By Danette Daniels
My name is Danette Daniels and I appreciate your vote and support for the Osage Nation Congress.
I was born and raised in Fairfax, Ok. I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Master’s Degree in Family Relations and Child Development, in 1989.
I worked as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Edmond Family services for four years. I worked as a Child Development Specialist and later a Technical Supervisor for the SoonerStart/Oklahoma Early Intervention program for fourteen years. SoonerStart is a program that works with children with special needs and their families.
Ten years ago I returned home to Fairfax, Ok where I reside on restricted trust land. I worked at the Fairfax Osage Language center as Site Coordinator and teacher for four years.
In 2009, I began an Indian owned business called the Cedar Chest Shop, specializing in Osage custom clothing and gifts. I currently own the Water Bird Art Gallery, showcasing Osage artist in Pawhuska, Ok.
I have been involved in Osage Culture since my birth. Being Osage is a way of life for me. I began dancing at our Osage Ceremonial dances at the age of 3. I have served on the Grayhorse E-lon-shka Committee for 23 years, as a lady singer and 4 years on the Pawhuska E-lon-shka Committee.
One of the main reasons I am running for a leadership position is I believe our Osage people want and deserve a congress person who truly cares about our Osage people. I believe our children, elders, families, and community deserve legislation that supports them. As a former employee, I believe our Osage Nation Employees need a voice too.
As Osage People we value and hold in high regard our Osage elders. I believe our elders need services such as free legal advice. We pay out 8 million dollars a year in Osage scholarships. I believe we can utilize students who have received scholarship to work for the Osage Nation for at least a year, or to contribute their talents in a way that can benefit Osage citizens.
As a business owner and entrepreneur I believe in economic development. We have just purchased the historic 43,000 acre Bluestem Ranch in the heart of the Osage. That was a once in a lifetime purchase, which strengthens our Sovereign status, by having such a massive land base. I look forward to working with the newly formed board, which will oversee the development of the Bluestem Ranch.
As a business owner, I support programs to assist Osages in the start up of their own business.
I am a proponent of the Health Benefit Card, Osage Scholarships and the burial assistance program. These services provide for every Osage Nation citizen.
I believe we need to elect new leaders who can work together and with the Executive Office so we can move our Osage Nation forward.
My Name is Danette Daniels. I am placement #4 on the Osage Ballot and I would appreciate your support and your vote. Thank you.
[The Osage News does not edit candidate announcements.]
By
Osage News
Original Publish Date: 2016-05-13 00:00:00