Oklahoma, Native American poet Joy Harjo receives National Humanities Medal at White House
Brandy McDonnell, The Oklahoman
President Joe Biden presented trailblazing Tulsan and Native American poet, performer and writer Joy Harjo with the National Humanities Medal at a ceremony Monday.
The first Native American and first Oklahoman to serve as U.S. Poet Laureate, Harjo, 73, was honored during a private ceremony at the White House, as part of a group of more than 35 distinguished artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, historians and educators receiving the 2022 and 2023 National Humanities Medals and National Medals of Arts.
The 2022 and 2023 National Medals of Arts recipients include hip-hop stars Melissa "Missy" Elliott and Queen Latifah; actress, director and philanthropist Eva Longoria; stage and screen performer Idina Menzel; filmmakers Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg; documentarian Ken Burns; and the late singer Selena Quintanilla.
Along with Harjo, the National Humanities Medalists range from Emmy-nominated actor and literacy advocate LeVar Burton and Oscar-winning playwright, screenwriter and director Aaron Sorkin to acclaimed documentary filmmaker Dawn Porter and the late chef, author and television personality Anthony Bourdain.
The White House presentation of the medals was followed by a reception Monday afternoon. The reception was to include remarks by President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, National Endowment for the Arts Chair Maria Rosario Jackson and National Endowment for the Humanities Chair Shelly C. Lowe.
“Oklahoma Humanities is proud to celebrate Joy Harjo on winning this prestigious national award for her ceaseless efforts to narrate and illuminate diverse human experiences and perspectives. We congratulate her achievements and are appreciative of her years of partnership," said Caroline Lowery, executive director for the Oklahoma Humanities, the state affiliate for the National Endowment for the Humanities, in an email to The Oklahoman.
Who is National Humanities Medalist Joy Harjo?
A Tulsa native and Muscogee Nation citizen, Harjo in 2019 became the first Oklahoman and first Native American to be named the U.S. Poet Laureate. The 23rd person to take on the role of the country's official poet, Harjo served a rare three terms into 2022. She is just the second Poet Laureate, after Robert Pinsky, to receive such an extension since the position's duties were established in 1943.
"What my appointment did was it opened up an immense door of awareness for Native people. And it did so for Oklahoma, too, because there's never been a poet laureate from Oklahoma (before), but there's been a lot of really fine poets from Oklahoma," Harjo told The Oklahoman in a 2021 interview.
In 2022, Harjo was named the inaugural artist in residence for Tulsa's new Bob Dylan Center.
In recent years, the influential Tulsa-based musician, writer and activist also has been inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and National Native American Hall of Fame, received the 2024 Frost Medal from the Poetry Society of America and Yale’s 2023 Bollingen Prize for American Poetry and earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from Americans for the Arts.
In 2021, she became just the 14th artist designated an Oklahoma Cultural Treasure, joining the ranks of Sooner State luminaries like Wanda Jackson, Te Ata, Wilson Hurley, N. Scott Momaday, Ed Ruscha, Charles Banks Wilson, John Hope Franklin, Doc Tate Nevaquaya and the five Native American ballerinas known as the "Five Moons."
Harjo is the author of 10 books of poetry and three award-winning children’s books, as well as several screenplays and three plays. As a musician, she has released several albums and performs with her saxophone and flutes, both solo and with her current band, the Arrow Dynamics Band, and previously with Joy Harjo and Poetic Justice.
"The Muscogee Nation is once again in awe of the achievements of one of our most talented and visionary citizens. ... The latest recognition, as a recipient of the President's National Medal of the Arts, is a continuation of her legacy as a trailblazer and further cements her place as an inspiration for the next generation of Mvskokvlke," said Muscogee Nation Press Secretary Jason Salsman, in an email to The Oklahoman.
"We are so proud that she places the importance of Mvskoke culture and the communal spirit of our people at the forefront of all of her work, and that it is showcased on a global stage."
Main Street to be Renamed Pawnee Nation
Pawnee Reserve, Okla. - October 11, 2024, Mayor Cottle and other City officials held a Special Meeting at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall (located at 510 Illinois) to deliberate possible action to rename main street (currently Harrison Street) as Pawnee Nation Street.
While other items were on the Special Meeting Agenda, the discussion of the possibility of honoring the Pawnee Nation with a permanent street took priority as Pawnee Business Council (PBC) presented the graceful, official request to rename main street after Pawnee Nation.
City officials reserved the right to gather information about the potential of “red tape” around the process of “the renaming”. Joyce Cheatham (Ward 5) researched the history of Harrison Street before agreeing to the name change and commented that she saw “no problem” proceeding with the change.
Police Chief Wesley Clymer was present at the meeting along with County Assessor, Melissa Waters. The Emergency Services personnel pointed out that the renaming would NOT have adverse effects on their services.
To give some timeline of the history of nomenclature, the city itself has long time shouldered the name of the Pawnee Tribe (relocated from Nebraska to Oklahoma between 1873 and 1875).
The Post Office was redesignated from Pawnee Agency to Pawnee in 1893. The city was incorporated in April 1894. According to the public Pawnee County Historical Museum Day Proclamation, “a small group of concerned Pawnee citizens met for the first time, September 28, 1978 (https://www.pawneechs.org/proc-county.html)”.
The next meeting date for City Council can be found HERE, in which further discussion and possible action will take place on behalf of the Pawnee Nation’s request. Mayor Cottle did not give a statement after the meeting.
Travois receives tax credits to support economic development in Native communities
$35M New Markets Tax Credit allocation can help fund school facilities, health clinics, and more
Kansas City, Missouri — Travois has received $35 million in New Markets Tax Credits to support economic development projects in Native communities.
For the second consecutive year, the U.S. Department of the Treasury allocated tax credits for Travois New Markets, a nationally certified Community Development Entity (CDE) in Kansas City, Missouri. Tribal governments and organizations that partner with Travois can use New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) to help finance various projects, including school facilities, for-profit businesses, public infrastructure, health clinics, and more.
“New Markets Tax Credits are an essential tool for filling funding gaps for projects in places with the greatest need,” said Phil Glynn, president of Travois. “We applaud Tribal leaders around the country who have advocated for greater access to NMTCs in Native communities. We look forward to financing projects that create jobs, treat patients, educate students, provide groceries, and many other important services.”
New Markets Tax Credits are allocated by the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, a division of the U.S. Department of Treasury, to qualified CDEs. CDEs are private companies that finance economic development projects in low-income communities.
Travois New Markets was the only CDE focused exclusively on supporting Native communities to receive an allocation during the latest funding round. It is currently seeking Tribal economic development projects eligible to use NMTCs.
Last year, three Native-focused CDEs, including Travois New Markets, Chickasaw Nation Community Development Endeavor, and Native American Bank, received a combined $150 million in NMTCs.
Already, last year's allocations are creating a meaningful impact. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation recently used NMTCs from Native American Bank, Chickasaw Nation Community Development Endeavor, and Clearinghouse CDFI to assist in financing a $36 million health clinic in Omak, Washington. Travois New Markets helped to facilitate this closing, and US Bank Impact Finance provided the NMTC equity investment.
“Tribal organizations have a proven track record of using New Markets Tax Credits to help fund community-focused projects,” said Michael Bland, director of community investments at Travois. “From health clinics to schools to infrastructure, these projects will make a huge difference in the lives of the people they serve for years to come.”
About Travois
Travois is a Certified B Corporation focused exclusively on promoting housing and economic development for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Since 1995, Travois has brought investor equity to more than 260 developments in 23 states through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, making an impact of more than $2 billion across Indian Country. These private investor funds have helped build or rehabilitate over 6,400 homes and have helped finance critical economic developments, including infrastructure, health care, community centers, education facilities, and job incubators.
The Travois family of companies also offers architectural design, construction monitoring services, consulting on green energy improvements, asset management and compliance services and comprehensive training to clients. For more information, please visit travois.com. Find us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Fixico Campaigns for Tulsa Mayor
“And if elected,” Fixico bellows from the podium. “I promise A chicken in every pot, and pot in every pothole!”
“That’s a lot of pot!” somebody yells.
The crowd roars its approval as Fixico’s mayoral campaign speech is interrupted by a standing ovation from the assembled Tulsans. Fixico beams proudly.
The occasion is a campaign stop at The Rez Room Bar. A capacity crowd has assembled in the decrepit bar to support Fixico’s mayoral crusade. Or they wanted free beer.
“And if elected, I will legally change the spelling of Tulsa to Tvlse in honor of its Mvskoke origins,” Fixico screams above the din.
The adoring crowd begins to chant in unison, “Fixico! Fixico! Fixico!” as they stomp their feet and clap their hands. Fixico theatrically quaffs a cold, frosty pint.
The revelry at the Rez Bar is interrupted by an intruder on the stage. It is Iwanna Ree-Count. Ree-Count brushes Fixico aside and aggressively commandeers the speaker’s podium. The crowd is hushed into a shocked silence. Tarpalechee clutches his pearl necklace.
“Hello everybody. My name is Iwanna Ree-Count. I am also running for Tulsa Mayor,” the man says. “And I’m here to challenge this libtard Fixico to a debate!”
“Booo!” the crowd responds.
“Well, look. I’m just calling it as it is. He’s a liberal,” Ree-Count says. “You heard him. He wants to give Tulsa back to the Creeks. I say it was stolen fair and square!”
Fixico strides to the microphone and elbows Ree-Count aside. Fixico speaks into the mic as he stares at Ree-Count.
“Welcome to the Mvskoke reservation, Ree-Count,” Fixico says.
Fixico’s declaration is met with loud cheers and deafening applause. Again, chants of “Fixico! Fixico! Fixico!” reverberates across the Rez Bar. Fixico motions for silence.
“Folks you’ll have to forgive my opponent. He is a white winger after all. Look at him, he is whiter than Crisco shortening.”
Snickers and derisive laughter fill the room.
“He’s whiter than a sheep. In fact, he is a sheep. He’s a sheep in sheep’s clothing.”
Mocking guffaws fill the room. Ree-Count takes offense.
“That was uncalled for,” an indignant Ree-Count yells at Fixico. “I demand you take that back!”
“Ok, I take it baaaaa-ck,” Fixico taunts. “Just like we took Tvlse baaaaa-ck.”
Derisive laughter sweeps across the bar. People point at Ree-Count and cackle. They hoot and holler. Ree-Count loses his cool and charges at Fixico. However, me and Yahola get between him and Fixico.
“Ha! Nothing to fear, boys, he’s a sheep,” an unconcerned Fixico says.
Fixico breaks into the Ali shuffle. Dressed in dark green warmups with neon yellow strips on the pant legs, he shadow boxes and mimics hitting the heavy bag. He further taunts Ree-Count.
“I am the greatest!” Fixico shouts. “I am the most beautiful fighter in the world today! Look at this pretty face,” Fixico says with a toothy grin. “In round four, Ree-Count will soar out the door!”
“Lemme at him!” Ree-Count screams.
Fixico is undaunted. Only an arm’s length away from Ree-Count, Fixico begins a joyful break dance. He starts with the Indian Step (naturally), then transitions to a hip twist, followed by a series of kick steps.
Then the ultimate insult; Fixico does the Kangaroo Hop famously done by Raygun at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He leans far back on his left leg, his right knee chest high, his face pointed towards the ceiling, and his arms in a T-Rex position. Fixico mockingly hops towards Ree-Count. Dressed in dark green warmups with a yellow stripe, he resembles Raygun.
Blinded by rage, Ree-Count breaks free of our restraint and bull rushes Fixico. With one quick Kangaroo hop, Fixico sidesteps the onrushing Ree-Count. Ree-Count makes a quick U-turn and approaches Fixico from behind. Fixico hops into the air and with both feet he kangaroo kicks Ree-Count.
Ree-Count is down for the count. He lies motionless on the Rez Bar’s discolored shag carpet. Harjo, the rotund proprietor of the Rez Bar steps between Fixico and Re-Count. He is dressed in his usual attire of a soiled bartender apron whose strings strain to surround his ample girth. A stub of cigar hangs out the side of his mouth.
“One McGirt. Two McGirt, Three McGirt,” Harjo says as he sounds out the count. “…Nine McGirt, Ten McGirt!”
“Heyluh!” Harjo says as he wipes his sweaty bald head with a paper towel. He raises Fixico’s right hand high into the air.
“And the winner in Round 4 by KO is Fixico!” Harjo says.
Fixico’s kangaroos hop break dance, and his knockout of Ree-Count goes viral worldwide. He rises in the polls and becomes the front runner to be Tvlse’s next mayor.
