CFD Celebrates Grand Opening of Morning Star American Indian Village

Cheyenne Frontier Days™ officially celebrated the grand opening of Morning Star American Indian Village on Friday, July 17, marking a new chapter in more than 125 years of Native participation at the Daddy of ’em All®.

The 3.8-acre, $12 million Village is a permanent cultural and educational space at Frontier Park designed for Native dance, music, storytelling, art and tradition. The Village will serve as a place for education, gathering and cultural exchange during Cheyenne Frontier Days and throughout the year.

“Morning Star American Indian Village gives us a special place to honor the history between Cheyenne Frontier Days and American Indians,” said Tom Hirsig, CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days. “More importantly, it creates a place for traditions, stories and culture to continue to be shared for generations to come. There is nothing else like it in the country.”

The project was made possible through the generosity and vision of the Hughes Foundation, whose support helped bring the Village from an idea to a permanent cultural space.

At the center of the Village is a 750-seat sunken dance arbor with a circular, ADA-accessible design and terrace-style seating. The Village also includes artisan spaces and areas for education and cultural demonstrations.

Native art and storytelling are incorporated throughout the Village, with works by Native artists representing several tribal nations. A 1,300-foot sculptural fence depicting running horses and bison surrounds the space. Morning Star American Indian Village was developed with guidance from Native leaders, artists and cultural advisors, including actor and cultural advisor Mo Brings Plenty.

The grand opening ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 17, with a traditional dedication and blessing led by Native leaders and elders, Cheyenne Frontier Days leadership and project partners. Mo Brings Plenty served as master of ceremonies.

In place of a traditional ribbon cutting, the Village opened with a blessing and prayer, an Honor Song and the first dance in the new arbor before officially opening to guests. Admission to Morning Star American Indian Village is included with general gate admission to Frontier Park.

For more information about Morning Star American Indian Village and the 130th Cheyenne Frontier Days, visit www.cfdrodeo.com