Mid-America All-Indian Museum to celebrate 50th anniversary of dedication to Keeper of the Plains

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Mid-America All-Indian Museum is hosting “Party for the People” from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at the Museum, 650 N. Seneca, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Keeper of the Plains.

It will be a free, family-friendly celebration with 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, fireworks, and more. During the powwow, guests can explore the Museum’s galleries for free from 2 to 8 p.m.

A schedule of events can be found online at theindianmuseum.org/50th.

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.”

City of Wichita

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas are presenting Party for the People in partnership with MAAIM’s Bosin Society, the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Evergy, and other sponsors.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion as we recognize the importance of ensuring people of all backgrounds are seen, heard and valued,” said Lonnie Walker, Jr., BCBSKS director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “As a result, we are proud to intentionally support Keeper of the Plains as it reflects an aspect of the rich diversity of the communities that we serve.”