Inaugural Wah-Zha-Zhi Christmas

The Osage Nation designed an event that would complement the City of Pawhuska’s festivities and make Saturday, December 6th a full-day of activities. This began with the Christmas Extravaganza, a shopping venue held at the Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center and opened to the public. Admission was free and the booth spaces were also free; this was a nice opportunity for sellers and buyers. The Extravaganza was opened to the public from 10:00am to 4:00pm with all types of merchandise. The items included traditional Osage goods, such as clothing and art, along with jewelry, candles, wood crafts, and lots of food. The products were of professional quality. The staff at the Cultural Center reported the parking lot was full all day and attendance was around 300 people. Santa Claus made a jovial appearance and posed for pictures with many boys, girls and families. He also gave each child a variety of sweet and healthy snacks.

There was a second component to the Nation’s holiday event. It is often said that children are our future; the Osage Nation Head Start, who decorates a float for the City of Pawhuska’s Christmas Parade of Lights was joined this year by Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear and Assistant Chief Raymond Red Corn. The Head Start children enjoyed throwing healthy snacks to the parade spectators. From the ride on the float, activities moved to the steps of the Osage Nation Executive Building where caroling was done by the children and were accompanied by the Chief and Assistant Chief.

A bonfire was provided for anyone who wanted to warm up. The Osage Nation Congress and Minerals Council provided refreshments of hot cider or cocoa as well as all types of delicious home-made snacks baked by Osage Nation employees at the Osage Nation Congressional Chamber. Winners of the student art contest were announced with a winner from each grade, Head Start through 12th grade. Even the Nation’s employees got in on one of the contests with art displays positioned along the Seventh Street Stairways.

It is the desire of this Osage Nation administration to make this Christmas experience an annual event.