Tetona Dunlap is a graduate student in journalism at the University of Montana. She is an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone tribe from the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming.

For 20 years members of the Chickasaw Nation dreamed of a cultural center that would celebrate their heritage. On June 12, Chickasaw families will see that dream materialize during an exclusive opening of the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Okla.

Tribal members played a large part in how the center should showcase their culture. In 2000, more than 1,200 members filled out a survey that asked for comments and suggestions regarding the center. The most popular suggestions were exhibits regarding language, beliefs, ceremonies, history, customs, art, music, food, medicine and prominent Chickasaw women and men. Members also suggested incorporating live performances, technologically advanced multimedia exhibits and galleries, as well as utilizing natural outdoor spaces.

“Chickasaws of all ages and from all walks of life contributed to the development of the center and the programming that will be available,” said Gov. Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation on the tribal website. “It is beautiful and provides an opportunity for us to tell the remarkable history of Chickasaw people.”

The Chickasaw Cultural Center is located next to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, known for its natural springs, streams and lakes. The center utilizes the natural surrounding landscape as well as advanced technology to illustrate the Chickasaw culture. Some unique aspects of the center include an honor garden that features traditional landscaping and swirling walls with laser-cut photos of all Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame inductees. Also inside the complex will be a Center for the Study of Chickasaw History and Culture. This center will house high-tech services such as artifacts storage, cold storage, an intake/decontamination room, rare book collection and photo archive.

“We want to not only preserve our history, but recognize that we have a living, thriving, growing culture to share with others,” said Anoatubby.

The grand opening of the center for the public is on July 24, 2010.

Tags: Bill Anoatubby, buffalo post, Chickasaw Cultural Center, Chickasaw Nation, Gwen Florio, Native American culture and heritage, Native American news