Those who want to engage with matriarchal ways, land-based knowledge and creative expression are invited to gather April 10-12 at Tulsa’s fourth annual Rematriation Retreat. This year’s theme is “Language as Resistance.”
“Rematriation,” defined by Haudenosaunee thought leader Michelle Schenandoah as “returning the sacred to the mother,” centers complementary practices to land- and language-connection for sovereign Indigenous peoples.
The free event, hosted by Words of the People, explores how Indigenous language, art and cultural practice serve as acts of resistance. Two days of workshops will be held at Tulsa Community College’s McKeon Center for Creativity, 910 S. Boston Ave., where there will be panel discussions, a barter market, free headshots, community meals and more.
The final day’s events of yoga, creative writing and a picnic will be at Council Oak Tree, 1750 S. Cheyenne Ave., and Dream Keepers Park, 1875 S. Boulder Park Drive. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
“We hope attendees leave with a deeper sense of connection — to themselves, to land, to story and to community,” said Claire Maracle, executive director of Words of the People. “We hope everyone leaves with a new way of being in relationship to their own ancestry, inspired to be in community, to be active participants, to learn how to barter and let reciprocity guide them.”
Before launching the annual retreat, Maracle says rematriation started as a personal journey for both her and WTP founder Chelsea T. Hicks (Osage). Maracle’s life was shaped by being Mohawk (Six Nations of the Grand River) but raised in Tulsa, away from ancestral lands.
“It became important to us because of how much of the conversation around Indigenous issues was stuck in trauma and loss — focused on what was taken: land, language, children,” they said. “Rematriation is the alternative.”
Words of the People supports the growth of Indigenous language creatives through community-led programming, like its Indigenous language creative writing workshops and opportunities that foster artistic production, community leadership and land-based language practices. Follow their Instagram for updates on workshops.
Event Highlights
Friday, April 10 – TCC McKeon Center for Creativity
- Free Community Lunch, noon: Kick off the weekend with a free lunch donated by Hideaway Pizza and time to connect with fellow attendees.
- Opening Presentations, 1 to 4 p.m.: Featuring artist talks and presentations from Warren Realrider (Pawnee), Mary Jacobs (Quapaw) on Dhegiha language, Alicia Smith on “Noihiyo, Notlahtol: Diasporic Identity and Ancestral Memory,” and Shaina Nez on “Saad in Practice: Language, Relationality, and Care.”
- Community Panel 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.: Representatives from IndigiCHIC, Burning Cedar, Four Mothers Collective, Healing the Spirit, TPS Indian Education and Veronica Pipestem discuss rematriation in practice.
- Free Dinner by Autumn Starr Catering, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Opening Night Performances, 7 to 9 p.m.: Comedy from Brent Deo followed by a performance from artist and composer Elisa Harkins.
Saturday, April 11 – TCC McKeon Center for Creativity
- Coffee and Headshots, 10 a.m.: Coffee donated by Coracle Coffee and free headshots by Erica Pretty Eagle.
- Water Protectors Panel, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Environmental organizers Chey Mary, Jordan Harmon and Mackenzie Roberts will discuss local opposition to data centers.
- Barter Market, 1:30 to 3 p.m.: Hosted by Veronica Pipestem, this hands-on exchange highlights traditional trade practices and their role in building community wealth.
- Evening events: Attendees are invited to the Tulsa Indian Club Spring Social at Jenks Riverwalk and the TPS Indian Education Stomp Dance at Rogers High School.
Sunday, April 12 – Council Oak Tree / Dream Keepers Park
- Morning Yoga and Writing, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Led by Jessi McEver, a grounding session will connect body, land and language.
- Closing Circle and Picnic, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.: A facilitated workshop with Abby Rush and Claire Maracle under the Council Oak.
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