The “Season of the Warrior” campaign in support of the Oklahoma Native American Warrior Project (NAWP) will make stops in Seminole County this week.

This initiative aims to raise public awareness and generate funding for the dedication of the First American Warrior monument at the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Park, located on the grounds of the State Capitol.

The tour will spotlight the rich legacy and enduring contributions of Native American warriors, engaging communities across Oklahoma through outreach, storytelling, and fundraising efforts. The campaign will also serve to elevate the visibility of the Force 50 Foundation and its mission to honor and empower veterans.

“The ‘Season of the Warrior’ is more than a campaign. It’s a call to honor the legacy of First American warriors and support a lasting tribute at the heart of Oklahoma,” Force 50, the foundation behind the initiative, stated in a news release.

The first leg of the tour will include stops in over 20 communities across southern and central Oklahoma. Events will feature local engagement opportunities, distribution of campaign materials, and updates on the monument project.

The itinerary for Wednesday, Aug. 20 includes stops in Konawa at 11 a.m., Seminole at 1 p.m., then Wewoka at 3 p.m.

Former University of Oklahoma Coach Barry Switzer serves as Honorary Chairman of the project and special advisors include Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and the late Governor George Nigh.

“I will personally miss Governor Nigh so much with his passing, but we will continue with him in memoriam, as this project was very important to him,” said Pete Reed, NAWP Coordinator.

The organization’s goals include:

• Fund, commission, and dedicate a permanent monument on the grounds of the State Capitol

• Implement a public awareness campaign to educate all Oklahomans on the culture, spirit, courage and contributions of all 39 Tribal Nations in Oklahoma

• Develop and publish a commemorative book honoring Native American Warriors including submissions from all 39 Oklahoma Tribal Nations

• Conduct a series of special events in November of 2024 and beyond celebrating Native American Veterans with concerts, award ceremonies, and special recognition activities To accomplish the goals stated above, the following items are completed or contemplated and are under development:

• The Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate have each passed two Resolutions recognizing and celebrating the Native American Warrior and calling for a permanent monument to be placed on State Capitol grounds and proclaiming a Native American Warrior Day in Oklahoma • The Project Steering Committee has been formed and is working toward the development of all related events, the commemorative book, and monument

• The public awareness campaign in the form of social media, radio and television, and print publications is in development • County coordinators for the project in each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties are being appointed.

For more information, or to support the Oklahoma Native American Warrior Project, contact the Force 50 Foundation at (405) 314-4301.

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