OKA' CAMP: A DAY OF WATER, WORDS, AND WISDOM

September 15, 2025 by Daniel Castaneda

WATER
Slumber, a desolate mind, trapped with thoughts of what is and what could have been.
Awakened, but not by the beauty.
A lust for power has gripped the heart of man; taking the land and sealing its fate to a place void of meaning.
Now standing, memories flood a dry mind, of when life meandered downstream. When the sky cried and the Earth would bleed.
Just as these memories fade, so too has the blood of the Earth and the tears of the sky.
Mason Martinez

On a crisp, sunny Monday, September 8, 2025, the air at the Blue River Public Hunting & Fishing Area was filled with more than just the rustling of leaves and the gentle murmur of water. It was a day dedicated to an “outdoor encounter for water education,” a gathering where science and tradition met to honor the very lifeblood of the land.

The event, a collaboration between the Oka’ Institute, Grow Ada, the Chickasaw Nation Office of Cultural Tourism, and East Central University’s Water Resources Policy and Management Master of Science Degree program, felt less like a formal lecture and more like a celebration. People of all ages meandered along the banks, drawn in by the promise of knowledge and the enchanting sounds that carried on the breeze.

The spell was cast by Chickasaw Flutist John Stevenson, whose music was a melody for the river itself, a graceful, haunting tune that spoke of the land’s history and its soul. As his notes danced through the air, it was easy to see how this beautiful art form was an act of both creation and preservation. This was followed by the mesmerizing oral stories of Lori Carmichael, a gifted Chickasaw storyteller. Her words, like the river, flowed with a purpose, honoring and preserving Chickasaw traditions for all to hear.

The day also belonged to the scientists, who approached their topic with a passionate and human touch. Duane Smith, Cole Fagen, and Katie Buckler of the Oka’ Institute spoke with a palpable enthusiasm about the river’s ecology and the critical importance of protecting its watershed. They explained the delicate balance of the ecosystem, sharing “active ways to protect the watershed” that felt both accessible and inspiring. It was a powerful combination: the ancient wisdom of story and music alongside the modern science of conservation.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the echoes of the flute and the tales lingered in the air, but the day’s lesson was far from over. Drawn by a shared curiosity, people walked out into the river itself, some simply for the pure enjoyment of it, while others knelt with Aquatic Ecologist Kimberly Elkin to collect data like bugs and soil samples to learn more about the life it sustained. The event was a testament to the fact that to truly care for a place, you must understand it on every level, from the scientific data of its flow and its flora to the deep, traditional stories that have been its companions for generations. It was a day that reminded everyone that protecting the Blue River is not just a scientific endeavor, but an act of love, tradition, and respect.

INTERVIEW WITH DR. CHRISTINE PAPPAS:

Beyond recreation, how does the Blue River service a critical water source for communities, including Ada?

The Blue River flows from the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer which is also where Ada gets its water. Over 150,000 people rely on the Blue River and the ASA for drinking water.

The Blue River is one of the last wild, undammed rivers in Oklahoma. LEARN MORE

How does the health of the river and its connection to the Arbuckle Simpson aquifer ensure a reliable water supply for future economic growth in the region?

Spring water is like gold because it is reliable, and it is clean. It costs almost nothing to treat groundwater as compared to surface water which is full of contaminants. As the Blue River flows there are sinkholes and fissures where it runs underground so it is better for the aquifer health for this water to be clean. Additionally, keeping Red Cedars and other overgrown or invasive species from covering the aquifer can allow for better aquifer recharge through rain events.

The Chickasaw Nation and the Nature Conservancy have worked together on the Oka Yanahli Preserve to protect the Blue River watershed. LEARN MORE

What role does the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area play in the local economy? In what ways do water related industries and research (like Oka’) contribute to jobs and innovation in Ada?

Over 100,000 visitors come to the Blue River every year. They spend money when they visit and they also gain the “ecosystem services” of enjoying beauty and becoming more relaxed in a natural environment. The Water Cluster concept has been growing stronger in Ada over the past 15 years. There are hundreds of jobs that are directly engaged in developing water technology. We sometimes call this the “Blue Economy.”

Additionally, the Oka Institute, the Chickasaw Nation, and the Choctaw Nation are directly involved in improving the water infrastructure of local communities. Our staff has leveraged tens of millions of dollars of grant and governmental funds to provide new water pipes, plants, wastewater treatment, wells, water towers, meters, and other necessary infrastructure. These communities will survive and thrive because of these investments. Why does this matter to Ada? Because Ada is a hub and people in nearby communities will shop in Ada. They will go to school at ECU. Building up rural communities through water infrastructure supports economic development. People aren’t going to live or start a business where they can’t get water.

What are the main challenges to maintaining the quality and quantity of the Blue River’s water, and what’s being done to address them?

Most of the land fronting the Blue River is privately owned. It is hard to manage a riparian buffer when landowners can do whatever they like with their land. Helping them adopt best land management plans is an important goal. We have seen some degradation in water quality through construction runoff or sand and aggregate mining. It is a threat to everyone who depends on this water.

Water quantity is an issue when groundwater wells are overutilized. Springs can dry up because the water is being pumped out by a nearby well. This issue is very hard to tackle under current Oklahoma law because the connection of surface and ground water is not usually recognized. However, in the ASA basin, Senate Bill 288 requires a much smaller amount of withdraw from groundwater wells. (Long story.)

How do partnerships between organizations like Oka, Grow Ada, the Chickasaw Nation demonstrate a collaborative approach to preserving this economic seat?

Grow Ada, Oka Institute, and the Chickasaw Nation all want the same thing – good quality of life for the people. Without water, there is no economic activity or job creation. Water sustains the economy as well as the health of the people.

Why is it essential for the City of Ada to invest in long-term sustainability of the blue river other than just focusing on short term and tourism?

The City of Ada actually owns 2000 acres of land fronting the Blue River. Recently, the Ada City Council voted to work with Oka Institute on a Land Management plan that will implement best practices such as stock rotation, preservation or riparian buffer zones, and burning. The City of Ada is leading the way and hopefully other landowners will want to follow.

If trends continue, the Blue River will be protected for the “Seventh Generation” which is a concept not from Oklahoma law which favors utilization but from tribal policymaking. Decisions should benefit people not only today but for seven generations to come.

What can community members do to be a part of maintaining the river’s health?

The community could and should visit wild bodies of water. Examine the creeks around your neighborhood and see if you think the water is being honored. Take time to learn the source of your water.