Jancita Warrington, Director of the Cultural Center and Museum at Haskell University, told the story of the Memorial Arch at Haskell University football stadium. Dedicated in 1926, the Arch was erected by Native American contributions in memory of the Native American soldiers who volunteered to fight in the First World War. Secretary of the Interior Hubert Work, a Haskell graduate, spoke at the dedication.
In 1924, Haskell high school fielded an excellent football team that competed successfully against a number of college teams. In recognition of the football program, Haskell students promised funds to regrade the football field and install 2,000 seats around the field. When tribes from all over the United States also contributed funds, the project grew to include the building of the stadium as well as the Memorial Arch.
The dedication of the Haskell stadium and Memorial Arch became an occasion for Native American tribes to gather, something that they were not allowed to do on the reservations at that time. Over 5,000 Indian people from multiple tribes came to Lawrence for the event, building a native village on the prairie just outside of Lawrence. Since each tribe had its own language and customs, it was a truly multi-cultural event. The powwow held at that time was the largest ever and began a series of inter-tribal powwows that still continues annually.
The gathering also attracted 12,000 tourists to Lawrence. Besides attending the dedication itself, tourists watched Indians perform the play “Hiawatha,” attended the powwow, ate barbeque, and enjoyed a parade on Mass Street.
Warrington earned her B.A. at Haskell University and her M.A. at University of Kansas. A Potawatomi, Menominee, and Ho-Chunk descendent, she has taught in various Native American institutions and has worked served as a Tribal Council Member and the Tribal History Cultural Preservation Director for the Prairie Bank Potawatomi Nation. She has been recognized nationally for her knowledge, leadership, and commitment to serving Indian Country.
