About Us

Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ   •  “We Are All One”

traditional Lakota phrase

What We Do

Thidaware Indigenous Americans Association preserves and promotes the sacred archeological and historical sites in the Line Creek Valley of Missouri, and honors America’s indigenous heritage, sharing their enduring stories and contributions to our society. Through education, cultural programming, and community partnerships, we foster respect, understanding, and stewardship for future generations.

As we suffer a loss of balance on our planet, we hope to bring awareness to the relationship between people and our earth. We grow to share our garden’s bounty, and to provide an opportunity for volunteerism to thrive in a healthy environment, working outdoors as neighbors and friends.

  • We are committed to preserving, restoring, and telling the story of the pre-contact people that once lived along Line Creek.

    Together, we grow with generosity and humility, while working to renew interest in the Hopewell village site.

  • Our educational programming and guest speaker events bring native traditions to life.

    We learn about balance and harmony, aware that plants and animals are living beings with whom we coexist and should treat with respect.

  • Our garden represents the connections between nature, the earth, and all people – past, present, future – and the life surrounding us, on which each of us depends.

    Many members are actively involved in their respective local and tribal communities, and beyond.

Frequent Questions

  • From 100 BC – 700 AD, the Kansas City region was dotted with Hopewell villages. Although early European settlers plowed many such sites, two at Line Creek survived. A museum opened in 1974 to preserve what remained, led by figures like Frank Vaydik. After it was torn down in 1999, a garden was built to honor its legacy.

  • Each year, we donate a considerable amount of fresh produce through Harvesters Community Food Network, the Kansas City Indian Center, and Mimi’s Pantry.

    Curious passers-by and regular volunteers alike are also encouraged to help themselves to fresh produce during harvest season, taking home what is grown to enjoy at our own tables.

  • Our garden is maintained by a small group of generous and committed individuals. In the height and heat of summer, as few as two or three volunteers visit the garden, twice or three times every week, to weed, water, harvest, and inspect for pests.

    Every spring and fall, the whole community gathers for planting and cleanup events. This is followed by a potluck lunch, prepared using produce grown in our garden.

Our History

  • 1870s

    Edwin Curtis, an archaeologist from Harvard University’s Peabody Museum, visits the mounds along Line Creek’s hilltops, excavating one of them.

  • 1932

    The Deister Archaeological Site is first recorded by J. Mett Shippee.

  • 1937

    Dr. Waldo Wedel of the U.S. National Museum, Smithsonian Institution visits and excavates a nearby site, Renner Village, in the present-day city of Riverside, thought to be the “parent” site to the Deister site.

  • 1964

    The Line Creek village site and its subsurface remains are saved from destruction from construction of a large sewer main and a twelve-acre sewage lagoon.

    Mrs. Gerald Gorman and Robert Hodge are informed of the site’s existence by a local archaeologist, J. Mett Shippee; they notify Frank Vaydik, then-director of the Kansas City Department of Parks and Recreation. The land is purchased and excavation begins.

  • 1967

    John May is hired by the Kansas City Department of Parks & Recreation Department to conduct a formal excavation.

  • 1969

    Kansas City Museum of History and Science and the Kansas City Department of Parks & Recreation contact Dr. Alfred Johnson of the University of Kansas Museum of Anthropology concerning further excavation. Supplemental work continues until 1973.

  • 1970

    The Deister Archaeological Site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • 1974

    Line Creek Museum opens at present-day Frank Vaydik Park. It features a recreation of the village, including dome-shaped huts containing artifacts from the site, dugout canoes and drying racks, as well as murals of the Hopewell people. Bison and elk are brought to the area; events and educational programs are held for the community.

  • 1999

    The Line Creek Museum closes its doors. All structures are torn down.

  • 2001

    A group of concerned citizens form National Center for Indigenous American Cultures at Line Creek, Incorporated (NCIAC) for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and telling the story of the pre-contact people that lived along Line Creek.

  • 2003

    Museum event programming ceases. All remaining artifacts are placed in storage by Kansas City Department of Parks & Recreation.

  • 2006

    An indigenous culture festival is held on the former museum site, continuing annually through 2010.

  • 2018

    Thidaware Native American Garden is completed in partnership with the Kansas City Department of Parks & Recreation, who provide land, signage, dirt, and construct perimeter fencing.

  • 2025

    NCIAC rebrands to Thidaware Indigenous Americans Association. The group successfully lobbies for the preservation of Frank Vaydik Park, in lieu of constructing new facilities and enhancements.