By Liberty Metcalf
My name is Liberty Metcalf and I am announcing my candidacy for Osage Nation Congress. I am from the Pawhuska District. I am Eagle Clan and my Osage name is Hum Pa A Li a name I share with my great-grandfather Laban Amos Miles, a name given to me by Eddie Red Eagle Sr. I am the son of Mary Jo (Mercer) Trumbly of Pawhuska and Hubert Metcalf of Marshall, NC. My maternal grandparents were T. J. Mercer and Crayton O. (Miles) Bolton. My great- grandparents were Laban Amos Miles and Hazel (Murphy) Miles and Duke Mercer and Josephine West Cunningham.
I am a graduate of the University of Oklahoma where I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in American History.
From 2008 to 2018, I worked in Washington, DC at the U.S. Department of the Interior (Interior) as Legislative Coordinator in the Office of the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs (AS-IA) within the Office of the Secretary. During my time at Interior I assisted in coordinating the legislative planning and congressional relations and activities for Indian Affairs. While working in that office I provided legislative research and assistance in developing, drafting, and analyzing proposed legislation.
At Interior I helped play a role in several pieces of enacted legislation. Among them:
- The HEARTH Act (Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Home Ownership Act of 2012) (Pub. L. 112-151)
- The Tribal Law and Order Act (Pub. L. 111-211) (TLOA)
- The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (Pub. L. 113-4) (VAWA)
From 2018 – 2021, I was employed as a Realty Specialist at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Miami Agency, Miami, OK. I worked in cooperation and consultation with the 10 tribes in the Miami Agency service area. Under my purview as a Realty Specialist were Negotiated Land Sales and Fee to Trust (FTT) applications.
I left federal service in 2021 to focus on family and pursue cultural endeavors. During this period I have noticed that we are at a time in which there is much uncertainty and divisiveness. This election comes at a time where focus and solidarity will guide us through adversity.
My experience in legislation and Capitol Hill gives me firsthand knowledge of the legislative process and policy making from formulation to execution. My role as a mediator and negotiator will serve a useful purpose when faced with tough decisions. As a shareholder in the Osage Mineral Estate, I am concerned with proper management and oversight of the Mineral Estate yet realize the changing times and the need for flexibility and innovation.
My platform is simple. I am Osage and I believe in the Sovereignty, preservation, integrity and well being of my fellow Osages. I take this opportunity very seriously and if elected I will perform my duties responsibly and effectively.
I humbly ask for your vote and your confidence. Thank you and God bless the Osage Nation.
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.
