Oklahoma City (October 9, 2024) — The Chickasaw Nation and The Richard Nixon Foundation will partner to co-host a policy conference in Oklahoma City to reflect on the Nixon administration’s transformative federal policy of American Indian self-determination and foster a deeper understanding of how this policy continues to impact American Indian life and tribal sovereignty issues today.
The half-day conference, entitled “Tribal Self Determination Revisited: President Nixon’s Lasting Impact on American Indian Life,” is offered free to the public, however registration is required.
The conference will take place Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at First Americans Museum (FAM), 659 First Americans Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK, 73129. Registration includes a coffee reception, all sessions and lunch. Registration is available here or by emailing Sheila Morago, sheila.morago@oiga.org.
Speakers include:
Bill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation
David Hill, Principal Chief, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Geoffrey Standing Bear, Principal Chief, Osage Nation
Hershel Gorham, Lieutenant Governor, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
By adopting a policy of Indian self-determination, the Nixon administration reversed a decades-long series of discriminatory policies that forced assimilation. This was a seismic shift in the relationship between Indian tribes and the U.S. federal government. Legislation such as the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 aimed to restore tribal sovereignty and support the economic, social, and cultural growth of American Indian communities.
About the Chickasaw Nation
Today, the Chickasaw Nation is economically strong, culturally vibrant and full of energetic people dedicated to the preservation of family, community and heritage. Since the 1980’s, tribal government has focused on building an economically diverse base to generate funds that will support programs and services to Indian people. Business has flourished, programs and services have grown, and the quality of life for all Chickasaws has been greatly enhanced.
About the Richard Nixon Foundation
The Richard Nixon Foundation applies the legacy and vision of President Richard Nixon to defining issues that face our nation and the world today. The Yorba Linda-based Foundation actively encourages and supports scholarship, sponsors in-person and online programs that engage the public with American civics, creates and promotes educational programs and exhibits rooted in American history, and fosters discussion and debate about America’s thirty-seventh president.
About First Americans Museum (FAM)
First Americans Museum celebrates our shared American history through the collective stories of 39 distinct tribal nations in Oklahoma today. The museum promotes awareness and educates the broader public about the unique cultures, diversity, history, contributions, and resilience of the First American nations. The 175,000 sq. ft. museum is located at 659 First Americans Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73129