OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA | CULTURAL HERITAGE

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

Honoring First Americans

Long-awaited museum has a new name

“Tribes are an active and stabilizing force in Oklahoma with deep and permanent roots. Through this museum, we carry forward our stories and culture for the benefit of all Americans today and in the future.”

— BILL ANOATUBBY , Chickasaw Nation governor and chairman of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority First Americans Museum

MATT BROWN

HE MUCH ANTICIPATED

TAMERICAN Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City is getting a new name.

Last December, city and tribal officials announced the facility will be called the First Americans Museum (FAM) . Construction on the 175,000-square-foot building, expected to open next spring, began in 2006 but was delayed for years after the project ran out of funds and the local legislature refused to allocate more. In 2016, the city, state and tribal nations reached an agreement to finish construction.

“As we approach the opening of this world-class museum, I was in full agreement with the leadership of the initiative that it was appropriate to move forward with a brand that truly reflects the story we’re going to tell here,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said at the time of the announcement . “As a proud Osage and a proud mayor, I am thrilled to see this exciting project move forward as the First Americans Museum. FAM will be a unique, global destination where we celebrate our native culture and the 39 tribal nations in Oklahoma today.”

The museum, located along the bank of the Oklahoma River just south of downtown Oklahoma City, will house artifacts that tell the history of the state’s federally recognized tribes. It will showcase art, host educational programs and include a family discovery center with immersive activities. A full-service restaurant will offer Native American-inspired cuisine, and the museum store will sell authentic handmade items created by First American artists.

“This cultural center and museum will serve as a dynamic venue where tribal voices celebrate Native American culture and contributions to our state,” says Bill Anoatubby , Chickasaw Nation governor and chairman of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority , the state agency building the facility. “Tribes are an active and stabilizing force in Oklahoma with deep and permanent roots. Through this museum, we carry forward our stories and culture for the benefit of all Americans today and in the future.”

Representatives of 39 tribal nations

SHANE BROWN

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION