KEARNEY – It was historic day at Fort Kearney this past weekend
On Saturday Oct. 7, after many decades, the ancestors of the Pawnee receive long-overdue recognition for their service to the U.S. Army, 1864-1871.
This past weekend was the Pawnee at Fort Kearny: Share the History, Share the Harvest event. The day welcomed back the descendants of the Pawnee Scouts, who fought alongside the U.S. Army to protect early settlers in Nebraska, and the construction of the Union Pacific.
Well over a 1,000 people attended the events throughout the day, which included presentations at the Trails and Rails Museum, living history at the historical Fort Kearney Park, and ending with the honoring ceremony at the Fort Kearney State Recreation Area.
At the ceremony, bells could be heard ringing among the deep beats of a drum as the voices of Pawnee singers echoed throughout the park. Among the beats, Pawnee dancers adorned with colorful beaded regalia, detailed dresses, headdresses, could be seen dancing to the beats and encircling the singers. Several dancers dressed as Pawnee scouts, with furs, cavalry coats, and battle regalia.
The ceremony kicked off around 1 p.m., with introductions by historian Broc Anderson, who gave a warm welcome to the Pawnee for their return to Kearney. Introductions were followed by a presentation from Nebraska National Guard. Major Rose presented a Calvary Stentson to Pius Spottedhorsechief as a thank you and gift from the Nebraska National Guard to the Pawnee for their service to Nebraska.
“Today this Stentson is a mark of distinction, it represents the history and bravery of the horse mount Calvary of old and the Pawnee Scouts who served alongside the American Calvary. This Stentson represents the bravery of those units and especially the Pawnee scouts. This Stentson represents the fierceness of their warrior spirit” said Major Rose.
Major Rose later shared that it was a great honor to be able to participate in the event.
As the presentation continued, the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society was acknowledged for their work and efforts to bring back corn that hasn’t been seen in decades. Keeper of the Seeds for the Pawnee Nation and Executive Director of the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society, Deb Eco Hawk was joined by Nebraska Manager for the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society, Ronnie O’Brian on stage.
Both received handmade quilts representing the Pawnee Scouts insignia on one side and another displaying the Buffalo’s that once roamed the Great Plains.
Broc Anderson shared that the event was fitting to the end of Kearney sesquicentennial events.
“In the last 150 years that Kearney celebrated its community history, this side has been greatly neglected. So telling this history from the Pawnee themselves, during a sesquicentennial year for Kearney, is overdue and appropriate.
During the ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to witness Pawnee Sign Language that scouts would’ve utilized on the field, learned the meaning behind the songs, and more.
In addition, to the ceremony, attendees got to see the Pawnee corn exhibit. The exhibit displayed a variety of corn in different colors and sizes, which included Eagle Corn, Mother Corn, and Blue Speckled Corn.
Ronnie O’Brian shared it was great that people were excited to see the exhibit and that they opened early than scheduled due to the interest.
“You don’t know how great it is to see people appreciate it. You know it is a lot of work and it’s been 20 years’ worth of a lot of work and we’ve had other tribes come out to Nebraska to talk to us and talk about the work that we do. Because their trying to do the same type of thing. So it’s wonderful for us to be able to help other tribes in Nebraska too.”
At the ceremony’s conclusion, Head Chief of the Pawnee Nation Pat Leading Fox stated what it meant to be able to see this recognition that’s been long overdue.
“My grandfather was one of the scouts. I can feel them here. They were here with us in spirit. You know it’s always good to sing these songs and to hear our Pawnee words echoing throughout this whole place. The emotion brings tears to your eyes, and I hope that’s what other people felt today.”
It’s hoped that this could be a continued event, but for the Pawnee and Kearney this historic event is one that will be told and known for years to come.
