Dominicans Dedicate Eagle Statue Honoring Indigenous Peoples
The Racine Dominican Sisters and Associates unveiled the sculpture at Siena during a ceremony that included Congregation of the Great Spirit members.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Native American
The Racine Dominican Sisters and Associates held an eagle statue dedication and land acknowledgment ceremony at Siena in Racine on October 20. Members of the Congregation of the Great Spirit from Milwaukee shared prayer, a smudging ceremony and a drum honor song at the event.
Why it matters
The dedication was timed to coincide with Native American Heritage Month in November, offering Racine residents an occasion to recognize Indigenous histories and contributions. It also brought the local Dominican community together with Indigenous traditions from Milwaukee.
The eagle statue was gifted by an anonymous donor and carved by a Native American artist, then placed on a marble base made from original stone of a former wing at Siena. The extraction does not identify the donor or the artist by name.
The players
Racine Dominican Sisters and Associates
A Racine-based community of Dominican Sisters and affiliated members that hosted the dedication at Siena.
Congregation of the Great Spirit
A Milwaukee-based Indigenous spiritual community whose members led the prayer, smudging and drum honor song at the ceremony.
The details
Members of the Congregation of the Great Spirit shared their traditions through prayer in a Native language, a smudging ceremony that burned sacred medicinal plants, and a drum honor song. During the smudging, the smoke was brushed throughout the space.
Timeline
October 20: Eagle statue dedication and land acknowledgment ceremony held at Siena
November: Native American Heritage Month, the timing context for the dedication
Culture Shift
The dedication reflects a broader movement in which institutions tie permanent artworks to the November Native American Heritage Month observance. It places a lasting Indigenous-themed sculpture at a Racine site rather than relying on a one-time commemoration.
Racine residents can visit the eagle statue at Siena as a public place to recognize Indigenous Peoples. The dedication offers a local reference point for those looking to learn about Native American traditions during November.
The takeaway
Public artworks and ceremonies can give communities a lasting way to recognize Indigenous histories beyond a single month. Residents interested in these traditions can seek out local observances and cultural events in their own areas.
Further reading
For more on Indigenous traditions and community observances, explore Native American coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Racine County Eye.
