TULSA, Okla. – The 2024 Tvlse Native American Day celebration at Dreamkeepers Park centered Native American voices and the city’s Tribal legacies during the Oct 14 activities. Hundreds of people joined the celebration, hosted by the Greater Tulsa Indian Affairs Commision on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The theme for the eighth annual event was“Voices Above, Voices Within, Voices United.”
The celebration began with remarks from local and Tribal leaders.
In a speech to the crowd, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill highlighted the perseverance of area Tribes. Chief Hill stated, “It is indeed appropriate that the theme for this year’s event is ‘Voices.’ We are at a crucial juncture in our history, where our voices have never been more necessary and when they have perhaps never been more amplified.”
The annual parade began soon after opening remarks, and featured parade marshals Matt Roberts and Scott Geoerge. George (Osage) is a singer, drummer and composer nominated for an Oscar for his song “Wahzhazhe” from Killers of the Flower Moon. Tribal leaders from the Osage Nation, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and Cherokee Nation also featured in the parade along with the MCN Women’s Honor Guard, and MCN royalty. Local and area schools, and community groups created floats or walked in the parade.
The celebration stretched into the later afternoon with cultural demonstrations and exhibitions taking center stage. Stands and stalls featuring Indigenous artisans and craftspeople along with informational booths lined the performance area.
Mvskoke citizen Carly Treece was the 2024 Featured Artist for the Tulsa event. Her artwork, “Voices of the Earth, Heartbeat of Our Ancestors,” was this year’s event poster. Limited edition, signed and numbered, prints of the celebration poster were on sale during the day for $25. They can also be found at Treece’s website, tvlsestudios.com.
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, absent from the opening ceremony activities, stated in an Oct 4 press release, “I am excited to honor and celebrate yet again the culture and traditions that continue to shape our city.” Bynum is currently a named litigant along with the City of Tulsa, Police Chief Wendell Franklin, and Tulsa City Attorney Jack Blair in a federal complaint filed by the MCN over municipal traffic ticket jurisdiction.
Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized Native American tribes whose economic contributions total over $15 billion. It is estimated that Tribal governments and businesses create nearly 115,000 jobs and contribute to more than $5 billion in annual wages and benefits. The City of Tulsa is located within the boundaries of three American Indian reservations: the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Cherokee Nation, and the Osage Nation.
Yes, One entire day is dedicated to Indigenous people who were here for eons before there were Democrats and Republicans. Very impressive!