Osage Nation Crisis Assistance Program

It can probably be said that everyone has experienced some type of hardship in his or her life, and certainly has known a family member or friend who has. Circumstances, often times, are beyond our control. Crisis Assistance (CA) may be an option to explore.

The policy of the Office of the Chiefs is to provide support to Osage Nation citizens in times of legitimate crisis, regardless of place of residence or age. Because a crisis by its very definition requires a quick response to circumstances, the Osage Nation Crisis Assistance has criteria in place to determine if one is eligible for aid and the amount available.

Again, it is important to note that the hardship must be a reasonable crisis. From time to time, poor budgeting brings about financial troubles; therefore, the crises that will be considered are as follows:

  • Medical emergency resulting in the inability to work

  • Death of a household member

  • Victim of crime

  • Recent separation or divorce

  • Victim of domestic violence

  • Weather-related or natural disaster

    Patricia Bigheart is the Crisis Assistance Advocate who will work with applicants, and reports to Jason Zaun, Chief of Staff. The service is available to enrolled Osage Nation members and is on a first come/first service basis.

    The CA office operates on a fiscal year from October 1 to September 30. Applicants may receive up to $1,000 in total assistance within a fiscal year. The CA office will also maintain an accounting for each eligible applicant who has received benefits for each fiscal year.

    Crisis assistance is individualized and based on immediate needs and resources appropriated by the Osage Nation Congress. A benefit will be awarded only when an eligible crisis creates a verifiable finance need.

    Jason Zaun was the former budget analyst for the Osage Nation Congress where he worked for the past four years. Patricia Bigheart has been with Osage Nation since 2012 and worked with the former program known as Financial Hardship Assistance located in the TANF Department at Hominy until moving to the Executive Building in Pawhuska.