'It's One-Of-A-Kind': Tulsa Prepares For Annual Native American Day Celebration

On Oct. 14, Tulsa will honor Native American history, culture, and heritage with its annual Native American Day celebration.

Brittany Dias and Pam Kannady, two of the event organizers, stopped by the Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch to discuss the event.

Native American Day holds significant importance, especially with this year's theme, "Voices." Dias emphasized that this celebration provides the Native community with a platform to take ownership of their narrative, which is often overlooked. It also allows them to share this narrative with neighboring communities, fostering exposure and understanding.

This year marks the eighth annual Native American Day celebration in Tulsa. One of the highlights will be the parade, which promises to be the largest yet, featuring 75 entries. The parade will be led by marshal Scott George, a well-known figure in the community who composed the song "Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)," featured in the film "Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Attendees can also expect to see tribal leaders, including the chiefs of the Osage, Muscogee, and Cherokee tribes, along with around 30 tribal princesses and hundreds of students from various schools representing Native American clubs and education programs. Tribal princesses will lead a round dance, encouraging attendees to join in and engage with the festivities.

Importantly, the event is designed for everyone in the community, not just Native Americans. Dias expressed the significance of sharing this cultural narrative with the wider community, highlighting the celebration as a unique opportunity to connect and educate.

Native American Day will take place on Oct. 14 at Dream Keepers Park, with festivities beginning at 9 a.m. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m., and the celebration runs until 4 p.m. This year will feature around 80 vendors showcasing a variety of Native American art, jewelry, and crafts.