#United States #Carlisle #Dickinson College #Jim Thorpe #Native Peoples

Honoring Native Heritage: The Creation of the Jim Thorpe Center

In a significant move towards healing and reconciliation, Dickinson College has announced the dedication of the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples. Located in proximity to the historic Carlisle Indian Industrial School (CIIS), the center is a response to the complex legacy left by a school founded with the grim intention to erase Indigenous identities through forced assimilation.

The center is made possible by a generous donation of $20 million from alumnus and philanthropist Samuel G. Rose. This funding underscores the commitment to honoring Native cultures and histories while providing a space for education and community engagement. The project aims to serve as a powerful reminder of resilience against the backdrop of cultural erasure experienced by Native peoples in America.

A Space of Reflection and Growth

Amanda Cheromiah, Executive Director of the Center for the Futures of Native Peoples and a descendant of six CIIS students, articulated the center's purpose: "Just a few miles from the grounds of a place that sought to erase our cultures and identities, the new space will stand as a testament to our strength and thriving presence."

This initiative not only acknowledges the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities but actively works to provide a counter-narrative — one of empowerment, culture, and celebration. The center will feature the Samuel G. Rose '58 Art Gallery, which will showcase Indigenous art and represent the largest investment in Dickinson’s art collection in its history. This gallery is set to enhance the institution's academic programs while promoting Native artists and cultural heritage.

Honoring Jim Thorpe and Native Legacy

At the heart of the Jim Thorpe Center is the homage paid to Jim Thorpe (Wa-Tho-Huk), a remarkable athlete from the Sac and Fox Nation and Potawatomi tribes. Thorpe's legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements, having won Olympic gold medals and played professional football and baseball; he was also a tireless advocate for Native rights. The center serves both as a tribute to his legacy and as an educational venue that fosters a deeper understanding of Indigenous histories.

The establishment of the center reflects Dickinson College's commitment to confronting its historical ties to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, which operated from 1879 to 1918. The school was notorious for its efforts to assimilate Indigenous children, leading to a painful legacy that many Native communities still grapple with today. As part of its dedication to reconciliation, the college now curates the world’s most comprehensive digital archive of materials related to the CIIS, a critical resource for researchers and educators.

Architectural Vision and Cultural Commitment

The center’s design is spearheaded by Richard Olaya, of O Z Collaborative, serving as the architect of record, alongside Johnpaul Jones of Jones + Jones, a Native American architect known for his work on the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Jones, who is of Choctaw, Cherokee, and Welsh descent, aims to incorporate elements that resonate with Indigenous architectural traditions and philosophies into the design of the center.

As one of Dickinson's most significant benefactors, Rose has contributed over $100 million to the college through various gifts that support scholarships, campus initiatives, and the arts. His vital donation for the Jim Thorpe Center represents not just a financial commitment but also a pledge to uphold cultural heritage within the educational framework of Dickinson College.

A New Chapter for Native Peoples

The Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples represents a pivotal step toward healing old wounds and fostering a community where Native voices are respected and heard. With its dedication, Dickinson College seeks to establish a new paradigm that not only recognizes the painful past but also aims to cultivate a future where Indigenous cultures thrive. The center will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of hope, connection, and growth for Native communities and the wider public alike.