Tulsa Native American Commission Meeting - September 15, 2026

The Tulsa Native American Commission held its regular monthly meeting on September 15, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The meeting began with a roll call of member organizations and a land acknowledgment. Commissioners approved the previous meeting's minutes with one abstention. Reports from the chair, vice chair, and director of tribal policy and partnerships were delivered, followed by committee reports and public comments. Key discussions included the 10th annual Native American Day celebration, a potential official city holiday, updates on the Council Oak Park and trail naming, and a possible purchase of the former Spirit Bank building for a cultural center.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Aaron (a plant porter) expressed frustration over unclear responsibility for Council Oak Park maintenance after its transfer, noting that city staff and vendors were still showing up to mow despite the transfer. He requested clarity and suggested using native plants. He also announced a Keep Oklahoma Beautiful grant for native wildflower seeds (1,200 sq ft) at the site, deadline extended to September 30. He recommended the "Muscogee Trail" name for the Midland Valley Trail and urged a right of first refusal agreement for the Spirit Bank property. He also noted the 50th anniversary of Council Oak's listing on the National Register on September 29 at the Brute Hotel.

Discussion Items

• Chair Report (Matt Roberts): Highlighted the University of Tulsa's matriculation ceremony, where the Native American Student Association performed an honor song. He noted TU President Stacey Leeds' history lesson about TU's origins as a Native American boarding school. The ceremony included bagpipes and an honor song, reflecting positive partnerships.
• Vice Chair Report (Daniel Carter): Expressed encouragement about recent positive developments: Osage representation on commission, a Cherokee president at TU, tribal flags in schools, and partnerships with universities. Emphasized the importance of being ready to serve when called.
• Director's Report (Amanda Swope): Provided updates on: the Gilcrease Museum deaccessioning one item to the Tihone tribe; loan of "White Man's Buffalo" to Denver Art Museum; a cultural center grant application was not submitted this year due to timing but will be pursued in 2025; Council Oak Park foundation events on September 29; the need to clarify city maintenance responsibilities after the park transfer; the Tukabachi Trail naming still pending with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation; intention to bring a folk festival to Tulsa; her participation in the Obama Foundation leadership program; outreach to OCH Minerals Council about developer coordination; attendance at Cherokee Nation holiday and Muscogee Nation citizen services building ribbon cutting; and work on an education campaign for working with tribes.
• Holiday Discussion: Commissioner Bible raised the idea of a more official city holiday (city closed) rather than just a day of recognition like Native American Day. Director Swope said the commission is open to recommendations and noted previous reluctance to make October 12 a holiday due to volunteer needs. The culture committee will take up the discussion after Native American Day.
• Committee Reports:
  • Native American Day Committee: 10th anniversary celebration is three weeks away. Planning is in high gear. Volunteer slots are nearly full with strong student participation from Booker T. Washington, Holland Hall, Bishop Kelly. T-shirt sales are live. Dutch Ceremonial Grounds will lead a stump dance. Insurance application signed.
  • Dream Keepers Committee: 29th annual awards; 16 nominees so far. Awards will be presented on October 12 at 3:30 PM on stage, with formal ceremony at November commission meeting.
  • Education Committee: TPS Indian Ed high school native summit on September 19, college fair; culture camp on September 26 with Lindy Waters III Foundation; Union Public Schools also holding events including a fall bash with speaker Jonathan Josha Badoni.
  • Parks Committee (Cheryl Cornwell): Park design nearly finalized; construction to start after Native American Day. Groundbreaking planned with Chamber of Commerce. Working on larger flag for Council Oak. Spirit Bank sold to Bank First; Commissioner Cornwell asked to be first in line to purchase the building for a potential cultural center. Fundraising for signage and wayfinding still needed; match for grant is covered.
  • Bylaws Committee (Daniel Carter): Postponed by one month to refine proposed changes; will distribute materials ahead of time.

Key Outcomes

• The meeting minutes from the previous meeting were approved with one abstention.
• The culture committee will discuss a potential official city holiday (city closure) and provide a recommendation to the commission.
• The Native American Day celebration is on track for October 12, 2026, with strong community support.
• The parks chair will pursue a right of first refusal for the former Spirit Bank building adjacent to the park for a cultural center.
• The folk festival initiative is seeking letters of support from represented organizations.
• The Tukabachi Trail naming remains pending with the Muscogee Creek Nation, with the name included as an option.
• Commission members were reminded of upcoming events: 918 Day (September 20) with performance, and the NCAI general session in Palm Springs in October.