December 8, 2025 • 17 mins
In this episode of the Osage Nation Bi-Weekly, hosts Russ Tallchief and Abby Mashunkashay talk with Andrea Kimball, Director of Financial Assistance, about the Tree of Giving holiday program, how to sponsor a child, and key deadlines for donations. They also share details on Harvest Land’s upcoming food box drive-through, reminders about health benefit open enrollment, the Osage Nation Museum’s final lecture with Sean Standing Bear, local Nutcracker performances at the Constantine Theater, and holiday office closures.
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Episode Transcript
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Russ Tallchief (00:04):
Ha'wei, and welcome to the Osage Nation bi
weekly podcast. This is OkikeyeTalking To One Another. I'm Russ
Tallchief Communications Managerfor Wahzhazhe Communications
Abby Mashunkashay (00:16):
and I'm Abby Mashunkashay, Communications
Director here at the OsageNation. And today is an exciting
day for the bi weekly. Thanks,first of all, audience to
sticking with us as we took alittle bit of a break over the
Thanksgiving holiday, but we'reback at it with a very, very
important guest, Andrea Kimball.Andrea is the director of
(00:37):
financial assistance for many,many years, doing great work for
the Osage Nation, and todaywe're welcoming her to the
podcast to talk about one of ourfavorite projects that the
nation works on, and thefinancial assistance department
really takes lead on, and thatis the tree of giving. So
welcome. Andrea, welcome to the podcast.
Andrea Kemball (00:58):
Good morning Communications. Thank you for
having me. And good morning toall of those listening.
Abby Mashunkashay (01:03):
Ha'wei everyone. Well, great. So
Andrea, how long has the tree ofgiving been going on at the
Osage Nation? And what exactlyis it, for folks that don't
already know, our
Andrea Kemball (01:16):
tree of giving is a collection of names of
children from zero to 12 andtheir families or guardians,
grandparents can come in andfill out an ornament for a
child, list their wishes ormaybe some of their needs here,
clothing and maybe hygieneitems. Sometimes we see that
coats they may need, coats orsome warm shoes. They also are
(01:36):
able to list some wishes thatthey might like, if they have
interest or hobbies and toys andeducational materials or things
like that. Most of the familiescame and signed up early. You
know, soon as we opened the treeand announced the tree, the
deadline to sign up is Decemberthe fifth, but the same time,
we're asking for sponsors. Youknow, we're asking citizens and
(02:00):
different members of thecommunity to come forward and
help us make that Christmas andby sponsoring an ornament. You
know, the tree of giving isequivalent to what you may see
in other communities as an AngelTree. And so here at the Osage
Nation, we asked for aninterpretation, you know, with
the Osage language to describewhat we're doing here in this
(02:22):
tree. OSAGE LANGUAGE. In Englishthat translates to a tree of
giving, a tree of gifts. TheNation started out with hosting
the tree specifically forclients that may be on TANF for
unemployment programs. I thinkthe very first year it might
have had maybe 20 children, youknow, on the tree, it has grown.
I remember in various years thatnumber fluctuate. The biggest
(02:45):
year might have been in 2020, wehosted this tree right then
during the public healthemergency, and we had 187
children on the tree that year,this year, and as of right now,
I think we have 128 childrenlined up. This is our 12th year
hosting this project with thisteam in the financial assistance
department, and we get excitedabout it every year. We do good
(03:08):
work all year long, but we'revery happy to come together with
this project to reach those thatmay be experiencing a financial
struggle, sometimes Christmasexpenses cannot factor into
their budget. Since we providethat work and assistance all
year round, our team here, we'rewell aware of some of those
families in our community. Wewere so pleased, and when it's
(03:31):
all said and done and over withyou know, to provide some cheer
directly to the children andhelp those families. And we have
sponsors coming in to pick upthose ornaments. We're asking
those sponsors if they can helpus by wrapping the gifts. We
understand that not everybodycan do that. We will wrap any
unwrapped gifts that we receive.We will wrap them and deliver
(03:54):
them as well. But we're askingif they can help us with that
one step. We appreciate all ofthe sponsors, and we see a lot
of good hearted people come in,and they all have very good,
warm remarks about being able tohelp during the Christmas
season. And so that's, that'swhat this project does.
Russ Tallchief (04:13):
If folks can't come in in person to your
office, is there another waythat the sponsors can
communicate with you.
Andrea Kemball (04:22):
They can call the office at 918-287-5325, they
can email us for those ornamentsthat we still have available.
You know, we can email that backto them, give them a picture of
the ornament, or we can describeit over the phone, and they just
want to call in and ask for achild. And we can relate to them
what they asked for, or theirneeds or their wishes. You know
(04:44):
that's on the ornament. Youknow, they deliver that back
here to the office. We arewilling, in special cases to
pick them up if they can't makeit. We've had some elderly folk
that support every year. Some ofthem just order and bring it to
their house, have it deliveredto their house, and they'll ask.
This to come pick it up fromthem. We can do that too, so
they can contact the office, andwe will get that information to
(05:05):
them, either over the phone orvia email.
Abby Mashunkashay (05:09):
So Andrea, what is the deadline for someone
who wants to sponsor to come byand get an ornament or call to
get an ornament? When do folksneed to do that? And then what
is the deadline to get thewrapped gifts back to the
financial assistance department?
Andrea Kemball (05:26):
We're asking those interested sponsors to
please obtain your ornament fromour office and from the tree
here by December the 12th, andwe're asking for those wrapped
gifts to be returned to theoffice by December the 19th. We
have a distribution plan forthat Monday the 22nd to deliver
all gifts to all the children.
Russ Tallchief (05:47):
Andrea, if a sponsor cannot go shopping but
they want to participate. Howcan they do that?
Andrea Kemball (05:56):
We have had that experience. Some of them have
made donations with a gift card.Some of those have dropped off a
cash donation. Any member of ourteam here can go do the shopping
for them, and we can providereceipts back to that sponsor so
that they know how theirdonation was used, and we can
give them some details about thechild that they sponsored. So we
(06:18):
want to be transparent andtrustworthy with their donation
at all times? And we appreciateall of that. So they can contact
the office here, and if theywant to share their information,
or again, cash contributions orgift card contributions, we can
do that shopping for them.
Abby Mashunkashay (06:36):
That's really wonderful. Andrea, that you guys
do that. So if you're looking tosponsor. There's really a lot of
ways to do that, and you guysremove all those barriers. So as
of today, Monday, December 8,how many ornaments are still
available on the tree for anyonewanting to sponsor?
Andrea Kemball (06:54):
We have 23 ornaments left. So we have 23
children still waiting to besponsored on the tree.
Abby Mashunkashay (07:01):
Thank you so much for coming on Andrea and
talking about this importanttree of giving is such a special
way to get into the holidayspirit, which is really just
giving and taking care of ourcommunity. So thank you for the
work that you guys do and forcoming and sharing on the
podcast today.
Andrea Kemball (07:16):
Yes, can I add a little bit more please? Yeah, we
have had constituents, Osagemembers from from various states
this year, and you know, some ofthem I got to talk to personally
on the phone, and it's, it'sjust really rewarding to hear
that people want to reach outand help, and not knowing who
they're helping, but they're,they're just willing to
contribute, you know, and make adonation. And we've had members
(07:38):
from Texas and California, Ohio,few in Kansas make their
donation with a digital platformthere, and we did the shopping
for them. So it really is awonderful project, you know, at
this time of year, and we arecurrently working with our
harvest land team to providefood boxes to constituents
(07:58):
throughout our community.Constituents can drive through
and receive a free food box. Ibelieve communications did a
video and put that out. Wereally appreciate that
communication and that channelto our constituents. But on
December 15 and December 16,we're going to host a drive
(08:18):
through at the harvest land herein Pawhuska, we will start with
some of these programs thatservice unemployed families,
families that are on generalassistance and general welfare,
first, and then it will open tothe community, to anyone in the
community to come pick up a foodbox at harvest land on December
15 and December 16 whilesupplies last, and I know that
(08:43):
the last count that we had wasalmost 500 food boxes will be
available.
Russ Tallchief (08:49):
Do folks need to reach out to you in advance?
Andrea Kemball (08:51):
Andrea, no, they do not. We are providing our
clients this information. We'reworking closely with harvest
land. We will not be collectingany information from anyone. We
want to give this food box outto people without any kind of
limitations or restrictions, youknow, at Christmas time, and try
to help them.
Russ Tallchief (09:12):
It's inspiring. You know, what your office does
is an act of love. This tree ofgiving, giving the food boxes,
it just represents so well thespirit of the season of giving,
and we're so grateful for all ofthe work that you do.
Andrea Kemball (09:26):
Andrea, yes, we have a great team here. It takes
many hands and many minds andwrapping fingers and box
deliveries and everything tohave to happen there. So yes,
we're excited. We like to dothis type of work. This is this
is always fun. And rewarding.
Russ Tallchief (09:41):
Yeah, it's inspiring to see your office
become like Santa's workshop aswe get closer to Christmas, with
all the gifts coming in and andthen you all turn into Santa's
helpers over there. And I knowit's a lot of work because there
are a lot of gifts coming in andwe're. Grateful to the community
for that too. Yes, yes.
Abby Mashunkashay (10:03):
All right. Well, thank you so much. Andrea,
we really appreciate you comingon the pod, and we know you are
a busy lady, so we'll let youget back
Andrea Kemball (10:10):
to it. All right. Thank you all for the
invitation and your time. Iappreciate it.
Abby Mashunkashay (10:15):
They are, they're the best that
Russ Tallchief (10:17):
department, yeah, that office, it really
represents the best of us. Ibelieve, as you said, that is
the spirit of the season ofgiving that we're in right now.
And the thing is, they stay inthat zone throughout the year,
because that's what they do.They support folks, they change
people's lives for the better,and they make this holiday
(10:40):
season a little brighter forsome kids.
Abby Mashunkashay (10:43):
Yeah, and if anytime throughout the year, if
you are struggling at all, Iwould encourage you to please
call the financial assistancedepartment, just tell them your
situation, and they'll be ableto tell you what you can and
cannot apply for, or what areeligible for. They're really
there to help throughout theyear, so you're right. This is a
more public facing part of theirgiving. Give them a call if you
(11:04):
need help. Also coming up inDecember is the museum's final
lecture series. They're going tobe discussing the headdress and
Sean Standing Bear, will betalking about that at the Osage
Nation museum on Saturday,December 20, at 1pm this one is
also available via zoom, as theother ones have been, and you
(11:26):
can sign up for that just anhour before, so they can make
sure that you're all set up. Butthat one, as they have all been,
are free and open to the public,and there will be a nice
reception to follow. So makesure you attend that at the
museum as they wrap up a yearlong lecture series with Sean
Standing Bear.
Russ Tallchief (11:45):
It's hard to believe that this is the final
one. God, it's been such a greatseries, hasn't it?
Abby Mashunkashay (11:51):
Yeah, it's been a really great series, and
I know that there's been a lotof attendance via zoom. So it's
nice that our constituents, or,you know, just interested
parties across the United Stateshave been able to tune in. So
thanks to the museum for puttingtogether such a great lecture
series, and Sean Standing Bear,of course, and all his guests
throughout the year.
Russ Tallchief (12:11):
It's just incredible that we have that
shield. I know the museum'scollection continues to grow,
and they have some reallyimportant stuff in there, and so
I'm glad that we get to talkabout it, learn about it. This
holiday season is also theseason of The Nutcracker.
Course, I don't know how manytimes I've seen the Nutcracker
(12:33):
Abby, but I never get tired ofit.
Abby Mashunkashay (12:36):
I know it's such an important part of our
holidays as well. I mean thatfeel the soundtrack alone is
really kind of the soundtrack ofthe season for me too. Yeah.
Russ Tallchief (12:46):
Well, as Osage people, we have a special
relationship to the Nutcrackertoo, because Maria tall chief
was the first Sugar Plum Fairyas we know it today, the
Nutcracker actually premiered inthe late 1800s I was talking
with a Ukrainian dancer one timewho said he performed The
(13:07):
Nutcracker in April. So itwasn't always this Christmas
show, until George Balanchinechoreographed a whole new
Nutcracker in the 1950s andMaria became the first sugar
plum ferry. And so we have anutcracker here in Pawhuska each
year, hosted by dance makerAcademy. They produce the Osage
(13:29):
ballet. They have classes foradults and kids of all ages. And
so the Nutcracker is coming upat the Constantine theater here
on December 13 and 14th. So getyour tickets now, because
they're selling fast.
Abby Mashunkashay (13:46):
I love that. We just got a little trivia
Russ. Thank you for that.Everyone should pay attention to
that you can really get your ona trivia night. You can blow
some people's minds with thatNutcracker background. So that's
awesome, and we're excited aboutthat. And then also, just making
sure, osages, please go to youropen enrollment for your health
(14:09):
benefits is closing on December15, so make sure that you are
you're signed up. You have yourkiddos signed up. Reach out to
your aunts and your uncles andyour nieces and nephews and make
sure that they're signed up. I'mlooking at you college kids, you
know, making sure that all ourcollege kids that are deep into
finals remember that they aregoing to need to sign up for
(14:31):
that by December 15. That isavailable. It's on the head
banner on the Osage Nation dash,nsn.gov website. You can go
there, click on that banner, andthat will get you to the portal
where you can get signed up.
Russ Tallchief (14:46):
And as we approach Christmas, we have some
closures coming up, and we wantour staff to have some time to
spend with their families overChristmas, so the offices will
be closed on Christmas Eve andChristmas. Day, and then they
will also be closed on December31 New Year's Eve through
(15:06):
January 2, 2026,
Abby Mashunkashay (15:11):
2026, so yeah, the if you have anything
you need to get done, as theconstituents of the Welcome
Center make sure you're payingattention to those holiday
closures so you don't make atrip and and we're not here.
It's the holidays. We'll haveanother bi weekly in December,
and we can dive into some othertopics. Thanks again for being
(15:32):
patient with us while we tooksome time off for Thanksgiving.
Thanks for tuning in to anotherOsage Nation bi weekly. It's
good to be back
Russ Tallchief (15:41):
and special thanks to Andrea Kimball, our
guest, and I was doing the math,Abby, and they serve well over
100 folks, right every year. Andso totaling it up, they have
served well over 1000 kidsthroughout the Christmas season.
And that is just a testament tothe generosity of our community
(16:05):
members. And so thank you,community members.
Abby Mashunkashay (16:08):
We always post a nice reel and some photos
of how massive the tree ofgiving gets by that deadline
with all of the gifts that areunderneath the tree. So take a
look there, and you can see theimpact with a sort of visual
look there too.
Russ Tallchief (16:24):
And no gift is too small. Yes, that's so true,
but I've also seen bicycles inthere, so I guess no gift is too
big either.
Abby Mashunkashay (16:32):
Yeah, it's the full gamut. So all right,
Russ, well, thanks so much forbeing my co host. As we're in
the spirit of giving out Thanks,I appreciate you, and we can
give a shout out to MikeQuinata, who is our producer on
the podcast. This is our firstfull year of wrapping these up.
So thanks so much to everyoneinvolved. Okay, that wraps up
(16:54):
this Osage Nation bi weeklypodcast, and we will look
forward to seeing you next time.
Russ Tallchief (17:01):
Okay, well, thank you for joining us. Be
sure to follow us on socialmedia. We're on Facebook,
Instagram and Tiktok. If youhave any content questions,
reach out to us atcommunications, at Osage Nation,
Dash nsn.gov, and we will try toget back to you as soon as
possible. OSAGE LANGUAGE go dosome good.
Ha'wei, and welcome to the Osage Nation bi
weekly podcast. This is OkikeyeTalking To One Another. I'm Russ
Tallchief Communications Managerfor Wahzhazhe Communications
Abby Mashunkashay (00:16):
and I'm Abby Mashunkashay, Communications
Director here at the OsageNation. And today is an exciting
day for the bi weekly. Thanks,first of all, audience to
sticking with us as we took alittle bit of a break over the
Thanksgiving holiday, but we'reback at it with a very, very
important guest, Andrea Kimball.Andrea is the director of
(00:37):
financial assistance for many,many years, doing great work for
the Osage Nation, and todaywe're welcoming her to the
podcast to talk about one of ourfavorite projects that the
nation works on, and thefinancial assistance department
really takes lead on, and thatis the tree of giving. So
welcome. Andrea, welcome to the podcast.
Andrea Kemball (00:58):
Good morning Communications. Thank you for
having me. And good morning toall of those listening.
Abby Mashunkashay (01:03):
Ha'wei everyone. Well, great. So
Andrea, how long has the tree ofgiving been going on at the
Osage Nation? And what exactlyis it, for folks that don't
already know, our
Andrea Kemball (01:16):
tree of giving is a collection of names of
children from zero to 12 andtheir families or guardians,
grandparents can come in andfill out an ornament for a
child, list their wishes ormaybe some of their needs here,
clothing and maybe hygieneitems. Sometimes we see that
coats they may need, coats orsome warm shoes. They also are
(01:36):
able to list some wishes thatthey might like, if they have
interest or hobbies and toys andeducational materials or things
like that. Most of the familiescame and signed up early. You
know, soon as we opened the treeand announced the tree, the
deadline to sign up is Decemberthe fifth, but the same time,
we're asking for sponsors. Youknow, we're asking citizens and
(02:00):
different members of thecommunity to come forward and
help us make that Christmas andby sponsoring an ornament. You
know, the tree of giving isequivalent to what you may see
in other communities as an AngelTree. And so here at the Osage
Nation, we asked for aninterpretation, you know, with
the Osage language to describewhat we're doing here in this
(02:22):
tree. OSAGE LANGUAGE. In Englishthat translates to a tree of
giving, a tree of gifts. TheNation started out with hosting
the tree specifically forclients that may be on TANF for
unemployment programs. I thinkthe very first year it might
have had maybe 20 children, youknow, on the tree, it has grown.
I remember in various years thatnumber fluctuate. The biggest
(02:45):
year might have been in 2020, wehosted this tree right then
during the public healthemergency, and we had 187
children on the tree that year,this year, and as of right now,
I think we have 128 childrenlined up. This is our 12th year
hosting this project with thisteam in the financial assistance
department, and we get excitedabout it every year. We do good
(03:08):
work all year long, but we'revery happy to come together with
this project to reach those thatmay be experiencing a financial
struggle, sometimes Christmasexpenses cannot factor into
their budget. Since we providethat work and assistance all
year round, our team here, we'rewell aware of some of those
families in our community. Wewere so pleased, and when it's
(03:31):
all said and done and over withyou know, to provide some cheer
directly to the children andhelp those families. And we have
sponsors coming in to pick upthose ornaments. We're asking
those sponsors if they can helpus by wrapping the gifts. We
understand that not everybodycan do that. We will wrap any
unwrapped gifts that we receive.We will wrap them and deliver
(03:54):
them as well. But we're askingif they can help us with that
one step. We appreciate all ofthe sponsors, and we see a lot
of good hearted people come in,and they all have very good,
warm remarks about being able tohelp during the Christmas
season. And so that's, that'swhat this project does.
Russ Tallchief (04:13):
If folks can't come in in person to your
office, is there another waythat the sponsors can
communicate with you.
Andrea Kemball (04:22):
They can call the office at 918-287-5325, they
can email us for those ornamentsthat we still have available.
You know, we can email that backto them, give them a picture of
the ornament, or we can describeit over the phone, and they just
want to call in and ask for achild. And we can relate to them
what they asked for, or theirneeds or their wishes. You know
(04:44):
that's on the ornament. Youknow, they deliver that back
here to the office. We arewilling, in special cases to
pick them up if they can't makeit. We've had some elderly folk
that support every year. Some ofthem just order and bring it to
their house, have it deliveredto their house, and they'll ask.
This to come pick it up fromthem. We can do that too, so
they can contact the office, andwe will get that information to
(05:05):
them, either over the phone orvia email.
Abby Mashunkashay (05:09):
So Andrea, what is the deadline for someone
who wants to sponsor to come byand get an ornament or call to
get an ornament? When do folksneed to do that? And then what
is the deadline to get thewrapped gifts back to the
financial assistance department?
Andrea Kemball (05:26):
We're asking those interested sponsors to
please obtain your ornament fromour office and from the tree
here by December the 12th, andwe're asking for those wrapped
gifts to be returned to theoffice by December the 19th. We
have a distribution plan forthat Monday the 22nd to deliver
all gifts to all the children.
Russ Tallchief (05:47):
Andrea, if a sponsor cannot go shopping but
they want to participate. Howcan they do that?
Andrea Kemball (05:56):
We have had that experience. Some of them have
made donations with a gift card.Some of those have dropped off a
cash donation. Any member of ourteam here can go do the shopping
for them, and we can providereceipts back to that sponsor so
that they know how theirdonation was used, and we can
give them some details about thechild that they sponsored. So we
(06:18):
want to be transparent andtrustworthy with their donation
at all times? And we appreciateall of that. So they can contact
the office here, and if theywant to share their information,
or again, cash contributions orgift card contributions, we can
do that shopping for them.
Abby Mashunkashay (06:36):
That's really wonderful. Andrea, that you guys
do that. So if you're looking tosponsor. There's really a lot of
ways to do that, and you guysremove all those barriers. So as
of today, Monday, December 8,how many ornaments are still
available on the tree for anyonewanting to sponsor?
Andrea Kemball (06:54):
We have 23 ornaments left. So we have 23
children still waiting to besponsored on the tree.
Abby Mashunkashay (07:01):
Thank you so much for coming on Andrea and
talking about this importanttree of giving is such a special
way to get into the holidayspirit, which is really just
giving and taking care of ourcommunity. So thank you for the
work that you guys do and forcoming and sharing on the
podcast today.
Andrea Kemball (07:16):
Yes, can I add a little bit more please? Yeah, we
have had constituents, Osagemembers from from various states
this year, and you know, some ofthem I got to talk to personally
on the phone, and it's, it'sjust really rewarding to hear
that people want to reach outand help, and not knowing who
they're helping, but they're,they're just willing to
contribute, you know, and make adonation. And we've had members
(07:38):
from Texas and California, Ohio,few in Kansas make their
donation with a digital platformthere, and we did the shopping
for them. So it really is awonderful project, you know, at
this time of year, and we arecurrently working with our
harvest land team to providefood boxes to constituents
(07:58):
throughout our community.Constituents can drive through
and receive a free food box. Ibelieve communications did a
video and put that out. Wereally appreciate that
communication and that channelto our constituents. But on
December 15 and December 16,we're going to host a drive
(08:18):
through at the harvest land herein Pawhuska, we will start with
some of these programs thatservice unemployed families,
families that are on generalassistance and general welfare,
first, and then it will open tothe community, to anyone in the
community to come pick up a foodbox at harvest land on December
15 and December 16 whilesupplies last, and I know that
(08:43):
the last count that we had wasalmost 500 food boxes will be
available.
Russ Tallchief (08:49):
Do folks need to reach out to you in advance?
Andrea Kemball (08:51):
Andrea, no, they do not. We are providing our
clients this information. We'reworking closely with harvest
land. We will not be collectingany information from anyone. We
want to give this food box outto people without any kind of
limitations or restrictions, youknow, at Christmas time, and try
to help them.
Russ Tallchief (09:12):
It's inspiring. You know, what your office does
is an act of love. This tree ofgiving, giving the food boxes,
it just represents so well thespirit of the season of giving,
and we're so grateful for all ofthe work that you do.
Andrea Kemball (09:26):
Andrea, yes, we have a great team here. It takes
many hands and many minds andwrapping fingers and box
deliveries and everything tohave to happen there. So yes,
we're excited. We like to dothis type of work. This is this
is always fun. And rewarding.
Russ Tallchief (09:41):
Yeah, it's inspiring to see your office
become like Santa's workshop aswe get closer to Christmas, with
all the gifts coming in and andthen you all turn into Santa's
helpers over there. And I knowit's a lot of work because there
are a lot of gifts coming in andwe're. Grateful to the community
for that too. Yes, yes.
Abby Mashunkashay (10:03):
All right. Well, thank you so much. Andrea,
we really appreciate you comingon the pod, and we know you are
a busy lady, so we'll let youget back
Andrea Kemball (10:10):
to it. All right. Thank you all for the
invitation and your time. Iappreciate it.
Abby Mashunkashay (10:15):
They are, they're the best that
Russ Tallchief (10:17):
department, yeah, that office, it really
represents the best of us. Ibelieve, as you said, that is
the spirit of the season ofgiving that we're in right now.
And the thing is, they stay inthat zone throughout the year,
because that's what they do.They support folks, they change
people's lives for the better,and they make this holiday
(10:40):
season a little brighter forsome kids.
Abby Mashunkashay (10:43):
Yeah, and if anytime throughout the year, if
you are struggling at all, Iwould encourage you to please
call the financial assistancedepartment, just tell them your
situation, and they'll be ableto tell you what you can and
cannot apply for, or what areeligible for. They're really
there to help throughout theyear, so you're right. This is a
more public facing part of theirgiving. Give them a call if you
(11:04):
need help. Also coming up inDecember is the museum's final
lecture series. They're going tobe discussing the headdress and
Sean Standing Bear, will betalking about that at the Osage
Nation museum on Saturday,December 20, at 1pm this one is
also available via zoom, as theother ones have been, and you
(11:26):
can sign up for that just anhour before, so they can make
sure that you're all set up. Butthat one, as they have all been,
are free and open to the public,and there will be a nice
reception to follow. So makesure you attend that at the
museum as they wrap up a yearlong lecture series with Sean
Standing Bear.
Russ Tallchief (11:45):
It's hard to believe that this is the final
one. God, it's been such a greatseries, hasn't it?
Abby Mashunkashay (11:51):
Yeah, it's been a really great series, and
I know that there's been a lotof attendance via zoom. So it's
nice that our constituents, or,you know, just interested
parties across the United Stateshave been able to tune in. So
thanks to the museum for puttingtogether such a great lecture
series, and Sean Standing Bear,of course, and all his guests
throughout the year.
Russ Tallchief (12:11):
It's just incredible that we have that
shield. I know the museum'scollection continues to grow,
and they have some reallyimportant stuff in there, and so
I'm glad that we get to talkabout it, learn about it. This
holiday season is also theseason of The Nutcracker.
Course, I don't know how manytimes I've seen the Nutcracker
(12:33):
Abby, but I never get tired ofit.
Abby Mashunkashay (12:36):
I know it's such an important part of our
holidays as well. I mean thatfeel the soundtrack alone is
really kind of the soundtrack ofthe season for me too. Yeah.
Russ Tallchief (12:46):
Well, as Osage people, we have a special
relationship to the Nutcrackertoo, because Maria tall chief
was the first Sugar Plum Fairyas we know it today, the
Nutcracker actually premiered inthe late 1800s I was talking
with a Ukrainian dancer one timewho said he performed The
(13:07):
Nutcracker in April. So itwasn't always this Christmas
show, until George Balanchinechoreographed a whole new
Nutcracker in the 1950s andMaria became the first sugar
plum ferry. And so we have anutcracker here in Pawhuska each
year, hosted by dance makerAcademy. They produce the Osage
(13:29):
ballet. They have classes foradults and kids of all ages. And
so the Nutcracker is coming upat the Constantine theater here
on December 13 and 14th. So getyour tickets now, because
they're selling fast.
Abby Mashunkashay (13:46):
I love that. We just got a little trivia
Russ. Thank you for that.Everyone should pay attention to
that you can really get your ona trivia night. You can blow
some people's minds with thatNutcracker background. So that's
awesome, and we're excited aboutthat. And then also, just making
sure, osages, please go to youropen enrollment for your health
(14:09):
benefits is closing on December15, so make sure that you are
you're signed up. You have yourkiddos signed up. Reach out to
your aunts and your uncles andyour nieces and nephews and make
sure that they're signed up. I'mlooking at you college kids, you
know, making sure that all ourcollege kids that are deep into
finals remember that they aregoing to need to sign up for
(14:31):
that by December 15. That isavailable. It's on the head
banner on the Osage Nation dash,nsn.gov website. You can go
there, click on that banner, andthat will get you to the portal
where you can get signed up.
Russ Tallchief (14:46):
And as we approach Christmas, we have some
closures coming up, and we wantour staff to have some time to
spend with their families overChristmas, so the offices will
be closed on Christmas Eve andChristmas. Day, and then they
will also be closed on December31 New Year's Eve through
(15:06):
January 2, 2026,
Abby Mashunkashay (15:11):
2026, so yeah, the if you have anything
you need to get done, as theconstituents of the Welcome
Center make sure you're payingattention to those holiday
closures so you don't make atrip and and we're not here.
It's the holidays. We'll haveanother bi weekly in December,
and we can dive into some othertopics. Thanks again for being
(15:32):
patient with us while we tooksome time off for Thanksgiving.
Thanks for tuning in to anotherOsage Nation bi weekly. It's
good to be back
Russ Tallchief (15:41):
and special thanks to Andrea Kimball, our
guest, and I was doing the math,Abby, and they serve well over
100 folks, right every year. Andso totaling it up, they have
served well over 1000 kidsthroughout the Christmas season.
And that is just a testament tothe generosity of our community
(16:05):
members. And so thank you,community members.
Abby Mashunkashay (16:08):
We always post a nice reel and some photos
of how massive the tree ofgiving gets by that deadline
with all of the gifts that areunderneath the tree. So take a
look there, and you can see theimpact with a sort of visual
look there too.
Russ Tallchief (16:24):
And no gift is too small. Yes, that's so true,
but I've also seen bicycles inthere, so I guess no gift is too
big either.
Abby Mashunkashay (16:32):
Yeah, it's the full gamut. So all right,
Russ, well, thanks so much forbeing my co host. As we're in
the spirit of giving out Thanks,I appreciate you, and we can
give a shout out to MikeQuinata, who is our producer on
the podcast. This is our firstfull year of wrapping these up.
So thanks so much to everyoneinvolved. Okay, that wraps up
(16:54):
this Osage Nation bi weeklypodcast, and we will look
forward to seeing you next time.
Russ Tallchief (17:01):
Okay, well, thank you for joining us. Be
sure to follow us on socialmedia. We're on Facebook,
Instagram and Tiktok. If youhave any content questions,
reach out to us atcommunications, at Osage Nation,
Dash nsn.gov, and we will try toget back to you as soon as
possible. OSAGE LANGUAGE go dosome good.
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