The First Americans Museum, located in Oklahoma City, is celebrating the men and women who have served our nation from the state’s 39 tribal nations. In its fifth year, the museum invites tribal veterans to sit for a portrait and share the details of their military service – rank, duty stations, awards and medals – which are then entered into a searchable online database.
Portraits that tell a story
“Every picture tells a story, and here at the First Americans Museum, those pictures tell stories of service,” said Mary Ann Guoladdle Parker, director of the museum. The portrait sessions are open to any veteran who identifies with a tribal nation in Oklahoma. Once the photograph and service record are uploaded, the database becomes a permanent resource for families, researchers and anyone interested in the contributions of Indigenous service members.
Growing the collection
To date, the museum’s database includes at least 100 veterans. Families are also encouraged to submit photographs of loved ones who have passed, ensuring that even those who are no longer with us are remembered. One highlighted veteran is Jimmy Boyce, a Navy veteran and citizen of the Cherokee Nation. His daughter, Dana Call, expressed the lasting impact of the project: “You’re going to be in this museum forever. For my children, my grandchildren, for his great‑grandchildren and future generations.”
Community events and ongoing honor
In addition to the portrait program, the museum added a resource fair and a bingo night for veterans after their photo sessions. Parker explained that these gatherings are meant to draw more community members into the museum and to “activate the community.” While Veterans Day is observed once a year, Parker emphasized that tribal peoples honor their veterans every day: “Veterans Day falls one day once a year, but our tribal people honor our veterans every single day throughout the year.”
Why this matters
The initiative aligns with the museum’s broader mission to preserve Indigenous history and culture in Oklahoma. By documenting the military service of tribal members, the museum not only safeguards personal stories but also highlights the longstanding relationship between Native nations and the United States Armed Forces. The publicly accessible database serves educators, historians and descendants who seek to understand the full scope of Indigenous contributions to the nation’s defense.
Looking ahead
The First Americans Museum plans to continue expanding the database, reaching out to veterans from all tribal nations and encouraging more families to share photographs and stories. As the collection grows, the museum hopes it will become a cornerstone for preserving tribal heritage and fostering pride among future generations.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
