Our state government sucks, pure and simple. Doesn't matter if we're talking about the various regulatory commissions, ABLE, or the legislature... it's all one big hot mess.

We should just eliminate as much of the mess as we can, lay them all off and defund. I'd be happy to then increase my city taxes up to that same amount and just let them do what they want with it. The city has proven itself to be good stewards of our money. The state has proven to be anything but that.

As was mentioned somewhere on this board, OKC is notorious for grand ideas that either never come to fruition or take 2 to 3 X the contstruction schedule due to a fauilure to secure the necessary funding or poor cost estimating. Another eyesore for this "world class city". Well done

That sounds like most cities. Well at least the part about construction schedule taking 2 or 3x's as long as it's supposed too.

As a Native American, I absolutely cannot wait until this project is completed. Hopefully work will resume very soon.

With respect, suggesting Native American leaders have been uninvolved or silent
is a bit like suggesting the museum is situated out in Gotebo.

It just isn't accurate.

Looks like to me it's supported by the Chickasaw nation -

http://www.chickasaw.net/governor/index_5804_393243353039423345413430343133434141433 1344339363033434436353432.htm

Can someone provide a list on who contributed and more importantly how much?

Again, this project wil be a great asset for Oklahoma City. It is not the job of the tribes to pay for it because it's benefit will be for the city more than anything. I'm white and this project is important to me because of its importance to American history. Let's get this done.

Can someone provide a list on who contributed and more importantly how much?

According to The Native American Times
http://www.nativetimes.com/life/art/6570-funds-sought-for-american-indian-cultural-center

"So far, the state has contributed $67 million in addition to $16 million from the federal government plus $6.7 million from Indian tribes and private donors."

The major tribes all have their own cultural centers that they support.

Again, this project wil be a great asset for Oklahoma City. It is not the job of the tribes to pay for it because it's benefit will be for the city more than anything. I'm white and this project is important to me because of its importance to American history. Let's get this done.

Agreed and well said.

Again, this project wil be a great asset for Oklahoma City. It is not the job of the tribes to pay for it because it's benefit will be for the city more than anything. I'm white and this project is important to me because of its importance to American history. Let's get this done.
I'm assuming you'll be making a large donation to support this effort then?

This center - the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum - received large, high-profile pledges from the governor and members of the legislature, the City of Oklahoma City, and a group of non-Native individuals. The most dangerous place to be in Oklahoma was between these groups and a television camera. At the same time I don't recall hearing any substantive financial pledges coming from Native American individuals or tribes. People I have spoken with are amazed by their silence, and the impression is that they're not contributing to this center which benefits American Indians. I'd feel different if I saw Bill Anoatubby, Neal McCaleb, Enoch Kelly Haney and other prominent Native leaders get in front of this, but I don't think that they have.

McCaleb's cousin doesn't own any land in the area...

Again, this project wil be a great asset for Oklahoma City. It is not the job of the tribes to pay for it because it's benefit will be for the city more than anything. I'm white and this project is important to me because of its importance to American history. Let's get this done.

Since it is located here, of course OKC will benefit from it but to suggest that others aren't going to as well, is incorrect. By this line of thinking, since OKC is going to be the primary beneficiary, OKC needs to take it over and finish it then? That idea has been suggested by some folks up at the Capitol. Maybe OKC should pay off the States bond debt on this project? After all, OKC paid the State debt owed to the Feds for Sardis Lake (ovepaid by several million)


This center - the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum - received large, high-profile pledges from the governor and members of the legislature, the City of Oklahoma City, and a group of non-Native individuals. The most dangerous place to be in Oklahoma was between these groups and a television camera. At the same time I don't recall hearing any substantive financial pledges coming from Native American individuals or tribes. People I have spoken with are amazed by their silence, and the impression is that they're not contributing to this center which benefits American Indians. I'd feel different if I saw Bill Anoatubby, Neal McCaleb, Enoch Kelly Haney and other prominent Native leaders get in front of this, but I don't think that they have.
they have, so you can feel different about it...

I think it was Pete that posted a while back that it was originally his idea (or one of the other tribal chiefs/governors). Haney was the Senate author of the bill that got it started (and under the original funding plane, equal 1/3rds were to come from the Feds, State & Private Donations (Tribes).

http://www.chickasaw.net/governor/index_5804_393243353039423345413430343133434141433 1344339363033434436353432.htm
(year unknown)

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. ...


naturalresources.house.gov/.../mccaleb_testimony_10.17.01.pdf

Statement of Neal A. McCaleb Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior Before the House Committee on Resources H.R. 2742, Construction of Native American Cultural Center and Museum, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (October 17, 2001)


...As an Oklahoman, I can honestly say that this is a project that I have enthusiastically supported for several years. I believe this is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when the State, Tribal and local governments work together on a project to work toward the economic and educational benefit of all parties concerned. I believe, as do others, that this is a project worthy of support. The Cultural Center and Museum will serve as a place of learning and as a home for collections that showcase many features of the history America's past to showcase the significant contributions that American Indians have provided to this nation. ...

The Native American Caucus in the Legislature unanimously supported completion of the project
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-native-american-caucus-supports-center/article/3670284

Here's a story about, and a snippet of, the very nice looking commercials that the Chickasaw Nation paid for and was airing on local TV channels last year and earlier this year:

http://newsok.com/american-indian-cultural-center-in-oklahoma-city-seeks-private-funding-to-finish-project/article/3633291

I bet if it included a Casino it would be finished already.. just sayin

The other thread about the zoo tax has me wondering... if ownership of the American Indian Cultural Center transferred to OKC, would city residents be willing to pay a sales tax to complete it?

I'm very interested in this project (Native American Center, not the zoo matter) and have reported on it previously in my blog. That said, given the present makeup of the Oklahoma Legislature as being Republicans, particularly the Tea Partiers, who don't appear to be willing to spend money on projects like this (or many others), I've kinda given up on following it. I thought that Blake Wade's appointment as CEO might make a difference. So far, nada.

See this May 18 Tulsa World article (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20120518_16_A8_OKLAHO43624) ... in part quoted as follows:


OKLAHOMA CITY - Opponents of a plan to put an additional $40 million state bond issue into a half-built Native American cultural center in downtown Oklahoma City think they have the votes to kill it.

Fourteen Republican senators have signed a pledge to oppose further bond issues for the facility.
* * *
Wade said he is very optimistic that the bond issue will be considered by the Legislature this year and will be approved.

"I was told that if it goes to a vote, all the Democrats will vote for it," Wade said.

Maybe they did, Blake, but ... dream on teenage queen. Oklahoma at this point lives in the dark days of Republicans controlling the Legislature, particularly its Tea Party elements, who give a flying f**k about this sort of thing.

The state legislature makeup will need to have a major makeover for this project to get done with state funding. Even some Republicans in the metro, e.g. Sen. Cliff Aldridge, R-Midwest City, were against the funding.

Gov. Fallin's general support for completion of the project is, I think, wholly phony, since she has not shown herself willing to go to the mat against the Tea Partiers on anything I'm aware of. She is a politico, nothing more, nothing less, who values her status above anything else.

A possible silver lining might be that people like Larry Nichols, who reportedly funded Committee For Oklahoma City Momentum to the tune of $415,000 in the 2011 city council elections, might open his/their eyes. Larry Nichols is clearly one who promotes Oklahoma City and its various developments and the city owes much to him for the same. One can hope that, as he sees developments unfold in the Legislature, his eyes are also opened to the group that, for all practical purposes, he forged his alignment with in 2011 during those city elections.

http://newsok.com/fixing-inaccuracies-about-indian-cultural-center/article/3689627

http://newsok.com/fixing-inaccuracies-about-indian-cultural-center/article/3689627

Good article, but wasted on everyone who wont read it. Remember, Tea Party members are blessed of the self-righteous, and therefore leaders of the ignorant. Having been a Republican half my life, I have watched this movement of proudly proclaimed stupidity (not ignorance because that means they can be taught, stupidity is doing the wrong thing despite the facts) push myself and my friends out of the Republican party. Heck, they freaked my wife out so much she voted Democrat for the first time in her life - and despite everything is prepared to do so again. In wanting to save tax money they are prepared to make sure 15years of work and 90million dollars is wasted - how remarkably enlightened. Family members who are convinced Obama is the anti-Christ, think these people are fools. I assured them that it was worse, they are OKies. I say this proudly as being an Okie myself I understand that there underlies a bit of the absurd in this action. I also understand that being an Okie also means unending perseverance. This wonderful trait works for both sides! There were also a lot of intelligent well-intention people of both political leanings that understand the importance of this facility to all Oklahomans. Remember they have been working for 15 years - they're not stopping now.

That is the crucial question here isn't it. At what point do you say enough is enough? Do you continue to pour multi-millions more into the project? The State was expected to only provide 1/3 of the funding (no matter if it is the original $99 million or the $170 million mention in the link. The State has contributed $58 million in long term bond debt alone (besides other monies). Going above and beyond the original 1/3rd and right at 1/3 for the current estimates (not counting the additional $40 million the State is being asked to come up with)

Audit of American Indian Cultural Center shows board selected most expensive options | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/audit-of-american-indian-cultural-center-shows-board-selected-most-expensive-options/article/3719793)

Headline sounds outlandish, but article leads with:

An audit released Wednesday morning of the unfinished American Indian Cultural Center and Museum highlighted the “unrealistic expectations” held by the board overseeing the project, but found no financial wrongdoing.

So they weren't criminal, just stupid. I feel a whole lot better. Meanwhile, back at the casino...

Tribal activities make $10.8B impact on Oklahoma's economic output, study suggests | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/tribal-activities-make-10.8b-impact-on-oklahomas-economic-output/article/3719667)



Oklahoma's 38 federally recognized Indian tribes produce an estimated $10.8 billion impact in the state's production of goods and services, with more than 70 percent of that effect coming from the tribes' gambling operations, according a report issued Tuesday.

So they weren't criminal, just stupid. I feel a whole lot better. Meanwhile, back at the casino...

Tribal activities make $10.8B impact on Oklahoma's economic output, study suggests | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/tribal-activities-make-10.8b-impact-on-oklahomas-economic-output/article/3719667)

It's not the job of specific tribes to complete a state tourist project (that I think will be highly successful) that deals with Native Americans in general. If they want to kick in then great, but it's not their job to finish tourism projects.

It's not the job of specific tribes to complete a state tourist project (that I think will be highly successful) that deals with Native Americans in general. If they want to kick in then great, but it's not their job to finish tourism projects.

All is not lost with this project, the big hill looks like it would be a great snow sledding attraction on a snowy day :)

OPM. I'm sure that board compensation was excessive as well. It would be nice to see a list of board members. Anyone...?

I'm not even sure the management was "stupid". Maybe they simply opted in every situation for something that would better stand the test of time. Maybe even unrealistic (living outside a realistic budget) would apply here.
I don't think it's a cost benefit to the tribes to support this project, either (although at least two have and were part of the promise to support more, if the state could match the funds). Surely their individual (tribally individual) efforts return a better profit than this group attraction would.
I'm also in the camp with others who say that there are other successful projects (like the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum) that had a rocky start. I hope for success for this project and don't expect that it'll happen right away.

The tribes definately were part of the funding equation. The budget increased, the state increased their share and now the tribes need to step up. For crying out loud, the whole idea for this project was pushed through the Oklahoma Legislature by Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. It was his pet project.

The tribes definately were part of the funding equation. The budget increased, the state increased their share and now the tribes need to step up. For crying out loud, the whole idea for this project was pushed through the Oklahoma Legislature by Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. It was his pet project.

So then maybe one tribe, the Chickasaw Nation, should contribute more, but don't lump all Native American groups together on this (by showing all casino profits in article above).

Why not lump them all together? It represents all 39 tribes. How about, no matching contribution no space in the museum for them?

Why not lump them all together? It represents all 39 tribes. How about, no matching contribution no space in the museum for them?

If they want to be lumped together then that should be their choice, not yours. THIS IS A TOURIST DESTINATION FOR OKC AND THE STATE, not a project of all the tribes. Native American history is a part of American history. We don't ask white people to pay special taxes for the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and then tell them we won't include stories from their families if they don't pay. We just build it to benefit the city and state. Quit asking Native Americans to do more than you are asked to do.

How about if the state ran its own gambling operations and used the proceeds to build civics projects like this?

We passed the lottery "for education" and I keep hearing about all the money the schools have that "would not have been without the lottery".

Why not just step it up a notch?

How about if the state ran its own gambling operations and used the proceeds to build civics projects like this?

We passed the lottery "for education" and I keep hearing about all the money the schools have that "would not have been without the lottery".

Why not just step it up a notch?

Long-standing policies and acts of the U.S government, the state governemnt of Oklahoma, and many selfish individuals resulted in theft of Native resources, and consequently caused a tremendous blow to the Nativeway of life for many tribes (see Angie Debo's And Still the Waters Run (http://www.amazon.com/Still-Waters-Run-Angie-Debo/dp/0691005788/ref=la_B001ITXPC2_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350513395&sr=1-1) for more on this history). Casinos were meant to be a weak, after-the-fact recognition of this injustice. Now, you want to take away the exclusive rights to casinos from these tribes to build a tourist museum that most Native people never asked for in the first place. Oh, the irony.

Long-standing policies and acts of the U.S government, the state governemnt of Oklahoma, and many selfish individuals resulted in theft of Native resources, and consequently caused a tremendous blow to the Nativeway of life for many tribes (see Angie Debo's And Still the Waters Run (http://www.amazon.com/Still-Waters-Run-Angie-Debo/dp/0691005788/ref=la_B001ITXPC2_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350513395&sr=1-1) for more on this history). Casinos were meant to be a weak, after-the-fact recognition of this injustice. Now, you want to take away the exclusive rights to casinos from these tribes to build a tourist museum that most Native people never asked for in the first place. Oh, the irony.

I think you might have your legal understanding of casinos a little mixed up.

I think you might have your legal understanding of casinos a little mixed up.

Please explain.

What's next according the Oklahoman.

What's next? American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/whats-next-american-indian-cultural-center-and-museum-in-oklahoma-city/article/3719890)

Long-standing policies and acts of the U.S government, the state governemnt of Oklahoma, and many selfish individuals resulted in theft of Native resources, and consequently caused a tremendous blow to the Nativeway of life for many tribes (see Angie Debo's And Still the Waters Run (http://www.amazon.com/Still-Waters-Run-Angie-Debo/dp/0691005788/ref=la_B001ITXPC2_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350513395&sr=1-1) for more on this history). Casinos were meant to be a weak, after-the-fact recognition of this injustice. Now, you want to take away the exclusive rights to casinos from these tribes to build a tourist museum that most Native people never asked for in the first place. Oh, the irony.

No, not really. Personally, I think gambling is a horrible model for raising funds for civics projects. I have nothing against gambling. I just think that the responsibility of funding community projects should be done in a more equitable way across the whole community.

Also, I am not insensitive to the plight of American Indians and feel our governments could do more to recognize and enforce their sovereignty. However, I don't think granting exclusive rights to certain industries is the way to go about it. In my eyes that is more a function of limiting the rights of non-American Indian enterprises. American Indians should be able to conduct business on their land as their communities feel appropriate, but so should be the same for all American communities.

At the end of the day, though, I feel this cultural center could do well, if done right, in educating the masses about American Indian history and their culture that would help promote better understanding and communication across all communities and governments. You can trivialize the visitors by categorically dismissing them as "tourists", but many of these "tourists" would also be voters, policy makers, and community leaders. Many would also otherwise be ignorant to what the cultural center can teach them. And I think the more involvement tribes have in the process, the better the information at the center could be.

Now, maybe they don't want an aggregate cultural center. Maybe, justifiably, they see that as difficult a task as it would be to build a single "European Cultural Center". But, I do think with proper involvement, a single cultural center would actually help people understand the differences between tribes as well as appreciate their collective struggles and cultural achievements. But, maybe that's just too optimistic. I admit I am ignorant to the workings of inter-tribal politics and maybe that has more to do with the contempt for this center than anything else. I just don't know, but I find it hard not to see opportunity for all American Indians in this project and count that as much more important than any additional benefit the community as a whole would receive from increased tourism revenue.

Now, you want to take away the exclusive rights to casinos from these tribes to build a tourist museum that most Native people never asked for in the first place. Oh, the irony.

Umm, a Native American Indian DID ask for the museum. His name was Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. The whole thing was his idea. He lied to the State legislature about revenue generation and being self-loathing white people they bought it.

American Indians are the constituency group that benefits most from this center (don't tell me about economic impact and other esoteric, immeasurable benefits). If they want it, let them finish it. They were given the land and tens of millions of dollars for a cultural center to their exclusive benefit, which is more than other constituencies have received. How many other groups would kill for such a head start?

Let it be a monument for what American Indians will or won't do when given a head start by taxpayers. Let them demonstrate that they can finish what others start, and provide a deadline for completion with the obligation to preserve what exists today. If they haven't completed it by that time, then let the property revert to the state, which will entertain bids from other groups which must demonstrate their ability to complete it and justify this substantial gift. I wouldn't exclude private sector businesses either.

American Indians are the constituency group that benefits most from this center (don't tell me about economic impact and other esoteric, immeasurable benefits). If they want it, let them finish it. They were given the land and tens of millions of dollars for a cultural center to their exclusive benefit, which is more than other constituencies have received. How many other groups would kill for such a head start?

Let it be a monument for what American Indians will or won't do when given a head start by taxpayers. Let them demonstrate that they can finish what others start, and provide a deadline for completion with the obligation to preserve what exists today. If they haven't completed it by that time, then let the property revert to the state, which will entertain bids from other groups which must demonstrate their ability to complete it and justify this substantial gift. I wouldn't exclude private sector businesses either.

I think that's just about as reasonable as you can get on this matter.

Let it be a monument for what American Indians will or won't do when given a head start by taxpayers.

Dammed good point. Finished or not finished - it is a monument either way.

American Indians are the constituency group that benefits most from this center (don't tell me about economic impact and other esoteric, immeasurable benefits). If they want it, let them finish it. They were given the land and tens of millions of dollars for a cultural center to their exclusive benefit, which is more than other constituencies have received. How many other groups would kill for such a head start?

Let it be a monument for what American Indians will or won't do when given a head start by taxpayers. Let them demonstrate that they can finish what others start, and provide a deadline for completion with the obligation to preserve what exists today. If they haven't completed it by that time, then let the property revert to the state, which will entertain bids from other groups which must demonstrate their ability to complete it and justify this substantial gift. I wouldn't exclude private sector businesses either.

100% disagree with this post the state owns the site now .. if work isn't finish at some point the property will revert back to Oklahoma city

BDP, I pretty much agree with most of what you said, but I think you jumped to conclusions. I did not dismiss "tourists" I was just pointing out who this was built for. It is my hope this gets funding and is an educational tool for understanding differences and learning from different cultural groups. I also think an "aggregate" center is very appropriate, but was not in criticizing this type of center, but pointing out who it is for. Again, I agree with pretty much everything you said.

Umm, a Native American Indian DID ask for the museum. His name was Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. The whole thing was his idea. He lied to the State legislature about revenue generation and being self-loathing white people they bought it.

Yes, and guess what? He's not the king of the Native people! He is the representative of ONE TRIBE. When a white person does something does that mean it is in your name? In that case, I have some bones to pick with you.

American Indians are the constituency group that benefits most from this center


How does this center, just for example, benefit the Creek Nation?

Please be specific.

Native American history is part of all our history as Oklahomans. It's disappointing to see people place this all on one ethnicity (that has many different tribes) as if we won't all benefit from learning more about our Oklahoma history. I bet you anything people that Oklahomans of Native desent are not exempted from projects that support primarily white historical figures. Definitely some white privilege going on in this thread.

How does this center, just for example, benefit the Creek Nation?

Please be specific.

If I recall, the center recognizes 39 tribes.

How does this center, just for example, benefit the Creek Nation?

Please be specific.

Monetarily, it won't. The Creek tribe will have to rely on any current revenue systems for that. It may, however, bring a greater awareness to any visitors about the Creek tribal history and what the tribe is doing now to benefit its people and what contribution the Creek tribe has made to the fabric of Oklahoma.

Maybe white people shouldn't be building Cultural Centers for Indian and selling their history. Indian culture belongs to the Indians, not the State of Okahoma, and certainly not the Oklahoma Department of Tourism. Most tribes in Oklahoma have the financial means to fund their own centers - and many of them do. If they want to get together and build a common center more power to them. I know where they can find one that is half built.

The relality is the State bit off more than it can chew and they need to find an exit strategy.

How does this center, just for example, benefit the Creek Nation?

Please be specific.

It'll benefit the Creek tribe in just the same way it'll benefit all Oklahoma citizens. When people come to Oklahoma and visit the center, it'll improve the image of the state and its people.

Maybe white people shouldn't be building Cultural Centers for Indian and selling their history. Indian culture belongs to the Indians, not the State of Okahoma, and certainly not the Oklahoma Department of Tourism. Most tribes in Oklahoma have the financial means to fund their own centers - and many of them do. If they want to get together and build a common center more power to them. I know where they can find one that is half built.

The relality is the State bit off more than it can chew and they need to find an exit strategy.

the "exit" strategy is to issue 40 mil in bonds to get the 40 mil private match and finish the center ..

the "exit" strategy is to issue 40 mil in bonds to get the 40 mil private match and finish the center ..

No, that creates a long term debt and financial obligation. Unless of course you believe the projection that this place will generate $500,000 a day in new revenue as the promoters promised. This center will never cover the cost it will take to finish it. They probably won't even be able to cover the operational cost of keeping the doors open. All that money will need to be picked up by the taxpayers and Oklahoma has a lot more important things to spend the money on. This whole project falls under the heading of - we need to spend our resources a lot more wisely than we have been doing.

Honestley - why anyone believed that this place would generate $520,547.94 in new revenue every day for the next 20 years is beyond me. If it could do that private investors would be lined up around the block trying to get a piece of the action.

Definitely some white privilege going on in this thread.

You're silly.

You're silly.

I don't mind you disagreeing, but never providing reasoning or evidence is childish. C'mon. Contribute something of substance.

There should be no museums or history centers for anyone. We have no need to know anything about our state, our country or our world. We need to exclude anyone who isn't (fill in the blank with anyone not like yourself). Knowledge of our history is ignorance and a waste of taxes. And we shouldn't let anyone know what has formed us, and least of all be proud of it.

Urban environments have no room for diversity if it means we have to honor those not of my choosing.




And yes, I am being sarcastic in response to some of the "enlightened" remarks posted recently on this thread.

I really hope this project gets finished in a quality way. This project can benefit everyone involved - the tribes, OKC, Oklahoma - if done right. Oklahoma has a unique history and many people that come here want to know more about Native heritage. I think the place will do well, but even if it doesn't make much money, I think it could pay off as a culturally significant amenity. It's an investment that I am confident will pay off.

Umm, a Native American Indian DID ask for the museum. His name was Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. The whole thing was his idea. He lied to the State legislature about revenue generation and being self-loathing white people they bought it.

Wha?!?

Reading some of this thread, one just has to sit back and laugh. Self-loathing whites and white privilege, haha. WOW.

Yeah, I'm trying to figure out how that pertains to urban development. There's a forum for that, and most of us urban development guys on here have it blocked...

Monetarily, it won't. The Creek tribe will have to rely on any current revenue systems for that. It may, however, bring a greater awareness to any visitors about the Creek tribal history and what the tribe is doing now to benefit its people and what contribution the Creek tribe has made to the fabric of Oklahoma.
But that applies to the other tribes as well. It certainly can monetarily benefit each tribe as it serves as a place where visitors can be exposed to the individual tribes cultural centers and if inclined they might visit them and then spend some money in that communities shops, restaurants etc etc

The reality is that the funding plan was evenly split:

1) State
2) Feds
3) Private donations (tribes)

Of those 3, only the state has come up with the its full share of the original 1/3 cost. Only the State stepped up with its 1/3 as cost increased. The AICC director has it backwards when he got pledges contingent on the State coughing up even more long term bond debt as a "match" (there have been 2 bond issues for this to date). The plan was for the private to match what the State put up. In other words, the State has already matched the private donations and then some.

I don't mind you disagreeing, but never providing reasoning or evidence is childish. C'mon. Contribute something of substance.

You first. All you've done so far is insult people.

You first. All you've done so far is insult people.

Goodness. Have you been reading the thread? I have about 5 posts that consist of paragraph-long explanations. When I brought up a critique it was supported by evidence and an argument. I seriously don't mind the discussion, but you've provided nothing of substance on multiple threads.