OSU Students, Faculty, Staff and Sovereign Nation Leaders Gather for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 200 Oklahoma State University students, faculty, staff, sovereign nation leaders and friends stood shoulder-to-shoulder to set a record for the largest tribal jurisdiction map. In spring 2017, OSU Student Government Association passed a resolution that Oct. 9, 2017, would be the university's first Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Native American Student Association with support from Arts and Sciences Student Council, American Indian Studies, the Center for Sovereign Nations, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Student Affairs and the Student Government Association joined together to illustrate the importance of honoring the tribal nations of Oklahoma and their citizens. Participants wore t-shirts in colors associated with each tribal jurisdiction on the map.
Many described this experience as personal as they lifted up sections of the map that represented their families and tribal communities. Participants expressed eagerness to share in this educational and heartfelt celebration next year.
The Center for Sovereign Nations is located on Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Created as a result of President Hargis’ vision for focused service to sovereign tribal nations in Oklahoma, the Center for Sovereign Nations was launched in August 2015 through the joint investment of The Chickasaw Nation and OSU. In August 2016, the center celebrated the addition of the Choctaw Nation as a center partner. There is an ongoing invitation to other tribal nations to join as center partners. The center has a three-fold mission: it educates about tribal sovereignty; it promotes student success and graduation; and it develops partnerships between OSU and the tribal nations in Oklahoma. Find more information about the Center for Sovereign Nations at sovnationcenter.okstate.edu.
PHOTOS: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ostatenews/albums/72157686911526681