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MAY 23, 2001

Secretary of Interior Gale Norton will be meeting with Osage Nation of Oklahoma Chairman Charles Tillman today.

But even though Norton will be visiting the tribe's mineral estate in the tallgrass prairie near the Kansas border, the pair won't likely be discussing the $2.5 billion lawsuit the tribe has lodged against the Interior, alleging financial mismanagment of their royalties.

Instead, expect Norton to fondly tout the partnership between the tribe, the Nature Conservancy, and the University of Tulsa. Parallels to the debate over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are abound here, as Norton will promote the partnership as one that allows energy development while preserving the environment and a local bison herd.

Relevant Links:
The Osage Nation of Oklahoma - http://www.osagetribe.com

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