Killers of the Flower Moon: Osage Chief Jim Gray In Conversation
Oct 27, 2023
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Former Principal Chief of the Osage Nation Jim Roan Gray discusses his great-grandfather's murder and the legacy of the Osage reign of terror, as well as his thoughts on the film adaptation of 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and meeting Martin Scorsese. They also touch on the boarding school experience, the impact on the Osage community, and the importance of learning from history.
The reign of terror inflicted on the Osage people in the 1920s exposed the racist structure that exploited their vulnerability and highlights the need for justice and recognition of the historical injustices suffered.
The murder of Henry Roan, orchestrated by William K. Hale, reveals the manipulative tactics used to eliminate wealthy Osage individuals and gain control over their assets, shedding light on the larger pattern of orchestrated killings in the community.
Deep dives
The Reign of Terror and Exploitation of the Osage Nation
The podcast episode discusses the reign of terror that afflicted the Osage people in Oklahoma during the 1920s. The Osage were targeted for their valuable oil resources, and many murders went unsolved. The impact of these crimes on the community was profound, with loss of life, land, and wealth. The podcast highlights the racist structure that treated the Osage as incompetent and exploited their vulnerability. The episode emphasizes the need for justice and recognition of the historical injustices suffered by the Osage people.
The Plot to Kill Henry Roan and the Murderous Role of William K. Hale
The episode delves into the murder of Henry Roan, an Osage whose wealthy status from oil revenue made him a target. William K. Hale, who claimed to be Roan's best friend, ordered his killing, potentially to secure a life insurance policy and gain control over Roan's assets. The episode reveals the manipulative tactics used by Hale, including spreading rumors of infidelity involving Roan's wife. It also questions the credibility of Hale's claims, highlighting his role in orchestrating the murders of others in the Osage community.
The Trauma of Boarding Schools and Struggles with Identity
The podcast explores the traumatic impact of boarding schools on Native American children, including Henry Roan. These schools aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream culture by suppressing their language, culture, and identity. Roan's experience in a boarding school in Pennsylvania robbed him of his traditional Osage upbringing and left him grappling with his identity. The episode emphasizes the damage caused by these policies and the struggles faced by Indigenous individuals in reclaiming their heritage and fitting into a society that devalued their culture.
The Legacy, Resilience, and Cultural Preservation of the Osage Nation
The episode highlights the resilience and cultural preservation efforts of the Osage Nation. It discusses the importance of reclaiming sovereignty, reorganizing tribal governance, and addressing historical injustices. The Osage Nation, through its own constitution, prioritizes language, land, and cultural preservation. The podcast emphasizes the significance of preserving Osage culture and the lessons that can be learned from the history of the Osage people, calling for a recognition of the value and contributions of Indigenous communities.
Henry Roan has been shot through the back of his head. The local authorities have found his body slumped over the steering wheel of his car. There's no gun at the scene: this is no suicide - it's brutal murder. And the man who ordered Henry Roan's killing? He claims to be his best friend...
Former Principal Chief of the Osage Nation Jim Roan Gray joins Tim Harford to speak about his great-grandfather Henry Roan. They also discuss the Osage Nation today and Jim's take on the new film Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese.
This episode of Cautionary Tales was produced in association with Apple Original Films. Killers of the Flower Moon stars William Belleau as Henry Roan, Robert DeNiro, Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone.
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