Sheridan residents are invited to celebrate the heritage of All‑American Indian Days on Saturday, September 19. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. with a special program at the Museum at the Bighorns in downtown Sheridan, coinciding with the museum’s current exhibit on the historic celebration and the Miss Indian American Pageant.
Featured Speakers Share Personal Journeys
Deana Harragarra Waters, who served as Miss Indian America XXII in 1975‑1976, will reflect on her experiences and the lasting impact of the pageant on her life. Waters emphasizes that remembering this shared history helps build deeper cultural understanding across communities.
Isabella Yellowtail, a former Wyoming Rodeo Queen and proud member of the Crow Nation, will also speak. She will discuss how her upbringing on the reservation influences her work on the ranch and in the classroom, offering a personal perspective on preserving tribal traditions.
Family Participation and Community Involvement
Several former Miss Indian America titleholders and their families will join the program, sharing stories that highlight the contributions of Indian women to Sheridan’s cultural fabric. After the museum presentation, the celebration moves to the Sheridan County Fairgrounds at 2:00 p.m. for a dedication ceremony and the unveiling of the All‑American Indian Days plaque, a gift from the Miss Indian America Collective to the local community.
The new plaque will sit opposite an existing monument that commemorates the 1932 peace agreement between the Cheyenne and Absaroka nations, underscoring Sheridan’s long‑standing commitment to honoring peace and cultural heritage.
Miss Indian America Trail Walk
At 3:00 p.m., the public is invited to stroll the Miss Indian America Trail at the Arboretum, located on the south side of the Trail End State Historic Site. The trail features a plaque installed two years ago by the Miss Indian America Collective, as well as newly planted trees, bushes, and a bench that enhance the Arboretum’s natural beauty near the bison and elk pasture.
The Miss Indian America Collective currently represents fifteen former Miss Indian America titleholders, their families, and several former All‑American Indian Days board members, judges, and host families. Their ongoing involvement demonstrates a lasting partnership with Sheridan to preserve and celebrate the region’s diverse cultural legacy.
Community Invitation
All Sheridan residents and visitors are welcome to attend the museum program, plaque dedication, and trail walk. The events provide an opportunity to learn about the historic All‑American Indian Days, honor the contributions of Indigenous women, and enjoy a day of cultural enrichment in the heart of Sheridan.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
