From This Collection

How settlers abused financial guardianship in the Osage Nation

Government policies deemed Osages unable to handle their own money, opening the door to widespread exploitation.
A map of the Osage Indian Reservation showing oil and mineral drilling boundaries, 1917. The wealth generated by Osage reservation land was subject to theft and graft by settlers.
National Archives

How government-mandated “guardianship” enabled the Osage murders

Nov 13, 2023
A terrible irony of guardianship is that the federal government’s legal duty to protect Native Americans did not extend to protecting Osage people from the conspiracy to kill tribal members for their oil rights.  
E.G. Burkhart’s application for guardianship over Mollie Burkhart, May 23, 1922. 
National Archives

The history of economic exploitation in "Killers of the Flower Moon"

How settlers stole the wealth and resources of citizens of the Osage Nation, whose reservation land in Oklahoma was rich in oil.
The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, depicts the mechanisms by which settlers could exploit the resources and wealth of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma.
Apple TV

Yes, young people can fall victim to scams

Anti-scam education “is not information to just pass on to your grandmother,” says Emma Fletcher of the Federal Trade Commission.
Rip-off schemes involving investments, jobs and online shopping usually target younger people, says Emma Fletcher, senior data researcher at the Federal Trade Commission.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Your scam stories

Oct 30, 2023
Econ Extra Credit newsletter #172: Readers share their cautionary tales and we provide some tips on how to protect yourself.
A telemarketer points out immigrant-owned businesses that have supported police groups out of fear or a misguided belief they would receive protection.
“Telemarketers”/HBO

For public good, not for profit.

Inside the world of immigration scams

From faux English language programs to government impersonators, here's how criminals are targeting immigrants.
Complicated immigration law creates an opportunity for bad actors.
Getty Images