Osage Nation

Flag of the Osage Nation

Map of Traditional Osage Tribal Lands by Late 17th Century

Chief of the Little Osages, bust-length, profile showing hair style, 1807 - NARA - 532931

War on the Plains Comanche vs Osage by George Catlin 1834

George Catlin - Wa-ho-béck-ee, a Handsome Brave - 1985.66.33 - Smithsonian American Art Museum

Okterritory

Osage Nation is a Native American tribe in the United States, primarily located in the state of Oklahoma. The Osage people originally lived in the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys around 700 BC. Over time, they migrated west and south to the area that is now Osage County, Oklahoma. The Osage Nation was incredibly influential and powerful in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly due to their strategic control of the Missouri River trade routes and their involvement in the bison hide trade.

History

The history of the Osage Nation is marked by a series of treaties with the United States government, land cessions, and forced relocations. In the early 19th century, the Osage sold much of their land in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma to the US government through various treaties. The most significant of these was the 1825 treaty that led to their relocation to a reservation in Kansas. However, due to encroachment by settlers, the Osage purchased land in what is now Osage County, Oklahoma, in 1872, where they moved in 1879.

The discovery of oil on Osage land in the early 20th century brought significant wealth to the tribe but also led to the tragic period known as the Reign of Terror, during which numerous Osage members were murdered for their headrights to oil royalties. This period highlighted the complexities of federal policies toward Native American tribes and the exploitation they faced.

Government

The Osage Nation operates as a sovereign nation within the United States, with its own government, laws, and law enforcement. The Osage government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The head of the executive branch is the Principal Chief, elected by the Osage people. The Osage Nation Congress, which consists of elected members, exercises legislative powers. The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting the laws of the Osage Nation and is comprised of a Supreme Court and lower courts.

Culture

Osage culture is rich and diverse, with deep roots in their history, language, and spiritual beliefs. The Osage people have a matrilineal system, which means that clan membership and inheritance are passed down through the mother's line. Traditional ceremonies, dances, and songs play an essential role in Osage society, with the In-Lon-Schka dances being among the most important cultural events, held annually in June.

The Osage language, which is part of the Dhegiha branch of the Siouan language family, is being revitalized through education programs and language preservation efforts. Traditional arts such as beadwork, ribbon work, and finger weaving are also an important aspect of Osage culture.

Economic Development

The Osage Nation has pursued various economic development initiatives to ensure the prosperity of its people. These include investments in gaming, with several successful casinos operated by the Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise Board, as well as ventures in other sectors such as agriculture, energy, and real estate. The tribe's economic development strategies aim to diversify income sources and provide employment opportunities for Osage members.

Contemporary Issues

The Osage Nation continues to face challenges related to federal policies, land rights, and the protection of their cultural heritage. Issues such as the management of natural resources, environmental protection, and the federal recognition of tribal sovereignty are at the forefront of the tribe's agenda. The Osage Nation actively works to protect its people's rights and promote their welfare in all areas of life.

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