The banner and theme for the first ever Osage Nation Watershed Forum is posted to the conference room wall at the Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place in Tulsa. The event was held August 24-26 and was hosted by the Nation's ENR Department. Photo by Benny Polacca/Osage News

By Benny Polacca
Osage News

TULSA, Okla. – The Osage Nation’s first-ever Watershed Forum aimed to bring the region’s government entities together so they could network and build a foundation to build future partnerships in handling watershed issues.

The topic of watersheds is also vital because many Native American tribes, including the Osage, hold water in high regard because it plays a role in spirituality and identity.

“They called our ancestors by the Osage name Ni-U-Ko’n-Ska which means ‘the children of the middle waters’ and they also called us Wah-Zha-Zhi – that means ‘water people,’ Principal Chief John Red Eagle shared in his opening remarks to the crowd of about 100 on the forum’s first day. “It is our hope that our water that comes to us in our streams and is clean and clear as it comes from the sky.”

“We view water as a viable importance to our culture and know you are all in the same agreement with that and that’s why you are here today,” Red Eagle said. “The world would surely be a poor place without healthy streams where we can teach our children to fish,” he said hoping the event generates ideas on protecting the area’s water.

Also delivering remarks that day was Muscogee (Creek) Tribal Councilman George Tiger who is also a TV personality for hosting “Inside Native America.”

“We are indeed the original environmentalists. We were taught to take care of this land, we were taught to take care of the resources that we have,” Tiger said. “We were also taught to defend the resources that we have.”

“It is with great hope and great confidence that today we see that because of tribes and the impact that they have here in the state of Oklahoma – whether it’s economically or whatever the case may be – that we finally have the leverage where we can come to the tables as evens,” said Tiger. “And I believe that you would agree with me that’s not always been the case in the past. We use sovereignty to improve relations with state, federal governments… As Indian tribes, we’ve always aggressively pursued good-faith negotiations on state and federal levels and I believe that certainly has to be continued.”

Shanon Phillips, who is the water quality director for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, also spoke about the steps her entity used to address watershed issues. “Our primary partners are through the conservation districts” as well as local people who know the areas at issue, she said.

Phillips also told the attendees, who represent various state, tribal and federal environmental entities, that one of the most important components of addressing watershed issues is education in addition to partnerships.

“The more partners you have, the more likely your program is to be successful,” Phillips said.

Also addressing the forum were guest speakers from the Environmental Protection Agency which defines a watershed as “the area of land where all of the water that is under it or drains off of it goes into the same place.” In the continental United States, there are 2,110 watersheds; including Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico, there are 2,267 watersheds, according to the EPA Web site. Dr. Andrea Hunter (Osage) of the Nation’s Tribal Historic Preservation office also spoke on Aug. 25 for a presentation on the cultural perspective on water.

The attendees were also treated to a handgame demonstration hosted by Bruce Cass, who emceed the first day of the forum. Cultural Center Director Vann Bighorse played the drum and sang while the participants played the handgame as part of icebreaking activities.

The event was sponsored by the Dallas-based Region 6 office of the EPA (which covers Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as 66 Native tribes) with additional support from the Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino and the Nation’s Childcare Department.

The Nation’s Environmental and Natural Resources Department hosted the forum and the department’s Web site is at www.osagetribe.com/naturalresources and the EPA Region 6 office Web site is at www.epa.gov/region6.

Osage Nation ENR workers Jason Bussey (front) and Andrew Yates, who is also an Osage Minerals Councilman, listen to the guest speakers at the Watershed Forum on August 24 in Tulsa. Photo by Benny Polacca/Osage News

Attendees of the Osage Nation Watershed Forum listen to guest speakers at the event's first day on August 24 in Tulsa. Photo by Benny Polacca/Osage News

Newly-elected State Senator David Holt is shown here with his wife Rachel and son George at their home in Oklahoma City. Courtesy Photo

By Benny Polacca
Osage News

The Osage Nation will have one of its own taking the oath of office as an Oklahoma State Senator when the new state legislators are sworn into office in November. And two other Osages are vying for two elected office seats in this year’s General Election on Nov. 2.

David Holt, who is Republican and lives in Oklahoma City, was elected to the State Senate in the July 27 Primary Election. Since there were no Democratic challengers for this soon-to-be vacated seat and Holt won over 50 percent of the vote, he will begin a four-year term after taking oath on Nov. 16 and when the 53rd Oklahoma State Legislature convenes in 2011.

Holt is believed to be the first Osage elected to the state legislature since Assistant Principal Chief Scott BigHorse served a two-year term as state Representative in the 51st state Legislature from 2006-2008.

“I returned the Osage to the legislature,” Holt said of his election win, adding “I’ve always been interested in public service and helping people. I get to represent the people who made me who I am.” The 31-year-old will represent Senate District 30 which covers northwest Oklahoma City where he was raised and now lives with his wife Rachel and their infant son George.

According to the Oklahoma State Election Board, Holt won the July 27 election with 5,125 votes over opponent Matt Jackson who received 2,934 votes which is over 63 percent of the district’s 8,059 votes cast that day.

After taking oath as Senator, Holt will be bringing his experiences in working at the city and federal government levels to the table, which he believes will be an asset considering the Oklahoma state government will be undergoing changes with a new administration after the Nov. 2 election. Current Gov. Brad Henry is term-limited so either Democratic candidate Lt. Gov. Jari Askins or Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin will be elected the state’s new governor.

“Turnover (in the state government) is inevitable so we need leaders who will inspire people in a new way,” said Holt who is currently the chief of staff to Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. Holt will leave Cornett’s office when he is sworn in and plans to work part time in the private sector while serving as Senator.

Holt is the son of Stroud Holt and the late Mary Ann Fuller Holt (Osage) who he credits for his interest in politics because she was interested in public service. Mary Ann Fuller Holt, who died when David Holt was a teenager, wanted to work for a state senator but turned down an opportunity when her son was a toddler because she wanted to see him grow up.

Holt attended and graduated from Putnam City Schools and attended George Washington University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science. GWU is also the same institution attended by Mary Ann Fuller Holt, according to David Holt’s biography posted to his campaign Web site.

“When I filed my papers to start my campaign organization,” David wrote in his Web page bio, “I went back to my car and cried – because of what it would mean to (his mother). Because she died young, a part of me wants to live for her, to do the things she was unable to do, to realize her dreams and live her values. I want to make up for the life she lost, and I want to continue my family’s tradition of public service.”

Holt worked for former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert during his final semester at GWU. From 2002 to 2004, Holt worked in the White House’s Office of Legislative Affairs as an advocate to the U.S. Congress for the President’s policies during George W. Bush’s first term. In 2004, Holt worked on Bush’s re-election campaign in Oklahoma after moving back with wife Rachel whom he met while attending GWU.

Holt also has a law degree from Oklahoma City University thanks to night courses and believes that educational experience will help him as a senator. “I looked at the options and it made sense for a public service career. I’ve been around laws and it’s great to get an understanding of their foundation.”

Holt, who has been Mayor Cornett’s chief of staff since 2006, said his focuses, as a Senator, include “lowering the tax burden as much as possible,” supporting policies which improve public education and “pro-business reform so jobs can be created from Oklahoma City to Pawhuska.”

His area ties are through his late maternal grandfather Leonard Fuller who grew up in the Pawhuska area and served as an Army colonel during World War II and the Korean War.

“As an American Indian and Osage, I hope to be engaged in conversations to make sure we have great relations between the tribal governments and the state,” Holt said. One project Holt said he would like to see finished is the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum which is being built in Oklahoma City and is in need of building funds.

Holt also served as the Master of Ceremonies during the inauguration of the Osage Nation’s new government in 2006.

Eli Potts wins Democratic nomination for OK House seat, advances to Nov. 2 election

Sand Springs resident Eli Potts won the Democratic nomination for an Oklahoma House seat in the Aug. 24 runoff election and will be on the Nov. 2 election ballot. He will face Republican challenger Jadine Nollan for the District 66 House seat which covers Sand Springs (where he was raised) and west Tulsa.

In unofficial results provided by the state Election Board, Potts won the Aug. 24 runoff election with 601 votes which is 55 percent of the total votes cast that day while his challenger Andrew Williams received 488 votes.

Potts, 21, worked as a legislative aide to incumbent Lucky Lamons, who is not seeking another term, during the last legislative session. While working for Lamons, Potts helped with research, bill filings and met with voters who contacted Lamons’s office.

“I think people were able to see my dedication to serving the district,” Potts said of his runoff election win. If elected, Potts said he will work on “bringing quality jobs to the district” as well as work on supporting education-related legislation.

Potts also credits political work by his mother, Cheryl Potts, in helping fuel his interest in public office. Cheryl Potts served on the now-defunct Osage National Council in the 1990s.

“Politics have been in my blood,” Potts said. “My early memories are when (his mother) served in tribal politics and I remember going into the council house with her.”

Potts holds an associates degree from Tulsa Community College with plans to attend the University of Oklahoma. While at TCC, Potts was active in student government which included serving as student vice president. Potts is a Coca Cola Scholarship recipient for facilitating a Leadership 101 class at TCC and was recently recognized as a “distinguished alumnus at the Best of TCC awards banquet,” according to his campaign Web site.

Potts, who is single, believes his age (21 is the minimum age requirement for state House representatives) is an advantage in holding public office. He is also active with the Oklahoma Youth and Government Legislative Program which is aimed at teaching students about the government process.

“I don’t see my age as a problem,” he said adding new ideas can solve current problems. “Old ideas led us to current problems. We’re going to need people in office who have a new way of thinking.”

In the meantime, Potts says he will focus on the campaign trail leading to the Nov. 2 election. “We’re going to keep knocking on doors and keep listening to the people.”

Potts’s campaign Web site is online at www.elipotts.org.

Jeff Jones seeking District Attorney’s Office for Osage, Pawnee counties

First Assistant District Attorney Jeff Jones (Oklahoma District 10) is making a run for the District Attorney’s office as a Democratic candidate. Oklahoma’s District 10 covers Osage and Pawnee counties.

Jones, of Skiatook, will be on the Nov. 2 ballot and is running against Republican candidate Rex Duncan of Sand Springs.

Duncan is a state Representative who is a lawyer and Oklahoma National Guard officer. He represents District 35 which covers Noble, Osage, Pawnee and Payne counties.

Jones, who has a law degree from the University of Tulsa, worked in the private law practice field before joining the District 10 DA’s office as an assistant district attorney in 2002. He has served as First Assistant District Attorney since 2006.

Newly-elected State Senator David Holt, Osage. Courtesy Photo

Eli Potts, Osage, Democratic candidate for Oklahoma state house. Courtesy Photo

Jeff Jones, candidate for District Attorney of Oklahoma District 10 in the November 2010 election. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Jones

The Osage Nation Police Department in Pawhuska. Osage News file photo

By Benny Polacca
Osage News

The Osage Nation Police Department is implementing a sex offender registry and plans to launch a Web site this fall which will provide public information on offenders living, working or visiting the Nation’s lands held in federal trust.

Launching the registry will help the Nation strengthen its monitoring and tracking of area sex offenders (who are Osage and non-Osage) as required by the Adam Walsh Child and Protection Safety Act which became law in 2006. In September 2009, the U.S. Department of Justice awarded the Nation an Adam Walsh Implementation grant to start the project.

“We want to enhance the safety of our Osage people and children,” said ONPD Officer Brian Herbert who is project manager for implementing the registry. The police department is receiving training on using the resources and computer technology needed to maintain the registry, he said adding the department plans to launch the sex offender registry Web site in October or November.

If tribes do not comply with the Adam Walsh Act, they could lose their sovereignty rights and “we want to refrain from that,” Herbert said.

Herbert said ONPD will be focused on tracking offenders who live, work and are visiting the Nation’s trust lands. These trust lands include the three Indian villages, the Nation’s government campus and Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino locations.

When the Web site listing offenders (who have been charged, convicted in court and required to register with law enforcement agencies) is online, it will list the person’s name, age, photo, recent addresses and criminal history (excluding any victim identities), Herbert said. The police department will collect additional information which may not be viewed by the public, but will help the department and other jurisdictions such as employer information, driver license numbers, computer usage data, fingerprints and DNA samples, he said.

The offenders who are listed on the Nation’s registry will each receive a tier rating from one to three based on the crime(s) he or she has been convicted of, Herbert said. A tier of “1” will be for offenders who have committed minor offenses and “3” is reserved for major offenses, many of which require offenders to register their whereabouts with law enforcement agencies for the rest of their lives.

According to the National Congress of American Indians Web site, there is a section within the Adam Walsh Act requiring tribal governments “to affirmatively elect to comply with the mandates of the Act,” which is named for the son of America’s Most Wanted TV show host John Walsh. Adam Walsh was abducted from a shopping mall and murdered in 1981 which inspired his father’s career of apprehending fugitives and advocating for laws protecting children from sexual predators.

In July 2007, the First Osage Nation Congress passed a resolution (ONCR 07-12 sponsored by former Congressman Doug Revard and co-sponsor former Congresswoman Debra Atterberry) which states the Nation intends to comply with the Adam Walsh Act, prompting efforts to launch the offender registry.

Herbert said ONPD will be issuing more information on the Nation’s sex offender registry as it gets closer to launching the Web site.

The Osage Nation Police Department is at 1333 Grandview in Pawhuska and can be reached at (918) 287-5510 or toll-free at (800) 286-1867.

Osage Nation Principal Chief John Red Eagle signs ONCA 10-78, an appropriation modification for the furnishing of a funeral chapel for the Grayhorse district, in to law. ONCA 10-78 is his first legislation. Photo by Shannon Shaw/Osage News

Osage News

Principal Chief John Red Eagle signed his first five bills and one resolution into law Friday. The first bill signed into law, ONCA 10-78, is an appropriation modification for the furnishing of a funeral chapel for the Grayhorse district.

Five bills signed into law:

ONCA 10-78 An act to provide an appropriation modification to ONCA 09-72, an appropriation to the Grayhorse Village Five-Man Board for the construction and furnishing of a funeral chapel. – Red Eagle

ONCA 10-80 An act to amend the 2010 fiscal year Government Operations Departments and Programs Appropriation Act, ONCA 10-25, to provide a supplemental appropriation to the Education Department and declare an emergency. Sponsored by Speaker Jerri Jean Branstetter

ONCA 10-81 An act to provide an appropriation to the litigation fund for the Osage Nation v. Thomas E. Kemp Jr. court case, in which the Nation is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court, in the amount of $277,408 and establish alternate effective date. Sponsored by Speaker Jerri Jean Branstetter

ONCA 10-82 An act to amend the 2010 fiscal year Government Operations Departments and Programs Appropriation Act, ONCA 10-25, to provide a supplemental appropriation to ANA Economic Development and declare an emergency. Sponsored by Congressman William “Kugee” Supernaw

ONCA 10-83 To amend the 2010 fiscal year Government Operations Departments and Programs Appropriation Act, ONCA 10-25, to provide a supplemental appropriation to Crisis Assistance; to provide an appropriation modification to the Clinical/Medical service program and to declare an emergency. Sponsored by Congressman Raymond Red Corn

Resolution signed:

ONCR 10-28 A resolution to confirm and clarify the request for placement of fee lands into Trust by the Secretary of the Interior for the purpose of gaming pursuant to Osage Nation Congress Resolution ONCR 09-05. Sponsored by Speaker Jerri Jean Branstetter

Principal Chief John Red Eagle and Assistant Principal Chief Scott BigHorse pose with their new administration. From L to R: Senior Adviser Faren Revard-Anderson, Executive Adviser Raymond Lasley, Special Assistant to the Principal Chief Linda Teeman, Special Assistant to the Assistant Principal Chief Carrie Rogers, Executive Director for Governmental Affairs Chris White, Red Eagle, BigHorse, Executive Director of Tribal Operations Deidre Bigheart, Executive Policy Analyst Leonard Maker and Communications and Special Events Director Paul Allen. Not pictured, Everett Waller. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

By Shannon Shaw
Osage News

Principal Chief John Red Eagle has released the details of his new administration’s qualifications and the experience they will bring to his new administration.

“We began work immediately after the inauguration assessing the needs of the organization, getting a fix on budgets, strengthening our relationship with the [Osage] Congress, and taking care of those urgent matters facing our Osage Nation,” Red Eagle said in a prepared release. “Where systems, processes, and positive employee engagement were broken, outdated, or missing, we will take deliberate corrective measures to make our Nation efficient, effective, provide quality service to the people, and make it an honorable and fun place to work.”

During an executive retreat held Thursday and Friday at the Post Oak Lodge in Tulsa, the staff did not stay overnight, Red Eagle and his staff outlined the duties of the team, according to a prepared release. The new members of the executive branch are:

• Faren Revard-Anderson – Senior Adviser to Chief Red Eagle and Assistant Chief Scott Bighorse. Anderson, 34 and Osage, will be the liaison with the Osage Nation Congress, provide legislative analysis and write proposed legislation for the Executive Branch. She is also the former Speaker of the Congress and past chair of the appropriations and cultural committees. Anderson has a double bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University in agriculture economics and agriculture communications.

• Raymond Lasley – Executive Adviser, Osage Nation Programs and Services. According to the release, Lasley has more than 20 years of previous service to the Nation and other tribal governments. Lasley will ensure program compliance and performance efficiency. He has an associate degree from Haskell Indian Nations University and has attended the University of Oklahoma.

• Chris White – Executive Director for Governmental Affairs. White, 63 and Shawnee/Delaware, is liaison between the Office of the Principle Chief and other governments. White is responsible for public relations and is the key adviser to Chief Red Eagle and Assistant Chief BigHorse on gaming. White has served in the Nation’s Million Dollar Elm gaming operations for the past five years, first as a floor supervisor, then shift manager at the north Tulsa casino. The past three years he has served as general manager of the Ponca City MDE, generating annual revenues of more than $10 million dollars and developing an outstanding community relations program, according to the release.

• Everett Waller – Liaison to the Minerals Council and Cultural Adviser. Waller, 50 and Osage, previously served on the Osage Tribal Council and has been active in the cultural aspects of the Osage people his entire life.

• Paul Allen – Communications and Special Events. Allen, 67 and Osage, has previously worked under contract with the Nation in the area of Information Technology. He will also assist with press relations and audio/visual systems.

• Deidre Bigheart – Executive Director of Tribal Operations. Bigheart, Osage, was retained by Chief Red Eagle, expanding her responsibilities. She will now directly supervise all program directors of the Nation. She has completed her doctoral course work at the University of Oklahoma. Her expertise is in the field of education, with emphasis on research, organizational development and performance measurement, according to the release.

• Leonard Maker – Executive Policy Analyst. Maker, 60, Osage and longtime tribal employee, serves as an adviser to the executive team on policy matters, including those of other state and federal funding agencies, as well as providing program management advice.

Linda Teeman, 54 and non-Osage, continues as special assistant to the principle chief, while Carrie Rogers, 38 and Osage, will be special assistant to the assistant chief. Both served during the Gray administration and will arrange schedules, travel arrangements, manage executive office budgets and the executive support team.

By John Jech, Osage Nation Treasurer

The following is the unaudited summarized information for the Osage Nation Treasury Fund for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010. The Nations Treasury fund received $8,252,083 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2010. $7,500,000 was received from gaming operations, $642,289 was received from tax revenue, $80,622 was interest earned and $29,172 represents returns of unused prior year distributions and other miscellaneous income. The total distribution from the Treasury Fund for the second quarter of 2010 was $6,164,143 with $2,720,310 being distributed to supplement federal programs, $2,826,450 was distributed to fund tribal programs, $596,113 was distributed to the Nations boards and commissions and $21,270 was distributed to various non-program functions. As of March 31, 2010 the total current assets in the Osage Nation Treasury fund was $50,996,763, with current liabilities of $0 and total capital of $50,996,763. The Nation expended $7,731,802 of federal and state grant and contract funds during the second quarter of fiscal year 2010.

2nd Quarter-2010 Treasury Report

By John Jech, Osage Nation Treasurer

The following is the unaudited summarized information for the Osage Nation Treasury Fund for the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. The Nations Treasury fund received $20,997,222 during the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. $19,309,942 was received from gaming operations, $1,300,000 was received from tax revenue, $209,147 was interest earned, $104,993 represents returns of unused fiscal year 2008 distributions, $21,623 was received from gift shop operations and $51,518 of other miscellaneous income was received. The total distribution from the Treasury Fund for the third quarter of 2009 was $7,107,011 with $954,260 being distributed to supplement federal programs, $2,614,020 was distributed to fund tribal programs, $3,336,686 was distributed to the Nations boards and commissions and $172,045 was distributed to various non-program functions. As of June 30, 2008 the total current assets in the Osage Nation Treasury fund was $55,240,564, with current liabilities of $0 for total capital of $55,240,564. The Nation expended $8,060,684 of federal and state grant and contract funds during the third quarter of fiscal year 2009.

3rd Quarter-2009 Treasury Report

Osage News

Principal Chief John Red Eagle is calling for a Special Session of the Second Osage Nation Congress which starts at 10 a.m. Aug. 16 at the Congressional Chambers.

This will be the second Special Session of Congress since its newest members took oath on July 7. The Congress is slated to consider a resolution which would cap tribal government spending at $26 million for the fiscal year 2011.

Congressman Eddy Red Eagle is sponsoring the resolution (ONCR 10-25) which is calling for the $26 million expenditure level.

Congress is slated to set the Nation’s 2011 budget when it meets for the Tzi-Zho Session which starts Sept. 7. The Nation’s government runs on the October-September fiscal year calendar.

Chinese ambassadors pose with the Osage Tribal Museum staff during their tour Tuesday. From L to R: Chinese Ambassador Nanping Yu, OTM Senior Researcher Lou Brock, Chinese Interpreter Mary Nimtz, OTM Director Kathryn Red Corn, Policy Analyst Leonard Maker, Chinese Ambassador Yun Chen and English Language Officer Gordon Matic. Photo by Shannon Shaw/Osage News

By Shannon Shaw
Osage News

Yun Chen and Nanping Yu didn’t waste any time Tuesday in asking questions about the tribe’s infrastructure, casino profits, land decisions, oil business, health care and election process during their tour of the Osage Tribal Museum.

The two ambassadors are visiting the United States as part of an International Visitor Leadership Program, a project through the U.S. Department of State. They are here to study aspects of energy security and its foreign policy implications, with emphasis on academic and private sector input into policy making. They have already visited Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Cleveland, Ohio, and Tulsa.

Speaking through an interpreter, Chen asked Leonard Maker, who was giving the tour and who is also the Nation’s Policy Analyst in Principal Chief John Red Eagle’s new administration, about whether or not the tribe’s chief has placed any restrictions on tribal citizens gambling in the tribe’s casinos? In the Chinese city of Macau, whose main income comes from multi-million casino resorts, city residents are not allowed to gamble. City officials view it as bad for its citizens. The city residents are only allowed to work in the casinos.

“No,” Maker said. “There is currently no law prohibiting Osage citizens from gambling in our casinos if they live in the same town as the casino.”

Chen gave an audible sigh of disapproval. “Our citizens do work in the establishments as well but the casino employees are not allowed to gamble in the establishments,” Maker said. Which Chen and Yu nodded their heads in agreement.

Maker, who is also the youngest Osage full-blood at the age of 60, explained the history of the Osage and the rise and fall of the Oklahoma oil business and how it affected the tribe’s income. Yu asked if the tribe has its own oil company and do the citizens work at the Osage oil companies?

“No, we turn it over to the private sector,” Maker said.

Both Chen and Yu asked questions about taxation on the reservation, education and whether or not the Osage had a tribal college. Maker said there were talks of an Osage college and that the tribe is looking into it and for all other educational needs the tribe relies on the state. Chen wanted to know why the Osage chose this area in which Maker explained the tribe’s forced move from Kansas.

This is Chen’s first visit to the U.S. She is an associate professor in the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University in Shanghai. Yu is the director of regional and energy research of East China Normal University in Shanghai and has made several trips to the U.S. for research.

“[Chen and Yu] enjoyed it, that’s the first opportunity to get a better understanding of the Native American and especially your nation because they’ve never had an opportunity, during the entire program, to know the history and visually see the artifacts and all the photos – that was a very special experience,” said Mary Nimtz, who served as Chen and Yu’s interpreter, in a telephone interview Aug. 13. “They appreciated the opportunity, it was a cooperative experience.”

The ambassadors traveled to San Francisco on Aug. 11 and on Aug. 13 visited Stanford University in Stanford, Calif.

OTM Director Kathryn Red Corn explains the Osage Allottee exhibit to Chinese ambassadors Yun Chen, Nanping Yu and their interpreter Mary Nimtz Tuesday. Photo by Shannon Shaw/Osage News

An exhibit at the Osage Tribal Museum displays headdresses worn by Osage leadership. Photo by Shannon Shaw/Osage News

By Benny Polacca
Osage News

The Osage Nation Health and Wellness Advisory Board is planning to meet with government officials to discuss legislation which will lengthen its life. It’s slated to sunset at the end of September.

The board was created through a 2007 legislation bill to start developing the structure of the Nation’s Health and Wellness Division. But the bill (ONCA 07-59) states the board will be “disestablished after a period of three years from the effective date.” Former Principal Chief Jim Gray signed the bill on Oct.3 of that year after the Osage Nation Congress passed the bill with a 7-4 vote.

“The board was created as an advisory one,” said Dr. Ron Shaw, the health board’s chairman. He addressed several executive and legislative branch officials who attended the health board’s Aug. 9 meeting. That means the board’s duties which include making decisions on health-related matters are made as recommendations to government officials, he said.

The health board has hired two consultant organizations to work with the board during its tenure, Shaw said. One consultant evaluated the Health and Wellness Division recommendations compiled and the other consultant conducted a feasibility study on whether the Pawhuska Indian Health Service clinic should be compacted.

One recommendation raised in the IHS clinic compacting study is the Nation should create a governing board, “which is required for compacting,” Shaw said.

According to the study, said Shaw, the governing board should “evaluate and improve the quality of health services provided to the community, provide for meaningful financial resources for ongoing operations and capital needs, provide for the selection and retention of qualified staff – to include the special requirements for licensed and credentialed personnel, to plant programs for the health needs of the community.”

This is the board’s first gathering since the July 19 runoff election in which John Red Eagle was elected Principal Chief and Scott BigHorse Assistant Principal Chief.

BigHorse, who attended the meeting, recommended more meetings between the health board and government officials, including Red Eagle, to pursue legislation that could prolong the health board and possibly turn it into the governing board which would pursue further IHS clinic compacting efforts, according to the feasibility study recommendations.

Red Eagle was at a gaming commission meeting held at the same time of the health board gathering.

The health board also plans to meet with Congressional members who sit on the Congressional Committee on Health and Social Services which is scheduled to meet on Sept. 7. The chairman of that committee is Congressman Archie Mason and vice chairwoman is Congresswoman Alice Goodfox.