Here’s What You Missed at the Oakville Indian Mounds Festival
The 36th Annual Oakville Indian Mounds Multicultural Indian Event took place May 9–10, celebrating Native American history, heritage, and culture through interactive demonstrations, educational experiences, and community connection. Hosted by the Lawrence County Schools’ Indian Education Program and the Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center, the two-day event offered attendees a meaningful opportunity to explore the traditions and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Friday, May 9 – School Group Day Draws Hundreds of Students
The grounds were filled with excitement Friday as hundreds of students from across Lawrence County and surrounding areas arrived by bus for a full day of learning. Educational stations were spread throughout the park, including living history displays, flintknapping, copper working, traditional fire-starting, plant and herb walking tours, and wildlife education with live animals.
Students rotated between exhibits and activity areas, including the popular canoe rides and interactive craft zones. Many sat in on drum performances and Native storytelling, while others got hands-on experience with tools and techniques used by Indigenous communities throughout history. Dozens of volunteers and educators engaged with the students throughout the day, turning the site into a vibrant living classroom under the open sky.
Saturday, May 10 – Weather Cuts Public Day Short
Saturday’s public day was scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but rainy conditions forced an early closure around noon. Though shortened, the event was still prepared to offer a full slate of cultural programming—drumming, dancing, canoeing, vendors, fry bread, and more. Unfortunately, the weather did not allow for full execution of the public schedule.
A Continued Commitment to Cultural Education
Despite Saturday's weather challenges, the overall event was a success in terms of turnout, educational value, and cultural representation. The Oakville Indian Mounds Multicultural Indian Event and the adjacent Park & Museum remains one of the region’s most significant opportunities for community members and students to learn firsthand about Native American traditions.
Organizers expressed gratitude to everyone who participated and supported the event, especially the volunteers, demonstrators, and school staff who helped guide thousands of students through a day rich with culture and learning.
📍 For more information about the Oakville Indian Mounds and future events, visit: Facebook.com/OakvilleIndianMounds or call 256-905-2499.
Check out a selection of photos from the event below, provided by the Oakville Indian Mounds Park & Museum.
