Osage presence can be seen and felt throughout Missouri at state historic sites, on cave and rock panel art, trails, mounds, and more. The area continues to be identified as Osage in the names of landforms, towns, schools, and businesses. The beautiful waterways and landscapes, enjoyed by many Missourians and visitors, were once home to thriving Osage villages with communities engaged in lifelong traditions, many of which continue to this day. The Osage's ancestral land in Missouri remains hallowed ground. The significant historical, spiritual, and cultural connection remains ever-present. The Osage's thriving culture is built on the foundation laid by ancestors who settled along the Osage riverways in Missouri.
Back in the spring of 2023, families from all three districts gathered at the Hominy Indian Village Roundhouse for a handgame. Many years have passed since our people last gathered at the Zon-Zo-Li Roundhouse for a day of fun and fellowship. Thanks to the good spirit we experienced by all that day, we know there will be more to come down the road. "Handgame Hype" celebrates the good spirit that unites us, whether it’s for a meal, a dance, or some friendly competition between the districts. About the series: The Osage Nation Cultural Center and Language Department have collaborated to create a series of videos dedicated to sharing, preserving, and celebrating the values, teachings, and traditional ways of the Wahzhazhe people.
CULTURAL CONNECTION | The Native American Church was introduced to the Osage people in the late 1800s by the Caddo and Quapaw Tribes. This form of religion was prominent amongst Osages, with approximately 40 fireplaces active in its prime. The decline has waned over the years, leaving only a small handful of fireplaces active today.