OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Wednesday – Red Earth Day at the Capitol – recognized several leaders of Red Earth Inc. on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and presented them with a citation honoring their organization. Fetgatter is the House Leader of Tribal and External Affairs.

"Oklahoma is Indian country, and no matter if you are a citizen of one of our 39 tribes or not, our culture, history and art are a part of every fiber of who we are as a state and how we are recognized around the world," said Fetgatter who is a member of the Choctaw Tribe. "I want to thank Red Earth for continuing to keep those traditions alive."

Recognized Wednesday were Executive Director Chelsey Curry (Tlingit), President Jeff Hargrave (Muscogee Creek/Choctaw), Board members Amanda Williams (Cheyenne and Arapaho) and LaRenda Morgan (Cheyenne and Arapaho), and Understanding Regalia Presenters Verna Street (Cherokee and Meherrin) and Domingo Whiteman (Cheyenne and Arapaho).

Also helping to welcome the members of Red Earth Inc. was Rep. Ken Lutrell, co-chair of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Native American Caucus. Lutrell is Cherokee.

The citation presented notes that Red Earth Inc. has been a leader in preserving and promoting Indigenous art, culture, and traditions for nearly four decades, educating the public and fostering appreciation for Native American heritage through world-class exhibitions, cultural programming and community events.

The organization first held the Red Earth Festival in 1987, which is recognized as one of the nation’s premier celebrations of Indigenous arts, bringing together artists, dancers, and cultural leaders from across North America to showcase both contemporary and traditional Native expression.

The organization also holds Red Earth Day at the Capitol, an event that celebrates Indigenous artistry, educates the public on Native traditions, and highlights the importance of cultural preservation through live demonstrations, exhibits, and educational outreach.

The citation further noted that Red Earth Inc. continues to enrich Oklahoma’s cultural landscape by ensuring that Indigenous art remains a thriving and celebrated part of Oklahoma’s identity, inspiring future generations to honor and appreciate the artistic and historical contributions of Native communities.