By Berbon Hamilton
Ha.We, it is with great honor that I, Berbon Hamilton, announce my candidacy for the Osage Nation Congress. To serve the Osage people and to assist in the growth of our Nation would be a great honor. My hope for our Nation is to see it thriving with diversified businesses, employing our members; funding to continue to support those wishing to get a higher education or learn a trade; safe and affordable housing for our families and healthcare that is inclusive for all.
I am a well-rounded, honest, hard-working individual who would carry out the Oath of the Office to the letter of law. I have always had a passion for tribal sovereignty, law, and business. I have a unique experience within the Osage Nation. Previously, I worked for the Government, Osage LLC, and gaming which brought a different perspective of the needs of not only the citizens, but also those who work for the Nation. Currently, I am employed as the Program Manager with Tribal Government Institute native PTAC assisting Native owned small businesses and tribally owned businesses through the government contracting cycle. I have the experience needed and mentors from not only the Osage nation, but from a variety of tribes who have tried new ventures and programs to help their people.
My business experience and education have readied me assist the Osage Nation by being innovative in its economic development. I will support the Osage people by promoting transparency and accountability in all the Osage Nation’s practices and future development opportunities.
I am a graduate of Tulsa East Central High School and of Haskell Indian Nation University where I received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Management. Born in Orange, California, to Otto Jr. and Sandra (Murphy) Hamilton, before they returned to Pawhuska when I was five years old. My grandparents are Otto Sr. and Josephine Pryor Hamilton, and Berbon and Gertrude Murphy. Great Grandfather, William Pryor, served on the Osage Nation’s Tribal Council in 1928-1932 and was an interpreter to the Osage Tribal Council. I have been married to Haley Buzzard for eight years and together we have five children, LB, Noah, Kiana, Harley and Foster.
I am actively involved in the Pawhuska War Dance Committee. I strive to live a healthy active life by running and participating in ultra-marathons, and being an active member of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma.
Above all I’m a hard worker, optimistic, enthusiastic about the future of our Osage Nation and people. I will dedicate my energy to doing what is best for the Osage Nation. I humbly ask for your vote June 6th for Berbon Hamilton.
Editor’s Note: Candidate statements and announcements are not edited by the Osage News. They are a free submission offered to candidates of the 2022 Osage Nation General Election.