City of Tulsa, OK

10/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/04/2024 14:44

Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission to Host 8th Annual Native American Day Festivities Oct. 14 at Dream Keepers Park

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Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission to Host 8th Annual Native American Day Festivities Oct. 14 at Dream Keepers Park

10/4/2024

Tulsa's 8th annual Native American Day celebration, hosted by the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission, is coming up on Oct. 14 starting at 9 a.m. at Dream Keepers Park, 1875 S. Boulder Park Drive.
This year's theme is "Voices Above, Voices Within, Voices United."
Native American Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October, this year on Oct. 14. Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized Native American tribes whose economic contributions totals $15.6 billion, more than 113,442 jobs and $5.4 billion in paid wages and benefits annually.
"Tulsa Native American Day is an annual celebration of our tribal legacy and some of the greatest opportunities for our future are tied to our status as the largest city in America to exist in a tribal reservation," Mayor G.T. Bynum said. "I am excited to honor and celebrate yet again the culture and traditions that continue to shape our city."
By celebrating Native American Day, Tulsa formally recognizes its indigenous citizens and tribes who have made valuable contributions to our community through shared knowledge, stewardship of the land, labor, science, technology, philosophy, arts, and deep cultural influences that have substantially founded shaped the character of the city of Tulsa.
"This October 14, we celebrate the 8th Annual Tulsa Native American Day and our theme this year is Voices Above, Voices within, and Voices United," said Cheryl Cohenour, Chair of the Greater Tulsa Indian Affairs Commission. "Our theme this year is about celebrating our past, present and future of Native American culture and heritage. It is a time of celebration and reflection of our history and our future before us. We are a powerful race and we are here to stay."
Some parking will be available at Dream Keepers Park. A shuttle will also be available from the parking lot of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, 1301 S. Boston Ave. The shuttles will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Festivalgoers need to bring their own chairs. In case of rain, a large general admission tent will be on site.
See below the schedule/agenda for the 2024 Tulsa Native American Day:
9 a.m. - Opening Ceremony - Matt Roberts
  • Lead Acknowledgement - Mayor's Office of Resiliency & Equity
  • Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commissions & Dignitaries
  • Welcome and Proclamation Reading - Councilor Laura Bellis
  • Posting of Colors Muscogee Nation Women Veterans Color Guard
  • Flag Song, Memorial Song and Victory Song
  • Osage Drummers: Paul Bighorse, Mason Bighorse, Vann Bighorse, Paul Bemore
  • The Lord's Prayer Performed by the Princesses
  • Sung by Connie Forman
  • Convocation - Archie Mason
  • Amazing Grace - Pam Musgrove
  • Introduction of Princesses and Beverly Harjo
10 a.m. - Introduction and Comments by Tribal Leaders
  • Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear: Osage Nation
  • Principal Chief David Hill: Muscogee Nation
  • Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.: Cherokee Nation
10:30 a.m. - Princesses' Round Dance - Princess Exhibition
  • Introduction of Parade Marshall - Matt Roberts and Scott George
11 a.m. - Parade
12:30 p.m. - Pawnee Singers and Dancers
1 p.m. - Cherokee Choir
1:15 p.m. - Rising Buffalo Dancers
1:45 p.m. - Chickasaw Dancers
2:15 p.m. - Intertribal social dancing
3 p.m. - Introduction of Dream Keepers Award Winners
3:30 p.m. - Intertribal Social Dancing
4 p.m. - Closing Ceremony
  • Veteran Recognition
  • Muscogee Nation Color Guard