Indian group aims to revive heritage in southwest Missouri

AURORA, Mo. -- On land their ancestors might have traveled, members of nine Indian tribes gathered to celebrate their heritage and make plans for preserving their culture in the future.

The second annual Red Heart Rendezvous Powwow drew more than 100 people from federally recognized tribes to 25 acres of farmland near Aurora, about 20 miles southwest of Springfield, on Saturday.

As the smell of burning sage wafted through the crisp fall air, vendors hawked their wares: jewelry, blankets, clothing and food. White tepees stretched high into the sky, and dancers in ancestral regalia moved to the pounding of ceremonial drums.

Mark Simms smiled at the sight.

"We want to help Indians and non-Indians to learn about the Indian way," said Simms, who serves on a seven-member tribal advisory board working to establish the Red Heart Intertribal Cultural Center on the same plot of land.

The board expects to open a cultural center and gift shop within a few months. Down the line, the board would like to build a living tribal village.

"It would provide an opportunity for people who are interested in the Indian culture to come together and learn from each other," Simms said.

Larry Maggard, of Springfield, said some of the classes the cultural center would offer include crafts, beadwork, archery and flint-knapping.

"There's a lot we can teach others about the Native American life," he said as he displayed some of the spear points he had crafted.

Powwows bring American Indians from across the region together to celebrate their heritage. Those at Saturday's Powwow included members of the Ojibwe, Shawnee, Delaware, Osage, Navajo, Cherokee, Otoe, Cheyenne-Arapaho and Creek tribes.

Kenny Brown, a member of the Delaware tribe and the powwow's "head man" dancer, traveled from his home in Catoosa, Okla., to participate in the gathering. At 55, he is a structural-steel draftsman and a Vietnam-era veteran.

"I probably go to two of these a month," Brown said. "To see this is great. It's good to see these kids come out and have some education about their culture."