In this episode of the Osage Nation Bi-Weekly Podcast, hosts Russ Tallchief and Abby Mashunkashey sit down with Alexis Rencountre, Director and Election Supervisor for the Osage Nation Elections Office, to talk about the upcoming Osage Nation primary and general elections, voter engagement, and how technology is strengthening tribal sovereignty. Alexis shares how the elections process has evolved over the last 15 years—from outsourced systems to secure, in-house election technology and a new Osage voter portal that lets citizens track their absentee ballots and voter history.

Listeners will learn:

• Who is eligible to vote in Osage Nation elections and what you need to bring on Election Day
• How permanent and temporary absentee voting works, including how to switch to in-person voting
• Key election dates for early voting, primary election day, and general election day on the Hill
• Details on paid election official positions and how community members can apply
• How the new BIA Minerals Building voting location and updated systems improve ballot security and transparency

If you’re an Osage citizen wanting to stay informed, get involved, and make your voice heard, this episode is your guide to participating in the Osage Nation democratic process.

Osage Nation kicks off 2026 with a powerful episode of the biweekly podcast “Talking to One Another.” Communications Director Abby Mashunkashey and Communications Manager Russ Tallchief share a major save the date for the 20-year Sovereignty Celebration Dance honoring the ratification of the Osage Nation Constitution. Listeners will hear details about:

• Sovereignty Celebration – March 7, 2026 at the Skyline Event Center, Tulsa
• Gourd Dance at 2 PM, supper at 5 PM, and War & Competition Dancing at 6:30 PM
• Special hotel group rate at Osage Casino with code 7211959
• New celebration artwork and t‑shirts by Jessica More Harjo

Abby and Russ are joined by Amy Bellamy from the Office of Strategic Planning to discuss the newly released Osage Nation Strategic Plan 2026–2030. Amy explains how the plan was built with:

• Community meetings across Oklahoma, California, Texas, and online webinars
• A focus on youth and Gen Z input
• Ten key topic areas, with health remaining the #1 priority
• Emerging needs like home health services and how strategic planning reflects the will of the Osage people, not any one administration

They also cover where to download the Strategic Plan PDF on osagenation-nsn.gov, how to request a printed copy via email, and why this plan is a vital guide for leadership, services, and election-season consistency. Follow Osage Nation on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and send content questions to communications@osagenation-nsn.gov.

Join hosts Russ Tallchief and Abby Mashunkashay for an Osage Nation 2025 highlights in review with Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear. They explore how modern Osage governance is strengthening tribal health and wellness initiatives, expanding the new Wahzhazhe Health campus, and creating walkable spaces in Pawhuska.

Chief Standing Bear reflects on Osage language revitalization through the Wahzhazhe Early Learning Academy (WELA) program and Daposka Ahnkodapi Elementary, tribal land stewardship and bison restoration on the 43,000-acre ranch, and the rise of Osage food sovereignty through Harvest Land and the Butcher House. This conversation highlights Osage culture and education, Native community economic development, and holiday traditions rooted in caring for Wahzhazhe people at home and across the country.