First Americans Museum(28)

Jonathan Elmore
Jul 22
2 min read

When I was growing up in the late 70's, early 80's, my history books usually mentioned the "Five Civilized Tribes". The Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Muscogee, and Seminoles were lumped together as being "The Indians" by the U.S. government. That's about all I knew becuase that's what the books told us. It wasn't until years later that I used the term Five Civilized Tribes in a conversation and it hit me like a ton of heavy stuff. What the hell does that phrase actually mean? Off to the Enid Libraray where I knew the answers would present themselves. I discovered that those tribes were considered "Civilized" because they were the biggest Tribes and they had shown to be assimilating to the Anglo-American way of life. In other words, the US government thought they were being white enough, so they must be okay. I was appalled by that notion and I still am today. I don't like the history of how the US treated the Natives. I applaud the people that stood proud to be Indian and didn't let their cultures die out like the government hoped would happen.

The First Americans Museum is a treasure. They have curated a space that celebrates the history of Native Tribes in a way that shows both respect and importance of each indigenous group that has lived here for centuries. They've truly covered everything here from intricately beaded garments from the past to current sports legends who are Native. Sculptures and paintings, both historic and modern, grace the halls in this great collection. They have a few interactive exhibits, a cabinet full of kitschy roadside souvenirs, and towers featuring Native Americans who have conrtibuted significantly to the progress of our nation. There are a couple of theaters where you can sit for a few minutes and view the films they've put together. One is a creation story which is almost surreal the way it ebbs and flows across a room sized screen. It's wonderful. The other is the history of assimilation. Man, it's tough to watch, but so important. It's an unflinching look at what happened when they were rounded up and forced to conform to something completely foreign. It should be required viewing for every student in the U.S.

What The First Americans Museum offers me is a place to be quiet and see the culture of groups that I didn't grow up knowing about. It offers a wide perspective of the past, both good and bad, and the future that the Tribes are working on making better for their members. All that intertwined with the art and accomplishment of great people.

While you're at this museum complex hosted by the Chicksaw Tribe, you should also check out Exhibit C located down the sidewalk from the museum. It's a gallery that sells works of art by Native artists. I have a separate post about them, but you should know to hit both places when you're there. Hope you love these places as much as I do.

659 First Americans Blvd, Oklahoma City

405-594-2100

https://famok.org