A Month of Community Connections
Happy Saturday Crosswinds News Community,
We hope February treated you well and that you found ways to stay warm during these winter days. It’s been another full and meaningful month at Crosswinds News, with our team out in the community covering stories, attending gatherings, and connecting with people across Indian Country.
This month has also brought a great deal of loss for Native American communities in our region.
In Okmulgee, 21-year-old Sutv Harjo passed away on February 7. Sutv is the daughter of Cassandra Thompson and granddaughter of Eugenia Carol Tiger, featured just last month in “You all come eat: Eugenia “Carol” Tiger and family carry Mvskoke food traditions forward”. Heavily involved in Muscogee cultural activities, Sutv participated in the Oklahoma Native Youth Language Fair, the Muscogee Nation Challenge Bowl and the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council, to name just a few.
Both Indian Country and the broader news community are mourning the loss of former Osage Principal Chief Jim Gray February 12, who served two terms and helped guide the Osage Nation’s first 25-year strategic plan. Crosswinds News featured Jim in our stories, as recently as our latest MMIWG2T feature “Missing and murdered, yet underreported”. Our team members cherish the journalism conversations we had with Jim over the years. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
And sadly, word was received that Lester Henry SunEagle Jr., brother of Crosswinds News journalist Russell Sun Eagle, passed away this month. Lester was a member of the Pawnee Nation, and the tribe honored him by lowering their flags in respect.
We offer our sincerest condolences to those dealing with the loss of these recent passings.
Amid the difficult moments, we’ve also been encouraged by the strength and connection we continue to see across our community. Nearly 200 people have responded to our survey about the possibility of a Native American community center in the Tulsa area, an incredible response that shows how much people want spaces where we can gather, connect, and celebrate culture together.
Native community members have long talked about the need for a place to come together. David Bible, chairman of the Tulsa Indian Club, shared that visitors often come into his store asking where Native families and youth can gather and stay connected.
For Cherokee community members, the Cherokee Nation is preparing to open a new Cherokee Community Center in North Tulsa. A first look at the facility was shared on February 19. The 4,000-square-foot space will host language classes, cultural workshops, and community activities.
Looking back, this month began with major political news, as Governor Kevin Stitt delivered his final State of the State address. His renewed emphasis on the “One Oklahoma” message drew strong responses from tribal leaders.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. responded by saying, “Fortunately, he spoke to a chamber that, on a bipartisan basis, has overwhelmingly rejected his 19th century termination mindset.”
In entertainment news, Russell Sun Eagle spoke with Kyle Kauwika Harris, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation and director of the new film The Huntsman. Harris also directed Reverence, which was filmed in Chandler, Oklahoma. He hopes to see stronger support systems for Native filmmakers and storytellers.
“There are a lot of talented Native actors, writers and directors out there who are struggling,” Harris said. “We need more education, more support, and more people willing to help each other out.”
Our Crosswinds News team has also been busy learning and growing alongside others in the field.
Brittany Harlow traveled to Minnesota on behalf of Talking Circle, Crosswinds News’ parent organization, to attend the Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference and return to the Lower Sioux Indian Community to host a community engagement session on tribal tourism.
Rachael Schuit completed her training through the Solutions Journalism Train-the-Trainer program alongside members of the Indigenous Journalists Association. This work will help bring more solutions-focused storytelling to Native communities.
Russell Sun Eagle and Trista Vaughn traveled to Oklahoma City on February 12 to meet with Indigenous students interested in journalism at an event hosted by Investigative Reporters and Editors, the Oklahoma Media Center, and the Indigenous Journalists Association.
And Brittany and Trista also spoke with the Tulsa Native Youth Board at Burning Cedar Sovereign Wellness this month, sharing information about our up-and-coming StoryKeepers program.
Our first StoryKeepers cohort will begin soon, and we’re honored to welcome community members who want to learn how to tell the stories that matter to their people. Acceptance letters have been sent, and we’re looking forward to getting started.
We’re also excited to share that the Crosswinds website now includes a community events calendar. During our Listening & Learning Tour, many of you told us how important it is to know what’s happening and to help others hear about the good things taking place across Native communities. This calendar is one small way we hope to support that connection.
March is shaping up to be action-packed. Some upcoming events include:
- Cherokee Heritage Festival - March 7
- Osage Nation Sovereignty Celebration Dance - March 7
- American Indian Festival of Words - Throughout March at Tulsa City-County Library locations
- Mvskoke Spring Celebration - March 18
Crosswinds Admin
Thank you for being part of our Crosswinds News Community. Your stories, your voices, and your support make this work possible. We look forward to walking into spring together and sharing another meaningful month with you.
