Native American culture highlighted for Indigenous Peoples Day activities
While autumn often evokes visions of red, orange and yellow foliage accompanied by cooler temperatures and the smell of pumpkin spice and nighttime campfires, there’s so much more for those who choose to experience Native American history and lifeways.
While autumn often evokes visions of red, orange and yellow foliage accompanied by cooler temperatures and the smell of pumpkin spice and nighttime campfires, there’s so much more for those who choose to experience Native American history and lifeways.
Indigenous Peoples Day is Monday, and Native American Heritage Month is commemorated in November, and there are several opportunities this weekend and throughout the month within the Cherokee Nation reservation for celebrating Oklahoma’s Native American heritage.
73rd annual Keetoowah Celebration, Tahlequah
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: 18300 W Keetoowah Circle, Tahlequah
Information: www. ukb- nsn. gov/ celebration2023
The event includes a car show, kids’ fishing derby, stickball games, cornstalk shoot and arts and crafts vendors. The annual celebration is open to the public, and honors the Oct. 3, 1950, anniversary when the United Keetoowah Band ratified its constitution and bylaws.
Muskogee Oklahoma Native American Association Indigenous Peoples Day
When and where: 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, Muscogee Indian Community Center, 335 N 4 St., Muskogee
When and where: 9:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 9, MLK Center, 300 W MLK St., Muskogee
Information: Search Facebook for Muskogee Oklahoma Native American Association
Activities on Sunday include lunch and a gospel sing. Monday’s celebration features a march honoring the ancestors, an Indian taco fundraiser, free children’s games and crafts, and an Indigenous art exhibition.
Northeastern State University’s Indigenous Peoples Day, Tahlequah
When: 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9
Where: Beta Field on NSU campus, Tahlequah
Information: Search Facebook for NSU Tribal Studies events
Traditional games are planned from 3 to 5:45 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. by a march from Beta Field to the Peace Pavilion. The event is free and open to the public.
Cherokee Fall Harvest, Sallisaw
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum, 470288 OK-101, Sallisaw
Information: visitcherokeenation.com/eventsand-exhibits/fall-harvest
The festival includes traditional games and artisan demonstrations, and children can choose from the pumpkin patch their favorite pumpkin to decorate.
SkasdiCon, Tahlequah
When: Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4
Where: NSU’s University Center Ballroom, 612 N Grand Ave., Tahlequah
Information: skasdicon. com
Now in its second year, the Indigenous comic convention features a family-friendly cosplay competition, Native popculture panels, screenings and First Americans artists. Special guests for the event include “Prey” producer Jhane Myers and “Super Indian” comic book creator Arigon Starr. The event’s name is from “skasdi,” a Cherokee slang word that “represents pride, impressiveness, awesomeness, fierceness or feistiness.”
