Jim Gray
Join the Schieffer College for a discussion with former principal Chief of the Osage Nation, Jim Gray, about media representation, storytelling and Osage Nation at 6:30 p.m. March 21 in Moudy North 141.
Lead by Haylee Chiariello ’24, president of the Native and Indigenous Student Association and Schieffer dean’s ambassador, and hosted by Schieffer College’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, the discussion is a product of the success of the major Hollywood motion picture, “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
As a descendant of one of the Osage murders’ victims that inspired the film and principal chief who oversaw comprehensive restoration of Osage sovereignty, Gray will share his unique insights about how media and storytelling have powerful impacts on our world.
A Voice of a Nation
Gray is the former principal chief of the Osage Nation (2002-2010) and the youngest chief in the history of the Osage Nation. During his term, Chief Gray, led the Osage Nation through a comprehensive restoration of Osage sovereignty, the right to determine their own citizens and form their own government. This led to enrollment of thousands of Osages who had been left off the rolls for nearly 100 years and a referendum vote that adopted a constitutional form of government for the first time in generations. This effort gave all Osages over the age 18 the right to vote in tribal elections.
After his terms in office, Gray was a tribal administrator for the Cherokee Nation, Sac and Fox Nation and Pawnee Nation. He also served as the executive director of the Native American Contractors Association. In more recent years, he has been a consultant working in Indian Country on energy, government reform and government relations.
The event is free and open to the community. Seating is limited. Learn more at calendar.tcu.edu.