Historical Pageant of the Kanza Indians Santa Fe Trail and Council Grove

The voices of the Wind People pagaent was conceived to provide the public with a historically accurate story of the clash of two cultures, Native American and Euro-American, in the historic setting of Council Grove on the Santa Fe Trail. The two main pageant characters, Chief Allegawho, Kansa (Kaw) Chief and Seth Hays, Council Grove's first Euro-American resident, narrate this compelling story.

The performance takes place in the old Neosho riverbed near historic downtown Council Grove and adjacent to the Santa Fe Trail crossing on the Neosho River. The production incorporates historic photos, images of the prairie landscape, and video images with the live-action of a pack train, wagon train, stagecoach, riders on horseback, tepees and the campfire of a Kanza village. Approximately 35 Kanza Indians, descendents of the Kanza Indians who once lived in the Council Grove area, return to participate in this production. They provide the principle narration of Chief Allegawaho, enact village scenes and perform dramatic roles and traditional dances.

The production of Voices of the Wind People is accomplished completely by volutneer staff and performers requiring the involvement of approximately 125 people per performace. These volunteers are willing to give their time becvause they believe in the importance of this story. Over 4,000 volunteer hours were recorded for the 2008 performance.

In case of inclement weather the pageant will be held in the high school auditorium.