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JUNE 2019
Photo By:Creative/Osage
Photo By: By: Sherry Stinson/Tyler Sherry Stinson/Tyler
News Creative/Osage News
2 NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019
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NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019 3
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NATIVE OKLAHOMA
CONTENTS P.O. Box 1151
Jenks, OK 74037
918.409.7252
adam@nativeoklahoma.us
PUBLISHERS:
5 EVENT Adam Proctor
Oklahoma City’s 33rd Annual Cherokee/Shawnee/Creek
Red Earth Festival | June 7-9, 2019
MAGAZINE MANAGER:
Cheryl Barber
6 HISTORY AND CULTURE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Traditional Tonkawa Dances Dana Attocknie |Comanche
Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton | Cherokee
Fred Starzyk
8 EVENT
Archdiocese of OKC to Honor St. Kateri Tekakwithat MAGAZINE DESIGN:
The C3 Group
10 CONFERENCE Native Oklahoma is a monthly publication
AICCO To Host “The Gathering” in October 2019 that provides content from the Native
community. For more information or
to advertise, please call Adam Proctor
12 RECOGNITION at 918-409-7252 or email adam@
“Chula the Fox” Receives Gold Benjam Franklin Award nativeoklahoma.us
Native Oklahoma is available for FREE at
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June Pow Wow Information shops; hotels; travel plazas; and online at
www.nativeoklahoma.us. For a listing of all
locations, please visit us online.
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Photo by: By: Sherry Stinson/Tyler Creative/Osage News
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NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019 5
Oklahoma City’s 33rd Red Earth Festival
Celebrates the Cultures that Make Oklahoma Unique
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – A cultural experience found nowhere Red Earth guests will hear the rhythmic beat of the most
else welcomes thousands when the 32nd Annual Red Earth accomplished Native drum groups in the world as both northern
Festival opens June 7 at the Cox Convention Center in and southern style Native dancers compete for prize money
downtown Oklahoma City. Native artists, dancers and singers during two full-days of highly competitive dance competitions.
from throughout America will gather to celebrate the richness Oklahoma is known for the 39 tribal headquarters located
and diversity of their heritage with the world, and for three within its boundaries, making it home to more sovereign
exciting days, June 7-9, 2019, Oklahoma City will be at the tribal nations than any other state in the country. In fact, the
center of western and Native art as Oklahoma’s Capitol City Oklahoma Department of Tourism & Recreation likes to point
celebrates the Native cultures that make it unique. out that more languages are spoken in Oklahoma than in all of
Europe since each tribe has its own distinct language. Sharing
The award-winning Festival opens at 2 pm Friday, June 7 with is what the Red Earth Festival is all about as representatives of
the Red Earth Art Market, featuring over 100 artisans and their dozens of tribal nations, bands and tribes gather in Oklahoma
original artworks. Festival guests will experience the artistic City to share their cultures during the award-winning Red Earth
creations of some of the country’s most celebrated artists Festival.
as they offer for sale exquisite examples of contemporary
and traditional paintings, beadwork, basketry, jewelry, pottery, Through the years, the Red Earth Festival has become one of
sculpture, graphics and culture attire. The Red Earth Art Market the most respected visual and performing events of its type –
runs all three days of the Festival. setting the standard for many of today’s Native art shows. A
recent USA Today 10Best Reader’s Poll named the Red Earth
New for 2019 is Red Earth After Hours, a “Date Night” event Festival one of the Top Ten Art Festivals in America.
from 5-8 pm on opening day featuring live music by the Smilin
Vic Band, cash bars and light bites. The Oklahoma Travel Industry Association has awarded its
Redbud Award for Oklahoma’s Outstanding Event to previous
“We’ve created a unique option for a Friday night date night Red Earth Festivals, and USA TODAY has named the Red Earth
during opening day of the Red Earth Festival,” said Eric Oesch, Festival one of 10 Great Places to Celebrate American Indian
Red Earth co-director. “For the price of a regular admission Culture. The American Bus Association has listed the Red Earth
ticket our guests will enjoy an evening of great food, fun music Festival a Top 100 Event in North America placing it alongside
and beautiful art in downtown Oklahoma City. We can’t think of such greats as the Indianapolis 500, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day
a better way to spend a summer night!” Parade and the Calgary Stampede as one of the very best
To open day two of the Festival, a grand parade unlike any events.
other in the world welcomes thousands as they line the
streets for the Red Earth Parade, scheduled 10 am Saturday, Tickets for the three-day festival can be purchased in advance
June 8. Parade participants in colorful regalia along with tribal online by visiting www.RedEarth.org. or at the door.
dignitaries, princesses, floats, classic cars, Clydesdales and
other entries participate in the annual parade to delight of both All children 18 and under are admitted free of charge with a
children and adults. paid adult. General admission day tickets are $15 per day and
include admission to the Red Earth Art Market, Red Earth After
A new parade route travels south on Walker Avenue from NW Hours on Friday, general admission seating to Saturday and
6th Street to Sheridan Avenue with ample opportunities for a Sunday’s powwow and access to all events and performances
close up view of what has been referred to as “America’s most scheduled throughout the weekend. A three-day Festival Pass
unique parade.” is available for $33.
In addition to the beautiful artwork featured in the juried art Red Earth, Inc. is an Allied Arts member agency, an Adventure Road Travel
market, the Red Earth Powwow scheduled Saturday and Partner and is funded in part by the Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation,
Sunday inside the 13,000 seat Cox Arena features hundreds of Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Kirkpatrick Family
dancers in exciting dance competitions, intertribal dancing and Fund, Tinker Federal Credit Union, Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors
exhibition dances. The spectacular Grand Entry of Dancers is a Bureau, Coca Cola Southwest Beverages and Oklahoma’s NewsChannel 4.
kaleidoscope of colors as participants dressed in stunning one- Red Earth, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a mission to promote
of-a-kind handmade outfits enter the dance arena in an ages-old the rich traditions of American Indian arts and cultures through education, a
ceremony held at 12 noon and 7 pm on Saturday and noon on premier festival, a museum and fine art markets.
Sunday.
Visit www.RedEarth.org or call (405) 427-5228 for additional information.
6 NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019
Traditional Tonkawa
Dances
WOLF DANCE sung at the war dances. And the achievements a long stick to which were affixed deer “claws”.
These sticks were to be struck on the ground.
and important events in the history of the tribe
The dances connected with war were were occasionally recounted. The dancers in
particularly important among the Tonkawa. war ceremonies wore special headdresses of Both men and women participated in the “wild
The men who were to undertake a raid held feathers and of cloth decorated with buttons hog dance” . The main feature of the rite was
a “scout dance”. The dance began after dark. and embroidery. the eating of the bulb of a plant which grew in
A number of warriors stood in a ring holding Mexico. Although it was not identified, it may
a large un-tanned cowhide which they struck An especially important ceremony among well have been the peyote bulb. The music was
in unison with sticks or switches about two the Tonkawa was the “wolf dance” This was supplied by a drum which had been covered
feet long. A leader keep time, and the whole supposed to commemorate the “origin” or with a “wetted” hide so that only muffled
ceremony was conducted with great order and “creation” of the Tonkawa. The wolf dance was sounds would be produced.
formality. During part of the ceremony the held in a large dance lodge. It was essentially
men would get up and sit down repeatedly a solemn ceremony and efforts were made to In the “turkey ceremony” the women danced
for about ten minutes, after which they keep it secret from outsiders. Only the men in a ring, imitating turkeys going around in
smoked cigarettes. The men sang during the participated. One of these wolf dances was a circle. A few of the women participated in
proceedings in low pitched, then high pitched witnessed by the Superintendent of Indian the “notched stick dance”. Apparently some
voices. They imitated animal cries to represent Affairs for Texas, who had lived with the of them rubbed a notched piece of wood to
the “hunting” of wild Indians. The men sang Tonkawa for a time. According to this account, produce a noise which served to call the other
twice before the tipi of each warrior who was there were fifty warriors covered from head to women to the dance.
to participate in the raid, then moved on to the toe in wolf skins. These were carefully draped
tipi of the next man. so that the dancers would resemble wolves as
much as possible. The Tonkawa entered the “Another important ceremonial
Several descriptions to the “scalp dance” have lodge in single file, then moved about on all was the “buffalo dance”. In this,
been given. In one of these the warriors, dressed fours growling and howling like wolves. From
in their best breech-cloths and decorated with time to time, they put their noses toward the some of the men wore bison horns
“war” paint, formed a circle around the scalp; ground and “sniffed” in various directions. and caps or hats and danced to the
this had been covered with paint and was held Suddenly one individual stopped and uttered a
up on the point of a lance by a woman. Each sharp cry and and began scratching the ground beating of a drum.”
of the men was supposed to have some kind of at a certain predesignated spot. The other
gathered around and also began digging with In a dance called “singing all around”, rattles
musical instrument. All of these were played in
their hands. In a few minutes they uncovered were used. During the proceedings a women
unison, along with a drum consisting of a deer
a Tonkawa Indian who had been buried would pick out a man she liked and sing with
hide which had been tightly stretched over a
there before the ceremony. The wolf dancers him. In somewhat similar ceremony, the
hoop. The Indians also “chanted,” at the same
ran about sniffing and examining him with women danced in a ring around four or five
time raising and lowering their bodies in time
intense interest. Next, some of the dancers, men and sang special songs.
to the music; this suggests similarities to the
scout dance. representing the older, more important wolves,
met in a council to determine what should be The “dance of the short steps” was also for the
done with this Tonkawa Indian, They finally women, the men here being the spectators. In
Elements of other scalp dances have been
advised him to live as the wolves did - by killing several other ceremonies, the women lined up
presented. The Tonkawa scalped a Comanche
and stealing. They placed a bow and arrow in rows behind the men. Then the entire group
Indian, cut off his hands, and placed the body
in his hands, saying that he was to use this to moved in unison either forward and backward
on a bonfire of logs. The scalp and hands were
provide himself with food and clothing. He was or from side to side. Sometimes they also
tied to a pole which was held aloft during
to wander about like the wolves and never build sang to music provided by drumbeats and the
the ceremony. Sometimes two scalps were
a permanent dwelling nor cultivate the soil - if rattling of gourds.
used; these, however, had first been cut into
eight parts. Another “scalp” dance which was he did he would surely die.
The Tonkawa were among the first of the tribes
celebrated every night for one or more months,
Another important ceremonial was the “buffalo north of Mexico to utilize the peyote bulb in the
but it could be held intermittently during a
dance”. In this, some of the men wore bison “peyote rite”. Only those Indians who had left
period of about a month. However, this dance
horns and caps or hats and danced to the their hair long, who were wearing “perfume”
is radically different from those described
beating of a drum. Apparently some of the made of special herbs, who had painted faces,
above, for no mention of a scalp being used.
dancers used a gun to “shoot at” others who and who were attired in a breech-cloth and
Furthermore, the women danced while the
were supposed to represent the bison, and these buckskin leggings and shirt were permitted
men watched. Water may have been used in this
latter “caught” bullets in their hands to feign inside the ceremonial tipi. The entrance of
ceremony, for the singers repeated the words:
being wounded. Still other Indians simulated the tipi faced the east. After an individual was
“Come up, woman, carry water for dancing.”
the driving of lances through the bison dancers. inside he was supposed to turn to his left and
This ceremony lasted all night. move around the tipi in a clockwise direction.
A few other war dances have been described.
Most of those who were participating in to
One of these was the “hold-shield” dance,
The Tonkawa Indians also had a “deer dance” ceremony sat in a circle around the peyotes,
referring to a bison-hide shield which was used
in which both men and women participated. which were laid out on a piece of buckskin
in the rite. Only the men participated. They
Nothing is know concerning it except that the inside a flat basket. The peyotes were passed
moved in a circle around the fire, giving war
dancers ate the red bean of the wild mesquite around the circle always in a clockwise
whoops to music provided by skin drums. In still
plant during the ceremony. In still another rite direction. At intervals the Indians prayed and
another dance the men apparently rode horses
some of the women danced, each one holding saw visions. Those persons who were to sing sat
in a circle. Specially improvised songs were
in a row. Each singer sang four songs and at the
NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019 7
same time beat on a drum fashioned from a large metal container, the top of
which had been tightly covered with buckskin. When one of the singers had
finished, he passed on the to his neighbor and shook a gourd rattle for this
person. And after his neighbor was finished singing, the rattle was given to
him. The ceremony lasted for four days and four nights.
The Tonkawa also held a “sun dance”. The Tonkawa sun dance differed from
the typical sun dance of the Plains primarily in that the Tonkawa did not look
into the sun or practice any form of “torture.” Besides this, we only know
that the ceremony was restricted to the men, who beat on a cowhide with a
stick.
A “ghost dance” was witnessed after the Tonkawa had been permanently
settled at the Oakland Agency and had been in contact with a number of
Plains tribes in Oklahoma. During this rite, some of the men sang while
others beat on drums. They went into “trances” and recited “visions” of the
departure of the White men in ships and the re-appearance of the bison on
the Plains
“The dances connected with war
were particularly important among
the Tonkawa.”
8 NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019
ARCHDIOCESE OF OKLAHOMA CITY TO in a long line of saints from around the world. Celebrating her sainthood
with a powwow will unite Native American tribes to celebrate her life
and remind everyone that God’s arms are always extended to all of us,
CELEBRATE ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA and His love for us is unconditional. Maybe someone who attends may
be inspired by Saint Kateri to learn more about the Church.”
Dana Attocknie
The Honor Dance also will feature the presentation of the first American
Comanche/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Indian Catholic Outreach princess. American Indian craft vendors,
Catholic bookstore vendors and food trucks will be on-site as well.
The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City will have its first Saint Kateri
Tekakwitha Honor Dance on July 6 at Saint John Nepomuk Catholic
Church and School in Yukon, Okla.
“Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is the first American Indian saint in the Catholic
ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA HONOR DANCE
All priests, deacons, religious, tribal princesses, gourd dancers
Church. She brings to light the contributions that American Indians and drum groups/singers are cordially invited.
have brought to the Church,” said Deacon Roy Callison, coordinator for
the American Indian Catholic Outreach for Archdiocese of Oklahoma
City. “We have a lot to be proud of and Saint Kateri exhibits it.”
The Honor Dance will begin with a Noon Mass in the church, celebrated
by Archbishop Paul Coakley. An afternoon and evening of powwow
dancing contests in the school gym will follow.
“My wife Susan and I are really excited to be a part of this first-ever
Saint Kateri Honor Dance for the archdiocese,” said Deacon Callison,
Cherokee. “We hope everyone, especially all Saint Kateri Circles, will
come out and help us celebrate and honor Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.”
Eva Brittain, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in
Oklahoma City, said she is excited and looking forward to attending the
Honor Dance.
Go Make Disciples
AMERICAN INDIAN
“I am grateful that the archdiocese is honoring her, the Lily of the CATHOLIC OUTREACH
ARCHDIOCESE OF
Mohawks,” said Brittain, Chickasaw/Choctaw. OKLAHOMA CITY
SCHEDULE
Saint Kateri was Algonquin from her mother’s side and Mohawk from
her father’s side. Born in 1656 in Auriesville, N.Y., she lost her parents as
JULY 6 MASS: Noon
GOURD DANCE: 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
ST. JOHN NEPOMUK PRINCESS CROWNING: 4:30 p.m.
a child when smallpox nearly obliterated her village. The disease left her
600 GARTH BROOKS BLVD, YUKON SUPPER BREAK: 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
with a scarred face and poor vision. Her uncle adopted her, and when he GRAND ENTRY: 6 p.m.
later tried to arrange her marriage, she refused. HEAD STAFF
Emcee: Cy Ahtone CONTEST DIVISIONS
Head Singer/Drum: Leonard Cozad Jr.
Saint Kateri was drawn to the Jesuit priests who stayed in their village Head Gourd Dancer: Michael Tsotaddle
Tiny Tots: $10 per participant
Teen girls combined: 1st $100, 2nd: $75 3rd: $50
and wanted to learn more about Jesus from them. She converted to Head Man Dancer: John Big Horse
Teen boys combined: 1st: $100, 2nd: $75, 3rd: $50
Head Lady Dancer: Krystal Caesar
Catholicism at age 19 and took a vow of chastity. Her name, Kateri, is the Color Guard: Kiowa Women’s Color Guard
Women’s Fancy Shawl/Jingle: 1st $300, 2nd: $200, 3rd: $100
Mohawk form of Catherine. She took her name from Saint Catherine Women’s Buckskin/Women’s Cloth: 1st: $300, 2nd: $200, 3rd: $100
Arena Director: T. Kerchi/T-Bone
Men’s Fancy: 1st: $300, 2nd: $200, 3rd: $100
of Siena. No specials. No alcoholic beverages/illegal drugs allowed. Not Men’s Straight/Traditional/Grass: 1st: $300, 2nd: $200, 3rd: $100
responsible for accidents, thefts or injuries. For more information, All dancers must register (one category only) and participate
contact Deacon Roy Callison at (918) 822-3255. in grand entry. Dancers must be in their regalia to receive prize money.
Saint Kateri died on April 17, 1680, at age 24. She officially became a
saint when Pope Benedict XVI canonized her on Oct. 21, 2012. She is
the patron saint of Native Americans, ecology and the environment and “If you’ve never been to a powwow, I’m sure you’ll find it to be educational
people in exile. Her feast day is celebrated on July 14. and a fun family event. However, there is a certain etiquette that needs to
be followed at powwows,” Deacon Callison said. “Don’t worry, though,
“The Catholic Church recognizes and honors all saints. However, it’s if you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to ask.”
one of our American Indian traditions to recognize someone who has
lived an honorable life and has accomplished great things in their life by Saint John Nepomuk Catholic Church and School is located at 600
celebrating their life with a powwow,” Deacon Callison said. “The Saint Garth Brooks Blvd. in Yukon, Okla., accessible from I-40. Yukon is
Kateri Tekakwitha Honor Dance is open to everyone. Saint Kateri is a approximately 17 miles west of Oklahoma City. For more information
saint for all people not just American Indians.” about the Honor Dance, contact Deacon Roy Callison at (918) 822-3255
or visit www.archokc.org/honordance.
“My family is both excited and humbled to participate in the Saint
Kateri Honor Dance, and very thankful the archdiocese is honoring her Archbishop Coakley invites everyone to join him in honoring Saint
in this way because it is something Native American people can relate Kateri Tekakwitha on July 6.
to. As a member of the Comanche Tribe and a Catholic, it warms my
heart knowing Saint Kateri is the first Native American woman to be
canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, and she is a reminder that
there are no limits of God’s love and grace,” said Jolene Schonchin, from
“She officially became a saint when
Blessed Sacrament parish in Lawton, Okla.
Pope Benedict XVI canonized her on
“Not only is she one of the few North American saints, but she also
was a Native American woman who heard God’s voice and rose above Oct. 21, 2012.”
opposition to dedicate herself to Him. She represents our Native people
NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019 9
Reclaiming the Mvskoke Plum
By James Treat species at eight different locations on his Creek were more accomplished horticulturalists
plantation, and “of all the tree fruits grown at than anyone has given them credit for.”
Food is a necessity for human survival and a Monticello today,” the estate’s gardener wrote
focal point of cultural tradition, as in Hokti’s in 1998, “the Chickasaw plum is the healthiest Two months in the Mvskoke calendar are named
Recipe Book of Creek Indian Foods. The endless and most vigorous with its clean, shiny, pest- for indigenous fruits: Ke-Hvse (Mulberry
variety of local sustenance provides a useful free foliage and abundant fruit production.” Month) and Kvco-Hvse (Blackberry Month).
means for charting the territories on Planet Perhaps someday the dominant culture will
Earth, including our own remarkable continent. The plot thickened during the Creek War, acknowledge that the “Chickasaw” plum
over two centuries ago, when frontier militia should be renamed for its Mvskoke cultivators.1
A noteworthy effort to reconceive “America” and their Cherokee allies massacred Mvskoke
on the basis of culinary geography is residents of the Helvpe villages near the
documented in the book Renewing America’s Tallapoosa River on November 18, 1813.
Food Traditions. Edited by ethnobotanist Having also chanced upon a patch of fruit trees,
Gary Paul Nabhan, this lavishly illustrated one settler returned home with a supply of
volume grew from the timely collaboration native plum pits, which he cultivated in Knox
of seven major organizations committed to County, Tennessee. [Mvskoke] Plum / Prunus Angustifolia
“saving and savoring the continent’s most
[Mvskoke] plum . . . is a native shrub or low tree. It
endangered foods.” Locals loved the new plum and took to calling
has a wide geographic area of distribution ranging
it “General Jackson” and “Old Hickory,” from Maryland to Florida and westward to Kansas,
Nabhan and his colleagues have mapped commemorating the spoils of war at Horseshoe Oklahoma, and Texas. It is found most commonly on
North America—including Northwest Mexico Bend. The looted fruit later made its way to sandy soils in pastures or open woods. . . .
and most of Canada—by identifying thirteen Illinois, where it was propagated under the
name “Chickasaw Chief,” and to Wisconsin, Its white flowers are attractive and fragrant in
regional “food nations” distinguished by
the spring, producing a beautiful flower show. It
place-based foodways. Each food nation is where it came to be known as the “Miner” plum, should be part of any native landscape planting.
named for an iconic dish, and anyone familiar now the Chickasaw’s best-known cultivar. . . . The blooms are attractive to honey bees and
with Mvskoke tastes will be gratified to learn other pollinator species. . . . The fruits are small,
that Mvskoke country, both before and after Writing in 1911, horticulturalist U. P. Hedrick thin-skinned, red, orange-red or yellow, . . . fruiting
Removal, is encompassed by “Cornbread described this species as “one of the most in June–August. . . . Native Americans regularly
consumed fresh fruits of [Mvskoke] plum or dried
Nation.” Back east, this region borders distinct of plums” and “the first of the native them for winter. . . .
“Chestnut Nation” and “Gumbo Nation” plums to be named,” of which there were
in the Mvskoke homeland; out west, this already more than forty named cultivars. One-year-old, bare-root seedlings, 18 to 24 inches
agricultural complex shares a boundary with “The fruits are good in quality, attractive in tall, are used in plantings. Control of weed and
“Bison Nation” running across the Muscogee appearance, comparatively curculio-proof grass competition during the first and second years
is important for survival, early growth, and final
(Creek) Nation. [pest-resistant],” and “especially suited for establishment of the plants. [Mvskoke] plums are
culinary uses.” But industrial agriculture had drought tolerant. . . . Once established, the plums
The RAFT collaborative has inventoried little use for this indigenous commodity, and should be able to fend for themselves. If fruit/seed
more than a thousand heirloom varieties and over the past century P. angustifolia was nearly production is the goal, then annual maintenance is
heritage breeds that are currently threatened, lost and forgotten. required. . . .
endangered, or functionally extinct. Nearly a [Mvskoke] plum is a popular plant for use in
hundred are profiled in the book, at least half of Recent discoveries near Horseshoe Bend on developing wildlife habitat on sandy soils. The
which were—or still are—indigenous staples. the Tallapoosa River, however, have shed new thorny thicket is valuable for songbird and game
The ten plants and animals detailed in a chapter light on both the plum and its history. bird nesting, loafing, and roosting. Various other
on Cornbread Nation are as colorfully named animals also use it for loafing, bedding, and escape
as they are appetizing: Yellow Hickory King Most nonnative writers have assumed this cover. Numerous species of birds and other animals
consume the fruit. The plums provide nesting cover
Dent corn, Mulefoot hog, Southern Queen indigenous fruit to be wild. Yet Bartram saw for northern bobwhites, brown thrashers, northern
yam, Early Golden persimmon. plenty of Chickasaw plums during his travels mockingbirds, and gray catbirds in the southeastern
in Mvskoke country, and he “never saw it U.S. . . . Rabbits may chew on the bark, but new
But the most intriguing story here, from a wild in the forests, but always in old deserted sprouts will form to replace injured stems. . . .
Mvskoke perspective, is surely the so-called Indian” settlements. Hedrick also noted that
[Mvskoke] plum is very effective in stabilizing
Chickasaw plum. “it is usually found near human habitations and blowing soil. It may be used in the outside row of
on the margins of fields,” and that “a careful windbreaks for ground level protection. It is also used
Early European colonists coveted the different study of recent botanical works indicates that to stabilize stream banks and gullies. . . . It occurs
“wild Plums of America,” the trees as well as the species is indigenous to the southeastern naturally in sandy soil, but will perform well when
their fruit, which was “considered to be of United States.” planted on heavier clay-loam soils. Although partially
shade tolerant, it performs best in full sun. . . .
extraordinary excellence in flavor.” The English
common name was coined in 1773 by botanist Finally, in 2004, botanists working at The search for agricultural diversification has
William Bartram, who mistakenly believed this Horseshoe Bend National Military Park found rekindled interest in the domestication and utilization
particular species had been brought to Mvskoke six cross-compatible species of native Prunus— of [Mvskoke] plums as a high value, specialty crop.
country “from the S. W. beyond the Missisippi, including P. angustifolia—near the site of the
United States Department of Agriculture
by the Chicasaws.” This misidentification was Mvskoke fortification. It now seems clear that
National Resources Conservation Service
codified in 1785 when the plum was assigned the original specimens taken from Helvpe,
a Latin scientific name: “Prunus angustifolia, a few miles to the west, had been carefully
Chickasaw Plumb.” cultivated by Mvskoke growers. 1
This essay originally appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of POME
Magazine, an in-house publication of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Casinos that circulates to their 2300 employees; reprinted by
George Washington planted three long rows Nabhan and his RAFT colleagues extol this permission. James Treat is an autonomous scholar, freelance creative,
of P. angustifolia behind the garden at Mount plum for its “primacy among the continent’s indigenous advocate, nonviolent outdoorsman, and enrolled citizen of
the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. More information about his work is
Vernon. Thomas Jefferson established the great fruits,” concluding that “perhaps the available at JamesTreat.online and MvskokeCountry.online.
10 NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019
The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma is
the premier organization of American Indian business owners
and other minority-owned businesses. Cultivating into countless
opportunities for small businesses that began in 1993 to foster
that sense of connection and a community effort in Oklahoma.
Today the AICCO has seven chapters throughout the State of
Oklahoma!
This unprecedented growth is a contributing factor based on the
business members support for the leadership of the American
Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO). Mr. Bailey
Walker, along with the elected board members is spearheading
the mission and the future for AICCO is bright!
The AICCO efforts to expand our outreach of resources and vision
to reach new levels of national attention is coupled with the
leadership of Mr. Bailey Walker, Chickasaw, and a diverse Board
of tribal nations represented. As Walker stated, “ We, Our, & Us
OCT 6-8
is the language spoken within this Board and we’re very intent
on providing the most optimal opportunities for our business
DURANT
communities across Oklahoma!”
In maintaining this trajectory the AICCO began a search for an
Executive Director Walker said “ Ayla Medrano, Muscogee Creek, SPONSORSHIPS
and Leadership Native Oklahoma graduate, topped the field of
optimal candidates who applied for the position,” Walker said. EDUCATE
“She brings our organization a fresh, new outlook, and brings a EMPOWER
cultural experience, along with the dedication and drive needed
to assist our mission. We are very pleased to have Ayla as our ENGAGE
Executive Director.”
The powerhouse networking event of Oklahoma year, The The AICCO will recognize this year’s most prestigious awards,”
Gathering, October 6th-8th, Choctaw Casino in Durant, offers
including a large business of the year, a small business of
business matchmaking sessions, and networking with the
directors of top level Vendor Programs from a multitude of tribes the year, and a volunteer of the year, Walker said.
across Oklahoma. AICCO is expanding The Gathering will strive
to provide the business owner with Procurements and Supplier
Chain decision makers. Previous Annual Gatherings, American
Indian businesses have secured a wide array of partnerships or
Please join us and for
projects by attending, leading to substantial business growth.
more information, visit us
The Gathering breakout sessions of American-owned businesses
and top level experts will enhance the knowledge base of our
attendees. By way of connecting their business to those decision
at www.aiccok.org.
makers in Oklahoma’s tribal nation procurement supplier chains.NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019 11
- In-depth interviews of local CEO’s & Tribal Economic Directors
- Success stories of Native-owned businesses
- Resources and How-to’s
- Latest Events & Economic Conferences
Promote your business each month in our new section devoted
to Native-owned businesses!
Need advertising design?
We do that too!
Check out our website at www.nativeoklahoma.us
Contact Adam Proctor
adam@nativeoklahoma.us
918-409-725212 NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019
NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019 13
“Chula the Fox” receives Gold Benjamin
Franklin Award
Chickasaw Press title recognized for excellence and innovation in level of detail required in judging has helped the IBPA Benjamin
independent publishing Franklin Award program remain one of the highest honors for
independent publishers.
“Chula the Fox,” an 18th century coming-of-age story, received
the Gold Benjamin Franklin Award from the Independent Book About the Chickasaw Press
Publishers Association (IBPA). Set in the Chickasaw Homeland
near present-day Mississippi, the historical novel received the Chickasaw Press is an independent publishing house of the
award in the Young Reader: Fiction (8-12 years old) category. Chickasaw Nation, the first Native American publisher of its
Written by Chickasaw citizen Anthony Perry and published by kind. The goal of the Chickasaw Press is to preserve, perpetuate
the Chickasaw Press, “Chula the Fox” is steeped in Chickasaw and provide an awareness of Chickasaw history and culture,
language and culture. It tells a frank story about Chickasaw lives by providing an outlet for Chickasaw authors and scholars.
and the challenges Native Americans faced during the early 18th The Chickasaw Press enhances relationships with the greater
century. community and creates an understanding of Chickasaw self-
governance and sovereignty. Stories told through the Chickasaw
“Chula the Fox” is published by the White Dog Press, a subsidiary Press adhere to ethical and culturally appropriate research and
of the Chickasaw Press. The first Native American tribal press publication practices.
of its kind, the Chickasaw Press was created to allow the
Chickasaw Nation to tell its own history and stories. Chickasaw The addition of White Dog Press as a secondary imprint allows
Press publications enable the Chickasaw Nation to share its rich the Chickasaw Press to build upon its vision. The White Dog
history and culture with non-Chickasaws, as well as educating Press embraces popular genres and creative projects that do not
Chickasaw citizens. fit under the umbrella of research and scholarship, enabling it to
make additional stories available for the average reader.
According to the IBPA, the Benjamin Franklin Award program™
recognizes excellence and innovation in independent publishing. White Dog Press affords the Chickasaw Press the opportunity
Winners were recognized during the 31st Annual Awards IBPA to further share the history, culture, and experiences of the
Benjamin Franklin Award Ceremony in Chicago, Illinois. A gold Chickasaw people, as well as other Native American communities,
winner was selected from each of the 54 categories. through literary categories such as historical fiction, children’s
books, young adult literature, how-to books, travel writing,
“The mission of the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award program is creative or narrative nonfiction, poetry and memoirs.
simple: to recognize excellence and innovation in independent For more information, visit ChickasawPress.com, or call (580)
publishing,” said IBPA CEO Angela Bole in an IBPA press release. 436-7282.
“Unlike many other award programs, the IBPA Benjamin Franklin
Award program demands both editorial and design excellence -30-
and entrants are judged independently on both.” Cutline: “Chula the Fox,” written by Chickasaw citizen Anthony
Perry and published by the Chickasaw Press, received the Gold
The Benjamin Franklin Award selection process is extensive. Benjamin Franklin Award from the Independent Book Publishers
“Chula the Fox,” along with the more than 1,500 submitted Association (IBPA).
titles, was judged by 160 librarians, booksellers and editorial
experts. A process requiring seven months to complete, the14 NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019
JUNE 2019 - POW-WOWS
Red Earth Festival June 7-9, 2019 For more information visit our Festival History or contact the Muscogee
Oklahoma City’s 33rd Red Earth Festival (Creek) Nation Tourism & Recreation department at tourism@mcn-
celebrates the cultures that make nsn.gov or (918) 732-7992. Or log onto: www.creekfestival.com
Oklahoma Unique!
44th Annual Muscogee Creek Nation Festival
A cultural experience found June 21-24th, 2019
nowhere else welcomes thousands Okmulgee, OK
when the 32nd Annual Red
Earth Festival opens June 7 at the Cox Convention Center in This one has it all! Starting off with
downtown Oklahoma City. Native artists, dancers and singers Stomp dances on Thursday night. You
from throughout America will gather to celebrate the richness have everything
and diversity of their heritage with the world, and for three from parades to
exciting days, June 7-9, 2019, Oklahoma City will be at the center carnivals, from rodeo’s to sports activities
of western and Native art as Oklahoma’s Capitol City celebrates and concerts. Each day and night there
the Native cultures that make it unique. is always something to watch and eat. All
The award-winning conveniently located at the Muscogee
Festival opens at 2 pm Creek Nation Claude Cox Omniplex in
Friday, June 7 with the Okmulgee, OK.
Red Earth Art Market,
featuring over 100 For more information visit our Festival
artisans and their original History or contact the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tourism & Recreation
artworks. Festival guests department at tourism@mcn-nsn.gov or (918) 732-7992. Or log onto:
will experience the artistic www.creekfestival.com
creations of some of the
country’s most celebrated 45th Annual Tonkawa Tribal
artists as they offer for Pow-wow
sale exquisite examples June 27th-30th, 2019
of contemporary and traditional paintings, beadwork, basketry, Tonkawa, OK
jewelry, pottery, sculpture, graphics and culture attire. The Red
Earth Art Market runs all three days of the Festival. This may be the 45th
Annual Tribal pow-
Tickets for the three-day festival can be purchased in advance online wow but it is originally
by visiting www.RedEarth.org., or at the door. All children 18 and the 134th Anniversary
under are admitted free of charge with a paid adult. General admission of the arrival of
day tickets are $15 per day and include admission to the Red Earth the Tonkawa to Ft.
Art Market, Red Earth after Hours on Friday, general admission Oakland, OK.
seating to Saturday and Sunday’s powwow and access to all events and History notes that the
performances scheduled throughout the weekend. A three-day Festival Tonkawa were removed
Pass is available for $33. from Fort Griffin,
Texas in October,
34th Annual Iowa Tribe 1884. They were
Pow-wow transported by railroad
June 14-16, 2019 from a station in Cisco,
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Texas (A child born
Pow-wow Grounds on the way was named
335600 E. 760 Rd, 34TH ANNUAL “Railroad Cisco”), to a
Tryon, OK 74875
44th Annual Muscogee Creek
Nation Festival
POWWOW temporary stop at the
Sac-Fox Agency near
Stroud, Oklahoma.
JUNE 14-16, 2019
June 21-24th, 2019 IOWA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA POWWOW GROUNDS
335600 E. 760 RD. • TRYON, OK 74875
The entire Tribe
Okmulgee, OK MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Edmond Tate Navequaya
HEAD MAN DANCER
Wyatt Chase Patty wintered at the Sac-Fox
Agency until spring,
HEAD MAN SINGER HEAD LADY DANCER
Tim Grant Delaine Alley
HEAD GOURD DANCE SINGER ARENA DIRECTORS
This one has it all! then traveled the last 100 miles by wagon fording many rain
Sydney Topah Pat Moore & Daniel Franklin
HEAD GOURD DANCER IOWA SR. MAN OF THE YEAR - TBA
Nolan Grant
Starting off with Stomp swelled rivers and axle deep mud
IOWA SR. WOMAN OF THE YEAR - TBA
HOST GOURD CLAN
RED ROCK CREEK IOWA TRIBAL PRINCESS
Lexia Kent
dances on Thursday night. caused by severe spring rains. They
FLAG RAISING 7:30AM FRIDAY - SUNDAY
FOR VENDOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Frank Carson or Lori Murray 918-644-2095
You have everything from FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE ITO POWWOW COMMITTEE
Lori Murray, Powwow Chairman 918-644-2095 |Tosha Gaines 405-857-5053
Daniel Franklin (text only) 918-399-3105 | Derek Franklin 918-399-1514
reached the Ponca Agency on June
parades to carnivals, from 29th, and then finally to “Oakland”
rodeo’s to sports activities on June 30th, 1885. This was the
and concerts. Each day and night there is always something to Tonkawa “Trail of Tears”...a time in
watch and eat. All conveniently located at the Muscogee Creek Tribal history that should always be
Nation Claude Cox Omniplex in Okmulgee, OK. commemorated lest we forget.OklahomaTribal Directory
NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019 15
15
Absentee-Shawnee Tribe 2025 Delaware (Lenape) Tribe Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
South Gordon Cooper of Indians 418 G Street Junction Hwys. 270 and 56
Shawnee Oklahoma 74801 5100 East Tuxedo Blvd.
P. O. Box 1498, Wewoka, Okla.
Phone: 405.275.4030 Bartlesville, Okla. Miami, Okla.
918- 337-6550 918-542-1190 405-257-7200
Alabama-Quassarte
Tribal Town Delaware Nation Muscogee (Creek) Nation Seneca-Cayuga Nation
101 E. Broadway 31064 State Highway 281 Hwy. 75 and Loop 56
Wetumka, Ok. 74883 Anadarko, Okla. Okmulgee, Okla. 23701 S 655 Road
Phone: 405 452-3987 405-247-2448 800-482-1979 Grove, Okla.
918-542-6609
Apache Tribe of Oklahoma Eastern Shawnee Tribe Osage Nation
511 East Colorado Drive of Oklahoma 813 Grandview
Anadarko, Okla. 127 Oneida St. Pawhuska, Okla. Shawnee Tribe
405-247-9493 Seneca, Missouri 918-287-5555 29 S. Hwy. 69A
918-666-2435 Miami, Okla.
Caddo Nation of Oklahoma Ottawa Tribe
Fort Sill Apache Tribe 918-542-2441
of Oklahoma
Hwys. 281 & 152 Intersection Route 2, Box 121 13 S. 69 A
Binger, Okla. Apache, Okla. Miami, Okla. Thlopthlocco Tribal Town
405-656-2344 580-588-2298 918-540-1536
Cherokee Nation 09095 Okemah Street
Otoe-Missouria Tribe
South of Tahlequah, Hwy. 62 Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma 8151 Hwy 177 Okemah, Okla.
Tahlequah, Okla. RR 1, Box 721 Red Rock, Okla. 918-560-6198.
918-453-5000 Perkins, OK 877-692-6863
405-547-2402
Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes Tonkawa Tribe of Indians
Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
100 Red Moon Circle Kaw Nation of Oklahoma Pawnee, Okla. 1 Rush Buffalo Road
Concho, Okla. 698 Grandview Drive 918-762-3621 Tonkawa, Okla.
405-262-0345 Kaw City, Okla.
580-628-2561
580-269-2552 Peoria Tribe of Indians of
Chickasaw Nation Oklahoma
124 East 14th Street Kialegee Tribal Town 118 S. Eight Tribes Trail United Keetoowah Band
Ada, Okla. 623 East Hwy. 9 Miami, Okla. of Cherokee Indians
(580) 436-2603 Wetumka, Okla. 918-540-2535
405-452-3262 PO Box 746
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Ponca Tribe Tahlequah, Okla.
Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma 20 White Eagle Drive 918-431-1818
529 N. 16th St., Durant, Okla. P.O. Box 70 Ponca City, Okla.
800-522-6170 McLoud, Okla. 580-762-8104
Wichita and Affiliated Tribes
405-964-7053
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Quapaw Tribe of Indians [Wichita, Keechi, Waco, Tawa-
1601 Gordon Cooper Drive Kiowa Indian Tribe 5681 S. 630 Rd. konie]
Shawnee, Okla. of Oklahoma Quapaw, Okla. Hwy. 281, Anadarko, Okla.
405-275-3121 Hwy. 9, West of Carnegie 918-542-1853
Carnegie, Okla. 405-247-2425
Comanche Nation 580-654-2300 Sac and Fox Nation
584 NW Bingo Rd. 920883 S. Hwy 99 Wyandotte Nation
Lawton, Okla. Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Stroud, Okla.
64700 E. Highway 60
877-492-4988 202 S. Eight Tribes Trail 918-968-3526
Miami, Okla. Wyandotte, Okla.
918-542-1445 918-678-229716 NATIVE OKLAHOMA | JUNE 2019
OCT 6-8
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