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George Caitlin (American, 1796-1872) painting of Osage warrior of the Wha-sha-she band (a subdivision of Hunkah). By the mid-17th century, the Osage had migrated west of the Mississippi to their historic lands in Oklahoma and several other states. They are not based mainly in Osage County, Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Indian museum raises $40 million in private funds

Catherine Saunders-Watson
Catherine Saunders-Watson
George Caitlin (American, 1796-1872) painting of Osage warrior of the Wha-sha-she band (a subdivision of Hunkah). By the mid-17th century, the Osage had migrated west of the Mississippi to their historic lands in Oklahoma and several other states. They are not based mainly in Osage County, Oklahoma.
George Caitlin (American, 1796-1872) painting of Osage warrior of the Wha-sha-she band (a subdivision of Hunkah). By the mid-17th century, the Osage had migrated west of the Mississippi to their historic lands in Oklahoma and several other states. They are not based mainly in Osage County, Oklahoma.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Native American Cultural and Educational Authority says $40 million has been raised in private funds to support completion of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.

Authority CEO Blake Wade says BancFirst confirmed the amount, which officials hope will be matched by $40 million in state funding. Wade says the money collected from private donors shows there’s strong community support for the museum.

He says he hopes Gov. Mary Fallin and the Legislature will supply the additional $40 million needed to complete the project. But some state legislators have been critical of the museum’s total costs, which are estimated at $171 million.

The Oklahoma City Council voted to dedicate $9 million to the project if the state approved the additional $40 million. The city donated land for the center.

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ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE

George Caitlin (American, 1796-1872) painting of Osage warrior of the Wha-sha-she band (a subdivision of Hunkah). By the mid-17th century, the Osage had migrated west of the Mississippi to their historic lands in Oklahoma and several other states. They are not based mainly in Osage County, Oklahoma.
George Caitlin (American, 1796-1872) painting of Osage warrior of the Wha-sha-she band (a subdivision of Hunkah). By the mid-17th century, the Osage had migrated west of the Mississippi to their historic lands in Oklahoma and several other states. They are not based mainly in Osage County, Oklahoma.