From 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, Mid-America All Indian Museum (MAAIM), 650 N Seneca, will host an event entitled Party for the People, which will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Keeper of the Plains. The event will be a free, family-friendly celebration that will include a re-dedication of the Keeper of the Plains sculpture, a park run, an indoor powwow, Native performances, art exhibits, food trucks, outdoor games and activities, exhibits from community partners, free museum admission, fireworks and more.
MAAIM's Bosin Society is named for Blackbear Bosin, the Kiowa-Comanche artist who was the creator of Wichita's iconic Keeper of the Plains as well as one of the original founders of the Indian Museum. Bosin was initially commissioned by Elmer Hall of Kansas Gas and Electric in 1968 to design a statue for the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers but due to funding issues, the project stalled. With help from the City, State and community fundraising efforts led by the Quivira Council of Boy Scouts of America and through the hard work and generosity of Architectural Metal Products, the Keeper was completed and installed on May 18, 1974.
Over the years, the Keeper has become one of the most iconic symbols of Wichita. In 2006, a City of Wichita built the Keeper Plaza and bridges, elevating the Keeper on a 30-foot-tall rock surrounded by a ring of fire pots. The sculpture is a local landmark and one of the most-visited attractions in Wichita.
A preliminary schedule of events is posted at theindianmuseum.org/50th and will be kept updated as information becomes available.
Admission is free for the Party for the People. Visitors are also welcome to explore the MAAIM galleries free of charge from 2-8 p.m. during the powwow.
