A section of Eastern Avenue in Oklahoma City was renamed American Indian Blvd. Thursday, May 11. The section is immediately south of I-40 at the east entrance of the future site of the American Indian Cultural Center. Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett symbolically presented an American Indian Boulevard street sign to Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, Chairman of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority (NACEA).
“We believe this is the appropriate place for this center,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “This is the center of Indian culture for this region and possibly for the entire country.
He added that the cultural center will be a natural addition to development of tourist attractions in Oklahoma City and the state. “This is just one more component that will add to this city and this state, to make it a destination point,” said Governor Anoatubby. “We are going to have international travelers come here to enjoy this world-class facility.” Mayor Cornett echoed the sentiment. “This is going to be a centerpiece for tourism and American Indian culture,” said Cornett.
The Cultural Center is a signature Centennial project. Blake Wade, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission comments, “We’re thrilled that the City of Oklahoma City has decided to rename this portion of the street American Indian Boulevard. This is one of many signs that the American Indian Cultural Center is moving forward.” Gov. Anoatubby noted that the cultural center could not become a reality without the support of the city, state, federal and tribal governments. “This site has been neglected a long, long time,” said Cornett, who noted the site is being cleaned up as construction continues. “I think that’s appropriate as we return our attention to the American Indian culture, that we return the land to the way it should be.” It has been almost 30 years since Senators Kelly Haney and the late Robert M. Kerr, introduced legislation to establish the NACEA to design, construct and operate an American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.
