The opening of the National Native American Hall of Fame at its permanent headquarters in early June 2026 is an exceptionally appropriate and strategic milestone for Oklahoma City’s cultural landscape. The opening of the National Native American Hall of Fame at its permanent headquarters in early June 2026 is an exceptionally appropriate and strategic milestone for Oklahoma City’s cultural landscape.
Located at the historic Sundail Mansion at 4000 N Kelley Ave., this new cultural icon is within two miles of the Oklahoma State Capitol and the Oklahoma History Center. This makes it a convenient tourist destination as a national monument to Indigenous achievement.
“The Hall of Fame inducts individuals in 16 categories, including military,” Founder and CEO James Parker Shield (Little Shell Chippewa) said. “We invite all veterans and visitors to our people’s place of honor-the National Native American Hall of Fame.” Shield established the Hall in 2016 in Great Falls, Montana, after serving as Montana’s State Coordinator of Indian Affairs as the first Native American on the Montana Governor’s staff.
Veterans and tourists can deepen their appreciation of Oklahoma’s proud Native American military service by viewing the product of its high per-capita enlistment rate and historic contributions.
Nearly 19% of Native Americans have served in the military since September 11, 2001, compared to an average of 14% for all other ethnicities combined. Historically, Indigenous soldiers have provided irreplaceable tactical advantages.
This began with the legendary Code Talkers of World Wars I and II-including men from the Choctaw and Oklahoma Cherokee Nations.
Native Americans have served in the military because of a complex mix of patriotism, family legacy, economic opportunity, leadership, humility and self-sacrifice to support their community.
This new museum celebrates Oklahoma’s Indigenous heritage by honoring notable figures, including Army First Sergeant Pascal Cleatus Poolaw Sr. He is enshrined alongside 21 other Veterans. This full-blooded Kiowa warrior from Apache, Oklahoma, is widely recognized as the most decorated Native American soldier in United States military history.
His and his four sons’ military service embodies the complex, multi-generational dedication to community defense and service that defines Oklahoma’s Indigenous heritage.
During his legendary career spanning 25 years and three major conflicts-World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, where he lost his life-Poolaw earned 42 medals, badges, and citations.
Poolaw’s career uniquely highlights the “warrior tradition.” He earned three Combat Infantryman Badges and three Purple Hearts- one of each for every war he fought in.
At his funeral, his wife, Irene Poolaw, summarized his legacy: “He has followed the trail of the great chiefs. His people hold him in honor and highest esteem. He has given his life for the people and the country he loved so much.”
Poolaw is buried at the Fort Sill National Cemetery in Lawton, Oklahoma. His enduring impact remains a fixture at the nearby Fort Sill Army base, where
“Poolaw Hall” houses a museum exhibit celebrating the contributions of Native American soldiers.
The Hall of Fame is a national institution celebrating contemporary path makers, military heroes, and political trailblazers from tribal nations across the United States. It highlights individuals who have made cultural contributions from the Civil War era to modern times in fields such as law, medicine, sports, and activism.
The museum will attract summer vacationers, field trips, and families. It will be a key destination for learning about Native American achievements and increasing visitor engagement.
By opening its doors in June it places Indigenous contributions at the center of Oklahoma City’s cultural landscape, encouraging visitors to explore this vital history.
Housed in the historic 6,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style residential villa built in 1919, the museum offers a private, elegant experience by appointment only, making visitors feel uniquely welcome and valued.
Operating without standard walk-in hours, the museum offers personalized, tailored tours of the collection, providing a more exclusive experience for visitors.
To request entry, email [email protected]. Please include your preferred date and time, the
total number of guests, and any specific educational interests or accessibility needs. The staff handles scheduling inquiries Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please wait for a staff member to reply and confirm your time slot before traveling to the museum.
For more informationo, visit www.nativehalloffame.org. •
Story and photos by
Darl DeVault, contributing editor
