Osage Nation Schedules Groundbreaking for New Health Clinic

Press Release
Osage Nation Health System

OSAGE NATION RESERVATION, Okla. (November 8, 2023) - On Monday, November 20, 2023, Osage Nation will break ground on a new health clinic in Pawhuska, Okla. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at 310 E. Main St. to celebrate replacing the Wahzhazhe Health Clinic with a brand-new, 63,000-square-foot facility. The event is open to the public. 

This two-story facility is over six times larger than the size of the existing clinic. The additional square feet (53,000) will significantly increase the functionality of various healthcare departments by expanding services and enhancing patient care. As you enter the grand atrium, the first floor will consist of primary care and clinic space; CT, X-ray, and imaging; laboratory testing and storage; and pharmacy.

The second floor will house most of the departments provided. The Diabetes Department, located in the center of the building, will include a dietary component with a full-time dietitian and a demonstration kitchen for proper nutritional education. Next to the Diabetes Department will be the Optometry Department, consisting of a vision retail space. Dental and Physical Therapy Departments can be found on the north side of the building. The east end of the building will leave shelled-out space for future growth and services. Administration offices and an employee fitness room can also be found on the second floor. 

Designed by Erdman, the exterior of the building will be wrapped in brick and natural stone with custom cast stone accents. The interior of the building consists of several high-end finishes, including polished terrazzo flooring, custom wall coverings, decorative stairs, and custom millwork cabinetry throughout the public spaces. Art from local artists will be incorporated throughout the first and second floors. The facility, which will be built by Nabholz, is projected to open in summer 2025. 

The new Wahzhazhe Health Clinic will be governed by Si-Si A-Pe-Txa Board of Governors and Osage Nation Health System. Ms. Cindra Shangreau, Chairwoman of the Si-Si A-Pe-Txa Board, stated, "This has been quite some time in the making, and we appreciate everyone who stepped up and contributed to making this day a reality. Our sincerest appreciation goes out to Chief Standing Bear, the entire Executive Branch, and the Osage Nation Congress, who made this moment a reality. Most of all, we thank our Osage Tribal members for their unwavering support in moving the Health System into the future, along with our employees' and executive leadership team's dedication!"

Consulting on this project was also provided by Connect Advisors, with financing and development provided by FSA Advisory Group. 

About Osage Nation

Osage Nation is a strong, proud, resilient, and enduring sovereign nation as demonstrated by: A viable and sustainable economy driven by Osage Nation enterprises with which the income derived is responsibly reinvested and reserved for future generations. A flourishing Wahzhazhe culture, a revitalized Wahzhazhe language, and a unique and vibrant Wahzhazhe history taught to our children and fostered, promoted and memorialized throughout our homelands. Conservation and responsible stewardship of natural resources are balanced with sound management practices and efficient production of the mineral estate within our established territory. Highly educated tribal members supported and promoted by the Nation at the pre-school level, continuing through the postsecondary level and beyond. Physical, mental, and spiritual vitality is evident amongst our Wahzhazhe people, complemented by the ongoing development of health and wellness services. Our Nation is a self-determining, civically engaged society with ethically responsible government leaders who faithfully serve our Constitution and are accountable for their actions. 

About Nabholz

Nabholz Corporation has been rooted in community-building since its humble beginnings in 1949. Today, the multifaceted construction firm has grown to over 1,300 industry-leading professionals in seven central U.S. states, including Tulsa and Oklahoma City. As a multi-service contractor, Nabholz's diverse service line meets the need of a single-source provider for construction, specialty & maintenance, installation, industrial, excavation, energy conservation, and environmental hazard services. Ranked at #102 on Engineering News-Record's nationwide list of Top 400 Contractors, our commitment to our purpose remains true: grow our people, serve our clients, and build our communities. For more information, visit www.nabholz.com.

About Erdman

ERDMAN is a national leader in healthcare and senior living strategy, design, construction, and development. We partner with clients nationwide to create impactful design that elevates the human experience. Driven by passion, curiosity, and integrative expertise, ERDMAN artfully develops adaptable environments that balance strategic, financial, and operational needs with a focus on improving lives. 

Through Integrative Thinking™, we blend innovation and efficiency by simultaneously looking at a client's challenges through multiple perspectives and forge solutions aligned with our clients' specific needs. For more information, please visit erdman.com.

About FSA Advisory Group

FSA Advisory Group provides financial advisory services in Indian Country, including project development and financing services for capital projects, tribal government consulting, and ongoing financial advisory services with the goal of creating generational wealth for tribes. As an American Indian-owned firm, our mission has been to ensure each tribe's financial strength through independent and unbiased advice. To learn more, visit www.fsa-ag.com.

About Connect Advisors 

With projects spanning the United States, Connect Advisors is a well-recognized and trusted Owner's Representative firm. Known for delivering premier services in project management, contract administration, quality assurance, and risk assessment, we consistently exceed client expectations. With a strong commitment to serving Native American Tribes, our expertise ensures projects seamlessly align with cultural heritage and community priorities. Through acute attention to detail, proactivity, and the connectivity of industry experts, Connect Advisors strives to excel in every construction and development endeavor. 

To learn more, visit www.connect-advisors.com.

###