Scott Bighorse facts for kids

Scott Norris Bighorse, born around 1956, is an Osage American politician. He has held several important roles. From 2006 to 2008, he was a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He also served the Osage Nation as assistant principal chief from 2010 to 2014. In 2014, he became the interim principal chief of the Osage Nation. This happened after John Red Eagle was removed from office. Later that year, Geoffrey Standing Bear took over as principal chief. Bighorse was elected to the Osage Nation Congress in 2018.

About Scott Bighorse

In the Osage language, Scott Bighorse is known as Kiheka. This name means "Big Chief" in English. Before he started his political career, Bighorse worked for the Oklahoma state government. He was a correctional officer and a consultant for juvenile detention for 24 years.

As a child, his family inspired him to get involved in local and tribal politics. Besides his work in public service, Bighorse is also known as a traditional singer.

Serving in Oklahoma's Government

Scott Bighorse's first campaign for a state government position was supported by the Indigenous Democratic Network. In March 2006, he was the only candidate from the Democratic Party for the 36th district seat. This seat was in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Winning the Election

After another candidate, Jack Rankin, joined the race, Bighorse won against him. This happened in a primary election four months later. Bighorse then faced Eddie Fields in the November 2006 general election. Bighorse won this election and became a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Work in the Legislature

In March 2007, Bighorse joined the Native American Caucus of the Oklahoma Legislature. He served as a spiritual counselor and was part of the caucus's advisory team. In 2008, Bighorse ran for reelection but lost to Eddie Fields. He was the only sitting state representative in Oklahoma to lose their seat that year.

Osage Nation Political Career

After serving one term as a state representative, Bighorse began campaigning for the 2010 Osage Nation tribal election. He started his campaign in August 2009. The first round of the election took place on June 7, 2010.

Becoming Assistant Principal Chief

In a runoff election on July 19, 2010, Scott Bighorse was elected assistant principal chief. He officially took office on August 4, 2010. He served alongside Principal Chief John Red Eagle, who had been the assistant principal chief before him.

Serving as Principal Chief

In January 2014, John Red Eagle was removed from his position as principal chief. After this, Bighorse became the principal chief. He finished Red Eagle's term but decided not to run for the office himself. Soon after becoming principal chief, Bighorse named Terry Mason Moore as his assistant principal chief. Bighorse served as principal chief until Geoffrey Standing Bear took over on July 2, 2014.

Joining the Osage Nation Congress

In July 2018, Scott Bighorse took office as a member of the Osage Nation Congress. He was reelected to this position in 2022.