(This story was updated to change or add a photo or video.)
Since Oklahoma is home to 39 tribal nations, opportunities abound year-round across the state to experience Native American languages, history and lifeways.
But autumn is perhaps the best time of year to learn about Native American cultures, between Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations and seasonal events like harvest festivals.
Indigenous Peoples Day is observed on the second Monday of October, the same time frame as Columbus Day. In recent years, more states, cities and counties have started honoring Indigenous cultures instead of Christopher Columbus. Oklahoma is one of several states that still observes Columbus Day at the same time as Indigenous Peoples Day.
When it comes to the latter, several Indigenous Peoples Day commemorations are planned in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and beyond, and those events are taking place in the midst of a busy fall season of activities that leads right into Native American Heritage Month , which is commemorated in November.