National American Indian Heritage Month is observed annually in November. The observance recognizes Native Americans and Alaskan Natives for their respect for natural resources and the Earth, having served with valor in our nation's conflicts and for their many distinct and important contributions to the United States. The Native American Program will release articles throughout the month to commemorate this observance.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – This November, we celebrate National American Indian Heritage Month with the theme ‘Tribal Nations Soaring to New Heights.’ There are currently over 574 federally recognized tribes and each have different cultures that are as unique as the people they represent. This year, the DLA Land and Maritime Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Office’s Native American and Alaskan Native Program is highlighting a tribe with strong contributions to America who’s history continues to inspire change today.
The Osage tribe is a Native American community that primarily resides in the states of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Historically, they were originally native to the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys, but as European settlers expanded westward, the Osage were gradually displaced and forced to relocate to their present territories.
The Osage tribe has a rich and complex history, characterized by their strong cultural traditions, advanced social structures and economic prosperity. The Osage people were skilled hunters and farmers, relying on the land to provide them with sustenance. They cultivated various crops, such as corn, beans and squash, and utilized the resources of the forests for their everyday needs.
One remarkable aspect of the Osage tribe is their matrilineal social structure. The clan system, which is based on the mother's line, plays a significant role in their society. Each clan has its own responsibilities, such as managing ceremonies, resolving disputes or providing leadership. Women hold great influence within the community, and their role in decision-making is highly respected.
Another significant feature of the Osage tribe’s history is their wealth due to their land's oil reserves. The discovery of oil on their reservation lands in the early 20th century brought substantial financial gains to the Osage tribe. This sudden wealth led to a period known as the “Osage Reign of Terror,” during which many tribal members were targeted and murdered in a series of conspiracies and crimes to inherit their oil wealth.
This dark chapter in Osage history highlighted the ongoing struggles and injustices faced by indigenous communities and highlighted the first major criminal investigation conducted by the U.S. government’s Bureau of Investigations – known today as the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Additional information about the FBI’s ‘First Big Case: The Osage Murders,’ can be found here https://www.history.com/news/the-fbis-first-big-case-the-osage-murders.
Despite the challenges they have confronted, the Osage tribe has managed to preserve and revitalize its cultural heritage. They continue to celebrate their traditions through events like the In-Lon-Schka Dance, a week-long ceremony that includes various rituals, feasts and games. Language revitalization efforts have also been undertaken, as the Osage language was dangerously close to extinction due to historical suppression and assimilation policies.
Today, the Osage tribe is a sovereign nation, with its own government and institutions. They focus on various initiatives to promote economic development, maintain tribal sovereignty, and improve the well-being of community members. The tribe operates businesses, such as casinos and cultural centers, and engages in partnerships with external entities to generate revenue and provide resources for their people.
The Osage tribe is a resilient and culturally significant Native American community. With a strong sense of identity, the Osage tribe has persevered through challenging times and continues to advocate for their rights and embody the theme, ‘Tribal Nations Soaring to New Heights.’
Those interested in learning more about the Native American and Alaskan Native Special Emphasis Program or to find out how to become a committee member should email Patricia.Hampton@dla.mil.
Editor’s Note: The National American Indian Heritage Month observance has its roots in Public Law 99-471. In the intervening years, the observance was moved to different months until Public Law 101-343 set the observance in November. Please note that the title of this observance varies between agencies. The Department of Defense’s Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute uses the title set forth in the Public Laws, and that title is used at the beginning of this article to signify the DOD-wide observance. By Presidential Proclamation, the month is also observed as National Native American Heritage Month. In 1924, Congress enacted the Indian Citizenship Act extending citizenship to all U.S.-born American Indians not already covered by treaty or other federal agreements that granted such status. The act was later amended to include Alaska Natives, and as such, the month is also recognized as Native American/Alaskan Native Heritage Month.