Events
This FREE program series celebrates the history, culture, arts, and achievements of American Indians through a series of enlightening family programs at your local libraries.
2025 Festival of Words Programming
2025 American Indian Festival of Words Award Presentation
Honoree: Brandon Hobson
Saturday, March 1
10:30 a.m.
Central Library, 1st floor
Free and Open to the Public!
Bestselling author Brandon Hobson, Cherokee, will speak about his life and works. Hobson is an assistant professor of creative writing at New Mexico State University and also teaches at the Institute of American Indian Arts. Book signing to follow.
The Cherokee National Youth Choir will perform traditional and contemporary songs in the Cherokee language. CD’s will be available for purchase.
Consisting of a $10,000 cash prize, the award recognizes written contributions of outstanding American Indian authors, poets, journalists, film and stage scriptwriters. It is the first and only award given by a public library to honor an American Indian writer. Sponsored by the American Indian Resource Center, Tulsa Library Trust, and The Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation. Additional Support: Southwest Trading Company and Vision & Voices
Take and Make: 3D Turtle Kits
March 4-30 or as long as kits last!
Rudisill Regional Library, 1520 N. Hartford
The turtle bounces! The turtle can stick its head in and out of its shell! Enjoy a creative 3D Maker Space AIRC turtle craft kit. Stop by and pick one up from March 2-31 or as long as kits last!
Fancy Dancing with Michael Loman
TUESDAY, MARCH 4
2:00 – 3:00PM
Collinsville Library, 1223 Main
Come and enjoy traditional dance exhibitions highlighting the Fancy Dance, Hoop Dance, and Eagle Dance from various tribes. You will hear flute music, stories, and learn about the native culture
Make and Take: Cherokee Pottery
FRIDAY, MARCH 7
1:00-2:00PM
Kishner Library, 10150 N. Cincinnati E.
Join Cherokee potter Crystal Hanna for native stories and a hands-on workshop. Materials provided. Class size is limited. Registration is required. Please call 918-549-7323 to reserve your spot.
Rediscovering Hand Talk
Tuesday, March 11
6:00 – 7:00PM
Broken Arrow Library, 300 W. Broadway Ave.
Unlock the hidden history of an ancient language that widely influenced the current sign language of the United States. There are many uses for Hand Talk today come and join us reimagine the art of a forgotten language among Native peoples
Make and Take: Native Patchwork
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
4:00 – 5:30PM
Nathan Hale, 6038 E. 23rd St.
Come and learn the basics for Native American patchwork. Ten (10) sewing machines are provided or you may bring your own. Materials provided to the first 20 people.
Make and Take: Beaded Ornaments
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
9:00AM – 12:00PM
Zarrow Regional Library, North Meeting Room, 2224 W. 51st St.
Teens and Adults
Join Dode Barnett’s 2-part beading classes is a fun, contemporary application of a traditional Mvskoke beading technique. Classes will be recorded. Registration required.
Session 1: March 15 – Make a beaded ornament
Session 2: June 7 – will learn the art of Mvskoke beaded collars.
Make and Take: Beaded Ornaments
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
1:00 – 4:00PM
Zarrow Regional Library, North Meeting Room, 2224 W. 51st St.
Teens and Adults
Join Dode Barnett’s 2-part beading classes is a fun, contemporary application of a traditional Mvskoke beading technique. Classes will be recorded. Registration required.
Session 1: March 15 – Make a beaded ornament
Session 2: June 7 – will learn the art of Mvskoke beaded collars.
Storytelling with Choogie Kingfisher
MONDAY, MARCH 17
4:00 – 5:00PM
Kendall-Whittier Library, 21 S. Lewis
Traditional storytelling of the Kituwah Cherokee along with flute music, song, and good ole’ laughter.
Make and Take: Pony Bead Creations
TUESDAY, MARCH 18
2:00-3:00PM
Broken Arrow Library, 300 W. Broadway Ave.
Children’s and Tweens
Join Stella Foster as she brings pony beads to life with fun and colorful crafts! Registration required.
Make and Take: Corn Husk Dolls
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19
2:00-3:00PM
Skiatook Library, 316 E. Rogers
Come and learn how to make the corn husk doll, its purpose, and history (through storytelling) among our Kituwah Cherokee peoples and many of our relatives east of the Mississippi River. Seating is limited, first come basis.
Traditional Ball Stick Make and Take
THURSDAY, MARCH 27
6:00-8:00pm
Zarrow Regional Library, 2224 W. 51st St.
Teens and tweens come and join ZOyaha Nation to learn how to make stickball balls and learn the traditional game of stickball and its amazing history. Instructors: Mike Deo and Tony Shepard. Pre-registration required.
Native Stickball Throw Around with the ZOyaha Nation
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
2:00-3:30 PM
Zarrow Regional Library, 2224 W. 51st St.
Learn about the ancient game of stickball that native people used to settle challenges. Audience participation is encouraged.
Learn the traditional art of Making Ball Sticks
Beginning March 3
8:00AM
YouTube
Learn the art of making ball sticks used in the traditional game of Stickball. Watch on TCCL's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/TulsaLibrary.
Sponsors:
American Indian Resource Center
Tulsa Library Trust
Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation
Additional Support:
Southwest Trading Company
Vision and Voices