Fort Wayne To Host Miami Indian Heritage Days

The "Miami Indian Heritage Days" season will kick off on Saturday, May 4 at the Chief Richardville House (5705 Bluffton Road) in Fort Wayne. The Chief Richardville House was named a National Historic Landmark this past year. Sponsored by the History Center, Miami Indian Heritage Days programs are held from 1-4 pm on the first Saturday of the month from May through November. The programs feature local artists, performers and representatives from the Miami Indians and other Native American groups demonstrating aspects of their lasting heritage for the public to enjoy.

Admission for each Saturday event is $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. History Center members and children ages 5 and under are free. Admission also includes the opportunity to visit the Chief Richardville House.

Schedule for 2013 Miami Indian Heritage Days:

• Saturday, May 4 - "Medicine Woman Drum" will be featured beginning at 1 pm. The group’s performances demonstrate the importance of drumming, singing and dancing in Miami society.
• Saturday, June 1 - Sue Lester will display traditional Miami clothing research and fabrication.
• Saturday, July 6 - Andrew Knight, a new presenter at Miami Indian Heritage Days, will feature Miami weaponry.
• Saturday, August 3 - Katrina Mitten will feature Miami bead work.
• Saturday, September 7 - Dani Tippman presents "Miami Harvest," a program about edible and usable plants and materials.
• Saturday, October 5 - M.I.A.M.I. (Miami Indian Alliance of Miami Indians) will present programs about wikiami building and cattail matting.
• November 2-3 is Traders Days. Vendors, craftsmen and artists sell quality Native American items including fine art, gourd work, beading, carved wood pieces, corn husk dolls, Christmas ornaments, Native American shields, jewelry, clothing, feather work, homemade baked goods and more. Traders Days events are free to the public and will be open on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from noon to 4 pm.

For more information, please contact the History Center - phone (260) 426-2882; www.fwhistorycenter.com.