In accordance with the Osage News Election policy, the Osage News is allowing each candidate 500 words on osagenews.org leading up to the June 2010 election.

By Jake Heflin, Candidate for Osage Nation Congress

Education is valuable to Osage people. The Osage Nation is going through changes. One of the important functions of government is to develop and provide education for its citizens. Our leadership, our Constitution, our services, benefits, and other areas within our Tribal government are continually evolving. However, we as a Nation will continue to move forward. “Knowledge is power.” I am in full support of educational assistance programs for Osage students, regardless of age.

The educational needs of students vary. Some students may desire vocational education while others may choose to pursue a degree from a college or a university. The goal is to promote education for all Osage students. Financial support for our students should be available regardless of what accredited institution a student decides to attend. Education costs vary from student to student and from school to school. The goal of the Osage Nation is to support our students and assist them in achieving their educational goals. Today, many colleges and universities utilize on-line classes that use computer technology for those seeking their degrees. This is called distance learning. This technology reaches many students who would otherwise not be able to further their education. I believe this form of education is valuable and valid. Investing in our students is an investment in the future of our Nation and the quality of life for our citizens.

We as a Nation must continue to look for creative solutions that provide financial assistance to students. We must also look for ways to optimize our return on that investment. I believe this can be achieved through a type of service program that offers students the opportunity to commit to a pre-determined length of service to the Tribe if a certain percentage of financial support from the Tribe is utilized to pay for their schooling. As an example, an Osage Nation citizen is interested in becoming a nurse. The Osage Nation has an anticipated need for nurses. Thus, the Osage Nation enters into a contract with the student and provides the student with significant financial assistance that enables them to successfully graduate from Nursing School. In return, the student agrees to a service contract with the Osage Nation to provide a pre-determined length of service back to the Tribe once they graduate. This increases our skilled workforce as well as assists us in increasing our ability to become more self-reliant. If the contract is broken, the student repays a certain percentage of their student loan back to the Tribe.

Our Osage people are strong and resilient. History has shown this. Education makes us stronger. An educated person brings tools that enable our Nation to grow and develop. Creating a mechanism that supports our students and encourages service back to the Tribe upon their graduation, provides all involved parties with a viable and achievable opportunity. We must look to the future and create a government that finds solutions and seeks the input of their constituents. We must strive for a government that empowers and helps all Osages realize their full potential.