Stories to tell: First Americans Museum announces opening date

Photo: Lori Duckworth

For so long, Native Americans have collectively been seen as one culture, the unique stories of the individual tribes lost to generalizations and stereotypes. When the doors open to the First Americans Museum (FAM), the rich traditions of each of the 39 Tribes in Oklahoma today will be shared with the world.

“This place will create bridges, an understanding between cultures and the awareness of what First Americans bring to the world,” said Ginny Underwood, marketing & communications manager, First Americans Museum. “The lessons learned when visiting our museum will be transformational to everyone who comes through the doors.”

A two-day grand opening to the public is planned for Sept. 18 and 19 and no one is more excited than those who have taken such care to create FAM and ensure the stories of culture and tradition are told. From the authentic art, jewelry and weavings selected for the FAMstore, to the indigenous cuisine in the on-site restaurant, individuality of the tribes will be at the forefront. “Finally, there will be an authentic place by us, for us. We are proud of our history and this museum represents our unique and diverse culture,” added Underwood.

As you approach the grounds, the iconic earthen mound is a tribute to the mound-builder civilizations. A walk to the top represents life’s journey and the connection to the cosmos. The peak is symbolic of the journey of tragedy and triumph experienced by Native peoples. Below the mound is the outdoor Festival Plaza—the size of three football fields—and future home to powwows, stick-ball games, stomp dances, concerts and cultural festivals.

Hall of The People

An architectural highlight of FAM is the Hall of The People. Taking its design from the original Wichita Grasshouse, the hall is comprised of ten columns. Each column represents the ten miles traveled daily by Native people from their original homelands to Indian Territory during forced removal. The hall serves as a programming space and is the museum’s largest special events venue. Plus, it offers perfect views of the winter and summer solstice and spring and autumnal equinox.

Winter Solstice

The Remembrance Gate aligns with the rising sun. The two inclining walls rise to 40′ and are built from Mesquabuck stone. Characterized by its amber and white strata, the stone carries the name of the Potawatomi Chief Mes’kwah-buk, whose name signifies the color of the sky at sunrise and sunset. 

The inside of the museum features three distinct areas. The Tribal Nations Gallery is home to OKLA HOMMA, telling the stories of the 39 Tribes with historical accounts from the Native perspective. What most don’t realize, Underwood shared, is that each of the 39 tribes is unique, with its own distinct language and traditions. “We haven’t been recognized for the individuality we represent, so the ultimate goal is changing the narrative and voice to our perspective.”

The Mezzanine Gallery will house WINIKO: LIFE OF AN OBJECT, with over 140 objects on long-term loan from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian. Many of the objects were collected from Oklahoma tribes in the 1800s by non-native people. The FAM’s all-native curatorial team has worked to connect the objects with their tribe of origin. “This is a fantastic coming home of sorts,” said Underwood. “We will learn new details and achieve a new level of understanding of these objects.”

The FAMily Discovery Center, opening at a later date, is a playful space combining hands-on activities and engaging experiences for all ages. Its described as magical, conveying cultural values such as respect, community, resilience and stewardship.

Underwood said that after all this time, the FAM staff can finally see the finish line. “It’s been a dream for so long and it is finally coming to fruition and there is not another place like it in the world. Not only will it be a boost for Oklahoma tourism, but the perfect opportunity to educate and offer a perspective that’s never been seen before.”