The start of the school year may put a spotlight on youth education, but it’s just as important for adults to seek out learning experiences. This September, the Mid-America All-Indian Center invites people of all ages from throughout the community to explore its Museum exhibits and take part in programming that builds understanding about American Indian history in Wichita and appreciation for the range of American Indian traditions, beliefs and way of life held sacred by tribes from around the country. The Indian Center is located at 650 N. Seneca.
There are three exhibits that are currently on display in the Indian Center Museum, which is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Regular admission is $7 for adults and $3 for youth ages 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge.
The exhibits include: “Tsate Kongia: Walking in Two Worlds, the Life of Blackbear Bosin" an in-depth look into the personal and professional life of Bosin, one of the founders of the Indian Center and the man behind Wichita’s iconic Keeper of the Plains sculpture; "Indians in Aviation,” the untold stories of the Indians who moved to Wichita during World War II to build airplanes; “Carry Our Prayers to Heaven," featuring bird feathers and feathered objects from the mid-1880s to 1900s that continue to be held sacred by indigenous cultures worldwide.
Other educational opportunities in September include:
· Community Night, 6-9 p.m., Sept. 10, 17 and 24. Community Night is a chance for the American Indian community and the public to take part in a variety of informal come-and-go activities that are part of the American Indian culture. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
· Share Our Culture Presentations, held in conjunction with Community Nights at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The topic of the Sept. 10 Share Our Culture presentation is “Native Spirituality” with local educator and elder Bob Marley as the presenter. The topic on Sept. 24 is “Native Storytelling” with Eugene Cameron. Share Our Culture presentations are free and open to the public.
· Beginning Sculpture Class, 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 13, with local artist Sheila Bazil. Students will use water-based clay to create their own version of turtles and birds sitting together on a log. The class is $10 for Indian Center Museum members and $20 for the general public. To enroll, contact Education Coordinator Crystal Flannery-Bachicha by phone at (316) 350-3345 or e-mail at cbachicha@wichita.gov.
For more information about any of the upcoming Indian Center activities, visit TheIndianCenter.org or call 316-350-3340.
