American Indian Center of Springfield celebrates culture and community

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., (KBSI) — The American Indian Center of Springfield (AICS) hosted its annual powwow in March, drawing a large crowd to the Springfield Dream Center.

The event featured traditional Indigenous dancers in regalia, Native handcrafts, and frybread.

A gourd dance honoring Indigenous veterans and warriors kicked off the celebration.

AICS Chair Kay Gibson noted the organization’s growth, citing key partnerships and a recent $21,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks that funded its first paid staff person, cultural liaison Hannah Scarborough.

Scarborough emphasized the importance of educating the public about Native American culture and addressing the unique needs of the community.

The AICS powwow is one of four held annually, part of the organization’s mission to celebrate and share Indigenous culture in Springfield.