Prairie Thunder Powwow Sunday June 7th Failure

Google Maps view of the  Plains Conservation Center showing the super limited parking for a cultural event.

I was looking forward to this new Powwow, Prairie Thunder, but was sorely disappointed when I found out that the event would no longer be ADA friendly and that it had been poorly planned. This morning I received an email talking about how the shuttle service that was supposed to be helping with parking was now canceled. Here's part of the email I want us to look at here:

When it comes to events, making them ADA friendly can be an issue. Most places in general don't have enough handicap parking, but adding additional parking lots with shuttle service can then allow a location to add additional spots for handicap parking. When you have larger crowds you naturally will have a larger amount of people with disabilities, but then when you take in focusing on specific cultures this can go up. Unfortunately Native Americans are more prone to many health issues that can cause disabilities. Diabetes in one such health issue that can lead to side issues that can impact mobility. Another thing about Native American culture and Powwows is that this is a place for elders to also come. Elders are a large part of Native culture and most people as they get older will experience health and mobility issues. The parking situation and other things listed in this email, like having to lug chairs and lack of shade, makes this event unfriendly for elders. The whole set up and lack of organization for this event shows that the people linked to planning this event has little cultural competency. 

This email was sent out by a staff member at the Plains Conservation Center. I do not know how much oversite the Center itself had in planning the event or what third parties were also involved, but the ball has been dropped. Someone needs to take responsibilities for the failures around this event. I'm sad that the city of Aurora isn't stepping up for this event since it could be a large cultural event for the city if they wanted to invest in the Native American community. Will next year be better? I'm not so sure unless someone wants to step up and actually do something to support the Native community that actually knows about the Native culture and beyond. 

I have chosen to not attend this event tomorrow due to the lack of ADA accessibility or amenities that people with disabilities need. 

For more info on the event:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prairie-thunder-powwow-tickets-1988680008439

https://www.facebook.com/groups/607433116108746/posts/3275753442610020/