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Tulsa commission names new commissioner, sets Native American Day planning, approves January minutes
Summary
The commission introduced a newly appointed commissioner, set Native American Day planning timelines and awards procedures, affirmed the January minutes and called for nominations for Dreamkeeper awards and Student of Excellence recognitions.
The Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission approved its January meeting minutes, introduced a newly appointed commissioner and reviewed event and awards planning during its February meeting.
The commission opened with roll call and a land acknowledgement. The chair introduced a newly appointed commissioner, Mark Van Schuren, who the meeting identified as an appointed chief deputy county commissioner serving Tulsa County Commissioner Lottie Sims in District 2.
Commissioners approved the minutes from the January meeting by voice vote. The motion to approve was moved and seconded; those present responded “aye” and the chair stated the motion carried. The transcript did not record a member-by-member roll-call tally.
The Dreamkeepers Committee distributed updated lists of award recipients through 2024 and asked commissioners to submit nominees for the 2025 class. The committee said nominations typically require a short bio and a photo and that the commission votes on award recipients; Dreamkeepers Awards will be recognized on Native American Day and again at the November commission meeting.
The commission set planning steps for Native American Day. The Native American Day committee will meet (in person and via Zoom) to select a theme and a featured artist; members noted the event location could change while Dreamkeepers Park undergoes construction and suggested alternatives including Guthrie Green or Mohawk Park.
Commissioners discussed Student of Excellence awards and agreed to try to hold student recognition at the April meeting so recipients can attend before many schools’ senior ceremonies in May. The commission also named a need to fill a seat representing the commission on the Human Rights Commission and asked interested members to notify the chair ahead of the next meeting for confirmation.
Under public comment and introductions, the commission heard from Jamie Collin, the City of Tulsa Municipal Court’s community engagement coordinator, who offered to collaborate on outreach and community trust-building. The meeting also included a brief visit from the Mayor of Tulsa, who thanked commission members and said the city team is available to assist commission work; he stated, “we are not for tribal sovereignty when it's convenient,” affirming ongoing city collaboration with tribal partners.
The meeting adjourned by motion and voice vote; the transcript recorded a moved motion, a second and an affirmative voice vote but did not include a member-by-member tally or a numerical vote count.
