Osage Nation Podcast - 𐓂𐒼𐒻𐒼𐒻𐒷 “Talking to One Another”

In this final episode, guest host Amy Farid welcomes Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear to discuss the meaning and practice of self-governance for the Osage Nation's present and future. Chief Standing Bear, an attorney with deep knowledge of federal Indian law, explains how self-governance represents the Nation's exercise of sovereignty through programs and services that benefit all Osage citizens, whether they live in Oklahoma or across the United States.

He discusses the "big three" programs—education, health assistance, and burial assistance—that serve the geographically scattered Osage population, and how gaming revenue enables the Nation to supplement inadequate federal funding. Chief Standing Bear reflects on the importance of Osage people working together across generations, the revitalization of language and culture, and the critical legal battles ahead including reservation reaffirmation. With optimism about younger Osages bringing fresh energy and Osage perspectives to tribal government, Chief Standing Bear emphasizes that true self-governance means the people—not just buildings—make the Nation thrive.

Guest host Amy Farid sits down with Osage Nation Congresswoman Jodie Revard, who brings a unique perspective as both a member of the historic 31st Tribal Council that preceded constitutional reform and a current member of the Osage Nation Congress. Congresswoman Revard, who has served as an In-Lon-Schka cook for over 26 years under six drum keepers, discusses the complex balance of maintaining traditional roles while serving in elected office.

She reflects on being the youngest woman elected to the 31st Tribal Council and shares her philosophy that the Constitution "created a table and seats" where different branches must work together despite their separate responsibilities. Throughout the conversation, Congresswoman Revard emphasizes constitutional accountability, explaining how Congress must hold the Executive Branch accountable while citizens must hold Congress accountable, and why bridging divisions between branches is essential to making the constitutional system work for all Osage people, both those living in Oklahoma and the half of tribal citizens residing outside the state.

Guest host Amy Farid welcomes Osage Nation Supreme Court Chief Justice Meredith Drent to break down the constitutional framework that established separation of powers among the executive, judicial, legislative branches, and Minerals Council. Chief Justice Drent, whose great-great-great-great-grandfather Paul Aiken served as tribal interpreter and signed the 1881 Constitution, brings both legal expertise and family legacy to this discussion of governmental structure. She explains how each branch has distinct responsibilities—Congress creates laws, the Executive implements them, and the Judiciary interprets them—and why these boundaries are essential to preventing the system from breaking down.

With clarity and occasional humor, Chief Justice Drent addresses the Nation's learning curve after 100 years under the 1906 Act's imposed governance, describing early constitutional challenges when officials had to learn new roles and untangle the "Gordian knot" of the previous system to make the separation of powers function properly.

This unique episode features a historic 2004 audio interview between then-doctoral student Dr. Jean Dennison and Chief Jim Gray, recorded during the pivotal period when the Osage Constitution was being reformed. With permission and blessing from Chief Gray's family and Dr. Dennison, guest host Amy Farid presents this invaluable time capsule that captures Chief Gray's vision, hopes, and concerns as the Nation worked toward reclaiming sovereignty.

Chief Gray describes the unprecedented public engagement process, including the 2002 election that swept in reform-focused council members, the 60-day public comment periods, hearings across multiple districts, and the overwhelming tribal and congressional support for the repatriation bill. This episode offers listeners the rare opportunity to hear directly from the leader who shepherded the constitutional reform process, reflecting on challenges overcome and dreams for the Osage Nation's next 100 years—a powerful tribute to his transformative leadership.

Guest host Amy Farid sits down with Osage Nation Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Lohah Homer for an intimate conversation about the profound impact of the 1906 Act on Osage identity and membership. Justice Homer, whose great-grandfather served as Principal Chief in 1905 and whose father Charles Henry Lohah was the Nation's first Chief Justice, shares personal stories about growing up in a family dedicated to tribal governance.

She explains how the 1906 Act stripped the Osage Nation of its fundamental right to determine membership, restricting tribal enrollment to headright holders and creating a painful system where children couldn't be recognized as Osage until a parent died. Through candid discussion, Justice Homer reveals how this oppressive structure affected her own sense of identity and why the 2006 Constitution's restoration of lineal descendancy was essential to reclaiming Osage sovereignty and healing generational trauma.

Join Wahzhazhe Communications Director Abby Mashunkashey and guest host Amy Farid as they introduce the Osage Nation Sovereignty Club podcast series, created in partnership between Wahzhazhe Communications and Gray Hawk Enterprise, LLC. This welcoming episode sets the stage for a six-part civics education journey celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the Osage Nation Constitution's ratification in 2006.

Amy, host of the podcast "Let's Have a Powwow," shares her initial intimidation about interviewing tribal officials and how she discovered the engaging, humorous side of Osage government leaders. Abby explains how this series aims to help citizens become better engaged members of the Osage Nation by understanding their government's evolution from 1872 to present day, emphasizing that learning about tribal governance can be both fun and accessible to those without political backgrounds.

In this episode of the Osage Nation Bi-Weekly Podcast, hosts Russ Tallchief and Abby Mashunkashey sit down with Alexis Rencountre, Director and Election Supervisor for the Osage Nation Elections Office, to talk about the upcoming Osage Nation primary and general elections, voter engagement, and how technology is strengthening tribal sovereignty. Alexis shares how the elections process has evolved over the last 15 years—from outsourced systems to secure, in-house election technology and a new Osage voter portal that lets citizens track their absentee ballots and voter history.

Listeners will learn:

• Who is eligible to vote in Osage Nation elections and what you need to bring on Election Day
• How permanent and temporary absentee voting works, including how to switch to in-person voting
• Key election dates for early voting, primary election day, and general election day on the Hill
• Details on paid election official positions and how community members can apply
• How the new BIA Minerals Building voting location and updated systems improve ballot security and transparency

If you’re an Osage citizen wanting to stay informed, get involved, and make your voice heard, this episode is your guide to participating in the Osage Nation democratic process.

Osage Nation kicks off 2026 with a powerful episode of the biweekly podcast “Talking to One Another.” Communications Director Abby Mashunkashey and Communications Manager Russ Tallchief share a major save the date for the 20-year Sovereignty Celebration Dance honoring the ratification of the Osage Nation Constitution. Listeners will hear details about:

• Sovereignty Celebration – March 7, 2026 at the Skyline Event Center, Tulsa
• Gourd Dance at 2 PM, supper at 5 PM, and War & Competition Dancing at 6:30 PM
• Special hotel group rate at Osage Casino with code 7211959
• New celebration artwork and t‑shirts by Jessica More Harjo

Abby and Russ are joined by Amy Bellamy from the Office of Strategic Planning to discuss the newly released Osage Nation Strategic Plan 2026–2030. Amy explains how the plan was built with:

• Community meetings across Oklahoma, California, Texas, and online webinars
• A focus on youth and Gen Z input
• Ten key topic areas, with health remaining the #1 priority
• Emerging needs like home health services and how strategic planning reflects the will of the Osage people, not any one administration

They also cover where to download the Strategic Plan PDF on osagenation-nsn.gov, how to request a printed copy via email, and why this plan is a vital guide for leadership, services, and election-season consistency. Follow Osage Nation on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and send content questions to communications@osagenation-nsn.gov.

Join hosts Russ Tallchief and Abby Mashunkashay for an Osage Nation 2025 highlights in review with Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear. They explore how modern Osage governance is strengthening tribal health and wellness initiatives, expanding the new Wahzhazhe Health campus, and creating walkable spaces in Pawhuska.

Chief Standing Bear reflects on Osage language revitalization through the Wahzhazhe Early Learning Academy (WELA) program and Daposka Ahnkodapi Elementary, tribal land stewardship and bison restoration on the 43,000-acre ranch, and the rise of Osage food sovereignty through Harvest Land and the Butcher House. This conversation highlights Osage culture and education, Native community economic development, and holiday traditions rooted in caring for Wahzhazhe people at home and across the country.

In this episode of the Osage Nation Bi-Weekly, hosts Russ Tallchief and Abby Mashunkashay talk with Andrea Kimball, Director of Financial Assistance, about the Tree of Giving holiday program, how to sponsor a child, and key deadlines for donations. They also share details on Harvest Land’s upcoming food box drive-through, reminders about health benefit open enrollment, the Osage Nation Museum’s final lecture with Sean Standing Bear, local Nutcracker performances at the Constantine Theater, and holiday office closures.