How to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month in Oklahoma
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month (November) in Oklahoma, home to 39 tribal nations, comes somewhat easy if you know where to look. There are a ton of restaurants, museums, and sites you could visit in November or any month of the year to support native business owners. There are also several events throughout the month honoring the indigenous heritages that make up this beautiful state.
Today, I’ll be listing a handful of my favorites in hopes that this list encourages you to support these businesses and others. When local businesses thrive, our community thrives.
Restaurants
Nātv, Broken Arrow
This upscale restaurant brings native cuisine to the farm-to-table style. Using local Oklahoma ingredients, Nātv Executive Chef Jacque Siegfried (Shawnee – my tribe!!!) dreamt up the idea for a modern take on indigenous dishes.
Skydance Brewery, Oklahoma City
If you’ve read my blog listing the 9 best local taprooms in OKC, you know that Skydance is my favorite brewery. Skydance Brewing Co.’s owner, Jake Keyes (Iowa Tribe) is a recipient of Native Business Magazine’s Top 50 Native Entrepreneurs.
They have new releases each Friday, and during November, each beer label is created by a local native artist. There is also native art featured throughout the taproom available to purchase.
Also, their beer is GREAT 😁
Shopping
Southwest Trading Company, Tulsa
If you are searching for handmade native items, Southwest Trading Co. is the perfect one-stop shop for all gift items, food, blankets, candles, art, and so much more.
A father-daughter duo, David and Ashley Bible of the Muscogee (Creek) tribe are bringing powwow vendors to their brick-and-mortar store. Starting out as a powwow vendor herself, Ashley wanted to create a space where guests could access their favorite native products more frequently.
Museums + Sites
First Americans Museum, OKC
Honoring the tribes who inhabited the land now known as Oklahoma, and the tribes that were displaced here, the First Americans Museum (FAM) explores the history and resilience of indigenous people in this region.
A truly one-of-a-kind experience, FAM has rotating exhibits, a theater, and a gift store featuring products from native-owned businesses, and hosts many events promoting indigenous culture.
While you’re there, grab brunch or lunch at the museum’s restaurant: Thirty Nine. The menu is filled with indigenous-inspired dishes including bison burgers and hominy stew. You don’t need a museum ticket to visit the restaurant.
Five Moons Ballerina Statues, Tulsa
The Five Moons, based on five internationally acclaimed Native American ballerinas, is located right outside of the Tulsa Historical Society. It represents 5 ballerinas: Yvonne Chouteau, Rosella Hightower, Moscelyne Larkin, Maria Tallchief, and Marjorie Tallchief.
The stunning statues depict the beauty of the art of ballet and the beauty of these native women who broke down barriers and left a huge impact on their communities.
Exhibit C Gallery, OKC
If you are on the lookout for native art to add to your collection or want to appreciate native art, look no further than Exhibit C Gallery in Oklahoma City. Owned by the Chickasaw Nation, one of the five main tribes in Oklahoma (AKA the Five Civilized Tribes), Exhibit C highlights various art forms like paintings, jewelry, pottery, and clothing.
