What you need to know about the Osage Nation and the Reign of Terror before watching Killers of the Flower Moon

Martin Scorsese’s much-awaited DiCaprio starrer, Killers of the Flower Moon, hits Indian theatres tomorrow. Here’s some quick context for what you’d be getting into, for those already intimidated by over three hours of its runtime.

Who are the Osage?

• The Osage Nation, a Native American tribe, has a rich history centred in the state of Oklahoma. 
• The Osage people originally inhabited lands in present-day Missouri and Arkansas before being forcibly relocated to their current reservation in Oklahoma during the 19th century. 

• This tribe is known for its unique culture, governance, and a dark chapter in its history known as the Reign of Terror.

Quick history

• Like most Native American tribes, the Osage Nation's history is characterised by resilience and adaptability. 
• They are part of the Dhegihan Siouan language family and are known for their ancestral hunting grounds. 

• In the 19th century, they were moved to a reservation in present-day Osage County, Oklahoma, following the forced removal policies of the US government.

The Reign of Terror

The Reign of Terror in Oklahoma is a tragic and unsettling period in Osage history that occurred in the early 1920s. 

At that time, the Osage Nation had significant oil reserves beneath their land, making them one of the wealthiest communities in the United States. However, their prosperity made them targets for exploitation and violence.

In the early 1920s, a series of mysterious murders and suspicious deaths plagued the Osage community. These crimes were part of a larger conspiracy to gain control of the Osage oil wealth. 

The perpetrators, including white settlers and even some Osage family members, systematically murdered Osage individuals to inherit their oil headrights, which provided a share of the oil revenues. This chilling campaign of violence became known as the "Reign of Terror."

The FBI is born

The federal government initially failed to adequately investigate and protect the Osage people. However, the situation gained national attention, and pressure mounted to address the atrocities. 

The case was ultimately taken up by the newly formed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), led by J Edgar Hoover. Under the direction of Hoover, agents investigated the crimes, leading to the arrests and convictions of many of the culprits.

The Osage today

This dark period in Osage history revealed the depth of greed and corruption surrounding the oil industry in Oklahoma and the exploitation of Indigenous peoples. Despite the challenges, the Osage Nation persevered and continues to be a vibrant community in Oklahoma.

• Today, the Osage Nation continues to thrive, having established a modern government and maintaining their unique culture. 
• They have also utilised their oil wealth to invest in education, healthcare, and other community-building initiatives. 
• The Reign of Terror remains a haunting chapter in their history, serving as a reminder of the challenges Indigenous communities have faced in protecting their resources and rights.

Killers of the Flower Moon

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann is the riveting non-fiction book that delves into the very same horrifying Reign of Terror in the Osage Nation during the 1920s. 

The meticulously researched and gripping narrative uncovers the systematic murders of Osage people for their oil wealth, revealing a chilling web of conspiracy. Grann's source material for the film sheds light on this dark chapter in Osage history and the birth of a federal law enforcement agency, offering a compelling blend of history and true crime.

And it is the very same story that our beloved auteur Scorsese has tried his hand at adapting for the big screen.

Killers of the Flower Moon hits Indian theatres tomorrow.