Congratulations to Osage Nation Police Department Officer Patrick Luey on receiving the 2024 Grand Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award! Officer Luey was recognized by Grand Mental Health for his dedication to the Improvement of Mental Health Services to the Community.
Officer Luey trains police officers on Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), which is a 40 hour class that teaches law enforcement how to respond, de-escalate, and try to get people the help they need, “because jail is not the only answer … even if it’s a drug-induced illness, they still need help.”
📣 Happening now! The Holiday Market is taking place at the Osage County Fairgrounds in Pawhuska until 3 p.m. Items are going fast so don’t delay and get something special for your loved ones this holiday season! 🎄 🎁
#nativeamericanmade #osagenation
Osage Nation graduates seven with groundbreaking PathFinder program
Congratulations! Amory Miller, Bryton Crabtree, Cole Cordrey, Koa Smith, Isaac Long, Ian Long and Ivan Long are the first to graduate with Private Pilot certifications from the Osage Nation’s groundbreaking Pathfinder Development Program.
Now taking applications for its second year, the PathFinder program helps participants gain technical proficiency in applying STEM in aerospace and receive all their FAA certifications to fly and instruct in unmanned and manned aircraft commercially.
Osage Nation partners with aerospace industry leaders Riverside Flight Center and WindShape to meet the high demand for STEM-related careers through their partnership in Osage Nation's SkyWay 36 located on the Osage Nation Reservation.
The Osage Nation recruitment strategy is structured to identify and select candidates who demonstrate genuine interest in aviation and STEM. This strategy is part of a comprehensive action plan, spearheaded by dedicated Osage Nation members and industry experts, that will guide the PathFinders from recruitment to an immersive learning experience and eventual aerospace industry readiness. The plan ensures that every Pathfinder has the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the aerospace industry.
For more information about the PathFinders program, how to apply, and other Osage Nation initiatives, please contact [email protected].
Pawhuska WELA Ribbon Cutting
The Osage Nation celebrated the opening of the Wahzhahze Early Learning Academy (WELA) in Pawhuska this morning. The building is beautiful, with Osage orthography and designs incorporated throughout. The $7.9 million building was made possible through federal grants, and five pieces of legislation from the ON Congress, which included ARPA funding.
The new building is 18,752 square feet and includes eight classrooms, outdoor creative spaces, a kitchen, two indoor gross motor skills classrooms, a teacher training room, and office space for WELA administration and Pawhuska WELA staff
Multiple ON departments worked on the endeavor, including the grants staff, Roads Department, Historic Preservation, Information Technology, and the Osage language and culture departments.
Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear made remarks at the ribbon cutting, as did WELA Director Tara McKinney, Secretary of Social Services Teresa Bledsoe, ON Congressional Speaker Pam Shaw and Director of Childcare and Development Jennifer Holding.
#osagenation #TribalSovereignty #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #NativeYouth
Free Press Isn't Free
The Oklahoma Media Center (OMC), in collaboration with Oklahoma musician Mike Hosty, produced a fun, “Schoolhouse Rock!”-inspired animated video titled “Free Press Isn’t Free” to bolster trust and support for local newsrooms.
Once a vibrant news landscape, the remaining news organizations covering the diverse communities and issues affecting Osage County are the Pawhuska Journal-Capital, The Fairfax Chief and the Osage News. While we at the Osage News provide valuable coverage, our primary focus is on matters related to the Osage Nation.
The Hominy News-Progress will print its last edition on Dec. 18, 2024. A legacy of over 100 years of telling the stories of the people of Hominy will end. When you support your local news, you empower your community and foster a more engaged, knowledgeable and resilient citizenry.
Osage News, an OMC member, is also participating in the campaign. We urge you to subscribe, donate, or advertise in the Pawhuska Journal-Capital, The Fairfax Chief, and the Osage News. Don’t let Osage County become a news desert! Support your local news.
#SupportLocalNews #StayInformed #CommunityMatters #LocalVoices #TrustLocal #NewsThatMatters #LocalNewsMatters
2024 National Indian Taco Championship Winners announcement
2024 Osage Nation General Election Results
Barnsdall Mayor Johnny Kelley gave a press briefing outside the Barnsdall High School gymnasium at 9:30 a.m. and said about 30-40 homes have been destroyed. One death has been reported, and two individuals are still unaccounted for. Out of respect for their families he declined to give any details.
State, local, and county police, firefighters and first responders are in Barnsdall about to begin a secondary search. State Police are not allowing anyone in the area while they conduct the second search. Another press briefing will be held at noon.
Local officials are still determining the best place for a central command for volunteers and donations. Mayor Kelley has not yet heard from Gov. Stitt but he will soon, he said.
The devastating tornado hit the south side of Barnsdall and completely leveled homes. The tornado was classified as an E4 with 166 to 200 mph winds.
The Osage News has inquired about two known Osages who live in the area affected, Pawhuska District elder John Henry Mashunkashey and Bart Perrier, and according to reports from family, both men and their families are safe but their homes have been destroyed. Osage Nation employees have been arriving all morning and are on the scene volunteering, as well as Osage Nation Emergency Management (ONEM) and ON Wildland Fire (ONWF).
According to Congresswoman Jodie Revard, who is Mashunkashey’s niece, ONEM director Bobby Tallchief, ONWF director Ross Walker and ON Police Chief Nick Williams rushed to their aid and stayed on the scene until 4 a.m.
Osage Tribal Princess Sorority: Men’s Fancy
