OMC poised to take over mineral estate management
In less than four months, the production, permitting, and leasing of the Osage Mineral Estate could shift to the Osage Minerals Council after more than 100 years of BIA control
For the first time in its history, the Osage Minerals Council could manage production, permitting, and leasing of the Osage Mineral Estate – a shift that could occur within four months if approved.
On Wednesday, June 4, Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear sent a letter to OMC Chairman Myron Red Eagle stating he has been in negotiations with the Department of the Interior for the OMC to fully assume self-governance functions. Standing Bear said implementation would begin during fiscal year 2026, which begins Oct. 1.
“I believe that once negotiations on self-governance are complete, all functions that were previously administered under the BIA that apply to production, permitting, or leasing on the Osage Minerals Estate should fall under the authority of the Osage Minerals Council,” he said.
Under Standing Bear’s proposal, the OMC would assume the functions of the BIA branches of subsurface lease management, oil and gas accounting and subsurface permitting with a position described as a “Minerals Director” to oversee operations. The OMC would have the authority to hire and fire personnel under the Nation’s HR policies. He also said he is advocating to keep BIA Osage Agency Superintendent Adam Trumbly’s position for “legal and practical reasons” as well as BIA personnel Trumbly considers “indispensable.”
Standing Bear said he will ask the Osage Nation Congress to provide supplemental funding if there are any shortfalls, just like they do for the Nation’s government departments and programs.
He said he has a meeting with the Minerals Council to discuss the self-governance proposal in the coming days.
“I look forward to this opportunity to visit with them,” he said.
OMC pushes back on self-governance plan
The Osage Minerals Council disagrees with Standing Bear and has been actively resisting.
On May 21, the Council passed a resolution rejecting the Nation’s plan to compact with the federal government on matters related to the Mineral Estate.
“The Osage Minerals Council rejects and opposes any attempt by the Osage Nation to amend its self-governance compact with the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” the resolution stated.
The resolution goes on to state that the OMC supports maintaining all federal functions related to the Minerals Estate with the BIA. The resolution is signed by Chairman Red Eagle.
The announcement on self-governance came amidst proposals from the Department of the Interior to restructure and streamline functions within the BIA and increase support for tribal self-governance.
A “Dear Tribal Leader” letter was sent on April 14 to consult with tribal Nations over President Trump’s Feb. 11 Executive Order 14210 that established a “Department of Government Efficiency” workforce optimization initiative. President Trump also released a “skinny budget” that cuts over half a billion dollars to the BIA.
Osage Nation Constitution
Standing Bear referenced Article XV of the Osage Nation Constitution, which he believes empowers his self-governance efforts for the Minerals Council.
Section 4 of the Constitution reads:
“The government of the Osage Nation shall have the perpetual obligation to ensure the preservation of the Osage Mineral Estate. The government shall further ensure the rights of mineral royalty interest holders of Osage descent, as set forth in the Osage Allotment Act of June 28, 1906, as amended, to income derived from the Mineral Estate are protected.”
Osage Nation Congresswoman Maria Whitehorn, who is also the President of the Osage Shareholders Association, referenced Article XV of the Constitution and believes the authority to govern the mineral estate resides with the Osage Minerals Council.
“As long as the Minerals Council protects the shareholders rights and refrains from breaking the law, the Executive and Legislative Branches are not authorized to interfere in the execution of the Council’s administration of duties given by the 1906 Act, CFR’s (codes of federal regulation) or ON Constitution,” she wrote in a message to Osage News.
She supports the resolution OMC passed on May 21, rejecting the Nation’s amendment to the self-governance compact with the BIA.
Standing Bear, Red Eagle, and OMC members Paul Revard and Talee Redcorn attended a BIA consultation in Oklahoma City on June 3. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education and the Bureau of Trust Fund Administration held consultations in person and virtual consultations across the country. Standing Bear has expressed his frustration over the process and felt the process wasn’t a true consultation.
“The Department of Interior has made its intentions clear during the first Trump administration that it was looking for an ‘exit ramp’ for Indian Affairs. Now, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has put this into action by making significant cuts to the BIA,” Standing Bear wrote in an official statement.
“It is clear the BIA will not be around forever, and we must intervene to save the staffing infrastructure; otherwise, the Osage Minerals Estate will lose critical administrative positions.”
Recently Retired Garland Resident Wins $ 1 million in Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant's “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” Promotion
DURANT, Okla. - Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant announced its first millionaire of the summer early Sunday morning as part of the 2025 edition of “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” Fuong H. from Garland, Texas, became the first of three lucky Choctaw Rewards Club members to become an instant millionaire.
“I’m still excited. I never thought I would win tonight,” Fuong said. “My name was called; I stood up from my table and said, ‘That’s my name!’”
Last week, Fuong retired from the jewelry company she’d been working at for 33 years. She said she plans to spend her money on her three children and six grandchildren, as well as investing.
Fuong visits Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant at least once a week and said she would encourage everyone who hasn’t entered “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” to “come and have a lot of fun here!”
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant is also taking the excitement of “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” to the winner’s hometown and will make a $10,000 donation to a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the Garland area. Choctaw will work with the winner to select a nonprofit in their community and will make the donation directly to the approved charity on the winner’s behalf.
“Making someone a millionaire is life changing, and the fact that we’ve been able to do that for our Choctaw Rewards Club members three summers in a row is incredible,” said Jeff Penz, senior director of gaming & hospitality, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant. “And this year, we’re even more excited to elevate the ‘3 Months. 3 Millionaires.’ experience by making a $10,000 charitable contribution to a nonprofit in their community.”
The next $1 million drawing will be held on Saturday, July 5 at 1 a.m., and the winner must be present to claim the prize. For more information, visit “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.”
Governor Anoatubby leads ribbon cutting for home health program
ADA, Okla. — Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby led ribbon cutting ceremonies June 2 to dedicate the Chickasaw Nation’s home health program, Minticha Apila Home Health, marking a major step forward in delivery of health care services to Chickasaw citizens and First Americans.
“Minticha Apila means ‘come and help,’ and that is exactly what this is all about; bringing help, hope and health back home,” Governor Anoatubby said. “This program is about supporting those who need it most and caring for our elders with dignity, respect and an unwavering commitment. This new facility represents a major step forward in how we serve our citizens.”
Governor Anoatubby said the mission of the Chickasaw Nation, to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people, remains the driving force behind every project, service, program and decision.
“Every day we work to meet our mission through meaningful, strategic efforts in health, education, housing, infrastructure, youth development, elder care and much more,” he said. “This home health care program is especially important for the quality of life of our elders.”
Home health care is medical care provided in a patient’s home and can include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. It can also include skilled, nonmedical care, such as medical social services or assistance with daily living from a highly qualified home health aide for citizens throughout the Chickasaw Nation.
“These are life-enhancing, independence-supporting, family-strengthening services designed to help elders safely and comfortably age in place,” Governor Anoatubby said.
The home health team also connects patients with social services, mental health resources, nutritional support and other programs, all designed to meet the full spectrum of needs in the home and enhance overall quality of life.
Currently, patients must live within Pontotoc County to receive services, with plans to branch out to communities across the Chickasaw Nation, such as Tishomingo, Ardmore and Purcell.
Minticha Apila Home Health is located at 1101 Stadium Drive, Ada, Oklahoma.
For more information, visit ChickasawNationHealth.net.
