Volume 5, Issue 6 • June 2009 The Official Newspaper of the Osage Nation ‘Buddy’ Red Corn Non-Osage shareholders named Most decorated Native American as defendants in Fletcher case in Vietnam War, dies at 65 By Shannon Shaw, By Shannon Shaw, Osage News Osage News For the fi rst time non-Osage shareholders and entities have The Osage community of been publicly named. Pawhuska fell silent May 18 as Plaintiffs in the seven-year-old lawsuit Fletcher v. USA, which Andrew “Buddy” Red Corn was seeks an accounting and restoration of Osage trust shares from laid to rest on the east side of what non-Osage shareholders, recently won a judgment in the 10th Cir- is locally known as Lookout Moun- cuit Court that allows the plaintiffs to name all non-Osage share- tain. A constant fi xture around holders as defendants in the case. Attorneys fi led the complaint the cooking fi res of the Pawhuska in Federal District Court in Tulsa on June 12, naming 1,747 non- district and a loyal attendee of the Osage individuals, churches, colleges, institutions and organiza- Osage Baptist Church, the humble tions whom they allege own Osage trust shares illegally. Red Corn never told people that he “We had a great victory at the 10th Circuit [Court] level,” said was the most highly decorated Na- Amanda Proctor, one of the attorneys for the Fletcher case and an tive American veteran of the Viet- Osage tribal member, at a June 11 trust update meeting at the nam War. Wahzhazhi Cultural Center. “This was one of many victories our “We don’t get the opportunity clients have had.” to meet people like him very of- The plaintiffs in the case – Bill Fletcher, Charles Pratt, Cora Courtesy Photo/Tonya Red Corn ten in life…someone so brave and Jean Jech, Juanita West and Betty Woody – do not seek money Andrew ‘Buddy’ Red Corn bringing in the with such strong faith,” said Cur- damages in the lawsuit but “instead seek an accounting and the colors at a dance. tis Kekahbah, a childhood friend of restoration of any and all trust assets the Defendants wrongfully Red Corn’s and Native American depleted by improperly distributing the trust property generated vice Medal with one bronze service traditional counselor for U.S. De- from the Osage Mineral Estate” during the case, according to the star. He also received the Combat partment of Veterans Affairs hos- complaint. Infantryman badge and was dis- pitals in Arizona, New Mexico and tinguished as a rifl e marksman South Dakota. “That’s how he got and a second-class gunner with an See FLETCHER V. USA his medals because he had amaz- —Continued on Page 5 81mm mortar. ing courage and bravery. He didn’t According to the book, “The run.” Deaths of Sybil Bolton,” by Denny In 1967, Red Corn McAuliffe, Red Corn was the most received four med- highly decorated Native American als for his heroism of the Vietnam War. in Vietnam. He was Complications from diabetes awarded the Oak eventually took Red Corn’s life. Leaf Cluster with The disease had taken his legs in

Valor, the National previous years, and when it started

Address Service Requested Service Address Defense Service to affect his heart, he was placed in

PAWHUSKA, OK 74056 OK PAWHUSKA, Medal, the Republic a nursing home in Jenks, where he

P.O. BOX 779 BOX P.O. of Vietnam Cam- died May 14. OSAGE NATION OSAGE paign Medal and See RED CORN the Vietnam Ser- —Continued on Page 8 2 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Language program hosts seminar in Northern California

By Benny Polacca, Osage News Offi cials with the Osage Nation Language Program conducted a day-long seminar last month with the Northern California Osage Group, teaching its attendees the language basics. Language Program Director Herman “Mogri” Lookout and in- structors John Maker and Talee Red Corn traveled to the group’s May 16 meeting in Petaluma, Ca- lif., and gave a presentation on their program and beginner-level language lessons. Lookout said it was the fi rst time the Language Program conducted this type of seminar for the Northern Califor- nia Osage Group.

“A lot of (out-of-state Courtesy Photo/John Maker Osages) don’t come Osage Language Program Director Herman “Mogri” Lookout, top row, second from right, and Osage language teacher Talee Red Corn, top row, last one on the right, stand with participants of a one day language seminar at a Northern California Osage Group back here oft en… meeting May 16. guage’s orthography, pronuncia- contacted him about having the we think it’s great tion and an Osage history lesson program conduct a seminar. by Red Corn. “A lot of (out-of-state Osages) The presentation covers Osage don’t come back here often,” John 627 Grandview • Pawhuska, OK 74056 they invited us.” (918) 287-5668 history including the tribe’s trea- Maker said referring to dark peri- www.osagenews.org —John Maker ties, changes in the language, and ods in 20th century history, which words not covered in the textbook, resulted in many tribal members Interim Editor Maker said. Shannon Shaw leaving the area. He cited The The program has Osage words Great Depression and the Osage Reporter The event shows out-of-state and pronunciations listed on its de- Reign of Terror as examples. “We Benny Polacca Osages “what we’re doing with partment page of the Nation’s Web think it’s great they invited us,” the program and how we run and site, but Lookout said being taught Editorial Assistant Maker said of the Northern Cali- handle things,” said Lookout. The the language by someone else in- Chalene Toehay seminar ran from 9 a.m. and lasted person is different than learning it fornia Osage Group. Maker said the program would Editorial Council until 5 p.m. with about 12 group alone. Denny McAuliffe members attending, he said. “It’s better to have someone there conduct the language seminars The attendees each received a to go through it,” Lookout said of if invited by other out-of-state Editorial Council textbook and audio CD with be- the language textbook. Osage groups. The program has Tara McLain Manthey held about three seminars for the ginning Osage language lessons Maker said his cousin Charles Editorial Council and presentations by Lookout and Maker, who is president of the Southern California Osage group, Teresa Trumbly Lamsam Maker, which touched on the lan- Northern California Osage Group, he said. Osage News • osagenews.org June 2009 3 Osage runs Indian taco eatery in Denver

By Benny Polacca in what Indian tacos are and are Osage News ready to answer questions.” Frybread fans visiting or living Tribes represented behind the in Denver don’t have to wait un- restaurant’s counter include North- til the next powwow, state fair or ern Cheyenne, Apache, Arapaho trip to the reservation to get an In- and Rosebud Sioux. dian taco thanks to an Osage tribal The recipes for Tocabe’s food member. are rooted in Jacobs’ elders. His Restaurateur Ben Jacobs co- grandmother Georgeann Robinson owns Tocabe: An American Indian taught his mother how to cook and Eatery in the Mile High City with she passed the recipes onto Jacobs, a menu offering Indian tacos with he said. all the fi xings, from spicy to sweet. While researching for other reci- Its menu offers taco toppings with pes, Jacobs came across one for choices of meat and beans and hominy salsa, which he and Chan- other toppings including six salsa dra offer at Tocabe and used it as options. For dessert, there’s tacos part of their Indian taco entry dish topped with powdered sugar or recently at the fi fth annual Na- fruit. tional Indian Taco Championship Jacobs, 26, said Tocabe, now the in Pawhuska. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News city’s sole Native American food The salsa, which includes hom- Ben Jacobs, Osage owner of Tocabe restaurant in Denver, competes in the National iny, cranberries and other spices, eatery, is similar to Grayhorse, Indian Taco Championships May 16. the Denver restaurant his par- topped the shredded beef, pinto ents owned about 20 years ago. paper’s story. “We’re the only ones beans for their taco dishes ranging beans and other garnishments on “It’s always a special occasion to in Denver that focus on frybread.” in price from $6 to $8.50. the duo’s entry plate. Jacobs and eat frybread, maybe we should do Chandra’s dish caught the judges’ a restaurant like (Grayhorse),” he attention and they won second recalled while he and others brain- place and a $1,000 check in the stormed ideas for the restaurant. “My heroes have always competition. Jacobs, who was born in Denver, Hundreds of people attended co-owns Tocabe, located at 3536 the May 16 cooking competition cooked frybread.” in downtown Pawhuska where Ja- W. 44th Ave., with friend Matthew cobs and Chandra cooked for the Chandra, whom he met while they —Tocabe slogan judges and also sold tacos to the both attended the University of hungry spectators including Re- Denver. His parents, Jan and Tom becca Brave who enjoyed the To- Jacobs, are also part-owners and cabe Indian taco. help at the restaurant. “It’s light and fl uffy and airy,” Jacobs said he and Chandra Jacobs attributes his restau- Tocabe, which according to Ja- Brave said of the frybread. She both work 13 to 15-hour workdays rant’s “pretty cheap” prices as one cob’s research means the color also enjoyed the taco’s green chili at least six days per week, “but attraction for his frybread-loving “blue” in Osage, opened on Decem- and hominy salsa topping, adding, ber 18 with its buzz spread mostly we really enjoy it.” Each week, Ja- customers or those curious to try “I need my food to have some piz- through small print publications, cobs estimates the restaurant goes an Indian taco. “Denver’s a huge zazz.” While Jacobs and Chandra the Internet and even a TV news through eight to 10 bags of fl our dining city. I feel like we have a prepped their food during the cook- segment. The restaurant’s busi- that weigh 50 pounds to make the step ahead.” ing competition, they sold t-shirts frybread. A staff of 10 works at Tocabe ness jumped by at least half after bearing Tocabe’s name on the front Tocabe’s menu gives customers with half of them being Native it was featured in a May 20 Denver and the following phrase on the Post story, Jacobs said. a choice of meats including shred- Americans, which Jacobs says “def- back: “It’s been great in getting the ded or ground beef, ground buffalo, initely helps” for inquiring custom- “My heroes have always cooked word out,” Jacobs said of the news- grilled chicken and three types of ers. “They have a lot of experience frybread.” 4 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Faith, experience key in Indian taco competition —Pawnee sisters win top honors at championships

By Benny Polacca Pahsetopah, who won in the Des- Osage News sert Indian Taco category, actu- Ramona Horsechief and her sis- ally fi lled her frybread dough with ter Lisa Pahsetopah say having cream and then cooked it in the hot strong faith and “a love for cook- grease, topping it after with cara- ing” creates great dishes and keeps melized pecans, fresh strawberries people coming back for more, espe- and homemade whipped cream. cially when it comes to Indian ta- She said she chose the recipe while cos. saying to herself “I know Indians “Cooking is my spiritual gift,” love sugar, sugar, sugar.” said Horsechief. “That’s why my The duo was among 20-plus en- husband is so heavy.” trants in the competition, now in Horsechief, along with Pahse- its fi fth year. topah, took home top honors Sat- The sisters, both of Pawnee and urday at the National Indian Taco Cherokee decent, are devout Chris- Championships in Pawhuska, tians who travel for ministry work. where more than 800 people de- They recently started their own Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News scended downtown to taste the cu- catering business, Two Sisters Ca- Participants placed their completed Indian tacos onto a tray for the judges. linary treats. tering, to help bring in more money Horsechief, who won fi rst in the after their other work started slow- working well with Pahsetopah, 46, toward the purchase of a conces- Traditional Indian Taco category, ing down. which is another reason they joined sion stand. won after she covered her frybread “I love cooking it all,” Horsechief forces in business. “She makes the Both sisters, who learned to cook in buffalo meat chili and added said while taking down the food best frybread and I make the best from watching their grandmother, the garnishment of lettuce, cheese stand she ran with Pahsetopah chili,” she said. plan to continue developing their and homemade pico de gallo. and her husband Ellis Horsechief . The Horsechiefs, of Midwest catering venture, knowing others “It feels unbelieveable,” Pahse- City, Okla., travel with One Spirit love their foods. topah, of Sapulpa, Okla., said after Praise, a Native American Chris- Pahsetopah, who has sold and the winners and runner-ups were tian music ministry, and visit with cooked food at other special or Na- announced. Both accepted their people from all backgrounds. Ra- tive American-related events, said checks from the event offi cials with mona provides food for the events. she has followers, whom she calls fl our and dough sticking to their Horsechief, who has more than “frybread groupies.” hands. 20 years of cooking and culinary Several other entrants, includ- The sisters’ fi rst place award school experience, said her group ing last year’s Indian taco champ came with a $1,500 check and a visits with all groups of people, in- Brian Lookout, were Osages John- year’s worth of bragging rights. cluding those attending rehabilita- na Johnson and Cecelia Tallchief. Osage Nation Principal Chief Paula Mashunkashey and her Jim Gray congratulated the sis- tion and juvenile centers. daughter Julie Miller – also known ters on their win and shook their Pahsetopah and her husband Mi- as the “Rez Chicks Flour Co.,” com- doughy hands. “It’s going to be a chael have a family dance troupe long year,” he said jokingly, refer- which performs Native American peted as well. ring to the Osage and Pawnee ri- dancing at various events includ- “Our entries will blow your socks valry that stems back to pre-1900 ing faith-based functions. One of off,” Mashunkashey said. Peach- Indian wars. their recent travels was to Hous- es and strawberries fi lled a large In the traditional taco competi- ton where the couple and their clear plastic container at her stand tion, Ben Jacobs won second place six-year-old daughter Heaven au- while chili heated for the Indian and Debra Lookout took third. ditioned for NBC’s “America’s Got tacos. Lookout took second place for her Talent.” Mashunkashey said she’s been Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News dessert taco and Georgette Fixico Pahsetopah said the trio would making frybread since she was 13, Lisa Pahsetopah jumps up in the air with won third. Second place fi nishers try again next year to win a chance crediting her grandmother the late excitement and receives a hug from sister won $1,000 and third place took to compete on national TV. In the Ramona Horsechief as she claims victory home $500. meantime, Pahsetopah said she See TACO CHAMPIONSHIP winning the Dessert Indian Taco category. Horsechief, 41, said she credits planned on using her prize money —Continued on Page 6 Osage News • osagenews.org June 2009 5 Osage Language program featured in TV documentary By Benny Polacca Osage News The Osage Nation’s Language Program is featured in an hour-long OETA documentary on preserving Native American languages and cul- ture, now airing on the Oklahoma Network. An Oklahoma Educational Television Association crew visited with language program offi cials in April and recorded several hours of the language classes, student activities and those who teach them. The docu- mentary, titled, “We Shall Remain,” is part of the OETA’s “Stateline” series. See TV DOCUMENTARY —Continued on Page 11

Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News Osage Nation Congressman Doug Revard takes notes during the Osage Con- gressional 18th Special Session. Congress passes supplemental Education bill during special session

By Benny Polacca Osage News The Osage Nation Congress during a special session passed a supplemental appropriations bill, giving the Education Department more than $965,000 to cover a budget shortfall for the 2009 fi scal year.

Ten Congressional members unanimously passed the bill on May Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News 27 during the 18th Special Session of Congress after Principal Chief Attorneys Amanda Proctor of Sneed Lang, P.C., and Jason Aamodt of Aamodt Lawfi rm Jim Gray vetoed a bill presented during the regular Hun-Kah Ses- at a June 11 meeting speaking on the Fletcher case at the Wahzhazhi Cultural Center sion. Congressional members and Executive Branch offi cials then in Pawhuska. returned to the drawing board to work on another bill, which need- ed to pass in a special session since the Hun-Kah Session ended in FLETCHER V. USA April. —Continued from Page 1 In his April 17 veto message of the initial bill, Gray said he did Attorneys for the case – Proc- her if they saw a name that should not approve of changes made by Congress to proposed administra- tor, of Sneed Lang, P.C., and Jason not be on the list. tive and non-administrative expenditures, which were requested Aamodt of Aamodt Lawfi rm – stat- Those who appear on the list by the Executive Branch. Gray said he was pleased the bill was ed there could be names on the list that have legal right to their Osage ultimately passed after the legislative and executive governmental of who that have a legal right to trust share, according to the com- branches made compromises and called the department “a great in- the shares, such as legally adopted plaint, are “welcome to provide the vestment in our community.” children or shareholders with life Plaintiffs with data demonstrating estates. The supplemental appropriations bill, sponsored by Congress- their privilege to share in the distri- woman Debra Atterberry, gives the Education Department The BIA was “unable to provide bution of [royalty] payments.” The $965,901, bringing the department’s budget total for the 2009 fi scal any necessary explanatory data plaintiffs also will be working with year to just over $5.5 million. More than $4.2 million of the depart- concerning some categories of re- BIA offi cials to ensure that each ment’s budget is reserved for higher education scholarships, tuition, cipients…such as the identity of le- person who makes a legal claim fees and room and board. gally adopted children,” according to the complaint. to their share will be verifi ed and See EDUCATION BILL Proctor asked the crowd of more will ask the court to name them as —Continued on Page 7 than 100 people at the meeting to plaintiffs and not defendants. review the list carefully and to call To view the list visit osagenews.org. 6 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org

TACO CHAMPIONSHIP —Continued from Page 4

Lillie Bighorse Cunningham. “She was my mentor, my teacher for every- thing.” “She can make it in her sleep,” Miller said of her mother. “I’ve got to practice on it.” Judging the competition were attendees who paid $5 to sit through a round of traditional tacos or dessert taco entries. Six or more attendees accepted the challenge and sampled tacos during each round of judging. Armed with plastic cutlery and a pen and paper for note taking, the judges sampled and scrutinized each dish for a few minutes before the plate was taken away for another entry dish. “It’s a heck of a deal. You can eat all this for $5,” said Ursula Bowling of Oklahoma City, who attended with her family. In one judging round she said she sampled eight entries. When asked what her evening plans were, Bowling replied: “I don’t think we’ll be eating dinner.”

Left Photo Courtesy Virginia Mathews. Photo at right by Shannon Shaw/Osage News Left: A young Virginia Mathews poses with “dear friend” First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Right: Virginia Mathews at this year’s Week of the Young Child event in downtown Pawhuska. Mathew’s manuscripts on literacy sent to the U.S. Library of Congress By Shannon Shaw Osage News The U.S. Library of Congress is the new home to the life’s work of an Osage dedicated to improving literacy among American children. Virginia Mathews sent 34 boxes of manuscripts from her time serv- ing as the staff director of the former National Book Committee from 1957 to 1974. The Library of Congress requested the contribution in or- der to have a record of the committee’s work promoting literacy—which Mathews has dedicated her life to improving. “It’s been an honor to educate and serve with those who would promote literacy for young children,” said Mathews, an enrolled Osage tribal member. “I never had any children of my own but this is something dear to my heart. I would have to say my greatest interest is in young people, always has been.” Mathews, 84, is the daughter of the late John Joseph Mathews, an author who wrote award-winning books on the Osage. Administrative records from her time with the National Book Committee show some of the group’s best work, said John Cole, former director of the committee. He now serves as director of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. “The records she is donating to the Library of Congress are important

See VIRGINIA MATHEWS —Continued on Page 9 Osage News • osagenews.org June 2009 7

EDUCATION BILL —Continued from Page 5 In Honor of National Foster Care Month The Education Department’s gress overrode both vetoes before supplemental appropriations bill adjourning for the regular session. & Substance Abuse Prevention passed with 10 Congressional At issue in the bill focusing on Osage Nation Social Services & Prevention Program votes. Congresswomen Atterberry budget parameters and limita- announces an and Shannon Edwards were ab- tions, according to Gray, is whether sent for the May 27 vote. Congress places “excessive and ad- Congress Speaker Archie Mason ditional budget restraints upon the said timing was crucial in passing Executive and Judicial Branches.” HONOR DANCE “Such authority is not found in the bill because higher education for the Osage Nation Foster/Adoptive Resource Parents and and fi nancial aid deadlines for the the (constitution), nor is it other- wise justifi ed by Osage law and Substance Abuse Program Staff, Jeanne Morgan & Louis Gray upcoming school year are near. “I see it as a success and a very valu- serves to encroach upon the abil- able piece of legislation for post- ity of the Executive and Judicial August 8, 2009 high school (tribal) members,” he Branches to manage their own said. affairs and spending priorities,” Wakon Iron Community Building Mason said the passage of the Gray wrote in his April 7 veto mes- Pawhuska, Oklahoma bill means tribal members who ap- sage on the bill. ply for higher education fi nancial Mason said Congress (as a vot- aid will be eligible for up to $10,550 ing body) felt the vetoed bills that HEAD STAFF during the 2009-2010 school year. were overridden were necessary to M.C...... Fi Davis, Osage provide services for the Nation’s Co-Host ...... Osage Gourd Club people. He added that the new gov- Head Singer: ...... John BigHorse, Osage “I see it as a success ernment form is still a learning Head Man Dancer: ...... Scott BigHorse, Osage curve for the elected offi cials and Head Lady Dancer: ...... Lavina Clark, Osage/Ponca said Congress is still in the learn- and a very valuable ing process of handling legislation Head Little Boy Dancer: ...... Jason Mashunkashey, Osage involving budgeting, which will be Head Little Girl Dancer: . . . Janie Rosales, Northern Cheyenne/ piece of legislation…” a main focus when Congress re- Otoe/Iowa/Osage —Speaker Archie Mason convenes for its Tzi-Zho Session in Arena Director: ...... Pete Buffalohead, Ponca/Kiowa September. Gray vetoed the anti-alienation bill over concerns it may be uncon- SCHEDULE Gray and Mason both hope the Gourd Dancing ...... 2:00 pm-4:30 pm stitutional. vacancy of the Education Depart- “The bill as written goes far Supper ...... 5:00 pm-6:30 pm ment director’s position soon will beyond the transfer of real prop- Grand Entry . . . . 7:00 pm (All dancers must be in grand entry) be fi lled so a full-time offi cial can erty and prohibits the Executive oversee its operations and staff. Branch from conveying any prop- Robert Hyatt, who is the Nation’s erty right without Congressional CONTESTS director of operations, is the de- Tiny Tots ...... 0-6 yrs. old consent,” Gray wrote in his April 9 partment’s interim director. veto message. Jr. Divisions: ...... 7-12 yrs. old Gray said interviews for the Ed- “Writing laws which in effect Sr. Divisions: ...... 13-17 yrs. old ucation director’s position are slat- mandate the Executive Branch to Categories: ...... Straight, Fancy, Traditional/Grass Buckskin, ed for the end of this month, with repeatedly seek consent from Con- Cloth, Jingle/Fancy Shawl eight candidates being considered. gress every time the law is to be Also during the Hun-Kah ses- executed or administered is just For more information please call Leah BigHorse at sion, Gray vetoed the “Anti-Alien- another egregious attempt by this (918) 287-5341 or Jenny Rush-Buffalohead (918) 287-5629 ation Act” which would prohibit Congress to improperly micro- the transfer of property or property manage the Executive Branch,” ONSS & ONPP are not responsible for accidents or thefts rights to a non-Osage Nation enti- Gray concluded in his veto mes- ty. He also vetoed a bill that would sage. Gray said his offi ce is review- set parameters and limitations for ing the anti-alienation bill to see if the 2010 fi scal year budget. Con- amendments need to be discussed. 8 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org

RED CORN —Continued from Page 1 “We went down to visit him ev- of Saigon. He and his unit were oc- offi ce, he kept his Bible and read treatment would not prolong his ery Saturday,” said his wife, Mar- cupying a defensive perimeter in it daily, his wife said. In it was a life, he was returned to the nursing garet, 59. “I think [the family] Viet Cong territory and came un- photo of the couple when they were home where he died 15 minutes af- may have missed twice the whole der heavy mortar and automatic young, she added. ter arrival, she said. two-and-a-half years he was down weapons fi re that killed almost all Throughout his life, Red Corn re- At the funeral May 18, his broth- there. Of course, everybody liked of his comrades. mained active as a veteran. He was er, Charles, and Charles’s son, him at the nursing home, and they Vastly outnumbered, Red Corn a charter member of the American Yancey, talked about the humble just loved him to pieces. He would “exposed himself to unrelenting Legion in Denver, a member and way Red Corn lived his life and visit the little children at the day hostile fi re and directed devastat- past commander of American Le- credited his strong faith for his care center [next door] and mentor ing fi re onto the Viet Cong, forcing gion Post 198 in Pawhuska. He survival in Vietnam. them with stories, and they wrote them to withdraw and regroup,” also served as the fi rst Head Man “Some were hand-to-hand bat- an article about Buddy about how according to a letter sent by his Dancer for the Vietnam Veterans tles, but he was never scratched,” they would miss him after he died.” commanding offi cer to Red Corn’s Powwow. Yancey told mourners. “He cred- Red Corn was born Dec. 25, parents on May 12, 1967. The Viet At St. John Medical Center in ited his faith in the Lord for see- Cong regrouped and launched an- 1943, in Pawhuska to Harold and Tulsa, where he was being treated ing him through . . . As those old other massive attack that breached Louise (Gray) Red Corn. He grew before he died, Red Corn told his ones have told us, when the sun is the unit’s perimeter. up playing in the Pawhuska In- wife that he did not want to die overhead at noon, Uncle Bud will “Red Corn immediately moved dian Camp with his three older there. When doctors said further go with the sun.” brothers and older sister. He was to fi re onto the insurgents. When the Viet Cong advanced to within never a fl ashy athlete in school like 30 meters of his location, Private his older brothers or the smartest First Class Red Corn threw his in his class but grew up loved and hand grenades and then engaged Osage teen to compete danced in the Osage In-Lon-Schka in hand-to-hand combat with the dances and attended the Osage enemy,” his commander wrote. Baptist Church with his parents “The courageous fi ghting of Pri- at national shooting event every week. vate First Class Red Corn and his In 1966, Red Corn was drafted By Benny Polacca comrades so decimated the Viet into the Army and sent to Fort Osage News Cong ranks that the survivors fl ed Polk, La., to undergo training, in complete disorder, leaving more Justin Smith is getting a once- Kekahbah said. The hot, sticky than 600 of their dead on the battle in-a-lifetime shot at a sport shoot- weather at the infantry training site.” ing competition later this month. center there gave new soldiers a Red Corn was unscathed. The 17-year-old Pawnee resident taste of what they were to encoun- He returned home to Pawhuska is competing at the 2009 4-H Na- ter in the debilitating heat and hu- and a hero’s welcome after spend- tional Shooting Sports Invitational midity of South Vietnam. ing more than a year in Vietnam. which runs June 24-28 in Grand Is- Kekahbah was fi nishing his As a tribute to Red Corn’s bravery, land, Neb. He will join three other training at Fort Polk when Red the late Morris Lookout, a highly Oklahoma youths at the competi- Corn arrived to be trained to join a revered singer of the Pawhuska tion that is expected to draw about mortar crew, something that made district, wrote a song in his honor 100 teenagers from 25 states, he Courtesy Photo/ Dwayne Skidgel Kekahbah nervous for his friend’s that is still sung every Sunday said. life because “mortars were very Justin Smith, who will be competing in during individual songs of the Smith, who will be a Pawnee the 2009 4-H National Shooting Sports heavy and they had to carry the Pawhuska In-Lon-Schka dances. High School senior this fall, said Invitational this month, takes aim at a shells . . . he was having to drag “He always looked forward to it, he’s been concentrating on practic- shooting clay event. and carry that stuff through the he was just so proud,” his wife said. ing shooting for the competition. jungle.” Mortar crews carry muz- “Last year, he went to the dances, “In the last six weeks, I haven’t had a free Saturday,” he said. zle-loading cannons that can be op- and they had saved his place under The annual 4-H shooting competition is open to teenagers ages 14-18 erated by one or two men. The men the arbor . . . He always looked for- who are enrolled with 4-H and must be in good standing and have been carry and assemble the weapon, ward to those dances.” selected by their state’s 4-H program, according to the competition’s Web mounting its fi ring tube on a base Red Corn leaves his wife Mar- site. The rules also say participants can only enter a specifi c shooting plate and launching the mortar garet of 40 years and their daugh- discipline once. rounds. ters, Tonya, 38, and Michelle, 36, Smith, who has participated in 4-H sport shooting events since he was On April 1, 1967, Red Corn was as well as granddaughter Emma, 10, said he plans to compete in the skeet and trap events and possibly one serving as a mortar crewman with 17. He worked for the tribe for 35 more event. He learned he was eligible to attend the national competition the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry years as a jack-of-all-trades, su- after competing and placing high at a state competition in November. Regiment of the 1st Infantry Di- pervising the mailroom by himself Smith uses a Browning GTI for skeet and shooting clay events and has vision (The Big Red One) during and fi xing anything on the Osage hunted game such as deer and turkey. He is the son of Teresa and Mike Operation Junction City northwest campus that needed fi xing. In his Smith. Osage News • osagenews.org June 2009 9

VIRGINIA MATHEWS Pawhuska skate —Continued from Page 6 documentation of Virginia’s impor- Street,” which Cole said was one of the Book she moved to Pawhuska park project tant professional work and her sig- the fi rst uses of television to pro- to continue her work with Osage nifi cant contribution to the history mote reading and learning among youth. She currently works with awarded $25,000 of reading and library promotion in young people. The committee de- the Nation’s Head Start programs from Tony Hawk the United States,” Cole said. “And veloped a 15-segment television se- giving classes on parenting and they also are important to the Li- ries, Reading Out Loud,” produced how to promote literacy with their Foundation brary of Congress . . . as the ‘pre- by the Westinghouse Broadcasting children; she advocates on behalf history’ of the Center for the Book, Company and telecast throughout of the Nation’s Boys & Girl’s Club By Benny Polacca one of the Library’s most dynamic the country in 1961-62. and its survival and she is also in- Osage News public outreach projects.” “As staff director, Virginia was volved in cultural preservation of The Library of Congress is the closely involved with all of these historic sites on the Osage, one be- Fundraising efforts are nation’s oldest federal cultural projects and many more,” he said. underway to bring a public ing her father’s home. institution and serves as the re- “She also wrote many valuable The Osage Nation Congress skate park to Pawhuska for search arm of Congress. It is also pamphlets and articles and a book, area skateboarders, which commended Mathews for devoting the largest library in the world, ‘Libraries for Today and Tomor- recently received a helping “more than 55 years to writing, with millions of books, recordings, row,’ in 1976.” hand from professional skat- editing and promoting the impor- photographs, maps and manu- When Cole began the Center for er Tony Hawk. tance of literacy and libraries” and scripts in its collections, according the Book in the library he asked The Tony Hawk Founda- for conducting “hundreds of confer- to its Web site. three individuals to come on as tion Board has announced a ences, workshops and institutes on Once Mathews’ materials are consultants, including Mathews. $25,000 grant for a proposed library services” and the resources organized, they’ll be available to She worked as a consultant for the skate park in Pawhuska scholars, researchers, reading pro- center until her “retirement” in she’s developed to aid in the devel- near the Osage County moters and the public, Cole said. 2007. opment of lifetime reading habits, Historical Museum. Local The National Book Commit- Mathews has spent her life ad- according to the proclamation. residents and skateboard- tee was a pioneer in reading and vocating for literacy and librar- Mathews produced the children’s ing enthusiasts formed the, library promotion, Cole said. It ies. She’s won numerous awards, literacy television program “Read- Make It Happen in Pawhus- established National Library helped pioneer literacy in the ing Out Loud,” which was aired ka committee, which re- Week and worked closely with the South, wrote the manual for Amer- across the country from 1961 to ceived the grant to handle American Book Publishers Coun- ica’s Head Start system and helped 1962. The program featured sever- the fundraising efforts. cil’s Committee on Reading De- develop children’s museums across al dignitaries, including Presidents See SKATE PARK velopment. The committee also the country. At 84, she still doesn’t Kennedy and Nixon, First Lady —Continued on Page 16 worked with the Children’s Televi- consider herself retired. Eleanor Roosevelt--who Mathews sion Workshop to create “Sesame When she left the Center for considered a dear friend--Jackie Robinson, Julie Harris and Maha- lia Jackson. Mathews also led the book selection committee in the fi rst year of “Sesame Street.” “I became friends with Mrs. [El- eanor] Roosevelt and she was a wonderful mentor to me,” Mathews said. “She was a wonderful woman . . . she was very, very intelligent OSAGE HOME HEALTH and perfectly wonderful.” Skilled Nursing • Home Health Aides • Social Services All of her many accolades she has been given throughout her Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy life never justify her giving up her work, she said. Mathews attends Providing Comprehensive In-Home Health Care Services to ALL Residents of North Central Oklahoma as many Osage congressional ses- Medicare • Medicaid • Private Insurance Accepted sions and meetings as she can and www.osagehomehealth.com makes time to visit and read to Osage children whenever she gets the chance. Phone or Fax (918) 287-5645 (866) 671-3700 (918) 287-9909 “It’s been a great wonderful 128 E. 6th St. Pawhuska, Oklahoma 74056 work,” she said, “and I have en- joyed it.” 10 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Sewage concerns delay construction of Ponca City casino

By Benny Polacca such as hundreds of job layoffs at and under the Arkansas River be- line plans designed by Tulsa- Osage News ConocoPhillips and others earlier fore entering Ponca City’s main based CGA Engineers Inc., which Construction on the Nation’s this year. line. A sanitary lift station on the was hired by tribal offi cials once Osage Million Dollar Elm Ponca “Government entities, federal east side of the river will be built to the agreement is approved, Hen- agencies and state agencies have pump the sewage under the river City casino has been delayed for derson said. been involved to get us to the point through another pipe that connects more than a year due to sewage “We will review the plans and concerns by Ponca City offi cials. now to have the infrastructure to Ponca City’s wastewater treat- specifi cations” to make sure the “The Million Dollar Elm Casino [needed],” White said in the state- ment plant, MDEC spokesman would be severely limited in its ment. “We want to make sure it’s Chris Barton wrote in a statement. sewer line standards are compat- ability to develop with a private done effi ciently and effectively.” Barton said the Nation is pick- ible with the city’s, he said. Bids sewage disposal system,” said Details of the agreement call for ing up the cost of the sewer on the sewer line will need to be Chris Henderson, development the line to stretch two miles from line project. sent out to private contractors to services director for Ponca City. the casino along U.S. Highway 60 The city will review the sewer build it. Casino offi cials had planned a pri- vate sewage system that consisted of a lagoon but City offi cials said the lagoon would have a limited Treasury report for fi scal year end September capacity. Henderson said that forming an agreement to build a public sewer 30, 2008, Osage Nation Treasury Fund line connecting the MDEC’s pro- From the Offi ce of the Treasurer, John Jech posed Ponca City location to the city’s main line would be a better The following is the unaudited summarized information for the Osage Nation Treasury Fund for the fi s- alternative to a private lagoon sew- cal year ending September 30, 2008. The total funds received into the Treasury Fund was $47,425,222 with age system. It would enable Osage distributions received from gaming operations of $42,741,063; $3,452,553 was received from revenue tax and County residents to tap into the $1,231,605 of interest and other miscellaneous was collected. The total distribution from the Treasury Fund public sewer line, eliminating their was $18,442,417 with $4,188,720 being distributed to supplement federal programs, $13,912,487 was distrib- private sewer system expenses as uted to fund tribal programs and $341,210 was distributed to various non-program functions. As of September well as freeing up space for other 30, 2008 the total current assets in the Osage Nation Treasury fund were $42,035,985 with current liabilities development by the casino in the of $2,413,296 for total capital of $39,622,689. The Nation expended $16,430,977 of federal and state grant and space that was reserved to build contract funds during fi scal year 2008. the sewage system, he said. Henderson said the agreement FISCAL YEAR 2008 TREASURY SPENDING BY DEPARTMENT/DIVISION calls for constructing a two-mile sewer line that stretches from the Offi ce of the Chiefs ...... 2,267,904 Commerce, Tourism, and Economic Development . . . . 636,338 city’s main line to the proposed ca- Treasury Department ...... 258,348 Properties and Housing ...... 1,522,606 sino site along U.S. Highway 60 east of the Arkansas River in Osage Health, Fitness and Wellness ...... 636,461 Land Acquisition ...... 225,000 County. The agreement is being Cultural Preservation, Arts, Language and Heritage ...... 2,004,927 fi ne-tuned by tribal and casino of- fi cials before approval, which could Education & Early Childhood Learning ...... 3,913,169 happen by the end of June, he said. Child, Family and Senior Assistance ...... 809,525 Boards, Commissions ...... 2,204,746 Once the agreement is reached ca- Government Support ...... 712,028 Legislative ...... 1,615,240 sino construction can proceed. Osage Nation and Million Dollar Transportation, Law, Public Safety and Environmental Resources ...... 1,636,126 Elm Casino offi cials broke ground on the Ponca City casino in Novem- FISCAL YEAR 2008 FEDERAL CONTRACT / GRANT SPENDING BY DEPARTMENT / DIVISION ber 2007 with construction slated to take a little over a year. Treasury / Accounting Department ...... 731,131 Child, Family, and Senior Assistance ...... 2,090,850 Chris White, general manager of the MDEC Ponca City location, Health, Fitness and Wellness ...... 3,920,983 Government Support ...... 2,309,100 said in a written statement the Cultural Preservation, Arts, Language and Heritage . . . . 39,019 Properties and Housing ...... 2,413,700 casino project is still in the works Education & Early Childhood Learning ...... 2,891,665 even though other economic tur- moil has hit Ponca City businesses Transportation, Law, Public Safety and Environmental Resources ...... 2,034,529 Osage News • osagenews.org June 2009 11

TV DOCUMENTARY —Continued from Page 5 Osage Mineral Council “It was good exposure for the The camera even followed the language program,” said Osage program staff and students to Nor- Language Instructor John Maker, man where the Osage language reviews fi eld operations, who is also the Hominy site coor- children’s classes competed in the dinator. “We’re constantly working annual Oklahoma Native Ameri- to get the language out there.” can Youth Language Fair April 6-7 conducts inspection The documentary aired May 31 and performed several group skits By Talee Redcorn, increase their production levels and June 11 with the fi nal installa- which placed high in some catego- Osage Minerals tion airing June 25. by two-fold or more. Spyglass ries. Council Member OETA researcher Collin Fowl- is typical of smaller producers The camera crew interviewed er worked with the program and On June 9, 2009 six members now operating in Osage county. Maker as well as Herman “Mogri” praised the staff’s work in an e- of the Osage Minerals Coun- Throughout the day the Lookout, language program di- mail to Maker. cil met with Spyglass Energy Osage Mineral Council mem- “The work you are doing in lan- rector. Lookout was fi lmed at his and their Managing Partner bers were able to view a pro- guage preservation is not only im- homestead where he grew up. Charles Wickstrom to review duction tank battery system, portant to your tribe, but is also a Lookout said he was interviewed fi eld operations and conduct an inspect an off gas and water compelling example for all Indig- at the unoccupied house on his inspection. The purpose of the separation system, and get a enous people who are struggling to property “where I started learning inspection was to review opera- glimpse of the control mecha- maintain their cultural heritage,” the (Osage) language.” tions of a typical smaller oil and nisms that ensure safe and Fowler wrote. “I can only hope that “They took a lot of footage,” gas producer and get an onsite sound operations. Later, the view of one company’s proposals our documentary can help to edu- Lookout said, recalling that he was Mineral Council reviewed a to increase production. cate the people of this state what asked to stand and walk a lot in landscape area around Forak- the Osage Language Program is several scenes during the three- Currently oil and gas produc- ers in the Osage continue work er, Okla., where Spyglass plans trying to do.” hour interview. to conduct extensive 3D seismic The crew shot several hours of to increase oil and gas produc- “I was getting tired – I can’t activity. footage for about three days, which tion in Osage county. stand (a lot) like I used to,” Look- “Coupling innovative science ended at midnight on some days, “It appears to me that in a out said with a smile. tight market, with oil and gas and improved operations will Maker said. The crew spent most The “Stateline” documentary se- of its time fi lming the language prices down, that producers be the main driver for keeping ries, produced by OETA, focuses on classes in Hominy but also visited work hard to look for ways to much of the oil fl owing and rev- the issues and concerns of all Okla- the program’s Pawhuska offi ce, improve production, decrease enues generated in the Osage. homans, the OETA Web site states. he said. costs, and effectively use new I feel we need to partner with technology to improve the bot- companies like Spyglass and tom line. This level of effi cien- other companies interested in cy and work ethic continues setting higher marks to achieve to keep oil and gas production increased oil and gas produc- fl owing and revenues generated tion goals,” Redcorn said. in Osage County,” said Talee The six Osage Mineral Coun- Redcorn, Osage Mineral Coun- cil member and organizer of the cil members that participated fi eld trip. were Cynthia Boone, Jewell Spyglass, a smaller company Purcell, Kathryn Red Corn, is now online at producing oil and gas in Osage John Henry Mashunkashey, county, produces about 150 bar- Dave Dubler and Talee Red- www.osagenews.org rels of oil per day but with like to corn.

Visit us on the Web for the Corrections and News Tips Osage News will correct factual errors in its news stories. Errors latest news and information and news tips should be brought to the attention of the Osage News staff at (918) 287-5668 or email [email protected] 12 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Grayhorse 2009

All Photos by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

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Photo 1: Grayhorse Tail Dancer Randy Moore puts on his Osage clothes before Friday night’s dance.

Photo 2: Dancers from the Grayhorse District enter the arbor for Friday night’s dance.

4 Photo 3: Pawhuska Drumkeeper Bruce Cass prepares his Osage clothes before he gets dressed to dance Friday night of Gray- horse. 1 Photo 4: Angela Hamilton gets her son Berbon ready for Friday night’s dance at Grayhorse.

Photo 5: Teepees at Grayhorse Head Committeeman Archie Mason’s camp.

Photo 6: Ronnie Dee Goodeagle and his grandson Tristin Lasley 7 stop and pose for the Osage News.

Photo 7: A dancer gets dressed as colorful Osage shirts hang in the camp.

Photo 8: Gage McKinley-Gray walks to the arbor for Friday night’s dance at Grayhorse.

Photo 9: Men of the Grayhorse District wait to enter the Gray- horse arbor Friday night of the Grayhorse In-Lon-Schka.

Photo 10: Pawhuska District Tail Dancer, Milton Cunningham, makes sure that his bells are tied on just right before the Friday night dance begins.

Photo 11: Osage Nation Congressman Raymond Red Corn ties on his leggings before Friday night’s dance.

5 Photo 12: A dancer ties his bells on before the start of the dance 6 Friday night. Osage News • osagenews.org June 2009 13

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Photo 13: Berbon Hamilton gets help from Cherise Lookout before the Friday night dance begins at Grayhorse.

Photo 14: Grayhorse Tail Dancer Russell Tallchief and David Meneely walk toward the Grayhorse arbor for Friday night’s dance. 12 11 14 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Save the Date! Local Events Calendar

JUNE • Starts the 6th-7th Warehouse Hours Monday-Friday • July 31-August 2 Monday and Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. SWAT Leadership Summit IV • June 1-6th (every Monday in 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Warehouse Closed from 12:00 p.m. Osage Nation Tobacco Prevention June), 10-11 a.m. Sr. Farmer’s Market to 1:00 p.m. Program Cessation Classes Osage Nation Title VI Program Contact (800) 474-0996 McFadden, Ponca City Osage Nation Tobacco Skiatook WIC Offi ce • Starts Thursday, July 16 Contact Lisa Vaden Prevention Program Contact Sue Slinkard for Sr. Farmer’s Market (918) 287-5380 Fairfax Memorial Hospital voucher pick up (918) 287-5454 Contact Kacee Poteet, Osage Nation Title VI Program (918) 287-5422 • Wednesday, July 8th Fairfax WIC Offi ce AUGUST Tailgate Pawhuska Wakon Starts from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • June 18-21, 3 p.m. Iron Indian Camp Contact Sue Slinkard for voucher • Saturday, August 1 Hominy In-Lon-Schka Dances Osage Nation Food pick up (918) 287-5454 WIC Program rolls out the new food • June 19th, 11:30 a.m. Distribution Program package which includes fruits and • Thursday, July 11, 2 p.m. Father’s Day Party at Warehouse Hours Monday- vegetables Lecture 2 in Cultural Lecture Series the Nutrition Site Friday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Osage Nation WIC Osage Nation Historic Osage Nation Title VI Program Warehouse Closed from Contact Renee Harris Contact Sue Slinkard, Preservation Offi ce 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (918) 287-5640 (918) 287-5454 Contact (800) 474-0996 Contact June Carpenter (918) 287-5520 • Thursday, August 6 • Saturday, June 20th • Thursday, July 9 World Breastfeeding Week Luncheon U.S. Cellular Party in the Park Tailgate Pawhuska Wakon • July 20-24 Osage Nation WIC Drillers Stadium, Tulsa Iron Indian Camp Youth Enrichment Camp Osage Event Center Festival is exclusively for Osage Nation Food Osage Nation Education Contact Dana Young (918) 287-5365 customers; you may bring up Distribution Program Department to three (3) guests. Just show your Warehouse Hours Mon.-Fri. 9:30 Contact Cherise Lookout • Saturday, August 15 U.S. Cellular phone at the gate a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (918) 287-5544 Lecture 3 in Cultural Lecture Series For all event details and Warehouse Closed from 12:00 p.m. Osage Nation Historic • Friday, July 24 updates, please call to 1:00 p.m. Preservation Offi ce Deliver Fairfax (918) 636-6718 Contact (800) 474-0996 Starts at 2:00 p.m. Osage Nation Food Contact June Carpenter •June 25-28, 3 p.m. • Starts Wed. and Thurs., Distribution Program (918) 287-5520 Pawhuska In-Lon-Schka Dances July 8-9 Warehouse Hours Monday-Friday Sr. Farmer’s Market 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Osage Nation Title VI Program Warehouse closed from 12-1 p.m. JULY Hominy WIC Offi ce SEPTEMBER Contact (800) 474-0996 Starts from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • Wednesday, July 1st • Saturday, September 19 Contact Sue Slinkard for • July 27-31 Beginning Farmer’s Market Lecture 4 in Cultural Lecture Series voucher pick up (918) 287-5454 Children’s Enrichment Camp Osage Nation Historic Preservation for all eligible WIC clients Osage Nation Education • Starts Friday, July 10 Offi ce Osage Nation WIC Department Sr. Farmer’s Market Starts at 2:00 p.m. Contact Renee Harris, Osage Nation Title VI Program Contact Cherise Lookout Contact June Carpenter (918) 287-5640 Barnsdall WIC Offi ce (918) 287-5544 (918) 287-5520 Starts from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • Thursday, July 2nd • Thursday, July 30 • Saturday, September 12 Contact Sue Slinkard for voucher Closed for Inventory 4th of July Party 2nd Annual Osage Landowners’ pick up (918) 287-5454 Osage Nation Food Osage Nation Title VI Program Symposium Distribution Program Contact Sue Slinkard, • Wednesday, July 15 Osage Nation Environmental and Warehouse Hours Monday-Friday (918) 287-5454 Tailgate Skiatook WIC Offi ce Natural Resources 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Osage Nation Food Distribution Contact Jann Rose (918) 287-5531 • Monday, July 6th Program Warehouse Closed from 12-1 p.m. Sr. Farmer’s Market Warehouse Hours Monday-Friday Contact (800) 474-0996 Osage Nation Title VI Program 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. • Friday, July 31 NOVEMBER Seniors can pick up vouchers at 350 Warehouse Closed from 12:00 p.m. Closed for Inventory to 1:00 p.m. • Starting November 3–5 Senior Drive, Pawhuska Osage Nation Food Distribution Contact (800) 474-0996 Indian Energy Solutions Mon.-Thurs. (of each week until all Program Conference/American Spirit vouchers are given out) • Thursday, July 16 Warehouse Hours Monday-Friday Award Dinner No vouchers given out on Fridays Tailgate Skiatook WIC Offi ce 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hosted by the Osage Nation Contact Sue Slinkard, Osage Nation Food Distribution Warehouse Closed from 12-1 p.m. Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Program (918) 287-5454 Contact (800) 474-0996 Contact (918) 287-5555 Osage News • osagenews.org June 2009 15

This is not an alphabet. The symbols represent sound only. Practice writing and pronouncing these symbols everyday. For more information, please contact the Osage Nation Language Program at (918) 287-5505 (Pawhuska), (918) 642-3185 (Fairfax), (918) 287-5583 (Hominy), (918) 287-5547 (Edmond), and (918) 287-5547 (Skiatook) or visit us on the Web at http://www.osagetribe.org/language. 16 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org

SKATE PARK News In Brief —Continued from Page 9

“It’s been a group effort” to raise its namesake to promote and pro- Osage family was Murray Scores High money for the skate park, which vide funding for high-quality skate unsuccessful at bid for could cost at least $100,000 to parks in low-income areas nation- Amber Murray, daughter of Pat build, said Mike McCartney, ex- wide, its Web site states. “America’s Got Talent” and Julie Murray of Howe, Texas, ecutive director for Pawhuska’s The Pawhuska skate park, which Chamber of Commerce and co- measures 50 by 100 feet, is one of An Osage fancy dancer and his was recently selected to the sec- chairman of the Make It Happen in 22 projects selected for grant fund- ond team Rocky Mountain Ath- family dance troupe auditioned for Pawhuska committee. He said the ing this spring out of 72 applicants. NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” last letic Conference Basketball team. committee is short about $14,000 It is also the recipient of the most month, but did not make it onto Amber, an all-region and all-con- to start building the park. awarded funding, which is $25,000. the TV show. ference junior college transfer, Skate park builder Greg Mize, Other grant recipients were either Michael Pahsetopah, his wife just completed her junior year at who is of Osage and Quapaw de- awarded $10,000 or $5,000, accord- Lisa, and their six-year-old daugh- cent, also traveled to the Pawhus- ing to the foundation. Western State College of Colorado. ka area at the same time efforts Mize touted health advantages ter Heaven performed during show Amber was also selected as the were being made to bring a skate of skateboarding, which include auditions in Houston on May 9-10. team MVP for the Western Lady park to the city and joined the col- decreases in obesity and substance Lisa Pahsetopah said her fam- Mountaineers. She led her team in laboration efforts. abuse because the sport is physi- ily plans to audition again for the “I saw it as an opportunity to do cally demanding and requires suc- scoring and was the third leading competitive talent show in 2010. some good,” said Mize who has ap- cessful skaters to remain focused. “We’re going to make it next scorer in the conference averaging proached government offi cials with He said a new skate park in the year,” Pahsetopah said, adding the 17.6 points per game to go along the city of Pawhuska and Osage Osage Nation could also bring a Nation about the idea. He said Native American skating competi- family will work on routines for the with 5.5 rebounds per game. The he would get a builder to work on tion circuit to the area. Lady Mountaineers fi nished fourth next auditions. The fourth season the skate park when the money is Participants could be eligible to of “America’s Got Talent” starts in their conference which was good raised. enter the All Nations Skate Jam, airing on June 23. enough to make the conference Mize worked on plans for the which is held yearly during the The Pahsetopahs, of Sapulpa, tournament. Amber is the grand- proposed Pawhuska skate park Gathering of Nations Powwow in and submitted them to the Tony Albuquerque, N.M., Mize said. Okla., travel for Christian minis- daughter of Mike and Annabeth try work and also perform Native Hawk Foundation Board for grant “We’re trying to grow out skating Murray and the great granddaugh- funding consideration. The non- in Indian Country,” he said. American dancing during their ter of Ernest Hood all of Fairfax. profi t was established in 2002 by The proposed skate park site travels. is on land donated by the city of Michael Pahsetopah, who is Pawhuska with the city contrib- Osage, Yuchi and Muscogee, per- uting about $24,000 for the proj- forms fancy and hoop dancing, Osage Landowner’s Symposium ect, McCartney said. The city will fl ute songs and does storytelling. —Understanding and Managing Crosstimbers maintain the park once it is built. Lisa Pahsetopah, of Pawnee and McCartney said the commit- tee, which is under the Pawhuska Cherokee ancestry, dances Jingle By Jann Rose, Osage Nation Natural Resources Specialist II Community Foundation nonprofi t, The Osage Nation, in partnership with the Tallgrass Prairie and Southern Cloth and Heaven is waiting to hear back from other Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and dances Jingle, Fancy Shawl and entities for possible donations. Oklahoma State University, would like to invite all Osage Nation the Eagle Dance. Other contributions include a landowners and other interested landowners to the Osage Land- $2,000 grant from Wal-Mart and owners’ Symposium: Understanding and Managing Crosstimbers, $11,000 from the Nation’s Million to be held on Saturday, September 12, 2009. Calling all Dollar Elm casinos. The symposium will include a fi eld tour of the Keystone Ancient Mize said construction on the Osage Marines Forest guided by experts in the fi eld, as well as talks on under- skate park could be completed standing and managing Crosstimbers. An Osage lunch will be pro- The Osage Detachment #669 of by the fall, pending receipt of the vided to all participants! More information will be made available the Marine Corps League is look- funds. in the upcoming issues of the Osage News. ing for new members. All Osage For more information on the No registration fee for the conference will be required. Seating is Marines who would be interested project or the Make It Happen limited for this conference so call for reservations as soon as pos- in joining Detachment #669, re- in Pawhuska committee, contact sible. If you would like to reserve a seat or if there are any ques- gardless of location, contact Hollis Mike McCartney at (918) 287-1208 tions, please contact Jann Rose or Julia Wright at 918-287-5333. Stabler at P.O. Box 1019, Pawhus- or co-chairperson Cindy Helmer at ka, OK 74056. Pawhuska’s First National Bank. Osage News • osagenews.org June 2009 17

is now online at www.osagenews.org

Courtesy Photo/Tulsa 211 Helpline Bobby Tallchief and David Conrad receive the Nania Award May 26, 2009. Osage Nation receives 2009 Nania Award By Bobby Tallchief, Osage Nation Emergency Management The Osage Nation recently received the Nania Award, presented by the Tulsa Partners Incorporated for the Osage Nation’s participation in a collaborative effort with the Muscogee Creek Nation, the Cherokee Na- tion and the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency to bring these four governments together in order to better understand each others roles in the event that one or all of the entities are impacted by a natural or man made disaster. The TPI was founded after the devastating Memorial Day fl oods in 1984 which caused millions of dollars in damage and the loss of 14 lives in Tulsa. This was the benchmark for Tulsa’s efforts in disaster and fl ood plain management. The Nania Award is usually given to an organiza- tion for work over an extended period of time but occasionally awards are given for outstanding work to build a safer community across all nations. This was achieved by the three Nations and TAEMA traveling to the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg Maryland in December of 2008 and participating in a week long class devoted to deal- ing with multiple agencies and governments during a disaster. Through multiple disaster scenarios the four separate governments were able to develop communication, coordination and cooperation skills necessary to manage a disaster. Each agency sent 12 members from dif- ferent departments within their government. The Osage Nation was represented by Chief Jim Gray, Hepsi Barnett, David Conrad, Marie Rumsey, Diane Daniels, Bruce Cass, William Leonhart, Carlton O’Brien, Greg Stice, Brian Herbert, Tosha Ballard and Bobby Tallchief. Nania is a Cherokee word meaning “all together” and the spirit of working together was what the TPI wished to recognize. The presenta- tion was held at the Tulsa Historical Society’s Travis Mansion and David Conrad and Bobby Tallchief accepted the award on behalf of the Osage Nation. As the offi ce of Osage Nation Emergency Management develops, our goal is to make the Osage Nation Reservation a more disaster resistant and sustainable community. 18 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Osage man studying for Birthday Celebrations priesthood has internship Edward J. Harris, Jr. Edward Joseph Harris, Jr. was born June 10, 2008. He is in Osage Country the son of Edward Joseph Har- ris Sr. and Jane Perrier Harris. By Benny Polacca He is the maternal grandson of Osage News James Perrier Jr, and Regina An Osage tribal member study- Hill, the great grandson of the ing to be a Catholic priest is intern- late James and Bernice Perrier ing at the Immaculate Conception and the late Raymond Hill and Church in Pawhuska this summer. Todd Nance, who grew up in Marguerite Matin. His pater- Hominy, graduated in mid-May nal grandparents are RG Harris from Conception Seminary Col- and Mary Mashunkashey, great lege in Missouri with a Bachelor of grandson of Carole Bayhylle and Arts degree in philosophy. Now the Almeta Harris and the late Ron- Edward Joseph Harris, Jr. 24-year-old is spending his pasto- nie Harris, and several Uncles ral internship in Osage Country and Aunts and relatives. where he is learning to be a priest in a rural setting. His family would like to wish “It’s a lot slower paced than Edward a very happy birthday I’m used to,” said Nance, who has and may God Bless him all the previous internship experience in Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News years of his life. the Tulsa area, which is his home The Rev. Christopher Daigle and Im- diocese. As an intern, Nance will maculate Conception Church intern conduct pastoral duties and visit Todd Nance stand in front of the church’s Kaya Marie Sweeden people in different settings such as Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha statue. Kaya Marie Sweeden was hospitals and nursing homes. born on June 11, 2001. She is Nance said he looks forward to never produced a Native American celebrating her 8th birthday visiting with people more, which priest,” Daigle said of the year con- this year. She is the daughter was a challenge while he worked struction started on Immaculate in Tulsa. “There’ve been some days Conception. “I’m looking forward of Cherokee Cheshewalla and I didn’t eat until 11 at night,” he to him being here. I think he fi ts Zack Sweeden. said of the heavier city workload. well,” he said of Nance who started “(The church offi cials) want you the week of May 18. to have a full background so you’re In addition to obtaining work Macy Williams Kaya Marie Sweeden comfortable in every situation,” experience in a rural area, Nance Macy Williams is celebrat- Nance said. said he wanted to work in Osage ing her 18th birthday this year. Nance, who graduated from Country to express thanks to the She is the daughter of Joe Don Hominy High School, has been ac- Nation for helping to fund his on- tive in the Catholic Church since going education. and Mary Mashunkashey of childhood and said he wants to be “I’ve received a great deal of Pawhuska and Michael Wil- a priest so he can help people and scholarship money from the Osage liams of Tulsa. She is the ma- help bring them closer to God. Nation,” said Nance who starts ternal granddaughter of Carole Nance will be working with the graduate school this fall at St. Mei- Bayhylle and great granddaugh- Rev. Christopher Daigle who offi - nrad School of Theology in Indiana. ter of the late Edward and Vir- ciates at Immaculate Conception. “I want to express my gratitude.” He will also visit the Barnsdall and Graduate school will take four to ginia Logan Red Eagle. She Shidler parishes during his stay. fi ve years for Nance to complete. is the great niece of Assistant Daigle said Nance would con- He is working toward a master’s Chief John Red Eagle and Con- duct baptism and rosary ceremo- degree in divinity. gressman Edward Red Eagle, nies in addition to church services Nance said he looks forward Jr. in his absence. Daigle plans to take to the “one-on-one daily grind of Her family would like to wish a vacation in June and notes the meeting people” in which they will milestone in having Nance work in share each other’s lives during his her a very happy birthday and Pawhuska. pastoral work. “That’s what keeps may God bless her all the years “Since 1910, this church has me going.” of her life. Macy Williams Osage News • osagenews.org June 2009 19 Pawhuska IHS announces Obituaries Dr. Chesbro’s retirement Raymond Anthony Lasley Sr. Raymond Anthony Lasley Sr., The staff of the Pawhuska In- resident of Pawhuska and former dian Health Clinic would like to resident of Grayhorse, passed announce that after 27 years of away Friday, May 29, 2009 at his dedicated service and commit- home. He was 82. He was a loving ment to the improvement of Na- father, grandfather, great grand- tive American health, Dr. Robert father and uncle. Raymond was a man of few words but had a kind Chesbro is retiring from the Indian and giving heart. Health Service. He has been a tre- Raymond was born July 13, 1926 mendous help to us all and we will at Grayhorse, Oklahoma, the son miss him dearly. of Walter George Lasley and Mary Please come join us at the clinic (McKinley) Lasley. His early edu- while we celebrate his retirement cation was received at the Sacred on Wednesday, June 17 from 9:30 Heart Catholic School in Fairfax, a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be refresh- followed by Military School at Mex- ments and snacks for everyone pro- ico, Missouri. While in high school vided by the staff, IHS Employees Raymond played football, tennis, Raymond Anthony Lasley, Sr. Club and the Osage Nation. Dr. Robert Chesbro golf, wrestled and rode broncos. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving his country in World War II. Raymond was married to Peggee Jo Stone on April 24, 1952. The cou- Heisler new state champion ple moved from Tulsa to Pawhuska in 1962. He was a devoted Catholic and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cameron Heisler placed fi rst in Pawhuska. He was a charter member of “ONO” Osage Nation Organiza- the 110 meter hurdles in the Class tion; he was a lifetime member of Post 198, the Grayhorse War Mothers and Ki-He-Kah-Steh. He was a committee member, Whipman, advisor 2A State Track meet in Mustang, throughout the years with the Pah-Sue-Lee District. His enjoyments in- OK. Heisler also placed third in cluded golf, horse racing, watching Oklahoma Sooner athletic events and the 330 meter hurdles. Oklahoma State University wrestling. He also was an avid newspaper He is the son of Kit Heisler and reader. He loved watching his children and grandchildren dance at the In-Lon-Schka’s in June. the late Danene Lane Heisler. His He is survived by his son, Raymond Anthony Lasley II of Grayhorse, maternal grandmother is John four daughters, Mary Raelene Bear, Lawrence, KS; Debra Gaye Car- John Lane and his great grand- penter, of the home; Michele Raye Lasley and Lori Jo Morgan, both of Lawrence, KS; his daughter-in-law, Laren Lasley of Tulsa; grandchil- mother is Eunice “Dolly” Lane and dren and great grandchildren, Brandon Lasley, Melinda Coburn, Janese is also the great great grandson of Sieke, Isaiah Lasley, Ciaradon Carpenter, Jamison Israel Bear, Daniel the late Mary Osage Green. His Bear, Raymond Morgan, Samuel Bear, Chancellor Brave, Madeline Co- paternal grandparents are Gene burn, Loren Coburn and Gianna Sieke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Lasley; his and Diane Heisler. Cameron Heisler wife, Peggee Lasley; one son, Marvin Lasley; one grandson, Roanhorse Clark; one sister, Jody Lasley Strait, and one brother, Walter Joseph Lasley. A Rosary Service was held 7 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2009 at the Family Home at Grayhorse with the Funeral Mass recited at 10 a.m. Monday, Correction June 1, 2009 also at the Family Home. Father Chris Daigle of the Im- In the May edition of the Osage News, Northern Oklahoma Col- maculate Conception Catholic Church of Pawhuska presided. Burial was lege’s location in the story “Agreement with Pawnee Nation College in the Grayhorse Cemetery under the direction of the Hunsaker-Wooten fosters Native knowledge” was incorrectly listed as Tahlequah. The Funeral Home of Fairfax. college is located in Tonkawa. The Osage News regrets the error. Casket bearers were Brandon Lasley, Isaiah Lasley, Jamison Israel Bear, Raymond Morgan, Chancellor Brave, Daniel Bear, Samuel Bear and Erik Sieke. 20 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org

Opinion Osage Nation Burial Assistance Application Process It’s June… By Jim Gray, Osage Nation Principal Chief As we enter into our In-Lon-Sch- ka dances this June, I am renewed with hope for the Osage Nation. June is a time to dance, to recon- nect, to be good to one another, to visit, and to become renewed and strengthened by our Osage cul- • Submit an application within 30 days of time ture, language and relations. of death As always, Grayhorse is special because like the fi rst splash of a • Provide CDIB or Membership Card that dive into a lake on a hot summer verifi es Osage Indian Blood for deceased day, it changes our perspective individual and triggers wonderful memories of our Osage ways; refl ections of • Provide a copy of a death certifi cate for the those who have helped us through deceased individual the year, stories of previous danc- • Provide a copy of an itemized Funeral Home es, the smells and laughter around Principal Chief Jim Gray the cook fi res, and the joy of being statement of the deceased individual under the arbor and hearing the and humidity sometimes is at drum again. Hominy, so is the feeling of unity The application is complete when all pertinent documenta- But not only do June and our and strength of our people. Again tion is received by this offi ce; once the application is com- Osage ways remind us of the past, we see new generations join us, plete a letter of approved funds and check will be mailed to we catch a glimpse of the future. and we renew old friendships, and the funeral home. Notice will also be sent to the applicant New generations continue to enter we grow closer to our families and informing them of the amount being paid to the funeral the dance, proud and nervous par- respective camps and the Drum- home. ents continue to support our cul- keepers and their committees. tural ways as they get ready, and By the time Pawhuska begins we • Allow 10-14 working days for completed application to younger siblings and friends beam also know the dances are almost be processed and a check issued. with admiration as young boys en- over. And like a favorite meal we • Reimbursements checks will only be issued to funeral ter the dance with their families savor every bite, every moment is home and designated grocer only; individual expenses standing behind them. special. Because we don’t want it to will not be reimbursed. Under the arbor we hear our be over, we dance that much hard- Osage language used in prayer and er to make sure we are satisfi ed we in expressions of heartfelt grati- have enjoyed it as best we can. For more information, questions, tude and friendship. Sitting on the June is like a song, a happy or concerns please contact the benches under the arbor we share story, or a favorite meal--the ea- Osage Nation Constituent Services Offi ce stories and learn tidbits of history ger anticipation, savoring every and language from those sitting bite or appreciating every note or next to us. And as the dance pro- word--and of course the satisfac- Osage Nation Constituent Services Offi ce gresses we learn to be comfortable tion afterwards. If you participate Attention: W. Jacque Jones, Administrator sharing the same crowded space in the In-Lon-Schka during June 621 Grandview • Pawhuska, OK 74056 and a peace of mind that is hard to you know what I am talking about. describe. If you haven’t you should come and Phone: (918) 287-5662 As Hominy rolls around, we are look on, and if you choose, learn Fax: (918) 287-5221 • Fax: (918) 699-5221 deep into the spirit of the dance, your Osage ways and participate. Email: [email protected] and we are engulfed in our Osage If you do, June will never be the culture. Just as thick as the heat same… Osage News • osagenews.org June 2009 21 Opinion A Message from John D. Red Eagle Ki-he-kah O-wah-ta —Assistant Principal Chief of Osage Nation Education Bill ONCA 09-07 ing legislative appropriations. supplemental appropriation to Vetoed and then Education The question is does this veto fall the Properties Department in the Bill ONCA 09-45 Signed within the Osage Constitutional amount of $234,000 for the pur- interpretation of the separation chase of Sugar Loaf Mound. Budget Education is a priority in de- modifi cations suggest reductions veloping the future leaders of our of powers between the Executive Branch and Congress? Congress to these programs: Development Nation. Thirty-three line items of Fund/Grants Management, Se- has a purpose–to make legislative Education Bill ONCA 09-07 were nior Service, Boys and Girls Club, appropriations. vetoed with the exception of the to- and the Kids Kampus. Sugar Loaf tal amount of $954,710. This veto Mound is the last remaining in- eliminated any opportunity for an Is Sugar Loaf Mound tact mound on the St. Louis side of adjourning Congress to consider an override. This unfortunate ac- an Osage Heritage? See ASSISTANT CHIEF tion forced our Osage college stu- Bill ONCA 09-48 provides a —Continued on Page 23 dents, who are dependent upon this money, to wait for paying their living expenses, books, and tuition. Without Reservations A veto of all line items leaves an entire amount open to spend as one pleases without qualifi cation, as Vol. 3, Issue #6; June 2009 the line items specify the portions Major contributor: of the total amount to be spent in John D. Red Eagle the designated areas. Writer and editor: On the fi rst day of the Special Cherri Maker Riding In Session, Congress attempted an override of the veto and failed; accordingly, a new bill was intro- 18th Special Session duced called ONCA 09-45 and sent On May 22, 2009, the Chief to the Education Committee for called forth the 18th Special Ses- markup. This bill was passed out of Committee and sent to the fl oor sion targeting several bills for for a fi nal vote, passed, and signed discussion — federal grants and by the Chief with a total alloca- stimulus funding for FY09, FY09 tion of $965,901 — a difference of budget modifi cation to purchase $11,191. The outcome of the re- Sugar Loaf Mound in St. Louis, a written, amended bill was virtu- provision to provide annual expen- ally the same bill. The questions I diture funding for tourism, and an want you to think about are what education supplemental bill. The is the purpose of a veto if you re- reason for this pretense was the write and then sign the same bill, budget; as it happens, the Chief and why waste the time of going introduced a substitute budget to through the process twice? enable supplemental funding for The Chief’s veto message stated that he vetoed the 33 line items education and modifi ed the budget due to the adjustments made, to allow for purchasing of Sugar which were not what the Execu- Loaf Mound. So, I shall talk to you tive Branch desired and that these about budget modifi cations, as well budgeting decisions fell clearly as present a few questions for you within the Executive Branch. Con- to think about. gress was doing their job by mak- Cartoon © Santo Domingo Pueblo Cartoon Artist, Ricardo Caté 22 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org Opinion Charting the Osage Nation’s growth By Raymond Red Corn, lars which come from casino profi ts Employment levels Osage Nation Congressman and Osage Nation tax revenues. The Nation’s work force has There has been much specula- The following chart shows year grown by 28.3 % since 2006, which tion and discussion on how the to year spending of tribal dollars is slower than the rate of growth Nation is spending and saving its only in different categories. The for membership (31.5%). The rate resources, how fast our government Commerce category deserves spe- of growth for part-time employees is growing, etc. With that in mind cial mention, as the graph repre- is higher, adding 20 in that catego- I’ve asked our Budget Analyst, Mr. sents not just spending but also ry since 2006, a 41% increase (see Kelly Corbin, to obtain raw data various types of investments, like Chart 3, page 23). from the Executive branch and the capital contributions to Osage Cash reserves and chart that information to make it LLC ($4 million), purchase of the easier to understand. Tulsa Airpark ($4.9 million), funds distribution of gaming profi ts to accelerate reduction of casino When elected offi cials took offi ce Membership debt ($3.9 million), etc. (see Chart in July of 2006, we had cash re- Year by year the Osage Nation 2). serves of around is getting larger, although mem- While some categories such as $4.5 million (this particular fi g- bership gains vary according to ure is from memory, the Treasurer Health, Education and Culture age. While the rate of membership could not access hard data by press have seen a doubling or tripling of growth among adults is slowing, Congressman Red Corn time). We now have cash reserves tribal dollars spent, core govern- the number of members under 18 of 10 times that much, although has doubled since 2006. ment operations appear to have recent increases in education and Some of the growth among minor Categorical spending increased less than 7% per year. It health benefi ts have slowed the members may be attributed to two There are often two and some- should be noted that approximately growth of those reserves. factors; large increases in educa- times three sources of funding $500,000 of the Cultural increase The Nation’s cash reserves will tion benefi ts since 2006, and new in most of our Nation’s program in 2009 was for two non-denomi- be invested according to an in- benefi ts like the health debit card budgets. Programs sometimes get national chapels to be constructed See which require a membership card funding from both state and feder- in the Hominy and Grayhorse vil- NATION’S GROWTH —Continued on Page 23 in order to qualify (see Chart 1) al sources in addition to tribal dol- lages.

Chart 1 Chart 2 Osage News • osagenews.org June 2009 23 Opinion

ASSISTANT CHIEF —Continued from Page 21 the Mississippi. Supporters wish we are not. I do not want Con- to link the Mounds Heritage Trail gress to vote for budget modifi ca- with the mounds in the St. Louis tions that would take money away area to the Sugar Loaf Mound site. from our children and our senior This trail would interpret the cul- ture and archeological past of the citizens. Our children enjoy these people who lived there, but do we clubs, and many of our elderly look know if these people were Osage forward to their daily meals. Be- People? Long ago the Ponca, Sioux, cause the livelihoods of hundreds Kaw, and Omaha Tribes lived in of our constituents are involved, the area along with the Osage, and more detailed information must be they all have a similar language. Another question I have for you required before a quality decision is why should we pay more than can be made. While this bill sits in a quarter of a million dollars for appropriations we must ask our- Chart 3 an archeological mound by taking selves why should we modify bud- funds away from other important gets from these critical programs NATION’S GROWTH and vital programs that help sup- to buy a mound, and why can the —Continued from Page 22 port our children and our elderly? Purchasing Sugar Loaf Mound money not come from another vestment strategy formulated by the Treasurer and approved by the could be a noble act, if we were cer- source? Congress. The draft strategy now before Congress incorporates short, tain it was of Osage origin, which See you next month. medium and long-term investment horizons. There are obviously limits to how much we can expand gaming, es- pecially considering the largely rural nature of our market. How we approach those limits will determine the return we receive on our fu- ture gaming investments (see Chart 4). Note: The reduction in distributions in 2007 was due primarily to the Gaming Board choosing to accelerate payments against develop- ment debts. Such payments naturally reduce that amount of profi ts available for distribution to the Nation. Our gaming enterprise is now debt-free.

Chart 4 24 June 2009 Osage News • osagenews.org