Frequently Asked Questions

Q. WHY DOES SHAWNEE INDIAN MANUAL LABOR SCHOOL (SIMLS) NEED SAVING?

Inadequate maintenance and care endanger the site
Two of three buildings not open to public
Holes in the roof
Historic features and finishes already lost
No plan for long term historic restoration & maintenance (the structures ARE part of the collection)

Q. IS THERE A PLAN TO SAVE IT?

The Shawnee Tribe has a 7 year phased site restoration plan
Funding already expended for Conditions Assessment Report
Restore structures to standards and open them to the public
Implement programming that engages the community on the site’s history

Q. WHAT IS SIMLS AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Boarding school history
US Dept of Interior Report on Indian Boarding Schools
National conversation around those issues NABSHC
Tribes impacted
National landmark
Oldest residential structure in Kansas

Q. WILL THE SITE WILL BECOME A CASINO?

The Shawnee Tribe designated SIMLS as a sacred site and are seeking conveyance to preserve the structures and the site for its historical significance. Not only do we not intend to change the use of the property, we would actively oppose any efforts to do so.