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Muscogee Creek Indian Freedmen Bands next meeting will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Drive, Oklahoma City.
The guest speaker is Bill Welge, director of the research division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. His topic is titled “Freedmen Records in the OHS archives.”
Muscogee Creek Indian Freedmen Band announces the premiere of the riveting film, “Bloodlines,” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Reed Center in Midwest City. “Bloodlines” is independently produced and directed by Camara and Chantel Rose of Get Focused films.
“Bloodlines” tells the story of a group of people who were suddenly removed from their tribe in 1979. Told that because their ancestors were merely freedmen, they were involuntarily dismissed from their nation, a culture that they grew up in loved and embraced. For the past thirty-one years, descendants of African Creek Native Americans have desired to be acknowledged as members of the Creek Nation, a sovereign tribe within the United States. They have connected their bloodlines to ancestors who were tribal leaders, chiefs and prominent community members.
Possessing a rich and painful history many of them only desire to be a part of the community that their ancestors played a prominent role in developing. Under article 2 of the Treaty of 1866 signed between the United States government and the Creek Nation, they were to be granted, “all the rights and privileges of native citizens.” Armed with records and documents proving that they have a direct lineage to full blooded Creeks, and the bloodlines of their ancestors flowing through their veins, these descendants are set on a mission to be acknowledged for who they are.
The documentary premiere gala raises scholarship funds for students of African Native American decent attending an accredited college or university. Scholarship application and criteria is available at www.1866creekfreedmen.com.
Admission to the black tie premiere is $45 per person. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a meet and greet the producers, and silent auction. Dinner and the premiere of “Bloodlines” will begin at 6:30 p.m. Live music provided by Shortt Dogg Band. Limited booth space is available for $75.
Information: Rhonda Grayson, (405) 514-3518 or Sharon Scott, (405) 204-0023. Tax-deductible tickets can be purchased on line at www.1866creekfreedmen.com.
