Closure of Daposka Ahnkodapi, Visitors Center, and Harvest Land will provide approximately $5 million in fiscal year 2027 budget relief
OSAGE NATION RESERVATION, OKLA. (August 5, 2026) - The Osage Nation has declared a State of Emergency due to projected revenue shortfalls and ongoing budgetary constraints. Following a comprehensive review of the Nation's finances, Osage Nation leadership has determined that operations at Daposka Ahnkodapi, the Osage Nation Visitors Center, and Harvest Land will close. These actions are expected to generate approximately $5 million in budget relief for fiscal year 2027 and are part of a broader effort to address structural budget deficits, including an estimated $11 million annual funding gap associated with sustaining programs and facilities originally established with temporary CARES Act and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. These difficult but necessary decisions are intended to preserve essential governmental functions, protect direct services, and ensure the long-term financial stability of the Osage Nation.
While these closures represent significant reductions, Osage Nation leadership determined they are the most strategic measures available to minimize workforce impacts and retain as many direct services as possible within current budget constraints.
"These decisions were made with great care and deliberation, to minimize impact to our citizens and employees while maintaining our responsibility as stewards of the Osage Nation's resources," said Osage Nation Principal Chief Joe Tillman. "Throughout this process, protecting direct services for our Osage people remained our highest priority."
Daposka Ahnkodapi Closure Effective Immediately
Daposka Ahnkodapi will close effective immediately due to ongoing financial and operational challenges. The school's annual operating budget exceeds $3 million, resulting in an average cost of approximately $32,000 per student paid with Osage Nation tribal funds, a level determined to be financially unsustainable.
In addition to operating expenses, a recent security assessment identified significant facility and security improvements necessary to meet basic physical security standards. The anticipated costs of these upgrades, along with only $43,000 in estimated annual revenue, further contributed to the decision to discontinue operations. Students currently enrolled at Daposka Ahnkodapi who are between 8 weeks and pre-kindergarten age will transition to the Wahzhazhe Early Learning Academy. Teachers serving those classrooms will also transition, helping provide continuity for students and families.
Although the closure comes on short notice for students, families, and staff, Osage Nation leadership concluded that immediate action was necessary. Implementing the closure now will allow families time to enroll students in area public schools and assist school districts in making enrollment and funding determinations for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The Osage Nation recognizes the significant impact this decision will have on students, families, educators, and staff. Osage Nation departments are coordinating resources and support services to assist families throughout the transition process. Local public schools have been notified of the closure and are prepared to assist in enrollment immediately.
Osage Nation Visitors Center Closure Effective August 8, 2026
The Osage Nation Visitors Center will cease operations effective Saturday, August 8, 2026, as part of the Nation's broader effort to address budget challenges and preserve essential services. Since opening in 2018, the facility has required substantial tribal support while generating minimal revenue. The Visitors Center's fiscal year 2027 operating budget request approached $1 million in tribal funding. The Osage Nation's leadership determined that continued operation in its current form is not financially sustainable, and that funds are needed to support core governmental functions and direct services for Osage Nation citizens.
Osage Nation Harvest Land Closure Effective December 31, 2026
The Osage Nation Harvest Land operation will conclude in December 2026 following the expiration of federal CARES Act and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Harvest Land was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to help address food insecurity and strengthen local food production. Once federal funding expires, continued operation would require approximately $1 million annually in tribal funds. The operation has not achieved its intended goals of long-term sustainability or revenue generation.
Increase of Direct Service to Osage Citizens, Osage Nation Assisted Living Facility and Funeral Home Funding
The approximately $5 million in budget relief generated by these reductions will be reinvested immediately in core governmental functions and direct services, as well as funding the Osage Nation Assisted Living Facility and Funeral Home. All funds are focused on strengthening support for the Nation's most vulnerable citizens and core governmental functions.
The Osage Nation is committed to supporting employees affected by these closures. In addition to compensation through their respected closure dates and payment for accrued leave balances, affected employees will receive two weeks of severance pay at their current base rate of compensation and continued health insurance coverage through September 30, 2026. Harvest Land employees will receive continued health insurance through December 31, 2026. Employment resources will also be made available to help employees navigate the next steps in their careers.