OKC FRIDAY Vol. 58 No. 35 • One Section • 14 pages • January 31, 2025
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www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 51 years
FAM CEO proud to honor her Native American upbringing
‘Harvard for fire leaders’
Village chief to attend prestigious training institute By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
By Rose Lane Editor The First Americans Museum is NOT the authority on the 39 First American Nations in Oklahoma today. “We encourage everyone to visit their cultural centers, tribal headquarters and museums to learn more about the unique origins, histories, beliefs and lifeways of each tribe,” Executive Director and CEO Dr. Kelli Mosteller said. FAM opened on Sept. 18, 2021. It was a dream conjured up by Natives across Oklahoma and brought to life by legislation from Senator Enoch Kelly Haney in 1994, Mosteller said. Mosteller grew up in Comanche in southern Oklahoma and is a member of the Potawatomi tribe. “My childhood was blessed with immersion in Potawatomi history, art and culture,” she said. After earning an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University, Mosteller headed to the University of Texas at Austin for her master’s and PhD in American history, with a focus on Indigenous studies. She spent 12 years serving her Nation as the executive director of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center in
Mosteller said. Before joining First Americans Museum, she was executive director of the Harvard University Native American Program, where she said she worked closely with students, faculty and staff to foster the well-being of Indigenous
Village Fire Chief Chris Brigan, 44, is slated to attend Cohort 8 of The International Public Safety Leadership & Ethics Institute (IPSLEI) in Stillwater this spring. He is one of 27 applicants from CHRIS BRIGAN throughout OklaVillage Fire Chief homa selected to attend. IPSLEI offers a four-course program that guides individuals through the process of developing their own ethical leadership approach. The courses cover personal leadership, leading others, organizational leadership and the challenges of ethical leadership. The institute runs state programs for the executive development of fire officers in Oklahoma and Oregon. The full curriculum and abbreviated programs have been presented around the country and internationally. Brigan is an 18-year veteran of the VFD who has served as chief for 13 months. He becomes the first Village firefighter selected to attend the prestigious academy. “We are so excited Chief Brigan applied and look forward to the impact this program will have on leading The Village Fire Department,” said Randy Forster with the Ethics Institute in Stillwater. “Applicants will meet three days a month for four months and complete nearly 300 hours of classroom instruction along with 300 hours of outside instruction.” Classes begin on Feb. 12 and continue for
See FAM, Page 7
See VILLAGE, Page 3
Dr. Kelli Mosteller, right, a member of the Potawatomi tribe, took the reins last summer of the First Americans Museum.
Shawnee. During that time she also worked as Tribal Historic Preservation officer, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act coordinator and gaming commissioner for CPN. She has enjoyed some special nieces and nephews and other young people in her life. “I am honored to serve as auntie for the eagles at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary (meaning I am their legal guardian should something happen to their current caretakers) and as a mentor for Potawatomi youth,”
FRIDAY’s Cats of the Week Meet Frank and Charlie! These playful siblings just turned one and are keeping their parents, Shelby and Boyer busy with non-stop chaos and fun. Always ready for a little trouble, they make sure there never is a dull moment in their home. With a year of mischief behind them, these two are just getting started. Email Pet of the Week submissions with complete descriptions to: rose@okcfriday.com.
Sisu beneficiary of Redbud Redbud Classic announces Sisu Youth Services as the beneficiary for its 2025 event, continuing what is to be a 42-year tradition of supporting local nonprofits. Redbud Classic’s partnership with Sisu Youth Services underscores the event’s commitment to amplifying community efforts and fostering positive change through fun, fitness and philanthropy. Sisu Youth Services, a nonprofit based in Oklahoma City, provides shelter, care and resources to at-risk and unhoused youth. In 2023 alone,
Sisu served more than 400 youth, offering programs such as emergency overnight shelters, drop-in services, case management and life skills training to help young people transition to independence. “This partnership with Redbud means that Sisu will continue to create more opportunities that support our community’s youth who need a safe space and supportive team to help them thrive,” said Rachel Bradley, executive director of Sisu Youth Services. See REDBUD, Page 3