Cherokee Nation celebrates 5-day schools being placed into trust
After 40 years of negotiations with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the deeds to the land where five-day schools were located belong to the Cherokee Nation again.
By Katie Hallum (ᏧᏟ), KOSU
Day schools featured prominently during the boarding school-era. More than a century ago, thousands of Native children were taken from their families and forced into government or religiously run institutions. These children faced domestic and sexual abuse at these schools. Many died, and some bodies are still missing today.
The five properties stretch across five counties and are known as Ballou Day School, Mulberry Hollow Day School (also known as Rabbit Trap School), Oak Hill-Piney Day School, Oaks Mission Day School and Redbird Smith Day School. Together, they contain 84 acres of land.
The finalizing of the trust agreements and deed transfers marks another completed project under the tribe's 2023 Cherokee Nation Repatriation Project.
Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. says the long-term plan for these sites is to build places where rural citizens can gather and access resources.
“I think some of these are so rural that there wouldn't be an opportunity to put other types of investment in there, such as health care,” he said. “But there is an opportunity to do something important for community organizing, and that is a community building.”
Potential features of these projects include improving broadband internet access, elder services, language revitalization centers and community events.
Sovereign Bank gets new signage at OKC location
Sovereign Bank proudly unveiled its new signage at 3030 NW Expressway in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, after changing its name from First National Bank & Trust Co. in April 2023. This strategic move reaffirms its rich heritage as the largest tribally owned financial institution in America.
“This new name not only honors the bank’s origins but also underscores its enduring commitment to empowering all communities and upholding the principles of sovereignty and self-determination,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Alicia Wade.
The rebranding to Sovereign Bank represents much more than a name change. The decision to adopt the name Sovereign Bank reflects the institution’s dedication to their core values and its role as a pivotal player in the financial landscape.
“The name Sovereign Bank is a tribute to our roots and a reflection of our mission,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Bryan Cain. “Our name encapsulates our commitment to sovereignty, not just in name but in action. We are dedicated to supporting economic development, preserving cultural heritage and advancing financial opportunities for all our clients.”
Sovereign Bank remains dedicated to its mission of fostering economic self-sufficiency and providing unparalleled financial services to its clients. The bank’s name marks a significant milestone in its journey, reinforcing its position as a leading financial institution rooted in values and committed to creating lasting impact.
“Our new name is a powerful reminder of our heritage and our ongoing commitment to support the economic and financial aspirations of our communities,” added Cain.
With a strong commitment to sovereignty and self-determination, Sovereign Bank continues to lead in delivering innovative and impactful financial services.
Applications open for Leadership Native Oklahoma 2025
Written By: Rachael Schuit
(OKLAHOMA) Applications for Leadership Native Oklahoma (LNO) are officially open with the start of the 2025 class just four months away.
LNO has been taking place since 2016, and this year’s 45 seats are highly coveted because of the unique opportunities to visit new tribes and engage in person with tribal leadership. A record 17 applications were received as soon as the application form opened.
Ayla Medrano is a graduate of the LNO class of 2018 and the Lead Coordinator for LNO 2025.
Medrano said this year’s class will include a special opening for the first session in March.
"I will say that this will be one of the first times we will have over three tribes in one session,” said Medrano. “There will be a session, just a little sneak peek, where we will have more than one tribe in attendance hosting on one day so that is really exciting.”
Medrano also said LNO 2025 will be unlike any other leadership program that exists because of its specific focus on incorporating Native ways into leadership style.
“We're also going to be really implementing our culture and language, as we are a Native people, into our leadership and how that corresponds with how we function working in two worlds, our Native world and non-Native world,” Medrano said. “And, you know, opening those doors for our leaders and for the ones coming up behind us so we can have that path of showing different styles of leadership.”
LNO is an opportunity for class participants to hear about each other’s initiatives and create new partnerships with one another through networking and camaraderie. Each class is diverse, consisting of tribal leaders past and present, mayors, tribal court officials, business leaders, and other professionals.
LNO participants also have an opportunity to tour unique tribal facilities and enjoy traditional lunches.
Additionally, AICCO will take new steps in 2025 to ensure that participation with LNO alumni is maintained and expanded as the new class gets underway.
“We are also going to start having an annual LNO alumni event every February and that will be for all past LNO alumni who have graduated to come together, reunite, and get those classes to mix and meet the 2018 class to the 2023 class to 2024,” said Medrano. “Then at their graduation when this new class will graduate in 2025 in August, after their graduation we will have a get together and celebration to celebrate them graduating which will then bring in the past alumni to meet this new graduating class.”
The deadline to apply to the LNO Class of 2025 is January 15, 2025.
Medrano encourages everyone who is interested to apply.
“It puts you in front of the tribal leaders of these nations and then the directors or the ones working in each of these different programs that are working with maybe the social services or working with the citizens, working to preserve language,” said Medrano. “They have this door of opportunity and ultimately you're just shutting the door on yourself by not applying and not taking that chance to meet a great great group of people and just continually build themselves as a leader for Indian Country."
Classes take place on the fourth Monday of each month starting in March and ending in July with a graduation ceremony and celebration in August.
If you’re interested in sponsoring LNO 2025 please email chamber@aiccok.org.
Learn more about the Leadership Native Oklahoma program and apply at https://aiccok.org/leadership-native-oklahoma/
Native Tourism Industry honors Choctaw Cultural Center
Major national award recognizes tribal museum efforts
DURANT, Oklahoma – The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has named the Choctaw Cultural Center its Best Cultural Heritage Experience. The award was given as part of the Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards.
“It’s an honor to recognize the Choctaw Cultural Center for their incredible achievements as the 2024 Best Cultural Heritage Experience,” said Sherry L. Rupert, AIANTA, Chief Executive Officer. “They epitomize how Indigenous cultural and heritage tourism programs can successfully attract visitors and grow economic development while celebrating their own heritage and culture.”
In addition to exhibits, the center offers classes, programs, workshops, events, and activities created around Choctaw culture, traditions, and core values.
Awardees were announced on Oct. 30 at the 26th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference in Marksville, La.
American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-owned hospitality businesses contribute $15.7 billion in annual sales to the tourism sector in the U.S., according to a report by AIANTA.
“The Choctaw Cultural Center strives to bring an immersive experience that unites each guest with the Choctaw journey,” said Scott Wesley, senior director of the Choctaw Cultural Center. “This award validates our excellence and leadership in the industry.”
