All-American Indian Days Memorial Unveiled To Remember The Movement To End Racial Discrimination

It’s been 70 years since an interracial collaboration was started to end racial discrimination against Native Americans in Sheridan and Johnson Counties.

Now those that formed the collaboration as well as the festivities that took place to promote the cause will be remembered.

On Monday, October 9th a 12-foot tall sculpture and memorial was unveiled at Rotary Park in the Sheridan Historic Railroad District, to remember the All-American Indian Days that took place at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds from 1953 until 1984.

In 1951, then 16-year old Lucy Yellowmule of the Crow Tribe, was selected as the Sheridan WYO Rodeo Queen.

Shortly afterwards, a campaign was started to address racist signs against Native Americans that were posted in storefronts.

All-American Indian Days celebrated Native American culture, arts and games, and it was where Miss Indian America was selected.

The winner would then embark on a national speaking tour to advocate for Native American issues and promote cultural understanding.

Vivian Arviso is a member of the Navajo Tribe in New Mexico.

She says when it comes to racial discrimination against Native Americans, much has changed over the years for the better.

“Our younger generations are becoming well educated young people. They’re holding jobs in border towns, they’re taking responsible roles in their careers and so much is happening throughout Indian country today. It’s definitely an improvement from 1953.”

Jon DeCelles from the Lakota and Gros Ventre tribes is the sculptor of the Memorial, which has a sacred hoop on top, and is circular in design.

He says the intention of the design is to promote unity, understanding and racial harmony.