OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Behavioral Health hosted its first Family Fun Day (Enahvmkvlke nettv) at the Claude Cox Omniplex July 15. It was the first of five scheduled community events this summer.
The event allows the community to come out and participate in arts and crafts and games, including medallion painting, rock painting, God’s eye making (Ojos de Dios), corn husk doll making, cornhole, kickball, three-legged race, and an egg toss.
MCN Behavioral Health Project Director Tyler Stone said the event is a great way to serve the community through fellowship.
“We just kind of wanted to get some people out here, bring the family out,” Stone said. “We just kind of wanted to do something fun over the summer.”
Although the event saw brutal temperatures in the 90s, most activities were held in the Omniplex Pavilion. Stone’s favorite game hosted was kickball.
“I get a little competitive,” Stone said. “It brings me back to my youth.”
The event series features a turtle (locv) theme. Organizers donned event shirts with turtles. “We thought it would be cool to represent the turtle clan as well,” Stone said.
Community members of all ages are invited to Family Fun Day. The event was popular with elders and parents with young children. Sapulpa Creek Indian Community Chair Joseph Rogers said the event is a great way to get connected with
“We try to interact with every activity we can get in with our tribe,” Rogers said. “They love to interact here with the rest of the people here.”
Rogers’ was accompanied by Billy Joe Harjo (Seminole Nation). The two agreed their favorite activity was corn husk doll making. “It’s about learning. It’s about fellowshipping,” Rogers said. “To know that we’re Muscogee People and that we need to go back to that way of life of watching out for each other”
The other scheduled MCN Family Fun Days will be held July 22nd at the Koweta Community Center, July 29th at the Okemah Muscogee Nation Housing, August 5th at the Dewar High School Baseball Field, and August 12th at the Eufaula Dorm Gym.
For questions, call 918-758-1930 or email Tyler Stone at tyler.stone@creekhealth.org.