On a day dedicated to Indigenous recognition at the Oklahoma Capitol, lawmakers took a moment to celebrate the cultural contributions of Red Earth Inc. The organization, lauded for nearly 40 years of dedication to Native American heritage, was honored on Red Earth Day. During a session on Wednesday, Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, who oversees Tribal and External Affairs and is a member of the Choctaw Tribe, presented Red Earth Inc.'s leadership with an official citation.
"Oklahoma is Indian country, and no matter if you are a citizen of one of our 39 tribes, or not, our culture, history and art are a part of every fiber of who we are as a state and how we are recognized around the world," Fetgatter highlighted the bond tying Oklahoma to its Indigenous roots. The nod to Red Earth Inc. included recognitions for Executive Director Chelsey Curry (Tlingit), President Jeff Hargrave (Muscogee Creek/Choctaw), and board members Amanda Williams and LaRenda Morgan, both of Cheyenne and Arapaho descent, along with Verna Street (Cherokee and Meherrin) and Domingo Whiteman also of Cheyenne and Arapaho background, according to information on Oklahoma House of Representatives website.
The celebration wasn't just for show. Red Earth Inc. has been a pivotal force in preserving Indigenous arts, fostering appreciation and education through numerous initiatives, including their Red Earth Festival, a renowned global event showcasing Native artistic brilliance. Joining in the festivities was Rep. Ken Luttrell, co-chair of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Native American Caucus and of Cherokee heritage, who also helped welcome the members of Red Earth Inc.
