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ATTENTION:
Friday, September 15th's production has been canceled due to weather.
Please join us on Saturday, September 16th. All tickets will be honored.


Click HERE to purchase your tickets now!
Tickets are good for either performance... Friday, September 15th OR Saturday, September 16th.

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Voices of the Wind People Logo

Signature Event

VOICES of the
WIND PEOPLE

September 15 & 16, 2023

This beautifully presented story depicts the changes affected by two vastly different cultures. As the Kaw Indians were being relocated and European American settlers were beginning to populate Council Grove on the Santa Fe Trail, the dynamics of these two cultures co-existing proved to be intense.

 

The performances take place at the Neosho Riverwalk Amphitheater 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 45-50 Kanza Indians of the Kaw Nation from Kaw City, OK, whose ancestors once lived in the Council Grove area, return to participate in this production. They provide the principal narration of Chief Allegawaho, enact village scenes, and perform dramatic roles and traditional dances.

The Voices of the Wind People pageant 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 Allegawaho, Kanza (Kaw) Chief, and Seth Hays, Council Grove’s first Euro-American resident, narrate this compelling story. The first production was in 1992, with performances in 1993, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, and now 2023.

The production of Voices of the Wind People is accomplished completely by volunteer staff and performers, requiring the involvement of approximately 125 people per performance. These volunteers are willing to give their time because they believe in the importance of this story. Each year this is performed, over 4,000 volunteer hours have been recorded.

Look for the ceremonial fire that burns through the duration of the pageant.

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Learn more about the Voices...

This dramatization represents how the commercial requirements of the Santa Fe Trail and the European American westward expansion changed the lives of the Kanza people and the history of the Kaw Nation. This road provided the backdrop for many of the events that formed Council Grove. The town was named after an agreement was made between the government and the Osage nation allowing settlers’ and traders’ wagon trains to pass safely through the area and proceed southwest to Santa Fe, (New) Mexico.

 

This westward push of the European American settlement became known as “Manifest Destiny.” This was the belief that the United States was destined to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Advocates of Manifest Destiny theory believed this expansion was not only right and good, but that it was obvious (“manifest”) and certain (“destiny”).

 

Since the late 1600s the Kanzas lived in eastern and northern Kansas. In the early 1800s their estimated “domain” was comprised of approximately 20 million acres. A treaty arranged by the U.S. government in 1825 assigned the Kanzas to a two-million-acre reservation in northern Kansas. That same year the Kanzas signed another treaty promising safe passage to European American traders on the Santa Fe Trail. This trail served both as an international commercial trade route and a military highway stretching over 800 miles from Missouri to Santa Fe. In 1846, a second treaty relocated the tribe onto a 256,000-acre reservation encompassing the site of Council Grove, a “rendezvous” (meeting and organizing point) on the Santa Fe Trail. It passed through the heart of the Kanza reservation and had a significant negative impact on the well-being of the tribe. In 1859, the U.S. government arranged a third treaty reducing the Kanza reservation to approximately 86,000 acres. The continuing encroachment by white squatters and legislation passed by the U.S. Congress in 1873 forced the removal of the Kanzas to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma.

Upcoming Event Details...

  • Second Saturdays in Council Grove
    Second Saturdays in Council Grove
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Oct 12
    Council Grove, Kansas
    Oct 12, 2024, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Council Grove, Kansas, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 12, 2024, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Council Grove, Kansas, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Community • Shopping • Recreation • Fun • Shopping • Dining • Stay-the-Night!
  • USD 417 Reunion FUNDRAISER
    USD 417 Reunion FUNDRAISER
    Sat, Oct 12
    Council Grove
    Oct 12, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Council Grove, 318 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 12, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Council Grove, 318 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Fall is definitely time for delicious soup! Maybe a bar cookie, too!
  • SETHFEST 2024
    SETHFEST 2024
    Sat, Oct 12
    Council Grove
    Oct 12, 2024, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    Council Grove, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 12, 2024, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    Council Grove, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Music & Art Festival
  • Breakfast Monday, Tuesday & Thursdays
    Breakfast Monday, Tuesday & Thursdays
    Multiple Dates
    Mon, Oct 14
    Council Grove Senior Center
    Oct 14, 2024, 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
    Council Grove Senior Center, 227 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 14, 2024, 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
    Council Grove Senior Center, 227 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Council Grove Senior Center is the place to be for breakfast! Homemade Biscuits and Sausage Gravy! YUM!!
  • Council Grove Blood Drive
    Council Grove Blood Drive
    Mon, Oct 14
    Council Grove Christian Church
    Oct 14, 2024, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Council Grove Christian Church, 106 E Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 14, 2024, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Council Grove Christian Church, 106 E Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Appointments are preferred. Book your appointment today at savealifenow.org/group, enter Group Code: TPOU. For additional details contact Candy Boardman at (620) 767-2818 or boardman@tctelco.net.
  • Bingo Thursdays
    Bingo Thursdays
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, Oct 17
    Council Grove Senior Center
    Oct 17, 2024, 12:45 PM – 2:45 PM
    Council Grove Senior Center, 227 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 17, 2024, 12:45 PM – 2:45 PM
    Council Grove Senior Center, 227 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Come join us at the Council Grove Senior Center for an afternoon of Bingo every Thursday. Hours begin at 12:45pm. Donations are welcome.
  • Council Grove Dunlap United Women in Faith Fall Festival and Bazaar
    Council Grove Dunlap United Women in Faith Fall Festival and Bazaar
    Sat, Oct 19
    Council Grove United Methodist Church
    Oct 19, 2024, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Council Grove United Methodist Church, 21 North Msn, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 19, 2024, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Council Grove United Methodist Church, 21 North Msn, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Come inside and browse the homemade craft items! There will be crafts, silent auctions, themed baskets, bake sale and drawings every hour.
  • 2024 CG/D UMC Fall Bazaar and Luncheon
    2024 CG/D UMC Fall Bazaar and Luncheon
    Sat, Oct 19
    Council Grove United Methodist Church
    Oct 19, 2024, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Council Grove United Methodist Church, 21 North Msn, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 19, 2024, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Council Grove United Methodist Church, 21 North Msn, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Bazaar and Luncheon
  • 10/25/2024, 8:00pm, Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour
    10/25/2024, 8:00pm, Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour
    Fri, Oct 25
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern
    Oct 25, 2024, 8:00 PM
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern, 112 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 25, 2024, 8:00 PM
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern, 112 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour, is back!
  • 10/25/2024, 10pm, Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour
    10/25/2024, 10pm, Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour
    Fri, Oct 25
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern
    Oct 25, 2024, 10:00 PM
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern, 112 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 25, 2024, 10:00 PM
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern, 112 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour, is back!
  • HOSA Purge Run
    HOSA Purge Run
    Sat, Oct 26
    Council Grove
    Oct 26, 2024, 6:45 PM
    Council Grove, 500 North Msn, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 26, 2024, 6:45 PM
    Council Grove, 500 North Msn, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Join HOSA for a fun run Oct 26, 2024. Registration is $10 Mask included.
  • 10/26/2024, 8pm, Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour
    10/26/2024, 8pm, Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour
    Sat, Oct 26
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern
    Oct 26, 2024, 8:00 PM
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern, 112 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 26, 2024, 8:00 PM
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern, 112 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour, is back!
  • 10/26/2024, 10pm, Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour
    10/26/2024, 10pm, Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour
    Sat, Oct 26
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern
    Oct 26, 2024, 10:00 PM
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern, 112 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 26, 2024, 10:00 PM
    Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern, 112 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Good & Evil in the Grove :: A History and Mystery Trolley Tour, is back!
  • Spooky Council Grove
    Spooky Council Grove
    Thu, Oct 31
    Historic Downtown Council Grove
    Oct 31, 2024, 6:00 PM
    Historic Downtown Council Grove, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Oct 31, 2024, 6:00 PM
    Historic Downtown Council Grove, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Join us in Council Grove, KS for our annual SPOOKY COUNCIL GROVE event!
  • 2024 Kaw Mission Councils • Council Grove, KS
    2024 Kaw Mission Councils • Council Grove, KS
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, Nov 03
    The Dealership Building
    Nov 03, 2024, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    The Dealership Building, 318 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Nov 03, 2024, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    The Dealership Building, 318 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    The 2024 Kaw Mission Councils are a series of lectures and events focused on the rich history of westward expansion and how in affected Anglos, Hispanics, and Native peoples. All programs unless indicated will be held at 2pm on the Santa Fe Trail at the Dealership Building, 318 West Main Street.
  • Together With Veterans AND Morris County / American Legion Post 121 : Veterans Coffee
    Together With Veterans AND Morris County / American Legion Post 121 : Veterans Coffee
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Nov 06
    The Former National Guard Armory
    Nov 06, 2024, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    The Former National Guard Armory, 1020 E Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Nov 06, 2024, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    The Former National Guard Armory, 1020 E Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Veterans Coffee at the former National Guard Armory (1020 East Main Street): join us for coffee, tea and some light snacks as we talk about current issues surrounding our military and personal lives to include VA enrollment, benefits, and other topics effecting Veterans!
  • Candlelight Charm 2024
    Candlelight Charm 2024
    Sat, Nov 09
    Historic Downtown Council Grove
    Nov 09, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Historic Downtown Council Grove, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Nov 09, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Historic Downtown Council Grove, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Candlelight Charm is a holiday shopping tradition in Council Grove! Shops are open late to premier Christmas décor & gifts, as well as offering in store specials, refreshments, and giveaways! Catch a carriage ride through town or hop on the Council Grove Trolly from 5 - 9pm
  • CGAT&TA : Quarterly Events Committee Meeting
    CGAT&TA : Quarterly Events Committee Meeting
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, Nov 28
    DESTINATION : Council Grove
    Nov 28, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    DESTINATION : Council Grove, 116 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    Nov 28, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    DESTINATION : Council Grove, 116 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
    We invite all members who want to be more involved to join our event committee meetings in 2024, held at DESTINATION: Council Grove, located at 116 West Main Street, CG. This is a great chance to contribute your ideas and help shape the exciting events happening in our community.

Signature event

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