By Pam Shaw
Fellow Members of the Osage Nation, Ha.We and thank you for giving me the opportunity to address you. I am running for reelection and a seat on the Osage Congress. I am proud of this great Nation and understand fully the responsibility that comes along with being elected to serve our people.
Serving the Osage people has been the most awarding position I have held and I do not take it for granted. I promised you that I would not hold another job while serving and I have not. If reelected, I will continue to make this position my priority. Our people deserve Congress members who are involved not only as a member of Congress but by being there—in the office, at ribbon cuttings/grand openings, maintaining a solid attendance record, supporting our Boards by attending Board meetings whenever possible, by attending intertribal events/trainings, by representing the Osage Nation Congress at NCAI, and even showing up at the State Capital for an important vote. It is important that our Nation is represented—they need to see us and know we are paying attention to the issues that impact all Tribal Nations.
My first term has included two years as Second Speaker. Working directly with our amazing staff and witness a new team come together and carry out their duties in the best way has been rewarding. Serving as Second Speaker has also allowed me to chair the Congressional Affairs Committee.
I have intentionally served on many committees including Appropriations and Government Operations where most of our legislation lands. The real work happens in Committee, and I am proud to be a part of this work.
In my 15 years in Tribal Gaming, I have had led Marketing and Guest Service efforts, serve as GM, lead as COO, and finally, CEO of a gaming enterprise. I understand first-hand the challenges and intricacies of the major source of revenue for the Osage Nation.
Prior to serving Tribes through my work in gaming, I spent 17 years in the corporate world where I learned to be a good employee, set, and achieve goals, and function in a very structured environment. I hold a bachelor’s in business from the St. Gregory’s University which I completed while raising three busy sons while and working in a very demanding profession.
I am a descendent of Wilson Kirk, a resident of Fairfax, and the Grayhorse District. I have been married to John Shaw for almost 35 years and together we have raised three strong Osage men—Derek, Burgess, and Kirk. I have three beautiful grandchildren: Lilly who is now six, Wilson Kirk who is two, and Garrett who turned 4 in March. I have the best in-laws and was raised to be a strong and productive woman. I am culturally grounded and enjoy cooking, sewing, and preparing for the dances.
I humbly ask you to reelect Pam Shaw for Osage Nation Congress and allow me the honor of continuing to serve 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 2024 Osage Nation Congressional Election.
