“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Energy Sovereignty, and the Cautionary Tale of Government Overreach

In the early 20th century, the Osage found themselves atop vast oil reserves. But this blessing quickly morphed into a curse. As dollars flowed, so did envy, greed, and prejudice. The federal government, claiming to “protect,” stripped many Osage of their financial autonomy, using racially biased criteria to deem them “incompetent.” Guardians were then appointed, leading to widespread exploitation.

In the 1920s, the Osage Nation in Oklahoma became incredibly wealthy due to oil reserves found on their land. This led to a series of murders, known as the Osage Indian Murder Investigation, where several members of the tribe were killed for their wealth.

The U.S. government, under the auspices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), set up a conservatorship, called a guardianship system. Under this system, many Osage were deemed “incompetent” to manage their own finances. Instead, the government appointed conservators, or guardians, to manage the wealth of their Osage “wards.”

This guardianship system was more than just an overstep; it violated the Osage’s rights to self-determination. It is a chilling example of how government intervention can wreak havoc even with purportedly good intentions. The Osage were not children needing oversight but a sovereign nation with the right to manage their resources and future.

Energy Sovereignty in Modern Times

Today, the intersection of domestic energy needs and global authoritarian interests makes the Osage story even more pertinent. U.S. Tribal Nations hold vast energy resources, from oil, gas, and minerals, that boost and build sustainable tribal economies. In 2014, The Council of Energy Resource Tribes, a tribal energy consortium, estimated Indian energy resources worth nearly $1.5 trillion. Because of this, external entities continue to encroach with “help, guidance, buyouts, trade-offs,” but as history shows, such offers can come with strings attached. Be suspicious, question their narrative, and push back on those actively preventing Native families from flourishing into the future. 

The Osage Nation still benefits from the oil and gas reserves beneath their land. The Osage Minerals Council manages the mineral estate and ensures that the tribe receives royalties from oil and gas production.

Navigating Global Climate Interests

As the global community seeks sustainable energy solutions, it’s vital to ensure that this doesn’t come at the expense of Native American prosperity. Common sense, pro-energy, limited government Indigenous voices must actively participate in these discussions, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights respected.

Read More:

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“Killers of the Flower Moon” is more than a historical account; it’s a cautionary tale. As we forge ahead, we must remember the lessons of the past, championing sovereignty, self-determination, and the right of every Native American nation to determine sustainable economies and strong domestic energy sources. The future of our tribes hinges on these principles.