TVLSE, Oklv. – The movement to uncover the history of Tulsa’s allotment history took a big step when they launched the first intertribal symposium on research pertaining to local Native American history. The Indigenous Roots: Navigating Indian Country History was organized by the Mvskoke-owned media outlet Verified News Network (VNN), and Osage News. Taking place on July 12 and 13, the symposium covered topics pertaining to Indigenous journalism, allotment history and genealogy research. A highlight of the event was the announcement of the recently-opened access to Indian Rights Association Act records owned by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
The symposium consisted of panels, presentations and breakout groups. Panelists included journalists, academic scholars and local community partners. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about allotment ownership history, and the journeys taken to uncover it. Notable panelists included Osage News Editor Shannon Shaw Duty, University of Alberta Faculty of Arts Associate Professor Dr. Russell Cobb, and American Public Media Senior Reporter Allison Herrera.
In addition to sharing research and highlighting efforts on Indian Country news coverage, the symposium presented the Tulsa City County Library with a $18,900 donation. This will allow the library access to an extensive 350,000 physical records of the Indian Rights Association Collection held by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Not only will library officials have access to these records, TCCL card holders will as well. Now the floodgates are open to allow easier access to this collection once only available through select private institutions.
VNN CEO Kelly Tidwell (Mvskoke/Cherokee) believes that in order to move forward into the future, it is important to be aware of the past, particularly allotment history in Tulsa.
“This is our history,” Tidwell said. “It’s not taught in our schools. It’s not known by the general public. And yet our communities are still dealing with the impacts of historical trauma every day. Information is the first step to Indigenous justice, and it should be free and easy to access. Particularly to those most impacted by it. I’m thrilled this day has come.”
Accessing the collection could bring benefits to the entire community. TCCL American Indian Resource Center Coordinator Teresa Runnels knows that information in the hands of others is powerful.
“We are grateful to VNN Oklahoma for funding the license for the IRA collection. This resource will provide our community with access to this important information, which will empower educators, researchers and the general public to delve deeper into American Indian history,” Runnels said.
Anyone who lives within Tulsa County is eligible to sign up for a library card through TCCL. Residents can sign up online or in person at their local TCCL location. In addition to receiving access to online record collections, members also have access to books, periodicals, music and movies. TCCL also provides adult programming, career services, and activities for all ages throughout the year.
