Leadership

Past Vice-President of the National Native American Emergency Medical Services Association. Past Committee Chair for the California State Firefighters Association Emergency Medical Services Committee. Previously sat on the California Emergency Medical Services Directors Advisory Group. Participant in the Long Beach, CA Technical Rescue Program, LBFD Honor Guard, Speakers Bureau, Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Current Director for the Long Beach Fireman’s Mutual Benefits Association. Volunteered as a Paramedic at “Cancer Camp” - Orange County, CA Foundation for Oncological Children and Families. Selected as the Firefighter of the Year for the California State Firefighters Association. Earned Certificate of Commendation for Leadership - Native American Student Organization – Orange ...

Education

Education is valuable to Osage people.  The Osage Nation is going through changes.  One of the important functions of government is to develop and provide education for its citizens.  Our leadership, our Constitution, our services, benefits, and other areas within our Tribal government are continually evolving.  However, we as a Nation will continue to move forward.  “Knowledge is power.”  I am in full support of educational assistance programs for Osage students, regardless of age. The educational needs of students vary.  Some students may desire vocational education while others may choose to pursue a degree from a college or a university.  The ...

Healthcare

As we continue to expand services to Osage people, the health and wellness of our Nation requires diligent effort and action.  With increasing financial opportunities, great strides have been made with regard to health.  For example, the $500.00 medical benefit card that was recently introduced.  Utilizing financial resources to provide concrete benefits is a true example of social service. I believe in care that is focused on prevention.  Steps taken to educate and promote healthy choices make a difference with diabetes, heart disease and other life-threatening health issues.  Routine check-ups and wellness clinics focused on our youth and elders provide invaluable opportunities ...

About Jake

Hello, my name is Jake Heflin and I am running for Osage Nation Congress in the upcoming 2010 Election.  I am an enrolled member of the Osage Nation from the Wa-Xa-Ko-Li District.  I am of the Tzi-Zho Wah-Shtah-Keh clan. My Osage name is Tah-Wah Gka-Keh (Town Maker). I currently serve as Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Long Beach, California.  I started my career in the fire service in 1991 as a Paid Call Firefighter for the Orange County Fire Authority. In 1994, I graduated from paramedic school at Saddleback College. In 2000, I was hired by the City of Long Beach Fire ...

Career Profile

I have worked as a public servant for most of my adult life.  I have served in local, state and federal levels of leadership.  Currently, I serve as Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Long Beach, California.  I started my career in the fire service in 1991 as a Paid Call Firefighter for the Orange County Fire Authority.  In 1994, I graduated from paramedic school at Saddleback College.  In 2000, I was hired by the City of Long Beach Fire Department.  I am a member of the Long Beach Fire Department Honor Guard, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) team and California ...

Government

Endorsements

Jake Rocks!  - Sharon Williams   Click here to make your own endorsement for Jake!

Culture

For me, as an Osage, my culture and traditions are extremely important.  Having not grown up on the Reservation, I sought out as much information as I could with regard to my Osage heritage.  This has always been a passion of mine.  Both my Great-Grandmother, Lois Lombard, and my Grandmother, Naia L. Stevens saw and encouraged this passion throughout my childhood.  I attempted to connect with anything Native.  I went to local pow-wows and attended the United Osages of Southern California meetings.  I researched the history of the Osages and talked with elders and scholars that had insight on our ...

Why I’m Running

My name is Jake Heflin.  My Osage name is Tah-Wah Gka-Keh (Town Maker).  I was named by Eddie Red Eagle, Jr.  I am from the Wa-Xa-Ko-Li District of the Tzi-Zho Wah-Shtah-Keh clan.  I am a descendant of Claremore through his daughter.  My Great-Grandmother, Lois Lombard was an original allottee.  Her father, Walter Lombard (Served as an Indian Police Officer on the Reservation) and his father Albert Lombard were also original allottees.  Our original family homestead is still maintained by the family on the Osage Reservation.   I live in Southern California.  I began attending the United Osages of Southern California (UOSC) ...

Economic Development

The Osage Nation is standing at the threshold of opportunity.  It is increasingly important that we, as a Nation, develop additional sources for revenue other than gaming.  Although a stout business venture, sustained revenue from gaming is not reliable.  As recent events show, potential repercussions exist from decisions made in the court system with regard to our reservation status.  At this time, we depend on gaming.  Without the sustained revenue generated from our casinos, many of our existing programs and services would significantly suffer.  To prevent this from occurring, the newly elected congress will be tasked with providing direction and ...

How can I donate?

I want to support Jake Heflin for Osage Nation Congress! %%awsomnews0%%                                                           Checks or Money Orders should be made out and sent to: Friends for Jake Heflin P.O. Box 1445 Pawhuska, OK 74056 As with any campaign, financial support is critical to the success of a candidate.  It is with sincere appreciation that I thank you for your willingness to assist me financially in my goal to serve the people of the Osage Nation.  Any assistance is extremely important. The funds raised during this campaign will go directly into the political process.  I believe in my message and I want to share it with the Osage people.  Campaign contributions will ...

Public Safety

Strategic Planning

Many of you remember the strategic planning sessions that occurred during the infancy of our new government.  Excitement developed as Osages from across the country participated in a process that sought constituent input and looked for ways to improve the lives of all Osages regardless of residency. We listened, we participated, we learned, and created solutions based on priorities that we, the Osage people developed.  Although much has been said about the process both positive and negative, the fact remains, that you, the Osage Citizen, created a vision for our Nation.  What happened? I believe we, the Osage Nation and their elected ...