Paul Reed (Chickasaw) recalled how immaculately clean the students were required to keep the campus during his time there. During the 1950’s, Paul lived in “Home 6,” one of about a hundred buildings that ultimately comprised the campus, which included a dining hall, a hospital, shops for vocational training, employee cottages, large barns, a commissary and other buildings. Fire was the campus’s worst enemy claiming numerous buildings over the years. Nevertheless, from one stone building set up on the desolate prairie, Chilocco grew into one of the largest of the five original boarding schools in the country created in the late 1800’s, which also included Carlisle (Pennsylvania), Haskell (Kansas), Fort Simcoe (Washington), and Chemawa (Oregon).

Loneliness was what most students had in common at Chilocco. Brenda Doyeto Myers (Kiowa), who studied cosmetology at Chilocco in the 1960’s, said she cried for a week from loneliness after she arrived. But despite the loneliness many students experienced, the alumni we spoke with said that they also developed fond memories of the school and cherished the lasting friendships they made during those years. Katie Roberts (Cherokee) recalled spending free time with her boyfriend around the large water fountain on the campus where she said that it was common for students to be hurled into the frigid water—primarily involuntarily. Charles LeClair (Ponca/Potawatomi/Kaw) reminisced with us about his boxing days at Chilocco during the 1940’s. He had an impressive record of 21 and 4, although he pointed out that he was only beaten by three opponents from schools around the region (one opponent beat him twice).

Shineesta Bushyhead Adams (Cheyenne/Navajo), whose mother was a matron and whose father worked in agriculture at Chilocco, lived on the campus from 1959 until 1980. Movie nights were some of her favorite memories. Shineesta led us into the school’s large auditorium where it was easy for us to imagine the laughter and applause from some 300 hundred Indian students gathered together on a Friday or Saturday night to watch a movie. The collapsed ceiling covered the rows of seats and the shredded white screen hung in tatters, but the ornate beauty of the theatre Shineesta described to us when it was in its prime was still apparent in the detailed ornamentation on the proscenium stage and mezzanine.

In 1980, Congress determined Chilocco was too expensive to operate and ordered its doors closed. Superintendent C. C. Tillman wrote in the 1980 yearbook, “Chilocco is another in a long list of broken promises.” Today, 30 years after Chilocco’s closing, the outer portions of the campus have been deeded to each of the North Central Oklahoma tribes: Kaw, Ponca, Tonkawa, Otoe Missouria, and the Pawnee Nation. Each tribe has developmental plans for their respective property, which are in various stages of progress. The Chilocco campus is on the National Register of Historic Places.

A portion of the discussion centered around general awareness and perceptions about the project and another part of the conversation focused on the positive attributes and challenges pertaining to the organizational name. We were also curious to get some reaction to a number of different positioning concepts to see if these had the potential to entice or compel someone to visit. Next we introduced some descriptive information and project images to see if these factors had the potential to influence decision making.

The four groups consisted of the following audience segments::

• Cultural Attendees without Children Living at Home
• Cultural Attendees with Children Living at Home
• Educators/Teachers of 4th and 9th - 12th Grades
• Tribal Adults

We would like to thank each participant who took time out of their busy schedules to contribute to our ongoing research.
Mvto (Thank you)

Shoshana Wasserman, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town & Muscogee Creek  Director of Marketing & Public Relations shoshanaw@aiccm.org

We’re also employing a technology that will reduce our cooling bill dramatically. We’re implementing an ice storage system that will produce ice in below grade tanks during evening and off peak hours. The ice will melt during the day and provide cooling to the 125,000 square foot Museum and Cultural Center. When compared to a traditional cooling system the energy that will be saved is dramatic.

We are fortunate to be receiving a grant from the State Energy Office that is helping us fund the ice storage system located in the Central Plant. Funds for the grant are coming from the US Department of Energy as part of the Recovery Act. As part of the monitoring process we recently hosted Carolyn Sullivan and Rhonda Harding-Hill from the State Energy Office and Cathy Iverson and John Winkel from the US Department of Energy. We gave them a tour of the construction site so they could see what they were helping to bring to reality. We’re certainly proud of what we’re doing but it’s always interesting to hear other perspectives. John and Cathy are from the Golden, Colorado office and were very impressed. We were already being mentioned in the same breath with nationally recognized museums. And, of particular relevance to them, ours is possibly one of the largest ice storage systems being funded by the Recovery Act. With any luck our story will be shared by our new friends from Colorado. They’re looking forward to coming back when we’re open. This may be dry subject matter to some, but hopefully, it shows we are thoughtful in our processes and mindful of the need to be good stewards of resources.

	Amy Weaver  Development Coordinator amyw@aiccm.org

“Get up everybody and sing
Everyone can see we're together
As we walk on by
And we fly just like birds of a feather
I won't tell no lie
All of the people around us, they say
Can we be that close
Just let me state for the record
We're giving love in a family dose
We are family…”

Cheesy you say! Maybe? But together this small family gathers each day to combine their passion, enthusiasm, optimism and commitment to build a place like no other! This is no simple feat, it requires dreaming, risk taking, making mistakes and relying on each other with respect and gratitude. I hope you will take the opportunity to get to know our museum champions and the role each one of them play weaving the stories of Oklahoma American Indians together with dedication and integrity. Our organizational values & behaviors are the foundation or our family structure. What better way to build something for the future than in a family way?

NACEA/AICCM STAFF
Gena Timberman          
Ryan Barnett        
Nancy Fields         
Sue Fish         
Stacey Halfmoon        
Nathan Hart        
Debbie Lindsey          
Susan Manning         
Kimberly Rodriguez         
Veronica Simon         
Russ Tall Chief          
Shoshana Wasserman          
Amy Weaver         

Project Partners
Leslie Gee          
Neely Herndon         

Shoshana Wasserman, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town & Muscogee Creek  Director of Marketing & Public Relations shoshanaw@aiccm.org

Recently, I had one of those incredible opportunities to hear the passionate stories shared in collaboration from many of the project family team who have contributed so much toward the distinctiveness of this new museum. Each of the design partners reflected with fondness the early years that were spent in tribal communities learning about the intricacies of American Indian cultures, so they could develop a holistic concept that would be rich in story and cultural elements. We arrive at this celebratory moment in the museum’s development with a sense of purpose, gratitude and in the spirit of collaboration. Cooperation has been an emblem of this project since its inception. This story began a long time ago when American Indian people were removed to Indian Territory. Today it is known as Oklahoma. Okla Humma in the Choctaw language means Red People. It is appropriate that she be brought to life in this special place.

In the last five years, we have celebrated a series of significant milestones beginning with the Groundblessing Ceremony on November 1, 2005 when the various communities gathered in the spirit of cooperation to bless and prepare the site with the presence of community. We began the day before sunrise, as we have done traditionally for thousands of years, lighting a new fire expressing gratitude and honoring the past, rejoicing in the present and eagerly anticipating the future.

Following the Groundblessing Cerremony, this Brownfield Site began a remarkable period of healing as the site remediation commenced. These efforts were the result of shared vision and commitment between partners such as the OERB, and Oklahoma Corporation Commission to rejuvenate the land.

We rejoiced in the completion of the Central Promontory Mound, the completion of the Visitor Center, the beginning of construction on the main gallery building spaces and most recently marveled at the moment when the Hall of the People steel was erected 90’ in the air.

It is appropriate that throughout the next year we will continue to peel back the layers revealing her unique voice and distinction as we unearth her personality and identity.

Shoshana Wasserman, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town & Muscogee Creek  Director of Marketing & Public Relations shoshanaw@aiccm.org

Cherokee National Prison

On May 6, I had the pleasure of attending the Groundbreaking Ceremony of Cherokee Nation’s restoration of the Cherokee National Prison.  In light of the recent passing of the great Cherokee chief, Wilma Mankiller, I was particularly honored to participate in the Cherokee’s special event and pay my respects to her legacy in the Cherokee Nation’s influential cultural history.   The event was held at the original location of the prison, 124 Choctaw Street, which is at the corner of Choctaw and Water Streets, in Tahlequah.  Originally completed in 1875, the Cherokee National Prison was one of the first correctional facilities in Indian Territory and was the only penitentiary building in the entire Territory from 1875 to 1901.  The building is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, and attended by Ken Purdy, Mayor of Tahlequah, and Dr. Don Betz, President of Northeastern State University, along with several Cherokee Nation Tribal Council members and community partners.  The overall project includes restoration of the prison structure, outside interpretative areas such as blacksmith shop and gallows, as well as establishing a prison welcome center and museum.  The Cherokee National Prison Museum will allow visitors to experience the history of crime and punishment in the Cherokee Nation as well as reliving the infamous Cherokee outlaw stories.

Cherokee Nation officials recently put out a ‘call for artifacts’ to showcase in the Cherokee National Prison Museum that best represent its history and legacy.  All artifacts permanently donated or provided on loan to the Cherokee National Prison Museum will be cataloged and processed following museum standard guidelines.  Each piece will have the benefactor’s name posted near the respective display in recognition of the generous donation and commitment to the preservation efforts of Cherokee Nation history.  (Individuals, families and corporations that would like to permanently donate or provide on loan artifacts can contact Catherine Foreman Gray, archival and interpretive specialist at Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism, at (918) 384-5946 or email at catherine.gray@cnent.com.)

Cherokee Heritage Center

While in Tahlequah, I also visited the collection of the Cherokee Heritage Center. Tom Mooney, the archivist for the center, provided me with an insightful overview of the center’s holdings.  The collection has extensive archives of photos and manuscripts dating back to the 1700’s. The site for the Cherokee Heritage Center was once the location of the Cherokee Female Seminary, established by the Cherokee Nation in 1850 as one of the first institutions of higher learning for women west of the Mississippi River.  Today, the center offers a reconstructed Ancient Village, which opened in May 1967, followed by the opening of an 1,800-seat amphitheater in June 1969, and the Cherokee National Museum in 1974, which houses the award- winning Trail of Tears exhibition.  The building that houses the Cherokee National Museum was designed by Cherokee architect and Cherokee National Historical society board member Charles Chief Boyd.  The design symbolizes a traditional Cherokee dwelling, built low to the ground and illuminated at both ends by natural lighting.  The museum also houses the Cherokee National Archives, the Cherokee Family Research Center.

Cherokee Advocate

I was especially intrigued by copies available of the Cherokee Advocate, the newspaper published by the Cherokee Nation in both the Cherokee and English languages.  Along with the archival copies of the newspapers, the Cherokee Nation has a plethora of typeset from the newspapers, as well as original presses used to print the newspapers.  The Advocate was published by the Cherokee Nation from 1844 until 1906. The first series was published from 1844 until September 28, 1853, when the newspaper was suspended for lack of funds. During that period it was edited by William P. Ross (1844-1846), Daniel H. Ross (1846-1847), William P. Ross (1847-1848), Daniel H. Ross (1848), James Shepherd Vann (1848-1849, 1851-1852, 1853), David Carter (1849-1851), and William P. Boudinot (1852-1853).  These editors informed the people of their government's actions and policies--new laws, memorials and protests presented to Congress, proceedings of the national council, messages of the principal chief, lists of stray property, and administration papers for estates.  They also reported news from the Cherokee Nation, the rest of Indian Territory, and the United States.  The newspaper was revived in a second series on April 26, 1870, and ran until February 1875, when the printing office of the Advocate burned, destroying all of the type and equipment. During this period it was edited by William P. Boudinot (1870-1873) and John Lynch Adair (1873-1875).  The newspaper was revived in a third series on March 1, 1876, and continued publication until 1906.  It was edited from 1876 to 1879 by William P. Boudinot (1876-1877) and George W. Johnson (1877-1879).

State of Sequoyah

I was also intrigued by historical materials in the collection associated with the State of Sequoyah, an initiative launched by tribes prior to Oklahoma’s statehood to create an “Indian state.”  In September of 1905, a convention met in Muskogee to create the constitution for a proposed new State of Sequoyah, which was to occupy the eastern half of what is now Oklahoma, with Oklahoma Territory comprising the western half of the state.  Forty-eight counties were created and named, rules and regulations laid out, and the constitution was voted on and officially approved.  The constitution for the State of Sequoyah was very progressive, including child-labor legislation, business, monopoly and trust regulation, as well as laws concerning banking and economic matters and land development.  Nevertheless, Theodore Roosevelt, who was president at that time, was a Republican and did not favor the creation of two separate states, Oklahoma and Sequoyah, since both had the high probability of being strongly democratic.  Having two states would mean having twice the number of democratic senators and representatives.  However, treaties signed with tribes in Oklahoma stated that Indian nations could not be included or forced to become part of any U.S. state without their approval.  Legally, the tribes had the right to start their own state, but the government saw to it that Sequoyah would never become a state.  The constitution, on the other hand, did inform the language of Oklahoma's constitution.  Read the constitution of the State of Sequoyah.

Conference topics and agenda are largely decided by Tribes with Forest Service support, and include: heritage resource management, cultural resources, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) issues, fire management, watershed resources, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technologies, traditional plant use (and access), Sacred Sites, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOS), vandalism issues, and land management planning.

Tribal Historic Preservation Officers are established when Tribes take on formal State Historic Preservation Officer responsibilities for the preservation of significant historic properties on tribal lands. The Caddo Nation was the first tribe in Oklahoma to assume these duties. Other formally established THPO’s are: Choctaw Nation, Absentee Shawnee Tribe, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Quapaw Tribe, Miami Nation, Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes, Comanche Nation and the Wyandotte Nation. The majority of tribes in Oklahoma are committed to working in the areas of historic and cultural preservation. The President of the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, Ms. Bambi Kraus, was also in attendance.

A few highlights from this year’s conference included a panel session entitled “We Are Distinctly Unique Peoples and Cultures” which included presentations by: Dr. Richard Allen, Cherokee Nation (Policy Analyst), Karen Kaniatobe, Absentee Shawnee Tribe (Tribal Historic Preservation Officer), Sandra Massey, Sac and Fox Nation (Tribal Historic Preservation Officer) and Timothy Baugh, Ph.D. Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office. During this panel, tribal representatives stressed how each tribe has separate, unique cultures and distinct histories and how that should be taken into account when working with each tribe. Dr. Allen of the Cherokee Nation also screened a DVD entitled “What Is A Real Indian Nation?” which addressed the issue of fraudulent tribes often claiming to be Cherokee.

In addition, Dr. Andrea Hunter, Osage Nation (Tribal Historic Preservation Officer) and Chairman Michael Burgess, Comanche Nation, both gave presentations during a panel session on “Preservation Issues: NAGPRA and Sacred Site Protection”. Both stressed the vital need for and importance of meaningful and timely consultation with tribes. Chairman Burgess, in particular, discussed the history and relationship between the Comanche Nation and Fort Sill Military Reservation related to the Medicine Bluffs and their great cultural importance to the Comanche Nation.

The majority of the day on March 31st was dedicated to the discussing the topic of “The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and Vandalism”. Vandalism and looting of sites related to the Oklahoma Tribes (and others) is a common occurrence on federal/tribal/state land and although much is being done to address this horrendous act, everyone agreed that more needs to be done. From State Archaeologists, to Tribal Staff to Patrol Captains for the U.S. Forest Service, there was a unified expression of this being an overwhelming issue with neither parties having enough funds or manpower to properly address it. It was expressed that perhaps through a stronger unification and public outcry from all those affected by looting and vandalism (Federal, State, Tribal and even local) this issue would be more noticed by the general public and by those who create the punishments for these violators. Mr. Bobby Gonzalez, of the Caddo Nation, was one of the panel presenters who gave examples of looting taking place at ancient Caddo cemeteries in the Caddo homeland. He stressed the difficulty in being able to properly address this issue due to budget constraints and how important it is for the federal agencies to work with tribes. Everyone agreed there needs to be more public education about vandalism of archaeological/American Indian sites.

This ongoing conference and partnership has gone far beyond an original intent of “bridging the gap” between local Tribes and local FS units, and is now embracing a national perspective. In a number of respects, this is a natural, and intended, consequence, because Tribes now resident in Oklahoma have ancestral homelands in many of the U.S. Forest Service regions (and across the nation). This conference truly serves to bridge many gaps: cultural gaps, communication gaps and unification gaps. It is a wonderful example of tribes, federal officials and others coming together to address difficult issues proactively while considering each others unique perspectives. Once again, Oklahoma is demonstrating that it is truly a unique and appropriate gathering place for important dialogues such as this one.

	Stacey Halfmoon, Caddo, Delaware, Choctaw Director of Community Outreach & Public Programs staceyh@aiccm.org

In our ongoing design and content development for innovative exhibitions at the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum, Stacey Halfmoon, AICCM’s Director of Community Outreach and Public Programs, and I visited the Oklahoma Archeological Survey (OAS), located on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman.  Emphasis on exhibition development for this visit was particularly relevant to early Oklahoma history.  So we called upon one of the leading experts in Oklahoma’s early history, Dr. Leland Brement, an Archeologist III and part-time Assistant Professor in Anthropology at the University, who has been with the OAS since 1990.  Dr. Bement offered Stacey and I a glimpse into Oklahoma’s ancient history dating as far back as 100,000 years, which he substantiated with a 150-pound mammoth tusk in the collection found near Alex, OK, in Grady County.

The OAS identifies three major research areas in Oklahoma:

• Western Oklahoma, characterized by the remains of special activity sites, camps, and villages of Native people whose lives centered around the bison (buffalo)
• Cross Timbers in central Oklahoma, an important location for explaining prehistoric people's adaptations to changing ecological situations
• Eastern Oklahoma, which contains sites related to prehistoric occupation of the region by ancestors of the Wichita and Caddo tribes. 

The Cooper Site, located along the Beaver River in northwest Oklahoma, bares evidence of three major bison kill episodes.  The 1994 excavation of the site uncovered from the lowest of the three bison bone deposits a bison skull with a red zigzag design painted on its forehead.  Damage to the skull and adjacent bones by trampling and the fact that it was covered with articulated skeletons from the Middle Kill, imply that the skull was painted just prior to the second use of the arroyo, a deep gully where the bison were trapped by hunters.  Dating back more than 10,000 years, the skull from Cooper has come to be recognized as the oldest painted object in North America.

The pigment source of the zigzag design is known to be hematite, which is commonly utilized in ancient pictographs and often found in mortuary contexts.  In some cultures, hematite possesses power over other elements.  However, tracing the origin of the hematite is tricky given the widespread distribution of the pigment, and vast migratory patterns of the Folsom people.  Folsom hunters repeatedly made large late summer and early fall bison kills in the Texas panhandle and western Oklahoma area.  Based on examination of the stone points found at the Cooper Site, the stone sources range from a 400 kilometer radius surrounding the site, thereby stretching from central Texas, to the Texas panhandle, and into northwest Kansas.  The analysis of the sources of the stone materials reveals that groups from various regions strategically gathered at the site annually, or at least every few years, to collaborate on the large-scale kills.

The ritual associated with painting the skull is aptly suggested to be motivated by the desire for a successful hunt.  Essentially, the painted skull functioned as “medicine,” also referred to as “magic,” or in common terms, a good luck charm, or talisman, designed to draw the bison herd into the hunters’ trap.  We can only speculate the precise cultural and spiritual symbolism of the zigzag design, however, the design most closely resembles that of a “lightning” motif.  Symbology of tribal people from the Cooper Site region, such as the Osage, suggests the lightning design may represent the power and speed of God, swiftness, as well as renewal, change, and fertility.  The Osage phrase LO^ WA.LE.ZE, translates as LO^ (meaning both lightning and thunder together) and WA.LE.ZE (to make zigzag/writing).

Although we cannot determine the exact meaning of the zigzag design, the Cooper Site nonetheless remains a powerful symbol of early aggregation, the coming together and feasting of our ancestors, in what is now Oklahoma.  Therefore, just as Spiro Mounds serves as evidence of an ancient metropolis in eastern Oklahoma, the Cooper Site offers us an early example at one of the first “cultural centers” in western Oklahoma—a tradition we humbly and honorably continue in the heart of Oklahoma as we create the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum.

What better way to fuel your New Year resolutions and get a jump start on the spring than by participating in a friendly team fitness competition.  The AICCM staff would like to thank the Cherokee Nation for inviting our team to compete in their Route 66 “Get Fit on the Mother Road” campaign……although it hardly seems fair that we were allowed to compete.  Our team, appropriately named the Native Staties, parallels our institutional initiatives on many levels.  In a broad sense, it parallels the actual construction of our facilities.  As we reach milestones down our construction “Mother Road,” we are able to look back at how far we’ve come and also realize that we could have only made it this far with the combined sweaty efforts of so many individuals that have labored with our team along the way.  In a more direct correlation to this competition, our organization strives to create a work environment that promotes wellness, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment for its employees.  Team Native Staties is an institutional objective in action.  You’ll never catch us attending an anti-wellness rally….or being recipients of the “Me First” award.  It would completely contradict everything we strive to accomplish.

We wish all the teams participating in the program a healthy voyage!  Go Native Staties!

"Get Fit on Route 66" is an award-winning, fun physical activity adventure designed to inspire you to be more active as you trace the famous route of this virtual highway. Whatever physical activity you enjoy doing—tennis, jogging, swimming, biking, softball, or something else, this is a fun way to motivate yourself into keeping fit. In 2006, "Get Fit on Route 66" was recognized by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) with an innovation in physical activity programming award.

How does it work? Your goal is to "travel" from Chicago to Santa Monica (2,448 miles) by recording your physical activity minutes. The program converts the minutes to miles with one minute equaling one mile. You set the pace, whether it's ten miles a day or sixty. You'll find it easy to use and the healthy recipes section takes the guesswork out of preparing a nutritious meal. Plus motivational emails will keep you moving. For those who have actually traveled Route 66, the program will bring back fond memories. For those who haven't, you'll discover fun facts about Route 66 along the way.

Ryan Barnett Director of Administration & Operations ryanb@aiccm.org

OklaVision was recently featured in Stuttgart, Germany at the Creativity World Forum with a tremendous response from European audiences! OklaVision has some very impressive target market users with about 2,000 viewers per day who are spending an average of 20 minutes on the site. That is a phenomenal amount of time spent on the site when you consider that most people spend and average of 3-5 minutes on such sites. Visitation to the OklaVision site includes all 50 states including Washington D.C. and 148 countries.  OklaVision’s companion site Travelok.com is a more typical HTML site which provides in-depth content about travel and tourism in Oklahoma.

OklaVision, presented by the Chickasaw Nation in partnership with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, is a pioneering online video network focused on the rich cultural and travel attractions located across this state. The 16 channels offer more than two thousand videos – all organized and searchable with highly visual navigation tools in addition to the main navigation menu. Further enhancing the library are documentaries from OETA and other sources, and movie trailers for upcoming art/indie cinema venues.

A “welcome” video greets the user’s first-time arrival on any channel, as does a message from an Oklahoma ambassador representing the channel’s content.

OKV LIVE
The live show weekdays at noon (CST) has enjoyed a growing audience and  also airs live on Cox Communications Cable channel 7 in Oklahoma City and channel 3 in Tulsa. The latest five OKV Live shows are found in the Program Guide. Or click for Podcasts of the show. 

A news ticker at the bottom allows users to click on any event for complete information.

Tabs in the bottom right corner of the screen offer FAQs and user assistance.

 

Seven remote camera locations in Tulsa, Norman and OKC take the live show statewide for a diverse lineup of guest appearances. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma Aquarium, Oklahoma History Center, POPS 66, Riverwind Casino and Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium.

Menu choices are:

WESTERN CULTURES

ART & ARCHITECTURE

ATTRACTIONS

LAKES, RIVERS & FALLS

LANDS AND RECREATION

STATE PARKS

ROUTE 66

FARMS & WINERIES

THE CHICKASAW NATION

CITIES & TOWNS

OKLAHOMA CITY

TULSA

HOTELS & LODGING

EVENTS, FILMS & MUSIC

OKLAVISION HOME

Shoshana Wasserman, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town & Muscogee Creek  Director of Marketing & Public Relations shoshanaw@aiccm.org

The Oklahoma Indian Tourism Association would be a collective with no one institution taking ownership, quarterly meetings would be hosted at different venues across the state; so we could all become advocates and better acquainted with the array of resources we were promoting collectively.  We established as a Linkedin group under the name of Oklahoma Indian Tourism Association as a means for communication to host online discussions and continued communication between quarterly meetings.  Meetings in 2009 were held at AICCM Visitor Center, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, and the Oklahoma Governors’ Conference on Tourism in Tulsa.

Some of the 2009 highlights & accomplishments include:

• Consistent meeting attendance of appx. 15 people per meeting
• OITa was well represented at the American Indian Alaskan Indian Tourism (AIANTA) conference in Santa Fe, NM
• Discover America will feature Oklahoma as part of a 2-page spread in AIANTA’s, Plains Region 
• OITa featured as a General Session at the 2009 Oklahoma Governor’s Conference on Tourism

The 2010 1st quarter meeting was held at the Washita Memorial Battlefield in Cheyenne, Oklahoma on January 12, 2010 with 5 new participants joining the group and a renewed sense of commitment by all to increase awareness about the association with a desire to get all of the 39 tribes in Oklahoma involved, who desire to be a part of the momentum. 

It was a very productive day for the OITa and a very meaningful day at such an important site. Following the meeting the group watched the 27 minute film produced by the National Park Service. The film was very emotional and moving; next we toured the museum and then went on a walking tour on the designated trails while the guide pointed out the exact locations where the massacre took place. The whole experience made a significant impact on all.  As we arrived in Cheyenne we were focused on the OITa meeting. As we left, our sense of purpose was still on OITa, but the experience reminded us all why the association is so important in the first place.  Our attractions, events and experiences share the history, present day reality and future of Native people in Oklahoma. We are the voices that share authentic stories with visitors and remind all what a unique place Oklahoma has always been and continues to be today.

Shoshana Wasserman, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town & Muscogee Creek  Director of Marketing & Public Relations shoshanaw@aiccm.org

As all of us were gathered in the Visitor’s Center and as we sipped hot chocolate and snacked on delicious traditionally-prepared foods, images taken of the sun setting in the center of the tunnel scrolled across a large monitor for all to see.  The images of the sun bursting through the tunnel were breath-catching and reminded me how distinct and truly native our site and its architecture are.  Close to the time of the setting sun, we all gathered to hear a beautiful song by Mr. Johnny Kimble, a Ponca singer and elder.  There in that moment, as the sun was setting and we were listening to the song and the drum, all gathered together, it hit me!  We were creating a new ceremony around this solstice.  We were marking this day and this time with our presence and our participation.  When I look back on that day, I will remember the shortest day of the year in 2009, I will remember where I was, where the sun was; I will remember all of us gathered together in good spirits.  The spirit of that moment permeated all of us – native and non-native.  We came together to share in an ancient practice and we all shared it together in a new way.  That is what the AICCM will be about – about rising from the ashes, about coming together, about sharing, about honoring each other and honoring this earth we live on together.  Maybe it was the hot chocolate spiced with chili, but for a moment, as the sun was setting on the shortest day of the year – I understood more fully why we mark events like this and one of the most important things seemed to be that we mark them together.  They become a part of our collective memory and they remind us of what has passed and what is to yet to come.  Native people have understood the importance of this for thousands of years and thus created calendars on the earth’s landscape.  Here in Oklahoma, we are flaming the embers of an ancient fire.  And on December 21, 2009 I was honored to be standing amongst so many wonderful people in the heart of Okla Homma, at the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum. 

	Stacey Halfmoon, Caddo, Delaware, Choctaw Director of Community Outreach & Public Programs staceyh@aiccm.org

For some reason the song “Embraceable You” comes to mind. In our case it would be “Sustainable You.” Maybe it’s a stray thought. Or, maybe it’s the combination of my fondness for our project and our commitment to environmental sustainability. Two recent efforts have brought this to the forefront of my mind. We received a US Department of Energy grant through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce State Energy Program (SEP), and we just submitted an application to the EPA Brownfields Program for a petroleum site assessment.

The SEP grant pertains to energy efficiency aspects of our building. We will be employing an ice storage system for cooling the building, adding a frit on the building’s glass that will reduce heat transfer and using a natural gas generator instead of a diesel one. We are ever mindful of ways to save energy and utilize resources in the most responsible manner possible. We’re grateful that the state and federal government see the value of our efforts.

I’ve recently finished working on a grant application to the EPA Brownfields Program for a petroleum site assessment. It’s mind boggling to think of what once went on where our site sits. It was the location of a large portion of the original Oklahoma Oil Field. At the peak of operations in the 1930’s and 1940’s there were more than 57 oil production wells drilled on our site. Wildcatters and oil companies from across the country drilled wells, erected steel derricks and dug drilling mud pits. Storage tank batteries were built and billions of barrels of oil flowed into transmission pipelines for distribution to dozens of refineries.

I hope you take a moment to imagine what this was like. I’m sure these were exciting times! It was a prosperous time in history for our state.

Regrettably, all of this activity on the land came at a price. During the 1930’s and 1940’s, very little regulatory control existed and there was environmental contamination associated with the wells. The land was burdened with hydrocarbon residue from blown-out wells and random pipeline leaks. Brine from the wells also flowed onto the site. Drilling mud pits, sometimes referred to as sludge pits, were bulldozed into the earth along the banks of what is now the Oklahoma River. At least one sludge pit was associated with each well, and sometimes two pits were constructed.

It’s important to realize that this project doesn’t merely involve building a building. It is about healing the land so that we can bring you a Cultural Center & Museum and a beautiful park with all of the associated amenities. Healing of the land is essential in order to develop the site and bring you an outstanding AICCM complex. Please join us in thinking good thoughts as our grant application goes through the review process. Hopefully, as our project progresses, you, too will think of it as “Sustainable You.”

	Amy Weaver  Development Coordinator amyw@aiccm.org

An open dialogue of questions and answers included encouraging remarks of support from the photographers, along with inquiries into copyright considerations, compensation, and future collaboration between the AICCM and the community of photographers and photographic archives.  Most of the photographers submitted photography samples illustrating important areas of emphasis in their photographic work for AICCM to review and consider for additional follow-up. 

Next steps include:

•    Review of the sample portfolios
•    Follow-up with individual photographers for additional imagery/information
•    Contextualizing selected images into the exhibition design
•    Contractual negotiations for usage of selected images

I consider the meeting be a successful step in establishing an ongoing relationship with local and regional photographers, as well as photographers from around the nation, some of which mailed their portfolios to me for consideration in lieu of flying in for the meeting.  I concluded my remarks with encouragement to the group to possibly continue to build a continued dialogue among their professional peers, which could perhaps take the form of a formalized American Indian Photographic Association/Organization comprised of photographers with an American Indian emphasis in their photographic work.

	Russ Tall Chief, Osage Director of Arts & Exhibitions russt@aiccm.org

I recently attended the Oklahoma Museums Association (OMA) annual fall conference, which was held in Lawton, Oklahoma.  This is such a great organization and a great way for the folks who work for Oklahoma museums to come together and learn, share, get inspired and have fun.  One of the cool things about OMA is their opportunities for OMA members to also join a Standing Professional Committee.  These SPCs meet several times a year and include: Oklahoma Museum Educators (OKME), Oklahoma Registrars Association (OKRA!  Ha ha) and now (drum roll please…..) the Oklahoma Native American Museum Professionals Association (OKNAMPA).  It is very exciting to see more and more tribal museums, cultural centers or native museum staff and professionals join this group and increase the overall native participation in the OMA and at the fall conference.  This year at the fall conference, there was a panel entitled “The Growth of Tribal Museums/Cultural Centers in Oklahoma”.

This was a great session and included presentation from the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, The Chickasaw Historic Sites Program, the Citizen Potawatomi Cultural Heritage Center and the Creek Council House Museum!!  While in Lawton, several conference-goers were able to pop over to the Comanche National Museum to attend the opening of their “Fifty Years of Pow Wow” exhibit!  Also, the Museum of the Great Plains hosted a wonderful Polynesian-themed dinner, beautiful dance demonstrations and even real leis made from Hawaiian flowers.  It was a great night and the live auction, as always, got pretty interesting.

OKNAMPA held its business meeting during the fall conference, as well.  In fact, OKNAMPA also hosted a presentation by Mr. Stephen Fadden (Mohawk) on “Rethinking the Portrayal of American Indian Cultures & Histories in Native Museums” on Wednesday, October 16, 2009 at the downtown library in OKC.  I feel very honored to serve as the Coordinator for OKNAMPA and I hope that we get more and more tribal participation and representation!  Much thanks to Brenda Granger, Stacy O’Daniels, and the OMA Board for all that they are doing in Oklahoma to support museums and to support the Oklahoma Native American Museum Professionals Association!!!  I hope that anyone interested in joining OMA and OKNAMPA go to the OMA and check it all out.   Ho-wey.  Stacey   

	Stacey Halfmoon, Caddo, Delaware, Choctaw Director of Community Outreach & Public Programs staceyh@aiccm.org

Patricia Bays Haroski is given credit for creating National Boss's Day on October 16, 1958 when she registered the holiday with the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. Four years later National Boss's Day was officially proclaimed and has served as an opportunity for employees to express gratitude to their superiors. It is often viewed as nothing more than a marketing strategy capitalizing on people’s sentiment, but if we pause to recognize those that lead, we all benefit from the expression of gratitude.

I am reminded that Native people have a long history and vibrant expressions of gratitude engrained in our traditional ceremonies and contemporary cultural gatherings.

Our 21st Century Mound positioned on the banks of the Oklahoma River symbolically reminds us that this place has always been a place where leaders were honored and appreciated with the presence of moundbuilding cultures dating back over a thousand years. Ancient mounds were erected to honor leadership and to care for ancestors who had passed from this world. Traditionally leaders were chosen by the tribal members because of a set of characteristics that illustrated their ability to form consensus within the community. When an individual assumed the role of tribal leader they accepted the lifestyle and became a servant to the people. The greatest leaders where those who considered the well being of the entire nation first. These leaders would often give their own resources for the benefit of the whole tribe.

As we celebrate the 2009 National Bosses day it seems appropriate to remember all of the ancestors who perished on their journey to this place, to acknowledge all who endured the voyage from original homelands sustaining culture while adapting to a new day in a new homeland with optimism, strength and resiliency. We recognize the many contemporary leaders who have nurtured the vision for a place to serve as a living center for cultural expression promoting awareness and understanding for all people regarding Oklahoma American Indian cultures and heritage. In the near future the entire world will have a place to experience many different Native cultures from different parts of the country because of a unique history.

I am very grateful to tribal leaders, federal, state, city a community leaders who continue to protect and support the project, an amazing tribal advisors working group who developed the conceptual framework for the story, the design and planning team who continue to defy the odds and create a place like no other, to an amazing board of directors who consistently offer their expertise and wisdom as they guide us on this uncharted course and to our executive director who is a person of incredible integrity, commitment and who is not afraid to make bold unprecedented decisions.

Gena Timberman instills a sense of pride, accountability and passion within the staff that is invigorating, empowering and mutually respectful. AICCM is truly a once-in-a-lifetime project. The work is meaningful and the work environment is filled with a family of employees who bring very special qualities and gifts.  Thank you to each of you who lead in your own special way each and every day. 

	Shoshana Wasserman, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town & Muscogee Creek  Director of Marketing & Public Relations shoshanaw@aiccm.org

Since our beginning development in the first part of this decade we have had a commitment to tribal stories and consultation. This started with our exhibit design firm and deputy director going around the state doing tribal interviews and shooting video of community gatherings.  Now that we have expanded our staff beyond the three-member Ninja team that carried us for so many years, we are doing all the tribal consultation ourselves.  

Our two-person Community Outreach & Public Programs division manages the tribal consultation aspect of our work.  Stacey Halfmoon, our director of community outreach and public programs, is hitting the road for her third year, talking to tribal leaders, elders, and community members.  She and other members of our team are listening to and recording stories and oral histories.  They are documenting gatherings/events and asking community members for their tribal object and image recommendations.  Community outreach activities are extensive.  Fortunately, Stacey can call on other members of our team to pitch in and help make it happen. 

This work is both inspirational and exciting.  Wouldn’t you like to be a fly on the wall when one of our staff is recording an oral history of a tribal elder?  You may not be able to be a fly on the wall but you can join us in making this critical community work possible and play an important role in building a legacy.

In my department I get to invite people to the table who have a passion for our work and the desire to help make it happen.  It is the work of philanthropy, facilitating people making a difference.  In the coming months you will be invited to our table.  We hope you will accept our invitation.  The behind the scenes work is exciting, important and vital.  Tune in for more back of house stories.

	Amy Weaver Development Coordinator amyw@aiccm.org

A little over two months ago we began the planning to move the Oklatravelnet studios to the AICCM Visitor Center. I am definitely a “glass ½ full” thinker. I have to admit that as we sat at the first meeting with everyone’s enthusiasm and passion bubbling to the surface I thought, “Yes, we can accomplish this if all conditions work in our favor, but the visitor center doesn’t have infrastructure in place to accomplish this lofty goal on such an aggressive schedule.” The AICCM staff, design/construction and Oklatravelnet teams united and developed a plan to catapult forward. All members worked vigilantly to make today a reality!

As I entered the building this morning with the wind whipping through my hair, I was beaming from ear to ear and my heart was bursting with joy and exhilaration. I watched the crew prepare to make this first show a reality, following them around to capture their activities, as if they were walking on the moon for the first time. As the countdown began I entered into the world of technology to try to share my vantage point with all those in cyberspace. It was as if I had journeyed to the top of the promontory mound to offer a lulu for the entire world to hear. WE ARE HERE…

And yet here we sit on this day~

in a completed Visitor Center, with a 21st Century Mound in view, reminding us of a significant past and promising a future full of possibilities. Outside we hear the sound of trucks moving steel and see the skeleton of the museum as she stands awaiting her destiny.  

There is an amazing circularity of life that can be seen in the architecture comprised of two concentric circles, recognized in vibrant communities across the state and felt in the incredible excitement of this day. The Visitor Center is symbolic serving as a satellite connecting all of the arts and culture across Oklahoma.  As guests arrive to share their incredible events, attractions and cultural heritage that make OKLAHOMA distinctive, we understand that even the state’s name is indicative of something special. 

Okla homma meaning Red People in the Choctaw language. 

Even on this day filled with exuberance and intense joy we are reminded of the balance and circularity of life.

This week in AICCM’s connected Native family, we experience jubilation and sadness in harmony. We have lost a young twelve year old boy, full of life, who participated in the Edmond Indian Education summer camp this past summer at the Visitor Center, a Ponca elder whose voice and words will always be heard in AICCM’s narrative and a contemporary Comanche writer, scholar and friend will be committed to Oklahoma’s Earth this week as the circle continues.

This is as it should be…for what is joy without sorrow.

	Shoshana Wasserman, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town & Muscogee Creek  Director of Marketing & Public Relations shoshanaw@aiccm.org

Check out the Native Communities section of our web site and the Arts and Cultural section of our web site to learn more about our community.  Think about how you envision the Cultural Center serving as a community connector for you.  Let us know, share your thoughts…they empower and connect us.

	Amy Weaver Development Coordinator amyw@aiccm.org

Early Sunday morning I boarded the Navajo Nation Bus for the first mobile workshop excursion to Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway and Bandelier Monument. As we traveled there were a number guides on the bus who talked about the Jemez people, geography and the Scenic Byways partnership. Park rangers took us on a guided tour of the cliff dwellings.  The guides were very knowledgeable but shared everything from a third person perspective.  Next stop was the Walatowa Visitors Center in the red rocks area of the Jemez Pueblo. The Walatowa elder women’s group graced us with song and fellowship while one of their male elders translated their songs from the Towa language into English.

Monday mornings mobile workshop took us to Puye Cliffs Dwelling National Historic Landmark. I had been there many years ago when visitors were permitted to roam free with little guidance or accountability. The last time I was there I climbed up the ladders to the top of the mesa and then could not manage to get myself back down the ladders when I looked at the distance below.  Now the Santa Clara people having taken a different approach and offer guided tours to specific areas to protect their homeland from incessant vandalism and graffitti which had been a problem in the past. Puye Cliffs is the ancestral home of Santa Clara Pueblo supported 1,500 people from 1100 to 1580 A.D. Porter, a member of the Santa Clara Pueblo and our tour guide extrodinaire took us to the top of the mesa sharing what daily life was like historically and recalling childhood memories running all acorss the site as well as the ceremonies that continue to take place there today. His command of the language, rich personal stories, and charming sense of humor made this a memorable experience that had contemporary cultural relevance.

The conference sessions began Tuesday morning with approximately 270 participant from all over the U.S. Keynote and General session speakers included: Joe Garcia, President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the largest national Indian organization representing over 250 member Tribal Nations; Sammye Meadows, editor of Enough Good People. She served as Cultural Awareness Coordinator for the National Council of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial, working for the Circle of Tribal Advisors from 2000 to 2007. Sandra Necessary currently serves as the Director of the U.S. Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Commercial Service in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Ropata Taylor is of Ngati Rarua and Te Atiawa descent and works for the economic arm of his tribal confederation Wakatu Incorporation as a General Manager in New Zealand. Taylor challenged all to remember that Native places and culture are a way of life rather than just a vehicle for tourism. There was also several Oklahoma Indian Tourism Association members from Oklahoma attending the conference and participating in the Southern Plains Region discussions. 

The closing reception featured Native Music Rocks! A production of and sponsored by First American Music and Entertainment Production, LLC. featuring Grammy Award Winner Micki Free, Keith Secola, Shea, Levi and the Plateros, Casper, Martha Redbone Cindy Blackman and more. 

	Shoshana Wasserman, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town & Muscogee Creek Director of Marketing & Public Relations shoshanaw@aiccm.org

Who do you think you are?  Sounds simple enough to answer; but, when you have only an image or a phrase to sum it up and to make an impression, it can be a difficult thing.  Last week, the AICCM staff had the opportunity to ask, “Who do we think we are?”  We held an internal staff branding retreat…and it was a lot of fun!  It was a time to share among our staff team the words we felt describe the the project…committed, optimistic and enthusiastic were among the words expressed.  Then, we had to seriously ask ourselves, “Who do we think we are to external audiences?”  Now that is the really interesting question…a question that posed an opportunity to express those realities of what building a project like the AICCM means for a community and our state. 

Among our group, we heard “it’s a project that will be an investment for our local and state economy” and “it will be a place to dispel myths and stereotypes.”  Ironically, it was also time that we explored the reality that there are many stereotypes and myths that linger about “who we are” to some external audiences.At the end of the workshop, one thing became apparent…identity is important.  

What we put “out there” whether that is a name, logo, product or exhibit is the tangible evidence of “who we are.”  Today, we proudly put “out there” many images and ideas that have been derived from informative conversations in the Native community about components that are representative of our cultures here in Oklahoma…“Four Elements,” “21st Century Moundbuilders” and “One State…Many Nations” are a few of the ideas we have woven into the fabric of our project expression. 

Now, for the AICCM, it is an important time to understand how we will position our expression for the days ahead.  What are the messages we want to communicate?  What are the ways in which we will create a project site-wide identity that extends beyond the walls of a new Cultural Center & Museum?  For us, it is a good time to invest in a process that takes everything into account – our future and our present identity – and to create a plan to develop a well-informed and positive reputation through aligned internal and external perceptions.

Gena Timberman, Choctaw
Executive Director

genat@aiccm.org

The strong artist network is presently led by Troy Jackson, who is the President of the organization’s Executive Board.  Jackson generously donated one of his own master-crafted pottery pieces to the AICCM in honor of our presentation and outreach to the community.  His work is on display at the CAA gallery, along with diverse works by other artists in the association, such as Shan Goshorn, Denise Chaudoin, Martha Berry, Peggy Sanders Brennan, Wahleah Walker, Abraham Locust, Demos Glass, American Meredith, Kelly Anquoe, and many others.

The community of artists in attendance at the event included Bill Glass, who is the elder half of the father-son team that currently is developing the inaugural artwork for the AICCM’s Art in Public Places program.  Bill is collaborating with his son, Demos, on the sculpture that is to be erected near the AICCM Visitor Center later next year.  Bill offered astute remarks about his collaboration with the AICCM on the project, as well as his observations of the thoughtful planning by the AICCM in all aspects of the project.  “They are doing it right,” Bill said.  Having a father and son collaborate on the first public art piece adds poetry to the project, which is the first of several future public art projects at the AICCM.   

The Cherokee Artists Association gallery is located at 202 East Fifth Street in Tahlequah.  You can also visit the CCA online or call (918) 458-0008.

Russ Tall Chief, Osage Director of Arts & Exhibitions russt@aiccm.org

Tribal members and students in the Cherokee immersion schools alike are using this technology to chat on the web in Cherokee, to video conference with each other as a way to stay connected, and to create their own wonderful, community-driven videos – all in Cherokee!  

At the presentation itself, Mr. Erb was able to connect with a Cherokee tribal member through video conference, so that he could provide an opening blessing in Cherokee from his home.  Apparently, this interactive approach to language use, and the way it keeps the community connected, has been a great success and is creating a healthy environment for the Cherokee language to be perpetuated beyond class room settings.  It was inspirational to hear about this project and the staff at Apple seems committed to continuing to support community and tribal efforts like this one.  It was also inspirational to hear so much Cherokee being spoken (and sung) in one day!!

	Stacey Halfmoon, Caddo, Delaware, Choctaw Director of Community Outreach & Public Programs staceyh@aiccm.org

The current themes are still under development and continue to evolve as we move forward with exhibition design and content development.  So there may be some changes in how we present these various eras and themes in the exhibits.  I will keep you posted about new developments in these and other areas of the exhibits as they are confirmed.  A-ho!

Russ Tall Chief, Osage Director of Arts & Exhibitions russt@aiccm.org

Dr. Khosrow Bozorgi, Ph.D. Arch., Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Oklahoma's School of Architecture brought his fifth year architecture students to the AICCM Visitor Center today to learn about the site wide development goals and the aspirations of the project. He has challenged his class to develop an adjacent property on the NE side of the project that will compliment our project or benefit from AICCM. The group seemed very interested to learn how the AICCM project began and how it will be programmed in the future. They seemed especially interested when I referenced the behind the scenes architectural and engineering nuances.

I always get so inspired when students use our project as a point of reference to develop class projects. As I look at each one of them I see bright, creative minds trying to get their heads wrapped around the magnitude of this development. I can empathize and vividly remember how difficult it was to figure out who all the design and project partners were when I began in 2005?  I literally had to draw a spoke diagram to get all the relationships organized in my mind. Now the students will use our website and other resources to help them develop a comprehensive plan. I look forward to seeing all of your presentations in December. Best of luck to all of you!

Shoshana Wasserman, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town & Muscogee Creek Director of Marketing & Public Relations shoshanaw@aiccm.org

Gena will be honored at the 34th Annual Indian Progress in Business (INPRO) event, which will be held at the “Native American 40 Under 40 Recognition Reception”on Friday, September 18, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Tulsa Hotel in downtown Tulsa. The INPRO 2009 Awards Banquet is a prestigious Native American recognition event acknowledging accomplishments and contributions made by American Indians and those who support their economic and business development endeavors.  One of the highlights of the awards banquet is the presentation of scholarship awards presented to top American Indian undergraduate or graduate students majoring in business who have demonstrated a commitment to giving back to the American Indian community.  Additionally, a portion of the proceeds raised support the mission of the National Center. www.ncaied.org

Founded in 1969, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) is the first national non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation created and directed by American Indians, solely dedicated to developing American Indian economic self-sufficiency through business ownership.NCAIED supplies technical assistance and consulting services in all areas of business development to American Indian owned small businesses and tribal enterprise operations. NCAIED also works with federal government agencies, corporations and foundations to facilitate a business relationship between American Indian enterprises and private industry. NCAIED envisions the birth of more businesses established by and employing American Indians while positively impacting all Indian Nations. "We Mean Business for American Indians"

“Native American 40 Under 40” Honorees
 
1. Adam Kennedy, Seneca Nations of Indians
2. Ann Marie Machamer, Coastal Band Chumash Nation
3. April Wittemore Locklear, Lumbee
4. Brandon YellowBird Stevens, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin
5. Brian Busey, Cherokee
6. Cara Cowan-Watts, Cherokee
7. Carmen Davis, Makah Nation/Chippewa-Cree/Yakama Tribe
8. Cherrah Quiett, Muscogee (Creek) Nation & Cherokee
9. Chris Province, Cherokee
10. Christina S. Theodorou, Lumbee Nation of NC
11. Clara Pratte, Navajo
12. Craig Cooke, St. Regis Mohawk
13. Cyrus Ben, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
14. Danelle Smith, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
15. Deborah Reed, Cherokee
16. Donna Bach, Oorutsaramiut Native Council - Yupik Eskimo-Calista Region
17. Douglas Fifer, CIRI
18. Gabriel Galanda, Round Valley Indian Tribe
19. Gena Timberman, Choctaw
20. James Anderson, Choctaw/Ojibwe
21. James Robinson, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
22. Jason Coochwytewa, Isleta Pueblo/Hopi
23. Jason Giles, Muscogee Creek
24. Jeremy Marshall, Cherokee Nation
25. Jessica Moore, Osage/Otoe/Pawnee/Sac & Fox
26. Kerry Patterson, Seneca
27. Kimberly Teehee, Cherokee Nation of OK
28. Nikishna Polequaptewa, Hopi
29. Philip Busey, Cherokee
30. Richard Tallbear, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
31. Robin Williams, Kiowa/Apache/Nez Perce/Umatilla/Assiniboine
32. Sahar Nouri, MD, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa
33. Sarah Lukin, Native Village of Afognak
34. Stacey Thunder, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians
35. Stuart Paisano, Pueblo of Sandia
36. Tiffany Ellis, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
37. Vernelle Chase, Gros-Ventre
38. Veronica Hix, Cherokee
39. Wayne Don, Cupik
40. Zackeree Kelin, Caddo Nation

Shoshana Wasserman, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town & Muscogee Creek Director of Marketing & Public Relations shoshanaw@aiccm.org