Osage Nation Podcast - 𐓂𐒼𐒻𐒼𐒻𐒷 “Talking to One Another”

This unique episode features a historic 2004 audio interview between then-doctoral student Dr. Jean Dennison and Chief Jim Gray, recorded during the pivotal period when the Osage Constitution was being reformed. With permission and blessing from Chief Gray's family and Dr. Dennison, guest host Amy Farid presents this invaluable time capsule that captures Chief Gray's vision, hopes, and concerns as the Nation worked toward reclaiming sovereignty.

Chief Gray describes the unprecedented public engagement process, including the 2002 election that swept in reform-focused council members, the 60-day public comment periods, hearings across multiple districts, and the overwhelming tribal and congressional support for the repatriation bill. This episode offers listeners the rare opportunity to hear directly from the leader who shepherded the constitutional reform process, reflecting on challenges overcome and dreams for the Osage Nation's next 100 years—a powerful tribute to his transformative leadership.

Guest host Amy Farid sits down with Osage Nation Congresswoman Jodie Revard, who brings a unique perspective as both a member of the historic 31st Tribal Council that preceded constitutional reform and a current member of the Osage Nation Congress. Congresswoman Revard, who has served as an In-Lon-Schka cook for over 26 years under six drum keepers, discusses the complex balance of maintaining traditional roles while serving in elected office.

She reflects on being the youngest woman elected to the 31st Tribal Council and shares her philosophy that the Constitution "created a table and seats" where different branches must work together despite their separate responsibilities. Throughout the conversation, Congresswoman Revard emphasizes constitutional accountability, explaining how Congress must hold the Executive Branch accountable while citizens must hold Congress accountable, and why bridging divisions between branches is essential to making the constitutional system work for all Osage people, both those living in Oklahoma and the half of tribal citizens residing outside the state.

Guest host Amy Farid welcomes Osage Nation Supreme Court Chief Justice Meredith Drent to break down the constitutional framework that established separation of powers among the executive, judicial, legislative branches, and Minerals Council. Chief Justice Drent, whose great-great-great-great-grandfather Paul Aiken served as tribal interpreter and signed the 1881 Constitution, brings both legal expertise and family legacy to this discussion of governmental structure. She explains how each branch has distinct responsibilities—Congress creates laws, the Executive implements them, and the Judiciary interprets them—and why these boundaries are essential to preventing the system from breaking down.

With clarity and occasional humor, Chief Justice Drent addresses the Nation's learning curve after 100 years under the 1906 Act's imposed governance, describing early constitutional challenges when officials had to learn new roles and untangle the "Gordian knot" of the previous system to make the separation of powers function properly.

In this final episode, guest host Amy Farid welcomes Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear to discuss the meaning and practice of self-governance for the Osage Nation's present and future. Chief Standing Bear, an attorney with deep knowledge of federal Indian law, explains how self-governance represents the Nation's exercise of sovereignty through programs and services that benefit all Osage citizens, whether they live in Oklahoma or across the United States.

He discusses the "big three" programs—education, health assistance, and burial assistance—that serve the geographically scattered Osage population, and how gaming revenue enables the Nation to supplement inadequate federal funding. Chief Standing Bear reflects on the importance of Osage people working together across generations, the revitalization of language and culture, and the critical legal battles ahead including reservation reaffirmation. With optimism about younger Osages bringing fresh energy and Osage perspectives to tribal government, Chief Standing Bear emphasizes that true self-governance means the people—not just buildings—make the Nation thrive.

Guest host Amy Farid sits down with Osage Nation Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Lohah Homer for an intimate conversation about the profound impact of the 1906 Act on Osage identity and membership. Justice Homer, whose great-grandfather served as Principal Chief in 1905 and whose father Charles Henry Lohah was the Nation's first Chief Justice, shares personal stories about growing up in a family dedicated to tribal governance.

She explains how the 1906 Act stripped the Osage Nation of its fundamental right to determine membership, restricting tribal enrollment to headright holders and creating a painful system where children couldn't be recognized as Osage until a parent died. Through candid discussion, Justice Homer reveals how this oppressive structure affected her own sense of identity and why the 2006 Constitution's restoration of lineal descendancy was essential to reclaiming Osage sovereignty and healing generational trauma.