"The Guardian"
By Kelly Haney

The Guardian, a 22 foot sculpture that sits atop the Oklahoma State Capitol dome, is the work of Enoch Kelly Haney. "Kelly" is a internationally recognized artist and a former member of the Oklahoma State Legislature, being the first full-blood Indian to hold that position. Both a painter and a sculpture, Kelly's impressive art career spans over 40 and he has received the title of Master Artist of the Five Civilized Tribes. In 2005, after two decades of accomplishment in the State Legislature, Haney was named Principle Chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. Haney's contributions to this state are too numerous to recount. However, his piece "The Guardian" is the inspiration behind the logo for the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security and he has graciously allowed his worked to be respresented as such. 

The Guardian sculpture recognizes the role of Native People have played in the history of Oklahoma but it also represents ideas found in all cultures. "The standing one's ground. I feel it embodies values shared by all Oklahomans. It represents the deep love of family and home and the desire to protect them," Haney said. 

It is this ideology that makes The Guardian so appropriately represent the work done by the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security (OKOHS). Protection and security are values near and dear to the hearts of Oklahomans after having endured what was at that time, the worst terrorist attack on American soil. The Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security exists to ensure the safety and peace of mind of our citizens. OKOHS would like to thank Chief Haney for allowing his piece to represent the work done to secure our state. The "Oklahoma Standard" is what we in this state have come to expect and it is the duty of OKOHS to ensure that standard is met.