Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Killers of the Flower Moon: Osage Chief Jim Gray In Conversation
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Oct 27, 2023 Jim Roan Gray, the former Principal Chief of the Osage Nation and great-grandson of murder victim Henry Roan, shares powerful insights into the Osage Reign of Terror. He discusses the brutal and tragic murder of his ancestor, revealing the depths of betrayal fueled by greed. Gray critiques the film adaptation of 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' emphasizing the misrepresentation of Osage stories and the trauma of colonial exploitation. He also highlights the resilience of the Osage community and the importance of preserving their narrative against historical injustices.
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Learning About the Terror
- Jim Roan Gray learned of the Osage Reign of Terror through a propagandized FBI film.
- The film kept Henry Roan's name but fictionalized the tribe, impacting Gray's connection to the story.
Silence and Exploitation
- Many Osage families avoided discussing the Reign of Terror due to its traumatic nature and ongoing exploitation.
- Exploitative practices continued after the FBI investigations, including inflated pricing, land grabs, and guardianship systems.
Boarding School Trauma
- Henry Roan's education at a Pennsylvania boarding school aimed to erase his Osage identity.
- The experience left him struggling with his identity and seeking to reclaim his heritage.
