Nico Albert, who is also a Matriarch board member. Lively discussion ensued, with attendees sharing their tribes’ origin of food stories and learning from others. While there has been delight and enlightenment through these practices, the process has not been without challenges. “We stubbed our toe in the beginning trying to get that intertribal piece and connection,” shared Wilson-Clements. “With 39 languages, customs, ceremonies and ways of doing things, it was a learning process in how to safely bring together and facilitate through so many unique perspectives, experiences and traditions.” The group of women has provided each other a lot of grace as they’ve learned together. Sharing tribal stories behind animals, foods and customs has become a beautiful part of group members’ time together. Matriarch members are also keenly aware of the realities of cultural appropriation, and thus never participate in ceremonies or practices they shouldn’t by virtue of tribal rules and expectations, but rather share information respectfully and with the purpose of expanding knowledge and empathy.
“Intertribal connectivity makes us more well- rounded tribal citizens,” said Adams-Cornell. “Understanding why something is important to another people is a good life lesson to understand the value of others.” All the individuals involved in Matriarch, from the organizers to speakers, are volunteers for the nonprofit organization. Members are selected through an annual application process. Potential members don’t have to show a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood or tribal card; the application is open to all women, Two-Spirit and non-binary people who identify as Indigenous. While organizers wish they could serve anyone interested, the application and selection process helps ensure numbers are capped to about 30 members each year based on the budget. There is no charge to Matriarch members to participate, and the organization relies upon an annual fundraiser, grants and small donations to provide their programs and services. “We never want finances to be a barrier to participation,” said Adams-Cornell.
system through the really great, celebratory parts of life and through our struggles.” Teaching self-advocacy has been critical for Matriarch members, including advocating on behalf of cases and legislation involving Missing Murdered Indigenous Women or People (MMIW/IP), educating themselves and others on the realities of domestic abuse and sexual assault and prioritizing mental wellness as much as physical health. Matriarch members were integral in making Indigenous People’s Day an official holiday in Oklahoma City. The group also seeks to create access to accurate and equitable education on Indigenous history, advocates for inclusion of Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ community members and supports efforts to elect Indigenous and Women of Color to local, state or higher offices. Learning Intertribal sharing is another foundational aspect of Matriarch. One of the highest-rated programs by attendees was an Indigenous cooking class taught by Cherokee chef
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