Support Osage Tribal Members Impacted by the Barnsdall Tornado

Verified News Network (VNN) Affiliates Catalyst News and Osage News have teamed up to accept donations for Osage tribal members impacted by the Barnsdall tornado.

On May 6, Acting Osage Nation Principal Chief RJ Walker declared a State of Emergency in the Osage Nation in response to the devasting tornado that hit Barnsdall Monday night. 

"The Osage Nation has mobilized its Emergency Management and other departments and programs to assist. Several hundred of thousands of dollars in crisis assistance has been committed by the Osage Nation," according to the Executive Proclamation. "The Osage Nation is working in partnership with local governments to address emergencies throughout the Osage Nation territory." 

The Nation has requested assistance from the federal government, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA. 

The Nation is mobilizing all departments to aid with resources, personnel, funding and to coordinate and collaborate with "all federal, state, and local agencies to restore and sustain community infrastructure, public health, property, livelihood, and the general welfare of the people," according to the proclamation.  

The category E4 tornado left 30 to 40 families without homes in the small community. Rescue crews were pulling individuals, including children, from the wreckage until 4 a.m., according to State Police.