Peoria Tribe and City Forge Historic Friendship Through Art

In a historic meeting at Peoria City Hall, Chief Craig Harper of the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma was honored with a key to the city, symbolizing a renewed friendship between the tribe and the city that shares its name. This significant event marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between the Peoria Tribe and the local community, acknowledging a shared history that dates back thousands of years.

Mayor Rita Ali welcomed Chief Harper, who is in his second term as the elected leader of over 3,700 tribe members based in Miami, Oklahoma. The occasion celebrated the completion of a unique project where the tribe's carpentry business constructed new display cases for the Peoria Riverfront Museum's Center for American Decoys. This collaboration, which took over two years to finalize, highlights the tribe's craftsmanship and cultural heritage, as the cases house over 100 decoys—an art form with roots in indigenous practices.

During the meeting, Mayor Ali reflected on the complex history between the Peoria Tribe and the city, acknowledging the painful legacy of forced removal and displacement. She emphasized the importance of recognizing this history while looking forward to a future of cooperation and mutual respect.

In addition to the ceremonial key presentation, the council also recognized International Overdose Awareness Day, underscoring the city's commitment to addressing the public health crisis of substance use disorders. The proclamation highlighted the need for awareness, prevention strategies, and support for affected individuals and families.

The meeting concluded with the approval of minutes from a previous session and the appointment of Chester A. Tomchak as city treasurer, furthering the city's governance and community initiatives. This gathering not only celebrated cultural ties but also reinforced Peoria's dedication to addressing contemporary challenges through collaboration and understanding.