Osage Nation and Agua Caliente Celebrate Success of "Killers of the Flower Moon" with Cultural Exchange amid Palm Springs Film Festival

On Friday, January 5, 2024, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians hosted an Osage Nation delegation for a cultural exchange within their new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in downtown Palm Springs, CA. The Tribal Nations came together to celebrate shared heritage and the theatrical success of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” with members of the film’s cast and Apple Original Films, highlighting Native voices in storytelling. 

During the cultural exchange, Agua Caliente Chairman Reid D. Milanovich presented a Cahuilla olla to Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear on behalf of the Osage Nation.  Cahuilla ollas are clay vessels that the ancient Cahuilla Indians used to store seeds, food, and water; they were once a staple of everyday living in Indian Country in Southern California. Chief Standing Bear gifted a shadow box to Chairman Milanovich on behalf of the Agua Caliente. The shadow box was designed by the Osage ambassador to the film Chad Renfro, displaying a traditional Osage finger-weaving by Debbie Cheshewalla adorned with a 𐓷𐓘𐓬𐓘𐓸𐓘 (pin) and eagle feather by William Supernaw and Joe Cheshewalla. 

Bird singers and dancers from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians shared their traditional ways before and after Chairman Milanovich and Chief Standing Bear gave remarks. The Agua Caliente Tribal Council led a tour for the Osage delegation and members of the “Killers of the Flower Moon” cast through their recently opened Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.

“It is an honor to be among the incredible Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians,” said Chief Standing Bear. “Their new cultural plaza and museum is an awe-inspiring expression of their resilience and progress. We are grateful to them and look forward to this continued friendship.” 

The Osage Nation also attended the Palm Springs Film Festival Awards Gala on Thursday, January 4, 2024, where “Killers of the Flower Moon” received the Vanguard Award. The Vanguard Award is a group honor distinguishing a film's cast and director in recognition of their collective work on an exceptional film project. Osage and cast member Talee Redcorn, Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, and Osage Nation Princess Lulu Goodfox introduced the film’s cast and crew to receive the prestigious award. 

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