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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.