Vore Buffalo Jump presentation, Northern Arapaho performances featured this weekend at the Trails Center

CASPER, Wyo. – Immerse yourself in Native American history and culture this weekend at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center with a presentation on the Vore Buffalo Jump Site on June 22 and Northern Arapaho singing and dancing on June 23.

At 1 p.m. on Saturday, Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation Board President Jacqueline Wyatt, PhD, will take visitors on a virtual tour of the Vore Buffalo Jump site. Used during a time when the way of life of the Plains Indian tribes was changing and mass bison kills were nearly obsolete, the Vore Buffalo Jump is one of the most important archaeological sites of the late-prehistoric Plains hunters.

Excavations at the site reveal that thousands of bison were killed and butchered there during the mid-16th century to early 19th century. Vore site bone pits shed light on butchering at mass kill sites and provide a record of the stone-to-steel tool transition. The site also preserves the skeletons of dogs that were the beasts of burden during the pre-horse era.

At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, the Northern Arapaho Little Brave Singers and Bull Dancers from the Wind River Indian Reservation will perform, showcasing the vibrant culture of the Arapaho people.

Dancers will demonstrate both women’s and men’s traditional dances, including chicken, fancy, grass, and women’s jingle dress dances. As the group performs, their master of ceremonies will describe each dancer’s performance for the crowd. Performances will take place outside on the Trails Center grounds near the flagpole. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and dress appropriately for the performances.

The dancers pass on most of their regalia to the younger generations, where many of the dancers begin dancing as infants in their parents’ arms and then as tiny tots as they learn to walk. Around seven and eight years old, many of the dancers will have chosen their preferred style of dance. Little Brave Singers and Bull Dancers travel together from state to state and attend community powwows through Indian Country.

Event Schedule

• June 21 at 1 p.m. (estimated) - National Pony Express Annual Re-Ride
• June 22 at 11 a.m. - The Way of the Plains Indian (Youth Program)
• June 22 at 1 p.m. - The Vore Site: Communal Bison Hunting During a Time of Transition
• June 23 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Little Brave Singers and Bull Dancers Performances

For questions, call the Trails Center at 307-261-7780.

The Trails Center is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.
1501 N. Poplar St., Casper, WY 82601
Admission is Free