Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission to Host 10th Annual Native American Day Festivities Oct. 12 at Dream Keepers Park

Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission to Host 10th Annual Native American Day Festivities Oct. 12 at Dream Keepers Park

10/4/2026

Tulsa's 10th annual Native American Day celebration, hosted by the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission, is coming up on Oct. 12, starting at 9 a.m., at Dream Keepers Park, 1875 S. Boulder Park Drive.

This year's theme is "Sovereign Roots, Shared Future."

Native American Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October, this year on Oct. 12. Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized Native American tribes, whose economic contributions total $23.4 billion, more than 139,860 jobs and $7.8 billion in paid wages and benefits annually.

Mayor Monroe Nichols will serve as the Parade Marshal for this year's Native American Day celebration, helping kick off the festivities and honor the Native communities, cultures and traditions represented throughout the event.

"Native communities have been an important part of Tulsa's story for generations, and their culture and contributions continue to shape our city today," said Mayor Monroe Nichols. "I'm grateful for the relationships we've built with our tribal nations and for the opportunity to celebrate, listen, and share in that sense of community."

"Native American Day is an opportunity to showcase our culture and heritage through gathering, singing, dancing, and educating our community. It is a day to come together, celebrate our identity, and connect to our roots," said Cheryl Cohenour, Chairman of Native American Day. "Understanding our history creates a sense of belonging. Sharing our traditions helps ensure future generations carry our legacy forward. The holiday also provides us with the opportunity to address important issues faced by Native American communities, such as cultural preservation, language, land rights, social justice, and sovereignty."

Some parking will be available at Dream Keepers Park. A shuttle will also be available from the parking lot of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, 1301 S. Boston Ave. The shuttles will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event goers will need to bring their own chairs if needed. In case of rain, a large general admission tent will be on site.

See below the schedule/agenda for the 2026 Tulsa Native American Day:

9 a.m. - Opening Ceremony

• Welcome and Proclamation Reading - Amanda Swope
• Land Acknowledgement - Councilor Laura Bellis
• Introduction of Tulsa Native American Day Committee
• Posting of Colors - Hoktvke Honor Guard
• Flag Song, Memorial Song, Veterans Song and Victory Song
• Star Spangled Banner - Gabriel Harjo
• The Lord's Prayer Performed by the Princesses Connie Foreman and Archie Mason
• Amazing Grace - Pamela Musgrove
• Introduction of Princesses and Beverly Harjo

10 a.m. - Introduction and Comments by Tribal Leaders

• Principal Chief David Hill - The Muscogee Nation
• Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. - Cherokee Nation
• Principal Chief Joe Tillman - Osage Nation
• Chairman Pepper Henry - Kaw Nation

10:30 a.m. - Princesses' Round Dance - Princess Exhibition

• Introduction of Parade Marshal - Mayor Monroe Nichols

11 a.m. - Parade

12 p.m. - Pawnee Singers

12:15 p.m. - Parade Award Presentations

12:30 p.m. - Cherokee Choir

1 p.m. - Stomp Dance - Duck Creek Host Ground

3 p.m. - Dream Keepers Award Winners

3:30 p.m. - Stomp Dance - Duck Creek Host Ground

4 p.m. - Closing Ceremony

• Veteran Recognition
• Color Guards