Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) has initiated a project to reconstruct and relocate the Native American Indian Village on Frontier Park grounds. CFD revealed preliminary sketches of the new facility named Morning Star American Indian Village Friday, celebrating a donation from the Hughes Charitable Foundation.
Today’s announcement reflects years of planning on ways to improve the portion of Cheyenne Frontier Days that features Native American Indians during the 10-day show. The donation will allow for full construction of a new facility located near the Old West Museum. CFD will raise the funds necessary to complete cultural features.
“Since the beginning days of CFD, we have featured Native American Indian dancers, performers and storytellers,” Tom Hirsig, CFD CEO said. “This contribution allows us to begin construction on a facility that will serve as a cultural destination and a showcase for all of Cheyenne and Wyoming.”
CFD released architect drawings at an event ending with a cedar ring blessing conducted by Pat Iron Cloud, a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, and a prayer by Sandra Iron Cloud, member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe.
The goal of this project is to shine a brighter spotlight on the role of Native American Indians at CFD. The new space will offer a much-improved venue for Indian performers, as well as an upgraded space for craftsmen who travel to CFD and sell their goods in the village. Beyond the 10-day show, CFD will work to provide the venue for various cultural events.
“The Hughes Charitable Foundation is active in many Wyoming communities, and their projects always lift up the people and projects that support our Wyoming values,” Renée Middleton, CFD Foundation Executive Director said.
“This new village will reach hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to Cheyenne Frontier Days, and it will focus on a part of our western story that deserves more attention. We are proud to celebrate Native American Indians and bring an exciting cultural facility to the community of Cheyenne.”