TVLSE — The City of Tulsa celebrated its 10th annual Native American Day with a parade, art, cultural demonstrations, awards, and more.
The day’s festivities kicked off with an opening ceremony followed by a welcome and proclamation reading by Mvskoke citizen and City of Tulsa Director of Tribal Policy and Partnerships Amanda Swope and a land acknowledgement from Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols.
This year’s theme was “Sovereign Roots, Shared Future.”
In a statement sent to Mvskoke Media, Swope said, “Native American Day is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, traditions and contributions of Tribal Nations and Native people who have shaped Tulsa and our region for generations. It is also an opportunity to recognize the importance of our relationships today and the work we are doing to build a future grounded in mutual respect, shared ownership and meaningful governance. In Tulsa, we believe our communities are stronger when Tribal Nations are true partners in shaping the decisions that affect us all. During Native American Day, we’re proud to celebrate that shared history, honor the people and cultures who continue to shape our region, and reaffirm our commitment to building those partnerships for generations to come.”
This year’s parade was the largest in Tulsa Native American Day history. Tulsa Mayor and Parade Marshal Monroe Nichols followed behind the Hoktvke Honor Guard in an eye-catching red convertible.
“To the citizens of the Mvskoke Nation, and especially to our Elders who may not be able to join us in person for Native American Day, I want you to know that your presence is felt and your history is honored here in Tulsa. The Mvskoke people have deep roots in this community, and the story of Tulsa cannot be told without recognizing the generations of Native people who have shaped this place through their culture, traditions, leadership and resilience. Native American Day gives us an opportunity to pause and honor that history, but also to look toward the future we are building together. As Mayor, I’m honored to serve as this year’s Parade Marshal, and to celebrate alongside Native communities from across our region. To those who will be with us at Dream Keepers Park, I look forward to seeing you. And to those who cannot be there, I hope you know that this celebration is for you, too. Your stories, your traditions, and your voices remain an important part of Tulsa’s story and its future. Happy Native American Day, and mvto to the Mvskoke people,” said Mayor Nichols in a statement sent to Mvskoke Media ahead of the big day.
Tulsa Native American Day isn’t all speeches and parades, however. Plenty of vendors brought out their best wares for the celebration.
“It’s the fellowship that’s truly more important today. Making these connections. We just keep that in mind,” said Mvskoke artisan Michel Laudermilk.
The Murrow Indian Children’s Home was also in attendance, selling handmade goods to support their Transition Program. The program helps kids who have aged out of the system develop independent living skills.
“We’re really happy to be here. We always bring our children when we can because we feel like they are entitled to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day,” said Betty Martin, Executive Director of Murrow Indian Children’s Home.
The full day of festivities concluded with a Stomp Dance conducted by Duck Creek Host Ground, a Closing Ceremony, and Veteran Recognition.
Tulsa is the first city in Oklahoma to recognize Native American Day and also the largest city in the Mvskoke Reservation. The name “Tulsa” comes from the Mvskoke spelling Tvlse. Originally, the area now known as Tulsa was called Talasi, which means “Old Town” in Mvskoke.
10th annual Tulsa Native American Day (All Images: Braden Harper/MM)
