Creek Nation Council Oak Park, 1750 South Cheyenne Avenue, Tulsa Oklahoma, midtown Tulsa

Creek Nation Council Oak Park, 1750 South Cheyenne Avenue, Tulsa Oklahoma, midtown Tulsa

An integral part of Tulsa’s history in midtown Tulsa is the Council Oaks Tree at 18th and Cheyenne in the Buena Vista subdivision.

The Creek Council tree, a mature post oak, marks the traditional “ceremonial ground” chosen in 1836 by the Creek Indians. In 1834, they had begun their involuntary migration from the southeast under the control of the U.S. government. In this spot, the Creek Indians kindled a ceremonial fire using live coals they had carried from their homeland over a “trail of tears. ” Of the 630 that began the trip, 161 died.

This great Burr Oak tree became the site for Tulsa’s first town hall, first conference room, first church and first court of law. This revered tree still lives and remains a symbol of our early settlers’ strong spirit.

The sculptor, Dan Brook who is a Creek citizen both created and erected it. The design architecht was Richard Thornton, a Yuchi-Creek. The name of the monument is “Morning Prayer.” The reason for the title is due to the ancient practice of the Creek preists facing the east in the morning when they prayed. The surface of the bronze is highly polished, so the rays of the morning sun will dance on it. Around ten/eleven o’clock is when the reflections are highest. The design work on the terazzo rims represents two different Creek clan symbols. The clan symbol inscribed at the base of the monument is the Wind clan symbol, which was the clan of the high priests. The floor of the monument is white marble, forming the Etalwa Cross which is has religious and social significance. The rims are in the shape of small, crude kilns that the Creeks used to fire pottery around a camp fire. These symbolize the firey trial the Creek people went through on the Trail of Tears.

Below is the story inscribed in brass plaques surrounding the flame:

By 1834, our forefathers were forced to walk to the Indian Territory (Oklahoma) on what is known today as the Trail of Tears from our ancestral tribal lands in the southeastern United States. However, our Mvskoke leaders ensured that our traditional legacy was continued and protected here.

The sacred fires are built with logs pointing to the east, west, north and south; the four cardinal directions. This is the basis of many traditional Mvskoke concepts. The earliest Mvskoke teachings instruct that our sacred fires are to burn eternally. If extinguished, the Mvskoke will perish.

During the rituals, dances and prayers, the smoke rises from the sacred fires and it fades into the skies. The smoke carries the messages of the Mvskoke people to the Creator. These ceremonies are not primarily for personal benefit, but rather the benefit of the entire community or nation.

Fire is a revered element of many sacred rituals of the Mvskoke (Muscogee Creek People). The sacred fire represents the divine masculine of the “Epofvnkv” (the Creator) to which all things are connected.

Assimilation into the dominant societ, U.S. Government policies, and the loss of elders knowing the old ways contributed to the extinction of many tribal towns. Of the 44 original tribal towns removed, only a few Mvskoke and Euchee tribal grounds actively continue with ancient ceremonies. These remaining ceremonial grounds keep our sacred fires “alive” to this day.

Each year at Council Oak we celebrate the historic meeting held here after the United States Goverment removal, to re-establish our tribal government.

We remember the struggles and celebrate the successes of our Nation. We honor those tribal towns and all Mvskoke men and women who perpetuate the traditional ways and keep the ceremonial fires burning.

The traditions of the ceremonial grounds by Mvskoke men and women will insure that the next generations will know our ancient customs and lifestyles. Our language, traditions and culture have survived many destructive events. However, the Mvskoke have many reasons to celebrate.

The sacred fires were integral to the religious, political and social systems long before the first European contact. The ashes of our ceremonial fires from each of the tribal towns were carried over the long march to be rekindled here.

Creek Nation Council Oak Park, 1750 South Cheyenne Avenue, Tulsa Oklahoma, midtown Tulsa

Today, commemorative tribal ceremonies are held each year. This park is protected by Historic Preservation zoning and is listed in the National Register of Historic Place. 

This park is less than two blocks from Demetrius’ and my home, and I am always very humbled when I drive by this beautiful monument to the heritage of the Creek Nation.

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.