exhibits, phenomenal programming and educational opportunities. That is something FAM is doing better than anyone — from FAMcamps to bringing in Indigenous cultural conventions — they are embracing the renaissance in Oklahoma. Tribes are at the center of that, and we need to make sure people understand how integral we are to the history and future of this state. What are your priorities as FAM’s CEO? First, I want to get familiar with the staff and see where they need support. My next priority is in-depth, targeted outreach to tribal communities. There are 39 tribes in Oklahoma, and we have a varied range of sizes, resources and geographies, and I want to make sure every tribal community is feeling that outreach and deep engagement. I’m focused on helping open the FAMily Discovery Center, which will [have] permanent exhibits targeted to kids and families. So often we hear adults say they didn’t learn much about Native people in school. I am looking forward to this space where kids are not only familiar with Native history but also learning unique things about these dynamic tribes and how to think from an Indigenous point of view. I don’t think people quite appreciate how unique Oklahoma is in this capacity — to have 39 tribes that represent everything from southeast cultures to woodlands cultures. FAM is perfectly positioned to help share those histories. We can all be proud of these cultures as Oklahomans and as Americans. I’m also looking forward to the opening of OKANA [Resort and Indoor Waterpark], which will open FAM to a new audience. OKANA will bring people to this part of OKC [to] see and discuss Native heritage and culture — and see how tribes are thriving. Do you have a favorite exhibit at First Americans Museum? I’m glad to see how much care and attention FAM puts into telling the stories of Native veterans. At the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center, we have the long room dedicated to our veterans. We went through several iterations until we came to the current one, honoring the spirit of what it means to be in the military. We organized veterans alphabetically so families would be grouped together. In some cases, we have three, four, five generations of the same family who all served. This honors the history and legacy of what it means to be Native American and a military veteran. We had strong warrior societies even before the United States began. For Native people, the history of military service is intertwined with what it means to take care of family and homeland. What makes FAM such a great place for families to visit? FAM is a cultural institution where families can visit, and time after time, there will be something new to see. It’s a way for families to learn together and spend time together. When you see this as your cultural institution and that this history belongs to you as a resident of Oklahoma City, that’s an opportunity to take pride in that history. Construction is ready to start on the FAMily Discovery Center, and the space will be open in early-to-mid 2025. If you’ve visited, you’ve seen Grandmother Turtle marking where it will be, and she will serve as a guide to the immersive space. The space has a storybook, pop-up feel that will take you through various elements of the cultures in Oklahoma today.
Meet more inspirational First Americans at First Americans Museum! The museum is open Wednesday through Monday, and the third Sunday of each month is free for kids 12 and under. Learn more here.
How do you hope to continue to serve as a role model for Indigenous youth? I came from a small, rural community — we didn’t even have AP classes — and now I’ve been at Harvard. I had a wonderful childhood, but there was no one in my orbit who left home to do things outside of our small community. I hope with my life experience that I can be an auntie and relative and friend to say to young people — whether their goal is to stay in their community and work, leave and come back with experience or go out into the world and show people what Indigenous people can do — ‘whatever you can imagine is possible.’ I learned at Harvard that what kids need is encouragement and support. If I can be that person for even one kid in our community, I have done my job. Editor’s note: This article is part of a series produced in conjunction with First Americans Museum to share the stories of inspirational modern-day First Americans. Find the full series at metrofamilymagazine.com/inspirational-first-americans .
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024 13
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