The American Indian Science and Engineering Society hosted its Region 4 conference at Oklahoma State University April 5-6.
Events included a Mario Kart tournament and seminars from different speakers, including Talee Redcorn.
Redcorn is from the Pawhuska District and attended OSU for his masters degree in chemical engineering. He has previously worked for ConocoPhillips as a research and optimization engineer. Redcorn currently serves on the Osage Minerals Council and has experience in construction and in oil and gas.
Redcorn presented the seminar, “Future of a Sovereign Native Nation using Native talent and individuals, resources, culture and most of all, Native languages.” The seminar was attended by students and other participants.
He was asked to present at the AISES conference by Cara Cowan Watts, who has previously served on the Cherokee Tribal Council, and is currently president of the Oklahoma Professional Chapter of AISES.
“OSU AISES College Chapter President Mason Adams asked me for suggested speakers,” she said. “And I jumped at the chance to have Minerals Councilman Talee Redcorn come back to campus and share first-hand the need for STEM professionals throughout Indian Country to fight for our Tribal sovereignty and protect our natural resources.”
In his seminar, he shared information and photos about the history of the Osage Nation and culture, notable Osages, the Osage oil boom, as well as information over language preservation and development among the tribes.
He shared being cast in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” attending the awards shows within the last year and what it was like on set. Redcorn can also attach actor to his resume among his list of experiences.
“I learned a lot about movie making, I was never part of it before,” he said. “Scorsese captured that spirit of what Everett (Waller) does for our people.”
Redcorn talked about tribal sovereignty and the importance for tribes to have businesses. Through these businesses, each tribe is able to create its own economy for itself and its people.
“Sovereignty came with the tribes moving toward establishing or starting businesses and growing and life started opening up again,” he said. “I want to help accomplish that, and whatever I can do with the Osage to help bring them all home.”
In recent years, the Osage Nation has expanded business ventures to include employment in several areas through tribal departments, summer internships, youth employment programs, casinos and tobacco shops.
“We love to see more Osages come back and work for us,” Redcorn said. “Get them homes, get them good jobs.”
Lastly, Redcorn provided words of encouragement to help those struggling within a career path, as hard work eventually pays off.
“I’m an engineer,” he said. “I struggled all the way through my career, but I continued to work. I’ve lost jobs, I’ve had to get moved, but my heart was always in Pawhuska. I eventually got there.”
He also encouraged students who are pursuing higher education and obtaining degrees to keep reaching for their goals.
“I just want to encourage you to stick with it and believe in yourself,” he said. “You can make it happen for you. Don’t get me wrong, but sometimes you’re not feeling like it, but just keep trying.”
Trista Vaughn, a tribal member of the United Keetoowah Band and AISES digital engagement manager, attended Redcorn’s seminar and found his presentation inspiring.
“Talee Redcorn’s presentation on Osage History was a profound journey through time, enriched by his narratives and heartfelt connection to the subject,” Vaughn said. “As he shared his photos from KOTFM, it felt as though he invited us into his photo album, making history tangible and personal. Through his storytelling, Talee didn’t just educate; he enveloped us with warmth, leaving an indelible mark akin to that of a cherished uncle sharing his wisdom and heritage.”