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more appeals, the Trust Team thought thought Team Trust the appeals, more Council meeting. Council

now. The prospect of more litigation, litigation, more of prospect The now. announced during the Aug. 17 Osage Minerals Minerals Osage 17 Aug. the during announced

Team, speaks about the tentative settlement settlement tentative the about speaks Team, “We’ve been in litigation for 11 years years 11 for litigation in been “We’ve

Wilson Pipestem, attorney for the Osage Trust Trust Osage the for attorney Pipestem, Wilson or before, Dec. 5 of this year. this of 5 Dec. before, or

of $155,136 per full share to be made on, on, made be to share full per $155,136 of

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U.S. Postage ernment over the mismanagement of the the of mismanagement the over ernment P.O. BOX 779 PAID

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Skiatook, Ponca City and Tulsa. Osage Nation government government Nation Osage Tulsa. and City Ponca Skiatook,

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The Official Newspaper of the Osage Nation Osage the of Newspaper Official The Volume 7, Issue 9 • September 2011 September • 9 Issue 7, Volume 2 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage News to be reduced to one newspaper per household in October Osage News Beginning in October, the Osage News will be reduced to one newspaper per household. “It is our goal to drive readers to our Osage News Web site, making it their primary source for information,” said Osage News Editor Shannon Shaw. “The news industry is changing to a more online, multimedia based informa- tion tool and we are changing with it.” Photo by Benny Polacca/ Osage News Currently, there are households that are receiving up to five newspapers, causing an unnecessary expense, Shaw said. Last year the Osage News cut Tom Green, of Wind Captial Group, addresses the Osage County Board of Adjustment their circulation by 1,500 by mailing it to members only and hoped to cut on Aug. 11 before its members approved a land variance for Green’s company to build back even further by giving Osages the opportunity to cancel subscriptions a wind farm west of Pawhuska. Construction could take nine to 12 months while the or opt out altogether, but few took advantage. Osage Nation takes opposition to the project. Instead, the numbers grew with the growing number of members and the Osage News is still mailed to more than 10,000 Osages. “By reducing the newspaper to one newspaper per household it will cut Wind farm project approved our distribution costs and save the Nation a little money,” Shaw said. For those Osages that save extra copies of their newspapers for loved ones living far away, Shaw encourages them to contact the Osage News offices by Osage County board to update their family members addresses so they can continue to receive a in height on the prairie and each of newspaper. Nation remains opposed, the turbine’s three blades would be An Osage News one-year subscription is $24. For more information call (918) 287-5668 or email osagenews@osagetribe. prepares for legal action; up to 130 feet in length. org. The Osage News is also on facebook and Twitter, @OsageNews. BIA: Proposed wind farm See Wind Farm Project project may interfere with —Continued on Page 5 minerals estate By Benny Polacca Osage News 109 E. 6th St. • Pawhuska, OK 74056 (918) 287-5668 The Osage County Board of Ad- www.osagenews.org justment has given the green light for a Missouri wind farm company Editor to build 94 wind turbines in western Shannon Shaw Osage County near Burbank. Con- struction on the project could start Reporters this fall and would be finished in Benny Polacca about one year. Sunnie Clahchischiligi An Aug. 11 public meeting on the land variance request sought by Editorial Assistant Wind Capital Group drew mostly Chalene Toehay supportive comments from non- Osage residents in favor of the wind Osage News Photo byChalene Toehay / Osage News farm project. But the Osage Nation Editorial Board remains opposed and is preparing for Osage News Reporter Sunnie Clahchischiligi models an Osage News t-shirt. Shirts are Teresa Lamsam any forthcoming litigation to halt the available for sale at the Osage News office for $15 adult and $10 children. Sizes avail- Denny McAuliffe able in adult medium-3X and small for children. Colors available are grey, lavender, project plans. Robert Warrior turquoise, pink, light blue, hot pink, neon green, neon orange, and yellow. Not all If built, the 94 wind turbines colors available in all sizes. Email or call for more information, (918) 287-5668. would stand approximately 400 feet Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 3 ‘Diabetic Days’ helps Osages young and old By Sunnie Clahchischiligi times a week just so he could live. It Osage News was then, and a few other instances after, that made her take a good look For most of his life Maynard Re- at her life. vard was a fairly healthy person who “I remember looking back at that made few visits to the hospital. 10 years ago, and I remember think- But sometime in 1989 that ing it would be terrible to live like changed, when Revard hopped that and I think maybe that might into his truck and drove himself to have been the seed that really did it Pawhuska IHS Clinic. for me,” she said. “I got on the scale “I already knew I had it when I and I weighed 210 lbs and I started came in. My eyes were blurry, I was crying, and I said the next thing for real thirsty and just didn’t feel well,” me is going to be diabetes, and I just Revard said. “My blood sugar was prayed to God, ‘Lord open up my way up there and they stuck me in eyes, tell me what I need to do.’” the hospital.” Four years ago Mashunkashey After spending about eight hours started her journey to a healthier in the waiting room Revard was di- life to prevent being diagnosed with agnosed with Type II diabetes and Photo by Sunnie Clahchischiligi/Osage News diabetes. spent a week in the hospital. Maynard Revard, 63, Osage, gets diabetic nutrition information from Pawhuska IHS She enrolled in the Weight Watch- Now the 63-year-old makes regu- Diabetes Nutritionist Julie Mashunkashey-Miller at the Pawhuska IHS Clinic. Revard ers program, lost 50 lbs, changed her lar trips to Pawhuska IHS to take was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 22 years ago and takes part in the Pawhuska IHS eating habits and exercised daily. part in Diabetic Days, offered every Clinic “Diabetic Days,” a program under the Diabetic and Community Health Programs She was determined to stop the dia- Tuesday and Thursday by the Dia- that provides various services, such as free blood pressure monitors and assistance betic trend in her family. betic and Community Health Pro- with diabetic shoes to Native Americans with diabetes. “Once you have it you’re not going gram at the clinic. to get rid of it, and I don’t want to be The program is open to all Native administrative issues it took a break nosed had Type 2 diabetes, as ap- that way,” she said. “You don’t have Americans who are registered at IHS for a couple of years. The program just posed to Type 1. to get it. I know it’s in your genes, it’s and provides services like free blood started back up in July, thanks to a While diabetes is known for its ge- in your blood, it’s in your anatomy pressure monitors, glucose monitor- high demand from diabetic patients. netic transmittal it has no prejudices. and your family tree, I know that, ing supplies, assistance with den- “Anytime, they can come in and Revard’s case shows that even that’s a fact. I just want to shake tures, eyeglasses, shoes and more. ask questions, and we do our best to those who don’t have a history of dia- people and say you don’t have to be Revard, Osage, said he was diag- direct them so they’re on their way betes in their family are just as vul- like this.” nosed with the disease when he was to a healthier lifestyle,” Miller said. nerable as those who do. Yet some still think they don’t in his early 40s, and has made regu- Marie Rumsey, registered nurse And while diabetes has no cure, have a choice. lar visits to the clinic since. and Pawhuska IHS health programs some have proven that it can be pre- Miller said she meets plenty of He said, unlike most, he doesn’t director, said because the Diabetic vented. parents with diabetes who often feel come from a long line of family with Days program is a IHS grant funded Paula Mashunkashey, Osage, comes defeated before they even try. diabetes. In fact, just about no one in program, all statistics on diabetes from a long history of diabetes in her “I’ve heard them say ‘I’m diabetic his family has the disease. include all other Native American family. She’s watched family members so my kids are going to be diabetic,’” “I’m the only one,” he said. “None tribes. young and old fall victim to the disease Miller said. “But that’s not always of my kids are (diabetic), none of my However, she said the program and eventually lose their lives. the case, we want to start the pre- grandkids, my sister, mom and dad does keep record of the participants “All my life I’ve lived with people vention now, when they’re young.” weren’t.” in the program. with diabetes,” she said. “It’s a kill- According to the Indian Health Because it was such an uncommon She said there are at least 442 er. It’s terrible. I’ve seen people die Service Web site, 1,748 American In- concept in his family Revard said he active diabetic patients seen every from it; my family members died dian and Alaska Native youth under thought very little about the disease, three months at the clinic. from complications in diabetes, my the age of 19 were diagnosed with di- and of the possibility of him getting it. On a national level, out of 3.3 mil- youngest cousin died at the age of 37, abetes in 2005, and from 1994-2004 “I never thought much about it until lion American Indian and Alaskan he went blind, he had every kind of there was a 68 percent increase in I got it, and I didn’t know how it could Natives in 2007, 16.3 percent of complication that you can imagine.” Native youth ages 15-19 who were impact your whole life,” he said. American Indian and Alaskan Na- Mashunkashey, 58, said at one diagnosed with diabetes. Julie Mashunkashey-Miller, tive adults were diagnosed with dia- point she watched her cousin as he Revard said it took him a while to Pawhuska IHS diabetes nutrition- betes, according to the Indian Health went through routine dialysis. She adapt to the changes he had to make ist, said the program has been in Service Web site. recalls seeing “black looking stuff” See Diabetic Days full swing for many years but due to Ninety-five percent of those diag- being filtered out of his kidneys three —Continued on Page 6 4 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org Nation working to provide housing for victims of domestic violence Transitional Housing from friends, family or whoever is sitional Housing Grant Program there, who can support them is so and in partnership with The U.S. Program is in early stages important.” Department of Justice and Office on By Sunnie Clahchischiligi Collins and her colleague Jo De- Violence Against Women (OVW). Osage News scher, Oklahoma Coalition Against Gray said he and others at the Domestic Violence and Sexual As- counseling center are working on It is one thing to escape a domestic sault Transitional Housing Director, getting their own housing and eco- violence relationship but it’s another said that most women tend to return nomic program for Native American to stay out. back to their abusers for housing and and all women in Osage County. That’s why the Osage Nation economic reasons. Counseling Center is looking to pro- Gray said the tribe has funds avail- Descher said once a person with vide homes for victims and survivors able to help women get on their feet. children becomes homeless the per- of domestic violence in Osage County. He said there is a grant where the son’s children are automatically “We’re going to try to enlarge our counseling center can lease homes taken away due to neglect. In fear of services to take that extra step and in the community to women who losing their children and having no that is provide housing for Native are trying to get their lives back on American women who are trying to money most women return to their track. He said now it’s time for the get out of bad situations,” said Louis abusers, Descher added. next step. Gray, Primary Residential Treat- Because of such incidents pro- “We’re at really early planning grams like the Transitional Housing ment Coordinator and Counselor for stages of all that but we’re going to Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News the Osage Nation. “Part of what the Program in Oklahoma are impor- try and get it going…So we’re try- state’s doing also is helping those tant. ing to build a whole series of homes Guest speakers from the Oklahoma Coali- women, once they get out to become The program helps survivors of where women can get out of that cy- tion Against Violence and Sexual Assault financially ready, get on their feet in domestic violence get back on their presented at the event including OCAVSA a way that they don’t go back and get feet with housing and economic aid. See Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator and domestic in that cycle of domestic violence.” The Program is funded by the Tran- —Continued on Page 7 violence survivor Shelly Collins. On Aug. 23 the Osage Nation Counseling Center held a luncheon and presentation titled “Stepping Osage Trust Case Settlement Out of Domestic Violence” at the –Continued from Page 1 Dave Landrum Community Center. Various tribal entities were invit- The settlement is the result of Once feedback has been heard the Whitehorn (Chairman), Jerri Jean ed to the event including the Osage months of negotiations with the trust team will then move forward to Branstetter and John D. Red Eagle. Nation Chief of Police. U.S. following U.S. Court of Federal accept or deny the settlement, Pipe- “While not perfect, the proposed Guest speakers from the Okla- Claims rulings that said the Osage stem said. If the trust team should settlement represents an end to over Tribe was owed approximately $330 deny the settlement the case will homa Coalition Against Violence a decade of hard fought litigation million for claims arising from 1972 move forward in 2012 and beyond. and Sexual Assault presented at the and a new beginning for improved event including OCAVSA Prevention to 2000. This ruling was subject to Upon agreement and authoriza- management of the Osage Miner- Coordinator and domestic violence appeals to the Federal Circuit and tion of the settlement, the United survivor Shelly Collins. possibly the U.S. Supreme Court. States will deposit $345 million in al Estate and Osage trust funds,” Collins said her former husband The tribe and the U.S. were moving the Tribal Trust Account by Oct. 30 Whitehorn said. “Upon execution of shot her five times and left her for toward a trial in early 2012 for the and the money will be disbursed to the settlement, our Osage headright dead, after abusing her for several remaining claims in the case, then all shareholders of the Osage Miner- holders, including our elders who years. further appeals, according to a re- als Estate, whether they are Osage, have waited too long for this settle- lease. non-Osage, or entities. Roughly 30 She said one of the hardest things ment, will receive their settlement about bouncing back from domestic The settlement is tentative at this percent of shareholders are non- payout before Christmas.” violence is the mental aspect. She point, with the trust team seeking Osage. said the new initiatives set to help comment from Osage shareholders The law firms representing the victims and survivors get back on everywhere. A mail-out was sent tribe will be paid a 9 percent contin- Trust Settlement series from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to gency fee, roughly $34.2 million. their feet only helps their ability to The Osage News will be doing a heal mentally. notify Osages of the proposed settle- The trust team is made up of three series for the October issue that goes “The biggest thing for victims is ment. The mail-out asked for share- members of the Osage Minerals getting their self-esteem built back holder feedback. A Web site was also Council, the Speaker of the Osage in-depth about the settlement, finan- up because they’ve been torn down set up to notify Osage shareholders Congress and the Principal Chief cial investment opportunities, how to so far,” she said. “So having this of the settlement. It is password pro- of the Osage Nation. They are Ga- spot fraud, a profile of the attorneys, community support and the support tected, for shareholders only. len Crum, Cynthia Boone, Dudley the history and timeline of the case. Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 5

Wind Farm Project –Continued from Page 2 The Bureau of Indian Affairs is values and sound/ sight nuisances through the area as well as damage built “may have to be removed or re- also concerned whether the project brought by the wind turbines. to the habitats of the greater prairie located” if it interferes with the min- will interfere with the Osage Miner- “The Osage Nation vows to pro- chicken and bald eagles who come to erals estate. als Estate, which is held in federal tect the Osage Minerals Estate and nest in the area. Superintendent Melissa Currey trust, according to an Aug. 15 letter the Tallgrass Prairie under which it Joe Conner (Osage) also takes is- wrote the letter to Chief Red Eagle addressed to Principal Chief John lies. If our requests continue to be ig- sue with land values potentially and the OMC. Red Eagle and the Osage Minerals nored, then the Osage Nation will be impacted by the project because his The Osage County Commission Council. The 8,300 surface acres des- left with no choice but to utilize ev- family’s original allotment lands are approved the wind farm ordinance in ignated for the project are privately ery option available to us, including in northwestern Osage County close early April. owned, but the Osage Minerals Es- a vigorous court defense of our rights to the proposed wind farm. He is also “The County Commission has en- tate shareholders own the subsur- and our natural resources,” White concerned unmarked Osage graves acted wind ordinances regulating face mineral rights in Osage County. said in conclusion. from the 19th and early 20th centu- the non-trust portions of the surface Amid concerns shared by an ON Tom Green, senior manager of ries could be disturbed by the proj- estate within Osage County,” Currey government official and discussion project development for Wind Capi- ect. wrote in the letter. “This letter is to regarding communication between tal Group, told the Osage News The day after the meeting, Chief notify you that said regulations were Wind Capital Group and the Nation, (prior to the meeting) he approached Red Eagle issued a written state- not approved by the Bureau of Indi- the board voted 4-0 to approve a con- Osage Nation officials months ago. ment. an Affairs and are not binding on the ditional use permit for the land origi- He would not elaborate on what “The Board’s decision to approve mineral estate.” nally designated for agricultural use. took place in those discussions, but the permit was not surprising. We Currey reiterates that the United Therefore, the decision gives the described them as “polite and pro- have been disappointed in the Coun- States holds the Osage Minerals Es- OK for the wind farm construction fessional conversation” and similar ty officials’ lack of cooperation in tate in trust for the Osage Nation and on those lands. recollections were reiterated during this entire process,” Chief Red Eagle that “state courts have held that the On Aug. 11, the board heard pub- the public meeting. said. “We’ve reached out to the Com- oil and gas estate is the dominant es- “We met with the Minerals Coun- missioners on more than one occa- lic comment at the Osage County tate and the surface is the subservi- cil, discussed the project, we’ve had sion concerning this issue and how Fairgrounds. Several local residents, ent estate. Thus, the minerals estate very, very cordial, courteous, profes- the two governments might work including the Shidler Schools Su- cannot be denied reasonable access sional conversations with the tribe together on alternatives to these in- perintendent, voiced their support to the surface, and may, indeed, use and very frank discussions from both dustrial wind farm developments . . . for the wind farm, but Chris White, so much of the surface estate as may points of view,” Green said at the in each instance, the Commissioners executive director of governmental be necessary to develop and produce meeting. “We have full respect for have failed to respond. This has left affairs for the Chief’s Office, spoke the minerals.” the tribe, but we disagree on this.” us no choice but to proceed with legal in opposition during the meeting at- Chief Red Eagle, who opposes the “That was a very honest state- action in this matter.” tended by approximately 100 people. wind farm project, said the BIA’s let- ment,” White told the board in re- At its Aug. 12 scheduled meeting, ter pleased him. “It is the position of the Osage sponse to Green. “Tom seems like a the OMC also commented on the Nation that no wind farms be devel- “This is something we’ve fully ex- good ol’ boy, we’ve had lunch togeth- county’s decision. “It wasn’t a sur- pected and it’s a position we’ve taken oped within Osage County, we ask er one time – I paid for mine, he paid prise,” said OMC Chairman Galen one more time that this be honored,” all along,” Chief Red Eagle said in a for his – and the ultimate statement Crum. news release. “We have always been White said. “There is a continuing was that we disagree . . . I might only During the meeting, Crum also federal trust responsibility to all confident that the Bureau of Indian add that there is federal regulation, stated “when we did meet with (the Affairs would uphold its fiduciary re- Native tribes by the United States. Osage County Commission has been wind farm officials), they were pre- This responsibility is upheld by the sponsibility and we’re pleased with apprised of such that federal regula- pared to offer us nothing for the Min- their actions.” U.S. Constitution, treaties, Supreme tions, there’s federal law, which su- erals Estate,” adding that the cost Regarding wind turbine construc- Court decisions, executive orders, persedes state laws, supersedes your of moving a wind turbine location tion, Currey said: “If we find that federal statutes, regulations, exist- county ordinance, local laws.” (should it be located on an oil well) any particular installation may be ing federal policies, tribal laws and Non-Osage rancher Ford Drum- would fall on the Minerals Council. interfering with the operations of the the dynamic political relationship mond, who owns 1,200 acres adja- Joe Conner applauded the OMC’s mineral estate, that installation may between the Osage Nation and the cent to the proposed wind farm area, opposition. Amid the oil pump jacks have to be removed or relocated.” federal government.” also spoke against the project citing which dot the landscape, Conner Green said construction on the Chief Red Eagle has voiced oppo- concerns about declining property said: “It’s nothing compared to a 400- project this size can stretch nine sition to the project, which includes values. foot wind turbine.” months to one year. He defended the disruption to the environment, habi- “The value of my property would be On Aug. 15, the Osage Agency’s project stating the wind turbine con- tat for area animal species and con- severely diminished if there’s a wind Bureau of Indian Affairs Superin- struction would only cover 1 percent cerns for the Osage Minerals Estate. farm there,” Drummond said during tendent wrote a letter stating the of the 8,300 acres. Other recent concerns aired include the meeting. “It’s not a win-win for agency did not approve a wind farm possible disruption to historical and everybody.” He also raised concerns ordinance recently established in See Wind Farm Project unmarked gravesites, lower property on potential future tornadoes coming Osage County and any wind turbine —Continued on Page 6 6 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org

Osage Casinos –Continued from Page 1 after the applications were signed. The 30-day public comment period, claim that Osage County was also reservation status case against the “Getting tribal land placed into trust which is required in accordance with the reservation, said a former ON Oklahoma Tax Commission. can often take years, so we feel fortu- the Code of Federal Regulations, government official who requested The federal case against the state nate to have this matter resolved in ended Aug. 18 without protests filed. anonymity in a March 2009 Osage Tax Commission began 11-years-ago such a short amount of time.” According to the Federal Register, News article. The state signed the when the Nation sued the entity for Government officials have said the which publishes land-into-trust ac- compact as well, a de facto recogni- taxing Osage citizens living on land land-into-trust application process tions, the Osage Casino applications tion that the county is also the reser- that the Nation claimed was still, could take between six months and comprise just over 50 acres. The Pon- vation, the official said. and had always been, reservation three years before being approved. ca City casino application covers 15 The Ponca City casino has 56 em- land, also known as the boundaries The three Osage Casino applications acres, Skiatook 7.5 acres and Tulsa’s ployees and 223 slot machines; the of Osage County. Since that time approved will place about 50 acres covers 27.66 acres. Skiatook casino has 54 employees the case has been to the 10th Cir- into federal trust. and 200 slots; and the Tulsa casino cuit Court of Federal Appeals twice, The Aug. 23 signing took place at Moving forward has 313 employees and nearly 1,100 in which the federal court denied to the Osage Casino’s central office next The trust application approvals slots. hear a rehearing of the Nation’s case. to the Tulsa casino. Officials present close a chapter of worry on whether In the meantime, efforts to hire The Nation appealed to the Supreme at the signing were Chief Red Eagle, federal and state authorities would a full-time general manager for the Court in October of last year and the Osage Casinos CEO Neil Cornelius partially or entirely shut down the Ponca City casino are ongoing. High Court ultimately declined to and Bureau of Indian Affairs Re- Nation’s gaming operations because White, who left the Ponca City ca- hear the appeal on June 27. gional Director (Eastern Oklahoma the lands holding the three casinos sino last year for his appointed posi- Despite exhausting all appeals in Region) Charles Head, according to were not placed into trust as re- tion in Chief Red Eagle’s office, said the reservation status case, Chief a news release. quired by federal law and the Na- one of the concerns among casino em- Red Eagle and White remained op- Chris White, executive director of tional Indian Gaming Commission. ployees was whether their jobs were timistic that Interior officials would governmental affairs for Chief Red White, who is the former Ponca safe, considering the casinos’ legal approve the trust applications. They Eagle’s office, told the Osage News City Osage casino general manager, status at the time was unknown. The also praised BIA regional officials, the applications were initially ap- praised the application approvals situation also impacted interest in in addition to Interior officials, for proved by Larry Echohawk (Interior during the ON Gaming Commission filling the general manager position, working to expedite the trust appli- Assistant Secretary for Indian Af- meeting on Aug. 9. “It allows our he said during the Aug. 18 ON Gam- cations’ processing. fairs) on July 8. Those applications gaming enterprise to move forward.” ing Enterprise Board meeting. Echohawk (Pawnee) is a former were then subject to a 30-day public At the time the casinos were built, Joe Olujic, Chief Operating Offi- Idaho Attorney General who was comment period before they could be Osage government officials contend- cer for Osage Casino, said the Ponca confirmed Assistant Secretary for signed. ed the NIGC approved the Osages’ City GM position is being advertised Indian Affairs in May 2009 after be- in the Tulsa World during the Aug. ing appointed by President Barack 18 meeting. The job description also Obama, according to the Interior de- appears online at the www.osageca- partment’s Web site. He is the first Wind Farm Project sinos.com Web site. Native American elected to a state –Continued from Page 5 The land-into-trust application attorney general position and served Green also said construction of a pleted, Osage County Wind (which is approvals come nearly two months two consecutive terms in the Idaho wind turbine would require 10 feet the name of the Wind Capital Group after the U.S. Supreme Court de- House of Representatives in the of digging for a concrete foundation project) will move forward with all nied the Nation’s request to hear the 1980s. and the underground collector sys- the extensive pre-construction work tem for the electric energy would necessary for a project of this scope. stretch four feet below ground. “Each We will continue working closely Diabetic Days turbine will be connected to a cen- with state and federal agencies to –Continued from Page 3 tralized substation then (the elec- make certain we meet and exceed all tricity generated will be) taken into regulations and guidelines.” once he was diagnosed. He said remembering to take his medications and an overhead transmission line in the On the Nation’s side of the issue, eating healthy were the most challenging but he knew what would happen project area,” Green said. Congressman Geoffrey Standing if he didn’t. In a recent development, Wind Bear filed a bill to create a revolving “If you don’t treat it you feel so bad, I don’t know how people could not Capital Group bought a half-page fund on Aug. 29 “to defend the Min- treat it, you just feel horrible,” he said. “I knew people that were diabetic advertisement in the Aug. 25 Big- erals Estate against development of but they wouldn’t treat it, they just wouldn’t, they’d say ‘I’ll be alright,’ well heart Times newspaper. Green wind farms in Osage County.” they’re not here anymore or they got a leg taken off and now it’s too late. thanked the supporting residents for The bill (ONCA 11-81) was filed You’re looking to end your life 20-30 years early, that’s just not very smart.” favoring the wind farm project. In just over a week prior to the 2011 Diabetic Days are held at Pawhuska IHS Clinic Tuesday and Thursdays the ad, Green also wrote: “With the Tzi-Zho Session of the Second Osage from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New patients can call the Osage Nation Diabetes conditional use permit process com- Nation Congress. Program at (918) 287-5525 to schedule an appointment. Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 7 2011 Tzi-Zho Congressional Session starts Sept. 6 Congress will use the fall The Tzi-Zho Session is typically grams, departments and grants Osage Nation Code book revenues when the Congressional body re- awarded to the Nation and com- and future codification expenses.” session to consider the views, considers and passes the an- prised 97 pages. – Standing Bear has also filed Nation’s FY 2012 budgets, nual government operation budgets The Judicial Branch will submit ONCA 11-79, which would “re- for the upcoming fiscal year. The Na- its own budget for the Nation’s trial move the authority of the Osage bills and resolutions tion’s 2011 fiscal year ends Sept. 30 and Supreme Court functions and Gaming Board of Directors to and FY 2012 starts Oct. 1. the Legislative Branch’s budget cov- retain legal counsel and to re- By Benny Polacca Each of the Nation’s three gov- ers the Congressional office and ses- serve that authority to the Osage Osage News ernment branches will submit their sion expenses and operations. Nation Executive Branch.” respective budgets to the Congress, The Second Osage Nation Con- Congress will also consider a bud- – The Congress may also review a which will consider the budgets in gress will meet for the annual Tzi- get for donations to cultural causes revised ON Election Code to revise subcommittees before being a floor Zho Session starting Sept. 6 in the including the villages’ five-man laws pertaining to the Nation’s vote by the entire Congress. Congressional Chambers on the ON boards, drumkeepers and military election. The next general elec- The Executive Branch will have government campus. organizations. tion will be in June 2012 when the highest number of budgets to In addition to the budgets, Con- six Congressional terms will This is the second of two regular submit, which include scores of gov- gress will consider legislative bills or expire and be up for grabs by all 24-day sessions held annually by ernment departments offering goods resolutions introduced by one of its interested Osage candidates. the Congress. This will be the sec- and services to Osage citizens as 12 members. ond Tzi-Zho Session for the Second well as a budget for the Office of the – An earlier revision of the Election This session, Congress may take ON Congress since the 2010 gen- Chiefs and boards and committees’ Code (ONCA 11-40 sponsored by eral election in which four Congress operations. up the following legislative items re- Congressman Raymond Red Corn) members won their initial terms and The FY 2011 budget for govern- cently filed: was considered in the Hun-Kah two members were reelected. ment operations covered 98 pro- – Congressman Geoffrey Stand- Session earlier this year, but was ing Bear has filed a bill (ONCA tabled pending inquiries sought 11-77) to create a revolving from the Attorney General’s office. fund for expenses related to the Osage Nation Code. For more information on Congress, including Congressional committee The Nation is in the process of re- meeting notices and pieces of legisla- vising its tribal laws to conform to tion filed, visit its Web site at www. the 2006 reformed government. Ac- osagetribe.com/congress. The 24-day cording to the bill, “the purpose of session may also be extended three this act is to establish a fund on be- additional days if Congress agrees to half of the Legislative Branch for the extend the session.

Domestic Violence –Continued from Page 4 cle of violence,” Gray said. “It’s such a big problem, we got to do something, it affects families and marriages, schools, social problems all the way down the line. We’ve got to do something. “They’re (women) the most powerless of all the social classes that we have and we have to do our part,” Gray added. So far the counseling center offers counseling sessions and helps women get protective orders. He said the services are open to all women in the com- munity. The counseling center will host another presentation on Oct. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Landrum Community Center in Pawhuska. Former Miss Oklahoma and author Susan Supernaw, who is also a do- mestic violence survivor, will present and talk about her book, “Muscogee Daughter.” 8 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org New Osage Nation tribal tags to include Osage orthography to make the new Osage tags in Hom- Tags to be sold by iny, Mashunkashey said. ON Tax Commission The current tribal tag with the starting in October landscape artwork (featuring tee- pees, buffaloes and horse rider) By Benny Polacca is the design selected by the 31st Osage News Osage Tribal Council in 2006, Mas- The Osage Nation license plate is hunkashey said. getting a brush-up and will bear the Before the reformed government Osage language starting in October. started, the Tribal Council hosted The landscape artwork on the a poster contest to select a new tag Osage tribal tag’s bottom half will design, which drew several entries. disappear to make room for the or- Barbara Alkire, a former govern- thography symbols. ment employee who is non-Osage, The Osage Tax Commission, which Courtesy Photo created the current and winning tag sells the license tags to Osage citi- New Osage Nation tribal tags, available beginning in October, will include Osage design, according to the Tax Com- orthography, which reads “Osage People” and is pronounced “Wah-Zha-Zhi Ni-Kah- zens, voted on the new design Aug. mission. She.” 9. The commission considered four With the newest tag design com- design samples featuring the Osage pronounced: “Wah-Zha-Zhi Ni-Kah- the designs. They praised the chosen ing, Mashunkashey also believes orthography before deciding on a de- She.” design’s simplicity. more Osage language awareness will sign which has “Osage People” writ- “This is huge,” HorseChief said of “I like it,” said Tax Commission be shared as well as pride in Osage ten across the bottom center. The the orthography to be displayed on member Milton Labadie. “If we give citizenship. “For a tribal member to new tag’s colors will remain blue and the tag. She said the Osage would people too much to look at, then we’ll be able to put a tribal tag on a vehicle white and bear the Nation’s yellow be the second tribe in Oklahoma to have to be concerned about law en- shows they’re proud, they’re saying: seal. use their language symbols on their Osage Nation Language Depart- forcement.” Special license plate ‘I’m Osage,’” she said. tribal tag design. The Cherokee Na- ment workers Rebekah HorseChief designs in other states have drawn The Tax Commission sells Osage tion uses its language syllabary on and Braxton Red Eagle approached criticism from authorities that have tribal tags for motorcycles, commer- its tribal tag design. the Tax Commission with the idea to trouble reading tags with several cial, farm; and recreational vehicles “It’s an assertion of our sovereign- include the orthography on the tag colors and designs while on highway in addition to regular vehicles and ty through our language, which iden- this summer, which spurred the de- patrol duty. those vehicles owned by military vet- tifies us as Osages,” said HorseChief, sign change. Red Eagle said he is “op- Tax Commission member Richard erans. who is a language instructor and stu- timistic” about the new tag because Luttrell Sr. said he also liked the The price of registering a vehicle dent recruiter for the department. it’s another way to raise awareness chosen design, adding: “It’s simple.” with an Osage Nation tribal tag de- The Language Department has a of the Osage language. He then made a motion to approve pends on the age and size of the ve- history of working with other Nation “People from all over the country the Osage language’s addition to the hicle. A brand new 2011 passenger entities in using the orthography to are going to see these tags,” said Red tag and to remove the artwork fea- vehicle with a factory price more than promote awareness of the language. Eagle, a University of Oklahoma stu- turing three teepees, three buffaloes $15,000 costs $201 to register, Mas- dent who was a summer intern for The Language and Tax Commis- and a horse rider. hunkashey said. Personalized tribal the department. “This is the biggest sion officials also consulted with This is the third design of the tags have an additional $25 fee. way to spread it, I would say. All my Oklahoma Correctional Industries, Osage tribal tag since 1997 when the Osages interested in registering friends are going to ask me about it.” which employs prison inmates to cre- white/ blue stripe tribal tag made its their vehicles with a tribal tag must Red Eagle, a psychology major at ate the Osage tribal tags at the Dick OU, and HorseChief brainstormed Conner Correctional Center near debut, said Tax Administrator Mary provide the Tax Commission with on work ideas for the summer when Hominy. In the end, the five-member Mashunkashey. She said the Tax documentation including proof of he started his internship, which led Tax Commission reviewed four tag Commission office plans to make its their Osage citizenship/ CDIB, vehi- to designing a new tag with the or- designs. first order of 400 new tribal tags in cle insurance and proof of Oklahoma thography. On Aug. 9, the Tax Commission se- late September so they will be avail- residency. The Tax Commission is On the new tag design, the orthog- lected a tag design with a unanimous able for purchase in October. online at www.osagetribe.com/tax raphy reads “Osage People” and is vote after discussion and feedback on OCI inmate workers will continue and can be reached at (918) 287-5393. Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 9 Dhegiha language speakers gather for first-ever conference Speakers of Osage and make mistakes, but we laugh” and move on, she said. other tribes with Dhegihan Saunsoci also expressed gratitude dialect meet, network for the Dhegiha Gathering because it mirrors a story she was once told By Benny Polacca by elders who said the Dhegihan Osage News language speakers once met by a Ardina Moore says she and her river before the tribes went separate fellow Quapaw people are pleased ways. “We are going to be together with the tribe’s Las Vegas Strip-style again – downstream,” Saunsoci was casino resort but there are more im- told. “Here we are now.” portant things the people must con- During the conference, the lan- sider: their tribe’s first language, for guage speakers and instructors example. shared their struggles and triumphs “We are proud of this casino, but in sharing and teaching their respec- to me, our language and culture are tive languages with their people. more important,” Moore said dur- ing the Dhegiha Gathering language Caesar Williams, Ponca, 68, teach- conference held at Downstream Ca- Photo by Benny Polacca/ Osage News es small groups in Tulsa the Ponca sino Resort. Quapaw language instructor Ardina Moore discusses the importance of Native people language. “I’m still in my infancy at The conference is the first ever knowing their language during the firstever Dhegiha Gathering, a language confer- my age in learning the Ponca lan- gathering of tribes whose languages ence featuring language instructors and students from the Osage, Ponca, Quapaw, guage. I look at it as ‘this is going to comes from the Dhegiha linguistic Kaw and Omaha tribes. The event was held Aug. 2-3 at the Quapaw’s Downstream Ca- help people learn our language.’” sino Resort northeast of Miami at the Missouri border. “Sometimes there’s only one other carrying on the language. “I teach as our language. It may not be passed student in the group at times,” said best I can,” she said, adding she tells down generation-to-generation, Williams, “but I’m the only teacher young people: “One hundred years that’s when the white man could say: in Tulsa keeping this nucleus togeth- “One hundred from now, people are going to ask: ‘that’s an endangered language.’” er.” ‘what are these people known for?’ Lookout praised the efforts of Louis Headman, director of the years from now, Do we want them to say ‘well, they language instructors who, like the Ponca Tribe’s Language Depart- have a casino?’” Osage, are working to prevent their ment, said his program developed a “Anybody who has the desire to languages from going extinct. “This people are going curriculum for teaching the language learn should learn their language,” is the last group of people who can do and is developing lesson plans. Moore said. “To me, nothing is more that. I want our children to be able to ask, ‘What Headman, whose grandmother important, I don’t know how much to speak their languages – those are are these people longer I have like the rest of us.” my prayers.” lived to be more than 100-years-old Moore’s thoughts are among the di- Alice Saunsoci, 73, Omaha, teach- and spoke Ponca to him, felt honored alogue and lectures shared during the es her tribe’s language at Nebraska he was asked by the tribal govern- known for?’” two-day conference of language speak- Indian Community College, and said ment to direct the language program –Ardina Moore ers from the Dhegiha tribes. The con- she is thankful for her language when for the people. “It’s great to have ference, hosted by the Osage Nation she spoke during the conference. someone say ‘we want you to come Language Department, was held Aug. “It makes me feel like somebody,” and teach our language,’” he said. 2-3 at the three-year-old casino resort, she said adding it wasn’t always Lookout said he was pleased with family which comprises Osage, Oma- which sits just inside northeast Okla- easy learning the language. Saunso- the conference turnout and dialogue. ha, Ponca, Kaw and Quapaw. homa’s corner boundary. ci recalled an incident, when she was “It’s all about networking. I think it At 80 years of age, Moore (also Herman “Mogri” Lookout, who is younger, where she mispronounced a Osage) is the Quapaw language pro- the first ON language department word numerous times during a pub- was positive in that we have a com- gram director and like other Native director since the 31st Tribal Council lic speaking engagement. She didn’t mon thing that we’re looking for – to language instructors and enthusi- created it, also noted the concern in expect other Omahas to be present be ‘one’ again.” asts, she is concerned about her peo- having few language speakers. “Our but there were two of them sitting He said a second Dhegiha Gather- ple, especially younger generations, elders are gone, they could speak in the corner laughing, she said. “We ing would be considered. 10 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage Tax Commission sued over tobacco shop border tax By Benny Polacca additional tribal tax of $1.57 per car- ernment purpose and it is arbitrary, Also in the letter, the Tax Com- Osage News ton of 10 packs of 20 cigarettes – on capricious and unenforceable.” mission commented on the border top of the minimum $1.50 in tribal In seeking relief after exhausting The Osage Tax Commission is tax issue. The Highway 123 Smoke- tax charged for cigarettes in accor- administrative remedies, accord- questioning the status of a lawsuit shop, pays the $1.50 minimum tax dance with the current tobacco tax ing to the lawsuit, the Highway 123 filed against the entity in July by rate per carton plus the $1.57 addi- compact the Nation signed with the Smokeshop is asking the tribal court an Osage smoke shop operator who tional border tax “to make the total state of Oklahoma. to rule against the Tax Commission is challenging the border tax levied tax more even” because the border The smoke shop challenged the and to “issue an order enjoining the against the tobacco shop. stores pay 50 percent less in sales border tax in a written protest to the Tax Commission from assessing or The July 6 lawsuit filed by “High- tax than the other stores. The sec- Tax Commission on April 27 after collecting the tobacco border tax” way 123 Smokeshop” in the Osage ond border smoke shop near Ponca the Second Osage Nation Congress from the shop. Nation Tribal Court objects to the failed to pass a bill seeking to repeal City pays the minimum $1.50 per border tax charged by the Tax Com- the border tax during the 2011 Hun- carton tax because it competes with mission. The border tax is levied Kah Session. Tax break the neighboring Kaw Nation, which Before Chief Red Eagle took action against smoke shops within 20 miles The bill, ONCA 11-33 sponsored does not have a signed tobacco tax on ONCA 11-33 in April, the Tax of the Kansas border. The Highway by Congressman Geoffrey Standing compact. Commission objected to repealing 123 Smokeshop, just west of Bartles- Bear, was initially passed by major- By Aug. 30, Mashunkashey said ville, is one of two shops falling into the border tax. In an April 7 letter, ity vote of the Congress on April 8, the Tax Commission had yet to hear that category. the Tax Commission said Mays could but Principal Chief John Red Eagle updates on its requests for informa- The Highway 123 shop’s owner pocket up to $100,968 if the border vetoed the bill after the Tax Com- tion on the Highway 123 Smokeshop. and/ or operator is not listed as the mission protested. The Tax Commis- tax is repealed and if the store sells plaintiff in addition to the shop’s the same number of cartons this year The Tax Commission meets the sion opposed ONCA 11-33, arguing second Tuesday of each month. name, according to the lawsuit. The that Roscoe Mays would receive a as he did in 2010. “This is, in essence, The Osage News did not receive Tax Commission issued the shop’s to- $100,000-plus tax break if the bor- taking $100,968 of the Nation’s an- comment from Mays before this is- bacco retail license to the late Norma der tax is repealed – if Mays sells the nual income and giving it to one indi- Jean Mays who passed away on May same number of cigarette cartons vidual Osage,” the letter states. sue went to press. 25. Her surviving son Roscoe Mays this year as he did in 2010. operates the Highway 123 shop, but On April 15, the Congress voted the Tax Commission notes he is not on whether to override Chief Red listed on the tobacco license. Eagle’s veto of ONCA 11-33. The At its Aug. 9 meeting, the five- override failed with five “yes” votes member Tax Commission raised and seven “no” votes, so the border questions on whether the lawsuit tax remains. could continue and asked its attorney to follow-up with legal counsel repre- senting the Highway 123 Smokeshop Lawsuit to check on its status. According to the July 6 lawsuit, “If they’re suing us, who’s in Highway 123 Smokeshop “is one charge?” Tax Commission Chair- of two retail tobacco shops located woman Beverly Brownfield asked within 20 miles of the Kansas bor- der. However, plaintiff is the only during the meeting. “Is the license licensed tobacco retailer against even valid?” asked Tax Commission whom the tobacco border tax is being member Teresa Rutherford. assessed.” Tax Administrator Mary Mas- The lawsuit argues the Tax Com- hunkashey agreed, adding: “We need mission’s “actions in assessing and to know who’s running the smoke collecting a higher tax rate upon shop.” plaintiff’s retail tobacco shop is dis- criminatory and in violation of the New chapter equal protection clauses of the Osage The lawsuit filing is the latest Nation and United States Constitu- chapter in the argument the High- tions.” way 123 Smokeshop is having with The Highway 123 Smokeshop law- the Nation over the border tax. Ac- suit states: “The additional Osage cording to the Tax Commission, the border tax rate bears no substantial border smoke shops are charged an relationship to any legitimate gov- Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 11 Election Code changes to be considered by the Second ON Congress By Benny Polacca Osage News The Osage Nation Election Board Osage News File Photo is considering amendments to the Osage Nation Treasurer William Kem- election code, which could be consid- ble, shown here being sworn in, was is- ered by the Second ON Congress in sued a subpoena by the Second Osage the Tzi-Zho Session. Nation Congress July 5. The next general election is slated for June 2012. That is when six ON Congress terms will expire and those Congress to four-year-term seats will be up for grabs. issue report on In the meantime, Election officials have been considering revisions to July subpoena the law to reflect issues and events which occurred during the 2010 gen- meetings during eral and runoff elections, as well as worse case scenarios. A revised code Tzi-Zho Session is subject to Congressional approval. One of those changes includes a Photo by Benny Polacca/Osage News By Benny Polacca requirement for the chief and assis- Osage News tant chief to run on a single ticket Osage Nation Election Board members Walter Hopper, Shannon Lockett and Terry Ha- The Second Osage Nation Con- as well as revised timelines for elec- zen pose for photos in March after being sworn in. gress is preparing to issue a re- tions, primary elections and special one member serving three years, an immediate family member; port regarding the July subpoena elections. the second serving four and the person who lives with the board interviews with Treasurer Wil- The revised election code was pre- third with a five-year term. The liam Kemble and the Accounting sented to the Congress during the member; or a business partner two alternate board members Department staff. Hun-Kah Session, but was tabled affiliated with the board member would serve four-year terms. The Congress sought the inter- pending feedback from the Attorney files as a candidate for office. views and accounting records af- General’s Office. • Holding a primary election for • The Election Board will not ter hearing of potential problems Congressman Raymond Red Corn the Principal Chief and Assis- be required to participate in in the Accounting Department is sponsoring the revised election tant Principal Chief positions if inauguration ceremonies. from multiple sources. code, ONCA 11-40. more than two candidates run The subpoena interviews held for those offices. The primary • Any member of the Osage Na- According to the bill, “the joint fil- in mid-July raised issues includ- election would be held on the tion whose 18th birthday occurs ing of two candidates, one for each ing whether a June transfer of first Monday in April of the year on or before any election shall be Executive position, shall comprise a $300,000 from the Osage Miner- when the Executive Branch placed on the Osage voter registry ticket for the election.” als Council C-395 bank account to positions expire. There would six months prior to that election. Red Corn said during the Hun- the ON government’s general ac- be no primary election for the Kah Session he supports the single • Language forbidding candi- count was legal; and whether the ticket idea for the Chief and Assis- congressional candidates. If two dates from holding an Execu- Treasurer’s 2004 policies and pro- tant Chief, to avoid having conflicts or less candidates for the Execu- tive or Legislative branch term cedures manual reflected changes between the two elected Executive tive Branch run for office, there while concurrently serving on in the reformed government. Branch office holders. would be no primary election and the Osage Minerals Council. Once the report on the sub- According to the initial version of those candidates would appear poena interviews are complete, it ONCA 11-40 filed with Congress, on the June election ballots with The Election Board was slated to will be considered during the Tzi- other potential changes and addi- the Congressional candidates. revisit ONCA 11-40 on Sept. 1 just Zho Session, said Congressional tions to the election code include: • The revised bill would require an before this story was published. The Speaker Jerri Jean Branstetter. • Staggering the terms of the three Election Board member to recuse 24-day Tzi-Zho Session of the Con- See Congress to Issue Report election board members with his/ herself from board duties if gress starts Sept. 6. —Continued on Page 13 12 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage Nation stars in the New York Times bestseller ‘Robopocalypse’ features Osage characters from the Steven Spielberg set Grayhorse Indian Village. Optioned to direct film adaption, by DreamWorks before the book was even published, the film version is scheduled to be set to be directed by Steven Spiel- berg and is scheduled for a release released in 2013 date of 2013. The Osage News spoke with “Robo- By Shannon Shaw pocalypse” author, Daniel H. Wilson, Osage News on why he chose the Osage Nation, It’s the future and humans are what does he know about the film dependent on robots and machines. coming out, and why he described Zero Hour strikes and the robots rise Osages as dancing the In-Lon-Schka up, killing everyone in sight. New with their eyes closed. York, Tokyo, London, nowhere is Osage News: What was your in- safe. Who will save humankind? The spiration to use the Osage Nation Grayhorse Army. as the basis for tribal governments/ The Osage Nation is one of the tribal society in your book? protagonists in the New York Times Daniel H. Wilson: I grew up in bestselling, “Robopocalypse,” which Oklahoma where sovereign tribal governments are the norm. In the back of my mind, I always thought that if the larger United States gov- Courtesy Photo ernment were ever to falter, these Author Daniel H. Wilson. smaller governments would be able to keep functioning. Set in a post- out to visit. I suppose Ponca City is in the book. Where did you get your apocalyptic world, Robopocalypse about as close as I’ve made it! information or where did you do your was the perfect opportunity to ex- ON: Are you Native American? If research for your book? plore this idea. I considered a few so, what tribe? DW: Any inaccuracies are my different tribes, but the Osage Na- DW: I am a member of the Chero- own fault, but I did my best to get it tion had the best balance between kee Nation, although I am nowhere right! My only hope is that the good urban and rural areas. Tribal bound- near full-blood. I’m thankful that in outweighs the bad, and that Osage readers can enjoy the book and its aries are often overlayed on top of Oklahoma I had the chance to learn American Indian heroes. A great re- existing cities, but that’s where the about my heritage, even without search resource for me was Dr. Peg- machines are attacking first. On the strong family ties to the tribe. I re- gy Hill, a biologist at the University other hand, I didn’t want to set this member Archie Mason coming out to of Tulsa and the faculty leader of the novel on an isolated reservation. As Owen Elementary and playing the American Indian Cultural Society it turned out, Grayhorse provided the flute for us in third grade! Later, I while I was in school there. Peggy perfect setting because it serves as a was part of the Native American is the one who first explained Gray- spiritual home to return to in a time People club at Booker T. Washington horse and the Osage to me. However, of crisis, and it’s also rural enough to High School and then the American some of the themes in the book were be safe from crazy machines. Indian Cultural Society at the Uni- also based on the trials and tribula- Courtesy Photo ON: I’ve read you are from Okla- versity of Tulsa. I’ve been to the odd tions of other tribes. For instance, homa around the Tulsa area. Have powwow, but I admit that I don’t the existence of gangster culture at Robopocalypse,” the lastest book from have near the knowledge about my author Daniel H. Wilson, features the you ever been to our tribal campus or Grayhorse was inspired by the plight roots that I wish I had. Osage Nation as one of the main protago- the village of Grayhorse? of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation nists. Steven Spielberg is scheduled to DW: Growing up in Tulsa, I had ON: As with most works of fiction, of South Dakota. direct the film adaptation to be released heard of Grayhorse and I’ve had there are some inaccuracies to the use See Robopocalypse in 2013. Osage friends, but never made it of some of our traditions, words etc. —Continued on Page 19 Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 13 ON Foundation board hires executive director hire an intern to support the founda- Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the tion which will be based at the Foun- Foundation seeking tion office operations. Year Award; Friends for Kids; and dation office in the Tulsa area. Osage applicants for “I am very excited about the oppor- the Jackson Hole Film Festival. The selected intern, who will re- tunity to work with the board of the In a news release, Foundation port to Webb, will be responsible for intern position, to Osage Nation Foundation to bring Board Chairman Alexander Skib- various duties related to the Foun- their vision to reality,” Webb said in ine (Osage), said: “Bill Webb brings dation’s daily activities, including establish office operations a statement. “There is a tremendous the skills and knowledge we need to marketing, community relations, in Tulsa area amount of potential and while the di- advance the organization and he al- communications, event coordina- rection is clear, there is much work ready has a very good understanding tion and administration. Applicants By Benny Polacca to do on a strategy for implementa- of what we want to accomplish and should be Osage. A college degree Osage News tion.” how we can go about it.” is not required but preferred. Any- Webb said he is considering of- one interested in the position should The Osage Nation’s Foundation During the Eighth Special Session, fice space options in the Tulsa area email a resume to bwebb@osage- Board is establishing its office op- the ON Congress passed an initial where the Foundation’s office will be $200,000 budget (ONCA 11-66) for foundation.org. erations after the Second ON Con- The four Foundation Board mem- based. His company, Legacy Founda- the ON Foundation which includes gress passed an initial budget for the bers serving were confirmed by the tion and Event Management, man- funding for the Foundation office to board in June. First ON Congress during the 2009 ages several charitable foundations be established and funding to hire In early August, the board hired Tzi-Zho Session. They are: an executive director who will be for professional athletes, college and an intern. The four members serv- charged with establishing office op- professional coaches, and nonprofit ing on the Foundation Board were - Katsy Mullendore Whittenburg, erations for the board, which is the organizations. The firm manages all confirmed by the First ON Congress Osage, owns one of the largest charitable arm for the Nation. aspects of the foundations, including in October 2009. A fifth spot on the historic ranches in Osage County. On Aug. 4, the four Foundation administration, marketing, fund- board is open. She serves on the boards of the Board members met and voted unan- raising, compliance, and event coor- Woolaroc Frank Phillips Foun- imously to hire Bill Webb, founder dination. dation Trustee, the River Oaks of Texas-based Legacy Foundation According to its Web site, Legacy ON Foundation seeking Osage Bank in Houston, TX, the Houston and Event Management, as the ON has partner involvement with char- for intern position Museum of Fine Arts, the Ameri- Foundation’s executive director. ity and fundraising events includ- Webb said the Foundation will be can Quarter Horse Association of Webb is hired on a one-year contract ing: Ronald McDonald Charities; advertising and interviewing for the Amarillo and she is the host of the with the foundation and is looking to Children’s Medical Center of Dallas; contracted Foundation intern posi- largest fundraiser for Eldercare of Washington and Nowata counties. - Monte Boulanger, Osage, is the Congress to Issue Report Senior Operations Manager in –Continued from Page 11 Bentonville, Ark., for Walmart’s Credit Card and Financial servic- The Tzi-Zho Session starts its 24-day The subpoena interviews were Goodfox’s ONCA 11-78 bill is titled es for the Western United States. run on Sept. 6. held July 14-15. “An act to rescind the authority of He has also served as chairman Bill and resolutions related to the Before the Congress voted on the the Osage Nation Treasurer to sign subpoena meetings may also be tak- subpoenas on July 5, the Congressio- of Tribal Voices and American In- or endorse written instruments on en up in the Tzi-Zho Session. On Aug. nal Affairs Committee met and voted dian and Alaska Native Resource 23 for example, Congresswoman Al- that morning to appropriate money accounts of the Minerals Estate.” Group, which advises Walmart on ice Goodfox filed a bill (ONCA 11-78) to hire an outside (certified account- If passed, ONCA 11-78 would re- how to appeal to consumers on a cultural and community basis. seeking to “rescind the authority of ing) firm to review documents that quire that “the Minerals Council the Osage Nation Treasurer to sign are collected via subpoena and that shall have full and sole control over - Bill Kurtis is the current host of the A&E channel’s “Investigative or endorse” written documents on firm will assist the Congress in eval- all Minerals Estate accounts and the OMC accounts and to reserve uation of the records and testimony. Reports,” “American Justice” and that authority to the OMC. Branstetter told the Osage News shall have all authority to open, “Cold Case Files.” Kurtis, who On July 5, the Congress unani- on Aug. 30 the Congress was await- close, administer, deposit and draft grew up in Independence, Kan., mously voted to subpoena Kemble ing additional documents requested upon those accounts.” is a former Chicago CBS News and several accounting staffers and by the Treasurer’s office via subpoe- This is the first time in the re- anchor with more than 30 years later held its 10th Special Session na immediately following the July formed Osage government’s history of experience in journalism and to interview the subpoenaed parties meetings. She said the Congress was two Peabody Awards. He also that the Congress has sought sub- and required the subpoena parties to also working with the court report- serves on foundation boards for submit various accounting records ers present at the meetings who took poenas at this size with regards to and documents to the Congress be- down the testimonies for the meeting the number of testifying individuals See Foundation Hires fore the interviews. report. and various documents and records. —Continued on Page 19 14 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage Sports Oklahoma Assault a showcase of talent Team provides exposure for ‘overlooked’ Native and non-Native high school basketball players By Sunnie Clahchischiligi Osage News Braxton Redeagle and his friend Christien Crynes have seen a lot of basketball talent go to waste. They have watched some of their teammates make bad decisions and others give up positive opportunities. “We had a friend in high school who played basketball but now is in jail for certain mistakes that he made,” Redeagle said. “We know people from the Tulsa area who are friends, who didn’t amount to what we know they could have, all they Courtesy Photo needed was hopefully someone doing Oklahoma Assault team, including the co-founders and coaches of the team. Braxton Redeagle, Osage, (front row, first from right what we’re trying to do now.” to left) and Christien Crynes (front row, second from R to L). The team was founded by Redeagle and Crynes to get high school bas- Two years ago, Redeagle and ketball players exposed to college coaches and to prepare them for college. Crynes decided to start the traveling basketball team Oklahoma Assault they decided to start looking for guys preparing high school students for could help high school basketball with high school basketball players, to play on the team. They looked in college. players. hoping to get them exposed to college Osage county and eventually in the The team played in NCAA certi- “The first summer was pretty coaches, while providing them with Tulsa area. fied tournaments and tournaments smooth, we don’t even know how we tools to prepare them for college. Redeagle said at first he was just in the Mid American Youth Basket- came together and played so easily,” Redeagle, Osage, is a 20-year-old looking to start a basketball team ball league. Redeagle said. “We were just amazed psychology major at the Univer- because his younger brother was in Since both Redeagle and Crynes at the time how two 20-year-old guys sity of Oklahoma and Crynes is a high school and he wanted to coach are college students the money to could take a group of high school guys 21-year-old student at Arizona State him. run their program came from local and take them around like that, and The first team was a 17-and-under University in Tempe, Ariz. The two businesses, their parents, fundrais- be able to have control and to have at some point played basketball with team with about 10 players. The ers, friends, family and a recent everything work out the way it did.” and against each other and kept in team played from the moment their sponsorship from Osage Casinos. Jamison Cass, 18, was one of the touch after high school. school let out for the summer to the The sponsorship bought the team players on the first team. Redeagle said after talking bas- beginning of the next school year. new jerseys with the casino logo em- Cass said he was just looking to ketball one day the two of them de- In the first year Redeagle and get some experience playing against cided to take it a step further. Crynes used every contact they had bedded on them. competitive teams. “We’re a lot alike in our thinking,” in their books. They called old coach- So far the team has traveled in “They opened it up to get looks for Redeagle said. “We really enjoy it es to use high school gyms for prac- tournaments in Edmond, the Tulsa people who were getting overlooked,” (basketball), it’s what we’re interest- tice and called people they knew for area, Bixby and Wichita, Kan. Cass said. “The program itself allows ed in, it’s pretty easy to do something information on tournaments. At the end of the first summer Re- you like doing, we both play basket- Crynes got his mother on board to deagle said they were happy to see you to get more than just play bas- ball all the time.” help the players with college prepa- that what started out as a basketball See Oklahoma Assault It was March of last year when rations as she made a living out of team turned into something that —Continued on Page 15 Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 15

Oklahoma Assault –Continued from Page 14

ketball, they do a lot more than play own reason that they couldn’t play basketball.” anymore.” Cass said the College Game Plan And others come from rough ar- created by Crynes was most ben- eas, from the rougher spots in Tulsa. eficial to him. The Game Plan was Even though the second season is a guide with workshops to help the players. He said although he decided over, the work continues for both Re- to not play college basketball he is deagle and Crynes. instead a freshman at Rogers State For the past two years the two University in Claremore. have spent countless hours on the Which is really all Redeagle and phone or talking on Skype, planning Crynes could ask for. for the next season. “The whole point of what we’re do- “We spent a lot of time on it, pretty ing is to work with high school kids and help them find the opportuni- much every day,” Redeagle said. “I ties that are available where they spend more time working on the pro- can succeed and do the best that gram than I do my homework.” they can,” Redeagle said. “We have But at the end of the day, once all this mind set of where if we can take the marketing calls have been made some youth and help them improve for sponsorships, Redeagle said the their lives they can in return improve two are reminded of the good they’re their community. That’s our outlook trying to do. on it because most of the people that play on our team are from rougher He said he realizes that the pro- backgrounds.” gram might not be for everyone but This year Redeagle and Crynes it doesn’t keep he and Crynes from added another team to their pro- trying. gram. They had both a 17-and-under “It doesn’t work for everybody but and a 16-and-under boy’s team. overall it makes an improvement on Although the focus was get expo- all different levels, they know some- sure for Native American basket- ball players, Redeagle and Crynes one’s there for them and the grades opened it up to any talented players do get better. I think it’s just a lot in the area looking to get noticed. of lifestyle changes and things that This year there were Cherokee they do, we’re the only real positive players form Sequoya, Creeks from influence they have in their lives,” Muskogee and two Osages including Redeagle said. “What we get in re- Redeagle’s brother Cade Redeagle. turn is just that satisfaction, seeing “It’s hard to find guys who are Na- tive American with that kind of tal- things come together and knowing ent who will stay in the program,” that we did what we could to help Redeagle said. “Some have to work somebody else, I think that’s pretty for their family and some have their much all we’re looking for.”

Letters to the Editor Submissions If you’d like to submit a letter to the editor, mail it to the Osage News, Attn.: Shannon Shaw, 109 E. 6th Street, Pawhuska, OK 74056 or email [email protected]. Letters must be respectful and informative to the reader, and may be edited for grammar, clarity and space. 16 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org

s Russell Mashunkashey lifted his drumstick, he much we traveled, how far it was, it was something new for me, I’ve never closed his eyes and envisioned he and a couple of been that far away from home before.” other singers were sitting under the arbor at In- On Thursday the group rested and prepared for the two-day festival. Lon-Schka. On Friday, Aug. 26, they set up camp at the Cherokee Fairgrounds where But there was no arbor, and it wasn’t June. an amphitheatre and vendor areas were set up. But in the blink of an eye it was the dead of Tables and a tent were supplied in a shaded area of the grounds. It was summer all over again. there that the group set up tables for finger weaving demonstrations, fry- “It was just like being at home,” Mas- bread making, beading and Indian Dice. hunkashey said. “The way we set up camp, The afternoon session was for youth dancers. The local schools brought the way we, like going from the stage . . . kids in to watch other children dance. it was like when me and my brothers sing, when we sing at the The second half of the afternoon was open to all dancers. The Osage danc- arbor and when we’re done we walk back to our camp. That’s what ers dressed under the tent, as they would at their camps, and made their it felt like.” way to the amphitheatre. AThat’s what performing in front of thousands of people at the 7th Annual Festival of Native People felt like. The Pawhuska native living in North Carolina organized a group of Osage people to showcase the Osage culture at the festival in Cherokee, N.C. on Aug. 26-27. A group of about 25 Osages young and old traveled 30-plus hours round Osages showcase trip to the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokees. At least 15 traveled by charter bus and the others traveled on their own. Mashunkashey moved to Cherokee in 2007 with his wife Karie Mas- hunkashey after he received a degree in business administration from their culture to Haskell Indian Nations University. He searched for a job but could only land some temporary work help- ing out with the entertainment department for the tribe. This year, for the annual festival, he proposed bringing out his people Eastern Band of to showcase their In-Lon-Schka, and got the OK. “She (his boss) was going to try something different,” he said. “Some of the groups you’ve seen here have been here every year, some of the Southwest dancers and the pole flyers, they’ve been here since the begin- ning, but they were looking for something different.” Cherokees at festival This year the festival showcased the Cherokee Warriors, Tsimshian people, Osage people, Aztecs, Navajos, Apaches and the Totonac Pole Flyers. Osage dancers showcased Vann Bighorse, director of the Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center, said he didn’t hesitate when Mashunkashey passed along the invitation. In-Lon-Schka at 7th Annual Festival “I thought it would be a great cultural exchange with the other tribes that were going to be there,” Bighorse said. “One of our tribal people of Native People in Cherokee, N.C. was there and was involved in the Festival of Native People, and I just thought it’d be good for us to go out and support him and his effort.” Story and Photos by Sunnie Clahchischiligi Bighorse, along with his staff at the cultural center, did their best to Osage News gather Osages from each district. Some were Bighorse, his wife Mary Bighorse and their daughter Mary Bighorse Wildcat and her family; John Star Bighorse and his family; Osage Nation Princess Dora Jo Williams; John Henry Mashunkashey and Mashunkashey’s father John Henry Mashunkashey, who also went along his wife; Osage Nation Assistant Chief Scott Bighorse and Teresa Hudgins; for the trip, served as the master of ceremony. Before the Osage dancers Addie Thomas and her son Jet Thomas. made their way on stage, John Henry educated the audience a little bit about Those who rode in the charter bus left from the cultural center on Wednes- the Osage people. day, Aug. 24, and made the 15-plus hour drive to Cherokee, N.C. He introduced the singers, who were mostly Osage, and the dancers indi- Osage Nation Princess Dora Jo Williams said since her crowning in May vidually to the audience. she’s made a couple of trips to represent the tribe but nothing like the trip He spoke of the cooks, and how they spent hours in the intense heat cook- to North Carolina. “I think it was pretty neat, we showed our own style, our own ways, and See Festival of Native People it was just something different than anyone’s seen up there,” she said. “How —Continued on Page 18 Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 17

Photo left: Mary Wildcat leads the group of Osage dancers around the drum dur- ing an afternoon session of the 7th Annu- al Festival of Native People in Cherokee, N.C. held Aug. 26-27. Wildcat was a group of about 25 Osages who made the trip Cherokee to share their culture.

Photo below: Osage dancers Beaushee Wildcat, Osage Nation Princess Dora Jo Williams, Jaycie Bighorse, John Star Big- horse II, Mary Wildcat, Lesharo Wildcat, Jet Thomas, and Vann Bighorse pose for photos for spectators at the 7th Annual Festival of Native People held Aug. 26- 27 in Cherokee, N.C. A group of about 25 Osages made the 15-plus hour trip to share their Osage culture on an all- expense paid trip by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. 18 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org

Festival of Native People –Continued from Page 12

ing meals for the people. He mentioned the signifi- cance of the In-Lon-Schka and what the June dances were like. It was the first time in the seven years of the fes- tival’s existence that a dance like the Osage In-Lon- Schka had been showcased. “It was new, we were the first southern plains tribe with a war dance to dance out here,” Russell Mashunkashey said. “They haven’t had that out here.” The entire trip was paid for by the Eastern Band of Cherokees, which showed only a small fraction of their generous nature. All expenses were paid for all performers and when the festival first started the Nation had a per- manent pole placed on the fairgrounds for the To- tonac Pole Flyers. Teresa Hudgins, mother of Addie Thomas, went along for the trip as the frybread cooker and chaper- one for Dora Jo Williams. Hudgins said she hadn’t been to North Carolina and was happy to experience the cultures and festi- val with some of her family. “I liked it, I’m proud of my culture and I enjoyed being able to see my grandson perform in front of other people, other cultures and I enjoyed for him to be able to see other cultures and take that in,” she said. “I ran into people who knew other Osages, one of the vendors knew several people that I knew, and I always find that fascinating. Being able to take our culture and being able to show it to somebody so far away, I think is just awesome.”

More stories and photos about the Festival of Native People on Pages 20-25.

Photo by Sunnie Clahchischiligi/Osage News John Star Bighorse II, Osage, makes his way around the drum at the 7th Annual Festival of Native People at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds on Aug. 26-27 in Cherokee, N.C. Bighorse was one of about 25 Osages who were in- vited by, along with six other tribes, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to share with culture. Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 19

Robopocalypse –Continued from Page 12 Save the Date! ON: I have read that the rights ing smoothly as well as fighting the were bought by Dreamworks for a machines. I love the contrast that –Local Events Calendar feature film to begin filming Jan. Lonnie brings between high-tech 2012. Did you have a hand in the and low-tech; urban and rural; and October 15 SEPTEMBER screenplay and will you have a hand cowboys and robots. For example, Northern California in the casting? Lonnie ends up tracking quadruped September 10 DW: The rights to Robopocalypse Osage Fall meeting walking robots through the same Osage Language were optioned by DreamWorks and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. woods where he might have gone Welcome Back Cookout! Steven Spielberg announced that deer hunting the season before. Wakon Iron Hall Location: Humanist Hall; 390 he is going to direct the movie. The ON: Is there anything you would Noon to 2 p.m. 27th St., Oakland, CA 94609 screenplay was written by Drew Goddard, who cut his teeth on Buffy like to add for our Osage readers? Wakon Iron Hall Speakers and further de- the Vampire Slayer and Lost. Obvi- DW: I just want to thank everyone September 12 tails to be announced ously, I’m beyond thrilled! Although for reading the book, and to apologize I’m not a part of writing the screen- Prescription Pill Dump Days October 19 for anything that I got wrong! Also, I play or casting, I was consulted early Full schedule on osagenews.org should mention that Robopocalypse 2011 Osage Nation on about what the robots would look is the second book I had published like and how they would act. It’s hard September 23 Health Summit this year. My other book, called A to believe, but the filmmakers have Osage Book Club Meeting Wah Zha Zhi Cultural Center Boy and His Bot, was released in been doing intense pre-production Nehemiah’s Wall 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for over a year now, and some of the January and has a Native American Pawhuska 5th Annual Osage pre-visualization (videos, artwork, boy as the protagonist. It’s a terrific The Osage Book Club will meet middle reader novel for kids 9 to 12 Nation Health Summit and computer generated models) is at noon at Nehemiah’s Wall to mind-blowing. These machines are and I’m really proud of it. Lunch will be provided. discuss “The Osage Tribe: Two going to be realistic and terrifying ON: If asked, would you accept an and surprising – I can’t wait to see Versions of the Child-Naming invitation to visit our tribal campus the finished product! Rite” by Francis La Flesche NOVEMBER or our In-Lon-Schka dances held in ON: Out of the Osage characters, June every year? November 6 which one is your favorite and why? DW: Absolutely! And if there is DW: Lonnie Wayne Blanton is my October Benefit Handgame a sequel to Robopocalypse, you can favorite Osage character, although bet that I’ll be out there doing my October 1 to support the Oklahoma Cherrah is a close second. Lonnie research. You’ll have to chase me 4th annual Scott Indian All-Star Games Wayne is an older guy who is very away. Kelby Photo Walk Grayhorse Indian Village straightforward and doesn’t mess Thanks so much for the interview! Meet at Old Fire Station, around – basically, a cowboy. He’s Community Building You can follow me on twitter @dan- west of Constantine Theater old-fashioned, but also willing to Starts at 2 p.m. adapt in order to survive, and that ielwilsonpdx. And my latest news is 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m. means keeping society function- at www.danielhwilson.com. Sign up for this free event at www.worldwidephotowalk. com/walk/pawhuska-ok- Save the Date Foundation Hires united-states-old-fire- –Continued from Page 13 station-park-area/ Submissions the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, the Nature Con- Email Sherry Stinson, sherry@ Have an upcoming public servancy of Illinois, the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library, tylercreative.com for more info. event? Contact the Osage the National Park Foundation and the Woolaroc Foundation. October 7 News and we’ll list it in • Skibine is a professor at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney Native American Woman our Save the Date section College of Law. He has served as deputy counsel for Indian Af- Suffer from Domestic Violence and on our Website. Call fairs on the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs in the in the Greatest Numbers (918) 287-5668 or email us U.S. House of Representatives. He has served as a regional Landrum Community Center at osagenews@osagetribe. representative for the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in the Contact Osage Nation org with dates, contact info Bureau of Indian Affairs and as a staff attorney and project di- Counseling Center and details of the event. rector for the Institute for the Development of Indian Law. 20 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org Festival of Native People Along for the Osage-cultural ride By Sunnie Clahchischiligi Osage News Three young Osages tossed their suitcases filled with streamers and broadcloths onto the Red Carpet bus. They settled into the theater-like seats with some of their family mem- bers and hit the open road for the 2011 Festival of Native People in Cherokee, N.C. I was asked to follow the group of about 15 Osage parents, children and grandparents as they attended a cultural showcase held Aug. 24-27, more than 15 hours away. Seven Native American tribes in the country were invited to showcase some of their cultural and tradition- al dances. Somewhere between the Oklaho- ma/Arkansas border and Nashville, Tenn., I was reminded of what it was like to pack your best Indian clothes and head to a foreign land to show strangers who you people are. As children my young sister and I would pack our best velvet blouses and squash blossoms, and hit the in- terstate with our uncle. We traveled to museums and art shows to show people the art of Na- vajo weaving that had been in our family for more than five genera- tions. It’s been almost 10 years since my uncle; sister and I packed our Navajo looms onto his extended cab pick-up Photo by Sunnie Clahchischiligi/Osage News truck. Both my grandmother and uncle Jaycie Bighorse,7, dances around the drum at the 7th Annual Festival of Native People held Aug. 26-27 at Cherokee Indian Fair taught me how to weave Navajo rugs Grounds in Cherokee, N.C. Bighorse was one of about 25 Osage who traveled to Cherokee to showcase the Osage culture after be- ing invited by the East Band of Cherokee Indians. when I was about six years old. My parents worked off the reservation and picked up my wooden comb. like the Santa Fe Indian Market and about an hour away from our home of the Osage families. Some, I had My grandmother, or as we call her the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Ariz. on the reservation. After school I seen around Pawhuska, and others I walked from the boarding school up “Shima,” always had my loom waiting As a child I never stopped to think had met at least once or twice before. for me. about the importance of traveling to my grandmother’s home, which I remember thinking to myself My older sister, of about 10 years, and sharing my culture with others, sat at a mountain base behind the how brave and patient some of the school. learned way before I did and my but as I sat on that charter bus I re- older parents were. I couldn’t pay my As soon as I walked through the younger sister learned shortly after I alized how valuable it is and it over- door of the house my great-grand- picked up the talent. Before we knew whelmed me. See Osage-cultural Ride father built, I dropped my backpack it we were featured at big art shows On the bus ride I got to know a lot —Continued on Page 22 Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 21

Photo by Sunnie Clahchischiligi/Osage News The Totonac Pole Flyers make their way down a tower during their culture showcase of the 7th Annual Festival of Native People in Cherokee, N.C. held Aug. 26-27. Seven tribes throughout the country made the trip to Cherokee to show their Native cultures. 22 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org

Photo by Sunnie Clahchischiligi/Osage News Lesharo Wildcat,7, dances for the audience at the 7th Annual Festival of Native People in Cherokee, N.C., held Aug. 26-27. Wildcat was one of about 25 Osages who made the trip to Cherokee after being invited by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to share their culture.

Osage-cultural Ride –Continued from Page 20 parents to sit in a moving vehicle for Wake and Vann Bighorse and his when they talked about the tradi- eventually carry on those Osage tra- that long. wife Mary Bighorse. They talked tional food, the people and the Osage ditions. I wondered why they would agree about what Pawhuska was like when culture. And the children showed no hesi- to hop on a bus and sit for over 15 they were teenagers. They recalled I realized that they didn’t hesitate tation. hours. the various luxury car dealerships in They carried their suitcases filled stepping on that oversized bus be- We stopped at a barbeque restau- town and the many pharmacies that with their best Osage outfits with rant outside of Memphis, Tenn., and lined the streets of Pawhuska. cause it meant keeping their culture gusto. that’s where I got my answer. They talked about what it was like and traditions alive. To read more from Sunnie Clah- I sat at a table with John Henry to be Osage back then. They included their children and chischiligi’s blog series, visit www. Mashunkashey and his wife Ahna Excitement filled their voices grandchildren because they would osagenews.org. Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 23 Festival of Native People Cherokee hospitality By Sunnie Clahchischiligi but never in my many travels have the day exploring and preparing for tourist strip that had an urban feel Osage News I seen a tribe that is so culturally the weekend festival. to it. rich than that of the Eastern Band We boarded the Cherokee transit While I made my way to the shop I Every Friday and Saturday night of Cherokee. that is the public service provider for saw some local Natives sitting at the starting at 7 p.m. a group of people The Cherokee alphabet appears the entire Cherokee town, Native or patio tables enjoying a cup of java. sit in benches around a campfire on on just about every street corner not. The local menu was written in both Oconaluftee Island Park in Chero- and the word “Cherokee” paints the Cherokees and everyone else use English and the Cherokee alphabet. kee, N.C. small tourist town. the transit system to get to their The coffee beans are grown locally They spend the evening listening I traveled to Cherokee, N.C. with a jobs, appointments and to shopping and sold in bags in the coffee shop. to stories told by a Cherokee tra- group of Osage dancers and demon- destinations. Back home we’ve gone as far as ditional storyteller, it’s one of the strators for the 7th Annual Festival Before heading out we were given marketing Navajo tea but haven’t many programs the tribe has to keep of Native People. I tagged along to a run down of the many attractions reached what the Cherokee’s have the people culturally intact. document the trip in words and pho- in Cherokee, but what struck my in- done by growing the beans and cre- I’ve grown up surrounded by many tographs. terest most was the tribally owned ating a full menu from their coffee Native American lands; Navajo, We arrived early in the morning coffee shop called “Tribal Grounds.” beans. Pueblos, Hopi, Apache and others, on Thursday and spent the rest of Tribal Grounds was located in a Other attractions included tubing and rafting along the calf-high river that flowed along the main highway. But what was most impressive was how well the Cherokee govern- ment took care of their people and their guests. The Indian Village and fairgrounds include booths for vendors, an am- phitheater and a pole installed for the Totonac Pole Flyers, who show for the Festival of Native People. All expenses were paid for the eight tribes that showcased at the annual event, including the Osage group. The tribe did everything to make sure the guests got everything they needed. A little out of town sat the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel. That it- self was a sight. I’m not much of a casino goer my- self but the magnitude and sheer size of the Cherokee casino was in- credible. The outside was just as beautiful as the inside that had a Dunkin Do- nuts Express, Johnny Rockets and Uno Chicago grill for its guests. It was clear the Cherokee gov- Photo by Sunnie Clahchischiligi/Osage News ernment invested in the best of the (Left to Right) KC Bill, Russell Mashunkashey, John Star Bighorse and Osage Nation Assistant Chief Scott Bighorse sing for the Osage dancers and the audience during the 7th Annual Festival of Native People at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds on Aug. 26-27 in See Cherokee Hospitality Cherokee, N.C. The singers and dancers traveled from Pawhuska,Okla., to Cherokee to showcase their Osage culture and dance. —Continued on Page 27 24 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 25

More from the 7th Annual Festival of Native People

Photo by Sunnie Clahchischiligi/Osage News Photo above: A group of Osages play Indian Dice during an intermission from the 7th Annual Festival of Native People held Aug. 26-27 in Cherokee, N.C. The group was invited to the festival to showcase their Osage dance and culture.

Photo by Sunnie Clahchischiligi/Osage News Photo page 24: A group of Osage dancers make their way on to the stage of the amphitheater at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds during the 7th Annual Festival of Native People held Aug. 26-27 in Cherokee, N.C. The group was invited on an all-expense paid trip to Cherokee to share their Osage culture through dancing and arts and craft displays. 26 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org News In Brief Guest wins $1.1 million the fact this is our largest jackpot 961-6109. It’s easy and only takes a a certified teacher is hired for that jackpot at the Osage Casino won at Osage Casino,” Osage Casino couple of minutes. area, said Osage Language Director General Manager Stephan Burris For more information visit the in Tulsa Herman “Mogri” Lookout. said in the release. “This event came Web site at www.indiantrust.com. Someone is $1.1 million richer af- during Osage Casino’s Seventh An- Osage Language classes are still ter winning the highest jackpot ever niversary celebration when guests being offered in Pawhuska, Hominy, paid at the Osage Casino in Tulsa. were winning prizes and experienc- Osage language no longer Fairfax and Edmond. The Fall lan- On Aug. 19, a guest (who wishes ing many winning moments at the being offered in Skiatook to remain anonymous) was playing closest gaming attraction to down- The Osage Language Department guage semester begins Sept. 12. a “Wizard of Oz” slot machine and town Tulsa.” will no longer be offering language For more information on class hit the jackpot on a wide area pro- The Osage Casino in Tulsa has classes in Skiatook due to the loss schedules and the Fall language gressive, the casino said in a news more than 1,100 electronic gaming of certified teachers on staff. Classes machines, table games and a poker semester, please contact Rebekah release. A wide area progressive affected will be a class in the Skia- electronic gaming machine is linked room. The casino enterprise’s Web HorseChief at (918) 287-5279 or visit took High School, community eve- together with other machines at un- site is at www.osagecasinos.com. ning classes and the Osage Nation their Web site at www.osagetribe. related casinos. Head Start. Classes may resume if com/language/. The total jackpot of $1,165,889.53 Cobell settlement hotline is the largest in the history of the up and running Tulsa casino, which opened in 2005. Have questions about the Cobell “We’re excited for our guest and settlement? Call the hotline at 1-800-

Nation announces 2011 Targeted Emergency Services Grant ments that already operate on a shoe Grant targets rural string budget, and we hope to provide emergency entities serving some much needed supplemental funding,” said Jennifer Tiger, Direc- the Nation; Application tor of Strategic Planning and Grants deadline is Oct. 14 Management. “The Osage Nation is committed to helping sustain critical Osage News services in our communities.” Austin Kirk The deadline for submission is The Osage Nation is announc- Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. ing its 2011 Targeted Emergency To be eligible for the grant, appli- Services Grant in which eligible ru- Austin Kirk pitches no-hitter, cants are limited to rural volunteer ral emergency response entities in Osage County can apply for up to fire departments; volunteer fire de- $20,000. partments in communities with less eighth in MiLB history The total grant is for $275,000 and than 1,500 persons; Emergency Med- On July 4, Osage baseball pitcher Austin Kirk threw a no-hitter for MiLB each eligible applicant can apply for ical Service providers and organiza- team Peoria Chiefs, an affiliate for the Chicago Cubs. a maximum amount of $20,000, ac- tions offering emergency training It was the eighth no-hitter in franchise history and the first solo no-hitter cording to a news release. The pur- such as First Aid-CPR-AED. since 1988. pose of this grant is to expand or Applicants can contact Chris Kirk and his no-hitter clinched a 2-0 win for the Chiefs over the Clinton enhance emergency services that Standing Bear at (918) 287-5633 or LumberKings. Kirk pitched a complete game no-hitter with two walks and serve communities within the bound- Otto Hamilton at (918) 287-5584 at 10 strikeouts. aries of the Osage Nation. the Osage Nation Office of Strategic He has pitched for the Chiefs since August of 2010. As of Aug. 30 Kirk had “The targeted services grant will Planning & Grants Management for a record of 5-10 with a 4.10 ERA (Earned Run Average). focus on emergency services and spe- more information or to request an Kirk, who was a standout at Owasso High School, was drafted out of high cifically rural volunteer fire depart- application packet. school by the Cubs in the third round, 109 overall pick in 2009. Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 27

Cherokee Hospitality –Continued from Page 23 Jennifer Bighorse named best when it came to their people and community, and they had no problem showing it. It was nice to see a prospering government that spent a lot of its energy ‘Rising Star’ by 2010 Great trying to maintain culture and tradition with urban ways. Visiting the Eastern Band of Cherokee showed that it is possible to be a successful tribe, and without losing focus of the tradition and culture. Women of Gaming To read more from Sunnie Clahchischiligi’s blog series, visit www.osage- Jennifer Bighorse was named news.org. a “Rising Star” by 2010 Great Women of Gaming for her out- standing work for Osage Casinos September 26th is the deadline for all as marketing director in August. submissions for the October issue of the “A real leader, Jennifer demon- strates time after time her ability to involve and motivate others,” said Joe Olujic, chief operating of- ficer at Osage Casinos. “She is a great listener and has the unique ability to hyper-focus when nec- Mark it on your calendars! essary. She can be opinionated, standing up for her position, yet she is still able to go in a different direction when asked.” Jennifer Bighorse Alongside the guest service de- The brand new partment, she played a part in property promotions and global- designing the Osage EDGE (Ex- izing marketing efforts across all ceptional Presentation, Discover seven casino locations, saving the the Guest, Go Beyond, Earn their company more than $1 million in Return) program to train employ- operating costs in the last year, ees in an effort to increase rev- according to the article. enue and generate guest loyalty. She has received several awards Web site is here! Due to her commitment to the in the past few years and played a company, Osage has seen a sig- large role in Osage receiving the Visit the new Osage News Web site at nificant increase in results from prestigious Barona/VCAT 2011 www.osagenews.org and experience promotions, according to an ar- Award for Excellence in Indian a new way to get your Osage News! ticle in Casino Enterprise Man- Gaming Marketing, according to agement magazine. The Bronco the article. Featuring… Bucks summer 2010 promotion She has said that one of her Articles & Photos • Social Media • Blogs generated an impressive 88 per- proudest accomplishments has cent increase in guest rewards been hiring and retaining the Weekly Poll • Photos on Flickr card memberships, as well as a staff she has today. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! spike in other numbers across the “I really truly believe that ev- board. erything that’s happened since Bighorse’s other accomplish- I’ve been here has been a team Have any questions? ments include streamlining the effort. Being able to move in the Call (918) 287-5668 or casino’s direct mail promotions, direction that we’re moving has e-mail us at [email protected] simplifying and digitizing on- been an accomplishment.” 28 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org Births and Celebrations

Isabella Frances Curtis-Standingbear Joseph Roan Gray Sunni Gullett Mya Miller and Joe Don Mashunkashey

Happy Birthday! To Joseph, we love you and wish ningham. She is a 7th grader at looks forward to celebrating her spe- The family of Isabella Frances you a happy birthday! Love, Mom, Pawhuska Junior High School. cial day with her Uncle Joe Don!! Curtis-Standingbear would like to Dad and Makenzie! Sunnie you are growing up to be wish her a happy fourth birthday. a beautiful young lady, happy 13th Happy Birthday! Isabella has enjoyed a great sum- Happy Birthday! birthday! Love, mom and all of your Whoa! We can’t believe you’re six! Happy birthday, Gianna!!! Sending mer with her family and friends. She family. Sunnie Gullett will be turning you love and birthday wishes from was able to travel, swim, and partici- 13-years-old on Sept. 15 and her pate in what she calls, “Hey-Yahs” Osage County, Oklahoma to Ocean family would like to wish her a very Happy Birthday! dancing in the In-Lon-Schka. County, New Jersey! Love always, With much love from: Mom, Dad, happy birthday. She is the daughter Joe Don Mashunkashey and his Aunt C and Big Brother. brother Maddux, Grandmas, Grand- of Lisa Mashunkashey, great-grand- niece, Mya Miller, both celebrated pas, Aunts, Uncles and many cous- daughter of Earl Mashunkashey and their birthday on July 12! Happy Birthday ins wishing you a happy birthday the late Betty Mashunkashey, great- Joe Don turned 35 and Mya turned Blaine and Bianca! and many more to come. granddaughter of the late Catherine four. Mya is the daughter to Julie These are the Hipp twins, Blaine Wilson and great-great-granddaugh- Mashunkashey Miller and Benny and Bianca. The family would like Happy Birthday! ter of the late Lillie Bighorse Cun- Miller of Pawhuska. Each year Mya to send a big birthday shout out to them on Sept. 18, they will be four- Joseph Roan Gray will be eight- years-old. They are currently attend- years-old on Sept. 23. Joseph is in ing the Osage Nation Head Start in the 2nd Grade at Marrs Elementary Hominy. Birthday wishes from mom, in Skiatook. Joseph is active in Cub dad, brothers Blake and Carson and Scouts and enjoys fishing with his Gammy Delo. dad and football. He is the oldest son of Matthew and Arlandra (Freeman) Gray, and older brother to Maken- Happy Birthday! zie Maria. Maternal grandparents Happy 6th Birthday, TO-OP-PE! are Joe and Ann (Maker) Freeman; Gianna Marie. We love and adore maternal great-grandparents are you! Virginia and the late Lloyd Maker, Gianna was born on Sept. 8, 2005 Jess, the late Marcell (West) Free- and is from the Grayhorse Dis- man and the late Raymond Hill. trict. She is the daughter of Eric Joseph’s paternal grandparent is and Janese (Lasley) Sieke. She is Shannon McGuire. Paternal Great- the granddaughter of Raymond Grandparents are Jim McGuire, the A. Lasley, II and the late Gloria J. late Andrew (Buddy) and Margaret See Births and Celebrations (Lutrell) Gray. Gianna Marie Sieke Bianca and Blaine Hipp —Continued on Page 29 Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 29

Osage Nation Burial Assistance Tutoring opportunities Application Process available for Osage students The Osage Nation Tutoring Pro- Program will be provided a one-on- gram and the Sylvan Tutoring As- one tutoring assignment along with sistance Program is being offered a tutoring plan to be carried out to Osage students through the ON through scheduled meeting with a Education department. The ON tu- certified teacher. toring program is for Osage students living in Osage county and the Syl- Sylvan Tutoring van tutoring program is nationwide. Assistance Program The Osage Nation Sylvan Tutor- Osage Nation ing Program is an Osage tribally Tutoring Program funded program designed to serve • Submit an application within 30 days of time The Osage Nation Tutoring Pro- Osage students across the nation. gram is an Osage tribally funded The intent of the program is to serve of death program designed to serve Osage as many Osage students in first • Provide CDIB or Membership Card that students attending school within through twelfth grades that are at the boundaries of the Osage Na- risk of failing required subject ar- verifies Osage Indian Blood for deceased tion. The intent of the program is to eas, where Sylvan tutoring centers individual serve as many Osage students in K are available. Students receiving • Provide a copy of a death certificate for the -12th grades as possible that are at services through the Sylvan Tutor- risk of failing required subject areas. ing Program will receive funding of deceased individual Eligible students receiving services $2,500 for one subject of tutoring • Provide a copy of an itemized Funeral Home through the Osage Nation Tutoring services, excluding the initial testing statement of the deceased individual and enrollment fees of the student. Please note that applications will be processed on a first come first serve The application is complete when all pertinent documenta- Births and Celebrations basis. tion is received by this office; once the application is com- –Continued from Page 28 If you have any questions or would plete a letter of approved funds and check will be mailed to like to be mailed an application on the funeral home. Notice will also be sent to the applicant either of these programs, contact informing them of the amount being paid to the funeral Cherise Lookout with the Osage Na- home. tion Education Department at (918) 287-5544 or toll free 1-800-390-6724. • Allow 10-14 working days for completed application to Applications are also available on- be processed and a check issued. line at www.osagetribe.com/educa- • Reimbursements checks will only be issued to funeral tion/. home and designated grocer only; individual expenses will not be reimbursed. Letters to the For more information, questions, Editor Submissions or concerns please contact the If you’d like to submit a Osage Nation Constituent Services Office letter to the editor, mail it to the Osage News, Attn.: Shannon Shaw, 109 E. Osage Nation Constituent Services Office 6th Street, Pawhuska, OK Attention: W. Jacque Jones, Administrator Gianna Marie Sieke 74056 or email sshaw@ 621 Grandview • Pawhuska, OK 74056 osagetribe.org. Letters Blanchard Lasley. She is the great- must be respectful and in- Phone: (918) 287-5662 granddaughter of the late Raymond Fax: (918) 287-5221 • Fax: (918) 699-5221 formative to the reader, and Peggee Lasley. Love, Daddy, and may be edited for gram- Mommy, Pa-Pa, Uncle Isaiah, Aunt Email: [email protected] mar, clarity and space. Melinda, Uncle Brandon, Madeline, Loren and Makani. 30 September 2011 Osage News • osagenews.org Obituaries William Jack Core Joe Holding, Scott Lohah, Cody Re- he loved. God bless you Otis, we will ynn J. Smith, nephews Sam Treat, William Jack Core, age 83, of vard, Bryan Core, Alan Brown, Da- miss and love you forever. Chris Treat, Ryan Cash; nieces Jes- Hominy, Oklahoma passed away vid Meriable and honorary casket sica Treat, Lindsay Cash, and Taylor August 19, 2011 at the Cleveland bearers Melvin Core and Carl Core. Cash. Interment was in the A.J. Powell Lisa Wray (Tibbetts) Smith Lisa loved life, and loved her fam- Manor, Cleveland, Oklahoma. Jack Lisa Wray (Tibbetts) Smith, a mem- was born to William Bryan and Edna Cemetery. ily. She was a member of Victory In lieu of flowers donations can ber of the Osage Tribe, passed away Christian Church in Tulsa, OK. Dur- (Townsend) Core at Hominy, Nov. 10, on July 10, be made to Oklahoma Medical Re- ing Lisa’s years at the Tulsa Tribune 1927. Jack graduated from Hominy 2011, in Skia- search Foundation, 825 N.E. 13th St., and Tulsa World, she spent many High School in 1945; Jack proudly took, Okla- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104 or hours annually working on the Needy served in the United States Army homa, from an Hominy Friends Meeting. Arrange- Family Project in the Tulsa area. during WWII, and in 1951 graduated eight-month ments were made with Powell Funer- She was also the media representa- from Oklahoma A & M. Jack was a battle with long time resident of Del City and al Home, Hominy, Oklahoma. tive escorting Oklahoma’s winners of cancer. Lisa the state spelling bee to Washington, Hominy. Jack was retired; he had was born Lisa been a Dairy Inspector and Milk Lab D.C. each year. Otis Chapman Morago Wray Routh, Lisa loved the outdoors, especially Tech. Jack relished taking an active Otis Chapman Morago was born to Edward role in both his church and in his com- fishing and camping. She loved gar- Oct. 24, 1945, to Margaret and Otis W. Routh, munity. As a long time member of the Lisa Wray (Tibbets) Smith dening and was proud of her flow- E. Mozago, in Santa Fe, N.M. and Nancy Hominy Friends Meeting, he gladly ers and gardens. She was a devoted He grew up in Seattle, Washington M. Norman, on April 17, 1959, in gave of his time serving as a Sunday mother, and a devoted friend to so and attended Rainier Beach Junior Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Lisa was ad- School teacher, on ministry and coun- many. Lisa will be remembered for and Senior High School from 1961 to opted by her stepfather Don Tibbetts sel; and as a member of the finance her beautiful smile, and her goodness 1964. Married Susie Blackwood. To- as a child, and raised in Bartlesville, Committee for the Great Plains toward her friends, her great energy, gether they have a daughter, Kelly Oklahoma City, and Elk City, Okla- yearly meeting. He volunteered for and vibrant personality. Ann Morago. Otis served in the Army homa by Don and Nancy Tibbetts. Christ’s Cupboard and acted as trea- Lisa was very proud of her Osage in Vietnam, was gravely injured and Lisa moved to Skiatook with her surer for the Hominy Ministerial Al- lineage through her mother’s side of received the Purple Heart. family in 1973, and graduated from liance. Jack enjoyed working with the family. Lisa asked that all of her Later, married Lorraine Sather. Af- the Hominy Community Center, the Skiatook High School in 1977. Lisa family and all of her friends to please ter many years in Seattle, he moved Hominy Alumni Association and the lived in the Skiatook and Tulsa area remember the good times of her life Breakfast Club Association. Jack also to Westport to work, surf, and con- for the rest of her life. Lisa worked and theirs. Her desire was that there wrote articles for the Hominy News- tinue his artistic interests. He was for the Tulsa Tribune/Tulsa World would be no sadness. Lisa was bur- paper and helped Morris Fields with well known for his beautiful works of for 30 years. She retired in 2008, and ied in Elk City, Oklahoma, at her re- the weekly Karate class. He had a gift coastal Native American designs in began a new career as a dental assis- quest, with a small family ceremony. for showing kindness to others. His leather, woodcarving and ink paint- tant in Tulsa. tender ways and Can-Do-Spirit made ings, was well known for fly typing of Lisa is the great, great grand- original and popular designs. daughter of Mrs. Aggie (Martin) Flash Ebert William Jackson Core a beloved fam- Flash Ebert, 75 of Odessa, TX, died ily member and friend. Otis was preceded in death by his Ware, original Osage allottee, and her parents, brother Peter, sister Linda husband Milton Clark Ware; great Friday, July 29 at Medical Center He is survived by one sister: Doro- Hospital. He was born April 8, 1936 to thy Manzer of Hominy, two brothers: Lee, grandparents, aunts, uncles and granddaughter of Mrs. Nancy Jane sister-in-law Lois Morago. (Ware) Anderson, original Osage al- Evelyn Cannon and Conley Ebert in Melvin Core and Carl Core both of Pawnee, the oldest of four boys. Flash Pawhuska; and numerous nieces and Otis is survived by daughter Kelly lottee; granddaughter of Mary Nancy Ann Morago, her daughter, his sister (German) Holt, Osage tribal member; grew up following the boomtowns in nephews. Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming Jack was preceded in death by his Margo and her family Anthony, their daughter of Nancy Marie (Norman) son Daniel and Jill, their sons Domi- Tibbetts, Osage tribal member. before the family settled in Texas. parents, two sisters: Lorrena Thomp- The Ebert family put down roots in son and Ida Mae Penn; three broth- nic and Sebastian Ferraro, brother Lisa was preceded in death by her Odessa. Flash attended Crockett Ju- ers: Floyd Core, Kenneth Core and Michael, half brothers Phillip and infant son James Smith. She is sur- nior High and Odessa High where he Marlan Core. Johnny Lou Morago. Best friends vived by her two children; daughter was a standout polevaulter on the Funeral Services for Jack were Rick Dobbs, Barry Esty, Mark Lewis, Julia A. Smith, Tulsa, OK; and son track team. He graduated from Odes- Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 10:00 Diane Lundy, Bill Vitalis, Jim Wal- Randall K. Smith and wife Haley, sa High School in 1954 and attended A.M. at the Hominy Friends Meeting, lace and many others who loved him. currently stationed in El Paso, TX; Odessa College. Hominy with Pastor David Nagle, Otis passed peacefully on July 3, her parents Don and Nancy Tib- He married Tommie Della Jackson Pastor Clifton Phelps and Everett comforted by his loving sister Margo. betts, Dallas, TX; brother Kenny Tib- in Odessa on August 28, 1956. He Waller officiating. Congregational Military service was at the Tahoma betts and wife Valorie, Elk City, OK; became a machinist and soon estab- songs – “Amazing Grace,” “The Old National Memorial Park at a later sister Christy Treat and husband lished a reputation as one of the best, Rugged Cross,” and special music by date. A remembrance gathering to be Steve, Skiatook, OK; sister Donna Clifton Phelps; Pianist was Waynel in Westport at a later date for family Cash and husband Todd, Dallas, TX. See Obituaries Green. Casket Bearers were Homer and friends, on the beach and Jetty Lisa has one granddaughter, Adal- —Continued on Page 31 Osage News • osagenews.org September 2011 31 Opinion Letters to the Editor Without Reservations Wind Farms ineffective eo taken about 600 yards away from I read the Osage News article a group of windmills to show the “Wind Farms Possibly Coming to the sound level on my Web site: http:// Osage Reservation” (April, 2011) and www.osageffr.com. want to encourage the Osage Nation The oil and gas producers of San to oppose such a move. Living in Patricio County have partnered with California, we have wind farms near the wind farm companies to work Palm Springs and we have traveled together for their mutual benefit. to Norway and Denmark where such As I was taking some of these pic- farms also exist. These farms are en- tures, a county sheriff stopped and vironmental eyesores, affect the local asked if we needed any assistance. ecosystems by killing birds that come In our conversation he mentioned in contact with their blades, and do not produce the expected amount of that there had not been a single com- electricity. To construct such farms plaint to the county against the wind in a tornado-prone area is also folly. farm companies from the farmers, or –Deborah Knowlton-Czarnecki the oil and gas producers. Twin Peaks, California In the end the people of Osage county will make the decision about Build a bridge to the future wind farms there. However, it would Cartoon © Santo Domingo Pueblo Cartoon Artist, Ricardo Caté The road from my home in San An- be wise for us to contact all the par- tonio down to the beach at Port Aran- ticipants in San Patricio County sas passes right through Taft Texas to ask how they accomplished the Obituaries in San Patricio County and a wind successful synergy of the concerned –Continued from Page 30 farm that has 196 towers. In addition parties. In future meetings between which allowed him to raise three suc- and fly his own plane. He loved clas- to being one of the largest producers the Osage Nation and the wind farm cessful children. During that time he sic cars and rebuilt them. He was a of oil and gas in Texas, San Patricio company, we should be offering our found time to start building and shoot- member of three car clubs: The Oil County is a center for farming. The assistance in an effort to partner ing muzzleloaders competitive. Soon Burners, Hot Wheels and The Mid- towers built by Siemens are 398 feet with them to address our common his rifles, which were lovingly hand land ACAA. Mr. Ebert was a nation- tall and have a maximum capacity of concerns. Instead of building walls made, became highly prized. Flash ally recognized self-taught engineer 2.3 megawatts. They produce a total became a State and National Cham- through litigation, we should be who designed and patented his own of 380 megawatts – enough electric- pion, with records that stood for over turbo charger for the oil field. ity to power 115,00 homes. building a bridge to the future by a decade. He was one of the founders He is preceded in death by his par- North of Taft, banks of oil tanks working with the county, landown- of the Permian Basin Muzzle Loaders and oil wells dot the landscape. ers, oil and gas producers and the Association. He opened his own ma- ents and his only daughter, DeShay Natural gas terminals and pipeline wind farm company to achieve our chine shop in Odessa in 1973, Turbo Ebert. He is survived by his wife Tom- junctions may also be seen from the common goals. It is sad to think that Specialties and Machine, Inc., which mie of 55 years, his sons, Prince Eb- ert of Odessa and Craig Ebert of Pilot highway. In my last trip down, I de- we would spend hundreds of thou- he operated until his retirement in 2000. He may have retired from the Point, Texas. Three brothers, Gurney cided to photograph some of these to sands of dollars on legal fees to stop make the point that wind farms, ag- business world but he continued with Ebert of Ovid, Colo.; Starr Ebert and wind farms in Osage County, when his true love of firearms. He perfected riculture and oil and gas production, Joe Ebert of Belton, TX. there is a real need for better medi- a bolt action for 22 rim fire shooters; can and do work side by side in San Funeral services were on August cal it also became a world record setting 1 at the Sunset Memorial Funeral Patricio County. In the photographs success, considered by many as the facilities, elder care and jobs there. Home Chapel and a burial followed you see oil wells and tanks, and a best in the world. The Turbo Mark V natural gas junction, all in the midst Let’s start a positive dialogue with at Sunset Memorial Gardens with the involved parties and build a has set more world records than any of the towering windmills. Also in other 22 rim fire action ever in histo- Jimmy Braswell officiating. Pallbear- bridge to a better future for everyone the photos is a freshly picked cotton ry. It was his crowning achievement. ers were John Elledge, Mike Barth, field with a tower right in the center in Osage County. He was an avid horseman, raising Jerry Parkis, Ken Locke, B.D. Ber- and shots of bailed cotton waiting to –Jim Ryan and showing quarter horses and even ryhill, Sheril Berryhill, Buddy Brad- be shipped. I have also posted a vid- San Antonio, Texas made time to get his pilots license shaw and Carl Chambers.