- Details
- By Levi Rickert
James Roan “Jim” Gray, a former principal chief of the Osage Nation who led the tribe through a historic governmental transition, has walked on. Gray died Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, from complications of a prolonged illness. He was 64.
Gray served two consecutive terms as principal chief from 2002 to 2010, a period marked by sweeping reforms and growth. During his tenure, the Osage Nation ratified its first constitution, moving from a system in which only original allottees could vote to one granting voting rights to all Osage citizens age 18 and older.
The changes were widely seen as ushering in a new era of self-determination and modern governance while maintaining cultural traditions. Tribal leaders said the reforms became a model for Native nations pursuing constitutional government.
Under Gray’s leadership, the Osage Nation expanded its business enterprises, opening several casinos and strengthening its economic base.
Before serving as principal chief, Gray co-founded the Oklahoma Indian Times, which later became the Native American Times. As publisher, he advocated for transparency and accountability in tribal governments and broader coverage of Indigenous issues.
His work extended nationally across Indian Country. Gray served as executive director of the Native American Contractors Association and helped found the Tribal Energy Consortium. He also held leadership roles with the Native American Rights Fund, the Flower Hill Institute and the Council of Energy Resource Tribes, where he served as chairman.
In 2025, Gray was honored by the Osage County Historical Society through its “Legends and Heroes” program, recognizing his decades of service.
His larger-than-life personality and strong leadership skills made him a respected and influential figure throughout Indian Country.
“Jim Gray devoted his life to strengthening the Osage Nation and advancing tribal sovereignty through lasting nation-building,” National Congress of American Indians President Mark Macarro said. “He led with integrity and a clear commitment to his people, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations. On behalf of NCAI, we extend our deepest condolences to the Osage Nation and to all who loved and learned from him.”
Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Z. Bean reflected on Gray’s legacy.
“Chief Jim Gray was a true sovereign warrior,” Bean said. “He stood firmly for tribal self-governance, economic independence and the inherent rights of our nations. His leadership did not stop at the borders of the Osage Nation. He worked tirelessly for the advancement of all Indian Country. His legacy reminds us that our responsibility is to protect what our ancestors fought for and to ensure opportunity for the next generation.”
Among Oklahoma tribal nations, Gray was held in high esteem. United Indian Nations of Oklahoma Chairperson Ben Barnes, chief of the Shawnee Tribe, said Gray’s leadership reshaped tribal governance.
“Jim’s visionary leadership in modernizing the Osage Nation’s government by ratifying its first constitution and securing equal voting rights for every member became a model for tribes across the country striving for true self-determination,” Barnes said. “He was a brilliant example to many nations that endeavor to take up the challenge of modernizing tribal government while continuing to reflect their own cultural values in the effort.”
Joe Kalt, co-founder and director emeritus of the Harvard Kennedy School Project on Indigenous Governance and Development, said Gray generously shared his knowledge with students and tribal leaders.
“The loss of Jim Gray is devastating,” Kalt said. “He knew so much and he gave so much. He inspired me and so many others by ‘walking the walk’ of a true leader. Those of us privileged to have known Jim are left with a hole in our lives, but the hole is not empty. In it are lessons of what it means to stand up for and work for one’s values and people.”
Gray participated in a 2023 Institute of Politics forum on “Killers of the Flower Moon,” where he provided context on how the filmmakers worked with the Osage community in telling a story long centered outside Native voices. In that and other settings, colleagues said, he challenged audiences to confront hard truths while focusing on building stronger Native nations for future generations.
“I first met Chief Gray on a site visit for Honoring Nations in 2008,” said Megan Hill, former senior program director of the Harvard Project and director of Honoring Nations. “Throughout his administration and long after, his leadership centered the well-being of the people and the Nation. His leadership stands among the greats in history.”
Gray was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Andrew and Louis Gray; and his sisters, Mary BigHorse and Gina Gray.
He is survived by his wife, Olivia “Libbi” Gray; his sons, Henry Gray of Tulsa and James Gray of Norman; his daughters, Naomi Gray of Durango, Colorado; Annette “Nettie” Gray; Mary Hammer of Skiatook; Sarah Ramirez-Hernandez of Tulsa; and Olivia “Oli” Ramirez of Skiatook; seven granddaughters; one grandchild expected in September; and his sisters, Jacqueline Butler and Margo Gray, along with many nieces and nephews.
Gray’s funeral will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at Wakon Iron Chapel, 181 Wakon Iron Blvd., Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsMonday Morning: (February 16, 2026): Articles You May Have Missed This Past Weekend
US Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (February 15, 2026): D.C. Briefs
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
