The Osage Nation will host the 2025 Sovereignty Celebration Dance on Saturday, March 8 at the Tulsa Osage Casino & Hotel’s Skyline Event Center.
For the Nation and its people, the annual occasion honors the 2006 Osage Constitution reformed government now in place. On March 11 of that year, Osage voters ratified the constitution for the Nation’s three-branch government and the document has been amended by voters in five election years.
At 2 p.m., the Sovereignty Day dance begins with gourd dancing followed by supper served at 5 p.m. That evening, at 6:30 p.m., war dances will commence followed by competitive dancing with several age and dance categories for cash prizes.
The 2025 Sovereignty Day Celebration Committee includes Andrea Kemble, Jane Perrier, Tim Lookout, and Avis Ballard, according to a news release. Dance admission is free at the Tulsa casino, 951 West 36th St N.
In observance of the Nation’s Sovereignty Day, many ON government offices will be closed Tuesday, March 11, including the Nation’s schools and three fitness and wellness centers across the Osage Reservation and the WahZhaZhe Health Center in Pawhuska.
This year’s dance emcees are Tim Lookout and Noah Shadlow. Arena directors will be John Bighorse Jr. and Wilson Hight. The hosting gourd group is the Osage Gourd Group and the invited gourd group is Red Rock Creek.
Additional event and dance contest information:
Head Man: Kingston Pipestem
Head Lady: Erin Casoose
Head Singer: Kiowa Cozad
ON Princess: Pimmie Pelayo
Tiny Tots (0-6 ages), Jr. Straight and Jr. Cloth (7-12)
1st Place: $100
2nd Place: $75
3rd Place: $50
4th Place: $25
Teen Straight and Teen Cloth (13-17)
1st Place: $200
2nd Place: $150
3rd Place: $100
4th Place: $75
Women’s Jr. Adult Cloth (18-39); Women’s Sr. Adult Cloth (40-plus); Men’s Jr. Adult Straight (18-39); Men’s Sr. Adult Straight (40-plus); Women’s Buckskin (18-plus); Men’s Fancy (18-plus)
1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $750
3rd Place: $500
4th Place: $300
Further event updates will be provided on the Osage Nation website and social media platforms.
Additional Events
Additional events celebrating Sovereignty Day have also been scheduled.
March 7: Wahzhazhe Comedy & Fashion Show
March 8: State of the Nation Live Stream
March 15: ONHS Sovereignty Fun Walk/Run
March 15: Osage Code Talker Medal – E. Sean Standing Bear
March 22: Hand Game + Supper
March 23: Bison Feast at Grayhorse Community Building

This article was updated on Feb. 28, 2025, to include the additional Sovereignty Day Celebration events.