Adawe Tribal Cultural Center and Museum
We all deserve a place to call home.
The Adawe Tribal Cultural Center and Museum exists to provide a home for all tribal citizens to feel connected, safe, and as one.
The Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma.
We have been removed twice. We are spread across the country. But the connection we share is that we are Anishinaabeg. Whether we were raised with our traditions and culture or not, it is in our blood, in our memory. Our culture brings us together and is our way home. The Cultural Center is a way to provide a home for all members to feel connected, safe, and as one. No matter where we are, or any other defining characteristic, we are Adawe. Our culture connects us. It brings us home.
History
The Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma has a rich and vibrant history. Preserving that history and ensuring that it is taught to our tribal citizens is integral to our mission. We aim to create a bright future for the next seven generations by learning from and honoring our past.
Language
Language is inseparable from culture, and learning Anishinaabemowin honors our ancestors while preserving the history, worldview, and lifeways of the Adawe people for future generations.
Lifeways
Preservation of our cultural arts, ceremonies, and traditions is vital to maintaining our identity as Ottawa people and, ultimately, our tribal sovereignty. Implementing our lifeways into “Culture as Prevention and Healing” initiatives, as proven by many studies, will heal and strengthen our tribal citizens and communities.”
“The Ottawa Tribe has always been and will always be. As long as one of us lives, there will be an Ottawa Tribe.”
“We have not yet lost our cultural heritage, nor will we ever. And this is the basis for sovereignty. It is the base that we still claim. But most of all we have learned a new appreciation for our own cultural heritage. Through our heritage we found determination to begin the battle and strength to sustain it. Through our heritage we found inspiration sufficient enough to cause tribal elders, who have nearly lived out their lives, to come out fighting like young warriors to win federal recognition for generations to come. We have not all emerged as traditionalists but we have renewed respect for The Indian Way.”
Charles Dawes, Nano-Keesis, May 2, 1976