PAWHUSKA, OK – Osage Nation Education Department (ONED) Director Mary Wildcat has been appointed to the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education (OACIE) by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The OACIE produces an annual report with recommendations to the Oklahoma State Board of Education on educational matters affecting the education of Native American students.
“Osage Nation is deeply committed to the education of our youth to ensure our strong and successful future,” said Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear. “A critical piece to that is having a seat at the table when the state makes educational decisions that impact our Native American students. We are proud and grateful to have Director Wildcat making sure the Osage voice is heard as a member of the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education.”
In addition to providing recommendations, the OACIE consistently monitors and evaluates how the state’s public education system impacts Native American students. The council meets regularly to identify strategies for developing an efficient and reliable communication process between Oklahoma education entities, educators, tribal organizations, and other interested parties to encourage and promote Native American educational leadership at all levels of the education system.
Director Wildcat oversees the ONED, including K-12 education programs, educational scholarships, post-secondary resources, and school assistance. The ONED strives to provide educational and supportive services to Osages so they can obtain the skills needed to become productive individuals and contributors to their community.
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