For over a century, the Indian Village at Cheyenne Frontier Days has been a vibrant and integral part of the "Daddy of 'em All," showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Native American peoples. What began as an early feature of the Western celebration has evolved into a cornerstone of the event, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. Looking ahead, a significant expansion and renaming to the Morning Star American Indian Village is poised to further elevate its prominence and impact.
Native American participation at Cheyenne Frontier Days dates back to 1898, just one year after the inaugural event. In the early decades, performers from various tribes, primarily from the Great Plains, would set up encampments, sharing their songs, dances, and traditions with rodeo audiences. One of the notable early figures was Princess Blue Water, an Oglala Lakota who performed from the 1920s through the 1960s and became a beloved ambassador for her culture at the event.
Prior to the 1960s, the location of the Native American encampment within the fairgrounds was not fixed. However, in the 1960s, a permanent location was established, solidifying the "Indian Village" as a dedicated space for cultural presentations. This marked a significant step in recognizing the importance of Native American participation.
A pivotal moment in the village's history came in the 1980s with the involvement of Billy Evans Hunting Horse, a leader of the Kiowa and Southern Plains tribes. He was instrumental in transforming the village from a loosely organized gathering into a more structured and authentic representation of Native American cultures. Under his guidance, the village saw the introduction of a formal schedule of performances, the inclusion of storytellers and artisans, and an emphasis on educational outreach. This professionalization enhanced the visitor experience and provided a more powerful platform for cultural sharing.
Today, the Indian Village continues to be a central attraction at Cheyenne Frontier Days. Hosted primarily by performers from the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes of Wyoming's Wind River Reservation, as well as various Lakota groups, the village offers a glimpse into the diverse traditions of Plains peoples. Visitors can experience traditional dancing, listen to stories passed down through generations, and purchase authentic arts and crafts directly from the artisans.
The significance of the Indian Village extends beyond entertainment. For the participating families, many of whom have been part of the tradition for generations, it is an opportunity to share their heritage with a global audience, break down stereotypes, and ensure the continuation of their cultural practices. Sandra Iron Cloud, a prominent member of the Northern Arapaho tribe and a key organizer in recent years, emphasizes the village's role in education and cultural preservation.
In a testament to its enduring importance, Cheyenne Frontier Days is undertaking a major expansion of the Indian Village, which will be renamed the Morning Star American Indian Village. This ambitious project, set to be a year-round cultural destination, will feature a larger performance arena, improved facilities for participants and artisans, and enhanced educational exhibits. The grand opening is anticipated for 2026, marking a new chapter in the long and storied history of Native American presence at Cheyenne Frontier Days. This development ensures that the legacy of cultural exchange and celebration will continue to thrive for generations to come.
This project has been lead by our buddies at Winters Griffith Architects, and we collaborated with Theena Engineering on the site! We’ve felt lucky from the get-go to be invited to participate in this project that reimagined how the site could host this program at CFD - providing an anchoring facility during the big event and fitting into the year-round presence and use of the adjacent Old West Museum. The plans are VERY COOL. The site design was like shooting an arrow through a half dozen swinging rings. . . . or maybe a half dozen utility easements. Sometimes a plan comes together and clicks, and this time - it’s beyond our dreams. . . . we are so excited to see it coming together.
So, here’s a reminder to read more about the expansion at this link.
And here’s a couple more pictures.
Tomorrow:
Today:
See you at the Daddy of em All!