OKLAHOMA CITY -- A group representing some Native Americans across Oklahoma plans to protest the state's centennial on Nov. 16.

Events are planned all day and all across the state that day. Oklahoma became a state on Nov. 16, 1907.

However, Brenda Golden said Native Americans have been absent from Oklahoma Centennial Commission promotions.


"Everything that I had seen in the press was cowboys, astronauts, land runs (and) oil wells. Where is the history of our people?" she asked.

Oklahoma Centennial Commission Deputy Director Jeanie McCain Edney said her group was careful to include everybody.

"Oklahoma history is certainly Native American history," Edney said.

She said Statehood Day will begin with the first Oklahomans on Nov. 15.

"A very special ceremony, a sunset ceremony in which all 39 tribes and nations in Oklahoma will come together," Edney said.

Golden said her group still plans to protest, and with no objection from the centennial commission.

"In fact, I think it might strengthen and add to that event because, again, we're hearing from another vantage point or viewpoint about Oklahoma history," Edney said.

"We don't want people to forget how our ancestors were treated and brought here, that this was our land first," Golden said.

The protestors said they plan to walk to the state Capitol next Friday morning, although they haven't decided from where that walk will begin.

It's about time that these true "Americans" speak up. They have been stomped on and demeened too long. Left out and forgotton about. It is time for them to stand up and be counted. I think this is a beginning for the Indian tribes of America.
Kat

We are.....

Atvgi'a Asgaya, Atvgi'a Agehya
People of the Cherokee
Dekanogi'a, Dekanogi'a
We are still Free

Though gone from our land
Not submitting to fears
Our future in our hand
No more Trail of Tears

We are people of the Cherokee
From the land did we once live
In your image you want us to be
Live and die by what you give

We are a proud nation
With a culture that's ageless
We raise our voices in elation
From our path not digress

We are the First People
We shall not be swayed
We are the First People
To us your debt shall be paid

Atvgi'a Asgaya, Atvgi'a Agehya
Listen Man, Listen Woman
Dekanogi'a, Dekanogi'a
Sing, Sing

We are Cherokee
We are Free

That was beautiful Karma. Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you
Kat

Oh...and I should have said "first true American".

It's actually a repost. I had posted it a few months ago. Wrote it for a friend who is Cherokee and seemed a good response to your post.

You wrote that?? Honestly wrote that? That needs to be sent in to someone. Preferably a Tribe leader.
Kat

The Cherokee still have a home here where they belong! WNC is very rich in Cherokee history and we respect them! They dont complain and have autonomy here!

They govern themselves, and we are proud of their contribution to our State, both present and historically!

Hmm. Only the strong survive

I agree fury

Thats a great poem!!

Thanks Fanta.

they should haold a protest

that is how it started

the native americn did not

really like the idea of


white people bein there

they should have a ceremony

for the decline of their way of life

and it should be on the same grounds

because it is a part of the history

oh yeah

been forgetting this lately

but hey what do i know

adj...
Kat