Pawhuska Head Cook accepts Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center Director position
By Cody Hammer, ON Communications
Pawhuska, OK, (December 27, 2016) — On Wednesday, December 21, 2016, Jessilyn “Addie” Hudgins was formally announced as the new Director of the Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center (WCC). In an email from the Osage Nation Director of Operations, Casey Johnson informed Osage Nation employees, “Effective immediately, Ms. Hudgins is given all authority regularly bestowed upon a director level employee while serving in this capacity.”
Addie Hudgins brings with her experience as an Osage Language Teacher, Osage language curriculum developer, and former WCC employee. Hudgins is also respected in traditional Osage circles for her knowledge and experience as a traditional Osage cook. Last year, the Pawhuska Drum Keeper, Berbon Hamilton, Jr., selected her to serve as Head Cook for the Pawhuska District during the In-Lon-Schka Dances.
Hudgins said she wants, “to blur the lines between culture and language so all these cultural departments can collaborate as one.”
The WCC Director is the lead for many cultural programs and services provided by the Osage Nation. The Director is tasked with the tremendous responsibility of preservation of Osage culture for future generations to come.
Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center Mission Statement:
“To ensure the survival of the Wah-Zha-Zhi nation of people, we will share, preserve, and celebrate the values, teachings and tribal ways that our elders entrusted to the present and future generation. Our Strength will come from the commitment of our Wah-Zha-Zhi people and the knowledge that the Wah-Zha-Zhi nation is blessed by Wa-Kon-Da.”
The Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center is located at 1449 W. Main, Pawhuska, Okla. For more information visit www.osagenation-nsn.gov or call 918-287-5538.
For Media Inquiries: Osage Nation Communications 918-287-5599