TVLSE, Okla. – The movement to uncover Tulsa’s land parcel history took a big step forward with the hosting of the first-ever intertribal symposium on research into local Native American history. Indigenous Roots: Exploring the History of Indian Country was hosted by Muskoke-owned media outlets Verified News Network (VNN) and Osage News. The symposium, held July 12 and 13, featured topics on Native American journalism, land parcel history and genealogical research. A highlight of the event was the announcement that access to Indian Rights Association Act records held by the Pennsylvania Historical Society had recently been opened.
The symposium consisted of panels, presentations, and breakout sessions. Panelists included journalists, academic researchers, and local community partners. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the history of allotment ownership and the journey to uncover it. Distinguished panelists included Shannon Shaw Duty, Editor of the Osage News, Dr. Russell Cobb, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta, and Allison Herrera, Senior Reporter at American Public Media.
In addition to highlighting research sharing and engagement on Indian Country news reporting, the symposium also presented the Tulsa City County Library with a $18,900 donation that will allow the library to access the vast 350,000 physical records in the Indian Rights Association Collection housed at the Pennsylvania Historical Society. These records will be accessible to library staff as well as TCCL cardholders. This collection, previously only accessible at certain private institutions, is now open to the public and more easily accessible.
VNN CEO Kelly Tidwell (Mvskoke/Cherokee) believes it’s important to acknowledge the past, particularly Tulsa’s zoning history, in order to move forward into the future.
“This is our history,” Tidwell said. “It’s not taught in schools. It’s not known to the general public. And yet our communities deal with the effects of historical trauma every day. Information is the first step toward justice for Indigenous people and it must be free and easily accessible, especially for those most affected. I’m glad this day has come.”
Having access to the collections can benefit the entire community, and Theresa Runnels, coordinator of the TCCL American Indian Resource Center, knows that information in someone else’s hands can be powerful.
“We are grateful to VNN Oklahoma for funding the licensing of the IRA collection. This resource will give our community access to this important information, allowing educators, researchers and the public to explore American Indian history in greater depth,” Runnels said.
Anyone living within Tulsa County can apply for a library card through TCCL. Residents can apply online or in person at their local TCCL. Members have access to the online record collection as well as books, periodicals, music and movies. TCCL also offers adult programs, career services and activities for all ages throughout the year.
