Greater Tulsa Native American Affairs Commission Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Greater Tulsa Native American Affairs Commission met on October 20, 2026, to discuss committee reports, receive updates on Native American Day and Dreamkeepers Park, and hear from special guests. The meeting opened with a land acknowledgement and roll call, with 12 members present, achieving quorum. Chair Matt Roberts and Vice Chair Daniel Carter offered reflections on the commission's purpose and recent successes.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the September 15 meeting were approved after a motion to change the heading from "conclude televised portion of the meeting" to "adjourn." The motion passed unanimously.

Special Presentations

• Sobo Destination District: Tanya Kearney, director of sales at the Brute Hotel and executive director of the new Sobo District, presented on the district's boundaries, goals, and potential collaboration with the Native American community. The Sobo District is a new Tulsa destination district, approved in July 2026, covering South Boulder Avenue from 21st to 15th Street. Kearney highlighted plans for wayfinding signage pointing to Dreamkeepers Park and the Council Oak Tree, tree planting, decorative bike racks, and improved lighting. She expressed interest in working with the commission on future projects, such as Native American-themed murals and traffic box wraps. Parking concerns in the district were discussed. Sam Extance, city manager of destination districts, also spoke about the district's board expansion and grant opportunities.
• Deputy Chief of Staff Visit: Brent Todd, Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Nichols, addressed the commission. He thanked members for their work, particularly on Native American Day, and encouraged continued engagement. He discussed the appointment process for commission members, noting that while the mayor holds appointing authority, recommendations from commissioners are weighed, and he welcomed ongoing conversations about balancing tribal representation. Commissioner David Bible requested more commission input on appointments.

Committee Reports

• Native American Day (Commissioner Cheryl Poinower): The 10th annual Tulsa Native American Day celebration was the largest yet. Key statistics: over 22 schools participated, over 80 parade participants (including one tribal float with 200 walkers), nearly 72 vendors, and an estimated 5,000–8,000 attendees. Over 7,000 people watched the live stream. Sponsors included Cherokee Nation, Osage Casinos, One Oak, and 13 other organizations. The committee will hold a wrap-up meeting to plan improvements. Discussion of potential alternative locations for next year if Dreamkeepers Park is under construction.
• Dreamkeepers Committee (Vice Chair Daniel Carter): The 29th annual Dreamkeeper Awards ceremony will be held on November 17 at the City Council Chambers. Eleven recipients were recognized, and nine attended Native American Day. A Tulsa World editorial featured the recipients. Refreshments will be provided.
• Education Committee (Commissioner Dorcas Williams): Tulsa Public Schools voted on a consolidation plan to close 17 school sites. Native students' services will follow them to their new schools. The committee is preparing for Native American Heritage Month activities, including high school assemblies.
• Public Relations Committee (Commissioner Stacey Lasky): Thanked the City of Tulsa for press coverage and Channel 6 for hosting. Tulsa World featured articles on Native American Day and Dreamkeeper recipients.
• Cultural Committee (Multiple speakers): Reported on community engagement, including elders viewing the event remotely. Praised volunteers and sponsors.
• Parks Committee (Commissioner David Bible): Presented the Dreamkeepers Park design. Key features include tribal gardens (west side on South Boulder), Dreamkeepers Point (monument area with flags of 39 federally recognized tribes and Dreamkeeper plaques), Sovereignty Plaza (flex plaza with food truck space), a natural playground, permanent stage, and significant green space. An open house for community feedback is scheduled for October 27 from 6-8 PM at Centennial Park Parks Department. The design accommodates a large stormwater drain and is within budget. Additional fundraising for interpretive signage is needed. The architects collaborated with Osage, Cherokee, and Muscogee Creek cultural departments.
• Bylaws Committee: The meeting was postponed due to Native American Day; work on discussion drafts continues.

Director of Tribal Policy and Partnerships Report

Director Amanda Swope submitted a written report (summarized by Chair Roberts). Highlights: attended Oklahoma Hispanic Hall of Fame honoring Muscogee Creek Chief Hill; new Police Chief Jonathan Brooks sworn in and supportive of tribal cooperation; 50th anniversary of Council Oak Tree; Native American Day success; cultural center community group continues; billboard on allotment land at 11th and Yale, with Muscogee Nation exercising sovereign authority over tribal trust lands. Commissioner David Bible and Swope are working with Tulsa Parks to use Owen Park Community Center as a gathering place for the Native American community.

Public Comments & Testimony

Two guests introduced themselves: Joni McSpatten (grant strategist indigenizing professional education) and Tyler Duncan (owner of Horacle Coffee, looking for catering opportunities). No formal public comments on specific agenda items.

Other Announcements

• Muscogee Nation will host the Council Oak Ceremony on November 7 (time to be confirmed).
• Tulsa Natives semi-professional basketball team (ABA) has their first game this Saturday.

Key Outcomes

• The September 15 meeting minutes were approved with amendment.
• Commission members were encouraged to attend the Dreamkeepers Park open house on October 27.
• The Dreamkeeper Awards ceremony is set for November 17 at City Council Chambers.
• Deputy Chief of Staff Todd acknowledged the request for more commission input on appointments and will continue discussions.
• The commission will maintain engagement with the Sobo District on future collaboration.
• Next meeting will be on November 17 for the Dreamkeeper Awards.