Which Native American tribe is historically associated with Oklahoma?

The Cherokee Nation is historically associated with Oklahoma due to significant historical events, particularly the forced removal of the tribe from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States during the 1830s, known as the Trail of Tears. Following this devastating relocation, many Cherokee people settled in what is now Oklahoma, which at the time was designated as "Indian Territory." The Cherokee have since established a strong presence and cultural influence in Oklahoma, continuing to thrive as one of the largest tribal nations in the United States.

Although the Seminole also have a historical connection to Oklahoma, particularly after their own forced removals, the cultural and political identity of the Cherokee is more prominently linked to the state's identity. The Sioux, primarily located in the northern Great Plains, and the Navajo, primarily associated with the Southwestern United States, do not have significant historical ties to Oklahoma as the Cherokee do. Thus, the Cherokee Tribe's rich history and substantial population in Oklahoma solidify its primary association with the state.