Mayor Brandon Whipple has signed a proclamation stating that the City of Wichita will recognize Mon., Oct., 12 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This holiday is celebrated across the United States and commemorates the shared history and culture of Native Americans.
The Native American Community Resource Coalition commemorated Indigenous Peoples’ Day at a free event on Sat., Oct. 3 at the Mid-America All-Indian Museum (MAAIM), 650 N Seneca St. There was a Trail of Tears Memorial on the museum’s back grounds with the playing of a ceremonial drum. Attendees were invited to walk around the drum in a remembrance walk honoring those who suffered during the Trail of Tears.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Day proclamation was also read at the event. Hunter Health Clinic was onsite offering flu shots. After the memorial, the Wichita Indian United Methodist Church sold Indian tacos at their church, 1111 N. Meridian Ave.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Day events are hosted by the Native American Community Resource Coalition, which includes American Indian Council, Native American Elders Council, Hunter Health, Wichita Indian United Methodist Church, Indian Southern Baptist Church, Southwind Native American Church, Kaw Nation CCDF, USD 259 Native American Indian Education Program, Mid-America All-Indian Center Museum and Wichita Kansas Intertribal Warrior Society.