On November 12, 2008 the Pawhuska JOM Program hosted a celebration at Pawhuska High School in honor of Native American Heritage Month. This annual tradition allows students of Pawhuska schools a chance to experience Native culture. The Osage Nation Johnson O’Malley Program (JOM) provides supplementary financial assistance for Native American students enrolled at any of the designated 12 public school systems within the reservation boundaries.

The Native American Day began with an invited guest speaker, Moses Brings Plenty, a 6ft tall striking man with dark brown waist-length braids. Brings Plenty is a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation originally from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He spoke to the students about Native pride, culture, and respect for each other while reminding the older students to set good examples for the younger generation. He also discussed his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, musician, model and motivational speaker. Some of his films include: Rez Bomb, Hidalgo, Pirates of the Caribbean and Thunderheart. The Pawhuska students really enjoyed his speech and asked him many questions about his acting career, future plans and long hair.

The day continued with Native American demonstration booths featuring fingerweaving, roach-making, handgames and autographs by Brings Plenty. The students got up-close information about Native craftsmanship and traditions valued in tribal communities. It is important for them to gain knowledge and awareness of the rich Native American culture that shaped the community they live in today.

Pawhuska Native American Day ended with a small powwow and crowning of the new JOM princesses. About 75 Native students from Pawhuska, Hominy and Skiatook schools dressed in their traditional regalia and participated in the intertribal dance. The drum sang three exhibition songs for the students: a straight song with a tail showcased the young straightdancers, a fancy dance song for Skiatook JOM student Kingston Pipestem and a song for all the young lady dancers. Indian and non-Indian students alike also enjoyed the two-step led by Michaela White and Jamison Cass. The Pawhuska JOM Committee crowned three princesses: Michaela White, Dava Daylight and Eva Harden. These young ladies represent the Osage Nation JOM Program and community as examples of a thriving and dynamic culture.

Students of Pawhuska schools enjoyed the special event sponsored by the Pawhuska JOM Program. Pawhuska JOM President, Asa Cunningham, stated “JOM works to promote the culture and traditions of Native Americans and their way of life”. The Lakota guest speaker, Osage demonstration booths and intertribal powwow brought to the school a cultural learning experience and celebration of Native heritage. The Pawhuska JOM Parent Committee appreciated the opportunity to host this annual event and hope to continue with it in the future. For information about the JOM program please call Avis Ballard at (918)287-5545 or 1-800-390-6724.