The Osage Nation Summer Youth Program has given Osage youth like Robynn Rulo a chance to gain experience with the Osage Nation.
“I like making my own money,” said Rulo, a 17-year-old Pawhuska High School student who works for Osage Nation Constituent Services as a participant in this year’s Summer Youth Program.
Rulo answers phones, files documents, and helps around the office with other duties she’s asked to do. She also greets people who need assistance provided by Constituent Services. “I like working with the people,” she said.
Rulo is one of the 75 young Osages participating in this year’s Summer Youth Program. The participants work in various Osage Nation departments across the Osage Reservation that serve Pawhuska, Hominy, Fairfax and Skiatook.
Avis Ballard, who oversees the Summer Youth Program, is the Johnson O’ Malley Coordinator for the Nation’s Education Department. Ballard describes the program as a way to provide job readiness training through financial literacy workshops, business etiquette, social skills, resume development and communication.
Christina Mashunkashey is one of the 11 participating in the Osage Nation Work Experience Program that is also through the nation’s Education Department. “It has helped me a lot,” Mashunkashey said.
Mashunkashey has been working for Diane Daniels in the Osage Nation Environmental and Natural Resources Office. “Oh gosh, I’ve learned a lot,” said Mashunkashey. A few of those things are assisting in budgets, payables, and “your basic clerical work,” she said.
“The Work Experience Program is a short-term program that will help the participant obtain a job that will progress into long-term employment,” said Louise Cheshewalla, Training Coordinator for the Osage Nation.
The program is available to Natives who live on the Osage Reservation and meet income guidelines. Participants work two to three months, “Usually three,” Cheshewalla said. Participants work full-time in any of the tribes departments.
“They’re really good about teaching me things,” Mashunkashey said. She plans to use her skills to work in any office setting doing secretary work. “I’m appreciative of this program.”
