Grand Opening of the Little Mission School Building

Ak-Chin-Indian-Community-St.-Francis-Mission-School-Building-(FI)

The Ak-Chin Indian Community recently celebrated the grand opening of the Little Mission School Building. History was made on Tuesday, September 9, 2014.
The renovation of the Little Mission School Building was very carefully reconstructed with valuable input from the Elders of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. In addition, it took the help of many employees within the Ak-Chin Indian Community to see the project through until the end.
The Little Mission School Building holds rich history to the Ak-Chin Indian Community dating back to 1924. According to Ak-Chin O’odham Runner,

“In early 2003, the Ak-Chin Tribal Council suggested that the museum do a survey of two historical structures, the BIA Agent House and the St. Francis Mission School. Based on the survey, the Ak-Chin Tribal Council asked the Community what should be done with the buildings. With guidance from the Community, they moved to renovate the two buildings and honor them with a historical designation.”

The Little Mission School Building has certainly impacted the lives of many within the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Maintaining the historical artifacts during a renovation like this one takes a strong vision and careful planning along with proper assistance. Renovations like this one has such a great impact to so many Ak-Chin Indian Community members, because the history is deep with many memories. It was a true celebration when Ak-Chin Indian Community revealed the Historic St. Francis Mission School.