Photos: Indigenous Peoples Celebration connects Goshen with living traditions
GOSHEN, Ind. — The beat of the Iron Bear drum echoed through downtown Goshen on Oct. 2. Dancers drew the crowd into an early celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 12.
Madalene BigBear of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi guided the audience through the celebration on the Historic Downtown Courthouse lawn. She explained the music, dances, clothing and customs represented throughout the evening.
The City of Goshen’s Community Relations Commission presented the Indigenous Peoples Celebration during the First Fridays Harvest Festival. Goshen First Fridays and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi partnered with the CRC for the event.
Indigenous Peoples Celebration connects past and present
The evening began two blocks away at City Hall with the dedication of a Potawatomi-Miami Trail marker.
The historic trail passed through what is now downtown Goshen. It formed part of a larger route connecting the Fort Wayne and Chicago regions.
Potawatomi and Miami people traveled the route long before Goshen, Elkhart County, Indiana or the United States existed.
Luke Gascho and Kevin Daugherty later discussed the trail and its significance at the Historic Downtown Courthouse. Gascho represented the Potawatomi and Miami Trail Marker Group. Daugherty represented the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.
The program then shifted from the history of the land to Indigenous traditions that continue today.
BigBear explained the meaning behind the music, dances and clothing as the Iron Bear Singers and Dancers took the stage. Audience members later stepped forward to join the dancers.
The celebration gives residents an opportunity to learn directly from Indigenous people. It also strengthens relationships with Indigenous communities connected to this region.
City of Goshen offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 12, in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.
The CRC thanks the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and Goshen First Fridays for their partnership. It also thanks BigBear, Iron Bear, Gascho and Eileen Saner for their contributions to the celebration.