The Osage Nation is taking important steps to strengthen relationships with local school systems and ensure that Osage students have greater access to their language, culture, history, and government. Through the work of the Culture, Education and Language Cabinet, the Nation is creating new opportunities for schools, educators, students, and families to engage with Osage language and culture.
As part of this effort, Cabinet Secretary Vann Bighorse and Osage Language Department Director Braxton Redeagle recently met with area education leaders, including Hominy Public Schools Superintendent Cory Campbell, Skiatook Public Schools Superintendent Clay Vineyard, Barnsdall Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryant, Woodland Public Schools Superintendent Shelly Shulanberger, and Pawhuska Public Schools Superintendent Chris Tanner. The discussion focused on opportunities to strengthen partnerships between the Osage Nation and local school districts, expand access to Osage language and cultural resources, and explore new ways to serve Osage students throughout the Reservation.
โI appreciate our local superintendents for being open to meeting with the Osage Nation and discussing how we can better serve our students,โ said Osage Nation Principal Chief Joe Tillman. โWhen we work together, we create more opportunities for Osage children to learn who they are, where they come from, and what it means to be Osage. These partnerships also help all students better understand the history, culture, and people of the place they call home. By building these relationships, we are helping ensure our language, culture, and traditions remain strong for generations to come.โ
These expansion efforts are rooted in the responsibility the Osage Nation Constitution places on tribal leaders to support the education of Osage children. Chief Tillman has consistently referenced Article 17, Section 4 in the Osage Nation Constitution, which recognizes that โthe education of Osage People is essential to building a prosperous and self-determining societyโ and directs the Osage Nation to advocate for improvements in public elementary and secondary schools within the Osage Nation Reservation.