LAWRENCE, Kan. — Haskell University’s Cultural Center and Museum is planning to celebrate Native Americans who served in World War I.
The center’s director, Jancita Warrington, said 415 Haskell students, faculty and alumni enlisted in the war, even though they could not claim citizenship until six years after the war ended.
The celebration, “Keeping Legends Alive,” will be held Sept. 21 and 22, hosted by the center and the city of Lawrence.
The Lawrence Journal-World reports the event will include a celebration of veterans, a powwow and several other activities. It also will remember the 1926 dedication of Haskell Memorial Stadium, which was one of the biggest events in the city’s history.
At the time, Haskell Institute was a boarding school for Native American children. It became accredited in 1927.
Today, Haskell has an average enrollment of more than 1,000 students each semester. Students represent federally recognized tribes from across the United States. Students select programs that will prepare them to enter baccalaureate programs in elementary teacher education, Native American studies, business administration, and environmental science. This intention is to prepare students for college or to start their career.
