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Osage Nation To End Head Start Program Due To Budget Shortfall From COVID-19

The Osage Nation will close their 41-year-old Head Start program at the end of June due to budget constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear said the Nation could face a $16 million budget shortfall after casinos were closed for two months.

The Head Start program is funded through a mix of federal grants and matching funds from the tribe. Those matching funds will be funneled into other educational programs within the nation. Teachers and staff who worked for Head Start will be either moved to other programs based on Osage Nation hiring preference or let go.

The tribe will provide 45 days of health insurance to those losing their jobs as well as working with them to find other employment.

Allison Herrera covered Indigenous Affairs for KOSU from April 2020 to November 2023.
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