I’n-Lon-Schka dances continue through June

I’n-Lon-Schka, the traditional dances of the Osages, began last week at the Grayhorse Indian Village near Fairfax and continues this Thursday through Sunday in Hominy.

The annual summer event will conclude with the Pawhuska I’n-Lon-Schka dances, which are scheduled Thursday through Sunday, June 26-29.

Since being introduced to the ceremonial dances more than a century ago by members of the neighboring Kaw and Ponca tribes, the Osages have adapted them to their own customs and traditions.

I’n-Lon-Schka means “Playground of the First Son” and eldest sons are said to perform several important functions during the tribal ceremonies.

The Osage Nation Congress recently approved a $200,000 allocation to pay for the design and construction of a new dance arbor at Pawhuska Indian Village, where the existing arbor has been in use for more than 50 years.