Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will the Osage Nation really try to take our assets and property?
The attached draft Memorandum of Understanding states the Osage Nation's intention to take control of Minerals Estate checking accounts (S510, C395, and C510) which have been under the protection of the Minerals Council and the Nation's intention to claim land left to Osage annuitants/shareholders. [See attached MOU, Kansas deed, Going South, and Who Done It?]
Q. Is the Osage Minerals Estate at risk?
In the Osage Constitution (download PDF)
Section 5 of ARTICLE VII of the New Osage Constitution
Shows that the Chief plans to move the Mineral Estate Trust to the Executive Committee:
Section 5. Composition: The executive branch shall consist of the elected offices of Principal Chief and Assistant Principal Chief, and all other administrative offices, departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Osage Nation including, but not limited to, public trusts, boards, village committees, authorities, and commissions.
Q. Who has the power over the Minerals Estate?
In the Osage Constitution
The following Savings Clause, Section 2 shows that any and all power that the Osage Tribal Council used to have went to the Osage Nation government … i.e., the Chief … with the passing of the New Constitution.
ARTICLE XXII – SAVINGS CLAUSE, Section 2:
Section 2. Continuity of Governmental Authority and Jurisdiction: Upon the adoption of this Osage Nation Constitution by a vote of the Osage people, and the election of the members of the Osage Nation Congress and the Executive Officers, all powers, rights, responsibilities, and obligations of a government of, by, and for the Osage people shall pass from the Osage Tribal Council to the Osage Nation government established by this Constitution.
Q. Is there a strategic plan to control the Minerals Estate?
The SPECIFIC PAGES OF THE OSAGE NATION 25-YEAR VISION & STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMARY REPORT - 2007
Pages 1, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 – shows Chief’s intent to bring management of Minerals Estate within the Tribe/Nation. Download 25 year plan for 2007 (PDF)
Q. Is the Minerals Estate being manipulated to be owned and managed by the Osage Nation?
Osage Nation 25 Year Visioning Session – December 2006 Download PDF
Speaks to History of the Tribe, provides a chart of evolution, and stated long term intent to have the Tribe/Nation to own and manage the Minerals Estate.
Q. Has the 1906 Act been abolished?
No it has not. The problem is the Bureau of Indian Affairs who has the trust responsibility has not enforced the 1906 Act. If we don’t stand up and protect what is ours it’s going to be too late. This is why we are filing a lawsuit because the Bureau of Indian Affairs is not protecting our trust property.