TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa City-County Library (TCCL) and the American Indian Resource Center are celebrating Native American Heritage Month with free programs that highlight Indigenous cultures. National Native American Heritage Month honors the customs, languages and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities to ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive.

Throughout November, TCCL branches will offer programs ranging from Osage language and Hand Talk classes to Native patchwork and a Cherokee pottery workshop. Native American Heritage Month programs are coordinated by the American Indian Resource Center, located at Zarrow Regional Library, 2224 W. 51st St. Learn more about the center at www.tulsalibrary.org/AIRC.  

Free Native American Heritage Month events include:

  • Beginners Osage Language Class on Tuesdays, Nov. 3, 10 and 17 from 6-6:45 p.m. at Skiatook Library, 316 E. Rogers. Join Jacqueline Delong, Osage Nation Language Department teacher, to learn commonly used words and simple sentences. For elementary schoolers to adults.
  • Intermediate Osage Language Class on Tuesdays, Nov. 3, 10 and 17 from 7-7:45 p.m. at Skiatook Library. This class is open to students who have completed the Beginners Osage Language Class. For elementary schoolers to adults.
  • Native Culture Make and Take: Native Patchwork on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 1-3 p.m. at Zarrow Regional Library. Learn the basics for Native American patchwork with Mike Deo of Zoyaha Nation. Some sewing machines are provided. For tweens to adults.
  • Native Hand Talk for Families on Monday, Nov. 9 from 6-7 p.m. at Broken Arrow Library, 300 W. Broadway Ave. Join Mike Pahsetopah as he teaches simple sign language phrases and stories for families from the Hand Talk that the Native peoples of this land once used. For all ages.
  • Native Culture Make and Take: Medicine Bag on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 4-5 p.m. at Jenks Library, 523 W. B St. Join Robin Tiger as she teaches the art of making medicine bags. Materials are provided to the first 15 participants. For ages 15 to adult.
  • Native Culture Make and Take: Pony Bead Creations on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 4-5 p.m. at Bixby Library, 20 E. Breckenridge. Join Stella Foster as she brings pony beads to life with fun, colorful key chains and other creations! Materials are provided to the first 20 participants. For elementary schoolers.
  • American Indian Dances with Mike Pahsetopah on Monday, Nov. 23 from 2-3 p.m. at Bronson Brookside Library, 4607 S. Madison Place. Join Mike Pahsetopah for a performance of spectacular American Indian dances. Audience participation is encouraged. For all ages.
  • Native Culture Make and Take: Cherokee Pottery on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 4-5 p.m. at Skiatook Library. Join potter Crystal Hanna for Native stories and a hands-on pottery workshop. Materials are provided to the first 15 participants. For teens and tweens.

For more information on TCCL’s Native American Heritage Month programs, call AskUs at 918-549-7323 or visit www.tulsalibrary.org/events.

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