In response to the ecological and cultural devastation caused by decades of lead and zinc mining at the Tar Creek Superfund Site, seven Tribes in northeast Oklahoma are advancing a unique combination of cultural and ecological restoration. The Cherokee Nation, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Seneca-Cayuga Nation, and Wyandotte Nation are planning and implementing restoration projects ranging from streambank stabilization to freshwater mussel habitat characterization supporting future reintroduction, with the aim of restoring the lands, waters, and wildlife impacted by the historic mining. At the same time, the Tribes are strengthening stewardship and cultural connections to the land through the Tar Creek Apprenticeship Program (TCAP), a Tribal-developed cultural and ecological apprenticeship for Tribal youth that integrates restoration learnings with traditional cultural teachings. Through videos, drone footage, and participatory learning examples, this interactive panel will provide an overview of the Tribe's work to restore their lands and cultures, as well as future restoration planning for our generations to come.
