OKCPS Native American Student Services

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🌟 SAVE THE DATE — OKCPS Powwow is BACK! 🌟

🏫 Native American Student Services proudly presents the

✨ OKCPS POWWOW 2026 ✨
"Today's Energy, Tomorrow's Legacy"
🎉 Celebrating 20 Years with an All Youth Pow-Wow!

📅 November 14, 2026
📍 US Grant High School — 5016 S. Pennsylvania Ave, OKC, OK 73119

🥁 Schedule:
1:00 PM — Gourd Dance
5:00 PM — Supper
5:30 PM — Miss Native American OKCPS Crowning
6:00 PM — Grand Entry
🏆 Contest Info Coming Soon!

We are beyond honored to have our beautiful flyer designed by the incredibly talented Dr. Jessica Harjo (Otoe-Missouria, Osage, Pawnee, Sac & Fox) — interdisciplinary artist, graphic designer, and entrepreneur behind Weomepe Designs and IndigiChic. Her artistry brings our community's spirit to life in every line. 🙏❤️
🌐 weomepedesigns.com | indigichic.com

There are SO many events out there — but this one is HOME. 🏹
This is YOUR community, YOUR students, YOUR legacy.
Whether you're a dancer, a drum family, a vendor, or just here for the love of it — OKCPS Powwow is where you want to be on November 14th.

🛒 VENDORS — Spaces are LIMITED and are first come, first assigned!
Secure your 10x10 space now for just $50 + a donation item.
(You must bring your own tables and chairs.)
Special requests will be considered by the vendor committee but are not guaranteed.
👉 Sign up HERE: https://tinyurl.com/6a594x5v

📲 Stay tuned — MORE DETAILS DROPPING SOON!
Head staff, contest categories, and Grand Entry info all on the flyer — share it with your family, drum groups, and dance community so no one misses out!

Day one of NKEA kicked off strong with a full afternoon of cultural grounding, hands-on learning, and reflection. George “Crickett” Shields (Pawnee, Otoe & Sioux), Indian Education Director for Putnam City Schools, opened with “Native 101: NA Culture, Values, Dance & Tribal Regalia,” giving educators an up-close look at traditional regalia and dance and the values behind them. Miss Cho Werito (Mvskoke Creek & Navajo) followed with “Hands-on Learning: Elementary Lessons,” sharing Keepunumuk and guiding the group through a corn necklace craft. Dr. Woodrow “Woodie” Wilson (Kiowa) closed the day with “The Power of Perspective,” centering the conversation on representation and whose viewpoints shape Indigenous education. Together, the three sessions moved from foundational culture, to classroom-ready practice, to the deeper why — a strong start to the academy.
Oklahoma City Public Schools

What an afternoon at NKEA! Our “Hands-on Learning: Elementary Lessons” session was a great example of culturally responsive teaching in action. Miss Cho Werito (Mvskoke Creek & Navajo), Elementary Indian Education Teacher with Edmond Indian Education, shared the story behind Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story and led the room in making their own corn beadwork and corn husk dolls — simple, hands-on craft that brought the lesson to life and had everyone threading, laughing, and learning together.

Day 1 of NKEA (Native Knowledge Educator Academy) kicked off strong! Native American Student Services welcomed George “Crickett” Shields (Pawnee, Otoe & Sioux), Indian Education Director for Putnam City Schools, for a session on “Native 101: NA Culture, Values, Dance & Tribal Regalia.” Educators got an up-close look at traditional regalia and dance, plus the cultural values behind them — exactly the kind of grounding we want every NASS partner teacher to walk away with. Shout out to our Advisor Keenan Springer for help George out!
Oklahoma City Public Schools

June is Pride Month, and Native American Student Services (NASS) is proud to celebrate the diversity, strength, and unique identities that make our community stronger.

At NASS, we believe every student deserves a place where they feel seen, valued, respected, and supported. Our mission has always been to create opportunities for Native students to connect with their culture, discover their strengths, and build a sense of belonging—no matter what they look like, where they come from, or how they identify.

We recognize that many Native students navigate multiple identities, and we honor the courage it takes to embrace and share those experiences. Through programs like our Indigenous Voices Youth (I.V.Y.) Council and student leadership opportunities, we encourage young people to tell their stories, support one another, and celebrate who they are.

This Pride Month, we reaffirm our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming space where all students can thrive academically, culturally, and personally. We celebrate the voices, perspectives, and contributions of LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit members of our Native community, whose presence enriches our schools and strengthens our future.

Together, we continue building a community rooted in respect, understanding, cultural pride, and belonging.