Annual Native American Heritage Celebration Set for Nov. 17

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- A celebration honoring the “Native American Voices of Oklahoma” will pay tribute to individuals for their contributions to Native American culture, through state service and by Native American youth. A Spirit Award will be presented to honorees in each of the three areas.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services will sponsor the 11th Annual Native American Heritage Celebration on Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oklahoma Capitol Rotunda. 

This event features exhibition booths, traditional Native American music and food. The Native American All-State Dancers, representing schools from across the state, will showcase their talents throughout the program. The group is officially sanctioned by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association.

“This event and date are selected in accordance with the 1998 passage of Oklahoma House Bill 2822, which states, ‘The Third Monday in November of each year is designated as ‘Oklahoma Native American Day’ in Oklahoma,’” noted Joan Kendrick, a member of the OKDHS Native American Heritage Celebration Committee. “The bill invites all citizens of Oklahoma to devote some portion of Oklahoma Native American Day to commemorate the accomplishments of Oklahoma’s Native Americans.”

“This is an opportunity for Native Americans to gather and celebrate their heritage and culture, while sharing their culture with others in the state,” Kendrick added.

The celebration is free and open to the public.

The OKDHS Native American Heritage Celebration Committee’s mission is to educate, appreciate and promote the contributions of the culture, arts and heritage of the Native American population of Oklahoma. 

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