Osage Congress repeals ONCA 16-100, passes appropriation bills in special session.
Proud of you Alice Buffalohead. It is not up to a disgruntled employee to instruct our Government otherwise. Or to insist she is entitled. Thank you for trying to save a buck or two..keep it up Girl.
YES! Build a Hotel or a Motel on the Osage Campus! DO THIS! http://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/01/20/casino-officials-discuss-possible-hotel-pawhuska-due-pioneer-woman-traffic/
This is good news for the well connected Osages to make a $50,000 salary as a bell hop and $150,000 to run the hotel and launder the revenue. The Osage politicians and their families are gonna make millions!
I love your reply! Sorry. I got so excited I forgot about what things are really like on the ground. You're right. More Like $250,000 to run the hotel... I stand corrected. Thank you!
Tell them to invest in a well controlled and managed hotel or motel franchise with no wiggle room for the Osages to screw up big time like they always do.
The contractual obligations for a franchise are too restrictive for any Osage company to comply with. They'd be stripped of their franchise before the first year was up.
The Tallgrass companies are just fronts which take contracts and pass the work on to the real companies with the expertise and employees to do the work. ONES is an "oil and gas" company that seems to only know how to buy real estate and lease it back to the ON. The existing business models won't work for a hotel or motel owned and operated by the Osage.
At some point, the Osages are going to have to learn how to operate in a disciplined, restrictive and professional manner. Until they do, their businesses will come to nothing. This is exactly why compacting the Osage Mineral Estate is out of the question.
Yes. Wow! And it starts right here... A $65,000 a year salary ($5,416.66 a month) for four days work for the Osage people as our Congressional representatives in January? https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/who-we-are/congress-legislative-branch/calendar
Ah, less Government is more. But by the looks of in terms of what they are making $169 and some change a hr. Wow thats equivalent to 27,040 a month, a year 324,480. Over paid is a understatement. And how is Congress working for the Osage People? And how many Osage live in Osage County and how many in Congress are Headright owners, probably all of them. Per-diams, Health ins. 401k.
I have always seen the Casino money as the official's play money. They even had a $20,000.00 cell phone bills for everyone working for the ON in Redeagle's and Gray's Administration. As for the salaries soared is when J RedEagle's Admin hired a retired PPCO lady that calculated salaries for different positions. Not taking in consideration such a small populated sovereign nation tribe with such little work to do compared to the US government and profitable income. (One Congressman for every 700,000 US citizen in the US) ON has 12 for how many Osages? I heard scaling down the ON government during the campaigns. Also a Constitutional Convention mentioned. Instead I have seen nothing but the ON government growing with more positions and boards, plus soaring salaries even more so. Then you see the way over spending on trips etc... It is the ON's play monies and the members get a trickle down health card and burial. Education for everyone is a given young and old. So much more money could have been invested in successful businesses than has been said was available. Some good but interestingly a lot of bad. Give up Elders your not getting anymore help than that unless you live Osage County and maybe a little more...large salaries must be coverage and those merit raises that are mostly undeserved because they are all passed with an A. Play money it is...profits from the Casinos and tax monies...
Yes. They all get their merit bonuses despite not taking phone calls during regular business hours and not returning them in a timely manner. I often have wondered if they even know how to do the jobs they've been hired to do or for that matter, are even properly trained to do the job they are tasked with. Like that one employee who had all those personal Trusts for the individual Shareholders stuffed in the back of one of the drawers of her desk. This was discovered after she was fired for running out on a drug test. What a mess that was but it proves the point. There are no tests for aptitude or ability to handle the job description anymore. Used to be if you wanted to work for the Osage government, you had to be able pass a test as a determination of whether or not you could do the job properly. Now they view such testing as a kind of discrimination. I think they should bring it back to find out if a potential employee can even manage to do the job they are tasked to do. Spot drug testing needs to take place too because this one fired employee is very likely just the tip of the iceberg on that issue.
I like the excuse of how the left hand passes off the excuse to the right hand to no accountability in these offices. As an exmple as to, oh we did not know, to the other person is not in the office, to be exact,incompetence clearly showing its colors.
The current list: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/17/2017-00912/indian-entities-recognized-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of-indian
.....'Used to be if you wanted to work for the Osage government, you had to be able pass a test as a determination of whether or not you could do the job properly....
Actually, all that's necessary to for the Nation is to be related to the decision makers and have a particular last name. If you have "the name" then you cam easily make $50,000 minimum with no formal education or training. Don't forget all the bonuses and raises they seem to get every four months. If you're well connected you can make $1000,000 plus.
The Nation is merely a gravy train for the special ones. The next time you go to the offices or even the clinic, take a look around note who is who. You are guaranteed that the people observing are making anywhere between $60,000 to $100,000.
These salaries, bonuses, and continuous raises coupled with reckless spending and general theft is why we will never see a per cap. The Osage Nation is not of the people but rather it is a revenue laundering scheme to control the casino revenue. The Osage Nation government owns the casinos. The Osage people own nothing.
Do you people understand? A political was coup executed in 2006 to wrestle away the sovereign right of the Osage Tribe and and create a new class of politically violent people to control the purse strings. The Osage Nation is a de facto government run by those who seek to ride the gravy train. The Nation has no interest in history, culture, and the overall welfare of the People.
When the US economy slows down and the casinos lose revenue, the Nation will close every program except or its internal operations. The Nation wants to wrestle the mineral rights for their own gain and as crutch when other capital venture fails. If the Nation controls the ME, only the Nation will benefit. The shareholders will lose there legally owned property and mineral estate and the Osage people at large will in no way benefit..
The people who will benefit if the Nation runs the ME are the ones who control the money flow from the ME.- that is the new political class of Osages and their families. Instead of the ME revenue going to its rightful owners, the revenue will go to those responsible for the political coup in 2006. The Nation is the school yard bully stealing other kid's lunch money just because it's fun to beat other people up.
I wonder how many Osage Nation government crooks are reading this sentence?
One of the new positions being advertised at the Nation is for a Minerals Coordinator. Looks like Chief Drinks A Lot is going to take the mineral estate without the consent of the Minerals Council. He took the realty from the BIA without consent of the Osage Congress. He does lots of things without the consent of Congress. Like buying that building in Skiatook. Haven't heard of this? Congress has filed suit against our Dictator, and you haven't heard about it because his chunky lap dog, Shannon Shaw (Editor of the Osage News) WILL NOT PUBLISH any article that may be perceived as negative toward said dictator. Shannon I'm really ashamed of how you have blatantly tried to cover up for this Chief by not publishing articles that could cast a bad light on Geoff. I realize he is your relative, but geez. Do your job. All you folks in California, when you have your next meeting, ask GSB about using salaries for purchase of a building in Skiatook. And why the deed isn't filed at the courthouse?
Because it's been configured as a five year lease purchase agreement. The complaint is known as Knowlin/Hilton and was filed by the Congress in Osage Nation Tribal Court against the Knowlins and their attorney Brad Hilton. It looks like the Chief tried to slide this one under the radar and got caught.
Congress you have taken a oath to protect the Osage and their assets to be for profit not to be squandered on projects that does not benefit. Time for our Fake News editor be replaced or we develop a real newspaper that will report what the people deserve to know, not on a know to know basis, when the newspaper does this they lose all credibility. There is more to then just feel good stories. Congress time to rplace our Chief and seriously we need to look at violations of ethics against the Chief and remove him from Office. The Osage Tribe is tired of this dictator who said he was for the people has proven to be false. The Tribe remember the Osage people if not we will ellect a Chief that will be an outsider who will protect the interest of the Greater and Little Osage.
5th Special Session of Congress due to begin any minute: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/news-events/events/5th-osage-nation-congress-5th-special-session
Commerce Committee Meeting is live now https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/multimedia/live-media Talking about a Motion for a Public Meeting for a Hearing on the Bluestem Ranch situation in Greyhorse. GREAT IDEA!
The the heck is a Minerals Director and why do we need one?
This is just another scam for the Osage government to influence, control, and harass the Mineral Council into giving up the minerals estate authority to th. government. Of course this will be a $150,000 salary run by some congress persons relative or hand picked by the Chief .
But the the job advertisement states : The Director of the Osage Minerals Office will provide technical and managerial assistance to the Osage Minerals Council to effectively development the Osage Mineral Estate for the benefit of the Osage Headright holders....
The Osage Nation has done nothing whatsoever for the benefit of the shareholders. In fact it was Pipstem who argued that the to the courts the the HPP monies should be awarded to the "Osage Nation" rather than the proper shareholders.
The term "Osage Headright holder" seems suspicious. Is this in reference to the 1906 Act as per federal law defined "Shareholer" or even Headright owner"?
If the Osage government is allowed o control the minerals state will it be allowed to define "Osage Headright holder." In other words Chief Gray and company redefined "Osage Tribe" to Osage Nation" and has stolen everything it could lay it's hand on. The minerals estate is the grand prize and it's been the target and goal since day one of this new government.
In the same vein, the Osage government can redefine the term Osage Headright holder.to mean anything other then what the 1906 Act dictates and determine who is a Osage Headright holder. Who will be the Osage Headright holders? The Osage Government itself, the political members, or whomever the Chief and or congress dictates?
Remember that Chief Gray's first action in office? He took one million dollars from the ME account, split the money with members of the Osage congress members as hush money and then played in France for a while. That was the precedent for all other Osage Chiefs to follow. How much casino money is being laundered and stolen must be staggering. Imagine the theft and corruption if the Osage Nation runs the minerals estate.
First action was to offer a million bucks to the Minerals Council as a "gift." Folks had a fit and he backed off. Later, he got an invitation from the French group in Montauban to come and visit. There were two people invited on the nickel of the French and he was such big stuff, he tried to take the whole of the Congress with him on the dime of the Osage people. Again, a huge stink was raised and the members of Congress pulled out with the exception of just one as I recall. Out of spite, Gray took an entire retinue with him of "chosen" Osages that numbered in total about 40. This was reported to have cost the Osage People about $40,000 but I'm sure once the figures were all in, that number is probably very low. That guy was a real creep. Imagine doing things like that with government resources.
Having so much money at your disposal brings out the greed and evil plots for more. When I seen the Osage News article of those chosen Osages in France, the first thought I had was that it was so wrong the Chief could do whatever he wanted with the money he had access to.
The only way the Osage people, shareholders and non-shareholders (we are as "One" as a Nation), to get a handle on this illegal use and theft of money that is meant for the benefit of "all" is to legally put some stringent regulations in our Constitution. Audits, Audits, Audits, maybe bi-annually, to be done of all the budgets. There's absolutely no transparency, if there was, then, we would know about it sooner rather than after the fact (maybe years later).
Nearly all the tribes in history was forced to leave their home territory because the settlers were pouring in and wanted the Indians "out of the way" so they could claim/purchase/steal our precious, fruitful lands. Lost of generations, lost of cultural identity, lost of our native language. Many tribes are trying to revive (language) for future generations. Forced in boarding schools, denied to speak our native tongue, forced to wear settler's clothing, cutting our hair, beaten. Tried to make us farmers. As early as the 60's the BIA was still trying put Indians in the cities to disperse tribes with promises of education and training and living expenses, many got lost in the bureaucracy.
To date, we are still at the mercy to continue as a tribe, oops, mean Nation, of the BIA, a small group of federal bureaucrats discussing our rights and fate sitting on nice furniture, drinking coffee. Even though Bush, Jr. signed the white man's paper to give us sovereignty we are still dependent on the Federal's support. Could we continue as a Nation if all our current support by the government is really terminated. We have no land, no land title. Even those with still fractionated land is under government rule.
Indians are given (as in "allowed") SOVEREIGNTY in hope they can make it on their own (to get out of the BIAs hair). The members of the Nation (all, shareholders and non-shareholders) voted for "CHANGE" but unknowning what was coming (inter-tribal greed, theft, dishonesty, lawsuits, impeachment). If things don't work, then "change" it. Stop the insanity.
The case of the Osage LLC is now federal, it looks like the charges are going to stick. Some of our "own" doing federal prison time might make some others who is "overcomed" with greed may think about it seriously before dipping in the pot of money to pay for simple bills, not worth the cost.
As with Pres. Obama, now Trump, a new president or a new Chief is not the solution. Put a giant wall around our budgets with legal terminology to stand in a court.
Fake facts! Sorry -- here's the real story: France Facts 20 Travelers • 12 paid by the Nation • 1 paid by ON Congress • 2 paid by the French Occitan’s • 5 traveled on their own Cost to the Nation: $4,536.69 per person (don't know how many this refers to -- 12 or 14 or what)
"We have no land, no land title. Even those with still fractionated land is under government rule." You have no land title because the land was taken into trust. If it is taken out of trust, who will it be back in the name of? The Osage Tribe is the point of beginning where it started from but where does it go to before that happens? The Osage Nation has no imprimatur or anything else from the U.S. Congress. You better get them to agree in writing that the land in trust belongs to the Osage Nation when it comes back out of trust if that's what the Feds decide to do.
I see this a little differently than you do but not so far apart. Wouldn't the path, because after all the 1906 Act is in perpetuity and yes is in Trust. Ours unique how this was designed in the first place. I see a possible purge and the BIA could be eliminated and cut out the red tape sd orta speak and come up with a better deal with all Tribes by reducing redundancies and allowing the Tribes to developing better efficiencies to establish a stronger Organization by letting them create a better infrastructure for their tribe. If this were to happen we better be prepared. The trust will remain in the hands of the U.S Congress.
Having something in trust with the Bureau managing and administrating, in the case of the Osage government, is not a permanent situation. The U.S. Congress can pull out unilaterally at any time now or in the future (per the 1978 Act to amend the 1938 Act that amended the 1906 Allotment Act). If they do, and this is the U.S. Congress that holds the power to do so, they are empowered to transfer that trust obligation to the States to manage and administrate the affairs of the Native American Tribal peoples in the USA from what I am able to gather from the Alaska article. That's why this Alaskan article brings up so many issues as to our individual situation that is unique because, like any other purchaser, regardless of our nationality, we purchased the land specified as a reservation and we have a deed to the property to prove it. It's a trust deed as per the terms and conditions of the text of it which takes the entirely of the land into trust by the USA. When the 1906 Allotment Act was signed into law, it reserved the mineral rights to the Osage Tribe but it did not take those rights out of trust. It left them there which is how we were able to claim an underground Tribal Reservation. I believe the lower Federal court erred when it claimed that the Osage Reservation was disestablished because the mineral rights are still tied to the land and the land in question was purchased as a Reservation for the Osage Tribe of Indians and is still in trust with the Federal government. It's a real estate purchase and therefore, a real estate matter. As an example: My question is, how can a Federal Court disestablish our Tribal Reservation status under such circumstances? Wouldn’t this be like a lower Federal Court disestablishing the U.S. Supreme Court Building and property on which it is built, then arbitrarily calling it a District of Columbia Court House? I also believe that the 10th District Court shouldn't have upheld this decision because the Judge in Tulsa went too far because he went well beyond the scope of the subject matter of the case itself.
The question is, what will happen to the property in trust, and the campus in Pawhuska is also tied to the original deed for the purchase of the Osage Reservation, if and when the U.S. Congress takes the reservation land and the mineral rights tied to it out of trust? If it is brought out of trust it has to go back to the original owner. The original owner is the Osage Tribe not the Osage Nation and no proper legal transfer of property and other assets of the Osage Tribe now in trust has ever taken place within the ten year period since the Osage Nation government came into being. The original owner per the deed is the Osage Tribe of Indians and one of two things needs to happen. Either the U.S. Congress transfers the property including the mineral rights out of trust and places them in the name of the Osage Nation or the Osage Nation must go into Federal Court beforehand to bring a quiet title action to transfer the property and the mineral rights now in trust from the Osage Tribe and into the name of the Osage Nation to establish that it is the true legal survivor.
The land will belong to the Osage Nation government. The Osage People will own nothing. The Nation is at risk, not the people. The Nation will never, ever do anything for the benefit of the People concerning any property or land. The Nation is an all consuming bureaucracy for the sake of it's own self interest. The Nations wants to divorce itself from the feds so it can claim sovereignty in all manner of laws, ethics, business matters, and governance. The Nation is the Nation , The Osage People are the people. They are two separate entities. The People are "members" of the Nation by virtue of Chief Gray's signature. The "membership" can be revoked and the person is no longer considered Osage despite being born Osage. The bureaucrats who control and work for the Nation are the ones who should worry. The People have nothing to gain or nothing to lose if the Nation succeeds or fails. Propaganda and fear mongering is the only tool the Nation has at it's disposal to convince the People the that Nation must survive or everyone will suffer. The Nation will fail, the People will live on.
Again...if you are replying to a comment, please click on the reply link at the end of last post and a text box will come up for you to type in and when finished, click on the publish button.
SPOTLIGHT: Osage Nation seeks volunteers for app user development https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/news-events/news/osage-nation-seeks-volunteers-app-user-development
WTH?!? How will something like this effect our oil and gas leases? Leaked Memo Silences Department of Interior https://www.thewildlifenews.com/2017/01/24/leaked-memo-silences-department-of-interior/#comments How insane is this? Will the Superintendent even be able to attend the MC Meetings without the approval of Trump people at the very top and I mean the Chief of Staff? Isn't that currently Reince Priebus? What about any other Osage Nation business with the U.S. Congress that involves Tribal matters that would normally go through the Bureau? Drawdowns for the Minerals Council? You think the U.S. government was slow before, just imagine how long it will take for all this correspondence to be answered at the highest level. Hitler would do something like this and I'm really not kidding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgzZNqZ6ao4
Does this action, in the main, seek to separate the Tribal Nations from the U.S. Congress, the Branch of government that holds the Plenary Power as far as they are concerned or is it to simply stop the overweening regulatory processes now in place or in the future from going forward that may be damaging to the business community at this point in time. I can see the EPA but it makes me very uncomfortable that the DOI is on lockdown because you have a Trust relationship with the Tribal Nations that could be seriously harmed if it isn't unfettered in terms of open communication between the Bureau, the U.S. Congress and the Tribal Nations. Nothing should ever stand in the way of open communication between the BIA on behalf of the Tribes and the U.S. Congress. I don't believe that this silencing of our Trustee, the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, and the BIA should be happening for this reason alone.
Trumps orders are worrying both the democrats and republicans and now citizens all over the U.S. Seems he doesn't discuss the possible circumstances with his advisors about his orders, he's out of control. As far as I know there's no appointees confirmed for the Interior yet?
Don't know either. He cannot separate the Federal government Branches from the Domestic Dependent Nations for which it is responsible under a fiduciary obligation. This is well beyond pale and the Indian Committees of the U.S. Congress need to be notified with an active request to run to Federal Court to get an injunction against such an order by the President. Ryan Zinke has been tapped but not yet confirmed.
Congress alone holds no "plenary power" over the Indian nations. It is only the branch of government that originates the bills which become law. It is the Executive Branch, under the POTUS, that has day-to-day control once a law is enacted. While the courts may decide otherwise, the SCOTUS has held that all three branches of government are equal - and it is under this theory that Obama refused to comply with decisions of the court.
It is almost impossible to get rid of the BIA in our case..and maybe not. But to understand why the BIA is necessary you have to understand politics. Basically the regulations have stymied the growth of the estate thru erroneous policies. Our interest should always be first not the other way around. Over reach of Authority. Why do you think all these law suits that are filed because the BIA is doing the best it can? Lol. Then the excuse is one after another sorta speak..there should be no delay whats so ever with the development of our Estate the M.E. but there is. To the detriment of the Estate we will always be on the winning end of the many Court battles we will find ourselves in once again because the hands are tide, no there not. We may not want to rid the BIA completely, but we can streamline the process where we can eliminate the the redundancies by exactly what the BIA promised to do over 4 years ago. And we are no where where we should be at in this progress to build our future. We want foot to mouth action and the only way to that is build a Petroleum ofice where we can pick up in those areas of in efficiencies and deficiencies by reducing redundancies and building a better infrastructure for the M.E. Right now we are still flat lining. Since 2014 since the BIA tried to pass the this bogus EIS on us it is proven fact that we lost out in huge revenue that quarter and then on. So who's going to recoup the $100,000 that My family and the producers who have lost a great deal as well. So in order to be successful you need to have your feet running at the Table and all we seem to be doing is the same thing over again and again running to court as opposed to doing something about it. The meaning of insanity. Get out of that by gone era of doing things have not worked well for our M.E. In fact if you go back and study our History it's exactly what we are doing. We should be coming together the Great Osage and little Osage. The truth of the crux is there is no competition because the smaller interest is being protected as opposed to the greater interest of development of the Estate. And how these contract were set up as, the fact that there could be some impropriety that exists as well. This is just a summary to poster @ 9:15 PM. The distrust stems far and if you do your research which is there for everyone to see you would understand why the distrust exists.
Let's clear this falsehood up that you've put out there right now and right quick: "Plenary Power Doctrine. Congress, and not the Executive Branch, has ultimate authority with regard to matters affecting the Indian tribes. Federal courts give greater deference to Congress on Indian matters than on other subjects." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribal_sovereignty_in_the_United_States The U.S. Congress does have the Plenary Power over the Tribes and that's that! In addition, the 1978 Act to Amend the 1906 Allotment Act states in writing: "The lands, moneys, and other properties now or hereafter held in trust or under the supervision of the United States for the Osage Tribe of Indians, the members thereof, or their heirs and assigns, shall continue subject to such TRUSTS (Plural) and supervision until January 1, 1984 and thereafter until otherwise provided by Congress." It's the U.S. Congress that has the right to make such changes to the law because they are the law makers and the 1906 Act as amended (including all amendments is the LAW). The Executive Branch executes the law that's why it's called the Executive Branch. In other words, it carries out the law of the land as per what the lawmakers or the Congress have passed into law.
The Executive Branch is SUPPOSED to carry out the law of the land, as written, but there are countless examples where this has not been the case. This is the difference between the theory of the law and the actual practice by government.
The Obama Administration was certainly not one to let the law stand in its way. Obama disregarded federal statutes and used the powers of a dictator to enforce his will. It is entirely possible that Trump will do the same.
ref. Jan 30 at 12:01 pm - Obama got his way the sneaky way right in front of the people of America. Pelosi held up the Obamacare bill in a news conference on CNN in front of the world and said "you have to pass the bill to see what's in this." What did Congress do? Obama issued out copies in such a short time to read/review it prior to vote time -- and most likely that was the original plan. I had read somewhere in the news media when it was going on that those reports were split up in large "sections" and read separately in order to get an idea what it was all about. Trump and Obama are driven by their self-high ego opinion of themselves over those under him.
Trump is revengeful, I believe his power over the Congress is a lot stronger than we can see (and same with Obama), if your sitting fine in your career stature and doing great financially for your retirement and family affairs, then Why Rock the Boat?
ref Jan 30 at 10:39 am - "...and thereafter until otherwise provided by Congress."
Whatever the changes the Osage Nation and ME is forthcoming when Trump takes his attention to our agenda, our fate in the end result will come from Congress--let's pray, we're past hope, that any "influence" from the new administration will result in our advancement in prosperity because Congress "can" "change" the Law.
By the way, I don't see on the media (TV) any mention of the closing of the Interior, or EPA, it's all about the immigration order. We're suffering in silence again.
If the BIA is removed from Osage affairs concerning the minerals estate, then does the Osage government control the minerals estate? If so what prevents the Osage government from simply confiscating the revenue for it's own purposes? Pipestem argued in federal court that the "former" Osage Tribe now the Osage "Nation" was the rightfull recipiant of the HPP monies - not the shareholders. I'm certain this mentality is still prevalent today among the executives of the Osage government. The government would either tax the ME to death and/or charge servive so outrageous that the shareholders would eventually receive nothing. At least with the BIA we can go to court. But the Osage government cannot bd taken to court. If the Osage government officialy runs the ME and controls the revenue, what rights, if any, or even what remediation will the shareholders have. The Osage government has had its eye on the ME since day one.
I agree with the poster on January 30, 2017 at 11:34 AM. What protections will the Shareholders have if you are so strong in your belief that this will not happen.
To poster at 12:29 If you cant answer or are unwilling to answer then why post at all? These are serious and honest questions. Answer the question or go home.
Well then keep posting the hard legal answers. Not opinions or ancetodal summaries. Im sure there are new people here who want answer. Trite responses mean nothing. If the ME is so important then it seems me to people would glady provide answers. Not everyone is a research specialists.
Yep its hopping with answers I see. Listen most of us Osage know the story if you come any lineage would understand our culture and would have carnal knowledge of our deep politics. I do and it didn't take coming to this site. Just sayin.
Lets stop with the "I'm more Osage than you" nonsense. Yeah, it's great to talk about lineage and culture. I'm sure a federal judge would get a kick out of who makes the best meatpies. We're talking about serious legal matters and I have yet to see anyone with a solid plan to rightfully defend the M.E. Everyone complains but no one acts.
Too many Osages are sucking the Osage goverment teet with those sky high paychecks. People are affraid of rocking the boat so all that's left of the "Mighty Osages" are a bunch of sheep living off of casino revenue. The Osages have embarrassed themselves. We can't agree on anything much less get along. Its all about who is more important than who anymore. So yeah, lets talk abot culture and go on and on and about who was their grandfather Chief Bigum Ego or who has the best spot at the dances. The passive agressiveness of today's Osage is appaling. But then again my grandma said the same thing about her generation. Nothing new under the sun.
What's going on with the Osage News online? The photos up there are six months or more old. A new article hasn't been put up since the end of Jan. other than the obits, which I assume, have been submitted by the families. Are they asleep at the Computer? Lot of stuff going on right now that needs to be reported on. A hearing by the Congress on the Bluestem Ranch and reports of the Chief and the MC Chairman going to Washington, D.C. that not all of the MC members knew about...
They won't print anything that remotely makes GSB look bad, or inform the public of his shenanigans. Johnny was impeached for much less than what this bozo has done in less than two years.
Heard GSB asked for the removal of the Superintendent. Things don't work that way anymore. The powers that be promptly told the Supt. what GSB asked. Good luck getting anything out of the Agency now.
FGS! If she doesn't know that she's unwanted by now she'd have to be a dunce. At the meeting with Mike Black that they had some time ago, there was a question asked out loud along the lines of whether she could be fired and replaced. I recall that it took him aback. He sort of gulped after he heard the question if I remember the moment correctly.
GSB has complained on Facebook that the Osage News is bias so there you are. I don't care what they are one way or the other as long as they publish real news of the events and issues that have an effect or could have and effect on all of us. I want them to report on what is going on and do some in-depth reporting through these very turbulent times. "Woodstein" would have salivated at the chance to report on some of the goings on in Osage County right now and in the past that the Osage News breezes right by month after month especially about the BIA and the Minerals Estate. It appears that there is a lot of CYA going on and that's fully understandable but ASPOT, the paper has to serve the interests of the Osage Nation membership and those who benefit from the OME.
OMG! He'll be spouting about this one from now on; probably to his last breath! HHU! http://osagenews.org/en/article/2017/02/09/standing-bear-honored-work-entire-nation-deserves-credit/
Bureau of Indian Affairs opens consultation on big economic proposal. This from www.Indianz.com. Are we paying ubfair taxes that we could other wise be using to contiune our development of our infrastructure? Yes.
Would like to know why we pay Fair Meadows and the OHRA the fees that we pay them, how do we benefit? Because let them put machines in we have enough gaming to stand alone without payin this tax.
We need more gaming. More gaming means more money. More money means larger salaries and bonuses for the Osage government employees. Even the non-Osages who work for the Nation fare better than the general Osage population. Amazing salaries, constant raises, and bonuses! Yep, to hell with the people, the bureaucrat's are going to make damn sure a per-cap for the Osages will never see the light of day.
Do I have the support to go to the Federal Court in a class action lawsuit from all of you to get that per-cap out as promised to The Osage people in 2006? Because this was the corner stone the reason why we became a Government not because we wanted to allow more membership because we could have done that with out becoming a Government because essentially we were a Government.
"In law school at the University of Tulsa, he vowed that he would delete the chapter on Indian law known as the Oklahoma exception, which severely limited tribes’ power over their lands." The Oklahoma exception or the Osage County exception that has kept this land oil and gas productive for 110 years without the Tribal government screwing it up at any and every possible turn?
Turn out for the Osage Congress' public hearing in Grayhorse was great. Very informative and good audience participation and questions. I can't see how anyone could have been there and still want to lease out our land to third parties. The Bluestem Board needs to have complete control of the ranch and if they need to lease out small parcels for short terms until they can stock all the ranch, okay. Making a long term lease with anyone else would just block the Board from expanding into a self sustaining operation. Guess who wasn't there, the Osage News.
The Osage News does not sound like they want to write about what our People think hmm. what was the opening statement and who was speaker? Good questions asked, was there a question asked besides the leasing terms, talk about it latter. How were they planning to keep the debt to equity low? Overhead, how were they planning to keep the overhead low? How do you plan to improve the gross margin and where is the procceds going? What about having more then one type of breed or other cattle? Will there be seperate heards or one large heard easier to take care of. Who will be in charge? How are they going to be fed? Then you have vet calls and so forth. Monitoring and Marketing all have to be tended to avidly to gage our success and performance. Depending on the goals here of course and was there a outcome in this meeting? Leasing the land, month to month, is everything in writing who is going to be the landlord and so forth? Leasing for a one year term is the better way to go as opposed to a month to month method just my opinion. How ever in the decision process it should be made with the knowledge that the Osage will be making a profit.
"We have an internal difference of views as to which groups will have responsibility to manage this land," said Standing Bear. "I am confident that we will ultimately arrive at a conclusion that manages this land in a responsible way so that we can protect it for generations to come." Chief there is no other than the Board shoukd manage the Ranch...whats in these leases? Two are Osage Ranch owners if there are no competitive Bids then how will we no we are getting the best for our money? This leaves so kuch room for corruption? Is the Board on thr same page? In other words are they ok with what is going on? Has the land been approved for being taken into Trust? Shouldn't the BIA manage the Ranch if that is the case? After all they will have the final word right? Congress do the diligence and look deep into these Contracts that we are entering and to be sure the Osages is in favor.
The internal difference is simple; Does the Blue Stem Board operate the ranch for the benefit of the Osage people or do we lease to the Chief's buddies for half as much as the board can produce for the people. Congress and the people on one side, Chief on the other.
The real question is how many centuries, not just years or decades, will it take to recover the initial investment in the Bluestem Ranch? Nothing about this deal makes it look like it will ever be a good from a business perspective.
It can be. It all depends on management or better yet how it is managed. We would be better to buy our own heard of 200 as opposed to having smaller heards that requires more hands. Raise to sell. No money to be made going the way the Chief is going unless he's done a fact sheet or economic impact statement. Which Congress should ask of him and put it in writing everything that is.
Here's the damn deal. We were promised TEN YEARS AGO that gaming money was to be invested to diversify and to put Osages to work. How does the Chief's plan answer that goal? If the Board manages the Bluestem, there is some possibility that this will happen. If they don't, once again, a bunch of non-Osages will be in a position to make the money that we as Osages should be making. At some point, it goes beyond misrepresentation to the Osage people and becomes government sponsored fraud. Figure out a way to put Osages to work besides the bloated Osage government bureaucracy.
I see your point because the way the law is written there is no compensation if we were to go to the ONC in the future. Gov. fraud all in the name of Sovereignty. This is why our Congress needs to mull over these leases and look to who is going to benefit here and in the end the Osages interest needs to come first. Ten years ago is a understatement.
No I don't. I mean Osages who have a membership in the Osage Nation and those Osages who do not. Eleven going on twelve years ago, we were promised that jobs given to Osages related to politicians and decision makers would end with the new Constitutional government. It's only a scam if those in government now refuse to participate in nepotism and cronyism. If they continue, get them out of office with your vote come June of 2018. And don't think Tillman either. His Father was a Chieftain King if there ever was one and he was known to be ugly and brutal about getting his way in everything. Remember that the acorn does not fall far from the tree. If Joe Tillman won't return a constituent phone call at the level of a member of Congress, what do you think he will be like when he is elected Chief? You can hate our guts but you better represent our interests even if it means taking a phone call or returning one from someone you don't like, consider unworthy, a waste of time or simply not worthwhile.
..."we were promised that jobs given to Osages related to politicians and decision makers would end with the new Constitutional government...."
BWWWAAAHHHAAAHHHAAAHHHAAHHHAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nepotism is alive and well at the Osage Nation. Huge salaries, easy work, no fear of job loss, and all the benefits you can handle. Sorry my friend, but the folks in HR are gonna make sure they take care of their own first. If you're in good with the Chief he'll get you a job. Or better yet, he'll invent one with an eighty thousand dollar salary with bonuses and raises every four months. You can be the most qualified applicant for a job, but it's always a relative or family friend gets get's in. I don't know why they even post jobs on their web site.
Public employees salaries need to be pubic information. What you think are $80,000 salaries are $120,000 or more. The public has a right to know. Just sayin'..........
Say it again! Chief hiding salaries in the Office of the Chief's budget? Sends over 30 or more nearly empty boxes to the Congress, one for each Executive Branch Budget. This guy smells as bad as it could ever get. I never thought I'd see anyone as bad as Jim Gray but this guy tops him in every respect. Already angling for another election win to continue his work. What work? Debt everyone is scared to death of? Member benefits that will be out the window with the next budgeting cycle because of his pride and gross stupidity? Thirty 5 year olds with $40,000 spent on each one of them with five or six teachers each? Send this one down and get someone in there who knows something about numbers and what we can afford and what we can't. He's grotesque in superlatives.
He wont win another election. And we know that once someone else comes in the swamp will be exposed and removed and the Nation will be given back to their people to decide which direction we will go in and that my friend will be jobs for our economy not bigger Government BUREAUCRACY !!!!. As we should remove GSB as fast as we can count 123.
I hear ya. They won't move ahead with proceedings now because they say it's too close to election time and they need more lead time to oust him. Plus no one wants another Chief thrown out. If they can't be consistent in their demands for an ethical person to run this government who will follow constitutional law and not use one statutory law after another to front an excuse, we have no hope of a real and credible working government for the Osage people. I say get on with the proceedings on the basis of what they have on him already and let that be a huge cloud on his reelection objective and aspirations. It will work well because no one I know of wants Ray Red Corn in office as P. Chief and there won't be enough time for that to happen but there is enough time to cast a pall over his getting elected to Chief once again.
Look at how the Chief has back peddled on everything he agreed to on the Bluestem Ranch. Now he is trying to award a lease on half the ranch to a middleman who will profit by keeping money that would go to the Osage people if the Bluestem Board could run the ranch as agreed. Look and learn. Do you really want GSB to have anything to do with the minerals estate? Think!
Get him before a preliminary hearing of the Osage Congress on a Constitutional ethics violation for interfering with that Bluestem Enterprise Business Board. Do it now and quit circling this issue and carping about it! He'll see the light once his job is at risk. Imagine what he will do with the Osage Mineral Estate if he gets a crack at it. Let the very idea of that thought dawn on the mind.
The hidden Judicial Branch: When are we going to be hearing about the Chief and his slight of hand with the Nowlins and Brad Hilton? Why don't they publish online what they are doing so we can attend? This isn't the way other Tribal Courts operate. How do we even get a calendar of who is hearing what?
Looks like the AG is in GSB pocket. She doesn't have to show for work, and the ethics charges against the Chief are sitting there. Maybe we need to call the AG office and demand she do her job.
Wah-kon-see-uh almost sounds like walk on and see ya. Thats what I say to this article in the Osage news could do. The effect of this aspect of the 1906 Act divided the Osage Nation into two groups, causing a rift that “colored and clouded the social and political affairs of the Osage since enactment ...” (SCV-2015-01) wrong we had two tribes with in the Osage..
It is in this rift that the root of today’s discord lies, wrong, the Nation created the rift, Government always does. I believe most shareholders wanted the Reaffirmation Act of 2004, which addressed voting rights and the Constitution. Wrong, it gave power to those who actually wanted a Government to allow for more membership without a emphasis or diligence, to how this would impact economically the Osages nor was there proper notice that went out to notify all the Osage Shareholder's by the M.C or BIA to the Shareholder's we were thinking about becoming a Government. There's the division. The mere fact our Constitution almost mirrors the U.S. Constitution insults my intelligence. I opine. However, many are less secure of their protections under the Constitution than we were under the 1906 Act. There are concerns over the possible loss of Headright income, and management over the Mineral Estate. I hope to explore these issues further. Lol. What she fails to understand this root has been here since the beginning of time with two tribes with in one. What she fails to see is one failed attempt after another failed attempt to create a Government of Corruption that exists and what she does not understand we became the very thing we didn't want to happen a Bureaucracy of cronyism and nepotism with the greedy Nation trying to stick their paws all over the M.E. Bottom line the Osages who could have made the long walk of trail of tears did not choose to go to Oklahoma Territory. We had two tribes at one time or camps. There you go. Then she forgets we became what we were so warned by our forefathers not to become. This Government was built on lies and if we do not start with accountability and transparency we will be right back to square one, give the Government that was stolen from underneath the M.C back to them. When I say we had two tribes we did have two camps. This Government supposedly, became a Government for the people, the Osage People. It allowed Osages who were not a mmember to be a member to vote and quality for federal benefits, but where's the per-cap that was promised? Lets help our own first. Lets look at the Gray, Red Eagle, and now GSB's administration not looking so good, reality is a matter of perspective but the facts speaks louder than words can ever say.
Chief Standing Bear at the 2-15-2017 Minerals Council meeting responding to Councilwoman's statement that people believe that the Chief is interfering in their business. Chief: "As far as my political enemies on that Congress goes, you want to chose sides and go with them, that's your right. But I have not done anything illegal. I want to be fair and open. Some on the Congress don't like that. You want to get on that side, stay there! You and I will not be allies." Boone: "I did not say you were doing anything illegal Chief. I don't know where that comment came from. I did not say you were doing anything illegal." Sounds like a guilty conscience and if anyone disagrees with the Chief they are considered political enemies. What a sorry state of affairs. Better not let him get his hands on the minerals.
Agreed. He manipulated and bullied her and it was hugely offensive. The Congress is the only side to choose because it's the only Branch of the Osage Nation government that has a direct Constitutional connection to the Minerals Estate, the Osage Minerals Agency and the OM Council at the very beginning of Article XV. History has proven that he plays all us all for idiots and tries to move us all around like pieces on a chess board when he feels it's necessary. Don't feel like the lone ranger.
As my granddad would say, "He showed his ass." At least it was recorded and those who attended the meeting saw how he really acts. I guess anyone who disagrees with him is an "enemy." How would you like to live your life like that? I seldom take up for Cynthia, because she can take care of herself, but good grief she wasn't provoking him at all.
In the meeting, S. Erwin, was doing her best to get a royalty bonus on this March payment. Thank you Ms. Erwin for your effort.
I'm reading a thin booklet on Sitting Bull, I came to a paragraph that I'd like to share.
"Four Lakota chiefs--...had directed tribal affairs since 1851 but were no longer fulfilling the expectations and goals of the tribal membership. Tough weather, frequent battles, and inadequate buffalo hunts led the tribe to question their chiefs' ability. Having fallen from grace and popularity, the four chiefs were subjected to secret testing to determine if each had the dignity, forbearance, generosity, wisdom, and great heart required for the high office of chief. Only one passed the test."
I agree, it was so wrong for the Chief to talk "down" in the way he did with C. Boone, no matter what brought it about. Freedom of speech. I plan to listen to the meeting again, it covered quite a lot.
The Osage constitution does not have to be like the Federal government. There was those who wrote it up and then "we" voted for it. It can be rewritten up and "we" can vote on it. And, it does not have to be called "Constitution."
Waiting, waiting, to see what kind of deal Trump has for us? May not be necessary for a Minerals Director?
It sure as hell is totally unnecessary for a Minerals Director at $60,000-80,000 plus benefits out of minerals money that should be going into the pockets of the headright owners. GTHO! ASAFP! Don't even think about disgusting me with that idea again.
Why do we have a M.C. if we need a Minerals Director as if we do not have one anyway The BIA comes to mind but that hasn't worked out very well has it? What has worked out very well is we know this to be truth we were up against a prior Administration that was trying to burden the growth of the M.E. in the last three years as proven by the erroneous regs they tried to push on us, then when they, the BIA,there was a stall in the Administrative Dept. A slow down on the permit process. It's not like the BIA wasplaying with people's lives, of which what is being done about this narrative that sounds like it's playing over and over again with no accountability? Now I understand something needs to be done other than he said she said and lets put hooves to mouth on the table. More like everyone step back and ask yourselves who are we working for? What is the long term and immediate goals each and everyone of you need to take a step back and look at when things were at its best and we need to get back to the basics of what success means to all of us in everything we do. Inside and out. All of you including the Chielf are behaving like the U.S Congress, where finally we are seeing someone cares enough to right the wrong, of which there is a lot of wrong with The ON and MC. Bottom line is the M.E. is suffering because you knuckle heads are just to dam close to anything you can't think futher than you can spit and worse nobody trusts anybody. And when Boone touches a nerve of truth and you see Erwin trying but the rest of you just sit there and cannot do anything but complain, how is that working, it's not. We have a chance to do something lets do it whether it be A Natural gas plant built, lets get the move on and get the economy moving period. Yesterday is here folks and we can't come to a common goal or concensus and this is dply concerning. My suggestion get Erwin as speaker and remove Waller.
The only step I want to take is to make sure that the Chief and the Osage Nation does the very best thing they can for the Osage Mineral Estate and that is to KEEP OUT OF MINERALS BUSINESS AND NOT COST THE OSAGE MINERAL ESTATE A THIN RED CENT. That's how the Chief and the Nation can protect the OME by staying away and keeping it that way from now until kingdom come. They have no credibility from a business standpoint other than to spend money and then spend the money they make and keep spending it in a repetitive manner that loops and continues to loop all over again. These people are infants with money and nothing more or less. Face the facts of the case. If the BIA is bad, by comparison, the Osage Nation will be catastrophe. Look at the OLLC and now the Bluestem Ranch. Nothing credible happening there at all. The past is prologue.
Hiring a Minerals Director -- does this have to do with trying to turn the ME into a "business?" It's more like hiring a "consultant." A "director" is a top boss status, the head or CEO of an organization (will he/she be taking someone's MC position). We elected EACH of the MC, how can a third party come in without our "vote" or input?
$80,000 to be deducted from IIM accounts each year? Is this a permanent position?
A complete reorganization or setup of the MC is necessary. Instead of voting for 8 people to "freestyle," we should be voting on the ballot for 8 different individual jobs. Have the ballot arranged with candidates names "under" the job they are applying for. That's what the election is for -- we are "hiring."
With a new structure should also be a new name to identify our business, like "Osage Mineral Estate, LLC, etc.
Right, I said that a while back if our 8 council members cannot handle the position in which they are getting paid for then we must reorganize the M.C. No choice. We vote in new members. It appears they want to pass the buck. Ineffective and does not solve what is happening with the the M.E. at the administrative level. To reduce redundancies we utilize the bodies that we have already on Ground. Remeber you the M.C. members were elected to adminster and develop according to your Mission Statement and why should we expect less because thats whats been happening since 2014. I think m it is time that the Shareholder's since we have 5,000 members organize a Convention just for the Shareholder's or we will invite whoever is willing to pay the entry fee, but we must pull together, however and let them know that there is more they can do for this multi billion dollar estate. But what we have here is a failure to communicate and we all should be sitting at the table, because we are in a different time and we require a functional M.C. Its called getting what you are paying for and if you are not up to the job, resign. Time to net work other than on this forum. If our M.C. cannot put to action, then maybe a third party needs to come in like 8 people who are up to the task at hand. I know it sounds brutal but reality is all a matter of perspective and from my point of view, since the HPP suit, where are we at the agency with hiring how many engineers, 8 wasn't it? Anyone follow thru on this? How can we operate if the left hand doesn't know from the right? I feel like all we have is a mission statement and all of you are playing house. Remove the politics for one day and see what happens, doors open to dialogue.
Even if you had a Director, a Department, an Office and all the employees you can think of, you won't move one step forward without the say so of the Bureau and the hierarchy established by the Osage Nation Constitution, Article XV. IOW...dream on. Business for the MC and the way they do it is described in the Constitution Article XV, in all of Section 4. Read it. Do yourself a favor and the rest of us as well.
Beg to differ, part of the problem with the processing at the administrative level at the agency is extremely labored to the detriment of the M.E. we need hands on experienced people at the desk and operate a business like we should. Because everything that surrounds us involves all of us. We need a staff. We need to stay in the know and knowledge is power as they say..money will not be a problem because it can be subsidized by the Government. Well, the bulk of it. There is nothing to stop us but fear itself of the unknown but think of the possibilities and the future, and that day is today. In other words we are not where we should be at, and I do understand protecting the smaller interest, but there is a greater interest to develop the M.E. There are just to many reasons to, than not to. I have experience in Business Management and Hospitality and this is no way to run a multi Billion Estate. The question begs the answer, why have we not developed a working office with the M.C performing duties for which they are getting already paid by the Estate. Two meetings a month is not operating a business. Nothing from these meetings anymore is real Positive as of late or lets say the last four years or so and where are we other in the courts, at square one. SMH. Why put off what we can do for ourselves today. We have opportunities and we must seize the moment before it passes us by..I can agree with the Chief on one thing he has the right attitude just the wrong choice how he would like to see One's handle the M.E, isn't going to happen, but he is right we need a functional Petroleum Office.
You have a choice. You will have to wait for permits according to the BLM rules adopted in the EIS for 6 months or be governed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission where the Osage Nation will land in State court within the first five minutes because the landowners will file under the rule against perpetuities written into the State Constitution to get their mineral rights back and repatriated to the land. You couldn't be happy with the best so you will have to settle for second or third best. Having more Osage Nation hires all over the Mineral Estate like flies on buffalo s**t eating the oil and gas royalty income alive won't make you happy either with next to nothing $$$ in your quarterly headright check.
We are in the "unknown zone" for now to what our future ME status will be until Trump's new appointees for Dept. of Interior, BIA, and BLM are confirmed. This may take months? The Democrats are causing delays. He's already changing some CFRs--so there may be some big changes in these departments, and hopefully benefit the ME.
I warned you to wait until the final terms and conditions of the HPP settlement were published and full disclosure to the Trust beneficiaries was made by the BIA and the Secretary of the Interior. The work Osage Tribe Negotiated Rulemaking Committee was never fully disclosed, explained and understood by those most likely to be harmed by the work of it, and I mean the Shareholders. If the committee had been named the Code of Federal Negotiated Regulations, the headright owners would have been placed on alert and would have asked a lot more questions before they voted in that premature election the BIA structured and sent out to the Shareholders.
https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/calendar Look at the agenda for the Tallgrass LLC meeting today. They are wanting to form MORE companies? What have the companies that they own done so far, except cost the Osage people millions of dollars. They are going to confer with Chief Gunselhead on their Articles of Operation? It is true. He runs everyone of those boards, except those ranching people and look how he treated them. Hey Congress why don't you quit funding those boards? You save millions, and our Chief has more time to get more ethics charges against him, plus try and run the Mineral Estate.
What is the over all performance of Tall Grass llc and now they want a spun off of Tall Grass. hmmm. Careful Congress less is more Congress and what is the reasoning for this? Other than to hide money?
Health care information: http://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/02/22/indian-country-provisions-within-affordable-care-act-discussed-uinokt-quarterly-meeting/
Yeah but former member of the Osage Congress, John Free is likely to make another killing on another statue for the Osage Campus area. ONCR 17-11: (Congressman John Maker): A resolution to authorize the expenditure of $100,000 out of the capital asset and improvement fund for designing, creating and erecting a sculpture of Osage Chief Claremore. Plus Congressman Tillman...the greenhouse for "Red Corn" Farms is out of the question and off the list too! Oh, and while we're at it, Congressman Shaw when are you going to honor your campaign promise to make a vote available to the constituents on big ticket items like a new Grayhorse Village Community Building to further indulge the whining of all of the areas in Osage County who feel they are entitled and deserve the same as those others who are getting the benefit of one big expenditure after another in competition among one another while those of us outside of the Osage have needs, wants and necessities too? ONCR 17-10 (Congressman Ron Shaw): A resolution to authorize the expenditure of $1,825,000 out of the Nation’s capital asset and improvement fund for construction of a new Grayhorse village community building. http://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/02/27/congressional-special-session-starts-feb-27/
Thank you for finishing what I did not say above. Congress this is looking underhanded with the statue and have there been other bids on the building of the Grayhorse community building? Way to much money and seek other builders? Oh now I see where the money is going to "RED Corn Farms" and who benefits and how is that money going to work for us? I believe in building the infrastructure but lets make sure we are getting the best for our buck. Look at the deal thoroughly, be sure to get everything in writing. We really need to reign in the appropriations.
According to Raymond Red Corn, this is Federal money the BIA is going to make available. I need to hear more of yesterday's Comm-Econ Committee later on today. BTW, they passed the statue resolution and that's another $100K we can kiss goodbye. I suppose if John Free gets a crack at it, it will look like a drinking buddy of the one they have already installed on Campus. I say the rest of us get a statue too to place near the front door of the Congressional Chambers to remind them of how outrageous all this spending is to those who aren't the Osage Nation government elitists who hold the purse strings and open them every time they get the chance whether they have the money available or not. I nominate John Stink.
The situation on the Greyhorse Community Building is that the actual appropriation bill for the $1.8 million was passed last September 2016. What they want a Resolution for, ONCR 17-10, as well, I am unclear as to what this means. Unless the money is being appropriated and then spent by the Executive Branch for something else instead of its original purpose, I really don't know.
Wondering is it self economic gain where it concerns the Greyhorse community and the Statue as well?Becuase if there is a cost overrun on the construct of the building or it wws not projected mathematically or lack of knowledge by the contractor does not mean we should eat the cost especially when the cost of this adventure is well benefited at the beginning of the negotiations.Somthis begs the answer from our Congress are they vetting these contracts blindly? Cost is relatively low to make the statue so, where is the incentive to investigate the true cost? The castmor mold is relatively low to produce,wax as well. So one begs for another answer who threw this price out there for the statue based on what? How can anyone waste the Osages money like this? and it smells of corruption.
It IS corruption. Here's an example: http://lifesizestatue.com/bronze-bison-p-699.html This is a bronze statue of a life size bison, at least as complicated and difficult to create as a statue of a person, Osage or not. The full price on this work is $20,000. Where does John Free, if that's who is going to be the sculptor, get off charging $100,000. He should be doing this for his Tribal Community at a huge discount if not at cost with the labor thrown in. This isn't what's happening here though is it? You don't command that kind of price unless you are a well established sculptor on the order of Remington. It's a feeding frenzy and everyone at the Osage Nation government "Osage County Elitist" level is involved with the exception of Speaker Pratt, Congresswomen Buffalohead and Edwards.
I'm getting damn sick and tired of the "Osage Price" which is, in reality, price gouging, which is pervasive inside and outside of the Osage Nation government.
Isn't it somewhere in our Constitution that any money spent needs to be to the advantage, Osage? Economically speaking to our advantage and how is this statue going to do that by making us money? Just heads up here, the Obama administration just got caught in a shell game is this what is going on come on Congress open up a investigation.
My thoughts on this, is anybody in Congress following the money trail? To make the statue it may cost only six thousand give or take depending. Each and everyone of you have been hoodwinked. Casting depending, each will cost about six hundred dollars. For one ton of Bronze four thousand. Is this guy well known in the industry?
DON'T FORGET! Election Day is March 20, 2017. Voters can cast their ballot at the former Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center building at 1449 W. Main St. in Pawhuska from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting is also scheduled Friday March 17 (noon to 8 p.m.) and Saturday March 18 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) at the ON Election Office, 608 Kihekah in Pawhuska.
Ok so the M.C. would not give up the records because they are held at the ONT really? what a stall tactic if I ever saw and these accou ts belong to the shareholder's ot the M.C. to do what they please because they already get a a million dollar draw down of which we have a right to know by the feds at this point that we are entitled to a record according to. PATRICIA SPERRIER BRIGHT I am with you on this one girl. I am willing to go futher to the feds on this one if we have to. Someone is hiding something and we will find out!!!!
Bright wants to access the records on the amount of the attorney's fees spent to defend the Minerals Agency and the MC against a hostile takeover by the Nation and she's so dim that she doesn't realize that without the efforts of the MC and the defense they've put up over the last 10-11 years, her headright share would now be in the ON government pot and eaten up by ON bureaucratic overgrowth, overruns and the hard cost for them. She's a puppet dupe of Sonny Abbott and Team Osage. Keep that in mind when she's pushed forward as legitimate which she isn't. I'd like to know who is paying for this lawsuit of hers including the attorney's fees for it.
Yep there's always a flip but all the same with due respect my eyes would like to see as well. I am for the truth however it reveals itself and numbers do not lie, people do. Just the facts. It's a proxy to the truth how our money is working and where it is going and by all definition the Shareholder's have a right to know. It shouldn't be that the Federal Government should be held to the standard so should the M.C. This is not a blind trust here. This comes around, bottom line to performance and or the lack of and to be honest there hasn't been much transparency or accountability other than, Erwin trying her best and Boone right there, but thats all good and dandy, there's a effort but we expect more in this day and age, the years of yesterday are here as we speak at this very moment. So, when I see that there is a appearance of being stonwalled by little petty answers such as, go to the ONF Dept. I get the feeling that something is amiss and thats putting it mildly. Facts have a way of speaking louder than words and I do not think it is appropriate in any way shape or form that the Shareholder's should be kept in the dark after all we are in this together, not them, not I but plural..Give me one contract and I can guarantee you I will spot the real problem that exists. So I ask again of which no one can answer. We shareholders have been irreparable harmed by the BIA since 2014 and or it started in the last quarter of 2013, what has our lawyer done to seek the damage caused by the reckless delays? Why are we not doing all we can to represent the shareholder's and networking towards that goal which is long over due? So, now you have it why in the end we always resort to the one thing that can give us incite to records on over all performance which will allow us to know how we want to vote out each and everyone of you with new blood. Who will do it better and reduce redundancies and build trust with the other shareholder's and over all improve efficiencies and do it with such finesse and cheeper where the Shareholder's can believe in who you are as representatives. End of story.
Kinda of like how the Dems hiding the slush fund from the tax payers who have a right to the money not their private interest groups. We want to narrow the escape or possibly any and all impropriety that could exist amongst us and verify verify what our money and how it is working. Something wrong if you don't want us to know.
Now, THIS is REALLY SOMETHING! Putting Osages to work. I'm over the moon! http://www.tallgrass-osage.com/bluestem-ranch-3/ http://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/03/03/cattle-operation-underway-bluestem-ranch-nation-owns-800-cows-40-bulls-and-nearly-200-calves/
The rate of $140.00 per day is ridiculously low for a contract "day laborer" who must furnish his own vehicle, livestock trailer, horse, and other necessaries. The contractor must cover all of his own taxes, insurance, and the cost of his vehicle and equipment. All said and done, he'll be lucky to clear minimum wage.
I'm just glad that after eleven years, we finally have six jobs available for Osages that don't involve the gaming or a job with the Osage Nation. We can build on that even though these hires won't be paid through the roof like those who work for the Osage Nation and every year expecting a 3% increase on a merit bonus when you can't even get anyone on the phone or they act like they're too busy to fool with you when you do, when they call you back, if they ever do. You can run a government without employees you can count on but you can't do that with a ranch. Osages want to run everything but it always appears that they are never happy with the employment conditions and constantly make excuses if they have to work for an honest wage and earn it. Failure is the result of such a workforce in a job that counts and a job in an oilfield counts just as much as ranching. Prove that you're worth the money before you're paid more than the entry level wage. That's how it works in the real world because profits aren't eaten up in salaries and benefits as soon as they are made. They go back to work for the business itself to expand it and grow it. That leads to success not failure.
$140.00 a day for cowboys working in Osage County is standard. Does it pay much? No. There will be people lined up around the block to help work those cows and calves.
Last year there was a news article in Oklahoma Energy Today about a state government representative advising that Oklahoma needs to start searching for new revenue other than taxes on Casinos and oil. He was visioning about 30 or more years from now. He was saying something like it was to risky to depend on this income because of its ups and downs and unpredictable situations arising.
With the new Constitution came a 20 year vision/plan. Wonder if there's a backup plan if the Casinos go down for some unforeseeable future disasters--like another 2008 slump. Are we on track for our 20 year vision/plan, just another 10 years to go to meet our goal! Oh, how time flies by.
In reference to turkey vouchers -- Last Christmas in the Osage News paper, one of the three communities in Osage County had a party and gave each of the residents in the community a Walmart card. Now that's old time Osage.
The Chief has said he is considering re-election cause he's not done with all he wants to accomplish. The next election let's demand the next candidate tell us his/her plan, not just say "to do for the people."
Really a Walmart card thats fine but who were the people because I thought we were apart of that group? Re-election lol he is as corrupt and as bad as the prior Chiefs well, I cannot add John Red Eagle in that mix, he was just incompetent, a handshake nowadays takes on a new meaning Btw. The Chief didn't have enough time hmmm. Thats a lie. Given the 25 year plan, yes its working by building a bigger "Bureaucracy" was the 25 year plan they have successfully installed. The goal of the 25 year plan was so self serving. Here was the plan.
● A viable and sustainable economy driven by Osage Nation enterprises with which the income derived from is responsibility reinvested for future "Generations".
● A flourishing Osage Culture, a revitalized Osage language spoken at a basic levelby vast majority of Osage citizens and a unique and vibrant Osage history taught to osage children and fostered,promoted and memorialized throughout our homelands
● Conservation and responsible stewardship of natural resources balanced with sound management pratices and efficient production of the M.E. with in our established territory
● Highly educated Osage citizens supported and promoted bybthe Nation at the pre-school level continuing through the post secondary level and beyond
● Physical, mental and spiritual vitality evident amongst our Osage people complimented by the ongoing development of health and wellness sevices.
● A self determining civically engaged society with ethnically responsible government leaders who faithfully serve our Constitution and sre accountable for thier actions to Osage citizens
This was in Sept. Of 2007 this pamplet went out to all Osages the 25 year Vision plan filled with more quetions I have to some of this garbage that was printed in this pamplet. You have to read it to know whats in it lol sound familiar but seriously heres a ex.
● 1 to 3 years
Building the foundaton and momentum from first accomplishments
● 4 to 6 years
"Realize the key components of the vision"
● 7 to 25 years
"New Horizon"
What? Empty words lol. And the Chief wants to run again.
Have to correct you on the top priority listed. The number one priority was to leave the Osage Mineral Estate alone and intact without interference of any kind from the newly ratified constitutional government in 2006. Dr. Joe Connor collated the information in a report and turned it over to Jim Gray who upended the information, putting the top priority of all of the Osage people country wide to the bottom of the list. It was one among many thoroughly manipulative and dishonest things he did while he was in office. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if his current wife still has a service contract with the Nation and on the payroll for big bucks.
The Chief's big folly was that ranch he bought to be the big cheese in Osage Land. Future generations will be saddled with it until someone gets the big picture that it needs to be made to go away even if the losses are substantial. 3 to 6 times the land in Osage County could have been purchased for $74 million. Heat of the moment impulse purchase to rub elbows with a national figure and get widespread attention focussed on him alone. This pure egomanic and his destructive land venture will continue to cost the Osage people through the nose in loss of necessary and needed benefits from now on until its sold and time in this case is money lost left and right.
Ethics charges have been filed on the Chief concerning his handling of the Bluestem Ranch. It's about time someone got around to holding this guy accountable.
Not all of them. The word is Congressman Joe Tillman filed alone. Good for him. This madness and lack of consistency has gone on long enough. This new Osage Nation government should have resolved by this time to some measure of harmony for the sake of the Osage people for whom it was supposedly formed. It's now worse than ever and has fallen to new lows even from previous administrations. I'm beginning to think with all the fights for power between the branches of this new government, it will never improve and we should seriously look at going back to what we had before this mess ever took place. It was less complicated, and there were only ten elected officials to have to pay for and deal with on a day to day basis. Less is more and the last 11 years have proven that fact of life in the Osage.
When you don't hold those accountable then you are complicit. If we do not live by the laws which govern then you are divided. This was to be a Government for the people, not a People for the Government or was this the Government our elders wished for either. Thank you Congressman Tillman for standing for the Oath yuu took and or for not being afraid to stand for something. Who will follow in the good steps of Congressmans Tillman? I dare you to do something right for the Osage People not the Nation.
Gross happiness product (alternate GDP) is way low for Osages right now on the return on our vote of faith and hope in GSB to lift us out of the morass of the past on all fronts. Worse than ever...
Gross happiness all the way to the Bank. All you have to do is follow the money trail and you don't have to look to far when you start lookjng in people's backyards.
This is well worth the price of admission: http://mixlr.com/osage-nation/showreel/ Commerce, Gaming and Land Meeting 3-7-17--Click under the arrow below the text Osage Nation: 5C_CE 2017-3-7 pt 1 Agenda: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/sites/default/files/event-brochures/CE%203-7-17%20NoticeRevised.pdf The only "deep dive" we have at the Osage Nation is for as much cash as can be gotten a hold of as possible. "Discussion with Lacey Horn, Treasurer of the Cherokee Nation about Audit Procedures" has got to be a huge threat to our Executive Branch. Sorry APC Raymond; if we really had things running fiscally correctly and appropriately, ASP it will be the dog wagging the tail not the other way around. Imagine a "deep dive" in accounting and finding that one ON department is providing funds to an entirely different ON department or office than the original one. Talk about flexible budgets with money shuffling around from one to another. Ours are potentially bleeding from every line item on every budget in the entire Executive Branch! Also more info. on the next Congressional Hearing on Sunday at the Cultural Center (the old one) from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/sites/default/files/event-brochures/CE%203-12-17%20Public%20Hearing%20Notice.pdf
Factor in that shady Supreme Court upholding the Executive Branch budgeting process and line item determinations, regardless of the funds actually available or even reported as yearly projected revenues and worse, sweeping all legal precedent off the table where Federal, State, or other Tribal laws may be pertinent to the legal matter at hand under Judicial review. Who knew that it would ever get this bad and demoralizing for the Osage people. This whole Osage Nation government should be fit for the rubbish bin at the earliest possible opportunity.
I like it... http://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/03/09/osage-culture-traveling-trunk-touring-missouri-schools/ We need one of these for every State where a goodly number of Osages are living. Move our Culture around. People care about a picture they can step into and flesh out. Youngsters all over the USA could be benefitting from a pilot program just like this one. Enough has been lost to the detriment of current generations, Osage, Native Americans and non-Indians alike.
Osage Congress repeals ONCA 16-100, passes appropriation bills in special session.
ReplyDeleteProud of you Alice Buffalohead. It is not up to a disgruntled employee to instruct our Government otherwise. Or to insist she is entitled.
Thank you for trying to save a buck or two..keep it up Girl.
https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/who-we-are/congress-legislative-branch/legislation
DeleteIn reference to Jan. 17, at 12:01 pm.
ReplyDeleteOsage News website, Jan. 20, 2017 - "Casino officials discuss possible hotel in Pawhuska due to 'Pioneer Woman' traffic."
(article mentions possible "plaza" also)
YES! Build a Hotel or a Motel on the Osage Campus! DO THIS!
Deletehttp://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/01/20/casino-officials-discuss-possible-hotel-pawhuska-due-pioneer-woman-traffic/
This is good news for the well connected Osages to make a $50,000 salary as a bell hop and $150,000 to run the hotel and launder the revenue. The Osage politicians and their families are gonna make millions!
DeleteI love your reply! Sorry. I got so excited I forgot about what things are really like on the ground. You're right. More Like $250,000 to run the hotel... I stand corrected. Thank you!
DeleteNot Team Osage. Think Team Ticks!
DeleteTell them to invest in a well controlled and managed hotel or motel franchise with no wiggle room for the Osages to screw up big time like they always do.
DeleteThe contractual obligations for a franchise are too restrictive for any Osage company to comply with. They'd be stripped of their franchise before the first year was up.
DeleteThe Tallgrass companies are just fronts which take contracts and pass the work on to the real companies with the expertise and employees to do the work. ONES is an "oil and gas" company that seems to only know how to buy real estate and lease it back to the ON. The existing business models won't work for a hotel or motel owned and operated by the Osage.
At some point, the Osages are going to have to learn how to operate in a disciplined, restrictive and professional manner. Until they do, their businesses will come to nothing. This is exactly why compacting the Osage Mineral Estate is out of the question.
DeleteWow, wow and wow poster 10:48 pm.
DeleteYes. Wow! And it starts right here... A $65,000 a year salary ($5,416.66 a month) for four days work for the Osage people as our Congressional representatives in January?
Deletehttps://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/who-we-are/congress-legislative-branch/calendar
Ah, less Government is more. But by the looks of in terms of what they are making $169 and some change a hr. Wow thats equivalent to 27,040 a month, a year 324,480. Over paid is a understatement. And how is Congress working for the Osage People? And how many Osage live in Osage County and how many in Congress are Headright owners, probably all of them. Per-diams, Health ins. 401k.
DeleteI have always seen the Casino money as the official's play money. They even had a $20,000.00 cell phone bills for everyone working for the ON in Redeagle's and Gray's Administration. As for the salaries soared is when J RedEagle's Admin hired a retired PPCO lady that calculated salaries for different positions. Not taking in consideration such a small populated sovereign nation tribe with such little work to do compared to the US government and profitable income. (One Congressman for every 700,000 US citizen in the US) ON has 12 for how many Osages? I heard scaling down the ON government during the campaigns. Also a Constitutional Convention mentioned. Instead I have seen nothing but the ON government growing with more positions and boards, plus soaring salaries even more so. Then you see the way over spending on trips etc... It is the ON's play monies and the members get a trickle down health card and burial. Education for everyone is a given young and old. So much more money could have been invested in successful businesses than has been said was available. Some good but interestingly a lot of bad. Give up Elders your not getting anymore help than that unless you live Osage County and maybe a little more...large salaries must be coverage and those merit raises that are mostly undeserved because they are all passed with an A. Play money it is...profits from the Casinos and tax monies...
DeleteYes. They all get their merit bonuses despite not taking phone calls during regular business hours and not returning them in a timely manner. I often have wondered if they even know how to do the jobs they've been hired to do or for that matter, are even properly trained to do the job they are tasked with. Like that one employee who had all those personal Trusts for the individual Shareholders stuffed in the back of one of the drawers of her desk. This was discovered after she was fired for running out on a drug test. What a mess that was but it proves the point. There are no tests for aptitude or ability to handle the job description anymore. Used to be if you wanted to work for the Osage government, you had to be able pass a test as a determination of whether or not you could do the job properly. Now they view such testing as a kind of discrimination. I think they should bring it back to find out if a potential employee can even manage to do the job they are tasked to do. Spot drug testing needs to take place too because this one fired employee is very likely just the tip of the iceberg on that issue.
DeleteI like the excuse of how the left hand passes off the excuse to the right hand to no accountability in these offices. As an exmple as to, oh we did not know, to the other person is not in the office, to be exact,incompetence clearly showing its colors.
DeleteThe current list:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/17/2017-00912/indian-entities-recognized-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of-indian
From poster at January 24, 2017 at 11:34 AM
ReplyDelete.....'Used to be if you wanted to work for the Osage government, you had to be able pass a test as a determination of whether or not you could do the job properly....
Actually, all that's necessary to for the Nation is to be related to the decision makers and have a particular last name.
If you have "the name" then you cam easily make $50,000 minimum with no formal education or training. Don't forget all the bonuses and raises they seem to get every four months. If you're well connected you can make $1000,000 plus.
The Nation is merely a gravy train for the special ones. The next time you go to the offices or even the clinic, take a look around note who is who. You are guaranteed that the people observing are making anywhere between $60,000 to $100,000.
These salaries, bonuses, and continuous raises coupled with reckless spending and general theft is why we will never see a per cap. The Osage Nation is not of the people but rather it is a revenue laundering scheme to control the casino revenue.
The Osage Nation government owns the casinos. The Osage people own nothing.
Do you people understand? A political was coup executed in 2006 to wrestle away the sovereign right of the Osage Tribe and and create a new class of politically violent people to control the purse strings. The Osage Nation is a de facto government run by those who seek to ride the gravy train. The Nation has no interest in history, culture, and the overall welfare of the People.
When the US economy slows down and the casinos lose revenue, the Nation will close every program except or its internal operations. The Nation wants to wrestle the mineral rights for their own gain and as crutch when other capital venture fails.
If the Nation controls the ME, only the Nation will benefit. The shareholders will lose there legally owned property and mineral estate and the Osage people at large will in no way benefit..
The people who will benefit if the Nation runs the ME are the ones who control the money flow from the ME.- that is the new political class of Osages and their families. Instead of the ME revenue going to its rightful owners, the revenue will go to those responsible for the political coup in 2006. The Nation is the school yard bully stealing other kid's lunch money just because it's fun to beat other people up.
I wonder how many Osage Nation government crooks are reading this sentence?
You know who you are...and we know to.
We absolutely do. Honest and truthful comment is greatly appreciated.
DeleteOne of the new positions being advertised at the Nation is for a Minerals Coordinator. Looks like Chief Drinks A Lot is going to take the mineral estate without the consent of the Minerals Council. He took the realty from the BIA without consent of the Osage Congress. He does lots of things without the consent of Congress. Like buying that building in Skiatook. Haven't heard of this? Congress has filed suit against our Dictator, and you haven't heard about it because his chunky lap dog, Shannon Shaw (Editor of the Osage News) WILL NOT PUBLISH any article that may be perceived as negative toward said dictator. Shannon I'm really ashamed of how you have blatantly tried to cover up for this Chief by not publishing articles that could cast a bad light on Geoff. I realize he is your relative, but geez. Do your job.
DeleteAll you folks in California, when you have your next meeting, ask GSB about using salaries for purchase of a building in Skiatook. And why the deed isn't filed at the courthouse?
Because it's been configured as a five year lease purchase agreement. The complaint is known as Knowlin/Hilton and was filed by the Congress in Osage Nation Tribal Court against the Knowlins and their attorney Brad Hilton. It looks like the Chief tried to slide this one under the radar and got caught.
DeleteNowlin not Knowlin. Sorry.
DeleteCongress you have taken a oath to protect the Osage and their assets to be for profit not to be squandered on projects that does not benefit. Time for our Fake News editor be replaced or we develop a real newspaper that will report what the people deserve to know, not on a know to know basis, when the newspaper does this they lose all credibility. There is more to then just feel good stories. Congress time to rplace our Chief and seriously we need to look at violations of ethics against the Chief and remove him from Office. The Osage Tribe is tired of this dictator who said he was for the people has proven to be false. The Tribe remember the Osage people if not we will ellect a Chief that will be an outsider who will protect the interest of the Greater and Little Osage.
DeleteWhen a Newspaper does not report the facts and maintain the objectivity you do lose credibility. Time to end the Cronyism.
Delete5th Special Session of Congress due to begin any minute:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/news-events/events/5th-osage-nation-congress-5th-special-session
Recessed to the call of the Chair. Committee meetings soon to begin.
DeleteCommerce Committee Meeting is live now https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/multimedia/live-media
DeleteTalking about a Motion for a Public Meeting for a Hearing on the Bluestem Ranch situation in Greyhorse. GREAT IDEA!
https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/sites/default/files/event-brochures/CE%201-27-17%20Notice.pdf
DeleteWill soon have 800 cattle on the BR with the ON brand? Did I hear this correctly?
DeleteGOOD! We are moving ahead with the Bluestem Ranch economic development aspect of this purchase at a massive cost.
DeleteMark the date: Hearing on February 12, 2017 in Grayhorse. Location TBD.
DeleteWhere to find them now:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/01/27/eleven-osage-nation-services-move-new-locations-pawhuska/
Keep up on what's going on at the Osage Nation Education Department
Deletehttps://www.facebook.com/osageeducation/
The the heck is a Minerals Director and why do we need one?
DeleteThis is just another scam for the Osage government to influence, control, and harass the Mineral Council into giving up the minerals estate authority to th. government. Of course this will be a $150,000 salary run by some congress persons relative or hand picked by the Chief .
But the the job advertisement states : The Director of the Osage Minerals Office will provide technical and managerial assistance to the Osage Minerals Council to effectively development the Osage Mineral Estate for the benefit of the Osage Headright holders....
The Osage Nation has done nothing whatsoever for the benefit of the shareholders. In fact it was Pipstem who argued that the to the courts the the HPP monies should be awarded to the "Osage Nation" rather than the proper shareholders.
The term "Osage Headright holder" seems suspicious. Is this in reference to the 1906 Act as per federal law defined "Shareholer" or even Headright owner"?
If the Osage government is allowed o control the minerals state will it be allowed to define "Osage Headright holder."
In other words Chief Gray and company redefined "Osage Tribe" to Osage Nation" and has stolen everything it could lay it's hand on. The minerals estate is the grand prize and it's been the target and goal since day one of this new government.
In the same vein, the Osage government can redefine the term Osage Headright holder.to mean anything other then what the 1906 Act dictates and determine who is a Osage Headright holder.
Who will be the Osage Headright holders? The Osage Government itself, the political members, or whomever the Chief and or congress dictates?
Remember that Chief Gray's first action in office? He took one million dollars from the ME account, split the money with members of the Osage congress members as hush money and then played in France for a while. That was the precedent for all other Osage Chiefs to follow. How much casino money is being laundered and stolen must be staggering. Imagine the theft and corruption if the Osage Nation runs the minerals estate.
First action was to offer a million bucks to the Minerals Council as a "gift." Folks had a fit and he backed off. Later, he got an invitation from the French group in Montauban to come and visit. There were two people invited on the nickel of the French and he was such big stuff, he tried to take the whole of the Congress with him on the dime of the Osage people. Again, a huge stink was raised and the members of Congress pulled out with the exception of just one as I recall. Out of spite, Gray took an entire retinue with him of "chosen" Osages that numbered in total about 40. This was reported to have cost the Osage People about $40,000 but I'm sure once the figures were all in, that number is probably very low. That guy was a real creep. Imagine doing things like that with government resources.
DeleteHaving so much money at your disposal brings out the greed and evil plots for more. When I seen the Osage News article of those chosen Osages in France, the first thought I had was that it was so wrong the Chief could do whatever he wanted with the money he had access to.
DeleteThe only way the Osage people, shareholders and non-shareholders (we are as "One" as a Nation), to get a handle on this illegal use and theft of money that is meant for the benefit of "all" is to legally put some stringent regulations in our Constitution. Audits, Audits, Audits, maybe bi-annually, to be done of all the budgets. There's absolutely no transparency, if there was, then, we would know about it sooner rather than after the fact (maybe years later).
Nearly all the tribes in history was forced to leave their home territory because the settlers were pouring in and wanted the Indians "out of the way" so they could claim/purchase/steal our precious, fruitful lands. Lost of generations, lost of cultural identity, lost of our native language. Many tribes are trying to revive (language) for future generations. Forced in boarding schools, denied to speak our native tongue, forced to wear settler's clothing, cutting our hair, beaten. Tried to make us farmers. As early as the 60's the BIA was still trying put Indians in the cities to disperse tribes with promises of education and training and living expenses, many got lost in the bureaucracy.
To date, we are still at the mercy to continue as a tribe, oops, mean Nation, of the BIA, a small group of federal bureaucrats discussing our rights and fate sitting on nice furniture, drinking coffee. Even though Bush, Jr. signed the white man's paper to give us sovereignty we are still dependent on the Federal's support. Could we continue as a Nation if all our current support by the government is really terminated. We have no land, no land title. Even those with still fractionated land is under government rule.
Indians are given (as in "allowed") SOVEREIGNTY in hope they can make it on their own (to get out of the BIAs hair). The members of the Nation (all, shareholders and non-shareholders) voted for "CHANGE" but unknowning what was coming (inter-tribal greed, theft, dishonesty, lawsuits, impeachment). If things don't work, then "change" it. Stop the insanity.
The case of the Osage LLC is now federal, it looks like the charges are going to stick. Some of our "own" doing federal prison time might make some others who is "overcomed" with greed may think about it seriously before dipping in the pot of money to pay for simple bills, not worth the cost.
As with Pres. Obama, now Trump, a new president or a new Chief is not the solution. Put a giant wall around our budgets with legal terminology to stand in a court.
Fake facts! Sorry -- here's the real story:
DeleteFrance Facts
20 Travelers
• 12 paid by the Nation
• 1 paid by ON Congress
• 2 paid by the French Occitan’s
• 5 traveled on their own
Cost to the Nation: $4,536.69 per person (don't know how many this refers to -- 12 or 14 or what)
http://static.osagenews.org.s3.amazonaws.com/cms_page_media/43/2009_11_OsageNews.pdf
"We have no land, no land title. Even those with still fractionated land is under government rule."
DeleteYou have no land title because the land was taken into trust. If it is taken out of trust, who will it be back in the name of? The Osage Tribe is the point of beginning where it started from but where does it go to before that happens? The Osage Nation has no imprimatur or anything else from the U.S. Congress. You better get them to agree in writing that the land in trust belongs to the Osage Nation when it comes back out of trust if that's what the Feds decide to do.
I see this a little differently than you do but not so far apart. Wouldn't the path, because after all the 1906 Act is in perpetuity and yes is in Trust. Ours unique how this was designed in the first place. I see a possible purge and the BIA could be eliminated and cut out the red tape sd orta speak and come up with a better deal with all Tribes by reducing redundancies and allowing the Tribes to developing better efficiencies to establish a stronger Organization by letting them create a better infrastructure for their tribe. If this were to happen we better be prepared. The trust will remain in the hands of the U.S Congress.
DeleteHaving something in trust with the Bureau managing and administrating, in the case of the Osage government, is not a permanent situation. The U.S. Congress can pull out unilaterally at any time now or in the future (per the 1978 Act to amend the 1938 Act that amended the 1906 Allotment Act). If they do, and this is the U.S. Congress that holds the power to do so, they are empowered to transfer that trust obligation to the States to manage and administrate the affairs of the Native American Tribal peoples in the USA from what I am able to gather from the Alaska article. That's why this Alaskan article brings up so many issues as to our individual situation that is unique because, like any other purchaser, regardless of our nationality, we purchased the land specified as a reservation and we have a deed to the property to prove it. It's a trust deed as per the terms and conditions of the text of it which takes the entirely of the land into trust by the USA. When the 1906 Allotment Act was signed into law, it reserved the mineral rights to the Osage Tribe but it did not take those rights out of trust. It left them there which is how we were able to claim an underground Tribal Reservation. I believe the lower Federal court erred when it claimed that the Osage Reservation was disestablished because the mineral rights are still tied to the land and the land in question was purchased as a Reservation for the Osage Tribe of Indians and is still in trust with the Federal government. It's a real estate purchase and therefore, a real estate matter. As an example: My question is, how can a Federal Court disestablish our Tribal Reservation status under such circumstances? Wouldn’t this be like a lower Federal Court disestablishing the U.S. Supreme Court Building and property on which it is built, then arbitrarily calling it a District of Columbia Court House? I also believe that the 10th District Court shouldn't have upheld this decision because the Judge in Tulsa went too far because he went well beyond the scope of the subject matter of the case itself.
DeleteThe question is, what will happen to the property in trust, and the campus in Pawhuska is also tied to the original deed for the purchase of the Osage Reservation, if and when the U.S. Congress takes the reservation land and the mineral rights tied to it out of trust? If it is brought out of trust it has to go back to the original owner. The original owner is the Osage Tribe not the Osage Nation and no proper legal transfer of property and other assets of the Osage Tribe now in trust has ever taken place within the ten year period since the Osage Nation government came into being. The original owner per the deed is the Osage Tribe of Indians and one of two things needs to happen. Either the U.S. Congress transfers the property including the mineral rights out of trust and places them in the name of the Osage Nation or the Osage Nation must go into Federal Court beforehand to bring a quiet title action to transfer the property and the mineral rights now in trust from the Osage Tribe and into the name of the Osage Nation to establish that it is the true legal survivor.
The land will belong to the Osage Nation government. The Osage People will own nothing.
DeleteThe Nation is at risk, not the people.
The Nation will never, ever do anything for the benefit of the People concerning any property or land.
The Nation is an all consuming bureaucracy for the sake of it's own self interest.
The Nations wants to divorce itself from the feds so it can claim sovereignty in all manner of laws, ethics, business matters, and governance.
The Nation is the Nation , The Osage People are the people. They are two separate entities.
The People are "members" of the Nation by virtue of Chief Gray's signature.
The "membership" can be revoked and the person is no longer considered Osage despite being born Osage.
The bureaucrats who control and work for the Nation are the ones who should worry.
The People have nothing to gain or nothing to lose if the Nation succeeds or fails.
Propaganda and fear mongering is the only tool the Nation has at it's disposal to convince the People the that Nation must survive or everyone will suffer.
The Nation will fail, the People will live on.
Again...if you are replying to a comment, please click on the reply link at the end of last post and a text box will come up for you to type in and when finished, click on the publish button.
ReplyDeleteSPOTLIGHT:
ReplyDeleteOsage Nation seeks volunteers for app user development
https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/news-events/news/osage-nation-seeks-volunteers-app-user-development
WTH?!? How will something like this effect our oil and gas leases?
ReplyDeleteLeaked Memo Silences Department of Interior
https://www.thewildlifenews.com/2017/01/24/leaked-memo-silences-department-of-interior/#comments
How insane is this? Will the Superintendent even be able to attend the MC Meetings without the approval of Trump people at the very top and I mean the Chief of Staff? Isn't that currently Reince Priebus? What about any other Osage Nation business with the U.S. Congress that involves Tribal matters that would normally go through the Bureau? Drawdowns for the Minerals Council? You think the U.S. government was slow before, just imagine how long it will take for all this correspondence to be answered at the highest level.
Hitler would do something like this and I'm really not kidding:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgzZNqZ6ao4
Does this action, in the main, seek to separate the Tribal Nations from the U.S. Congress, the Branch of government that holds the Plenary Power as far as they are concerned or is it to simply stop the overweening regulatory processes now in place or in the future from going forward that may be damaging to the business community at this point in time. I can see the EPA but it makes me very uncomfortable that the DOI is on lockdown because you have a Trust relationship with the Tribal Nations that could be seriously harmed if it isn't unfettered in terms of open communication between the Bureau, the U.S. Congress and the Tribal Nations. Nothing should ever stand in the way of open communication between the BIA on behalf of the Tribes and the U.S. Congress. I don't believe that this silencing of our Trustee, the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, and the BIA should be happening for this reason alone.
DeleteTrumps orders are worrying both the democrats and republicans and now citizens all over the U.S. Seems he doesn't discuss the possible circumstances with his advisors about his orders, he's out of control. As far as I know there's no appointees confirmed for the Interior yet?
DeleteDon't know either. He cannot separate the Federal government Branches from the Domestic Dependent Nations for which it is responsible under a fiduciary obligation. This is well beyond pale and the Indian Committees of the U.S. Congress need to be notified with an active request to run to Federal Court to get an injunction against such an order by the President. Ryan Zinke has been tapped but not yet confirmed.
Deletehttp://wildmontana.org/wild-word/rep-zinke-interior-post?utm_source=Adwords&utm_campaign=ZinkeInteriorSecretary&utm_medium=Adwords&gclid=CNL7w7Xf6NECFYlbfgodbUIBaA
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/12/13/trump-taps-montana-congressman-ryan-zinke-as-interior-secretary/?utm_term=.82b2c8acd360
DeleteWill someone explain why some people want the BIA removed from the Osage affairs and others want the BIA to stay?
DeleteThe answer to that question is about 500 pages long... let me get back to you on that one.
Deletehttp://ktul.com/news/local/tribes-from-3-states-plan-meeting-to-discuss-trump-administration
DeleteCongress alone holds no "plenary power" over the Indian nations. It is only the branch of government that originates the bills which become law. It is the Executive Branch, under the POTUS, that has day-to-day control once a law is enacted. While the courts may decide otherwise, the SCOTUS has held that all three branches of government are equal - and it is under this theory that Obama refused to comply with decisions of the court.
DeleteIt is almost impossible to get rid of the BIA in our case..and maybe not. But to understand why the BIA is necessary you have to understand politics. Basically the regulations have stymied the growth of the estate thru erroneous policies. Our interest should always be first not the other way around. Over reach of Authority. Why do you think all these law suits that are filed because the BIA is doing the best it can? Lol. Then the excuse is one after another sorta speak..there should be no delay whats so ever with the development of our Estate the M.E. but there is. To the detriment of the Estate we will always be on the winning end of the many Court battles we will find ourselves in once again because the hands are tide, no there not. We may not want to rid the BIA completely, but we can streamline the process where we can eliminate the the redundancies by exactly what the BIA promised to do over 4 years ago. And we are no where where we should be at in this progress to build our future. We want foot to mouth action and the only way to that is build a Petroleum ofice where we can pick up in those areas of in efficiencies and deficiencies by reducing redundancies and building a better infrastructure for the M.E. Right now we are still flat lining. Since 2014 since the BIA tried to pass the this bogus EIS on us it is proven fact that we lost out in huge revenue that quarter and then on. So who's going to recoup the $100,000 that My family and the producers who have lost a great deal as well. So in order to be successful you need to have your feet running at the Table and all we seem to be doing is the same thing over again and again running to court as opposed to doing something about it. The meaning of insanity. Get out of that by gone era of doing things have not worked well for our M.E. In fact if you go back and study our History it's exactly what we are doing. We should be coming together the Great Osage and little Osage. The truth of the crux is there is no competition because the smaller interest is being protected as opposed to the greater interest of development of the Estate. And how these contract were set up as, the fact that there could be some impropriety that exists as well. This is just a summary to poster @ 9:15 PM. The distrust stems far and if you do your research which is there for everyone to see you would understand why the distrust exists.
DeleteLet's clear this falsehood up that you've put out there right now and right quick:
Delete"Plenary Power Doctrine. Congress, and not the Executive Branch, has ultimate authority with regard to matters affecting the Indian tribes. Federal courts give greater deference to Congress on Indian matters than on other subjects."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribal_sovereignty_in_the_United_States
The U.S. Congress does have the Plenary Power over the Tribes and that's that! In addition, the 1978 Act to Amend the 1906 Allotment Act states in writing:
"The lands, moneys, and other properties now or hereafter held in trust or under the supervision of the United States for the Osage Tribe of Indians, the members thereof, or their heirs and assigns, shall continue subject to such TRUSTS (Plural) and supervision until January 1, 1984 and thereafter until otherwise provided by Congress." It's the U.S. Congress that has the right to make such changes to the law because they are the law makers and the 1906 Act as amended (including all amendments is the LAW). The Executive Branch executes the law that's why it's called the Executive Branch. In other words, it carries out the law of the land as per what the lawmakers or the Congress have passed into law.
The Executive Branch is SUPPOSED to carry out the law of the land, as written, but there are countless examples where this has not been the case. This is the difference between the theory of the law and the actual practice by government.
DeleteThe Obama Administration was certainly not one to let the law stand in its way. Obama disregarded federal statutes and used the powers of a dictator to enforce his will. It is entirely possible that Trump will do the same.
ref. Jan 30 at 12:01 pm - Obama got his way the sneaky way right in front of the people of America. Pelosi held up the Obamacare bill in a news conference on CNN in front of the world and said "you have to pass the bill to see what's in this." What did Congress do? Obama issued out copies in such a short time to read/review it prior to vote time -- and most likely that was the original plan. I had read somewhere in the news media when it was going on that those reports were split up in large "sections" and read separately in order to get an idea what it was all about. Trump and Obama are driven by their self-high ego opinion of themselves over those under him.
DeleteTrump is revengeful, I believe his power over the Congress is a lot stronger than we can see (and same with Obama), if your sitting fine in your career stature and doing great financially for your retirement and family affairs, then Why Rock the Boat?
ref Jan 30 at 10:39 am - "...and thereafter until otherwise provided by Congress."
DeleteWhatever the changes the Osage Nation and ME is forthcoming when Trump takes his attention to our agenda, our fate in the end result will come from Congress--let's pray, we're past hope, that any "influence" from the new administration will result in our advancement in prosperity because Congress "can" "change" the Law.
By the way, I don't see on the media (TV) any mention of the closing of the Interior, or EPA, it's all about the immigration order. We're suffering in silence again.
If the BIA is removed from Osage affairs concerning the minerals estate, then does the Osage government control the minerals estate? If so what prevents the Osage government from simply confiscating the revenue for it's own purposes? Pipestem argued in federal court that the "former" Osage Tribe now the Osage "Nation" was the rightfull recipiant of the HPP monies - not the shareholders.
ReplyDeleteI'm certain this mentality is still prevalent today among the executives of the Osage government.
The government would either tax the ME to death and/or charge servive so outrageous that the shareholders would eventually receive nothing.
At least with the BIA we can go to court. But the Osage government cannot bd taken to court.
If the Osage government officialy runs the ME and controls the revenue, what rights, if any, or even what remediation will the shareholders have.
The Osage government has had its eye on the ME since day one.
Sorry your writing sounds like John McCravey. You can browse on the past blogs and come up with your opinion how this will not happen.
DeleteI agree with the poster on January 30, 2017 at 11:34 AM. What protections will the Shareholders have if you are so strong in your belief that this will not happen.
DeleteTo poster at 12:29
DeleteIf you cant answer or are unwilling to answer then why post at all?
These are serious and honest questions. Answer the question or go home.
These answers have been posted time after time and verifying by researching the prior posts would benefit.
DeleteWell then keep posting the hard legal answers. Not opinions or ancetodal summaries.
DeleteIm sure there are new people here who want answer. Trite responses mean nothing.
If the ME is so important then it seems me to people would glady provide answers.
Not everyone is a research specialists.
Yep its hopping with answers I see. Listen most of us Osage know the story if you come any lineage would understand our culture and would have carnal knowledge of our deep politics. I do and it didn't take coming to this site. Just sayin.
DeleteRight Obama had used over 200 executive orders in his time of office.
DeleteTo poster at 5:04.
ReplyDeleteLets stop with the "I'm more Osage than you" nonsense. Yeah, it's great to talk about lineage and culture. I'm sure a federal judge would get a kick out of who makes the best meatpies.
We're talking about serious legal matters and I have yet to see anyone with a solid plan to rightfully defend the M.E. Everyone complains but no one acts.
Too many Osages are sucking the Osage goverment teet with those sky high paychecks. People are affraid of rocking the boat so all that's left of the "Mighty Osages" are a bunch of sheep living off of casino revenue.
The Osages have embarrassed themselves.
We can't agree on anything much less get along. Its all about who is more important than who anymore.
So yeah, lets talk abot culture and go on and on and about who was their grandfather Chief Bigum Ego or who has the best spot at the dances.
The passive agressiveness of today's Osage is appaling. But then again my grandma said the same thing about her generation. Nothing new under the sun.
Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee well versed in Indian law:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.indianz.com/News/2017/02/01/donald-trumps-supreme-court-nominee-well.asp
Yes he is. I believe he supports the Fletcher case.
DeleteHEADS UP!
ReplyDeleteHEARING ON THE BLUESTEM RANCH IN GREYHORSE:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1336642656356283/
NEW! Deadlines set for Cobell Settlement:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nativetimes.com/index.php/life/education/14232-deadlines-set-for-cobell-settlement
Congress to hold Public Hearing:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/
See https://www.facebook.com/OsageNews/photos/a.153834188010750.33094.134873493240153/1344035522323938/?type=3&theater
DeleteWah-Zha-Zhi Health Center Patient Satisfaction Survey: 2017
ReplyDeletehttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WZZHCPatientSurvey
Osage Nation Special Election Information and Timeline:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/what-we-do/elections
http://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/02/08/special-election-march-20/
DeleteWhat's going on with the Osage News online? The photos up there are six months or more old. A new article hasn't been put up since the end of Jan. other than the obits, which I assume, have been submitted by the families. Are they asleep at the Computer? Lot of stuff going on right now that needs to be reported on. A hearing by the Congress on the Bluestem Ranch and reports of the Chief and the MC Chairman going to Washington, D.C. that not all of the MC members knew about...
ReplyDeleteThey won't print anything that remotely makes GSB look bad, or inform the public of his shenanigans. Johnny was impeached for much less than what this bozo has done in less than two years.
DeleteHeard GSB asked for the removal of the Superintendent. Things don't work that way anymore. The powers that be promptly told the Supt. what GSB asked. Good luck getting anything out of the Agency now.
DeleteFGS! If she doesn't know that she's unwanted by now she'd have to be a dunce. At the meeting with Mike Black that they had some time ago, there was a question asked out loud along the lines of whether she could be fired and replaced. I recall that it took him aback. He sort of gulped after he heard the question if I remember the moment correctly.
DeleteShe needed to be removed back in 2014. This agency needs a serious review by our New Administration.
DeleteGSB has complained on Facebook that the Osage News is bias so there you are. I don't care what they are one way or the other as long as they publish real news of the events and issues that have an effect or could have and effect on all of us. I want them to report on what is going on and do some in-depth reporting through these very turbulent times. "Woodstein" would have salivated at the chance to report on some of the goings on in Osage County right now and in the past that the Osage News breezes right by month after month especially about the BIA and the Minerals Estate. It appears that there is a lot of CYA going on and that's fully understandable but ASPOT, the paper has to serve the interests of the Osage Nation membership and those who benefit from the OME.
DeleteOMG! He'll be spouting about this one from now on; probably to his last breath! HHU!
Deletehttp://osagenews.org/en/article/2017/02/09/standing-bear-honored-work-entire-nation-deserves-credit/
http://www.okmag.com/blog/2016/12/26/oklahomans-of-the-year-3/2/
DeletePrincipal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear -- Preserving All That Is Sacred Award
Deletehttp://www.tulsaindianartfestival.com/premier-night.php
Bureau of Indian Affairs opens consultation on big economic proposal. This from www.Indianz.com.
ReplyDeleteAre we paying ubfair taxes that we could other wise be using to contiune our development of our infrastructure? Yes.
Would like to know why we pay Fair Meadows and the OHRA the fees that we pay them, how do we benefit? Because let them put machines in we have enough gaming to stand alone without payin this tax.
DeleteWe need more gaming. More gaming means more money. More money means larger salaries and bonuses for the Osage government employees.
DeleteEven the non-Osages who work for the Nation fare better than the general Osage population. Amazing salaries, constant raises, and bonuses! Yep, to hell with the people, the bureaucrat's are going to make damn sure a per-cap for the Osages will never see the light of day.
Do I have the support to go to the Federal Court in a class action lawsuit from all of you to get that per-cap out as promised to The Osage people in 2006? Because this was the corner stone the reason why we became a Government not because we wanted to allow more membership because we could have done that with out becoming a Government because essentially we were a Government.
Delete"In law school at the University of Tulsa, he vowed that he would delete the chapter on Indian law known as the Oklahoma exception, which severely limited tribes’ power over their lands."
DeleteThe Oklahoma exception or the Osage County exception that has kept this land oil and gas productive for 110 years without the Tribal government screwing it up at any and every possible turn?
Texas Osages of Houston Meeting Feb. 12.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/01/30/texas-osages-houston-meeting-feb-12/
The Yellowstone National Park is slaughtering buffalo. Why doesn't the Osage Nation see if they won't transport them to the Bluestem ranch.
ReplyDeleteTurn out for the Osage Congress' public hearing in Grayhorse was great. Very informative and good audience participation and questions. I can't see how anyone could have been there and still want to lease out our land to third parties. The Bluestem Board needs to have complete control of the ranch and if they need to lease out small parcels for short terms until they can stock all the ranch, okay. Making a long term lease with anyone else would just block the Board from expanding into a self sustaining operation. Guess who wasn't there, the Osage News.
ReplyDeleteThe Osage News does not sound like they want to write about what our People think hmm. what was the opening statement and who was speaker? Good questions asked, was there a question asked besides the leasing terms, talk about it latter. How were they planning to keep the debt to equity low? Overhead, how were they planning to keep the overhead low? How do you plan to improve the gross margin and where is the procceds going? What about having more then one type of breed or other cattle? Will there be seperate heards or one large heard easier to take care of. Who will be in charge? How are they going to be fed? Then you have vet calls and so forth. Monitoring and Marketing all have to be tended to avidly to gage our success and performance. Depending on the goals here of course and was there a outcome in this meeting? Leasing the land, month to month, is everything in writing who is going to be the landlord and so forth? Leasing for a one year term is the better way to go as opposed to a month to month method just my opinion. How ever in the decision process it should be made with the knowledge that the Osage will be making a profit.
DeleteOsage Nation Commerce Committee Hearing Video:
DeletePart 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAWfcCj4ztg&feature=youtu.be
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j61FtQTFtes&feature=youtu.be
http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/news/20170213/3-grazing-leases-awarded-for-bluestem-ranch
Delete"We have an internal difference of views as to which groups will have responsibility to manage this land," said Standing Bear. "I am confident that we will ultimately arrive at a conclusion that manages this land in a responsible way so that we can protect it for generations to come." Chief there is no other than the Board shoukd manage the Ranch...whats in these leases? Two are Osage Ranch owners if there are no competitive Bids then how will we no we are getting the best for our money? This leaves so kuch room for corruption? Is the Board on thr same page? In other words are they ok with what is going on? Has the land been approved for being taken into Trust? Shouldn't the BIA manage the Ranch if that is the case? After all they will have the final word right? Congress do the diligence and look deep into these Contracts that we are entering and to be sure the Osages is in favor.
DeleteThe internal difference is simple; Does the Blue Stem Board operate the ranch for the benefit of the Osage people or do we lease to the Chief's buddies for half as much as the board can produce for the people. Congress and the people on one side, Chief on the other.
DeleteThank you.Have a hard time making a sentence short. Wnp. Work in progress, always striving for the truth from with in.
DeleteI understood Osage Preference but do not let it get in the way of progress.
DeleteThe real question is how many centuries, not just years or decades, will it take to recover the initial investment in the Bluestem Ranch? Nothing about this deal makes it look like it will ever be a good from a business perspective.
DeleteIt can be. It all depends on management or better yet how it is managed. We would be better to buy our own heard of 200 as opposed to having smaller heards that requires more hands. Raise to sell. No money to be made going the way the Chief is going unless he's done a fact sheet or economic impact statement. Which Congress should ask of him and put it in writing everything that is.
DeleteHere's the damn deal. We were promised TEN YEARS AGO that gaming money was to be invested to diversify and to put Osages to work. How does the Chief's plan answer that goal? If the Board manages the Bluestem, there is some possibility that this will happen. If they don't, once again, a bunch of non-Osages will be in a position to make the money that we as Osages should be making. At some point, it goes beyond misrepresentation to the Osage people and becomes government sponsored fraud. Figure out a way to put Osages to work besides the bloated Osage government bureaucracy.
DeleteI see your point because the way the law is written there is no compensation if we were to go to the ONC in the future. Gov. fraud all in the name of Sovereignty. This is why our Congress needs to mull over these leases and look to who is going to benefit here and in the end the Osages interest needs to come first. Ten years ago is a understatement.
DeleteOsage News weighs in:
Deletehttp://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/02/17/three-leases-awarded-bluestem-ranch-questions-remain-management/
Elementary my dear Watson. Watch the board video.
ReplyDelete"Here's the damn deal. We were promised TEN YEARS AGO that gaming money was to be invested to diversify and to put Osages to work."
ReplyDeleteYou mean Osages related to politicians and decision makers at the offices.
No I don't. I mean Osages who have a membership in the Osage Nation and those Osages who do not. Eleven going on twelve years ago, we were promised that jobs given to Osages related to politicians and decision makers would end with the new Constitutional government. It's only a scam if those in government now refuse to participate in nepotism and cronyism. If they continue, get them out of office with your vote come June of 2018. And don't think Tillman either. His Father was a Chieftain King if there ever was one and he was known to be ugly and brutal about getting his way in everything. Remember that the acorn does not fall far from the tree. If Joe Tillman won't return a constituent phone call at the level of a member of Congress, what do you think he will be like when he is elected Chief? You can hate our guts but you better represent our interests even if it means taking a phone call or returning one from someone you don't like, consider unworthy, a waste of time or simply not worthwhile.
Delete..."we were promised that jobs given to Osages related to politicians and decision makers would end with the new Constitutional government...."
DeleteBWWWAAAHHHAAAHHHAAAHHHAAHHHAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nepotism is alive and well at the Osage Nation.
Huge salaries, easy work, no fear of job loss, and all the benefits you can handle.
Sorry my friend, but the folks in HR are gonna make sure they take care of their own first.
If you're in good with the Chief he'll get you a job. Or better yet, he'll invent one with an eighty thousand dollar salary
with bonuses and raises every four months.
You can be the most qualified applicant for a job, but it's always a relative or family friend gets get's in.
I don't know why they even post jobs on their web site.
Public employees salaries need to be pubic information. What you think are $80,000 salaries are $120,000 or more. The public has a right to know. Just sayin'..........
DeleteSay it again! Chief hiding salaries in the Office of the Chief's budget? Sends over 30 or more nearly empty boxes to the Congress, one for each Executive Branch Budget. This guy smells as bad as it could ever get. I never thought I'd see anyone as bad as Jim Gray but this guy tops him in every respect. Already angling for another election win to continue his work. What work? Debt everyone is scared to death of? Member benefits that will be out the window with the next budgeting cycle because of his pride and gross stupidity? Thirty 5 year olds with $40,000 spent on each one of them with five or six teachers each? Send this one down and get someone in there who knows something about numbers and what we can afford and what we can't. He's grotesque in superlatives.
DeleteHe wont win another election. And we know that once someone else comes in the swamp will be exposed and removed and the Nation will be given back to their people to decide which direction we will go in and that my friend will be jobs for our economy not bigger Government BUREAUCRACY !!!!. As we should remove GSB as fast as we can count 123.
DeleteI hear ya. They won't move ahead with proceedings now because they say it's too close to election time and they need more lead time to oust him. Plus no one wants another Chief thrown out. If they can't be consistent in their demands for an ethical person to run this government who will follow constitutional law and not use one statutory law after another to front an excuse, we have no hope of a real and credible working government for the Osage people. I say get on with the proceedings on the basis of what they have on him already and let that be a huge cloud on his reelection objective and aspirations. It will work well because no one I know of wants Ray Red Corn in office as P. Chief and there won't be enough time for that to happen but there is enough time to cast a pall over his getting elected to Chief once again.
DeleteRemember this: Raymond Redcorn wanted to tax the minerals estate. He'll bleed the shareholders dry.
DeleteLook at how the Chief has back peddled on everything he agreed to on the Bluestem Ranch. Now he is trying to award a lease on half the ranch to a middleman who will profit by keeping money that would go to the Osage people if the Bluestem Board could run the ranch as agreed. Look and learn. Do you really want GSB to have anything to do with the minerals estate? Think!
DeleteGet him before a preliminary hearing of the Osage Congress on a Constitutional ethics violation for interfering with that Bluestem Enterprise Business Board. Do it now and quit circling this issue and carping about it! He'll see the light once his job is at risk. Imagine what he will do with the Osage Mineral Estate if he gets a crack at it. Let the very idea of that thought dawn on the mind.
DeleteI second that. Get him in front of Congress for ethic violations.
DeleteThe hidden Judicial Branch:
ReplyDeleteWhen are we going to be hearing about the Chief and his slight of hand with the Nowlins and Brad Hilton? Why don't they publish online what they are doing so we can attend? This isn't the way other Tribal Courts operate. How do we even get a calendar of who is hearing what?
"This isn't the way other Tribal Courts operate."
DeleteOf course not. The Osage Nation system is corrupt.
Looks like the AG is in GSB pocket. She doesn't have to show for work, and the ethics charges against the Chief are sitting there. Maybe we need to call the AG office and demand she do her job.
DeleteAnother Special Session for more funding --->>>
ReplyDeletehttp://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/02/17/congress-meet-sixth-special-session-starting-feb-27/
Wah-kon-see-uh almost sounds like walk on and see ya. Thats what I say to this article in the Osage news could do. The effect of this aspect of the 1906 Act divided the Osage Nation into two groups, causing a rift that “colored and clouded the social and political affairs of the Osage since enactment ...” (SCV-2015-01) wrong we had two tribes with in the Osage..
ReplyDeleteIt is in this rift that the root of today’s discord lies, wrong, the Nation created the rift, Government always does. I believe most shareholders wanted the Reaffirmation Act of 2004, which addressed voting rights and the Constitution. Wrong, it gave power to those who actually wanted a Government to allow for more membership without a emphasis or diligence, to how this would impact economically the Osages nor was there proper notice that went out to notify all the Osage Shareholder's by the M.C or BIA to the Shareholder's we were thinking about becoming a Government. There's the division. The mere fact our Constitution almost mirrors the U.S. Constitution insults my intelligence. I opine. However, many are less secure of their protections under the Constitution than we were under the 1906 Act. There are concerns over the possible loss of Headright income, and management over the Mineral Estate. I hope to explore these issues further.
Lol. What she fails to understand this root has been here since the beginning of time with two tribes with in one. What she fails to see is one failed attempt after another failed attempt to create a Government of Corruption that exists and what she does not understand we became the very thing we didn't want to happen a Bureaucracy of cronyism and nepotism with the greedy Nation trying to stick their paws all over the M.E. Bottom line the Osages who could have made the long walk of trail of tears did not choose to go to Oklahoma Territory. We had two tribes at one time or camps. There you go. Then she forgets we became what we were so warned by our forefathers not to become. This Government was built on lies and if we do not start with accountability and transparency we will be right back to square one, give the Government that was stolen from underneath the M.C back to them. When I say we had two tribes we did have two camps. This Government supposedly, became a Government for the people, the Osage People. It allowed Osages who were not a mmember to be a member to vote and quality for federal benefits, but where's the per-cap that was promised? Lets help our own first. Lets look at the Gray, Red Eagle, and now GSB's administration not looking so good, reality is a matter of perspective but the facts speaks louder than words can ever say.
Chief Standing Bear at the 2-15-2017 Minerals Council meeting responding to Councilwoman's statement that people believe that the Chief is interfering in their business. Chief: "As far as my political enemies on that Congress goes, you want to chose sides and go with them, that's your right. But I have not done anything illegal. I want to be fair and open. Some on the Congress don't like that. You want to get on that side, stay there! You and I will not be allies." Boone: "I did not say you were doing anything illegal Chief. I don't know where that comment came from. I did not say you were doing anything illegal."
ReplyDeleteSounds like a guilty conscience and if anyone disagrees with the Chief they are considered political enemies. What a sorry state of affairs. Better not let him get his hands on the minerals.
Agreed. He manipulated and bullied her and it was hugely offensive. The Congress is the only side to choose because it's the only Branch of the Osage Nation government that has a direct Constitutional connection to the Minerals Estate, the Osage Minerals Agency and the OM Council at the very beginning of Article XV. History has proven that he plays all us all for idiots and tries to move us all around like pieces on a chess board when he feels it's necessary. Don't feel like the lone ranger.
Deletehttp://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/09/20/how-to-deal-with-a-bullying-boss/print/
As my granddad would say, "He showed his ass." At least it was recorded and those who attended the meeting saw how he really acts. I guess anyone who disagrees with him is an "enemy." How would you like to live your life like that? I seldom take up for Cynthia, because she can take care of herself, but good grief she wasn't provoking him at all.
DeleteIn the meeting, S. Erwin, was doing her best to get a royalty bonus on this March payment. Thank you Ms. Erwin for your effort.
DeleteI'm reading a thin booklet on Sitting Bull, I came to a paragraph that I'd like to share.
"Four Lakota chiefs--...had directed tribal affairs since 1851 but were no longer fulfilling the expectations and goals of the tribal membership. Tough weather, frequent battles, and inadequate buffalo hunts led the tribe to question their chiefs' ability. Having fallen from grace and popularity, the four chiefs were subjected to secret testing to determine if each had the dignity, forbearance, generosity, wisdom, and great heart required for the high office of chief. Only one passed the test."
I agree, it was so wrong for the Chief to talk "down" in the way he did with C. Boone, no matter what brought it about. Freedom of speech. I plan to listen to the meeting again, it covered quite a lot.
The Osage constitution does not have to be like the Federal government. There was those who wrote it up and then "we" voted for it. It can be rewritten up and "we" can vote on it. And, it does not have to be called "Constitution."
Waiting, waiting, to see what kind of deal Trump has for us? May not be necessary for a Minerals Director?
It sure as hell is totally unnecessary for a Minerals Director at $60,000-80,000 plus benefits out of minerals money that should be going into the pockets of the headright owners. GTHO! ASAFP! Don't even think about disgusting me with that idea again.
DeleteWhy do we have a M.C. if we need a Minerals Director as if we do not have one anyway The BIA comes to mind but that hasn't worked out very well has it? What has worked out very well is we know this to be truth we were up against a prior Administration that was trying to burden the growth of the M.E. in the last three years as proven by the erroneous regs they tried to push on us, then when they, the BIA,there was a stall in the Administrative Dept. A slow down on the permit process. It's not like the BIA wasplaying with people's lives, of which what is being done about this narrative that sounds like it's playing over and over again with no accountability? Now I understand something needs to be done other than he said she said and lets put hooves to mouth on the table. More like everyone step back and ask yourselves who are we working for? What is the long term and immediate goals each and everyone of you need to take a step back and look at when things were at its best and we need to get back to the basics of what success means to all of us in everything we do. Inside and out. All of you including the Chielf are behaving like the U.S Congress, where finally we are seeing someone cares enough to right the wrong, of which there is a lot of wrong with The ON and MC. Bottom line is the M.E. is suffering because you knuckle heads are just to dam close to anything you can't think futher than you can spit and worse nobody trusts anybody. And when Boone touches a nerve of truth and you see Erwin trying but the rest of you just sit there and cannot do anything but complain, how is that working, it's not. We have a chance to do something lets do it whether it be A Natural gas plant built, lets get the move on and get the economy moving period. Yesterday is here folks and we can't come to a common goal or concensus and this is dply concerning. My suggestion get Erwin as speaker and remove Waller.
DeleteThe only step I want to take is to make sure that the Chief and the Osage Nation does the very best thing they can for the Osage Mineral Estate and that is to KEEP OUT OF MINERALS BUSINESS AND NOT COST THE OSAGE MINERAL ESTATE A THIN RED CENT. That's how the Chief and the Nation can protect the OME by staying away and keeping it that way from now until kingdom come. They have no credibility from a business standpoint other than to spend money and then spend the money they make and keep spending it in a repetitive manner that loops and continues to loop all over again. These people are infants with money and nothing more or less. Face the facts of the case. If the BIA is bad, by comparison, the Osage Nation will be catastrophe. Look at the OLLC and now the Bluestem Ranch. Nothing credible happening there at all. The past is prologue.
DeleteHiring a Minerals Director -- does this have to do with trying to turn the ME into a "business?" It's more like hiring a "consultant." A "director" is a top boss status, the head or CEO of an organization (will he/she be taking someone's MC position). We elected EACH of the MC, how can a third party come in without our "vote" or input?
Delete$80,000 to be deducted from IIM accounts each year? Is this a permanent position?
A complete reorganization or setup of the MC is necessary. Instead of voting for 8 people to "freestyle," we should be voting on the ballot for 8 different individual jobs. Have the ballot arranged with candidates names "under" the job they are applying for. That's what the election is for -- we are "hiring."
With a new structure should also be a new name to identify our business, like "Osage Mineral Estate, LLC, etc.
Right, I said that a while back if our 8 council members cannot handle the position in which they are getting paid for then we must reorganize the M.C. No choice. We vote in new members. It appears they want to pass the buck. Ineffective and does not solve what is happening with the the M.E. at the administrative level. To reduce redundancies we utilize the bodies that we have already on Ground. Remeber you the M.C. members were elected to adminster and develop according to your Mission Statement and why should we expect less because thats whats been happening since 2014. I think m it is time that the Shareholder's since we have 5,000 members organize a Convention just for the Shareholder's or we will invite whoever is willing to pay the entry fee, but we must pull together, however and let them know that there is more they can do for this multi billion dollar estate. But what we have here is a failure to communicate and we all should be sitting at the table, because we are in a different time and we require a functional M.C. Its called getting what you are paying for and if you are not up to the job, resign. Time to net work other than on this forum. If our M.C. cannot put to action, then maybe a third party needs to come in like 8 people who are up to the task at hand. I know it sounds brutal but reality is all a matter of perspective and from my point of view, since the HPP suit, where are we at the agency with hiring how many engineers, 8 wasn't it? Anyone follow thru on this? How can we operate if the left hand doesn't know from the right? I feel like all we have is a mission statement and all of you are playing house. Remove the politics for one day and see what happens, doors open to dialogue.
DeleteEven if you had a Director, a Department, an Office and all the employees you can think of, you won't move one step forward without the say so of the Bureau and the hierarchy established by the Osage Nation Constitution, Article XV. IOW...dream on. Business for the MC and the way they do it is described in the Constitution Article XV, in all of Section 4. Read it. Do yourself a favor and the rest of us as well.
DeleteBeg to differ, part of the problem with the processing at the administrative level at the agency is extremely labored to the detriment of the M.E. we need hands on experienced people at the desk and operate a business like we should. Because everything that surrounds us involves all of us. We need a staff. We need to stay in the know and knowledge is power as they say..money will not be a problem because it can be subsidized by the Government. Well, the bulk of it. There is nothing to stop us but fear itself of the unknown but think of the possibilities and the future, and that day is today. In other words we are not where we should be at, and I do understand protecting the smaller interest, but there is a greater interest to develop the M.E. There are just to many reasons to, than not to. I have experience in Business Management and Hospitality and this is no way to run a multi Billion Estate. The question begs the answer, why have we not developed a working office with the M.C performing duties for which they are getting already paid by the Estate. Two meetings a month is not operating a business. Nothing from these meetings anymore is real Positive as of late or lets say the last four years or so and where are we other in the courts, at square one. SMH. Why put off what we can do for ourselves today. We have opportunities and we must seize the moment before it passes us by..I can agree with the Chief on one thing he has the right attitude just the wrong choice how he would like to see One's handle the M.E, isn't going to happen, but he is right we need a functional Petroleum Office.
DeleteYou have a choice. You will have to wait for permits according to the BLM rules adopted in the EIS for 6 months or be governed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission where the Osage Nation will land in State court within the first five minutes because the landowners will file under the rule against perpetuities written into the State Constitution to get their mineral rights back and repatriated to the land. You couldn't be happy with the best so you will have to settle for second or third best. Having more Osage Nation hires all over the Mineral Estate like flies on buffalo s**t eating the oil and gas royalty income alive won't make you happy either with next to nothing $$$ in your quarterly headright check.
DeleteWe are in the "unknown zone" for now to what our future ME status will be until Trump's new appointees for Dept. of Interior, BIA, and BLM are confirmed. This may take months? The Democrats are causing delays. He's already changing some CFRs--so there may be some big changes in these departments, and hopefully benefit the ME.
DeleteKeeping our fingers crossed.
DeleteI warned you to wait until the final terms and conditions of the HPP settlement were published and full disclosure to the Trust beneficiaries was made by the BIA and the Secretary of the Interior. The work Osage Tribe Negotiated Rulemaking Committee was never fully disclosed, explained and understood by those most likely to be harmed by the work of it, and I mean the Shareholders. If the committee had been named the Code of Federal Negotiated Regulations, the headright owners would have been placed on alert and would have asked a lot more questions before they voted in that premature election the BIA structured and sent out to the Shareholders.
Deletehttp://www.bartlesvilleradio.com/pages/news/138142017/two-osage-county-burglary-arrests
ReplyDeletehttps://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/calendar
ReplyDeleteLook at the agenda for the Tallgrass LLC meeting today. They are wanting to form MORE companies? What have the companies that they own done so far, except cost the Osage people millions of dollars.
They are going to confer with Chief Gunselhead on their Articles of Operation? It is true. He runs everyone of those boards, except those ranching people and look how he treated them.
Hey Congress why don't you quit funding those boards? You save millions, and our Chief has more time to get more ethics charges against him, plus try and run the Mineral Estate.
What is the over all performance of Tall Grass llc and now they want a spun off of Tall Grass. hmmm. Careful Congress less is more Congress and what is the reasoning for this? Other than to hide money?
DeleteMore boards and commissions to pay more salaries to Osages who are "Connected." That's what that's all about and always has been.
DeleteWent well, yes, but will it stay that way?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/02/22/osage-casino-surveillance-transfer-went-well-officials-say/
Health care information:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/02/22/indian-country-provisions-within-affordable-care-act-discussed-uinokt-quarterly-meeting/
College Fair:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/OsageNews/photos/a.153834188010750.33094.134873493240153/1358804994180324/?type=3
Starting Today:
ReplyDeleteEnduring Images: Osage Photographic Portraiture
https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/who-we-are/museum/exhibits
So how is 100,000 going to a statue helping the Osage? Not!
ReplyDeleteYeah but former member of the Osage Congress, John Free is likely to make another killing on another statue for the Osage Campus area.
DeleteONCR 17-11: (Congressman John Maker): A resolution to authorize the expenditure of $100,000 out of the capital asset and improvement fund for designing, creating and erecting a sculpture of Osage Chief Claremore.
Plus Congressman Tillman...the greenhouse for "Red Corn" Farms is out of the question and off the list too!
Oh, and while we're at it, Congressman Shaw when are you going to honor your campaign promise to make a vote available to the constituents on big ticket items like a new Grayhorse Village Community Building to further indulge the whining of all of the areas in Osage County who feel they are entitled and deserve the same as those others who are getting the benefit of one big expenditure after another in competition among one another while those of us outside of the Osage have needs, wants and necessities too?
ONCR 17-10 (Congressman Ron Shaw): A resolution to authorize the expenditure of $1,825,000 out of the Nation’s capital asset and improvement fund for construction of a new Grayhorse village community building.
http://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/02/27/congressional-special-session-starts-feb-27/
http://mixlr.com/osage-nation/showreel/
DeleteDay's session meeting and committee meetings, audio for today.
Thank you for finishing what I did not say above. Congress this is looking underhanded with the statue and have there been other bids on the building of the Grayhorse community building? Way to much money and seek other builders? Oh now I see where the money is going to "RED Corn Farms" and who benefits and how is that money going to work for us? I believe in building the infrastructure but lets make sure we are getting the best for our buck. Look at the deal thoroughly, be sure to get everything in writing. We really need to reign in the appropriations.
DeleteAccording to Raymond Red Corn, this is Federal money the BIA is going to make available. I need to hear more of yesterday's Comm-Econ Committee later on today. BTW, they passed the statue resolution and that's another $100K we can kiss goodbye. I suppose if John Free gets a crack at it, it will look like a drinking buddy of the one they have already installed on Campus. I say the rest of us get a statue too to place near the front door of the Congressional Chambers to remind them of how outrageous all this spending is to those who aren't the Osage Nation government elitists who hold the purse strings and open them every time they get the chance whether they have the money available or not. I nominate John Stink.
DeleteThe situation on the Greyhorse Community Building is that the actual appropriation bill for the $1.8 million was passed last September 2016. What they want a Resolution for, ONCR 17-10, as well, I am unclear as to what this means. Unless the money is being appropriated and then spent by the Executive Branch for something else instead of its original purpose, I really don't know.
DeleteJohn Stink. Good. I second the nomination. Something has to shake these "mighty Oaks of fiscal responsibility" with our money at stake.
DeleteThe buck stops with our Congress. Who in Congress is going to say just no to the Chief.
DeleteWondering is it self economic gain where it concerns the Greyhorse community and the Statue as well?Becuase if there is a cost overrun on the construct of the building or it wws not projected mathematically or lack of knowledge by the contractor does not mean we should eat the cost especially when the cost of this adventure is well benefited at the beginning of the negotiations.Somthis begs the answer from our Congress are they vetting these contracts blindly? Cost is relatively low to make the statue so, where is the incentive to investigate the true cost? The castmor mold is relatively low to produce,wax as well. So one begs for another answer who threw this price out there for the statue based on what? How can anyone waste the Osages money like this? and it smells of corruption.
DeleteIt IS corruption. Here's an example:
Deletehttp://lifesizestatue.com/bronze-bison-p-699.html
This is a bronze statue of a life size bison, at least as complicated and difficult to create as a statue of a person, Osage or not. The full price on this work is $20,000. Where does John Free, if that's who is going to be the sculptor, get off charging $100,000. He should be doing this for his Tribal Community at a huge discount if not at cost with the labor thrown in. This isn't what's happening here though is it? You don't command that kind of price unless you are a well established sculptor on the order of Remington. It's a feeding frenzy and everyone at the Osage Nation government "Osage County Elitist" level is involved with the exception of Speaker Pratt, Congresswomen Buffalohead and Edwards.
I'm getting damn sick and tired of the "Osage Price" which is, in reality, price gouging, which is pervasive inside and outside of the Osage Nation government.
DeleteIsn't it somewhere in our Constitution that any money spent needs to be to the advantage, Osage? Economically speaking to our advantage and how is this statue going to do that by making us money?
DeleteJust heads up here, the Obama administration just got caught in a shell game is this what is going on come on Congress open up a investigation.
My thoughts on this, is anybody in Congress following the money trail? To make the statue it may cost only six thousand give or take depending. Each and everyone of you have been hoodwinked. Casting depending, each will cost about six hundred dollars. For one ton of Bronze four thousand. Is this guy well known in the industry?
DeleteFYI - Indianz.com Feb. 28 - "Interior nominee Ryan Zinke heads toward confirmation in Senate"
ReplyDelete(been cleared for a final vote)
FYI - Indianz.com - Feb. 27 - "Cherokee Nation works to protect our resources"
("water resource" - disposal of radioactive material, 11,000 tons)
He totally killed it!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/02/28/osage-student-scores-perfect-score-act-test/
Learn something:
ReplyDeletehttps://gilcrease.org/events/2017-03-03/from-my-point-of-view-peyote-and-the-native-american-churches
DON'T FORGET!
ReplyDeleteElection Day is March 20, 2017. Voters can cast their ballot at the former Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center building at 1449 W. Main St. in Pawhuska from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Early voting is also scheduled Friday March 17 (noon to 8 p.m.) and Saturday March 18 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) at the ON Election Office, 608 Kihekah in Pawhuska.
Fox News today: Rep. Zinke has been confirmed for Dept. of Interior
ReplyDeleteOk so the M.C. would not give up the records because they are held at the ONT really? what a stall tactic if I ever saw and these accou ts belong to the shareholder's ot the M.C. to do what they please because they already get a a million dollar draw down of which we have a right to know by the feds at this point that we are entitled to a record according to. PATRICIA SPERRIER BRIGHT I am with you on this one girl. I am willing to go futher to the feds on this one if we have to. Someone is hiding something and we will find out!!!!
ReplyDeleteNot the M.C. to do what they want. Sorry for the type o or not spelling your name right running out the door and caught a quick glimpse.
DeleteBright wants to access the records on the amount of the attorney's fees spent to defend the Minerals Agency and the MC against a hostile takeover by the Nation and she's so dim that she doesn't realize that without the efforts of the MC and the defense they've put up over the last 10-11 years, her headright share would now be in the ON government pot and eaten up by ON bureaucratic overgrowth, overruns and the hard cost for them. She's a puppet dupe of Sonny Abbott and Team Osage. Keep that in mind when she's pushed forward as legitimate which she isn't. I'd like to know who is paying for this lawsuit of hers including the attorney's fees for it.
DeleteYep there's always a flip but all the same with due respect my eyes would like to see as well. I am for the truth however it reveals itself and numbers do not lie, people do. Just the facts. It's a proxy to the truth how our money is working and where it is going and by all definition the Shareholder's have a right to know. It shouldn't be that the Federal Government should be held to the standard so should the M.C. This is not a blind trust here. This comes around, bottom line to performance and or the lack of and to be honest there hasn't been much transparency or accountability other than, Erwin trying her best and Boone right there, but thats all good and dandy, there's a effort but we expect more in this day and age, the years of yesterday are here as we speak at this very moment. So, when I see that there is a appearance of being stonwalled by little petty answers such as, go to the ONF Dept. I get the feeling that something is amiss and thats putting it mildly. Facts have a way of speaking louder than words and I do not think it is appropriate in any way shape or form that the Shareholder's should be kept in the dark after all we are in this together, not them, not I but plural..Give me one contract and I can guarantee you I will spot the real problem that exists. So I ask again of which no one can answer. We shareholders have been irreparable harmed by the BIA since 2014 and or it started in the last quarter of 2013, what has our lawyer done to seek the damage caused by the reckless delays? Why are we not doing all we can to represent the shareholder's and networking towards that goal which is long over due? So, now you have it why in the end we always resort to the one thing that can give us incite to records on over all performance which will allow us to know how we want to vote out each and everyone of you with new blood. Who will do it better and reduce redundancies and build trust with the other shareholder's and over all improve efficiencies and do it with such finesse and cheeper where the Shareholder's can believe in who you are as representatives. End of story.
DeleteKinda of like how the Dems hiding the slush fund from the tax payers who have a right to the money not their private interest groups. We want to narrow the escape or possibly any and all impropriety that could exist amongst us and verify verify what our money and how it is working. Something wrong if you don't want us to know.
DeleteNow, THIS is REALLY SOMETHING! Putting Osages to work. I'm over the moon!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tallgrass-osage.com/bluestem-ranch-3/
http://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/03/03/cattle-operation-underway-bluestem-ranch-nation-owns-800-cows-40-bulls-and-nearly-200-calves/
And more good news!
Deletehttp://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/03/02/aquaponics-facility-producing-herbs-vegetables-and-catfish-osage-nation/
The rate of $140.00 per day is ridiculously low for a contract "day laborer" who must furnish his own vehicle, livestock trailer, horse, and other necessaries. The contractor must cover all of his own taxes, insurance, and the cost of his vehicle and equipment. All said and done, he'll be lucky to clear minimum wage.
DeleteNever ever happy are you? It gets old...
DeleteI agree with you poster 5:08 pm.
DeleteI'm just glad that after eleven years, we finally have six jobs available for Osages that don't involve the gaming or a job with the Osage Nation. We can build on that even though these hires won't be paid through the roof like those who work for the Osage Nation and every year expecting a 3% increase on a merit bonus when you can't even get anyone on the phone or they act like they're too busy to fool with you when you do, when they call you back, if they ever do. You can run a government without employees you can count on but you can't do that with a ranch. Osages want to run everything but it always appears that they are never happy with the employment conditions and constantly make excuses if they have to work for an honest wage and earn it. Failure is the result of such a workforce in a job that counts and a job in an oilfield counts just as much as ranching. Prove that you're worth the money before you're paid more than the entry level wage. That's how it works in the real world because profits aren't eaten up in salaries and benefits as soon as they are made. They go back to work for the business itself to expand it and grow it. That leads to success not failure.
DeleteRight I to have seen the incompetence at the Nation. And you and I are not alone.
Delete$140.00 a day for cowboys working in Osage County is standard. Does it pay much? No. There will be people lined up around the block to help work those cows and calves.
DeleteNo it doesn't but then again it depends where you live and you factor the cost of living in your area as well.
DeleteLast year there was a news article in Oklahoma Energy Today about a state government representative advising that Oklahoma needs to start searching for new revenue other than taxes on Casinos and oil. He was visioning about 30 or more years from now. He was saying something like it was to risky to depend on this income because of its ups and downs and unpredictable situations arising.
ReplyDeleteWith the new Constitution came a 20 year vision/plan. Wonder if there's a backup plan if the Casinos go down for some unforeseeable future disasters--like another 2008 slump. Are we on track for our 20 year vision/plan, just another 10 years to go to meet our goal! Oh, how time flies by.
In reference to turkey vouchers -- Last Christmas in the Osage News paper, one of the three communities in Osage County had a party and gave each of the residents in the community a Walmart card. Now that's old time Osage.
The Chief has said he is considering re-election cause he's not done with all he wants to accomplish. The next election let's demand the next candidate tell us his/her plan, not just say "to do for the people."
Right. WHAT PEOPLE AND WHERE DO THEY LIVE is what I want to know.
DeleteReally a Walmart card thats fine but who were the people because I thought we were apart of that group? Re-election lol he is as corrupt and as bad as the prior Chiefs well, I cannot add John Red Eagle in that mix, he was just incompetent, a handshake nowadays takes on a new meaning Btw. The Chief didn't have enough time hmmm. Thats a lie. Given the 25 year plan, yes its working by building a bigger "Bureaucracy" was the 25 year plan they have successfully installed. The goal of the 25 year plan was so self serving. Here was the plan.
Delete● A viable and sustainable economy driven by Osage Nation enterprises with which the income derived from is responsibility reinvested for future "Generations".
● A flourishing Osage Culture, a revitalized Osage language spoken at a basic levelby vast majority of Osage citizens and a unique and vibrant Osage history taught to osage children and fostered,promoted and memorialized throughout our homelands
● Conservation and responsible stewardship of natural resources balanced with sound management pratices and efficient production of the M.E. with in our established territory
● Highly educated Osage citizens supported and promoted bybthe Nation at the pre-school level continuing through the post secondary level and beyond
● Physical, mental and spiritual vitality evident amongst our Osage people complimented by the ongoing development of health and wellness sevices.
● A self determining civically engaged society with ethnically responsible government leaders who faithfully serve our Constitution and sre accountable for thier actions to Osage citizens
This was in Sept. Of 2007 this pamplet went out to all Osages the 25 year Vision plan filled with more quetions I have to some of this garbage that was printed in this pamplet. You have to read it to know whats in it lol sound familiar but seriously heres a ex.
● 1 to 3 years
Building the foundaton and momentum from first accomplishments
● 4 to 6 years
"Realize the key components of the vision"
● 7 to 25 years
"New Horizon"
What? Empty words lol. And the Chief wants to run again.
What the state needs to do is remove the waste or swamp. Not that hard to find.
DeleteHave to correct you on the top priority listed. The number one priority was to leave the Osage Mineral Estate alone and intact without interference of any kind from the newly ratified constitutional government in 2006. Dr. Joe Connor collated the information in a report and turned it over to Jim Gray who upended the information, putting the top priority of all of the Osage people country wide to the bottom of the list. It was one among many thoroughly manipulative and dishonest things he did while he was in office. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if his current wife still has a service contract with the Nation and on the payroll for big bucks.
DeleteThe Chief's big folly was that ranch he bought to be the big cheese in Osage Land. Future generations will be saddled with it until someone gets the big picture that it needs to be made to go away even if the losses are substantial. 3 to 6 times the land in Osage County could have been purchased for $74 million. Heat of the moment impulse purchase to rub elbows with a national figure and get widespread attention focussed on him alone. This pure egomanic and his destructive land venture will continue to cost the Osage people through the nose in loss of necessary and needed benefits from now on until its sold and time in this case is money lost left and right.
DeleteBe afraid, be very afraid,that GSB is given the opportunity to accomplish all that he wants.
ReplyDeleteOME is the top fear and of that I'm terrified if he get's that opportunity.
DeleteEthics charges have been filed on the Chief concerning his handling of the Bluestem Ranch. It's about time someone got around to holding this guy accountable.
DeleteCongress is holding him accountable?
DeleteNot all of them. The word is Congressman Joe Tillman filed alone. Good for him. This madness and lack of consistency has gone on long enough. This new Osage Nation government should have resolved by this time to some measure of harmony for the sake of the Osage people for whom it was supposedly formed. It's now worse than ever and has fallen to new lows even from previous administrations. I'm beginning to think with all the fights for power between the branches of this new government, it will never improve and we should seriously look at going back to what we had before this mess ever took place. It was less complicated, and there were only ten elected officials to have to pay for and deal with on a day to day basis. Less is more and the last 11 years have proven that fact of life in the Osage.
DeleteWhen you don't hold those accountable then you are complicit. If we do not live by the laws which govern then you are divided. This was to be a Government for the people, not a People for the Government or was this the Government our elders wished for either. Thank you Congressman Tillman for standing for the Oath yuu took and or for not being afraid to stand for something. Who will follow in the good steps of Congressmans Tillman? I dare you to do something right for the Osage People not the Nation.
DeleteHere Here!
DeleteGross happiness product (alternate GDP) is way low for Osages right now on the return on our vote of faith and hope in GSB to lift us out of the morass of the past on all fronts. Worse than ever...
DeleteGross happiness all the way to the Bank. All you have to do is follow the money trail and you don't have to look to far when you start lookjng in people's backyards.
DeleteThis is well worth the price of admission:
ReplyDeletehttp://mixlr.com/osage-nation/showreel/
Commerce, Gaming and Land Meeting 3-7-17--Click under the arrow below the text Osage Nation: 5C_CE 2017-3-7 pt 1
Agenda: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/sites/default/files/event-brochures/CE%203-7-17%20NoticeRevised.pdf
The only "deep dive" we have at the Osage Nation is for as much cash as can be gotten a hold of as possible.
"Discussion with Lacey Horn, Treasurer of the Cherokee Nation about Audit Procedures" has got to be a huge threat to our Executive Branch. Sorry APC Raymond; if we really had things running fiscally correctly and appropriately, ASP it will be the dog wagging the tail not the other way around. Imagine a "deep dive" in accounting and finding that one ON department is providing funds to an entirely different ON department or office than the original one. Talk about flexible budgets with money shuffling around from one to another. Ours are potentially bleeding from every line item on every budget in the entire Executive Branch!
Also more info. on the next Congressional Hearing on Sunday at the Cultural Center (the old one) from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M.
https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/sites/default/files/event-brochures/CE%203-12-17%20Public%20Hearing%20Notice.pdf
The "Civic Center" is the new name of the old Cultural Center but they are keeping the name "Cultural Center" until after the Special Election.
DeleteIn the real world, I believe they call this misappropriation of public funds. No wonder Ray-Ray is defensive.
DeleteAlmost like laundering money.
DeleteFactor in that shady Supreme Court upholding the Executive Branch budgeting process and line item determinations, regardless of the funds actually available or even reported as yearly projected revenues and worse, sweeping all legal precedent off the table where Federal, State, or other Tribal laws may be pertinent to the legal matter at hand under Judicial review. Who knew that it would ever get this bad and demoralizing for the Osage people. This whole Osage Nation government should be fit for the rubbish bin at the earliest possible opportunity.
DeleteIf the Judiciary can't get the government straightened up, we all are lost in a horrible place.
DeleteI like it...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/03/09/osage-culture-traveling-trunk-touring-missouri-schools/
We need one of these for every State where a goodly number of Osages are living. Move our Culture around. People care about a picture they can step into and flesh out. Youngsters all over the USA could be benefitting from a pilot program just like this one. Enough has been lost to the detriment of current generations, Osage, Native Americans and non-Indians alike.
Class Schedule for Spring:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/who-we-are/cultural-center/classes
Osage Blog Conversation continues at http://osageblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/conversation-march-2017.html
ReplyDelete