Chiefs visit with U.S. Sen. James Lankford
Indian Affairs Committee Member Supports Nation and Receives Code Talker Coin
PAWHUSKA, OKLA (January 6, 2016) — Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear and Assistant Principal Chief Raymond Red Corn visited for an hour at the Osage Nation Office of the Chiefs on Wednesday with U.S. Sen. James Lankford (Okla.-R) to discuss several topics important to the Nation. At the forefront of the topics was Chief Standing Bear’s position on moving forward with efforts to strengthen the Nation’s sovereignty.
Chief Standing Bear believes the Osage should have a different relationship with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). He said the BIA should be providing technical assistance to the Osage Nation.
Sen. Lankford agrees with the Chief’s position and said, “Look at the most successful tribes and what they all have in common, they are the ones who have separated from the BIA.”
Chief Standing Bear said discussions, like the one today, with Lankford are important to the Osage Nation because Lankford is a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.The Chief and Lankford also discussed examples of successful economic growth, economic opportunities and resource development and protections.
Standing Bear took time to share the unique aspects of the Osage Nation with the Senator regarding how the Osage Nation Reservation was established and the long time government-to-government relationship Osage people have had with the U.S. “[The Osage Nation] purchased this land and this is something we will always be proud of and share,” said Standing Bear.
The U.S. Senator was presented with an Osage Nation Code Talker commemoration coin that is a replica of a gold plated original. Special Advisor to the Chief, Johnny Williams, presented the coin. Williams is a Vietnam combat veteran who was a medic with the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and a respected Osage elder from the Grayhorse Community.
Before leaving, Lankford expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to sit down and visit with the Chief and his staff. He said he is always thankful for time spent visiting in person and promised to stay in communication with the Chief on all matters pertaining to Osage people.
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