The proposed closure of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) office in Pawhuska, Oklahoma has raised serious concerns about the federal government’s ability to uphold its trust and treaty obligations to tribal nations. The office, which plays a critical role in managing oil and gas production in Osage County, is among 20 BIA locations across the country slated for termination as part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cost-cutting measures.
In an interview with KTUL ABC 8, R. Daniel Carter highlighted the potential consequences of closing the Osage Agency, which has long served as a trustee over the Osage mineral estate.
"The federal government has trust obligations to tribal nations, as well as treaty obligations. So, it brings into question how the federal government will fulfill those trust and treaty obligations if it's closing these offices and laying off federal employees," Daniel explained.
The Osage Agency is responsible for approving leases and permits and overseeing releases on Osage lands - functions that are essential for the stability and operation of the local oil and gas industry. Without a physical office in Osage County and dedicated federal employees to perform these duties, Daniel raised concerns about whether the government can still meet its obligations.
The future of the Osage Agency remains uncertain, but discussions between the Osage Nation, the General Services Administration and the BIA are ongoing in an effort to find solutions that protect both tribal sovereignty and economic interests.
KTUL is an OK based station and an ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 163 television stations in 77 markets, after pending transactions. Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 38.7% of US television households and includes FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, Univision and Azteca affiliates.
