Culture, history come to life in Garland's Native American Awareness Day
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
It was a colorful, culture- and heritage-filled day as attendees learned about the Native American experience in the long-ago and the present during "Other Steps, Another Time" Saturday, March 7, 20206, at Garland's Plaza Theatre.
From speakers, a dramatic play, a film, and intriguing displays, guests got a glimpse of life from some Native American tribes that were associated with this area and to the immediate north beginning centuries ago.
Friends of Garland's Historic Magic 11th Street sponsored Garland's first Native American Awareness Day, an all-day event that included a food truck serving Indian Tacos, "Rez Dogs", and other menu items.
Dignitaries, including a long-serving legislator from one of the tribal nations and Garland's mayor, gave words of welcome. An official of the Texas Historical Commission traveled from Austin to bring a special recognition for Friends of Garland's Historic Magic 11th Street's unique approach to historic preservation.
Actors portrayed on stage a scene showing one family's experiences during the Removal, a time in the early 1800s when Native Americans were forced from their ancestral tribal homelands to alien territories in other states. Based on real-life events, the scene featured an original musical number, "Who I Am".
Displays in the Plaza lobby included two massive panels hand-painted by art students from two GISD schools and an art display of Native American-themed paintings and prints. Representatives from the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and The Chickasaw Nation brought artifacts, including a scale-model of an authentic grass house that sheltered tribal families up until about the 1700s and actual items that belonged to the actress Te Ata.
It was funded in part by a grant from the Garland Cultural Arts Commission. Photos in this post by Deborah Downes of Take to Heart Images
