OKLAHOMA CITY — Plans are well under way for an American Indian cultural center in Oklahoma City, a cooperative venture among the state, tribal governments and private corporations.
The center will celebrate the diverse histories, cultures and achievements of all Native American tribes and nations. Those working on the project see it as a world-class facility, and a focus for the more than 60 tribes historically located in Oklahoma.
Tommy Thompson, executive director of Native American Cultural and Educational Authority for the state, said he is excited about the whole concept.
"It is a $100 million project. We are a state agency, but the cultural center will represent the tribal governments which were relocated to the state of Oklahoma." Thompson said he expects groundbreaking in about a year after design and architectural plans are completed.
"We've been very fortunate to have the city of Oklahoma City donate 300 acres of land for this project," Thompson said. "That is worth more than $5 million. That is why we are in a cooperative effort with the city. The state of Oklahoma has donated $7 million for the project so far, so we have approximately $12.1 million."
Thompson said the cultural center expects to become a partner with the Smithsonian Institution, which will mean traveling exhibits will be a part of the attraction for visitors.
"We're working closely to become a Smithsonian affiliate," Thompson said. "We will have access to over 1 million exhibits that will come out of that organization. In addition, we are hoping that the tribes will donate some of their artifacts to us."
Planners are already boasting of some advanced technological advances that will be incorporated holograms and projection exhibits that will put visitors into the middle of a buffalo hunt or take them into daily life in a village.
The project is especially dear to Thompson, a member of the Chickasaw nation, and to state Sen. Enoch Kelly Haney who has also worked hard to get the project started. Don Fixico from the University of Kansas will be the Native American consultant for the center.
The final design is expected to be selected in March from several options. One plan, "In the Earth," calls for the center to be below ground in a mound-shaped building. Another would place the structure above ground and "Of the Earth." The final design, incorporating a circle, would be sited along the Canadian River.
"The four main things they are looking at are earth, wind, fire and water," Thompson said.
"Of course, we represent three schematic areas the woodlands, the wetlands and the plains."
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