Osage Nation members added their signatures to the last beam to go up at the new Wahzhazhe Health Center in a “topping off” ceremony on May 16.
The last beam to go up on the new clinic will be for the next seven generations, Si-Si A-Pe-Txa Board Chair Cindra Shangreau observed in opening remarks. “It is for our grandchildren’s grandchildren.”
Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear reflected on the journey that led to the moment. “A lot of people have thought about going this far, but we could never get over the hump. Now we have this [Si-Si A-Pe-Txa] Board and [CEO] Mark Rogers, and Dr. Little and your whole team … [and] everything just came together,” he said.
The chief recalled obstacles spanning from a redesign for Covid safety, to supply chain issues and high interest rates. “But we’re still here doing this. This is definitely an act of God,” he said.
Assistant Chief RJ Walker said the Wahzhazhe Health Clinic CEO, Mark Rogers, was a “rock star, for being able ‘to do what he said he would.’”
At first, Walker said jokingly of Rogers, he wondered “Is this guy a used car salesman, or what?” But the WZZ Clinic CEO delivered, he said. Walker also remembered the late Dr. Shaw, who helped redesign the building after COVID necessitated rethinking their approach. “He was the brain and me the brawn,” said Walker.
“[Shaw] was in early design, too,” Si-Si A-Pe-Txa Board Vice Chairman Michael Bristow noted. The board is currently in discussions of ways to honor the late doctor, he said, and they have considered naming the super clinic after him, among other possibilities.
With tears, Congresswoman Paula Stabler said she was thrilled they would all be standing in front of a new clinic in just a few months, “fulfilling the dreams of our past families.”
Congresswoman Jodie Revard acknowledged Chief Standing Bear and his successful push for the super clinic. “This is because of your leadership,” she said.
Osage attendees, such as Juli Cote, signed the beam, chatted, and then headed back to work with a smile. Their names will top the new building, to provide care for generations. The new Wahzhazhe Health Center is set to be completed and open to the public in the fall of 2025.
