Andrew Merriell & Associates Interpretive Planning & Design


	The National Indian Monument and Institute 2006 Tulsa, OK NIMI's mission is to honor, preserve, sustain, and celebrate Native American Cultures. The group has a long tradition of hosting cultural fairs and other events in Tulsa, but has never had a permanent visitor facility. Phase One will consist of a cultural center, a monument, and several site amenities, with a museum coming in Phase Two. The Monument features four standing stones, anchored in the earth and reaching up to the sky. The stones symbolize the four directions, and the bright beams of light symbolize the axis mundi. Flowing through and around the stones is a serpentine, three-foot high rock wall and water feature. Fragmented for ease of movement, the wall symbolizes the serpent, commonly associated with water and protection in Mound Builder iconography. Quotations, names, and other significant words can be inscribed in this life-giving wall that will attract birds and sustain spirits. The Stick Ball Field lies in a natural bowl. Onlookers can sit on the mounds and the neighboring slopes to watch the game. Five feet by eight feet stone basins filled with earth form the Shrines, sacred areas for visitors to place prayer stick and prayer tie offerings. Located at the North and South ends of the Stick Ball Field, the Shrines are accessible only by foot.
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