Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

OKLAHOMA - Jim Gray, (40) Osage tribal member has announced today that he is a candidate for Chief of the Osage Nation. Because of this new political position, Gray, co-publisher of the Native American Times, has decided to sell the newspaper which is the largest, independent native newspaper in America.

"The only thing more important to me than running this paper, is to be given the opportunity to serve as Chief of the Osage Nation. Professionally speaking, this is probably the biggest decision I’ve ever made. Not just because I’m willing to give up the paper that I’ve poured my heart and soul into for the past six years, but because I’m doing it for the right reasons."

The Osage Nation, with it’s headquarters in Pawhuska, serves a tribal population of over 16,000 tribal members nationwide. Historically, the tribe is known for retaining it’s mineral rights during allotment and as such holds the only reservation in Oklahoma. The mineral rights of the Osage is widely regarded as possessing one of the richest oil and gas fields in the state.

Gray believes the main reason he is qualified for the job is that through his newspaper, the Native American Times, he has been given the opportunity to champion the causes of many Indian issues and he has been able to work with Indian policy makers across the country. He believes his connections within the Indian community will serve the nation well and will provide the access needed to get things done for Osage Nation. With the Cobell vs. Norton lawsuit, he believes we need someone at the table working with the Plaintiffs in holding the government accountable for years of financial mismanagement. "If the federal government can be outraged by the actions of ENRON executives, then why can’t the same government be outraged at the way our money has been managed?" said Gray. He also believes that creating jobs is needed. With the taxpayer relief act getting a one year extension, he believes that the Osages have but a small window of opportunity to recruit industry to create jobs for our community. "We have so few incentives to encourage investment in our country, we need to maximize each and every one available", said Gray. Gray also wants to fight for better health care for our elders and children. "I want to ensure that the Osage Nation is getting every dollar, we got coming to us", he said.

Though the decision between Jim and his wife and founder of the paper Elizabeth was extremely difficult, "We know there are ethical implications of running a newspaper and running a tribe. You can’t serve two masters", said Jim in announcing his and Liz’s intention to sell their interest in the newspaper.

The Native American Times was originally known as Oklahoma Indian Times until April of 2001. After conquering all of Oklahoma with over 650 distribution sites, the co-publishers felt a need and an opportunity to take the paper to a national level. With a reputation of integrity and trust, the newspaper has an important position to fill in Indian country and the co-publishers are looking for an individual, or group of individuals, to carry on the "legacy".

"The free-press has a lot of power in any democracy", said Liz Gray. "The Indian community needs a powerful voice and we hope someone steps forward to take over these responsibilities."

Jim and Liz Gray can be reached by e-mail: editor@okit.com for more information.