THE OFFICIAL WORD

October 18, 2011

Today I want to inform you why I Pocket Vetoed two pieces of Legislation; ONCA 11-104, an Act to establish an Osage Nation Higher Education Scholarship Fund to be administered according to set policy; to set minimum criteria for education scholarships; to ensure that scholarship funds are prioritized;  and ONCA 11-114, an act to establish a revolving fund in the Treasury for the employee loan program; to authorize and appropriate one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) to the established fund; to authorize the employee loan program administrator to make limited expenditures out of the fund; to require policies and procedures to be revised and approved by the Osage Nation Congress.  My intentions are not to eliminate any program which helps Osage people or employees.

Both ONCA 11-104 and ONCA 11-114 sought to establish revolving funds for the scholarship and employee loan programs.  The utilization of a revolving fund would be appropriate for the employee loan program as monies are expended and then returned as employees pay back their loans; future appropriations may never be necessary. However, scholarship monies are not of the same variety. Additional appropriations are required ANNUALLY to pay scholarships to our students, as this money is never returned to the treasury; therefore a revolving fund is an inappropriate means of doing business.

I vetoed ONCA 11-104 for the reasons above as well as last minute amendments incorporated on the Congressional floor. Creating unclear mandates while also eliminating equal assistance to students attending tribal colleges such as Haskell, is the current substance of the legislation.   Congresswoman Edwards, author of bill, is correct; the scholarship program should be reassessed in a thoughtful and fair manner in order to best serve students. However, Education Director Ida Doyle and her staff need time to discuss, research, and analyze what is best for ALL Osage students.

Scholarship monies were stricken from the Education Department’s budget in order to attach the money to ONCA 11-104.  This political maneuver was meant to ensure passage of the bill. Congress was lead to believe the amendment did not affect scholarship monies at all; false information was stated while the Education Department’s budget was being voted on.  As a result of this action funds were not appropriated for Fiscal Year 2012, including the upcoming spring semester.

Executive staff presented the Education Committee with three committee substitutes for ONCA 11-104, which sought scholarship monies until an agreement concerning eligibility criteria could be reached.  New scholarship criteria and appropriations will be presented to the Congressional Education Committee during Special Session, scheduled to begin November 7.

ONCA 11-114 was the second piece of Legislation I choose to pocket veto.

Executive staff worked successfully with Congress to decrease the request from $605,000.00 to $100,000.00 for the employee loan program. This joint effort was in vain, as Congress insisted on enacting into law policies and procedures for the program; a clear managerial function of the Executive branch. Executive’s responsibility is to manage appropriations. Separation of powers becomes an issue when policy and procedures are codified.

I believe both bills establish unnecessary limitations on Executive’s administration of programs.  The Education and Accounting Departments are fully capable of implementing and administering programs to the highest standards.

As Chief of the Osage Nation my first priority is service to my people.  My decision to pocket veto these bills are not to cut services but to ensure the scholarship and loan programs are beneficial to EVERYONE.

October 10, 2011

For the last five years, the Osage Nation has strenuously worked to create a Merit System for employees, as mandated by our Constitution. Last fall, one of the first bills the 2nd Osage Nation Congress passed was ONCA 10-85, the Osage Nation Pay for Performance Act. There was no appropriation for the Merit system, thereby giving the Executive Branch one full year to develop an implementation plan. The Executive branch presented our plan to Congress this past September.

The presentation was previously posted on the Osage Nation website detailing this process, which can be viewed at www.osagetribe.com.

During the Third Session of the Second Osage Nation Congress, Congress passed ONCA 11-95 through ONCA 11-99. Funds were appropriated to institute a one time merit salary adjustment in order to set employee wages at the fair market rate; included as well was pay for performance bonus money.

I want to enlighten you as to why I chose to keep Executive Department employees’ pay at their appropriate pay level on the compensation scale.

Actually, it has more to do with why I chose NOT to increase Executive employees’ salary across the board to maximum level as was done by the Legislative Branch for their employees.

In order to determine fair market rate, an analysis was completed by the compensation analyst in the Office of Human Resources. Each job description was compared to other job descriptions in order to determine the pay scale per position. The pay scales set a minimum, median, and maximum market rate. In order to determine where each employee fell on the scale, an analysis of their credentials was conducted and each employees wage was set to reflect their merit.

According to ONCA 10-85, Osage Merit System is uniform across the Nation and driven by the Office of Human Resources. The law stipulates we have one merit system under the Osage Nation; each branch has a designated team of managers to carry out the administration of the system. The bill does not speak to multiple merit systems but one merit system to ensure fairness and employee morale. I strive for unity through equal opportunities for all employees. When one branch chooses to give all their employees the maximum wage, without regard to employee merit, it creates disunity and ignores the very foundation of a merit system.

One of this administration’s priorities is to improve the educational opportunities for Osage people. The Osage Merit System is definitely an opportunity which provides an incentive for all employees to attain a higher educational degree. By using the merit system correctly, Executive employees are able to obtain future increases towards their maximum based on credentials. If an employee begins at maximum level, what incentive would employees have to attaining a higher education? Starting out at an appropriate rate on the scale, allows an employee to move up as they improve their credentials.

Not only can employees increase their income through education, alternative venues are available as well. Compensation studies will be conducted annually to ensure all are paid at the fair market rate. Employees, who have changed positions, been promoted, acquired additional job responsibilities, completed certifications or furthered their education, will receive an opportunity to have their pay increased IF performance evaluations are exemplary. If the employee is already paid at maximum, no increase could be awarded.

As most know, Congress appropriated enough money to raise the legislative employees to maximum level on the pay scale. Not only is this allowing legislative branch employees to receive a larger salary increase, but also a higher pay for performance bonus as well as a higher retirement match paid for by the nation.

We pled to no avail with Congress to keep their employees compensation system uniform with the rest of the Nation in order to create and maintain a fair system. Congress created a law which intended to be fair and consistent for all employees of the Osage Nation. As stated in ONCA 10-85, Section 2 (f) (1): “Establish fairness, accountability, and high quality government services as the primary goals of Osage Nation managers and employees and remove politics from the process of evaluating and rewarding employee performance.”

When asked repeatedly by Executive and Human Resources why they would corrupt the Osage Merit System by favoring their employees, they stated, “Because our employees work harder than other employees of the Nation.”

I do not disagree their employees work hard during Congressional Sessions. However, situations occur throughout the entire year when Executive as well as Judicial Branch employees go above and beyond as well. The Executive Branch salaries are set according to a scientific study, not according to how much someone ‘feels’ an employee deserves.

I want each and every employee to know how much I appreciate their dedication and efforts to serve our Osage people. I will continue to strive for unity and fairness.

October 03, 2011

Six Osage County community organizations are being awarded matching grants worth a total of $105,662.00 the Osage Nation Office of Strategic Planning and Grants Management announced.

The 2011 Community Challenge Grant, in its second year, is a matching grant encouraging the development of facilities located within the physical boundaries of the Osage Nation for use by  Osage Reservation youth to promote an active lifestyle, to prevent diabetes and other diseases, and to support the growth of our communities within the Osage Nation.

The projects include:

Fairfax Chamber of Commerce - Enhancing Fairfax Pool with an Aquatic Splash Pad received $24,000.00 match.

Wynona Summer League - Improvements to public baseball field received $6752.00 match.

Town of Skiatook – Skiatook Sports Complex assisting with barrier fencing for newly constructed t-ball and baseball fields $25,000.00 match.

City of Pawhuska - Lynn Park enhancing the park with picnic shelters, park benches and tables received $25,000.00 match.

McCord Public School – McCord Playground enhancing playground area, children’s play tunnel and upgrade of playground restroom facilities $6510.00

Make It Happen – Pawhuska Skate Park expansion, adding new concrete skate slab, quarter pipe and railing  $18,400.00

ONCA 11-117
September 25, 2011

In writing to you today, I wish to bring to your attention, the actions of Congress regarding ONCA 11-117 and the related “General Order Amendment Form.”

Congress has been very inquisitive when scrutinizing the proposed Merit Pay system, and the well-researched effort by the Human Resources Department to bring all Osage Nation employees’ salaries up to fair market value.

Ironically, when it comes to the budget for their own branch, their methods are much less transparent.

On September 20, a bill was introduced for an appropriation modification to ONCA 10-92, seeking employee bonuses for the legislative branch’s staff.

Essentially, ONCA 11-117 seeks an additional $13,843 to be added to the overall legislative budget, which already stands at a $1,827,548 for the fiscal year which ends September 30, 2011.

A portion of the additional funds sought are for bonuses for the employees of the Osage Congress. This “Merit Bonus” line item amounts to $6,744 total.

Furthermore, these bonuses are not for the fiscal year 2012. Rather, they are for the fiscal year, which will end in just one week!

Thus, Congress seeks to give these bonuses to their staff members – retroactively.

It is ironic that Congress removed the Executive Branch’s proposed bonuses for FY 2012. ONCA 10-85 states that the Executive Staff Appointments are eligible for “an annual bonus upon appropriation at the discretion of the Principal Chief.” This is the only way staff appointees may receive bonuses, because they are exempt from the Merit System.

In addition, Congress has proposed several line item shifts within the Osage Congressional budget, which will end in one week.

One of the more insidious line-item shifts seeks to move $43,368 from the Employee Benefits/Payroll Taxes line item to an entirely new line-item called “Congress Member Benefits.” Due to the fact that this has not been discussed in a committee meeting, there is no knowledge as to what this appropriation will be used for.

Congress voraciously scrutinizes everyone else’s budget, so one would expect they would allow their appropriation modification to be scrutinized as well.

ONCA 11-117 went straight from its first reading to “General Order,” which means it will be voted on by Congress without any discussion in congressional committees.

Thus, there will be no recordings of analysis of ONCA 11-117 available on the Osage Nation website for constituents to hear in committee.

According to Treasury records dated September 23, 2011, the Congressional budget includes $500,000 of unspent funds. That’s right – unspent funds. On Thursday, our Executive budget was questioned for having unspent funds in its FY 2011 budget.

I disagree with Congress’ request for additional funds and the line-item shifting which has been recommended within the Congressional budget for the fiscal year ending in one week.

Congress is quick to scrutinize everyone else’s budget for the coming fiscal year, the Merit System, and the effort to bring all Osage employees’ salaries up to fair market value, but they seek to fly under the radar with regard to their own branch’s budget for the year just ending.
My main concern and my goals with the Merit System are that it be fair and boost employee morale. Congress giving their employees a “merit bonus” is unfair to all the other employees.

It is public knowledge that the Wind Capital Group plans to establish a 90-unit wind-turbine farm in Osage County spread over 8,500 acres.
Unfortunately, Wind Capital Group has disregarded the impact that a wind farm in this location would have on the mineral estate owned collectively by the Osage shareholders.
In writing to you, the Osage people, my desire as Principal Chief is to provide you with the facts regarding the true impact of a wind farm in this location.
Knowledge is power, so this will be the first in a series of messages I will have for you.
In order to understand its impact on the Osage Mineral Estate, here is a brief overview of the planned location of the wind farm.
The blinking yellow light on Highway 18 that intersects with Highway 60 serves as a recognizable landmark to Osage County residents.
Most of the wind turbines would be located to the north and east of this flashing yellow light. In addition, a few wind turbines would be located west of the blinking light and one or two would be located to the south.
According to the plat, the wind farm is planned in the area of Section 28, 29, 30, 32 and 33 of Township 26N, Range 6E.
The proposed wind farm would be located directly in the path of Orion Exploration, LLC’s oil lease.
Orion has recently received a concession. This means that new oil exploration is about to begin in that location, according to Minerals Councilman Melvin Core.
This creates a real problem because the area where the wind farm is planned has the potential to be one of the most active areas of oil exploration in Osage County.
Councilman Core’s main concern is that the wind farm’s presence will interfere with the oil companies’ lines, especially underground.
Each wind turbine will have be on a foundation called “spread footing” and will be about ten feet deep and 30 feet in diameter. Senior Manager of the Wind Capital Group, Thomas Green, has said publicly that the turbines will be connected underground by electrical cables to capture the energy produced. These underground cables will then be connected to existing, above-ground transmission lines.
Wind Capital Group has a duty to research and discover what oil lines and wells are already in the area where they plan to establish the wind farm.
We have asked Mr. Green if he has researched the area to determine where the existing oil infrastructure is located. He says that he has, but whether or not the company has conducted an adequate search is unclear.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) does not have a record of Wind Capital Group representatives visiting its offices to look at the relevant maps during 2011.
The Wind Capital Group met with the Minerals Council during the summer of 2011, but did not make any inquiries about the location of existing oil infrastructure at that time.
Things work differently in Osage County than they do in the rest of the state.
If Wind Capital Group were looking to build wind farms outside Osage County, they could probably obtain the mapping information they needed from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. However, accurate mapping which describes the oil wells and lines for Osage County can only be found in one place – the offices of the BIA.
Without this essential information, the Wind Capital Group does not know where the existing capped wells and lines are located. They could accidentally encounter or break a capped well or line and create an oil spill.
One problem is Wind Capital Group’s causing an oil spill during its construction. In that case, the company responsible for that oil lease could rightfully sue Wind Capital Group to recoup the cost of the oil spill cleanup.
In addition, oil entering the ground water from a Wind Capital Group oil spill would cause the Environmental Protection Agency and Oklahoma Department of Water Quality to have recourse.
Lastly, the upcoming new oil exploration and production by Orion will result in new lines being laid underground in this area. If Wind Capital Group does not develop a plan to work with the oil companies, Wind Capital Group will damage these new lines and incur liability.
It is unfortunate that the Wind Capital Group is planning to build in an area that is historically one of the most productive oil fields, and which soon may be again.
This negatively impacts the mineral estate interests.
The area also contains part of the north, south and west Burbank oil leases and all of the mid-Burbank lease where water flood units are located.
As a result, Chaparral Energy, LLC, and Linn Energy Holdings, LLC will be affected by the presence of the wind farm.
The bottom line is this: As the shareholders in the collective minerals estate interest, we have a right to explore for and extract minerals on the surface of the land and below. Wind Capital Group’s presence in an active oil production area infringes upon those rights.
Well-established Federal and state case law hold that the rights of the mineral estate are dominant over the rights of the surface owner.
When the Wind Energy Group interferes with the mineral estate, they violate our rights and there will be consequences.
I look forward to bringing you more information about other aspects of this matter including: 1) the economic impact on Osage County residents, 2) the tax impact on Osage County school districts, 3) the ability of the wind turbines to withstand tornadoes, and 4) the effect of the wind farm on Osage County tourism.



I wanted to tell you about my participation in the recent Osage Trust case settlement, and details of the settlement disbursement.
The case was filed in 1999 in the U. S. Court of Federal Claims and was very complex. However, the main issue was the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ failure to obtain the highest posted price for oil sold on behalf of the Osage Minerals Estate shareholders.
The case was initiated during the administration of Osage Principal Chief Charles O. Tillman and the 30th Tribal Council, and was continued by Osage Principal Chief James R. Gray and the 31st Tribal Council.
I thank them for their steadfast commitment to the case over the past 12 years.
I also want to thank the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP and its lead attorney, Wilson Pipestem, for their work on the case, which has been vital to our success.
I would also like to thank President Barack Obama. On Dec. 15, 2010, I was one of 12 tribal leaders who met with President Obama at the White House. At that meeting, President Obama promised the tribal nations that he was going to settle all court claim cases, such as ours, or at least attempt to settle them.
We had won a judgment from the court, but we knew they were going to appeal, which would have lengthened the process. We were supposed to go to court again in Jan. 2012 on the second part of the case. However, in January 2011, the U. S. government decided they wanted to settle the case.
A group of representatives from the Osage Nation went to Washington, D.C. to negotiate the case’s settlement. The Minerals Council Trust team included: Dudley Whitehorn, Cynthia Boone and Galen Crum. Osage Congress Speaker Jerri Jean Branstetter and I also participated in the settlement negotiations.
I wish to thank all of them for their work in the negotiation process, which required us to make five trips to Washington, D.C. between March and August 2011.
All of the meetings took place in Washington, D.C. in the Office of the Department of Justice.
We negotiated with Solicitor General of the U. S. Department of the Interior, Hilary Tompkins, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Ignacia Moreno, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the U. S. Department of Justice Robert Dreher.
In the negotiations process, what I was concerned about was – were we going to reach the number that we really wanted. I am happy to say that we did.
As a result of these meeting, we reached a settlement in the amount of $380,000,000. Regarding the settlement, I feel that the Osage shareholders received the best amount that we could possibly get.
The settlement is a significant achievement. There are about 80 trust cases in the Court of Federal Claims and we are the first tribe to reach a settlement with the government.
As a result of the settlement, the Osage Minerals Council and the Osage Congress will approve the settlement agreement by resolution in the Minerals Council on Sept. 26, 2011, at a time to be announced.
On Nov. 17, 2011, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior of the Osage Nation’s attorneys will file a stipulation of dismissal with the Court of Federal Claims.
We have been told that the U. S. government has the funds already in an account from which to pay the settlement.
The projection is that the government will put the funds into the tribe’s trust account on Nov. 10, 2011, and the funds will be disbursed to the Osage shareholders on Dec. 5, 2011, provided the agreement goes as planned.
Each head right holder is to receive $155,140.00.
I am honored to have been the Principal Chief in office at the time the settlement for this case was reached.
This settlement is the result of the efforts of many coming together in unity of purpose.
I wish to credit and praise the considerable contributions of the Minerals Council trust team, Speaker Jerri Jean Branstetter, Principal Chief Tillman, Principal Chief Gray and the 30th and 31st Tribal Councils without whose efforts this settlement would not have been possible.

Recently it has come to my attention that there is a misperception about a directive I gave to Osage Nation employees in order to facilitate orderly communication.

In April 2011 I established a protocol for communication. My goals in doing so were: (1) to expedite the flow of information to the requesting party, and (2) to keep management informed as to the needs of Congress.

All organizations require a chain of command — whether it is a corporation, a military branch, or the United States Government. Without a chain of command, organizational efficiency is reduced and everything takes more time.

My goal is to improve the lives of the Osage people in measurable ways as quickly and efficiently as possible. The protocol I established in April 2011 helps me accomplish this.

For example, I participated in the meetings in Washington, D.C. which resulted in the Osage shareholders BIA trust case being settled. As a result, the Osage shareholders will receive $345,800,000.00, which is to be disbursed before the end of 2011.

I am disappointed that my request for a logical procedure to advance the efficiency in my office has been mischaracterized as a gag order. My directive is in no way a gag order.

Technically, a gag order is defined as a court order banning reporters, attorneys and other parties involved in a case before a court of law from reporting or publicly disclosing anything related to the case.

The very terminology “gag” conveys an aggressive stance. This is not my management style.

Let me be very clear. There is no threat behind my decision to request a logical protocol to facilitate communication in my administration.

My management style as Principal Chief is, and always will be, as a servant — who endeavors to create a collaborative and team-oriented environment where we get things done for the betterment of the Osage people.

PAWHUSKA, Okla. (June 13, 2011)

Following careful research, consideration and discussion, I have concluded that it is not in the best interest of the Osage Nation to support the proposed large wind farm developments in Osage County. Although the Nation is not opposed to alternative energy development, large wind farms are not conducive to the Nation’s overall economic initiatives and environment. Therefore, I believe taking this position is necessary for the greater good of the interests of our tribal citizens and the Osage Reservation area.

In recent months, wind energy companies have targeted Osage County as a prime area for development. While their consideration is flattering, there are valid reasons for siding with the opposition, and my office has found that opposition to be significant.

Primary in this opposition is the Osage Minerals Council. The Council, charged by the Osage people to administer and develop the Osage Mineral Estate in accordance with federal law, has provided my office with a letter of opposition to the development of industrial wind farms that could adversely impact minerals development. The areas being initially considered by the first two wind development companies cover approximately 30,000 acres and are located in a prime area for future oil and gas recovery.

Furthermore, it is my opinion that the proposed projects will have an adverse impact upon the overall ecosystem of the Tallgrass Prairie, a true national treasure. The last remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie run from Osage County northward, into northern Kansas and I believe that the Osage Nation must join others in its protection, restoration, and properly make use of the limited opportunities the prairie provides everyone, including its wildlife.

Other concerns have been expressed about damaging areas that hold considerable historical and cultural value for the Osage people. Also, we have heard opposition from neighboring landowners, from supporters of local tourism efforts such as the Osage Nation Heritage Trail Byway, and from our neighboring community officials.

During our many conversations, including those with the wind developers themselves, we have discovered that no major purchasers of energy created by the proposed developments exist and that any creation of new and permanent jobs would be very limited.

My decision has not been made lightly. Representatives of my office have visited with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin’s office, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, Osage County Commissioners, and a land owner who hopes to lease his property to the developers. Our governor is encouraging wind development in Oklahoma, particularly in the western part of the state. Our County Commissioners need revenue enhancement to effectively serve the citizens, just as the land owners see a financial opportunity for themselves. However, I believe there are other financial opportunities that can be explored and alternatives found for the land owners as well, such as conservation easements.

It is my hope that everyone involved in supporting the development of large, industrial wind farms in Osage County will understand and respect the position of the Osage Nation.

My administration has worked hard to reestablish its friendships with other governments, with business leaders, with our neighboring ranchers and others. The Osage Nation values those relationships and we want to continue to develop them for the future benefit of all our citizens.

Principal Chief
John D. Red Eagle

PAWHUSKA, Okla. (Feb. 25, 2011)

The Osage Nation Congress on Wednesday ignored the heart and soul of the legislative process by disallowing debate and public input on existing legislation that impacted tribal employee rights and a pay for performance system and our proposed bills to clarify and correct it.  By denying discussion and possible amendment to the proposed bills, the Congress foreclosed the opportunity to correct errors in ONCA 10-85 and to hear the Executive point of view.

Congress originally passed ONCA 10-85, the “Osage Nation Workforce Pay for Performance Act” on September 22, 2010.  I found fault with the Act, vetoed the bill, and the veto was overridden by Congress on September 29^th.  Since that time my staff and I have been preparing timelines, revising Human Resources policy and procedures, posting job announcements and assigning tasks to attempt to implement the provisions of this legislation.  What has complicated that implementation is the fact that two separate subjects are contained in the Act.  One is the pay for performance system and the other is the merit based employment system mandated by the Constitution.  Congress complicated matters even further by incorporating politically appointed members of the Chief’s immediate staff into the merit system and the pay for performance system, thereby once again legislating administrative policy.  Both actions run counter to the unambiguous Separation of Powers provision contained in the Osage Constitution.  In addition, our Constitution requires that each law embrace but one subject.  The bills that failed on Wednesday were an attempt to separate ONCA 10-85 into two Acts and to delete potentially unconstitutional language.  I would have welcomed the time to explain in Committee and to the public my reasons for supporting the two bills and would have gladly discussed revisions to satisfy both Branches.

I certainly support a merit based employment systems, and we agree that the Nation needs a pay for performance system.  I know that Congress has worked long and hard trying to meet this constitutional provision.  The much needed merit based employment system affords certain rights to our tribal employees, further protecting them from the whims of elected officials.  A pay for performance system establishes a procedure by which to properly evaluate, promote and raise the salaries of tribal employees.

Just prior to voting to override the Chief’s veto of ONCA 10-85, Speaker Branstetter and Congressman Supernaw each made eloquent statements on the floor of Congress how they would welcome negotiations with the Executive Branch and, as Congressman Supernaw stated, “…at least consider amendments” to the Act.  Speaker Branstetter stated that the two sides could “possibly resolve this, come to an agreement”, concerning possible amendments to the Act.  When we have cooperatively attempted to point out and modify certain inefficient or ineffective provisions of this legislation during implementation, the Executive Branch and its employees simply received a rebuke, caused by what some may only view as “hurt feelings”. These types of actions are inappropriate in healthy political debate.  Wednesday’s actions by the Congress cut off any debate whatsoever and prevented any input from the representatives of the Executive Branch and the public, including affected tribal employees.

I am disappointed that no opportunity was allowed by our Congress, the “people’s representatives”, to allow for the healthy exercise of governance, thereby thumbing its nose to the will of the people so aptly expressed in their Osage Constitution.

John D. Red Eagle
Principal Chief

June 27, 2011

PAWHUSKA, Okla. (June 27, 2011) – Osage Nation Principal Chief John D. Red Eagle has issued a brief statement concerning the decision by the United States Supreme Court on Monday to deny certiorari in the Osage Nation tax case.

“I am disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision to allow a clearly wrong decision to stand, but this does not end the Osage Nation’s efforts to protect our homelands.  We will continue to exercise our inherent rights as a sovereign.”

“No tribal programs, services, or business enterprises are affected by today’s ruling.  The Osage Nation will continue to operate programs and services that benefit not only Osage tribal members, but also our local communities and the state of Oklahoma.”

“I reaffirm my pledge for reconciliation and unity for the benefit of all our tribal citizens, as well as our neighbors.  The Osage Nation’s relationships with federal, state, and local governments will continue and will become even stronger.”