PRESCOTT — Community members and visitors are invited to attend “A Confluence of Communities” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Freedom Park in Prescott (200 Monroe St.) The free public event will celebrate the enduring partnerships between the Prescott School District, local communities and Indigenous nations that have developed over the past 25 years.

Featured throughout the day will be traditional dancers representing the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Prairie Island Dakota Community. The event will also showcase the powerful sounds of two respected drum groups: the Ojibwa drum group, Tomahawk Circle and the Dakota drum group, Imnizaska.

For more than two decades, Prescott students and residents have had the unique opportunity to learn directly from tribal educators and leaders through educational visits to the Lac du Flambeau Reservation. More than 500 participants have taken part in these immersive experiences, which explore Ojibwa history, governance, culture, and contemporary issues. The Prescott School District and Prescott Community Education have collaborated to organize 51 such trips.

These exchanges have been strengthened by reciprocal visits from Lac du Flambeau community

members, who have traveled to Prescott to share their knowledge through cultural presentations, panel discussions, and traditional performances.

The event also recognizes Prescott’s location on the traditional homeland of the Dakota people. The Freedom Park Learning Center serves as an important educational site, featuring exhibits

that acknowledge Dakota history and contributions. Dakota community members have played a significant role in educational programming at the park since its establishment.

Guests can enjoy traditional dancing, drumming, educational opportunities, and food trucks

throughout the day. Parking will be available at Prescott High School, with shuttle service.

Submitted by Maureen Otwell