A creation to truly celebrate
Over 3,000 Chickasaws gather for exclusive opening of Cultural Center
CONTRIBUTED BY Sharmina Manandhar, tribal media relations.
SULPHUR, Okla. - More than 3,000 Chickasaw citizens and guests from all over the nation gathered Saturday, June 12, 2010, to celebrate the exclusive one-day opening of the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
"The Chickasaw Cultural Center is the place to celebrate, embrace and share the culture and heritage of the great unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw Nation," said Gov. Bill Anoatubby. "We thank you for joining us today in the celebration - celebration not just of a project, but of a creation!"
Located on 109 acres of rolling hills, woodlands and streams adjacent to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area near Sulphur, the Center has been the dream of the Chickasaw people since as early as 1960.
The dream was brought to life in October 2000, when more than 1,200 tribal citizens responded to a survey seeking comments and suggestions regarding a Chickasaw Cultural Center. Numerous informal requests by citizens were also considered during planning and construction.
"When I first heard of the concept, planning and development of the Cultural Center, I knew that it would be done with excellence," said Jay Keel, administrator of the Division of Youth and Family. "But I am overwhelmed by the finished product. It’s second to none."
The opening day events included cultural demonstrations, tours, film presentations, free meals and much more.
Special Assistant to the Governor Kennedy Brown rang the bell during the opening ceremony, signifying the open doors of the Center.
Earlier in the day, Chickasaw Hall of Fame inductees and their families, tribal legislators, officials, employees, citizens and guests joined Gov. Anoatubby in an Honor Garden dedication ceremony.
Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole, a Chickasaw Hall of Fame inductee, described the Cultural Center as "a first class facility" that will draw visitors not just from the state and region, but also from around the country and world.
"It shows how much pride we take in who we are, what we stand for, what our predecessors have accomplished and, frankly, how much we intend to accomplish going forward," said Rep. Cole.
The Center also celebrated "Indian Country Day" Thursday, June 17, when dignitaries from other Native American tribes including Choctaw, Cherokee and Seminole, toured the facility.
The Cultural Center utilizes the latest technology, live demonstrations, multiple exhibits, ancient artifacts and natural outdoor spaces to tell the Chickasaw history.
The exhibits "really give a feeling and depiction of what the people went through during early stages and removal," according to Ardmore, Okla., resident Ricky Cravatt.
"The way it’s laid out – it’s right on," the 50-year-old said.
One of the exhibits even made Dr. Tina Cooper "teary-eyed." A painting of a young woman with long hair reminded Dr. Cooper of her grandmother, who died at a young age.
Dr. Cooper, a Chickasaw Nation Division of Health physician, toured with her family.
The Center features more than 96,000 square feet of indoor space, including an Exhibit Center, the Holisso Research Center, a large-format theatre, an amphitheatre, sky terrace, traditional village and several water features on the grounds.
With so much to offer, the Center is a place that needs to be revisited many times, according to sisters Mary Arnold and Carroll Carter.
"This is something that you would do over and over again," said Mrs. Arnold, 69, of Yukon, Okla.
"We just can’t wait to come back," said Mrs. Carter, 72, of Oklahoma City.
The sisters also said they planned to bring their grandchildren to the Center.
The Center, with its commitment to preserve Chickasaw culture and history though education, appeals to people of all ages.
Tulsa resident Brittney Orr, 21, was impressed by the 17-minute "Chickasaw Renaissance" video, where she said she "learned a lot about our history."
The video, along with Chickasaw Nation feature film "Pearl," was screened throughout the day at the Anoli’ Theater. "Pearl’ is the true story of a Chickasaw girl from Marlow, Okla., who became the youngest licensed pilot in the U.S. in 1928.
Miss Orr also said the interactive exhibits including the holograms, language stations and Spirit Forest, will appeal to young Chickasaws.
"It’s a great opportunity to experience the culture firsthand," she said.
The Center is a wonderful, educational place to visit even for non-Chickasaws, said Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham, administrator of Division of History, Research and Scholarship.
"It is a place for the whole community to enjoy," she said. "This is a place about education and history. There is something here for everyone to come and enjoy and learn."
She also said the Center would be offering beading, weaving and language classes for everyone.
Though the Center honors the Chickasaw past, it is a "living cultural center," according to Dr. Cobb-Greetham.
"That’s why it’s a cultural center and not a museum," she said. "This is a place where culture happens – alive, vibrant and dynamic!"
