Oklahoma Native America
About the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma
Great Seal

The Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma represents Oklahoma's unique place in American history and its melding of cultures.

Inside the gold ring which forms the border of the seal are the words "Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma," for that is what it is, and the year "1907," representing the year of admittance into the Union.

Within this border, on a blue background, is a large five-pointed star. The five-pointed star was chosen because this is the American star, as seen on the US Flag. Since Oklahoma was the 46th state, 45 stars representing the other states are arranged in groups of nine between the arms of the star.

On each arm of the star is the symbol of one of the Five Civilized Tribes:

In the center of the star is the image of an American Indian shaking hands with a white man under the watchful eye of Themis, the symbol of justice, symbolizing the joining of Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory, as well as the joining of the cultures. Both are surrounded by olive branches, an old symbol of peace, under the state motto: Labor Omina Vincit, Labor Conquers All.

Special thanks to former Governor George Nigh and the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority for the information on this page, which was obtained from Governor Nigh's program Oklahoma Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow which airs on OETA.

This page is maintained by:
James P. Callison, Microcomputer Coordinator: callison@www.law.ou.edu
Date Last Modified: 25 February, 1997
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