Annual Event Will Showcase State's Native American Heritage

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL--Dignitaries from across the state will gather to acknowledge the beauty of the state's Native American culture at the 2010 Native American Heritage Celebration.

The event is set for Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oklahoma Capitol Rotunda in Oklahoma City.

"All 39 of Oklahoma’s Native American nations generously share their heritage with their friends, neighbors and fellow Oklahomans, ensuring a legacy befitting one of the state’s richest cultures," said Wilson Seawright, celebration committee chairman. "Each of the state’s tribal nations, whether through their traditional song, dress, art, food, oral history or traditions, have richly contributed to the unique fabric of culture that makes Oklahoma special."

This event features exhibition booths, traditional Native American music and food.

“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,’” Seawright added. “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.”

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. 

###