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homeland and that the time has come for us to acknowledge what was and forge what can be." "It's always a special time when we're back in the ancestral homelands of our people," Hill said. "No matter where we are, or how long we've been gone, the connection is still there, and you can't help but feel it when it is recognized in a meaningful way." "I feel a great sense of pride and emotional connection to our original home in the Southeast, so anytime we can come back and mark these special occasions, it's a special feeling," Beaver said. "I think of how happy our ancestors must be to see us back and represent a strong, thriving Nation that has persevered." While these two events have been crucial, Revis's role has been even wider in the community. She has truly immersed herself into the culture in Macon by attending numerous local events, speaking on her experience and ONPPI's mission at different organizations, and educating others about the authentic past and present of the land. Another effective opportunity has been taking leaders from Macon-Bibb to Oklahoma to learn about the Nation and see how the two entities can work together moving forward. As a result of these trips, Visit Macon and the Ocmulgee Mounds Association have both appointed citizens of the Nation to their board of directors. These ties will help bring a needed perspective to these organizations as well as enrich how they tell the story of our city to others. "Tracie's education and advocacy efforts in Macon have created lasting relationships with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Oklahoma and reconnected communities with the common love of this land and dedication for its future preservation," said Visit Macon President and CEO Gary Wheat. While Revis has accomplished a lot in the year since she arrived, there is still much to do. Her most important priority is increasing education and understanding of the Nation's history as well as knowledge about who the Tribe is today. Revis is hopeful this education starts with the younger generation and looks forward to going into schools to teach children this vital history. "We've begun to plant seeds of what true partnership could look like throughout the town and state in businesses, civic groups, and with community partners," Revis said. "My hope is to create long-lasting relationships in this land so that when I'm gone, or ONPPI is gone, and the National Park is here and thriving, that there will be a relationship with the Nation." The Ocmulgee National Park & Preservative Initiative (ONPPI) is holding a fundraising event on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at The Society Garden (2389 Ingleside Ave.) from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. For more information, visit www. OcmulgeePark.org. — EDNA RUIZ AUTO | HOME | BUSINESS | LIFE Local Ownership Local Agents Better Service SDBins.com 756 Poplar Street Macon, GA 31201 (478) 742-1275 Read the story of Wini McQueen's textiles in our archives at maconmagazine.com. 38 maconmagazine.com | APRIL/MAY 2023