Connected by pipeline: Marathon and Osage Nation find success
Published by Emilie Grant,
Editorial Assistant
World Pipelines,
The Ozark pipeline passes through 29 miles of the Osage Nation in northeastern Oklahoma, providing the basis for an ongoing collaboration that has created multi-faceted benefits for the tribe.
The Osage Nation’s leadership recently gathered with representatives of Marathon Pipe Line (MPL), the pipeline’s operator and a wholly owned subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum’s midstream segment, MPLX, for a daylong meeting that showcased their connection.
“The primary objective was to provide Osage leaders with detailed information on pipeline integrity, preventative maintenance and emergency preparedness, along with addressing their questions,” said MPL Heartland Area Manager Jayson Nohl. “During the meeting, the Osage Nation’s director of education took time to highlight the impact of MPL’s grants on students in recent years.”
Community investment grant support has helped students enhance their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills through special learning experiences. Students have participated in CyberPatriot, a national youth cyber education program, and attended the national conference of AISES, a nonprofit focused on increasing Indigenous representation in STEM studies and careers.
“Thanks to Marathon, we are able to help our students see themselves and their communities as belonging in academic spaces, which leads to increased success.”
The grants have also provided scholarships as well as supplies and equipment for schools, including a flight simulator at a high school for hands-on training.
“With my scholarship, I was able to lighten the financial burden associated with flight training and obtain a private pilot’s license, an instrument rating and a commercial pilot’s license, and also begin pursuing a multi-engine rating,” said Fouad Sakhakhni, a recipient of an Osage Nation Career Training Scholarship.
“Thanks to Marathon, we are able to help our students see themselves and their communities as belonging in academic spaces, which leads to increased success,” said Osage Nation Director of Education Mary Wildcat.
More recent assistance has gone beyond education. Environmental remediation and new outdoor recreation facilities made possible by MPL helped establish the new Osage Nation Health Complex. Another grant delivered attack hoses and nozzles to the city of Skiatook’s fire department. Last fall, MPL conducted an incident response drill with the Osage Nation that involved boom deployment on Skiatook Lake.
“We understand that the location of the pipeline connects us with the Osage Nation in working to preserve the safety of the people and environment of this region,” said MPL Public Engagement Coordinator Abbey Will. “To keep the trust of leadership and landowners, we are committed to maintaining the open dialogue and timely communication that has built our strong relationship.”
Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/27062025/connected-by-pipeline-marathon-and-osage-nation-find-success/
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