New “Native Tulsa” initiative aims to raise awareness and promote inclusivity

Native Commerce News is sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), dedicated to expanding Indian Country commerce across the globe. 

(TULSA, Okla.) A new initiative to raise awareness about Native American contributions and history in and around Tulsa has entered the early stages of development thanks to collaboration between three community organizations. 

Tulsa Regional Tourism, the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), and Native-owned Verified News Network (VNN) have teamed up to create a “Native Tulsa” tourism guide following conversations between Amy Blackwell, National Sales Manager for the Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Brittany Harlow, VNN Director. 

“It just seemed like a very natural next step in growing Native-owned business awareness and Native tourism here in the Tulsa area,” Harlow said. “This is Native land. It’s past time to honor and appreciate that in a mainstream societal way.” 

VNN also manages AICCO multimedia and events through its marketing department VNN Media Services. 

“We’re grateful for this next step in partnership between our organizations,” said AICCO State President Bailey Walker. “Our chamber is always looking for new and innovative ways to expand our impact across Indian Country. I encourage all of our AICCO members to provide their feedback on what should be included in this Native-focused guide.” 

The boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN), Cherokee Nation, and Osage Nation meet in downtown Tulsa. As the largest U.S. city to sit on tribal reservation land, Tulsa is also home to 30,000 Native Americans. 

Earlier this year, MCN Secretary Zechariah Harjo told American City and County their nation has boosted the Tulsa economy by $500 million thus far. 

Tulsa Regional Tourism also released new numbers last month highlighting a strong tourism economy, including a $327.9 million economic impact in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. 

“Our hope is that when people visit the Tulsa region, they’re able to enjoy all of the Native businesses and attractions Indian Country has to offer,” Walker said. “You can’t visit Tulsa without feeling and seeing the impact Native Americans have on the region. Anything that brings more attention to that is a benefit to our Native community and to Tulsa as a whole.” 

Those wanting to weigh in on the Native Tulsa tourism guide can do so by taking the survey online or emailing chamber@aiccok.org