A Sacred Gathering in Johnson County
On a warm Saturday morning in July, Heritage Park in Olathe, Kansas became a site of memory, reverence, and reconnection. The dedication ceremony for the Fire Keepers Circle brought together tribal leaders, artists, elected officials, community members, and the dedicated team at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) to honor the Potawatomi people and acknowledge the legacy of the Trail of Death.
The Power of Prayer: Remembering with Purpose
Angela Montgomery, a Citizen Potawatomi Nation member and descendant of those who walked the Trail of Death in 1838, opened the ceremony with a prayer. She began in Potawatomi, grounding the moment in heritage:
“My ancestors walked this land when they were forcibly removed from Indiana.”
She offered tobacco and prayed:
“Help us Potawatomi reclaim our ways so that we can heal. Help us be spiritually strong and live a good life. We are still here. It is a good day.”
Her presence set the tone for a day centered in truth, respect, and strength.
A Monument with Meaning
Vice Chairman Linda Capps of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation described the Fire Keepers Circle as:
“The most beautiful and greatest monument we have along the Trail of Death.”
She and Chairman John Barrett expressed gratitude to Johnson County and JCPRD for their partnership and cultural commitment.
“This is God’s country. You can feel it,” Capps said. “This is a place to return to. A place of beauty and power.”
The Artist’s Perspective: Designed to Embrace
Aaron Squadroni (pictured above with Blingle owner Jeremy Lowe), created the sculpture with the late Leah Yellowbird, and shared the design intent behind the Fire Keepers Circle:
“Most sculptures are made to be looked at. This one is made to hold people. It’s not complete without people inside of it.”
The structure was designed as a layered steel blanket, shaped to embrace visitors and create space for remembrance and reflection.
“Leah used to say, ‘The voices of our ancestors come back to us when we least expect it.’ This piece gives those voices a place to speak.”
Aaron also spoke about Leah’s passing in April:
“She was the spirit and spark behind this work. Her vision and warmth are still here.”
Building Light into Steel
Aaron explained that installing the lighting was one of the most difficult parts of the project. Each metal baffle had to be drilled to allow the lights to be threaded between structural layers.
“Once the lights were in and the 859 holes started to glow, it changed everything. It made the spirit visible.”
The lighting, designed and installed by Blingle, brings the sculpture to life each night.
Feathers and Community Legacy
The piece also includes etched feather designs submitted by 32 families from 21 states and a military base. Each feather carries personal meaning: belt patterns, stitching, beadwork — passed through generations.
“When we added the feathers, the whole piece came alive,” Aaron said. “These aren’t just decorations. They’re acts of remembrance.”
These contributions made the sculpture personal, historical, and living.
JCPRD’s Cultural Leadership
Throughout the ceremony, speakers praised the vision, care, and leadership of Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD). County Chair Mike Kelly called JCPRD:
“One of the best in the country.”
He highlighted the leadership of Susan Mong, Superintendent of Culture, and her team for helping bring this project to life through thoughtful, relationship-based work.
Chairman Barrett thanked Susan personally and presented her with a box containing tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, and cedar — the four sacred gifts in Potawatomi tradition. “A lifetime supply,” he said with a smile, as the small size of the box drew warm laughter from the crowd.
“Susan has been a gift to this community,” Capps said. “And now we hope she’ll come visit us in Oklahoma — with her lifetime supply in hand.”
JCPRD’s cultural division has made a lasting impact. Fire Keepers Circle is now a place for public art, for reflection, and for connection — all made possible by a team that believes in partnerships and purpose. Thank you for having us.
Lighting With Purpose
Blingle was honored to help illuminate this piece. The lighting supports reflection, storytelling, and spiritual presence.
Each evening, the structure glows. Each hole is lit from within. Each feather casts a story in shadow and light.
This is a place to gather, reflect, remember, find hope. This is a place where art meets history and light meets legacy.
Visit the Fire Keepers Circle
Location: Heritage Park – 16050 Pflumm Rd, Olathe, KS
Open to the public daily. Lit nightly.