THE ISHKA SACRED SITE
The Proposal
The vision for the Ishka Site is to create spaces on this natural setting in which to honor the First People of the Coastal Bend, increase public awareness of indigenous culture, offer unique experiences and recreational opportunities, and show the connection between Native American spirituality, well-being, and nature. It would be an inclusive space for all people to experience.
Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge, Corpus Christi, TX
Site Location
The proposed Ishka site would be located in the southeastern end of Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge where a Medicine Wheel is already in place and where there are plans to install a statue of a Native American. Besides the Medicine Wheel this area currently includes a small parking lot, a playground, open fields which have been used for dancing and teepees, and two access points to Oso Bay
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Site Description for the
Ishka Experience
• A Statue of a Native American Man
• A 20 ft Gathering Circle
• A 30 ft Gathering Circle
• 10 small Shade Structures
• 50 Laser-cut Corten Steel Informative Panels
• 40 Benches
• 10 to 20 indigenous Bronze animals
• Large Laser-cut Corten Steel Entrance Sign
• Additional Parking lot and Path Extension
A burial vault to repatriate disturbed remains from the archaeological site will also be placed at the site
The Statue
A physical symbol of Native American spiritual expression, the bronze Statue will represent a native man who might have lived by Oso Bay. His clothing would be a loincloth and his hair would be in braids. Larry Running Turtle Salazar tells us, “We get our blessings from the holy people right as the sun is rising. The statue will face East with the left hand raised to the rising sun while offering tobacco to the holy people. Slightly larger than life-size and resting on a low pedestal of rocks and plants, the statue would be approachable to touch. He represents thousands of years of different tribes who lived in the Coastal Bend. The Statue would be located in an Orientation Area just beyond the small parking lot.
The Panels
Approximately 50 Corten Steel laser-cut Panels will support the roofs and provide the walls for the Structures. The Panels will rust after installation as they become exposed to the environment. This will provide corrosion resistance lasting decades. The Panels will depict topics relating to nature, local indigenous history, and spirituality. Some of the text would have Apache translations. An App is being planned to enable the user to listen to spoken Apache while viewing selected Panels.
The Gathering Circles
The Gathering Circles provide spaces that encourage Ceremonies and Gatherings for all groups - large or small. They would be located across the field from the medicine wheel leaving room for dancing and teepees or other activities. They would also tempt visitors to linger and read the panels or sit on a bench to enjoy the shade and the space. The Gathering Circles have several Openings by which to enter the space. They each have an opening facing East, the traditional entrance in Apache and other Nation’s cultures.
The Shade Structures
Each of the ten Shade Structures would include 3 panels and a bench. The roof rafters would arch upwards towards a partial oculus in the center. Three of the Shade Structures would be located in the Orientation Area around the statue (beyond the existing small parking lot) and provide maps and information. The other Shade Structures would be themed and set in appropriate spots throughout the area.
Benches
Benches are part of the Structures and most would be set within the shade patterns. Made of recycled plastic, the benches would last for decades. Curved benches were selected to continue the curved lines in the structures.
Bronze Animals
The plan is for 10 to 20 bronze sculptures of indigenous animals to be scattered throughout the site. Child friendly and sized for sitting, they would be educational and a fun challenge for a child to find and identify them all. The panels in Shade Structures by the Playground would relate to the animals. Like the Bronze Sculpture, the bronze animals would not be waxed or patinated. They would naturally oxidize in the air to a harmless patina coating which protects the inner layers of the bronze. There is no need for yearly polishing.
The Entrance Sign
The large Entrance Sign would be similar to the Corten Steel laser-cut panels used throughout the site. It would be close to Ennis Joslin Road next to the driveway and would be in a setting of cactus or other native plants. Titan-cut, the manufacturer of the Panels, would provide lighting so the cut-out letters would be visible at night.
Red arrows point to additional small shade structures
Parking lot in red is a proposed additional lot
Map Inset
The Visitor's Ishka Experience
As one enters, with additional parking on the right, the view of the statue emerges beyond the original parking lot. It is centered in a small Orientation area with 3 Shade Structures holding panels with maps and information.
From the statue, one can see into both of the Gathering Structures.
From the Orientation area, one can explore in many directions: Explore the 50 information panels. Find and identify the many indigenous bronze animal sculptures scattered throughout. Walk over the hill to 2 access points on Oso Bay. Join friends in dancing and other ceremonies in one of the Gathering Circle.