ABOUT
The Shawnee Indian Mission is an essential national landmark that has recorded some of the most significant moments in Kansas history and is a monument to the perseverance of all Indigenous peoples affected by this place.
Due to inadequate funding and mismanagement over the years, this public treasure has fallen into deep physical distress. Absent urgent repair and maintenance, the Shawnee Indian Mission will decline rapidly and be lost to posterity. Moreover, the site is understaffed and underutilized, leaving most of its rich history hidden from public view.
The Shawnee Tribe has a deep connection with the Mission, originally built upon Shawnee land by Shawnee hands and funded by the Shawnee Tribe. Many Shawnee children attended the school along with children from at least 20 other tribes. As such, the Shawnee Tribe has designated the Mission as a sacred site and is committed to ensuring the site is properly preserved and protected.
To that end, the Tribe contracted a nationally renowned historic architecture firm to perform a site condition assessment and develop a plan to restore the Shawnee Indian Mission.
The multi-year plan consists of three phases with a total estimated cost that could reach $14 million.
The Shawnee Business Council has committed to funding the total costs of restoration and management of this site upon conveyance of ownership to the Tribe.
OUR MISSION
Preserve and protect the Shawnee Indian Mission.
OUR VISION
Full period restoration of the Shawnee Indian Mission
The Shawnee Tribe has designated the Mission as a sacred site and is committed to ensuring the site is properly preserved and protected.
OUR MISSION
Preserve and protect the Shawnee Indian Mission.
OUR VISION
Full period restoration of the Shawnee Indian Mission
Restoration Plan
Phased Restoration Plan:
Shawnee Indian Mission - Fairway,KS
PHASE: 1
Conveyance: The Shawnee Tribe Business Council is prepared to pledge at least $15 million to carry out this restoration and revitalization plan, which is contingent on the conveyance of the site back to the Tribe, who are committed to preserving and restoring this Shawnee Sacred Site to its period of significance as a federally mandated Indian Boarding School (1839-1862).
PHASE: 2
The ARG Conditions Assessment Report recorded a range of deteriorating conditions at the site for which repair and treatment actions were developed, calling out “high,” “medium” and “low priority” repair and maintenance treatments. “High priority” recommendations indicate that deterioration is active, and treatment within 1-2 years is needed to prevent or slow the rate of deterioration and material loss. The large-scale exterior maintenance projects classified as “high priority” for the site and will be undertaken in Phase 2.
PHASE: 3
Master Plan: the master plan study would outline the goals for the use of the cultural resource based on input of the various stakeholders, then define an overall spatial layout of plans for the site. Interpretive Plan: an updated, accurate interpretation of the site that highlights its relevance to the history of the Shawnee people, all other tribes, as well as accurate Kansas State history. Continued Site Stabilization: Repair and maintenance to prevent deterioration.
