TIMELINE

2000

The site development began in 2000 with the assessment of the environmental conditions. The early clean-up efforts were focused on the locating and plugging of abandoned oil wells, pipelines and the clearing of oilfield rubble in the initial 60 acre construction area of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum buildings. To date thirteen oil wells have been plugged to current standards, including 2 undocumented wells that were located during the remediation. The Oklahoma Energy Resource Board (OERB), the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and the City of Oklahoma City assisted with the cleanup.

2005

The site was donated by the City of Oklahoma City to the State of Oklahoma in May, 2005. Prior to starting any site construction work, the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority hosted a "Gathering in the Courtyard of Nations  which brought together tribes, state leadership community and many others to offer thanksgiving and prayers as a way of culturally nurturing  the damaged landscape. The Groundblessing Ceremony took place on November 1, 2005.

2006

The initial construction packages were for site clearing, soil re-grading, basement excavation of the Gallery Building and the beginning of the Promontory Mound earthwork.

2007

The storm sewer and site utility work began. A petroleum transmission pipeline was relocated off of a bridge structure crossing the Oklahoma River.

2008

The major underground utilities and the entrance road were completed. The Visitor Center parking lot completion coincided with the building’s dedication in December.

2009 - 2010

The project has continued to import soil onto the site for future use. Soil grading and erosion control measures continue as the part of the ongoing construction sequence.