Volunteer or Donate
"You have noticed that everything an Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round. The sky is round and I have heard the earth is round and so are all the stars. Birds make their nests in circles. The sun comes forth and goes down again in a circle and the moon does the same and both are round. Even the seasons form a great circle and they're changing and always coming back again to where they were. And so it is everything where power moves." --Black Elk
Native Beliefs of Gifts
To the Native Americans the concept of giving was also circular. It was extremely important that gift giving should always be in motion, that the recipients of gifts are expected to continue the gift by giving to others. The act of giving is a way of life rather than an obligation or a responsibility.
Giving is a way for the community, families and individuals to be connected to one another. Whether it is a gift of words, time, or resources the Native religion is based on sharing, giving and receiving. It is a system to keep the balance of resources within the community. The Native belief of giving, ingrained in their way of life, was closely linked to the land. The giving must always be continuous (like the circle) to sustain the community, shape ethical beliefs, and preserve the future generations.
This is not a quid pro quo gift but part of an on going circle in which the gift is always alive. It is important, as it was to the Early Americans, that the spirit of the gift rather than the value of the gift is the most important element.
Your Gift to the Koshares
Springing from the inspirational leadership of J. F. "Buck" Burshears, the Koshare Indian Dancers is a result of years of collaboration among a group of enthusiastic boys, dedicated volunteers and the generosity of our donors.
We are excited that you are thinking about giving. We couldn't do it without people like you and your gifts will be supporting youth education, enhancing arts and culture through your participation. The Koshare Indian Dancers have flourished since their inception in 1933, however, our efforts and development cannnot continue to progresss without the generosity of contributors like you. As you examine us, we hope you will be excited about our ability to use these funds wisely.
Our Goals
Building Addition
Based on strong community, state and national support, a desire for increased educational programmming and requests for greater access to the collections, we are moving forward to expand our present facility.
With the help of FBT Architects a master planning session has identified needed space for the dancer program, gallery displays, and a library/research area.
Youth Program
We are expanding the leadership/character building model set forth by our founder. For seventy-five years, the Koshares have been told, "Don't wait to be a great man, be a great boy." Due to this belief ninety percent (90%) of Koshare graduates have gone on to college and over one hundred of the six hundred Eagle Scouts hold doctorate degrees. The alumni range from college presidents, doctors, lawyers, professors, judges, military officers, and other who's who in American leaders. A handful became noted artists. Ten Koshares were involved in government programs connected with space exploration in 1969. Koshare men live in every state of America and continue to be great men because someone took the time to mentor, support and train them as kids.
Our goals for the the facilities and museum revolve around the belief in the youth of the program.
If you would like to donate or volunteer, please feel free to contact us.
You can also donate right now by clicking on the button below:
Click Here For More Information
