Benny Oscar. Woodland High School in Fair- As for pursuing modeling as strives to remain cultural and ty that comes, large or small. Kee, the same as her beloved fax, Okla.; attended classes at a full time job Moore says she respect herself and our people,” She would encourage them to grandmother. Her great- University of Central Okla- is focusing on enjoying every said her mother Terry Mason branch out and push them- grandmother is the late Mary homa, Institute of American opportunity that she gets with Moore. “She has had chal- selves out of their comfort zone Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M., modeling events. Whether she Osage Green of the Grayhorse lenges while also being a full- and experience modeling if it is and Santa Fe University of Art goes further or not in the in- district. She is also the grand- time graphic design student, their desire to be a model. and Design. She is currently dustry she has had an amaz- daughter of Bennie Joe and but really enjoys the modeling Moore is the daughter of attending classes in Graphic ing time participating and will Bonnie Mason, and the great- events and photo shoots. We Ted and Terry Mason Moore Design at Fort Lewis College continue if opportunities keep granddaughter of Joe and Rose in Durango, Colo. She is also a coming her way. encourage all our children to and the granddaughter of the Moh-E-Kah-Moie Mason, full- former Osage Tribal Princess. “Ted and I fully support take advantage of opportuni- late Thomasine Moore, who blood Osage original allottees. Modeling is something that Erica and her fashion model- ties when they arise, and to do she says is one of her biggest started out as helping her ing and we are proud of her. the best they can.” inspirations. She is from the To follow Erica Pretty Eagle fashion and photographer She has become a role model Moore would advise young Grayhorse district and her Moore online, visit her web- friends while attending college for other young Natives and girls to take every opportuni- Osage name is Mon-See-Stek- page at: ericaprettyeagle.com Osage’s fashion designs featured in Philbrook’s Native Fashion Now exhibit Shannon Shaw Duty a phenomena of the past, or Osage News just mere replicas,” said Karen Kramer, PEM’s Curator of Na- Wendy Ponca’s name is tive American Art and Culture. among today’s top Native “But that couldn’t be further American designers. Her de- from the truth. Contemporary signs are being featured right Native fashion designers are along with Virgil Ortiz, Jamie dismantling and upending fa- Okuma, Bethany Yellowtail, miliar motifs, adopting new Patricia Michaels and Sho Sho forms of expression and mate- Esquiro in the Peabody Essex rials, and sharing their vision Museum’s critically acclaimed of Native culture and design exhibition Native Fashion with a global audience.” Now, which is now being fea- The exhibition features the tured at the Philbrook Muse- designers in four sections: um of Art in Tulsa. Pathbreakers, Revisitors, Ac- Ponca said she has always tivators, and Provocateurs, ac- All photos by Tara Madden enjoyed Philbrook and has cording to the release. “Ceremonial Attitude for the New Millennium,” by Wendy Ponca. Dresses used it as an education tool for The Philbrook Museum of made from mylar, fur and feathers and space shuttle glass for the Phil- Feathers, beaded necklaces and tribal youth during field trips Art is open Tuesdays through brook Museum of Art’s newest exhibit: Native Fashion Now. The exhibit patterns painted on the models throughout her long career. Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and will run from Oct. 2 through Jan. 8, 2017. are part of Wendy Ponca’s designs Philbrook also has a blanket Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. for the Philbrook Museum of Art’s designed by Ponca in their per- Philbrook Downtown is open newest exhibit: Native Fashion manent collection. Wednesdays – Saturdays, 11 Now. The exhibit will run from Oct. “The Native Fashion Now a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays, 12 2 through Jan. 8, 2017. exhibit is so progressive and – 5 p.m. Museum admission influential that this exhibition is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors will shape the world of fashion and university students; Phil- and perception of American brook Museum Members and Indian art on a global scale,” youth 17 and younger are al- Ponca said in an email. “Ex- ways free. For additional infor- cited is my best response and mation, visitwww.philbrook. only positive repercussions org. have come from this exhibi- To see photos from the ex- hibition, visit the Osage News tion!” Flickr page at: https://www. The Native Fashion Now Philbrook Museum of Art’s newest exhibit: Native Fashion Now. The ex- flickr.com/photos/osagenews/ exhibition is from the Pea- hibit will run from Oct. 2 through Jan. 8, 2017. albums/72157674712338005/ body Essex Museum (PEM) with/30052184316/ in Salem, Mass. The large- scale exhibition, that features nearly 100 designs from more than 70 artists, celebrates Na- tive American designers from across the United States and Artist Jamie Okuma used glass Canada from the 1950s to to- beads on boots designed by Chris- day, according to a prepared tian Louboutin. release. The exhibition has been featured at the Portland Art Museum in Portland, Ore., and the Smithsonian Institu- FAR LEFT: Head pieces made from tion’s National Museum of the space shuttle glass adorn the American Indian in New York. designs of Wendy Ponca for the The exhibit will be at Phil- Philbrook Museum of Art’s new- brook until Jan. 8, 2017. “Motor Oil, Buffalo dress” vinyl and plastic beads was one of the designs est exhibit: Native Fashion Now. “Native American art and featured in Philbrook Museum of Art’s newest exhibit: Native Fashion The exhibit will run from Oct. 2 culture are often perceived as Now. The exhibit will run from Oct. 2 through Jan. 8, 2017. through Jan. 8, 2017.