OKLAHOMA CITY – On Nov. 6, Native American students from across Oklahoma gathered at the Paycom Center to celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder’s fourth annual Native American Student Day. 

The event was moderated by motivational speaker, actor and life coach Chance Rush (Hidatsa) and featured a panel discussion with Emcee One (Osage/Potawatomi/Delaware), Ace Greenwood (Chickasaw), Sarah Adams-Cornell (Choctaw) and Justin Yahola (Chickasaw).

“The panel really talked about standing up for your rights, standing up for the goodness of the human race, education, understanding your culture and leaning toward what you want to become or what you want to do,” Rush said. “I’ve had the privilege of knowing this panel from, not just here in Oklahoma but all across the United States. For all of them to be here in Oklahoma on a platform like this to share with our young leadership, it was great. I’m grateful they talked about education, culture and leadership. I know sometimes we can see the Thunder as a game of basketball, but what the Thunder do is they really bring to light the importance of American and Oklahoman history and culture. It’s important to be reminded of how important it is to understand your culture, to respect a culture and to be mindful and lean toward the goodness so that we can contribute to the human race.”

After the panel discussion, students were treated to a performance by the Blazing Bear drum circle, dancers and a stickball presentation provided by First Americans Museum. 

“(The event) is filled with 40 vendors and 1,300 students from across Indian Country here today,” Michelle Matthews, Thunder director of fan development and retail, explained. “We had a stickball presentation on the court from First Americans Museum and several health, education and tribal resource booths located on the concourse for the kids to explore today before the game.”

Students were also invited to attend the game between the Thunder and the Atlanta Hawks, during which the Thunder also celebrated its annual Native American Heritage Night. 

“You’re going to see performances from local natives, including Blazing Bear drum circle, as well as a few fancy dancers,” Matthews said. “We have live Native artists on the concourse tonight and then First Americans Museum will be showcasing ‘Grandma Turtle’ and the new exhibits that are coming to their location.” 

Cherokee Nation citizen and youngest artist to win a Native American music award Ava Rose Johnson also performed the National Anthem before the game.

“The Oklahoma City Thunder really look forward to Native American Student Day every year,” Matthews said. “It’s all about fellowship. We don’t want this to be just about traditions and what’s rooted in the past, but also what’s ahead. They’re the next generation that’s to come and we want them to know that they’re supported by the Oklahoma City Thunder.”