Northern Oklahoma College hosted the 10th Annual Native American Leadership Day on Wed., July 19. This event is a collaboration between NOC and with the seven North Central Oklahoma tribes, which include the Ponca Tribe, Osage Nation, Pawnee Nation, Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Kaw Nation, Tonkawa Tribe and Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma.

The Native American Leadership Day is held to prepare students going into their junior and senior years of high school for the opportunities that await them in the form of higher education.

“We have many opportunities for you to grow as a person, through your coursework, and through an active campus life,” said Dr. Clark Harris, NOC President.

The students were informed of the organizations that NOC has to offer, including Northern Thunder, a Native American club on campus. They were also shown the deep Native American history and artwork that Northern Oklahoma College is proud to share with the world. One of the artworks shown was the 130 X 20’ mural that was brought to life last year. Osage artist and muralist, Yatika Starr Fields, created the piece to reflect not only the programs that Northern Oklahoma College has to offer, but also his own Native American roots that often heavily influence his art. This is clear in the two other murals that Fields was commissioned to paint in the NOC Cultural Engagement Center. Now, the Native American artist’s work is the main focal point of the newly renovated Pickens Learning Commons.

After the registration and welcome of the groups, Oliver Littlecook, Chairman of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma, came to hold the prayer. Next, the groups took photos and the students were taken on a tour of the campus where they were shown the different locations on campus and had the opportunity to ask questions about what it is like to be a Northern Oklahoma College student. Before lunch, students were presented with Leadership Awards.

Maycie Brandt of Kaw Nation, Isabel Herrera of Ponca Tribe, and Spencer McGhee of Iowa Tribe, were all recognized for their hard work and outstanding leadership capabilities. Maycie Brandt, a sophomore at Newkirk High School, is an enrolled member of the Kaw Nation and a descendent of the Ponca and Otoe Tribes. She was recognized for her stellar record of participation in different programs within her tribe.

Isabel Herrera ‘Machu Zhinga Wi’ which means ‘Little Bear Woman’ in the Ponca language, an incoming junior at Po-Hi, is a member of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma. Her accomplishments include being a varsity member of the Po-Hi all girls wrestling team, president for Native Connections Advisory Council, treasurer for Ph-Hi’s Native American Heritage Club, and 2022-2023 Ponca Tribe JOM princess.

Spencer McGhee, incoming freshman of Bishop Kelley High School, is an Iowa Tribe member. Because of his impressive academic record and extra-curricular participation, Spencer received a scholarship to attend this prestigious educational opportunity. From being chosen as a peer tutor and receiving high grades throughout his education to being in several extracurricular programs at his former school, it is easy to say that his record is impressive. Within his tribe, Spencer has been a straight dancer for the past 4 years and a member in the Iowa tribal Talking Circle Group college preparation leadership program for the ITO youth.

Later on in the afternoon, those in attendance had the opportunity to learn and play stickball from Jake Roberts and have college preparation sessions with Regina Riley, who is the Higher Education Director for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma.

To finish the day off, Kasey Nicholson from Billings, Montana, came to entertain the students. Kasey Nicholson is a trainer for the Native Wellness Institute, a motivational speaker, and a rising star comedian in Indian Country. Using his bachelor’s of science degree in health and human development and master’s degree in Mental Health and Rehabilitation, he dedicates his time to sharing, teaching, and creating a positive change in tribal communities.

“Kasey is also a grass dancer, powwow MC, husband, father, and lives by the teachings of his ancestors,” says Kasey’s bio.

After the entertainment from Nicholson, the students were given dinner to go, and headed back home. Overall, the 10th annual Native American Leadership Day was a success and the students enrolled left with knowledge and skills that will help them with pursuing their education further in the future.