Presented by Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana
The Indianapolis Indians welcome the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana to Victory Field for a night of recognition. More information to come.
Friday, May 17
vs. St. Paul Saints
About Native American Heritage Night 2023
Smudging Ceremony / Drum Songs
The evening began with a smudging ceremony by the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana from 6-6:30 PM, where the drum was cleansed with sage to invoke a meaningful and harmonious start to the event. Following that, members of the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana played a short drum song. The smudging ceremony and drum song took place in the Center Field Plaza when gates opened at 6 PM. At 6:30 PM, the drum moved from the Center Field Plaza to behind home plate where members of the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana performed a veteran drum song before the national anthem. The drum returned to the Center Field Plaza during the game for fans to observe and learn more.
To learn more about the Miami Nation smudging and drum ceremony we talked to Drum Carrier Shane Fox. Click here to learn more about the smudging and drum ceremony.
Plaque Presentation and Radio Interview
The Indianapolis Indians held a pregame ceremony behind home plate to honor Chief Brian Buchanan with a plaque presentation, acknowledging his leadership and our partnership. The plaque shared the land acknowledgement that the Indianapolis Indians read aloud pregame before every game during the 2023 season. Chief Brian Buchanan also participated in a radio interview during the fourth inning with Indians broadcaster Howard Kellman to share insights into the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana history, culture and its collaboration with the Indianapolis Indians.
Educational Booths and Boards
Throughout the night, booths displaying various Native American artifacts and art were made available for exploration. The Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana had its own booth, offering insights into its rich heritage and traditions. Additionally, Susan Charlesworth from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma showcased her beautiful basketry, adding to the cultural experience. To educate our fans about the history of the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana, we displayed educational facts on the videoboard between innings.
Veteran Recognition
A short veteran drum song was played pregame while the Indiana National Guard performed a Color Guard presentation to lead into the national anthem. During an inning break after the third inning, the Indianapolis Indians recognized veterans from the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana.