Help the Koshares

You will find authentic Native American and Western crafts and gifts to give, to collect, and to appreciate in the Koshare Trading Post.

In addition, to the art and artifacts, see the largest self-supported log roof in the world -- one of the most popular features in the museum.

Discover the inspiring story of how a group of boys built the Koshare program. The story begins at the bottom of the Great Depression.

The Koshare Indian Dancers are the members of Boy Scout Troop 232 and Venturing Crew 2230 of the Rocky Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America.

"You have noticed that everything an Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round. The sky is round and I have heard the earth is round and so are all the stars. Birds make their nests in circles. The sun comes forth and goes down again in a circle and the moon does the same and both are round. Even the seasons form a great circle and they're changing and always coming back again to where they were. And so it is everything where power moves." -- Black Elk

To the Native Americans the concept of giving was also circular. It was extremely important that gift giving should always be in motion, that the recipients of gifts are expected to continue the gift by giving to others. The act of giving is a way of life rather than an obligation or a responsibility.

Giving is a way for the community, families and individuals to be connected to one another. Whether it is a gift of words, time, or resources the

Native religion is based on sharing, giving and receiving. It is a system to keep the balance of resources within the community. The Native belief of giving, ingrained in their way of life, was closely linked to the land. The giving must always be continuous (like the circle) to sustain the community, shape ethical beliefs, and preserve the future generations.

This is not a quid pro quo gift but part of an on going circle in which the gift is always alive. It is important, as it was to the Early Americans, that the spirit of the gift rather than the value of the gift is the most important element.

We are excited that you are thinking about giving. We couldn't do it without people like you and your gifts will be supporting youth education, enhancing arts and culture through your participation. The Koshare Indian Dancers have flourished since their inception in 1933, however, our efforts and development cannnot continue to progresss without the generosity of contributors like you. As you examine us, we hope you will be excited about our ability to use these your gifts wisely.