The Osage Nation is conducting its first census of the Osage people as part of its efforts to obtain more accurate information to prioritize needs and concerns for future planning.
An online census survey is available to fill out and can take up to 30 minutes. The ON census link is at: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7167949/Osage-Nation-2023-Census
The 2023 ON Census survey period is open through July 31 with the Nation’s Self-Governance and Strategic Planning Department as its facilitator. Hard paper copies of the census are also available and can be requested by emailing the department at SGSP@osagenation-nsn.gov
In addition, the Nation will host three in-person community census meetings during the month of July in the cities of Pawhuska, Hominy and the Grayhorse Village.
“I am excited to be a part of the first Osage Nation census, a significant step for our sovereignty,” said Strategic Planning Analyst Susan Bayro in a statement. “This is an opportunity to provide a better future for our communities and future generations. The Osage Nation 2023 Census will provide Osage Nation leaders and programs with up-to-date information on Osage Nation household members to prioritize members’ needs and concerns in strategic planning, program design, and grant applications. Osage adults need to participate and have our voices heard.”
The 2023 census launch comes following its development in accordance with the 2022 enacted law establishing the Nation’s census. The Seventh ON Congress unanimously passed ONCA 22-30 (sponsored by now-Congressional Speaker Alice Goodfox) in April 2022 establishing that the Nation “shall conduct a census once every five years starting in 2023, which shall be administered through the Executive Branch.”
As an incentive for filling out the census, the first 1,500 Osage members who fully complete the survey will receive a $100 gift card. All participants will also be entered into a drawing to receive limited-edition Pendleton blankets, according to a news release.
Bayro met with the Congressional Government Operations Committee during the 2023 Hun-Kah Session and noted the census would be requesting household information including the number of adults and children living in the home aside from questions mandated in the census law. Bayro said she also contacted the Nation’s Grants Department “to see what kind of information they needed for when they apply for grants then I went to each of the secretaries and asked them and then I went to all of the directors and asked them specifically what information do they need for their reporting, what they want to see because my goal is for this … to be something that the departments can use so they can improve their outreach for assistance that people need and they can base it off the data that we gather based off the census.”
ONCA 22-30 asks those who fill out the census for information including: number of Osages living in household; education levels and employment statuses of each adult; net household income; own or rent current residence; military or veteran status of each adult; whether any person receives disability benefits from state or federal government; do you have private health insurance, utilize Indian Health Services or both; and the number of people in household who suffer with chronic illnesses. The law also allows the census to include other questions determined relevant by the Executive Branch.
Congresswoman Jodie Revard said the census goal is for the Nation to receive “good information” and thanked Goodfox for sponsoring the bill, which Revard also co-sponsored. “All of our bills are important, but this one is so dear to me because it makes sense and it lets our people have the opportunity to talk about their households and it will help us make better decisions” with regards to future legislation, budgeting and following the Nation’s strategic plan, she said.
The release states Osages across the globe are strongly encouraged to participate in providing an accurate and complete census. The more ON members counted will result in a more holistic census to benefit all tribal members. Participants must be at least 18 years old and registered members of the Osage Nation.
Community Census Meetings scheduled
The Nation is hosting three community meetings for the census survey with Osages invited to participate. Dinner will be provided by Ah Tha Tse Catering. All attendees will be entered to win a drawing for a limited-edition Pendleton blanket. Electronic devices and paper copies will be available to fill out a survey.
- Pawhuska: Monday, July 10, 2023, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dave Landrum Community Center, 520 Lynn Ave.
- Hominy: Monday, July 17, 2023, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Hominy Community Center, 610 S. Wood Ave.
- Grayhorse Village: Monday, July 24, 2023, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Grayhorse Community Center.
