It is with humility and enthusiasm that I, Teresa Bates Rutherford, announce my candidacy for the 4th Osage Nation Congress.
I am the eldest daughter of Joe D. Bates and granddaughter of original allottee, Joseph Bates of the Kenny and Bates (Yellowhorse) families of Grayhorse. A descendant of Governor Joe and a member of the Eagle clan, I was named Eu-Pah-Shon-Kah-Me, U.PA.VO^.KA.MY. Having served as a Cook on the Grayhorse Committee I now maintain a camp in Grayhorse with my family for the annual I’n-Lon-Schka. Participation in our culture is the most significant way for me to preserve my connection to our Wah-Zha-Zhi way of life. A restricted landowner in Osage county, I reside in Ponca City, Oklahoma.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Sciences from the University of Central Oklahoma and have earned certificates in Continuing Professional Education Instruction at the National Intertribal Tax Alliance conferences.
My work experience includes fourteen years as a Computer Programmer/Analyst in the banking and oil industries and two years as a Blackjack and Poker dealer for a tribal casino. During the past ten years I have worked as a part time bookkeeper for two non-profit organizations. Appointed to the Osage Nation Tax Commission Board in 2009, I currently serve as the Assistant Chairman. A member of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas (UINOKT), Pah Sue Lee Club and a lifetime member of American Business Clubs.
With my experience on the Tax Commission Board I understand the need for better communication between all branches of our government and our people. Legislative process needs to be revised and fine-tuned so that all parties involved feel that they are working for the better of the whole and not against each other. I think it would help to have a 30 day comment period be required on legislation before it is filed. Communication is key to our success. Congress needs to better support and trust the management of our income producing businesses, the Casinos and Tax Commission. Both are successful and fully accountable businesses that should be supported and encouraged in their endeavors to be productive and grow. Because our future rests in the hands of our children, it is important to provide them with the tools they need for a successful education. We need to improve our scholarship programs and better assess the needs of our children to assist them in developing their skills and education to ensure successful futures. Honoring our culture, traditions and our elders is not only a privilege but is part of who we are as Osages. These things allow us to reach back and connect with our past which gives us a better sense of who we are as a Nation. Taking care of our elders is one of the most important things we can do to honor Osage life.
With your vote, I believe that together we can achieve a better future for all our Osage people.
[The Osage News does not edit candidate announcements.]
By
Osage News
Original Publish Date: 2014-06-02 00:00:00
