Native American blood runs through the veins of many Oklahomans, and the shadows behind those individuals still show the dark history of the nation’s past.

As Native American Heritage Month begins every November, so does the remembrance and honor for the natives who had to suffer for years.

Mentioned in the article “Removal of Tribes to Oklahoma” from the Oklahoma Historical Society, the Indian Removal Act was passed in 1830 which started the most dreadful thirty-two years in Oklahoma history for natives.

Throughout those years, American Indians from eastern tribes were forcefully taken from their homelands and put onto reservations in the west.

The five major tribes that were moved onto the land of present-day Oklahoma were the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and Seminole–also known as the five civilized tribes.

The removals of these tribes–specifically Cherokee–is known as the Trail of Tears, the harsh journey of relocation for sixty thousand Native Americans.

The Trail of Tears occurred during one of the nation’s coldest winters, and many of the natives walked bare-footed against the cold snow and starved for weeks.

It is estimated that at least three thousand Cherokee died, either by hypothermia, starvation, being shot or were too weak for the journey.

The Cherokee were not the only tribe that suffered a harsh relocation, for many of the other Natives suffered countless deaths in their relocation as well.

Once the tribes were on their new lands, it was nearly impossible for them to survive.

Natives were not used to the new, smaller land, and many did not survive.

Despite previous difficulties, the tribes surplus in population to thrive today and still hold the beliefs of their past people.

The Five Civilized Tribes celebrate their native traditions up to this day, such as through powwows.

Powwows celebrate the traditions of native ancestors, through traditional dancing, socializing and enjoying native foods.

Powwows can be enjoyed by all those who choose to celebrate native traditions, even non-tribal members.

Tribal nations today help relieve those who share the grief of their past people, such as benefits that are offered to those with tribal blood.

Marlow Public Schools offers many diverse benefits for students in particular tribes through the Indian Education Program funded by two federal grants, Title VI and Johnson O’Malley (J.O.M.). 

The purpose of the Title VI program and J.O.M. program is to provide educational services and supplemental programs to American Indian students attending MPS.

The program provides many other benefits–such as food and extended education–to students who are tribal members.

The welfare for each student varies from tribe to tribe, such as the Backpack Buddies Program–a popular food program federally funded by the J.O.M. program.

The program gives food weekly to young tribal members attending Marlow Public Schools.

Each tribal benefit is handled by J.O.M. coordinator Scott Tahah–a half-blooded Comanche Indian amidst his first year at Marlow Public Schools.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan offers tribes different benefits to ensure the well-being of the nation’s natives.

“In the Comanche tribe for instance, the American Rescue Plan helps our tribal members with schooling, housing, social service events and food benefits,” Tahah shared.

Native American Heritage Month brings celebrations of many Native American traditions throughout each tribe, and Tahah spoke about his experience as a member of the Comanche Indian tribe.

“One side of my family is very traditional, and they go to powwows all the time. I have a homeschooled nephew who hosts powwows all over the nation,” Tahah expressed.

Close to home to showcase tribal history and educate the public year round, the Chisholm Trail Museum in Duncan, OK has many Native American artifacts, paintings and ways to celebrate the remembrance of Native American History.

The museum is continually updating its exhibits to show both the history of the tribes as well as their futures, and the newest exhibit in the museum features an Apache/Kiowa artist named Jackie Tointigh, also known as “BlackHorse” in his artworks.

The history and heritage of American Indians has been remembered to this day, and all tribal nations will continue to work together to ensure that it continues to be passed down through the blood of their ancestors.