OU Native Nations Center Moves To President’s Office, Expanding Indigenous Research

A program at the University of Oklahoma will soon have a new office. On the surface, the transition will promote research and education, but leaders of the program say the new space can provide a louder voice.

“[Tuesday] is my year anniversary here at the University of Oklahoma,” said Tana Fitzpatrick, Associate Vice President of Tribal Relations. “I’m an attorney by profession and I specialize in Indian law and policy.”  

Fitzpatrick felt called back to a place near and dear to her heart.

“I’m from Norman so I’m happy to be home and it’s just been a really wonderful year,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick is the newly appointed director of the Native Nations Center. The center began as an idea in 2015. It now has its own office and exists as a department on campus today.

“We’re in a transition right now,” Fitzpatrick said.

The Native Nations Center is moving to the President’s Office.

Fitzpatrick said the new space inside the heart of the OU campus means her culture's voice will echo a lot louder.

“The topics that matter most to us are overlooked because we’re not a significant part of the overall population,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick said she felt a strong sense of responsibility to Indigenous teaching and research.   

“I was called home to be home in Norman, to be closer to my family, to be closer to my culture,” Fitzpatrick said.

These often-underrepresented voices now sit in the same building as the president of this nationally recognized university. 

“It certainly has already put a spotlight on the opportunities that can be afforded to the native nations center,” Fitzpatrick said.