Osage Nation Issues State of Emergency for the Osage Nation Reservation, Focuses on Recovery Efforts
Osage Nation Assistant Principal Chief R.J. Walker has issued a state of emergency for the Osage Nation Reservation.
Our hearts are heavy as we witness the direct impact of last night's severe storms and tornadoes on many parts of the Osage Nation Reservation. These communities - our families - are facing a challenging time. We stand in solidarity with everyone affected. Osage Nation Emergency Management and the Osage Nation Police Department have been collaborating with local and emergency management agencies for search and rescue efforts throughout the night and early morning. Osage Nation Tribal Works, Wildland Fire, and Housing personnel are on the ground in Barnsdall supporting recovery efforts. Osage Nation Health System's mobile unit is at the Barnsdall Command Post providing medical assistance, meals, and counseling for all those in need. Osage Casino & Hotel is delivering 750 cases of water for residents and emergency personnel.
As we continue to assess the significant damage and work towards rebuilding our communities, we urge non-emergency personnel to steer clear of storm-damaged areas to help reduce congestion and ensure everyone's safety.
CRISIS ASSISTANCE RESOURCES:
Osage Nation Emergency Home Rehabilitation Housing
- Open to eligible Native Americans with housing repair needs that warrant immediate action due to the risk to the health or safety of household members. Osage Nation Housing will contract work and oversee repairs. Up to $5,000 without insurance; up to $10,000 with insurance. The Housing Department is dedicated to assisting all those in need, please call (918) 287-5310 for any information on their support services. Apply here.
Osage Nation Crisis Assistance Program
The Osage Nation Crisis Assistance Program assists enrolled Osage Nation members in alleviating crises beyond financial control. Applicants may receive up to $2,000 in assistance within a fiscal year (Oct-Sept). Assistance is available to address or prevent homelessness or the threat of homelessness, unsafe or unsanitary living conditions, fire or natural disaster, major car repair, or a family emergency.
Examples of assistance include:
· Expenses to relocate (security deposits, rent, and utility deposits)
· Cost to replace food
· Cost to replace essential items
· Home repairs
· Homeowner insurance deductibles
· Auto insurance deductibles
Applications are online. Osage Nation websites are up and fully functioning. The Osage Nation Welcome Center (239 West 12th St., Pawhuska, OK) is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for residents to apply for emergency crisis assistance in person. The Financial Assistance team is extending their hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. the remainder of the week to provide in-person assistance for Crisis Assistance. Please call Constituent Services (918) 287-5555 if you need transportation.
The city of Hominy continues to be under a boil water order. Osage Casino & Hotel has delivered 1,000 cases of bottled water, which will be available to all residents (while supplies last) at the Osage Casino in Hominy (39 Deer Ave., Hominy, OK). Osage Nation Crisis Assistance continues coordinating with Elder Nutrition to deliver water to registered homebound individuals, ensuring no one is left behind in this challenging time. Please stay safe and check on your neighbors needing clean drinking water access.
In case of an emergency, please call 911.
Our prayers are with all those affected, and our gratitude to all emergency responders. We will continue to share updates and encourage you to follow Osage News for additional information.