The Cultural Preservation Department
The mission of the Cultural Preservation Department of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is to preserve our Shawnee cultural values by providing a foundation of knowledge utilizing our traditional elders, providing resource materials, participating in cultural activities and by protecting our historical sites and cultural artifacts sacred to the Shawnee people of our past and for our future generations.
What We Do
This department is responsible for promoting Shawnee cultural heritage to Tribal members and the community through a variety of means and events throughout the year. Services offered include classes for tribal members as well as the community, (language, beading, sewing, cooking and other topics), educational presentations, youth camps, cultural exhibits and demonstrations, as well as educational and resource material related to Shawnee history and culture.
Betty Jane Holden Admussen Tribal Museum
In 2005, tribal member Betty Admussen donated a personal collection to the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, resulting in the establishment of the museum that was named in her honor. This collection is on display with replica and contemporary artwork by tribal artists depicting Shawnee history and culture.
The Betty Jane Holden Admussen Tribal Museum is operated by the Cultural Preservation Department. In this museum, you will see a variety of donated items from tribal members and contemporary artwork from native artists.
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Consistent with the tribal goals of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, the primary purpose of the Cultural Preservation Department and Tribal Historic Preservation Office is to ensure the protection and preservation of valued historic and cultural resources for future generations. The Tribal Historic Preservation Office serves as the contact for statutory and regulatory compliance consultation regarding Federal Historic and Cultural Preservation Laws.
The design and operation of the THPO Program is to conduct documentation and preservation projects necessary for sustaining an integrated culture. The tribe is committed to its historic duties, not just within the jurisdictional geopolitical boundaries in Oklahoma but also within the Eastern United States that comprise the traditional or aboriginal territory of the Shawnee.
Our Promise
We will uphold our values to be sensitive, compassionate and trustworthy to our tribal members. We will be dedicated, strong, and express our determination to reach our goal as we sustain and revive what was and will always be our Shawnee traditions and culture.