by OKLAHOMA CITY, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023 – In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the Oklahoma City Thunder has several community and in-game events planned to honor the diverse and impactful Native American communities of Oklahoma.
Monday, Nov. 6, the Thunder hosts Native American Student Day. Moderated by Muscogee Creek Nation member and motivational speaker, Chance Rush the day’s agenda includes presentations, concourse activations and an on-court, historic instruction of stickball. With recorded accounts dating back to the 18th century, Stickball was historically played to settle conflicts over land and politics between First American tribes. More than 1,100 students representing tribes across the state are expected to attend and vendors including First Americans Museum, the U.S. Secret Service, at least 15 tribes and more will be on the concourse. Students also receive a ticket to the game that night.
During that evening’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Thunder hosts Native American Heritage Celebration Night. The celebration includes concourse and in-game performances by Native Americans, a Grandma Turtle display from First Americans Museum and the national anthem will be performed by Ava Rose Johnson, the youngest person to win a Native American Music Award.
Monday, Nov. 20 Thunder Youth Basketball and the Choctaw Nation will host a basketball camp for select students in Durant.
“The Thunder is proud to celebrate the rich history of Native American people and culture in Oklahoma,” said Natasha Stamper, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “We want to continually teach, honor and build relationships with those around us, not just during this special month, but all year long. It’s more than just the understanding of how historic events have shaped our landscape; it’s about how we can continue to honor the traditions and find ways for those traditions to be present in the next generation to come.”
