Native American Heritage
Without question, tribal heritage is part of our culture in Oklahoma. Regardless of racial or ethnic background, Oklahomans appreciate and recognize the richness of tribal heritage that exists around us. In our state alone, there are 39 sovereign tribes and that has truly helped keep our state "Indian Country." As a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, I consider it a great privilege to be one of only four Native Americans currently serving in Congress.
Explore the links below to learn more about tribal affairs, history and preservation of a very unique heritage.
Native American Affairs
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA): Manages land belonging to tribes, maintains relationships with individual tribes and oversees education services to Native American children
National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC): The federal agency in charge of oversight and regulation of Native American gaming enterprises
Indian Health Service (IHS): An operation under the Department of Health and Human Services that helps provide health services to tribes
Preserving Indian Heritage
Red Earth: Website that promotes tribal traditions such as art and dance
500 Nations: Online resource that provides updates across all of Indian Country
Native American History
We Shall Remain: PBS-produced series examining the profound part that Native American heritage plays in American history
National Museum of the American Indian: Museum curated by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. that works to preserve the history and artwork of native peoples
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: Oklahoma City-based museum with an impressive collection of western artifacts and artwork, including pieces that chronicle the experience of Oklahoma's tribes
Personal Stories
Chickasaw.tv: Series of videos about how my tribal heritage influences my life
YouTube Playlist: Collection of videos from speeches I've given about tribal affairs
Oklahoma Humanities Magazine: For the Democracy issue (Fall/Winter 2016), I wrote an essay about what tribal sovereignty means today.