Tribes, Oklahoma leaders, friends and family are mourning former Osage Nation Principal Chief James “Jim” Roan Gray, 64, who died on Feb. 12 at his Skiatook home.
Born in Pawhuska on June 11, 1961, Gray’s family briefly lived in Colorado before returning to Pawhuska, where he graduated high school before going on to graduate from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.
Known as a media pioneer and for leading the reform and redesign of the Osage Nation’s government, Gray served two consecutive terms as Osage Nation principal chief from 2002 to 2010 and was the youngest leader elected in the nation’s modern history.
Jim Gray is seen during his time as Osage Nation Principal Chief.
Jim Gray is seen during his time as Osage Nation Principal Chief.
Gray ushered in the tribe’s shift from a federal allotment system to a sovereign constitutional government, acting as a model for other tribes across the country.
Under Gray’s leadership the Osage Nation’s government ratified its first constitution in 2006, securing equal voting rights for every member 18 years and older, when previously only those with shares in the tribe’s mineral estate could vote.
“His leadership, vision, and service were rooted in love for the Wahzhazhe people and our sovereignty. He did all this with immense generosity and kindness,” reads a statement from current Osage leadership. “We give thanks for the work he carried forward on behalf of our Nation and the path he strengthened for future generations.”
Flags have been lowered at Osage and Muscogee Nation tribal facilities to half staff to honor Gray.