Inside the Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center, the steady beat of drums, songs and marching marked the beginning of Indigenous Peoples Day festivities held by the OU American Indian Student Association Monday.
The ceremony began with a tribal celebration walk, where over 20 people sang and danced together, carrying flags representing Oklahoma’s 39 federally recognized tribes.
Alexandra Murray, OU American Indian Student Association president and Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan member, introduced the ceremony's speakers, including former OU professor Christine Armer and OU Biology and Native American Studies senior Asa Samuels.
Armer recited an opening prayer in Cherokee, the first time she has done so since retiring from OU’s language studies department in the spring 2025. Before the prayer, Armer shared a message of unity for attendees.
“It doesn’t matter what tribe you are from, we're still family,” Armer said. “One of these days, you may need them, and they will be there for you.”
Murray said that it is important to be proud of one's heritage.
“For far too long our people have been removed and our stories have been silenced,” Murray said. “In our current political climate, it is more important than ever to be here on this campus proudly and loudly.”
After the speeches, community members participated in four intertribal dance performances.
Samuels said cultural performances are meaningful to him and the other dancers because displaying Native culture every day is an act of resistance to historical erasure.
“For us, every day is Indigenous Peoples Day,” Samuels said.
Leandra LeForce, a member of AISA’s Indigenous Royalty, said OU’s Indigenous community is vibrant and amazing.
“I am so grateful for what this community has done for my life,” LeForce said. “I can’t imagine where I would be without having this connection to my culture.”
This story was edited by Ana Barboza, Thomas Pablo and Anusha Fathepure.
