𐓵𐓘𐓧𐓣͘ 𐓵𐓘𐓲𐓣𐓬𐓟: It’s Good You’re All Here.
With the release of Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” tourists are en route to the Osage Reservation in increasing numbers, traveling with a sense of curiosity, and the possibility of personal encounters with the Osage.
The Osages most accessible to the public are Wahzhazhe staffers at the Visitor’s Center and the Osage Nation Museum, where a new etiquette guide released by the Nation recommends that visitors begin their journey.
Front desk workers at the Nation’s Museum have already witnessed increased interest from the public, and not all scenarios have been positive. According to one Osage employee, a tourist walked into the museum with a handful of dirt and announced they had taken it from Mollie Burkhart’s grave. That same employee also received a call at the front desk from someone asking to see Osage children. “Like an exhibition,” she said. She told them, “No.”
The Osage Nation’s visitation guide reinforces the museum’s boundary-setting, noting that schools and learning centers are off-limits unless visitors have obtained prior authorization to enter for planned educational purposes, or in the case organized programs are open to the public.

The guide expressly cautions visitors not to approach Osage cemeteries for any reason, also stating that visitors should not attempt to make offerings or memorialize graves. Additionally, language specifies visitors may not attempt to enter ceremonial dance grounds, unless they have received a formal invitation to an event—where photography and video of dances are prohibited, the guide notes. The tone is ultimately one of welcome, but with caution: “We wholeheartedly welcome all visitors …” it opens, and quickly adds, “… however, we kindly ask that you approach your visit with the utmost respect for our people, our sacred spaces, and cultural sites, as they hold profound significance within our community.”
Those arriving are directed to the Visitor Center’s temporary pop-up at the Wahzhazhe Cultural Center, a half-mile east of the permanent center, which is currently under construction. Visitor Center employee Chloe Shadlow has had positive experiences since the film’s release, and said, “for the most part, people have been curious.” Co-worker Rachel White nodded and said she agreed with Shadlow, and has not heard of any specific incidents of disrespect following the film. “There are always those entitled attitudes,” Shadlow said, and noted people sometimes come in and ask for someone to speak the language for them, or sing a song, but she hasn’t encountered any extreme tourist behaviors.
Both Osage women shared anticipation for the opening of the renewed Visitor’s Center, which will be four times larger than the previous space. “There will be more info for tourists, more cultural info, more historical info,” said Shadlow, who currently hands out the visitation guide and pamphlets by the Nation on trauma and healing to inquirers. Employees are hopeful that the renovated center will be open by Valentine’s Day in 2024, though Director Addie Hudgins said at the time of this article the center was not ready to comment on the official opening date.
Currently, the pop-up at the Cultural Center sells Osage-made goods and art, including prints by Yatika Starr Fields and Joe Don Brave, jewelry by Mary Jo Trumbly, Ponca Designs and others, and clothing by Dr. Jessica Moore Harjo’s brand Weomepe, as well as coffee by Ekowah, an Osage-owned coffee company. Ekowah Coffee will source beans for a drive-through at the renovated Visitors Center, which will offer espresso drinks as well as drip coffee. The menu and training program are currently in development.






In addition to the coffee shop and extensively expanded space, there will be an indoor sitting area, a back patio, and a hologram viewing space with proper lighting to ensure quality viewing of projections including Osage prayers, songs and the like. “We’re keen like that,” said Shadlow.
The Visitors Center is also the exclusive seller of the Osage-language children’s book, “The Coyote and the Bear,” and additional Osage-made goods for sale include WaPaka by Jen Tiger, Tallchief Designs by Dana Bear, Salt Creek Beadwork by Harleigh Moore-Wilson, Sweet Als by Allison Jones, 918 Stitches by John Bighorse, and work by Thomas Mercer, all of whom are local.
Ahead of the Visitors Center re-opening, both the museum and the pop-up are prioritizing appropriate information-sharing. Respectful questions about ancestral food, Osage art, and culture may result in direction to an excellent next stop in Pawhuska, such as Harvest Land, an Osage-owned art gallery, or perhaps—for Osages coming home—to a later appointment with the Wahzhazhe Cultural Center.
The Visitors Center Pop-Up, located at 220 W. Main Street, is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Museum, located at 819 Grandview, is open daily from Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To everyone who is coming for a visit: 𐓣𐓩𐓪͘𐓬𐓘𐓬𐓣; be careful.