On March 31, 2008 a tornado moved through the Hominy area and caused flooding that damaged the Osage Education Building. This event forced the staff to relocate for several months during building repair and renovations. 

Fortunately, Dawna Bowman, director of the Osage Housing Department, welcomed the education staff into their offices during this bleak period. Education felt humbled by their predicament and gratefully accepted Bowman’s invitation.

The education department also received a lot of support from other tribal departments throughout their struggle. The Osage Boys & Girls Club offered their facilities for the summer youth orientation. Over 50 youth workers attended this all-day event and enjoyed themselves at the recreational facility. The Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center housed the summer enrichment camp for over 70 Osage youth. These education events would not have been possible without their generosity.

In August, the Osage Education staff moved back into their building after five months of displacement. The challenges they faced made them stronger and now they look toward the next year with hope for a much brighter future. Thank you to all the departments that helped out and offered support, especially the Osage Housing Department for allowing us to invade their space and use their facility. We are forever grateful. ♦