TULSA, Okla- Tulsa’s Council Oak Tree Park will be transferred to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The announcement came from Mayor G.T. Bynum during the annual Council Oak Tree Day ceremony, held Sat, Nov 9. Bynum stated that he was initiating the transfer of the property from the City of Tulsa to the MCN.
The ceremony, attended by tribal, ceremonial, and city leadership, marks the 38th annual commemoration since its inaugural event in 1986. This event marked the 150th anniversary of the founding of Locv Pokv Tribal Town at the Council Oak tree along the Arkansas River after the removals from the homelands.
While announcing the property transfer, Bynum stated, “While we have been stewards at the City of Tulsa of this land, across the street, and here at stickball park, there has always been a sense that the rightful owners of this are the Muscogee (Creek) people and so today I want to announce that as the mayor I am initiating the transfer of the Council Oak Tree, that site, and stickball park to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.”
“This is important for us as a community as we continue to find ways to honor our heritage and the origins of our city. Tulsa wouldn’t exist without the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and this is one way we can properly recognize that.”
“The decisions about what happens on this sacred ground need to be made by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation moving forward. That is why we are initiating this transfer of land.”
Principal Chief David Hill expressed gratitude for Muscogee (Creek) ancestors, stating, “The only thing left in our homelands were our ancestors. That’s why we fight so hard to recognize what is ours.”
“Just think, the people that walked, you are here today because of them.”
Mvskoke Media will have ongoing coverage.
Those pesky Indians are taking our land.
Excuse me but just a small history lesson. The Trail of Tears happened where several tribal towns and tribes were forcibly removed from our southeastern homelands then forced here to settle which was supposed to be reservation land. Then the land run happened. So, honestly it became stolen land.
Just being truthful.
Also, please note that the natives contribute jobs and money to the state of Oklahoma. Overall, we not only lost our lands but were colonized to speaking English and losing our cultural aspects of life. However, our people still continue to fight for your freedom; as well as ours.