Oklahoma
By Lee Longhorn
Today, Nov. 16, 2011, the state of Oklahoma celebrates its 104 birthday.
For those that don’t know much about the history of this state, allow me to enlighten you. A long time ago, during removal, many tribes across the country were removed to what was then called “Indian Territory.” Today, there are over 30 tribes that have their headquarters located in the state.
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – A portrait of Cherokee Nation citizen and Navy Admiral Joseph James “Jocko” Clark was unveiled March 8 in the Oklahoma Senate chamber.
The Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund commissioned the portrait, which will hang in the Capitol building. It was created by Oklahoma City artist Mike Wimmer, who worked with the Navy to gather information about Clark’s accomplishments and was provided with two photos to create his work.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A state that has been considered the heart of the nation's Indian Country since the Trail of Tears nearly two centuries ago now has more residents who identify themselves as Hispanic than Native American, according to figures released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
While Oklahoma is likely to maintain the nation's largest per capita population of Native Americans, their numbers are not growing nearly as rapidly as the booming Hispanic population.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Arvo Mikkanen would seem to be an ideal candidate to become the only current federal judge of Native American descent.
He's a graduate of Dartmouth College and the Yale University Law School, has served as a trial and appellate judge on tribal courts in Oklahoma, clerked for two federal judges, spent time in private practice and worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in Oklahoma's Western District since 1994. Mikkanen is considered by colleagues to be one of the nation's top American Indian legal minds.
