Tricia Fields Alexander reflects on MCN legacy and what’s coming next

(MUSCOGEE NATION) Tricia Fields Alexander has worn many hats: business owner, youth wellness program director, chef, organizer, facilitator, storyteller, mom, and grandmother. A dedicated member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation community, Fields Alexander has built a remarkable career through her passion for uplifting others and preserving Native culture.

Many know her for her 13 years of service with the Nation, where she worked as the youth wellness program director and facilitated the Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program. Others may recognize her as the owner of Autumn Star Catering or as the organizer of the Native American Christmas Market.

Fields Alexander recently left her role with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She reflected on her time there with VNN Oklahoma.

“I’m most proud of my time at Muscogee (Creek) Nation for, of course, my work with the youth, building relationships over years with the kids and their families,” Fields Alexander said. “Being trusted with the kids, whether it was through our cultural camps, our field trips, our bonding time–and just teaching the kids that it’s okay to express yourself.” 

Alongside her work with the Nation, she also managed her catering business, Autumn Star Catering, and launched the Native American Christmas Market.

“I did always juggle my full time job, school, and all my kids–but it was always fun,” Alexander Fields said. “And my kids were always my fuel for that [work] and I have always tried to incorporate my kids.”

Honoring Native Culture

Though her efforts might seem very different, Fields Alexander said she approaches each task with a shared purpose: honoring and elevating Native culture. In her work with Muscogee youth, she incorporated traditional storytelling, passing down the lessons and values her grandparents instilled in her.

“I always just tried to show these kids that the things their families are teaching them are important, and that they are history,” she said. “The art that they’re learning, the songs that they’re singing, the food that they’re eating–they might not think that it’s a big deal, but it is, and those are the things that connect people and make them feel included.”

The Native American Christmas Market is another example of her commitment to cultural preservation. Every December, this market provides a platform for talented Native artisans whose work might otherwise go unnoticed.

“I try to highlight people that might not normally be highlighted, just normal people that might be your receptionist at the clinic, and they’re an extraordinary beadwork artist,” Fields Alexander said.

Fields Alexander also organizes the Sweetheart Market, held annually before Valentine’s Day. Both of these markets are family-centered, with her children contributing ideas to ensure the events are enjoyable for all ages.

Looking Ahead

Although Fields Alexander has left her role at MCN, she has no plans to slow down. She’s preparing for the upcoming Sweetheart Market at the Glenpool Conference Center on January 18th.

And beyond her current ventures, she’s also developing new projects, including a ‘Native Home Economics’ class.

“My passion is being at home and celebrating home, and that’s what I want for other people,” Fields Alexander said. “I’m working on designing a ‘Native Home Ec’ class. Each class will teach different things, hands-on and primarily taught by me. Occasionally, I’ll have other people coming in and teaching things that I don’t know how to do.”

Drawing from her experience as Head Chalet in the Rolex Room at the PGA, she plans to incorporate lessons on table setting and serving, too.

“It’s the little details that make people feel special,” Fields Alexander said. “And that’s what I treasure.” 

Whatever comes next, Fields Alexander said she will remain steadfast in her mission to keep Native culture at the heart of her work, passing on the knowledge and traditions she learned from her elders.