Ketchum Institute of American Indian Studies Formed

Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville has established the Ketchum Institute of American Indian Studies, which will be directed by Chief Dee Ketchum. The purpose of the Institute is to further the development of American Indian Studies at the University.

The newly-established curriculum at Oklahoma Wesleyan will begin in the fall of 2011 with Ketchum teaching a course entitled Introduction to American Indian Culture. This three-hour course will feature the Delaware, Cherokee and Osage Tribes. Additional courses will be taught by OKWU instructors.

Dee Ketchum, former chief of the Delaware Tribe, is excited about the potential educational impact that the Institute will have on Indian and non-Indian students seeking a degree in American Indian Studies. The Institute will raise interest in the diversity of Indian tribes and will provide exposure, information and accuracy in the field.

Anyone interested in making contributions to the OKWU Ketchum Institute may acquire further information at www.OKWU.edu or by calling 918-335-6225.

Plans are underway for setting in place an American Indian Museum at LaQuinta Mansion on the OKWU campus. The collections to be displayed will be on loan from individuals and other museums. Anyone interested in participating by placing artifacts in the museum may contact Oklahoma Wesleyan University (www.OKWU.edu).