With humility and excitement, I am announcing my candidacy for Osage Nation Congress. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Sociology from Dartmouth College and a law degree from the University of Colorado. I have worked for Indian People for about 18 years in the areas of health, business, employment, and law, including 8 years in Cherokee Nation’s law offices. I have written tribal legislation and regulations in areas to include employment rights, tribal preference, child care and protection, criminal law, taxation, citizenship, freedom of information, rights to privacy, several environmental areas, and court procedures.
To me, “It’s all about US. Unity and Sovereignty.” Although we’re all different, we accomplish the most and reach our greatest potential if we work in Unity. We must focus on People, Sovereignty, and Self-Determination. Our culture and language are a great source of strength, and we must continue and improve current programs in these areas. We need to help our People be independent and self-sufficient through programs for children from prenatal to adulthood, education, mental health, substance abuse, career services, veterans’ services, elder services, and health prevention, education and services.
Legislative support must be in place to protect and strengthen our Sovereignty. We must ensure that our Attorney General’s Office and Court system are properly funded and necessary infrastructure to protect our Sovereignty. We should allow for greater opportunity to participate in government, ensure transparency and access to government records and financial information, and Congress should be allowed to obtain all records of the government and enterprises so long as protections are in place to prevent inappropriate disclosures.
Lastly, we must focus on Self-Determination. We can control our own destiny and must do so through economic development. We must diversify our economic base and prepare ourselves for the future when our gaming compact expires. Supporting small businesses allows our People to be more independent and brings jobs to our communities. We should support our People in determining and reaching their career goals and must increase our employees’ security and stability by protecting their rights to privacy and preventing retaliation, discrimination and harassment. We should also support our Veterans especially in transitioning to the civilian world.
I am from Fairfax, OK, and live in Tulsa. I am a Cook on the Grayhorse I’n-Lon-Schka Committee and enjoy ribbonwork and fingerweaving. I am the daughter of Judy Johnson and Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Leo Johnson, both of Fairfax and the granddaughter of the late Ted and Mary (Black) Hazelbaker and Leo and Cleo Johnson, all of Fairfax. I have two brothers, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Casey Johnson, of Fairfax, and Scott Johnson of Oklahoma City. I am a descendant of original allottees Tena Carlton Woodring, Anna Woodring Black, and Daisy Ware Hazelbaker.
I would be honored to serve the Osage People and will work hard to move our young government forward. I respectfully ask for your vote. Please visit my website at www.becky4osagecongress.com. Thank you taking the time to read this message.
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Press Release
Original Publish Date: 2012-04-12 00:00:00
