www.OsageVision.org

Why I’m Running

My name is Jake Heflin.  My Osage name is Tah-Wah Gka-Keh (Town Maker).  I was named by Eddie Red Eagle, Jr.  I am from the Wa-Xa-Ko-Li District of the Tzi-Zho Wah-Shtah-Keh clan.  I am a descendant of Claremore through his daughter.  My Great-Grandmother, Lois Lombard was an original allottee.  Her father, Walter Lombard (Served as an Indian Police Officer on the Reservation) and his father Albert Lombard were also original allottees.  Our original family homestead is still maintained by the family on the Osage Reservation.  

I live in Southern California.  I began attending the United Osages of Southern California (UOSC) meetings when I was approximately 11 years old.  I remember sitting in those meetings with my grandmother and great-grandmother as issues relating to the Osage Government and Mineral Estate were discussed.  Osage culture and tradition have always been important to me.  Thus, living in California, I took every opportunity to learn as much as I could about my culture and tribal affairs.  My family hosted Osage guests that traveled from the Reservation to California for our USOC meetings.  I am honored and proud to be Osage.  I participate in our In-Lon-Schka.  I was “Roached” by “Mogri” Lookout. 

Having grown up in California, I have been blessed with a unique opportunity.  I see possibilities and opportunities for growth from a different perspective.  There is a large Osage population living throughout the country that desire to learn more about their culture and what it means to be Osage.  I think this has to be given appropriate attention.  We are a Nation without borders.  Our Osage people live throughout this country and throughout the world.  However, the Reservation is our home!  The reality of a decentralized lifestyle has spread our Osage people from coast to coast.  One thing remains, the Osage living on the Reservation and the Osage living off the Reservation have the same blood running through their veins.  This blood is what binds us together. 

How would I manage my cross country responsibilities as a member of Congress?  Technology.   I have a career as a professional firefighter.  My schedule is flexible and I work 10 days a month.  My ability to move shifts to be available for meetings is a little easier for me than someone working a 9-5 job.  I recognize that there will be meetings that will be difficult to make.  Thus, as part of my plan, I propose moving into the future with the capabilities of technology.  Conference calls, video conferencing, web conferencing, and other technology already exist that would allow me, as a member of Congress, to conduct business from California should the need arise.  In addition, it also allows other Osages with similar restraints to possibly get involved.  Technology allows all Osages the opportunity to make a difference for our Osage people.  There are many talented Osages that would be empowered by embracing technology.  This can have a significant impact on the future development of our Nation.  Imagine if you will, Osages from across the Country getting involved and bringing new ideas to the Tribe.  This will strengthen the entire Osage Nation and will create new opportunities for growth and development. 

As an Osage living in California, I represent those Osages looking for ways to build and strengthen our Nation regardless of their residency.  There is a perceived disconnect with Osages that live on the Reservation versus those that live off the Reservation.  Incorporating technology into our daily process eliminates this disconnect and allows for communication that will bridge this gap for all Osages.  The Osage News and the Osage Nation website are certainly steps in the right direction.  However, many more opportunities exist.  We need new perspectives and new ideas.  This, among other things, is what I believe, makes me different and the right choice for Osage Nation Congress in 2010.

My goals for the Osage Nation:

• Culture is what binds us together as a people; Utilize modern technology to reach all Osage Citizens. Language is critical.
• Improved Health and Elder care. 
• Value Added Benefits for Osage Citizens. 
• Develop the infrastructure of the Osage Nation. Bring our people home. 
• Develop achievable economic policies. Sustainable growth over the long term. 
• Diversification. Look for alternative funding sources. Transparency.
• Collaboration and Cooperation. Accountable. Respect for Others. Public Servant.
• Don’t reinvent the wheel; Look to other successful tribes to serve as models for Osage growth and development. Utilize Osage People as a resource!