The Keeper of the Plains, often thought of as the community’s symbol, will finally return to its home on Monday, March 13 at 10:30 AM. Renovations to improve the Keeper included cleaning and reinforcing the statue. It returns to a modified pedestal that will elevate the statue 30 feet higher than it was before, to be seen over the treetops. The Keeper will be positioned facing due east, as the artist had originally intended. Soon, the Keeper Plaza will be completed that will incorporate the history of the Native Americans and embody a "sacred hoop" and the 4 elements that make up life (Earth, air, fire and water). The project was developed to create a unique experience that is fun, educational, and inspirational for the community and visitors of Wichita.
The public is invited to see the Keeper return to its home. Monday’s events are as follows:
9:00 AM – Blessing of the Keeper and Prayer by Donald Dupoint. Two Medicine Men from Oklahoma will be there to bless the Keeper while it is still on the truck.
9:30 AM – Introduction of Friends of the Keeper officers and Blackbear Bosin family by Susan Seal, Chairperson of Friends of the Keeper.
9:40 AM – History of the Keeper, delivered by Truman Ware
9:45 AM – Remarks from Mayor Carlos Mayans
10:00 AM – Introduction of the MAAIC Board of Trustees
10:15 AM – Memorial song for Blackbear Bosin by Cy Ahtone
10:30 AM - Raising of the Keeper
Drumming and singing will continue until the Keeper is on its new stand.
Renovating the Keeper of the Plains is a part of the overall $20 million project that includes the creation of two pedestrian suspension bridges, the creation of sidewalks along both sides of the Arkansas River for easier walking access and landscaping. The River Corridor Improvement Project was designed by the architectural firm of Law/Kingdon and Dondlinger and Sons Construction Company is the contractor. Tom Washburn and the original fabrication company, Metalpros LLC, completed the restoration work on the Keeper.
A symbol of Wichita and Sedgwick County, this majestic 44-foot sculpture was designed by Blackbear Bosin (1921-1980), a Kiowa-Comanche and internationally recognized artist, muralist and designer. On May 18, 1974 a ceremony took place to dedicate the Keeper, which was designated as a Wichita Bicentennial project. The 5-ton sculpture was placed at the confluence of the little and big Arkansas Rivers which is considered a sacred site by Native Americans and was home to the Wichita tribe for many years.
The entire event will be on the peninsula in back of the Mid-American Indian Center. The public will be allowed in a special viewing area on the lawn. This will be fenced off and further back from where the Keeper will be returned, for obvious safety concerns. Photos may be taken of the event. There are no restrictions. This event is free and open to the public. Limited parking will be available at the Indian Center parking lot. Overflow parking is on the west side of Seneca. Exploration Place also has a great viewing area, but they do charge admission.
Weather notice: There are some weather restrictions that may impact this event. If it is misting, the event will take place. However, if it is raining or lighting, it will not. Also if the wind is over 20 miles per hour, it will be canceled.
MEDIA NOTE: If filming from the peninsula, members of the media will need to ask permission from the Construction Crew where the best location to photograph because of safety concerns. Press can take pictures of any of the blessings or special ceremonies. There are no restrictions. The best viewing for the Keeper being lifted will be from Exploration Place.
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