Shawnee Tribe Fights to Preserve History and Culture at Shawnee Indian Mission

This week’s recommendation is shared by Bill Tammeus.

In the KCTV5 article "‘We Still Have Our Culture’: Native American Tribe Fighting to Keep History Alive at Shawnee Indian Mission," the story of the Shawnee Tribe's ongoing efforts to preserve their cultural heritage and history is shared. This piece delves into the tribe’s fight to protect the Shawnee Indian Mission, a significant historical site that represents both the painful legacy of forced assimilation and the tribe’s resilience and determination to maintain their cultural identity.

Summary of the Article

The KCTV5 article highlights the ongoing struggle of the Shawnee Tribe to preserve the Shawnee Indian Mission, located in Fairway, Kansas. Originally built in the 1830s as a religious boarding school for Native American children, the mission is now a symbol of both the tribe’s painful past and their strength in the face of historical trauma. For many years, the Shawnee Indian Mission served as a tool for the forced assimilation of Native American children, who were stripped of their language, culture, and identity.

Despite its problematic history, the Shawnee Tribe is fighting to ensure that the mission is recognized for its historical significance and that its legacy is properly acknowledged. The tribe’s efforts to protect and preserve the site are part of a broader movement to reclaim Native American history and honor the experiences of Indigenous peoples.

The article discusses how the Shawnee Tribe is working to not only protect the physical structure of the Shawnee Indian Mission but also to keep their cultural history alive for future generations. Tribal leaders emphasize that the mission site represents both loss and survival, as it holds painful memories of forced assimilation, but it is also a place that the tribe’s members continue to reconnect with and draw strength from. The tribe is committed to teaching younger generations about their heritage, language, and traditions, ensuring that they remain connected to their roots in spite of historical attempts to erase them.

The Shawnee Tribe's ongoing struggle for cultural preservation is part of a larger effort by Native American tribes across the country to reclaim their narratives and protect important cultural landmarks. The article highlights the importance of preserving these sites as living monuments that reflect both the triumphs and tragedies of Indigenous communities.

Why This Matters

The preservation of the Shawnee Indian Mission is not only important for the Shawnee Tribe but also for the broader effort to preserve Native American history and culture. The tribe’s efforts highlight the resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of systemic attempts to erase their identities and histories. The Shawnee Indian Mission is a physical reminder of the historical trauma caused by boarding schools and forced assimilation policies, but it is also a symbol of the tribe’s survival and strength.

The article underscores the importance of Indigenous stewardship over cultural sites and the need for Native communities to control the narrative of their own history. It also sheds light on the painful reality of the boarding school system, which sought to separate Native children from their families, communities, and cultures. The Shawnee Tribe’s work to preserve the mission is an act of reclamation, ensuring that future generations of Shawnee people will have access to a full understanding of their history and identity.

Furthermore, the article calls attention to the broader movement of Native American tribes seeking to protect and honor cultural sites across the country. The fight to preserve the Shawnee Indian Mission is emblematic of the ongoing struggle for Native sovereignty, cultural preservation, and the healing of past wounds.

Reflection on the Original Author

The KCTV5 article does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of the Shawnee Tribe’s efforts to preserve the Shawnee Indian Mission. The author provides a balanced and nuanced account of the mission’s history, acknowledging its painful legacy while also highlighting the tribe’s continued resilience and determination to protect their heritage. The piece effectively contextualizes the mission’s significance, making it clear that the tribe’s fight to preserve the site is part of a larger movement to reclaim and honor Native American history.

The article also gives voice to the Shawnee Tribe’s leaders, offering a personal perspective on the tribe’s connection to the mission and their commitment to cultural preservation. The narrative is both informative and emotionally resonant, making it clear why the Shawnee Tribe’s fight is about more than just protecting a physical location—it is about honoring their history, healing from past traumas, and ensuring that their culture survives for future generations.