Artifacts and art from Native Americans exhibit now open at the Art Association of Randolph County (Arts Depot) 115 N. Howard St., Union City, Indiana.

Susan Gray gave a presentation about the Treaty of Greenville on July 6. The exhibit remains open through July 15. Hours are Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Arts Depot is located at 115 N. Howard St., with Vicki Vardaman serving as executive director.

In celebration of the Indiana bicentennial, a “white buffalo” is on display at the Arts Depot. The bison is made of fiberglass to and hand painted by local artists. To Native Americans, the bison or American buffalo was a symbol of sacred life and abundance.

“The white buffalo is an important symbol for a lot of Plains Indians because they are messengers of creation. It is an important sign of well being on the verge of an awakening.”

The Native Americans have legends about white buffalo, which are extremely rare. It is said that a white buffalo appeared in the form of a woman who wore white hides. The white buffalo are sacred to many Native Americans. The Lakota (Sioux) Nation has passed down the Legend of the White Buffalo — a story now approximately 2,000 years old — at many council meetings, sacred ceremonies, and through the tribe’s storytellers. There are several variations, but all are meaningful, and tell of the same outcome, having communication with the Creator through prayer with clear intent for peace, harmony and balance for all life living in the Earth Mother.

One summer a long time ago, the seven sacred council fires of the Lakota Sioux came together and camped. The sun was strong and the people were starving for there was no game. Two young men went out to hunt in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Along the way, a beautiful young woman dressed in white appeared to the warriors and said, “Return to your people and tell them I am coming.” This holy woman presented the Lakota people with the sacred pipe which showed how all things were connected. She taught the Lakota people the mysteries of the earth. She taught them to pray and follow the proper path while on earth. As the woman left the tribe, she rolled upon the earth four times, changing color each time and finally turning into a white buffalo calf. Then she disappeared. Almost at the same time as her leaving, great herds of buffalo could be seen surrounding the camps. It is said that after that day, the Lakota honored their pipe, and buffalo were plentiful.

The Native Americans see the birth of a white buffalo calf as the most significant of prophetic signs, equivalent to the weeping statues, bleeding icons, and crosses of light that are becoming prevalent within the Christian churches today.

Native Americans see the white buffalo calf as the sign to begin life’s sacred hoop. Don’t miss this exhibit.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, the downtown area on North Columbia Street will again be buzzing with artists, foods, crafts, produce and more at the Second Saturday Market.

Then at 5 p.m. Mike’s concessions, Taqueria “Luz Tacos, and the Art Hub will have extended hours until approximately 5 p.m. Food and music in the Community Garden and alley on Columbia Street in downtown Union City

The annual Stateline Heritage Days in downtown Union City August 3-6 will carry on the tradition of family and friends getting together for fun, food and entertainment. Performers include the Bulldogs, Mix Factory, St. Right, Spittin’ Image, Ticket to Ride and the traditional melodrama.

As Union City has become a community of volunteers, together you can make a difference. What have you done for your community this week?