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Springfield honors 'Illuminating Indigenous Roots' with Preservation Excellence Award
Summary
Mayor presented the 2025 Preservation Excellence Award to the "Illuminating Indigenous Roots" program hosted at Thirstston High School; Mindy Linder and partners were recognized for an educational program engaging more than 200 students and creating a community mural.
Mayor Van Gordon presented the 2025 Springfield Heritage Award for Preservation Excellence to the "Illuminating Indigenous Roots" educational program, which took place at Thirstston High School in April 2025.
Mindy Linder, community engagement specialist for the Springfield Public Library and History Museum and project manager, acknowledged partnering organizations including the Indian Parent Committee of Springfield Public Schools, Native Youth Wellness Center representatives, the Thirstston High School principal and students from the Native American student union. The mayor read the award citation, noting the full-day program "engaged more than 200 students and teachers through immersive presentations and workshops led by native cultural leaders, educators, artists, and advocates" and highlighted activities such as drum workshops, first-food education, language instruction and a community mural gifted to the student union.
Organizers and partners were invited to stay for a group photo and to participate in other city events.
