by Cast members from FX on Hulu’s Reservation Dogs scheduled to attend Nov. 30 game
OKLAHOMA CITY, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 – 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.
In November, visitors to the First Americans Museum will receive a voucher for two complimentary tickets to a Thunder home game. In addition, the Thunder will host a Nov. 2 museum tour for the Riverside Indian School cross country team.
Nov. 5, Thunder Youth Basketball will conduct an all-native basketball clinic, for children ages nine to 14, in collaboration with Okemah Public Schools Indian Education Program and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation at Okemah High School.
In partnership with Red Earth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and showcasing the art of local Native Americans, Timothy Tate Nevaquaya, Comanche and Chickasaw/Choctaw artist and U.S. Army veteran, is scheduled to conduct a live painting during the Nov. 11 home game against the Toronto Raptors at Paycom Center.
Also on Nov. 11, Michael Powell, author of Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation is scheduled to appear on the Thunder Basketball Universe podcast, presented by COOP Ale Works.
Tuesday, Nov.15, a Reading Time-Out, sponsored by American Fidelity Assurance Company will take place at OKCPS’ Coolidge Elementary. A Thunder representative will read Kevin Noble Maillard’s Sibert Award winning book, Fry Bread, A Native American Family Story to students.
The following week, on Nov. 22, Thunder Youth Basketball will conduct a second all-native basketball clinic at the Choctaw Nation Wellness Center in Durant, for children ages six to 14, who are members of the Choctaw Nation. In continued partnership, Nike N7 and Hibbett will provide a gift to each camp participant.
Wednesday, Nov. 30, the Thunder will host Indian Education Student Day along with Native American Heritage Night at Paycom Center. During the day, select students from across the state will participate in presentations, concourse activations and receive a ticket to the game that night.
That evening, cast and crew members from FX on Hulu’s Reservation Dogs are scheduled to attend the game against San Antonio and props and artwork from Reservation Dogs will also be on display in the concourse. The items, crafted by local native artists, will highlight the craftsmanship of active Native American communities. The in-game entertainment will also feature performances by Native artists.
“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 be present in the next generation to come.”
