I’ve only been to one museum in my life, but they still fascinate me. When I saw a link for an American Indian Center in Oklahoma, I got really excited. My family is from Oklahoma and the past few days I’ve been extensively researching my genealogy trying to find the link to our Indian heritage.
The web link took me to The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum run by the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority (NACEA). I was quickly upset to find the center never opened. Construction was suspended in 2012 due to funding.
The NACEA was created in 1994 by the Oklahoma Legislature. “The American Indian Culture Center and Museum (The Center) is one of four components that makes up the nearly 250 acre site on the Oklahoma River.” The other three are an Outdoor Cultural Park, a centralized visitor information center, and shopping and dining.
Despite its suspension, their website holds good information. The center’s mission statement: “To serve as a living center for cultural expression promoting awareness and understanding for people regarding Oklahoma American Indian cultures and heritage.” The site also has links to tribes throughout the U.S and Canada. They give contact information for each tribe. I followed the Cherokee link and went to Cherokee.org. Something I found that was really awesome is that they offer online language classes. They are open to anyone and are free.
It’s pretty upsetting that construction has halted on the center. It’s been four years and still no new news. The center would be such an important institute. I hope that the NACEA finds the funds to finish it.
http://www.theamericanindiancenter.org/
http://www.cherokee.org/Home.aspx
Here is a photo of the unfinished site.
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