Oklahoma is a combination of two Choctaw Indian words, "ukla" meaining person, and "humá" meaning red. A Native American missionary named Allen Wright combined the two words to represent "red person" on a Choctaw treaty.

Native Americans are honored in the Oklahoma State Flag which consists of a blue field originating from a flag carried by Choctaw soldiers during the civil war. Centered to the flag is a buffalo hide shield that was typical of an Osage warrior. The calumet, or peace pipe and an olive branch are crossed in front of the shield to represent peace.