Greater Tulsa Indian Affairs Commission Monthly Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Greater Tulsa Indian Affairs Commission held its regular monthly meeting on May 19, 2026. The meeting included roll call, a land acknowledgement, approval of minutes, reports from the chair, vice chair, director, and various committees, discussion of old and new business, and announcements from commissioners and community members. No formal votes were taken on resolutions or policy changes beyond the approval of minutes.

Consent Calendar

• Roll call was conducted with members present as listed in the transcript. A land acknowledgement was read, recognizing the Cherokee Nation, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and Osage Nation whose reservation lands encompass Tulsa.
• Minutes from the April meeting were approved with minor typographical corrections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• There was no formal public comment period. However, during the announcements section, several commissioners shared community updates. Commissioner Powell discussed a proposed community center/gathering place, emphasizing that the community desires a space for daily activities beyond museums, based on a survey by Crosswind News. He recalled past institutions like the Tulsa Indian Youth Council and expressed hope for a similar venue.

Discussion Items

• Chair's Report: Chair Bible welcomed Commissioner Brandy, noted graduations, and shared a document about the Native American Day celebration. He highlighted inter-tribal commission coordination and a planned summer retreat.
• Vice Chair's Report: Vice Chair Carter reported on the State of the Tribal Nations event hosted by the Tulsa Regional Chamber, which featured leaders from Cherokee, Muscogee Creek, and Osage Nations discussing partnerships in health, education, and economic development.
• Director's Report (Amanda Swope): Director Swope provided updates on multiple initiatives:
  • Settlement with Muscogee Nation: Final draft received with minor amendments; meeting planned with Chief Hill and Mayor Nichols to review accomplishments and remaining actions.
  • Dreamkeeper Park Cultural Advisory Committee continues to meet.
  • Met with NYU regarding wildfire mitigation collaboration with tribes.
  • Work on a potential cultural center with Anna America (Parks) to identify a location for a grant submission by July.
  • South Tulsa Dam project: Four cost-reduction concepts presented, but a significant funding gap remains.
  • Attended Greenwood Legacy Corporation community meeting; funding may involve changes to a city ordinance.
  • Planning the Tulsa Renewable Business Alliance Summit focused on job creation and connecting tribes to renewable energy resources.
• Native American Day Committee: Next meeting May 28; theme "Sovereign Roots, Shared Future"; parade marshal is the Mayor; featured artist Jessica Harjo; planning a round dance for students; 10th anniversary of the event.
• Dreamkeepers Committee: Two nominees received; challenge to submit more; awards will be presented at Native American Day and the November meeting. Commissioner Quiton will coordinate nominations.
• Education Committee (Commissioner Williams): Reported on Tulsa Public Schools' Student of Excellence Awards: 12 students recognized, 200+ graduating seniors, 48 attendees. Each graduate received a certificate, a glass feather gift, and graduation cords from Indian Education, Cherokee Nation, and Muscogee Nation. Keynote speaker was Trey Pipe Stem, a Booker T. Washington alumnus.
• Cultural Committee (Commissioner Powell): Announced the Muscogee Nation's 6th annual Honor Walk to Protect Sacred Sites on June 24, including opening ceremonies, lunch, and activities.
• Parks Committee (Commissioner Cohenauer): Dreamkeeper Park is in the design phase; renderings reduced to three concepts, incorporating natural play areas. Input gathered from Council Oak Elementary and community. Fundraising continues.
• Bylaws Committee: The amended ordinance is now in the city code. Virtual meetings will be scheduled to draft new bylaws; all commissioners may submit recommendations.
• Old Business: Update on the local monument trail – Secretary Butler's office is compiling name options; a descendant expressed frustration about lack of involvement. The next nation meeting is expected next week.
• New Business:
  • Commissioner Deer reported on NCAI mid-year (June 14-17 in Memphis): Resolutions addressed ICE detention centers in Durant and Ardmore; Chief Batten of Choctaw Nation purchased the land to end the detention center. Wounded Knee veterans' awards denied by D.C. committee; further action planned. IGA election retained Matt Morgan and Billy Friend; focus on predictive markets. Tribes raised ~$4 million for potential litigation.
  • Miss Lowry (via proxy) announced an open house for the new Cherokee community building in North Tulsa on Saturday, June 6, from 12-4 PM.

Key Outcomes

• April meeting minutes were approved.
• Motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and carried unanimously.
• No other formal votes were taken; all other items were informational or updates.

Announcements

• Kira Carvey's genealogy workshop for the 1921 Race Massacre on June 19 will include a session on Oklahoma Native genealogy and Dawes Rolls research.
• Tulsa Indian Club's 22nd annual 5K/10K run at Mohawk Park on Memorial Weekend (320+ participants last year).
• Indian Healthcare Resource Center's "Dance of the Two Moons" fundraiser for its 50th anniversary.
• Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma fundraiser raised $1 million.
• Commissioner Powell shared memories of the Tulsa Indian Youth Council and encouraged community involvement in a future community center.
• Osage Nation broke ground on a new clinic in Skiatook.
• Mention of NBA player Lindy Waters III (Cherokee and Kiowa) playing in the Western Conference Finals.