campaign for Liichokoshkomo’ began, with Fields’ museum background and experience with Indigenous communities both tremendous assets. “They devised a plan to elevate all the stories that weren’t being told here, elevating women and minorities,” said Fields. “We’ve really gone through a transformation that didn’t happen overnight; it took work.” The fundraising process for Liichokoshkomo’ began in 2014, along with intensive community stakeholder focus groups to evaluate and hone the vision. The exhibit opened earlier this year, though community engagement was delayed a few months by COVID-19. In addition to visiting a train depot, considering how to load a covered wagon, dodging a geyser, grinding corn, adding to weaving on a giant loom and hearing from multicultural storytellers, visitors can explore an intertribal village of traditional homes representing seven tribes. Representatives from Caddo, Chickasaw, Hopi, Kiowa, Navajo and Pawnee and communities were instrumental in the creation of the village. Fields is proud of all the work that went into developing the multi-million dollar interactive experience across 2.3 acres, but perhaps most proud of the work with Indigenous communities, whose
impact on both history and present day can be read on placards near their representative homes. “The old-school way of presenting Indigenous cultures is a museum curator who writes perspective based on their educational background,” said Fields. “This experience is different. We talked to the communities themselves and they drove the narrative, conveying their own thoughts and feelings and telling us who they are from their perspective.” Passing it on Fields is pleased that all visitors, but especially students, get to see and experience how vibrant and influential Indigenous cultures are today. Fields and her husband are passionate about providing their children a foundation of understanding and appreciating their ancestors and history. “Connecting to all aspect of your past teaches you values and life lessons,” said Fields. She laughs that Fortnite will always have some influence, but in general her kids would rather attend a powwow over other activities because that’s what they’ve been brought up doing, and they recognize the significance in honoring and participating in their heritage. Her
FIELDS’ SON AVERY IS A CHAMPION STRAIGHT DANCER.
VISITORS TO LIICHOKOSHKOMO’ CAN PROBLEM SOLVE HOW THEY WOULD LOAD THEIR COVERED WAGON TO HEAD WEST (LEFT) AND EXPLORE AN INTERTRIBAL VILLAGE (RIGHT).
24 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / AUGUST 2020
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