Housing Community Meeting in Skiatook

Tuesday evening, October 28th at the Skiatook Casino, the Osage Housing Department hosted a community meeting to present to the public the newest housing division being built there. Blue Star Studio is an Osage-owned company that “believes in the power of place that comes from a long term relationship between people and land.” They presented the different home models (3, 4, and 5 bedroom houses) and how not just Native ideas would be used, but Osage-specific ideas.

This includes:

• Signage in Wah-Zha-Zhi and English;
• Names for the addition and its streets to be taken from a pool of submissions (by those attending this evening’s meeting) and to include connections to Osage history and culture;
• More windows on the east side of the homes;
• A common area for group activities and events;
• Cultural designs such as ribbonwork; and
• The undeveloped area of the complex could be used to build Elder housing, rentals, recreation, etc.; the options are open.

The homes will be energy-efficient, meet ADA requirements, and will be built with an open-concept interior. The complex will be built using federal funds, thus applicants will be determined by income and Osage preference will be applied.