With 38 Native American tribes, Oklahoma is unique in the number of tribes and the number of Native Americans residing in the state. Also unique is their importance to the richness of Oklahoma culture. To honor their importance to the Oklahoma way of life, the legislature voted that the funds be used to display the flag of each tribe on the Capitol grounds.

The Flag Plaza of the Oklahoma Indian Tribes was conceived in a simple bold form to beautifully reflect the dignity of Native Americans and their oneness with nature.

Inspired by the Spiro Mounds, the 100-foot-diameter earthen mound rises eight feet above the plains. Flags circling the perimeter represent the Tribes of Oklahoma. Four entrances, one for each direction, cut though the mound and slope downwards to the "center of the earth". Ten-foot polished black granite walls surround the "Spring of Life" sculpture at the center. Water flows over the polished surface of the fire-formed granite boulder to complete symbolism of the elements of nature.