First Americans Museum’s cultural ambassador becomes ‘Indigenous Santa’

A cultural ambassador for the Museum of the First Americans has found a seasonal niche.

Ace Greenwood said museum leaders asked him to become a “Native Santa,” representing Santa Claus to Native Americans last year. He said he wasn’t sure if he would fit the role but agreed to try. In many ways, it seemed to be another aspect of his role as cultural ambassador for the museum, 659 First American Blvd.

A Chickasaw, Greenwood recalled ordering what is generally considered a traditional Santa Claus outfit of a red fur-lined coat and pants, coordinating hat, and black boots. However, he was preparing for his new role a few days before his debut, and the Santa outfit he ordered had not yet arrived. Once this happened, he worried that the wrong material had been sent for cutting.

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Less than 48 hours before his debut, the resourceful Greenwood went to a local fabric store and purchased materials to create a costume befitting the original Santa. He said he had been making his own motifs for Indigenous dance ceremonies and activities for many years, so it was only natural that he tried his hand at making his own Santa Claus costume.

What Greenwood saw as an emergency helped him create his own formal Original Santa outfit. He said he was excited when the audience at his debut seemed to like him.