All Osage Nation citizens and community members are invited to attend the historic event
OSAGE NATION RESERVATION, OKLA. (June 22, 2026) – The Osage Nation Inauguration Planning Committee is pleased to announce the 2026 Osage Nation Inauguration Ceremony, which will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Skyline Event Center inside Osage Casino & Hotel, located at 951 W. 36th St. N. in Tulsa.
The ceremony will mark the beginning of a new term of service for elected leaders of the Osage Nation. Officials elected during the June 1, 2026, Osage Nation General Election to the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches of government will take their Oaths of Office before family, friends, and community members.
The inauguration ceremony will feature Oklahoma State University President Dr. Jim Hess (Choctaw Nation) as keynote speaker. Dr. Hess made history in April 2025 when he was appointed Oklahoma State University president, becoming the institution’s first Native American president. He has earned national recognition as a transformative leader in higher education and throughout his storied career he has remained committed to academic excellence, advancing our state, and, above all, serving students.
Osage Nation Language Department Director Braxton Redeagle will serve as master of ceremonies for the event. The colors will be presented by American Legion Post 198, the Hominy War Mothers, and the Grayhorse War Mothers. Congressman John Maker will deliver the invocation, Will Kemble will serve as head singer, and Noah Shadlow will offer the benediction. The program will also feature performances by Daposka Ahnkodapi students, while Osage artist Hannah Waller will present a special artistic tribute in honor of the occasion.
Osage Nation Chief Justice Meredith Drent will administer the Oath of Office to the elected officials. The ceremony will conclude with an inaugural address by newly elected Principal Chief Joe Tillman.
Those elected in the June 1, 2026, General Election include:
Executive Branch
- Principal Chief Joe Tillman
- Assistant Principal Chief John Shaw
Judicial Branch
- Chief Justice Meredith Drent
- Associate Justice Elizabeth Lohah Homer
- Chief Judge of the Trial Court William Ladd Oldfield
Legislative Branch
- Michael Bristow
- Alice Goodfox
- Otto Hamilton
- Eli Potts
- Angela Pratt
- Whitney Red Corn
- RJ Walker
All Osage Nation citizens and community members are encouraged to attend this historic event. Those unable to attend may view the ceremony live on the Osage Nation YouTube channel.