The Hominy JOM Program will host a “Back to School Bash” on Monday August 2, 2010 at the Hominy City Pool from 6-9 pm for all Certified JOM students. JOM Students Supplies will be available for JOM Students School Year 10-11; Pre-Kindergarten – 12th grades. There will be a pizza party & soft drinks. The JOM program has rented the pool for all JOM students to swim free between hours of 6- 9 pm. Parents are required to complete a survey prior to receiving student supplies.

The purpose of the Hominy JOM Program is to provide supplementary financial assistance to meet the unique and specialized education needs of Indian children enrolled in the Hominy Public Schools. The program also receives supplemental funding from the Osage Nation. JOM may assist with variety of needs such as school supplies, ACT tests, caps / gowns, fees for athletic physicals, athletic drug testing, classroom equipment, cultural curriculum, student incentives, tutoring, etc. The Parent meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month from 7-8pm at the Osage Nation Education Center.

The Hominy Parent Committee has recently updated the JOM Student list, to confirm that your student is a certified JOM student for school year 10-11, you may contact Andrea Kemble or Amy Dobbins at 699-5310 or Avis Ballard at 699- 5300.

Robynn Rulo (pink shirt) plays with Mia Jones during the 2009 Osage Nation Summer Youth Enrichment Camp. Rulo, a Pawhuska High School student, was a mentor during the camp and worked for the Nation's Constituent Services this year as part of the Nation's Summer Youth Program. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Chris Jake
Osage News

The Osage Nation Summer Youth Program has given Osage youth like Robynn Rulo a chance to gain experience with the Osage Nation.

“I like making my own money,” said Rulo, a 17-year-old Pawhuska High School student who works for Osage Nation Constituent Services as a participant in this year’s Summer Youth Program.

Rulo answers phones, files documents, and helps around the office with other duties she’s asked to do. She also greets people who need assistance provided by Constituent Services. “I like working with the people,” she said.

Rulo is one of the 75 young Osages participating in this year’s Summer Youth Program. The participants work in various Osage Nation departments across the Osage Reservation that serve Pawhuska, Hominy, Fairfax and Skiatook.

Avis Ballard, who oversees the Summer Youth Program, is the Johnson O’ Malley Coordinator for the Nation’s Education Department. Ballard describes the program as a way to provide job readiness training through financial literacy workshops, business etiquette, social skills, resume development and communication.

Christina Mashunkashey is one of the 11 participating in the Osage Nation Work Experience Program that is also through the nation’s Education Department. “It has helped me a lot,” Mashunkashey said.

Mashunkashey has been working for Diane Daniels in the Osage Nation Environmental and Natural Resources Office. “Oh gosh, I’ve learned a lot,” said Mashunkashey. A few of those things are assisting in budgets, payables, and “your basic clerical work,” she said.

“The Work Experience Program is a short-term program that will help the participant obtain a job that will progress into long-term employment,” said Louise Cheshewalla, Training Coordinator for the Osage Nation.

The program is available to Natives who live on the Osage Reservation and meet income guidelines. Participants work two to three months, “Usually three,” Cheshewalla said. Participants work full-time in any of the tribes departments.

“They’re really good about teaching me things,” Mashunkashey said. She plans to use her skills to work in any office setting doing secretary work. “I’m appreciative of this program.”

Motivational speaker and performer Litefoot gets the full attention of youth of the Pawhuska schools at the Pawhuska JOM Native American Day held on Nov. 12 at the Oren Terrill Field house. Litefoot has starred in such films as, “The Indian in the Cupboard.” Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

By: Avis Ballard, JOM Coordinator

The Osage Nation Johnson O’Malley Program (JOM) promoted cultural awareness across the reservation as students celebrated Native American Month with events for their school and communities. The JOM parent committees at Pawhuska, Skiatook and Hominy sponsored these annual events for their students to enjoy and take pride in their Native heritage. Native American students need to be proud of their culture and feel confident in order to succeed in all aspects of their lives.

Students from every school in Pawhuska filled the Oren Terrill Fieldhouse stands to listen to the guest speaker, Litefoot, talk about his entertainment career. He is known as the first Native American rapper and has won several Native American music awards, including “Artist of the Year”. Litefoot also appeared in several movies and television shows including: Indian in the Cupboard (1995), Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997), Song of Hiawatha (1997) and C.S.I: Miami. He discussed the determination he felt to succeed and how this helped him to overcome negativity within his own community. Afterwards, he signed autographs and posed for photos to the delight of the students.

Young Osage girls, dressed in their traditional clothes, filled the Wakon Iron to participate in the JOM honor dance for the crowning of the new princesses. Ciera Cheshewalla, Allison Jones and Jaycie Bighorse accepted the honor of serving as the new 2009-10 Pawhuska JOM princesses. The outgoing tiny tot princess, Eva Harden, sponsored a junior girl’s cloth contest and awarded trophies to the winners. The Pawhuska JOM parents felt pleased to host this event for their students and happy that it went so well.

The following weekend brought many visitors to the Skiatook community for the 6th annual Skiatook JOM powwow. This event featured an afternoon gourd dance, Indian taco dinner and competition dancing. The Skiatook JOM parents also use this event to honor their graduating seniors with gifts and recognition. This annual tradition is important to the Skiatook JOM program and attendance grows every year.

The Hominy JOM committee also celebrated Native American month by sponsoring the annual heritage day event. The program began at the elementary in the morning and finished at the high school in the afternoon. The students participated in hand games, intertribal dancing and fun activities throughout the day. This event usually happens in May; however, the parent committee felt the need to celebrate Native American month and hosted this event for that purpose.

The Osage JOM community celebrated November as Native American month with events that showcased Native American culture and heritage. These special occasions are important to the Osage students that may feel outnumbered or insignificant in mainstream society. It helps them to feel confident and proud of their identity as Native Americans. Please contact Avis Ballard at 918-287-5545 for more information about the Osage Nation Johnson O’Malley Program.

Caption: Motivational speaker and performer Litefoot speaks to a crowded gym of youth from the Pawhuska schools at the Pawhuska JOM Native American Day that was held at the Oren Terrill Fieldhouse on Nov. 12. Litefoot has starred in such films as, “The Indian in the Cupboard.” Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Charish Toehay the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow princess shakes hands with everyone who danced with her during her honor song Saturday evening at Wakon Iron Hall in Pawhuska. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Osage News

These pictures were taken at the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow on Oct. 24 at Wakon Iron Hall in Pawhuska, Okla. That night, Red Ribbon powwow committee selected Charish Toehay to be the 2009 princess to represent the organization.

Lavina Clark and Louis Gray speak to Charish Toehay before the crowning ceremony Saturday evening after grand entry. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Louis Gray crowns the new 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow princess Charish Toehay Saturday evening at Wakon Iron Hall. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Lavina Clark pins the banner on the new 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow princess Charish Toehay at Wakon Iron Hall. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Louis Gray places a 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow princess shawl onto Charish Toehay before the honor song at Wakon Iron Hall. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

The family of the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow princess Charish Toehay dance with her during the honor song Saturday evening at Wakon Iron Hall. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

The 2009 Red Ribbon Honoree Andrew Gray Jr. dances during his honor song with his family behind him during the Red Ribbon Powwow at Wakon Iron Hall. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

People sit around the dance arena at Wakon Iron Saturday evening during the Red Ribbon Powwow. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Ava Horsechief dances during her contest at the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow at Wakon Iron Hall in Pawhuska. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Brycen Whiteshirt dances with other straight dancers during the Junior Boys category at the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow at Wakon Iron Hall in Pawhuska. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

The Red Ribbon Powwow brought in a huge crowd Saturday evening at Wakon Iron Hall. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Ryan Red Corn dances during an intertribal song at the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow in Pawhuska. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

The drum group sings during the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow in Pawhuska. The powwows head singer was Michael Paul Pahsetopah. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

(L to R) Avis Ballard, Jennifer Alley and Jenny Moses dance at the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow at Wakon Iron Hall. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Michael Plumley and his new son, Nickolus Alakay Plumley dance with Otto Hamilton at the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow in Pawhuska. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Dava Daylight and Robynn Rulo dance by during an intertribal at the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow Saturday evening at Wakon Iron Hall. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Jackie McCann dances with her son Zeke during an intertribal at the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow in Pawhuska. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Straight dancers dance by during an intertribal song at the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

During the closing of the 2009 Red Ribbon Powwow Louis Gray speaks to the crowded Wakon Iron Hall and thanks everyone for coming. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

Disclaimer: Charish Toehay is the sister of the Osage News photographer Chalene Toehay.

Participants of the Osage Nation Education Summer Enrichment Camp pose for a group photo in front of the Hominy Indian Village Round House. Courtesy Photo/Education Department

By Cherise Lookout
Curriculum Specialist

Around one hundred youth and children came out to this year’s The Osage Nation Education Summer Enrichment Camps that were held this past July. One week focused on Osage children ages 5-12 and one week focused on the Osage youth, ages13-20. The summer enrichment camps are designed to stimulate Osage students to learn about their Osage people’s history, traditions, government, and open up dialogue between the children and their families and communities.

Every year the Osage Nation Education Department focuses on different aspects of an array of Osage Culture. This year the youth chose from the following workshops: Osage Shirt Making taught by Avis Ballard from the Education Department, Loom Beading taught by William Lookout, free lance art and drawing workshop taught by Ryan Redcorn, and Scrapbooking consisted of tracing their lineage back to 1906, presented by Pauline Alred and Maureen Wright with the support of the Osage CDIB department and the Osage Tribal Museum.

The summer enrichment camps provided a centralized venue for Osage youth and children to participate in multiple programs that the Osage Nation provides including; Education, Osage Nation Language, Wazhazhi Cultural Center, Prevention, Tobacco Prevention, Diabetes/Nutrition, Higher Education, and the Boys and Girls Club. Each department provided a presentation that pertained to their department and gave the students a supplemental way to receive education or provided assistance to make the camps a success. Group activities opened up positive dialogue and communication among Osage youth about education, their culture and heritage to bring awareness of respecting and obtaining knowledge of the diversity within the Osage Nation in an educational and fun atmosphere. The Osage Nation Language Department provided the morning icebreakers and the Osage Nation Counseling Center and Prevention Programs gave the student ways to say “NO!” to drugs and alcohol.

This year’s cultural field trip ended each camp and was in the student’s own back yard. The students loaded a bus and headed to Grayhorse where Head Committeeman Archie Mason and Whipman, Popper Holloway talked about Grayhorse history and the structure of the Grayhorse District. From there the students headed to Hominy Indian Village were long time committeeman, Leonard Maker and Whipman, Everett Waller met them inside the roundhouse and talked to them about its history and Hominy District’s structure, as well as how each student identifies themselves, through their district, clan, division, fireplaces, etc. The students then went on to Barnsdall, to gain some knowledge on Chief James Bigheart. Paula Stabler talked to the students about Osage History, Osage Chiefs and the role that women have played throughout our history. The students also visited the Osage Historical Museum, the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Osage Nation Executive Branch, Osage Nation Congressional Branch, and the Osage Tribal Museum.

The Osage Nation Education Department would like to thank all students that came and to all of the departments and volunteers that made this years camp a success. For more stories on the camp or if you would like to view pictures from this year’s camp please visit the education department’s website at www.osagetribe.com/education.

Students and their families enjoy the free night swim, sponsored by the Hominy JOM program. Courtesy Photo/Erin Casoose, Hominy 7th grade JOM student

By Avis Ballard, JOM Coordinator

The Osage Nation Johnson O’Malley program distributed school supplies to over 700 Native American students enrolled at schools within Osage reservation. The largest events were held at Hominy, Pawhuska, Skiatook and Fairfax with food, fun and entertainment included with the supplies. These activities are organized and hosted by the parent committees at each school.

The Skiatook JOM committee hosted their event at the city pool and gave away back packs and door prizes along with school supplies for over 150 students. The JOM pool party got cut short when a thunderstorm moved into the area and forced the pool to close early. However, the event was a success for the many students that walked away with their new Skiatook JOM backpack and supplies.

The Hominy JOM committee also held their event at the city pool during a sunny evening with a temperature of over 100 degrees. The hot August weather prompted many families to enjoy the free night swim sponsored by the JOM program. This is the second year for the Hominy JOM parents to host a pool/pizza party for their students.

The Woodland JOM program (Fairfax) gave out school supplies at the elementary and later hosted a pool party for their students. The Pawhuska JOM parents gave out supplies to over 200 students during their event at the Wakon Iron Hall. Several new students were added to these programs and can now receive the many benefits from JOM.

The JOM parent committees work hard to ensure their students are prepared to return to school. They wanted to incorporate fun activities with their necessary school supply distribution for the students and their families to enjoy. The ON JOM program is for Native American students enrolled at schools within Osage county that include: Anderson, Barnsdall, Bowring, Hominy, McCord, Osage Hills, Pawhuska, Prue, Shidler, Skiatook, Woodland and Wynona. The student must have a CDIB or tribal membership card from a federally recognized tribe.

The JOM committees cannot accept a parent’s CDIB card. They can accept a letter from the student’s tribe stating their tribal enrollment application is in process. Please call Avis Ballard at 918-287-5545 for more information about this program.

Emma Red Corn reads to Landon McCartney at the Osage Nation Education Department's Enrichment Camp. Photo by Chalene Toehay/Osage News

By Benny Polacca
Osage News

Emma Red Corn spent her summer working in an office environment and mentoring children who attended the Enrichment Camp and believes those jobs gave her “some good work experience.”

The 17-year-old worked in the medical records department of Pawhuska’s Indian Health Service clinic, and the Enrichment Camp, through the Summer Youth Program offered by the Osage Nation’s Education Department. The annual work experience program sends Native American youth, who are Osage Reservation residents between the ages of 16 and 21, into the work force and is credited with giving many their first paycheck.

“I love it,” Red Corn, who will be a Pawhuska High School senior this fall, said of her work experience. “It gives me an idea of what the real world is like without a jump start.”

This year 70 young Osages were accepted into the Summer Youth Program, which is about 10 more than last year’s count, said Avis Ballard, JOM coordinator for the Education Department and overseer of the program. The workers are sent to work in various entities across the reservation including tribal government departments, the Indian Villages, IHS and the Boys and Girls Club in Pawhuska where they work part-time hours for minimum wage, she said.

“For most of these workers, this is their first job,” Ballard said. “I hope they’re gaining valuable knowledge about working and taking on responsibilities,” she said adding previous summer youth workers have described their work experiences to her as “the best time of my life.”

This year’s Summer Youth Program was funded with $40,000 in federal dollars and $30,000 in tribal funds, Ballard said. Acceptance of youth program participants is based on the amount of funding available and low income guidelines play a role in how many participants can be accepted with the federal funds.

Applicants who do not meet the federal low income guidelines are accepted under the tribal funding which has more flexible guidelines for those coming from households with higher income, Ballard said. Interested participants must fill out an application and provide proof of Native American affiliation, Osage Reservation residence and a social security number for employment purposes, she said.

Ballard said the program’s participating employers are allowed to select their employees but she does not allow parental employers to hire their children accepted into the program to avoid conflicts of interest. In one case where parents and their children may work together would be in the Indian Villages such as Hominy if it can’t be avoided, she said.

Those accepted into the program attend an orientation with sessions including team-building exercises and guest speakers discussing what to expect during college life and how to write a resume.

Some of the summer program workers served as mentors during the Education Department’s fourth annual Summer Enrichment Camp days in July. Red Corn was one of eight mentors looking after approximately 60 camp-goers ages 5-12 during that camp’s July 28-31 run. The Enrichment Camps have a hands-on focus toward Osage culture and history.

Cherise Lookout, outreach coordinator for the Education Department and overseer of the Enrichment Camps, said the camp is “all about (the children) learning who they are.”

An orientation held for the camp mentors encouraged Red Corn and her coworkers to “focus on the positive side” and to keep (the camp-goers) excited,” she said. Fellow camp mentor Braxton Red Eagle, 19, applauded the cultural focus of the Enrichment Camp.

“I feel it’s important for the kids,” said Red Eagle who attends Sewanee: The University of the South in Tennessee. “We didn’t have stuff like this” growing up, he said adding he also worked with children at the Boys and Girls Club.

Enrichment Camp mentor Robynn Rulo, 16, was charged with watching children ages 5-7. She also performed office duties during the summer for the Nation’s Constituent Services office.

“It’s fun,” the soon-to-be Pawhuska High junior said of her work experience. “You get to work with other people and learn about other (government) offices,” she said.

Ballard believes the program overall benefits the country. “The youth are so important to our culture and our community. It gives them a head start into life.”