Tribal Archivist Anita Mathis Teaches Lifelong Learning Class

Tribal Archivist Anita Mathis has just completed her first stint as instructor in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), sponsored by the Oklahoma State University College of Education.

The class, entitled “History of the Delaware Tribe,” was held weekly February 11-March 18, 2013 at the Arvest Bank in Bartlesville. Approximately ten students, including Delaware tribal members, were introduced to various aspects of Delaware history by Anita and several guest speakers.

The abstract for the class, which was very well received and will most likely be repeated next spring, gives some indication of the content:
“Books, documents, images and artifacts of the Delaware Tribe of Indians are being collected and archived using state-of-the-art museum cataloging software. The collection is located at Tribal Headquarters, and drawing on these rich cultural resources, Tribal Archivist Anita Mathis will introduce you to the history and way of life, both past and present, of the Delaware Indians. Using slide presentations and a field trip to Tribal Headquarters, you’ll research documents, some of which date to the 1600s.

“Anita Mathis has been active within the Tribe all her life, including but not limited to participating in every Powwow put on by the Tribe. The 2013 Powwow will be her 49th. Anita has served on the Trust Board and chaired and co-chaired various committees. She currently serves on the Culture Preservation Committee. Anita is the Tribal Archivist and oversees the library, gift shop and research area. She has extensive training and experience in handling and archiving photos and documents and is dedicated to preserving written, oral and pictorial Tribal history.”

Anita Mathis during first class.	Anita in traditional Delaware dress.
Annette Ketchum showing a simple buckskin dress worn in early years.	Jack Tatum, Dee Ketchum, and Annette Ketchum (foreground).
Dee Ketchum on the water drum doing a prayer song.	Dee Ketchum with water drum.
Mike Pace.	Anita Mathis with Mike Pace and Dee Ketchum in background.
Jack Tatum leading the Bean Dance.	Jim Rementer teaching class about the Lenape language.
Curtis Zunigha.	Greg Brown teaching class about Delaware archaeology.