FLORENCE—The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area will partner with Sacred Way Sanctuary Interpretive Center and Museum to help portray an accurate story of Native American culture in northwest Alabama.
Founded by Yvette and Sean Collin, Sacred Way Sanctuary is an educational and research facility dedicated to preserving the Native American horse and other indigenous animals. The Sanctuary is on land that was part of the 1806 Congressional Reservation—the first federal Indian reservation in the U.S.
“The Sacred Way Sanctuary Interpretive Center and Museum will be one of MSNHA’s interpretive centers for our Native American heritage theme, which our management plan requires,” said MSNHA Interim Director Carrie Barske. “The museum will open this fall, and we’ll partner on educational events and programs such as sponsoring Native American speakers and other community activities that help preserve native history and culture.”
Yvette Running Horse Collin is also a Native American consultant for the MSNHA.
“She’ll focus on outreach to schools and civic organizations throughout our six-county region and development of educational programming for the interpretive center,” Barske said. “She’ll also work on educating the community on Tuscumbia Landing and the Trail of Tears and represent MSNHA’s Native American heritage at local, national and international events.
Collin said she was honored to be able to enrich the native-heritage educational experience for community residents and visitors.
Media Release/Cathy Wood, media coordinator & grants administrator
Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area
