Dedication of All American Indian Days Memorial

Dedication of the All American Indian Days Memorial will take place at 10AM on Monday, October 9, 2023, at the Rotary Park in the Sheridan Historic Railroad District in Sheridan, Wyoming. 

 This memorial is a visual public record honoring the extraordinary people of Sheridan and Johnson counties and Native Americans who created an inter-racial collaboration to eliminate racial discrimination against Native Americans from 1953-1984.  Funding for the memorial comes from foundations, individual and family donors.

 All American Indian Days drew thousands to the Sheridan Fairgrounds to celebrate Native American culture, arts, and competitive games.  Selection of a Miss Indian America and an Outstanding Indian of the Year were annual highlights of the event.  Miss Indian America made a national speaking tour to advocate for Native American issues and promote cultural understanding.  The Outstanding Indian of the Year Award recognized an individual whose work benefited the well-being of Native communities.  An inter-racial Sunday service featured both non-Native and Native American clergy with hymns sung in English and Native languages.

 The Dedication will highlight the centerpiece of the memorial, a twelve-foot sculpture Mitakuye Oyasin, “We Are All Related,” by Master sculptor, Jon DeCelles, a member of the Assiniboine Sioux and Gros Ventre tribes.  Accompanying panels at the base tell the story of All American Indian Days.  The Memorial site will showcase five hundred memorial pavers and four memorial benches engraved with names of individuals who participated in All American Indian Days.  Educational signage will inform the public of the history and national awards the City of Sheridan has received for its efforts to work with Native Americans.

Sarah Johnson Luther (Diné), Miss Indian America XIV (1967), envisioned a memorial to honor the unique thirty-year effort of All American Indian Days.  Ms. Luther and Vivian Arviso (Diné), Miss Indian America VII (1960), collaborated with a Sheridan descendant, William Patton, to form the Honoring Project.  The late national figure Father Peter J. Powell was a strong advocate and Advisor for the project.  Other Advisors include Kendra Heimbuck, Director, The Brinton Museum, and Mary Jane Edwards, Executive Director, Jentel Foundation.

 During the Dedication, the Honoring Project will transfer ownership of the All American Indian Days Memorial to the City of Sheridan.  Mayor Richard Bridger will receive this gift on behalf of the City of Sheridan.  “The story of All American Indian Days is one of Native and non-Native leaders and community members achieving shared leadership and building appreciation for Native American life,” said Vivian Arviso, President of the Honoring Project.  “We expect that this memorial will become a visitor destination for Sheridan and the state of Wyoming.  This site is a place to stir the memories and the pride of Sheridan residents, Wyoming residents, and Native Americans across the country.”

 This celebration is free and open to the public. The Honoring Project is a Wyoming non-profit organization building educational awareness of the non-Native and Native American collaboration for All American Indian Days during 1953-1984 in Sheridan, Wyoming.